GSMC Book Review Podcast

GSMC Audiobooks Network
  • 3.9 (25)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the GSMC Book Review Podcast, where literature comes to life through captivating conversations! Spearheaded by our remarkable host, Sarah Meckler, we dive into the fascinating realm of books, inviting authors to share their creative journeys and the inspirations behind their latest works. With Sarah's probing questions and keen insights, we delve beyond the written pages, exploring the authors' thoughts, their creative processes, and the intricate details that shape their narratives. Whether they're weaving mysteries or penning memoirs, crafting fantasy sagas or sculpting sci-fi masterpieces, Sarah uncovers the human stories behind the stories we love. But we don't stop at the authors. GSMC Book Review Podcast embraces bookworms from all walks of life. From children to teens to adults, and from the casual readers to the most avid bibliophiles, we cater to all tastes and preferences. We talk about books that spark joy, provoke thought, transport us to different worlds, and touch our hearts. Join us for a literary adventure as Sarah Meckler guides us into the enchanting world of books, one author at a time. GSMC Book Review Podcast - your personal guide to the authors' minds and the stories they weave.

  1. 7H AGO

    A Story for Everything by Corey Rosen | GSMC Book Review Podcast

    Storytelling has the power to connect, persuade, and leave a lasting impression, and this episode of the GSMC Book Review Podcast brings that idea to life. Sarah welcomes Corey Rosen, author of A Story for Everything: Mastering Diverse Storytelling for Any Occasion, for an engaging conversation about how anyone can become a more confident and impactful storyteller. Drawing from his experience as a StorySLAM host and storytelling coach, Rosen shares practical strategies for turning everyday moments into meaningful narratives. The discussion explores how storytelling can be applied across all areas of life, including business presentations, job interviews, classroom settings, and deeply personal moments like wedding speeches and eulogies. Listeners will gain insight into how to structure a story, connect with an audience, and communicate with authenticity. This episode highlights the importance of storytelling as a skill that can be learned and refined over time. Rosen breaks down common mistakes people make and offers approachable techniques that can help both beginners and experienced storytellers elevate their communication. With real-world examples and thoughtful advice, this conversation provides valuable takeaways for professionals, students, and anyone looking to strengthen their voice. Whether you are preparing for a big presentation or simply want to connect more deeply in your everyday conversations, this episode offers inspiration and actionable guidance. Tune in to discover how storytelling can transform the way you share your experiences and leave a lasting impact on those around you. If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087 GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview Bluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.social GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK   Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.

    1h 9m

  2. 3D AGO

    A Footstep Echo: The Complete Collection by J.D. Sanderson | GSMC Book Review Podcast

    Step into a gripping conversation on the GSMC Book Review Podcast as Sarah welcomes back science fiction author J.D. Sanderson to discuss his ambitious collection, A Footstep Echo: The Complete Collection. This expanded edition brings together two novels and a short story, offering readers a richer and more refined journey through time, memory, and the unknown. At the heart of the story is Bernard Abbey, a lonely widower whose quiet life is shattered when a mysterious young woman pulls him across time to save his life. Unable to speak and haunted by missing memories, she becomes the center of a dangerous mystery that spans multiple timelines. As powerful forces close in, Bernard must confront not only the truth about her identity, but also his own past and the fragile nature of humanity’s future. In this episode, Sarah and J.D. explore the evolution of the story from its original release to this newly revised collection. They discuss the challenges of writing time travel, building consistent rules across timelines, and creating emotional depth in a high concept narrative. J.D. also shares insights into revisiting earlier work, refining his craft, and expanding the world of A Footstep Echo. Perfect for fans of character-driven science fiction, this conversation highlights the balance between imagination and emotion. Whether you are new to Sanderson’s work or returning to this universe, this episode offers fresh perspective and behind-the-scenes insight into a story that continues to grow. Tune in for an engaging discussion that brings science fiction and storytelling together in a meaningful way. If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087 GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview Bluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.social GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK   Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.

