Best Reader Essentials Podcasts (2025)

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Beyond Notebooks and Coffee Mugs: Guide to Gifting Writers Powerful Craft Books 12:25

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4h ago12:25

12:25

Join our hosts for a fresh, insightful deep dive into Indie Author Magazine’s holiday gift guide for writers. In this episode, they unpack an essential article recommending the five most impactful craft books that every fiction author should add to their shelf. From tackling that intimidating first draft to building immersive worlds for long series…

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Episode 196 - Importance of the character arc. 25:30

4h ago25:30

25:30

Readers want a character who can grow and change over the course of the story. Here is a discussion of the character arc: how we can use the arc to develop our character and the plot, giving the reader the big reward at the end of the story of a character who has met the moment with change. Plus, here is how we can show (rather than tell) about a c…

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Is Memoria Press Catholic or Protestant? 44:21

5h ago44:21

44:21

Is Memoria Press Catholic or Protestant—and what does “ecumenical” really mean in Christian education? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explain how _Mere Christianity_ guides our Christian Studies program and how we focus on the core beliefs shared by historic Christianity. We discuss the differences between "teaching" doctrine and "teac…

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The Quiller Memorandum: Misunderstood or Spy Movie Clunker? 1:22:39

1h ago1:22:39

1:22:39

Was The Quiller Memorandum (1966) a misunderstood spy movie — or a cinematic misfire? In this episode of Spybrary, we go deep into one of the most divisive spy films of the 1960s. From the controversial casting of George Segal as the iconic British spy to Harold Pinter's slow-burning, subtext-heavy script, Quiller has split opinion for decades. But…

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Monster-in-Law with Chelsea Devantez 44:31

21m ago44:31

44:31

Chelsea Devantez joined us for a story about a family with enough money to buy anything they want—except another one-of-a-kind heirloom hutch. Follow Chelsea on Instagram here and check out Chelsea’s podcast Glamorous Trash here. Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and Kelsey, plus blog recommendations and secr…

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The Power of Author Groups: Choosing the Right Digital Community for You 14:48

3h ago14:48

14:48

Join our hosts as they peel back the curtain on the real digital spaces where today’s indie authors connect, collaborate, and thrive. In this deep dive, they explore a curated list from Desmith Dottie, spotlighting communities that offer everything from powerhouse business advice to anti-burnout support and focused craft critique. Whether you’re hu…

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Turning Your Worlds into Merch: A Practical Guide for Indie Authors 14:23

3d ago14:23

14:23

Episode Description: Indie Author Magazine – Deep Dive: Author Merch Ready to turn your stories into a brand that fans carry with them into the world? In this episode, our hosts unpack the newest Indie Author Magazine article on author merchandising—from game-changing strategies to the logistics you can’t afford to skip. Discover why merch is more …

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Episode 195 - The adopt a dog technique. 29:01

4d ago29:01

29:01

One of the best ways to have readers like our story is to have readers like--maybe even love--our main character. But we usually don't want our protagonist to be a Pollyanna, always sweet and understanding. Rather we want to create a fully-formed character--maybe with some weird or off-putting angles, maybe some flaws and shortcomings--to make the …

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Inside Darker Than the Sun: The James Bond Atlas Unlike Any Other with Ajay Chowdhury 56:46

1d ago56:46

56:46

Ajay Chowdhury reveals how the new James Bond Locations Atlas Darker Than The Sun maps 007's world like never before, blending real geography with film secrets and behind-the-scenes stories. Shane Whaley is joined by returning guest and leading James Bond authority Ajay Chowdhury. Co-author of the newly released James Bond Locations Guide Darker Th…

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What Is a House System? How Classical Education Builds Leadership & Culture 40:24

38m ago40:24

40:24

What is a house system, and why do our classical schools use them? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore how the house system works at Highlands Latin School—where it came from, what it accomplishes, and why students love it. From leadership and service to school culture and community, we look at how houses shape students in meaningfu…

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How to Think Like a Spy — Real Tactics from Ex-Intelligence Operative - Julian Fisher 1:34:48

1h ago1:34:48

1:34:48

What if spy skills like influence, persuasion, and reading people could transform your life? Ex-British intelligence officer Julian Fisher joins Spybrary to reveal the 9 essential spycraft skills anyone can learn. In this revealing and thought-provoking episode of Spybrary, former British intelligence officer Julian Fisher joins Shane to discuss th…

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Writing Fantasy, Building Worlds, and Navigating the Publishing World with Leslye Penelope | Episode 42 49:31

11d ago49:31

49:31

Is your novel idea exciting… but the path from first spark to finished book feels confusing, overwhelming, or totally opaque? Do you daydream about epic worlds, lush magic systems, and big emotions… but worry you’ll never quite figure out how to actually build the story (or the career) you want? You’re not alone. I’ve worked with so many talented w…

