Shows
Elena Meets the AuthorExploring America's First Murder Trial with Lauren WilligIn this episode of 'Elena Meets The Author,' Elena Bowes sits down with Lauren Willig, the New York Times bestselling author of over 25 works of historical fiction. They dive into Willig's latest book, 'The Girl from Granite Street,' an enthralling courtroom drama set during America's first recorded murder trial in 1799. Willig shares her intricate journey from law to writing, her fascinating research process, and the historical nuances that make this story so compelling. The conversation also explores the socio-cultural dynamics of 1800s New York and how Willig breathes life into her characters through rich historical details.2025-05-0741 min
Elena Meets the AuthorLynda Cohen Loigman - The Magic of Historical Love StoriesIn this episode, Elena interviews Lynda Cohen Loigman about her latest book, 'The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern,' which has made it to Elena's rolling top 10 books. They discuss the novel's dual timeline, set in a 1920s Brooklyn pharmacy and a 1980s Florida retirement home, its themes of second chances and the magic of youth. Lynda reads an excerpt from the book and shares her inspiration, drawn from family stories and personal experiences. The conversation delves into the historical role of pharmacies, the impact of timing and secrets in the plot, and the power of words. Linda also...2025-04-2348 min
Elena Meets the AuthorExploring Genetic Mysteries and Writing Journeys with Joselin LinderIn this episode, I chat with the wonderful Joselin Linder, author of 'The Family Gene', about her family's unique genetic history and its profound impact. Joselin shares harrowing and hopeful personal stories, discussing the challenges of genetic diseases and the breakthroughs made by a Harvard geneticist. We delve into her writing career, her role as a writing coach, and her latest project, the subscription-based platform Prose Playground. Joselin reads an excerpt from her memoir and reflects on the process of translating complex scientific data into relatable narratives. We also explore her early writing career and the important role a...2025-04-0435 min
Elena Meets the AuthorExploring the Secrets of Southern France with Neroli LaceyIn today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Neroli, the author of the thrilling debut novel 'The Perfumer's Secret'. Set in the scenic region of Grasse, where the Mediterranean meets the Alps, this book is a love letter to French culture, tradition, and the art of perfume-making. We discussed the book's central theme of multifaceted truths through its dynamic plot and sublime setting. Neroli shared insights into her creative journey, research, and character development, as well as personal anecdotes that inspired the story. She also gave us a sneak peek into her upcoming books and recommended some...2025-03-2137 min
Elena Meets the AuthorElinor Lipman on Every Tom, Dick, and Harry and Writing InspirationIn this episode, I chat with the beloved and prolific novelist Elinor Lipman about her latest book, Every Tom, Dick, and Harry. This humorous story follows Emma Lewis as she navigates taking over her parents' struggling estate sale business. Elinor shares insights into her writing process, overcoming writer's block, and finding inspiration from everyday experiences like estate sales. We also dive into her personal love story with Jonathan, a British art appraiser, and how her real-life experiences influence her work. Tune in to hear why Elinor believes in the power of polishing and being open to ideas. You can...2025-03-0743 min
Elena Meets the AuthorExploring the Depths of Women's Fiction with Rochelle Weinstein In this episode of 'Elena Meets the Author,' Elena interviews Rochelle Weinstein, a bestselling author known for her emotionally charged women's fiction novels. Rochelle discusses her new book, 'We Are Made of Stars,' set in an idyllic inn in North Carolina and featuring a host of complex characters. She shares her journey from secretive journal writer to published author, the inspirations behind her characters and settings, and her approach to writing and building suspense. The episode concludes with insights into her future projects and book recommendations. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:16 Meet Rochelle Weinstein 01:11 Synopsis of 'We Are...2025-02-2130 min
