Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast

Jed Doherty
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to CT Book Festivals! We’re here to celebrate the vibrant stories, unforgettable characters, and brilliant authors who call Connecticut home. Whether you're a lifelong Connecticut resident or just love discovering great books, this is the place for you! Get ready to meet the incredible writers behind your next favorite read, explore the magic of storytelling, and uncover the treasures of Connecticut’s literary scene. Let’s turn the page together – it’s time for CT Book Festivals!

  1. 6d ago

    Sea Glass Kids: Ocean Pollution Solutions with Leslee Flanagan

    In this warm and inspiring episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with picture book author Leslee Flanagan to talk about her latest book, Sea Glass Kids: Ocean Pollution Solutions and her lifelong love of the ocean. Leslee shares how the Sea Glass Kids characters first came to life in her earlier book, Problems in the Ocean. In the series, kids team up with sea animals and each other to tackle ocean pollution through simple, practical actions like beach cleanups and reducing plastic use. Leslee emphasizes that while the problem can seem overwhelming, “baby steps” really can grow into big change, especially when kids lead the way and adults join in. Drawing on her volunteer work with the Mystic Aquarium rescue team, Leslee talks about seeing firsthand how marine animals are harmed by plastic bags, discarded nets, and other debris. Those experiences—combined with living near the water and watching her grandkids become passionate ocean protectors—fueled her mission to educate and inspire through story. Leslee also opens up about her nonlinear life path: from studying animal science and working with veterinarians, to running a tree business, operating a mini golf and batting cage, becoming an elementary school teacher at 45, and now writing children’s books. Along the way, themes of kindness, resilience, and staying open to new chapters in life shine through. She gives listeners a glimpse of what’s next: more Sea Glass Kids adventures, classroom visits, a possible musical, and a new collaboration with fellow “Eco Authors” to reach even more young readers around the world.

    Sea Glass Kids: Ocean Pollution Solutions with Leslee Flanagan

  2. Sep 21

    From Undervalued to Unstoppable: Talking Money with Linda Hunt

    On this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast, Jed welcomes Linda Hunt, author of The Money Conversation, for a heartfelt, practical look at what it really takes to charge what you’re worth—especially if you’re a service-based entrepreneur, creative, or author. Linda breaks down her core idea that there are actually three money conversations happening at once: li::marker]:font-[sans-serif]" style= "padding-left: 2ch;" start="1"> The one between you and you—your beliefs, fears, and stories about money and worth. The one between you and your client—how you talk about value, pricing, and results. The one between you and your business—what your bank account and workload are trying to tell you. Drawing on her own journey from undercharging and wobbling through pricing talks to running a successful remote accounting business, Linda shares how creating simple processes and shifting from hourly billing to value-based services changed everything. She and Jed swap stories about imposter feelings, learning to receive compliments and fair pay, and how upbringing and gender expectations can quietly shape our sense of worth. Linda also speaks directly to authors and creatives, reminding them that publishing a book makes them the CEO of a small business. She encourages writers to lean into their “why”, talk passionately about who their work is for, and let that authentic enthusiasm become their most powerful sales tool. Listeners will come away with encouragement, language, and mindset shifts to start their own money conversations—with themselves, their clients, and their business.

    From Undervalued to Unstoppable: Talking Money with Linda Hunt

  3. Sep 14

    Indiana Bamboo and the Not Missing Mummy: Meira Rosenberg on Adventure & Empathy

    In this warm and lively episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes back middle grade author Meira Rosenberg to celebrate her new mystery, Indiana Bamboo and the Not Missing Mummy. Meira shares how Indiana Bamboo was first born in an MFA writing class, when she challenged herself to move from short stories and essays into a full-length novel. Indiana, she explains, is a composite of adventurous friends and half-remembered childhood moments, with a little bit of Meira woven in, too. The conversation dives into why Meira loves writing for 10–11-year-olds—that in–between age where kids are sharp, curious, and still unafraid to speak up. From there, she gives a spoiler-free tour of the new book: Indiana visits her cousin Boris in New York City, stumbles into a mystery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and gets pulled into a wild adventure involving a supposedly “not missing” mummy, shady bad guys, a sacred scarab, and even a hidden pyramid in the Indiana woods. Along the way, Meira and Jed talk about friendship issues, family challenges, and how fiction can gently introduce kids to history, empathy, and new perspectives—all without feeling like a lesson. They also share personal stories about reading with children and grandchildren, the magic of starting read-alouds from birth, and the power of co-reading as kids get older. Meira closes by shouting out her cover artist, Joe Belisle, and sharing where listeners can find Indiana’s latest adventure online and through their favorite bookstores.

