Truer Words

Latest Episodes:

Michelle Quach Sep 19, 2021

Show notes

In the 68th episode of Truer Words, we speak with Michelle Quach about graphic design, unlikable female characters, and creating a love interest who does more than just the assigned reading. Michelle is the author of the debut YA, NOT HERE TO BE LIKED. Michelle can be found on Twitter @michellequach and Instagram @_michellequach. Her website is michellequach.com.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Gold-Plated Girls newsletter: 'Never Have I Ever' & Dead Dads & Me by Victoria Edel

Laura Hankin

A Special Place for Women by Laura Hankin

The Other Two on HBOMax

Munich

Schitt's Creek on Netflix

Ted Lasso on Apple+

Constance Grady

Why a Christmas Episode Supercharged the Ted Lasso Debate by Kathryn VanArendonk

Reservation Dogs on Hulu

Only Murders in the Building on Hulu

Moving On, A Love Story - Nora Ephron Apthorp article

Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore

League of Extraordinary Women series

The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser

Suddenly You by LIsa Kleypas

Fated Mates podcast

Sally Rooney

Why is the Sex in Sally Rooney's Novels So Good? by Amil Niazi

She's All That

Writing the Romantic Comedy by Billy Merritt

Macbeth

Life: A User's Manual by Georges Perec

The Book Doctors

PitMad

If You, Then Me by Yvonne Woon

In-Between Girl

The Ezra Klein Show: How Blue Cities Became So Outrageously Unaffordable

The Ezra Klein Show: That Anxiety You're Feeling?

Hana Kh Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin

About Us:

Truer Words is created and produced by Melissa Baumgart and Kathryn Benson. Our music was composed by Mike Sayre, and our logo was designed by Marianne Murphy.

You can follow us on Twitter @truerwordspod and on Instagram @truerwordspodcast. Contact us via our website, truerwordspodcast.com, or email us at truerwordspodcast@gmail.com.

Emma Kress Aug 16, 2021

Show notes

In the 67th episode of Truer Words, we speak with Emma Kress about writing girls in sports, taking risks, and social media as an author. Emma is the author of DANGEROUS PLAY, available now! Emma can be found on Twitter @emma_kress, TikTok @emma_kress, and Instagram @kress.emma. Her website is emmakress.com.

Mentioned in this Episode:

All I Wanna Do

Bluey

Bluey is the Best Kids' Show of Our Time by Kathryn VanArendonk for Vulture

Flat Stanley

The Nanny

Drawn That Way by Elissa Sussman

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Born in Fire / Born in Ice / Born in Shame (Irish Born trilogy) by Nora Roberts

The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery

Reservation Dogs

Sterlin Harjo on WTF with Marc Maron

Killers of the Flower Moon movie

Brendan Fraser Joins Killers of the Flower Moon

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

The Great House Revival

Cynthia Leitich-Smith

Our episode with Nova Ren Suma

Ruth Ware

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price

Our episode with Tirzah Price

In the Same Boat by Holly Green

Sarah Dessen

When You Look Like Us by Pamela N. Harris

Mare of Easttown

Ted Lasso

About Us:

Truer Words is created and produced by Melissa Baumgart and Kathryn Benson. Our music was composed by Mike Sayre, and our logo was designed by Marianne Murphy.

You can follow us on Twitter @truerwordspod and on Instagram @truerwordspodcast. Contact us via our website, truerwordspodcast.com, or email us at truerwordspodcast@gmail.com.

Margot Wood Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

In the 66th episode of Truer Words, we speak with Margot Wood about Emma retellings, marketing a book as "queer," and finding community in book lovers. Margot can be found on Twitter @margotwood and Instagram @margotmwood. Her website is margotwood.com.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Epic Reads

Immersive Van Gogh exhibit

Carrieres de Lumières

Georges Méliès

Hieronymous Bosch

L'Atelier des Lumières Paris

A Black Lady Sketch Show

Issa Rae's wedding photos

A Special Place for Women by Laura Hankin

While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory

Our episode with Jasmine

Emma by Jane Austen

Emma (2020 film)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Adrienne Kisner

Our episode with Adrienne

Meisner technique

Kiersten White

Alphasmart Neo Typewriter

The Princess Diaries

Love, Simon

Insurgent movie

Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Fraser

The Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead

Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon

Bones

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Freddie Prinze Jr.

