Jeanette Huffman: Between the Lines

jeanettevannorden

This podcast is your window into the world of artists—honest, unfiltered, and deeply human. I’ll be exploring the stories behind the work: the choices we make, the truths we carry, and the experiences that shape what we create. I’ll also be answering questions from readers and listeners—about books, creativity, life, grief, healing, and everything in between. No fluff—just real conversations. Whether you're looking for connection, clarity, or simply curious about the stories behind the stories, you're in the right place. 🎙️ Watch the upcoming episode preview here:https://youtu.be/fY17cmwN1IE And don’t forget to check out past episodes featuring conversations with authors, artists, and creatives from all walks of life. Tell me in the comments:What’s a question you wish more creators were honest about? 👀

  1. Jul 13

    Episode 23: Kate Hilton | City of the Muse & Ancient Egypt

    In Episode 23 of Between The Lines, Rich Kopacz is joined by special guest co-host Leanne Hollenbeck for a fascinating conversation with bestselling author Kate Hilton, whose latest novel, City of the Muse, blends historical fiction, archaeology, and mystery into an unforgettable story spanning more than a century. Together, they discuss the real history that inspired the novel, including Ancient Egypt, early archaeology, papyrus, mummies, and the remarkable women who helped shape the field of Egyptology. Kate also shares how her career as a psychotherapist influences the way she develops complex, authentic characters and why reinvention is a recurring theme throughout her work. Along the way, the conversation takes some fun detours, including favorite mummy movies, Brendan Fraser, dogs, Agatha Christie, and a friendly debate over whether the Canadian or American side of Niagara Falls is better. This episode also features a dramatic audio scene inspired by City of the Muse, bringing part of the novel to life through voice performances. The inspiration behind City of the MuseAncient Egypt and modern archaeologyAmelia Edwards and the women who transformed EgyptologyReading ancient papyrus with modern technologyHistorical fiction and researchCharacter development and psychologyBrendan Fraser, mummy movies, and Indiana JonesCanada vs. America: Which side of Niagara Falls is better?An exclusive dramatic reading from City of the MuseWhether you're passionate about books, history, archaeology, or the creative process behind great storytelling, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Guest: Kate HiltonHost: Rich KopaczSpecial Guest Co-Host: Leanne Hollenbeck 📚 Learn more about Kate Hilton and City of the Muse wherever books are sold. In this episode:

  2. Jul 5

    Live at the Bangor Library: Reading The Ashborn & the Stories Behind It

    What happens when Norse mythology, ancient folklore, and a small town in Southwest Michigan collide? In this special live episode of Between the Lines, recorded at the Bangor Branch Library in Bangor, Michigan, author Jeanette Huffman shares a live reading from her historical fantasy novel, The Ashborn, before joining co-host Rich Kopez for an in-depth conversation about the inspiration behind the story. Together they explore the research, history, and personal experiences that shaped the novel, including Viking exploration, Norse mythology, folklore, character development, and why Bangor, Michigan became the unexpected home of an ancient legend. During the conversation, Jeanette also reflects on one of the most emotional scenes she has ever written, discusses the evolution of Loki as a character, and shares her dream casting for a future film adaptation. 📖 A live reading from The Ashborn ⚔️ Viking history and Norse mythology 🌲 Why Bangor, Michigan inspired the novel 🧙 Folklore, witches, and supernatural fiction 💙 The personal experiences behind the story ✍️ Character development and identity 🎬 Dream casting The Ashborn Whether you're fascinated by mythology, enjoy historical fantasy, or simply love hearing authors discuss the creative process, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories grow from history, imagination, research, and personal experience. 📚 Learn more about Jeanette Huffman:https://www.amazon.com/author/jeanette-huffman If you enjoy Between the Lines, please follow the podcast and share this episode with another reader, writer, or mythology enthusiast. "Beyond the Lows" by The Whole OtherSource: YouTube Audio Library "From Here On In" by Everet AlmondSource: YouTube Audio Library "Cylinder Seven" by Chris ZabriskieLicensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Creative Commons License:https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source:http://chriszabriskie.com/cylinders/ Artist:http://chriszabriskie.com/ Between the Lines PodcastHosted by Jeanette Huffman & Rich Kopez Recorded live at the Bangor Branch LibraryBangor, Michigan In this episodeMusic Credits

