Book Talk Podcast - Padma Viswanathan

Download our Book Talk podcast this week as Padma Viswanathan talks to Stephen Usery about her epic novel set in her ancestral homeland of the Tamil-speaking region of southern India. The Toss of a Lemon follows the life of a young Brahmin woman, Sivakami, who is widowed as a teenager, and is forced to live a life of seclusion as dictated by custom, while trying to keep her her family together.

Book Talk Podcast - Tom Andes

Stephen Usery speaks with Tom Andes about the new Voice Of Witness oral history collection Underground America which features narratives from undocumented workers living on the margins of American society. Download the podcast today.

Book Talk Podcast - Thomas Kinkade

Terri Murphy talks to the best-selling painter in American history, Thomas Kinkade, about his new retrospective Twenty-Five Years of Light. Download the podcast today.

Book Talk Podcast - Michael Connelly (with bonus material)

Our audio interview with the man GQ magazine calls the best mystery writer in the world, Michael Connelly is now available for download. He and Stephen talk about The Brass Verdict, the book that brings Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch together on the same case. The podcast features an additional 12 minutes of conversation that kept going after the cameras stopped, including where to find the missing chapter 12 from The Brass Verdict.

Book Talk Podcast - George Hamilton

Dowload Blytheville, Arkansas native George Hamilton's podcast interview with Stephen Usery about Hamilton's hilarious new memoir, Don't Mind If I Do. The podcast has a bonus story about Moss Hart and Kitty Carlisle unavailable in the video interview!

Book Talk Video - George Hamilton

Book Talk Video - George Hamilton from stephen usery on Vimeo.

Guest: George HamiltonBook: Don't Mind If I Do (Touchstone)

Host: Stephen Usery

Date: 30 October 2008

Location: WYPL Studios, Benjamin L Hooks Central Library, Memphis, TN

Director: Chris Carwile

Editor: Savannah Bearden

Producer: Stephen Usery

Come back in a couple of weeks for the audio podcast with a bonus story about Moss Hart and Kitty Carlisle!

Book Talk Podcast - ML Rose

Susan Gray talks to Linda Weeks, one-half of the writing duo M.L. Rose, about a young country songwriter in Nashville, in the novel The Road To Eden's Ridge. Download the podcast today, or tomorrow, or whenever you're ready. No pressure. :)

Book Talk Podcast - Helen Hemphill

Download Stephen Usery's interview of Helen Hemphill about her new book for younger readers, The Adventurous Deeds of Deadwood Jones, which follows a pair of young former slaves as they make their way from Tennessee to the Wild West. (Also, Helen will be at Davis-Kidd on Saturday December 6th at 1 p.m. to sign copies of the book. Drop by and tell her that you heard her on Book Talk!)
HELEN HEMPHILL 2008 - BOOK TALK WYPL.mp3 MP3 File
24.0 MB HELEN HEMPHILL 2008 - BOOK TALK WYPL.mp3 MP3 File
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Book Talk Podcast - Tom Piazza

Stephen Usery interviews Grammy-award winning writer Tom Piazza. City of Refuge is a heart-rending tale following two families from New Orleans as they deal with Hurricane Katrina and its devastating aftermath. Tom also discusses the political inaction during the real-world recovery process. Very strong stuff, download it today.

Book Talk Podcast - Clyde Edgerton

Download Stephen Usery's one-hour interview with Clyde Edgerton. This North Carolina native known for his novels Raney and Lunch at the Picadilly, discusses The Bible Salesman, his latest tale filled with car thieves, cats (of talking and dead varieties), family woes and of course our titular salesman.

Book Talk Video - Michael Connelly

Thanks for stopping by for our first online video for Book Talk. Please excuse Stephen's corny jokes; we normally edit those out for the radio broadcast. The audio podcast will be posted in December with additional content.

Guest: Michael Connelly
Book: The Brass Verdict
Host: Stephen Usery
Editor: Savannah Bearden
Director: Chris Carwile
Producer: Stephen Usery
Date: 28 October 2008
Location: FM89.3 WYPL Radio Studios, Memphis, TN


Book Talk - Michael Connelly from stephen usery on Vimeo.

Book Talk Podcast - U of M Creative Writing and Moss Workshop

Stephen Usery welcomes back Cary Holladay and Richard Bausch from the University of Memphis to talk about the creative writing MFA program and the Moss Workshop, which is open to non-student writers of fiction.

For more information on the workshop, contact Jan Coleman at 901-678-4692 or creativewriting@memphis.edu

Book Talk this Saturday evening, November 8, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on FM 89.3 WYPL.

Carry Holladay talks about her book, A Fight in the Doctor's Office:




Richard Bausch talks about his novel Peace:

Book Talk Podcast - Haywood Smith

Linda Lloyd talks to Red Hat Club author Haywood Smith about her latest novel, Wedding Belles. Listen to the podcast and learn about this funny and poignant book, oh, and rabid raccoons.

