Bibliophile Breakdown

Kendall Wheeler
  • 5.0 (3)
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  • Weekly

Bibliophile Breakdown is a podcast for people who finish a book and immediately need to talk about it. Join readers, authors, and bookish content creators as we discuss books, characters, themes, questionable decisions, and all things bibliophile in nature. From book commentary and author conversations to recommendations and deep dives, we go beyond the pages. Because the last page isn't the last word.

  1. 18h ago

    David Lopera on Dirty Rotten Witches, Splatterpunk & Writing Horror That Shocks

    What makes horror truly shocking? And how do you write something readers won't see coming? Horror author David Lopera joins Bibliophile Breakdown to discuss his latest book, Dirty Rotten Witches, the influences behind his work, and the art of pushing horror beyond the expected. We dig into the duality of good and evil in witchcraft stories, researching religious beliefs respectfully, and the difference between psychological horror and the more visceral extremes of splatterpunk. David shares his thoughts on originality, building a distinctive voice, creating memorable characters, and why a book's cover art can be just as important as the nightmare waiting inside. We also talk about his journey as a horror writer, the challenges of meeting reader expectations, balancing series continuity with creative growth, and what's coming next. In this episode: The inspiration behind Dirty Rotten WitchesClassic witch tales, moral ambiguity, and the duality of good and evilSplatterpunk, psychological horror, and the spectrum of fearWhy originality and shocking readers matter in horrorResearching witchcraft while respecting religious beliefsHorror influences, including Clive BarkerCover art, visual storytelling, and reader expectationsBuilding a horror community and connecting with readersFuture projects and the evolution of a writing career📱 Follow David Lopera: https://www.instagram.com/davidlopera_fiction/ 🖋️ Newsletter & website: https://www.davidloperafiction.com/ 🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile

  2. Nov 3

    Jennifer van der Kleut on The Better Mother, Motherhood & Manipulation

    I’m joined by author Jennifer van der Kleut to discuss her psychological thriller, The Better Mother. We talk about the complicated world of motherhood, manipulation, boundaries, control, and the relationships that can become far more dangerous than they initially appear. Jennifer shares the inspiration behind the novel (including an advice column and true crime stories) and breaks down the development of her unforgettable characters, Madison and Savannah. We also discuss the emotional impact of writing and reading psychological thrillers, researching technology and pregnancy, the role of social media in modern relationships, character naming, and why sometimes nothing is crazier than real life. If you love psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, dark relationships, unreliable characters, and books that explore the darker side of human nature, this author interview is for you. 📱 Follow Jennifer Van der Kleut: https://www.instagram.com/jennvdk/ 🖋️ Newsletter & website: https://www.jennifervanderkleut.com/ 🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile

  3. Oct 27

    Gabrielle Sher on Odessa, Jewish Folklore & the Horror of History

    I’m joined by Gabrielle Sher, author of Odessa, a haunting Jewish Gothic novel set in 1905 Odessa that explores Jewish folklore, historical trauma, violence, family, autonomy, and resilience. Gabrielle and I talk about the family history and Jewish folklore that inspired Odessa, the research behind the novel, and the period pogroms...including the horrors women faced during these acts of persecution. We dive into the role of golems and Jewish folklore, the moral gray areas of characters, and the complicated family dynamics at the heart of the story. If you love Jewish Gothic horror, historical horror, Gothic fiction, Jewish folklore, golems, and literary horror, listen now! 📱 Follow Gabrielle Sher: https://www.instagram.com/_gabrielle_sher/ 🖋️ Newsletter & website: https://www.gabriellesher.com/ 🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile 📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @Mamabearbibliophile

  4. Oct 20

    The Horror, Thriller & Indie Books You Need to Know with Suzie

    Today Suzie (@momslisteningtoherbooksagain) joins us to talk about her lifelong reading journey, her love of horror and thriller books, and the indie authors she thinks more readers need to discover. We dive into the books and authors that have shaped her as a reader, how reading can support mental health and personal growth, and what makes the online book community so special. Suzie also shares her tips for discovering and supporting indie authors, her experience building community through Bookstagram and social media, and her love of raccoons. Love you, Olly! 🦝 If you're looking for your next horror book, thriller, indie author, or book community obsession, this episode is for you. 📱 Follow Suzie: https://www.instagram.com/momslisteningtoherbooksagain/ 🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile 📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

