February | 2026 | Top Shelf with Carol Ann Tack

This special episode of Top Shelf features veteran journalist and author Dan Robson, co-author of Hammered: The Fight of My Life by hockey legend Dave Schultz.

Dan joins me to discuss his latest collaboration, and from there, we dive right into the nuances of crafting compelling narrative non-fiction, and what it was like working alongside one of hockey’s most iconic figures: Dave “The Hammer” Schultz.

We talk about Dave’s storied career, as well as the powerfully personal, candid, and heartbreaking journey Dave Schultz himself shares in this book. Dan tells us how the project first came together and their collaborative process. We also talk about some of the great tidbits in Dave’s memoir. This is a fascinating conversation, and I cannot thank Dan enough for sharing such incredible behind-the-scenes insight.

Follow along with Dan Robson’s website or follow along with Dan Robson on The Athletic.

Follow along with Dave Schultz.

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“Captivating. Eleanor Shearer returns with a memorable tale of two young women yearning for home and love. I was drawn to the historical setting not typically seen in fiction – the lives of eighteenth-century Jamaican Maroons, removed to Canada, free on paper, yet still at risk.”—Charmaine Wilkerson, NYT best-selling author of Good Dirt

In this episode Eleanor and I chat about her brand new book, Fireflies in Winter. We also talk about the Jamaican Maroon colony, queer love, her trips to Novia Scotia, her debut River Sing Me Home, and so much more. I loved this book, these characters, and the luminous prose. Fireflies in Winter is an excellent piece of historical fiction, that is not to be missed.

Follow Eleanor on Instagram:@eleanorbshearer

Place your holds here for Fireflies in Winter and River Sing Me Home, both by Eleanor Shearer.

Eleanor Shearer recommends: Ever Since We Small by Celeste Mohammed.