Best Indie Bookshops Podcasts (2024)

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Reinvention, Resilience, and Reading: Diane Park’s Journey to Thriving Bookshop Owner 33:21

16m ago33:21

33:21

Send us a Text Message. What drives a woman to reinvent herself in her 40s and open a thriving bookshop championing strong women and diverse voices? Join me as I sit down with Diane Park, the remarkable owner of Wave of Nostalgia in Hayworth, UK. Diane’s journey is anything but conventional. From leaving school at 16 and facing early adult responsi…

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Quickly, While They Still Have Horses: An Interview with Jan Carson 47:31

5d ago47:31

47:31

Send us a Text Message. Hi, This week, I'm in conversation with one of my favorite authors, Jan Carson. We talk about her latest release, Quickly, While They Still Have Horses, how growing up during the Troubles in Ireland fueled her passion for reaching across divided communities through writing and the arts, and how the Irish writing community su…

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Kathleen Caldwell and the Heartbeat of Montclair Village 30:38

12d ago30:38

30:38

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I'm in conversation with Kathleen Caldwell, the passionate owner of A Great Good Place for Books in Montclair Village, Oakland, who opens up about her incredible journey in the book industry. From her college days navigating aisles at Crown Books to orchestrating author events at prestigious bookstores like …

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The Evolution of Book Publishing: A 44-Year Journey with Andy Hughes 59:11

19d ago59:11

59:11

Send us a Text Message. What happens when a lifelong love of literature leads to a storied 44-year career in the publishing industry? Join me for an intimate conversation with Andy Hughes, the recently retired Senior VP and Director of Production and Design at Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. From his earliest role at Cornell University Medical Li…

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Empowering Children with the Joy of Book Ownership: A Discussion with Kate Bowersox of Books in Homes USA 26:06

27d ago26:06

26:06

Send us a Text Message. Discover the transformative power of book ownership with Kate Bowersox, the passionate Executive Director of Books in Homes USA. In this heartfelt episode, Kate opens up about her personal journey, academic achievements, and her mission to ignite a love for reading among children. She shares touching stories of raising her o…

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Blending Tradition with Technology: Chris Steib's Journey from Literature to Indie Bookshop in Tarrytown 42:10

1M ago42:10

42:10

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I chat with Chris Steib, owner of Transom Bookshop in Tarrytown, New York. Chris takes us on his career journey from a literature student to a high school English teacher, transitioning into the corporate world as a speechwriter and tech entrepreneur, and finally realizing his dream of opening an indie books…

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Aardvark Books and Cafe: From Wholesaler Dreams to a Literary Haven in Herefordshire 48:45

1M ago48:45

48:45

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wondered how a whimsical idea could transform into a vibrant literary hub? Join me as I chat with Sheridan Swinson, owner of Aardvark Books and Cafe in Herefordshire, UK. Sheridan takes us through his serendipitous journey from an initial plan of being a book wholesaler to becoming an adored independent booksho…

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The Art of Storytelling Across Platforms with Writer Jessie Rosen 28:21

2M ago28:21

28:21

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wondered how a blogger's musings can morph into the pages of a novel? Join us on The Bookshop Podcast as we sit down with Jessie Rosen, who's done just that. From the East Coast to Los Angeles, Jessie shares her journey through blogging, scriptwriting, and now, novel writing. Her story is a testament to the pow…

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From Poetic Solace to Community Haven: Leena Batchelor's Journey of Creative Resilience and Expression 31:49

2M ago31:49

31:49

Send us a Text Message. Discover the heart and soul of Script Haven Ltd. as the remarkable Leena Batchelor, former Worcestershire Poet Laureate, takes us on a journey through the evolution of her dream. From her early days seeking solace in poetry to nurturing a community bookshop that blooms as a sanctuary for self-published, indie authors, and ma…

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Episode 64: Queer Haven Books, Columbia, South Carolina 31:15

2M ago31:15

31:15

Queer Haven Books is a new shop whose mission is to provide a place of safety and refuge for the queer community in the South. Owner Baker Rogers joins me to discuss what inspired the shop and what's ahead for its future. Books We Talk About: The Thirty Names of Night by Zeyn Joukhadar, Confessions of the Fox by Jordy Rosenberg, Delilah Green Doesn…

