Episodes

  • Episode 273 - Heist Royale (ft. Kayvion Lewis)

    Episode 273 - Heist Royale (ft. Kayvion Lewis)
    Nov 12 2024
    Are you ready to fall in love with a high octane thrill ride that's ALREADY been optioned for a motion picture!? Are you ready to read a book that's been described as a cinematic thriller that combines The Inheritance Games and Ocean's Eleven!? Then look no further, as Kayvion Lewis has the books you need! Kayvion is on the show today to discuss her latest book, 'Heist Royale'. She also discusses the unique circumstances where she even started writing and how wild it was to have your book optioned for a movie BEFORE it's even published! Enjoy! About Kayvion Lewis KAYVION LEWIS is a young adult author of all things escapist and high-octane. Her THIEVES' GAMBIT duology has been published in over 25 languages, and is being adapted for film by Lionsgate. A former youth services librarian, Kayvion's been working with young readers and kidlit since she was sixteen. When she’s not writing, she's breaking out of escape rooms, jumping out of airplanes, and occasionally running away to mountain retreats to study kung fu. Though she lives in Louisiana and often visits her family in The Bahamas, Kayvion never really knows when she'll take off on her next adventure, which could take her anywhere in the world.+ About 'Thieves' Gambit' The Inheritance Games meets Ocean’s Eleven in this cinematic heist thriller where a cutthroat competition brings together the world’s best thieves and one thief is playing for the highest stakes of all: her mother's life. At only seventeen years old, Ross Quest is already a master thief, especially adept at escape plans. Until her plan to run away from her legendary family of thieves takes an unexpected turn, leaving her mother’s life hanging in the balance. In a desperate bid, she enters the Thieves’ Gambit, a series of dangerous, international heists where killing the competition isn’t exactly off limits, but the grand prize is a wish for anything in the world—a wish that could save her mom. When she learns two of her competitors include her childhood nemesis and a handsome, smooth-talking guy who might also want to steal her heart, winning the Gambit becomes trickier than she imagined. Ross tries her best to stick to the family creed: trust no one whose last name isn’t Quest. But with the stakes this high, Ross will have to decide who to con and who to trust before time runs out. After all, only one of them can win. About 'Heist Royale' In this high-stakes, high drama sequel to Thieves’ Gambit, Ross must find a way to out-heist the boy who betrayed her to protect her family—and her heart. It’s been six months since the end of the gambit. Instead of winning an impossible wish, Ross has the threat of her family’s execution hanging over her head. Devroe, the only person Ross thought she could trust, could wish the Quests into oblivion at any time. And shockingly, despite his betrayal and the two being forced to pull jobs together for the Organization, Devroe is still making a play for Ross’s heart. But Ross has learned her lesson. A Quest can only trust another Quest. When Ross finds herself at the center of a power struggle within the Organization, she sees her chance to change her fortunes. As a new deadly Gambit develops for control of the criminal underworld, Ross strikes a risky deal to guarantee protection for herself and her family. In this final clash, Ross will square off against a ruthless opponent who will stop at nothing to seize power, and in their corner will be not only Devroe, but his mother, who wants to destroy the Quests at any cost. The new Gambit takes Ross and her crew into the intoxicating casinos of Monte Carlo and across treacherous snow-covered slopes in Antarctica, as Ross competes against Devroe in a fight for her life. Loyalties will be tested, backs stabbed, hearts broken. May the best thief win. Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Episode 272 - Xavier's Voice (ft. Ashley Franklin & Tatiana Gardel)