Book Talk Podcast - Lauren Fix

Stephen Usery shifts gears and talks to the car care coach, Lauren Fix about her newest how-to book, Lauren Fix's Guide to Loving Your Car. Learn about getting your car ready for winter weather and enjoy a radio show, all at the same time!

Book Talk Podcast - Cary Holladay

Stephen Usery interviews Memphis's own Cary Holladay about her new, award-winning novella, A Fight in the Doctor's Office. After the end of the broadcast segment, Stephen talks about the socio-political symbolism he found in book, and Cary humors him as best she can. She was a terrific and patient guest. Enjoy the podcast!

Book Talk Podcast - Haven Kimmel

Haven Kimmel was on hand to talk about her new novel, Iodine, which follows a young woman's descent into madness. As a bonus, we have Haven's two previous appearances available as podcasts, as well. From 2007, we talked about "The Used World" and in 2004 "Something Rising: Light and Swift".

(A note about the Iodine podcast: I began the interview with a joke about David Foster Wallace's tendency to use footnotes. The interview was recorded on September 9, 2008, three days prior to his untimely death. The comment was redacted form the broadcast version of Book Talk, but is included in the podcast. I feel that deleting it from the podcast wouldn't be appropriate. It wasn't a mean-spirited comment and omitting it would do a disservice to his memory. He was an incredible writer and advocate for literature, and his passing is a huge loss to American letters. Please accept the joke in the spirit in which it was made.-Stephen Usery)

Iodine interview:

The Used World interview:

Something Rising: Light and Swift interview:

Book Talk Podcast - Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell

Strange and terrifying things are afoot on Book Talk. Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell kick off the first installment of their grisly chapter book series with Barnaby Grimes : Curse of the Night Wolf. Host Stephen Usery stopped hiding under the desk long enough to interview the Englishmen. There is also 10 mintues of extra material on the podcast. (Also, since our Sept. 12th interview, Gordon Brown's popularity has skyrocketed in Britain due to his handling of the financial crisis.)

Ghoul things come to those who wait. Enjoy...if you dare.

Book Talk Podcast - Carol Goodman

Host Carolyn Gibson talks with Carol Goodman about her latest novel, The Night Villa, which looks parallel mysteries; one is set in modern day Austin, Texas, the other during the days of the Roman Empire, in the shadow of the threatening Mt. Vesuvius. Download the podcast today!

Book Talk Podcast - Porter Shreve

Stephen Usery interviews Porter Shreve about his new novel set in an alternative school during Washington DC's Bicentennial celebration, When the White House Was Ours. Enjoy!

Book Talk Podcast - Charles Martin

Download a special one hour interview with Charles Martin. Host Linda Lloyd talks to the Jacksonville, Florida native about his giving up the corporate career track and taking a huge risk in writing full-time. The gamble paid off and they will talk about his recent New York Times best-selling novel Where the River Ends. Enjoy!

Book Talk Podcast - Steven McKenzie and John Kaltner

Bill Wilson talks to Rhodes College professors John Kaltner and Steven McKenzie about their humorous and insightful look into modern biblical interpretation entitled, The Uncensored Bible: The Bawdy and Naughty Bits of the Good Book. Thou shalt downloadeth the podcast, verily I say unto thee.

Book Talk Podcast - E. Lynn Harris

Stephen Usery's interview of bestselling author E. Lynn Harris about his new novel set in the world of college football, Just Too Good to Be True is now available for download. Enjoy!

Book Talk Brodcast - Oct 4, 2008 - E. Lynn Harris and John Kaltner& Steven McKenzie

This Saturday evening at 6 p.m. on Book Talk, Stephen Usery will be interviewing bestselling author E. Lynn Harris about his new novel set in the world of college football, Just Too Good to Be True. They'll talk about writing, teaching, and of course, Arkansas Razorback football. At 6:30 p.m., Bill Wilson will talk to Rhodes College professors John Kaltner and Steven McKenzie about their humorous and insightful look into modern biblical interpretation entitled, The Uncensored Bible: The Bawdy and Naughty Bits of the Good Book. Book Talk, each Saturday evening from 6 until 7 p.m. on FM 89.3 WYPL.

Book Talk Podcast - Tony DiTerlizzi

Stephen Usery talks to children's book author and illustrator Tony Diterlizzi about his chapter book Kenny & the Dragon. Good times, good times...

Book Talk Podcast - Karin Slaughter

Much to the relief of our fans in Ireland, Stephen Usery's interview of Karin Slaughter about her latest best seller, Fractured is available as a podcast.

Book Talk Podcast - Laurie Notaro

Stephen Usery interviews Laurie Notaro about her latest collection of hilarious personal essays, The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death. Download the podcast and giggle till you break all your furniture.

Book Talk Podcast - J.M. Kearns

Terri Murphy interviews J.M. Kearns about his self-help dating guide, Why Mr. Right Can't Find You. Also, J.M. Kearns will be at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in Memphis on Saturday, September 27. Tell him that you heard him on Book Talk! Download the podcast now!

