In this episode, we sit down with Mojdeh Bahar, editor of Song of the Ground Jay: Poems by Iranian Women (1960–2023), a groundbreaking collection that spans over six decades of poetry. Mojdeh shares the inspiration behind curating this anthology, the challenges of translation, and the powerful themes that emerge from these works.

Join us for an enlightening conversation on the power of poetry, the voices that deserve to be heard, and how we can support Iranian women poets today.

You can find more about Mojdeh Bahar and Song of the Ground Jay on Kensington Row Bookshop’s website here: Mojdeh Bahar - Kensington Row Bookshop.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Becca Bredholt, an international travel writer for Huffington Post, a published author, and a successful entrepreneur. Becca also hosts Vendor Vibes, a YouTube show spotlighting vendors in the short-term rental industry.

In this episode, we dive into her novel, Finding Cover, exploring the deeply personal inspirations behind the book, its themes of faith and love, and the emotional journey of her protagonist. Becca opens up about the challenges and rewards of the writing process, the intersection of personal experience and imagination, and the powerful messages woven throughout her work.

We also discuss the road to publication, audience reception, and the lessons she hopes readers will take away. Whether you're an aspiring author, a lover of heartfelt storytelling, or someone looking for inspiration in your own life, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement.

📖 Tune in to hear: ✨ The meaning behind Finding Cover and how it reflects Becca’s own journey ✨ How faith and love shape the narrative and resonate with readers ✨ The joys and struggles of writing and publishing a deeply personal story ✨ Becca’s advice for aspiring writers and those searching for their own "cover" in life

Don’t miss this uplifting and insightful discussion! 🎙️

🔗 Connect with Becca and find Finding Cover here: https://www.beccabredholt.com/

Instagram: @beccabredholt

https://www.kensingtonrowbookshop.com/local-author-becca-bredholt

In this episode, we sit down with Buffalo-born writer and blogger Moxie Gardiner, author of the evocative novel Virgin Snow. We explore the inspiration behind her debut book, set on Buffalo’s West Side during the turbulent 1960s and 70s, and dive into how her Sicilian heritage shaped the story’s rich cultural backdrop.

Moxie shares her approach to blending historical events—like the Vietnam War and the moon landing—into her narrative, and how she balanced fact with fiction to create a compelling tale. We also discuss her creative process, reader feedback that left a lasting impact, and the story behind her book's striking cover design.

Whether you're a fan of historical fiction, a budding writer, or someone who appreciates stories that celebrate family and resilience, this episode will inspire and captivate you.

To connect with Moxie Gardiner, you can use the following channels:

Visit moxiegardiner.com to explore her blog, books, and latest updates.

Follow her author Facebook page for news, events, and interactions: https://www.facebook.com/moxiegardiner/

These platforms are the best way to stay updated and engage with Moxie Gardiner! 😊

In this episode, we are joined by the multifaceted Rosslyn—Poet, Author, Healer, Integral Coach, Knitter, Designer, and an ever-evolving being. Through her radiant and inquisitive presence, Rosslyn explores the depths of self-discovery, healing, and creative expression.

We dive into her deeply personal and poetic work, The Weight of My Soul, uncovering the inspiration behind the book and the transformative journey of writing it. Rosslyn shares how poetry and healing intertwine, offering readers a pathway to introspection and emotional growth.

Her advice is to write your truth, write what feels most authentic and that your writing leaves a mark.

Connect with Rosslyn! Discover more about Rosslyn’s journey as a Poet, Healer, and Creator:

• 📸 Instagram: @voicesofyun
• 🌐 Website: thespacetobe.co
• ✍️ Substack: The Dandelion Notes

Follow her for poetic reflections, healing insights, and updates on her creative work.

In this episode, we sit down with Christine Fallert Kessides, debut author of Magda, Standing, a poignant historical novel inspired by her German ancestry and set against the backdrop of World War I-era Pittsburgh. Christine shares the deeply personal stories and family history that shaped Magda’s journey, weaving themes of resilience, identity, and perseverance into the fabric of her narrative.

Join us as Christine discusses her creative process, including the challenges of transitioning from writing policy reports for the World Bank to crafting compelling historical fiction. She reflects on the immigrant experience during wartime, the depiction of the Spanish flu, and the lessons her protagonist Magda offers to young readers, especially women.

Stay Connected with Christine Fallert Kessides:

• Website: christinekessidesauthor.com

Explore more about Christine's debut novel, Magda, Standing, and follow her journey for updates on upcoming projects, events, and more!

Listen as Maria Leonard Olsen shares her inspirational book, 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life. She talks about how she made lists to come up with the 50 new experiences, how she is able to do so many different things and a little about her amazingly talented son. She has a podcast, Becoming Your Best Version, and so much more. Go to her website or Instagram page to learn more and look for her at the Kensington Day of the Book Festival coming up in April.

Where to find Maria Leonard Olsen:

Website: marialeonardolsen.com

Instagram: @fiftyafter50

Instagram: @MariaOlsen49

LinkedIn: Maria Leonard Olsen

Her amazingly talented son:

Instagram: @chrisolsen

Listen as Brendan talks about the latest novel, Carved From Wood, in his Crafting Humanity Series and how it all started with the first book, Cut From Stone. Brendan talks about his inspiration for the setting and how that came from an experience he had in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica. He also talks about character development, the writing process and the future of the series. Brendan will be at the Kensington Day of the Book Festival on April 27th where he will have a limited number of the 3rd novel available for sale.

Other ways you can find him:

Email: Brendan.omeara@cractinghumanity.com; Twitter: @cutfstone Instagram: @cutfstone Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Crafting-Humanity-100088087459377/ Website: www.cutfstone.com

Listen as Lauri Fitz-Pegado talks about how experiences have taken her around the world as she shares her memoir of her journey through the arts, activism, and diplomacy. Lauri's memoir has been called "A Love Letter about Friends and Family". In Dancing in the Dash, the author explores her life’s journey, and how her training in dance helped establish the skills—balance, endurance, perseverance—that informed her approach to the challenges that she faced, both professionally and personally, as an African American woman. Her book resonates with diverse audiences and you are sure to be inspired by what she has to say.

You can find her at: https://www.inthedash.live/

https://beyondtheballetbarre.live