Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt - Book Talk Podcast

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Hello My Happy Halloween Fiends,

We are just spiriting away through this Halloween season. Today is another hauntingly good episode with award-winning, best-selling author and podcaster Tricia Copeland. Tricia joins me for a magical episode of Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt–Book Talk Podcast.

Tricia believes magic infuses every part of life and love, aided by the stories that transport us to new worlds. Her Realm Chronicles series begins with To Be a Fae Queen, where a young faerie princess must claim her throne and face enemies both seen and unseen. With powerful storytelling and a gift for building immersive fantasy worlds, Tricia captures the beauty and danger of magic that exists just beyond the veil.

In this conversation, Tricia and I talk about her journey from writing about real-life recovery to crafting award-winning fantasy adventures as well as her other series, and her Finding the Magic Book Podcast.

So step into the world of the Fae with us and discover why Tricia Copeland’s stories remind us that real magic lives within and around all of us.

Tricia's Website

Tricia on Facebook

Tricia on Instagram

Tricia on YouTube

Tricia on TikTok

Tricia on Amazon

Finding the Magic Book Podcast

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BurckhardtBooks.com: 

• *NEW* Haunted Hearts Series
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• BBP on Facebook
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About Dianne:

• Dianne Burckhardt, Award-Winning Indie Author 
• Meet Dianne EP 1: Who Am I? 

Share your thoughts on this episode, text us now.

Bleeped words: Murd3r/Su!c!de, K!ller

Hello My Happy Fiends,

My favorite time of year is in full swing. In this hauntingly good episode of Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt–Book Talk Podcast, I sit down with J.E. Weiner, the author who’s turning heads and raising goosebumps with her Southern Gothic debut, The Wretched and Undone.

Set in the mist-shrouded hills of Texas on the eve of the Civil War, this novel is a genre-bending tale of ghosts, grief, and generational curses inspired by real people and actual events. When Polish immigrants Marcin and Agnieszka Anderwald cross an ocean searching for freedom, they awaken something dark, an unrelenting evil that refuses to rest.

Weiner’s background as a historian and her own encounters with the supernatural bring a bone-deep authenticity to this chilling saga, which has already earned honors as a K!ller Nashville Top Pick and Claymore Award Finalist for Best Southern Gothic. Together, we discuss haunted histories, unquiet spirits, and the ghosts that follow us through time, whether we invite them or not.

If you love eerie atmospheres, haunted family legacies, and the kind of storytelling that lingers like footsteps in an empty hallway, this episode and J.E. Weiner’s The Wretched and Undone are the perfect entertainment this October.

J. E.'s Website

J. E. on Facebook

J. E. on Amazon

J. E. on Instagram

J. E. on Threads

Side Note: The podcast name J.E. Weiner could not think of is The Telepathy Tapes and can be found by clicking here.

Support the show

Shop our Zazzle Store: Burckhardt_Books

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BurckhardtBooks.com: 

• *NEW* Haunted Hearts Series
• Buy: Burckhardt Book Collections

Book Banter Productions:

• BUY AN ISSUE: Book Banter Magazine
• BBP on Facebook
• BBP on TikTok
• Apply to be a Guest: Podcast Guest Application

About Dianne:

• Dianne Burckhardt, Award-Winning Indie Author 
• Meet Dianne EP 1: Who Am I? 

Share your thoughts on this episode, text us now.

Bleeped words: Murd3r, k!ller (x2)

Hello My Happy People,

This week on Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt – Book Talk Podcast, we kick off our Hauntingly Good Reads for Halloween with debut middle-grade author Carol Williams. We talked about her new book, The Supernatural Files of CJ Delaney.

CJ Delaney is a spirited and curious kid reporter whose summer vacation takes a wild turn with ghost dogs, mysterious symbols, and plenty of small-town secrets. Blending supernatural suspense with heartfelt real-world emotion, Carol’s story has already earned praise from Kirkus Reviews for its “suspenseful and emotionally intelligent” storytelling and from Booklist for giving readers a “lovably sassy” protagonist.

Carol shares how her background in marketing and communications shaped her writing, how her Ohio roots inspired the setting, and why supporting literacy and curiosity in young readers is so close to her heart.

The Supernatural Files of CJ Delaney is perfect for classrooms, book clubs, and young readers who love fast-paced adventures with just the right touch of mystery. Not to mention, it's a perfect way to kick off our month of Hauntingly Good Reads for the Halloween season.