Book Talk Podcast - Lesley Kagen

Host Susan Gray talks to Lesley Kagen about her newest novel, Land of a Hundred Wonders. They also discuss Ms. Kagen's transition from a career in radio to that of a novelist. Enjoy!

Book Talk Podcast - Virginia Boyd

Dr. Carolyn Gibson interviews Virginia Boyd about her debut novel One Fell Swoop.

Book Talk Podcast - Julia Reed

Linda Lloyd talks to Julia Reed about her latest book The House on First Street. You can download this Book Talk for free, because we like you, we really like you.

Book Talk Podcast - David Wroblewski

In a special one-hour Book Talk, David Wroblewski, author of the New York Times bestseller The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, talks to Stephen Usery about his debut novel. This is a fascinating look at this special book and the writing process. Don't miss it!

Book Talk Podcast - Billie Letts

Susan Gray's interview with best-selling author Billie Lett's about her new book Made in the U.S.A. is now available as a podcast. Enjoy!

Book Talk Podcast - Delaune' Michel

Our interview with Delaune' Michel about her book, The Safety of Secrets, is currently available for download. Enjoy!

Book Talk Podcast - Victoria Christopher Murray

What is reformed bad girl Jasmine up to in Too Little, Too Late? Download our interview with Victoria Christopher Murray and find out!

Book Talk Podcast - N.M. Kelby

Scottish puppets, Swedish crones, a B-movie scream queen, a pet vulture, murder, and red wine paired with junk food. What are you waiting for? Download our interview with NM Kelby about her novel Murder at the Bad Girl's Bar and Grill.

Book Talk Podcast - Ann Hood

Host Susan Gray's interview of Ann Hood about her book Comfort:A Journey Through Grief is now available as a podcast.

Book Talk Podcast - Howard Bahr

Stephen Usery Usery's interview of Howard Bahr about his novel Pelican Road is now available for download.

Book Talk Podcast - Martin Clark

Our interview with Martin Clark about his newest novel, The Legal Limit, is available for download. Enjoy, or be held in contempt!

Podcast - Elizabeth Payne Rosen

You can now download our interview of Elizabeth Payne Rosen about her civil war novel set in western Tennessee, Hallam's War. Enjoy!

Podcast - John Perkins

John Perkins's interview about his book, The Secret History of the American Empire, is now available for your edification.

Book Talk Podcast - Kevin Brockmeier

Little Rock writer Kevin Brockmeier talks to native Arkansawyer Stephen Usery about Brockmeier's new collection of short stories, The View from the Seventh Layer. The conversation ranges from Chekhov and Ital Calvino to Tom Bergeron and America's Funniest Home Videos. Beam down the podcast today!

Book Talk Podcast - Martha Hall Foose

You can now download Debbie Stevens's interview of Martha Hall Foose about her cook book, Screen Doors and Sweet Tea. Bon appetit and dig in!

Book Talk Podcast - Don Hutson

You can now download Stephen Usery's interview with Don Hutson, Memphis's own author of the number one best-selling, The One Minte Entrepreneur.

Book Talk Podcast - Debbie Macomber

Our interview with Debbie Macomber about her latest Blosom Street series book, Twenty Wishes, is now available for download. Enjoy!

Book Talk Podcast - Fiona Maazel

Fiona Maazel talks to Stephen Usery about her debut novel, Last Last Chance. And through the wonders of technology, you can download it in podcast form.

Book Talk Podcast - Richard Bausch

Bill Wilson's interview of Richard Bausch is now available for download. Enjoy!

Daryn Kagan Podcast - June 2008

Terri Murphy's interview of Daryn Kagan about her book, What's Possible, is now available for download. Enjoy!

Book Talk Podcast - Jeffrey Buckner Ford - June 2008

Stephen Usery's interview with Jeffrey Buckner Ford is now available for download. Mr. Ford's book, River of No Return: Tennessee Ernie Ford and the Woman He Loved, is a memoir of his family during the time of his father's, Tennessee Ernie Ford, tremendous fame as one of America's greatest entertainers in the 1950s and 1960s. He will also be signing his book at Davis Kidd in Memphis on Tuesday June 24th at 6 p.m.

Book Talk Podcast - Lee Martin - June 2008

Carolyn Gibson's interview of Lee Martin about his novel River of Heaven and teaching career is now available for download. Enjoy!

Lori Johnson Podcast

Teddi Williams' interview of Lori Johnson (After the Dance) is now available for download. Enjoy!

Patrick McGrath Book Talk Podcast

Patrick McGrath, author of The Grotesque and Spider, spoke with Stephen Usery about his latest novel, Trauma. They also spoke about the importance of psychology in fiction writing and McGrath's transition to writing about his adopted home of New York City.

Ann B. Ross Podcast

Dr. Ann B. Ross talks to Dr. Carolyn Gibson about her newest book, Ms. Julia Paints the Town.