Bookish Flights: Books, Author Interviews & Must-Read Recommendations

Kara Infante
  • 5.0 (90)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Bookish Flights is the place to talk books and reading. This podcast focuses on connection, storytelling and the transformative power of books. Each episode invites guests to share the three books that have influenced them, unlocking their wisdom and how it changed their lives. Books are a bridge that connects us, a remedy for loneliness, and the best conversational currency to be the most interesting person in the room! Rooted in the belief that stories shape who we are, this podcast brings people together through a shared love of literature. Perfect for book lovers, Bookish Flights inspires listeners to discover the books that can shape their own lives. You will love this show If you have ever asked: What are the best fiction and non-fiction books to read?Which books should I add to my reading list?How can I find more time to read?What are the best books for exploring new genres?What books are perfect for my kids?What is the publishing journey like for authors?What books do my favorite authors love to read?Discover book recommendations across a wide range of genres, including historical fiction, romantasy, rom-coms, mysteries, thrillers and personal development. Check out the website www.bookishflights.com to see book club picks and the wide range of book flights. 

  1. Building Something That Is Ours: Creativity, Community, and Military Life with Ashlee Sullivan (E197)

    2D AGO

    Building Something That Is Ours: Creativity, Community, and Military Life with Ashlee Sullivan (E197)

    Send a text In today’s episode, I am chatting with Ashlee Sullivan. Ashlee, CEO and founder of woman + warrior®️THE first OFFICIAL APPAREL BRAND line of it’s kind, made for the military family! Because we deserve to be seen, look good, and feel great while doing this thing called the military.  This episode is part of our Military Spouse Series, and Ashlee shares her journey transitioning from a Coast Guard Reserve family to an Active Duty Army family. We talk about starting a business rooted in representation, using creativity and humor to cope during hard seasons, and the challenge of finding support in a transient military lifestyle. Resources Mentioned Military One SourceInDependent, for military spouse wellnessStronghold Food Pantry, to help military families facing food insecurity.  Episode Highlights: Starting a mission-driven business as a military spouse.Using creativity and humor to cope during difficult seasons.Why finding military resources can feel so hard.Building real community in a constantly changing lifestyle.Mental health, burnout, and giving yourself permission to rest.Reading as both a luxury and a necessity.Showing up online with intention and influence.Her book flight is for those with big dreams and how to get you there. Connect with Ashlee: InstagramFacebookWebsite Show Notes Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan HolidayOriginals by Adam GrantBook Flight Steal Like an Artist by Austin KleonDiscipline is Destiny by Ryan HolidayCourage is Calling by Ryan HolidayThe Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

    49 min
  2. Writing Courageous Women into History: Saving Vincent, A Novel of Jo van Gogh (E196)

    FEB 6

    Writing Courageous Women into History: Saving Vincent, A Novel of Jo van Gogh (E196)

    Send a text In today's episode, I am chatting with Joan Fernandez. Joan is a brings to light brilliant women’s courageous deeds in history. She is a former senior marketing executive general partner of the financial powerhouse Edward Jones. In 2018, she retired from a 30+ year career to be a full-time writer. In April 2020, she founded a Historical Fiction affinity group within WFWA that grew from a handful of people to nearly two hundred authors. Her short story, “A Parisian Daughter,” is published in the anthology, Feisty Deeds: Historical Fiction of Daring Women. Her debut novel, Saving Vincent, A Novel of Jo Van Gogh, published in April 2025. Joan calls both St. Louis and Sedona, Arizona home, enjoys foodie meals with her Cuban husband and antics with grandkids. Episode Highlights: How Joan’s first career shaped her writing life and the confidence that comes from starting something new after years of expertise.Applying the skills, discipline, and mindset from a long, successful career to the creative work of writing.Discovering the story of Jo van Gogh and what inspired Joan to center her debut novel on a woman often overlooked in art history.The realities of raising a child while running a business—and advocating relentlessly for Vincent van Gogh’s work.Using personal letters and historical documents as research, including the powerful reminder that “art must touch your soul.”A book flight focused on characters searching for identity and learning how to live authentically, carrying who they are into every part of life. Connect with Joan: InstagramFacebookWebsite Show Notes Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow LindberghSong of Belonging by Michelle St. Romain (coming 04/21/26)Book Flight The Hate U Give by Angie ThomasSuch a Fun Age by Kiley ReidOona, Out of Order by Margarita Montimore✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

    35 min
  3. Scary, Funny Books and Finding Light in Hard Seasons with Theory Knight (E195)

    FEB 4

    Scary, Funny Books and Finding Light in Hard Seasons with Theory Knight (E195)