    58 min

  3. MAR 18

    Food Truck Mystery Series by Carmela Dutra | GSMC Book Review Podcast

    Get ready for a deliciously entertaining episode of the GSMC Book Review Podcast as Sarah chats with author Carmela Dutra about her charming and suspenseful Food Truck Mystery series. From the irresistible debut A Murder Most Fowl to its sizzling sequel Homicide and Hot Wings, this conversation serves up humor, heart, and plenty of twists. Listeners are introduced to twins Beth and Seth Lloyd, who inherit the chicken-themed food truck Kluckin’ Good and quickly find themselves cooking up more than just mouthwatering meals. In A Murder Most Fowl, a high-stakes cooking competition turns deadly, launching the siblings into their first murder investigation. The stakes rise even higher in Homicide and Hot Wings, where a food festival, a complicated past relationship, and a shocking murder put the twins directly in the spotlight as prime suspects. During the episode, Carmela Dutra shares the inspiration behind her unique culinary cozy mysteries, her approach to crafting engaging whodunits, and the fun of blending food, friendship, and suspense. Sarah and Carmela also discuss the appeal of food truck culture, the dynamics of writing sibling protagonists, and what readers can expect next from the series. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, food-themed fiction, and lighthearted suspense, this episode offers a flavorful look at a series that keeps readers guessing until the very end. Whether you love amateur sleuths or simply enjoy a good mystery with a side of comfort food, this interview is sure to satisfy your literary cravings. To listen to the previous episodes with Carmela, click the links below: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast-episode-136-interview-with/id1123769087?i=1000428766049 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast-episode-104-exploring-steam/id1123769087?i=1000419005896 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast-episode-42-interview-with/id1123769087?i=1000395464287 If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087 GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview Bluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.social GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK   Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.

    58 min

  4. MAR 11

    The Bridge by Shanna Hatfield | GSMC Book Review Podcast

    Sarah chats with Shanna Hatfield about the inspiration behind this suspenseful and uplifting story, the characters whose lives collide during one unforgettable moment, and the powerful themes of hope, courage, and second chances that shape the novel. Set on the iconic St. Johns Bridge in Portland, The Bridge follows five strangers whose lives intersect during a tense holiday crisis. Sergeant Archer Raines is determined to finally spend Christmas with his wife, but duty calls when a desperate man threatens to jump from the bridge. Meanwhile, Rosalee, a meticulous accountant and expectant mother, finds her carefully organized world thrown into chaos when she goes into labor during a traffic standstill. Exhausted nurse Nova, tow truck operator Carter, and recent graduate Ian are also pulled into the unfolding drama, each facing unexpected choices that could change their lives forever. During the interview, Shanna shares how she built a story around a single pivotal moment and created a cast of characters whose journeys highlight compassion, resilience, and human connection. Sarah and Shanna also discuss crafting multiple character perspectives and why holiday settings can heighten both emotion and tension in storytelling. Listeners who enjoy uplifting fiction, holiday reads, and character driven suspense will appreciate this inspiring conversation with an author who blends heart, hope, and high stakes storytelling. Tune in to discover the story behind The Bridge and learn how one frozen moment can lead to powerful change. Subscribe to the GSMC Book Review Podcast for more engaging author interviews and book discussions. If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087 GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview Bluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.social GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK   Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.

    44 min

  5. MAR 5

    The Hostess by Courtney Psak | GSMC Book Review Podcast

    Sarah welcomes author Courtney Psak to discuss her suspenseful novel, The Hostess, a chilling story set against the glamorous yet unsettling backdrop of the Hamptons. Natalie and her husband leave the city after a devastating accident, hoping a peaceful getaway will give Natalie time to heal. Their last minute rental in the Hamptons appears to be the perfect escape. The estate is breathtaking, complete with sweeping ocean views, a wraparound porch, and elegant architecture that feels straight out of a dream. Yet the beauty of the house masks an atmosphere that quickly becomes uneasy. The property’s owner, Sadie, is charismatic, sophisticated, and immediately intriguing. Natalie finds herself drawn to her mysterious hostess, but something about Sadie feels just out of reach. As their relationship grows, small details begin to raise troubling questions. When Natalie learns that a previous guest vanished without explanation, curiosity turns into fear. During this conversation, Sarah and Courtney explore the inspiration behind The Hostess, the psychological tension that fuels the story, and the themes of trust, vulnerability, and hidden identities. Courtney also shares insights into crafting suspense, building layered characters, and creating a setting that feels both luxurious and ominous. Fans of psychological thrillers and atmospheric suspense will enjoy this behind the scenes discussion about the twists, secrets, and storytelling techniques that make The Hostess such a compelling read. Tune in to the GSMC Book Review Podcast for engaging author interviews, book discoveries, and thoughtful conversations about the stories that keep readers turning pages. If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087 GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview Bluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.social GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK   Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.

