エピソード

  • Milo Todd is Reclaiming Trans History

    Milo Todd is Reclaiming Trans History
    2025/06/06
    Milo Todd discusses the research process for his debut, The Lilac People. This sweeping historical fiction novel shares a devastating chapter in trans history. Debut novelist Milo Todd joins me to discuss his book, The Lilac People, in honor of Pride Month. This heartbreaking historical fiction novel uncovers a devastating chapter in queer and trans history.Milo's novel centers on a group of trans and intersex patients at Berlin's Institute for Sexual Science as Hitler's regime begins its rise to power. Through stunning research and unforgettable characters, readers uncover a nearly erased history to life—while drawing chilling parallels to today's political climate.In our conversation, Milo shares how real historical figures and overlooked archives shaped the characters in his novel—and why it was crucial to honor the lives of those whose stories were almost erased from history.In this moving conversation, Milo and I discuss:How Milo discovered the history of the Institute for Sexual Science and the work of Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld—and the biggest surprises when researching their legacy.The challenges with research for this novel in the face of the pandemic and the creative avenues he took to build his storyHow Milo sees trans people as being the canaries in the coal mine as we discuss one of his story's most impactful scenesHow Milo's teaching work with trans youth informs his writing and what actions he believes are most impactful in allyship today.BONUS BOOK LIST: This week, I'm sharing a companion book list of 26 LGBTQ History Books to read, including new releases and backlist titles, that offer illuminating details on the joys and triumphs throughout queer history. Meet Milo ToddMilo Todd is a Massachusetts Cultural Council grantee and a Lambda Literary Fellow. His work has appeared in Slice Magazine and elsewhere. He is the co-editor-in-chief of Foglifter and teaches creative writing to queer and trans adults. The Lilac People is his debut novel.Mentioned in this episode:Browse the 2025 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide (with ads) or download the 48-page reading guide ($7) to support our show. If you are a show patron, check your inbox for your copy as part of your member benefits—thank you for supporting my small business! Download Today's Show TranscriptJoin the June Book Club Chat (The Reckless Oath We Made)BONUS BOOK LIST: 26 LGBTQ Books to Read for Pride MonthRed Clay Suzie by Jeffrey Dale LoftonLarry Hoffer (@getbookedwithlarry)The Lilac People by Milo ToddThe Book of Harlan by Bernice L. McFaddenYou Can't Ask ThatInstitute for Sexual ScienceIn Memoriam by Alice WinnMilo's EventsThe Queer WriterA sample of Max Meyers's narrationMilo's InstagramWe Are Bookish (NetGalley's blog)milotodd.comHow to Jazz Up Your Book Club While Reading The Lilac PeopleConnect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Milo on Instagram or his WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 7 分
  • Hit the Road with Annie Hartnett

    Hit the Road with Annie Hartnett
    2025/05/30
    Annie Hartnett discusses the inspiration behind her quirky road trip novel The Road to Tender Hearts and why she breaks all the rules in writing her stories. Annie Hartnett joins me to discuss her latest bestselling novel, The Road to Tender Hearts, and the inspiration behind this road trip story. We explore the heartfelt and humorous moments that showcase a wonderfully quirky found family, which even includes a psychic cat.She also shares the surprising real-life inspirations for her unforgettable characters and explains how literary mischief is woven into their worlds.In this quirky conversation, Annie and I discuss: Why Annie made a death-predicting cat named Pancakes the emotional engine of the novel—and how a real-life nursing home cat named Oscar inspired this unforgettable character.How playing with point of view and narrator's voice keeps her writing fresh, and why she's unconcerned with grammar "rules."How Annie's own cross-country trip in her twenties helped shape the emotional core of this incredible road trip story.BONUS BOOK LIST: This week, I'm sharing an accompanying book list of 29 books about road trips, including new releases and backlist titles, that speak to the ripple effects of substance use across families and generations.Meet Annie HartnettAnnie Hartnett is the author of Unlikely Animals, which won the Julia Ward Howe Prize for fiction and was longlisted for the Joyce Carol Oates Prize.She is also theauthor of Rabbit Cake, a finalist for the New England Book Award and a Kirkus Reviews best book of the year. Hartnett has been awarded fellowships and residencies from the MacDowell Colony, the Sewanee Writers' Conference, and the Associates of the Boston Public Library. Along with writer Tessa Fontaine, she co-runs the Accountability Workshops for writers, helping them commit to routines and embrace the long, slow, joyful, terrible process of doing the work. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, daughter, and dog.Mentioned in this episode:Browse the 2025 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide (with ads) or download the 48-page reading guide ($7) to support our show. If you are a show patron, check your inbox for your copy as part of your member benefits—thank you for supporting my small business! Join the May Book Club Chat (Beautyland)BONUS BOOK LIST: 29 Books About Road Trips to Read NowDownload Today's TranscriptThe Road to Tender Hearts by Annie HartnettUnlikely Animals by Annie HartnettRabbit Cake by Annie HartnettRed Dog Farm by Nathaniel Ian MillerMarried with ChildrenJane the VirginFargoRaising ArizonaKaren RussellThe Frightening and Wonderful Things That Will Happen to You When You Publish Your First Novel by Rufi ThorpeBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Annie on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間
  • This Raw Debut Shows Addiction's True Cost

