Author Interviews

Brooke Hartman is an Alaskan mom and a national award-winning author of silly, sweet, and sometimes strange stories for children and Young Adults.

Her Denali Solo: A Woman Alone on North America's Highest Peak is a book by Chris Lundgren about Norma Jean Bowers, the first woman to summit Denali solo in 1990, detailing her decade-long quest, the extreme challenges she faced, and her historic achievement, which was previously under-documented.

In "Ghosts of Distant Trees", Erica Watson traces the layered ecologies of Denali National Park, Alaska—its vast and shifting landscape.

The Book of Reservations is the second installment of The Ghost Table trilogy. It picks up one year after The Coat Check Girl ends. It is autumn 2000 and Miss Sylvie’s Bistrot in Greenwich Village, New York is struggling to survive.

Unfinished tells the story of how music and technology have co-evolved over the past 60,000 years.

Bailey Berg discusses her new book Secret Alaska: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure with Mike Chmielewski.

Mike Chemielewski talked to Norman Woolworth about his second novel, The Bolden Cylinder.

Norman talked about why he writes historical novels set in New Orleans and why he is fascinated by the city. Quirky New Orleans antiques dealer Bruneau Abellard is the protagonist in his two books. In The Bolden Cylinder, Bruneau listens to a vintage phonograph cylinder he found in the secret compartment of a sideboard and wonders if he has stumbled upon an essential piece of musical history.

Jeff Burningham talks with Mike Chmielewski about his book The Last Book to Be Written By A Human.

The book questions the future of human expression and authorship, contrasting human vulnerability and experience with the capabilities of AI to generate vast amounts of content. Jeff Burningham delivers a profound and urgent exploration of what it truly means to be human in the age of AI—challenging us to embrace wisdom.

Mike Chiemlewski talks with Alyson Richman about her 10th novel, The Missing Pages. Alyson explains why she writes historical novels and the research that she puts into learning about the time period. In the novel, Violet Hutchins is working as a page at the Widener Library. When mysterious things begin happening at the library, Violet wonders if Harry Widener’s ghost is trying to communicate with her.

Mike Chmielewski is joined by, writer for The Times (UK) and bestselling author, to discuss his thrilling recounting of one of the most harrowing hostage situations and daring rescue attempts of our time, of ordinary, everyday people.e A writer for The Times (UK) and bestselling author, to discuss his thrilling recounting of one of the most harrowing hostage situations and daring rescue attempts of our time, of ordinary, everyday people.

Mike Chmielewski is joined by therapist and author, John Kim, to talk about his newest book,"Break Up. On Purpose.", how to go from break up to break through. Learn the steps to heal and grow.John Kim

Scheel has witnessed a sea change in what we know and are able to discover about octopus physiology and behavior—even an octopus's inner life. Here, he explores remarkable new scientific developments, weaving accounts of his own research and surprising encounters with stories and legends of Indigenous peoples that illuminate our relationship with these creatures across centuries. In 

Author Ruth Bonapace discusses her debut novel, describing it as "Jersey Shore meets The Wizard of Oz." Elements of self-help fads with humor and fantasy. A good time is guaranteed when you open the pages and jump in.

Author Celeste Edmunds discusses her gripping first-person account, which delves into her life as a young woman who, against all odds, found strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Born in an Alaska boomtown in 1911, Irene Sherman was the self-proclaimed Queen of Fairbanks. They cheered her in parades, toasted her birthdays, and quietly guaranteed her independent lifestyle. She is a living, breathing piece of history -- a study in survival and an inspiring tribute to Alaska's pioneer spirit

The author's reflection on an unlikely love story serves as an antidote to society's growing apathy towards marriage.

The new Morningstar Tribe must reunite with Joseph, the God who abandoned them, and uncover the truth he tried to bury. The only hope for restoring balance lies in the unthinkable—the return of the Devil.

Mike Chmielewski talks with author Brent Pohlman, owner and CEO of Midwest Laboratories, to discuss leadership. Leadership is unique for everyone; learn how to discover it within yourself and unleash your leadership potential.

Mike Chmielewski talks with Jack Cohen, a speaker, author, and CEO with over 40 years of leadership experience, discussing how to transform your career and go beyond traditional advice with techniques and strategies to thrive.

A profoundly moving new novel about a middle-aged couple's struggle with the husband’s descent into early-onset Lewy Body dementia. Counting Backwards captures the pair’s final years, months, and days in short scenes that burn with despair, rage, and dark humor, tracking the brutal destruction of the disease as well as the moments of love and beauty that still exist for them.

A Working Man’s Guide is a value-driven roadmap for working men seeking to thrive in their careers, relationships, and personal lives. Mark Teague draws on his remarkable path from farmhand to executive and business owner to give a framework for problem-solving rooted firmly in time-honored ethics and practical advice.

This comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide is the first resource to consider bone and joint health together. Learn which nutrients the body needs in what amounts, which anti-inflammatory ingredients to keep in your kitchen, and what exercises can help improve bone health. The great-tasting recipes are for everyone, from omnivores to vegans.

Mike Chmielewski is joined by Ben Macintyre, writer for The Times (UK) and bestselling author, to discuss his thrilling recounting of one of the most harrowing hostage situations and daring rescue attempts of our time, of ordinary, everyday people.

A Place for Us unfolds the lives of an Indian-American Muslim family, gathered together in their Californian hometown to celebrate the eldest daughter, Hadia's, wedding - a match of love rather than tradition. A narrative that spans decades and sees family life through the eyes of each member, A Place For Us charts the crucial moments in the family's past, from the bonds that bring them together to the differences that pull them apart.

Join Mike Chmielewski as he is joined by author, reporter, anchor, and BYU graduate Janeen Golightly, as they talk about why giving your marriage one last try could actually help you move on.

Retired financial advisor Frank Buchholz distills 40 years of real-world experience into a practical, jargon-free guide to securing financial freedom. This is not a get-rich-quick scheme—it’s a proven blueprint for sustainable wealth building through smart, consistent investing

The Communist’s Secret is the second book in The Leningrad Trilogy, a gripping World War II tale with a complicated heroine. Katya is courageous, impulsive, and desperate, as she battles the Nazis and her demons in this story of second chances.

Lee Henrikson talks with Pulitzer Prize finalist and New York Times bestselling author Annie Jacobsen about her newest book: a scenario and vivid picture of what could happen.

Sarah talked to Mike Chmielewski about the Curry area and how she blends true history with her imagination to create this story.
In 1974, young Californians Thomas Findlay and Emily Wells dug post holes for a cabin on that very hill and unearthed a human bone. The discovery shatters their struggle for stability and their attempt to start their lives over, propelling the couple toward their own tragedy as their story intertwines with one that unfolded in 1927, where the hill they hope to build on was the site of love, loss, and deadly violence.

Award-winning writer Marybeth Holleman talks with Mike Chmielewski about her new book.

Raised by North Carolina’s Smokies, she now lives in the embrace of Alaska's Chugach Mountains. Her essays, poetry, and articles have appeared in numerous journals, magazines, and anthologies. Bloom Again, her first fiction book, weaves together a narrative, characters, and a depiction of the climate change crisis in two very different parts of the world.

Ray Bonell, Artist and Historian, joins Mike Chmielewski to talk about his book on the early days of the Mat-Su Valley.  Ray will be at Fireside Books on Saturday, September 14th, from 1:00-3:00 PM 

Mike Chmielewski is joined by Susan Hensley, a transformational coach, speaker, journalist, and author, to discuss how to reclaim the wisdom, wonder, and free spirit you once possessed.

"The Hockey Experiment" by Ava Miles 

Dr. Valentina Hargrove is on a mission to prove once and for all that hockey players are modern-day cavemen. Her problem? Brock “The Rock” Thomson, captain of the Alexandria Eagles, is as infuriatingly charming as he is undeniably intelligent. Join Valentina and Brock as professional goals clash with personal ones.  It's a fun ride through attraction, discovery, and the choices we make.

Impertinent Question is Dan O'Neill's new book. He shares stories with Mike about being a liberal columnist at a conservative newspaper in the red state of Alaska. Dan says that his fidelity is to accuracy, truth, and putting history together.

Mike Chmeilewski talks to award-winning novelist Juliette Fay about her new book, The Harvey Girls.

This novel is based on the real Harvey Girls, who were waitresses who served in America’s first hospitality chain on the Santa Fe railroad.  The story centers on Charlotte Crowninshield and Billie MacTavish, who share three things: a room, a heartfelt dislike of each other… and each has a secret that will undoubtedly get her fired.

a 2025 novel by Marybeth Holleman about climate change and resilience

Author, reporter, anchor, and BYU graduate, Janeen Golightly, talks about why giving your marriage one last try could actually help you move on.

Larri shares memories from 18 years of sailing with her husband and daughter on their sailboat the Altariel. Their many adventures went from dangerous and nerve-racking to the fantastic views of nature in Southeast Alaska.

Sarah Lengler writes speculative fiction where timelines twist and memories mislead. When not writing, she enjoys Alaska’s beauty, her faith, and time with her fiancé, stepdaughter, husky, and ferrets. Her debut novel promises thrilling journeys, sharp turns, and lasting impact. The story follows Shea Murphy, a scientist who wakes in Alaska missing a year of memories and finds herself dependent on a mysterious stranger. In a parallel storyline set a year earlier, Shea is recruited by Crowned Skull Laboratories to lead Twin Pines, a high-tech biotech project. As the past and present converge, Shea’s search for answers force...