In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, host Janaya Hernandez is joined by Anna Laurie, author of The Infamous 8: The Birthday Party Adventure, for a thoughtful conversation on food allergy awareness, education, and empowerment through storytelling.

Anna shares her journey as an advocate and author, discussing how her professional background in food allergy and wellness inspired her to write directly for children. The conversation explores the importance of helping kids understand food allergies in an age-appropriate way, building confidence in social settings, and encouraging self-advocacy from an early age.

This episode also features our signature segment, From the Page, where Anna reads a passage from The Infamous 8, offering listeners a glimpse into the heart of the story and the conversations it’s designed to spark among children, parents, and educators.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Food allergy awareness through children’s literature
• Educating children without creating fear or overwhelm
• Confidence and self-advocacy for kids and families
• How storytelling supports safer, more informed communities

New episodes of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast drop every Tuesday.

Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast — Where stories speak.

In this heartwarming episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, we sit down with Heidi Rocha, author of the beloved Sparkly Smiles Series, to explore how storytelling can inspire healthy habits in children—one joyful page at a time.

Heidi shares how her children’s books transform everyday dental routines into engaging adventures that help kids build confidence, reduce fear, and develop lifelong healthy habits. We talk about the power of relatable characters, playful learning, and how stories can support parents, educators, and caregivers in making wellness fun and approachable.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, librarian, or children’s author, this episode highlights how intentional storytelling can shape positive behaviors and meaningful family moments.

Tune in for a conversation filled with creativity, compassion, and smiles.

In this episode, author Wendy Haller joins the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast for a thoughtful conversation about writing, emotion, and the stories that stay with us.

Wendy shares the inspiration behind her novel The Flannigan Girls, reflecting on family relationships, quiet moments of connection, and how emotion shapes both the writing process and the reading experience. We talk about trusting the story as it unfolds, writing with honesty, and allowing space for reflection on the page.

During our From the Page segment, Wendy reads a short passage from The Flannigan Girls, offering listeners a glimpse into her voice and the heart of the novel.

This episode is a calm, reflective conversation for readers and writers who appreciate stories rooted in emotion, connection, and the moments that shape who we become.