About Us:

Truer Words is created and produced by Melissa Baumgart and Kathryn Benson. Our music was composed by Mike Sayre, and our logo was designed by Marianne Murphy.

You can follow us on Twitter @truerwordspod and on Instagram @truerwordspodcast. Contact us via our website, truerwordspodcast.com, or email us at truerwordspodcast@gmail.com.

Azadeh Westergaard Jul 19, 2021

Show notes

In the 65th episode of Truer Words, we speak with Azadeh Westergaard about illustration, the joys of research, and Nikola Tesla. Azadeh is the author of A LIFE ELECTRIC: THE STORY OF NIKOLA TESLA. She can be found on Twitter @ahwestergaard and Instagram @ahwestergaard. Her website is ahwestergaard.com.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Vermont College of Fine Arts Writing for Children and Young Adults

Heartburn by Nora Ephron audiobook read by Meryl Streep

Heartburn movie

Nora Ephron's "Heartburn" is an Ideal Audiobook by Helen Rosner

Quotation from Heartburn

Fresh by Margot Wood

Emma by Jane Austen

Clueless

Hacks

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work

Thanks for Waiting by Doree Shafrir

Forever35 podcast

Amelia Bedelia

Roseanne Rosannadanna

Júlia Sardà (illustrator of Azadeh's book)

She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton

Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Júlia Sardà

Laura Hankin

Andrea Bartz and Laura Hankin Talk About Accidentally Writing Similar Novels

New York Public Library

Archive.org

New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

Theatre on Film and Tape Archive

Oklahoma! on Broadway

On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne

Liz Garton Scanlon

Maira Kalman

Ooh-La-La Max in Love by Maira Kalman

School of Visual Arts

Patent Pending bar

Patent Pending in Nomad is a Cafe by Day, Speakeasy by Night

Call My Agent!

The Worst Witch

The Worst Witch books by Jill Murphy

Sing

Sing 2

Misery

Pokko and the Drum by Matthew Forsythe

The Scribner Anthology of Contemporary Short Fiction

Jhumpa Lahiri

"Brownies" by ZZ Packer

The Aspiring Poet's Journal

About Us:

Truer Words is created and produced by Melissa Baumgart and Kathryn Benson. Our music was composed by Mike Sayre, and our logo was designed by Marianne Murphy.

You can follow us on Twitter @truerwordspod and on Instagram @truerwordspodcast. Contact us via our website, truerwordspodcast.com, or email us at truerwordspodcast@gmail.com.

Cassie Gustafson Jul 05, 2021

Show notes

In the 64th episode of Truer Words, we speak with Cassie Gustafson about writing about sexual assault responsibly, loving dark stories, and Tana French. Cassie can be found on Twitter @cassiegusty and Instagram @cassiegusty. Her website is cassiegustafson.com.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Djerassi

Nova Ren Suma

Our episode with Nova Ren Suma

World of Our Fathers: The Journey of Eastern European Jews and the Life They Found and Made by Irving Howe

Norma Klein

Just Friends

Margaret

The Cinematic Traumas of Kenneth Lonergan

Melissa's Bright Wall / Dark Room essay

Margaret issue of Bright Wall / Dark Room

Smith-Cameron

Succession

You Can Count on Me

Manchester by the Sea

Angels in America

West Side Story

Gosford Park

The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson

Truly Devious Trilogy by Maureen Johnson

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Finding Water by Julia Cameron

By Now, Burnout is a Given

Band Candy

Earshot - Buffy saves Jonathan

Danny Strong

Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak

Tana French

The Secret Place by Tana French

The Trespasser by Tana French

In the Woods by Tana French

Laurie Faria Stolarz

Jane Anonymous by Laurie Faria Stolarz

The Last Secret You'll Ever Keep by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas

A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow

The Handmaid's Tale on Hulu

Land directed by Robin Wright

Songland

About Us:

Truer Words is created and produced by Melissa Baumgart and Kathryn Benson. Our music was composed by Mike Sayre, and our logo was designed by Marianne Murphy.

You can follow us on Twitter @truerwordspod and on Instagram @truerwordspodcast. Contact us via our website, truerwordspodcast.com, or email us at truerwordspodcast@gmail.com.

