Burke Allen's Big Time Talker Podcast — by SpeakerMatch

Burke Allen
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Big Time Talker with Burke Allen brings you compelling conversations the best Authors, Entertainers, and Experts with longtime broadcaster Burke Allen. Our sponsor SpeakerMatch is the leading provider of tools and services for emerging and professional speakers, authors, and others with a message to share.

  1. 5d ago

    Judah Freed on Making Global Sense, Thomas Paine, and the Power of Interdependence

    On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, recorded at the American Library Association Summer Conference in Chicago, Burke Allen sits down with author Judah Freed to discuss the 2026 edition of Making Global Sense, his modern extension of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. Judah explains how Paine’s ideas inspired him to explore concepts he calls a “Declaration of Interdependence,” mindful self-rule, personal democracy, and direct republics. At the center of his philosophy is the belief that recognizing our interconnectedness can influence how people treat themselves, one another, and the communities and institutions around them. The conversation explores Judah’s interpretation of authority, leadership, external validation, personal responsibility, and the importance he places on conscience and intuition. He also discusses his proposal for giving citizens a more direct role in ratifying laws and how those ideas connect to his reading of Paine and the values of the Enlightenment. With the 2026 edition marking the 250th anniversary of Common Sense, Judah reflects on the continuing relevance he sees in questions about freedom, responsibility, democracy, and how individuals relate to the wider world. He also shares news about the paperback, hardcover, ebook, and forthcoming audiobook editions of Making Global Sense.  This episode of Burke Allen’s Big Time Talker was recorded live in the great city of Chicago at the American Library Association Podcast Pavilion, thanks to the Next Generation Indy Book Awards, Headline Books and Speakermatch.com!

  2. Sep 22

    Hazell Thomas on Money Moves a Nation, Emmett Till, and Teaching Civil Rights History to a New Generation

    On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen welcomes back award-winning author and educator Hazell Thomas to discuss Money Moves a Nation: A Civil Rights Lesson for Children and the personal history that inspired her to write it. Hazell grew up in Money, Mississippi, the small town connected to the 1955 murder of Emmett Till—an event that became a catalyst in the American Civil Rights Movement. Drawing on stories passed down by her parents and her own memories of growing up in the Mississippi Delta, Hazell set out to introduce this history to younger readers in an accessible and inspiring way. Through the story of fourth grader Jonah and his family trip to Money, Mississippi, the book connects multiple generations of one family to the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Hazell explains why she wanted children to understand not only the tragedy associated with the town, but also the broader history, culture, music, and people of the Mississippi Delta. The conversation also explores Hazell's journey from classroom teacher to award-winning author, the response Money Moves a Nation has received from schools and universities, and why she believes families should pass their histories and stories on to the next generation. At its heart, Hazell's message is simple: our stories matter, and history matters. This episode of Burke Allen’s Big Time Talker was recorded live in the great city of Chicago at the American Library Association Podcast Pavilion, thanks to the Next Generation Indy Book Awards, Headline Books and Speakermatch.com!

  3. Sep 15

    Matt Dragovits on Dawn of Legends, the Magic of Christmas, and Building the World of Zach’s Quest

    On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen welcomes back award-winning children's author Matt Dragovits to discuss Dawn of Legends: A Tale for Christmas, the latest addition to the magical world of Zach’s Quest. Matt shares how growing up with nine brothers and sisters in Pennsylvania—and watching classic Rankin/Bass Christmas specials—helped shape his lifelong love of the holiday season. That inspiration eventually became a world where Santa, elves, the Star of Bethlehem, faith, adventure, and the magic of Christmas come together. The conversation explores the origins behind Dawn of Legends, a prequel that expands the Zach’s Quest universe and reveals more about Santa's arrival at the North Pole, the Nature Elves, the toymaker elves, and the forces standing in their way. Matt also explains how he incorporates themes of faith, redemption, personal growth, and finding your place in the world without losing the excitement of a Christmas adventure. Matt takes listeners behind his writing process, including how characters can begin to guide their own stories, his experience working with artists connected to Disney productions, and his hopes of eventually bringing the Zach’s Quest universe to the screen. He also discusses experimenting with emerging technology while maintaining original artwork and creative control. And, of course, Burke and Matt talk Christmas—from childhood sledding and hot chocolate to Chicago holiday traditions, family ornaments, favorite movies, and the memories that keep the season magical year after year. This episode of Burke Allen’s Big Time Talker was recorded live in the great city of Chicago at the American Library Association Podcast Pavilion, thanks to the Next Generation Indy Book Awards, Headline Books and Speakermatch.com!

