I am Ben Kushner, a reader, writer, podcast host and unapologetic nerd. During the Summer of 2020, I self-published my first book Shattered Lion and the following year I published its sequel, the cleverly named Shattered Lion Volume 2. Now, after an extended break from Ben's Book Shack related content, I am returning to the writing world with a brand new fantasy podcast: Gold, Bones, and Leather, hosted by yours truly. Outside of writing, I am an avid cyclist, and a known face at a near-scandalous number of cafes throughout the US and Europe. I am a modern history student at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and am currently on a year abroad in Spain. 

While I love writing books, hosting podcasts, and telling stories, I always see myself as a reader first. In my humble opinion, nothing beats the feeling of curling up in a large comfy chair with a warm blanket, a mug of tea, and a new book, ready to let another's imagination bring a smile to your face, and a tear to your eye. As long as I keep on reading, I never lose sight of the power that stories have to enchant, to delight, and to inspire.