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Legally Binding Meddling with Jasper Wang 44:55

36m ago44:55

44:55

Defector's own Jasper Wang joins us to explore what happens when the people selling you their house have a few extra conditions. Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and Kelsey, plus blog recommendations and secrets! You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Frien…

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Unlocking Microsoft Word’s Full Potential - Essential Tips for Indie Authors 15:54

1h ago15:54

15:54

Unlock the full potential of Microsoft Word in your writing workflow! In this insightful deep dive, our hosts dissect the power and versatility of Word for indie authors, inspired by the latest feature article in Indie Author Magazine. Whether you’ve underestimated Word as just a basic tool, or you’re curious how it can streamline your drafting, ed…

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Indie Book to Film - How Creatorwood TV Empowers Authors with AI Movie Creation 14:00

7h ago14:00

14:00

In this special deep dive from Indie Author Magazine, our hosts explore the groundbreaking potential of Creatorwood TV—a platform that promises to turn any indie author's novel into a feature-length, professionally produced movie with the power of AI. Join them as they break down exactly how Creatorwood's "Movie Machine" automation works, examine t…

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Episode 194 - How to invent a strong plot. 25:05

3d ago25:05

25:05

We want to write but we don't have our story fully figured out. What can we do? Here are thoughts on inventing plot, things we can do to shake loose the plot from our brains. Also, the techniques of a master of character description: Margaret Mitchell. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Did Classical Education Cause the Enlightenment? | Classical Et Cetera Mailbag 38:49

14d ago38:49

38:49

We’re back with another Mailbag episode! Did classical education actually cause the Enlightenment? How does one become a classical educator? When is the best time to start logic at home? We’re also diving into co-ops, composition choices for younger students, art and music recommendations, and more! Whether you're homeschooling, teaching in a class…

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I haven't been so entertained by a novel in years - Jeremy Duns talks Cover Story with R.N.Morris 50:11

10d ago50:11

50:11

I've read a lot of thrillers, but the way I realise that something is good is when I envy it, and I think, damn, I wish I could have come up with that! Jeremy Duns on Cover Story In this captivating episode of Spybrary, guest host, the spy thriller writer Jeremy Duns welcomes acclaimed historical fiction author R.N Morris to discuss his latest nove…

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Make Your Writing Unputdownable Through Interiority | Episode 41 16:50

16d ago16:50

16:50

Is your writing polished but still not hitting with the emotional punch you want? Do your scenes look great on the surface… but readers don’t lean in, don’t feel connected, and don’t feel compelled to turn the page? You’re not alone. I’ve read thousands of opening pages from talented writers who have gorgeous prose, solid craft, and thoughtful worl…

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All Dogs Go To Therapy with Carvell Wallace 52:21

14d ago52:21

52:21

Carvell Wallace joins us for a tale of neighborly revenge involving fences, motion sensor lights, and a certain infamous app. Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and Kelsey, plus blog recommendations and secrets! You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend a…

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Breaking the Lonely Author Myth: How Community Fuels Indie Success 16:54

7d ago16:54

16:54

In this episode of Indie Author Magazine, our hosts dig into Susan Odev’s provocative article about the “lonely author” myth and why indie writers must embrace community if they want to succeed. From the real pressures of wearing every publishing hat (marketer, accountant, IT support, and more) to the transformative power of finding your author tri…

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Crowdfunding for Writers: The Secret Sauce Behind 90% Success Rates 14:05

10d ago14:05

14:05

Double Funding Success How can indie authors nearly double their chances of crowdfunding success? In this episode, our hosts break down the latest data and insights from a featured article in Indie Author Magazine, exploring why crowdfunding doesn’t have to be a solo journey—and why, frankly, it shouldn’t be. Together, they unpack the real numbers …

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Episode 193 - Plotting: go big or go home. 26:43

22d ago26:43

26:43

Fiction's job is to entertain. A main way to entertain is to be bold with our plot. Here are thoughts on how to avoid the dull in our plot and how to create a story that keeps readers turning the pages. Also, how to invent strong metaphors and similes. And avoiding overly-precious, self-conscious writing. Support the show…

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Are Fairy Tales Closer to Scripture Than We Think? 47:41

15d ago47:41

47:41

Fairy tales are far more than simple children’s stories. In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore why these tales endure, what they offer the moral imagination, and how they help both children and adults see the world with clarity and wonder. From questions about when to begin reading fairy tales to the connections they share with Script…

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Forks Out with Tracy Clayton 57:49

17d ago57:49

57:49

You know we had to find a special story to celebrate the return of Tracy Clayton! This week's tale involves a big family, a cabin in the woods, and the mysterious disappearance of a sweet potato pie. Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and Kelsey, plus blog recommendations and secrets! You can support Normal Go…

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How Epistolary Writing Engages Readers: Rules, Tips, and Case Studies for Indie Success 13:21