Listen in for a fun and thoughtful conversation about writing, community, and the power of stories to spark curiosity in kids.

Buy Carol's Book

Carol on Instagram

Side Note: The author's name Carol could not remember who wrote Lockwood & Co. is Jonathan Stroud. The 70s TV show name neither of us could remember completely is Kolchak: The Night Stalker.

Support the show

Shop our Zazzle Store: Burckhardt_Books

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Support Us: FREE options. Learn more, HERE!

BurckhardtBooks.com: 

• *NEW* Haunted Hearts Series
• Buy: Burckhardt Book Collections

Book Banter Productions:

• BUY AN ISSUE: Book Banter Magazine
• BBP on Facebook
• BBP on TikTok
• Apply to be a Guest: Podcast Guest Application

About Dianne:

• Dianne Burckhardt, Award-Winning Indie Author 
• Meet Dianne EP 1: Who Am I? 

Share your thoughts on this episode, text us now.

Bleeped Words: Murd3r, s3xual (2x), rap3, k!llers, hum@n traff!ck!ng (5x), dr*gs (3x), dr*g

Hello My Happy People,

This week on Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt – Book Talk Podcast, Dianne welcomes retired Air Force Special Agent Derrick Jackson, author of the military thriller Shadow One: Based on a True Story.  Drawing on his twenty-one years of experience in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Jackson delivers a gripping story that blends high-stakes criminal investigations with deep emotional conflict and a touch of romance.

Shadow One follows Special Agent Devin Jackson as he confronts betrayal, tragedy, and an international crime syndicate that will stop at nothing to silence him. With themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and justice, this thriller keeps readers hooked while weaving in a heartfelt love story.

Join us as Derrick shares how his real-world counterintelligence and criminal investigation background shaped his writing, and why Shadow One is a must-read for fans of thrillers with both grit and heart.

If you like stories based on real-life experiences, you may have just found your new favorite author. Don't wait, go listen now. 

Derrick on Facebook

Derrick on Instagram

Shadow One on Amazon

Side note: The quote Dianne gave from Former FBI Agent Robert Ressler was him paraphrasing Friedrich Nietzsche, "He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you."

Support the show

Shop our Zazzle Store: Burckhardt_Books

Subscribe: Newsletter

Support Us: FREE options. Learn more, HERE!

BurckhardtBooks.com: 

• *NEW* Haunted Hearts Series
• Buy: Burckhardt Book Collections

Book Banter Productions:

• BUY AN ISSUE: Book Banter Magazine
• BBP on Facebook
• BBP on TikTok
• Apply to be a Guest: Podcast Guest Application

About Dianne:

• Dianne Burckhardt, Award-Winning Indie Author 
• Meet Dianne EP 1: Who Am I? 

Share your thoughts on this episode, text us now.

Bleeped word: Murd3rbot 

Hello Happy People,

In this week’s episode of Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt – Book Talk Podcast, I share my chat with award-winning science fiction author and microbiologist Joan Slonczewski. Known for weaving real science into imaginative worlds, Joan’s novels explore everything from microbial intelligence to feminist futures.

Her latest book, Minds in Transit, takes readers into the dazzling city of Iridis, where human lords, sentient machines, and microbial minds shape society in unexpected ways. But as artist Chrys works with her microbial partners to design a new city, cracks appear in her creations—and soon the balance of an entire world is at risk.

Beyond her fiction, Joan is a dedicated scientist who publishes research with undergraduates on bacterial pH stress and cold-adapted microbes from Antarctica. She also teaches courses in microbiology, virology, and biology in science fiction, blending scientific discovery with imaginative storytelling in the classroom. Her work is truly fascinating!

Join us for a captivating conversation about the intersections of science, imagination, and storytelling. Joan shares insights from her research, award-winning fiction, and the inspiration behind her work.

Joan's Website

Joan's Publications

Joan in Antarctica 

Joan's Wikipedia Page

Buy Minds in Transit

Joan on Amazon

Support the show

Shop our Zazzle Store: Burckhardt_Books

Subscribe: Newsletter

Support Us: FREE options. Learn more, HERE!

BurckhardtBooks.com: 

• *NEW* Haunted Hearts Series
• Buy: Burckhardt Book Collections

Book Banter Productions:

• BUY AN ISSUE: Book Banter Magazine
• BBP on Facebook
• BBP on TikTok
• Apply to be a Guest: Podcast Guest Application

About Dianne:

• Dianne Burckhardt, Award-Winning Indie Author 
• Meet Dianne EP 1: Who Am I? 

