“Changing women’s sports for the next twenty-five years.” Chatter rolls with David, Torie and Torie’s sister from another mother Liz Clarke. They break down “Spare” – who lets somebody put some of that in print?  Award winning Andrew Maraniss zooms in to talk about “Inaugural Ballers,” the story of the first U.S. women’s Olympic basketball team. Praised for writing stories with larger social messages, Maraniss uses meticulous research and extensive interviews to tell the story of the unknowns who paved the way for generations to come.

“They were boys.“ David, Torie and Jamie ring in the new year with chatter about resolutions, reading’s health benefits and the incredible Robert Caro. They talk with Heidi Powell and Hope Harrod of An Open Book Foundation, a terrific DMV organization that connects students with authors, illustrators and their books to foster a lifelong love of books. Iconic writer Buzz Bissinger zooms in to share “The Mosquito Bowl,” superbly researched and passionately written, it’s about brotherhood and bravery and country. John Grisham says it’s destined to be a classic.  Yep.

“Hope.” Chatter rolls into the holidays with David, Torie and COB fave Michael Croley. Mike shares his piece in Esquire, a tribute to his late brother and the healing power of golf. Award winning and multi-talented author Silas House zooms in to share his latest, “Lark Ascending.” Ostensibly about a boy in a not too distant future dystopia, it’s really about grief and survival and humanity. It’s unlike anything else out there. 

Don and Petie Kladstrup – “Champagne Charlie: The Frenchman Who Taught Americans to Love Champagne.” COB has a double header.  Wash Post editor and writer and author of the Miss America history “There She Was,” Amy Argetsinger joins David and Torie.  They break down Christmas movies and books and the women crushing best sellers lists. Award winning journalists who love wine, baseball and France, Don and Petie Kladstrup, zoom in from Paris to share “Champagne Charlie,” the remarkable story of the 1850s Frenchman who stormed America, drove sales and almost died when charged with spying for the Confederacy. Then a COB fave, Kate Anderson Brower, returns with “Elizabeth Taylor: The Grit and Glamour of an Icon,” the extraordinarily comprehensive authorized biography of the legendary icon whose life as mother, wife, actress and activist is so much more than you knew.

“You don’t get a Pulitzer!“ Torie, David and Jamie break down the World Cup, gaslighting, goblin mode and Dylan. Pulitzer Prize winner Andrew Sean Greer zooms in to share “Less is Lost.” On the road with Arthur Less, a “minor American novelist,”  who’s trying to pay down bills, reconcile relationships and find himself. Along the way there’s a pug named Dolly, an Rv called Rosina and a litany of almost literary events. It’s like Chris Buckley and Hunter Thompson – but better. 

“It takes courage to be an adolescent.“ It’s the annual Thanksgiving Chatter family special!  Renaissance man Nevin Martell and celebrity mixologist Rodney Ferguson join Torie for talk about twitter, drinks, and even a few book related topics. Multiple award winner and multi-talented Bob Brush zooms in to share “The Piazza – Stories from Piazza Santa Caterina Piccola.” Lovers, beggars, royalty and more share hopes, desires and fears in the shadow of impending catastrophe. Beautiful writing enhanced with stunning illustrations by Scott Howard.

“Intimate and profound.” Torie, David, “Bath Haus” author P.J. Vernon, and awesome storyteller Nghi Vo kick around Dan Snyder selling the Commanders (finally!), whither Twitter and the future of social media. Torie shares yet another Dolly tribute, this time a $100 million award for courage and civility. Then they (finally) turn to books. Hugo award winner and epic storyteller, Nghi shares “Into the Riverlands,” her physically small but thematically huge novella.

“More than you think.” David, Torie and Jamie kick things off with> Dolly, and November notables. They debate “Gone With the Wind’s Pulitzer status. Author Susan Coll zooms in to share “Bookish People.” Think books, relationships, cancel culture gone bad, and appliances with lives of their own.  It’s terrific!

“Enablers” Chatter welcomes back the one and only Jeanne McManus. She joins David and Torie to talk painting and scary stories.COB Hall of Famer Mark Leibovich zooms in to share “Thank You for Your Servitude,” his searing account of how once seemingly respectable politicians lost their way, joined a cult and enabled the unthinkable. If you read only one book on politics, this is the one.