  5. Oct 13

    S.T. Ashman on Her Silence, Family Secrets & Plot Twists

    Author S.T. Ashman joins Bibliophile Breakdown to talk about her thriller Her Silence, a story filled with family secrets, justice, and unexpected twists. We dive into creating multi-generational characters, developing Nicole and her family, building plot twists that keep readers engaged, and the creative process behind bringing a complicated family story to life. S.T. also shares the realities of indie publishing, book marketing, and how Bookstagram and social media can help independent authors connect with readers. 📱 Follow S.T. Ashman: https://www.instagram.com/stashmanauthor/ 🖋️ Newsletter & website: https://www.ashmanbooks.com/ 🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile 📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

  6. Oct 6

    Courtney’s Creative Journey | Bookstagram & FairyLoot

    Courtney shares her journey from graphic designer to bookish artist, her creative process, and her experience working with FairyLoot and the Bookstagram community. We talk book art, illustration, independent creators, author support, book conventions, and balancing a full-time career with creative passion projects. 📚 Follow Courtney: https://www.instagram.com/books_to_gym_by/ 🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile 📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

  7. Sep 29

    J.D. Barker on The First Scarlet Door, The Fourth Monkey & How a Killer Is Made

    What came before the Four Monkey Killer? In this episode of Bibliophile Breakdown, we go beyond the pages with bestselling thriller author J.D. Barker to talk about The First Scarlet Door, the prequel to his acclaimed The Fourth Monkey series. J.D. Barker takes us behind the scenes of writing a prequel from a killer's perspective, developing characters across multiple timelines, and creating the intricate details and psychological twists that make a thriller impossible to put down. We also talk about the upcoming Fourth Monkey TV adaptation, what changes when a bestselling book makes the jump from page to screen, and why J.D. prefers the storytelling possibilities of an episodic series. Plus, J.D. shares insights into his writing process, real-world psychology, character motivation, Easter eggs, continuity across a series, and the challenge of making readers feel empathy for a character they absolutely shouldn't. In this episode: The story behind The First Scarlet DoorWriting a prequel from the killer's perspectiveThe origins and development of the Fourth Monkey seriesThe upcoming The Fourth Monkey TV adaptationTurning a thriller series from books into televisionCharacter development and psychological motivationWriting across multiple timelinesBuilding detailed thriller plots and Easter eggsJ.D. Barker's writing processCreating empathy for an unforgettable killerBooks discussed: 📖 The First Scarlet Door 📖 The Fourth Monkey / 4MK series Come for the killer. Stay for the psychology. Bibliophile Breakdown is where we go beyond the pages—because the last page isn't the last word. 🖋️ J.D. Barker's website: https://jdbarker.com/ 🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile 📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

  8. Sep 22

    Tayanna Marrie on the Real-Life Stalking Experience Behind Never Forgotten

    I sit down with indie thriller author Tayanna Marrie to discuss her debut novel, Never Forgotten. Tayanna shares the real-life stalking experience that inspired the story, how she approached writing about kidnapping and survival with authenticity, and the research that went into police procedures, investigations, and multiple character perspectives. Follow Tayanna Marrie: 📚 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/t.m.author/ 💌 Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/XuLoGxTi0p 🔗 Everything Bibliophile Breakdown: https://linktr.ee/mamabearbibliophile 📚 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @MamabearBibliophile

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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Bibliophile Breakdown is a podcast for people who finish a book and immediately need to talk about it. Join readers, authors, and bookish content creators as we discuss books, characters, themes, questionable decisions, and all things bibliophile in nature. From book commentary and author conversations to recommendations and deep dives, we go beyond the pages. Because the last page isn't the last word.

Information

  • Creator
    Kendall Wheeler
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kendall Wheeler
  • Show Website
    Bibliophile Breakdown