The Way We Word podcast

#Books #Arts #Audio Drama #Sarah Jenkins #Angela Redden

35:36

In the latest episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Sam Huang, Principal at BMW iVentures, for a candid conversation to explore the dynamic intersection of venture capital, artificial intelligence, robotics, and manufacturing innovation. Sam shares BMW iVentures’ investment thesis, focusing on Series A and B startups across the US, Europe, and Israel, with a strong emphasis on AI-driven SaaS, automation, and onshoring trends driven by labor shortages and supply chain disruptions. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on the evolving venture diligence process, the importance of product-market fit, and how higher ARR benchmarks reflect both market maturity and macroeconomic factors like rising interest rates. Sam also candidly discusses his unconventional career path—from a Stanford history PhD program to law school and ultimately venture capital—highlighting how diverse experiences enhance investment acumen. The conversation delves into the benefits of corporate venture capital, especially BMW’s hands-on support and networking advantages for portfolio companies. Additionally, Sam reveals how AI is integrated internally at BMW iVentures to optimize workflow and decision-making. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of innovation, investment strategy, and the transformative impact of AI and robotics on global industries. Learn more about Sam's work at https://www.bmwiventures.com/ and her involvement with the Asian Tech Collective at https://www.asiantechcollective.com/ Connect with Sam on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-huang-10375b106/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

The Way We Word

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From story idea to a book in the reader’s hand and everything that happens in between, The Way We Word is a podcast about writing, publishing, and the journey of storytelling. Hosted by author Sarah Jenkins and bookseller Angela Redden, each episode will inspire, inform, and encourage writers and storytellers from all walks of life no matter where you are in your journey. Join us as we delve into trending topics, discuss all things bookish, interview exciting guests, and seek to shed a brighter, clearer light on the way stories are told.

40 episodes

The Way We Word

updated 20 days ago

Series home•Feed

40 episodes

#Books #Arts #Audio Drama #Sarah Jenkins #Angela Redden

All episodes

1
Is it Just Write? 44:41

20 days ago44:41

44:41

Write for perfection or write first and edit later? On this week's episode Angela and Sarah take a look at that messy first draft and whether or not we should polish before completion. Can a first draft be polished and ready? Do all stories have a place? How many eyes need to be on a manuscript before it's published? How well do you know your characters? How well do you know your story? Join the conversation as we explore writing instincts, the pressure we put on ourselves to get it right the first time, the importance of writers groups, and learning to trust yourself in the process. Find us on the socials! Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Or send us an email at thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com…

1
Interview with Voiceover Artist Charlotte Ann 23:41

27 days ago23:41

23:41

June was audiobook month and Angela and Sarah had the opportunity to talk with award-winning voiceover artist, Charlotte Ann. Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite audiobook or how the narrator makes their voice convey so many emotions that pull you farther into the story? Charlotte Ann talks all things voice work and how she uses her vocals to touch the hearts and minds of listeners in many different genres. CHarlotte's Bio: Charlotte has honed her talents to become a fiercely dedicated, award winning voiceover artist who is as friendly as she is skilled. She has that great girl-next-door, conversational, believable voice that listeners can easily relate to. She's also confident in the worlds of pharma and tech and can explain complicated concepts clearly. She takes great pride in her voiceover work and strives to give her clients "rainbows and unicorns" with every opportunity. Born in the New York Bronx and later perfecting her cow-tipping skills in Ohio, Charlotte has been active in the performing arts ever since she debuted as an Angel in her first grade Christmas Pageant. Rave reviews followed her as she graduated from Fort Hayes Performing Arts High School and into the University of Southern California's Theatre program. Charlotte resides in sunny Los Angeles with her hubby and beloved sparkly voiceover booth. She enjoys scuba diving, traveling, and doing nightly "shows" with her dog, Piper. She also sings with the world-renowned Angel City Chorale. Find her online: https://www.charlotte-ann.com/#about Find us on the socials: Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. Or send us an email to thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com…

