Baseball, Books, and Banter: A Podcast by Nicole Asselin

I love three things in life. Baseball (the Red Sox), books (mostly mystery), and banter! I love to chat. Come join my foray into the podcasting world.

Special Guest: Adam Henig 04/18/2026

Special Guest: Adam Henig Do you know the history of Tigers player Ron LeFlore? If not, you should. My special guest, Adam Henig, discusses his new biography, BASEBALL'S OUTCAST, about the gifted athlete. A roller coaster ride for sure, from petty crime to prison, to the Detroit Tigers major league team. Join us as we discuss baseball of the past, the forgotten people of history, and the complicated life of a great baseball player. It just so happened that the Tigers are playing my Sox this weekend....so it couldn't work out better! Also, the Red Sox season has started. And that's all I have to say about that at the moment. Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins are in the playoffs, baby! Book recommendations. A recap of an amazing Noir at the Bar event. A few thoughts on grief. A little bit of everything in this one. Find Adam: Find me! Buy all recommended books here! Nicole's Starting Lineup on Facebook: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/40922515

Special Guest: Teel James (TJ) Glenn 03/30/2026

Special Guest: Teel James (TJ) Glenn Welcome to the Urban Swashbuckler TJ Glenn! A real jack of all trades, he has had careers as a stuntman, actor, artist, and author! His newest book, Call Down the Lightning, is a thriller touching on aspects of PTSD. We discuss writing as a way to let people be seen and understood, plus the fun of writing fantasy! Also, stay tuned for later this year when his first Jack Silence collection of stories is released by Level Best Books! Find Teel: Find me! Buy all recommended books here! Nicole's Starting Lineup on Facebook: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/40670965

Special Guest: Christi Keating Sumich 03/22/2026

Special Guest: Christi Keating Sumich This is why I do my podcast. Finding authors (or authors finding me) and learning so much about their history and writing process. I was lucky enough to read Christi's book, LAFITTE LIVES, before it's release date. If you like historical fiction, pirates/privateers, New Orleans, and family love, this book is for you! Enjoy the discussion on how a historical book comes together and how personal the story is for the author! Find Christi: Find me: Buy all recommended books here! Nicole's Starting Lineup on Facebook: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/40578765

Special Guest: Kellie (K.L.) Murphy 03/01/2026

Special Guest: Kellie (K.L.) Murphy Welcome Kellie Murphy (author name KL Murphy) to the BBB podcast family! A fellow Level Bestie, we talk about how writing short stories can refine a writer's voice, the importance of research, the struggle of small publishing, and so much more! We also talk about how much we love the crime writing community! Find Kellie: Plus, my most viral Instagram video is also my most annoying (inspired by @camlovessports), USA Olympics, Red Sox Spring Training, and books I recommend! Books include: The Starseekers by Nicole Glover The Carnivale of Curiosities by Amiee Gibbs Dragonflight by Anne McCaffery Midnight on the Celestial by Julia Alexandra Find all the books at this link: Find me! Buy all recommended books here! Nicole's Starting Lineup on Facebook: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/40270220

Special Guest: The Return of Darlene Dziomba (The Sequel!) 02/22/2026

Special Guest: The Return of Darlene Dziomba (The Sequel!) So excited to welcome back my friend Darlene Dziomba to the podcast for the third time! She's the first member of the three-timer club and then she starts a baseball rumor that is so explosive I want to make sure we get credit if it actually happens. Come for the book talk, stay for the piping hot trade rumors (between the Phillies and Red Sox anyway). We talk about her newest book, the 5th (!) in her Lily Dreyfus series out on February 24. Find Darlene: Plus, things I'm obsessed with, Author Trading Cards, and book recommendations! My book recs: by Anna Lee Huber by Paula Lafferty by Kate Quinn Find me: Buy all recommended books here! Nicole's Starting Lineup on Facebook: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/40190450

Special Guest: Dale T. Phillips (and Super Bowl predictions!) 02/08/2026

Special Guest: Dale T. Phillips (and Super Bowl predictions!) It's the return of Dale T. Phillips. This guy literally does EVERYTHING. Writes, teaches, competes on Jeopardy, and gives Super Bowl predictions. Spoiler alert: both NE residents pick NE to win. Plus, things I'm obsessed with: Annie's Book Stop in Raynham, Olympic Curling (the best!), and of course, Diet Coke. Book recommendations can be found on my Bookshop.com link! Find Dale T Phillips: Tewksbury Writers Group next event: Find me: Buy all recommended books here! Nicole's Starting Lineup on Facebook: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/40037285

