Books Shows Tunes & Mad Acts (2025)

04/06/2025

: David LeBrun and His Memoir, Delirium Vitae

Available today! Meet Canadian author, David LeBrun, whose first book, a travel memoir, is being published today by Tortoise Books. Delirium Vitae is a recounting of David's adventures in Central America when he fled the cold Canadian winter to party with an old friend, promptly ran out of money, and began the slow journey of discovering what he was running from while returning home. In this episode, David talks about the jobs-related book he was working on during the trip and how it was scuttled when this one emerged. Delirium Vitae weaves David's adventures with colorful if sketchy characters into a portrait of a sensitive and observant young man, trying to grapple with life's tragedies. He also offers insights into his long writing process, the usefulness of editors and critique groups, and what to focus on as a writer. Come for the breakneck, page-turning escapades, stay for the thoughtful exploration of self-healing through writing. A wonderful episode for readers and writers.

David's book at Tortoise Books:
https://tortoisebooks.com/store/deliriumvitae

David's website, including some short stories:
https://www.davidlebrun.ca/

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

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Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
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https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2025-06-03T05_00_00-07_00

Available today! Meet Canadian author, David LeBrun, whose first book, a travel memoir, is being published today by Tortoise Books. Delirium Vitae is a recounting of David's adventures in Central America when he fled the cold Canadian winter to party with an old friend, promptly ran out of money...

28/12/2024

: South of the Yangtze with Flora Qian

Welcome Flora Qian with her first novel "South of the Yangtze," a coming-of-age story of a thoughtful and curious Chinese girl, born and raised in Shanghai during the one-child years.* Flora discusses the origins of the novel which maps some of her own experiences as a young woman educated in China who then moved to Hong Kong. The intriguing novel, written in English, explores the themes of language, relationships, loneliness, and community, against a backdrop of post-Cultural Revolution China. Flora discusses her interest in Chinese characters, how Mandarin and English entered her life, how Chinese sayings and folk tales influence our thinking, the risks of original thought, and how circumstances often hinder our ability to reach greater intimacy with others. A thought-provoking episode with something for everyone.

*And could make a great holiday present!

Flora's website:
https://floraqian.com/

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Support us!
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-12-23T05_00_00-08_00

Welcome Flora Qian with her first novel "South of the Yangtze," a coming-of-age story of a thoughtful and curious Chinese girl, born and raised in Shanghai during the one-child years.* Flora discusses the origins of the novel which maps some of her own experiences as a young woman educated...

17/12/2024

: Melinda Blau and Her Wisdom Whisperers

Relationship expert Melinda Blau is back with her new book, "The Wisdom Whisperers: Golden Guides to a Long Life of Grit, Grace, and Laughter." Melinda began collecting her "old ladies," as she calls them, in mid-life and shares here the tremendous wisdom and benefit she has received over the past twenty years or so from these relationships with women much older than she is. Not so much a book on aging as a continuation of Melinda's astute career-long observations about the magic and wonder of relationships, The Wisdom Whisperers will make you laugh, reflect, learn, and may inspire you to give the book as a gift to someone dear to you. Always forthright and plain spoken, but also optimistic and good-humored, Melinda now finds herself in the ranks of these golden oldies and reminds the listeners to appreciate all that life has to offer. A wonderful upbeat and thought-provoking episode.

Melinda's website:
https://melindablau.com/

My previous episode with Melinda about "Consequential Strangers":
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2021-12-31T22_00_00-08_00

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Support us!
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-12-16T05_00_00-08_00

Relationship expert Melinda Blau is back with her new book, "The Wisdom Whisperers: Golden Guides to a Long Life of Grit, Grace, and Laughter." Melinda began collecting her "old ladies," as she calls them, in mid-life and shares here the tremendous wisdom and benefit she has rece...

17/11/2024

: Talking with The

The two parts of the Americana duo Tattletale Saints, Simon Stanley and Vanessa McGowen, join us today to talk about tons of music stuff: their formation and evolution, Simon's foray into kids music, Vanessa's bass playing, their move to Nashville, what makes a good cover, and why music from New Zealand might be especially innovative. Simon also talks about songwriting, and Vanessa gives advice to early musicians about making success out of passion. We also include D.I.N.K., one of The Tattletale Saints songs. You just might be a D.I.N.K.! A lovely episode for music listeners, makers, and lovers of all shapes.