    40 min

  6. FEB 24

    White Flight by Bill Hillmann | GSMC Book Review Podcast

    Sarah welcomes acclaimed Chicago author Bill Hillmann to discuss his powerful novel White Flight, a gritty, thought-provoking story about violence, class mobility, race, and redemption.  Set between Chicago’s working-class neighborhoods and the charged streets of New Orleans, White Flight follows Golden Gloves boxer Joe Walsh as his promising future collides with tragedy. After a fatal campus fight leaves him wanted for murder, Joe goes on the run, only to face another life-altering moment when he intervenes in a racially charged street attack. Hillmann unpacks how Joe’s journey explores masculinity, inherited trauma, moral courage, and the true meaning of escape. In this compelling conversation, Bill shares the real-life influences behind the novel, the symbolism of boxing as both discipline and destruction, and the weight carried by the title White Flight. The discussion also explores art as salvation, the tension between running from consequences and standing your ground, and the layered portrayal of race and class in modern America. Fans of literary fiction, coming-of-age novels, Chicago literature, and boxing stories won’t want to miss this episode. If you’re drawn to character-driven fiction that confronts difficult social questions head-on, this interview offers insight straight from the author himself. Subscribe to the GSMC Book Review Podcast for in-depth author interviews, thoughtful literary discussions, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from today’s most compelling writers. If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087 GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview Bluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.social GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK   Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.

    56 min

  7. FEB 17

    Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun by Judith Lissauer Cromwell | GSMC Book Review Podcast

    Sarah has a conversation with acclaimed biographer Judith Lissauer Cromwell to discuss her compelling biography, Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun: Portrait of an Artist, 1755–1842. This captivating work chronicles the extraordinary life of Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, one of the most celebrated portrait artists of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Best known as the favored painter of Marie Antoinette, Vigée Le Brun rose to prominence in a male-dominated art world, overcoming barriers that denied women formal artistic training. Her luminous portraits of European royalty and aristocracy now hang in some of the world’s most prestigious museums. But at the height of her fame, the French Revolution forced her into exile, separating her from her homeland and reshaping her career. In this insightful conversation, Cromwell shares the research behind the biography, drawing from Vigée Le Brun’s memoirs, archival sources, and historical reevaluation. Sarah and Judith explore themes of artistic ambition, motherhood, survival during political upheaval, and the resilience required to rebuild a career across a continent in turmoil. They also discuss the artist’s twelve-year exile, her return to France after Napoleon restored stability, and her enduring legacy as a pioneering woman in art history. If you’re passionate about historical biography, women artists, French history, or stories of perseverance, this episode offers rich context and inspiration. Tune in to discover how talent, charisma, and determination secured Vigée Le Brun’s place in art history. If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087 GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview Bluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.social GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK   Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.

    1h 8m

  8. FEB 11

    The Cover Girl by Amy Rossi | GSMC Book Review Podcast

    Sarah sits down with debut author Amy Rossi to discuss her powerful and emotionally resonant novel, The Cover Girl. At the heart of the story is Birdie Rhodes, discovered at just thirteen by legendary modeling agent Harriet Goldman and launched into the high-stakes world of fashion. What begins as a dream opportunity quickly becomes something far more complicated when Birdie falls for a much older rock star, setting off a chain of events that reshapes her life. From the glamour of the modeling industry to the raw energy of the LA punk scene and the heartbreak of the AIDS crisis in Boston, Birdie’s journey spans decades of cultural change, personal reinvention, and buried trauma. In this thoughtful conversation, Amy Rossi shares the inspiration behind Birdie’s story, the complexities of power and identity in the fashion and music industries, and the emotional weight of writing about fame, exploitation, and second chances. Sarah guides a compelling discussion about  what it means to confront the past after years of silence. Fans of contemporary literary fiction, stories about the cost of celebrity, and character-driven novels exploring trauma and healing won’t want to miss this episode. Tune in for an insightful author interview that explores the darker side of almost-fame—and the strength it takes to reclaim your narrative. Subscribe to the GSMC Book Review Podcast for more bestselling authors, debut voices, and unforgettable stories. If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087 GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview Bluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.social GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK   Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.

    1h 4m
See All (570)

3.9
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Welcome to the GSMC Book Review Podcast, where literature comes to life through captivating conversations! Spearheaded by our remarkable host, Sarah Meckler, we dive into the fascinating realm of books, inviting authors to share their creative journeys and the inspirations behind their latest works. With Sarah's probing questions and keen insights, we delve beyond the written pages, exploring the authors' thoughts, their creative processes, and the intricate details that shape their narratives. Whether they're weaving mysteries or penning memoirs, crafting fantasy sagas or sculpting sci-fi masterpieces, Sarah uncovers the human stories behind the stories we love. But we don't stop at the authors. GSMC Book Review Podcast embraces bookworms from all walks of life. From children to teens to adults, and from the casual readers to the most avid bibliophiles, we cater to all tastes and preferences. We talk about books that spark joy, provoke thought, transport us to different worlds, and touch our hearts. Join us for a literary adventure as Sarah Meckler guides us into the enchanting world of books, one author at a time. GSMC Book Review Podcast - your personal guide to the authors' minds and the stories they weave.

Information

  • Creator
    GSMC Audiobooks Network
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    570
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright GSMC Audiobooks Network
  • Show Website
    GSMC Book Review Podcast