Author Conversations with Chris Dabbs

About Author Conversations with Chris Dabbs

Author Conversations with Chris Dabbs is a long-form interview podcast exploring the ideas behind books. Broadcast journalist Chris Dabbs speaks with novelists, historians, scientists, religious and commuunity leaders and non-fiction writers about their work, the research behind their books and the stories that shaped them. Each episode takes a thoughtful look at the creative process, big ideas and the questions authors wrestle with when writing about history, science, politics and the human experience. If you enjoy author interviews, literary conversations and discussions about books and ideas, Author Conversations offers a relaxed but insightful look behind the pages. Hosted by Chris Dabbs – broadcast journalist and podcast host. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss).

Publisher

Chris Dabbs

Category

arts · fiction · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Mar 2026

Latest episode

3 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

42 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Nov 2026

   Gunther Allen: The LGBTQ+ Stories That Still Need Telling

   Gunther Allen has lived through some extraordinary changes in LGBTQ+ history. He remembers a time when being openly gay could have serious consequences, when HIV/AIDS devastated communities and when life was very different for gay men growing up in the 1970s and 1980s.\n\nI really enjoyed talking to Gunther. He's done all sorts of things throughout his life, from music and competitive sport to coaching, design and supporting people affected by HIV/AIDS. And now he's writing books inspired by some of those experiences.\n\nWe talk about his latest eBook, Something About Martin, which follows an 89-year-old man dealing with the loss of his longtime partner and discovering an unexpected friendship. It's a story about ageing, companionship and the possibility of finding something new later in life.\n\nGunther also tells me about Snow Clones, his forthcoming science-fiction novel exploring cloning, artificial intelligence and human identity, and A Mafia Ending, the planned final book in his Gay Mafia trilogy.\n\nBut what particularly interested me was hearing Gunther talk about how life has changed for gay men over the decades, the importance of chosen families and why he wants younger generations to understand something of what came before them.\n\nWe also discuss his experiences in LGBTQ+ sport and his involvement in the community during the HIV/AIDS crisis.\n\nIt's an interesting conversation about books, personal experiences and why some stories are worth preserving.\n\nI hope you enjoy it.\n\nABOUT GUNTHER ALLEN\n\nGunther Allen is an American author whose books explore LGBTQ+ identity, relationships, family, ageing and belonging.\n\nHis books include Something About Martin, Coming Out in Paradise, Road Dawgs, Not Your Father's Mafia and Pushed Out of the Closet Without a Parachute.\n\nFIND GUNTHER'S BOOKS\nhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Gunther-Allen/author/B0DPML9MST\n\nWATCH THE INTERVIEW AND FIND OUT MORE\nhttps://author-conversations.com/gunther-allen\n\nAUTHOR CONVERSATIONS\nPresented by Chris Dabbs\nhttps://author-conversations.com\nhttps://www.youtube.com/@AuthorConversations" Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss). Every book has a story beyond its pages. In Author Conversations, broadcast journalist, presenter and newsreader Chris Dabbs sits down with the writers behind some of today’s most fascinating books to uncover the research, experiences and ideas that never made it onto the printed page. Featuring bestselling and emerging authors from around the world, each episode goes beyond the blurb to explore the real stories behind the writing. From untold historical discoveries and groundbreaking scientific research to personal journeys, business insights, faith, true crime and the human experience, every conversation is designed to inform, challenge and inspire. Drawing on more than two decades of professional interviewing across radio, television and digital journalism, Chris creates thoughtful, in-depth conversations that give authors the time and space to tell the stories that matter most. Whether you’re searching for your next great read, fascinated by the creative process or simply enjoy intelligent, long-form conversations, Author Conversations offers a unique opportunity to discover the people, ideas and experiences behind remarkable books. Real authors. Real stories. Real conversations.

2. 