“The silence was the problem.” Chatter kicks off October with David, Torie and Jamie. Book news covers Maggie Haberman’s new book on Trump (probably won’t buy) and Tom Hanks’ first novel. The pop quiz is on required reading for first years in college. David wins! LaToya Watkins zooms in with “Perish,” her debut novel about family, trauma, race, class, and dysfunction. As many have said, it’s hard to read but impossible to put down.

“All things short fiction” Claude, David and Torie go a mile wide and an inch deep. They cover COB housekeeping, listener emails, and career advice from David. COB faves Dawnie Walton (“The Final Revival of Opal and Nev”) and Deesha Philyaw (“Secret Lives of Church Ladies”) zoom in. In addition to writing, publishing, and teaching, they’ve launched “Ursa”, a podcast dedicated to all things short fiction and underrepresented writers. Take a listen; it’s really good!

“Complicated” Marc joins David and Torie for a breakdown on the U.S. Open, the Queen’s funeral, and should we all know who Collen Hoover is?  David Maraniss zooms in with “Path Lit By Lightning,” another remarkable book in the Pulitzer Prize winner’s collection of definitive biographies. He goes beyond Thorpe’s legendary athletic accomplishments to capture in riveting detail the story of a complex cultural icon and the broader American Indian experience.

“Like an otter....” David, Torie and Jamie talk back-to-school, but David’s drop off of the first born went well. They talk Dolly, of course, and Claude has a great spinoff idea for the goddess. Best selling author Ann Leary Zooms in to share “The Foundling”. Its back story is as fascinating as the book itself, a fast-paced story of friendships, loyalty and the all-too real institutions that embraced eugenics as a widely accepted practice in the 1920s.

Torie, David and Jamie kick off Chatter’s last show until after Labor Day. DiCaprio, Reeves and Scorsese team up to bring COB fave Erik Larson’s book “Devil in the White City to Hulu. David wins the pop quiz on early female authors. They finally get to Alec Wilkinson’s “A Divine Language”  -- revisiting academic failure makes Torie break out in hives. Zoologist, filmmaker and brilliant writer Jackie Higgins Zooms in from the UK to discuss her wonderful “Sentient: What Animals Reveal About Our Senses.” Extraordinary and diverse animal senses reveal much about how we experience the world around us. There are peacock shrimps who see multiple colors, vampire bats that share life-saving blood and owls that see prey with their ears. It’s astounding.

“A love story.“ Chatter kicks off August with David, Torie and Chatter’s favorite Mayor, Jud Ashman. They talk about Barack Obama’s summer reading list – it includes three COB books. David breaks down Spike Lee’s decision to make a docuseries of COB author Chris Herring’s book “Blood in the Garden,” and Jud pitches local author Anthony Marra. CNN star Zain Asher zooms in to talk about “Where the Children Take Us,” the remarkable tribute to her mother who overcame tragedy and seemingly insurmountable odds to raise four highly successful children.

“Serving other people.” Marc Sterne joins David and Torie as Chatter rolls through a very hot July. Marc debriefs the upcoming Citi Open. Torie predicts another best seller for Michelle Obama, and everyone talks self-help. Best selling author Alex Kershaw zooms in with “Against All Odds,” his gripping account of four of the most decorated soldiers of World War II. A master of detail and the battle narrative, Kershaw knows why soldiers fight and what’s important. 

Temperatures soar as David, Torie and COB fave Michael Croley tackle the disturbing news of best-selling author Delia Owens. Best selling author Shane Ryan zooms in to share “The Cup They Couldn’t Lose.” Ostensibly about the historic Ryder Cup, Shane’s book is an eye opener on the psychology of golf, team building and international competition. He takes “inside the ropes” to new levels.

“Resked.” David’s on the road, and featured author Zain Asher is under the weather, so Jamie McIntyre and Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman join Torie for a mid-summer chat. They gush about COB fave Deesha Philyaw and debate the so-called best sellers of all time. Jud debriefs the epic Gaithersburg Book Festival, and they discuss – happily -- the growth in independent book stores. Zain will be back in August to talk about her memoir, “Where the Children Take Us,” that is tribute to a love story, a phenomenal mother and profoundly important culture.

“Hat trick.” Chatter goes all books with David, Torie and Jamie. They answer listener emails and agree they would generally not read anything by or about Harvey Weinstein. Debut novelist Vauhini Vara zooms in to share “The Immortal King Rao.” It’s really three novels in one, expertly intertwined to tell the stories of an immigrant’s rise to world power and the consequences of his inventions.

Favorite sister Liz Clarke joins Torie and David for a breakdown on the French Open (Rafael and Coco rock!) and more. Pulitzer Prize winner John Branch zooms in to share “Sidecountry,” his amazing collection of essays about the unique and funny and sometimes tragic stories on the edge of sports. COB fave Susan Orlean says John writes “the best of American portraiture.”  Yep. 

“It’s about choices.” Chatter rolls into summer. David kicks things off with a report on the NBA and Torie’s future trophy husband. NYT star Joe Drape joins (who knew he wrote “In the Hornets’ Nest?) for a Belmont preview and chat about “Black Maestro,” his wonderful book about the last Black jockey to win the Kentucky Derby. COB fave Louis Bayard zooms in to share “Jackie and Me,” his fascinating take on Jack and Jackie Kennedy’s courtship through the eyes of Lem Billings, lifelong JFK friend.

“Thank you.” A very special edition of Chatter kicks off at the Gaithersburg Book Festival in blistering heat and wonderful book fans. Torie and David have a great chat with Brendan Slocumb, classically trained and internationally acclaimed violinist. He also weaves a great mystery tale of ambition and resilience in “The Violin Conspiracy.” 

“Put on earth to write.” Torie kicks off the show with David and Washington Post book critic Ron Charles. Ron debriefs on the rise in book banning efforts and people fighting back. Award winning author of eight novels Susan Straight zooms in to talk about her latest, “Mecca.” A sweeping saga of intertwined lives, race, history and family, “Mecca” sets a high bar for anything about California and American culture.

“Vengeance and forgiveness.” Torie kicks off the show with Mayor Jud Ashman. Jud gives the back story on the Gaithersburg Book Festival and how he got into public service. Former Navy seal and multiple best selling author (and very forgiving) Jack Carr zooms in to talk about his latest, “In the Blood.” Over 20 years in Naval Special Warfare inform Carr’s fast paced and highly believable novel about tracking down a Mossad agent’s killer and walking into a highly sophisticated trap with global implications. Come for the action; stay for the smart geopolitical thinking.

“Riveting.” Torie kicks off the show with David and COB fave Angie Kim with – yes – another Dolly update. Angie shares her next book, and Angie and Torie score kid points by grilling David on the NFL. Lan Samantha Chang, award-winning author and first female director of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop zooms in to talk about “The Family Chao.” It’s an unforgettable look at an immigrant family tackling emotions, rivalries and ambition in small-town America.

“Inspiring” Torie, David and COB alum Marc Sterne kick off the show with Dolly. David wins the “Classics redone by YA” pop quiz. Once an aspiring cartoonist and now a best selling author several times over, Erik Larson zooms in to talk about “The Splendid and the Vile,” his spell-binding take on Churchill and the battle to save Britain. Meticulous research and immensely readable writing bring readers into Churchill’s most inner circle during the darkest days. Comparisons to Zelensky are inevitable.

“Glory” author NoViolet Bulawayo can’t make it at the last minute, but David, Torie and Jamie roll with the punches. They share fond memories of Washington icon Wendy Rieger. Torie raves about Jane Beirn of HarperCollins, the best in publishing. Best selling author Louis Bayard zooms in to talk about his upcoming book “Jackie and Me,” and the PEN/Faulkner Awards on May 2.  Today’s pop quiz is famous quotes from Pulitzer Prize winning books. David wins!

“Haunting.” David, Torie and COB alum Erica Wright break down the sports weekend (because we’re about more than books) and Erica’s life as a writer with a toddler in tow. They debrief “celebrities that write fiction.”  Carrie Fisher and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar a yes; the Kardashian sisters a hard no. Jenny Tinghui Zhang, poet, essayist and now novelist, zooms in to share “Four Treasures of the Sky.” A Chinese immigrant seeks identity in the 1880s American west, reinventing herself in the face of racism and violence.

“Transformational." Azaleas bloom and regrets flow on COB. The incomparable Steve Sands joins to talk the Masters, Tiger and golf books. COB’s favorite mayor Jud Ashman is on board to talk about the May 21 Gaithersburg Book Festival, sponsored happily by Chatter on Books. Best selling author Dan Pink zooms in with his latest, “The Power of Regret.” Building on massive research, Dan convincingly demonstrates the power and positivity of regrets. In a time when we need more reflection, Dan’s clear and concise writing brings new meaning to “optimize.”

“I need helicopters, gunfights and sex!” A nice email kicks things off on Chatter with David, Jamie and Torie. Sales of “The Bell Jar” are up!  Sports journalist and actor Gary Tanguay zooms in to talk about “The Arm and the Fall.” A quarter back commits suicide – or was he murdered? An unlikely duo of an aging sportscaster and rockstar detective deals with mobsters, egocentric owners, religious zealots, cheating spouses and more.

“Iconic.“ David, Torie and Chuck Culpepper roll into March Madness with chats about Beatrix Potter, Jack Kerouac and teachers getting fired for no good reason. Sports journalist Chris Herring zooms in to break down Blood in the Garden, his meticulously researched and compellingly told take on the 1990s New York Knicks. Casual and fervent NBA fans alike will love the details and stories that make it hard to put the book down. Who knew there were runner up rings in national championships?

“Genius and tragedy.” Chatter rolls with David, Torie and Jamie. They break down new “Seuss-inspired” books. David addresses Ukraine’s impact on athletes; Jamie gives the geopolitical take. Gutsy author Lee Kravetz joins to talk about his novel, The Last Confessions of Sylvia P. A background in psychology and journalism makes Lee uniquely qualified to tackle the brilliance and tragedy of Sylvia Plath. Inspired by real events, The Last Confessions weaves great writing, history and mystery to imagine what Plath’s life was like as she wrote her classic The Bell Jar.

“The mother character was interesting.“ Jamie McIntyre and celebrity mixologist Rodney Ferguson join to break down the Ukranian situation (bad) and literary comfort food (good). Jamie’s all in on Jack Reacher (but not Tom Cruise). COB continues to go deep with the Iowa Writers Workshop as grad Olga Gonzalez zooms in to talk about Olga Dies Dreaming. Middle aged coming of age meets personal, political and even cultural threads. Rodney’s custom cocktail, the Janguear keeps things moving fast for Torie.

“Tragic and sad and hopeful.” COB alum and fave Erica Wright joins David and Torie for a Valentine’s Day show. Award winning author Sadeqa Johnson zooms in to talk about Yellow Wife, her haunting and disturbing novel about an enslaved Virginia woman forced to make unbelievable sacrifices for herself and her family. As fascinating as the story itself is Sadeqa’s inspiration for writing it. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Erica, David and Torie debate the good, the bad, and the ugly of the so-called all time great romance novels.

“meditation of the road” Chatter goes two-fer! Pulitzer Prize winner David Maraniss joins to talk Olympics (this is not your mother’s 2008 Beijing!) and David’s upcoming book on Jim Thorpe. Award winning thriller writer Nick Petrie zooms in to talk about The Runaway, his latest chapter in the Peter Ash series. An Afghanistan/Iraq vet with PTSD finds trouble when he rescues a stranded woman. A deadly cat-and-mouse chase ensues across the Great Plains states. “Peter Ash is the real deal,” as Lee Childs says.

Chatter rolls into groundhog day with David, Torie and Jamie. They discuss football (another good weekend), kind reviews and best sellers by city. The Paris Bookseller author Kerri Maher shares her take on Sylvia Beach, legendary owner of Shakespeare and Company and publisher of Ulysses.  It’s about epic literary friendships and the tremendous risks Beach took by publishing James Joyce’s banned novel.  The personal, professional, and literary impacts are huge.

“How do we forgive?” Football and festivals kick off Chatter this week. David debriefs an amazing weekend of games. Gaithersburg Mayor and Book Festival Founder Jud Ashman joins to talk year three of the Festival – in person this time we hope! Segment B is no debate – why ban books?  This time it’s in prisons. Associated Press calls Lisa Gardner one of the best psychological thriller writers ever. We agree. Back with One Step Too Far, Lisa shares the “didn’t see that coming” chilling tale of a search for a missing man in Wyoming wilderness.  It’s about so much more than the search.