The Tattletale Saints website:
https://www.tattletalesaints.com/

Simon's website:
https://www.simonstanleysays.com/

Vanessa's website:
https://vanessamcgowan.com/

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Support us!
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Social Media:
YouTube:
XTwitter:
FB:
IG:
LI: Jennifer K. Crittenden

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-11-17T06_00_00-08_00

The two parts of the Americana duo Tattletale Saints, Simon Stanley and Vanessa McGowen, join us today to talk about tons of music stuff: their formation and evolution, Simon's foray into kids music, Vanessa's bass playing, their move to Nashville, what makes a good cover, and why music from...

04/11/2024

: Two Novels with Christina Hoag

Join us to talk about "Law of the Jungle" and "Skin of Tattoos," two of Christina's novels, both replete with interesting characters and quite absorbing . One is about a biochemist deep in the Amazonian jungle who falls in love with the perfect guy only to discover—well, you can imagine. What you might not imagine is what she does next. Drawn from Christina's experience working with LA gangs, "Skin of Tattoos" is a sympathetic story about a gang member released from jail who finds himself inexorably drawn back into his old life, only worse. Christina is a journalist with a colorful past full of rich adventures that she brings enthusiastically to her writing. A great episode for writers and curious readers who are drawn to the noir-er side of thriller novels.

Christina's website:
https://www.christinahoag.com/

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Support us!
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Social Media:
YouTube:
XTwitter:
FB:
IG:
LI: Jennifer K Crittenden

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-11-04T05_00_00-08_00

Join us to talk about "Law of the Jungle" and "Skin of Tattoos," two of Christina's novels, both replete with interesting characters and quite absorbing . One is about a biochemist deep in the Amazonian jungle who falls in love with the perfect guy only to discover—well, yo...

17/09/2024

: Sarah Langan and her Novel "A Better World"

Sarah Langan, author of "A Better World" and "Good Neighbors," talks about her new dystopian novel and its frightening similarities to our current real life. In Sarah's novel, our hero, Linda, doctor and mom, is initially thrilled to be accepted into Plymouth Valley, a safe refuge for her family from an outside crazy world, but too soon she discovers that there are disturbing dark elements to this so-called utopia. In this episode, Sarah and Jennifer discuss the novel and its plot and characters, Orson Welles' 1984, the horror genre, and writing in general. A great episode for readers and writers.

Sarah's website:
https://sarahlangan.com/

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-08-26T02_00_00-07_00

Sarah Langan, author of "A Better World" and "Good Neighbors," talks about her new dystopian novel and its frightening similarities to our current real life. In Sarah's novel, our hero, Linda, doctor and mom, is initially thrilled to be accepted into Plymouth Valley, a safe r...

16/08/2024

: Campus Protests and Free Speech

Joining us to talk about the recent campus protests and their ramifications for free speech is Kristen Shahverdian of PEN America. Kristen discusses the various balls that campuses must keep in the air, considering the participants' right to free speech, safety on campus, and viewpoint-neutral policy decisions. She discusses the advice that PEN America offers to campus administrators about how to reasonably respond to protesters and what would constitute a disproportionate reaction. We dig into the history of campus protests, from the Free Speech movement to Kent State, as well as recent specific incidents at Columbia University and Indiana University. Kristen also tackles such complexities as repercussions for civil disobedience, draconian punishments, and how the protests have been represented in the media. All this, and more, for free! An important episode.

PEN America's Campus Free Speech Guide:
https://campusfreespeechguide.pen.org/

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

PEN America
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-06-24T02_00_00-07_00

Joining us to talk about the recent campus protests and their ramifications for free speech is Kristen Shahverdian of PEN America. Kristen discusses the various balls that campuses must keep in the air, considering the participants' right to free speech, safety on campus, and viewpoint-neutral p...

20/06/2024

: How to Write Better About Drugs

Join us as pharmacist Miffie Seideman talks about her new book from Indiana University Press, "The Grim Reader: A Pharmacist's Guide to Putting Your Characters in Peril," a great resource for fiction writers who would like to bring a bit more accuracy to their drug-related scenes. Jennifer and Miffie talk about the most egregious errors that show up in books and movies (provoking eye rolls from experts) and how more accurate scenes would result in better and less clichéd writing. We also discuss some notable oddities, such as psychedelic parenting, body packing, belladonna, and the real dangers of alcohol-related games. A fascinating episode for writers and readers alike.

Miffie's excellent book:
https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/cart?domain=iupress.org

Miffie's website where she offers additional information about drugs, writing, and triathlons, and will even answer questions:
https://miffieseideman.com/

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-05-20T02_00_00-07_00
Miffie Seideman

Join us as pharmacist Miffie Seideman talks about her new book from Indiana University Press, "The Grim Reader: A Pharmacist's Guide to Putting Your Characters in Peril," a great resource for fiction writers who would like to bring a bit more accuracy to their drug-related scenes. Jenn...