   30 Oct 2026

   Dessie Williams at 91 - Family, Faith and How Things Have Changed

   Dessie Williams is 91, and she has seen an extraordinary amount of change in her lifetime. In our conversation, we talk about the family stories she wants to preserve, her faith and the differences between the world she grew up in and the world we know today. What interested me was how Dessie connects her own memories with the bigger changes in society. These aren't distant accounts of history - they are stories she has lived with, remembered and chosen to share. Dessie’s book, *His Wonders to Perform: Mama, Daddy, and My Cousin Robert Battle*, tells the story of the people who shaped her life. We discuss her parents, the lessons they passed down and memories of racism and dignity, alongside her cousin Robert Battle and his remarkable journey into dance. Book - His Wonders to Perform: Mama, Daddy, and My Cousin Robert Battle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079659N44) Author Conversations: https://author-conversations.c... (https://author-conversations.com/dessie-williams) Watch Author Conversations on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ (https://www.youtube.com/)@AuthorConversations Listen on iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast... (https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-author-conversations-with-c-326179226) Presented by Chris Dabbs for Author Conversations. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss). Every book has a story beyond its pages. In Author Conversations, broadcast journalist, presenter and newsreader Chris Dabbs sits down with the writers behind some of today’s most fascinating books to uncover the research, experiences and ideas that never made it onto the printed page. Featuring bestselling and emerging authors from around the world, each episode goes beyond the blurb to explore the real stories behind the writing. From untold historical discoveries and groundbreaking scientific research to personal journeys, business insights, faith, true crime and the human experience, every conversation is designed to inform, challenge and inspire. Drawing on more than two decades of professional interviewing across radio, television and digital journalism, Chris creates thoughtful, in-depth conversations that give authors the time and space to tell the stories that matter most. Whether you’re searching for your next great read, fascinated by the creative process or simply enjoy intelligent, long-form conversations, Author Conversations offers a unique opportunity to discover the people, ideas and experiences behind remarkable books. Real authors. Real stories. Real conversations.

3. 

   28 Oct 2026

   From Poverty and Prison to Education and a New Life - Martin Terrell

   Martin Terrell has been through a lot. Poverty, racial segregation, drugs, prison and some incredibly difficult experiences along the way. But even after everything he's been through, he still considers himself a fortunate man. And I think that's quite something. When I spoke with Martin, we went right back to his childhood growing up in the ghetto in America, losing his mother at a young age and finding himself in circumstances where the opportunities available to him were pretty limited. There were moments when I got the feeling that some of those memories were difficult for him to talk about. I didn't want to rush him, so I gave him the time and space to tell his story. We talked about his experiences with drugs, his time in prison, including a burglary conviction for a crime he maintains he didn't commit, and how education eventually helped him change the direction of his life. But what really struck me was how warmly Martin spoke about the people who helped him along the way. Neighbours, friends, teachers and others who believed in him, encouraged him and sometimes simply showed him a bit of kindness when he needed it. He certainly hasn't forgotten them or what they did for him. It's something I'm noticing more and more in my Author Conversations. People often consider themselves lucky because, at some point in their lives, someone took the time to help them. Martin went on to earn a graduate scholarship to Ohio University, study journalism and become a writer. His books draw on many of those experiences, including the inequalities he witnessed in the justice system and the community that helped raise him. What I found interesting was that Martin doesn't seem to look back on his life simply in terms of everything that went wrong. He also remembers the people who helped things go right. It's a longer conversation than usual, and at times quite a personal one. But I'm glad we had it, and I'm grateful to Martin for being so open with me. I'm Chris Dabbs, and this is Author Conversations. Content note: This episode includes discussions of childhood bereavement, poverty, racial segregation, drug use, imprisonment and difficult family experiences. ABOUT MARTIN TERRELL & HIS BOOKS Martin Terrell's official website: https://www.martinterrell.com/ (https://www.martinterrell.com/) and https://www.author-conversations.com/martin-terrell (https://www.spreaker.com/www.author-conversations.com/martin-terrell) AUTHOR CONVERSATIONS Watch more interviews with authors from around the world: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorConversations (https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorConversations) Visit Author Conversations: https://www.author-conversations.com/ (https://www.author-conversations.com/) ABOUT YOUR HOST Chris Dabbs - broadcast journalist, presenter and voiceover artist: https://www.chrisdabbs.online/ (https://www.chrisdabbs.online/) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss). Every book has a story beyond its pages. In Author Conversations, broadcast journalist, presenter and newsreader Chris Dabbs sits down with the writers behind some of today’s most fascinating books to uncover the research, experiences and ideas that never made it onto the...

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Guest appearances

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.