25d ago13:21

13:21

In this episode of Indie Author Magazine’s Deep Dive, our hosts crack open the world of epistolary writing—stories told through letters, journal entries, official documents, and more. Together, they unravel why this centuries-old format is experiencing a renaissance in indie fiction, and why the act of reading someone else’s “mail” is so profoundly…

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Navigating the Indie Publishing Revolution: IAM’s Strategic Roadmap for 2026 and Beyond 14:17

21d ago14:17

14:17

In this incisive deep dive, our hosts unpack the latest strategic roadmap announced by Indie Author Magazine. Join them as they explore how the publication is responding to seismic industry changes—from AI-driven book discoverability to the evolving demands of indie authors worldwide. You’ll discover why IAM is making a bold shift from a monthly to…

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Episode 192 - Plotting: the importance of conflict, crisis, resolution. 25:11

29d ago25:11

25:11

In fiction in all genres only trouble is interesting. How do we writers use trouble in our story? Here are thoughts on how we can plot using conflict, crisis, and resolution, a technique important for all genres. Also, should we use beta readers? And the add-a-quirk technique. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Essential Christian Novels for Classical Readers 41:53

28d ago41:53

41:53

What are the best Christian novels to read? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we share a new list of books we think are especially worthwhile for Christian readers. These stories that have stayed with us, shaped our thinking, and resonated with our Christian beliefs. Whether you’ve read through our original list or you're simply looking for yo…

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Writing as a Business: Self-Publishing Like a Pro (with Alexa Bigwarfe) | Episode 40 1:06:12

21d ago1:06:12

1:06:12

Self-publishing can feel overwhelming, confusing, and expensive… but it doesn’t have to stay that way. In this episode, I sit down with publisher, book coach, and summit host Alexa Bigwarfe (founder and CEO of Write|Publish|Sell and the Women in Publishing Summit) to break down your publishing options and demystify what it really takes to self-publ…

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Anne Rice's Email With A Vampire with Mike Rugnetta 52:09

28d ago52:09

52:09

Mike Rugnetta graciously accepted our invitation to a vampire ball in New Orleans. Follow Mike on Instagram here. Listen to his podcast Never Post here. And here's that collab with ICYMI. Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and Kelsey, plus blog recommendations and secrets! You can support Normal Gossip directl…

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Make the Holidays Work for You: Essential Book Marketing Tactics for Indie Authors 14:58

1M ago14:58

14:58

Join our hosts for a smart and actionable deep dive into holiday marketing strategies for indie authors, inspired by insights from Indie Author Magazine. In this episode, you’ll learn why the holiday season—and especially the period right after Christmas—is a prime opportunity to boost your book sales and grow your audience, whether you’re selling …

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Strategic Marketing with Universal Book Links: Tools, Data, and Global Opportunities 14:39

1M ago14:39

14:39

Episode Description: Universal Book Links – Streamlining Global Book Sales for Indie Authors In this insightful deep dive, our hosts break down everything indie authors need to know about Universal Book Links (UBLs), drawing on practical strategies from the latest Indie Author Magazine article. Whether you’re expanding beyond Amazon or marketing in…

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Episode 191 - Do we know enough to write the first sentence? 24:35

1M ago24:35

24:35

When do we know enough writing techniques to start our novel? And when is the story ready to be written? I'll try to answer both questions. Also, how do great writers describe a character's appearance in ways that reveal the character's past and personality? Here's how masterful writers do it. Support the show…

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Ian Fleming's The Man With The Golden Gun - The James Bond Book Club 1:02:51

27d ago1:02:51

1:02:51

Prepare to experience Ian Fleming's James Bond novels as if reading them for the first time in the year of publication, as we embark on this 007 James Bond literary adventure together. In this episode of the James Bond Book Club, the Spybrary hosts discuss Ian Fleming's final Bond novel, "The Man with the Golden Gun." They explore the book's themes…

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Should My Gifted Child Skip a Grade? 39:48

1M ago39:48

39:48

Every parent wants to do what’s best for their child—especially when that child seems ahead of the curve. But in a classical education, growth isn’t about racing forward; it’s about steady formation and broad mastery. In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, the panel discusses when a gifted child should skip a grade and why every stage of learning …

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Love Is Blind with Malala Yousafzai 58:49

1M ago58:49

58:49

Welcome to season NINE of Normal Gossip! We're kicking off the season with Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai and a story about four college students on a star-crossed Eurotrip. Order Malala’s new memoir Finding My Way here and follow her on Instagram here. You can join us in donating to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund here or Transanta here. Sub…

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Walking, Writing, and Winning: Productivity Hacks from Sci-Fi Legend Kevin J. Anderson 14:58

