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: 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

Special Guest: Lynn Slaughter 01/19/2025

Special Guest: Lynn Slaughter Join my guest Lynn Slaughter to discuss writing for Young Adults, Sociolgy, and dance! I loved learning about how dance influenced her life and her new career as an author! Also, we dive into short stories, writing for adults vs. teens, and how football is sort of a performing art. Find Lynn on socials and at her website: also, if you have orders for minature book art, shoot me an email or see my Kofi! Find me! (When it comes back!!) Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/34911870

Special Guest: Kevin Hurd 12/16/2024

Special Guest: Kevin Hurd I love talking baseball. I love learning about baseball. And this podcast was so fun where I got to do both! Kevin Hurd is the author of FROM RANDY JOHNSON TO DALLAS BRADEN: NO HITTERS BEYOND THE BOX SCORE VOL I & II. Filled with stories, stats, and interviews, this discussion went all over the place. Also, book recommendations and things I'm obsessed with (hint, it's a department store). Happy Holidays! Find Kevin's books here: Find me! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/34473620

Special Guest: Marilyn Levinson 12/09/2024

Special Guest: Marilyn Levinson Welcome Marilyn Levinson/Allison Brook to the podcast! She writes under both names, but all her marketing is from one person, Marilyn! This discussion was so fun about ghosts, cats (of course), and a mini-foray into classic baseball talk/stupid boy discussions. Find her: Also, things I'm obsessed with (which includes a certain Disney elf all over TikTok). Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/34349820

Special Guest: Donalee Moulton 12/01/2024

Special Guest: Donalee Moulton From a sunny spot in Nova Scotia, the incredible Donalee Moulton. We barely scratch the surface of her writing/journalism career, her new focus on mysteries, and her time as a yogi. Find her: Find me! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/34220775

Special Guest: William F. Carter 11/24/2024

Special Guest: William F. Carter Come meet my new friend (and muscian) William "Bill" F. Carter! His debut crime thriller "Fire and Wrath" is out now. We became fast friends at a B&N local author event, and I brought him into the world of the NE Crime Bake. Now, he's on his way! Also, he will be playing Bob Crachit in a production of "A Christmas Carol" this year! Note: I'm no longer on Twitter/X. My Blue Sky profile is linked below! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/34128031

Special Guest: Jenny Adams 11/04/2024

Special Guest: Jenny Adams I was so excited to chat with Jenny Adams, historical mystery author, that we ran out of time! The first ever actual cut off of the podcast! Jenny was amazing and I loved learning about her process, how her publishing journey came about, and also about Mister the dog. Plus, how does research of monsters in 14th century french literature translate in to research of Jazz Age Philly. Find her at: (and see her live Nov 9 at the grand opening of the new B&N in Georgetown!) Find me: Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/33779877

Special Guest: Bobblehead Georg 10/27/2024

Special Guest: Bobblehead Georg These guys are great! Two out of the three Bobblehead George (David and Eric) creators (plus their amazing videographer Alex) join me to talk about what they do, how they do it, and what to expect at their fundraiser on November 14 (hint, it includes a silent auction prize donated by me!). Get your tickets and check out their videos here: Find me! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/33631357

Special Guest: Judy Penz Sheluk 10/19/2024

Special Guest: Judy Penz Sheluk I love learning about other writers and their journey to publication! Judy is a wealth of great information and her latest helps to dispel some of the mystery and myths of publishing. Find her at (and enjoy her blog!) Find me: Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/33525617

Special Guest: Sharon Michalove 10/14/2024

Special Guest: Sharon Michalove Now you can watch on YouTube as well! Join Sharon and I in a wide-ranging discussion featuring talk of France, history, and second-chance romance! Plus, appearances by Caroline Bingley. AND! I remembered to do some books at the end. Shout outs to my new obsessions: The Boston Bruins, GBBO, and kindle back inserts inspired by @shireshelf on TikTok and items from Find Sharon at Find Me! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/33450342

Special Guest: Dr. Millicent Eidson 10/06/2024

Special Guest: Dr. Millicent Eidson Welcome back! This episode is a conversation with Dr. Millicent Eidson, author of the Dr. Maya Maquire mystery series. We talk about animal diseases, the plague in New Mexico, a smattering of baseball. Come for the conversation between GUPPIES, stay for my thoughts on the mid Red Sox season. Find Dr. Eidson at Find Me! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/33344842

