Passions & Prologues: Recent Episodes
Evergreen Podcasts
Every week, host Adam Sockel interviews a popular member of the literary world about their passions beyond the books they're known for. These longform, relaxed conversations show listeners a new side of some of their favorite content creators as well as provide insight into the things that inspire their work.
Carissa Orlando is passionate about how the mind works. So much so that she's spent her life studying and teaching about it. She works to improve quality and access of mental healthcare for children and their families during the day and writes terrifyingly captivating stories at night. Her debut novel, The September House, weaves both horror and psychology together and we get into how it came to be! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Angie Kim's debut novel, Miracle Creek, was an international bestselling, Edgar Award winning best book of the year. Her latest novel, Happiness Falls, is a Good Morning America book club pick all about when a father goes missing, his family's desperate search leads them to question everything they know about him and one another. A key character in this story is mute and it asks questions about intelligence and how we perceive it as a society, something Angie is deeply passionate about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Holly James, author of the new RomCom The Déjà Glitch, has spent her adult life understanding sleep. Why we all struggle to get it and how to improve that concept. It's something she normally keeps separate from her other career as a writer but in this discussion we dive into both! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tim Murphy's new book, Speech Team, is a nostalgic and cathartic look back at a traumatic high school experience of several members of a championship speech team. The story itself is a slow burn that lets the reader care deeply about the characters and their experiences. It makes sense, when you learn the types of stories and shows Tim is obsessed with personally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Marie Benedict has been a bestselling author many times over but her works co-authoring with Victoria Christopher Murray have set the book world on fire with their poignant deep dives into fascinating woman and their history. The First Ladies, their INSTANT NYT bestseller, is much the same. In this unique discussion, Marie brings something a bit different to the table... She discusses her co-authors passions and how they inspired their latest book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Andrew Ridker's first book The Altruists took the literary world by storm and his new book Hope is just as captivating. Part of the reason why his books are so relatable is the humor he's able to inject into his characters. It makes them more well rounded. We chat why this matters so much to him and why he loves breaking down comedy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Josh Winning's new book, Burn the Negative, is an homage to all things horror and when you hear this conversation you'll understand that he has the chops to back up his writing. We discuss his adoration for the Scream movie franchise, how he's been seeing franchises out of order for years, and what it's like to interview the Muppets! It's... a wide-ranging chat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Learning that Candi Sary thinks a great deal about ghosts won't surprise you when you read her book Magdalena. This conversation dives into her childhood interest in the beyond and how, instead of seeking to be scared she found peace of mind with the stories of ghosts. Take a listen and check out her new book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For UK-based bestselling author Paige Toon getting there is half the fun. She loves taking road trips to new countries to see bands she loves in locations they would normally never be found. It's a passion that has shown her entirely new cultures and helped inspire the amazing books she's writes.
Don't miss her latest, Only Love Can Hurt Like This Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chanel Cleeton is a bestselling author and was chosen as a Reese Witherspoon book club selection. She knows what it takes a write a mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seat. Perhaps it's because she has spent her entire life fascinated by mysteries. In this conversation, Chanel and Adam breakdown the origins of her passion for mystery and how it's blossomed into a career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bestselling author Genevieve Gornichec knows a thing or two about Vikings... in fact, she's made it her life's work even before it became her life's work. In this discussion, we chat about her life studying and living the Viking lifestyle. We then dive into both of her books including the latest, The Weaver and the Witch Queen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis joins Adam to chat about her brand new book, The Spectacular, but before they get into that, they get into her massive adoration for the theater. An actress by trade, Fiona expresses where her love comes from and how it connects with the stories she tells. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jude Atwood is a teacher and author of the award-winning debut middle grade novel, Maybe There Are Witches, but the science of baking is where he finds pure joy. He's baked over 40 different types of pies and cakes and loves tinkering with recipes. In this chat, we breakdown how this baking has helped his writing and all about his new novel! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sidney Karger is an award-winning screenwriter for film and television with credits including Billy on the Street, Comedy Central, and Saturday Night Live. Growing up near Chicago, he was raised on a steady diet of improv and sketch comedy from some of the greats of Second City and Upright Citizens Brigade. It's a shared love Adam also adores. They also get into his incredible new romantic comedy Best Men! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wow does this episode cover a lot! Iconic romance author Penny Reid opens this discussion by discussing her obsession with crafting before getting why and how she learned to make soap before getting into her deep dive into essential oils. We then bring up a classic Penny Reid concept- KNITTING! But wait… there’s more! We also chat about the “Penny Reid-iverse” by getting into her journey as a self-published author, what it means to be a “traditional” published author, and how she created her own publishing imprint Smarty Pants Romance. We also get into her always interesting research process which most recently sent her down the rabbit hole of learning about the lives of strippers and strip club owners… I promise this all ties together and leads to her new book, Folk Around and Find Out!
