Village Well Podcast
by Village Well Books and Coffee
The Village Well Podcast is brought to you by Village Well Books & Coffee in downtown Culver City, CA. Each episode, we interview authors and readers about books that capture our imagination. New episodes every Wednesday.
Episodes
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How to Win the War on Truth with Samuel C. Spitale
In this episode, we chat with Samuel C. Spitale, author of How to Win the War on Truth. We cover the history of propaganda, the creation of Public Relations, and the rise of think tanks in our politics. Samuel walks us through the history of psychology of misinformation in the US and helps us...
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Fostering Identity and Belonging with Monique Marshall
In this episode, Jen and Shira sit down with DEI consultant Monique Marshall for a conversation about identity and belonging. Monique shares some excellent children's book recommendations for sparking conversations around identity with kids. She also discusses her own journey and offers…
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2025 Holiday Gift Recommendations with the Villagers!
On this special holiday episode, the staff of The Village Well recommends gifts for 2025! See what we picked out below: Fiction King Sorrow by Joe Hill The True True Story of Raja the Gullible by Rabih Alameddine Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz Nonfiction Empire of AI by Karen Hao Stitching...
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Craft a Life You Love with Amy Tangerine
On this episode, Judith sits down with Amy Tangerine to talk about her book Craft a Life You Love. It’s a “permission slip to be creative” and encourages readers to tap into artistic expression without all the judgement. You can check out more of Amy’s work at the links below: Instagram...
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Kathy Eldon and Her Noisy Spirits Have a Lot to Say
This week on the pod, Jen sits down with author, advocate, and producer Kathy Eldon to chat about her new book Boundless. They had a great conversation, touching on justice, creativity, and healing from grief. We hope you enjoy! Check out Creative Visions: https://www.creativevisions.org/ Kathy’s...
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BOOK CLUB: Katabasis by R. F. Kuang
In this episode, Tom Rubio, facilitator of the SciFi/Fantasy book club at Village Well, hosts a conversation with two of the club's regulars to discuss last month's pick, Katabasis by R. F. Kuang. Click here to grab a copy: https://villagewell.com/item/MEgaIBq6_d8cx8Dg3TPwTw The Village Well...
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Sarah Langan Talks Trad Wives and Horror
This week on the pod, Colin Hinckley (our very own author of The Black Lord) sat down with author Sarah Langan to talk about her recent book Pam Kowolski is a Monster!, her upcoming work Trad Wives, and the joys and terrors of the horror genre. Check out Sarah’s Instagram and give her a…
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BOOK CLUB: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
On this episode, Tom sits down with members of the SciFi/Fantasy book club to discuss The Murderbot Diaries. They had a great conversation and saved all the spoilers till the end (don’t worry there’s a warning). If you’d like to grab a copy check out the link below:...
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BOOK BIZ: Hidden Gems with Andrea Tetrick
This week, Jen sat down with Andrea Tetrick from Publishers Group West and Two Rivers to talk about exciting releases for 2025. We hope you enjoy! Andrea's Picks: Culpability by Bruce Holsinger Mona's Eyes by Thomas Schlesser Heart the Lover by Lily King The Enduring Wild by Josh Jackson Rocks…
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David Meyer: Poetry is Just Prose with Goofy Spacing
This week on the pod, Jen and Brett sat down with writer, producer, and newly published author David Meyer. They chatted about his new book Five Minutes From a Meltdown, and got to the heart of poetry, or something like that. David's Recommendations: - You Don't Have to Have a Dream by Tim…
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BOOK CLUB: You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrigue
This episode, Tobi sat down with two of our Book Club attendees to chat about last month’s pick: You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrigue. It’s a wild, surreal book about the historically-inspired first encounter between Cortez and Moctezuma. We hope you enjoy!If you’d like to purchase a copy of...
