Movies & Martinis Podcast

We’re kicking off 2026 with intention, alignment, and abundance in this podcast episode featuring Judy Balloff, author of 365 Days of Abundance. ✨ In this inspiring conversation, Judy shares practical wisdom and soulful insight on how to cultivate abundance daily, reframe mindset, and consciously step into a more expansive, fulfilled life, one day at a time. We talk about manifestation, gratitude practices, spiritual growth, abundance rituals, and how small, consistent shifts can create lasting transformation in your personal, creative, and professional life. Perfect for anyone setting New Year intentions, exploring abundance mindset, or looking for daily spiritual practices to stay grounded and motivated throughout the year. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, seeker, or simply ready to receive more in 2026, this episode offers grounded guidance and uplifting perspective to start the year strong. 📚 In this episode, we explore: -The inspiration behind 365 Days of Abundance -How to build a sustainable daily abundance practice -Gratitude, intention-setting, and spiritual discipline -Starting a new year with clarity, purpose, and flow If you’re ready to call in abundance, shift your mindset, and begin 2026 with clarity and intention, this conversation is for you. 💫 Subscribe, like, and share with someone ready to receive more this year. For more information or to purchase Judy's book: www.judyballoff.com

We’re kicking off our January Book Club with our next read: Dan Brown’s newest novel, The Secret of Secrets, marking his fourth book in the DaVinci Code series—and we could not be more excited. In this episode, we share why this pick feels like the perfect way to start the year and what makes Dan Brown’s return so anticipated. We talk about our history with his books, what we love about his signature blend of fast-paced storytelling, big ideas, and page-turning suspense, and what we’re hoping to see in this next installment. No spoilers—just pure reader excitement and a little bookish anticipation as we head into January together.

In this captivating episode, we talk with author Elise Helliwell about her novel Within the Space of a Second—a genre-blending story that weaves time travel, love, and human connection across fractured timelines. At its core, the book asks: What happens to love when time refuses to move in a straight line? Elise explores relationships that stretch across moments, realities, and alternate paths, where a single second can ripple outward and change everything. ✨ In this episode, we talk about: - What inspired Within the Space of a Second and the moment the story revealed itself - The emotional themes at the core of the book: grief, love, memory, and choice - Elise’s creative process - Advice for writers drawn to intimate, character-driven storytelling If you love books that sit with you, haunt you gently, and ask you to slow down and feel, this episode is for you. 📚✨ Pour a drink, settle in, and join us for a conversation that proves sometimes everything changes… within the space of a second. For more information: https://elisehelliwell.com/

We are team Wyvern! Today we’re talking with romance author A.C. Wonderland about her Wyvern Hockey series, where elite athletes, found family, and fierce chemistry collide. In this episode, we dive into the inspiration behind the series, what drew her to hockey romance, and how she builds emotionally layered characters who feel real on and off the ice. We talk tropes, tension, and why sports romance resonates so deeply with readers, plus her writing process, favorite characters, and what’s coming next in the Wyvern Hockey world. If you love sports romance with heart, heat, and unforgettable characters, this episode is for you. About One Shot (Book 1): Lauren “Chip” Bellinger—Laur—and her hockey star brother, Nick, were inseparable until a devastating tragedy changed everything. She loses not only herself but her love for hockey. Nine months later, Laur receives an amazing opportunity to join the marketing and PR program at West Michigan University supporting their stellar hockey team—the Wyverns. Except she never applied. Despite her hesitancy to dive back into normal life, Laur decides to accept. Her eyes instantly lock with Lucas Donato’s, the new captain of the Wyverns, but Laur has zero interest in getting involved with anyone romantically. Ever. Lucas is dead set on bringing the team to the Frozen Four this year, while also hoping to make an early impression on NHL scouts. He can’t lose sight of his one shot at his first season as captain. Despite their best efforts, Laur and Lucas find themselves constantly together. Sparks fly between them. Laur refuses to let her heart dictate her decisions while Lucas tries his best to push his feelings aside. But the universe has other plans for Lucas and Laur this hockey season. Does Lucas let the sparks between him and Laur turn into an ice melting flame? Can Laur keep her promise to herself to swear off love and avoid falling for the captain? Will Lucas bring the team to victory? Find out in One Shot. Purchase & learn more here: https://www.acwonderlandwrites.com/

