At The Bottom: A Podcast

Debut author, Peace Mbengei, joins us on the podcast to discuss her YA horror novel, We Run The Night, which is inspired by the urban legend of night runners.

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We're joined by Lokelani Alabanza, the Nashville-based author and chef behind the new cookbook, Ice Cream Queen!

In this episode we give some updates on our banned book club, what's going on in the Knox County School District, and discuss one of our recent banned book club reads, All Boys Aren't Blue.

In Q2 we read The Piano Lesson by August Wilson for Bottom Book Club. Listen to the recap!

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Author Eden Royce joined us for a special book club discussion of her book, Psychopomp & Circumstance, in November 2025.

Annastasia gives more information about The Bottom's two book clubs. See what's on deck next for Bottom Book Club and Banned Book Club!

Bottom Book Club Selection: O, Sinners by Nicole Cuffy

Banned Book Club Selection: This Is Kind Of An Epic Love Story by Kacen Callender

Annastasia is joined in the studio by author and pilot captain, Carole Hopson. Her book, A Pair of Wings, is all about the life and legacy of Bessie Coleman. Proceeds from her book sales go directly to the Jet Black Foundation, which has the goal of sending 100 Black women to flight school by 2035.

Annastasia, along with the whole Director team, reflect on five years of The Bottom and where we want to go next. Laugh, cry, and dream with us through this episode.

Dr. Enkeshi El-Amin - Founding Director

Kalil White - Operations Director

Ty Murray - Art Director

Annastasia Williams - Bookshop Director and Podcast Host

Annastasia sits down with debut author, Ashley Jordan, in the studio to discuss her book Once Upon A Time in Dollywood.

This title was selected as part of our Book It Subscription. Want to join Book It to get a specially curated book once a month? Sign up here. Plans start at $20. Pick up from our shop or have it shipped anywhere in the US.

Karmen Lee joins us in the podcast studio with her pal, Meka James, to discuss her book The Relationship Mechanic and The Secret Crush Book Club.