Books Shows Tunes & Mad Acts

Emerging from the soil of Sierra County is the new album, Garden, ostensibly for children as part of an early education program about science, but its blend of folk, Celtic, bluegrass, and a bit of gospel will appeal to many adults as well. Project manager and Musica Sierra director, Lindsay McIntosh joins us today to discuss the album, which is the fifth of a seven-part series. Each album targets a grade-level (Garden is for Kindergarten- get it?) and includes a unique illustrated book and a personal journal. Lindsay has melded together a wide variety of musicians, artists, and professionals to create an audio and visual experience for children that is truly exceptional. No miss this opportunity to hear from a professional musician and program leader at the top of her game making it work and living her dream in the remote and beautiful high Sierra. A great episode for music teachers, parents with children, and anyone with ears.Musica Sierra's website:https://www.musicasierra.org/The Old School House Project:https://www.musicasierra.org/toshThoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/Support us!https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:https://training.discreetguide.com/Social Media:YouTube: @MadActsXTwitter: @Mad_ActsBlueSky: @mad-acts.bsky.socialFB: @BooksShowsTunesIG: @Mad_ActsLI: Jennifer K. Crittenden

Enter the world of the knuckleball and its specialized lingo: drag crisis, loop de loop, and dreaded forward roll. The knuckleball pitch is dying out in baseball, but Chris Nowlin still teaches it and, importantly, still throws it with the lowest rotation on earth today. He discusses here how to throw it, why it's effective, and why it's so darn hard to throw consistently. He also offers guidance on identifying potential knuckleballers, strength training, arm protection, and being a big-league pitcher in general, along with a bit of life advice. We also discuss Matt Waldron of the Padres along with other knuckleballers: Tim Wakefield, Phil Niekro, RA Dickey, and Charlie Hough. And finally, Chris gives us some thoughts on the current approach to pitching in the MLB right now and where we might be headed. An informative and insightful episode.Chris Nowlin's website:https://knuckleballnation.com/Socials:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn3xKAXGUrTeWW62_u-VtSgXTwitter: @KnuckNationInsta: @KnuckNationShow NotesThoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/Support us!https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:https://training.discreetguide.com/Social Media:YouTube: @MadActsXTwitter: @Mad_ActsBlueSky: @mad-acts.bsky.socialFB: @BooksShowsTunesIG: @Mad_ActsLI: Jennifer K. Crittenden

Available today! Meet Canadian author, David LeBrun, whose first book, a travel memoir, is being published today by Tortoise Books. Delirium Vitae is a recounting of David's adventures in Central America when he fled the cold Canadian winter to party with an old friend, promptly ran out of money, and began the slow journey of discovering what he was running from while returning home. In this episode, David talks about the jobs-related book he was working on during the trip and how it was scuttled when this one emerged. Delirium Vitae weaves David's adventures with colorful if sketchy characters into a portrait of a sensitive and observant young man, trying to grapple with life's tragedies. He also offers insights into his long writing process, the usefulness of editors and critique groups, and what to focus on as a writer. Come for the breakneck, page-turning escapades, stay for the thoughtful exploration of self-healing through writing. A wonderful episode for readers and writers.David's book at Tortoise Books:https://tortoisebooks.com/store/deliriumvitaeDavid's website, including some short stories:https://www.davidlebrun.ca/Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/Support us!https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:https://training.discreetguide.com/Social Media:YouTube: @MadActsXTwitter: @Mad_ActsBlueSky: @mad-acts.bsky.socialFB: @BooksShowsTunesIG: @Mad_ActsLI: Jennifer K. Crittenden

Welcome Flora Qian with her first novel "South of the Yangtze," a coming-of-age story of a thoughtful and curious Chinese girl, born and raised in Shanghai during the one-child years.* Flora discusses the origins of the novel which maps some of her own experiences as a young woman educated in China who then moved to Hong Kong. The intriguing novel, written in English, explores the themes of language, relationships, loneliness, and community, against a backdrop of post-Cultural Revolution China. Flora discusses her interest in Chinese characters, how Mandarin and English entered her life, how Chinese sayings and folk tales influence our thinking, the risks of original thought, and how circumstances often hinder our ability to reach greater intimacy with others. A thought-provoking episode with something for everyone. *And could make a great holiday present!Flora's website:https://floraqian.com/Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/Support us!https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:https://training.discreetguide.com/Social Media:YouTube: @MadActsXTwitter: @Mad_ActsBlueSky: @mad-acts.bsky.socialFB: @BooksShowsTunesIG: @Mad_ActsLI: Jennifer K. Crittenden

Relationship expert Melinda Blau is back with her new book, "The Wisdom Whisperers: Golden Guides to a Long Life of Grit, Grace, and Laughter." Melinda began collecting her "old ladies," as she calls them, in mid-life and shares here the tremendous wisdom and benefit she has received over the past twenty years or so from these relationships with women much older than she is. Not so much a book on aging as a continuation of Melinda's astute career-long observations about the magic and wonder of relationships, The Wisdom Whisperers will make you laugh, reflect, learn, and may inspire you to give the book as a gift to someone dear to you. Always forthright and plain spoken, but also optimistic and good-humored, Melinda now finds herself in the ranks of these golden oldies and reminds the listeners to appreciate all that life has to offer. A wonderful upbeat and thought-provoking episode.Melinda's website:https://melindablau.com/My previous episode with Melinda about "Consequential Strangers":https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2021-12-31T22_00_00-08_00Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/Support us!https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/support/Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:https://training.discreetguide.com/Social Media:YouTube: @MadActsXTwitter: @Mad_ActsBlueSky: @mad-acts.bsky.socialFB: @BooksShowsTunesIG: @Mad_ActsLI: Jennifer K. Crittenden