Best Table Variation Podcasts (2025)

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Kelly Foster Lundquist on Beard, A Memoir of a Marriage 27:29

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17h ago27:29

27:29

Kelly Foster Lundquist explores the secrets of her first marriage, how she found the courage to love again, and what it took to share her story with readers. A teacher of writing at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park, MN. Lundquist is originally from Mississippi and has taught writing all over the United States (Boston, Chicago, Miss…

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Sunday Science by Go_UnPro Episode 1: 2025_11_02 24:41

3d ago24:41

24:41

In this first episode of Sunday Science, we explore a few articles showing the carcinogenic potential of a strain of E coli (pks+ or colibactin-producing) that produces a DNA mutational toxin. Evidence from the discussed articles shows that this bacteria could be responsible for a high percentage of early onset (under age 50) colorectal cancer (CRC…

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Respect Yourself: Captain Beefheart, Get Off My Lawn And Scherm Gets Converted To AI 1:04:23

11d ago1:04:23

1:04:23

This time around finds the Dream Regime on their own, sans Bob, falling into a reflective discussion about respect, empathy and filling stations. Not to worry though, as their waxing philosophic is accompanied by great classic 70s Waits' tunes like Barbershop, Kentucky Avenue and Romeo is Bleeding. Then, be sure to stick around after the finale to …

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Heather Gudenkauf on Writing Thrillers 30:37

15d ago30:37

30:37

Heather Gudenkauf is the Edgar Award nominated, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of ten novels, including The Overnight Guest and her most recent thriller Everyone is Watching. Her debut novel, The Weight of Silence, was an instant NYT bestseller and remained on the list for 22 weeks. Gudenkauf’s critically acclaimed novels have been p…

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Joanne Harris Discusses Chocolat's Prequel, Vianne 20:56

16d ago20:56

20:56

Author of Chocolat, the best-selling novel that became the acclaimed movie starring Juliette Binoche, Dame Judi Dench, and Johnny Depp, Joanne Harris weighs in on her latest novel, Vianne and what it's taken to maintain her successful writing career. Joanne Harris is the internationally renowned and award-winning author of more than twenty novels, …

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Olivia Dade: Maintaining Voice While Writing Romance 28:55

21d ago28:55

28:55

Olivia Dade sheds light on the jobs predating her writing career and why maintaining voice is important to an author's success. Dade grew up an undeniable nerd, prone to ignoring the world around her as she read any book she could find. Her favorites, though, were always, always romances. As an adult, she earned an M.A. in American history and work…

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Elizabeth Bass Parnam on Southern Fiction, Bees, and Not Giving Up 28:11

22d ago28:11

28:11

Elizabeth Bass Parnam queried over two-hundred times before landing an agent and finding her novel in a four-way bidding war. Not giving up landed her where she'd always wanted to be: living the life of a professional novelist. This episode, Elizabeth shares her journey and discusses her newest novel, Bees in June. Elizabeth is a native Nashvillian…

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Jennifer Probst: Leaning Into the Joy of Writing 24:01

1M ago24:01

24:01

Writing can be a struggle between joy and pain, but Jennifer Probst seems to have figured out how to pivot during the less enjoyable times. Jennifer is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over fifty books in contemporary romance fiction. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over 2 mil…

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Poppy Alexander on Cake, Neurodivergence, and The Battle of the Bookshops 28:19

1M ago28:19

28:19

Poppy and Kris have an honest conversation about writing with neurodivergence and other health issues, and Poppy gives the background of her latest novel, Battle of the Bookshops. Poppy Alexander is the author of The Littlest Library, Storybook Ending, and 25 Days ’Til Christmas. She wrote her first book when she was five. There was a long gap in h…

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Hannah McKinnon: Embracing Changes in the Writing Journey 20:44

1M ago20:44

20:44

Hannah McKinnon enjoyed success writing for young people. Then, pulled back when asked to write edgier novels, recalibrating and finding success in the adult market. Hannah is the author of several acclaimed novels, including The Lake Season, Mystic Summer, The Summer House, Sailing Lessons, The View from Here, Message in the Sand, The Darlings, Th…