Learn to make your own soap - http://soapcalc.net Read a Penny Reid Book! https://pennyreid.ninja/
Books mentioned in this episode Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nikki Payne, debut author of Pride and Protest, is a cultural anthropologist by day who spends her time thinking about big questions and how to answer them. On this episode, she joins Adam to discuss one of the questions she's spent her life thinking about: What does it mean to be "ugly". She opens the conversation by explaining how her fascination began with the movie, The Color Purple and has continued to this day. Nikki has even taught a college course about the idea of ugliness and how it's portrayed. Another one of Nikki's fascinations is the work of Jane Austen, which is how her debut novel came to be. It's a must-read modern reconfiguring of Pride and Protest that you're going to love. Books mentioned in this episode The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones Teeth in the Mist by Dawn Kurtagich
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bestselling rom-com writer Sophie Cousens lives on Jersey Island in the UK and it has changed the entire way she lives her life, in the best possible way. In this discussion, Adam and Sophie chat about what living on a small island is like, the stress she feels now that her books come with expectations, and her love of the romantic comedy genre. Her latest book, Before I Do, is the perfect end of year book to enjoy cuddled up by a fire!
Books mentioned in this episode Darling Girl by Liz Michalski Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Surprise! It’s a bonus episode absolutely loaded with book recommendations! Adam is joined by his good pal, Amy Clark from momadvice.com and the fabulous Book Gang podcast to offer up some book recommendations just in time for your holiday travel season. These recommendations span every genre so there is definitely something for everybody. Enjoy and thanks for all the support in the first few months of Passions & Prologues!
Books mentioned in this episode My Policeman by Bethan Roberts With Teeth by Kristen Arnett Bad habits by Amy Gentry The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin When All is Said by Anne Griffin The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison The Angel of the Crows by Katherine Addison The Charm Offensive by Alison Chochrun Deacon King Kong by James McBride Glorious Rock Bottom by Bryony Gordon Hiddensee by Gregory Maguire Landslide by Susan Conley Lillian Boxfish takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sangu Mandanna, author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, has always loved to unwind after a busy day. Her favorite way to do so involves the simple, repetitive tasks of pointing and clicking. She first remembers playing with tamagotchi before graduating to the computer games of her youth that she would play with her father. Adam and Sangu discuss their shared love of the King’s Quest games from Sierra gaming, Sangu’s love of older games like The Last Express and Fantasy Life as well as the joy she now finds in the soothing world of Stardew Valley. Sometimes we all need an escape, be it books, video games, or anything else!
Books mentioned in this episode: The Lido by Libby Page Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher Kill the Farm Boy by Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Martha Anne Toll has lived a musical life. She was raised with siblings who formed a family string quartet, studied with a world class teacher for viola, and spent countless hours perfecting the singular notes that, collectively, make beautiful music. In addition to music, Martha has a love of books few can match, interviewing authors and reviewing stories for NPR while she’s also spent a lifetime in social justice. In this discussion, Adam and Martha discuss how her passion for music surrounded her childhood, the teacher who helped her understand the intricacies of her instrument, and her exceptional debut novel, Three Muses. Books mentioned in this episode A Small Porch by Wendell Berry Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead Evicted by Matthew Desmond An Equal Music by Vikram Seth
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Horror novelist Dawn Kurtagich deeply understands what makes a story memorable. She seeks out the small details and aspects that make stories special. She learned these things by watching Xena, Warrior Princess.
The show was an awakening for her on so many levels. In this wide reaching conversation, Dawn and Adam discuss how Xena opened up her world but they also discuss mental health, the small moments of life that Dawn thought about when she was at her most sick and didn’t think she would see another day, and the books that reminded her of why she fell in love with writing. She also breaks some exciting news about her thrilling book, Teeth in the Mist.
Trigger warnings for discussions of suicidal thoughts.
