A Mighty Blaze Podcast
By A Mighty Blaze
A Mighty Blaze PodcastJun 13, 2021
Season 9 Bonus Episode 13: JAMES COMEY
What's harder: Being a federal prosecutor and FBI Director, or being an author? James Comey is one of the few people in the world who can answer that question. And he does, right here at A Mighty Blaze! James sat down with fellow author Mark Cecil on The Thoughtful Bro show to talk about the hazards, surprises, and recollections of his many and varied careers, and about his debut fiction release, CENTRAL PARK WEST. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 9 Episode 12: CELESTE NG
Her latest novel, OUR MISSING HEARTS, follows in the footsteps of LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE and EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU as a big-time, captivating bestseller. Celeste visited AMB to chat with fellow NYT bestselling author Caroline Leavitt about what keeps her fascinated and motivated in the world of story creation. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 9 Episode 11: ANN PATCHETT & LINDSAY LYNCH
Ann is a Pulitzer finalist, a National Humanities Medal nominee, and the author of some of America's favorite stories, including her latest, TOM LAKE. Lindsay's debut novel, DO TELL, hit the USA Today bestseller list and was featured on the Today Show. The pair joined fellow author Jenna Blum to talk about the writing life and their work together at Ann's Parnassus Books in Nashville. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 9 Episode 10: JULIA FINE
Her latest book, MADDALENA AND THE DARK, is creepy, magical, atmospheric, and historical--perhaps the perfect blend for a winter's day. Or any day, for that matter! Julia visited AMB to talk with Kimberly Hensle Lowrance about this page-turner set in a competitive music school run by Vivaldi (yes, THAT Vivaldi) in 18th-century Venice. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 9 Episode 9: ANN NAPOLITANO
Her latest novel, DEAR EDWARD, was recently made into a TV series on Apple+. Now Ann Napolitano is back with another blockbuster! In this episode, our own cofounder and NYT bestselling author Caroline Leavitt chatted with Ann about her publishing journey and of course about her newest Oprah-picked novel, HELLO BEAUTIFUL.
Season 9 Episode 8: PAM JENOFF
The NYT bestselling auhor of THE LOST GIRLS OF PARIS, THE ORPHAN'S TALE, and THE WOMAN WITH THE BLUE STAR is back with another page-turner! Pam visited A Mighty Blaze to chat with fellow bestselling author Jenna Blum about her newest historical fiction tale: CODE NAME SAPPHIRE. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 9 Episode 7: DENNIS LEHANE
If ever any episode had a Boston accent, this one is it. Dennis Lehane is the author of MYSTIC RIVER, SHUTTER ISLAND, MOONLIGHT MILE, GONE BABY GONE, and so many more... And if that wasn't enough, he's also a staff writer for several hit TV series. He talked about his life and work with fellow author Mark Cecil on The Thoughtful Bro. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 9 Episode 6: SARINA DAHLAN
Take your imagination for a ride with this episode featuring Sarina Dahlan, author of the fantastical and touching Four Cities trilogy, including the already-released books RESET and PRESET. She joined fellow author Joe Moldover and Nick Eskey from San Diego's Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore for a lively discussion about publishing genres, memory research, and all things books! Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 9 Episode 5: ANN GARVIN
There aren't too many humorists out there who can also say they've earned a Ph.D., and that's just one of the things that makes this episode's guest stand out from the literary crowd. Ann Garvin visited A Mighty Blaze to talk with Bo Ellis about why she likes to include lots of humor, humanity, and the realest of real people in her novels, including her latest: THERE'S NO COMING BACK FROM THIS. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 9 Episode 4: LUIS ALBERTO URREA
We've got an honest-to-goodness "literary badass" on the podcast this week! Luis Alberto Urrea has been nominated for a Pulitzer and racked up dozens of awards for his nonfiction books, his poetry collections, and of course his many acclaimed novels. He stopped by A Mighty Blaze to talk with fellow NYT bestselling author Jenna Blum about his latest: GOOD NIGHT, IRENE. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 9, Episode 3: NANA KWAME ADJEI-BRENYAH
Buckle up: The bros are bro-ing hard in this episode. :-) Multi award-winning, NYT bestselling author Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah talks with Thoughtful Bro host and fellow novelist about the pitfalls and pleasures of making art, why writers should look beyond just books for story inspiration, and why America's incarceration system needs some work. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 9, Episode 2: SUSANNA HOFFS