  4. Sep 8

    Ashley Belote on Squirrel Lock Holmes, Creating Books Kids Love, and the Art of Children's Storytelling

    On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen welcomes back award-winning children's author and illustrator Ashley Belote to talk about the latest chapter in her creative career, including Squirrel Lock Holmes #1: The Pet Rock Mystery and Little Red and Big Bad Fred. Ashley shares how Squirrel Lock Holmes became her first early chapter book in a graphic-novel style, following squirrel detective Squirrel Lock and her mole partner Watson as they operate the Lost and Found Detective Agency. She explains why she chose a female lead, how working in comic-style panels challenged her illustration techniques, and the lessons about perseverance woven into the mystery. She also dives into Little Red and Big Bad Fred, her humorous twist on Little Red Riding Hood, and explains why humor is one of her favorite tools for introducing meaningful lessons without allowing the message to overwhelm the fun of the story. The conversation also takes listeners behind the scenes of children's publishing, from Ashley's beginnings as an illustrator to finding a literary agent and working with major publishers. She discusses critique groups, testing ideas with young readers, developing a distinctive artistic style, and her perspective on AI and the future of human-created illustration. For Ashley, one of the greatest rewards still comes from meeting young readers, showing them how books are created, and watching their excitement when they discover that they can create stories and art of their own. This episode of Burke Allen’s Big Time Talker was recorded live in the great city of Chicago at the American Library Association Podcast Pavilion, thanks to the Next Generation Indy Book Awards, Headline Books and Speakermatch.com!

  5. Sep 1

    K.M. Cookie on Song of Hummingbird Highway, Finding Your Purpose, and Turning Pain Into Empowerment

    On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen sits down with award-winning author K.M. Cookie to discuss her debut novel, Song of Hummingbird Highway, and the personal journey that finally inspired her to become the writer she had always wanted to be. K.M. introduces Terry, a Midwestern woman who follows her musician boyfriend to Belize, where mystical rhythms and ancient forces lead her on an unexpected journey. When her son is kidnapped, Terry must confront betrayal, risk everything to rescue him, and ultimately face the person she has been running from—herself. K.M. also shares how Atomic Habits helped transform her mindset from someone who wanted to write into someone who was a writer, and how a simple daily ritual involving 30 crystals helped her remain consistent through the three-year process of completing her novel. The conversation explores the book's unique connection to music, the real Hummingbird Highway in Belize, K.M.'s approach to growth mindset, and the lessons she has learned about grit, resilience, instinct, and tenacity. She also discusses her own experience with pain and why embracing life's challenges rather than simply fighting them became an important part of the story. From writing every morning before work to winning multiple literary awards for her debut novel, K.M.'s story is a reminder of what can happen when you stop waiting to pursue something meaningful and begin taking consistent steps toward it. This episode of Burke Allen’s Big Time Talker was recorded live in the great city of Chicago at the American Library Association Podcast Pavilion, thanks to the Next Generation Indy Book Awards, Headline Books and Speakermatch.com!