Elena Meets the AuthorTrailblazer of Journalism: Anastasia Rubis Talks About Her Novel OrianaIn today’s episode, I sat down with Anastasia Rubis—who goes by Stacy—to dive into her debut novel, Oriana. In the book, Stacy chronicles the life of pioneering Italian journalist Oriana Fallaci, whose fearless interviews with world leaders like Henry Kissinger, Gaddafi, and Golda Meir made her a trailblazer in journalism. I loved hearing Stacy read a compelling excerpt that perfectly captures Fallaci’s confrontational style with Kissinger.We explored everything from Fallaci’s unique approach to journalism and the challenges of balancing love and a demanding career, to how her childhood during World War II shaped...2025-02-0752 min
Elena Meets the AuthorMichael Cecchi's tales from the Front: A New York City Maître D's JourneyIn this episode, Elena interviews Michael Cecchi Azzolina, a seasoned New York City restaurant veteran with a career spanning 40 years at top Manhattan establishments. Michael discusses his experiences from the book 'Your Table is Ready,' which offers a gritty, behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant industry during the 1980s Wall Street era. From touching stories about surviving the AIDS crisis and 9/11 to insights on restaurant dynamics and the art of service, Michael shares his journey from a troubled childhood in Brooklyn to managing his own successful eatery. He also reveals the challenges and joys of working in restaurants, the...2025-01-2444 min
Elena Meets the AuthorNavigating Life from Behind the Door: Stephen Bruno on Building MaterialIn this episode, Elena interviews Stephen Bruno, the author of 'Building Material: The Memoir of a Park Avenue Doorman’. In this coming of age story, Stephen talks about how getting the doorman job helped break his downward spiral from gifted academic kid in the Bronx to selling chicken wings at a fast-food restaurant in the midwest. He also opens up about the upstairs downstairs shenanigans at an exclusive Park Avenue building in New York City.Stephen talks about his unique perspective from twenty years spent serving residents. And while one of the rules of being a doorman is...2024-12-1356 min
Elena Meets the AuthorExploring Margo's Got Money Troubles with Rufi Thopre: Wrestling, Only Fans and Questioning the Madonna-Whore StoryIn this episode, Rufi discusses her novel 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' and shares insights into her writing process, inspiration, and research. The novel delves into the world of a single mother who turns to OnlyFans to support her child, exploring themes like unemployment, sex work, and the complexities of human nature. Rufi also addresses societal judgments and the interweaving of tragedy and comedy in art. Additionally, she reflects on how personal experiences influenced her storytelling and offers a glimpse into the upcoming TV adaptation of her book.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:23 Exploring the Novel's...2024-11-2954 min
Elena Meets the AuthorHumor, Grief, and Life-Affirming Moments: Alison Espach on 'The Wedding PeopleIn this episode, Elena interviews author Alison Espach about her novel 'The Wedding People.' Alison talks about why she wrote the book, her own struggles with grief and how both in real life and fiction, humor can shift things, make the apocalyptic seem a little less, well, apocalyptic. The main character Phoebe is grappling with suicidal thoughts. She goes to a luxurious hotel by the ocean in Newport, Rhode Island. Phoebe has never seen the ocean. Phoebe hadn’t counted on there being a wedding at her perfect ending spot. And another fly in the ointment, the bride re...2024-11-1541 min
Elena Meets the AuthorWriter’s Block, Family Drama, and Creative Breakthroughs: Kate Feiffer on 'Morning PagesIn this episode, Elena interviews writer Kate Feiffer about her latest novel, 'Morning Pages'. The conversation covers Kate's diverse career, her talented family background, and the central themes of her book, including its focus on a playwright dealing with writer's block, family responsibilities, and professional challenges. Kate explains the inspiration behind the novel, its narrative style using 'Morning Pages', and the real-life experiences that influenced the story. The discussion also delves into the writing process, the humor in the book, and the dynamics within writers' groups that helped shape Kate's work.00:00 Introduction to Kate Pfeiffer01:10...2024-11-0129 min