Books mentioned in this episode: House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson Siren Queen by Nghi Vo Teeth in the Mist by Dawn Kurtagich Circe by Madeline Miller Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New York Times bestselling author Claribel Ortega knows about world building. She's been doing it since she was a child when she first discovered The Sims, the popular video game that lets you build entire communities and lives and determine how they play out. In this discussion, Claribel shares her experiences with the addicting game, the surprisingly emotional moments when her Sims die, and how it helps her create magical worlds that readers can lost themselves in. The second half of the conversation is all about her stunning new middle grade graphic novel, Frizzy, which is all about Marlene, a young girl who stops straightening her hair and embraces her natural curls. They also talk about their shared connection and friend of the show, Ryan La Sala! You have to check out this discussion! Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Melissa Urban, co-creator of Whole 30, joins Adam to discuss her new book, The Book of Boundaries. Melissa has built her career by being someone people come to seeking help with creating spaces in their own lives and over the years she’s learned to build boundaries for herself. As a recovering addict, it’s pivotal for her to maintain a healthy lifestyle and healthy mindset. In addition to discussions of boundary setting, Adam and Melissa also talk about their shared love of the outdoors, hiking, and moving their bodies. You’ve likely known Melissa Urban as the fitness and food mind who has built a program designed to help people discover how their bodies react to certain foods. Now meet the Melissa who has built an incredible community one hike and one boundary at a time.
Books mentioned in this episode Where the Deer and the Antelope Play by Nick Offerman It's Okay to Laugh: (Crying Is Cool Too) by Nora McInerny Purmort
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rachel Harrison has quickly established herself as one of THE defining voices of the horror genre. She exploded onto the scene several years ago with her terrifying and unnerving debut The Return before following that up with the equally spooky Cackle. Both books were not only atmospheric and gothic, but they also were extremely well written, the pages flying by. Her newest book, Such Sharp Teeth, does the same. If you're a fan of werewolf books (and who isn't!) it's a must read. Rachel has a spent her life seemingly preparing to write scary books with shocking plot twists, given her obsession with The Twilight Zone. In this episode, Adam and Rachel discuss her introduction to the classic TV series, get into the history of why the show was so groundbreaking, and how she's spent her career trying to write stories like Rod Serling. Books mentioned in this episode:
Witches Brenda Lozano (translated by Heather Cleary)
The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas
The Fervor by Alma Katsu
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alexis Henderson took the world by storm with her debut novel, The Year of the Witching, back in 2020 and now she’s back with another gothic book just in time for spooky season! Eventually, we discuss House of Hunger, where A young woman is drawn into the upper echelons of a society where blood is power but first Alexis shares where her aesthetic was born: The early 2020s Tumblr scene. We get into what the app meant to her as a teenager before getting into her undying love of Twilight and cult show Skins UK. Adam also offers a creepy book recommendation to kick off the episode when he discusses The Companion by Katie Alender. The discussion ends with Alexis recommending several books including: The Blood Trials by N.E. Davenport, The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas, Babel by RF Kuang, and Wild and Wicked Things by Francesca May
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Emily Austin has thought a great deal about religion and anxiety in her life. Growing up in a blended religious household, she saw first hand the ways religion can affect how we interact with one another. It left her questioning her beliefs and her heart and, eventually, led to the powerfully beautiful novel, Everyone in this room will someday be dead. In this discussion, Adam and Emily discuss their respective unique religious upbringings, the inconsistencies of what people pick and choose to talk about, Jegaysus, writing about and through anxiety, and her exciting new project that was announced in Publishers’ Marketplace! Books mentioned in this episode All Dressed up by Jilly Gagnon We have always lived in the castle by Shirley Jackson Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel A Dream of a Woman by Casey Plett Little Fish by Casey Plett
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Claire North, author of the new book Ithaca, interacts with words and colors in a different way than almost anyone you have ever met. Claire has synesthesia, a condition that means she interacts with words and colors in a very unique way. This helps her in her "day" job where she lights live music performances. In this discussion, we talk about her experience with live music lighting, the colors of Adam's voice, and so much more. This is a fascinating conversation that leads into how she constructs sentences and stories including for her latest book!
Books mentioned in this episode Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn Three Pianos by Andrew McMahon Ithaca by Claire North Teeth in the mist by Dawn Kurtagich Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron How emotions are made by Lisa Feldman Barrett
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron is a theater nerd to her very core. She was raised in a house of musicals, having been introduced to the likes of Sweeney Todd and Phantom of the Opera early on in her life (perhaps too early!) In this chat, Adam and Kalynn chat about their shared obsessions with musicals, talk about their own experiences growing up with them, and the ones they still adore today. Kalynn Bayron is the New York Times and Indie bestselling author of the YA fantasy novels CINDERELLA IS DEAD and THIS POISON HEART. Her latest works include the YA fantasy THIS WICKED FATE and the middle grade paranormal adventure THE VANQUISHERS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For Gilly Segal, hockey is about family. It’s one of her connections to her dad and now it’s a massive part of life for Gilly and her son. In this discussion, Gilly and Adam chat about how sports bond us to family in ways that go beyond just wins and losses, the positive effects sports have on the lives of children, the difference between the dream and reality of working in sports, and much more.
