Okie Bookcast - podcast cover

Okie Bookcast

The Okie Bookcast is dedicated to helping curious readers like you find your next great read by connecting you to Oklahoma authors and stories. The show features monthly interviews with contributors to the reading life of Oklahoma - it might be an author, publisher, librarian, reader, bookseller, or other figure. In addition to interviews, the show has a monthly book conversation full of reviews and recommendations. New episodes drop on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Connect with Okie Bookcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok - @okiebookcast.

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Episodes

Life as Married Authors with Will and Julia Bryan Thomas

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! Welcome to Chapter 45! For this conversation, I had the joy of sitting down with married authors Will and Julia Thomas. Will is a two time Oklahoma Book Award winner and the author of fourteen Victorian Era mysteries, the Barker and Llewelyn novels. His books have received Shamus and Barry nominations and numerous starred reviews. The latest book in the series - Heart of the Nile - released earlier this year. Connect with Will: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Julia...

Jul 18, 202340 minSeason 2Ep. 19

Behind the Rain: An Audio Anthology of Oklahoma Poetry, Volume 5

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! Welcome to the first anniversary volume of Behind the Rain! We've been at this for a year and have had the joy of presenting 56 poems from 31 Oklahoma poets. Here's the lineup for this edition of the anthology: Dream Walking - Rebecca Lemke Instagram: @newcrunchymom Website: rebeccalemke.com Bull Headed - Brand Rackley Instagram: @brandrackley Spider - Jackie Kraft Facebook: @jackie.kraft.58 Where--In That Dark Deep--Are You? - David Jennings Facebook: @DJennPhoto...

Jul 13, 202320 min

Celebrating Oklahoma History with John J. Dwyer, author of The Oklahomans saga

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! It's Chapter 44! My guest is John J. Dwyer, author of The Oklahomans and several other history and historical fiction titles. John grew up in Duncan and taught History and Ethics at Southern Nazarene University from 2006-2021. He also had a successful career in journalism and broadcasting before making the switch to writing books. John’s books have won both state and nationals awards, including the Will Rogers Medallion award for Western literature. When he’s not ...

Jul 11, 202341 minSeason 2Ep. 18

Your Next Great Read - Book Recommendations and Talk with J, Hannah, and special guest Rebecca Inch-Partridge

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! This month, Hannah and I are joined by author and editor Rebecca Inch-Partridge. Rebecca is an author, an editor, and an avid science fiction fan who grew up imagining a more inclusive world for women writers. Today, she is shaping that reality with the publication of her first YA science fantasy novel, Escaping the Dashia , from Black Rose Writing. Connect with Rebecca: website | Facebook | Instagram Connect with Hannah: website | Twitter | Instagram Rebecca War ...

Jun 27, 202354 min

Writing Picture Books with Children's Author, Tammi Sauer

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! I had so much fun talking with children's author, Tammi Sauer! Tammi is a former teacher and library media specialist, who now works as a full-time children's book author. Her books have received accolades including starred Kirkus reviews, the NPR Best Book of the Year, Bank Street College Best Book of the Year, and the Oklahoma Book Award. Her books have been translated into several languages and some of them have even been adapted into musicals. In addition to h...

Jun 20, 202343 minSeason 2Ep. 17

Navigating the Journey of Indie Authorship - Amy Prokopis and Tyler Lenz

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! It's Chapter 42! For our conversation today, we're taking a look at indie authorship with a couple of fantastic young independent authors - Tyler Lenz and Amy Prokopis. Tyler Lenz was born in Enid, OK, and attended college at Oklahoma State University. He lives in Moore, OK with his wife, Roxanne, and two children where he currently works as the communications manager for a trucking company. Tyler has always enjoyed writing but only recently started taking it seri...

Jun 06, 202354 minSeason 2Ep. 16

Your Next Great Read - J and Hannah look ahead to summer reads

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! We're back! No guest for this month's YNGR, so Hannah and I are taking a look at some books we're excited to read this summer. Hannah The Roanoke Girls - Amy Engel Confessions - Kanae Minato, Stephen Snyder Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chobsky Fourth Wing - Rebecca Yarros The Husband’s Secret - Liane Moriarty You Shouldn’t Have Come Here - Jeneva Rose J A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World - C.A. Fletcher Dogs of War - Adrian Tchakovsky Tell Me an En...

