Our State Book Club

Sarah Addison Allen, Part 2 Jan 14, 2026

Faith in the Process with Author Vanessa Miller Jan 14, 2026

Best-selling author Vanessa Miller discusses her book The American Queen and how history, faith, and the writing community influence her writing process. Each month, New York Times best-selling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors (and those writing books set in the state), encouraging listeners to read along and get to know the writers behind the stories. Wiley reviews each book in both the print and digital versions of Our State Magazine - producing one episode per month!

Contact Our State Book Club: podcast@ourstate.com

Ben Fountain Dec 16, 2025

New York Times best-selling author Ben Fountain discusses his book Devil Makes Three as well as his time spent in Haiti, Texas and the Carolinas. Each month, New York Times best-selling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors (and those writing books set in the state), encouraging listeners to read along and get to know the writers behind the stories. Wiley reviews each book in both the print and digital versions of Our State Magazine - producing two podcast episodes a month.

Contact Our State Book Club: podcast@ourstate.com

Sarah Addison Allen, Part 1 Dec 01, 2025

New York Times best-selling author Sarah Addison Allen discusses the challenges of rejection and discovering your true voice as a writer.

Each month, New York Times best-selling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors (and those writing books set in the state), encouraging listeners to read along and get to know the writers behind the stories. Wiley reviews each book in both the print and digital versions of Our State Magazine - producing two podcast episodes a month.

Contact Our State Book Club: podcast@ourstate.com

A message from our sponsor, Elon University: The Power of Purpose The 2025-26 Elon University Speaker Series brings purposeful voices to the forefront. Hear from Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky, techno-sociologist Zeynep Tufekci and Army intelligence officer Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert P. Ashley, Jr., as they explore what drives leaders to make a difference. Visit https://www.elon.edu/u/speaker-series/

Denise Kiernan Part 2 Nov 18, 2025

Kiernan discusses her book "We Gather Together" and the historic precursors to our own Thanksgiving Holiday.

Each month, New York Times best-selling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors (and those writing books set in the state), encouraging listeners to read along and get to know the writers behind the stories. Wiley reviews each book in both the print and digital versions of Our State Magazine - producing two podcast episodes a month.

Contact Our State Book Club: podcast@ourstate.com

Denise Kiernan Part 1 Nov 04, 2025

Kiernan discusses her artistic upbringing and curious perspective she's gained from traveling the world.

Each month, New York Times best-selling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors (and those writing books set in the state), encouraging listeners to read along and get to know the writers behind the stories. Wiley reviews each book in both the print and digital versions of Our State Magazine - producing two podcast episodes a month.

Contact Our State Book Club: podcast@ourstate.com

Ghost Stories, Gothic Horror, and Dracula with Best-selling Author Elizabeth Kostova Oct 21, 2025

As a child, an Asheville writer was enthralled by the spooky tales her father told her. Years later, those iconic stories helped her write one of her own.

Each month, New York Times bestselling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors and those writing books set in the state, encouraging readers to join in the fun. Wiley will review each book in both the print and digital versions of the magazine and produce two podcast episodes highlighting the selected book and author.

Email us: podcast@ourstate.com

Elizabeth Kostova, Part 1 Oct 08, 2025

As a child, an Asheville writer was enthralled by the spooky tales her father told her. Years later, those iconic stories helped her write one of her own.

Each month, New York Times bestselling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors and those writing books set in the state, encouraging readers to join in the fun. Wiley will review each book in both the print and digital versions of the magazine and produce two podcast episodes highlighting the selected book and author.

Email us: podcast@ourstate.com

De'Shawn Charles Winslow Part 2 Sep 17, 2025

After leaving his coastal hometown for the big city, one author finds his calling writing about the people and places that shaped him.

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Email Us at Podcast@Ourstate.com

De'Shawn Charles Winslow, Part 1 Sep 02, 2025

After leaving his coastal hometown for the big city, one author finds his calling writing about the people and places that shaped him.

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Email Us at Podcast@Ourstate.com

Jan Karon, Part 2 Aug 19, 2025

Like the ones in the fictitious village she made famous, helping hands and warm hearts shaped a Foothills writer's journey to becoming one of North Carolina's most prolific authors.

Each month, New York Times bestselling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors and those writing books set in the state, encouraging readers to join in the fun. Wiley will review each book in both the print and digital versions of the magazine and produce two podcast episodes highlighting the selected book and author.

Email us: podcast@ourstate.com

Jan Karon, Part 1 Aug 05, 2025

Like the ones in the fictitious village she made famous, helping hands and warm hearts shaped a Foothills writer's journey to becoming one of North Carolina's most prolific authors.

Each month, New York Times bestselling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors and those writing books set in the state, encouraging readers to join in the fun. Wiley will review each book in both the print and digital versions of the magazine and produce two podcast episodes highlighting the selected book and author.

Email us: podcast@ourstate.com

Georgann Eubanks, Part 2 Jul 15, 2025

A Carrboro author's career has been marked by unforgettable experiences in nature and a deep desire to preserve all that shapes the South.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Georgann Eubanks, Part 1 Jul 01, 2025

A Carrboro author's career has been marked by unforgettable experiences in nature and a deep desire to preserve all that shapes the South.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Clyde Edgerton, Part 2 Jun 17, 2025

A professor studied and drew inspiration from the great writers of the South and their fascination with religion, only to become one of the greats himself.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Clyde Edgerton, Part 1 Jun 03, 2025

A professor studied and drew inspiration from the great writers of the South and their fascination with religion, only to become one of the greats himself.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Dan Pierce, Part 2 May 20, 2025

Wiley and North Carolina author and historian, Daniel S. Pierce, discuss Pierce's book Real Nascar.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Dan Pierce, Part 1 May 06, 2025

North Carolina writer and historian Daniel S. Pierce discusses growing up in West Asheville and spending his life in Western North Carolina.

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Bland Simpson, Part 2 Apr 16, 2025

Wiley and North Carolina author, Bland Simpson, discuss Simpson's Clover Garden.

A college student in Chapel Hill followed his dreams to be a musician, a professor, and a writer. They always led him back to the southern part of heaven.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Bland Simpson, Part 1 Apr 01, 2025

Wiley and Bland Simpson talk about growing up in North Carolina and Bland's history in the Chapel Hill music scene.

A college student in Chapel Hill followed his dreams to be a musician, a professor, and a writer. They always led him back to the southern part of heaven.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Jason Mott, Part 2 Mar 18, 2025

Wiley and bestselling author, Jason Mott, discuss Mott's The Returned and Hell of a Book.

Before becoming a National Book Award winner, a Columbus County writer followed his dreams — those he had at night and those he worked toward — to become a celebrated author.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Jason Mott, Part 1 Mar 04, 2025

Before becoming a National Book Award winner, a Columbus County writer followed his dreams — those he had at night and those he worked toward — to become a celebrated author.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Judy Goldman, Part 2 Feb 18, 2025

One Charlotte author tells the story of her marriage, in good times and in bad, with gratitude for the man with whom she's shared a life.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Judy Goldman, Part 1 Feb 04, 2025

One Charlotte author tells the story of her marriage, in good times and in bad, with gratitude for the man with whom she's shared a life.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Allan Gurganus, Part 2 Jan 21, 2025

One writer's curiosity called him to explore. The perspective he gained drew him back to his familiar eastern North Carolina home.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Allan Gurganus, Part 1 Jan 07, 2025

One writer's curiosity called him to explore. The perspective he gained drew him back to his familiar eastern North Carolina home.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Robert Beatty, Part 2 Dec 17, 2024

An Asheville dad found success in his engineering career, but some sage wisdom from his young daughter helped him realize his lifelong dream of becoming an author.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Robert Beatty, Part 1 Dec 03, 2024

An Asheville dad found success in his engineering career, but some sage wisdom from his young daughter helped him realize his lifelong dream of becoming an author.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Leigh Ann Henion, Part 2 Nov 19, 2024

Through her engaging storytelling, a Watauga County writer has shined a spotlight on many of the world's natural wonders. In her latest book, she illuminates nature's unsung hero: the dark.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Leigh Ann Henion, Part 1 Nov 05, 2024

Through her engaging storytelling, a Watauga County writer has shined a spotlight on many of the world's natural wonders. In her latest book, she illuminates nature's unsung hero: the dark.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Ron Rash, Part 2 Oct 15, 2024

Our hearts are with the families and communities in our beloved North Carolina mountains, who have been devastated by this catastrophic hurricane. These towns, which have always been a source of pride and inspiration for us all, now face a long and difficult path to recovering. Our October issue — traditionally a celebration of the mountains — now serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience that is needed in this challenging time. We're especially grateful for the dedication of emergency personnel, first responders, and volunteers who are on the ground, helping in any way they can. We suggest reaching out to these relief and recovery organizations that need our help, including: American Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word "HELENE" to 90999 to make a $10 donation; redcross.org North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund – Helene Emergency Disaster Services of The Salvation Army Feeding the Carolinas Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief Other media organizations in North Carolina have also offered suggestions: Blue Ridge Public Radio The Asheville Citizen Times WFAE In addition, check with your local churches and community organizations to see how they are assisting with relief efforts. North Carolinians pull together. And we pull through. This week, and in the weeks to come, we're preparing for the fight ahead. ___________________________________________________________________Before becoming an award-winning author, Ron Rash tended the cemetery near his family's Watauga County farm. His latest novel, inspired by that burial ground, explores the relationship between the living and the dead, and how those who've gone are never forgotten. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Ron Rash - Live in Asheville Oct 01, 2024

Our hearts are with the families and communities in our beloved North Carolina mountains, who have been devastated by this catastrophic hurricane.

These towns, which have always been a source of pride and inspiration for us all, now face a long and difficult path to recovering. Our October issue — traditionally a celebration of the mountains — now serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience that is needed in this challenging time.