Special Guests: Sandy (S. Lee) and James (JB) Manning 01/31/2026

Special Guests: Sandy (S. Lee) and James (JB) Manning Happy finally end of January! Sandy and Jim Manning are two authors that I've had the pleasure of meeting at the NE Crime Bake every year. Not only are they authors in their own right, they are also collaborating on a new joint venture! They join me from sunny Florida to discuss all things writing! Sandy (S. Lee): Jim (JB): Together: Plus, book recs! Including: Daniel SIlva Simone St. James Julie Mulhern Find me: Nicole's Starting Lineup on Facebook: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/39946535

Special Guest: Carmela Dutra 01/18/2026

Special Guest: Carmela Dutra Happy 2026! The world is on fire! But at least there are still books (for now). My first episode of the new season is the awesome Carmela Dutra! Her debut cozy mystery, A MURDER MOST FOWL, is laugh out loud funny, and hits all the right cozy points with a clever twist. Plus, the writers journey, always shooting your shot, and the process of creating these worlds! Find Carmela: Plus, things I'm obsessed with including: Owl Impressions on Tik Tok New sports follows (NBA) and (all sports) on TikTok Legos. Cause I'm an adult. Book Recommendations: by Jess Armstrong: https://writingjess.com/series/ruby-vaughn-mysteries/ by Jack Campbell (most recently a Twist in Time) by Julie McElwain Find me: Nicole's Starting Lineup on Facebook: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/39775680

Special Guest: The Return of Olivia Blacke! 12/21/2025

Special Guest: The Return of Olivia Blacke! This is the best. Olivia Blacke is one my favorite people in the mystery world, and I was so glad she decided to come back on the podcast! She was my first ever guest when I started this journey in 2023. Now she's my final guest of 2025! Since we last spoke, she released a new series that I'm OBSESSED with. Go get those books now to get ready for number 3. We also talk our obsession with Malice Domestic, Mia P. Manasala books, and Hank Phillipi Ryan. Plus, my every episode appeal to Diet Coke. Happy Holidays All! Find Olivia here: Find me: Nicole's Starting Lineup on Facebook: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/39487005

Special Guest: Dennis Gaub 12/08/2025

Special Guest: Dennis Gaub Apparently your girl is now on the list of places to go when you have a new baseball book! I was so happy that Dennis Gaub reached out to me to chat about his newest book. The story of an pitcher from Montana who ended up part of the group that changed baseball free agency forever. Before we even got to talking baseball we talked about orgins of names and how Montana became home to some German/Russians. His newest book, Dave McNally: The Montanan Who Revolutionized Baseball is available now! Plus, baseball. Obviously. Find Dennis: Find Me: Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/39329880

Special Guest: Elle Jauffret 11/16/2025

Special Guest: Elle Jauffret Bonjour! Come meet friend and fellow Level Best Book author Elle Jauffret! We talk about a bunch of things, including how to not limit yourself when writing, benefits of a military lifestyle, food, and even a little cosplay! Find Elle Plus, if you're in Southern California go to her book launch on Dec 6 at Mysterious Galaxy! Plus, my weekly reminder to Diet Coke that I'm here for them. Whenever they want to send me some diet coke I'm ready. Also, a wrap up of the NE Crime Bake. Find me: Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/39052660

Special Guest: Nannette Potter 10/28/2025

Special Guest: Nannette Potter Welcome back to thriller writer Nannette Potter! The second book in her "Blade" Broussard series is out now. We talk research, writing a thriller, travel, and how to caputre the essence of a closed society (North Korea). A little bit of everything! Check out the amazing animated book cover on her website: Plus, my episodic reminder to Diet Coke to sponsor me, the state of Boston sports, the World Series, and of course book recommendations! Plus, shout out to WBZ radio for the pub at the Boston Book Festival! Find me: Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/38812945

