Books by K. Hank Jost
Deselections
MadStone

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Ever wondered what magic brews when the lives of literary soulmates intertwine?*

Hank and Bonnie, the literary power couple who've journeyed from the Deep South to the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, sit down with us to unravel their story. They share their voyage through life and literature, offering glimpses into their existence as a couple that breathes words and wisdom. We peel back the layers of our podcast's creation, a tale of neighbors turned co-creators, transforming casual discussions into a symphony of storytelling and camaraderie.

Through our discourse, we confront the emotional whirlwinds and the risks of desensitization that tales of intensity can stir within us. We discuss the delicate art of balancing the shocking with the sublime, digging into works like "My Little Life,"  "Hogg," and Flannery O'Connor's unflinching exploration of humanity's dark side. Prepare to be enveloped in a conversation that probes the heart of storytelling, where the power of the pen is revealed in its capacity to both disturb and captivate.

Our chat follows Bonnie's experience working at a dairy farm and Hank's quest for truth as he deconstructed biblical texts and argued with church figureheads. Bonnie and Hank were both raised in religions that left them desiring a different relationship to faith; here in New York, they found what they were looking for at the Brooklyn Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, a Quaker form of worship that is centered on gathering as a community without a formal service.

*Please be patient with us as we improve our recording and editing techniques and equipment. Every conversation we have had with our guests have been too rich and wonderful to not share. We appreciate you all hanging in there as we continue to learn and grow.
 
**Bonnie Hall and K. Hank Jost bonus episode reading excerpt will be available  May 31st.*

K. Hank Jost Links:
Website
Instagram

Bonnie Hall Links:
Instagram

Books by K. Hank Jost 
Deselections
MadStone

Mentions:

• A Common Well Journal
• Brooklyn Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends 
• Flannery O'Conner's A Good Man is Hard to Find and Other Stories
• Sam Delany's Hogg: A Novel
• John McPhee
• Harry Crews

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We do not have a guest this week, it's just us!*

Flipping the page, we muse over the scribbles and chords that charted our course to becoming writers. From childhood musings to the raucous challenges of adulthood, every word we've penned pulses with life's rich tapestry. Listen as we unfold the layers of our creative evolution, from piano keys and letters to Santa, to the vibrant tales that now dance upon the pages of our lives. It's a reflection ripe with nostalgia and an earnest discussion of how persistence in our passions keeps the ink flowing, even amidst life's relentless pace.

Our stories both began in the MidWest but took many different twists and turns to bring us to the backroom of The Palace in Brooklyn, where we record this podcast. In this episode, we don't hold back as we talk travel, imposter syndrome, mental health struggles and friendships with brutal honesty.

*Please be patient with us as we improve our recording and editing techniques and equipment. We appreciate you all hanging in there as we continue to learn and grow.
 
Palace Reading Series

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When you meet someone who embodies the spirit of New York, you can't help but be drawn into their world.*  A.J. Springer isn't just an artist; she's a living, breathing part of the city that never sleeps. This vibrant conversation takes you on an explorations of what it truly means to be a New Yorker.

Venture into the art industry's labyrinth with A.J.'s guidance, discovering the intricate dance between creativity and commerce. We tackle the hurdles artists face with galleries, the influence of social media on their independence, and how art fairs are redefining success. From the chaotic life of touring musicians to the importance of relationships, A.J. opens up about the sacrifices and sheer determination needed to thrive in the world of art without losing one's soul.

 A.J. shares how her experiences in Latin America have deeply colored her work, reflecting on themes of death and mourning through a fresh lens. We examine how personal mythology and grief find a voice in her creations, offering a cathartic space for all. This episode isn't just about art; it's also a conversation about destigmatizing mental illness and finding balance with proper diagnosis, as each of us openly discusses our experiences.

*Please be patient with us as we improve our recording and editing techniques and equipment. Every conversation we have had with our guests have been too rich and wonderful to not share. We appreciate you all hanging in there as we continue to learn and grow. Huge thanks to Tim Gideon for salvaging this episode!

***** 
A.J. Springer Links:
Website 
Instagram 
Babes of the Abyss book

Mentions:
Urban Studio Unbound
The Other Art Fair

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Ever found yourself captivated by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and wondered about the story behind the beans?* Enrique, our guest this week, is a coffee buyer with an exceptional tale that starts in the vibrant heart of Oxnard, California, and stretches across continents. As he unfolds his family's journey from Mexico to the US, we connect over the shared experiences of cultural heritage and the pursuit of dreams far from where our stories began.

Embark on an exploration through the highs and lows of culinary education, the gritty details of the job market, and the balancing act with student debt. Enrique's career path, from food writing to mastering the coffee industry in NYC, is a testament to resilience and the power of following one's passion. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone intrigued by the complexities of coffee—from the subtle art of roasting to the ethics of direct trade and fair wages in the supply chain.

Our conversation concludes with the bittersweet decision to bid farewell to New York's towering skyline for Madrid's charming streets. Enrique shares a deeper look into the enduring influence of family on work ethic and identity, stirring up nostalgia and laughter with tales of his parents' quirks. Join us for a heartfelt episode that's as much about the love and labor poured into each cup of coffee as it is about the indelible marks of family and heritage on our lives.

*Please be patient with us as we improve our recording and editing techniques and equipment. Every conversation we have had with our guests have been too rich and wonderful to not share. We appreciate you all hanging in there as we continue to learn and grow. Huge thanks to Tim Gideon for salvaging this episode!

Coffee Farm Videos

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Books by Sean Welsh
One From the Ice
Daylight Maybe

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Imagine uprooting your life and plunging into the heart of New York City's literary world.* That's precisely what Sean Welsh did, and in our latest episode, he shares the raw and transformative tale of a writer's journey in a city that never sleeps. From the echoes of laughter in the storied Greenpoint Palace Bar to the trials of sobriety amidst an industry awash with temptation, Sean's story is one of resilience and the relentless pursuit of creative authenticity.

Join us as we explore the delicate interplay between the discipline required to hone one's craft and the spontaneous sparks that ignite artistic innovation. Sean pulls back the curtain on his writing process, revealing how the transition from substance-aided creativity to sober clarity has reshaped his work and life. We also delve into the human experience of navigating relationships, both romantic and platonic, through the lens of Sean's candid reflections on love, distance, and the complex dynamics of open relationships.

In a city that can make or break dreams, our conversation with Sean Welsh is a testament to the spirit of those who choose to carve their path, one word at a time. We thank Sean for the laughter and insights shared, even as technical snafus brought us closer as a podcast family. So whether you're nursing a drink or sipping a coffee, this episode promises to inspire and challenge your perceptions of the extraordinary within the everyday.

*Please be patient with us as we improve our recording and editing techniques and equipment. Every conversation we have had with our guests have been too rich and wonderful to not share. We appreciate you all hanging in there as we continue to learn and grow. Huge thanks to Terressa Tate for salvaging this episode! 

*****

*Sean Welsh bonus episode reading excerpt will be available May 3, 2024*

Books by Sean Welsh
One From the Ice
Daylight Maybe

Mentions:

• More: A Memoir of an Open Marriage by Molly Roden Winter 
• Women by Charles Bukowski
• Hollywood by Charles Bukowski
• Barfly movie
• Percival Everett 

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Email us! [email protected]