Podcast: The Babblery

Minibabble: Carol Fisher Saller on Inclusivity in Children’s Fiction

Posted on May 2, 2025May 2, 2025 by suki

In this mini-episode, we focus on a change that has both energized and confused writers: the push for representation and the elimination of cultural appropriation. Author Carol Fisher Saller speaks with refreshing candor about the difficulties she faces as a white writer who genuinely wants to write representative, inclusive kidlit. She talks about the myths and misperceptions, as well as the challenges, as she tries to make her way in a changed industry.

Writing into the Future of Kidlit with Carol Fisher Saller

Posted on April 22, 2025April 22, 2025 by suki

Carol Fisher Saller moved from her career as an editor to a writer of children’s books not knowing that she was witnessing the end of an era. Her first books were published by traditional, mainstream publishers who were running their businesses the way they had been run for decades. Then Carol, along with many other writers, saw the industry change around her. Now Carol is an indie publisher, trying to find new ways to bring her stories to the children who will be her readers.

Minibabble: Feeling Guilty about Feeling Good

Posted on April 21, 2025April 21, 2025 by suki

We need to feel good in order to have the energy and will to solve our problems. We need to feel bad in order to recognize problems and act on….

Minibabble: On hanging out with Harriet in the closet

Posted on April 16, 2025April 16, 2025 by suki

…and wishing it was a dumbwaiter Some thoughts on the importance of children’s literature, and how we bring the books we read as children with us throughout life. Read the….

Minibabble: Extraordinary morning

Posted on April 14, 2025April 13, 2025 by suki

It was an extraordinary morning in the redwood forest, an extraordinary morning on earth. Every morning is extraordinary when you live on this unique nursery for life.

Minibabble: Brooke Berman, Director at Midlife

Posted on April 11, 2025April 11, 2025 by suki

Brooke Berman is a first-time film director. She’s also a middle-aged woman, a mom, and a wife with a full writing career under her belt. In this mini-episode, we explore what she learned from directing her film, Ramona at Midlife.

ReBabble: Ramona at Midlife Watch Party

Posted on April 7, 2025April 7, 2025 by suki

What happens when a group of midlife women watch a film about a group of midlife women? Well, we have thoughts! Host Suki Wessling gathered a group of friends who had watched the movie to talk about their reactions to this story, which is unusual in how it centers women’s lives and friendships.

Minibabble: Hands Off in Santa Cruz, April 2025

Posted on April 6, 2025April 6, 2025 by suki

This is your host, Suki Wessling. On April 5, 2025, people across the United States took to the streets for rallies branded “Hands Off.” I particularly appreciated that theme once….

Minibabble: Tolerance is absolute, decency is the lowest bar

Posted on March 31, 2025March 31, 2025 by suki

On Transgender Day of Visibility, some thoughts on what makes tolerance so hard, and why we still have to do it.

Filmmaker at Midlife: In conversation with Brooke Berman

Posted on March 18, 2025March 18, 2025 by suki

Brooke Berman is a first-time film director. She’s also a middle-aged woman, a mom, and a wife with a full writing career under her belt. In this episode of The Babblery Radio Show & Podcast, we explore how she got to the point of directing her film, Ramona at Midlife, and what she learned in the process.