Behind The Stack

Latest Episodes:

Will Maclean, Solace House Oct 20, 2026

Show notes

Brett sits down with author Will Maclean to discuss his American debut, 'Solace House'. They talk about reading snobbery, his past writing in comedy, horror narratives, writing sympathetic characters in the genre, The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke, the artist Richard Dadd, visual writing and Stephen King.

Will's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/willmacwriting/?hl=en

The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fairy_Feller%27s_Master-Stroke

If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@brettsbookstack
Bookshop.org page:
https://www.bookshop.org/shop/brettsbookstack
Brett's instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bretts.book.stack
Behind the Stack email:
brettsbookstack@gmail.com

Bonnie Garmus, Peck & Peck Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

In his 100th episode, Brett sits down with Bonnie Garmus to discuss her new book, 'Peck & Peck'. They have a 'Lessons in Chemistry' check in, they talk poets as oracles, the downside to AI, the need for artists, and an unlikely friend in Essex.

Bonnie's website:

https://www.bonniegarmus.com/

Bonnie Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bonnie_garmus_author/

If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!

T. Geronimo Johnson, The Occidental Book of the Dead Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

Brett sits down with author T. Geronimo Johnson to discuss his latest book, 'The Occidental Book of the Dead'. They talk race, how narratives define our reality, the slow march of progress, writing this in first and third person, writing for constituents, and how he manages to stay optimistic.

T. Geronimo's website:

https://geronimo1.com/

and check out 'Manifest Destiny Jesus' on the Kanopy app.

If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Meg Mason, Sophie, Standing There Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

Brett sits down with Meg Mason to discuss her new book Sophie, Standing There. They talk discovering reading, parasocial relationships, reading correctly and what that even means, the downside to social media, and whether or not you should meet your heroes.

Meg's website:

https://www.megmason.com/

If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Third Quarter Favs with Renee from It's Book Talk Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

Brett and Renee from @itsbooktalk on instagram and substack talk third quarter favs, and add a book we're looking forward to in the last quarter of the year. Books discussed include:

Storytelling: A Writing Life by Isabel Allende

Land by Maggie O'Farrell

Love Story by Erich Segal

Switzy by Emma Cline

Renee's Substack:

https://substack.com/@itsbooktalk?utm_source=global-search

Renee's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/itsbooktalk/

author inquiries for book coaching: itsbooktalk@gmail.com

If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Jordan Tannahill, The Living Realm Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Brett sits down with Jordan Tannahill to discuss his latest book, 'The Living Realm'. They talk about London and latex, the books setting of Lake Teufelssee in Berlin and the forest around it. Aging and AIDS, boars, book inspiration, cruising and creation, and what art form he enjoys the most.

Jordan's Website:

https://www.jordantannahill.com/

Jordan's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jordan.tannahill/

If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Chloe Benjamin, Under Story Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

Brett sits down with Chloe Benjamin to discuss Under Story. They talk mushrooms and multiverses, the inspiration, and the sheer construction of the novel, which character was inspired by someone in her life, the natural world, and then we dive into spoiler territory which I promise is clearly announced before we launch in. I had to, there's too much to unpack!

Chloe's website:

https://www.chloebenjaminbooks.com/

Chloe's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chloekbenjamin/

If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Emil Wilson, The Nightingales Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Brett sits down with Emil Wilson to discuss his debut novel, 'The Nightingales'. They talk art school and graphic novels, autobiographical fiction and what differed from real life. AIDS and his own experience working with someone who had the disease, remembering the past struggles, and two Pomeranians named Henny and Penny.

Emil's website:

https://emilwilsonart.com/

Emil's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/emilwilsonart/

If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Téa Obreht, Sunrise Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

Brett sits down with Téa Obreht to discuss her latest novel, Sunrise. They talk early years and learning English, the mythology of heroes, good samaritans, some advice for writers, and a fantastic book rec.

Téa's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/teaobreht/?hl=en

Téa's website:

http://www.teaobreht.com/#:~:text=Home,Tea%20Obreht.%20All%20rights%20reserved.

If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Josh Silver, Fruit Fly Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

Brett sits down with author Josh Silver to talk about his debut adult novel, Fruit Fly. They talk his previous acting career, working as a mental health nurse, appropriation, intention, gay identity what's acceptable or not, the ways we present ourselves, and the exhaustion to try and be the best, and being okay with just being.

Josh's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/joshsilverauthor/

If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!