May 30, 202342 min

Creating Wild Family Reading w/ Middle-Grade Author J.J. Johnson

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! Welcome to Chapter 41! My guest is J.J. Johnson, a husband, father, podcaster, and Award Winning Middle-Grade author. He grew up in Pryor Oklahoma, attended Oklahoma Baptist University where he majored in Theology. He now lives in Edmond with his wife and two boys who are commonly known online as - Hobbit 1 and Hobbit 2. J.J. and I talk about his award-winning Iggy and Oz series and his passion for writing books that connect with middle-grade boys. We also talk ab...

May 02, 202343 minSeason 2Ep. 15

Your Next Great Read - Book Recommendations and Talk with J, Hannah, and special guest, Aubrey Stanley from the Bookish BFFs

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! J and Hannah are joined by Aubrey Stanley, a Bookstagrammer who is part of The Bookish BFFs. Connect with Aubrey: BookishBFFs Connect with Hannah: website | Twitter | Instagram Bookcast conversation with Hannah about The Ashford House. Aubrey The Man Who Died Twice - Richard Osman The Thursday Murder Club - Richard Osman Never Lie - Freda McFadden Don’t You Cry - Mary Kubica Hannah When All the Girls Have Gone - Jayne Ann Krentz Frankenstein - Mary Shelley The Ech...

Apr 25, 202350 min

Oklahoma Center for the Book and Oklahoma Book Awards with Connie Armstrong

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! We're talking about the Oklahoma Center for the Book and the Oklahoma Book Awards with OCB Executive Director, Connie Armstrong. Connie has led the Center since 2009. She holds degrees in history and political sciences from the University of Oklahoma and the University of Central Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Center for the Book is a state affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, and is organized to focus attention on the vital role of books and r...

Apr 18, 202335 minSeason 2Ep. 14

Behind the Rain: An Audio Anthology of Oklahoma Poetry, Volume 4

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! Welcome to Volume Four of Behind the Rain: An Audio Anthology of Oklahoma Poetry. I'm excited to share with you the work of these 11 Oklahoma poets. Open Mic Night - Kara Lisa Soft As Cotton - Brand Rackley Instagram: @brandrackley The Honesty of Grief - Alannah Benae Instagram: @alannah_benae Some Days - Sally Hoch Instagram: @sallyhochwriter Cabin - David Jennings Website: davidjenningsartinphotographyandpoetry.com Chrono - MAC Woods Instagram: @mac_since1985 Fo...

Apr 14, 202324 min

Writing Across Genres with Horror and Thriller Author, Hannah Herron

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! I'm really excited to interview my Your Next Great Read cohost and favorite oldest daughter, Hannah Herron for this chapter of the Bookcast! Hannah has a new book coming out this month - The Ashford House - so this felt like the perfect time for a conversation about her work. Hannah is an author, screenwriter, and educator from Norman, Oklahoma. She’s written two books - Sleep Tight and Awake, the latter of which was an Oklahoma best seller, and her latest book Th...

Apr 04, 202343 minSeason 2Ep. 13

Your Next Great Read - Book Recommendations and Talk with J, Hannah, and special guest Melissa Coast

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! Hannah and J are joined by OKC Bookstagrammer, Melissa Coast (AKA stickynote_bookrecs on Instagram). The conversation ranges from haunted houses to classic sci-fi to some surprise romance entries. As always, something for everyone. We also have a special announcement from Hannah about her new book - The Ashford House - coming April 18! Connect with Hannah: website | Twitter | Instagram Books discussed on the show: Melissa I, Robot - Isaac Asimov The Vanishing Half...

Mar 28, 202355 min

Selling Books in a Small Community - Karen Payne, Paper Pages Bookstore

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! Chapter 38 finds me in Crescent, OK at Paper Pages Bookstore talking with owner Karen Payne. Paper Pages is a fantastic store featuring a wide variety of books, as well as gifts and locally-sourced pastries and coffee. In our conversation we talk about the role of the store in the community, Karen's commitment to supporting local vendors and authors, and the joys and challenges of owning a store in a smaller community. Connect with Paper Pages: Facebook | Instagra...