Elena Meets the AuthorUnravelling the intricate, fascinating life of Jackie Kennedy Onassis, a Deep Dive with Author Dawn TrippIn this episode of Elena Meets the Author, Elena interviews bestselling author Dawn Tripp about her historical fiction novel 'Jackie,' which offers a nuanced portrait of Jackie Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. Through insights from Dawn's extensive research and reflections, the discussion reveals Jackie's intellectual depth, passion for literature, and complex relationships, particularly with JFK. The episode dives into Jackie's profound resilience, highlighted by her ability to manage grief and maintain her public image following JFK's assassination. It also touches on her later years and significant relationships, including with Aristotle Onassis. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of Jackie's multifaceted...2024-10-1854 min
Elena Meets the AuthorWhy Meditate? Learn all about the power of Vedic Meditation with the woman who trained me 15 Years ago - Jillian LavenderIn this episode, Elena is joined by Jillian Lavender, co-founder of the London and New York Meditation Centers, to discuss her book 'Why Meditate? Because it works' and the enduring relevance of meditation. Jillian shares her journey into meditation and becoming a Vedic meditation teacher. She debunks common myths about meditation, emphasizing that it's not about stopping thoughts but embracing practices that offer numerous life benefits. Lavender explains the deep physiological and psychological effects of regular meditation, such as improved brain function, resilience, and emotional balance, and highlights meditation's potential role in health and creativity. The discussion touches on...2024-10-0443 min
Elena Meets the AuthorWriting Humor and Life Lessons - Anne LearyIn this episode Elena meets Ann Leary, the New York Times bestselling author of four novels and a memoir. One of her novels The Good House was made into a film with Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline. An article Ann wrote for the NY Times Modern Love column called Rallying to Keep the Game Alive was adapted for Prime Video’s Modern Love TV seriesfeaturing Tina Fey and John Slattery. A longer version of that essay titled Love Means Nothing (in Tennis) appears in Ann’s latest book, I’ve Tried Being Nice, an anthology of essays about Ann’s life and the thin...2024-09-2038 min
Elena Meets the AuthorEspionage, Love, and Literary Secrets: Lea Carpenter on IliumIn this episode I talk to New York author Lea Carpenter about her third novel, Ilium. Like John Le Carré and Graham Greene, Lea, a lecturer at Columbia Law School, is a master of the literary spy novel. Ilium takes place from London to Mallorca to Cap Ferret in southwestern France. Its style is spare, keeping the reader always guessing. Ilium is also a love story about a young British woman who doesn’t really know what she wants out of life, maybe a little excitement and adventure. And then in the classic case of be careful what you wish for...2024-09-0643 min
Elena Meets the AuthorFrom Food to Fiction: Ruth Reichl on The Paris NovelIn this episode of 'Elena Meets the Author,' host Elena Bowes interviews renowned food writer and author Ruth Reichl about her latest book, 'The Paris Novel.' Our discussion spans Ruth's deep connection with Paris, her storied career as a food critic, and her journey in writing both fiction and memoirs. Ruth shares anecdotes about her childhood experiences with food, the evolution of the American food revolution, and how her novel explores the theme of powerless women finding their strength. We also delve into Ruth's approach to food writing, her favorite home-cooked meals, and her future travel aspirations...2024-08-2342 min
Elena Meets the AuthorDual Timelines and Timeless Drama: Beatriz Williams on Husbands & LoversIn this episode, Elena Bowes talks to acclaimed author Beatriz Williams about her latest work of historical fiction, Husbands & Lovers. Two stories, post-war Cairo and modern-day New England are intertwined by two women and the choices they make. Love, sacrifice, heartbreak and redemption all play a role in this poignant parallel story. In 1951 Hannah, a Hungarian refugee lives in Cairo in a joyless marriage with a British diplomat. She meets Lucien, a hotel manager, after she is bitten by a cobra, and the walls she has carefully built around herself start to crumble. He awakens a longing she had lo...2024-08-0950 min