1
June New Releases 42:29

5 weeks ago42:29

42:29

June has flown by, but these new releases are hot off the presses and ready for readers to dive right in. Angela and Sarah discuss what's new, what they're looking forward to reading, and authors that should be on everyone's radar. What are you reading this summer? Let us know and join the conversation! Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Or send us an email to: thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com Books and authors mentioned in this episode: (be sure to check out bookshop.org and choose Reading Rock Books in Dickson, Tennessee at checkout) Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell https://bookshop.org/p/books/dont-let-him-in-lisa-jewell/21866724?ean=9781668033876&next=t Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid https://bookshop.org/p/books/atmosphere-a-love-story-taylor-jenkins-reid/21972372?ean=9780593158715&next=t So Far Gone by Jess Walter https://bookshop.org/p/books/so-far-gone-jess-walter/21845730?ean=9780062868145&next=t Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter https://bookshop.org/p/books/beautiful-ruins-jess-walter/9038753?ean=9780061928178&next=t The Cold Millions by Jess Walter https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-cold-millions-jess-walter/14027227?ean=9780062868091&next=t Fox by Joyce Carol Oates https://bookshop.org/p/books/fox-joyce-carol-oates/21815717?ean=9780593978085&next=t Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab https://bookshop.org/p/books/bury-our-bones-in-the-midnight-soil-v-e-schwab/21504341?ean=9781250320520&next=t The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-listeners-maggie-stiefvater/21787842?ean=9780593655504&next=t The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (Raven Cycle Trilogy) https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-raven-boys-the-raven-cycle-book-1-volume-1-maggie-stiefvater/15283633?ean=9780545424936&next=t King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby https://bookshop.org/p/books/king-of-ashes-s-a-cosby/21879054?ean=9781250832061&next=t With A Vengeance by Riley Sager https://bookshop.org/p/books/with-a-vengeance-riley-sager/21856750?ean=9780593472408&next=t Final Girls by Riley Sager https://bookshop.org/p/books/final-girls-riley-sager/8619419?ean=9781101985380&next=t Ordinary Love by Marie Rutkoski https://bookshop.org/p/books/ordinary-love-marie-rutkoski/21796398?ean=9780593803264&next=t The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-girls-who-grew-big-leila-mottley/21835221?ean=9780593801123&next=t The Great Mann by Kyra Davis Lurie https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-great-mann-kyra-davis-lurie/21788127?ean=9780593800867&next=t Dan In Green Gables by Rey Terciero https://bookshop.org/p/books/dan-in-green-gables-a-graphic-novel-a-modern-reimagining-of-anne-of-green-gables-rey-terciero/21786413?ean=9780593385586&next=t Road Home by Rex Ogle https://bookshop.org/p/books/road-home-rex-ogle/20614893?ean=9781324019923&next=t Far and Away by Amy Poeppel https://bookshop.org/p/books/far-and-away-amy-poeppel/21872554?ean=9781668022856&next=t Today at School With Yesterday and Tomorrow by Jessica Young https://bookshop.org/p/books/today-at-school-with-yesterday-and-tomorrow-jessica-young/21818006?ean=9780593812754&next=t…

1
What Makes a Good Title? 41:57

7 weeks ago41:57

41:57

We're back! This week we dive into titles and why choosing the right title for a book is important. From trends, genre, story details, publisher and author choices, what we call a story can have a huge impact on sales, reader appeal, and even our own judgment (don't judge a book by its title?) Angela and Sarah discuss confusing titles, controversial titles, and advice on choosing the right title for a story. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Or send us an email to thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com Books mentioned in this episode: Helen of Troy 1993 by Maria Zoccola https://bookshop.org/p/books/helen-of-troy-1993-poems-maria-zoccola/21580400?ean=9781668046333&next=t All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby https://bookshop.org/p/books/all-the-sinners-bleed-s-a-cosby/18738107?ean=9781250831927&next=t Dog Bless You by Alex Miller https://bookshop.org/p/books/dog-bless-you-discovering-god-s-love-through-man-s-best-friend-alex-miller/22469362?ean=9781641469340&next=t&next=t It's One of Us by J. T. Ellison https://bookshop.org/p/books/it-s-one-of-us-first-time-trade-j-t-ellison/20059850?ean=9780778310952&next=t If You Were My Daughter by Marianne Richmond https://bookshop.org/p/books/if-you-were-my-daughter-a-memoir-of-healing-an-unmothered-heart/f03973641cba801e?ean=9781464231933&next=t Maggie:or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee https://bookshop.org/p/books/maggie-or-a-man-and-a-woman-walk-into-a-bar-katie-yee/21930349?ean=9781668084212&next=t Shifting Time by Kelly Bennett Seiler https://bookshop.org/p/books/shifting-time-kelly-bennett-seiler/7876351?ean=9781593096502&next=t What If by Randall Munroe https://bookshop.org/p/books/what-if-serious-scientific-answers-to-absurd-hypothetical-questions-randall-munroe/7083933?ean=9780544272996&next=t…