13/06/2024

AUTHORS! Join us for the Eastern Sierra Book Festival on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at the Mammoth Museum at the Hayden Cabin in Mammoth Lakes, California. It's free! We'll promote you, sell your books, and provide table space for you to meet your adoring fans.
More info at
https://easternsierrabookfestival.com/

Welcome Welcome to the Eastern Sierra Book Festival webpage. We’re glad you’re here. The book festival is a one-day celebration of books, writing, reading, and publishing. It is held annually in July at the beautiful Mammoth Museum at Hayden Cabin in Mammoth Lakes, California, on the Eastside of...

28/05/2024

: Sam Hinton, Folk Singer, Scientist, and Amazing Person

The Sam Hinton Folk Heritage Festival at Old Poway Park in San Diego will be held June 1! We're delighted in this episode to share Sam's history through the eyes of his granddaughter Katrina Hinton-Cooper. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss Sam's music, his tremendous work for the Aquarium Museum of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, and his outlook on the world, as shown through his songs, humor, drawings, and observations. We also manage to talk about science fiction, hypnosis through storytelling, circular breathing, and the joys and foibles of our peculiar species. An uplifting episode with something for everyone.

Information about the Sam Hinton Festival:
https://sdfolkheritage.org/events/sam-hinton-fest/

Sam's website:
http://samhinton.org/

Katrina's blog:
https://somerandomchick.jouwweb.nl/the-blog

Some YouTube videos of Sam that we mention:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGArzUTCegg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcSLudnKFPA&list=PL3D66F0AE1034A321
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqTDHRau1lc

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-05-27T02_00_00-07_00

The Sam Hinton Folk Heritage Festival at Old Poway Park in San Diego will be held June 1! We're delighted in this episode to share Sam's history through the eyes of his granddaughter Katrina Hinton-Cooper. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss Sam's music, his tremendous work for...

18/05/2024

: An Appraisal of "Splinters"

Okay, so the new memoir "Splinters" wasn't our favorite book ever, and sometimes it downright irritated us, but our investigation into what worked (and what didn't!) makes for a fascinating conversation about the nature of memoir and new trends in the genre, from "woe is me" themes to shameless self-exposure which apparently appeals to voyeuristic readers. John Julius Reel and Jennifer discuss the author, Leslie Jamison, the buzz surrounding this book, and their critiques and suggestions for what would have made this book better. Opinionated, passionate, and willing to be harsh, John and Jennifer defend their positions but acknowledge that their own perspective and age might color their view of this very contemporary memoir about being a single moter. A special episode for book lovers and critics.

John Julius Reel's YouTube Channel "Book Rants":
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCbY7cNG-XRBsJyfWYi0DJQ

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-05-13T02_00_00-07_00
BOOK RANTS

Okay, so the new memoir "Splinters" wasn't our favorite book ever, and sometimes it downright irritated us, but our investigation into what worked (and what didn't!) makes for a fascinating conversation about the nature of memoir and new trends in the genre, from "woe is me&qu...

29/04/2024

: The Use of A.I. in Screenwriting

Join Craig Erpelding, Director of the BFA in Cinematic Arts at Indiana University, to discuss the ways AI can be used effectively and ethically in the development of screenplays and the teaching of screenwriting. Craig bravely jumps into this fraught topic and clearly and logically explains his own research with the tool and what limitations and concerns he has uncovered. Knowing that students are going to use AI in the development of their work, he advises students and teachers alike about how AI can use a useful tool to assist in creative work. He argues that AI often produces C-level work, but that itself can be used as a teaching tool. Additionally, AI can be used to improve work by critiquing elements like story structure. Craig and Jennifer also talk about screenplays that fit the Hollywood formulas, as well as meeting audience expectations, and how the intention of the filmmaker influences their choices.

Craig's book "Filmmaking with Intention: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Engaging Motion Pictures":
https://www.amazon.com/Filmmaking-Intention-Comprehensive-Creating-Engaging/dp/1793521093

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-04-29T02_00_00-07_00

Join Craig Erpelding, Director of the BFA in Cinematic Arts at Indiana University, to discuss the ways AI can be used effectively and ethically in the development of screenplays and the teaching of screenwriting. Craig bravely jumps into this fraught topic and clearly and logically explains his own....

Books Shows Tunes & Mad Acts

04/06/2025

28/12/2024

17/12/2024

17/11/2024

04/11/2024

17/09/2024

16/08/2024

20/06/2024

13/06/2024

28/05/2024

18/05/2024

29/04/2024

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