PODCAST · arts
Vermont Artists & Authors
by Barney Smith
Welcome to Vermont Artists and Authors! Where we interview great storytellers and artists from the amazing Green Mountain State.
Episodes
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(Ep: 117) Why This Anti-War Thriller Feels Like It Was Written for Today
In this episode, I’m joined by Lyn Bixby, a Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative journalist and Vermont author whose debut novel The Pacifist drops readers into the most violent year of the Vietnam War. Set in the fall of 1968, The Pacifist follows Lisa Thompson, a back-to-the-land Vermonter…
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(Ep: 116) How to Stay Playful in a Serious World: Talking with James Kochalka
In this episode, I’m joined by James Kochalka—Eisner, Ignatz, and Harvey Award–winning cartoonist, rock musician, and the very first Cartoonist Laureate of Vermont. James’ work ranges from his long-running daily diary strip American Elf to beloved kids’ series like Johnny Boo and Dragon Puncher…
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(Ep: 115) Comics That Whisper, Then Hit You Right in the Heart
In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by Vermont cartoonist Isabella Hall (she/they), the creator behind Bella Pink Pen. Isabella is a Center for Cartoon Studies graduate who loves fantastical storytelling—whether that’s a ghost on a cruise liner, a quiet reflective comic about...
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(Ep: 114) Why Elephant Beach Is More Than Just a Children’s Book
In this episode, we’re joined by debut children’s author Christine Devane, whose picture book Elephant Beach tells the playful and poignant tale of a young girl whose quiet beach day is upended—in the best way—by a herd of joyous elephants. Christine brings her experience as a teacher and quiet...
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(Ep: 113) Escaping to Paradise: Thaddeus Robinson on Writing Coastal Fiction
#ThaddeusRobinson #TalesFromParadise #PerfectTheBook #IndieAuthor #VermontAuthors #StorycomicPresents #HealingThroughStory #SouthernFiction #PhotographyAndFiction #CoastalStories In this episode of Storycomic Presents, we sit down with Thaddeus Robinson, a Vermont-based author and photographer...
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(Ep: 112) How a Poet’s Daughter Keeps His Words Alive
In this episode, I’m honored to welcome Nadine Budbill, daughter and steward of the literary legacy of the late David Budbill. We’ll explore how she carries the torch for her father’s work—poetry, plays, prose, and the beloved Judevine. Nadine will share stories from David’s life in Vermont, his...
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(Ep: 111) This Book Is Saving Lives (and It All Started With a Journal)
In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Nancy Levine and her daughter Rachel Levine-Spates to discuss their powerful co-authored memoir, Light. Blending Nancy’s reflective narration with excerpts from Rachel’s raw and personal journal entries, Light traces a mother and daughter’s journey...
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(Ep: 110) Building a World Where Everything Has Fallen Apart
In this episode I’m joined by Randall Drew (RK DIA Comics), creator of the high‑fantasy comic Citadel Volume One, now successfully funded via Kickstarter. When events from 200 years ago shattered the world, now those cracks have become the battleground. Randell takes us behind the scenes of...
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(Ep: 109) Deep Cuts, Big Hearts, and Giant Swords: Barb's 4th Book!
In this episode, we’re joined by returning guests Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson, the creative duo behind the hit middle-grade series Barb the Last Berzerker. Book 4 is here, and we go deep into what makes a great villain, how emotional threads (like Barb’s dad!) shape the story, and what happens...
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(Ep: 108) The Dark Corners of Memory & Morality with Geoffrey Douglas
In this episode, I sit down with acclaimed journalist‑author Geoffrey Douglas to talk about his debut novel, Love in a Dark Place. This powerful historical novel weaves a decades‑long, troubled romance between Sarah, a woman with a wounded past, and Harry Hopper, a reporter turned professor…
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(Ep: 107) They Wanted a Field Trip—They Got First Contact
In this episode, I’m joined by Benjamin Hunting to go deep into his brand-new Kickstarter project: Model UN Pt 1 — Aliens + High School + 90s + Manga. When a group of extraterrestrials mistakes a high school Model UN class for the actual United Nations, chaos, comedy, and existential questions...
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(Ep: 106) The Cases I Can't Forget - Memoirs of a Small Town Prosecutor
In this episode, I chat with Vermont native and former prosecutor Bob Simpson, author of Small Town Prosecutor: Trials of Killers, Con Men, and a Priest. Beginning in the late 20th century, Bob handled high-stakes jury trials ranging from brutal murders and alleged cult conspiracies to the...
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(Ep: 105) This Book Starts with a Portal—and Never Lets Up
In this episode, I sit down with fantasy author Keller Marie, the creator behind The Mistwalker Chronicles. We explore Cast Into Twilight, a gripping urban‑fantasy where pizza-delivery boy Sammy wakes in a shadowy forest, fighting monsters, forging strange alliances, and beginning a journey…
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(Ep: 104) The Tarot - Inspired Art You Didn't Know You Needed
In this episode, I sit down with Vermont-based artist and illustrator Michael Cribari, known for his intricate, surreal fantasy artwork, enamel pin designs, and indie comic work like The Basket. We dive into his creative process—from sketchbook to final print—and explore how folklore, tarot,...
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(Ep: 103) Can a Comic Book Teach You Civil War History?
In this latest episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back Marek Bennett to talk about Freeman Colby Vol. 4, now in progress and due summer 1864. Marek walks us through how he transforms Civil War diaries, letters, and sketches into vivid graphic storytelling—from Cold Harbor to the Siege of Petersburg...
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(Ep: 102) The Most Versatile Artist You Haven’t Met Yet
In this episode, I sit down with Bill Lutz, a multi‑disciplinary artist whose work spans illustration, cartooning, graphic design, and video editing. With over 30 years of professional experience and a degree in Illustration and Design from the School of Visual Arts in NYC, Bill blends…
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(Ep: 101) Cats, Ninjas & Demons: The Weird Mix Behind Kuro Shouri
In this episode I talk with Vermont-based comic artist Kristin Laflin (aka Kikirini), diving into her 20-year labor of love: Kuro Shouri. Kristin shares how this manga-inspired action/fantasy series evolved—from early webcomic pages to a growing digital presence on Webtoons and her own site. We...
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(Ep: 100) Guitar Great Paul Asbell on Music, Memory & Mentorship
In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I sit down with guitarist, educator, and musical storyteller Paul Asbell, whose memoir Stages weaves together 32 essays, archival photos, and QR-linked music to chronicle his extraordinary journey—from playing with legends like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf...
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(Ep: 99) The Story Behind Vermont’s Longest-Running Poetry Journal
In this episode, I sit down with writer, poet, and editor Erika Nichols-Frazer, the editor behind The Mountain Troubadour 2025: Volume 71. Erika shares insights into this year’s stunning collection of poetry from the Poetry Society of Vermont (PSOV) and how this historic literary journal…
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(Ep: 98) How Do You Talk About Death? Marcie Vallette Created a Workbook to Help
In this episode, I sit down with Marcie Vallette, a Vermont artist, nurse, and author, to discuss her latest work, Parkinson’s Disease: Comix for Caregivers. Marcie shares her personal journey of caring for her husband with Parkinson’s Disease and how she transformed her experiences into a…
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(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...
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(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...
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(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...
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(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…
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(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...
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(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…
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(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…
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(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...
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(Episode 89): Ann Cardinal Talks Horror, Humor, and Heritage in Literature
#AnnCardinal #NuyoricanAuthors #PuertoRicanWriters #YAhorror #MagicalRealism #LatinoLiterature #BookTalk #AuthorInterview #LiteraryAwards #HorrorBooks #YoungAdultFiction #BookLovers #ReadLatino #AuthorLife #writingcommunity Join us in an enlightening conversation with Nuyorican author Ann…
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(Episode 88): From Traits to Emotions: The Evolution of Leadership with Ian McCoog
#LeadershipBites #IanMcCoog #LeadershipDevelopment #EmergingLeaders #LeadershipTheories #HistoricalLeadership #PersonalGrowth #EffectiveLeadership #LeadershipTraining #LeadershipSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment #InspirationalLeaders #LeadershipEvolution #NarrativeLeadership…
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(Episode 87): Racing Through History: Major Taylor’s Story Revisited with John Kennedy Howard
#MajorTaylor #BlackCyclone #JohnKennedyHoward #CyclingHistory #SportsLegends #RacialBarriers #HistoricalBiographies #AfricanAmericanAthletes #CyclingHallOfFame #PBSspecial #ForgottenHeroes #RaceAndSports #TurnOfTheCenturyAthletes #HistoricalJustice #CyclingLegends Join us for an enlightening...