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Courtney Psak on Launching Her Debut 15:25

1M ago15:25

15:25

Courtney Psak graduated with a degree in Communications and Journalism with a master’s degree in Publishing. She currently lives in Palm Beach, Florida with her husband and two sons. She is a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, the National Writers Association, International Thriller Writers and a board member for the Mystery Writers…

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Jane Hamilton's Back with The Phoebe Variations 35:01

1M ago35:01

35:01

Jane Hamilton shares what she's been doing since publishing her last novel almost ten years ago and reveals what got in her way while writing The Phoebe Variations. Jane Hamilton is the author of seven critically acclaimed and bestselling novels, including The Book of Ruth and A Map of the World, both of which were Oprah's Book Club selections. Her…

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Shirley Russak Wachtel: The Value of Storytelling and Preserving Holocaust Narratives 17:48

2M ago17:48

17:48

Shirley Russak Wachtel is the author of the short story collection Three For A Dollar, the book of poetry, In The Mellow Light, and several books for children. Her short stories and poems have appeared in various literary journals. A daughter of Holocaust survivors, Wachtel was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She holds a doctor of letters de…

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JT Ellison: Staying Flexible While Writing Thrillers 29:36

2M ago29:36

29:36

What does it take to become a successful multi-genre author? J.T. Ellison reveals how she's navigated the changing publishing market while maintaining an authentic writing voice and promotional image. JT is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 35+ novels, and the EMMY® award winning co-host of the literary TV show A WORD…

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Amran Gowani's Adrenaline Packed Debut: Leverage 21:05

2M ago21:05

21:05

Amran Gowani is a former Wall Street analyst, a prolific content creator and over the last four years he's written and produced 200 humorous personal essays and satirical short-form pieces. When Amran’s not hanging out with imaginary people in imaginary places, he enjoys biking around the great city of Chicago, bouldering with his extraordinary wif…

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Ally Carter: Not As Easy As It Looks 26:43

2M ago26:43

26:43

Ally Carter's novels are infused with excitement and Mr. and Mrs. Smith level romantic intrigue. Crafting them is not as easy as some might assume. Ally peels back the curtain and shares unvarnished accountings of the heartache that comes with creating electric jaunts for her characters. Ally is the bestselling author of novels that have epitomized…

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Hank Phillippi Ryan: Embracing the Inevitable Panic Along the Way 32:32

2M ago32:32

32:32

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN is USA Today bestselling author of 16 psychological thrillers, winning the most prestigious awards in the genre: five Agathas, five Anthonys, and the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award. She is also on-air investigative reporter for Boston’s WHDH-TV, with 37 EMMYs and dozens more journalism honors for her groundbreaking journalism …

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Joelle Babula's Debut: Infidelity Rules 13:48

2M ago13:48

13:48

Joelle Babula writes about things your mother warned you not to talk about at the dinner table, like infidelity, emotional chaos and cheese-induced bliss. A former award-winning journalist and columnist turned nurse practitioner, Joelle now lives on Baltimore’s inner harbor with her adoring husband and two absurd cats. A graduate of Johns Hopkins U…

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David Wroblewski & Familiaris 22:06

3M ago22:06

22:06

David Wroblewski is the author, most recently, of the novel Familiaris, his follow up to the internationally bestselling The Story Of Edgar Sawtelle, an Oprah Book Club pick, Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers selection, winner of the Colorado Book Award, Indie Choice Best Author Discovery award, and Midwest Bookseller Association's Choice…

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Juliette Fay: The Harvey Girls 23:55

3M ago23:55

23:55

Juliette Fay returns to the Writing Table; this time to discuss writing historical fiction and the work she's done to create The Harvey Girls. Fay is the bestselling author of eight novels. THE TUMBLING TURNER SISTERS was a USA Today bestseller and Costco Pennie’s Book Club Pick. THE SHORTEST WAY HOME was chosen as one of Library Journal’s Top 5 Be…