1
Interview with Author Art Bell 48:49

11 weeks ago48:49

48:49

Welcome back, Everyone! This week author Art Bell joins the show to introduce his latest book What She's Hiding, discuss the transition from writing memoir to thrillers, and share how his time at Comedy Central and Court TV informed and shaped his writing. Art is a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for readers, writers, and storytellers across the board. Art Bell is a former television executive. As president of Court TV, he oversaw daily live courtroom coverage and the production of hundreds of hours of original true-crime television series, documentaries, and movies. His memoir Constant Comedy: How I Started Comedy Central and Lost My Sense of Humor, was a finalist in the 2020 Best Book Awards in both the memoir and business categories. Bell has had short stories, nonfiction, and satire published in several journals, including Lowestoft Chronicle, Aethlon: The Journal of Sports Literature, The Ocotillo Review, Fiction Southeast, Castabout Arts and Literature, High Shelf Press, and Writers Read . What She’s Hiding is his first novel. Find Art at his website: https://www.artbellwriter.com As always, you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Or send us an email: thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com Books mentioned in this episode: What She's Hiding by Art Bell https://bookshop.org/p/books/stranger-to-danger-art-bell/21048144?ean=9781646047512&next=t The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-glass-castle-a-memoir-jeannette-walls/951745?ean=9780743247542&next=t…

1
Should Authors Use AI To Write Books? 47:54

12 weeks ago47:54

47:54

Welcome back! This week Angela and Sarah take on the elephant in the room. Should authors use artificial intelligence to write their books? Should publishers cut overhead costs by having AI write contracts, design covers, and write copy, etc? Is there a difference between using AI as a tool to aid performance vs letting it do the bulk of the work for you? We tackle everything in this episode about one of the most heated debates in the art world today. We also look at the future and where these trends are going. No matter where you stand, we all need to be prepared for the changing times we live in. Let us know what you think! Send us all your opinions on AI, art, and writing. Are you worried? Afraid? Excited? We want to know! Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Or send an email to thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com Books mentioned in this episode: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro https://bookshop.org/p/books/klara-and-the-sun-kazuo-ishiguro/18514778?ean=9780593311295&next=t The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-uglies-collection-uglies-pretties-specials-extras-scott-westerfeld/12981965?ean=9781534432673&next=t Support your local independent bookstore! Be sure to add Reading Rock Books to your bookshop.org order.…

1
Why We Need Poetry 48:48

13 weeks ago48:48

48:48

In honor of National Poetry Month, Cameron Mitchell is on the show this week to talk about the power of poetry and how it connects us to our humanity and our communities, and how it shapes our perspective on the world around us. Why is poetry important? Do we fully appreciate poetry? Is the right emphasis being placed on poetry in schools? Join the conversation as we dive into verse, spoken word, and the world of rhyming thought with one of Nashville's premier poets, Cameron L. Mitchell. Cameron L. Mitchell is an international artist known for his transformative storytelling. Honored as the 2022 Poet Laureate of Murfreesboro, he is the founder of Free Fyre, an arts organization dedicated to mental health advocacy and community engagement globally. An award-winning actor, Cameron is known for his role as Corey Maxson in “Fences” (Nashville Rep) which received the award for Best Contemporary Drama. Cameron is also starring in the feature film “Dating My Past” that premiered internationally in Curacao currently streaming online. As an artist he has collaborated with organizations like Disney, Legacy Foundation in Japan, Nafasi Art Space in Tanzania, and PBS. Find Cameron on Facebook and Instagram at Cameron L. Mitchell and Camspeaks1 or at his website: https://www.freefyre.org Find us on the socials: Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Or send an email to thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for listening!…

1
The Journey of Storytelling 47:41

15 weeks ago47:41

47:41

This week Angela and Sarah welcome author Melissa Grace to discuss the journey of storytelling and what it means to be an "extraordinary" person. Learn how each of us got our start, how we met, and what propels us on the road to storytelling today. Melissa offers a beautiful take on how grief inspires stories and how writing can be used as a powerful tool for processing grief. Melissa's latest book Marjorie and Me releases August 19. Find us on the socials: Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Or you can send us an email at thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com We'd love to hear from you!…

1
Are You A Good Literary Citizen? 46:20

17 weeks ago46:20

46:20

What informs your decision to buy a book vs just borrowing it? Does it matter how successful an author is as to whether or not you purchase? This week we are diving into what it means to be a good literary citizen based on a clip from the Pen Pals podcast with hosts Kelton Wright and Krisserin Canary. How should we profile our buying choices? Is it important to purchase books? How do sales impact authors, book deals, and what remains in print? Can we support the publishing industry and our local library at the same time? Angela and Sarah give their thoughts on all of this and more. Disclaimer: the thoughts expressed in this episode are based on a clip from the aforementioned podcast and not the entire episode. The clip was used as a thought-provoking conversation starter and not meant to be a critique on the Pen Pals podcast itself or full content from their show. What are your thoughts? We'd love to hear form you! Finf us on the socials: Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. Or send us an email to thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com Have you listened to the Pen Pals podcast?? Find them on Spotify and show them some love as well. https://open.spotify.com/show/4dfnjo9y1crwxLsACOiqEC?si=0ae989e694a84a05…