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(Episode 86): Mystical Steampunk: The Making of CYOA Tarot Deck with Rana and Brian
#StorycomicPresents #RanaTahir #BrianAnderson #CYOATarotDeck #Episode400 #TarotCards #SteampunkTarot #TarotDeckCreation #DiverseTarot #TarotReading #BeginnerTarot #CreativeProcess #Nostalgia #TarotArt #Chooseco #chooseyourownadventure Join us for Episode 403 of Storycomic Presents as we delve…
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(Episode 85): The Art of Blending Humor with Suspense in Crime Novels with Jim DeFilippi
#JimDeFilippi #CrimeNovels #HumorousFiction #StorycomicPresents #SuspensefulBooks #AuthorInterview #CrimeAndComedy #BookLovers #CrimeFiction #writerslife I'm your host, Barney Smith from storycomic.com. Today, we're excited to welcome Jim DeFilippi, a master of blending suspense and humor in…
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(Episode 84): How J.L. Durona Crafted a Spooky World in "The Stone Hollow Circle"!
#JLDurona #TheStoneHollowCircle #BergeSisters #MiddleGradeBooks #SpookyStories #KidLit #ChildrensLiterature #StorycomicPresents #AuthorInterview #newbookrelease I'm your host Barney Smith from storycomic.com. Today, we're thrilled to have J.L. Durona with us again, discussing his latest spooky...
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(Episode 83): From Folk Legends to Country Roots: Unpacking Rik Palieri’s "Hands of Time"
#RikPalieri #HandsofTime #CountryRoots #FolkMusic #StorycomicPresents #MusicLegends #CountryMusic #NewAlbumRelease #MusicJourney #traditionalmusic I'm Barney Smith, your host from storycomic.com. In this special episode, we are thrilled to chat with the extraordinarily talented Rik Palieri. Rik…
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(Episode 82): Uncovering the Mystical and the Medieval in Nicked by M.T. Anderson!
#MTAnderson #Nicked #HistoricalFiction #MedievalHeist #SaintNicholas #BookTalk #HistoricalNovels #LiteraryFiction #NewReleases2024 #AuthorInterview #StorycomicPresents #FantasyFiction #QueerLiterature #BookLovers #ReadersOfInstagram I’m your host Barney Smith from storycomic.com, and today we…
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(Episode 81): Behind Every Laugh & Trick: The Real Circus Life with Rob Mermin!
#RobMermin #CircusLife #Memoir #CircusArts #StorycomicPresents #CircusHistory #TraditionalCircus #CircusSmirkus #CircusMagic #CircusCulture #CircusBook #AuthorInterview #CreativeJourney #VermontArts #circusworld Join us on Storycomic Presents for Episode 390, where we are thrilled to welcome back...
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(Episode 80): Exploring Love and Sacrifice in Rural Vermont with J. Peter Cobb
#JPeterCobb #SomeThingsArentMeantToBe #VermontStories #RuralLife #FaithAndLiterature #VermontAuthors #StorycomicPresents #BookTalk #LiteraryFiction #LoveStories #MoralDilemmas #AuthorInterview #NewReleases #VermontLife #historicalfiction Join us as we dive into the complex and poignant world of...
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(Episode 79): Art That Invites Touch: Larisa Talks Leopard Frog's Unique Concept
#LeopardFrogArt #Larisa #VermontArt #ExperientialArt #TouchableArt #ArtGallery #GiftShop #CreativeProcess #ArtCreation #ParticipatoryArt #LocalArtists #ArtInterview #StorycomicPresents #ArtInnovation #CommunityArt Welcome to this episode! Join your host, Barney Smith of storycomic.com, as we...
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(Episode 78): Gentrification Through the Eyes of a Black Lesbian Detective: "Usurpation" by Marie St. Pez
#Usurpation #MarieStPez #Gentrification #RacialJustice #UrbanRenewal #BlackCommunities #HistoricalFiction #SocialJustice #VermontAuthors #StorycomicPresents #PoliticalFiction #FeministLiterature #CivilRights #UrbanFiction #LesbianHistorian Join us with the distinguished Vermont author, Marie St....
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(Episode 77): Breaking Free: Tamara Mathieu Reveals Life Inside a Cult
#TamaraMathieu #TwelveTribes #CultSurvivor #TrueStories #EscapeCult #Memoir #SurvivalStory #CultRecovery #AuthorInterview #StorycomicPresents We welcomed Vermont-based author Tamara Mathieu, who shared her compelling memoir, "All Who Believed," with our audience. This episode offered a deep dive...
