Advertise on podcast: Books Shows Tunes & Mad Acts

Emerging from the soil of Sierra County is the new album, Garden, ostensibly for children as part of an early education program about science, but its blend of folk, Celtic, bluegrass, and a bit of gospel will appeal to many adults as well. Project manager and Musica Sierra director, Lindsay McIntosh joins us today to discuss the album, which is the fifth of a seven-part series. Each album targets a grade-level (Garden is for Kindergarten- get it?) and includes a unique illustrated book and a personal journal. Lindsay has melded together a wide variety of musicians, artists, and professionals to create an audio and visual experience for children that is truly exceptional. No miss this opportunity to hear from a professional musician and program leader at the top of her game making it work and living her dream in the remote and beautiful high Sierra. A great episode for music teachers, parents with children, and anyone with ears.Musica Sierra's website:https://www.musicasierra.org/The Old School House Project:https://www.musicasierra.org/toshThoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at: https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/ Support us! https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/ Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training: https://training.discreetguide.com/ Social Media: YouTube: @MadActs XTwitter: @Mad_Acts BlueSky: @mad-acts.bsky.social FB: @BooksShowsTunes IG: @Mad_Acts LI: Jennifer K. Crittenden

Enter the world of the knuckleball and its specialized lingo: drag crisis, loop de loop, and dreaded forward roll. The knuckleball pitch is dying out in baseball, but Chris Nowlin still teaches it and, importantly, still throws it with the lowest rotation on earth today. He discusses here how to throw it, why it's effective, and why it's so darn hard to throw consistently. He also offers guidance on identifying potential knuckleballers, strength training, arm protection, and being a big-league pitcher in general, along with a bit of life advice. We also discuss Matt Waldron of the Padres along with other knuckleballers: Tim Wakefield, Phil Niekro, RA Dickey, and Charlie Hough. And finally, Chris gives us some thoughts on the current approach to pitching in the MLB right now and where we might be headed. An informative and insightful episode.Chris Nowlin's website:https://knuckleballnation.com/Socials:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn3xKAXGUrTeWW62_u-VtSgXTwitter: @KnuckNationInsta: @KnuckNationShow Notes Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at: https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/ Support us! https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/ Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training: https://training.discreetguide.com/ Social Media: YouTube: @MadActs XTwitter: @Mad_Acts BlueSky: @mad-acts.bsky.social FB: @BooksShowsTunes IG: @Mad_Acts LI: Jennifer K. Crittenden

Available today! Meet Canadian author, David LeBrun, whose first book, a travel memoir, is being published today by Tortoise Books. Delirium Vitae is a recounting of David's adventures in Central America when he fled the cold Canadian winter to party with an old friend, promptly ran out of money, and began the slow journey of discovering what he was running from while returning home. In this episode, David talks about the jobs-related book he was working on during the trip and how it was scuttled when this one emerged. Delirium Vitae weaves David's adventures with colorful if sketchy characters into a portrait of a sensitive and observant young man, trying to grapple with life's tragedies. He also offers insights into his long writing process, the usefulness of editors and critique groups, and what to focus on as a writer. Come for the breakneck, page-turning escapades, stay for the thoughtful exploration of self-healing through writing. A wonderful episode for readers and writers.David's book at Tortoise Books:https://tortoisebooks.com/store/deliriumvitaeDavid's website, including some short stories:https://www.davidlebrun.ca/ Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at: https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/ Support us! https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/ Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training: https://training.discreetguide.com/ Social Media: YouTube: @MadActs XTwitter: @Mad_Acts BlueSky: @mad-acts.bsky.social FB: @BooksShowsTunes IG: @Mad_Acts LI: Jennifer K. Crittenden

Welcome Flora Qian with her first novel "South of the Yangtze," a coming-of-age story of a thoughtful and curious Chinese girl, born and raised in Shanghai during the one-child years.* Flora discusses the origins of the novel which maps some of her own experiences as a young woman educated in China who then moved to Hong Kong. The intriguing novel, written in English, explores the themes of language, relationships, loneliness, and community, against a backdrop of post-Cultural Revolution China. Flora discusses her interest in Chinese characters, how Mandarin and English entered her life, how Chinese sayings and folk tales influence our thinking, the risks of original thought, and how circumstances often hinder our ability to reach greater intimacy with others. A thought-provoking episode with something for everyone. *And could make a great holiday present!Flora's website:https://floraqian.com/Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at: https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/ Support us! https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/ Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training: https://training.discreetguide.com/ Social Media: YouTube: @MadActs XTwitter: @Mad_Acts BlueSky: @mad-acts.bsky.social FB: @BooksShowsTunes IG: @Mad_Acts LI: Jennifer K. Crittenden

Relationship expert Melinda Blau is back with her new book, "The Wisdom Whisperers: Golden Guides to a Long Life of Grit, Grace, and Laughter." Melinda began collecting her "old ladies," as she calls them, in mid-life and shares here the tremendous wisdom and benefit she has received over the past twenty years or so from these relationships with women much older than she is. Not so much a book on aging as a continuation of Melinda's astute career-long observations about the magic and wonder of relationships, The Wisdom Whisperers will make you laugh, reflect, learn, and may inspire you to give the book as a gift to someone dear to you. Always forthright and plain spoken, but also optimistic and good-humored, Melinda now finds herself in the ranks of these golden oldies and reminds the listeners to appreciate all that life has to offer. A wonderful upbeat and thought-provoking episode.Melinda's website:https://melindablau.com/My previous episode with Melinda about "Consequential Strangers":https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2021-12-31T22_00_00-08_00Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at: https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/ Support us! https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/ Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training: https://training.discreetguide.com/ Social Media: YouTube: @MadActs XTwitter: @Mad_Acts BlueSky: @mad-acts.bsky.social FB: @BooksShowsTunes IG: @Mad_Acts LI: Jennifer K. Crittenden

Join petroleum engineer Malvina Lerma as she talks about her cozy mystery series, Oilfield Mysteries, and her amateur sleuth, Charlie, a woman working in a man's world. Malvina and Jennifer talk about the oil industry, Bakersfield, the BP catastrophe, well drilling, as well as a bunch of writing-related topics: how to convey technical expertise in a novel, what makes a cozy, Malvina's influences (especially Agathie Christie), and how to get better as a writer. An upbeat conversation great for writers and mystery lovers.Malvina's website:https://oilfieldmysteries.com/Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at: https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/ Support us! https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/ Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training: https://training.discreetguide.com/ Social Media: YouTube: @MadActs XTwitter: @Mad_Acts BlueSky: @mad-acts.bsky.social FB: @BooksShowsTunes IG: @Mad_Acts LI: Jennifer K. Crittenden

The two parts of the Americana duo Tattletale Saints, Simon Stanley and Vanessa McGowen, join us today to talk about tons of music stuff: their formation and evolution, Simon's foray into kids music, Vanessa's bass playing, their move to Nashville, what makes a good cover, and why music from New Zealand might be especially innovative. Simon also talks about songwriting, and Vanessa gives advice to early musicians about making success out of passion. We also include D.I.N.K., one of The Tattletale Saints songs. You just might be a D.I.N.K.! A lovely episode for music listeners, makers, and lovers of all shapes. The Tattletale Saints website:https://www.tattletalesaints.com/Simon's website:https://www.simonstanleysays.com/Vanessa's website:https://vanessamcgowan.com/Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at: https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/ Support us! https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/ Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training: https://training.discreetguide.com/ Social Media: YouTube: @MadActs XTwitter: @Mad_Acts FB: @BooksShowsTunes IG: @Mad_Acts LI: Jennifer K. Crittenden

Join us to talk about "Law of the Jungle" and "Skin of Tattoos," two of Christina's novels, both replete with interesting characters and quite absorbing . One is about a biochemist deep in the Amazonian jungle who falls in love with the perfect guy only to discover—well, you can imagine. What you might not imagine is what she does next. Drawn from Christina's experience working with LA gangs, "Skin of Tattoos" is a sympathetic story about a gang member released from jail who finds himself inexorably drawn back into his old life, only worse. Christina is a journalist with a colorful past full of rich adventures that she brings enthusiastically to her writing. A great episode for writers and curious readers who are drawn to the noir-er side of thriller novels. Christina's website:https://www.christinahoag.com/Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at: https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/ Support us! https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/ Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training: https://training.discreetguide.com/ Social Media: YouTube: @MadActs XTwitter: @Mad_Acts FB: @BooksShowsTunes IG: @Mad_Acts LI: Jennifer K Crittenden

Sarah Langan, author of "A Better World" and "Good Neighbors," talks about her new dystopian novel and its frightening similarities to our current real life. In Sarah's novel, our hero, Linda, doctor and mom, is initially thrilled to be accepted into Plymouth Valley, a safe refuge for her family from an outside crazy world, but too soon she discovers that there are disturbing dark elements to this so-called utopia. In this episode, Sarah and Jennifer discuss the novel and its plot and characters, Orson Welles' 1984, the horror genre, and writing in general. A great episode for readers and writers.Sarah's website:https://sarahlangan.com/Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at: https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/ Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training: https://training.discreetguide.com/ Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts Support us! https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/ Jennifer on XTwitter: @Mad_Acts Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkcrittenden/

Joining us to talk about the recent campus protests and their ramifications for free speech is Kristen Shahverdian of PEN America. Kristen discusses the various balls that campuses must keep in the air, considering the participants' right to free speech, safety on campus, and viewpoint-neutral policy decisions. She discusses the advice that PEN America offers to campus administrators about how to reasonably respond to protesters and what would constitute a disproportionate reaction. We dig into the history of campus protests, from the Free Speech movement to Kent State, as well as recent specific incidents at Columbia University and Indiana University. Kristen also tackles such complexities as repercussions for civil disobedience, draconian punishments, and how the protests have been represented in the media. All this, and more, for free! An important episode.PEN America's Campus Free Speech Guide:https://campusfreespeechguide.pen.org/Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at: https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/ Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training: https://training.discreetguide.com/ Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide Jennifer on XTwitter: @DiscreetGuide Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkcrittenden/