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Karin Slaughter: The Woman Behind Will Trent and her latest, We Are All Guilty Here 23:46

3M ago23:46

23:46

Bestselling author Karin Slaughter shares how she got her start, explores her writing process, and gives listeners a look at what's coming next. Karin Slaughter is the author of more than twenty instant New York Times bestselling novels, including the Edgar–nominated Cop Town and standalone novels Pretty Girls, The Good Daughter, and Pieces of Her.…

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S5 E11 - Diane Kulisek – Engineering Across Industries 1:00:04

3M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

I have a conversation with Diane Kulisek in this episode. Diane, a veteran in quality systems and regulatory affairs, shares her journey from Gillette to Rocketdyne to Johnson & Johnson, weaving in the principles of Deming and the realities of complex, high-stakes industries. We dive into W. Edwards Deming’s seminal perspectives on quality and how …

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Laura Wood: Let's Make A Scene 23:10

3M ago23:10

23:10

Laura Wood peels back the emotions behind her writing and provides a preview of her novel, Let's Make A Scene. Wood is a bestselling and acclaimed author of children’s and young adult novels. She is also the author of the adult novels Under Your Spell and Let’s Make a Scene. With a PhD in 19th-century literature, Laura lives in Warwickshire, Englan…

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Anna Barrington's Debut: The Spectacle 16:10

3M ago16:10

16:10

Anna Barrington has worked in galleries, museums, and auction houses in the art world for seven years. She received an MA from the Courtauld Institute of Art in London and a BA from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Originally from Atlanta, she grew up on Cape Cod and currently lives in the UK. THE SPECTACLE is her first novel. Learn more …

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Simon Tolkien on Writing Historical Novels 23:37

3M ago23:37

23:37

Simon Tolkien is the grandson of JRR Tolkien and a director of the Tolkien Estate. He is also series consultant for the Amazon series, The Rings of Power. He studied Modern History at Trinity College, Oxford and went on to become a London barrister specializing in criminal defense. He left the law to become a writer in 2001 and has published five n…

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Laura Resau: Acclaimed YA Author Debuting in A New Genre 20:38

3M ago20:38

20:38

What inspires an established writer to change genres? In this episode, Laura Resau discusses what it took to create her adult debut, The Alchemy of Flowers. Laura Resau is the author of eleven acclaimed books for young people. Her books have won five Colorado Book Awards and spots on “best-of” booklists from Oprah, the American Library Association,…

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Daniel Kalla's Trek from ER Doc to Bestselling Author 19:35

4M ago19:35

19:35

Daniel Kalla is an Emergency Room Physician and the bestselling author of fifteen novels, translated into eleven languages. His Shanghai Trilogy has been optioned for film, and his works explore themes ranging from superbugs and pandemics to psychedelics and DNA evidence. In addition to psychological thrillers and medical suspense, Daniel has writt…

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Writing Suspense with Lori Roy 18:32

4M ago18:32

18:32

Lori Roy is the author of six novels of suspense. Lori's debut, BENT ROAD, was awarded the Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best First Novel by an American Author. She went on to receive the 2016 Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best Novel, making Lori the first woman to receive an Edgar Award for both Best First Novel and Best Novel, and she is the third person…

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S5 E10 - Doug Finke – From Mainframes to Machine Learning 55:05

4M ago55:05

55:05

In this episode, I have a conversation with Doug Finke. A 16-time Microsoft MVP and long-time technologist, Doug’s experience ranges from mainframe assembly programming to pioneering AI integrations in software development. We reminisce about the early days of system programming and explore how those foundational skills have enabled technologists l…

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Alden Jones: Edge of the World 23:21

4M ago23:21

23:21

Alden Jones explores tips for writing memoirs and discusses her work in fiction. She is the author of The Wanting Was a Wilderness, Unaccompanied Minors, and The Blind Masseuse. Her books have won awards including the New American Fiction Prize and the Lascaux Book Prize and been finalists for the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the…

