Bookish Flights: Books, Author Interviews & Must-Read Recommendations
Bookish Flights is the place to talk books and reading. This podcast focuses on connection, storytelling and the transformative power of books. Each episode invites guests to share the three books that have influenced them, unlocking their wisdom and how it changed their lives. Books are a bridge that connects us, a remedy for loneliness, and the best conversational currency to be the most interesting person in the room! Rooted in the belief that stories shape who we are, this podcast brings people together through a shared love of literature. Perfect for book lovers, Bookish Flights inspires listeners to discover the books that can shape their own lives.
You will love this show If you have ever asked:
- What are the best fiction and non-fiction books to read?
- Which books should I add to my reading list?
- How can I find more time to read?
- What are the best books for exploring new genres?
- What books are perfect for my kids?
- What is the publishing journey like for authors?
- What books do my favorite authors love to read?
Discover book recommendations across a wide range of genres, including historical fiction, romantasy, rom-coms, mysteries, thrillers and personal development. Check out the website www.bookishflights.com to see book club picks and the wide range of book flights.
Episodes
198 episodes
Writing Courageous Women into History: Saving Vincent, A Novel of Jo van Gogh (E196)
In today's episode, I am chatting with Joan Fernandez. Joan is a brings to light brilliant women’s courageous deeds in history. She is a former senior marketing executive general partner of the financial powerhouse Edward Jones. In 2018, she re...
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Season 4
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Episode 196
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35:05
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Scary, Funny Books and Finding Light in Hard Seasons with Theory Knight (E195)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Theory Knight—a sci-fi lover, aspiring pilot, and thoughtful storyteller with a deep love of humor, humanity, and connection. Theory dreams of flying someday, loves Hawaii, and believes in the therapeutic v...
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Season 4
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Episode 195
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36:59
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Writing the Stories We Carry: Leadership, Legacy, and a Lifetime of Dad-isms with Susan L. Combs (E194)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Susan L. Combs. Susan is the President of Combs & Company, a full-service insurance brokerage firm based in New York City. She started the company at just 26 years old with a drive to “do more, do bette...
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Season 4
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Episode 194
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33:24
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The Not-So-Secret Writing Life: Second Careers & Secret Societies with Karen Winn (E193)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Karen Winn. Karen is the author of two novels: The Society (Dutton, 2026), and Our Little World
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Season 4
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Episode 193
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26:49
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The Rhythm of a Creative Life: Music, Motherhood, & Stories from the Midwest with Amanda Wen (E192)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Amanda Wen. Amanda Wen’s novels have released to both reader and critical acclaim. Her second novel, The Songs That Could Have Been, won both the Selah and the...
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Season 4
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Episode 192
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42:37
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A Prolific Writing Life: Craft, Consistency, and Track of Courage with Susan May Warren (E191)
In today’s episode, I am chatting with Susan May Warren. Susan is the USA bestselling, Awardwinning novelist with nearly 2 million books sold. She’s lived all over the world (including Russia), and has penned over 100 novels, writing across gen...
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Season 4
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Episode 191
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42:54
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Inside a Beloved Story: Little Women Retellings, Creativity, & Sisterhood with Katie Bernet (E190)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Katie Bernet. Katie is an author living in Dallas, Texas. She’s an award-winning creative director, a long-standing member of the DFW Writer’s Workshop, and the director of the 2025 DFW Writer’s Conference....
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Season 4
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Episode 190
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27:52
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Jumping Between Genres: Making Reading Work in a Busy Life with Sami Young (E189)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Sami Young - a mom, wife, PE teacher, and avid reader who is perpetually caught between just one more chapter and not knowing what to read next. She’s a proud millennial with a TBR list taller than my house...
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Season 4
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Episode 189
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43:11
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The Niche Between: Teaching, Writing Lower YA, & a Debut Novel with Connie Richardson (E188)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Connie Richardson. Connie is the debut author of Rapid City Summer. She teaches middle school English and Language Arts in the Chicago suburbs. She has publish...
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Season 4
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Episode 188
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43:44
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Putting Yourself Back on the List: Midlife, Motherhood, & Reclaiming Your Purpose with Shari Biery (E187)
In today’s episode, I am chatting with Shari Biery, NBC-HWC. Shari is a leading credentialed Purpose and Well-Being coach for midlife women empowering them to reclaim their identities and live with purpose and wellness after years of prioritizi...
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Season 4
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Episode 187
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53:01
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Victorian Whimsy & Wonder: Angela Bell on Imagination, Faith, and Quirky Characters (E186)
Today, I’m chatting with Angela Bell. Angela is a 21st century lady with 19th century sensibilities who resides in Texas with her charming pup, Mr. Bingley Crosby. She describes her historical romances as “a cuppa Victorian whimsy,” & today...
