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Conversations Live Vicki St. Clair

Fiction, Women's, Writers on Writing

Jul 09: Adriana Trigiani with The View From Lake Como

July 9, 2025

One woman’s quest to build her own life … before it’s too late.

The View From Lake Como with author Adriana Trigiani

When Jess Capodimonte Baratta realizes she’s not living even close to the life she dreamed of, she takes us from Lake Como, New Jersey, to Lake Como, Italy, in search of new possibilities.

Adriana Trigiani discusses her latest novel The View From Lake Como.

Known for her American-Italian storytelling, humor, and rich character development, Adriana shares how her protagonist was inspired by her late grandmother. We discuss her biggest challenge in writing the story. And some of the research Adriana did, including marble-making in Italy.

Meet Adriana Trigiani

Adriana Trigiani is the New York Times bestselling author of 21 books of fiction and nonfiction, including The Good Left Undone, The Shoemaker’s Wife and Lucia, Lucia. Her work has been published in 38 languages around the world. An award-winning playwright, television writer/producer, and filmmaker, Trigiani wrote and directed the major motion picture of her debut novel, Big Stone Gap; adapted her novel, Very Valentine, for television; and directed the award-winning documentary, Queens of the Big Time, among others.

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History, Journalism, Memoir, Non Fiction, Writers on Writing

Jul 02: John Seabrook with The Spinach King

July 2, 2025

The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty

The Spinach King with author John Seabrook

As heir to the complicated C. F. Seabrook legacy, longtime New Yorker staff writer John Seabrook confronts his family’s extraordinary story in THE SPINACH KING: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty.

In a spellbinding tale of money, ambition, succession, and immense power, Seabrook breaks through his family’s carefully cultivated façade, revealing long-held secrets of greed, corruption, and exploitation.

We discuss why John Seabrook felt an obligation to turn his meticulous investigative reporting skills inward, upending the narrative he grew up with. How he stayed objective after discovering the level of deceit within his ancestry. And how he balanced reporting as a journalist, with great storytelling.

Meet John Seabrook

John Seabrook has been a staff writer at The New Yorker for more than three decades. He is the author of The Song Machine, Flash of Genius, Nobrowand other books. The film ​“Flash of Genius” was based on one of his stories. He and his family live in Brooklyn.

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Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Jun 25: Ryan Steck with Gone Dark

June 25, 2025

As Montana goes up in flames, former marine raider Matt Redd isn’t looking for trouble, but it sure finds him.

Gone Dark with author Ryan Steck

Join Vicki with bestselling thriller author Ryan Steck, who celebrates the release of Gone Dark, the fourth installment in his exciting Matthew Redd series.

As smoke jumpers brave Montana wildfires, Matt Redd receives an unexpected call that leads him to protect a terrified young witness, confront a medical crisis linked to opioids, and face institutional corruption with a bombshell connection to Big Pharma.

Ryan Steck is known for blending intense action with emotional stakes. We dig into his approach to the writing craft, research, character evolution. And what it takes to write a thriller pulsating with authenticity.

Meet Ryan Steck

Ryan Steck is a freelance editor, author, and founder and editor-in-chief of The Real Book Spy. Ryan has been named an “Online Influencer” by Amazon and is a regular columnist at CrimeReads. He also coauthors with other novelists and continues the late Ted Bell’s legacy by authoring new books in the Alex Hawke series. Gone Dark is the latest in Steck’s Matt Redd Thriller series.

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Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Jun 18: Robert Bailey with The Boomerang

June 18, 2025

A Desperate Fight for Family Uncloaks a Shocking Government Secret

The Boomerang with author Robert Bailey

Robert Bailey calls on his own personal challenges as well as a jarring conspiracy theory for inspiration in his exhilarating political thriller, The Boomerang.

The story follows Chief of Staff Eli James, who also happens to be best friends with the President of the United States. Upon the President’s terminal cancer mysteriously improving, Eli journey’s from the White House to New Mexico as he unravels a devastating cover-up involving the government and Big Pharma.

We discuss all of this, as well as Robert’s own journey with his family’s issues; writing The Boomerang; character development, and more.

Meet Robert Bailey

Robert Bailey is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of THE BOOMERANG, the Jason Rich series, the McMurtrie and Drake legal thrillers, the Bocephus Haynes series, and the inspirational novel, THE GOLFER’S CAROL. Robert’s books are imbued with a keen sense of justice and a profound understanding of what drives people to commit the worst crimes and fight hardest for those they love, gained from his decades as a civil defense trial lawyer in his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama.

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Non Fiction, Personal Development, Relationships, Self-help, Women's Issues

Jun 04: Estranged with Susan Shapiro Barash

June 4, 2025

How Strained Female Friendships are Mended or Ended

Estranged with author Susan Shapiro Barash

Have you ever felt confused about a friend who ghosted you out of nowhere? Or struggled to set boundaries with a longtime BFF?

Today we tackle the topic of Female friendships — the good, the bad, the beautiful, and sometimes, the heartbreaking.

Joining us is renowned author, gender studies expert, and cultural commentator Susan Shapiro Barash, whose latest book Estranged peels back the layers on what really happens when women’s friendships fracture.

When should we work to mend a friendship versus end it? Do we tolerate more from galpals than their male counterparts? And if so, why? Why do people ghost? How to approach difficult conversations. And more.

Meet Susan Shapiro Barash

Susan Shapiro Barash has written over a dozen nonfiction books, including Tripping the Prom Queen, You’re Grounded Forever, But First Let’s Go Shopping and Toxic Friends: The Antidote for Women Stuck in Complicated Friendships. For more than 20 years she taught gender studies in the Writing Department at Marymount Manhattan College and has guest taught creative nonfiction at the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College. For her fiction, Between the Tides, A Palm Beach Wife, A Palm Beach Scandal, and Maribelle’s Shadow, she writes as Susannah Marren.