    Send us a text In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Theory Knight—a sci-fi lover, aspiring pilot, and thoughtful storyteller with a deep love of humor, humanity, and connection. Theory dreams of flying someday, loves Hawaii, and believes in the therapeutic value of road trips. She’s only organized because of technology, is thankful for good vacuum cleaners, and would absolutely rent an apartment inside Canadian Tire if they’d let her. We’re here today to discuss her new book, Jingle Bells, Sasquatch Smells, and the stories that help reset our nervous systems—especially during hard seasons. Theory’s reading life leans toward what she calls scary, funny books: stories that hold darkness with humor and leave you feeling more grateful for what you have. Episode Highlights: What Canadian Tire is (for those of us who didn’t grow up with it).Why being among others during hard times can be incredibly grounding.How humor helps us sit with scary or uncomfortable moments.Setting boundaries with dark books and knowing your limits.The sci-fi stories that shaped Theory’s reading life.Writing with intention and bringing only what you truly love into a book.Working creatively with a spouse (her husband is her cover designer, go check them out). Connect with Theory: InstagramWebsiteBook Playlists (how fun!)Buy Tiger in My Tank Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Ender’s Game by Orson Scott CardThe Complete Works of Oscar WildeDungeon Crawler Carl by Matt DinnimanBook Flight The Street Lawyer by John GrishamAll My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews Jingle Bells, Sasquatch Smells by Theory Knight✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

    37 min
  4. Writing the Stories We Carry: Leadership, Legacy, and a Lifetime of Dad-isms with Susan L. Combs (E194)

    JAN 28

    Writing the Stories We Carry: Leadership, Legacy, and a Lifetime of Dad-isms with Susan L. Combs (E194)

    Send us a text In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Susan L. Combs. Susan is the President of Combs & Company, a full-service insurance brokerage firm based in New York City. She started the company at just 26 years old with a drive to “do more, do better.” A self-described Missouri girl in a New York world, Susan draws on the lessons of her Midwestern upbringing and more than two decades in NYC in her book, Pancakes for Roger. The insights in these pages come from family, friends, colleagues, and life in general—but the most important teachings are from her late father. When she’s not running her business or helping others navigate challenges, you can find her flipping tires at her CrossFit gym, cheering on the Missouri Tigers, KC Chiefs, and Royals, or slaying the dragons that have come her way. Episode highlights: What it really looks like to own four businesses and manage them with intention.How a book that began with one chapter about her father became a collection of his wisdom—“Dad-isms”Why writing Pancakes for Roger pushed Susan far outside her comfort zone and how that stretch sparked growth and change.The importance of having creative outlets, even (and especially) for high-achieving business owners.Growing up in a family that believed if you have good advice, it’s your duty to share it.Reflections on legacy, gratitude, and being able to say she has no regrets about her relationship with her father.Susan’s book flight of impactful reads that have shaped her leadership, creativity, and perspective.This episode is a thoughtful conversation about leadership, courage, creativity, and the enduring influence of the people who shape us most. Connect with Susan: WebsiteInstagramBooks and authors mentioned in the episode: Crescent City by Sarah J. MaasPhillip Margolan booksThe Let Them Theory by Mel RobbinsThe Rose Code & The Alice Network by Kate QuinnThe Library Book by Susan OrleanGone Before Good by Harlen Coben and Reese WitherspoonVerity by Colleen HooverBook Flight Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynne JacksonAmerican Sirens by Kevin Hazard✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

    33 min
  5. The Not-So-Secret Writing Life: Second Careers & Secret Societies with Karen Winn (E193)

    JAN 21

    The Not-So-Secret Writing Life: Second Careers & Secret Societies with Karen Winn (E193)

    Send us a text In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Karen Winn. Karen is the author of two novels: The Society (Dutton, 2026), and Our Little World (Dutton, 2022). She earned her MFA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. For her undergraduate studies she attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she may or may not have belonged to a secret society.  Writing is her first love and second career; she worked as a nurse for many years. Karen lives in the charming Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston with her husband, two children, and their 100-pound Bernedoodle.   Karen and I chatted about all this things - including switching careers and how her nursing skill set translated into her novel writing. Her book flight includes books about secret society and outsider protagnoists who get access. Episode Highlights: Transitioning from nursing to fiction writing—and navigating a second career.How medical training shapes character development and emotional realism.Writing as a “secret identity” before stepping fully into the role of author.The influence of place and setting, especially Boston’s Beacon Hill, on creativity.Exploring secret societies in fiction.Outsider protagonists who suddenly gain access to hidden worlds. Connect with Karen: InstagramFacebookWebsite Show Notes Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Lucy Foley booksAnne of Green Gables by L.M. MontgomeryThe Found Object Society by Michelle MarykBook Flight The Cloisters by Katy HaysNinth House by Leigh BardugoThe Secret History by Donna Tartt✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

    27 min
  6. The Rhythm of a Creative Life: Music, Motherhood, & Stories from the Midwest with Amanda Wen (E192)

    JAN 14

    The Rhythm of a Creative Life: Music, Motherhood, & Stories from the Midwest with Amanda Wen (E192)

