In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac interviews bestselling author Wade Rouse about his heartfelt and humorous new novel, That's What Friends Are For.

Wade shares the inspiration behind That’s What Friends Are For and how the story explores the power of friendship, chosen family, identity, faith, and community. Through deeply personal insights and compelling storytelling, he reflects on overcoming adversity, embracing authenticity, and the vital role meaningful relationships play in shaping who we are.

Throughout the conversation, Wade and Michelle discuss writing about belonging and found family, navigating identity and faith in today’s world, and using humor as a tool for healing and connection. The episode highlights why authentic friendships matter more than ever and why this novel resonates so strongly with readers seeking stories about resilience, acceptance, and living truthfully.

What We're Talking About...

1. Exploration of friendship, identity, and community in That's What Friends Are For and how these themes drive the emotional core of the novel
2. How bestselling author Wade Rouse uses humor to address serious topics like adversity, belonging, and personal growth
3. Authentic representation of LGBTQ+ experiences, including the challenges and triumphs of living openly and honestly
4. The power and importance of chosen family in contemporary fiction and real life
5. Exploring faith outside organized religion, spiritual connection, and redefining belief on your own terms

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:09 Themes of Friendship and Identity

07:14 Humor as a Tool for Dealing with Pain

13:13 The Concept of Chosen Family

19:15 Faith and Community Beyond Organized Religion

25:15 Character Development and Personal Stories

31:40 The Importance of Friendship

32:09 Being There for Each Other

Links Mentioned

Wade Rouse's website: https://waderouse.com

Viola Shipman Website: http://violashipman.com

Wade Rouse Facebook: authorwaderouse

Viola Shipman Facebook: authorviolashipman

Wade Rouse Instagram: @authorwaderouse

Viola Shipman Instagram: viola_shipman

Author Kayla Delcoure joins Read the Damn Book to discuss her new poetry collection Nine Lives, a heartfelt exploration of grief, love, and the unexpected ways loss can spark creativity and connection. In this moving episode, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Kayla to talk about the profound impact of losing her beloved cats and how that experience shaped both her writing and her online presence.

Kayla shares how she transformed personal grief into a creative outlet through storytelling and social media, building a space where vulnerability, remembrance, and advocacy intersect. The conversation explores how writing can serve as both catharsis and catalyst, helping individuals process loss while also inspiring broader conversations around empathy and social justice. Together, Michelle and Kayla examine the power of community in times of heartbreak and the ways authentic connection can fuel meaningful change.

What We're Talking About...

1. Author and online content creator Kayla Delcoure discusses her new poetry collection Nine Lives, a heartfelt exploration of pet loss, grief, healing, and the powerful bond between humans and their cats.
2. Kayla’s journey began with her beloved cat Gizmo, who passed away from FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), an experience that profoundly shaped her writing and advocacy.
3. Writing poetry became a crucial tool for Kayla in processing grief, demonstrating how creative expression can support emotional healing after the loss of a pet.
4. In Nine Lives, Kayla Delcoure reflects on her personal experiences with grief and resilience, offering readers an honest look at mourning, memory, and moving forward.
5. Kayla emphasizes that community support is essential when navigating grief, highlighting how shared stories and connection can reduce isolation.
6. Through her online presence, Kayla reminds others that they are not alone in their grief, especially when coping with the loss of a beloved animal companion.
7. She is expanding her platform by launching a podcast designed to foster deeper conversations around healing, storytelling, and social justice.
8. Kayla is also part of “The Organized Gang of Wine Moms,” a grassroots-style community focused on social action and collective engagement.
9. Throughout the episode, she discusses how building meaningful communities requires authenticity, vulnerability, and sustained support.
10. Ultimately, Kayla believes that pets—especially cats—can profoundly shape our emotional lives, teaching us about love, loss, and the enduring impact of connection.

Chapters

00:00 Kayla Delcoure Introduction and Background

06:00 The Journey of Grief and Healing

11:59 Community Building and Activism

20:04 The Power of Connection and Support

Links Mentioned

Order your copy of Nine Lives: https://thepawtistics.com/nine-lives

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author John Wrory Ficklin to discuss his memoir An Unusual Path, a powerful family history tracing his lineage from slavery to life inside the White House.

John shares personal stories about growing up in the White House, his father’s decades-long career in presidential service, and the remarkable legacy of a family whose history intersects with American politics at the highest level. The conversation explores themes of generational resilience, government transparency, historical record-keeping, and the evolving role of technology in preserving presidential history.

They also dive into the importance of family legacy, the untold stories of Black families in American institutions, and how music has shaped John’s identity and creative expression.

This episode is a compelling look at American history, presidential history, memoir writing, and the enduring impact of family heritage.

What We're Talking About...