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Fiction, Historical, Mystery, Writers on Writing

May 28: Martha Hall Kelly with Martha’s Vineyard Book & Beach Club

May 28, 2025

A love letter to literature. Resilient women. And a very special island.

Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club with author Martha Hall Kelly

A contemporary mystery that can only be solved by learning about the past, Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club is based on many aspects of Martha Hall Kelly‘s mother’s family history, making it the author’s most personal work to date.

The story discloses little-known facts of what took place on Martha’s Vineyard during WWII—that German U-boats cruised the surrounding waters, and Nazi spies snuck ashore. At the novel’s center, two sisters start a book club that changes history.

We discuss Martha’s writing and the power of storytelling through some of the literature discussed at the Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club. Martha shares her challenges in crafting the story. And how she got into the head of a woman growing up in WWII on Martha’s Vineyard.

Meet Martha Hall Kelly

Martha Hall Kelly is the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls, Lost Roses, Sunflower Sisters, and The Golden Doves. She was born and raised in Massachusetts, received Journalism degrees from Syracuse and Northwestern Universities, and worked as an advertising copywriter for many years before becoming a novelist. With more than two million copies of her books sold and translated in 50 countries, Martha lives in Litchfield, CT, Hobe Sound, FL, and New York City. 

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Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

May 21: Brad Taylor’s Back with a New Pike Logan Novel — Into the Gray Zone

May 21, 2025

Pike Logan uncovers a geopolitical scheme, spiraled out of control.

Into the Gray Zone with author Brad Taylor

Today we discuss the latest pulse-pounding thriller from New York Times bestselling author and former special forces officer Brad Taylor, Into the Gray Zone.

Where did Brad’s story ideas begin? With real life news, a lot of research, a trip to India, and a vivid imagination based on his indepth knowledge of military threats, covert operations, hybrid warfare, and special forces experience.

We talk about some of the topics of Into the Gray Zone, including Sikh revolutionaries, rare earth minerals, Brad’s travels in India. A little about writing. And what’s not in the news, that should be.

Meet Brad Taylor

A veteran of the US Army infantry and Special Forces, including eight years with Delta Force, Brad Taylor retired as Lieutenant Colonel, in 2010, after 21 years of service, including participation in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He’s written 17 NYT bestsellers and consults on asymmetric security threats for various agencies. Today we’re talking about his 19th book, Into The Gray Zone.

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Health & Wellness, Non Fiction, Psychology, Self-help

May 14: Is Your Teen Depressed? Dr. Meredith Gansner Shares Important Insights for Parents

May 14, 2025

Teen Depression Gone Viral: Why Kids Are More Vulnerable Than Ever & How You Can Protect Your Child’s Health & Happiness

Teen Depression Gone Viral with author Dr. Meredith E. Gansner

Dr. Meredith Gansner says an episode of depression is not typically identified by one symptom, but by multiple risk factors – and that’s what we explore today, along with busting common myths around teen depression.

How do I know if my teen is just being a brat (aren’t they supposed to be?) versus sliding into a depressed state? How do I approach a teen who won’t talk to me about anything, let alone their feelings? How is digital media affecting them? How can I monitor my kid without invading their privacy?

And, since suicide is the second leading cause of death in 10-34 year olds, how can I detect early warning signs and intervene?

Meet Meredith E. Gansner, M.D.

Teen Depression Gone Viral: Why Kids Are More Vulnerable Than Ever & How You Can Protect Your Child’s Health & Happiness is the result of many years of research, psychiatric practice, and parenting. Meredith E. Gansner, MD, is an attending child psychiatrist at Boston Children’s Hospital and Instructor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Her award-winning research focuses on adolescent mental health and problematic digital media use.

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Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Apr 30: The Boomerang with Robert Bailey

April 30, 2025

One Man’s Fight for Family Uncovers a Shattering Government Secret

The Boomerang with author Robert Bailey

The Boomerang is a gripping political thriller inspired by a conspiracy theory and the author’s personal challenges.

Robert Bailey‘s story follows Eli James, Chief of Staff and best friend to the President of the United States. When the President’s terminal cancer mysteriously improves, Eli uncovers a devastating cover-up involving the government and Big Pharma, taking him from the White House to New Mexico..

We discuss all of this, as well as Robert’s own journey with his family’s issues; writing The Boomerang; character development, and more.

Meet Robert Bailey

Robert Bailey is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of THE BOOMERANG, the Jason Rich series, the McMurtrie and Drake legal thrillers, the Bocephus Haynes series, and the inspirational novel, THE GOLFER’S CAROL. Robert’s books are imbued with a keen sense of justice and a profound understanding of what drives people to commit the worst crimes and fight hardest for those they love, gained from his decades as a civil defense trial lawyer in his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama.

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Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Writers on Writing, Young Adult Fiction

Apr 23: Hayley Krischer with You Belong to Me

April 23, 2025

What if living your most authentic life leaves you dead?

You Belong to Me with author Hayley Krischer

Hayley Krischer joins us to dive into You Belong to Me — a dark, atmospheric, emotionally charged YA novel that’s captivated teens and adults alike.

We discuss the underbelly of the wellness industry, a multi-trillion dollar economy encompassing many false claims and scams.

We look at character development and motivation. And why Hayley’s favorite characters were inspired by followers of an infamous cult (think Charles Manson). The challenges of pace in plot. And some of the themes at the heart of You Belong to Me such as the need for belonging, and what it means to trust yourself.

Meet Hayley Krischer

Hayley Krischer is an award-winning journalist who has written for the The New York Times, The Atlantic, Elle and more. She has an MFA from Lesley University. Her books include fiction and nonficiton. Find out more at her website.

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