The Narrative North

This week on Narrative North , I’m joined by Cindy Fazzi , a Filipino American author and former Associated Press reporter whose new novel Domingo the Bounty Hunter is as bold as it is human. We dig into how politics — especially through the lens of the immigrant experience — shapes art, empathy, and identity. Cindy shares her journey from breaking news to breaking fiction rules, and how she finds...

Welcome to the new era of The Narrative North — same mission, fresh sound, and a whole new feel. We’re still celebrating incredible women who are rewriting the script and redefining what’s possible. In this episode, Catherine sits down with Mary Belle , a writer whose story began before she was even born—listening to romance novels in utero while her mom flipped through paperbacks with Fabio on th...

Ready to level up your communication game? On this episode of Narrative North , host Catherine Cioffi chats with dynamic speaker, facilitator, and author Julienne B. Ryan , the brain behind The Learned-It-In Queens Communication Playbook – Winning Against Digital Distraction . Julienne is on a mission to help you become a better communicator—whether it’s connecting with your team, building relatio...

Step into the world of storytelling with Narrative North , the podcast that uncovers the inspirations, journeys, and creative minds behind today’s most compelling authors. In this episode, host Catherine Cioffi sits down with acclaimed historical novelist Stephanie Cowell to discuss her upcoming release, The Man in the Stone Cottage (September 16, 2025). Set in 1846 Yorkshire, the novel follows th...

On this episode of Narrative North , host Catherine Cioffi sits down with Liza Palmer—two-time Emmy-nominated, internationally best-selling author, Marvel contributor, and LA’s favorite “Lisa”—to dish on her newest novel, Young Fools (out September 9, 2025). Think friendship, ambition, and literary drama—but with secrets, jealousy, and a little chaos sprinkled in. Two women. One cutthroat writing...

At The Narrative North , we’re dedicated to spotlighting rising stars in the literary world and inspiring young writers to follow their dreams. In this episode, we welcome Samantha Apicella, a passionate storyteller whose love for writing began in the first grade and has flourished ever since. Samantha shares insights into her creative journey and discusses her newest poetry collection, Daisy Wall...

Author Kathleen Barber knows how to keep us hooked—whether it’s with Truth Be Told (yes, the one Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine turned into a hit AppleTV+ series), her thrillers Follow Me and Sisterhood Above All , or her upcoming rom-com Both Things Are True , hitting shelves September 1, 2025. A certified book coach and lawyer-turned-novelist, Kathleen somehow manages to juggle writing, coac...

The last month of summer often feels like a race to enjoy, relax, and do it all—pressure that can leave us feeling drained instead of recharged. I sat down with mindfulness teacher and author Raditia Lasry to talk about how we can better manage our energy during this busy, bittersweet time. Drawing from her book Be Human, Be Happy, Be You! , Raditia shares simple but powerful ways to slow down, re...

Today’s episode is not for the faint of heart—or the lactose intolerant. We’re diving into the deliciously messy world of love, lust, and late-night cheese cravings with debut novelist Joelle Babula , whose new book Infidelity Rules is as bold, brilliant, and unfiltered as she is. Joelle writes about the things your mother warned you never to bring up at the dinner table—infidelity, emotional chao...

In this special episode, it’s a reunion, a power circle, and a whole lot of heart. Host Catherine Cioffi brings together three incredible women — all named Catherine in some form, all from Ossining, and all deeply engaged in community leadership. Join us as we sit down with: Catherine Borgia , seasoned political leader and champion for policy change Kathrin Crossling , dedicated advocate for educa...

Jane L. Rosen is the author of several beloved novels, including her latest summer hit, Songs of Summer. Known for her heartwarming stories, relatable characters, and vibrant sense of place, Jane’s books have been praised by readers and critics alike. In addition to writing, she has contributed to The New York Times, worked in the fashion and entertainment industries, and is a proud mother of thre...

Join me for a conversation with Amy Hall, founder of Hudson Valley Books for Humanity, as we talk about advocacy, the power of starting something new at any age, balancing it all, showing up for your community—and the book she’s loving right now.

In this episode, we sit down with Jess Vecchiarelli founder of The Aligned Wellness Collective to talk about navigating change, finding clarity, and what it really means to become Unstuck & Unstoppable—plus, all the details on our upcoming live events you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, we're diving into sun-soaked shores and hidden truths with New York Times bestselling author Martha Hall Kelly , as she takes us inside her latest novel, The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club . From the bonds of sisterhood to the power of second chances, Martha unpacks the inspiration behind this unforgettable summer story. 

Join me for a heartwarming (and hilarious!) chat with New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst as we dive into her latest book To Sicily With Love . We talk writing, life, growth—and laugh about how we just missed working together at the same college by a matter of months!