Share your thoughts on this episode, text us now.

Bleeped words: murd3rbot (twice), k!lled

Hello My Happy People,

This week on Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt, I talk with author, journalist, and martial artist Jason Brick about his mission to make families safer. With decades of martial arts training, work as a bodyguard, and experience as a dad, Jason brings unique insight into personal safety and violence prevention.

In our chat, we highlight his book There I Was … When Nothing Happened: True Tales of Violence Prevention from Professionals in the Field, which shares over 50 real-life stories from experts in law enforcement, martial arts, and security. Each story shows how preparation, awareness, de-escalation, and escape can prevent violence before it starts.

Jason also introduces Safest Family on the Block, his podcast and book project built around interviews with experts ranging from bodyguards to school administrators, to name just a few. His work gives parents and communities practical tools to protect what matters most, their loved ones.

If you’ve ever worried about how to keep yourself and your family safe, this episode offers practical tools and real-life wisdom you can use right away to give you peace of mind. Don't wait, go listen now! 

Jason's Website

Jason on Facebook

Jason on Instagram

Buy Jason's Books

Book, Blog, and Podcast: SAFEST FAMILY ON THE BLOCK!

Support the show

Shop our Zazzle Store: Burckhardt_Books

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Support Us: FREE options. Learn more, HERE!

BurckhardtBooks.com: 

• *NEW* Haunted Hearts Series
• Buy: Burckhardt Book Collections

Book Banter Productions:

• BUY AN ISSUE: Book Banter Magazine
• BBP on Facebook
• BBP on TikTok
• Apply to be a Guest: Podcast Guest Application

About Dianne:

• Dianne Burckhardt, Award-Winning Indie Author 
• Meet Dianne EP 1: Who Am I? 

Share your thoughts on this episode, text us now.

Bleeped words: S3x, S3xuality (Twice)

Hello My Happy People,

Judy Blume transformed how young readers understood themselves and the world around them. In this episode of Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt – Book Talk Podcast, bestselling author and cultural writer Rachelle Bergstein joins me to talk about her book, The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us. Her book explores Blume’s life, groundbreaking novels, and enduring influence.

Rachelle traces Blume’s journey from suburban New Jersey mother to one of the most celebrated—and censored—authors in America. By telling stories of ordinary kids with honesty and humor, Blume challenged taboos around growing up, sparking conversations about identity, feminism, and free expression that still matter today.

We discuss Rachelle's career and inspirations and how they led her to writing about Judy Blume and her cultural legacy. Rachelle shares how her own work as an author and editor has been shaped by the trail Judy Blume blazed. 

Inspired by Judy Blume’s longtime fight against book bans, Rachelle is following the current politically charged book banning crisis on her Substack, Banner Year. Rachelle lives with her husband and son in Brooklyn, USA.

Rachelle's Website

Substack: Banner Year

Rachelle on Instagram

Rachelle on Bookshop.org

Rachelle on Amazon

Rachelle on X

Support the show

Shop our Zazzle Store: Burckhardt_Books

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Support Us: FREE options. Learn more, HERE!

BurckhardtBooks.com: 

• *NEW* Haunted Hearts Series
• Buy: Burckhardt Book Collections

Book Banter Productions:

• BUY AN ISSUE: Book Banter Magazine
• BBP on Facebook
• BBP on TikTok
• Apply to be a Guest: Podcast Guest Application

About Dianne:

• Dianne Burckhardt, Award-Winning Indie Author 
• Meet Dianne EP 1: Who Am I? 

Share your thoughts on this episode, text us now.

Bleeped words: k!lled (twice), d!ed

Hello My Happy People,

This week on Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt – Book Talk Podcast, I sit down with Qin (pronounced "Ching") Sun Stubis, award-winning author of Once Our Lives. Her memoir shares the unforgettable story of four generations of Chinese women who endured war, revolution, superstition, and persecution, yet still prospered through strength, hope, and resilience.

Born in a Shanghai shantytown during the Great Chinese Famine, Qin faced hardship from her earliest days. She was once dismissed as a “worthless” girl and later shunned when her father was imprisoned for speaking the truth about injustice in her country. She turned to books and learning as her lifeline. That determination carried her to one of China’s most prestigious universities and eventually to the United States.