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Why We Need Drag Story Hour with Lil Miss Hot Mess
This episode, Jen and Shira sat down with the wonderful Lil Miss Hot Mess, drag queen and professor at the University of Arizona. We recorded during Pride month, and had a great conversation about Drag Story Hour, Drag culture more broadly, and queer and trans rights. We hope you enjoy!Lil Miss…
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Women’s Stories from the Gulf States with Prof Mo Ogrodnik
This week on the pod, Jen and Brett sat down with Professor Mo Ogrodnik from NYU. They talked about Mo's new book Gulf, featuring stories from women in the Gulf States. They also covered the impact of international education, shifting geopolitics in the region, and Brett's experience as one of…
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Angourie Rice and Kate Rice on Mother-Daughter Collaboration
On this very special Mother’s Day episode, Jen and her daughter Allie sat down with Angourie and Kate Rice to talk about their new book Stuck Up and Stupid, a contemporary YA adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. They talked about their work collaborating together, their relationship with each…
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Reading Without Judgment with Anneliese Judge
This week on the pod, Anneliese Judge stopped by to chat with Brett and Neema! She talked about her love of reading, her experience as an actor on Sweet Magnolias, and her inspiration for starting a book club (Who to Judge). We hope you enjoy! Anneliese’s Recommendations: - The Blue Sisters by…
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How the Supreme Court Became Lawless with Leah Litman
This week on the pod, Josh and Sam sat down with Professor Leah Litman to talk about her new book Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes. Leah is a professor of Law at the University of Michigan and co-host of the legal podcast Strict…
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BOOK BIZ: Chronicle Books with Dave Ehrlich
On this episode of the Village Well Podcast, we sat down with Dave Ehrlich, a Sales Rep from the book publisher Chronicle Books. We talked about the publishing world and exciting new releases for 2025. Dave's Picks for 2025: 100 Afternoon Sweets by Sarah Kieffer One Week in January by Carson…
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The Third Rule of Time Travel with Philip Fracassi
On this special live episode of the Village Well Podcast, Colin Hinckley sits down with author Philip Fracassi to talk Sci-Fi, Horror, and time travel in his new book The Third Rule of Time Travel. This was a fun one! The Village Well Podcast is brought to you by Village Well Books & Coffee...
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Piece by Piece: The Healing Power of Mosaic Art
This week we sat down with Sophie and Andrea from Piece by Piece - a nonprofit that teaches those experiencing homelessness how to make mosaic art. We talk about the organization's founding, how its grown over time, and the healing power of art. If you'd like to learn more, head to...
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Talking Love and Limerance with Poet Kim Dower
In this week's episode, we had a lovely chat with local LA Poet Kim Dower. We talked about her new book What She Wants, her experience as an artist and as a businesswoman, and the way the literary world has changed over the decades.Kim's Recommendations:- Exit Opera by Kim Addonizio…
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BOOK CLUB: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
Welcome to the Village Well Podcast. This week, we're recapping our SciFi/Fantasy Book Club's discussion of The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett. Special thanks to our lovely Village Well customers Roshni and Joe for joining us! If you'd like to join any of our Book Clubs, check out our…
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Positive Masculinity with American Ninja Warrior Host Akbar Gbajabiamila
This week on the Village Well Podcast we sat down with American Ninja Warrior host and former NFL player Akbar Gbajabiamila! We talked about his book Everyone Can Be a Ninja which covers family, faith, and positive masculinity. Enjoy! Akbar's Recommendations: - Will by Will Smith - A Promised…
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BOOK CLUB: Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
Welcome to the Village Well Podcast. This week, we're recapping our Book Club's discussion of Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. Special thanks to our lovely Village Well customers Omari and Andy for joining us! If you'd like to join any of our Book Clubs, check out our events page on...
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Kindred Creation with Aida Davis
This week’s guest is Aida Davis, founder of Decolonizing Design and chief people officer of the Sierra Club. Jen and Neema sat down with Aida to discuss her book Kindred Creation and the work of reclaiming African heritage in the Black community.Aida’s Recommendations: - Insight & Poems by Huey...
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BOOK CLUB: Annihilation by Jeff Vander Meer
Welcome to the Village Well Podcast. This week, we're recapping our Sci Fi/ Fantasy Book Club's discussion of Annihilation by Jeff Vander Meer. Special thanks to our lovely Village Well regulars Laura and Alex for joining us!If you'd like to join any of our Book Clubs, check out our events page…
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The 2025 LA Wildfires
Welcome to the Village Well Podcast (formerly Shelf Talkers). After devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles, we decided to dedicate an episode to cover the extent of their impact on our community. We interviewed staff and customers about their experiences going through the fires. Whether...