1. John Wrory Ficklin discusses his memoir An Unusual Path, which traces his family’s journey from slavery to life inside the White House.
2. John Ficklin shares what it was like growing up in the White House and how that unique environment shaped his identity.
3. His father served in the White House for 44 years, offering rare insight into presidential history and behind-the-scenes government service.
4. The book weaves together personal stories across multiple generations, highlighting a powerful American family legacy.
5. John’s family developed close relationships with several U.S. presidents, providing a firsthand perspective on leadership and history.
6. He witnessed major historical events from inside one of America’s most iconic institutions.
7. The episode explores how technology transformed record-keeping and archival preservation in the White House.
8. Government transparency and public trust are discussed as essential pillars of American democracy.
9. Music has been a lifelong sanctuary and creative outlet for John alongside his connection to public service.
10. John’s journey reflects generational resilience, dedication, and the evolving story of Black history in America.

Chapters

00:00 John Wrory Ficklin Introduction and Background

04:44 Growing Up in the White House

07:31 Career Journey at the National Security Council

10:33 Memorable Experiences and Relationships

13:36 The Impact of Technology on Record Keeping

17:02 Transparency and Declassification in Government

19:58 Personal Stories and Family Legacy

23:02 Music and Its Influence

25:43 Conclusion and Reflections

31:03 The Impact of 'An Unusual Path'

Links Mentioned

Order your copy of An Unusual Path: https://shop.whitehousehistory.org/products/an-unusual-path-three-generations-from-slavery-to-the-white-house?srsltid=AfmBOoq5TdvGhZ2NU_SnwQuvydkesCYPYz-nZZ7i3fftcqpit2Ogv_0D

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Rebecca Fallon to discuss her novel Family Drama. Rebecca shares the inspiration behind the book’s complex family relationships, the lasting influence of soap operas on her storytelling, and her personal journey as a writer navigating creativity, identity, and impending motherhood. The conversation explores character dynamics, emotional honesty in fiction, and how deeply personal experiences shape compelling narratives.

What We're Talking About...

• Family Drama explores complex family relationships and emotional bonds within modern families
• Soap operas heavily influence the novel’s structure, pacing, and dramatic tension
• Author Rebecca Fallon draws from personal experiences to create emotionally authentic storytelling
• The character Tilly highlights the often-overlooked strength and complexity of stepmothers
• Motherhood plays a central role in Rebecca’s life and informs her perspective as a writer
• Themes of identity, selfhood, and belonging recur throughout the book
• Rebecca’s background in tech shaped her creative journey and approach to writing
• The novel examines multifaceted relationship dynamics between family members
• The book’s ending leaves a lasting emotional impact on readers
• Rebecca is currently working on a second novel focused on college friendships and evolving relationships

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:12 Themes of Family and Loss

06:53 The Role of Soap Operas

11:03 Rebecca's Journey to Writing

14:10 Exploring Identity and Womanhood

17:09 Character Relationships and Dynamics

21:17 Motherhood and Personal Reflections

23:42 Future Projects and Conclusion

29:19 The Emotional Journey of Family Drama

29:20 Exploring Themes of Love and Loss

Links Mentioned

Order your copy of Family Drama: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Family-Drama/Rebecca-Fallon/978166808947

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with bestselling author Kaira Rouda to discuss her latest psychological thriller, We Were Never Friends. Kaira introduces the idea of “popcorn thrillers”: fast-paced, entertaining reads designed to pull readers in while still exploring deeper themes. The conversation dives into Kaira’s writing process, the collaborative nature of storytelling, and how community engagement and social responsibility shape her work as an author. They also explore the role of escapism in fiction, why thrillers resonate with today’s readers, and what Kaira has planned for her future writing projects.

What We're Talking About...

• Kaira Rouda discusses her latest psychological thriller, We Were Never Friends, and the inspiration behind the novel.
• The concept of a “popcorn thriller” is explored—fast-paced, escapist fiction that still delivers emotional depth and meaning.
• The Palm Springs setting plays a key role in shaping the mood, atmosphere, and tension of the story.
• The novel examines complex relationships among former sorority sisters, highlighting themes of friendship, rivalry, and secrets.
• Kaira shares insights into her writing process, with a strong focus on character development and motivation.
• Community engagement and social responsibility are central to Kaira Rouda’s work as an author.
• The episode explores why escapism in literature is essential for readers’ emotional well-being.
• Kaira explains how research and consulting professionals strengthen authenticity in her thrillers.
• The importance of collaboration in writing is discussed, including how it can enhance creativity and structure.
• Kaira reveals she is working on a new book with co-authors, offering a glimpse into upcoming projects.
• The conversation highlights the vital role of independent bookstores in supporting authors, readers, and local communities.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Kaira Rouda

1:19 The Concept of Popcorn Thrillers

2:22 Setting and Characters

8:35 Kaira’s Writing Journey

12:13 Community Involvement and Impact

16:43 The Role of Research in Writing

23:02 Future Projects and Collaborations

Links Mentioned

Kaira Rouda's website: https://kairarouda.com

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Andromeda Romano-Lax to discuss her novel What Boys Learn. The conversation explores the cultural forces shaping boys today, the influence of motherhood, and how societal expectations impact masculinity and identity. Andromeda also shares insights into her writing process, her work as a book coach, and her transition between genres. Together, they examine the power of fiction and storytelling to illuminate contemporary social issues and spark meaningful conversations.