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Season 4
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Episode 186
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37:03
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Writing California’s Past: Ginny Kubitz Moyer on WWII, San Francisco and The Nutcracker (E185)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Ginny Kubitz Moyer. Ginny is a California native with a lifelong passion for local history. A graduate of Pomona College and Stanford University, she taught high school English for 26 years and has written ...
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Season 4
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Episode 185
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41:21
“Tangles” & the Hidden History of Hanford Nuclear Site with Kay Smith-Blum (E184)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Kay Smith-Blum. Kay is a former fashionista and Seattle School Board President, spends her days debunking the tropes of the mid-20th-century history. An odd dream and the recent upheaval over leaking radioa...
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Season 4
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Episode 184
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45:01
Proof That Your TBR Might Actually Help You Live Longer (E183)
In this solo episode, Kara explores the fascinating research behind how daily reading may support a longer, healthier life. She breaks down the landmark Yale study showing that people who read books for just 30 minutes a day lived an average of...
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Season 4
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Episode 183
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8:41
Finding Home in Fiction: Arlon Jay Staggs on Magical Realism & Southern Storytelling (E182)
In today’s episode, I am chatting with Arlon Jay Staggs. Arlon is a native of Florence, Alabama, and a Southern storyteller with deep roots, a sharp sense of humor, and a heart for connection. His novel Let...
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Season 4
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Episode 182
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41:21
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Libraries, Representation, & Life on the Move: Chatting with Author Sarah Monzon (E180)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Sarah Monzon. Sarah is the winner of the Holt Medallion and Selah Award. Sarah is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a...
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Season 3
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Episode 180
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32:28
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Complex Relationships & The Art of the Short Story with Marina Rubin (E180)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Marina Rubin, author of Knockout Beauty and Other Afflictions. Born in Vinnitsa, Ukraine, Marina immigrated to the United States in 1989 and has since publishe...
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Season 3
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Episode 180
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46:01
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Bringing the Bible to Life Through Story: Tessa Afshar on The Royal Artisan and Writing Biblical Fiction (E179)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Tessa Afshar. Tessa’s award-winning novels have been on Publishers Weekly and CBA bestseller lists and have been translated into 13 languages. Winner of the ECPA Bronze Milestone award, the Christy, the INS...
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Season 3
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Episode 179
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38:10
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Grace, Love, and Second Chances: Chatting Christian Romance with Kelly Jo Wilson (E178)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Kelly Jo Wilson, Kelly lives in the woods of Pennsylvania with her husband, two boys, and sweet Rottweiler. As a Christian romance author, she creates love stories that delve into many forms of brokenness, ...
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Season 3
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Episode 178
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50:02
BFF Book Club - The Bitter End Birding Society with Amanda Cox (E177)
This episode brings you the latest gathering of our BFF Book Club—a monthly celebration of reading, meaningful author conversations, and book-loving community. This month, we’re joined once again by Amanda Cox, author of
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Season 3
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Episode 177
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30:41
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Strong Women in Harsh Climates with Denise Smith Cline (E176)
In today’s episode, I am chatting with Denise Smith Cline. Denise grew up in a textile town in Upstate South Carolina before the world got so complicated. The youngest of 5 spirited siblings, Denise realized early on to survive, she’d need to m...
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Season 3
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Episode 176
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41:07
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Motherhood, Military Life, and the Oregon Trail: A Chat with Kaci Curtis (E175)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Kaci Curtis. Kaci is a military spouse and mom of two. She just spent two years living on the island of Guam, where she loved to explore the jungles and beaches with her husband and kids. She loves all thin...
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Season 3
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Episode 175
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45:55
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How to Feel Your Feelings (and Teach Your Kids to Do the Same) with Hilary Jacobs Hendel and Juli Fraga (E174)
In today’s episode, we have not just one incredible guest—but two! I’m joined by Hilary Jacobs Hendel and Juli Fraga, co-authors of Parents Have Feelings, Too: A Guide to Navigating Your Emotions So You and...
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Season 3
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Episode 174
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49:39
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Exploring Fathers, Sons, and the Lowcountry: Author Scott Gould on Peace Like a River (E173)
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Scott Gould, award-winning author of the new novel Peace Like a River. Scott has published five additional books, including The Hammerhead Chronicles (win...
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Season 3
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Episode 173
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38:26
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BFF Book Club - What the Silent Say with Emerson Ford (E172)
This episode brings you the latest gathering of our BFF Book Club—a monthly celebration of reading, meaningful author conversations, and book-loving community. If you enjoy diving deep into unforgettable stories and connecting with the minds be...
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Season 3
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Episode 172
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36:14
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