Mar 21, 202337 minSeason 2Ep. 12

Oklahoma Writers' Federation, Inc. - Nick Lyon and Bre Lockhart

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! Chapter 37 of the Bookcast focuses on the Oklahoma Writers' Federation, Inc. - a non‑profit federation of writers' groups from across Oklahoma and beyond dedicated to promoting higher standards for the written word. I sat down with Nick Lyon (President) and Bre Lockhart (Conference Coordinator) about OWFI and it's mission and the upcoming conference. Connect with OWFI: website | Facebook Nicholas Lyon is the author of the historical novel The Baptist Bootlegger an...

Mar 07, 202342 minSeason 2Ep. 11

Your Next Great Read - Book Recommendations and Talk with J, Hannah, and Special Guest, Mel Odom

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! Our guest for this month's YNGR is Mel Odom. Mel is the author of over 200 novels and is a professor in the Professional Writing department at the University of Oklahoma. He's also a Bookcast alum, appearing on Chapter 4 of the show way back in 2021. Listen to chapter 4 of the Bookcast . Be sure to stay through the end of the conversation for a big announcement! Connect with Mel: website | Facebook Connect with Hannah: website | Twitter | Instagram Books Discussed...

Feb 28, 202352 min

Writing History and Biography with Oklahoma Historian and Author, Bob Burke

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! My guest for Chapter 36 is author, historian, and attorney Bob Burke. Bob has written over 150 books about Oklahoma and Oklahomans, ranging from topics like The Oklahoma City Bombing to the Oklahoma State Fair to Oklahoma legends like Wiley Post and Ralph Ellison. Bob is a 3-time winner of the Oklahoma Book Award, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oklahoma Center for the Book, and has been inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame, the Okla...

Feb 21, 202344 minSeason 2Ep. 10

Creating Worlds with Fantasy Author Kathryn Fogleman-White

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! Love fantasy stories and dragons? Then I've got the conversation for you! My guest, Kathryn Fogleman-White, describes herself as Keeper of Dragons, and lover of coffee. As a Master Storyteller, Kathryn believes in providing quality books that give readers a chance to pause and take a brain break from the rest of the world. She the author of the Tales of the Wovlen series of novels and co-author of Books 4 and 5 of the Heroes of Ravenford series. As a writing coach...

Feb 07, 202345 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Your Next Great Read - Book Recommendations and Talk with J, Hannah, and special guest Jamie Hyde

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! Welcome to the January edition of Your Next Great Read! Hannah and I are joined by Oklahoma author Jamie (J. L.) Hyde to talk about the books we're loving and why you might love them too! Plenty of thrillers and true-crime this month, with other great books thrown in as well. Connect with Jamie: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Purchase Jamie's books: jlhyde.com/books Connect with Hannah: website | Twitter | Instagram Books discussed on the show: Jamie The ...

Jan 24, 202352 min

University of Oklahoma Press Editorial Director, Andrew Berzanskis

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! Welcome to Chapter 34! I had the joy of talking with Andrew Berzanskis, Editorial Director for the University of Oklahoma Press. Andrew has worked in publishing for two decades, during which his work involved acquiring books for the University of Washington Press, West Virginia University Press, and the University of Georgia Press. He got his start in university press publishing through an editorial fellowship at the University of Texas Press. In our conversation,...

Jan 17, 202337 minSeason 2Ep. 8

Behind the Rain: An Audio Anthology of Oklahoma Poetry, Volume 3

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! Welcome to Volume Three of Behind the Rain: An Audio Anthology of Oklahoma Poetry. I'm excited to share with you the work of these 11 Oklahoma poets. Darkness Comes to Me - Ken Hada Twitter: @KhadakhadaKen Website: kenhada.org Old Car - David Jennings Website: davidjenningsartinphotographyandpoetry.com Estelle and Rain in the Forecast - Ruth Key Website: thesouljar.blogspot.com A Circle Seen from all Sides - Caleb Jordan Twitter: @gkmonthly Selections from A Wichi...

Jan 13, 202327 min

Where Are They Now? Catching Up With Past Guests

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! As we turn the calendar over to 2023, some of my former guests and reviewers have checked in for this special "Where Are They Now?" episode of the Bookcast. I've included each guest's name and the episodes where you can hear more from them, as well as a link to their websites. Enjoy this opportunity to catch up with these friends! Charles J. Martin - Chapter 1 literatipressok.com Betsey Kulakowski - Chapter 27 authorbetseykulakowski.com Debra Chandler - Chapter 3 ...