She's a guitarist,a singer-songwriter, a dancer, an actress, and of course a founding member of 80s band sensation, The Bangles. And if all that wasn't enough, now she's a novelist, too! Susanna Hoffs came to Friday Frontliner on A Mighty Blaze to talk with Mary O'Malley about how she jumped from music to publishing, why she never feels along when she's writing, and how she chose the settings for her new book, THIS BIRD HAS FLOWN. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 9 Premiere: DIANA GABALDON
Great Scot, could it be true? We're starting off Season 9 with the world-renowned Diana Gabaldon! The author of the time-traveling OUTLANDER series joined fellow writer Kimberly Hensle Lowrance for a fascinating conversation about her writing process, her forays into screenwriting, and of course her latest blockbusters, GO TELL THE BEES THAT I AM GONE. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 8, Bonus Episode 13: EMILY GIFFIN
Welcome to the Feel-Good Fiction Queen! Emily Giffin's candy-colored, bestselling books, including SOMETHING BORROWED, HEART OF THE MATTER, and THE LIES THAT BIND, take up an entire shelf at our favorite bookstore. She visited A Mighty Blaze to chat with host Jenna Paone about her latest lighthearted romp, MEANT TO BE. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 8, Episode 12: SNOWDEN WRIGHT
Authors Love Bookstores headed to Mississippi for a great Joe Moldover interview with Snowden Wright, author of AMERICAN POP and PLAY PRETTY BLUES, and the owner of Snowden's favorite independent bookstore, Square Books. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 8, Episode 11: JANE ROPER
AMB's own Jane Roper hits the scene with the release of her debut novel, THE SOCIETY OF SHAME! She spoke with The Thoughtful Bro, Mark Cecil, about the many complicated implications of writing satire and exploring so-called "cancel culture" with this witty and funny tale of celebrity gone wrong. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 8, Episode 10: ZOE SIVAK
Debut author Zoe Sivak visited A Mighty Blaze to talk with fellow historical fiction author Julie Gerstenblatt about her novel MADEMOISELLE REVOLUTION, which explores the Haitian and French revolutions through the lens of a biracial woman struggling to survive the tumultuous events. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 8, Episode 9: LAURA ZIGMAN
The wildly popular author of ANIMAL HUSBANDRY and SEPARATION ANXIETY came to A Mighty Blaze to talk books with fellow bestselling author (and AMB cofounder) Caroline Leavitt, and to delve into the backstory of her latest successful release, SMALL WORLD. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 8, Episode 8: JANET HORVATH
This is a special one. A Mighty Blaze honored Holocaust Remembrance Day with a visit from musician and debut author Janet Horvath, who compiled her fascinating family history into a book called THE CELLO STILL SINGS: A GENERATIONAL STORY OF THE HOLOCAUST AND THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF MUSIC. Janet spoke with NYT bestselling author Jenna Blum, who has interviewed Holocaust survivors for the Spielberg Survivors of the Shoah Foundation and wrote about the Holocaust in her books THOSE WHO SAVE US and THE LOST FAMILY. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 8 Episode 7: ROBERT MCKEE
When it comes to crafting a great story, few know more than professor, lecturer, and Fulbright Scholar Robert McKee. Actors, screenwriters, authors, and directors around the world flock to his "STORY" Seminars, and thousands more have devoured his bestselling book, STORY: SUBSTANCE, STRUCTURE, STYLE, AND THE PRINCIPLES OF SCREENWRITING. We were thrilled when Robert came to A Mighty Blaze to share some of his secrets with "The Thoughtful Bro" Mark Cecil. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 8, Episode 6: AMY IMPELLIZZERI
Amy Impellizzeri has been churning out gripping novels for years, including WHY WE LIE and I KNOW HOW THIS ENDS. This "reformed lawyer turned author" visited Hank Phillippi Ryan's "Crime Time" show to talk about the unusual real-life relationship that spawned Book 1 in her Riversedge Law Club series: IN HER DEFENSE. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 8, Episode 5: BOYAH J. FARAH
Boyah J. Farah's book, AMERICA MADE ME A BLACK MAN, was an NPR Best Book of 2022 and an NAACP Image Award nominee. The author, poet, and entrepreneur visited A Mighty Blaze to talk with fellow author Jane Roper on "The Zeitgeist" about the challenges he faced after immigrating to the United States from war-torn Somalia. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 8, Episode 4: MAGGIE O'FARRELL
Who wants to hear Maggie O'Farrell read from her latest blockbuster? (Hands up...) Us, too! The bestselling author of HAMNET, MY LOVER'S LOVER, AFTER YOU'D GONE, and so many others visited A Mighty Blaze to share insights with fellow writer Kimberly Hensle Lowrance and to read a bit from her newest work, THE MARRIAGE PORTRAIT. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 8, Episode 3: PRISCILLA OLIVERAS