    Indiana Bamboo and the Not Missing Mummy: Meira Rosenberg on Adventure & Empathy

  4. Sep 7

    If You’re Lucky Enough to Know a Unicorn: Grief, Joy, and Resilience with Haley Bresnan

    On this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, Jed welcomes Haleigh Bresnan, second grade teacher and debut picture book author of If You’re Lucky Enough to Know a Unicorn. The conversation explores how a deeply personal loss blossomed into a gentle, hopeful story for children and families. Haleigh shares that the book was inspired by Kennedy, a baby girl born with heterotaxy, a rare condition where organs may be reversed or malformed. Kennedy passed away just shy of four months. In the quiet moments of rocking her own newborn son, while grieving alongside Kennedy’s family, Haleigh began writing a poem to process her emotions. Over six years, that poem slowly evolved into the picture book it is today. Rather than focusing on the medical details, the book uses the unicorn as a symbol of unforgettable, transformative love. Haleigh and Jed talk about helping kids understand big emotions—grief, sadness, resilience, and joy—and about reassuring adults that it’s okay for children to laugh and feel happy even after tragedy. Haleigh describes using the book in her classroom, how her students react when they realize their teacher is also an author, and the powerful community support that has surrounded the project. She shares the emotional moment when Kennedy’s mom first saw the book—and how physical copies arrived on the anniversary of Kennedy’s passing.

    If You’re Lucky Enough to Know a Unicorn: Grief, Joy, and Resilience with Haley Bresnan

  5. Aug 31

    Grandpas, Grandkids & Great Stories: Inside Dina Hardt's Catch Of The Day

    On this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, Jed welcomes debut picture book author and longtime teacher, Dina Hardt, to celebrate her new book, Catch of the Day. Dina shares the deeply personal origin of the story, which she first wrote over 20 years ago, inspired by a cherished family photo of her brother fishing. After her brother Anthony passed away two years ago, Dina revisited the manuscript as part of her healing journey, revising it with fresh eyes, richer memories, and a deeper sense of purpose. The book follows Anthony’s first time fishing on his own, guided by his grandfather’s wisdom and his own growing courage. Dina talks about the emotional process of seeing the illustrations for the first time, how the artist used real family photos and vacation images from Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, and how her brothers Anthony and David both appear as characters in the book. She also explains why she chose to rename herself “Ella” in the story, honoring her middle name and her grandmother. As a fourth-grade teacher with a theater background, Dina lights up when she describes how she gets kids excited about reading and writing—through choice, engagement, and fun language lessons like her homophone project built around her last name, Hardt. Jed and Dina close by exploring the rich family, faith, and perseverance themes in Catch of the Day, and Dina shares where families, teachers, and young readers can find the book and connect with her online.

