Vermont Artists & Authors

Barney Smith

Welcome to Vermont Artists and Authors! Where we interview great storytellers and artists from the amazing Green Mountain State.

  1. 11/24/2025

    (Ep: 97) How Polly Ingraham Turned an Unconventional Marriage Into a Must-Read Memoir

    #PollyIngraham #UnconvertedMemoir #InterfaithMarriage #AuthorInterview #StorycomicPresents #MemoirDiscussion #FaithAndLove #ClergyWifePerspective #PersonalJourney #WritingLife In this episode I sit down with author Polly Merritt Ingraham to discuss her debut memoir, Unconverted: Memoir of a Marriage. Polly shares her journey of navigating a marriage between an extroverted agnostic and a devout Episcopal bishop. Through candid reflections, she explores the complexities of love, faith, and individuality within a long-term partnership. Join us for an insightful conversation about embracing differences and finding harmony in unexpected places. Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ https://twitter.com/storycomic1 For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://mrfuzzyears.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

    29 min
  2. 11/17/2025

    (Ep: 96) This Revolutionary War Diary Will Change How You See American History

    #PaulAndriscin #IsaacKendall #MemoirHistoricalFiction #RevolutionaryWar #MountIndependence #LivingHistory #StorycomicPresents #HistoryBook #AuthorInterview #VermontAuthor #AmericanRevolution #DiaryFiction #HistoryThroughStory #NewBookRelease #HistoricalNarrative In this episode I welcome Paul Andriscin—a Vermont history educator and author—to discuss his latest historical fiction, The Memoirs of Isaac Kendall. Set during 1776 in the Northern Continental Army, the book brings to life the trials of a Revolutionary War soldier at Mount Independence. Paul shares his inspiration as a long-time interpreter at this historic site, his research process, and how he made history vivid through diary-style storytelling. Dive into an engaging chat about heroism, daily life in early America, and preserving history for modern readers. Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ https://twitter.com/storycomic1 For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://mrfuzzyears.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

    20 min
  3. 11/10/2025

    (Ep: 95) Why This Story Now? Roberta Harold Talks Timeliness and Inspiration in Her New Book

    #RobertaHarold #PortraitOfAnUnseenWoman #DadeWyattMysteries #HistoricalFiction #MysteryNovels #VermontAuthors #AuthorInterview #StorycomicPresents #WritingJourney #FemaleProtagonists #HeronIsland #MurderedSleep #LiteraryDiscussion #BookTalk #AuthorInsights In this episode I sit down with Roberta Harold, the Montpelier-based author behind Portrait of an Unseen Woman and the Dade Wyatt Mysteries series. Roberta shares insights into her journey from Scotland to Vermont, her transition from a career in community development to writing, and the inspirations behind her richly detailed novels. We delve into her latest works, exploring the themes of identity, history, and the intricacies of crafting engaging mysteries. Join us for an engaging conversation about storytelling, character development, and the art of weaving historical context into fiction. The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ https://twitter.com/storycomic1 For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://mrfuzzyears.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

    26 min
  4. 11/03/2025

    (Ep: 94) Illustrating Feelings: Liza Woodruff Talks Phil's Big Day

    I had the pleasure of speaking with Liza Woodruff, a Vermont-based children's book author and illustrator, about her newest picture book, Phil's Big Day. The story follows Phil, a young groundhog grappling with anxiety as he prepares for his big moment on Groundhog Day. Through Phil's journey, Liza addresses the universal theme of facing fears and the importance of support from loved ones. Liza shared her creative process, from initial sketches to final illustrations, and how her experiences living in Vermont influence her work. With over twenty books to her name, she brings a wealth of knowledge about the intersection of art and storytelling. Our conversation delved into how children's literature can be a powerful tool for discussing complex emotions, and how Liza's work aims to provide comfort and understanding to young readers. For more information on Liza Woodruff and her work, visit her website at lizawoodruff.com.   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ https://twitter.com/storycomic1 For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

