Booked and Balanced

Booked and Balanced
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If you love books and you want a bestie that is full of laughs and jokes and wanted to join in, this is your chance! Join Chachi, on her journey through many fictional worlds. If you want to learn more about indie authors, want the tea from the literary world to the tv shows, want tips on hot books to read, and want to engage in real life conversations keeping a positive relationship with mental health, this is the place to be every Thursday

  1. Oct 17

    The Year We Lost our Innocence

    In this heartfelt episode, Chachi interviews her Uncle Roy, who shares his experiences as a young immigrant from Ecuador to the United States in the 1960s. His stories are both nostalgic and enlightening, highlighting the challenges and surprises of adapting to a new culture. Roy recalls the moment his family received the news from their grandfather about moving to the States. As an eight-year-old, he was both excited and apprehensive. The trip itself was unforgettable; they flew on propeller planes, peering out to see the landscape change beneath them. Upon arriving, he faced the stark contrasts between life in Ecuador and America, including the first sight of snow and the unfamiliarity of towering buildings emitting smoke. One of the first lessons Roy’s mother imparted was about the American way of life. This advice, while alarming to a child, illustrates the cultural differences that shaped his understanding of American society. Roy reflects on the importance of community in Ecuador, where neighbors were akin to family, contrasting sharply with the individualistic nature he observed in the States. As he navigated school, he encountered both kindness and prejudice. There were moments of innocent play, yet also instances of racial slurs that left a mark on his young psyche. Roy candidly discusses how his upbringing in Ecuador influenced his perception of race. He was raised in a society where diversity was celebrated rather than compartmentalized. As he grew older, the reality of racial dynamics in America became clearer to him, particularly through the lens of his mother’s experiences and teachings. She encouraged him to be aware of societal perceptions while remaining true to his identity. In their conversation, Chachi and Uncle Roy explore how these early experiences shaped their understanding of community, belonging, and the complexities of identity in a diverse society. As you listen, consider the generational differences in how we perceive race and culture, and the lessons we can learn from those who came before us. For the full episode and more stories, tune in and discover how Uncle Roy’s journey continues to resonate today.

  2. Oct 15

    How a Hidden Lynching Led to a Memorial for a Forgotten Grandfather

    A family secret buried for decades—and the phone call that changed everything On a civil rights pilgrimage through the South, host ChaChi speaks with Fred Rouse III about discovering that his grandfather, Fred Rouse Sr. , was lynched in Tarrant County, Texas. Fred shares what it was like to learn this painful family history, how research and a visit to the Legacy Museum helped bring the story into focus, and how the truth had gone unspoken across generations.The conversation also explores how Fred and his family are honoring his grandfather’s memory. They purchased the land where he was killed and are working to build the Mr. Free Ross Memorial Center—a community site where people can help leave a lasting tribute. Fred reflects on preserving family stories for the next generation and offers encouragement to people who uncover difficult truths through ancestry research.

