Behind The Stack

Brett sits down with author Harrison Hill to discuss his debut non fiction book, "The Oracle's Daughter", about a woman's escape from a cult her mother was the leader of. They talk how he got the idea, research and legality, religious fundamentalism, and the frightening challenge of getting out. 

Harrison's website:

https://www.harrisonhill.me/

Harrison's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/1harrisonhill/

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Brett sits down with Chad Harbach to discuss his sophomore novel, 'The Brightness'. They talk revisiting characters from, 'The Art Of Fielding' and why go back, writing a book about female friendship and feminism, a favorite and hardest character to write, and the status of the adaption of his first book. 

n+1 magazine:

https://www.nplusonemag.com/

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Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@brettsbookstack

Bookshop.org page:

Brett sits down with Mary Beth Keane to discuss her latest novel and Good Morning America Book Club Pick, 'Whale Harbor" They talk all things Irish: extended large families, including her own, the rural setting, Catholic School and rebellion, emotional stoicism, and where that whale came from. 

Mary Beth's website:

https://marybethkeane.com/

Mary Beth's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/marybethkeane/

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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

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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/

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Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:
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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. 

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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!

Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@brettsbookstack

Bookshop.org page:
https://www.bookshop.org/shop/brettsbookstack

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: [email protected]

If y...

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/

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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/

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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/

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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.

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Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@bret...

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/

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Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:
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Brett sits down with writer Ben Reeves to discuss his debut novel, Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurts. They talk about death obviously, but also his ideas for what death should look like and the rules involved in the story. They talk children, and grief, and growing up, and survival, and taking the time to notice the life happening around you, while you still have the chance. 

Ben's website:

https://benreeves.co.uk/

Ben's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/authorbenreeves/

If you like what you're hearing on this podcast p...

Brett sits down with author Julie Buntin to discuss her novel Famous Men. They talk small towns and leaving them for big cities, coming of age and what comes with the transition from young girl to young woman, consent, writing workshops and creative spaces, and a literary dinner party.

Julie's Website:

https://www.juliebuntin.com/

Julie's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/juliebuntin/

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Brett sits down with writer/director and oncologist (you read that right!) Roshan Sethi to discuss his debut novel, The Simp. He unpacks his rise from medicine to the arts, and his drive behind all of it. Diversity, race, sexuality, 'The White Lotus', 'A Nice Indian Boy,' and Hollywood assistants. Is it satire or real life?

Roshan's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/roshan.sethi87/?hl=en

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Brett sits down with Renee from @itsbooktalk to talk about our favs from quarter two. A total of ten books including: 

-Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin

-In the Days of My Youth, I Was Told What It Means To Be a Man by Tom Junod

-Smile or You're Doing It Wrong by Andy Glaze

-Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer

-Wonderland by Jennifer Hiller

-Fruit Fly by Josh Silver

-Kingfisher by Rosie Kelly

-Transcription by Ben Lerner

-Count the Ways by J...

Brett sits down with debut author Meg Charlton to discuss her timely book, Voyagers. They talk about childhood friends and the life events that bond us, choosing character perspective, the human capacity to normalize extraordinary events, writing an ambiguous ending, an alien named Allen, and perhaps the most unique (?) self help book you'll ever hear.

Meg's website: 

https://megcharlton.com/

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

B...

Brett talks with author Rasheed Newson about his latest book, 'There's Only One Sin In Hollywood.' They discuss dreamers in Hollywood and what it takes to succeed, Diahann Carroll and Sydney Poitier, and writing real life icons into stories, stars and privacy, oppression and creating safe spaces, mixing politics with celebrity, and the double standards that still exist in the industry.

Rasheed's website:

https://www.rasheednewson.com/

Rasheed's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rasheed.newson.author/

If you like what you're hearing on this podcast...

Brett talks with Claire Fuller about her new novel, 'Hunger & Thirst'. They discuss writing without a plot, being drawn to dark stories, horror movies, book lists, and find out who became a character in the book. 

