In this episode the host remembers several authors and journalists who died last year, then talks about the places writers do their work — home offices, libraries, restaurants, and coffee shops — with personal anecdotes and practical tips.

He highlights local Bakersfield spots like Dagny’s and Bakersfield Roasting Company, offers etiquette for writing in public, and invites listeners to share their own coffee-shop and writing stories for future episodes.

A warm holiday message with book and movie recommendations and well wishes for the season.

The episode highlights unconventional Christmas reads (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever; A Christmas Memory; The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus) and Hanukkah titles (Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins; The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming; The Hanukkah Bear; plus he Original Hanukkah Story). It also recommends a 2019 darker take on A Christmas Carol starring Guy Pearce and shares a memorable quote about why kindness shouldn’t be limited to one day a year.

Ends with a holiday greeting and hope for a better 2026 — encouraging year-round generosity and kindness.

In this episode of Book Talk Samuel discusses Kathleen Klein's memoir My Life in the Dark: A Marriage Built on Lies, exploring themes of deception, emotional abuse, and survival. This episode highlights the book's raw honesty, its appeal to survivors and professionals, and the author’s courageous journey toward reclaiming identity and safety.