Book Me

In this week’s episode, Lindsay's ex-work wife (settlement pending) and multi-hyphenate of the Halifax arts scene, Tara Thorne, stops by to chat about her debut book of essays, Low Road Forever. Giggles and tangents abound as they riff on essay topics both pop culture and personal. A League of Their Own, Hollywood juicing conspiracy theories, making a lesbian vigilante revenge film, going from fired to inspired—it’s all in there.

A self-proclaimed “gay feminist harpy since before it was cool,” Tara Thorne is situated somewhere between the sharp-eyed urban commentary of Nora Ephron and ribald cultural analysis of Lindy West. In her debut book of essays, the Halifax-based filmmaker, arts critic, and recovering journalist gives readers her unvarnished take on the films and music that made her a feminist, how the #MeToo reckoning led her to write a misandrist vigilante film, what it’s like being the only woman in a band, and the snarky tweet that made her lose her position as CBC Radio’s arts and culture columnist. Alongside are musings on coming out later in life, remaining resolutely child-free, and why she’s decided to step back from being professional to the point of erasure: after two decades, it’s time to take the low road.

With the cranky forthrightness of Fran Lebowitz in, Pretend It’s a City, Thorne’s voice is both self-assured and deeply self-effacing as she exposes the light haze of misogyny that hangs over us all to find what’s funny, what’s true, and what needs to be said.

Katherine Alexandra Harvey shares the process of creating her piercing debut novel, Quiet Time, a project six years in the making. She touches on the importance of dichotomous characters, the lure of folklore, and what it was like to draw from her own journey of pain and self discovery—creating and healing in tandem—and inevitably, to let it all go.

“Quiet Time” is an unchronological coming-of-age story detailing the main character, Grace's, journey to find her voice after a lifetime of being silenced. Told through vivid and mesmerizing vignettes—cut-jagged with themes of addiction, mental illness, the supernatural, and obsessive relationships—it is her story of resilience, bravery, and redemption.

What do Mr. Solids, arson, a dog futon, a cloven hoofed woman and bingo have in common? The Cape Breton Kardashians, Tracy and Martina, of course. The dynamic duo popped by the studio, on their way to the legion, to chat about their new book, It's Tracy & Martina, Hun. And all it took was a magnum of strawberry wine! Hold on tight, these two bar stars get into everything from the treasures—and etiquette—of heavy garbage day, how to hack Halloween, Cape Breton tourist attractions that are literal fire, how to parent the right way, and more. 

Meet Tracy and Martina—two Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, gals who love a cig, a drink, and a healthy dose of drama—not necessarily in that order. Their mission: to introduce you to life as they know it on “the Island”: from meat darts and shootin’ the drag to their comprehensive Cape Breton Food Guide (where funeral sandwiches and double-doubles play featuring roles). Featuring full-colour “ads” and dozens of photos and graphics (including their exclusive Heavy Garbage Crossword), "It’s Tracy & Martina, Hun: A Guide to Cape Breton Livin'" is a treat for mainlanders and Capers alike.

The Honourable Don Oliver, former Canadian Senator, lawyer, outspoken social activist, farmer, musician, chef, author, teacher—and the list goes on—joins Lindsay to discuss his autobiography, A Matter of Equality. Don shares his wisdom and some stories from the book including his experiences growing up in the only Black family in Wolfville, Nova Scotia in the 1940s and 50s; the greatness encoded in his DNA; his love of cooking and how he uses it to give back; his unique perspective as a Black man working within the system to fight for equality in Canada; and his hopes for the country's future. 

Donald Oliver has dedicated his life to rooting out the systemic racism that has stalled the growth of Canada’s Black citizens – his work a testament to the truth that Black Lives Matter. Now, through dozens of black and white and colour images, and thorough intimate, personal reflections, A Matter of Equality: The Life's Work of Senator Don Oliver examines the legacy of the first man, and the second Canadian, to bring the Black experience directly to the upper house.

A lovely little chat about The Lonely Little Lighthouse, a heartwarming and thought provoking new picture book from author Lana Shupe. In this episode, Lindsay and Lana connect on their shared love of lighthouses, the importance of preservation, the power of community and the limitless potential of children. PLUS Lindsay's five-year-old daughter, Nina, makes a special appearance to share her own thoughts on the book—and brighten your day!

Based on the true story of Nova Scotia’s Sandy Point Lighthouse, The Lonely Little Lighthouse follows the inspiring journey of a neglected lighthouse and the small coastal community that rallies to save her. Featuring a history of lighthouses from construction through to current preservation efforts and vibrant artwork from Maritime artist Marla Lesage, this penetrating picture book makes a beautiful addition to any shelf. 

Award winning author and photographer, Nicola Davison, joins Lindsay to chat about her beautiful new novel Decoding Dot Grey. They touch on everything from writing quirky and unique characters—including those with wings and tails—to challenging themes, the importance of morse code in the story and more. A great read—and listen—for anyone who is growing, or grown, and finding their place in the world.

A heartfelt coming-of-age story set in an animal shelter and featuring the most-motley of crews—human and otherwise—”Decoding Dot Grey” is a tender and delightful new novel from award winning author of “In the Wake,” Nicola Davison.

Lindsay sits down with Joanne Gallant to discuss her award-winning memoir, A Womb in the Shape of a Heart. The result, a raw, real, and resonant conversation between two women who, though each with their own unique journeys, are bonded in the shared experience of womanhood. Diving into the topics of miscarriage, motherhood, societal expectations, grief, shame, the power of laying bare your pain—and so much more. An important conversation—to have, to hear, and to share.

An intimate memoir from bold and brilliant new voice, Joanne Gallant, A Womb in the Shape of a Heart is the immersive story of her journey through miscarriage and motherhood, holding space for the complicated paradoxes of grief and gratitude, of life and death, and the impenetrable depths of a mother’s love.

Do you ever question yourself despite your accomplishments? Feel like an imposter? Well, you're in good company.

In this contemplative episode, TV & Journalism powerhouse, Nancy Regan, sits down with Lindsay to chat about her forthcoming release From Showing Off to Showing Up: An Imposter's Journey From Perfect to Present, sharing her wisdom on everything from imposter syndrome and perfectionism to embodied emotions and the practice of presence. 

Lindsay chats with Michelle Wamboldt, author of Birth Road, about bringing an idea to fruition; recreating the magic of historical Truro, Nova Scotia; and the woman who inspired it all.

Birth Road is an evocative work of historical fiction that travels from rural Nova Scotia to Boston and back again. Told in startling vignettes and with bold, impeccable prose, it's a story of love, lost innocence, and the secrets that so often haunt small places.

Season 8, Episode 10

Long before the phrase "gig economy" was invented, Clary Croft was living it. For more than half a century (and counting) he's made his living in music, theatre, clothing design, writing, and by sharing the archival treasures of Helen Creighton's collection of traditional songs.

He told Costas Halavrezos how a charmed childhood in Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia paved the way for his multi-faceted career.