    Episode 272 - Xavier's Voice (ft. Ashley Franklin & Tatiana Gardel)
    Nov 5 2024
    Do you have trouble sharing your voice? Do you want to be heard loud & clear? These are some of the issues facing Xavier in the wonderful children's book 'Xavier's Voice'. This book is beautifully written by Ashley Franklin and wonderfully illustrated by Tatiana Gardel. The two of them are on the show today to discuss this latest project, what excited them about the work, lessons they hope people take away from the book, and what's next! Enjoy! About Ashley Franklin Ashley Franklin is an Arkansas-based author whose work centers characters with big hearts and even bigger imaginations. She believes everyone, especially kids, deserves to see themselves reflected within the pages of a book. Some of her most popular works include the picture books Disney’s The Little Mermaid: Make a Splash and NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE and her middle-grade short story “Creative Fixes” from the anthology ONCE UPON AN EID. Ashley received her M.A. from the University of Delaware and B.A. from Albright College, both in English Literature. In 2021, The Highlights Foundation selected Ashley to be a part of its first-ever Muslim Storytellers Fellowship cohort. Her picture book, The Masjid Kamal Loves, was a Kirkus Reviews pick for one of the Best Picture Books of 2023 That Celebrate Community. When she is not writing, Ashley’s time is filled with being a mother and adjunct college professor. Most recently Ashley has begun her journey as a graduate student at Southern New Hampshire University. About Tatiana Gardel Tatiana Gardel is a New York City-based illustrator and teaching artist whose work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators and American Illustration. Books she illustrated include THE FIRST DAY OF PEACE (Candlewick Press, 2023), ABUELO, THE SEA, AND ME (Roaring Brook Press, 2024), XAVIER’S VOICE (The Innovation Press, 2024), and PAINTING THE SKY WITH LOVE (Feiwel & Friends, 2024). Born and raised in Brazil, she received her BFA in Painting from Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and her Art Education License from Universidade Candido Mendes. She began her career as a painter and later discovered a passion for visual storytelling while studying animation at Anima Mundi/Campo 4 Estúdio in Rio. Tatiana works digitally and traditionally. Watercolors and colored pencils are her favorite traditional mediums. She loves to tell her own stories through her work as well as to contribute to other projects. She is specially drawn to heartfelt stories that explore children’s emotions and imagination. Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Episode 271 - Jurassic Bark (ft. Brian Anderson)

    Episode 271 - Jurassic Bark (ft. Brian Anderson)
    Oct 1 2024

    What do you do when your parents bring home a loud, smelly, bald, brother!?

    How RUDE!

    At least, that's what Sophie thinks!

    Sophie is the protagonist dog in author/illustrator Brian Anderson's latest Sophie graphic novel releases!

    Brian stops by the show today to discuss his background in writing/illustrating, the origins of the Sophie book, and what's next.

    Enjoy!

    About Brian Anderson

    In addition to being the creator of DOG EAT DOUG, Brian Anderson is the author of several children’s books, including The Conjurers trilogy (Rise of the Shadow, Hunt for the Lost, and Fight of the Fallen), as well as the picture books Nighty Night, Sleepy Sleeps, The Prince’s New Pet, and Monster Chefs. He lives in North Carolina with his family, which includes a herd of rescued dogs and cats.

    Brian has also partnered with “Reading is Fundamental” to explore ways comics and graphic novels can help their mission to ensure every child can read.


    About Sophie

    Based on the much-loved webcomic, “Dog Eat Doug,” Sophie is a hilarious new graphic novel series, a sendup of family life from the perspective of one snarky dog who wants nothing more than to have everything—without ever having to share. Full of mini adventures, pop culture spoofs, sharp jokes, adorable illustrations, and a sneaky dose of heart, Jurassic Bark and Frankenstein’s Hound are the perfect introduction to these characters and their world. Just right for the pet-obsessed among us no matter the age, while simultaneously appealing to the kids who love to giggle at Big Nate, Dog Man, Garfield, and Snoopy.

    Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

    Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

    Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com


    AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

    Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Episode 270 - Unico! (ft. Samuel Sattin)

    Episode 270 - Unico! (ft. Samuel Sattin)
    Aug 20 2024

    We're back AND we're bringing a magical creature with us!

    Is that a cat? No, it's a unicorn? WRONG, it's UNICO!!!

    Yes, we know we took a bit of a summer break but we're back with some new episodes starting with this fabulous interview with author Samuel Sattin discussing his latest book "Unico: Awakening".

    Joe and Samuel get into a great discussion about writing graphic novels, adapting a beloved manga series for a new generation of children, and what's on the horizon.

    Enjoy!