Special Guest: Sharon Healy-Yang 08/04/2024

Special Guest: Sharon Healy-Yang Sharon Healy-Yang, retired professor, full-time old movie savant! Come learn about how she puts her love of classic movies into her books, how she creates her world, and also her upcoming 4th book in the series (featuring a seance!). Also, learn where Bette Davis is originally from! This is also the end of season 2. I hope you enjoyed and hope you come back in the fall for more author fun! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/32432092

Special Guest: Janet Raye Stevens 07/21/2024

Special Guest: Janet Raye Stevens Time Travel? Yes, please! Janet Raye Stevens and her Beryl Blue Time Cop series are featured on the podcast this week! She's the best, and I love Sully. Plus, find out her best Fenway Park moments! (Spoiler Alert: They rarely have anything to do with the actual game :)) Find Janet here: Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/32230652

Special Guest: Rosie/Rosalie Pease 07/01/2024

Special Guest: Rosie/Rosalie Pease Find Rosie here: A fun discussion about romance writing, baseball teams, the Savannah Bananas (shout out Jackson Olson), and much much more! Things I'm obsessed with (including new book store Sweet Reads & Candy and the Tour de France). Plus, book recommendations! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/31966697

Between Innings - Red Sox are Mid Edition 06/03/2024

Between Innings - Red Sox are Mid Edition Just me flying solo for this quick one! Celtics! Bruins! Red Sox! Book Recommendations! Cookie thoughts! Hot takes galore! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/31586937

Special Guest: Patrick Noote - Baseballmapper.com 04/14/2024

Special Guest: Patrick Noote - Baseballmapper.com Do you know all the baseball teams around you? You'd be surprised! I talk with Patrick Noote, part of the team. He talks about how the project came about and the value of baseball! Plus, he's a new audiobook narrator! Learn more about that too! Plus, more book recommendations, my less than excited Red Sox report card, and updates about upcoming events! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/30816493

Special Guest: CB Wilson 04/08/2024

Special Guest: CB Wilson BAT DOGS! That's right...move over bat boys, it's the dogs turn! CB Wilson joins me to discuss her Barkview mystery series, bat dogs in the major leagues, rescues, and a little pickleball too! Sign the petition below to bring bat dogs to MLB! Find CB at Find me! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/30733498

Special Guest: The Return of Rich Feitelberg 03/24/2024

Special Guest: The Return of Rich Feitelberg He's back! South Shore MA Fantasy (and others) author Rich Feitelberg. Make sure to head to Tatnuck Books in Central Mass on April 6 for his fantasy panel! Also, more things I'm obsessed with, including new art friends at Find me: Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/30517898

Special Guest: Lauren Silberman/Daphne Silver 03/17/2024

Special Guest: Lauren Silberman/Daphne Silver Come meet my friend Lauren Silberman (alias Daphne Silver), author of the Rare Books cozy mystery series! We became fast friends at Malice Domestic, and FINALLY connected on the podcast! Find out more about her and her books here: Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/30407943

Special Guest: Edith Maxwell/Maddie Day 03/08/2024

Special Guest: Edith Maxwell/Maddie Day Edith Maxwell of the Wicked Authors and the author of (including her Maddie Day persona) over 30 books!! Her new book, A CASE FOR THE LADIES, is out now! Also, things I'm obsessed with and what I'm currently reading! Find me! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/30292373

Special Guest: The Return of Darlene Dziomba 02/28/2024

Special Guest: The Return of Darlene Dziomba Darlene is back! My first ever returning guest. We talk her mysteries, her Phillies, and the see-through pants scandal of Spring Training. Plus, lots of writing stuff! Pick up book three of hers below! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/30156168

Special Guest: Korina Moss 02/19/2024

Special Guest: Korina Moss Do you have strong opinions about chesse? Then buckle up for Korina Moss, the author of the Cheese Shop mystery series. Learn about how the books came about, how she captures the Sonoma Valley feel while in New England, and how McDonald's factors in to everything! Find Korina at Read about the Wicked Authors at (Just to clarify...wicked as in Boston slang). If you're on Tik Tok, follow me below. I have also opened a Tik Tok Shop for signed books and swag! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support me and the podcast! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/30018958

Special Guest: Christina Castle 02/08/2024

Special Guest: Christina Castle I love libraries. So when a Librarian reaches out about coming on the show, you're darn right I'll schedule it! Christina Castle works at the Thayer Public Library in Braintree, MA. She hosts several book clubs at the library and also provides 60 sec recs on YouTube Listen to two book nerds tell you about what styles they like, hot takes about publishing, and a good ol' fashioned book recommendations! Nicole's Starting Lineup: Support Me! /episode/index/show/3cf3479f-b255-4ba5-936c-ed11ad1e8817/id/29861918

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

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