The Bookshop Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Nature's Narratives and the Art of Storytelling With Author Melissa Marr Feb 12, 2024

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When the roots of storytelling are as deep and winding as the Appalachian Mountains themselves, it's no wonder that Melissa Marr has such a profound connection to weaving tales that captivate and enchant. In this episode, we journey through Melissa's life, from her formative years under the influence of her grandmother's stories to her academic pursuits, all of which paved the way to her latest novel, Remedial Magic. We explore how Melissa's narrative prowess transcends genre, her devotion to multiple points of view, and the unmistakable charm of Victorian literature's impact on her storytelling techniques.
The whispers of wild horses in Arizona and the serendipity of a rattlesnake bite converge in Melissa's narrative, illustrating the unexpected paths of dipping her toes into self-publishing and the resilience of an author's spirit. Our conversation then meanders through the verdant valleys of creativity, shedding light on the symbiosis between nature and the written word, and how this bond manifests in Melissa's multifaceted career spanning writing and photography. We also navigate the digital world's choppy waters, where pseudonyms and review scandals can capsize even the most seasoned writers, revealing the importance of author communities as lifeboats amidst the storm of online discourse.
As we wrap up, the spotlight shines on the unlikely transformation from a self-published experiment to a celebrated book deal, a testament to faith in one's work and the magic of happenstance. Melissa's tale takes a full circle, encouraging us to anticipate her upcoming release and beckoning our listeners to join the lively discussion within our podcast community. The episode is a reminder that sometimes, the most enchanting stories are those that emerge from life's most unexpected moments.
Melissa Marr

Remedial Magic, Melissa Marr

To Cage a God, Elizabeth May

River Kings, Cat Jarman

NPR LAist

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Turning Pages and Fostering Community: The Story of Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore Feb 05, 2024

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Embark on a literary adventure with Mandy Jackson-Beverly as she sits down with Eric and Jessica Green, whose love story with books has led them to become the proud owners of Mrs. Dalloway's, a cozy independent bookstore with a big heart in the Elmwood District of Berkeley, California. Their tale is not just one of passion for the written word but also a savvy move to keep the legacy of a beloved community hub alive, blending Eric's deep roots in book sales (wholesale and distribution) and book buying and Jessica's flair for branding, marketing, and sales. Together, they're writing a new chapter for the store, infusing it with their commitment to quality, eco-conscious selections, and a mirroring of the vibrant Elmwood community spirit.
The art of curating a bookstore is much like composing a symphony, where every book is a note that resonates with the soul of the neighborhood. In this episode, the Greens discuss the delicate balance between honoring the legacy of Mrs. Dalloway's previous owners and introducing their unique touch to the store's offerings. They reveal how they navigate the complexities of stocking self-published works and the intricacies of book pricing, providing a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful indie bookstore amid the ever-shifting tides of the publishing world.
Our episode wraps up with an inspiring call to action for literary enthusiasts to connect with and support their local independent bookshops. The Greens open up about the joys and challenges of hosting author events, nurturing a love of reading in their community, and the fulfillment that comes from seeing the wonder in a child's eyes as they discover their new favorite book. So tune in and let the charm of Mrs. Dalloway's, along with the passion of its owners, remind you why independent bookstores are the heartbeats of our literary landscapes.
Mrs. Dalloway’s Bookstore

Wandering Stars, Tommy Orange

Bel Canto, Ann Patchett

The Morningside, Téa Obreht

Last Acts, Alexander Sammartino

The Puzzled Master, Danielle Trussoni

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A Writer's Balance: Creativity, Self-Care, and the Journey of Publishing with Chloe Benjamin Jan 29, 2024

