Wanda Suttle Duncan and Steve Jarrett on “Zaat” – Season 3, Episode 8
Join me as I discuss the worst film ever made with Wanda Suttle Duncan -- in whose hometown Zaat was filmed! -- and film critic Steve Jarrett.
Jason Vuic’s “The Swamp Peddlers” – Season 3, Episode 7
Join me as I discuss the unsavory and environmentally damaging legacy of Florida's shady land "developers" of the 1950s and 60s with Jason Vuic, author of The Swamp Peddlers.
Ryan Rivas of Burrow Press – Season 3, Episode 6
Today I’m joined by the founder and publisher of Burrow Press, Ryan Rivas, to talk about the early years of the press, how its mission has evolved, and his views on the changing Florida literary scene.
Lori Roy and “Chum in the Water” – Season 3, Episode 5
Join me as I discuss Lori Roy's sinister Florida noir tale "Chum in the Water," which appears in the Akashic Books collection Tampa Bay Noir, with the author herself on this episode of the Florida Book Club.
Revisiting “Fearsome Creatures of Florida” with John Henry Fleming – Season 3, Episode 4
This time around, we've got the author himself on board to discuss phantom panthers, skunk apes, beach monsters, and other Florida cryptids that may or may not be lurking in your development or favorite park.
Rick Kilby and “Florida’s Healing Waters” – Season 3, Episode 3
Today I’m joined by Rick Kilby, author of the 2013 book Finding the Fountain of Youth and the 2020 volume Florida’s Healing Waters to discuss the history of Florida's natural springs.
A Conversation with Tampa Bay Times Culture Reporter Gabrielle Calise – Season 3, Episode 2
Gabrielle Calise, a Tampa Bay Times life and culture reporter, talks about strip club spaceships, Tampa's hot dog girls, and the role of local media.
Wanda Suttle Duncan and “Cracker Gothic” – Season 3, Episode 1
Wanda Suttle Duncan’s account of her small north Florida hamlet is heartfelt, often touching, and displays great humor and turns of phrase while documenting the author’s return to her hometown amid heartbreaking circumstances.
Florida’s Vanishing Wildlife (1992)
The 1992 coloring book Florida’s Vanishing Wildlife evinces a level of ecological awareness I found startling for its time, and in a coloring book no less.
Laura van den Berg’s “Lizards” would have been a great novel
It’s not often I finish a short story and wish it had been a novel. Laura van den Berg’s “Lizards” was one of those rare exceptions.