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Susan Wiggs' Passion Project: Wayward Girls 31:47

4M ago31:47

31:47

Bestselling author Susan Wiggs discusses her writing practices and shares the backstory surrounding her passion project, Wayward Girls. Susan Wiggs’s life is all about family, friends…and fiction. She lives at the water’s edge on an island in Puget Sound, and in good weather, she commutes to her writers’ group in a 21-foot motorboat. She’s been fea…

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Mule Variations 25th: Willie Nelson, Walt Whitman And Bob's Real Gone 1:01:54

4M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

This episode recorded back in November of 2024 was aging so gracefully we almost forgot to dust it off and take if down from the shelf. It was a little celebration of the 25th anniversary of the release of Mule Variations and has a special alternate "Spiritual" version of Get Behind The Mule. For all you hardcore Tom fans, this one stays squarely c…

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Introduction to Go Un-Pro 12:15

4M ago12:15

12:15

Follow along with me as I transform my life, improve my health, defeat my weight challenges, and live a longer, healthier life. All while still having a blast traveling through this crazy world! This podcast is the introduction to a 52-week gradual step-by-step transformation of my diet, exercise, sleep, and life-purpose to a more mindful, whole-fo…

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Megan Greenwell: Bad Company 23:02

4M ago23:02

23:02

Following over two hundred interviews, journalist Megan Greenwell's book, Bad Company, shines light onto the lives of those living and working downstream from private equity decision makers. Megan Greenwell is a journalist with extensive experience in all areas of print and digital media. She volunteers as the deputy director of the Princeton Summe…

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Jaclyn Goldis: The Safari 19:43

4M ago19:43

19:43

Jaclyn Goldish peels back the curtain on her process and lessons learned as she's published four novels. Jaclyn is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and NYU School of Law. She practiced estate planning law at a large Chicago firm for seven years before leaving her job to travel the world and write novels. After culling her posses…

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Jill Shalvis: 108 Novels and Counting 21:13

4M ago21:13

21:13

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis writes contemporary romance and romantic comedies filled with madcap adventures and shenanigans and sexy times. (just don’t tell her mom). She’s sold 20 million plus copies worldwide to date and lives with her family in a small mountain town near Lake Tahoe full of quirky characters (Any …

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S5 E9 Lonnie Wilson – Carrying On the Deming Torch 41:25

4M ago41:25

41:25

I have a fantastic conversation with Lonnie Wilson in this episode, diving deep into W. Edwards Deming’s seminal perspectives on quality, systems thinking, and the enduring challenges of operationalizing his philosophy in the real world. Lonnie also shares how his initial admiration for Chevron's management practices began to unravel after encounte…

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Sue Halpern & Summer Hours at the Robbers Library 21:10

4M ago21:10

21:10

How does a Pulitzer Prize winning author find inspiration? Sue Halpern shares tips and discusses writing both nonfiction and fiction. Sue is the author of seven previous books of fiction and nonfiction, most recently the novel Summer Hours at the Robbers Library. Her writing has appeared in The New Yorker, the New York Times Magazine, the New York …

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Jackie Lau: Geophysicist to Romance Writer 14:11

4M ago14:11

14:11

Jackie Lau decided she wanted to be a writer when she was in grade two, sometime between penning “The Heart That Got Lost” and “The Land of Shapes.” She later studied engineering and worked as a geophysicist before turning to writing romance novels. She is now the author of over twenty books. Jackie lives in Toronto with her husband, and despite li…

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Jillian Forsberg on Her Debut, The Rhino Keeper 19:15

4M ago19:15

19:15

Jillian Forsberg is a business owner and historical fiction author. She writes about animals from the past in her two books, The Rhino Keeper and forthcoming The Porcelain Menagerie. She lives and works in Wichita, Kansas. Special thanks to Net Galley for an advance copy. Learn more at jillianforsberg.com. Intro reel, Writing Table Podcast 2024 Out…

