Bay Area Book Festival Podcast

Dive into an exploration of female power with bestselling authors Sue Monk Kidd and Lisa See, moderated by Aimee Phan. Lisa's latest novel, the multi-generational saga The Island of Sea Women, brings us into the lives of Mi-ja and Young-sook, two best friends on the Korean island of Jeju, who join their village's all-female diving collective. Sue's newest novel, The Book of Longings, puts us in the skin of Ana, a gifted Galilee rebel whose chance encounter with Jesus Christ changes her life forever.

Swedish suspense phenomenon Lars Kepler, famed for the #1 bestselling Joona Linna series, is husband-and-wife duo Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril and Alexander Ahndoril. Both were already acclaimed authors before they joined forces, but together they've sold millions of copies. Their first book, The Hypnotist, stirred up intrigue as the media sleuthed to uncover Lars Kepler's real identity. Come for a rare look at this couple's process. Moderated by Jesse Kellerman. Sponsored by the Consulate General of Sweden.

Bestselling author David Talbot has written an illness memoir with a twist. His lauded Between Heaven and Hell: The Story of My Stroke intimately chronicles the life-changing year following his massive stroke. From the remarkable care he received in Davies Hospital to daily life in recovery, this Type-A journalist was forced to slow down radically, depend on the kindness of others, and learn the value of what truly matters. David will share his experience and new plans with Sir Michael Moritz.

Brooke Warner and Grant Faulkner interview Courtney Maum about her indispensable new book, Before and After the Book Deal, for the Write-minded podcast. This conversation delves into everything aspiring authors want and need to know but might be afraid to ask, and doesn't shy away from scary and taboo topics like rejection, money, and how much you really need to be on social media if you want to be successful. It's sure to empower any writer to tackle the important journey to publication.

At a time when we all rely on technology more than ever to work, connect, and even relax, filmmaker and author Tiffany Shlain instituted a "Tech Shabbat" for her family, and it changed their lives. In 24/6, Shlain shares the story of how her family tuned out in order to tune in, and offers lessons for how you can follow their example, delving into fascinating philosophical and psychological justifications for the benefits of logging off. Shlain will be joined by KQED reporter Chloe Veltman.

In this enlightening and truly comforting discussion, four remarkable experts show how to take a clear-eyed, compassionate approach to mortality. These authors shed light on how medical providers and patients alike can reshape the mentality of fear around the process of dying and create an experience that can be transformative and extremely meaningful. This conversation features journalist Shoshana Berger, palliative care physician BJ Miller, and bestselling writer Katy Butler. Moderated by Dr. Sunita Puri.

Carol Anderson is one of our nation's leading voices on racial justice. In One Person, No Vote, she zeros in on the fallout from the 2013 Supreme Court ruling that gutted the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Anderson will be in conversation with Congresswoman Barbara Lee, one of the most well-regarded and outspoken members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Generously supported by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Stephen M. Silberstein Foundation, Guy & Jeanine Saperstein, & Mal Warwick Donordigital.

Best-selling novelist R.O. Kwon's New York Times essay about grief in times of uncertainty was the inspiration for this conversation. In an emotionally profound exchange, she is joined by Pulitzer Prize winners Anthony Doerr, whose novel All the Light We Cannot See illuminates the ways people try to be good to one another; and Viet Thanh Nguyen, whose The Sympathizer captures the ambivalence and humanity of "a man of two minds." Moderated by Danielle Evans.

The past few years have been infused with political engagement from a diverse electorate. For every victory, however, there's an equally coordinated attempt to disenfranchise these citizens. Bestselling authors Steve Phillips and David Daley will teach us how to unrig the rules to ensure everyone's vote is counted. Moderated by Rebecca Nagle (Cherokee). Generously supported by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Stephen M. Silberstein Foundation, Guy & Jeanine Saperstein, & Mal Warwick Donordigital.

Listen to these two leading ladies of suspense as they crack the case of how to write spine-tingling, sophisticated thrillers. Meg Gardiner specializes in heroines with big brains, from FBI agents to forensic psychiatrists to firecracker. And Rachel Howzell Hall, author of the Detective Elouise Norton series, has created an unforgettable protagonist. Moderated by Edgar Award winner Laurie King.