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As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, we're reminded that change is the only constant, a truth Chloe Benjamin knows all too well. This week on The Bookshop Podcast, join me for a profound journey with the author of The Anatomy of Dreams and The Immortalists as we navigate the intertwining paths of creativity and self-care. Chloe opens up about the alchemy of storytelling sparked in her youth and the vigilant balancing act between the fervor of art and the necessity of wellness, a dance many of us know too well. Her insights provide a map for writers and dreamers to chart a course through the tumultuous waters of a freelance career, steering clear of the siren call of commercialized self-care and wellness.
Venture further into the heart of Chloe's work as we discuss the rich tapestry of The Immortalists. Chloe's dedication to authenticity breathes life into historical narratives, and her exploration of mind-body techniques presents a beacon of hope for those seeking solace from their internal storms. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of literature, allowing us to reflect on the threads of our own lives which mirror the characters we come to cherish.
Completing our literary odyssey, we lift the veil on the often enigmatic world of publishing, offering solace and guidance to emerging writers navigating this labyrinth. Chloe's experience demystifies the journey from penning the first word to holding a published book in hand. Our conversation expands to celebrate the written word's power to heal, inspire, and transport us to realms unknown, with recommendations that will ignite readers' imaginations and perhaps even inspire a few to embrace the meditative quietude that has touched Chloe's life. So, settle in with your favorite feline companion and prepare to be whisked away by one of my favorite contemporary authors as we converse about life, health, and writing on this episode of The Bookshop Podcast.
Chloe Benjamin

The Anatomy of Dreams, Chloe Benjamin

The Immortalists, Chloe Benjamin

#22 – Chloe Benjamin The Sewanee Review

Vita Nostra, Marina & Sergey Dyachenko

Assassin of Realty, Marina & Sergey Dyachenko

Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer

LIN Health

The Sparrow, Mary Doria-Russell

FeedSpot 20 Best Bibliophile Podcasts

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Ancestral Echoes: Navigating Intergenerational Trauma and the Art of Memoir Writing with Diana Raab Jan 22, 2024

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In this episode, I chat with Diana Raab, MFA, PhD, about writing, intergenerational trauma, the art of writing memoir, and her new book, Hummingbird: Messages from My Ancestors, A memoir with reflection and writing prompts .
Diana is a memoirist, poet, workshop leader, thought-leader and award-winning author of fourteen books. Her work has been widely published and anthologized. She frequently speaks and writes on writing for healing and transformation.

Raab blogs for Psychology Today, The Wisdom Daily, The Good Men Project, Thrive Global, and is a guest blogger for many others. Visit her at: https:/www.dianaraab.com.

Raab lives in Southern California.

Diana Raab

Hummingbird: Messages from my Ancestors, Diana Raab

Gen Z Information:

Talk With Zach (Zach Gottlieb)

Dr. Yalda T. Uhls, Founder Center For Scholars & Storytellers

Gen Z For Change
Books by Thich Nhat Hanh
One Long River, Brian Doyle

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Turning the Page: How Blue Willow Bookshop Weaves Community and Resilience in the Face of Literary Challenges Jan 15, 2024

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Have you ever wandered into a bookstore and felt immediately at home? Valerie Koehler, the warm and spirited owner of Blue Willow Bookshop, invites us into her literary world, where every shelf has a story. Our conversation takes us down the winding path that led her to the helm of this cherished local haven. She opens up about the shop's thoughtful inception, the significance behind its enchanting name, and the cultivated team of diverse readers who breathe life into its walls. It's a tale of how a bookstore can become the heart of a community, offering personalized recommendations that resonate with every visitor's quest for their next great read.
The landscape of literature and learning faces new challenges, and they hit close to home for book enthusiasts in Texas. In a heartfelt discussion, Valerie sheds light on the contentious bill, HB 900, threatening the freedom of libraries and bookstores, stirring a mix of concern and defiance within the literary community. With a bill that casts a shadow of vagueness over what constitutes "sexually explicit" content, we reflect on the potential chilling effect on independent bookshops, the importance of preserving libraries as sanctuaries for young minds, and the irony of books being scrutinized more heavily than the vast digital world at our fingertips.
Adaptability has become the hallmark of indie bookshops in recent times, and Blue Willow Bookshop is no exception. As we wrap up our chat, Valerie shares how the shop has embraced the challenge, shifting from bustling in-person events to the expansive realm of virtual gatherings. It's an ode to the resilience and innovation of these cultural keystones, ensuring that the joy of new releases and the intimacy of author interactions remain undiminished. We celebrate the inclusiveness of virtual participation and the continued commitment to fostering literary connections, making every episode a tribute to the indie bookstores that form the rich tapestry of our communities.
Blue Willow Bookshop

The Sparrow, Mary Doria Russell

Why I Love Indie Bookshops, Mandy Jackson-Beverly

HB 900

That’s Not My Name, Megan Lally

The Underground Library, Jennifer Ryan

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Exploring the Translator's Craft with Jamie Richards Jan 08, 2024