  3. Oct 14

    Corazón, Cultura y Creatividad: Sujeiry Gonzalez Refuses to Be Put in a Box

    In this week’s episode of Booked in Balance, we dive into a delightful conversation with Suriya Gonzalez, a Dominican author who brings a unique perspective to the world of romance writing. Suriya, affectionately known as Su Haiti, shares her journey from writing personal essays to crafting romantic novels, all while navigating her identity and the complexities of love. Names carry a lot of weight, and Suriya’s story is no different. She opens up about the constant mispronunciation of her name and how it reflects the broader experience of many Latinas: Suriya's first book, Love Trips, is a collection of personal essays that has been described as "the Latina Sex in the City." It captures her experiences as a young Latina navigating love in New York City. She shares a candid reflection: With the pandemic prompting a shift in her writing, Suriya embraced romance in her storytelling. She explains her transition: Suriya also touches on the importance of community, especially during the pandemic. She credits platforms like Threads for helping her connect with others in the literary world: As we wrap up this episode, Suriya’s blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling leaves us with a reminder to embrace our identities and celebrate love in all its forms. Curious to hear more? Tune in to the full episode for more insights and laughter! Finding Your Name "Just listen to what I'm saying: Sue and the country Haiti. Don't overthink it."This humorous yet poignant moment sets the tone for a discussion that blends laughter with deeper reflections on identity.Love Trips and Personal Essays "I sometimes feel embarrassed when I think of when I was an idiot. Like, my God. I want to go back and smack myself."Her honesty about past relationships and the lessons learned resonates with anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of dating.A Shift to Romance "I was tired of writing about heartbreak. I wanted to celebrate love and not relive sadness."This desire to explore love’s joyful aspects led her to create her first romance novel, which is part of the Heights of Love series. The Power of Community "It’s been so dope since I’ve been really pouring into engaging with people."Her reflections on community highlight how powerful it can be to share experiences and support one another in creative endeavors.

  4. Oct 2

    Inside a Nicaraguan Space Fantasy

    This week on Booked and Balance, we sit down with R.T. Eves, a Nicaraguan-American author whose debut novel, Garalaxia, is making waves in the literary world. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, our conversation dives deep into the importance of representation in literature and the transformative power of storytelling.R.T. takes us into the universe of her debut novel, Garalaxia, blending elements of epic space fantasy with themes of identity and belonging. The story follows a female protagonist who struggles without superhuman abilities in a society where they are the norm. R.T. reflects on how her diverse background influences her writing, aiming to create a world that feels familiar yet entirely new. "It's like opening a window, just like getting to see what their life is like, even just for a couple of hours." — R.T. Eves

  5. Sep 23

    Why Dark Romance Readers Feel Seen, Not Just Turned On

    In this episode, Annie Wilde shares her journey as a dark romance author, her writing process, and how her books have helped her and her readers navigate complex emotions and personal growth. We also talked about: Annie Wilde's background and inspiration for her booksThe emotional and therapeutic process of writing dark romanceHow her books address mental health and personal growthThe research and authenticity behind her storiesHer writing routine and playlist preferencesThe significance of dark themes and taboo topics in her workHer favorite books and guilty pleasures as a readerBalancing personal privacy with public writing career

  6. Sep 7

    From Reading Wattpad to Published: Katie Knight’s Story

    In this episode, author Katie Knight shares her journey from Wattpad reader to published author, discusses her multi-genre writing, and offers insights into writing emotional, meaningful romance novels that explore themes like marriage, infertility, and personal growth.

  7. Jul 27

    Tide in Pink "why Knot" Mindset

    In this episode, Chachi and guest Mimi discuss her journey into writing, her debut book 'Tide in Pink,' and her insights on the book community, writing process, and favorite genres. They also share tips for aspiring authors and explore the vibrant world of contemporary and dark romance.

  8. Jun 21

    Pitch Perspectives

    In this episode, we interview Anna, an international journalist from Colombia living in France, covering the FIFA World Cup. We explore her journey, experiences, and insights into sports journalism, cultural differences, and the global nature of football. Journey of an international journalist covering FIFA World CupChallenges and experiences of women in sports journalismCultural differences in sports coverage between countriesThe role of language skills in international reportingInsights into the global football community and fan cultureJournalism, FIFA World Cup, International Reporter, Sports Coverage, Cultural Insights, France, Colombia, Football, Media, Women in Journalism

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About

If you love books and you want a bestie that is full of laughs and jokes and wanted to join in, this is your chance! Join Chachi, on her journey through many fictional worlds. If you want to learn more about indie authors, want the tea from the literary world to the tv shows, want tips on hot books to read, and want to engage in real life conversations keeping a positive relationship with mental health, this is the place to be every Thursday

Information

  • Creator
    Booked and Balanced
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Booked and Balanced
  • Show Website
    Booked and Balanced