What We're Talking About...

• Andromeda Romano-Lax is the author of seven books spanning multiple genres, including literary fiction, historical fiction, and thrillers.
• What Boys Learn examines the cultural and social forces shaping boys and young men today.
• The novel explores the influential role of mothers in their sons’ emotional development and identity formation.
• Andromeda’s writing process is deeply rooted in reflection on contemporary societal issues.
• Empathy is central to her approach to storytelling and character development.
• Her transition from historical fiction to thrillers was influenced by her pandemic-era reading habits.
• Andromeda works as a book coach, mentoring writers from diverse backgrounds and genres.
• Fiction can act as a release valve for societal tensions and unspoken anxieties.
• The impact of social media on young men and masculinity is a major concern discussed in the episode.
• Andromeda aims to write across multiple genres, using different storytelling forms to explore complex ideas.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Andromeda Romano-Lax

01:06 Exploring Themes in What Boys Learn

06:00 Cultural Influences and Social Media's Role

10:59 Character Dynamics and Story Development

16:51 Genre Exploration and Writing Process

21:08 Coaching Writers and the Importance of Stories

24:53 Reflections on Current Events and Literature's Role

Links Mentioned

Andromeda Roman-Lax's Instagram: @‌romanolax

Order your copy of What Boys Learn: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-boys-learn-andromeda-romano-lax/1147241844

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Ashley Winstead to discuss her new novel, The Future Saints. Their conversation dives into themes of grief, healing, and resilience, tracing how the story shifted from a lighthearted rom-com into a profound exploration of loss and recovery. Ashley opens up about her creative process—crafting layered characters, moving between genres, and weaving in the importance of therapy as part of the narrative. They also explore her research into the music world, the emotional resonance she hopes to leave with readers, and a glimpse into what’s next on her writing horizon.

What We're Talking About...

• Ashley Winstead's writing spans multiple genres, including romantic comedies and thrillers.
• The Future Saints explores themes of grief and recovery in a unique way.
• Ashley had to rewrite The Future Saints after experiencing personal loss.
• Character development is crucial for reader engagement and emotional connection.
• The book balances heavy topics with light-hearted moments.
• Therapy plays a significant role in the characters' journeys.
• Ashley aims to evoke strong emotions in her readers through her writing.
• Research into music and band dynamics informed the story's authenticity.
• Ashley is protective of her messy, complicated characters.
• Future projects include a follow-up to The Future Saints and a new thriller.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Publication Day

03:12 Exploring Genre Diversity in Writing

07:17 The Journey of 'The Future Saints'

11:07 Crafting Characters and Emotional Depth

16:21 Balancing Heavy Themes with Humor

18:40 The Importance of Therapy in Storytelling

21:42 Character Connections and Reader Emotions

23:38 Researching Music and Band Dynamics

29:40 Future Projects and Reader Engagement

34:32 Introduction to The Future Saints

34:56 Emotional Journey Through the Book

Links Mentioned

The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead

https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9781668024669

Ashley Winstead’s Website

https://www.ashleywinstead.com/

In Episode 25 of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author, speaker, and leadership strategist Tara Jaye Frank to discuss her powerful book You Are Before the World. Tara opens up about her journey through motherhood, career evolution, and personal growth, exploring what it means to reclaim self-worth, set boundaries, and release the emotional labor often carried by helpers and caretakers.

The conversation dives into Tara’s writing process, the importance of authentic connection, and how partnership and communication shape both personal relationships and leadership. Tara also shares insights into her upcoming documentary film, 92: The Silent Revolt, which examines the collective experience of Black women in the aftermath of the 2016 election and the ongoing fight for visibility, sovereignty, and systemic change.

This episode is a compelling exploration of identity, leadership, and empowerment—encouraging listeners to prioritize themselves, honor their voices, and step fully into their power.

What We're Talking About...

