Chatter on Books
Chatter on Books
Torie Clarke
This weekly podcast will be hosted by Torie Clarke with co-hosts David Aldridge, Jeanne McManus and Michael Kornheiser. Each week, they'll have entertaining interviews with authors, plus lively discussions about what they are reading, what they love and what they hate! This show will be many things, but boring won't be one of them!
Liza Mundy “The Sisterhood”
“Secrets that should be told.” Chatter rolls in like a lion with David, Torie, Jamie, and special guest Ann Hornaday.  In addition to the usual, they’re talking about non-books things like Caitlin Clark – awesome.  Award winning Wash Post movie critic Ann Hornaday joins for Oscar buzz and what makes a good book into a good movie (or not!).  NYT bestseller Liza Mundy zooms in to share “The Sisterhood,” her revelatory history of the role of women in the CIA.  With meticulous research and wonderful storytelling, Liza tells important stories unheard for too long.  As part of COB’s “Go Local,” she chats up her favorite libraries and independent bookstores.  DC’s MLK Library gets her nod for a Chatter on Books donation.
Mar 5
57 min
Louis Ferrante “Borgata: Rise of Empire – A History of the American Mafia.”
“It’s really life lessons.” Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and celebrity mixologist Rodney Ferguson.  They break down the Super Bowl and marvel at the life well lived by remarkable publisher (think “Jaws,: “The Exorcist,” and “Catcher in the Rye”).  Student of life and former Mafia associate Louis Ferrante zooms in to share “Borgata: Rise of Empire, a History of the American Mafia.”  Ferrante blends personal anecdotes with a remarkable grasp of history to track the rise of organized crime in America.  This is part one of a trilogy – he will be back!
Feb 13
1 hr 5 min
Mark Wish – “Necessary Deeds”
“Ferrari Brain” Chatter rolls with Claude, Torie, and Jamie. They hope the best for King Charles, and Torie gets to rave about Pebble Beach.  The “most checked out books” includes “The Snowy Day,”  and Jamie’s all over it.  Prolific writer and book doctor Mark Wish zooms in to share his (according to Torie) somewhat autobiographical “Necessary Deeds.” Wish’s protagonist is a literary agent turned convict, imprisoned for a crime of passion. “Necessary Deeds” quickly goes down a twisting and wonderful mind path of revenge and redemption. 
Feb 6
40 min
Chip Reid “Battle Scars”
“Effects that last a lifetime.” Chatter rolls into 2024 with David, Torie, and Jamie.  They praise Tara VanDerveer, the winningest NCAA basketball coach, break down self-publisher Beatrix Potter, decide that dogs rule and we all have a ton of books.  Longtime journalist Chip Reid zooms in to share “Battle Scars.” Twenty years after embedding with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines in the Iraq War, Chip tells their stories of bravery, comradeship, and how the war changed their lives. Terrifying and inspiring all at once.   
Jan 23
1 hr 1 min
Rebecca Renner "Gator Country:  Deception, Danger and Alligators in the Everglades"
“Empathy” Chatter rolls into the holidays with David, Torie, Marc Sterne and our favorite Mayor Jud Ashman.  Book news (COB authors continue to crush “best of” lists) and holiday gift ideas start things off.  Jud pitches us all on poetry – Billy Collins might just be the exception (and who knew Marc was a fan?).  Rebecca Renner zooms in with “Gator Country,” her fascinating and beautifully written look at the complex intertwining of people, creatures, and plants all struggling to survive.
Dec 19, 2023
50 min
Doug Melville “Invisible Generals: Rediscovering family legacy, and a quest to honor America’s first Black Generals.”
“They fought.” Chatter rolls into the holidays with David, Torie, and Jamie. They do their own version of “deserted island” (some go practical) and all are conflicted on book recommendations for holiday gift buyers.  Just peruse Chatter on Books and you’ll find so many good ones.  Business leader, Tommy Hilfiger pal, and former Wienermobile ambassador Doug Melville zooms in to share “Invisible Generals,” his deeply moving story of family, race, and indomitable will.  It’s an important story and a fabulous read. 
Dec 12, 2023
1 hr 3 min
Anne Foster “The Long War on Drugs”
Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Jamie. Favorite childhood toys start things off.  They all rave about COB alums who continue to crush “best of 23” lists.  It turns out high school students are stealing and reading books — is that a good thing?  Historian, teacher and longtime DA friend Anne Foster zooms in to share “The Long War on Drugs.” Beautifully written and meticulously researched, Anne’s book takes a 360 degree and highly illuminating journey around the decades old efforts to combat drugs.
Dec 8, 2023
54 min
Karin Tanabe “The Sunset Crowd”
“Glamour bomb.“ Chatter’s annual family Thanksgiving show rolls with David, Torie, renaissance man Nevin Martell, and celebrity mixologist Rodney Ferguson. They catch up on book news as COB alums Ilyon Woo and David Von Drehele crush “best of 2023” lists. COB fave Karin Tanabe zooms in to share “The Sunset Crowd.” Any time a review has you and Gatsby in the same sentence you know you’ve got something good. Karin’s searing prose and uncanny cultural instincts capture Hollywood fantasies and the American dream.  And the gang goes deep on imposter syndrome.
Nov 21, 2023
50 min
Jen Golbeck and Stacey Colino “The Purest Bond – Understanding the Human-Canine Connection”
“They’re just the best.” Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and her sister from another mother Liz Clarke. They agree no one really understands sign stealing.  Of course the Puritans were the first book banners! Dr. Jen Golbeck, creator of the Golden Ratio, and award winning writer Stacey Colino zoom in to share “The Purest Bond – Understanding the Human-Canine Connection.” Golbeck and Colino put the science behind the physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits that come with having a dog in the house.  With research and real-life stories they demonstrate how dogs help us live better lives. 
Nov 15, 2023
47 min
Lena Andrews “Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II.”
“Making it possible.“ Chatter rolls with Torie and Jamie as David cheers on his beloved American Eagles at their season opener. Torie and Jamie kick around some book news, sort of but mostly talk about gambling.  CIA military analyst Lena Andrews zooms in to share “Valiant Women: The extraordinary American servicewomen who helped win World War II.”  She tells long neglected stories of the women from every race, creed, and walk of life who served and fought in every service, combat theater, and nearly two-thirds of all occupations.  Without them, the war would not have been won, and Andrews brings their stories to life with meticulous research and compelling writing.
Nov 7, 2023
52 min
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