  3. Jul 3

    RACHƎL – Prologue | A First Audiobook Preview

    Before there were houses... there was the land. Welcome to the very first public reading from my upcoming supernatural psychological horror novel, RACHƎL. After sharing the first teaser trailer for the novel, several readers asked if I had ever considered recording an audiobook. Honestly... I hadn't. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that RACHƎL feels different from anything I've written before. The voice feels natural. The characters feel familiar. Hollow Creek feels like a place I can step into every time I read. So I decided to experiment. This episode is the prologue of RACHƎL—a first glimpse into the world of Hollow Creek and a chance for you to help me decide whether this story should become a full audiobook. I'd genuinely love your feedback. After listening... 📖 Would you rather read the novel? 🎧 Would you listen to the audiobook? ❤️ Or would you do both? RACHƎL is currently in its final editing stages while my beta readers continue helping me polish every chapter. 📅 The novel is scheduled for release on October 31, 2026, with plans for availability through Amazon and, hopefully, IngramSpark for bookstores and libraries. If enough listeners enjoy these readings, I'd love to continue sharing more chapters—and maybe even record the complete audiobook. Thank you for being part of this journey into Hollow Creek. 📚 Amazon Author Page:https://www.amazon.com/author/jeanette-huffman RACHƎL is a supernatural psychological horror novel set in the fictional town of Hollow Creek, Pennsylvania, where old ground remembers more than people do, forgotten stories refuse to stay buried, and some places never truly let you leave. Hosted by Jeanette Huffman & Rich Kopez Exploring books, storytelling, mythology, writing, publishing, and the creative journey behind every story. Learn more about Jeanette HuffmanAbout RACHƎLBetween the Lines Podcast

  4. Jun 28

    Street Fighter, Zelda, D&D, Magic & 30 Years of Friendship with Ken Forsee | Between The Lines Podcast Ep. 20

    While Jeanette Huffman is off traveling the world, Rich Kopacz steps into the host's chair and welcomes one of his oldest friends, musician, composer, voice actor, gamer, and fellow nerd Ken Forsee. Their friendship began decades ago in a college dormitory and has continued through music, storytelling, gaming, audio dramas, creative collaborations, and countless conversations about the things they love. In this nostalgic and entertaining episode, Rich and Ken explore: 🎮 Classic video games and retro gaming culture 🗡️ The Legend of Zelda 🥊 Street Fighter II 🎲 Dungeons & Dragons 🃏 Magic: The Gathering 🎹 Video game music and composition 🎭 Voice acting and character performance 🎼 Original music creation 📚 Fantasy, science fiction, and nerd culture 👾 Gaming memories from the Nintendo and Super Nintendo era 🎵 The story behind a video game music concert they performed years before video game concerts became mainstream The episode also features a fun musical trivia challenge as Ken identifies themes and soundtracks from beloved games, movies, and television shows, including Street Fighter II, Deltarune, Star Trek, Buckaroo Banzai, The Avengers, Cuphead, and more. Ken Forsee has contributed original music and voice acting to numerous projects with Rich over the years, including The Lost Tribe and many of the audio scenes featured on Between The Lines. Whether you grew up with Nintendo, arcade games, tabletop RPGs, fantasy novels, comic books, or simply enjoy conversations about creativity and lifelong friendships, this episode offers a heartfelt and entertaining trip through decades of gaming and storytelling culture. Hosted by:Rich Kopacz Special Guest:Ken Forsee Jeanette Huffman is currently traveling and will return for future episodes. 🎵 Music Credits "Powerup!" – Jeremy Blake Courtesy of the YouTube Audio Library. Used under the YouTube Audio Library license. Listen, follow, and subscribe for more conversations with authors, musicians, artists, voice actors, creators, and storytellers. #RetroGaming #Zelda #StreetFighter #DnD #MagicTheGathering #VideoGameMusic #VoiceActing #GamingPodcast #NerdCulture #GeekCulture #BetweenTheLinesPodcast

About

This podcast is your window into the world of artists—honest, unfiltered, and deeply human. I’ll be exploring the stories behind the work: the choices we make, the truths we carry, and the experiences that shape what we create. I’ll also be answering questions from readers and listeners—about books, creativity, life, grief, healing, and everything in between. No fluff—just real conversations. Whether you're looking for connection, clarity, or simply curious about the stories behind the stories, you're in the right place. 🎙️ Watch the upcoming episode preview here:https://youtu.be/fY17cmwN1IE And don’t forget to check out past episodes featuring conversations with authors, artists, and creatives from all walks of life. Tell me in the comments:What’s a question you wish more creators were honest about? 👀