Jan 03, 202328 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Your Next Great Read - Book Recommendations and Talk with J Hall and Hannah Herron

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! It's the year-end edition of Your Next Great Read. No guest this month so Hannah and I took a few minutes to talk about our favorite and least favorite reads from this year as well as our regular conversation about what we're reading and why you might enjoy it too. Remember - you can purchase all the books mentioned on the show through the links below or by visiting the Next Great Read store on Bookshop.org . Connect with Hannah: website | Twitter | Instagram Hann...

Dec 27, 202238 min

Collaboration and the Creative Process - Kylar Merrell, Foreign Press Comics

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! It's Chapter 32 of the Okie Bookcast! Today I talk with Kylar Merrell, comic writer and artist and the driving force behind Foreign Press Comics - an Oklahoma-based publisher. Kylar has created several titles, including Terminal, Valkyrian , and his contributions to the newly released Fletcher Cross anthology. He's also the host of the Comics Unscripted podcast. He describes himself as a fifth grade science teacher by day and a comic creator and publisher by night...

Dec 20, 202243 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Representing Culture with Award-Winning Children's Author, Mariana Llanos

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! It's Chapter 31 of the Okie Bookcast! My guest is award-winning children's author, Mariana Llanos. Mariana is a Peruvian-born writer of children’s books who has lived in Oklahoma since 2002 and started her publishing career in 2013 with her book Tristan Wolf. She is the author of 12 published books, the latest of which, Run Little Chaski, an Inka Trail Adventure, won the 2022 Oklahoma Book Award in the children’s books category. She also recently released an audio...

Dec 06, 202239 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Your Next Great Read - Book Recommendation and Talk with J, Hannah, and special guest Susan Hall

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! It's a family affair on Your Next Great Read! Co-hosts J Hall and Hannah Joy Herron are joined by special guest, Susan Hall (J's Mom and Hannah's Grammie). We're talking about what we're reading, why we love it, and why you might love it, too. We've got something for everyone in this conversation - children's books, comics, thrillers, historical fiction, and more. Remember - you can purchase all the books mentioned on the show through the links below or by visitin...

Nov 29, 202251 min

Historical Fiction with Award-Winning Oklahoma Author, Rilla Askew

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! My guest for Chapter 30 of the Bookcast is Rilla Askew. Rilla is the author of five novels, a book of stories, and a collection of creative nonfiction, MOST AMERICAN: NOTES FROM A WOUNDED PLACE, which was long-listed for the PEN/America Award for the Art of the Essay. She’s a PEN/Faulkner finalist, recipient of the Western Heritage Award, Oklahoma Book Award, and a 2009 Arts and Letters Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Her novel about the Tulsa...

Nov 15, 202247 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Conquering Chaos and Finding Peace with Author and Entrepreneur, Jeremie Kubicek

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! Chapter 29 of the Bookcast welcomes back Oklahoma author and entrepreneur, Jeremie Kubicek to talk about his latest book, The Peace Index, which released this fall. Jeremie is the Co-Founder of GiANT, a company that certifies coaches and consultants that serve companies and their employees. Jeremie has started over 20 companies while living in Oklahoma City, Moscow, Atlanta and London. He is also a sought-after communicator and content creator. In our conversation...

Nov 01, 202239 minSeason 2Ep. 3

Your Next Great Read - Book Recommendations and Talk with J, Hannah, and special guest Devin Green

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! Find your next favorite book with co-hosts J Hall and Hannah Joy Herron and special guest, Devin Green. We're talking about what we're reading, why we love it, and why you might love it, too. We've got something for everyone in this conversation - sharks to pop stars to space opera to happiness to the end of the world. Connect with Hannah: website | Twitter | Instagram This month's books: Devin There Are No Ordinary People - Jeff Lucas Jaws - Peter Benchley I'm Gl...

Oct 25, 202249 min

Legal Thrillers and Series Writing with Best-Selling author, William Bernhardt

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"! My guest for Chapter 28 is William Bernhardt, best-selling author of over 50 books who has sold millions of copies in his three legal thrillers series featuring Ben Kincaid, Daniel Pike, and Kenzi Rivera, respectively. He’s also written several standalone novels, including his most recent book - Plot / Counterplot - which is available now. Beyond fiction writing, Bill has authored two books of poetry (with a third on the way) and a series of books on writing ficti...

Oct 18, 202242 minSeason 2Ep. 2
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