    Send us a text In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Amanda Wen. Amanda Wen’s novels have released to both reader and critical acclaim. Her second novel, The Songs That Could Have Been, won both the Selah and the Carol Awards, and her debut, Roots of Wood and Stone, was a finalist for the Christy Award. In addition to her writing, Amanda is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team, as well as serving as a choral accompanist. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Amanda currently lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat. Today we are here today to discuss her latest novel, Echoes of a Silent Song. Episode Highlights: Life in the flatlands of the Midwest and how place shapes story.The setting and inspiration behind the next book in her Melodies and Memories duology.Balancing full-time creative work as a musician, writer, wife, and mom.How Amanda realistically fits writing into a very full life.Why kids are often unintentionally funnier than adults.The way music and writing inform and strengthen each other.Research fears, perfectionism, and the pressure of getting details right.A deeper look at Echoes of a Silent Song and the heart behind the story.Amanda also shares a book flight featuring novels about musicians across different genres of music—perfect for readers who love stories where art and storytelling intertwine. Connect with Amanda: InstagramFacebookWebsite Show Notes Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: O Little Town by Amanda Wen, Janyre Tromp, Deborah RaneyMy Friends by Fredrik BackmanEmily Conrad booksThe Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara BrunsvoldWhen the Road Comes Around by Katie Powner (Hear more on Ep. 161)The Atlas of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold (Hear more on ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

    43 min
  7. A Prolific Writing Life: Craft, Consistency, and Track of Courage with Susan May Warren (E191)

    JAN 9

    A Prolific Writing Life: Craft, Consistency, and Track of Courage with Susan May Warren (E191)

    Send us a text In today’s episode, I am chatting with Susan May Warren. Susan is the USA bestselling, Awardwinning novelist with nearly 2 million books sold. She’s lived all over the world (including Russia), and has penned over 100 novels, writing across genres such as contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, and thrillers. Susan’s works have achieved USA Today, ECPA, and CBA bestseller status, won numerous awards  and have been translated into eight languages. She’s a renowned writing coach, founder of Novel.Academy, and author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation. She lives in Minnesota and Florida with her handsome hubby, has 2 messy labradoodles, loves good wine, travelling and hanging out with her husband, 4 kids and their spouses and her 5 grandchildren. We are here today to discuss her latest book, Track of Courage.  Episode Highlights: Why writing can be a meaningful and flexible career, especially during seasons of motherhood.How Susan uses structure and story blueprints to stay creative and consistent.What it really takes to maintain momentum and finish books.The balance between deep research and trusting your own voice as a writer.Why reading widely and learning the craft matters.How travel and lived experience continue to influence her stories.Susan’s book flight and the books that helped shape Track of Courage. Connect with Susan: InstagramFacebookWebsite Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Debbie Macomber booksJames Scott Bell booksDonald Maass booksRedeeming Love by Francine RiversAcross the Ages by Gabrielle MeyerBook Flight Northern Lights by Nora RobertsNashville Sweethearts by Rachel HouckWhat You Wish For by Katherine Center✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

    43 min
  8. Inside a Beloved Story: Little Women Retellings, Creativity, & Sisterhood with Katie Bernet (E190)

    JAN 7

    Inside a Beloved Story: Little Women Retellings, Creativity, & Sisterhood with Katie Bernet (E190)

    Send us a text In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Katie Bernet. Katie is an author living in Dallas, Texas. She’s an award-winning creative director, a long-standing member of the DFW Writer’s Workshop, and the director of the 2025 DFW Writer’s Conference. The oldest of three sisters, she’s a diehard fan of Little Women. We are here today to discuss her debut novel, Beth is Dead. Episode Highlights: Writing Beth is Dead while living with her sisters, and how those real-life dynamics quietly found their way onto the page.A simple but powerful writing exercise that helped her move past resistance: making a love/hate list and choosing to write toward what felt hard.What changed for her when she reached the end of revisions and realized she understood Beth March in an entirely new way.She talks about which March sister was the most challenging character to write.A gentle reminder that creativity isn’t exclusive or earned - it’s something we all carry.Connect with Katie: InstagramWebsite Show Notes Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara KingsolverDemon Copperhead by Barbara KingsolverHarry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (full-cast audio)Enchantment by Orson Scott CardGirl Dinner by Olivia BlakeThe Scammer by Tiffany D. JacksonBook Flight Little Women by Louise May AlcottSo Many Beginnings by Bethany C. MorrowLittle Monsters by Máire Roche✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

    28 min
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5
out of 5
90 Ratings

About

Bookish Flights is the place to talk books and reading. This podcast focuses on connection, storytelling and the transformative power of books. Each episode invites guests to share the three books that have influenced them, unlocking their wisdom and how it changed their lives. Books are a bridge that connects us, a remedy for loneliness, and the best conversational currency to be the most interesting person in the room! Rooted in the belief that stories shape who we are, this podcast brings people together through a shared love of literature. Perfect for book lovers, Bookish Flights inspires listeners to discover the books that can shape their own lives. You will love this show If you have ever asked: What are the best fiction and non-fiction books to read?Which books should I add to my reading list?How can I find more time to read?What are the best books for exploring new genres?What books are perfect for my kids?What is the publishing journey like for authors?What books do my favorite authors love to read?Discover book recommendations across a wide range of genres, including historical fiction, romantasy, rom-coms, mysteries, thrillers and personal development. Check out the website www.bookishflights.com to see book club picks and the wide range of book flights. 

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