“All things short fiction”

Claude, David and Torie go a mile wide and an inch deep. They cover COB housekeeping, listener emails, and career advice from David. COB faves Dawnie Walton (“The Final Revival of Opal and Nev”) and Deesha Philyaw (“Secret Lives of Church Ladies”) zoom in. In addition to writing, publishing, and teaching, they’ve launched “Ursa”, a podcast dedicated to all things short fiction and underrepresented writers. Take a listen; it’s really good!

“Complicated”

Marc joins David and Torie for a breakdown on the U.S. Open, the Queen’s funeral, and should we all know who Collen Hoover is?  David Maraniss zooms in with “Path Lit By Lightning,” another remarkable book in the Pulitzer Prize winner’s collection of definitive biographies. He goes beyond Thorpe’s legendary athletic accomplishments to capture in riveting detail the story of a complex cultural icon and the broader American Indian experience.

“Like an otter....”

David, Torie and Jamie talk back-to-school, but David’s drop off of the first born went well. They talk Dolly, of course, and Claude has a great spinoff idea for the goddess. Best selling author Ann Leary Zooms in to share “The Foundling”. Its back story is as fascinating as the book itself, a fast-paced story of friendships, loyalty and the all-too real institutions that embraced eugenics as a widely accepted practice in the 1920s.

Torie, David and Jamie kick off Chatter’s last show until after Labor Day. DiCaprio, Reeves and Scorsese team up to bring COB fave Erik Larson’s book “Devil in the White City to Hulu. David wins the pop quiz on early female authors. They finally get to Alec Wilkinson’s “A Divine Language”  -- revisiting academic failure makes Torie break out in hives. Zoologist, filmmaker and brilliant writer Jackie Higgins Zooms in from the UK to discuss her wonderful “Sentient: What Animals Reveal About Our Senses.” Extraordinary and diverse animal senses reveal much about how we experience the world around us. There are peacock shrimps who see multiple colors, vampire bats that share life-saving blood and owls that see prey with their ears. It’s astounding.

“A love story.“

Chatter kicks off August with David, Torie and Chatter’s favorite Mayor, Jud Ashman. They talk about Barack Obama’s summer reading list – it includes three COB books. David breaks down Spike Lee’s decision to make a docuseries of COB author Chris Herring’s book “Blood in the Garden,” and Jud pitches local author Anthony Marra. CNN star Zain Asher zooms in to talk about “Where the Children Take Us,” the remarkable tribute to her mother who overcame tragedy and seemingly insurmountable odds to raise four highly successful children.

“Serving other people.”

Marc Sterne joins David and Torie as Chatter rolls through a very hot July. Marc debriefs the upcoming Citi Open. Torie predicts another best seller for Michelle Obama, and everyone talks self-help. Best selling author Alex Kershaw zooms in with “Against All Odds,” his gripping account of four of the most decorated soldiers of World War II. A master of detail and the battle narrative, Kershaw knows why soldiers fight and what’s important. 

Temperatures soar as David, Torie and COB fave Michael Croley tackle the disturbing news of best-selling author Delia Owens. Best selling author Shane Ryan zooms in to share “The Cup They Couldn’t Lose.” Ostensibly about the historic Ryder Cup, Shane’s book is an eye opener on the psychology of golf, team building and international competition. He takes “inside the ropes” to new levels.

“Resked.”

David’s on the road, and featured author Zain Asher is under the weather, so Jamie McIntyre and Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman join Torie for a mid-summer chat. They gush about COB fave Deesha Philyaw and debate the so-called best sellers of all time. Jud debriefs the epic Gaithersburg Book Festival, and they discuss – happily -- the growth in independent book stores. Zain will be back in August to talk about her memoir, “Where the Children Take Us,” that is tribute to a love story, a phenomenal mother and profoundly important culture.

“Hat trick.”

Chatter goes all books with David, Torie and Jamie. They answer listener emails and agree they would generally not read anything by or about Harvey Weinstein. Debut novelist Vauhini Vara zooms in to share “The Immortal King Rao.” It’s really three novels in one, expertly intertwined to tell the stories of an immigrant’s rise to world power and the consequences of his inventions.

Favorite sister Liz Clarke joins Torie and David for a breakdown on the French Open (Rafael and Coco rock!) and more. Pulitzer Prize winner John Branch zooms in to share “Sidecountry,” his amazing collection of essays about the unique and funny and sometimes tragic stories on the edge of sports. COB fave Susan Orlean says John writes “the best of American portraiture.”  Yep.