    This Raw Debut Shows Addiction's True Cost
    2025/05/23
    In this Jessica Guerrieri interview, we discuss her debut, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, and how 12 years of sobriety shaped this unforgettable tale.Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a raw and emotionally resonant debut that examines the insidious nature of alcohol addiction and how it distorts relationships, parenting, and one woman's self-perception. In this conversation, Jessica shares how her twelve-year sobriety journey shaped the story and why telling the truth about addiction matters.In this heartfelt and powerful conversation, Jessica and I discuss:How Jessica's sobriety journey helped her write Leah's addiction story with such emotional clarityThe mental gymnastics of addiction—and what she wants readers to understand about recoveryHow the sober community rallied around her and helped usher her novel into the worldThe truths about AA meetings that might surprise readersWhy she chose to blur the lines between literary fiction and women's fiction in her genre-bending debutBONUS BOOK LIST: This week, I'm sharing a companion book list of 19 addiction fiction reads, including new releases and backlist titles, that speak to the ripple effects of substance use across families and generations.Meet Jessica GuerrieriOriginally from the Bay Area, Jessica Guerrieri lives in Davis, California, with her husband and three young daughters. Jessica has a background teaching special education but left the field to pursue a career in writing. Her debut novel, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, won the Maurice Prize for Fiction from her alma mater, UC Davis. With over a decade of sobriety, Jessica is a fierce advocate for addiction recovery.Mentioned in this episode:Browse the 2025 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide (with ads) or download the 39-page reading guide ($7) to support our show. If you are a show patron, check your inbox for your copy as part of your member benefits—thank you for supporting my small business! Join the May Book Club Chat (Beautyland)19 Addiction Fiction Books to Read NowBetween the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Jessica GuerrieriThe Bright Years by Sarah DamoffLara Love HardinHappy Women DinnersThe Shit No One Tells You About WritingBoth Can Be True by Jessica GuerrieriConnect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Jessica on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
    続きを読む 一部表示
    56 分
  • 2025 Summer Reading Guide

    2025 Summer Reading Guide
    2025/05/16

    The NEW 2025 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide includes 56 titles, including upcoming releases, new releases, and backlist gems. Browse 39 pages of bookish fun to prepare for your best summer stack.

    Welcome to one of my favorite episodes of the year- the official reveal of the 2025 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide! This year's guide features 56 handpicked titles across every genre to help you find the perfect book for your summer reading mood.

    In this special episode of Book Gang, I'm revealing the inspiration behind this year's Summer Reading Guide. A recent health challenge shifted how and why I read, making this season's selections more intentional, joy-filled, and personal than ever before.

    From the ninety-eight books I read for this season, I'm spotlighting four unforgettable debut novels that stole my heart and should be at the top of your TBR. These fresh new voices are ones I'll be championing all season long, and I hope they become new favorites for you, too.

    Don't miss my special announcements on three upcoming projects I have in the works for online AND local friends to create even MORE bookish fun for your reading year. Grab a notebook (or open your Libby app!) to reserve all these gorgeous books for this year's fun, and let's deep dive into the WHY behind this year's selections.

