Robert Graysmith interview - Tantorious episode 59

Robert Graysmith is the New York Times bestselling author of a number of true crime books, including The Sleeping Lady, Auto Focus, and Zodiac, the last two of which were made into major motion pictures. A San Francisco Chronicle political cartoonist and artist for 15 years, Graysmith lives in San Francisco. His new book, Black Fire: The True Story of the Original Tom Sawyer and of the Mysterious Fires That Baptized Gold Rush-era San Francisco, is a harrowing account of the hunt for a serial arsonist. In this exclusive interview, Graysmith explains why he was attracted to the story.

Brian McGrory interview - Tantorious episode 58

Brian McGrory is a longtime newspaper reporter, editor, and columnist. Born and raised in and around Boston, he has written for and edited the Boston Globe since 1989. He has a twice weekly column and is the author of four novels. His new book, Buddy: How a Rooster Made Me a (Family) Man, is a heartwarming and wise tale of finding love in life's second chapter. In this exclusive interview, McGrory recounts how he and Buddy finally resolved their differences.

Chris Ballard interview - Tantorious episode 57

Chris Ballard is a senior writer at Sports Illustrated and was a 2012 National Magazine Award finalist. His new book, One Shot at Forever: A Small Town, an Unlikely Coach, and a Magical Baseball Season, tells the inspirational story of a high school baseball team from rural Illinois in 1971. In this exclusive interview, Chris explains why he decided to write this book 40 years later.

David Cay Johnston interview - Tantorious episode 56

David Cay Johnston is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist and New York Times bestselling author. He often appears in the media as an expert on economics and tax issues. His new book, The Fine Print: How Big Companies Use Plain English to Rob You Blind, is a shocking analysis of the many ways everyday people are systematically victimized by powerful corporations. In this exclusive interview, Johnston explains how companies rip off consumers.

Wayne Simmons interview - Tantorious episode 55

Born in Belfast, Ireland, Wayne Simmons is the author of the horror novels Doll Parts, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Flu, and Fever. He has also written reviews for various online magazines. In this exclusive interview, Wayne describes the influences that led him to the horror genre.

Tatjana Soli interview - Tantorious episode 54

Tatjana Soli's debut novel, The Lotus Eaters, was a New York Times bestseller and won the 2011 James Tait Black Prize. Her new book, The Forgetting Tree, is a breathtaking story about the members of a California ranching family, their complicated matriarch, and the enigmatic caretaker who may destroy them. In this exclusive interview, Soli explains what her two novels have in common.

Sean Pratt interview - Tantorious episode 53

Sean Pratt has been a working actor for over 25 years. He was a company member at the Pearl Theatre, an Off-Broadway classical repertory company, and has also performed at numerous regional theaters around the country. Sean has also appeared in major films and held supporting roles on hit television shows. He has narrated for 16 years and teaches classes and writes articles about the business of the Biz. His book, To Be or Wanna Be: The Top Ten Differences Between a Successful Actor and a Starving Artist, is a primer for the beginning actor. In this exclusive interview, Sean recounts how he finally took responsibility for his acting career.

Gene Robinson interview - Tantorious episode 52

Bishop Gene Robinson was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, and received his Master of Divinity degree at the General Theological Seminary in New York. He was ordained deacon and then priest, and in 2003 was elected bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire. He is the first openly gay person in that role. He is also an author, and his new book is God Believes in Love: Straight Talk About Gay Marriage. In this exclusive interview, Bishop Robinson recounts how he became the world's leading religious spokesperson for same-sex marriage.

Joyce Johnson interview - Tantorious episode 51

Joyce Johnson is a memoirist and novelist whose books include the recent Missing Men and the National Book Critics Circle Award-winner Minor Characters, about her relationship with legendary Beat writer Jack Kerouac. Her newest book, The Voice Is All: The Lonely Victory of Jack Kerouac, is a groundbreaking portrait of the artist's early years. In this exclusive interview, Johnson recalls her early years with Kerouac and explains why she wrote this book now.