We're especially grateful for the dedication of emergency personnel, first responders, and volunteers who are on the ground, helping in any way they can. We suggest reaching out to these relief and recovery organizations that need our help, including:

American Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word "HELENE" to 90999 to make a $10 donation; redcross.org
North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund – Helene
Emergency Disaster Services of The Salvation Army
Feeding the Carolinas
Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief

Other media organizations in North Carolina have also offered suggestions:

In addition, check with your local churches and community organizations to see how they are assisting with relief efforts.

North Carolinians pull together. And we pull through. This week, and in the weeks to come, we're preparing for the fight ahead.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Before becoming an award-winning author, Ron Rash tended the cemetery near his family's Watauga County farm. His latest novel, inspired by that burial ground, explores the relationship between the living and the dead, and how those who've gone are never forgotten.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Michael Parker, Part 2 Sep 17, 2024

Michael Parker talks about writing his new novel, I Am the Light of This World, and talks about living in North Carolina versus living in Texas.

After some 30 years spent writing tales of North Carolina and its people, author Michael Parker moved away to explore a new setting. In an unexpected twist, he returned home, where undiscovered stories await.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Michael Parker, Part 1 Sep 03, 2024

After some 30 years spent writing tales of North Carolina and its people, author Michael Parker moved away to explore a new setting. In an unexpected twist, he returned home, where undiscovered stories await.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Podcraft: The Craft of Writing Prose Aug 20, 2024

In this episode, Wiley returns to interviews with past guests and does a deeper dive into the craft of writing. He covers everything from finding an idea to deciding on a narrator.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Fall Reading Preview Aug 06, 2024

In this month's Our State Book Club episodes, Wiley will give listeners a preview of some exciting books releasing this fall.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Carol Ann Collins Jul 30, 2024

Writer Carol Ann Collins blends genres in her new book The Seafarer's Secret. She met up with Wiley to talk about her favorite beach reads, the plot devices in her new novel, her second career writing romance novels under a pseudonym, and much more!

Join us for this special episode of the Our State Book Club podcast!

We want to hear from you! Feel free to send us suggestions, questions, and any other feedback to podcast@ourstate.com

Kristy Woodson Harvey, Part 2 Jul 16, 2024

This episode was recorded live at Silver Coast Winery in Ocean Isle Beach. Visit ourstate.com/bookclub to discover more book club events.

The houses in Kristy Woodson Harvey's life have always fascinated her. Unable to fully uncover their stories, the award-winning novelist dreamed up her own.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Kristy Woodson Harvey, Part 1 Jul 02, 2024

The houses in Kristy Woodson Harvey's life have always fascinated her. Unable to fully uncover their stories, the award-winning novelist dreamed up her own.

Email us at podcast@ourstate.com

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Jill McCorkle, Part 2 Jun 18, 2024

Before she became a successful novelist, Jill McCorkle was collecting portions of plots, slivers of settings. Her titles blend fiction with bits of reality from the rich catalog of her life.

Email us: podcast@ourstate.com

Works discussed in this episode:

Old Crimes - by Jill McCorkle

Our Town - by Thorton Wilder

Hieroglyphics - by Jill McCorkle

Filling Station - by Elizabeth Bishop

The Telephone Game - by William Trevor

The Caretaker - by Ron Rash

Night Watch - by Jane Anne Phillips

Life After Life - Jill McCorkle

I Am the Light of This World - Michael Parker

The Last Ballad - Wiley Cash

Jill McCorkle, Part 1 Jun 04, 2024

Before she became a successful novelist, Jill McCorkle was collecting portions of plots, slivers of settings. Her titles blend fiction with bits of reality from the rich catalog of her life.

Email us: podcast@ourstate.com

Books mentioned in this episode:

Old Crimes by Jill McCorkle

The Cheer Leader by Jill McCorkle

July 7th by Jill McCorkle

Lee Smith, Part 2 May 21, 2024

This author based in Hillsborough, North Carolina, has spent a lifetime imagining complex women to star in her novels. Listen as she shares more about how readers can uncover pieces of her own story in between the lines of her award-winning books. Email us: podcast@ourstate.com

Lee Smith, Part 1 May 07, 2024

This author based in Hillsborough, North Carolina, has spent a lifetime imagining complex women to star in her novels. Listen as she shares more about how readers can uncover pieces of her own story in between the lines of her award-winning books. Email us: podcast@ourstate.co

Charles Frazier, Part 2 Apr 16, 2024

After writing Cold Mountain, Appalachian-born novelist Charles Frazier became one of North Carolina's most celebrated authors. More than 20 years and four books later, his latest release continues to captivate readers.

Email us: podcast@ourstate.com

Charles Frazier, Part 1 Apr 02, 2024

After writing Cold Mountain, Appalachian-born novelist Charles Frazier became one of North Carolina's most celebrated authors. More than 20 years and four books later, his latest release continues to captivate readers.

Email us: podcast@ourstate.com

Trailer Mar 20, 2024

Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.

Email us: podcast@ourstate.com

Learn more at: https://www.ourstate.com/podcast

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