• You Are Before the World reinforces the importance of self-prioritization without guilt.
• True fulfillment comes not from what we do, but from what we place our trust in.
• Helpers and caregivers often carry the emotional burden of others’ expectations and perceptions.
• Cultivating self-worth is essential for mental health, leadership, and overall well-being.
• Writing and creative expression can be powerful tools for personal growth and transformation.
• Healthy partnerships are necessary to create balance in relationships, careers, and family life.
• Open and honest communication is critical for navigating challenges together.
• Reclaiming personal sovereignty is a vital act of self-care and boundary-setting.
• The documentary 92: The Silent Revolt explores the collective experience of Black women after the 2016 election.
• Burnout is harmful and must be acknowledged and addressed at both individual and community levels.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:51 Lessons from Maya Angelou

09:47 The Journey of Self-Discovery

13:53 Navigating Motherhood and Expectations

18:41 The Importance of Partnership

23:02 The Title and Theme of the Book

26:55 The 92 Project Film Discussion

31:31 The Power of Trust and Authenticity

32:01 Celebrating Black Women's Stories and Experiences

Links Mentioned

Tara Jaye Frank's website: http://www.tarajayefrank.com/books

The 92 Project: https://www.ikoni.org/92-project

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with children’s author and activist Jess Hernandez to discuss her latest picture book, I Want to Dance in Pants. Jess explores the book’s playful yet powerful message about comfort, identity, and self-expression, and how these themes resonate with both children and parents.

The conversation also dives into Jess’s work as an advocate for free speech and her opposition to book bans and censorship, highlighting why it’s critical to teach children to use their voices in today’s political and cultural climate. Jess shares how creativity and community engagement can drive meaningful change, even in challenging times, and offers a glimpse into her upcoming writing projects and the broader impact of her work.

What We're Talking About...

• Jess Hernandez’s children’s book I Want to Dance in Pants addresses sensory processing disorder and encourages self-expression in kids.
• Allowing children to wear what makes them comfortable supports confidence, autonomy, and emotional well-being.
• Activism can take many forms, including writing children’s books, storytelling, and community engagement.
• Teaching children about democracy, free speech, and their rights is essential in today’s political climate.
• Small actions—such as writing postcards or speaking up locally—can create meaningful change.
• Community building plays a critical role in sustaining activism and mutual support.
• Creative expression, like sidewalk chalk messages and art, can be powerful tools for education and awareness.
• Jess Hernandez’s advocacy work is deeply personal and shaped by her family’s lived experiences.
• The publishing industry continues to face challenges, including book bans, censorship, and market uncertainty.
• Jess writes stories that help “reparent” her younger self while empowering the next generation of readers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jess Hernandez

03:22 The Story Behind 'I Want to Dance in Pants'

05:13 Navigating Sensory Processing and Parenting

11:27 Activism and Book Promotion in a Challenging Climate

17:21 Community Engagement and Local Activism

23:08 Creative Expression and Future Projects

29:49 Empowering Voices and Creative Expression

30:15 The Importance of Sharing Stories and Resources

Links Mentioned

Jess Hernandez's website: http://jesshernandezwrites.com

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Brittany Penner, author of the powerful memoir Children Like Us. Brittany shares her personal story as an Indigenous child adopted during the Sixties Scoop, offering an intimate look at how displacement, identity, and intergenerational trauma shaped her life.

Their conversation explores the complexities of family dynamics, motherhood, and belonging, as well as how Brittany’s upbringing influenced her journey to becoming a doctor. She also discusses the role of storytelling in healing, reclaiming Indigenous identity, and challenging systems that silence lived experience. This episode is a thoughtful discussion on resilience, self-discovery, and the power of memoir to reclaim one’s narrative.

What We're Talking About...

• Children Like Us chronicles Brittany Penner’s experience as an Indigenous child affected by the Sixties Scoop.
• The Sixties Scoop resulted in profound loss of culture, identity, and community for Indigenous children across Canada.
• Brittany reflects on family instability and loss, and how these dynamics shaped her sense of belonging.
• Intergenerational trauma remains a deeply rooted and ongoing issue within Indigenous families and communities.
• Regular family gatherings did not always provide emotional stability or safety during Brittany’s childhood.
• Animals, particularly cats, offered comfort, consistency, and emotional connection during times of upheaval.
• Reconnecting with her biological family brought moments of joy alongside emotional complexity and healing.
• A compassionate physician inspired Brittany’s path to becoming a doctor, reshaping her relationship with care and trust.
• Motherhood prompted deeper reflection on her upbringing, identity, and cycles of trauma and healing.
• Brittany underscores the power of memoir and storytelling as tools for reclaiming identity and owning one’s narrative.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:54 The Impact of the 60s Scoop

05:33 Family Dynamics and Loss

08:49 Intergenerational Trauma

11:33 The Role of Pets in Healing

13:53 Reconnecting with Biological Family

16:39 Navigating Identity and Caretaking

21:06 Becoming a Doctor

24:06 Motherhood and New Beginnings

27:16 Supportive Relationships

30:43 Facing Naysayers

33:48 Reflections on Storytelling

36:52 The Journey of Self-Discovery

37:22 Courage in Sharing Personal Stories

Links Mentioned

Brittany Penner's website: https://brittanypenner.com