The book anthology Claire talks about:

https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Unquiet-Guests-by-Dan-Coxon-editor/9781917792073

Claire's instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/writerclairefuller/

Claire's website:
https://clairefuller.co.uk/

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Brett talks with writer Natalie Adler about her debut novel, 'Waiting On A Friend'. They discuss the inspiration for the book, belief in the paranormal, the AIDS crisis, getting married, caretaking lesbians, and a magical creature named Chester.

Natalie's website:

https://www.natalie-adler.com

Natalie's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/natalie.and.chester/

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:<...

Brett sits down with author John Glynn to discuss his fiction debut, 'The Lost Book Of Lancelot'. They talk about his work as an editor, the massive source material behind this book, queering a legend, staying true to a time period while keeping in mind a modern audience, and the difficulty in writing a love scene. 

John's website:

http://johnglynn.net/

John's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/glynner85/

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Brett sits down with writer Djamel White to discuss his debut novel, 'All Them Dogs'. They talk about early reading and Roddy Doyle's Fighting Words, gangster inspiration, toxic masculinity and feeling like an outsider. Tattoos, gender roles, and the explosive collision of desire and fear. 

Djamel's Website:

https://djamelwhite.com/

Djamel's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/djamelwhitewriter/

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

Brett sits down with Douglas Stuart for his latest book, 'John of John'. They discuss his transition from designer to writer, what brought him to the books location, the Hebrides, the liberation of writing fathers and sons, living in a place with religious conservatism, queerness in a masculine environment, and returning as an adult to the home you grew up in. 

Douglas' website:

https://www.douglasdstuart.com/

Douglas' instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/douglas_stuart/

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Brett sits down with Tim Ehrenberg of @Timtalksbooks who is also the  cohost of the popular book podcast, Books, Beach & Beyond with Elin Hilderbrand, and the President of the Nantucket Book Foundation which produces the Nantucket Book Festival. They discuss his own bookish origin story, his podcast and friendship with Elin as well as the hugely acclaimed book festival. Tim then shares six summer books and one from fall to add to your TBR.

Tim's website: www.timtalksbooks.com

Tim's instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/timtalksbooks/

The Nantucket Book Festival:

...

Brett sits down with author TJ Klune to discuss his latest book 'We Burned So Bright'. They talk books from when they were younger, and find more than one in common. They touch on the Heated Rivalry zeitgeist, where the idea for the book came from, centering a story on older protagonists, age and maintaining curiosity, and the ultimate belief in the goodness of people.

TJ's website:

https://www.tjklunebooks.com/

TJ's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/tjklunebooks/

If you like what you're hearing on this...

In this episode Brett sits down with Stephanie Sy-Quia to discuss her debut novel, 'A Private Man'. They talk Catholicism, elder care, writing from real life, being a foodie, male beauty, women ahead of their time, a life of service and having a soul fulfilled. 

Stephanie's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/c_est_qui77/

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:

In this episode Brett sits down with author Kristin T Lee, to discuss her debut, 'We Mend With Gold'. They talk about the path that led her to writing this, bringing yourself to God, inclusivity and expanding the spiritual circle, raising kids today in Christianity, coming out on social media as a Christian, and what is it that keeps her in the church. 

Kristin's website:

https://kristintlee.com

Kristin's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ktlee.writes/?hl=en

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In this episode Brett sits down with Emma Straub to discuss her new book, "American Fantasy'. They talk cruises (of course) Boy Bands (for sure), MTV, fame, childhood crushes, recapturing memories from your youth, growing older and staying younger, opera, Sondheim, and some special books recs of two debut authors. 

Emma's website:

https://www.emmastraub.net/

Emma's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/emmastraub/

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h...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Luke Dumas to discuss his new book, 'Nothing Tastes As Good'. They talk about body image and body shaming, GLP drugs, what led to the moment he decided to write this book, and the book by a horror master that planted the seed to someday write this book. 