    Browse the 2025 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide (with ads) or receive the 39-page reading guide download ($7) to support our show. If you are a show patron, check your inbox for your copy as part of your member benefits- thank you for supporting my small business!

    Editor's Note: We have switched from Bookshop.org to direct sales with three featured bookshops to ensure they keep every penny of the profit.

    Meet Amy Allen Clark

    Amy Allen Clark is the founder of MomAdvice.com, a vibrant online community she has nurtured since 2004. Through this platform, Amy shares practical advice on recipes, DIY projects, and book recommendations for her readers.

    In 2013, Amy authored The Good Life for Less, published by Penguin, and provided families tips for running their household on a shoestring budget.

    Amy launched the Book Gang Podcast in 2021. The book podcast celebrates debut authors, explores backlist titles, and highlights under-the-radar book selections. Through engaging conversations with writers and fellow book enthusiasts, Amy's goal is to connect you with your new favorite book.

    Residing in Indiana, Amy is a mother of two who has shared her journey living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome to raise awareness and support others facing similar health challenges.

    Connect With Me:

    Buy the 2025 Summer Reading Guide

    Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice

    Support the Show With a Tip on Buy Me a Coffee
    続きを読む 一部表示
    31 分
  • Writing Bestsellers With An ADHD Brain

    Writing Bestsellers With An ADHD Brain
    2025/05/09
    In this Allison Larkin interview, we discuss writing Home of the American Circus and the creative writing routines that have transformed her life with ADHD.This week, I'm talking with my friend and bestselling author Allison Larkin about her latest novel, Home of the American Circus. But this conversation goes far beyond crafting this sprawling family drama. Allison is pulling back the curtain on how she writes such emotionally resonant stories while navigating ADHD and the beautiful writing habits she's uncovered by simply embracing her creative brain.Home of the American Circus is set in Somers, NY—the birthplace of the American circus and the author's hometown. Freya must return home after a financial emergency in this beautiful family drama. The house she's returned to is crumbling, and the relationships are even more so. But when she discovers her 15-year-old niece secretly living there, she unravels her past and reimagines what healing might look like.In this warm conversation, Allison and I discuss:🧠 What writing with ADHD actually looks like for her—and the tools that help her workflow📚 How neurodivergent representation shaped her character and why this representation matters🎧 The magic of working with longtime audiobook narrator Julia Whelan and what it is like to hear her books read by the prolific narrator for the first time🖼 How her creative hobbies breathe life into her fictional world and the new pursuits that are helping her find her voiceThis episode is part of our Summer Author Series featuring fourteen incredible voices from our 2025 Summer Reading Guide. The guide will drop on May 16th! 📚 BONUS BOOK LIST: Circus BooksTo go with today's theme, I've also created an immersive immersive circus books book list featuring 22 unforgettable titles that are filled with magic, mystery, and unforgettable adventure under the big top.📚 Book Club Reminder: Don't forget to join our May book club discussion of Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino on May 30th at 8 PM ET.📝 Love this episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it's a free way to support the show and help more readers discover our conversations.🎧 Bonus Challenge: Have a favorite circus-themed novel? Tap the Spotify comment box and share!Meet Allison LarkinAllison Larkin is the internationally bestselling author of the novels The People We Keep, Stay, Why Can’t I Be You, and Swimming for Sunlight. Her short fiction has been published in the Summerset Review and Slice, and nonfiction in Author in Progress, a how-to guide from Writer’s Digest Books, and the dog anthology I’m Not the Biggest Bitch in This Relationship. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Jeremy, and their rescue dogs.Mentioned in this episode:Download Today's Show TranscriptJoin the May Book Club Chat (Beautyland)Home of the American Circus by Allison LarkinThe People We Keep by Allison LarkinOld Bet statue in Somers, NYScrivenerSwimming For Sunlight by Allie LarkinEowyn Ivey Returns to Magical RealismMust Love Dogs by Claire CookJulia WhelanStay by Allie LarkinThank you for Listening by Julia WhelanThe Julia Whelan Interview You Need to HearBluff by Michael KardosTrueHearts CollectiveThe People We Keep: An Interview with Allison LarkinNow That We Think About It Podcast Lessons For Writing Your First Book with Ethan JoellaAlice Carbone TenchEating Again: The Recipes That Healed Me by Alice Carbone TenchConnect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Allison on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 8 分
  • Unboxing the Influencer Life Through Fiction

