Books That Make You Podcast

Desiree Duffy
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Books That Make You brings you conversations with both authors and literary folks on the business side of things. We discuss new books, old books, indie books, and all the wonderful themes found within books. Whether you're an author or an avid book reader, this is the show for you.

  1. FEB 4

    What If Women Ruled the future? D.A. Murray Breaks Down Dominion: Ascension

    What happens when the world is rebuilt after catastrophe and the power structure flips, completely? In this episode, author and tech executive D.A. Murray joins us to unpack her debut dystopian novel, Dominion: Ascension. The conversation starts with the central provocation: a society where women hold leadership across civilization and men are pushed into tightly controlled roles, including a "breeder class" shaped by fertility and status. From there, we go deeper into what the book is really examining—how power changes people, how systems enforce obedience, and what gets lost when identity becomes something managed rather than lived. We also talk about Danny Matthews, the 29-year-old protagonist whose emotional development makes sense inside a world where information is restricted and self-exploration is contained. At the heart of Danny's experience is her relationship with her mother, giving the story a pulse that goes beyond the dystopian frame. D.A. Murray shares why technology in Dominion isn't a sleek promise but a "jagged edge of progress," and how today's AI boom raises real questions about privacy, guardrails, and what it means to stay human while moving fast. Plus, a glimpse at what's coming next in the trilogy, including the second book, Anarchy.

    29 min
  2. Dr. Abraham George's "Mountains to Cross" and the Shanti Bhavan Story

    JAN 28

    Dr. Abraham George's "Mountains to Cross" and the Shanti Bhavan Story

    What compels someone to walk away from a lucrative Wall Street career and dedicate their life to eradicating generational poverty? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Abraham George, author of Mountains to Cross and founder of Shanti Bhavan, a residential school in India that transforms the lives of children born into extreme poverty. Dr. George shares the deeply personal story behind his life's mission, from surviving a dynamite blast as a young officer in the Himalayas to building a financial foundation with a single goal: to serve. His philosophy, the 50/50 life model—spend half your life creating wealth, the other half giving back—is more than theory. It's the driving force behind Shanti Bhavan's global impact. We dive into the school's powerful success stories, including graduates attending Ivy League schools, and the wider social change sparked by a single opportunity. Dr. George also reveals how his mother's resilience and generosity helped carry his vision through the 2008 financial crisis. If you've ever questioned how one person can make a difference—or wondered when the right time is to start—this conversation will inspire you to act.

    29 min

  3. 12/08/2025

    How to Put Up a Christmas Tree with author Bill Hulseman

    Author and ritual designer Bill Hulseman returns to the show to take us deeper into his profoundly moving and gently humorous essay collection, six to carry the casket and one to say the mass. This time, Bill helps us reimagine the meaning of the holidays—beyond the performative gratitude and commercial frenzy. In this episode, Bill discusses two standout essays from his book: Grateful and How to Put Up a Christmas Tree. Through personal stories of family, grief, queerness, and complicated traditions, Bill reveals how the holidays can be both beautiful and deeply painful. From hand turkeys and Lincoln's Thanksgiving proclamation to moments of heartbreak behind a glowing Christmas tree, Bill invites us to hold space for both memory and renewal. Whether you're someone who dreads the season or seeks to find new meaning in old rituals, this conversation will offer you perspective, comfort, and maybe even inspiration to create your own traditions. This is a raw, honest, and reflective episode for anyone who's ever felt out of place during the holidays—and for those looking to reconnect with what matters most. #six tocarrythecasket #BillHulseman #holidaygrief #ritualdesign #queerauthors #BooksThatMakeYou

    32 min

  4. 11/12/2025

    Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz, Steven Joseph & Andy Case on Kids, Creativity & Chaos

    What happens when a cranky humorist and a tech-savvy illustrator team up with some rebellious poodles and launch them into space? You get Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz — the latest wild ride from author Steven Joseph and illustrator Andy Case. In this episode, the duo dives deep into their colorful, noodle-fueled universe. They talk about the imaginative process behind their newest book, from musical jailbreaks to intergalactic dance battles and zany characters like Coolio the Grand Rudel. But it's not just about the laughs. Steven and Andy explore the deeper themes woven into their story, including creativity, environmentalism, teamwork, and even the importance of museums and public spaces for inspiring young minds. We also get a peek behind the curtain into their one-of-a-kind working relationship—think less "formal author and illustrator" and more "creative soulmates on a rocket ship." Plus, Andy talks about the real-world educational challenges kids face today, especially the growing imagination deficit from too much screen time. And yes, there's a full original soundtrack. Because why shouldn't a book about dancing poodles come with a banger of an album?