Luke's website:

https://www.lukedumas.com/

Luke's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thenewdumas/

https://bookshop.org/lists/episode-75-luke-dumas/edit

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In this chock full episode, Brett and returning guest Renee from @itsbooktalk  discuss some of their top reads from the first quarter of 2026 as well as six books we're looking forward to in quarter two. Get ready to fill up your TBRs! 

Renee's substack

https://substack.com/@itsbooktalk

Renee's instagram:

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

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

In this episode Brett sits down with Wade Rouse to discuss his Golden Girls inspired book, 'That's What Friends Are For'. They talk age, queer cross pollination, the impact his Grandmother had on his life, spirituality, friendship, and a foodie walk through Palm Springs. 

Wade's website:

https://waderouse.com/

Wade's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/authorwaderouse/

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

B...

Brett sits down with author Lori Inglis Hall to discuss her debut novel, 'The Shock of the Light'. They talk about her passion for history, the photographer Lee Miller, the inspiration for this story, spies and double agents during the second World War, strong female protagonists, and characters with secrets.

Lori's website:

https://www.loriinglishall.co.uk/

Lori's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/loriinglishall/

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...

In this episode Brett sits down with Jordy Rosenberg to discuss his latest novel, "Night Night Swan". The talk about writing satire and the value of it, Transphobia, Palestine and growing up with Zionist parents, writing female friendship, lesbian and trans sci fi, and how he ended up narrating the book. 

Jordy's website:

https://www.jordy-rosenberg.com/

Jordy's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jordyrosenberg/

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In this epsiode Brett sits down with author Rachel Hochhauser to discuss her debut novel, 'Lady Tremaine'. They talk about the inspiration for the retelling of Cinderella, being a Mother, her approach to writing, updating Happily Ever After, and her company, Piecework. 

Rachel's website:

https://rachelhochhauser.com/

Rachel's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hochhauser/

Piecework Puzzles:

https://pieceworkpuzzles.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=8557565999&gbraid=0AAAAAClnu0SkIvC1TP0qP31EaWMZL4tlQ&gclid=CjwKCAiAh5XNBhAAEiwA_Bu8FeyDHPpj9J_EGYt80wfJqHgbcDbEoruU-ZtgRwd4m1rY0ibG28_1bRoC2VMQAvD_BwE

In this episode Brett sits down with Christopher Castellani to talk about his new book, 'Last Seen'. They discuss the origins for this mystery that is tinged with magical realism, the magnet and draw of youth, writing flawed characters, faith, anxiety, and the magical connection between author and reader. 

Christopher's website:

https://christophercastellani.com/

Christopher's instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/cdcastellani/

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In this episode Brett sits down with author Grant Ginder to discuss his new book, 'So Old, So Young'. They talk about the challenge of this particular book, moving from politics to prose, a Sondheim musical, the brat pack and The Big Chill, how small decisions accumulate into a life, the intensity of college friendships, and how he's personally handling being so old, so young. 

Grant's website:

https://www.grantginder.com/

Grant's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/grantginder/

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In this episode Brett sits down with author Patmeena Sabit to discuss her debut novel, 'Good People'. They talk about her path from reader to writer, the unique narrative style of the book, growing up as a young woman in the Afghani community, and the expectations that community and family place on the shoulders of women. 

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/s...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Ashley Winstead to discuss her new book, 'The Future Saints'. They talk about the book's surprising origin, her connection to music and the music industry, what she would want to be if not a writer, music documentaries, and the raw creation of music vs writing. 

Ashley's website:

https://www.ashleywinstead.com/

Ashley's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/stories/ashleywinsteadbooks/

The Future Saints Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2p9jAqTrQucrizB3Rflw78?si=bxjvZ96ESo2ffLO8H-wl_w

In this episode Brett sits down with Jennifer Niven to discuss her book, 'Meet the Newmans'. They talk about antiquated grade school classes, her mother and how she was inspirational for the character of Dinah, working in a male dominated profession, the musicians who inspired key characters in the book, and why she made the decision to set the story in the time period she did. 

Jennifer's website:

https://www.jenniferniven.com/

Jennifer's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jenniferniven/

If you like what y...