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Embark on a cultural odyssey with Jamie Richards, a consummate artist of literary translation. Our exchange unveils Jamie's accidental yet fateful plunge into the realm of translation, alongside her storied career, marked by venerated honors and a discerning taste for the literary unexplored. The episode unwraps the nuanced art of translation through Jamie's latest endeavor, Marosia Castaldi's The Hunger of Women, and her anecdotes about meeting Castaldi in the scenic Navigli district of Milan, shining light on the profound relationship between an author and their translator.
Step into a spirited dialogue that traverses the mosaic of literary translation, where the spirit of cities like Naples and Milan breathe life into the narratives they house. The conversation takes a turn towards the burgeoning influence of AI, juxtaposing its potential utility with the irreplaceable touch of human finesse. We address the surge in the allure of translated literature, and how this renaissance is sculpting the global literary stage. Join us in celebrating the transformation in the publishing world, with a salute to diversity, independent bookshops, and small presses—the pillars of this richly transforming milieu. Jamie also offers a peek into the profound works that stir a translator's spirit, rounding off a session that applauds the craft of translation and the boundless beauty of language and story that unites us across borders.
Jamie Richards

The Hunger of Women, Marosia Castaldi

Explosion in a Cathedral, Alejo Carpentier

The House on Via Gemito, Domenico Starnone

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Celebrating a Milestone with The Bookshop Podcast: A Journey through Goa's Literary Scene and Cultural Richness with Leonard Fernandes Jan 01, 2024

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Join the celebration as The Bookshop Podcast hits a fantastic milestone, receiving the accolade of the number one bookish podcast by Feedspot.com! In a heartfelt expression of gratitude, I want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who tunes in and to our dedicated team. This episode is a special one, as I'm joined by Leonard Fernandes, a trailblazer in India's literary scene, the co-founder of The Dogears Bookshop and CinnamonTeal Publishing in picturesque Goa. Discover Leonard's riveting pivot from an engineering career to establishing the first self-publishing platform in India, and how he's transformed a cozy bookshop in Southern Goa into a thriving cultural haven.
Our conversation is a treasure trove of insights, from the meticulous art of translating literature to celebrating Goa's mesmerizing blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures. Leonard and I traverse the unique events The Dogears Bookshop hosts, which serve both as a window into Goa's soul and as a beacon for community engagement. Recommendations for experiencing Goa's rich heritage, from its architectural marvels to its stunning coastline, are sure to spark wanderlust. Moreover, we revel in Leonard's prestigious recognition by the British Council, emphasizing him as the Young Creative Entrepreneur Award for Publishing. Leonard and co-founder, Queenie Rodrigues, strive to enrich the literary landscape and connect the threads of community.
The Dogears Bookshop

Feedspot 20 Best Bibliophile Podcasts 2023

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, Satoshi Yagisawa (author), Eric Ozawa (translator)

The Little Paris Bookshop, Nina George

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Reconnecting in a Disconnected World with Julio Vincent Gambuto Dec 25, 2023

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Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your feed, feeling more disconnected from the world around you with every passing second? This week, I sat down with the insightful Julio Vincent Gambuto, author of Please Unsubscribe, Thanks! and the mind behind the essay that took the internet by storm, Prepare for the Ultimate Gaslighting. Through the intimate recounting of his own story, from modest upbringing to the halls of Harvard, Julio helps us navigate the complex web of cultural and economic disparities that shape our lives. Alongside insights from author, Ali Wenzke, we traverse the rocky terrain of life's challenges and the critical role of social ties in overcoming them.
As the conversation unfolds, we confront the pervasive shadow that is loneliness, an affliction magnified by the pandemic and dissected through the eyes of former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy. The stark realities of our individualistic society come to light, revealing how our relentless pursuit of success might actually be leading us away from genuine human connection. This episode isn't just about examining the societal constructs that breed isolation; it's a call to action for each of us to rekindle the bonds that make us human, across all ages and walks of life.
Finally, as we reflect on the recent global pause, we're prompted to question the fast-paced automation of our lives and the true cost of convenience. We celebrate the companies like Patagonia that are blazing trails toward a more balanced approach, where employee well-being is more than a hollow perk—it's the cornerstone of a sustainable future. Join me for a profound look at how we can emerge from these challenging times not just unscathed, but enriched, with a renewed appreciation for what it means to be part of a community.
Julio Vincent Gambuto