    About Samuel Sattin

    Samuel Sattin is an American writer. His books include the multi-volume Unico series for Scholastic Graphix, the Eisner Award-nominated Buzzing, Side Quest, The Silent End, and (as co-author) both A Kids Guide to Anime and Manga and The Essential Anime Guide: 50 Iconic Films, Standout Series, and Cult Masterpieces. He has also adapted the Academy Award-nominated films WolfWalkers, Song of the Sea, and The Secret of Kells to the graphic novel format. He graduated with an MFA in comics from the California College of the Arts and works as a studio writer for Schulz Creative Associates, aka Snoopy Central. Samuel resides with his wife in San Francisco.

    About Unico: Awakening

    An adventure across space and time awaits! A young unicorn named Unico awakens on earth with none of his memories. As he works to unravel the mystery of who he is and where he comes from, he soon realizes he is being hunted by gods and monsters. With the help of new friends, Unico will need to unlock his full power and save the world in this original manga adventure.

    Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

    Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

    Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com


    AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

    Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Episode 269 - My Weird School (ft. Dan Gutman)

    Episode 269 - My Weird School (ft. Dan Gutman)
    Jun 18 2024

    What do you do if you're tryiong to reverse-engineer a popular children's book?

    How about, if your goal is to create a series to help reluctant readers?

    You might follow the path of today's guest, Dan Gutman, when he created the "My Weird School" series over 20 years ago!

    Dan created the phenomenal book series to help solve for reluctant readers and create something he wish existed back when he was a reluctant reader himself!

    Joe and Dan get into a conversation about creating a book series from scratch, how to help reluctant readers, and some advice for those young aspiring writers in our households.

    Enjoy!


    About Dan Gutman

    New York Times best-selling and award-winning author Dan Gutman has written more than 190 books for readers from kindergarten through middle school. Dan’s My Weird School series includes 100+ titles, and has sold more than 35 million copies globally over the past 20 years. Dan also is the author of the best-selling Genius Files series, the Baseball Card Adventure series, and many more.

    Dan’s books have been named Junior Library Guild Selections and Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year, and have been awarded numerous state book awards, including: The California Young Reader Medal, the Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, and the Iowa Children’s Choice Award, among others. When he’s not writing books, Dan loves to ride his bike, play pickleball, throw Frisbees, and explore New York City where he lives with his wife Nina. To find out more, follow Dan on Facebook, X, and Instagram.


    About the 'My Weird School' series

    With more than 100 titles and 35 million copies sold, Dan Gutman’s My Weird School series follows the day-to-day life of wisecracking A.J., his loyal pals Ryan and Michael, and his archenemy, smarty-pants Andrea, as they face a set of wacky teachers at Ella Mentry School—the weirdest school ever.

    Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

    Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

    Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com


    AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

    Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Episode 268 - Continental Drifter (ft. Kathy MacLeod)

    Episode 268 - Continental Drifter (ft. Kathy MacLeod)
    Jun 4 2024

    What do you do when you feel stuck between two worlds?

    How do you navigate the spaces you're in, when you're both part of and separate from, two worlds?

    This is the situation Kathy finds herself in at the beginning of the book 'Continental Drifter'.

    In this episode of the podcast, Joe sits down with author/illustrator Kathy MacLeod to discuss her autobiographical graphic novel about her time growing up in both Thailand and Maine.

    Joe and Kathy get into a lovely conversation about navigating spaces and places while growing up to find one's one place in this world.

    Enjoy!

    About Kathy MacLeod

    Kathy MacLeod is the author of Continental Drifter, a Winter/Spring 2024 Indies Introduce middle grade selection.

    MacLeod is an illustrator and cartoonist whose work has appeared in The Believer, Catapult, The Hairpin, and Lucky Peach. After spending most of her life in Bangkok, Thailand (with a four-year interlude at Wesleyan University), she is currently living in Berlin, Germany.


    About 'Continental Drifter'

    With a Thai mother and an American father, Kathy lives in two different worlds. She spends most of the year in Bangkok, where she’s secretly counting the days till summer vacation. That’s when her family travels for twenty-four hours straight to finally arrive in a tiny seaside town in Maine.

