What can I say about Grace Sammon that probably hasn't already been said? As an author and Screenwriter, she asked me all the right questions and made me dig a little deeper into my own writing process - and yes, thought process - her kindness equally matching her curiosity - for that, I was so deeply inspired; as a champion of all things women-centric - Grace made me feel so deeply appreciated, seen and valued - for that I was deeply touched, and … as a woman in the world - she, Grace, brought out the best I had to offer. I didn't want the interview to end, mostly because I felt I had found a new friend, someone I could trust and someone I could trust my words with. That IS the gift of Grace Sammon.

–Amy Ferris, Author, Screenwriter, Director: The Story Summit Writer's School Recipient-Women's eNews Award: 21 Leaders for the 21st Century, Honoree - NextTribe: The 12 Women Who Changed the World in 2021

 

As an author, I’ve had the unique privilege of being interviewed on countless radio, TV, and podcast programs for the last twenty years. While I’ve been grateful for each opportunity to share my work and connect with listeners over a shared love of story, a few interviews stand out from the others. Because most hosts maintain busy schedules, they rarely have time to read the books they are discussing. While this is completely understandable, it sometimes results in a superficial (canned) interview.

 

In contrast, when a host takes the time to read the book and research the author or the topics being discussed, the result in an engaging and personal conversation that can leave a real impact on the lives of listeners. Grace Sammon is one such host. She goes out of her way to know the work being spotlighted and she creates a comfortable, conversational tone, guiding the discussion with authenticity. She’s worked hard to build a large connection of writers and readers, and I believe her show would be an ideal fit for NPR.

–Julie Cantrell, NY Times and USA Today bestselling author

 

Talking with Grace Sammon on “The Storytellers" is as natural and relaxing as sitting in her home library with a glass of wine, admiring the first editions she has collected through the years. Her knowledge of the publishing industry and her appreciation of authors, both debut and long-established, affords stimulating conversations.

–Barbara Conrey, USA TODAY bestselling author

“The Storytellers” is an extraordinary gift to all those passionate about books and the authors who write them. The delightful Grace Sammons moderates in such a manner that no stone is left unturned for the listener, and her preparation for every interview makes for a fully realized experience. My first stop for listening to authors I admire, and for discovering new writers of merit, Storytellers deserves the devoted audience it enjoys, and I remain its champion.

–Claire Fullerton, award winning author of Southern literary fiction

Being that I have worked on how plants and animals are changing with the changing climate since 1985, and that I was a lead author on the IPCC 3rd and 4th reports and a review editor for the 5th report (and was part of the IPCC folks who were part of the IPCC authors sharing the Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore), I have been interviewed hundreds of times. Until the interview with Grace, I would have said that Juliet Eilperin on the climate and environment desk of Washington Post, and Seth Bornstein on the science desk of Associate Press were the best interviewers I have experienced. This is based on what they asked AND how they would ask the questions. But now I definitely add Grace Sammon to that very short list of outstanding interviewers. Again, this is due to not just the questions asked but also how those questions are asked. These 3 interviewers ask questions in a manner that enhances how I would reply. When time is short, the questions are asked in a manner for a quick answer, when time was not short, the questions helped focus how I would answer. In all honesty, I was really happily surprised at how my interview went with Grace Sammon. She is a very highly talented interviewer.

–Dr. Terry L Root - Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for climate change

In each of Grace’s interviews with these important authors, she approaches the mic fully prepared, yet she still somehow manages to find the entertaining surprises that engages guests while reeling in listeners. That attribute alone would be enough to warrant syndication with NPR, but she adds additional details to these conversations that are undeniable talents only top-tiers typify.

 

If I had to single one thing out that tells you Grace should be doing this for NPR - other than the above, or her pleasant timbre, her ability to ask great questions AND listen intently to responses, or the highly interesting conversations she creates with these important writers... whom she manages to book, research, and easily engage all by her lonesome, or the way each guest seems to respond to her as if she were someone they've known since grade school - it would have to be her pacing... her tempo. More than all of those other things, it's that.

–Kevin Montgomery, “Stand By, Rolling”

I thoroughly enjoyed my interview with Grace Sammon for The Storytellers radio show and podcast. Grace did her research and asked me questions that really got to the heart of my story. I felt like I was having a great conversation with a friend.

–Sharon Folta, author of Little Satchmo, daughter of Louis Armstrong

Grace Sammon has a gift for bringing out the best in an author! I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation for The Storytellers, which felt like a natural, warm, and far-ranging conversation between friends and not at all like a formal 'interview.' I even discovered new things about myself and my novel while we were talking! I hope you'll listen to our episode about Passion, Vulnerability, and Risk and let us know if you enjoyed it—and, if you do, will check out some of her other episodes!

–Sharon Folta, author of Little Satchmo, daughter of Louis Armstrong

THOSE were great questions!

–Marta Kaufman, Producer of Friends and Grace and Frankie

It was an honor to be on your show. Thank you for your passion for sharing stories. You have created an amazing platform for authors to showcase their work in a fun and entertaining way.

–Jody Feagan and Katie Rountree, 100 Women Who Care, Santa Fe