The Sam Hinton Folk Heritage Festival at Old Poway Park in San Diego will be held June 1! We're delighted in this episode to share Sam's history through the eyes of his granddaughter Katrina Hinton-Cooper. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss Sam's music, his tremendous work for the Aquarium Museum of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, and his outlook on the world, as shown through his songs, humor, drawings, and observations. We also manage to talk about science fiction, hypnosis through storytelling, circular breathing, and the joys and foibles of our peculiar species. An uplifting episode with something for everyone.Information about the Sam Hinton Festival:https://sdfolkheritage.org/events/sam-hinton-fest/Sam's website:http://samhinton.org/Katrina's blog:https://somerandomchick.jouwweb.nl/the-blogSome YouTube videos of Sam that we mention:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGArzUTCegghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcSLudnKFPA&list=PL3D66F0AE1034A321https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqTDHRau1lcThoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at: https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/ Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training: https://training.discreetguide.com/ Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide Jennifer on Post.News: @JenCrittenden Jennifer on XTwitter: @DiscreetGuide Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkcrittenden/

Join us as pharmacist Miffie Seideman talks about her new book from Indiana University Press, "The Grim Reader: A Pharmacist's Guide to Putting Your Characters in Peril," a great resource for fiction writers who would like to bring a bit more accuracy to their drug-related scenes. Jennifer and Miffie talk about the most egregious errors that show up in books and movies (provoking eye rolls from experts) and how more accurate scenes would result in better and less clichéd writing. We also discuss some notable oddities, such as psychedelic parenting, body packing, belladonna, and the real dangers of alcohol-related games. A fascinating episode for writers and readers alike.Miffie's excellent book:https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/cart?domain=iupress.orgMiffie's website where she offers additional information about drugs, writing, and triathlons, and will even answer questions:https://miffieseideman.com/Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at: https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/ Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training: https://training.discreetguide.com/ Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide Jennifer on Post.News: @JenCrittenden Jennifer on XTwitter: @DiscreetGuide Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkcrittenden/

Okay, so the new memoir "Splinters" wasn't our favorite book ever, and sometimes it downright irritated us, but our investigation into what worked (and what didn't!) makes for a fascinating conversation about the nature of memoir and new trends in the genre, from "woe is me" themes to shameless self-exposure which apparently appeals to voyeuristic readers. John Julius Reel and Jennifer discuss the author, Leslie Jamison, the buzz surrounding this book, and their critiques and suggestions for what would have made this book better. Opinionated, passionate, and willing to be harsh, John and Jennifer defend their positions but acknowledge that their own perspective and age might color their view of this very contemporary memoir about being a single mother. A special episode for book lovers and critics.John Julius Reel's YouTube Channel "Book Rants":https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCbY7cNG-XRBsJyfWYi0DJQThoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at: https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/ Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training: https://training.discreetguide.com/ Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide Jennifer on Post.News: @JenCrittenden Jennifer on XTwitter: @DiscreetGuide Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkcrittenden/

Join Craig Erpelding, Director of the BFA in Cinematic Arts at Indiana University, to discuss the ways AI can be used effectively and ethically in the development of screenplays and the teaching of screenwriting. Craig bravely jumps into this fraught topic and clearly and logically explains his own research with the tool and what limitations and concerns he has uncovered. Knowing that students are going to use AI in the development of their work, he advises students and teachers alike about how AI can assist in creative work.  He argues that AI often produces C-level work, but that in itself can be used as a teaching tool. Additionally, AI can be used to improve work by critiquing elements like story structure. Craig and Jennifer also talk about screenplays that fit the Hollywood formulas, as well as meeting audience expectations, and how the intention of the filmmaker influences their choices.Craig's book "Filmmaking with Intention: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Engaging Motion Pictures":https://www.amazon.com/Filmmaking-Intention-Comprehensive-Creating-Engaging/dp/1793521093Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at: https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/ Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training: https://training.discreetguide.com/ Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide Jennifer on Post.News: @JenCrittenden Jennifer on XTwitter: @DiscreetGuide Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkcrittenden/

Join us  as we talk with Teri Den Herder, longtime bookseller at the UCSD Bookstore, about Independent Bookstore Day, the annual celebration of indie bookstores, and the San Diego Book Crawl, the weekend when booklovers swarm the 13 participating bookstores in search of books, passport stamps, prizes, and surprises. We discuss the national day, how it got started, what's new this year (shuttle busses!), how the event has grown, what to expect, and how to have the most fun. We also discuss Teri's long career, the legacy she is creating with young booksellers, and the art of matching people and books, as performed by humans instead of algorithms. Also check out the participating San Diego bookstores from Diesel to Mysterious Galaxy, Joyride, La Playa, Verbatim, Bluestocking, and more. A super fun conversation about the events of this coming weekend that you don't want to miss!How to find out more about the San Diego Book Crawl:https://www.instagram.com/sdbookcrawl/Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at: https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/ Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training: https://training.discreetguide.com/ Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide Jennifer on Post.News: @JenCrittenden Jennifer on XTwitter: @DiscreetGuide Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkcrittenden/