S:6 E:60 | On the Road with Bigfoot? Skunk Ape Semester and the Paranormal with Mike Robinson
Release Date: 02/19/2025
S:6 E:60 | On the Road with Bigfoot? Skunk Ape Semester and the Paranormal with Mike Robinson
Books That Make You Podcast
What happens when you blend On the Road with The X-Files? You get Skunk Ape Semester, a thrilling yet thoughtful road trip through paranormal Americana. Award-winning author Mike Robinson joins Books That Make You to discuss his latest novel, his fascination with Bigfoot, and how speculative fiction can explore humanity’s biggest questions. In Skunk Ape Semester, a zoologist embarks on a cross-country journey, interviewing those who claim to have encountered cryptids like the elusive skunk ape—a regional version of Bigfoot. But this is more than a monster hunt. It’s a deep dive into...
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S:6 E:59 Sara Winokur Discusses 'Ivory Bones': Pirates, DNA & Mystery
Books That Make You Podcast
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Sara Winokur, geneticist-turned-author, as she delves into the inspiration behind her thrilling novel, Ivory Bones. Drawing from her ancestry, which traces back to a Barbary pirate, and her extensive career in genetics, Sara weaves together a murder mystery that’s as grounded in real science as much as historical intrigue. Learn about the real-life Lewis Chessmen, priceless artifacts tied to the story, and how Sara’s protagonist uses forensic genetics to uncover secrets. We also explore the profound theme of heritage and its influence on...
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S:6 E:58 End Times Convergence? M.D. House’s Bold Vision in "Crossroads of Awakening Memory"
Books That Make You Podcast
Step into a rich, genre-bending world with M.D. House as he introduces Crossroads of Awakening Memory, the first book in his expansive fantasy series. Meet Rayne Barrett, a reluctant young hero thrust into a universe filled with dragons, magical talismans, and interdimensional portals. From medieval-inspired worlds to modern Earth, the story weaves fantasy, history, and spiritual exploration into a thrilling tapestry. As Rayne unravels ancient secrets and battles inner doubts, the book delves into timeless themes of faith, identity, and the awakening of forgotten truths. M.D. House shares his...
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S:6 E:57 Sandy Clements Reveals the Secrets Behind Kaleidoscope of Secrets
Books That Make You Podcast
Step into the gripping world of Kaleidoscope of Secrets with author Sandy Clements. In this stimulating interview, Sandy shares the inspiration behind her novel—a fast-paced story of family secrets, a smuggling operation hidden beneath an antique business, and the moral dilemmas faced by the reluctant protagonist, Mia. Learn how Sandy weaves complex family dynamics, suspenseful twists, and a race-against-the-clock plot into an unforgettable thriller. Discover her creative process, from blending personal experiences with fictional drama to crafting relationships that feel real and relatable....
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S:6 E:55 | Discover the Top 15 Books to Add to Your 2025 To-Be-Read List from Books That Make You
Books That Make You Podcast
Ready to refresh your To-Be-Read list for 2025? In this episode of Books That Make You, we explore 15 remarkable titles that will inspire, captivate, and entertain in the coming year. Whether you're into gripping dystopias like Suzanne Collins’ Sunrise on the Reaping, heartfelt memoirs like Terence Ang’s The Boy and The Man, or thrilling mysteries like Sara Winokur’s Ivory Bones, there’s something here for everyone. For fans of the fantastical, Crossroads of Awakening Memory by M.D. House promises an epic journey, while Octavia Butler’s timeless classic Parable of the Sower offers a...
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S:6 E:54 | How Kieren-Paul-Brown’s Challenges Identity Norms In A Provocative Literary Journey
Books That Make You Podcast
Kieren-Paul-Brown is rewriting the rules of storytelling with his novel N-Word, a daring narrative intertwining historical fiction, spiritual exploration, and modern-day social critique. Meet Antonia, an 85-year-old white woman reincarnated as Cara, a young Black social media influencer. The story spans two timelines: the civil rights movement of the 1950s and Cara's tumultuous world in 2024, blending themes of love, identity, and reincarnation. In this conversation, Kieren discusses the inspiration behind the book, his bold choice to write from a female perspective, and how his experiences as...
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S:6 | E:53 Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer: A.G. Flitcher on Black Rose Cocoon
Books That Make You Podcast
Step into the shadowy world of Black Rose Cocoon, where a female serial killer defies some of the darker norms. 🖤 Award-winning author A.G. Flitcher shares the chilling inspiration behind his latest novel, diving deep into the psychology of fear, love, and madness. What sets female killers apart? How do societal reactions shape stories of crime? A.G. Flitcher explores these haunting questions and more in this revealing interview. Plus, get a sneak peek into his next gripping tale, Wasp Oil. Discover why readers can't put down his work, and learn what fuels his unique take on horror and...
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S:6 E:52 | Grief, Secrets, and Redemption: Barbara J. Taylor’s Rain Breaks No Bones
Books That Make You Podcast
Dive into the world of family secrets, historical depth, and emotional redemption with Barbara J. Taylor, author of the Scranton Trilogy. From coal miners to vaudevillians, her richly crafted characters explore life’s complexities in early 20th-century Scranton, Pennsylvania. Discover how tragedy sparks generational stories, how hope persists through Violet’s journey, and the mystical elements that tie it all together. Plus, Barbara shares her insights on writing courageously and crafting relatable characters. And as her stories are filled the likes of miners, evangelists, vaudevillians,...
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S:6 E:51 Poetry & Mysticism with Chelan Harkin: Dive into The Mystical World of Poetry
Books That Make You Podcast
Chelan's poetic journey began at just 21 after a profound, life-altering experience. She describes it as a creative opening—a mystical event where verses flowed through her, bringing comfort, hope, and a newfound sense of wholeness. Her captivating works, including Beloved, Wild Grace, and The Prophetess, The Return of The Prophet from The Voice of The Divine Feminine, serve as pathways for readers to embrace wholeness, find healing after trauma, and connect with the divine feminine. In this episode, Desiree dives into the heart of Chelan's work, exploring how poetry can serve as a balm for...
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S:6 E:50 From Pages to Podcasts: A New Era of Storytelling with Dave Campbell from True Media Solutions
Books That Make You Podcast
Welcome to another exciting episode of Books That Make You. Join us as we dive into the world of podcasting with our special guest, Dave Campbell from True Media Solutions. Dave is a seasoned host and producer of several successful podcasts, and today, he's here to share his insights on how podcasting is revolutionizing storytelling. In this episode, we explore: The transformative impact of podcasting on storytelling and content creation. Tips for authors and professionals looking to start their own podcasts. The potential of podcasting as a revenue stream and its future prospects. Whether...
info_outlineWhat happens when you blend On the Road with The X-Files? You get Skunk Ape Semester, a thrilling yet thoughtful road trip through paranormal Americana. Award-winning author Mike Robinson joins Books That Make You to discuss his latest novel, his fascination with Bigfoot, and how speculative fiction can explore humanity’s biggest questions.
In Skunk Ape Semester, a zoologist embarks on a cross-country journey, interviewing those who claim to have encountered cryptids like the elusive skunk ape—a regional version of Bigfoot. But this is more than a monster hunt. It’s a deep dive into belief, science, and the mysteries that still haunt our world.
Mike Robinson is a prolific author, editor, and illustrator with a passion for speculative fiction. His works weave together supernatural elements, philosophy, and a love for nature, making his books immersive and thought-provoking.
Tune in as we explore cryptozoology, eco-fantasy, and what it means to confront the unknown.