Shows
The Secret Library PodcastIs a Good Story Worth Paying for? with JP Watson*This podcast is made possible by the generous support of Book Alchemy’s paid membership. To support the show, please consider upgrading your subscription.The Pound ProjectIn this episode, I speak with JP Watson, a writer from Birmingham, UK, and the founder of The Pound Project. This initiative has published and sold thousands of books worldwide. JP shares how his frustration with the publishing industry's limitations led him to create a unique publishing model based on collaboration and sustainability. We discuss the creative and business aspects of crowdfunding and the importance of maintaining creative in...2025-02-2743 min
The Secret Library PodcastRead Yourself Happy with Daisy Buchanan*This podcast is made possible by the generous support of Book Alchemy’s paid membership. To support the show, please consider upgrading your subscription.Ready to Read Yourself Happy?In this engaging conversation, Daisy and I explore the profound impact of reading on personal well-being, the joy of rediscovering old favorites, and the importance of embracing diverse reading preferences. We discuss the comfort found in rereading beloved books, the slow reading movement, and how literature can serve as an antidote to anxiety. The conversation also touches on the radical nature of reading for pleasure and th...2025-02-1345 min
As The Money BurnsMost EligibleWhile one honeymoon falls apart, another set of bachelors appear on the matrimonial market.#BarbaraHutton, #PrinceMdivani, #honeymoon, #Stotesbury, #MarryingMdivanis, #politicalspeech, #Astor, #restoringthethroneBarbara Hutton, Prince Mdivani, honeymoon, Stotesbury, Marrying Mdivanis, political speech, Astor, restoring the throneJune - July 1933, Barbara Hutton and Prince Alexis Mdivani continue on their honeymoon, while Woolworth family members, Doris Duke, and Louise Van Alen try to avoid residual press scrutiny. Meanwhile on July 20th, 1933, Jakey Astor prepares to be the most popular bachelor in Newport this summer, Jimmy Cromwell gives a speech at Whitemarsh Hall for his new...2024-09-0327 minAs The Money BurnsBachelor GirlWhen an heiress flees to the Far East, her ardent lover follows in hot pursuit unwilling to let her get away so easily.January – February 1933, Barbara Hutton travels to the Orient to forget her romantic troubles with Prince Alexis Mdivani and other failed suitors. But all the press attention brings her another suitor making a last attempt to woo her and declare their plans of marriage. Other people and subjects include: Doris Duke, Franklyn Hutton, Irene Hutton, Louise Van Alen, John Jacob Astor VI aka “Jakey,” Prince Serge Mdivani, Prince David Mdivani, Princess Nina Mdivani Huberi...2024-01-2522 minAs The Money BurnsWorld's Best Kept ManAt another sunny beach enclave, a romance blooms into a twisted love triangle between a prince and two heiresses.Summers 1931 & 1932, the interchange of people and events cause a blurring of timelines. At fashion designer Jean Patou’s residence, sparks between Prince Alexis Mdivani and Barbara Hutton reverses a love triangle much to the humiliation of Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani a little over a year into her marriage.Other people and subjects include: Elsa Maxwell, Princes Roussadana “Roussie” Mdivani Sert, Josep Maria Sert, Prince Serge Mdivani, Prince David Mdivani, Daisy Van Alen, James “Henry” Van Alen, Will...2023-09-0324 minAs The Money BurnsFrom This Day ForwardHearts break as a tennis star heads to the altar, but will one disgruntled family member halt the wedding? February 1932 has several weddings. Frank Shields marries Rebecca “Billie” Tenney after a long engagement and learns he will be on this year’s U.S. Davis Cup Team again. Italian Prince Girolamo “Jerome” Rospigliosi marries American heiress Marian Snowden for the third time. A kidnap victim weds, and Doris Duke is part of a prestigious bridal party while Barbara Hutton continues her world cruise. Other people and subjects include: William “Sam” Van Alen, James - Jimmy...2023-02-0319 min