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Amy Poeppel: Far and Away 26:43

4M ago26:43

26:43

As Amy Poeppel publishes her fifth novel, she reflects on lessons learned and discusses the challenges she faced while writing a novel simultaneously set in Berlin and Dallas. Amy Poeppel grew up in Dallas, Texas. She graduated from Wellesley College and worked as an actress in the Boston area, appearing in a corporate industrial for Polaroid, a co…

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Beyond Tess Monaghan: Laura Lippman's Murder Takes a Vacation 35:11

5M ago35:11

35:11

Laura Lippman discusses how poetry feeds her spirit and looks back on her longstanding run with indelible character, Tess Monaghan, who has appeared in a dozen novels. While sharing her writing experiences, she invites listeners to take a seat on her (theoretical) analyst's couch to uncover snags interfering with meaningful storytelling. Laura was …

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Michael McGarrity's Night in the City 22:44

5M ago22:44

22:44

With the publication of Tularosa in 1996, Michael McGarrity turned to writing full time. Many of his novels have been national best sellers. He holds a BA with distinction in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical social work. As an undergraduate, he held a Ford Foundation Scholarship at the University of New Mexico. He is an honor graduate o…

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Aimee Phan's Adventure from Nonfiction to YA 24:39

5M ago24:39

24:39

Aimee Phan was born and raised in Orange County, California. She received her BA in English from UCLA and her MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. She is the author of two books for adults, We Should Never Meet: Stories and the novel The Reeducation of Cherry Truong. She has received fellowships and residencies from the NEA, MacDowell Colony, the R…

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Lindy Ryan: Writing the Story You're Meant to Tell 20:10

5M ago20:10

20:10

Lindy Ryan discusses writing horror as a novelist and anthologist. She is an award-winning author, anthologist, and short-film director whose books and anthologies have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist and Library Journal. Several of her projects have been adapted for screen. Ryan is the current author-in-residence at Rue M…

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Kaira Rouda: Jill Is Not Happy 24:20

5M ago24:20

24:20

Kaira Rouda talks about writing thrillers and how she came to host the Killer Author Club with her author friends. Kaira is an award–winning, USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author of contemporary fiction that explores what goes on beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Her novels of domestic suspense include The Widow, Somebody’s …

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S5 E8 - Rebels of Reason Chapter 28 The Saga of Siri (Summary) 4:28

5M ago4:28

4:28

I'm still trying to figure out how to produce the audiobook for Rebels of Reason. This is my first experiment with 11Labs. It's not great. I will have to work on the voice equipment; however, it's a start. I hope you enjoy it.By John Willis

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RaeAnne Thayne: 80 Books Later, What's Her Secret Sauce? 25:31

5M ago25:31

25:31

RayAnne Thayne's novels showcase complicated family dynamics and always deliver swoony love stories, but how does she keep up the magic after eighty books? Tune in, and find out. New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and #1 Publishers Weekly bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne has written more than 70 books since selling her first book in 19…

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Sue Hincenbergs on Querying, Writing, and Launching Her Debut, The Retirement Plan 22:05

5M ago22:05

22:05

Sue Hincenbergs discusses querying 198 agents and the successful query letter that she shares with other writers. Sue is a former television producer who has worked on multiple award-winning programs. She lives in Toronto with her (very much alive) husband, her scruffy, middle-aged rescue dog, Kramer, and the rooms full of the stuff her three sons …

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Matt Goldman's Journey Writing for Seinfeld and More to Creating Crime Novels 27:34

5M ago27:34

27:34

Matt Goldman has written for television shows like Seinfeld but found his calling writing crime novels. He is a New York Times Bestselling author and Emmy Award winning television writer. He has been nominated for the Shamus Award and Nero Award. Matt's television writing credits include Seinfeld, Ellen, The New Adventures of Old Christine, and Dir…