Through her writing, Qin seeks to build bridges between cultures and remind us of the common dreams and struggles that unite humanity. Her story of survival and triumph is as inspiring as it is unforgettable.

Today, Qin lives in the United States with her husband, two adult children, and a beloved rescue dog. She continues to write, publish, and speak around the world, sharing stories that inspire strength and understanding.

Qin's Website

Qin on Facebook

Qin on Instagram

Buy Once Our Lives

Support the show

Shop our Zazzle Store: Burckhardt_Books

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BurckhardtBooks.com: 

• *NEW* Haunted Hearts Series
• Buy: Burckhardt Book Collections

Book Banter Productions:

• BUY AN ISSUE: Book Banter Magazine
• BBP on Facebook
• BBP on TikTok
• Apply to be a Guest: Podcast Guest Application

About Dianne:

• Dianne Burckhardt, Award-Winning Indie Author 
• Meet Dianne EP 1: Who Am I? 

Share your thoughts on this episode, text us now.

Hello My Happy People,

This week on Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt – Book Talk Podcast, I am joined by Marcia Peck, an award-winning author and lifelong musician who has spent over fifty years as a cellist with the Minnesota Orchestra. Marcia brings her love of rhythm, melody, and storytelling together in her debut novel, Water Music: A Cape Cod Story.

Her novel has been celebrated with multiple honors, including the Literary Titan Gold Award, National Indie Excellence Award, and the New England Book Festival Regional Lit Winner, among many others. With its lyrical prose and heartfelt exploration of family, place, and memory, Water Music has resonated deeply with readers and critics alike.

Beyond her novel, Marcia’s fiction and essays have appeared in numerous literary journals and publications, and she has received fellowships and residencies from prestigious arts organizations. Whether through music, words, or the timeless beauty of Cape Cod, Marcia's creative voice shines with authenticity and grace.

In our conversation, Marcia shares her journey as both a musician and a writer, the ways in which music informs her storytelling, and how Cape Cod continues to shape her creative world. Join us as we explore her award-winning work and the deep connections between music, memory, and the written word.

Marcia's Website

Marcia on Facebook

Marcia on Sea Crow Press

Marcia on BookShop.org

Marcia on Amazon

Support the show

Shop our Zazzle Store: Burckhardt_Books

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BurckhardtBooks.com: 

• *NEW* Haunted Hearts Series
• Buy: Burckhardt Book Collections

Book Banter Productions:

• BUY AN ISSUE: Book Banter Magazine
• BBP on Facebook
• BBP on TikTok
• Apply to be a Guest: Podcast Guest Application

About Dianne:

• Dianne Burckhardt, Award-Winning Indie Author 
• Meet Dianne EP 1: Who Am I? 

Share your thoughts on this episode, text us now.

Hello Happy People,

In this episode of Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt – Book Talk Podcast, I sat down with Alison Beder Solway, author of The Miles We Run, for an emotional and deeply moving conversation. Alison opens up about her personal journey through the challenges, heartbreaks, and triumphs of surrogacy in her quest to build a family.

Our discussion goes beyond the pages of her book, exploring the resilience it takes to keep going when the road ahead feels uncertain, the emotional weight of navigating infertility, and the transformative power of hope and love.

Alison Beder Solway is a Canadian author, fitness coach, and founder of ABS Fitness. A passionate advocate for women’s health and resilience, she shares her life in Toronto with her husband and children. She is also a marathon runner, completing the New York City Marathon as part of her inspiring journey.

Whether you’ve faced similar struggles or simply want to hear an inspiring story of determination and the unshakable bonds of family, this episode will leave you both moved and uplifted.

TheMilesWeRun.com

ABSFitnes.ca

Alison on Instagram

Buy The Miles We Run

Alison on LinkedIn

Alison on Apple Books

Support the show

Shop our Zazzle Store: Burckhardt_Books

Subscribe: Newsletter

Support Us: FREE options. Learn more, HERE!

BurckhardtBooks.com: 

• *NEW* Haunted Hearts Series
• Buy: Burckhardt Book Collections

Book Banter Productions:

• BUY AN ISSUE: Book Banter Magazine
• BBP on Facebook
• BBP on TikTok
• Apply to be a Guest: Podcast Guest Application

About Dianne:

• Dianne Burckhardt, Award-Winning Indie Author 
• Meet Dianne EP 1: Who Am I?