    25 min
  5. 10/27/2025

    (Ep: 93) Dan Durick on Writing Horror in the Heart of Vermont

    #DanDurick #HorrorFiction #SciFiAuthor #TheBridgewaterCollection #DarkMatter #VermontAuthors #BookRelease #LiteraryTalk #AuthorInterview #ScienceFiction #CosmicHorror #NewReleases #BookLovers #ReadMoreHorror #EdgeOfYourSeat In this riveting episode, we sit down with Vermont's own Dan Durick, an author whose gripping narratives delve into the realms of horror and science fiction, exploring the profound mysteries that define our existence. Dan will discuss his journey as a writer, his creative process, and give us an exclusive look at his latest work, "Dark Matter," from The Bridgewater Collection. Join us as we uncover the chilling realities that inspire his stories and learn about what lies ahead in his thrilling series. Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ https://twitter.com/storycomic1 For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://mrfuzzyears.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

    22 min
  6. 10/20/2025

    (Ep: 92) Crafting Suspense: A Sit-Down with Mystery Maestro Brandon Barrows

    #BrandonBarrows #MysteryWriter #ComicBooks #GraphicNovels #CrimeFiction #ThrillerBooks #LiteraryTalk #AuthorInterview #MysteryAndSuspense #UpcomingBooks #LongBeforeTheyDie #JackHammer #Voyaga #WriterLife #BookRelease #ReadMoreBooks #NovelWriting #Storytelling #CreativeWriting #LiteratureLovers Join us in an exclusive interview with Brandon Barrows, the acclaimed writer known for his gripping narratives in comics and prose. Today, we delve into his extensive career, from his notorious work in comics like "Voyaga" and "Jack Hammer," to his celebrated mystery novels, and a sneak peek into his upcoming book, "Long Before They Die." Dive into the mind of a creator who masterfully blends intrigue and suspense, and discover what inspires him to keep the pages turning for his readers. The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ https://twitter.com/storycomic1 For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://mrfuzzyears.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

    31 min
  7. 10/13/2025

    (Episode 91): Behind the Shadows: Joseph Citro’s Journey through Vermont’s Gore

    #JosephCitro #TheGore #VermontLegends #HorrorNovels #NewEnglandFolklore #SupernaturalStories #BookRelease2025 #LiteraryHorror #FolkloreThursday #MysteryAndSuspense #AuthorInterview #DarkTales #HauntedNewEngland #GhostStories #unexplainedphenomena  Join us in a chilling journey into the unknown with Joseph Citro, as we delve into his latest novel, "The Gore." In this exclusive interview, Citro discusses the haunting inspiration behind the book and the eerie Vermont lore that permeates his work. Discover the story of Roger Newton and his entanglement with the supernatural mysteries of Vermont's untouched gore, a place that drove a man to madness and suicide. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Citro's blend of folklore and suspense, this interview promises to uncover the dark corners of New England's past and present. The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ https://twitter.com/storycomic1 For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://mrfuzzyears.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

    27 min
  8. 10/06/2025

    (Episode 90): The Art of Storytelling: Howard Norman on Life, Loss, and Literature

    #HowardNorman #ComeToTheWindow #LiteraryFiction #HistoricalNovels #AuthorInterview #BookTalk #Memoir #LiteratureLovers #FinalNovel #Storytelling #WritersLife #NovelWriting #BookRelease2024 #LiteraryJourney #CreativeWriting Join us as we dive into the imaginative world of Howard Norman, an accomplished author celebrated for his evocative storytelling and deep exploration of human experiences. In this exclusive interview, Howard shares insights into his final novel, "Come to the Window," a compelling narrative set in 1918 Nova Scotia, where the intertwined fates of characters unfold against the backdrop of historical tumult. We also discuss his poignant memoir, "The Wound is the Place the Light Enters," which reflects on his friendship with painter Jake Berthot. Don't miss Howard's reflections on crafting narratives that resonate across time and his tips for aspiring writers. Learn all about Howard and his work at: https://www.howardnorman.com   The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ https://twitter.com/storycomic1 For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://mrfuzzyears.com/ Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!

    35 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Vermont Artists and Authors! Where we interview great storytellers and artists from the amazing Green Mountain State.