Kristy Everington Jun 21, 2021

Show notes

In the 63rd episode of Truer Words, we speak with Kristy Everington about Australian authors, why Americans call everything "cute," and Ethan Hawke. Kristy is the author of the debut picture book ISOBEL ADDS IT UP. Kristy can be found on Twitter @kmeverington and Instagram @kristyeveryington. Her website is kristyeverington.com.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Very Sincerely Yours by Kerry Winfrey

Our episode with Kerry Winfrey

Starstruck on HBO Max

Ted Lasso on Apple+

Dickinson on Apple+

Hacks on HBO Max

Succession on HBO

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

We Can't Keep Meeting Like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Our episode with Rachel Lynn Solomon

Kirkus review of Isobel Adds It Up

Kathi Appelt

Praise by Andrew McGahan

Sara Zarr

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Jaclyn Moriarty

Melina Marchetta

Tomorrow, When the War Began series by John Marsden

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Buffy on Hulu

Angel on Hulu

The X-Files

THE X-FILES TWEET (allegedly, please don't sue us)

Dawson's Creek

Our episode with Laurie Morrison

Mare of Easttown on HBO Max

Cruel Summer on Freeform

Vampire's Promise by Caroline B. Cooney

You by Caroline Kepnes

You TV series

Dig by A.S. King

The Project by Courtney Summers

About Us:

Truer Words is created and produced by Melissa Baumgart and Kathryn Benson. Our music was composed by Mike Sayre, and our logo was designed by Marianne Murphy.

You can follow us on Twitter @truerwordspod and on Instagram @truerwordspodcast. Contact us via our website, truerwordspodcast.com, or email us at truerwordspodcast@gmail.com.

Camryn Garrett Jun 07, 2021

Show notes

In the 62nd episode of Truer Words, we speak with Camryn Garrett about journalism, film, writing for teens as a teen (and young adult), and DIRTY DANCING. Camryn is the author of two young adult novels, FULL DISCLOSURE and OFF THE RECORD. Camryn can be found on Twitter @dancingofpens and Instagram @camryngwrites. Her website is camryngarrett.com.

Mentioned in this Episode:

#1000wordsofsummer on Twitter

#1000wordsofsummer/Craft Talk newsletter by Jami Attenberg

Jami Attenberg

Film at Lincoln Center

World of Wong Kar-Wai

In the Mood for Love

Chungking Express

Criterion Channel

High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America

High on the Hog host Stephen Satterfield

Magnolia Plantation

Michael Twitty

High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America by Jessica D. Harris

Legacy by Nora Roberts

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

We Can't Keep Meeting Like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Our episode with Rachel Lynn Solomon

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon

We Can't Let Physical Media Die by Kieran Fisher

Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman

Time for Kids Reporters

Nicola Yoon

Jacqueline Woodson

Almost Famous

The Chris Farley Show on Saturday Night Live

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

Mike Nichols: A Life by Mark Harris

Who? Weekly

Leah Johnson

The Movies That Made Us

Eleanor Bergstein

Love & Basketball

About Us:

Truer Words is created and produced by Melissa Baumgart and Kathryn Benson. Our music was composed by Mike Sayre, and our logo was designed by Marianne Murphy.

You can follow us on Twitter @truerwordspod and on Instagram @truerwordspodcast. Contact us via our website, truerwordspodcast.com, or email us at truerwordspodcast@gmail.com.

Evan Griffith May 25, 2021

Show notes

In the 54th episode of Truer Words, we speak with Evan Griffith about writing stories about animals, the magic of Mary Quattlebaum, and the beauty of The Crown on Netflix. Evan is the author of SECRETS OF THE SEA: THE STORY OF JEANNE POWER, REVOLUTIONARY MARINE SCIENTIST as well as an upcoming middle grade novel tentatively titled MANATEE SUMMER. Evan can be found on Twitter @Evan_Griffith. His website is evangriffithbooks.com.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai

The Magician and The Spirits by Deb Noyes

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Call My Agent! on Netflix

Buffy on Hulu

Angel on Hulu

The Dry by Jane Harper

The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

2021 ALA Awards

Our episode with Yamile S. Mendez

Furia by Yamile S. Mendez

Our episode with Jenny Torres Sanchez

We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez

Our episode with Kekla Magoon

Workman Publishing

Mary Quattlebaum

Joanie Stone (illustrator of Evan's book!)