She is the co-writer of the New York Times bestselling I’m Not Dying with You Tonight, co-written with Kimberly Jones, and is now working on a secret solo project she reveals at the end of the discussion.
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kimberly Jones knows the importance of history. Her powerful book, How We Can Win is all about the history of systemic racism in the United States and leveling the playing field. The New York Times bestselling I’m Not Dying with You Tonight, co-written with Gilly Segal, is based on actual race riots. Also, she’s currently working on a biography of her mother, a trailblazer in multiple ways. She also understands legacy and that the things she leaves behind will be part of the way she’s remembered. In this conversation, Kim and Adam talk about the things Kim collects ranging from Cabbage Patch Dolls and Yo! MTV Raps cards to hard to find books to… much stranger things. Adam and Kim first met way before Kim took the world by storm with her powerful and emotional speech about the inequality in America during the George Floyd protests. Their friendship is one of goofiness and shared adoration. This conversation is like sneaking into a family Sunday meal and listening in as they joke about the many things that have meaning to us. Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jen Doll is delightful and that is not up for debate. The author of the new young adult book, That’s Debatable, joins the show to discuss a passion she and Adam both share… Cooking! The conversation kicks off with Jen explaining how she found her love of being in the kitchen at the beginning of the pandemic and how it helped her bond with her stepson. Adam and Jen share some recipes as well while talking about Adam’s kitchen weakness…baking. It’s a delightful chat about how they find joy in thinking through how ingredients go together and how that connects to their writing of stories. The episode ends with Jen talking about her experience with debate club in high school as well as Adam’s experience in theater. That’s Debatable comes out August 30th so be sure to preorder it right away if you hear this before then!
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The internet’s Ryan La Sala is this week’s guest! You might know Ryan from such massive books like Reverie and Be Dazzled and he has a new book that you absolutely have to go get called The Honeys. On today’s episode, Adam and Ryan discuss one of Ryan’s MANY passions… Cosplay! Ryan explains how cosplay helps him manifest his dreams and how his second book Be Dazzled went from being partially based on real events to literally becoming a “truth is stranger than fiction” actual moment. Ryan shares his experience in the cosplay world and also discusses potential costumes for the future. You can view the episode transcript here.
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Thank you to everyone who did so after the first few episodes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On episode three of Passions & Prologues, Julia Whelan chats with Adam about her unique passion- packing for vacation! Julia is well known for iconic voice as the narrator of hundreds of audiobooks and her new novel Thank You for Listening is a must read (or listen!). Julia has traveled all over the world for various lengths of time and across all seasons. All of this experience has made her a master of travel prep. Come for the conversation about her excellent new book, stay for the tips about layers, clothing rolling, and transitional shoes! You can view the episode transcript here. Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Thank you to everyone who did so after the first few episodes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On the second episode of Passions & Prologues, Brad Meltzer joins the podcast to discuss a passion that he and Adam share- THE MUPPETS! They talk about their first memories of watching Sesame Street, how they bonded over a mutual love of the holiday classic Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, and why they both see themselves in Kermit the Frog. Brad then shares a few family memories with The Muppets themselves before transitioning to talking about his research into Dolly Parton for his latest children’s book.
Brad is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of countless thrillers for adults as well as the creator of the wildly popular Ordinary People Change the World series for children. The latest book in that series is I Am Dolly Parton and it’s available wherever you buy books. Also, be sure to watch the incredible PBS series based off the books, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum.
You can view the episode transcript here.
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Thank you to everyone who did so after episode 1! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On the first episode of Passions & Prologues, Adam brings on his good friend Mallory O'Meara to talk about her passion for powerlifting! Mallory, the James Beard Award-winning author of Girly Drinks and Lady from the Black Lagoon, shares the story of how she fell in love with the world of powerlifting.
Mallory and Adam touch on why working out has become an oasis away from their work lives, how lifting and running has helped change the way they both see their bodies, and the importance of community. They also discuss how working out inspires their writing and Mallory shares some books she's read lately. You can hear Mallory discuss books and book culture every week on the Reading Glasses podcast.
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts and send your feedback to passionsandprologues@gmail.com. If you email us proof of your review, Adam will send you a personalized book recommendation via email! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Every week, host Adam Sockel interviews a popular member of the literary world about their passions beyond the books they're known for. These longform, relaxed conversations show listeners a new side of some of their favorite content creators as well as provide insight into the things that inspire their work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices