On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen sits down with author Jessica Teich to discuss the revised anniversary edition of The Future Tense of Joy, a deeply personal memoir that intertwines her own life with the story of a young woman she never met.

Jessica shares how an obituary for 27-year-old Lacey Cooper Reynolds captured her attention and ultimately transformed what began as an autobiography into what she describes as a "shared memoir." Her search to understand Lacey's life led her to family members, teachers, and a private investigator—and unexpectedly opened doors into Jessica's own past.

Their conversation explores the pressure women can experience to appear successful and perfect, the difficulty of showing vulnerability, and Jessica's own experiences with trauma and sexual abuse. She reflects on her time at Yale and Oxford as one of the first female Rhodes Scholars, her decades working in Los Angeles theater, and the importance of recognizing when environments and relationships no longer allow us to thrive.

Jessica also discusses why she returned to the book a decade after its original publication, how the #MeToo era changed the context surrounding its themes, and what she has learned from survivors who have approached her after readings to share their own experiences.

At its heart, this conversation is about healing, safety, freedom, and what Jessica calls "the consolations of belonging"—the knowledge that even after trauma, there are people willing to listen, care, and help.

On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen sits down with award-winning author C.C. Soleil to discuss her historical thriller, Holy Orders.

Blending historical fiction, contemporary mystery, archaeology, and a touch of the supernatural, Holy Orders follows a team of archaeologists in southern Germany whose investigation into the Black Plague uncovers evidence of a horrific crime buried for 700 years. As the mystery deepens, they discover that uncovering history could put their own lives at risk.

C.C. shares how extensive research into the Middle Ages shaped the novel, from clothing, food, travel, and social customs to religious life and the realities surrounding the Black Plague. She also explores how faith, morality, manipulation, and the search for truth became important themes within the story.

The conversation dives into C.C.'s writing process, how she connects the novel's medieval and modern-day timelines, the surprising ways her characters evolve as she writes, and why historical research became one of her favorite parts of creating Holy Orders.Whether you love historical fiction, archaeological mysteries, suspense, or stories that explore the complicated intersection of faith and human nature, this episode offers a fascinating look behind the creation of Holy Orders.

On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen welcomes author, psychotherapist, and educator Mary McCluskey to discuss her award-winning children's books, The Leader of the Parade and Bubbles, Balloons, and Birds.

Drawing on more than two decades of experience as a therapist, Mary shares how her books help children navigate emotions, trauma, diversity, grief, and resilience through imaginative storytelling. She also reveals the deeply personal inspiration behind the series—honoring her mother, an artist living with Alzheimer's disease, by incorporating her original artwork into the books, while collaborating with her daughter to bring the characters to life.

The conversation explores the psychological theories of Alfred Adler and Pierre Janet, the importance of connection in children's emotional development, the challenges young people face in today's digital world, and how literature can foster empathy, healing, and hope. Mary also discusses her work supporting children affected by war, including the Ukrainian edition of Bubbles, Balloons, and Birds, and previews her upcoming historical middle-grade novel inspired by Frédéric Chopin and George Sand.

Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, or simply passionate about children's literature, this episode offers thoughtful insights into the power of stories to help young readers grow, heal, and thrive.

On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen welcomes award-winning author E.G. Slade to discuss Momentum Montessori: A Life in Motion, a historical novel inspired by the life and personal writings of Dr. Maria Montessori.

Drawing from Montessori's 1913 diary and extensive historical research, Elizabeth Slade explores the remarkable woman behind one of the world's most influential educational philosophies. The conversation delves into Maria Montessori's groundbreaking work as one of Italy's first female physicians, the origins of the Montessori method, and the deeply personal choices she made while pursuing her life's mission.

Elizabeth also shares her own journey into Montessori education, the challenges of blending historical fact with fiction, the research that brought the story to life, and why themes of courage, change, and perseverance continue to resonate with readers today.

Whether you're an educator, history enthusiast, Montessori parent, or simply enjoy compelling historical fiction, this episode offers a fascinating look at the woman whose ideas transformed education around the world.

On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen welcomes entrepreneur, business leader, and motivational speaker Tony Holland for an inspiring conversation about resilience, financial literacy, and building lasting wealth.

Tony shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a difficult environment in Brunswick, Maryland, to earning a scholarship to Johns Hopkins University, overcoming homelessness, and becoming a managing partner at Integrity Marketing Group. Along the way, he reflects on the mindset shifts, mentors, and personal discipline that transformed his life.

The conversation explores practical strategies for breaking generational poverty, developing an entrepreneurial mindset, teaching children about money, investing wisely, and creating financial security for future generations. Tony also discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with successful people, embracing lifelong learning, leveraging AI as an educational tool, and why wealth begins with changing the way you think.

Whether you're starting your financial journey, building a business, or looking for inspiration to overcome adversity, this episode is packed with actionable advice and powerful life lessons.

On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen sits down with award-winning children's author Tina Neely to share the heartwarming true story behind Bacon Loves Everyone.

Inspired by her real-life pet pig, Bacon Bit, Tina discusses how an unexpected companion became the inspiration for a children's book centered on love, acceptance, and belonging. She shares how she taught herself digital illustration after more than two decades away from drawing, the hidden-heart concept woven throughout the book, and her vision for expanding Bacon's World into a series that helps young children navigate life's everyday moments with kindness and confidence.

Tina also reflects on the unexpected career change that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of helping children know they are loved, and how following a calling led her from working as a sous chef to becoming a multi-award-winning children's author.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, educator, or simply love uplifting stories, this conversation is filled with humor, inspiration, and a reminder that everyone deserves to feel loved.

On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen sits down with author Michael Ciccarelli Walsh to explore the creative journey behind his imaginative storytelling—from action-packed sci-fi adventures to heartwarming children's books.Michael discusses how his background in screenwriting shaped his approach to writing novels, why compelling characters matter more than spectacle, and what inspired his Zoboros Series, a superhero space saga set in a galaxy where extraordinary powers make you an outlaw. He also shares the surprising story behind Gabby the Green Bean, a charming children's book inspired by his fiancée that encourages readers to follow their dreams while never forgetting where they came from.The conversation also dives into the realities of self-publishing, book marketing, working with editors, the role of AI in creative writing, developing memorable characters, and practical advice for aspiring authors looking to publish their first book.Whether you're an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or simply love hearing how great stories come to life, this episode is filled with inspiration, creativity, and practical insights.

Beach Boys fans, listen up ! Summer is officially here and this week on the Big Time Talker podcast with Burke Allen, we celebrate summer in style! There’s plenty of sun, surf and sand between our toes during this special encore presentation of our conversation with longtime Beach Boys band member Bobby Figueroa from California Surf Inc. Go behind the scenes and get the inside story about one of the biggest groups in music history on this weeks show; surf’s up!

Recording artist Ryne Brashear joins Burke Allen on the Big Time Talker Podcast to share his journey from growing up on a sixth-generation cattle farm in Upton, Kentucky, to building a music career in Nashville. Ryne talks about how farm life shaped his work ethic, the lessons he learned playing on Broadway, and how his sound blends country, gospel soul, and gritty rock and roll.He also opens up about songwriting, performing live, his latest album I’ll Start Again, and the personal stories behind songs like My Kind of Hero. The conversation also touches on faith, family, fatherhood, and how his son’s cystic fibrosis diagnosis has shaped his outlook on life.

In Part Two of this special live Big Time Talker Podcast event, Burke Allen continues his conversation with New York Times No. 1 bestselling author Homer Hickam at the Washington County Public Library in Abingdon, Virginia.Homer shares the fascinating story behind the title change from Rocket Boys to October Sky, reflects on his relationship with his brother Jim, and answers audience questions about his bestselling books, the inspiration behind the Josh Thurlow series, and his experiences working with NASA.The conversation also explores Homer's role in astronaut training, the development of SpaceLab, the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission, international cooperation with Russia on the International Space Station, and his thoughts on the Artemis program and humanity's return to the Moon.Filled with humor, storytelling, and insights from a remarkable life, this episode offers a unique look at the man behind October Sky and the adventures that followed his Coalwood childhood.