Special Guest: Erica Miner 10/12/2025

Special Guest: Erica Miner Well, the Red Sox season ended, but hockey season has started with bang! Join me as I discuss Opera, theatre, and the politics of a backstage life with author Erica Miner. So much good information in this discussion. Also, things I'm obsessed with...Diet Coke, my diet coke ghost shirt, 7th Inning Candles on Etsy, and the hopefully Mariners vs. Brewers WS! Find Erica: Find me! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/38555570

Special Guest: Adrian Andover 09/01/2025

Special Guest: Adrian Andover Meet the newest cozy myster writer on the block! Adrian Andover's debut cozy, WHISKEY BUSINESS, is out this month. We talk the coziness of it all, family, community, author routines, and even give the people a Pennsylvania geography lesson. Plus, book recommendations, things I'm obsessed with, and some good natured Pirates/Red Sox smack talk (not really). Find Adrian: Find me! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/38047560

Special Guest: Denise Latham 08/24/2025

Special Guest: Denise Latham Welcome local author and Plymouth resident Denise Latham to the podcast! So many great tips on writing while busy and how she keeps her ideas fresh! Also, my obsession with Diet Coke, the Red Sox, and historical mysteries! Find Denise: Find me! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/37937785

Special Guest: Michael Carini 08/08/2025

Special Guest: Michael Carini Join me as I chat with local celebrity Michael Carini about his YA adult series featuring historical objects. If you like National Treasure and Indiana Jones this series is for you! Book two is coming, but you can pick up book one now! Also, he shows some super cool baseball cards from his collection and we talk presidential history! Also, things I'm obsessed with including my new hat from BeltaPrint, Tiktok Shop, and book recommendations! Find Michael at Find me! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/37729355

Special Guest: Elise Hart Kipness 08/02/2025

Special Guest: Elise Hart Kipness Welcome back to favorite Elise Hart Kipness! Her Kate Green series is one of my favorites, and the newest one is set to be released Aug 19, set in the dramatic world of US Open Tennis! We talk about everything from thriller writing, found writing family, book tours, and even labradoodles. Also, her first two books are on KU right now! Also, things I'm obsesssed with including the Tour de France, BBC's Bargain Hunt, and Sour Patch Kid Watermelon candies. Find Elise here (and see her on her book tour!): Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/37646220

Special Guest: Sharon Healy-Yang 07/20/2025

Special Guest: Sharon Healy-Yang Returning guest Sharon Healy-Yang discusses re-releasing her series, editing old stories, the freedom of writing with age, and of course the love of witty, snappy dialogue! Plus, things I'm obsessed with. Mainly my Svaha.com dresses. Always. Come for the book recommendations, stay for the publishing advice! (With special shout outs to Jenny Adams and Kelly Oliver). Find Sharon: Find me: Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/37473215

Special Guest: The Baseball Book Club 07/13/2025

Special Guest: The Baseball Book Club I love talking baseball. I love talking with people who love talking baseball. John and Leroy from "The Baseball Book Club" podcast are two such individuals. A wide-ranging discussion that includes ownership woes, rivalries, nostalgia, history, and baseball cards. Hot takes allowed, but cold takes are also allowed. Find their podcast here: Facebook: Find me! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/37391180

Special Guest: Mary Seifert 07/07/2025

Special Guest: Mary Seifert Returning guest Mary Seifert joins me to talk about the 10th (!) book in her series. AIRPLANES, ATLANTA, AND AN ASSASSIAN is the next in the Katie and Maverick mystery series. We talk series, publishing, baseball, and research. Plus, book recommendations, upcoming events, and the furture of the series! Find Mary: Find me! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/37306985

Special Guest: Jule Selbo 06/22/2025

Special Guest: Jule Selbo Today's special guest is the amazing Jule Selbo. Author of the Dee Rommel mysteries, she is a former script writer in Hollywood, current playwright, professor, and novelist! She is also one of my earliest publishing siblings. We talk about her journey, the differences between the skills, and the future of Dee! Also, my Raffy Devers thoughts/feelings, things I'm obsessed with, and book recommendations! Plus, my summer book sale is live! Books 1 & 2 for $25, email me for info! Find Jule: Find me: Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/37103340

Special Guest: Kate Michaelson 06/08/2025

Special Guest: Kate Michaelson Welcome back to the podcast! Starting season 4 off with a great interview with relatively new author Kate Michaelson! Her debut novel, HIDDEN ROOMS, was released in April 2024 with a sequel coming soon (also possible standalone!)! We talk the importance of having supportive family, great beta readers, and why technical writers make the best mystery writers! Find her: Find me! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/36907790

Special Guest: Zak Ford 05/04/2025

Special Guest: Zak Ford Welcome to the Season 3 season finale! Sometimes Facebook uses it's forces for good. A friend posted about a book event with Zak Ford, who recently published a book on getting called up to the Major Leagues. Fittingly titled, "Called Up" Full of stories about MLB lifers, players who stopped for a cup of coffee in the bigs, and some who may have only been called up a few times without impact. We talk all things divided loyalty in baseball, favorite moments, and harmless pranks. Plus, Malice Domestic roundup, my sadness at the Casas injury, and of course publishing news! Also, vote for me in the Women Podasting Awards in the Authors and Books category here: Find Zak: Find me: Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/36425990

Special Guest: George Cramer 04/07/2025

Special Guest: George Cramer Take a listen to the latest podcast with guest George Cramer! We discuss his journey, the Navy, life as a private investigator, and interviewing/interrogation. Stay tuned for the end of the interview for a special treat! With a guest appearance by FERN! Also, Things I'm obsessed with including the #CrimeWritersforTransRights results, Have I Got News for You on CNN, and the newest bookstore on the South Shore, Find George: Find Me: Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/36042295

Special Guest: Debra H. Goldstein 03/29/2025

Special Guest: Debra H. Goldstein Join me as I chat with "triple threat" Debra Goldstein about writing novels, writing short stories, and the transition from law to writing! Plus, an adorable story about how she met her husband and became a southern lady! Also, things I'm obsessed with including S Beauty Spa in Braintree, a new bookstore in Norwood (Books and Bulldogs), and the Crime Writers for Trans Rights auction I'm taking part in! Bid from now until April 1st at Find Debra: Find me: Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/35919365

Special Guest: Elizabeth "Beth" DeWolfe 03/23/2025

Special Guest: Elizabeth "Beth" DeWolfe Since reading Elizabeth DeWolfe's upcoming book Alias Agnes, I'm obsessed with these women forgotten by history. Join us as we talk how to find these stories, writing while working as a full time professor, the importance of Dairy Queen napkins, and our mutual friend/author Edith Maxwell! Find Elizabeth DeWolfe: Find me: Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/35825490

Special Guest: Elizabeth Crowens 03/10/2025

Special Guest: Elizabeth Crowens This was such a fun discussion! Elizabeth Crowen's newest book is out now! Join us as we talk about panels, conventions, learning new things, and honoring old friends. Also, book recommendations, things I'm obsessed with, and my super hot sports takes! All while I'm hopped up on cold medicine! You don't want to miss it! Find Elizabeth: Find me: Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/35612775

Special Guest: Connie Berry 02/16/2025

Special Guest: Connie Berry Lucky number 13! Join me as I chat with the awesome Connie Berry. Author of the Kate Hamilton mysteries, president of the GUPPIES, and traveller. The links between history and writing, character, and setting all topics that we discuss. Plus, things I'm obsessed with and book recommendations! Find Connie Berry Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/35303590

Special Guest: Christine Knapp 02/09/2025

Special Guest: Christine Knapp Come meet fellow South Shore author Christine Knapp. We talk about a lot of things including, nursing/midwifery, writing groups, publishing, and even a little hit of 2004 Red Sox memories. I did forget to talk about my book recommendations this week, but just know I'm reading a lot! Find Christine at Find me: Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/35212180

Special Guest: Jennifer Chow 01/26/2025

Special Guest: Jennifer Chow Back with a fresh episode featuring the delightful (and Left Coast Crime nominee) Jennifer Chow! We talk about her journey, the differences between indie and traditional publishing, and family. Plus, so much more! And buy her newest release in the Magical Fortune Cookie Mysteries, STAR CROSSED EGG TARTS! Plus, things I'm obsessed with...Modern Millie dress store in Salem, Alex Warren's new song, and the PEM's clarvoiant exhibit (through 2/2) Find Jennifer here: Find me! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/35017345

Baseball, Books, and Banter: A Podcast by Nicole Asselin

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