Author Express

About Author Express

This is your place to hear the voice behind the pages of your favorite books. Here you’ll get a feel for the person who spent hours, weeks, months, and even years to fill the pages and build a world where you can not only use yourself but possibly find yourself as well. Our gift is a glance at the human side of writing; perhaps a morsel from the author’s childhood, insight on the character to which they are most attached, or a little on the passion that fueled the topics in the book. It’s your chance to get to know some of your favorite writers in a new light. We’ll give you a quick glimpse into their latest work and pique your interest in your next read, but we’ll also let you get to know a little about the authors themselves. As you’ll see in our episodes, we end up in some great conversations, whether they are about the historical significance of a topic, a laugh around chasing cows in the mud, or a few moments musing on travel and the best parts about visiting France. It is our goal to connect you with authors from varying genres and styles of writing and to keep in concert with our title by keeping them “Express” so you can easily work them into your weekly routine. This show is co-hosted by Kathleen Basi, Kristi Leonard, and Shawna Rodrigues. Kathleen Basi is a musical composer and songwriter, feature writer, essayist, nonfiction author, and of course, storyteller. Kristi Leonard is the owner and host of Writers in the Wild Retreats, nonfiction voice over artist, and president of the Women's Fiction Writers Association (WFWA). Shawna Rodrigues is a Podcast Strategist, Founder of Authentic Connections Podcast Network, Host of The Grit Show www.thegritshow.com, and Internationally Best-Selling Author.

Publisher

Shawna Rodrigues, Kathleen Basi, Kristi Leonard

Category

arts · society & culture · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Nov 2022

Latest episode

26 Nov 2025

Latest episodes

140 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Nov 2025

   The Inspiration of Barbara Pronin in Crafting Courageous Women's Stories -137

   Step into the world of Author Express with an episode that bridges Brooklyn nostalgia and WWII history! Barbara Pronin, a triple award-winning author, joins Kathleen Basi to share the inspirations behind her acclaimed novel, Winter's End. Hear how early NYC subway rides and childhood freedom shaped confidence—and eventually led to compelling characters and vivid storytelling. Discover the unique research methods that brought Dutch resistance and wartime Amsterdam to life, and why character-driven fiction is at the heart of her work. If you’re passionate about historical fiction or love discovering the stories behind the writers, this episode is one not to miss. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Barbara Pronin has been a Southern California resident for most of her adult life. A lover of dark chocolate, Greek sunsets, and the LA Dodgers, she is the author of seven mysteries as well as the triple- award-winning WW II historical novel, Winter’s End, which has been hailed by best-selling author Faye Kellerman as, “a page-turner with honest characters who capture your heart and soul.” You can learn more about Barbara on her website, barbarapronin.com (https://barbarapronin.com), connect with her on Instagram @writerbobbi (https://www.instagram.com/writerbobbi/), on Facebook at Barbara Pronin, Author (https://www.facebook.com/WriterBobbi) or on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/httpswwwbarbarapronincom). Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Winter’s End at Bookshop.org (https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9781685135997) A little about today's host- Kathleen Basi is a novelist, musical composer, and nature lover. Her debut novel, A Song for the Road, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing, and beauty in her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/ (https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/). Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast (https://instagram.com/AuthorExpressPodcast) Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books - https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast (https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast)

2. 

   19 Nov 2025

   How Risk and Spontaneity Shape Geeta Schrayter’s Heartfelt Holiday Romances -136

   Join Author Express for a heartwarming chat with Geeta Schrayter, author of uplifting New England stories and queen of Christmas spirit! This episode is packed with fun tidbits for holiday romance readers: from Connecticut’s Christmas movie fame to Geeta’s deep affection for list-making and festive traditions. Wonder how a busy homeschooling mom finds time to write? Geeta shares her routines, support systems, and the creative ways she manages family and fiction. Get a sneak peek at her Four Seasons book project and her clever character quirks, as well as how she lets go of perfection to embrace the unexpected. There’s even a nod to Instagram aesthetics and the power of loving what you love—pumpkin spice, pink, and all! Tune in for inspiration, cozy vibes, and holiday book recommendations that will keep you smiling all winter long. Geeta Schrayter is a former reporter and assistant newspaper editor, she considers her time writing for an area publication that covers six small Connecticut towns as integral to cementing her desire to write stories centered in the area. Geeta loves writing feel-good stories with relatable characters that leave readers feeling like they just received a warm hug. Her latest book, Planning on Christmas, takes place in the fictitious town of Auburn Falls, and is the first of four stories to be set in the same place—one for each season. You can connect with Geeta on Instagram and Threads @geetawrites (https://www.instagram.com/geetawrites/) and subscribe to her newsletter, Paper Scrap Stories, at paperscrapstories.substack.com (https://paperscrapstories.substack.com) Order the ebook for Planning on Christmas here: https://a.co/d/gJ11Ik6 (https://a.co/d/gJ11Ik6) A little about today's host- Kristi Leonard is a writer, community builder, and former president of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Since co-hosting on the Author Express Podcast, she has started her own podcast, Pop Culture Plot Lab, where guest authors to turn viral pop culture moments into story sparks and give listeners a peek inside the creative process. Through her writing retreats and volunteer leadership, she’s dedicated to helping other writers find their voice and stay connected to the craft. A former audiobook narrator, Kristi now spends most of her creative energy on her own fiction and on shaping programs that support women’s voices in publishing. When she isn’t writing or leading, she’s likely hiking Florida trails with her writer-hiker pals or reading with her Golden Retriever, Charlie, at her side. She’s currently at work on her next novel and building the kind of author career she’s long championed for others. Link to follow me https://linktr.ee/kristileonardwrites (https://linktr.ee/kristileonardwrites) Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast (https://instagram.com/AuthorExpressPodcast) Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books - https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast (https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast)

3. 

   12 Nov 2025

   Where Life Inspires Fiction: Rebecca Hodge on Creativity and Career Pivots -135

   Curious what happens when a retired veterinarian and clinical research scientist turns to heart-pounding suspense fiction? In this episode of Author Express, Kathleen Basi gets to the heart of Rebecca Hodge’s creative process, discussing her latest thriller, Island Endgame. Listen in as Rebecca shares how real-life adventures on a remote island inspired the setting—and learn why her protagonist Kenzie Adams is more than just your average heroine. The episode teases how outdoor adventures, emotional depth, and even a beloved spreadsheet play pivotal roles in Rebecca's writing journey. If you’re searching for author interviews filled with authentic writing advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and a touch of suspense, this episode promises a fresh perspective on what it means to create memorable page-turners. Rebecca Hodge is an award-winning author of heartfelt suspense. A retired veterinarian and clinical research scientist, she lives in North Carolina, where you’ll find her sipping tea on the screened-in porch with a dog at her feet and a computer on her lap. Please visit her online at rebeccahodgefiction.com (https://rebeccahodgefiction.com), and follow her on Facebook at rebeccahodgefiction (https://web.facebook.com/rebeccahodgefiction?_rdc=1&_rdr#) and Instagram @rhodge.fiction (https://www.instagram.com/rhodge.fiction/?hl=en). Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Island Endgame (https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9798999113009), Over The Falls (https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9781643857558), and Wildland (https://bookshop.org/a/90599/9781643859699) at Bookshop.org. A little about today's host- Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD (https://kathleenbasi.com/novels/), follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/ (https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/). Be sure to follow or subscribe to Author Express wherever you listen to podcasts and to follow us on Instagram @AuthorExpressPodcast (https://instagram.com/AuthorExpressPodcast) Learn more about our hosts, the guests we've had, and their books - https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast (https://linktr.ee/AuthorExpressPodcast)

Who has been a guest on Author Express

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Janie Emaus
• Rosa Kwon Easton
• Barbara Josselsohn

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

58,799

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

10 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 69 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

72

Social presence

91

YouTube

72

Engagement

51

Contact Author Express

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

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