Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast

Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast

Welcome to CT Book Festivals! We’re here to celebrate the vibrant stories, unforgettable characters, and brilliant authors who call Connecticut home. Whether you're a lifelong Connecticut resident or just love discovering great books, this is the place for you! Get ready to meet the incredible writers behind your next favorite read, explore the magic of storytelling, and uncover the treasures of Connecticut’s literary scene. Let’s turn the page together – it’s time for CT Book Festivals!

Episodes

October 20, 2025 21 mins

In this captivating episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with Amanda Halpin, a special education teacher and debut children's book author who's bringing a splash of color to the literary world with her enchanting picture book, "Onyx Pearl."
Halpin's journey is as vibrant as her storytelling. Inspired by a student on the autism spectrum and her lifelong passion for writing, she crafted a uniq...

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In this captivating episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with Sarah P. Blanchard, a dynamic author who proves that great storytelling knows no age limit. At 73, Blanchard is making waves in the literary world with her gripping psychological suspense novel, "Grab Town."
The story behind the book is as intriguing as its plot. Inspired by a real-life location in North Carolina, "Grab Town" weav...

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In this captivating episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with author Paul Sargia to explore the fascinating journey behind his latest thriller, "The Catch." Set in the vibrant landscape of 1978 New York and New Jersey, this novel is more than just a page-turning adventure—it's a profound exploration of personal transformation.
Sargia's writing journey is anything but conventional. A former p...

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September 29, 2025 29 mins

In a captivating episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, author Neil P Randle takes listeners on a thrilling journey through his acclaimed "Spies at All Times" trilogy, culminating in the release of "Spies on Borrowed Time." Host Jed Doherty delves deep into Randale's unique approach to spy fiction, which masterfully intertwines historical events with gripping narrative.
Randale, collaborating with co-author Jeff Netting...

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September 22, 2025 23 mins

In this delightful episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with local author and illustrator Heather Mezzacappa to explore her enchanting new middle-grade novel, "Fiona's Friends to the Rescue."
Mezzacappa's creative journey began in her own backyard, where a family of skunks inspired her latest book. The story follows Fiona, a young skunk, and her diverse group of animal friends - a squirrel, ...

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September 15, 2025 25 mins

Discover "Happy Hour": A Groundbreaking Menopause Romance Novel by Elissa Bass
In an enlightening episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast, author Elissa Bass shares the inspiring story behind her innovative novel "Happy Hour" - a unique reverse age gap romance set on Cape Cod during the off-season.
Bass, a 62-year-old former journalist, drew inspiration from her personal 11-year menopause journey to create a compelling na...

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September 8, 2025 27 mins

Dive into the Magical World of Selkie Folklore with Author Kelly Jarvis
In a captivating episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with local author Kelly Jarvis to explore her enchanting new novella, "Selkie Moon." Set in the mystical Orkney Islands of Scotland, this compelling story weaves together family dynamics, folklore, and the transformative power of storytelling.
Jarvis, a professor at C...

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September 1, 2025 18 mins

In this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes Paul Mayer, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at DATCO, to discuss his new children’s picture book, "The Big Yellow Adventure." The episode highlights Connecticut’s vibrant literary scene and focuses on how Mayer’s book helps first-time school bus riders, especially kindergartners, overcome anxiety about their first day on the bus. Pau...

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Imagine a world where every child starts their journey with the power of books, guided by caring doctors who understand the magic of storytelling. That's exactly what Reach Out and Read is doing, and we sat down with Dr. Michelle Shiffman to uncover this incredible program's impact.
Reach Out and Read isn't just about handing out books – it's a revolutionary approach to child development. From birth to age five, pediatricians give ...

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Dive into the Heartfelt World of "Mad Season" with Author Gregory Armstrong
In this captivating episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with Gregory Armstrong to explore the deeply moving story behind his novel "Mad Season." If you're looking for a powerful tale of personal transformation, healing, and the courage to face your past, this is one conversation you won't want to miss.
Armstrong's n...

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In the latest episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with the remarkable Laurel Peterson, a multi-talented writer who seamlessly weaves poetry and mystery into captivating narratives that explore the depths of human experience.
Peterson's poetry collection "Do You Expect Your Art to Answer?" offers a fascinating journey through ekphrastic poetry, where each poem responds to a unique piece of a...

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April 21, 2025 26 mins

In this powerful episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast, host Jed Lee sits down with John Hoffman, author of "Liver: My Journey of Transplant Survival," to share an extraordinary story of medical resilience, hope, and personal transformation. Diagnosed with biliary atresia at just eight weeks old, Hoffman underwent his first experimental liver transplant in 1981 when liver transplants for infants were still a groundbreak...

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Discover the Heartwarming World of Intergenerational Storytelling with Marie Nichols
In the latest episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with debut children's author Marie Nichols to explore the magical world of "We're Going to the Dinosaur Forest" - a book that celebrates the unique bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
Marie Nichols takes listeners on a delightful journey behind her ...

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Dive into the Spine-Chilling World of Connecticut Horror: An Exclusive Interview with J J Alo
Horror fans, get ready for a thrilling journey into the creative mind behind "The Street Between the Pines"! In this captivating episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with debut horror author J J Alo to explore the dark and fascinating origins of his first novel.
Alo's gripping story follows a strugg...

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In a captivating episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, Judy Humphrey shares her remarkable life story through her memoir "Between Hearts," a testament to resilience, humor, and personal growth.
Humphrey's journey begins during the pandemic, when she decided to transform her extraordinary life experiences into a book. A former military wife who moved 17 times in 14 years, she offers a unique perspective on the challenge...

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Empowering Children Through Positive Affirmations: A Conversation with Author Tara Hubbard
In this inspiring episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with pharmacist and author Tara Hubbard to discuss her transformative books that help children and teens build self-confidence and resilience through positive affirmations.
Hubbard's first book, "Let the Sun Shine In," targets elementary school chi...

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