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Emiko Jean on Crafting Resilience and Suspense in The Return of Ellie Black 26:51

2M ago26:51

26:51

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I chat with Emiko Jean, the New York Times bestselling author whose journey from various professions to the realm of writing is nothing short of inspiring. Emiko sheds light on her latest page-turner, The Return of Ellie Black, and the meticulous care she gives to her Japanese American characters. The world …

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Turning Pages and Building Community: Celebrating Sunshine Book Company's Story With Owner Beth Merrick 33:05

2M ago33:05

33:05

Send us a Text Message. Nestled within the heart of Claremont's historic district, Sunshine Book Company gleams with the charm of its 1915 architecture—a setting almost as enchanting as the tales it houses. As the shop celebrates its third anniversary, I'm joined by the effervescent Beth, who shares the serendipitous journey that brought her from t…

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Caroline Alexander, Skies of Thunder: The Deadly World War II Mission Over The Roof Of The World 1:02:31

3M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

Send us a Text Message. Embark on a historical odyssey as Caroline Alexander, New York Times Bestselling Author and acclaimed contributor to The New Yorker and National Geographic, unveils the lesser-known sagas of World War II's China-Burma-India theatre in her new book, Skies of Thunder: The Deadly World War II Mission Over The Roof Of The World.…

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Navigating the Pages of Indie Bookstore Ownership with Shelf Life Books' Chris and Berkley McDaniel 30:39

3M ago30:39

30:39

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I chat with Shelf Life Books owners Chris and Berkley McDaniel about the switch from corporate life to purchasing an indie bookshop, things to do and see in Richmond, Virginia, cats, and books! Formerly known as Chop Suey Books, Shelf Life Books is the largest independent bookstore in Richmond, VA, and has s…

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Author Edward Humes: Total Garbage, How We Can Fix Our Waste and Heal Our World 53:42

3M ago53:42

53:42

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I chat with Edward Humes about his latest book, Total Garbage: How We Can Fix Our Waste and Heal Our World. Humes reveals the surprising depths of waste permeation in everyday life and the power we hold to rectify these issues. By reimagining waste as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, Humes provides a …

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Episode 63: Canute Books, Portland, Tennessee 31:57

3M ago31:57

31:57

This week, we visit with Jessie Canute, owner of Canute Books in Portland, Tennessee, and her daughter, Sessily. Their brand-new shop is located inside of Bloomin’ Deals, a 4,000 square foot thrift boutique home to more than 40 vendors. They tell us how they want from being "book dragons" to bookshop owners!…

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Feasting on Narrative: A Journey with Celia Sack Through the World of Culinary Literature 45:18

3M ago45:18

45:18

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I chat with Celia Sack, founder and owner of Omnivore Books about cookbooks, cooking disasters and achievements, her favorite cookbooks, and the growing geographical scope of cookbooks. Located in an old butcher shop in Noe Valley, Omnivore Books is a cherished epicurean hub blending a passion for food and t…

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Episode 62: Author Jonathan Corcoran 37:15

3M ago37:15

37:15

This week, we're joined by author Jonathan Corcoran to discuss his new memoir, No Son of Mine, and his lifelong love of bookstores! In addition to No Son of Mine, Corcoran is the author of the short story collecction The Rope Swing, which was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Awards and long-listed for The Story Prize. His essays and stories have …

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Danielle Trussoni: New York Times Bestselling Author 32:36

4M ago32:36

32:36

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I chat with Danielle Trussoni, about her new novel, The Puzzle Master. Danielle Trussoni is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels The Ancestor, Angelology, and Angelopolis, all New York Times Notable Books, and the memoirs The Fortress and Falling Through the Earth, named one of the ten best bo…

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Episode 61: Cicada Books & Coffee, Huntington, West Virginia 36:03

4M ago36:03

36:03

This week, we're in Huntington, WV, to visit Cicada Books & Coffee. This family-owned spot was opened in 2018 by mother-daughter duo Dawn Hylbert and Katie Norman, who join me to discuss the store’s history, its place in community, and its unique blend of books, coffee, and art. Books We Talk About: Manhunt by Gretchen Felker-Martin, Devil House by…