If you're looking for books to get your heart beating and your feet dancing, look no further: Author Priscilla Oliveras specializes in romance novels with a Latin flair, and her latest, the Mariachi-inspired WEST SIDE LOVE STORY, keeps the fun and festive streak alive. Priscilla visited A mighty Blaze's "Blaze Boudoir" to talk with fellow romance fan Kate LeBeau about her process and inspirations. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 8, Episode 2: JULIE GERSTENBLATT
Imagine, if you will, a tiny Atlantic island in the 1800s, mostly populated by the wives of absent ship captains. A northern island, where freed slaves are trying to make a new life, and where the women's suffrage and abolitionist movements are stoking tensions. Now, add in a devastating fire, and what are you left with? A great story, that's what! DAUGHTERS OF NANTUCKET author Julie Gerstenblatt lays it all out in conversation with NYT bestselling novelist and AMB cofounder Jenna Blum. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 8, Episode 1: ANTHONY HOROWITZ
Maybe you know him from his MAGPIE MURDERS fame. Or maybe you've read his ALEX RIDER series, or some of his Sherlock Holmes or James Bond books. Perhaps even watched some of the popular TV series he's written over the years. No matter how you know Anthony Horowitz, you'll get it when we say that we were extremely lucky and excited to feature him in conversation with fellow bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan on Crime Time! Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 7, Episode 13: ELIZABETH STROUT, PART 2
It's a baker's dozen this season with a bonus thirteenth episode! This is a podcast-exclusive interview that you won't hear anywhere else, featuring the one, the only, the magnificent Elizabeth Strout! The Pulitzer Prize-winner talked with fellow NYT bestselling author Caroline Leavitt about her latest book, the pandemic-set LUCY BY THE SEA. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 7, Episode 12: MARGARET WILKERSON SEXTON
Authors Love Bookstores!And in this case, Margaret Wilkerson Sexton loves A Great Good Place for Books in Oakland, California. The multi award-winning author of A KIND OF FREEDOM and THE REVISIONERS joins host Kimberly Hensle Lowrance for a chat with the bookstore's owner, Kathleen Caldwell. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 7, Episode 11: NATALIE JENNER
People Magazine called Natalie Jenner's latest novel, BLOOMSBURY GIRLS, "just delightful," and we agree! In this episode, the internationally bestselling author talked with A Mighty Blaze's own Julie Gerstenblatt about the joys and struggles of creating this charming, new world for her characters, some of whom were also included in her last bestseller, THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 7, Episode 10: PENG SHEPHERD
Peng Shepherd was a success right out the gate with her debut novel, THE BOOK OF M. On the heels of her second, equally fantastic release, THE CARTOGRAPHERS, she talked with The Thoughtful Bro host Mark Cecil about her journey of creating art, navigating the difficulties of the spotlight, and why writing the second book was even more challenging than writing the first. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 7, Episode 9: ERICA FERENCIK
She's the bestselling author of thrillers that feature high-octane situations in dramatic settings, from IN THE JUNGLE to THE RIVER AT NIGHT and her latest, GIRL IN ICE. Erica Ferencik stopped by Crime Time to talk to Hank Phillippi Ryan about all the research and passion that goes into making these environments come to life for the reader. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 7, Episode 8: ELI CRANOR
We have an anniversary to celebrate! Authors Love Bookstores aired its 100th episode (!!!) with an interview with author Eli Cranor, whose debut DON'T KNOW TOUGH was called "one of the best debuts of 2022" by The New York Times. Eli visited AMB to talk with host Joe Moldover and the owner of Dog Ear Books in Russellville, Arkansas. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 7, Episode 7: LYDIA CONKLIN
Author and artist Lydia Conklin's celebrated short story collection, RAINBOW RAINBOW, was called "a gorgeous ode to queer life" and "a triumph" when it was released in May, 2022. We were lucky enough to have Lydia on A Mighty Blaze in conversation with host Jane Roper on a great episode of The Zeitgeist. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 7, Episode 6: T.M. BLANCHET
We're turning the tables in Episode 6, when AMB Podcast host Trisha Blanchet becomes the guest! She visited The Thoughtful Bro show on release day for her debut novel, HERRICK'S END, to talk with host and fellow writer Mark Cecil about her winding path to publication and the inspirations behind her fast-paced, fantasy adventure.