“Grief is like water.” Jamie McIntyre’s back, off the injured reserve list. The gang raves about Claude (again and appropriately). They debate words that should be banished, and Torie thanks reviewers. Journalistic icon Steve Roberts zooms in with stories from Cokie -  A Life Well Lived, his loving tribute to his wife of 53 years.  His intimate look at Cokie as mother, wife, journalist and friend makes you laugh and cry. And it definitely inspires.

“So much more than a crime story.” Chatter kicks off 2022 with awards, fake names and a compelling novel. David, Torie and COB alum Ed Aymar rave about Claude’s Marconi Award. The group discusses the ins and outs of pseudonyms. The pop quiz is a tie! Former bar owner/criminal defense investigator/English teacher and current lawyer James Kestrel (AKA someone else) zooms in from Hawaii to talk about his new novel Five Decembers. It’s got crime, corruption, war, romance and praise from Stephen King, the NYT and many more.

“Words matter.” Chatter rocks and featured COB authors rock even more. Creatures of Passage ( “Best of 2021” by Washington Post and NPR) author Morowa Yejide joins David and Torie. They talk fame and fortune (David’s first book?) and if an apology is enough (nope). Thanks to Alex Dobert, Barrett Holmes Pitner zooms in to talk about The Crime Without a Name, his eye-opening and thought provoking take on how we could find a new way to talk about culture nd racism in America.

“Everything I know about pageants I learned from Tony Kornheiser.” World traveler Chuck Culpepper joins David and Torie. They reflect on Bob Dole and Fred Hiatt, ponder sports and China, and agree that AI is inevitable. Author Amy Argetsinger zooms in to talk about There She Was, her meticulously researched and highly entertaining look behind the scenes at the Miss America pageant for the last 100 years.

“When in doubt, serve caviar!”   Best wishes to comedian and author Amy Phillips who had to scratch. But renaissance man Nevin Martell and celebrity mixologist Rodney Ferguson more than carry the show with David and Torie. They share recipes, turkey day advice and play the COB version of “Whose Line is It Anyway?” Nevin wins the Wild Turkey!  Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

“I don’t know.” Chatter takes on WTF about the WFT, and debate if you can separate an artist from their controversy as Washington Post reporter and author Kyle Swenson joins David and Torie. Featured author Katharine Blake zooms in to chat about The Uninnocent: Notes on Violence and Mercy, her deeply personal and passionate and provocative look at crime, justice and forgiveness.

“Only too realistic.“ A very special edition of Chatter as best-selling author (so many times over) Ken Follett Zooms back in.  With David and Torie he debriefs Never, his very real take on small mistakes turning into modern-day international catastrophes. From the West Wing to the Sahara Desert and Beijing, this one is hard to put down.

“It’s more about us than them.” Denison Prof Mike Croley zooms in from flyover land to join David and Torie. They bemoan Beloved deniers and debate sports curses. Mike wins the pop quiz, but nobody knew Amelia Earhart wrote poetry. Best-selling and revered author Susan Orlean talks On Animals, a collection of essays about tigers, whales, rabbits and her own backyard chickens. Sometimes funny and sometimes sad, the stories are always insightful and reflective of the power of relationships across species.

“Pantser” Award winning author and Denison U. prof Michael Croley joins David and Torie. They love/hate Katie Couric’s new book and agree/disagree on the latest literary scandal (men posing as a female author). Nobody wins the “worst review ever” contest. Jason Reynolds said “..I’m so happy Dawnie Walton has arrived.” So are we, and we’re glad she zoomed in to talk about The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, a wildly creative look at identity, bigotry, love and politics through the life of a 1970s Black punk artist, performing way before her time.

“Not your mother’s Hogwarts.” Ed Aymar, also known as E.A. Barres, who does dark stuff and other thrillers, joins David and Torie. They pick sides on the Larson v. Dorland debate (one donated a kidney; the other wrote a story), and all agree that Hillary beats Bill on novel writing. First time novelist and NYT best seller Sasha P. Smith zooms in to share The Witch Haven, 1911 New York City filled with mystery, magic and powerful women.

"It’s a love story.” David and Torie debate the value of 1st Editions, recipes from The Simpsons, and David (almost) crushes the French literary scandals quiz. Award winning journalist and Washington Post Deputy Editorial Page Editor Karen Tumulty zooms in to talk about her remarkable biography The Triumph of Nancy Reagan.  With meticulous research and masterful storytelling, Tumulty writes the definitive biography of the very complex woman who was one of the most influential first ladies.