Heart and Soul
Book Chats & Workshops

The Walking Book Club is good for the mind, body, and soul too!

Heart and Soul book chats are virtual gatherings that have a philanthropic aspect.

We pair authors or books with a humanitarian cause. Instead of bringing a bottle of wine or dessert to a book club gathering, we ask that you make a small donation (if able) to participate.

Together, we can make a difference.

Become a Walking Book Club Insiderit’s free!

Enter your name and email below to become a Walking Book Club Insider. You'll join a community of audiobook listeners in sneakers where you can share your recommendations, get suggestions for your next great listen, engage in virtual discussions, and access free resources.

Our Past Heart and Soul Book Chats included:

Soulmate, by Sally Hepworth

Sally Hepworth, author of The Soulmate.  Watch the recording here.

The Mindful Body by Ellen Langer, Ph.D.

Mindfulness event with Ellen Langer, PhD, author of The Mindful Body. Watch the recording here.

The Perfumist of Paris, by Alka Joshi

Alka Joshi, author of The Perfumist of Paris. Watch the recording here.

American Dirt audiobook review

Jeanine Cummins, author, and Yareli Azrimedi, narrator, for American Dirt for the International Rescue Committee

Lisa Wingate's Book of Lost Friends

Lisa Wingate for Book of Lost Friends to benefit Feeding America & The Whitney Plantation Museum. Watch the recording here.

The Secret Keeper of Jaipur audiobook review

Alka Joshi, author, and Ariyan Kassam, Deepa Samuel, narrators for The Secret Keeper of Jaipur to benefit Room to Read. Watch the recording here.

The Good Sister audio book review
Sally Hepworth, author, and Barrie Kreinik, narrator, for The Good Sister to benefit Autism Society
Yellow Wife By Sadeqa Johnson audiobook review

Sadeqa Johnson, author, Robin Miles, narrator, for The Yellow Wife to benefit The Sacred Ground Project. Watch the recording here.

Catherine Gildiner Good Morning Monster
Catherine Gildiner for Good Morning Monster to benefit Covenant House
Between the Mountain and the Sky, A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, Healing, and Hope, by Maggie Doyne

Maggie Doyne, author of Between the Mountains and the Sky to benefit BlinkNow. Watch the recording here.

he House of Eve, by Sadeqa Johnson

Sadeqa Johnson, author of The House of Eve to benefit BlinkNow. Watch the recording here.

Kirsten Chen Counterfeit

Kirsten Chen, author, and Catherine Ho, narrator of Counterfeit to benefit The Ripple Center. Watch the recording here.

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Karen Hites testimonial for Julie Kaminski
“I’ve been thinking a lot about all the pain and injustice the world (like everyone) and about the role that book clubs can play in opening up dialogue. One of the many difficult things about this moment in our culture is that people who feel moved to stand up and speak up, when they are people of privilege, they often don’t know how to engage. Or they’re afraid to engage. Or they feel like it’s not their place to engage. And I really feel like book clubs can help facilitate more candid dialogue around important issues of racial injustice and inequality.

A book club like yours, that’s potentially diverse, can really promote positive change. Anything that gets people talking and listening outside their own bubble of reality is a really important thing right now, I think. So keep up the great work.”

– Jeanine Cummins, author, American Dirt

“Thank you for starting the Walking Book Club.

This is a time when so many people need connection and a bit of an escape from everyday strife, and you’re reaching out and providing both, plus a reason to get out and walk, another thing that helps us all keep on keeping on.”

– Lisa Wingate, author, The Book of Lost Friends

Lisa Wingate shoutout for the Walking Book Club
Karen Hites testimonial for Julie Kaminski
“What you have created is a much needed space where people who want to understand in a deeper manner what is going on around them, while taking care of the vessel—mind and body—given to us to engage with our reality, are welcome. Precious!

Connecting to issues through creative work is a fantastic way to engage and create solutions to themes dealt with in the work. Your choice of books and access to the authors is the key to expanding the possibilities and influence of your great idea.”

– Yareli Arizmendi, narrator, American Dirt

What participants have to say

“This was an amazing and insightful discussion! So glad I was able to join. Thank you Julie for setting this up and for all your do for The Walking Book Club.”

“Thank you for this great dialogue in the book chat. I have found it to be very thought-provoking.”

“I loved the book chat, the author, and the charity you chose Julie. I really appreciate you organizing these events!”

“What a wonderful hour! Fascinating and inspiring, thank you.”

“I had tears in my eyes throughout the call.”

“Amazing, enlightening, and inspiring dialogue! Thank you!”

About Julie Kaminski

Julie Kaminski
Julie Kaminski MA, NBC-HWC, holds a master’s of art with distinction in counseling psychology, specializing in group work, and a bachelors in business with an emphasis in health and wellness. She is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach who holds ACE certifications in Group Fitness, Personal Training and Fitness Nutrition. In addition, she is trained with Wellcoaches, the only coaching program endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Saybrook University's Mind-Body Medicine doctoral program.

Julie is the creator of numerous small group training curricula, including The Walking Book Club and Fitness Plus. She has 30+years of experience working in private practice, major corporations, clubs and health centers.

Julie’s areas of expertise include group counseling, dynamic group instruction and the development of creative solutions. She has extensive experience designing custom programs for individuals and groups across all areas of wellness, including fitness, health, nutrition, eating behaviors, stress management, and spiritual fulfillment. Her coaching skills include the application of motivational interviewing, goal setting theory and appreciative inquiry. She completed University of Pennsylvania’s Foundations of Positive Psychology and is the author of The Flourishing Home.