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Jason de León Finds Hope in Telling Immigration Stories
This week’s guest is author, anthropologist, and MacArthur Foundation Fellow Jason de León. We discuss his book Soldiers and Kings (winner of the National Book Award), which covers the world of immigrant smuggling across North and South America. We had a wide-ranging conversation covering US...
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Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon with Mirin Fader
This week’s guest is Mirin Fader, sports journalist and author of biographies on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Hakeem Olajuwon. We cover Hakeem's legacy on the court, his devotion to Islam, and Mirin's experience in journalism. Recommendations - Beloved by Toni Morrison - The Friend by Sigrid...
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Holiday Gift Recommendations with the Villagers!
On this special holiday episode, the staff of The Village Well recommends gifts for 2024! See what we picked out below: Fiction American Rapture by CJ Leede We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell Nonfiction The Light Eaters by Zoë…
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Diamond Bars 2 with David A Romero and Matt Sedillo
This week’s guests are David A Romero and Matt Sedillo, poets, authors, and co-founders of El Martillo Press. We talked about the creative process, making a living as an artist, and the world of indie publishing. Recommendations - Real Americans by Rachel Khong - Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut…
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Cherished Belonging with Father Greg Boyle
This week’s guest is Father Greg Boyle, a Jesuit priest, founder of Homeboy Industries, and author of the new book Cherished Belonging. In this episode, he shares stories and spiritual lessons from 40 years of working with Homeboy industries. Father Boyle's Recommendations - Ordinary Mysticism by...
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The Rent Collectors with Jesse Katz
This week’s guest is Jesse Katz, a Pulitzer Prize winner and author of The Rent Collectors. We cover his research for the book, the history of street vending in Los Angeles, and issues with the criminal justice system. Jesse's Recommendations - Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky - Evicted…
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Reading is Leading with with Culver City Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin
This week's guest is the current Mayor of Culver City, Yasmine-Imani McMorrin. She talks about her book club, Los Angeles and country-wide politics, and a whole lot more! SHELF TALKERS is a podcast from Village Well Books & Coffee in downtown Culver City, CA, where we interview authors on...
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Murdle! with GT Karber
This week's guest is the best-selling author of the murder-mystery-puzzle series Murdle, GT Karber. Murdle has won many awards, including the 2024 British Book Award, and has been a bestseller internationally (and at VW) for over a year! We talk puzzles, mystery writing, and a whole lot more!…
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Bookseller Roundtable - NYT Best Books of the 21st Century
Today's episode is a fun experiment of format; we have a wonderful roundtable discussion among employees of the Village Well about the NYT article, "The 100 Best Books of the 21st Century". Click the link to follow along or to see which you have read! We hope you enjoy this new episode. SHELF...
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Aliens and Alternative History with Scifi Novelist Lindsay Ellis
What do you get when a film critic and acclaimed video essayist writes a sci-fi series set in an alternate reality contemporary America? Complex aliens, three dimensional romance, societal critique, and a lot of pop-culture references. This week’s guest is Lindsay Ellis, author, media critic…
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Journey From Self-Published to Series Author with children's book author Jesse Byrd
This week’s guest is Jesse Byrd, a children’s book author, children’s book developer with his company Moonbeam Literary and Media, and a literary agent, as well as a board member of the NPR foundation. Jesse had a career in tech at Google but decided to quit that life -- twice -- to pursue…
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Get Your Demons Out with Graphic Novelist Jordan Morris
Our first graphic novelist on the pod! Our first fellow podcaster on the pod! Our first fellow comedian on the pod! Our first fellow recovering youth group go-er on the pod! This week’s guest is Jordan Morris! Jordan is a graphic novel writer and long-time comedy writer/podcaster. He is the host…
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How to Change with Our Coast with LA Times Reporter & Author Rosanna Xia
Rosanna Xia gives us perspective. A fresh and thoughtful conversation with the busiest Los Angeles Times' environmental reporter, Rosanna was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2020 for explanatory reporting. She wrote “California Against the Sea: Visions for Our Vanishing Coastline" (Heyday 2023)…
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Totally, 90s Trivia with Jeopardy Winner Buzzy Cohen!