    Unboxing the Influencer Life Through Fiction
    2025/05/02
    This week, we're diving into a debut thriller that's frothy, funny, and unhinged in the best way. Liann Zhang joins me for a laugh-out-loud conversation about her new novel, Julie Chan Is Dead—a genre-blending con-artist thriller about identical twin sisters whose lives split in dramatically different directions… until one of them winds up dead.When the authorities mistake Julie for her famous sister, she makes a bold choice: to step into Chloe's perfectly curated shoes and steal her life. What follows is a fast-paced, satirical exploration of influencer culture, viral content, and the dark side of social media fame.In the spirit of the influencer theme, we share the most bizarre influencer swag we've ever received before digging into how a pandemic-fueled fascination with influencer culture allowed Liann to take a break from her dreams of writing about the Ming Dynasty.We also talk about what it's like to write a morally murky protagonist, the grotesque cult subplot that takes things to the next level, and why this book just might be Bunny meets Yellowface with a touch of The Bling Ring.In this fun conversation, Liann and I discuss:How Liann pivoted from writing about the Ming Dynasty to a con-artist thrillerWhy influencer culture during the pandemic was the perfect satirical settingCreating the character of Julie: an intriguing anti-heroine who fully leans into her morally gray side.The ongoing need for critical consumption of influencer content📚 BONUS BOOK LIST: Books About TwinsCan I parent-trap you into a new book list? If Julie Chan Is Dead got you hooked on stories about sisters and identity swaps, don't miss this week's themed list on Books About Twins. You'll find chilling mysteries, psychological thrillers, and heart-tugging literary fiction that explore the unique dynamics only twins can share!📚 Book Club Reminder:Don't forget—our next MomAdvice Book Club meeting is on May 30th at 8 PM ET, and we'll discuss Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino. We can't wait to hear your thoughts on this surreal and moving novel during our community conversation!🎧 LET'S CONNECT: What's your favorite twin-themed book? Tap the comment feature on Spotify and share your pick—I'd love to hear from you!📝 Love this episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it's a free way to support the show and help more readers discover our conversations.Meet Liann ZhangLiann Zhang is a second-generation Chinese Canadian who splits her time between Vancouver, British Columbia and Toronto, Ontario. After a short stint as a skincare content creator, she graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in psychology and criminology. Julie Chan Is Dead is her first novel.Mentioned in this episode:Download Today's Show TranscriptJoin the May Book Club Chat (Beautyland)Julie Chan is Dead by Liann ZhangAnna DelveyApple Cider VinegarJulie Chan is Dead PR boxBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Liann on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
    続きを読む 一部表示
    34 分
  • The Evangelist Who Vanished and Returned

    The Evangelist Who Vanished and Returned
    2025/04/25
    Journalist Claire Hoffman unpacks Sister, Sinner, the gripping true crime story of evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson’s disappearance and miraculous return.If you've never heard the name, Aimee Semple McPherson, you're not alone—but Claire Hoffman's Sister Sinner will ensure you never forget her name again as America's first mega-preacher.Today, we discuss this riveting biography, which opens with the astonishing true story of Aimee, who shaped modern evangelicalism, vanished into the ocean for 35 days, and returned with a kidnapping tale so wild it led to two sensational trials.The author was the first researcher granted access to the complete court records of Aimee's grand jury trial—records that, for more than a century, the Foursquare Church has refused to share with the outside world.Uncover her journalistic approach, which is both deeply researched and refreshingly secular. Embracing Aimee's contradictions—faith healer and showman, sinner and saint, feminist and fundamentalist creates a page-turning experience. Whether religious or not, you'll love this conversation on how charisma, celebrity, and faith collide.In this intimate and insightful conversation, Claire and I discuss:Her background and five-year research process to bring Aimee's story to lifeWhy Aimee's disappearance is the opening chapter, and what type of reader did she hope the true crime angle might pull inHow Claire's background as a journalist for Rolling Stone has given her a unique lens into the world of what it means to be a celebrityThe effort and reverence required when accessing court documents like this for a project📚 BONUS BOOK LIST: I've curated a list of 28 incredible books about faith and churches featuring buzzworthy new releases and must-read backlist gems. Browse while you listen!🗓 BOOK CLUB INVITE: Patrons, check your inbox for a printable version of this list and an invite to our April 25th chat with Lynda Cohen Loigman on The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern. We'll discuss her cozy, feel-good novel about finding love in your eighties. 📝 Love this show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it's a free way to support my work and help other book lovers find us.Meet Claire HoffmanClaire Hoffman is the author of the memoir Greetings from Utopia Park and a journalist reporting for national magazines on culture, religion, celebrity, business, and more. She was formerly a staff reporter for the Los Angeles Times and Rolling Stone. She is a graduate of UC Santa Cruz, and has an MA in religion from the University of Chicago and an MA in journalism from Columbia University. She serves on the boards of the Columbia School of Journalism, ProPublica, and the Brooklyn Public Library. Her new book is SISTER, SINNER: The Miraculous Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Aimee Semple McPherson.Mentioned in this episode:Download Today's Show TranscriptBONUS BOOK LIST: 28 Books About Churches & Faith (fiction & nonfiction)Join the April Book Club Chat (The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern)Sister, Sinner by Claire HoffmanGreetings From Utopia Park by Claire HoffmanCharles DuhiggBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Claire on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
    続きを読む 一部表示
    49 分
  • How The Bright Years Was Paved Through Letters

    How The Bright Years Was Paved Through Letters
    2025/04/18
    Sarah Damoff shares how The Bright Years evolved from an epistolary draft into a powerful multi-POV family saga exploring addiction across generations.Every so often, a debut novel arrives so confident and assured it's hard to believe it's the author's first. Sarah Damoff's The Bright Years is one of those rare books. Deeply informed by her work as a social worker, Sarah offers readers an empathetic and profoundly immersive exploration of addiction and its reverberations across generations. Deftly weaving their family's personal history with political and cultural moments creates a layered portrait of a family navigating love and loss through the generations.In this intimate and insightful conversation, Sarah and I discuss:Her savvy and scrappy journey to landing a book deal with Simon & SchusterHow The Bright Years began as an epistolary novel and evolved into a multi-POV sagaThe challenge of writing addiction and redemption with compassionHow setting the story across decades helped her explore shifting perspectives and memory📚 BONUS BOOK LIST: I've curated a list of the best 19 addiction fiction books—featuring buzzworthy new releases and must-read backlist gems. Browse while you listen!🎧 LET'S CONNECT: What's the best fiction book you've read on addiction or recovery? Tap that comment feature on Spotify—I'd love to hear your picks!🗓 BOOK CLUB INVITE: Patrons, check your inbox for a printable version of this list and an invite to our April 25th chat with Lynda Cohen Loigman on The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern. We'll discuss her cozy, feel-good novel about finding love in your eighties. It's a face-hurting-from-smiling kind of read!📝 Love this show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it's a free way to support my work and help other book lovers find us. And to my Book Gang patrons: you've given me bright years I didn't know were possible. Thank you!Meet Sarah DamoffSarah Damoff lives in Texas with her husband and children, where she is a social worker. Her work has appeared inPorter House Review, Ruminate Magazine, and Open Global Rights, among other publications. The Bright Years is her debut novel. Mentioned in this episode:Download Today's Show TranscriptNEW BONUS BOOK LIST: 19 Addiction Fiction Books to Read NowJoin the April Book Club Chat (The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern)The Bright Years by Sarah DamoffYoung ParkThe Best Debut Novels of 2023 with Thao ThaiBanyan Moon by Thao ThaiLost Children Archive by Valeria LuiselliClaire Lombardo A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty SmithLisa GenovaBroken Country by Clare Leslie HallBarbara KingsolverMaggie O'FarrellDani ShapiroBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Sarah on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
    続きを読む 一部表示
    46 分