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Chrissy Ryan: Cultivating Reading and Community at BookBar 34:40

4M ago34:40

34:40

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I chat with Chrissy Ryan, the owner of BookBar, an independent bookshop, cafe and wine bar, events and social space centered around celebrating the social side of reading. Chrissy's tale is not just about the mingling of books and wine; it's a celebration of community, a confluence of conversation starters, …

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Episode 60: Pages Books & Coffee, Mount Airy, North Carolina 33:23

4M ago33:23

33:23

This week, we're in Mount Airy, NC, known as "the real Mayberry!" The original home of Andy Griffith is now home to Pages Books & Coffee, and owner Cynthia Taylor joins us to discuss the shop. We're also joined by Barb Collins, organizer and promoter of the Writers Roadshow Tour, a new series of events that's bringing authors to rural North Carolin…

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Ann Seaton: Co-Executive Director, California Independent Booksellers Alliance 22:30

4M ago22:30

22:30

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I chat with Ann Seaton, Co-Executive Director of the California Independent Booksellers Alliance. Anne brings the narrative of indie bookshops to life, highlighting how they serve as cultural hubs in their communities. Discover the steadfast mission of CALIBA to bolster the diverse fabric of independent book…

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Episode 59: Bookworks, Albuquerque, New Mexico 36:15

4M ago36:15

36:15

This week, we head to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to visit a store that’s been serving its community for 40 years. Co-owner Shannon Guinn-Collins and Store Manager Robert Flippo take us behind the shelves of Bookworks. We discuss the store’s long history, the amazing authors who have passed through its doors, and a recent change to an LLC structure fo…

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Swimming Beyond Borders: Lynne Cox on Open Water Triumphs and Fostering Global Harmony 39:30

4M ago39:30

39:30

Send us a Text Message. From the rain-soaked dreams of a young girl in Manchester, New Hampshire, to swimming in some of the world's most formidable waters, open water swimmer, writer, motivational speaker, and beacon of inspiration, Lynn Cox has lived a tale of endurance. Over the course of more than 35 years, Lynne accomplished swims setting worl…

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Episode 58: Skylark Bookshop, Columbia, Missouri 35:25

5M ago35:25

35:25

This week, we visit Skylark Bookshop in Columbia, MO, named one of 150 bookstores you need to visit before you die. Owner and novelist Alex George discusses the inspiration and mission of Skylark, as well as the city's prominent Unbound Book Festival, which he founded, happening this spring. Books We Talk About: Splinters by Leslie Jamison, Still L…

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Healing Verses: The Journey of the Poetry Pharmacy with Deborah Alma 32:17

4M ago32:17

32:17

Send us a Text Message. In this epsidoe, I chat with Deborah Alma, the visionary co-founder of the Poetry Pharmacy, in Shropshire, UK, about how poetic verses can be the balm for our emotional ailments. Our conversation flourishes through Deborah’s inspiring tale of the ‘emergency poet’ and her evolution towards establishing a tranquil sanctuary wh…

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Exploring Human Desire and the Intersection of Psychotherapy and Storytelling with Maxine Mei-Fung Chung 29:01

5M ago29:01

29:01

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Maxine Mei-Fung Chung shares a glimpse into the psyche's profound influence on creativity and personal growth. I found my own experiences with psychoanalysis echoed in our dialogue, highlighting the transformative power it has on both the canvas, the page, and the mind. Maxine's articulate distinction betwee…

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Episode 57: Hearthside Books & Toys, Juneau, Alaska 39:16

5M ago39:16

39:16

This week, we visit Hearthside Books & Toys in Juneau, Alaska. Owner Olga Lijó Seráns has owned Hearthside since 2022, but the store has been serving the people of Juneau for nearly 50 years. She takes us through its rich history and how things have been going since she took over. Books We Talk About: If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name: News fro…

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The Heart of the Community: Inside Bozeman's Country Bookshelf 18:57

5M ago18:57

18:57

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wandered into a bookstore and felt like you've come home? That's the magic Ariana Paliobagis, owner of Country Bookshop and her team, weaves in Bozeman, Montana. In this episode, I speak with store manager Jamie Winter about the rich literary landscape of Montana, where names like Ivan Doig and Betsy Gaines Qua…