Elena Meets the AuthorWriting, Wit, and Aging Boldly: Clare Pooley on How to Age DisgracefullyIn this episode I talk to the engaging London-based Clare Pooley about her latest novel, How to Age Disgracefully. This is Clare’s 4th book, her first was a brave and honest memoir called The Sober Diaries about the year Clare gave up drinking. It was an extension of her hugely successful blog, Mummy Was a Secret Drinker. Clare has given up that addiction for another much healthier one, writing. Her first novel, The Authenticity Project was an instant hit, as have been the two that followed. Clare is a terrific writer who can think up eccentric, believable, loveable cha...2024-07-2635 min
Elena Meets the AuthorLove, Loss, and Fresh Starts: Annabel Monaghan on Summer RomanceIn today’s episode I talk to Annabel Monaghan about her latest funny, romantic page-turner,Summer Romance, which came out in the US a few weeks ago and is available in the UK on July 4th. Summer Romance is already an instant USA Today and Washington Post bestseller. We discuss all sorts of topics from the profound - how people we loved and lost live inside us, or are ‘as close as your breath’ to why Monaghan hates dog parks so much. We touch on how much parenting is the right amount, what her ideal writing day looks like and ho...2024-06-2630 min
Elena Meets the AuthorEndless Husbands, Endless Choices: Holly Gramazio on The HusbandsIn today's episode, I sit down with Aussie author and game designer Holly Gramazio to delve into the creative process and inspiration behind Holly's best-selling book, The Husbands. Imagine a world where you could swap husbands without any emotional or financial cost. Intriguing. On May 28th, I’ll have been married to a man I call Stretch for three years. And while I wouldn’t want to send Stretch up to the attic, I will confess that when he clips his toe nails into the toilet, I wish I could blink that habit away. But never blink Stretch away.2024-05-2641 min
Elena Meets the AuthorArt, Feminism, and Fierce Heroines: Elizabeth Fremantle on DisobedientI caught up with British author Elizabeth Fremantle to learn more about her latest gripping novel Disobedient … the types of heroines Fremantle is attracted to why the talented Baroque artist Artemisia Gentileschi was a feminist before her time, and why the subject matter is so personal for Fremantle. Plus a whole lot more. I hope you enjoy the show. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com2024-04-2250 min
Elena Meets the AuthorReinvention and Fearless Aging: Lyn Slater on How to Be OldToday I am speaking to Lyn Slater, author of How to Be Old, Lessons in Living Boldly from The Accidental Icon. During her 60’s Lyn was a social worker, a professor, a blogger, an accidental style icon with nearly a million followers, and a fashion model. Her face was splashed across billboards and buses around the world. It was the most exciting decade of her life. Then at 70 she decided she didn’t like the life of an influencer, it felt inauthentic to her, she wasn’t connected to the people she wanted to connect with so she gave it all...2024-03-251h 00
Listen to Latest Full Audiobooks in Romance, Modern[Spanish] - La obsesión by Nora RobertsPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/387655 to listen full audiobooks. Title: [Spanish] - La obsesión Author: Nora Roberts Narrator: Angely Báez Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 16 hours 55 minutes Release date: December 31, 2018 Genres: Modern Publisher's Summary: Escucha ahora La obsesión, una historia de tramas familiares, maldad, manipulación y segundas oportunidades, la cautivadora nueva novela de la gran dama del suspense romántico, Nora Roberts. La infancia de Naomi Bowes terminó bruscamente la noche en que siguió a su padre hasta el bosque que bordeaba la casa familiar y descubrió el oscuro secreto que ocultaba. Mantenía cautiva a una jov...2018-12-3105 min
Bollywood is For LoversRolling In The Randeep (Hooda), with Shah ShahidWe welcome Shah Shahid of Blank Page Beatdown (http://www.blankpagebeatdown.com/) and the Split Screen Podcast (https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/split-screen-podcast/id1056295660?mt=2) to discuss one of our favourite underrated stars, Randeep Hooda (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randeep_Hooda)
Show Notes:
Thank you filmilibrarian for the review!
The influx of Bollywood podcasts
The genesis of the Split Screen Podcast
Insight into high school Matt and Erin (and Shah and his wife, awww)
Media comprehension skills we take for granted
Edmonton Bollywood...2016-11-161h 38