The Narrative North

This week on Narrative North, I’m joined by Cindy Fazzi, a Filipino American author and former Associated Press reporter whose new novel Domingo the Bounty Hunter is as bold as it is human. We dig into how politics — especially through the lens of the immigrant experience — shapes art, empathy, and identity. Cindy shares her journey from breaking news to breaking fiction rules, and how she finds both meaning and mischief in the stories she tells. Pour yourself something good — this one’s rich, fearless, and full of heart. 

Welcome to the new era of The Narrative North — same mission, fresh sound, and a whole new feel. We’re still celebrating incredible women who are rewriting the script and redefining what’s possible.

In this episode, Catherine sits down with Mary Belle, a writer whose story began before she was even born—listening to romance novels in utero while her mom flipped through paperbacks with Fabio on the cover. From that moment on, storytelling has been woven into her DNA.

Mary Belle’s path to becoming a published author was anything but linear. Through career twists, bold pivots, and a few “WTF” detours, she’s built a life centered on creativity and heart. Now, she’s the author of the Italia Series Collection, a contemporary romance saga full of passion, humor, and spice, and the creator of Marvelous Marina, a children’s series helping kids make sense of big feelings in fun, meaningful ways.

Catherine and Mary dive into how Italy shaped her storytelling, why romance novels still matter, and what it takes to live a truly bella vita.

✨ The Narrative North — new sound, same soul. Stories of women who inspire, create, and lead.

Ready to level up your communication game? On this episode of Narrative North, host Catherine Cioffi chats with dynamic speaker, facilitator, and author Julienne B. Ryan, the brain behind The Learned-It-In Queens Communication Playbook – Winning Against Digital Distraction.

Julienne is on a mission to help you become a better communicator—whether it’s connecting with your team, building relationships, or mastering the art of storytelling. Packed with humor, practical tips, and her signature energy, she shows how to navigate the chaos of digital life without losing your mind—or your messages.

Tune in for laughs, insights, and maybe a few “aha” moments that will transform the way you communicate—online and off!

Step into the world of storytelling with Narrative North, the podcast that uncovers the inspirations, journeys, and creative minds behind today’s most compelling authors. In this episode, host Catherine Cioffi sits down with acclaimed historical novelist Stephanie Cowell to discuss her upcoming release, The Man in the Stone Cottage (September 16, 2025).

Set in 1846 Yorkshire, the novel follows the Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Anne, and Emily—as they navigate heartbreak, family struggles, and the pursuit of literary greatness. When a secret romance, hidden letters, and a mysterious map surface, Charlotte’s understanding of love, loss, and her connection to her late sister Emily is forever challenged.

Praised for its haunting, dreamlike prose, The Man in the Stone Cottage is a story of sisterhood, love, grief, and imagination. Join us as Stephanie shares the inspiration behind her work and offers a glimpse into the world of the Brontës.

On this episode of Narrative North, host Catherine Cioffi sits down with Liza Palmer—two-time Emmy-nominated, internationally best-selling author, Marvel contributor, and LA’s favorite “Lisa”—to dish on her newest novel, Young Fools (out September 9, 2025).

Think friendship, ambition, and literary drama—but with secrets, jealousy, and a little chaos sprinkled in. Two women. One cutthroat writing world. And enough messy emotions to make your own friend group look tame.

If you’ve ever suffered through writer’s block, secretly envied a friend’s success, or plotted to prove you’re better than everyone else (no judgment), this episode is for you. Bring your tea, your shade, and buckle up for a delightfully snarky dive into ambition, creativity, and all the chaos in between.

Author Kathleen Barber knows how to keep us hooked—whether it’s with Truth Be Told (yes, the one Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine turned into a hit AppleTV+ series), her thrillers Follow Me and Sisterhood Above All, or her upcoming rom-com Both Things Are True, hitting shelves September 1, 2025.

A certified book coach and lawyer-turned-novelist, Kathleen somehow manages to juggle writing, coaching, law school cred, and family life in D.C.—all while giving us characters we can’t stop rooting for. Her newest, Both Things Are True, brings us yoga influencer Vanessa, whose perfect feed crashes after a crypto-scandal—only to find herself face-to-face with her first love, Sam. Spoiler: chaos, heart, and second chances ensue.

Tune in as Kathleen dishes on her writing process, the wild ride from page to screen, and why life (like her books) is always a little messy—but worth every twist.

At The Narrative North, we’re dedicated to spotlighting rising stars in the literary world and inspiring young writers to follow their dreams. In this episode, we welcome Samantha Apicella, a passionate storyteller whose love for writing began in the first grade and has flourished ever since.

Samantha shares insights into her creative journey and discusses her newest poetry collection, Daisy Wallpaper, a work that reflects her distinctive voice and heartfelt style. Along the way, she talks about the role YA fiction and poetry play in her life, her inspirations, and the joy of connecting with readers.

The last month of summer often feels like a race to enjoy, relax, and do it all—pressure that can leave us feeling drained instead of recharged.

I sat down with mindfulness teacher and author Raditia Lasry to talk about how we can better manage our energy during this busy, bittersweet time. Drawing from her book Be Human, Be Happy, Be You!, Raditia shares simple but powerful ways to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and find ease amid the pressure.

If you’re feeling stretched thin as summer winds down, this conversation is for you!

Today’s episode is not for the faint of heart—or the lactose intolerant. We’re diving into the deliciously messy world of love, lust, and late-night cheese cravings with debut novelist Joelle Babula, whose new book Infidelity Rules is as bold, brilliant, and unfiltered as she is.

Joelle writes about the things your mother warned you never to bring up at the dinner table—infidelity, emotional chaos, and cheese-induced bliss—and somehow makes it all feel oddly…relatable. 

So pour yourself a glass of something bold and settle in—because we’re about to talk about passion, boundaries, bad decisions, good wine, and more!

In this special episode, it’s a reunion, a power circle, and a whole lot of heart. Host Catherine Cioffi brings together three incredible women — all named Catherine in some form, all from Ossining, and all deeply engaged in community leadership.

Join us as we sit down with:

• Catherine Borgia, seasoned political leader and champion for policy change
• Kathrin Crossling, dedicated advocate for education and equity on the Ossining School Board
• Kate Permut, community organizer, volunteer, and multi-organization powerhouse

And of course, your host — Catherine Cioffi — who brings her own passion for public service and local engagement to the conversation.

Together, we explore why advocacy matters, why women’s voices are essential in shaping our communities, and how showing up — in any capacity — can truly make a difference.