1
Behind the Scenes of Your Local Bookstore 47:43

18 weeks ago47:43

47:43

Ever wondered how books get assigned to the shelves at your favorite bookstore? In this week's episode Angela gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Reading Rock Books and how they curate the titles on their shelves. Is it a simple task? How much influence do employees and community members have? Can the same book sit on multiple shelves? Angela and Sarah discuss all of this and more. Do you have a favorite bookshop? Let us know! Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads or send an email to thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com…

1
Meta's War On Careless People 41:09

19 weeks ago41:09

41:09

Have you heard the buzz about Sarah Wynn-Williams' new memoir Careless People? This week we are taking a look at the case that's making headlines. To print or not to print? That's the question being posed in this high-profile case. Sarah Wynn-Williams is the former director of public policy for Facebook. In her new memoir Careless People, published by Flatiron Books, Wynn-Williams exposes what she claims are policies that promote growth and personal agendas at the expense of safety. In an earlier interview with NPR, Wynn-Williams said, "Mark Zuckerberg looks at the world as if it's a board game, like a game of Risk. And it's about occupying every territory, building an empire. Those are the things that concern him, not the sort of real-world impact of what that means." There is even an allegation of sexual assualt among many other alarming concerns. Since the release of this bestseller, Meta has filed an injunction against Wynn-Williams claiming a violation of her severence agreement. She is currently banned from speaking about her book, but that isn't stopping Flatiron and Macmillan from continuing their publication of this whistleblowing memoir. Angela and Sarah dive into all of this and the implications it has on future books and authors, and whether there is ever an appropriate time to silence the written word. NPR Interview: https://www.npr.org/2025/03/14/nx-s1-5318854/former-meta-executive-barred-from-discussing-criticism-of-the-company Let us know your thoughts! Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Or send us an email at: thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com…

1
Interview with Publicist Kourtney Jason 46:47

21 weeks ago46:47

46:47

Welcome back! This week Angela and Sarah chat with Pacific and Court publicist Kourtney Jason about what goes on behind the scenes in the months leading up to a book's release. What is the job of a publicist? Do authors need one? What expectations should authors have when partnering with a publicist? Kourtney dives into these questions and more as she sheds light on what it takes to create a successful book campaign and how to choose a publicist that's a good fit for you. Kourtney Jason is the president and co-founder of Pacific & Court. With more than 14 years experience as a publicist, she has worked with and represented celebrities, world-renowned chefs, and bestselling authors. She led the in-house publicity departments at Ulysses Press and Time Inc. Books, and further honed her strategic communications skills at Bread & Butter and Smith Publicity agencies. Since its launch in 2021, P&C’s publisher clients have included Ulysses Press, Interlink Publishing, VeloPress, 80/20 Publishing, KeyPress Publishing, Jesse B. Creative, The Collective Book Studio, Rocky Nook, Dzanc Books, and more. She’s secured coverage for clients in top-tier national media that includes the TODAY show, Associated Press, People magazine, NPR, The Wall Street Journal , USA Today , CNN, Oprah Daily, Salon, Reader’s Digest , and much more. Her past work includes high-profile authors such as country music icon Martina McBride, actress Valerie Bertinelli, chef Todd Richards, TODAY’s Siri Daly, New York Times bestselling authors Syd and Shea McGee (of Studio McGee) among others. She is the author of five non-fiction books, including Lights Camera Booze: Drinking Games for Your Favorite Movies , which was included in the Academy Awards swag bags. She lives in Brooklyn, NY. Let us know what you think! Find us Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, or send us an email at: thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com…

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Building Relationships with Booksellers 43:22

22 weeks ago43:22

43:22

Angela recently attended the Books, Authors, and Publishers Fair in Nashville where she hosted a workshop on how to build a relationship with a bookseller. In this week's epsiode we dive into why this is vitally important, not just building a relationship, but a healthy one and what that looks like. Angela and Sarah discuss shifting the focus of books toward readers and the Reading Rock Books mission to "champion local stories and authors." A good, working relationship is one built on respect. Authors, what have been your experiences with booksellers? We want to know! Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads or send us an email at: thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com…

1
Interview with Author Melissa Collings 45:30

23 weeks ago45:30

45:30

Welcome back to another episode! This week Angela and Sarah talk with Melissa Collings, author of The False Flat. Melissa is an incredible human with a keen insight into the written word. Exploring themes in multiple genres, Angela, Sarah, and Melissa discuss the power of connectivity in the written word, growth and happiness through dark times, and how fiction can make us more aware of the world around us. Melissa's novel The False Flat has been described as having "the best meet-cute between two friends." In this episode she openly discusses her journey as a biracial woman and how that has informed the biracial characters she writes in her books. Melissa is truly a joy and we hope you'll gain as much from this discussion as we did. Let us know your thoughts! Comment on our socials: Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Or send us an email at: thewaywewordpodcast@gmail.com…

1
Romance or Women's Fiction? 50:10

24 weeks ago50:10