    Kathy loves Maine’s idyllic beauty and all the exotic delicacies she can’t get back home, like clam chowder and blueberry pie. But no matter how hard she tries, she struggles to fit in. She doesn’t look like the other kids in this rural New England town. Kathy just wants to find a place where she truly belongs, but she’s not sure if it’s in America, Thailand . . . or anywhere.

    Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

    Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

    Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com


    AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

    Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Episode 267 - Life After Doom (ft. Brian McLaren)

    Episode 267 - Life After Doom (ft. Brian McLaren)
    May 21 2024
    How does one go about navigating a world at odds with each other? Heading into another contentious political cycle, is there hope? What can we do to navigate this feeling of doom in our relationships with each other AND the planet? These are just a few questions asked in the latest episode of The DTALKS Podcast! Joe welcomes back good friend of the podcast, author & theologian Brian McLaren to the show! Brian and Joe get into a fascinating conversation about Brian's latest book 'Life After Doom' and what people can do to navigate what's just around the corner and keep some humanity intact. It's an important conversation, tune in! About Brian McLaren Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a core faculty member and Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation. and a podcaster with Learning How to See. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest books are Faith After Doubt (January 2021), and Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022). His next release, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart, is available for pre-order now and will release in May 2024. Born in 1956, he graduated from University of Maryland with degrees in English (BA, 1978, and MA, 1981). His academic interests included Medieval drama, Romantic poets, modern philosophical literature, and the novels of Dr. Walker Percy. In 2004, he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree (honoris causa) from Carey Theological Seminary in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and in 2010, he received a second honorary doctorate from Virginia Theological Seminary (Episcopal). About 'Life After Doom' For the last quarter-century, author and activist Brian D. McLaren has been writing at the intersection of religious faith and contemporary culture. In Life After Doom, he engages with the catastrophic failure of both our religious and political leaders to address the dominant realities of our time: ecological overshoot, economic injustice, and the increasing likelihood of civilizational collapse. McLaren defines doom as the “un-peaceful, uneasy, unwanted feeling” that “we humans have made a mess of our civilization and our planet, and not enough of us seem to care enough to change deeply enough or quickly enough to save ourselves.” Blending insights from philosophers, poets, scientists, and theologians, Life After Doom explores the complexity of hope, the necessity of grief, and the need for new ways of thinking, becoming, and belonging in turbulent times. If you want to help yourself, your family, and the communities to which you belong to find courage and resilience for the deeply challenging times that are upon us — this is the book you need right now. Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Episode 266 - Duck and Moose (ft. Kirk Reedstrom)

    Episode 266 - Duck and Moose (ft. Kirk Reedstrom)
    May 7 2024

    What would you do if you suddenly had a new best friends who moved in...on your head!?

    That is the situation Moose is in when Duck moves in right on top of his head in 'Duck and Moose (Duck moves in)' by Kirk Reedstrom.

    Kirk comes on the show to share all about how he was able to go from dreaming of having painting hanging in galleries to getting books published by Disney in 2024!

    ALSO! Huge shout-out to former guest, Scout Underhill, for making this possible! It was their recommendation back when they were on the show which directly lead to Kirk coming on this episode.

    Enjoy!

    About Kirk Reedstrom

    Kirk Reedstrom has spent most of his adult life surrounded by books. He currently works at a public library and used to be a bookseller at Blue Willow Bookshop, an independent bookstore in Houston, TX. He has led children's art workshops at the Kimball Art Museum, the R.W. Norton Art Gallery, and interned with William Joyce at Moonbot Studios. Kirk mixes his past experience with traditional and digital mediums to develop fun-filled characters with a lot of heart and a little bit of mayhem. Kirk enjoys creating books that make people laugh.

    About Duck and Moose

    Moose loves peace and quiet, relaxing, living alone, and spring! He can’t wait for the arrival of sun, flowers, and…a new neighbor?! Duck just landed himself a new home. He loves parties, karaoke, and living with—and on—Moose’s head. Moose tries everything he can to send Duck away, but he soon finds that this persistent neighbor might just be the best thing spring could bring.

    Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

    Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

    Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com


    AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

    Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins