In this heartfelt conversation, author Twyla Smith takes us back to 1925 Texas to uncover the secrets behind her debut novel, The Moonshine’s Wife. We talk about the grit and grace of her protagonist, Birdie Fontenot, the haunting inspiration behind the story, and how tragedy and redemption shaped both the characters and Twyla’s own writing journey. Join us as we explore the power of place, the echoes of family legacy, and the timeless strength of women who refuse to be silenced.

At 31, Avi Dell walked away from the rock and roll dream, certain his music career had ended. But during COVID recovery, he picked up a guitar and discovered a new voice — one that didn’t need permission, compromise, or a record deal to be heard. His solo album Surrender blends raw storytelling with graphic novel art, proving that sometimes letting go is the key to true creative freedom.