    36 min

  5. 11/07/2025

    Inside the Mystical Music of Alan Hovhaness with Bill Holst

    What if your stepfather was one of the most misunderstood yet spiritually profound composers of the 20th century—and your mother spent years writing his story? In this episode, Bill Holst shares the extraordinary journey behind Alan Hovhaness: Unveiling One of the Great Composers of the 20th Century, a memoir built from the poetic writings of his late mother and enriched with his own personal reflections. Alan Hovhaness was known for his deeply mystical, culturally diverse compositions, drawing from Armenian roots, Eastern music traditions, and nature itself. Bill shares how Hovhaness faced rejection early in his career—even from names like Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland—yet stayed true to his vision, ultimately creating over 500 pieces of music that defied genres and resonated with artists like Carlos Santana and Ravi Shankar. We dive into the soulful relationship between Bill's mother and Hovhaness, the spiritual lens through which he viewed life and art, and the thousands of unpublished and rediscovered works that are still being archived today. From midnight storytelling sessions to mysterious reincarnated cats, this conversation uncovers the composer's otherworldly spirit and the love that defined his final decades. Discover how Bill Holst is carrying forward the legacies of both his mother and Alan Hovhaness—one page, and one note, at a time. #AlanHovhaness #BillHolst #ComposerLegacy #MysticalMusic #BooksThatMakeYou #Memoir

    32 min

  6. 11/07/2025

    Chester L. Richards on Star Trek, Rocket Launches & Wild Adventures

    How do you go from writing a Star Trek episode to launching rockets, facing crocodiles, and eventually healing through writing? Chester L. Richards returns to the show to share moments from his second memoir, The Trek Continues: More Memoirs of a Rocket Scientist. This lively interview explores how a vivid dream led to a Star Trek script, setting him on a lifelong path filled with science, danger, love, and self-discovery. Chester takes us behind the scenes of his early writing journey, reveals the high-stakes world of aerospace engineering, and shares stories of rafting down wild rivers and facing wild animals. But it's not just about adventure. At the center of his story is Sarah, his late partner and creative muse. Her memory continues to inspire his work and helped him through the most difficult chapter of his life. From humorous mishaps to moments of deep emotion, Chester explains how writing helped him rediscover joy. He also reflects on the importance of failure, how it shaped his career, and why it's never too late to write your own story. This is a conversation about creativity, courage, and the human spirit. Chester's journey shows that the real final frontier might just be the stories we choose to tell. #StarTrek #Memoir #RocketScience #AuthorInterview #BooksThatMakeYou #ChesterLRichards

    37 min

  7. 10/09/2025

    Sue William Silverman on Her "Selected Misdemeanors" and Finding Metaphor

    What do a dead goldfish, Pat Boone, and crème de menthe have in common? For acclaimed memoirist Sue William Silverman, they're all part of her deeply personal and poetic exploration in her latest book, Selected Misdemeanors: Essays at the Mercy of the Reader. In this conversation, Sue opens up about the emotional missteps and moments that shaped her—and how writing flash essays allows her to capture the weight of fleeting experiences. Sue shares her unique approach to writing: mining small, seemingly mundane memories and transforming them into meaningful metaphors. From walking on hands with her sister to confronting childhood trauma and the aftermath of emotional scars, each essay in Selected Misdemeanors reveals a shimmering truth beneath the surface. We also explore the challenges of memoir writing, why metaphors matter, and how women can claim their voices through storytelling. Sue also discusses her childhood obsession with Pat Boone—and the extraordinary real-life full-circle moment that followed decades later. If you're a writer, reader, or anyone fascinated by how truth becomes art, this episode is for you.

    36 min

  8. 09/09/2025

    Shelley Malicote Stutchman on Fighting Breast Cancer with Humor and Heart

    What happens when you're diagnosed with breast cancer at 67—just after building your dream home and planning your wedding? For Shelley Malicote Stutchman, you write about it with raw honesty, a whole lot of humor, and just enough sass to make people gasp. In this episode, Shelley joins us to talk about her memoir, Peek-a-Boob, a powerful yet hilarious account of her journey through breast cancer. A nurse, mental health advocate, and first-time author at 70, Shelley opens up about being diagnosed in 2022 and how she used Facebook posts to process her experiences and help others—ultimately turning them into a 432-page book. Shelley shares deeply personal moments, from the fear of biopsies to the emotional weight of losing friends during treatment. She also reflects on unexpected joys, like finding love later in life and how her husband wrote the final chapter for the men who support survivors. Her advice is practical, heartfelt, and often laugh-out-loud funny. Whether you're a survivor, a caregiver, or someone who simply wants to better understand the emotional toll of breast cancer, Shelley's story will resonate. #BreastCancerAwareness #PeekABoob #ShelleyMalicoteStutchman #CancerSurvivor #WomenWriters #MentalHealthMatters

    31 min
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About

Books That Make You brings you conversations with both authors and literary folks on the business side of things. We discuss new books, old books, indie books, and all the wonderful themes found within books. Whether you're an author or an avid book reader, this is the show for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Desiree Duffy
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All content is copyrighted
  • Show Website
    Books That Make You Podcast