South Florida author and award-winning speaker Tevin Ali opens up about his journey from a modest beginning in a garage in Palm Beach County to becoming a two-time published author and nationally recognized motivational speaker.

In this episode, Tevin shares the emotional inspiration behind his newest children’s book, "Ambitious Archie"—a tribute to his late father and a celebration of family, legacy, and inner ambition. He also discusses his first book, "Forging Your Inner Diamond," written to guide young adults through life’s challenges with purpose and resilience.

This conversation is filled with powerful insights on overcoming self-doubt, following your dreams, and the lasting impact of storytelling. Whether you're a young reader, a parent, or an aspiring author, this episode will leave you uplifted and inspired.

In this episode of Between the Covers, host Anne Bocock sits down with conservationist, writer, and award-winning photographer Kirsten Hines to explore her newest book, Wild Florida: An Animal Odyssey.

Kirsten shares her journey from working as a wildlife biologist to becoming a storyteller who uses photography and essays to connect readers with Florida’s most extraordinary species and habitats. She reveals how Wild Florida came to life through years of research, travel, and up-close encounters—including a bear warning and an unforgettable stare-down with a gray fox in the middle of Miami.

Whether you're a nature lover, conservation advocate, or simply curious about the unseen wild around you, this episode is packed with insights on biodiversity, climate impact, and the small changes individuals can make to support native wildlife.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The story behind Wild Florida and its 200+ photographs

• How Florida’s ecosystems are changing—and what it means for us

• Ways to make a real difference with native planting and habitat corridors

• Personal tales from the field: gray foxes, panthers, bears & beyond

Ann Bocock sits down with South Florida author Sam Bierstock, whose novel Full Circle blends music, memory, and emotional healing. A former doctor, engineer, and professional musician, Beertock shares his journey from parody band frontman to novelist.Full Circle tells the powerful story of Mick, a Vietnam veteran in a retirement home who rekindles his passion for music by reuniting an old band. As the story unfolds, themes of PTSD, aging, and rediscovering purpose shine through—reminding us that it's never too late to start again.Discover how a gas can and a bedpan inspired real instruments, and why Sam’s life experiences deeply shaped every page of this unforgettable novel.📘 Learn more about Full Circle🎸 Discover the story behind the Managed Care Blues Band❤️ Dive into themes of PTSD, aging, and musical healingLearn more about Between the Covers - https://www.southfloridapbs.org/between-the-covers/

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Author Patricia Bonis talks about her memoir Jeddah Bride — a harrowing and deeply personal story of love, sacrifice, and survival. From her whirlwind romance with a Saudi billionaire to the harsh realities of life under one of the world’s most repressive regimes, Patricia opens up about losing her personal freedoms, witnessing public executions, and ultimately having her children kidnapped and taken to Saudi Arabia — where she would not see them again for 14 years.Through resilience, hope, and the healing power of writing, Patricia’s story is one of strength and redemption. Jeda Bride is more than a memoir — it's a mother's love letter, a warning, and a triumph.

Ann Bocock sits down with performance storyteller and author Caren Schur Neile to explore her latest book, Featuring Florida: The Sunshine State in Fiction, Film, and TV. From classics like Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings to pop culture icons like Magic Mike and Miami Vice, Neil unpacks how Florida has been represented—and sometimes misrepresented—throughout decades of storytelling.She shares her research process, favorite discoveries (including Where the Boys Are and The Florida Project), and reveals what makes a story uniquely Floridian. Discover the surprising cultural depth behind the Sunshine State and why Florida remains a rich, complex setting for stories of all kinds.Learn how Florida’s beauty, danger, and diversity have made it one of the most vibrant backdrops in American pop culture.

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Award-winning author Raquel V. Reyes returns with "Dominoes, Danzón, and Death", the latest installment in her beloved Caribbean Kitchen Mystery Series. Explore the culinary-infused world of protagonist Miriam Quiñones-Smith—a food anthropologist, TV chef, and accidental detective navigating Miami’s vibrant culture and dark secrets.Raquel shares how she blends cozy mystery with Miami’s rich history, Caribbean folklore, and Spanglish dialogue to create authentic, page-turning storytelling. From multigenerational homes and mango trees to ancient bones and the legacy of the Tequesta people, this conversation is a flavorful dive into Hispanic representation and the art of writing for both niche and broad audiences.

Award-winning author Melody Masonette discusses her powerful YA novel, "What We Wish For" – a raw and emotional story about homelessness, addiction, family secrets, and the resilience of a 15-year-old girl navigating life’s hardest challenges.

Melody opens up about her personal journey through recovery, how her past inspired this story, and the importance of hope even in life’s darkest moments. This heartfelt conversation will resonate with readers of all ages, especially those who have experienced the ripple effects of addiction within their families.

📚 Topics in this interview:
-How "What We Wish For" sheds light on addiction and its impact on families-The inspiration behind Leila’s story of survival and forgiveness-The real-life experiences that shaped this book-How books can help young people cope with trauma-Why hope is the thread that carries us through hardship

If you or someone you love has struggled with addiction, this conversation is a reminder that healing and hope are possible.

Award-winning mystery fiction critic Oline Cogdill pick's the best of 2024's most captivating mystery and fiction titles. From Carl Hiaasen's hilarious Fever Beach to debut novels like Florida Palms by Joe Pan and We Don’t Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry, this episode is packed with recommendations for every reader.Explore crime thrillers, amateur sleuths, gritty Florida noir, and touching human stories. Plus, a thoughtful conversation on children's literacy and the rise in book bans makes this a must-watch for every book lover and advocate for the written word.🔎 Featured Books:Fever Beach by Carl HiaasenNight Share by Michael ConnellyMurder Takes a Vacation by Laura LippmanEl Dorado Drive by Megan AbbottSex and Death on the Beach by Elaine VietsFlorida Palms by Joe PanWe Don’t Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry