This special episode of Top Shelf features veteran journalist and author Dan Robson, co-author of Hammered: The Fight of My Life by hockey legend Dave Schultz.

Dan joins me to discuss his latest collaboration, and from there, we dive right into the nuances of crafting compelling narrative non-fiction, and what it was like working alongside one of hockey’s most iconic figures: Dave “The Hammer” Schultz.

We talk about Dave’s storied career, as well as the powerfully personal, candid, and heartbreaking journey Dave Schultz himself shares in this book. Dan tells us how the project first came together and their collaborative process. We also talk about some of the great tidbits in Dave’s memoir. This is a fascinating conversation, and I cannot thank Dan enough for sharing such incredible behind-the-scenes insight.

Follow along with Dan Robson’s website or follow along with Dan Robson on The Athletic.

Follow along with Dave Schultz.

“Captivating. Eleanor Shearer returns with a memorable tale of two young women yearning for home and love. I was drawn to the historical setting not typically seen in fiction – the lives of eighteenth-century Jamaican Maroons, removed to Canada, free on paper, yet still at risk.”—Charmaine Wilkerson, NYT best-selling author of Good Dirt

In this episode Eleanor and I chat about her brand new book, Fireflies in Winter. We also talk about the Jamaican Maroon colony, queer love, her trips to Novia Scotia, her debut River Sing Me Home, and so much more. I loved this book, these characters, and the luminous prose. Fireflies in Winter is an excellent piece of historical fiction, that is not to be missed.

Follow Eleanor on Instagram:@eleanorbshearer

Place your holds here for Fireflies in Winter and River Sing Me Home, both by Eleanor Shearer.

Eleanor Shearer recommends: Ever Since We Small by Celeste Mohammed.

Matthew Norman on Love, Loss, and Holiday Movie Magic

“Why is it that the holidays always seem to arrive out of nowhere…?” That question comes from Henry, one half of the unforgettable duo in Matthew Norman’s latest novel, Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon. The book follows a sentimental advertising creative and a no-nonsense bar owner who discover an unexpected second chance at love binge-watching iconic holiday films—and it’s every bit as poignant and heartwarming as that setup promises. For our fourth interview episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Matthew to talk about his absolutely delightful new novel. We covered everything from the magic of holiday movies, to music, grief, the New York Jets, and so much more. It’s a wide-ranging, genuinely fun conversation, and I’m so grateful to Matthew for joining me!

Matthew Norman recommends: The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu; the work of Richard Russo; the work of Nick Hornby; the work of Allison Larkin.

Follow Matthew Norman on all social media platforms @thenormannation