“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. 

“It’s about choices.”

Chatter rolls into summer. David kicks things off with a report on the NBA and Torie’s future trophy husband. NYT star Joe Drape joins (who knew he wrote “In the Hornets’ Nest?) for a Belmont preview and chat about “Black Maestro,” his wonderful book about the last Black jockey to win the Kentucky Derby. COB fave Louis Bayard zooms in to share “Jackie and Me,” his fascinating take on Jack and Jackie Kennedy’s courtship through the eyes of Lem Billings, lifelong JFK friend.

“Thank you.”

A very special edition of Chatter kicks off at the Gaithersburg Book Festival in blistering heat and wonderful book fans. Torie and David have a great chat with Brendan Slocumb, classically trained and internationally acclaimed violinist. He also weaves a great mystery tale of ambition and resilience in “The Violin Conspiracy.” 

“Put on earth to write.”

Torie kicks off the show with David and Washington Post book critic Ron Charles. Ron debriefs on the rise in book banning efforts and people fighting back. Award winning author of eight novels Susan Straight zooms in to talk about her latest, “Mecca.” A sweeping saga of intertwined lives, race, history and family, “Mecca” sets a high bar for anything about California and American culture.

Torie kicks off the show with Mayor Jud Ashman. Jud gives the back story on the Gaithersburg Book Festival and how he got into public service. Former Navy seal and multiple best selling author (and very forgiving) Jack Carr zooms in to talk about his latest, “In the Blood.” Over 20 years in Naval Special Warfare inform Carr’s fast paced and highly believable novel about tracking down a Mossad agent’s killer and walking into a highly sophisticated trap with global implications. Come for the action; stay for the smart geopolitical thinking.