Please Unsubscribe, Thanks!, Julio Vincent Gambuto

How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told, Harrison Scott Key

The Art of Happy Moving, Ali Wenzke

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Exploring Charleston With Polly Buxton Co-owner Buxton Books Dec 18, 2023

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Today, we're hitting the cobblestones of Charleston, South Carolina, unlocking the secrets of independent bookstores and the joy they bring to local communities. First, we're charmed by Polly Buxton, the passionate founder of Buxton Books, as she recounts how a single conversation with her (now) husband led to her dream of owning a bookstore. Polly, a resident cheerleader for local authors and issues, talks about the bookstore's unique book-based walking tours and important community conversations they host. Her love for books and Charleston is infectious!
Polly talks about the curation process at Buxton Books which is heavily influenced by the authors they host for events and stresses the importance of supporting newly published books and authors, and how this sustains the larger publishing ecosystem. She introduces us to a handful of popular local authors and discusses the distinct style of Southern writers. As the episode draws to a close, Polly shares her excitement about the Charleston Literary Festival, hosting author events, and discusses upcoming books hitting the shelves. So, settle in, sip that sweet tea and join us on this enchanting journey through the world of Buxton Books and book-based walking tours in Charleston, South Carolina.
Buxton Books

Absolution, Alice McDermott

Claire Keegan Books

Redwood Court, Délana R. a. Dameron

Brad Taylor Books

Sue Monk Kidd Books

Josephine Humphreys Books

Pat Conroy Books

New York Times Article 36 Hours, Charleston, S.C.

Why I Love Indie Bookshops, Mandy Jackson -Beverly

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Exploring the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Literature with Nina Schuyler Dec 11, 2023

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Ever wonder how an economist turned lawyer found her true calling in the world of creative writing? We embark on a fascinating exploration of Nina Schuyler's journey, her love for incorporating Japanese culture in her novels and the intriguing blend of mathematics and Japanese culture that blossoms in her latest novel, AFTERWORD.
Does beauty have the power to transcend suffering? We engage in an in-depth discussion about Schuyler's characters Haru and Virginia in AFTERWORD. Their journey unveils how their intellectual bond empowers Virginia to overcome societal barriers and kindle her love for math. We also touch upon the themes of loneliness, grief, identity, and longing that are woven throughout their story. In an age of technological reliance, we also explore the intricate relationships between humans and machines that Schuyler beautifully crafts in her narrative.
Are we ready for a future governed by artificial intelligence? Schuyler's fascination with AI and its implications on language forms a captivating part of our conversation. We uncover the power of opening paragraphs in a novel, exploring the emotional engagement of readers, the lure of precise imprecision, and the enormous impact artificial intelligence can have on language. We also delve into Schuyler's teaching experiences, her current reading list, and her unique substack where she dissects mesmerizing sentences from published works.
Nina Schuyler’s short story collection, In this Ravishing World, won the W.S. Porter Prize for Short Story Collections and The Prism Prize for Climate Literature, and will be published by Regal House Publishing in 2024. Her novel, The Translator, won the Next Generation Indie Book Award for General Fiction and was a finalist for the William Saroyan International Writing Prize. Her novel, The Painting, was a finalist for the Northern California Book Award. Her book, How to Write Stunning Sentences, was a Small Press Distribution bestseller, and her new craft book, Stunning Sentences: The Creative Writing Journal with 80 New Prompts from Beloved Authors to Improve Your Style, was published by Fiction Advocate in November 2022.

She teaches creative writing at the University of San Francisco, Stanford Continuing Studies, and for the independent bookstore, Book Passage, and The Writing Room. She writes a column about prose style for Fiction Advocate and reviews books for The Millions. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons, where she hikes, bodysurfs, and writes in a small room, looking out at a tall palm tree.
Nina Schuyler

AFTERWORD, Nina Schuyler

The Painting, Nina Schuyler

How to Write Stunning Sentences, Nina Schuyler

In This Ravishing World, Nina Schuyler

The Translator, Nina Schuyler

Book Passage and Elaine Petrocelli on The Bookshop Podcast

The Face of Another, Kobo Abe

How to Read Lacan, Slavoj Zizek

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