Did Julia or Jared win in trivia? Guess which co-host is better at retaining obscure knowledge… Find out on this episode! This week’s guest is Buzzy Cohen - the 9-time "Jeopardy!" winner. Buzzy later won the 2017 "Jeopardy!" Tournament of Champions. In 2021, Buzzy Cohen served as a guest host for...
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Magical Realism's Volume Dial with Folklorist GennaRose Nethercott
We have the honor and privilege of talking with writer/author/poet/folklorist GennaRose Nethercott. Gennarose gives us the lowdown on all things magical realism and weird fiction. Her 2024 release, Fifty Beasts to Break Your Heart, is a collection of short stories that show the uncanny yet spooky...
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What's the 'Punk' in Cyberpunk? with Anthologist Jared Shurin
We are joined by award-winning anthology editor and author and blogger Jared Shurin, editor of the new, massive, absolutely sleek and dope-looking cyberpunk anthology book The Big Book of Cyber Punk! He has edited or co-edited over 12 anthologies in his life, and has been a finalist for the Hugo...
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Caring Amid the Dysfunction with Speech Coach Samara Bay
Samara Bay is a downright truth-giver. She is the author of Permission to Speak: How to Change What Power Sounds Like, Starting With You (Penguin Random House, 2023). Samara coaches rising business leaders, political hopefuls, and public figures. In Hollywood, Samara worked as a speech and…
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Representation and Navigating Inevitable Pushback with Children's Book Author Pearl AuYeung
Pearl AuYeung is the absolutely delightful author and illustrator of the 2022 children’s picture book The Best Kind of Mooncake (Page Street Kids). Based in Los Angeles, born in Hong Kong, and raised in Shanghai, China, Pearl works as a Mattel Toy Designer. She is the illustrator of the upcoming...
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Coming Out as an Artist with Poet Brian-Sonia Wallace
Brian Sonia-Wallace is a multifaceted author and poet raised in Culver City, California and Santiago, Chile. His memoir, The Poetry of Strangers (Harper Collins, 2020), details his experiences engaging with the world through poetry. Brian has contributed to notable publications like the Guardian,...
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Serving Justice on the Page with Novelist Gary Phillips
An LA native mystery author of 20 novels and short story collections, a television writer on the acclaimed FX series Snowfall, Gary Phillips is the real deal. The sequel to his most recent novel, One Shot Harry (2022), will come out in April 2024, entitled Ash Dark as Night. Gary's classic 1994...
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Terror of Things Unsaid with Kayla Min Andrews
Kayla Min Andrews is the daughter of Katherine Min, author of The Fetishist, a book both the LA Times and Washington Post are calling “ahead of its time.” Katherine Min received a National Endowment of the Arts writer’s grant, a Pushcart Prize, and attended 8 different writers residencies. The...
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Romance and Ethical Puzzles with Novelist Olivie Blake
Olivie Blake is the massively prolific and impressive New York Times best-selling fantasy and young adult author of The Atlas Six, and it’s sequel, The Atlas Paradox, Alone with You in the Ether, My Mechanical Romance, and many more books. Her newest book, The Atlas Complex, released on January...
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Death and Piña Coladas with Novelist CJ Leede
CJ LEEDE is a horror writer based in Los Angeles. Her debut novel, Maeve Fly, won this year’s Octavia E. Butler 2023 Golden Poppy Award. CJ has an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University, and a BA from NYU's Gallatin School, where she studied Mythology and the Middle Ages. When she is…
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Writing as Healing with Novelist Francesca Lia Block
Francesca Lia Block is the wildly prolific author of over 25 books, including her newest novel House of Hearts, and her writing memoir, The Thorn Necklace, and the YA classic Weetzie Bat. We discuss how writing is a source of healing, her parallel career as an MFA instructor, and her position as...
About this show
The Village Well Podcast is brought to you by Village Well Books & Coffee in downtown Culver City, CA. Each episode, we interview authors and readers about books that capture our imagination. New episodes every Wednesday.
Hosted by
Village Well Books and Coffee