    Grandpas, Grandkids & Great Stories: Inside Dina Hardt's Catch Of The Day

  6. Aug 17

    Celebrating Hanukkah and Childhood Play with Adina Oberman

    In this warm and thoughtful episode, Jed welcomes back Adina Oberman to celebrate her new board book, H Is for Hanukkah: A Festival of Lights, an ABC primer that introduces little ones to Hanukkah traditions and diverse Jewish cultures from around the world. Adina shares how she first joined the show as a blogger with Big Books for Little Hands and later became part of the Familius publishing team, where her passion for early childhood and representation shines through. Adina explains how H Is for Hanukkah highlights not only familiar Ashkenazic traditions, but also Sephardic and other Jewish cultures—like “B is for biscochos,” a cookie from Spanish-speaking Jewish communities—so more children can see themselves in the pages of a book. Jed and Adina reflect on the power of books as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors, helping kids understand themselves, their neighbors, and the wider world. They also talk about why seemingly “simple” board books can take years to create. With a small, dedicated team at Familius, every word and illustration is carefully considered to support babies’ and toddlers’ early learning, fine motor skills, and social-emotional growth. Adina offers an accessible explanation of Hanukkah’s history, the miracle of the oil, and why the holiday is celebrated for eight nights in many parts of the world. The conversation closes with a passionate defense of play as the true work of early childhood, and encouragement for families to put down their phones, get on the floor, and learn together through reading, play, and connection.

    Celebrating Hanukkah and Childhood Play with Adina Oberman

  7. Aug 10

    Breaking Free from a Malignant Manager: Cathy Alfandre’s Guide to Taking Back Your Career

    On this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes career coach and author Cathy Alfandre, whose new book is “Breaking Free from a Malignant Manager: Strategies to Reclaim Your Confidence and Career.” Cathy explains that the book grew out of years of coaching mid‑career professionals who were stuck with truly harmful bosses—managers who stole credit, created gossip-filled, suspicious workplaces, or pushed people so hard they became physically ill and started doubting their own competence. She realized how common these experiences are, and wanted readers to know two things: you’re not alone, and you’re not powerless. Cathy and Jed talk about why malignant managers are so prevalent: people promoted without training, cutthroat cultures that reward bad behavior, performance systems that care only about results, and deeply insecure leaders who hoard credit and control. From there, Kathy walks listeners through the three big themes of her book: what to do when you can’t quit yet, how to plan and execute a healthy move when you’re ready to leave, and how to avoid landing with another toxic boss in the future. She shares practical tools like writing achievement stories (using the CAR method: Challenge, Action, Result) to rebuild confidence and prepare for resumes and interviews, and she underscores the lifelong value of networking—not just when you’re desperate to get out. Cathy also discusses when, and when not, to confront a boss or go to HR, and why careful judgment is essential. She closes by inviting listeners to learn more at Cathyalfandre.com and connect with her on LinkedIn.

    Breaking Free from a Malignant Manager: Cathy Alfandre’s Guide to Taking Back Your Career

  8. Aug 3

    Furtive Activity: Faith, Family, and Thrills with Author Michael Ignatius

    In this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, Jed welcomes Michael Ignatius, Connecticut-based author of the new thriller Furtive Activity. Set in Bolton, Putnam, and the Boston College area, the novel follows Mickey Ryback, a respected Catholic elementary school principal, devoted husband and father of seven, and former Navy cyber intelligence specialist who secretly works as an analyst for the CIA. Michael shares how Mickey juggles his double life—school leader and covert operative—while quietly battling alcoholism and overwhelming guilt. As Mickey navigates cartel threats, Hezbollah connections, Boston safe houses, and sensitive cyber data, his drinking begins to erode every part of his life, from his covert missions to his family relationships. Michael also introduces Margaret Giangelino, Mickey’s tough, highly skilled CIA handler and Navy SEAL trainer, who adds both strength and heart to the story. Drawing on his own background in the Navy, technology, theology, teaching, school leadership, and youth ministry, Michael explains how much of the book is autobiographical fiction, grounded in real places and experiences. He and Jed talk about the subtle but powerful role of faith, redemption, and spiritual struggle in the novel, including Mickey’s connection with a bishop and his journey through AA. Michael also touches on the use of AI in the story and in his own life, and teases future projects, including a possible series featuring Margaret and a teen-focused spinoff about Mickey’s daughter.

    Furtive Activity: Faith, Family, and Thrills with Author Michael Ignatius
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to CT Book Festivals! We’re here to celebrate the vibrant stories, unforgettable characters, and brilliant authors who call Connecticut home. Whether you're a lifelong Connecticut resident or just love discovering great books, this is the place for you! Get ready to meet the incredible writers behind your next favorite read, explore the magic of storytelling, and uncover the treasures of Connecticut’s literary scene. Let’s turn the page together – it’s time for CT Book Festivals!

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