  6. Aug 25

    Jessica Teich on The Future Tense of Joy, Healing From Trauma, and Finding the Courage to Belong

    On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen sits down with author Jessica Teich to discuss the revised anniversary edition of The Future Tense of Joy, a deeply personal memoir that intertwines her own life with the story of a young woman she never met. Jessica shares how an obituary for 27-year-old Lacey Cooper Reynolds captured her attention and ultimately transformed what began as an autobiography into what she describes as a "shared memoir." Her search to understand Lacey's life led her to family members, teachers, and a private investigator—and unexpectedly opened doors into Jessica's own past. Their conversation explores the pressure women can experience to appear successful and perfect, the difficulty of showing vulnerability, and Jessica's own experiences with trauma and sexual abuse. She reflects on her time at Yale and Oxford as one of the first female Rhodes Scholars, her decades working in Los Angeles theater, and the importance of recognizing when environments and relationships no longer allow us to thrive. Jessica also discusses why she returned to the book a decade after its original publication, how the #MeToo era changed the context surrounding its themes, and what she has learned from survivors who have approached her after readings to share their own experiences. At its heart, this conversation is about healing, safety, freedom, and what Jessica calls "the consolations of belonging"—the knowledge that even after trauma, there are people willing to listen, care, and help. This episode of Burke Allen’s Big Time Talker was recorded live in the great city of Chicago at the American Library Association Podcast Pavilion, thanks to the Next Generation Indy Book Awards, Headline Books and Speakermatch.com!

  7. Aug 18

    C.C. Soleil on Holy Orders, Medieval Secrets, Faith, and a 700-Year-Old Mystery

    On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen sits down with award-winning author C.C. Soleil to discuss her historical thriller, Holy Orders. Blending historical fiction, contemporary mystery, archaeology, and a touch of the supernatural, Holy Orders follows a team of archaeologists in southern Germany whose investigation into the Black Plague uncovers evidence of a horrific crime buried for 700 years. As the mystery deepens, they discover that uncovering history could put their own lives at risk. C.C. shares how extensive research into the Middle Ages shaped the novel, from clothing, food, travel, and social customs to religious life and the realities surrounding the Black Plague. She also explores how faith, morality, manipulation, and the search for truth became important themes within the story. The conversation dives into C.C.'s writing process, how she connects the novel's medieval and modern-day timelines, the surprising ways her characters evolve as she writes, and why historical research became one of her favorite parts of creating Holy Orders.Whether you love historical fiction, archaeological mysteries, suspense, or stories that explore the complicated intersection of faith and human nature, this episode offers a fascinating look behind the creation of Holy Orders. This episode of Burke Allen’s Big Time Talker was recorded live in the great city of Chicago at the American Library Association Podcast Pavilion, thanks to the Next Generation Indy Book Awards, Headline Books and Speakermatch.com!

  8. Aug 11

    Mary McCluskey on Helping Children Build Resilience Through Stories, Art, and Emotional Growth

    On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen welcomes author, psychotherapist, and educator Mary McCluskey to discuss her award-winning children's books, The Leader of the Parade and Bubbles, Balloons, and Birds. Drawing on more than two decades of experience as a therapist, Mary shares how her books help children navigate emotions, trauma, diversity, grief, and resilience through imaginative storytelling. She also reveals the deeply personal inspiration behind the series—honoring her mother, an artist living with Alzheimer's disease, by incorporating her original artwork into the books, while collaborating with her daughter to bring the characters to life. The conversation explores the psychological theories of Alfred Adler and Pierre Janet, the importance of connection in children's emotional development, the challenges young people face in today's digital world, and how literature can foster empathy, healing, and hope. Mary also discusses her work supporting children affected by war, including the Ukrainian edition of Bubbles, Balloons, and Birds, and previews her upcoming historical middle-grade novel inspired by Frédéric Chopin and George Sand. Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, or simply passionate about children's literature, this episode offers thoughtful insights into the power of stories to help young readers grow, heal, and thrive. This episode of Burke Allen’s Big Time Talker was recorded live in the great city of Chicago at the American Library Association Podcast Pavilion, thanks to the Next Generation Indy Book Awards, Headline Books and Speakermatch.com!

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Big Time Talker with Burke Allen brings you compelling conversations the best Authors, Entertainers, and Experts with longtime broadcaster Burke Allen. Our sponsor SpeakerMatch is the leading provider of tools and services for emerging and professional speakers, authors, and others with a message to share.

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