Offbeat Journeys. Books that shaped us. Stories that shift us. Conversations with indie authors and occasional solo wanderings, about the stories that leave a mark.
Hosted by James, Offbeat Journeys explores the books that influenced how we think, write, and see the world. Some episodes feature deep conversations with independent author. Others follow James down the winding road of writing and self-publishing life.
Whether you're an indie author, a curious reader, or someone who just loves hearing how stories shape people - there's a place for you here.
“Every book leaves a mark. This is where we talk about it.”
Why do ordinary people sometimes say things online that they would never say to someone sitting across the table? And what happens when thousands of people decide that they’re only adding one comment?
In this first episode of the Unkindness mini-series, I explore the questions that led me to spend more than six years writing my novel. We look at online cruelty, the psychology of pile-ons, and the uncomfortable relationship between human behaviour and the platforms that reward engagement.
In this episode, I talk about:
Why distance, anonymity, and the absence of immediate human feedback can change how we behave online.
How legitimate criticism can become collective punishment when thousands of people join in.
The incentives that can make outrage and engagement difficult to separate.
The central idea behind Unkindness, including a platform where debate and a leaderboard gradually become something far more toxic.
One small change in perspective that might make us think twice before joining an online pile-on.
About the Unkindness Series
Over the coming months, I’ll be exploring the real-world questions behind Unkindness, my forthcoming novel about online cruelty, corporate incentives, and the people caught between them. Each episode stands alone, whether you intend to read the book or simply want to think more deeply about the subject.
The next episode asks: What Happens When Anger Becomes the Business Model?
✍️ Connect with Me
Newsletter → Offbeat Journeys by James (https://jamesmolloyauthor.substack.com/)
My Books → Wednesday’s Child (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09H7P1B32)
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/molloywrites (https://www.facebook.com/molloywrites)
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/molloywrites (https://www.instagram.com/molloywrites)
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-molloy-23a9b822b (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-molloy-23a9b822b)
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@molloywrites (https://www.tiktok.com/@molloywrites)
Bluesky → https://bsky.app/profile/molloywrites.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/molloywrites.bsky.social)
🎵 Intro/Outro Music
The Beat of Nature by folk_acoustic (https://pixabay.com/users/folk_acoustic-25300778/) on Pixabay
26 Aug 2026
An Insufferable Genius, A Phantom Pregnancy, and A Laugh at 30,000 Feet
“Every book leaves a mark. This is where we talk about it.”
In this episode of Offbeat Journeys, I discuss the books written to make us laugh. That laughter sometimes really is the best medicine and other times, it can lead to potentially embarrassing situations, 30,000 feet in the air. In this episode, I talk about:
· The book shaped by a character with massive amounts of self-importance and delusion
· The one that portrays a sophisticated, soon-to-be father succumbing to the most ridiculous situations
· And the book that almost led to an embarrassing situation for me on a flight home from Zurich
If you’ve ever felt understood by a book… if you love stories that linger… or if you’re curious about how writers are shaped by the books they read — you’re in the right place.
Subscribe, settle in, and join the journey.
📚 Books Mentioned
(Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, it supports the show at no extra cost to you.)
· A Confederacy of Dunces (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16494/9780241951590) by John Kennedy Toole
· Should Have Got Off at Sydney Parade (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16494/9781844880904) by Ross O'Carroll-Kelly (as told to Paul Howard)
· Shy (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16494/9780571377312) by Max Porter
✍️ Connect with Me
Newsletter → Offbeat Journeys by James (https://jamesmolloyauthor.substack.com/)
My Books → Wednesday’s Child (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09H7P1B32)
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/molloywrites (https://www.facebook.com/molloywrites)
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/molloywrites (https://www.instagram.com/molloywrites)
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-molloy-23a9b822b (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-molloy-23a9b822b)
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@molloywrites (https://www.tiktok.com/@molloywrites)
Bluesky → https://bsky.app/profile/molloywrites.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/molloywrites.bsky.social)
🎵 Intro/Outro Music
The Beat of Nature by folk_acoustic (https://pixabay.com/users/folk_acoustic-25300778/) on Pixabay
19 Aug 2026
A Fight for Life, an Unchangeable Ending, and the Choice to Hope
Host James Molloy explores how books demonstrate that hope is an active pursuit found in action, community, and courage.
7 May 2026
A Hidden Life, A Difficult Truth, and What Courage Really Is
Host James Molloy explores how books reveal courage through silence, unexpected lives, and quiet resilience in this interview episode.
25 Apr 2026
The Books That Made Me Angry
Host James Molloy explores books that ignited his anger, prompting reflection on collective responsibility and the importance of speaking out.
6 Mar 2026
The Books That Kept Me Steady
Host James Molloy explores how books like "Can't Hurt Me" and "Man's Search for Meaning" foster resilience, responsibility, and meaning in this interview episode.
17 Feb 2026
The Books That Changed How I See People
Host James Molloy explores how specific books reshape perspectives on resilience, bravery, and empathy, offering new insights into people and societal systems.
11 Feb 2026
12 Months, Told Through Books
Host James Molloy shares how specific books anchored him through a turbulent year, offering profound insights and personal growth.
10 Dec 2025
The Stories I Still Carry
Author James Molloy shares how impactful books shape us, revealing stories that linger and resonate deeply.
30 Nov 2025
The Books That Built Me
Host James Molloy shares the three books that profoundly shaped his writing journey and introduces his upcoming novel, offering insights into the power of literature.
4 Nov 2025
Welcome to Offbeat Journeys
Host James Molloy introduces Offbeat Journeys, exploring books that shape us and the creative lives of independent authors in this introductory episode.
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