1M ago14:58

14:58

Join our hosts as they explore the remarkable creative and business journey of legendary author Kevin J. Anderson. This episode digs into how Anderson's unconventional methods—such as dictating his best-selling novels while hiking in the Colorado Rockies—fuel his staggering productivity and global success. From Anderson's "Popcorn Theory" of opport…

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Publishing Partnerships: Gain Professional Results and Keep Full Ownership 13:54

1M ago13:54

13:54

Curious about the real-world pros and cons of publishing service providers for indie authors? This episode brings you a hands-on look at a model that promises full control without the stress of doing everything alone. Our hosts break down a recent Indie Author Magazine feature, following author Cara Stevens’ journey from the struggles of a totally …

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Episode 190 - The right way to leave red herrings. 27:10

1M ago27:10

27:10

Red herrings--false clues--are used in most all stories in all genres. Here are the right and wrong ways to insert red herrings into our stories. Also, here's how we can show--reveal--much about a character by describing a setting. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Can Classical Conversations & Memoria Press Work Together? | Classical Et Cetera Mailbag 50:03

2M ago50:03

50:03

This week on Classical Et Cetera. it’s another Mailbag episode! We’re answering all your homeschool and classical education questions. Should you teach with drawings, if you can’t draw? How do you start a book club that actually works? How does Berean Builders fit with Memoria Press science programs? Can Classical Conversations and Memoria Press wo…

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Scheduled Success: Making Every Writing Session Count for Indie Authors 16:42

2M ago16:42

16:42

Ready to leave behind the struggle of the blinking cursor and find your writing flow? In this special deep dive, our hosts unpack the blueprint for writing abundance as outlined in Indie Author Magazine’s featured article. Drawing on Honore Corder's practical approach, they reveal how to move from scarcity to prolific output—no “hustle harder” plat…

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The Peak - Sam Guthrie In Conversation with Tim Shipman 46:09

1M ago46:09

46:09

What happens when a former diplomat turns spy-thriller author? In this episode, Sam Guthrie, ex-Australian trade envoy and senior government official, sits down with award-winning journalist Tim Shipman to discuss The Peak — a gripping, character-driven espionage novel set across Hong Kong, Beijing and Canberra. Join the Spybrary Community Today! 👉…

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Smart Strategies for Indie Authors Attending Conferences: Connections, Self-Care, and Actionable Follow Up 19:30

2M ago19:30

19:30

In this focused deep dive from Indie Author Magazine, our hosts break down the essentials for making the most out of your next author conference. Based on an insightful article featured in the magazine, the conversation gets granular about two key topics: how to maximize your strategic return at industry events, and how to stay healthy while naviga…

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Episode 189 - Start as close to the end as possible. 25:07

2M ago25:07

25:07

Kurt Vonnegut said we should "Start as close to the end as possible." What did he mean? How can we do so? Here are thoughts on this famous piece of advice from a legendary novelist. Also, avoiding the word "not" to give our sentences more energy. And Orson Scott Card on creativity. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Classical Education in a Casual Age: Let’s Be Formal Again 56:43

2M ago56:43

56:43

As classrooms grow more casual, is something important being lost? This week’s Classical Et Cetera tackles the question of formality in both schools and homeschools. We explore why order, decorum, and even dress still matter in a classical education. Along the way, a listener brings us a question about balancing extracurriculars with the homeschool…

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Launch Smarter: Preorder Rules, Risks, and Rewards for Independent Authors 15:47

2M ago15:47

15:47

Episode Description: Stress-Free Preorders – A Deep Dive with Indie Author Magazine Join our hosts as they untangle the complicated world of ebook preorders for indie authors, drawing directly from an insightful deep dive article in Indie Author Magazine. In this episode, you’ll learn exactly how preorders work, why they matter, and the key strateg…

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Level Up Your Writing: Avoid Infodumps by Making POV Your Storytelling Filter 12:11

2M ago12:11

12:11

In this insightful episode of Indie Author Magazine, our hosts take a deep dive into one of the most common challenges writers face: how to use point of view (POV) to skillfully filter detail and steer clear of the dreaded infodump. Drawing on Rona Gofstein’s practical advice, they explore how leveraging POV isn’t just a stylistic choice—it’s a str…

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Episode 188 - How to make our writing fun. 29:15

2M ago29:15

29:15

Is your writing time becoming a grind? If so, here are some things that may reduce the grind and maybe even make writing fun. Also, here are thoughts on how we might write a sentence that is a timeless truth told in lovely language, an immortal sentence that will live forever. Support the showBy James Thayer

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A Scenic Route to the Liberal Arts (There's Lots Of Et Cetera) 49:01

2M ago49:01

49:01

It takes us a while to get there, but it’s worth the journey! In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Tanya, Martin, and Paul share what they’re reading, answer a listener question about audiobooks, and (eventually) get around to the main topic of the liberal art Here, they explore the liberal arts through the lens of Sister Miriam Joseph’s The Tri…