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(Episode 76): Author Monica Morrissey Shares Astonishing Real-Life Stories of Afterlife Signs
#MonicaMorrissey #DimesFromHeaven #SpiritualConnection #AfterlifeCommunication #EmpathJourney #SelfPublishingJourney #GriefAndHealing #SpiritualMessages #EmpathAuthor #HeavenlySigns #LifeAfterDeath #StorycomicPresents #BookSeries #AuthorInterview #SpiritualInsights Today, we’re honored to host...
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(Episode 75): From Gallops to Pages: How Celia Ryker Turned Horse Tales into Heartfelt Stories!
#BigGuyBook #CeliaRyker #HorseLovers #MiddleGradeBooks #HorseStories #ChildrensBooks #AuthorInterview #StorycomicPresents #HorseLife #EquineBooks #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #AnimalStories #BookRelease #NewReads #rootstockpublishing We're thrilled to re-welcome Celia Ryker, an award-winning...
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(Episode 74): From Ghana to Vermont: Sefakor Komabu-Pomeyie's Journey of Resilience
#StorycomicPresents #SefakorKomabuPomeyie #ImAble #DisabilityRights #OvercomingChallenges #EducationalPolicy #Accessibility #InclusiveEducation #Empowerment #Resilience #LifeJourney #HumanRights #Advocacy #GlobalEducation #inspiringstories Barney Smith is honored to welcome Sefakor G.M.A....
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(Episode 73): From Real Life to Written Page: Rebecca Cummins and 'Dear Aunt Bea'
#StorycomicPresents #RebeccaCummins #DearAuntBea #ChildrensBooks #NatureExploration #YouthLiterature #BookRelease #JourneyJournal #EnvironmentalEducation #YoungReaders #AdventureBooks #CommunityInteraction #ClimaticReflection #NewBeginnings #LiteraryJourney Join us in Episode 365 of Storycomic...
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(Episode 72): The Land We Love: Glenn Reed Talks 'Searching for the Wild Asparagus'
#StorycomicPresents #GlennReed #SearchingForTheWildAsparagus #Vermont #NatureWriting #Memoir #Essays #Photography #RuralLife #Homage #PersonalJourney #BookTalk #AuthorsOfInstagram #Literature #SenseOfPlace Join us in Episode 364 of Storycomic Presents, where host Barney Smith sits down with Glenn...
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(Episode 71): From Page to Legacy: Bill Tulp’s Journey with Alexander Twilight
#StorycomicPresents #BillTulp #AlexanderTwilight #GraphicBiography #VermontHistory #HistoricalFigures #AfricanAmericanHistory #IllustratorsOnInstagram #BookRelease #ArtAndHistory #EducationThroughArt #LocalArtists #BiographyBooks #AmericanHistory #OldStoneHouseMuseum Join host Barney Smith is...
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(Episode 70): Vermont’s Literary Daughter: Brent L Kendrick on Mary E. Wilkins Freeman
#VermontAuthor #BrentLKendrick #GreenMountainStories #CreativeNonfiction #LiteraryHistory #VermontLiterature #AmericanLiterature #AuthorInterview #BookTalk #WritingLife #HistoricalLiterature #EducationAndLiterature #LiteraryReinvention #AcademicLife #LiteratureLovers #MaryEWilkinsFreeman Welcome…
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(Episode 69): Behind the Legend: Glenn Fay Jr. on Ethan Allen’s Family and Legacy
#Vermontauthors #GlennFayJr #EthanAllen #VermontHistory #AmericanHistory #NewEnglandHistory #HistoricalBooks #HistoryLovers #AmericanRevolution #FamilyDynamics #VermontFounding #HistoricalResearch #HistoryAuthors #ArcadiaPublishing #EarlyAmericanLife #OnionRiverPress Host Barney Smith is honored…
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(Episode 68): Amy Allen Explores the Vistas of Emotion in 'Mountain Offerings'
#Vermontauthors #AmyAllen #MountainOfferings #Poetry #NaturePoems #HumanEmotions #NaturalWorld #VermontPoetry #PoetLaureate #CreativeWriting #LifeJourney #Parenthood #SelfAwareness #LiteraryArt #contemporarypoetry Host Barney Smith is delighted to welcome the acclaimed writer and poet Amy Allen,...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Vermont Artists & Authors have?
Vermont Artists & Authors currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Vermont Artists & Authors about?
Welcome to Vermont Artists and Authors! Where we interview great storytellers and artists from the amazing Green Mountain State.
How often does Vermont Artists & Authors release new episodes?
Vermont Artists & Authors has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Vermont Artists & Authors?
You can listen to Vermont Artists & Authors on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Vermont Artists & Authors?
Vermont Artists & Authors is created and hosted by Barney Smith.
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