Season 7, Episode 5: LISA BARR
An art heist, a hard-nosed journalist, and sweeping European locales all come together to create a thrilling backdrop for Lisa Barr's latest blockbuster, WOMAN ON FIRE. Lisa visited Friday Frontliner to talk with fellow NYT bestselling author and AMB cofounder Jenna Blum about the facts and stories that inspired her to take on this new tale. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 7, Episode 4: SONALI DEV
Blaze Boudoir host Kate Lebeau is always ready to talk romance. On a recent episode, she welcomed USA Today bestselling author Sonali Dev to chat about Sonali's red-hot writing career and her many Bollywood-inspired romance novels, including THE WEDDING SETUP, INCENSE AND SENSIBILITY, and her latest release, THE EMMA PROJECT. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 7, Episode 3: JOHN LESCROART
Hank Phillippi Ryan welcomes one of her writing heroes to Crime Time with this one-of-a-kind, fascinating interview with new York Times Bestselling author John Lescroart. The author of 30 novels and recipient of countless literary awards gives us the backstory about his latest blockbuster, THE MISSING PIECE. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 7, Episode 2: GIN PHILLIPS
Special guest Gin Phillips is the author of six books, including THE WELL AND THE MINE and FIERCE KINGDOM. She checked in from Alabama to talk with fellow writer Kimberly Hensle Lowrance about her favorite bookshop, Thank You Books, and her newest novel, FAMILY LAW. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 7, Episode 1: JENNIFER EGAN
Our Season 7 Premiere is here, and it's a biggie! The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A VISIT FROM THE GOON SQUAD, MANHATTAN BEACH, and THE INVISIBLE CIRCUS visited The Thoughtful Bro show to talk to Mark Cecil about her latest eagerly anticipated release, THE CANDY HOUSE. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 6, Episode 12: EMILY ST. JOHN MANDEL
The one, the only Emily St. John Mandel joins A Mighty Blaze for the Season 6 Finale! The Thoughtful Bro host Mark Cecil talked with the award-winning author about her work process and her many bestselling titles, including STATION ELEVEN, THE GLASS HOTEL, THE LOLA QUARTET, and her latest, SEA OF TRANQUILITY. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 6, EPISODE 11: WEINA DAI RENDEL
Weina Dai Randel's latest book, THE LAST ROSE OF SHANGHAI, is the fascinating story of Jewish refugees in Shanghai during World War II. She visited A Mighty Blaze to talk with fellow writer Kimberly Hensle Lowrance about reading, lesser-known history tales, and Boston's lively bookstore scene. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 6, Episode 10: LISA SCOTTOLINE
You know her, you love her: The Edgar Award-winning author of novels like MOST WANTED, SOMEONE KNOWS, DADDY'S GIRL, and so many more stopped by Crime Time to talk with Hank Phillippi Ryan about her newest novel, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BENNETTS. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 6, Episode 9: MICKEY ROWE
We celebrated Autism Acceptance Month with actor Mickey Rowe on The Zeitgeist Show, where he talked with Jane Roper about his new memoir, FEARLESSLY DIFFERENT: AN AUTISTIC ACTOR'S JOURNEY TO BROADWAY'S BIGGEST STAGE. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 6, Episode 8: STEWART O'NAN
The celebrated author of books like WISH YOU WERE HERE, CITY OF SECRETS, and WEST OF SUNSET talked with The Thoughtful Bro host Mark Cecil about his newest novel, OCEAN STATE, and why "the unit of drama is not the sentence, it's the scene." Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 6, Episode 7: JAYNE ALLEN
She's an attorney, an entrepreneur, and the author of two wildly popular books: BLACK GIRLS MUST DIES EXHAUSTED and BLACK GIRLS MUST BE MAGIC. Jayne stopped by A Mighty Blaze to talk books with fellow writer Nancy Johnson, author of THE KINDEST LIE. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 6, Episode 6: AIMIE RUNYAN
Aimie has a fascination for the past...and a goal to put women front-and-center in her historical stories. The author of GIRLS ON THE LINE and DAUGHTERS OF THE NIGHT SKY visited Lit Chick to talk with fellow historical fiction author Julie Gerstenblatt about her new book, THE SCHOOL FOR GERMAN BRIDES. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 6, Episode 5: VICTORIA AVEYARD
The author of the RED QUEEN series is herself the undisputed queen of young adult fantasy in America. She visited Authors Love Bookstores to talk with fellow YA author Joe Moldover and the proprietor of her favorite independent bookstore, Diesel, in Los Angeles. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 6, Episode 4: BRENDAN SLOCUM
It's the unicorn of the book world: a debut novel that is also an instant bestseller. And Brendan Slocum managed to make it happen. Fellow bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan talked with Slocum on AMB's Crime Time about his book THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY: part thriller, part mystery, part coming-of-age story, and undeniable worldwide sensation. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 6, Episode 3: JAYNE ANN KRENTZ
You know Jayne: She's written 190 books (yep), including 50 bestsellers. She has fans around the world. She has a way with romance that no one else can match. And now, we're thrilled to say that she has one more notch in her belt, as the very first guest on A Mighty Blaze's newest show, Blaze Boudoir! Jayne chatted with hosts Mary Webber O'Malley and Kate LeBeau about her long career and her latest blockbuster, WHEN SHE DREAMS. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet
Season 6, Episode 2: EDWIN HILL
Edwin Hill, author of the popular Hester Thursby mysteries, is back--this time with a gripping suspense novel called THE SECRETS WE SHARE. He stopped by A Mighty Blaze to spill secrets with NYT bestselling novelist and AMB cofounder Jenna Blum on the Friday Frontliner show. Hosted by Trisha Blanchet