Ruby. Freaking. Dixon. Yes, the Spur Queen, creator of Ice Planet Barbarians, and the best selling author of alien romance, joined us on Books & Martinis and she delivered a masterclass while keeping it real. In this episode, Ruby drops essential writing advice, fantasy romance tips, and behind-the-scenes gems about creating viral sci-fi romance that shook BookTok, BookTube, and pretty much the entire reading universe. We talk: ✨ Ice Planet Barbarians origins & fandom culture ✨ How she builds addictive & diverse romance book characters ✨ Insider writing tips for new authors ✨ Her publishing journey ✨ Crafting immersive sci-fi/fantasy romance worlds ✨ Blue cinnamon rolls, chaos, spice & reader ferality ✨ And how she has inspired so many! Whether you’re a writer, a reader, an alien-lover (no judgment), or a Ruby Dixon superfan, this episode serves insight, sass, and pure author brilliance. For more about Ruby, visit www.rubydixon.com --

Ruby. Freaking. Dixon. Yes, the Spur Queen, creator of Ice Planet Barbarians, and the best selling author of alien romance, joined us on Books & Martinis and she delivered a masterclass while keeping it real. In this episode, Ruby drops essential writing advice, fantasy romance tips, and behind-the-scenes gems about creating viral sci-fi romance that shook BookTok, BookTube, and pretty much the entire reading universe. We talk: ✨ Ice Planet Barbarians origins & fandom culture ✨ How she builds addictive & diverse romance book characters ✨ Insider writing tips for new authors ✨ Her publishing journey ✨ Crafting immersive sci-fi/fantasy romance worlds ✨ Blue cinnamon rolls, chaos, spice & reader ferality ✨ And how she has inspired so many! Whether you’re a writer, a reader, an alien-lover (no judgment), or a Ruby Dixon superfan, this episode serves insight, sass, and pure author brilliance. For more about Ruby, visit www.rubydixon.com

Fredrik Backman's 'My Friends' is our December 2025 Book Club pick! There are so many great reviews about this book we had to end the year with this NY Times best seller! About My Friends: Four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger’s life twenty-five years later. Most people don’t even notice them—three tiny figures sitting at the end of a long pier in the corner of one of the most famous paintings in the world. Most people think it’s just a depiction of the sea. But Louisa, an aspiring artist herself, knows otherwise, and she is determined to find out the story of these three enigmatic figures. Twenty-five years earlier, in a distant seaside town, a group of teenagers find refuge from their bruising home lives by spending long summer days on an abandoned pier, telling silly jokes, sharing secrets, and committing small acts of rebellion. These lost souls find in each other a reason to get up each morning, a reason to dream, a reason to love. Out of that summer emerges a transcendent work of art, a painting that will unexpectedly be placed into eighteen-year-old Louisa’s care. She embarks on a surprise-filled cross-country journey to learn how the painting came to be and to decide what to do with it. The closer she gets to the painting’s birthplace, the more nervous she becomes about what she’ll find. Louisa is proof that happy endings don’t always take the form we expect in this stunning testament to the transformative, timeless power of friendship and art.

We had a great time interviewing author Brian Hester about the book he co-authored with Barbara Beam, She Talks to Fish! More than just a couple of martinis and a bourbon -- we covered everything from how his role as a teacher influenced this story to what it takes to be a writer. About She Talks to Fish: SHE TALKS TO FISH is a story about a young lady navigating her life’s path that centers around fly fishing and its unforgiving fortunes. Along the voyage, the faith of Maya’s childhood is galvanized by the spiritual and practical lessons gleaned from her American Indian friends and her own experiences. Maya’s and Ed’s lives will forever be tethered with a bond of mutual rescuers as Ed saves her, and she saves him, both literally and figuratively. The life cycle thread between Ed and Maya is captured in none other than what lies beneath the rivers’ surfaces and the beautiful creatures that occupy those spaces. Fish are her counsel and through the extension of a fly rod, Maya finds her place as She Talks to Fish. If you are looking for an exciting book that encourages hope, then SHE TALKS TO FISH is the book for you. When the human condition is no match for the human spirit, resolute survival is the only option. Maya Jones is a survivor--- a survivor who talks to fish. To connect with Brian and Barbara: www.shetalkstofish.com Insta: @shetalkstofish Also mentioned in this episode: www.hookedflyco.com Insta: @bhester.hookedflycompany

We love a good murder mystery, and Elle Andrews Patt delivers in Ghost, a modern southern gothic meets sleuthing procedural novel. About Ghost: Yesterday, her BFF didn’t believe her. She’d give anything for it to be yesterday again. When archivist Andrea Kelley scores a sweet rental in Charleston, WV, she discovers it’s already occupied. But the early rising, bacon-loving ghost of six-year-old Billie Mae makes for a tolerable roommate—until two missing kids are found dead at a nearby lake. Detective William Taka is pretty sure his BFF is losing the plot, until Billie Mae throws a haunting hissy fit even the neighbors notice. Taka’s gut tells him the deaths are related—but Billie Mae’s mother confessed to her murder thirteen years ago. The case is closed. And she’s in prison for life. Driven by Taka’s encouragement and Billie Mae’s phantom fury, Andrea digs into the strange circumstances surrounding the little girl’s death. Using her considerable research skills and workplace connections, she soon discovers a frustrating lack of evidence. Billie Mae’s mother might be innocent. Which means the real killer is still at large…and way too close to home. To learn more and purchase Elle's books: elleandrewspatt.com

Geek out with us as we dive into high fantasy world building with author John Mangold, as we discuss The Sorcerer's Inception and the Scrolls of Azbek! About The Sorcerer's Inception: When a demon assaults her hunting party, Master Dominic assigns Maluem her founding quest with his dying breath. The Sorcerer’s Inception, it is a mission every Acolyte dreams of. Yet for Maluem it brings only sorrow, along with an Acolyte to instruct. When her meditations grant her a glimpse of an ominous prize, Maluem realizes she has gained a vital clue. But, to decipher her vision’s true meaning, she must return to the childhood home that once banished her. Maluem’s return will not include a warm welcome. She will have to use all of her cunning, or her first journey may lead them both into an unmarked grave. You can purchase it here: https://a.co/d/esCqQjo

November's Books Club pick is out of this world! We're reading Atmosphere, by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Join us all month long and let us know how many martinis was it worth! Subscribe to our newsletter: https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/7225e515-9c79-4ee8-ae30-694af8dfe5e5?email={{email}}

Would you leave Earth to follow a signal in to deep space? Author Christopher Loric, a former US Navy Lieutenant, uses his 28 yrs in the military to craft an epic science fiction thriller, SESG Explorer, challenging our current concepts of Space Force and contact with extraterrestrial life. About SESG Explorer: SESG Explorer is man’s first trip out of our solar system. The United States come across a message from deep space and build a seven-ship fleet to send to Kammorriga. It is a diplomatic mission to meet and develop a trade relationship with the Kammorrigans. The Space Expeditionary Strike Group (SESG) discover some planets and space stations enroute to the planet. When they reach Kammorriga, the Humans attempt to establish diplomatic ties but soon discover, the Kammorrigans are more interested in conquest and exploitation. It becomes a fight for survival for Admiral Brannigan and his fleet. Purchase his books here: https://christopherloric.com/books

Are you ready for a heart-pumping, page-turning journey of love, loss, and suspense? Look no further than S.R. Fabrico’s latest masterpiece, filled with gripping twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Meet Lizzie Levine, the unstoppable female executive at a top New York City marketing firm. Driven by the tragic loss of her parents, Lizzie refuses to let anything stand in her way – until a handsome, enigmatic billionaire named Gray Stone enters the picture. But when Lizzie discovers she’s pregnant with Gray’s child, she learns there’s more to him than meets the eye. Desperate for a fresh start, Lizzie escapes to the serene coastal town of Southport, North Carolina. There, she meets Josh, a charming local determined to help her heal and move on from her troubled past. But as Lizzie begins to rebuild her life, she soon realizes that her past is not so easily left behind. Someone with a sinister agenda lurks in the shadows, and Lizzie’s life is in grave danger. View the book trailer: https://youtu.be/ciUDoHPku6k?si=iWAMiUsDsdVWpgIX Learn more about the author & the full series: https://www.srfabrico.com/

Chris is officially our most interviewed author on our podcast! Snow Ordinary Love, set in Oregon, features Mona, an Orc, and her ex-boyfriend, Joel, in a fun, sexy, monster romance, where they're stuck in a cabin together and forced to share one bed! To purchase visit www.chriswaltersauthor.com

It's murder she wrote... quite literally as author E.L. Reed talks about her Memories of Murder series based on the real life stories of infamous female serial killers. We had so much fun learning about her inspiration, the process and the themes behind each story. Listen for the historical fiction stay for the grimy details! Book 1 - Hatchet One determined detective. One thorough medical examiner. And the serial killer that brings them together. Connecticut State Police Detective Wesley Dawson will stop at nothing until this maniac serial killer is locked up and put away for good. With bodies piling up and his older sister living on the streets, Wes refuses to let anything get in his way. The crimes are gruesome, and nobody is safe with a vicious killer on the loose. Medical examiner Ali Jenson is the best in the business, but even these cases are too brutal for her. The deaths are beginning to get to her. Ali's strength and courage won't falter; she'll do everything she can to help Wes. But when the killer starts hitting a little too close to home, the stakes are higher than either of them ever imagined. With time running out, can they take down the killer before it's too late? Learn more about E.L. Reed - https://www.elreedauthor.com/

We had a blast with Authors Max & Monroe! Listen to hear about their most recent releases, popular books they've penned and a ton of author advice. They went from writing their own books as indie authors to writing collaboratively as traditionally published authors! Check out their recent books: https://www.authormaxmonroe.com/books What I Should Have Said When I Should Have Stayed **Leave Before I Love You About Max Monroe: Max Monroe is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Duo of over fifty contemporary romance titles. They have over 3 million books sold and have had their works published in several languages. Favorite writing partners and long time friends, Max and Monroe strive to live and write all the fun, sexy swoon so often missing from their social media newsfeed. Sarcastic by nature, their two writing souls feel like they’ve found their other half. This is their most favorite adventure thus far. About When I Should Have Stayed: In this heart-wrenching and swoon-worthy contemporary romance, New York Times Bestselling author duo Max Monroe delivers a story of second chances, small-town charm, and a love that refuses to be forgotten. Josie Ellis thought they were done. Divorced. Finished. But Clay never filed the papers. Every corner of their small town whispers their past—the stolen kisses at the diner, the laughter at festivals, the nights she watched him behind the bar, his smile forever etched in her memory. But she had to end it all...before it ended her. Clay Harris thought his marriage to Josie was forever. He thought they were unbreakable. But life tore them apart, and he’s spent every day since wondering how to exist without her. Josie believes it’s over. Clay refuses to let it be. Now, with the past refusing to stay buried, Clay is determined to prove that their love story isn’t finished.

Escape with us into a whole new world, with Eve's Blessing, author JJ Park and her poetic writing! A story of shared grief and trepidatious love, watch MCs, Eve & Safir make their own purpose in their respective, unforgiving worlds despite having the worst things in common. About Eve's Blessing: Eve seeks a life where she isn’t fighting every second to provide for herself and her brother, Nicky. Raised at ground zero of deprivation in Philadelphia, she doesn't hope or expect much from the future... that is until she accidentally trespasses into the alternate reality and kingdom of Walyre. She discovers Blessings in this world, unique and innate powers granted to few lucky persons. Even more bizarre, her mere presence hinders Blessings. This captures the attention of the only one who could turn her luck around. Safir Astana was born into a royal family with a Blessing that forces people to experience exactly what he’s feeling. He endures isolation to spare those around him from his uncontrollable Blessing. Constantly suffering the grief and torture of his childhood prevents him from acting in his role of prince of Walyre. He only finds reprieve when a young woman, proud and bruised, stumbles into his courtyard. Safir realizes that Eve hosts the capability of nullifying Blessings, including his. How could this be if she’s from another realm? Divine intervention or random luck? Purchase Eve's Blessing here: https://a.co/aQl5xwf

We're so ready for the fall! We've waited all summer to bring back TBR. Listen to find out what we're reading, or trying to read lol.

Amy had one flex after another. As a narrator and actor, Amy aka Lucy, has done it all. Even narrating for Verity!

We can't believe we are in the "ber" months! And already talking about September Book Club! Listen to find out what book we're featuring this month for our book clubbers.