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Episode 56: Writer Stan Zimmerman 49:23

5M ago49:23

49:23

This week, Stan Zimmerman joins the show to discuss his new book, The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore, all about his career writing for such shows as The Golden Girls, Gilmore Girls, Roseanne, and many more. We chat about those and other projects, plus some of his favorite books and bookshops. The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore is available now!…

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Nature's Narratives and the Art of Storytelling With Author Melissa Marr 39:50

5M ago39:50

39:50

Send us a Text Message. When the roots of storytelling are as deep and winding as the Appalachian Mountains themselves, it's no wonder that Melissa Marr has such a profound connection to weaving tales that captivate and enchant. In this episode, we journey through Melissa's life, from her formative years under the influence of her grandmother's sto…

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Episode 55: Elements Books Coffee Beer, Biddeford, Maine 38:35

5M ago38:35

38:35

This week, we head to Biddeford, Maine, where owner Michael Macomber shares the story behind Elements: Books | Coffee | Beer. The combination bookshop, bar and cafe has been serving the people of Biddeford for more than a decade and helped usher in a new wave of downtown revitalization. Books We Talk About: Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millar…

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Turning Pages and Fostering Community: The Story of Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore 39:03

5M ago39:03

39:03

Send us a Text Message. Embark on a literary adventure with Mandy Jackson-Beverly as she sits down with Eric and Jessica Green, whose love story with books has led them to become the proud owners of Mrs. Dalloway's, a cozy independent bookstore with a big heart in the Elmwood District of Berkeley, California. Their tale is not just one of passion f…

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Episode 54: Sunshine Book Co., Clermont, Florida 40:01

6M ago40:01

40:01

Beth Merrick of Sunshine Book Co. in Clermont, Florida, discusses her journey from Disney employee to bookshop owner, and offers up some excellent ideas for bookshop events that drive customers into the shop. Books We Talk About: A Land Remembered by Patrick D. SmithBy Matt Browning

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A Writer's Balance: Creativity, Self-Care, and the Journey of Publishing with Chloe Benjamin 41:51

6M ago41:51

41:51

Send us a Text Message. As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, we're reminded that change is the only constant, a truth Chloe Benjamin knows all too well. This week on The Bookshop Podcast, join me for a profound journey with the author of The Anatomy of Dreams and The Immortalists as we navigate the intertwining paths of creativity and self-c…

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Episode 53: The Toadstool Bookshop, Peterborough, New Hampshire 43:21

6M ago43:21

43:21

First opened in 1972 by Willard Williams and family, The Toadstool Bookshop - currently with locations in Peterborough and Keene - has been serving the people of New Hampshire for decades. One of its longtime customers was Emerson Sistare, who began visiting The Toadstool at age 7. Today, he owns it. Emerson discusses the history of The Toadstool a…

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Ancestral Echoes: Navigating Intergenerational Trauma and the Art of Memoir Writing with Diana Raab 31:36

6M ago31:36

31:36

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I chat with Diana Raab, MFA, PhD, about writing, intergenerational trauma, the art of writing memoir, and her new book, Hummingbird: Messages from My Ancestors, A memoir with reflection and writing prompts . Diana is a memoirist, poet, workshop leader, thought-leader and award-winning author of fourteen book…

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Episode 52: Peoria Book Rack, Peoria, Illinois 27:11

6M ago27:11

27:11

My guest this week is Stacy Hardin of the Peoria Book Rack in Peoria, Illinois. Stacy tells us how she went from drawing her dream bookshop layouts in a childhood journal to now owning a decades-old shop that she has visited since she was 12 years old. Books We Talk About: The works of Stephen King, John Saul, Rebecca Yarros, and Sarah J. Maas.…

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Turning the Page: How Blue Willow Bookshop Weaves Community and Resilience in the Face of Literary Challenges 36:36

6M ago36:36

36:36

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wandered into a bookstore and felt immediately at home? Valerie Koehler, the warm and spirited owner of Blue Willow Bookshop, invites us into her literary world, where every shelf has a story. Our conversation takes us down the winding path that led her to the helm of this cherished local haven. She opens up ab…

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Exploring the Translator's Craft with Jamie Richards 25:21

6M ago25:21

25:21

Send us a Text Message. Embark on a cultural odyssey with Jamie Richards, a consummate artist of literary translation. Our exchange unveils Jamie's accidental yet fateful plunge into the realm of translation, alongside her storied career, marked by venerated honors and a discerning taste for the literary unexplored. The episode unwraps the nuanced …

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Celebrating a Milestone with The Bookshop Podcast: A Journey through Goa's Literary Scene and Cultural Richness with Leonard Fernandes 27:53

7M ago27:53

27:53

Send us a Text Message. Join the celebration as The Bookshop Podcast hits a fantastic milestone, receiving the accolade of the number one bookish podcast by Feedspot.com! In a heartfelt expression of gratitude, I want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who tunes in and to our dedicated team. This episode is a special one, as I'm joined by Le…

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Reconnecting in a Disconnected World with Julio Vincent Gambuto 52:02

7M ago52:02

52:02

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your feed, feeling more disconnected from the world around you with every passing second? This week, I sat down with the insightful Julio Vincent Gambuto, author of Please Unsubscribe, Thanks! and the mind behind the essay that took the internet by storm, Prepare for the Ultimat…

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Episode 51: The Bookhouse Hotel, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 20:07

7M ago20:07

20:07

The Bookhouse Hotel is a 4-room boutique hotel nestled in the heart of downtown Kennett Square, PA. Housing over 5,000 books, it is a haven for bookworms or anyone else looking for a uniquely cozy place to relax and unwind. Co-owner Stephanie Olenik joins the podcast to tell us how this historic building, which had most recently been a bookstore, i…

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Exploring Charleston With Polly Buxton Co-owner Buxton Books 32:38

7M ago32:38

32:38

Send us a Text Message. Today, we're hitting the cobblestones of Charleston, South Carolina, unlocking the secrets of independent bookstores and the joy they bring to local communities. First, we're charmed by Polly Buxton, the passionate founder of Buxton Books, as she recounts how a single conversation with her (now) husband led to her dream of o…

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Episode 50: The Potter's House, Washington, D.C. 37:29

7M ago37:29

37:29

The Potter’s House is a nonprofit café, bookstore, and event space in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Since opening in 1960, it has been a key place for deeper conversation, creative expression, and community transformation. Joining me to share the shop's story are Executive Director Andrea Lewis and bookseller Eliza Cohen. Just a…

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Exploring the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Literature with Nina Schuyler 36:17

7M ago36:17

36:17

Send us a Text Message. Ever wonder how an economist turned lawyer found her true calling in the world of creative writing? We embark on a fascinating exploration of Nina Schuyler's journey, her love for incorporating Japanese culture in her novels and the intriguing blend of mathematics and Japanese culture that blossoms in her latest novel, AFTER…

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Episode 49: Brooks Books, Wyandotte, Michigan 32:50

8M ago32:50

32:50

This week, we head back to Michigan once more to chat with Joanna Brookshire, owner of Brooks Books in Wyandotte. Books We Talk About: The works of Johnathan Rands, Ronald Malfi and Kate Morton.By Matt Browning

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Ark Books: The Heartening Tale of a Volunteer-Run Bookstore in Copenhagen 17:45

7M ago17:45

17:45

Send us a Text Message. Ark Books in Copenhagen is a non-profit, volunteer-run, International Bookstore. It’s the place to find books published in English, and although they specialize in fiction, those interested in poetry and theory, especially critical theory, will not leave disappointed. Ever wondered how a volunteer-run, non-profit bookstore o…

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Episode 48: Pete & Freddy's Pages Aplenty, Mentone, Indiana 45:07

8M ago45:07

45:07

This week, we're in Mentone, Indiana, to visit with Maddie Anweiler, the "Pete" in Pete & Freddy's Pages Aplenty. In this open and candid conversation, we discuss Maddie's shift from a partnership to a one-person shop, the importance of bookstores to small towns, and of course who the heck are Pete and Freddy! Books We Talk About: The Guernsey Lite…

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Indie Bookshops Podcasts

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