The Writing Barn

Katherine Applegate

Salima Alikhan

Our episode with Salima Alikhan

Austin SCBWI

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth Bunce

Avatar: The Last Airbender

The Crown

The Crown Style Archives from Tom + Lorenzo

About Us:

Truer Words is created and produced by Melissa Baumgart and Kathryn Benson. Our music was composed by Mike Sayre, and our logo was designed by Marianne Murphy.

You can follow us on Twitter @truerwordspod and on Instagram @truerwordspodcast. Contact us via our website, truerwordspodcast.com, or email us at truerwordspodcast@gmail.com.

Laurie Morrison May 24, 2021

Show notes

In the 61st episode of Truer Words, we speak with Laurie Morrison about writing upper middle grade, carving up old manuscripts for parts, and Judy Blume. Laurie is the author of the middle grade novel UP FOR AIR, the just-released SAINT IVY: KIND AT ALL COSTS, the upcoming COMING UP SHORT, and the co-author (with Cordelia Jensen) of EVERY SHINY THING. Laurie can be found on Twitter @LaurieLMorrison and Instagram @laurielmorrison. Her website is lauriemorrisonwrites.com.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Dawson's Creek

Amy Spalding

Our episode with Amy Spalding

Amy's OUTFOXED book announcement

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Beach Read by Emily Henry

The Nanny

Crossing Delancey

Mare of Easttown

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Film at Lincoln Center

Jill Santopolo

Cordelia Jensen

Eighth Grade

The Canada Geese Quilt by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock

Judy Blume

Just As Long As We're Together by Judy Blume

Goodbye, Stranger by Rebecca Stead

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret? by Judy Blume

Losers at the Center of the Galaxy by Mary-Winn Heider

The Comeback by E. L. Shen

Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Joy McCullough

Our episode with Joy McCullough

Lost in Space (Netflix version)

Lost in Space (movie)

Lost in Space (1960s)

Ted Lasso

Schitt's Creek

About Us:

Truer Words is created and produced by Melissa Baumgart and Kathryn Benson. Our music was composed by Mike Sayre, and our logo was designed by Marianne Murphy.

You can follow us on Twitter @truerwordspod and on Instagram @truerwordspodcast. Contact us via our website, truerwordspodcast.com, or email us at truerwordspodcast@gmail.com.

A.S. King May 10, 2021

Show notes

In the 60th episode of Truer Words, we speak with A. S. King about writing EMOTIONS, respecting teens, and astrology. Amy is the author of multiple middle grade and young adult novels, including her newest, SWITCH, which comes out May 11th. Amy can be found on Twitter @AS_King and Instagram @as_king. Her website is as-king.com.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Jacques d'Amboise

Jacques d'Amboise in China: The Other Side of the World

Jacques d'Amboise dancing "Apollo"

Jacques d'Amboise in the dream ballet in Carousel

Jacques d'Amboise in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

He Makes Me Feel Like Dancin' Oscar-winning documentary directed by Emile Ardolino

National Dance Institute

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

Whiteout by Adriana Anders

Fated Mates podcast

Stacey Abrams romance novels

I Crawl Through It by A. S. King

Dig by A. S. King

The Dust of 100 Dogs by A. S. King

David Gill

Vonnegut's Shape of Stories diagram

David Levithan

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing by M. T. Anderson

The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A. S. King

Paul Zindel

John Mulaney

Kae Tempest

The Handmaid's Tale (audiobook version read by Claire Danes) by Margaret Atwood

Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu

Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins

The Man Suit by Zachary Schomberg

Scary No Scary by Zachary Schomberg

Louise Glück

The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry

Aaron's Books

About Us:

Truer Words is created and produced by Melissa Baumgart and Kathryn Benson. Our music was composed by Mike Sayre, and our logo was designed by Marianne Murphy.

You can follow us on Twitter @truerwordspod and on Instagram @truerwordspodcast. Contact us via our website, truerwordspodcast.com, or email us at truerwordspodcast@gmail.com.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected