Season 6 of the Strong Sense of Place podcast starts 24 May! We’ve put together an itinerary of 12 thrilling destinations... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench & Brendan O’Hea... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Honor the Dead by Amy Tector and Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne. Then, our... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: ‘Cold People’ by Tom Rob Smith and ‘Awe: The New Science... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin and Table for Two: Fictions by... more

In this episode, we’re excited two new books: The Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer Croft and Why We Remember: The Science of... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Morningside by Téa Obreht and James by Percival Everett. Then Mel tells us about... more

This is a replay of an episode featuring Dinner Party by Sarah Gilmartin and You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith. Then... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: Piglet by Lottie Hazell and Local: A Search for Nearby Nature and Wildness by Alastair... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two books: Lives of the Monster Dogs by Kirsten Bakis and Transient and Strange by Nell Greenfieldboyce. Then... more

In this episode, we’re excited about new books on our TBRs: The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai and Wandering Stars by Tommy... more

In this episode, we’re excited about new books: Strawberry Fields by Patrick D. Joyce and The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden. Dave... more

In this episode, we’re excited about new books on our TBRs: Everyone on This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson and Fall... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: Broughtupsy by Christina Cooke and The Curse of Pietro Houdini by Derek B. Miller. Then... more

In this episode, we’re excited about new books: Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett and Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar. Then Mel shares... more

In this episode, we’re excited about new books: The Fury by Alex Michaelides and Maude Horton’s Glorious Revenge by Lizzie Pook. Then Dave recommends... more

In this episode, we’re excited about new books: The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan and Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree.... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: The Lost Van Gogh by Jonathan Santlofer and North Woods by Daniel Mason. Then Dave... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Empty Theater by Jac Jemc and Yellowfaceby R.F. Kuang. Then we discuss great reading... more

In this episode, we get excited about two great books: One Woman Show by Christine Coulson and To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: This Is Christmas, Song by Song by Annie Zaleski and The Bathysphere Book by Brad... more

In this episode, we get excited about three books: ‘The Christmas Party’ by Georgette Heyer, ‘The Christmas Murder Game’ by... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer and The Vulnerables by Sigrid Nunez. Then Dave recommends... more

We know you don’t all celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving, but it’s never a bad idea to express gratitude... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two books: The Three Dahlias by Katy Watson and World Within a Song by Jeff Tweedy. Then Carrie... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two books: The Future by Naomi Alderman and Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by James Sturm & Joe... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two books: What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez and The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza by... more

In this show, we’re excited about two books: The Murders at Fleat House by Lucinda Riley and Starter Villain by John Scalzi. Then Mel... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two books: The World Central Kitchen Cookbook: Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope by José Andrés and I Love... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: The Pale House Devil by Richard Kadrey and Collision of Power: Trump, Bezos, and... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two books: A Haunting on the Hill by Elizabeth Hand and Murder Most Royal by S.J. Bennett. Then... more

In this show, we’re excited about two books — Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig and The Secret Hours by Mick Herron. Then Craig... more

In this show, we get excited about two books — Pockets by Hannah Carlson and Roaming by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki. Then Dave... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison and The Tao of the Backup Catcher by Tim Brown... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: the cookbook ‘Portico’ by Leah Koenig and ‘The Square of Sevens’... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: ‘Where There Was Fire’ by John Manuel Arias and ‘The Heaven... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: ‘The Continental Affair’ by Christine Mangan and ‘The Quickening’ by Elizabeth... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two new books — ‘The Bookbinder’ by Pip Williams and ‘Tabula Rasa, Vol 1’... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two books — ‘Ms. Demeanor’ by Elinor Lipman Moreno-Garcia and ‘Speech Team: A Novel’... more

If you’ve ever wanted to go behind the scenes of the best theme parks in the world — Hello, Disney!... more

In this episode, we’re excited about two new books — ‘Silver Nitrate’ by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and ‘The Skull: A Tyrolean... more

The gates of an amusement park are a portal to a magical realm of thrill rides and fantasy worlds, larger-than-life... more

This is a replay of an episode featuring books from beloved authors that are excellent summer reads: 'Killers of a... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new books — ‘The Only One Left’ by Riley Sager and ‘The... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new books — ‘100 Places to See After You Die’ by Ken... more

Argentina is so alluring. Rugged gauchos riding the pampas, the percussive heartbeat of the tango, the otherwordly beauty of Tierra... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new books — ‘Return to Valetto’ by Dominic Smith and ‘National Dish’... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new books — ‘Unpacking for Greece’ by Sally Jane Smith and the... more

Located on the east coast of Africa, Kenya is a fantastic place to explore Swahili culture and get close to... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new books — The Power of Saying No by Vanessa Patrick and... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Tumbling Girl by Bridget Walsh and The West: A New... more

Google the words’ history of theater,’ and you’ll get a timeline that begins in ancient Greece, circa the 6th century... more

Housekeeping note: There will be no 'Library of Lost Time' next week. The next episode will appear on Friday, June... more

Perched in the top-right corner of the US, Maine is wrapped in a snuggly hug from Canada and bravely faces... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Lioness of Boston by Emily Franklin and The Partisan by... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Dinner Party by Sarah Gilmartin and You Could Make This Place... more

There's been a bridge over the Thames in London for about 2000 years. In the time since its founding during... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Never Sleep by Fred Van Lente and The Wager: A Talk... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal... more

If you were born anytime after, say, 1974, you probably associate Lebanon and its capital city of Beirut with political... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Last Heir to Blackwood Library by Hester Fox and The... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Jane & Edward by Melodie Edwards and Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice... more

Sri Lanka is known for its rich, full-bodied Ceylon tea, fishermen on stilts, and staggering beauty. If you want to... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Girl with Twenty Fingers by Kate Mueser and White Cat,... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Company by J.M. Varese and Sweet Enough: A Dessert Cookbook... more

A bookshop is a special (maybe enchanted) place found all over the world and staffed by booksellers who seem to... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Speak for the Dead by Amy Tector and I Have Some... more

The mountains of Jamaica rise up out of the turquoise-blue Caribbean. From those jaggy peaks, rolling hills — covered in... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: ‘Weyward’ by Emilia Hart and ‘Psych: The Story of the Human... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: My Father’s House by Joseph O’Connor and A Mystery of Mysteries: The Death and... more

When you’re ready to let the good times roll, there’s no place like New Orleans to cut loose, indulge in... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson and All the Beauty... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Master Slave Husband Wife by Ilyon Woo and Mr. Breakfast by... more

In this episode, we get all dreamy-eyed about everything that makes Spain a fantastic place to visit. We get curious... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: 'Cold People' by Tom Rob Smith and 'Awe: The New Science... more

We've put together an itinerary of 12 fantastic destinations with stops in every region of the globe. So pack your... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: 'The Mitford Affair' by Marie Benedict and 'Creative ACT: A Way... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: 'Really Good, Actually' by Monica Heisey and 'How to Sell a... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: 'City Under One Roof' by Iris Yamashita and 'Endurance: 100 Tales... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: 'The Bandit Queens' by Parini Shroff and 'Project Hail Mary' by... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books: 'The Snow Ball' by Brigid Brophy and 'Nine Liars' by Maureen... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'The Family Game' by Catherine Steadman and 'The Explorer's Library:... more

In this episode, we get excited about three books: 'The Christmas Party' by Georgette Heyer, 'The Christmas Murder Game' by... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'Murder at Black Oaks' by Phillip Margolin and 'Dickens and... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'The Secret History of Christmas' by Bill Bryson and 'Wayward... more

We know you don't all celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving, but it's never a bad idea to express gratitude... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'Galatea' by Madeline Miller and 'Novelist as a Vocation' by... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'The Cloisters' by Katy Hays and 'The Best American Short... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'Pretty Dead Queens' by Alexa Donne and 'Last Call at... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'Revenge of the Librarians' by Tom Gauld and 'The Milky... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'The Whalebone Theatre' by  Joanna Quinn and 'The Hero of... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'The Sleeping Car Porter' by Suzette Mayr and 'Such Sharp... more

In this episode, we get excited about two books, one backlist and one new: 'Wakenhyrst' by Michelle Paver and 'This... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'The Most Likely Club' by Elyssa Friedland and 'The... more

Do you ever feel like Italy is just showing off just a bit? It's literally got the best of both... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Duran Duran: Careless Memories' by Denis O'Regan and 'The... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Ten Things I Hate About Me' by Joe Tracini... more

Secret corridors, hidden rooms, and trapdoors are the stuff of adventure and romance. Egyptian pyramids riddled with underground chambers and... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Killers of a Certain Age' by Deanna Raybourn and... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'these are the words' by Nikita Gill and 'Daisy... more

Close your eyes and imagine it: Craggy coastlines with the rumble of crashing surf, sand dunes shaped by the wind... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Portrait of an Unknown Woman' by Daniel Silva and... more

Perched where East meets West, Turkey was once a stopover on the Silk Road, connecting the cultures of Europe and... more

In this very short episode, we get curious about what you think about The Library of Lost Time. We'd like to... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Kismet' by Amina Akhtar and 'Alias Emma' by Ava... more

With palm trees galore, more than 100 beaches (plus more than 100 volcanoes!), Hawaii's islands are a playground in paradise.... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'The Half Life of Valery K' by Natasha Pulley... more

Museums are where we put our best stuff. An item might belong in a museum if it's rare, expensive, irreplaceable,... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'What Moves the Dead' by T. Kingfisher and 'The... more

Animal safaris! White sand beaches! The majesty of Table Mountain! Plus, urban penguins, world-class wine, and food with irresistible names... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Her Majesty's Royal Coven' by Juno Dawson and 'Rogues:... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Woman of Light' by Kali Fajardo-Anstine and 'Ordinary Monsters'... more

Let's get this straight immediately: If you want to make friends with the good people of the mountains, you'd better... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Last Call at the Nightingale' by Katharine Schellman and... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'The Woman in the Library' by Sulari Gentill and... more

This might be a bit too seem cheesy, but we're going to say it anyway: This small-ish, heart-shaped island in... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Hide' by Kiersten White and 'Born to Be Hanged'... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Trust' by Hernan Diaz and 'How to Be Eaten'... more

Room service. An oversized bed seemingly made of clouds. Breathtaking views through wall-sized windows. Zippy elevators. Friendly, efficient bellhops. And... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: The Cherry Robbers by Sarai Walker and Book of... more

Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is 100-percent situated in the tropics. It's hot and humid and, sometimes, there's torrential rain.... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: Siren Queen by Nghi Vo and Every Good Boy... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Woman, Eating' by Claire Kohda and 'How to Tell... more

With all those dramatic volcanoes and glaciers, Iceland has become known as the Land of Fire and Ice. But we... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'True Biz' by Sara Nović and 'Hotel Magnifique' by... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'The Patron Saint of Second Chances' by Christine Simon... more

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'The Sea of Tranquility' by Emily St. John Mandel... more

Season 4 of the Strong Sense of Place podcast starts 25 April! We've put together an itinerary of 12 destinations with... more

Comprised of more than 2000 islands on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula, Greece is bounded by bluer-than-blue water.... more

For longer than memory, those deep, dark forests have been a symbolic, powerful setting for stories. The wildwoods of fairy... more

Egypt was one of the world's first civilizations, with a history that reaches back 5000 years through the sands of... more

The Arctic is the northernmost region on Earth. It includes the Arctic Ocean and northern parts of Russia, the state... more

Located in Central Asia with Iran to the west and Pakistan to the east, Afghanistan sits at the crossroads of... more

The word newsroom can conjure images of jaded reporters tapping away at typewriters and harried producers coddling the on-air talent... more

Located in Central America — and with coasts on both the Pacific and the Caribbean — Costa Rica just might... more

Astute listeners will by now have noticed that our podcast cast has been MIA since May. In this special episode,... more

In this mini-episode, we explain why our podcasts have been MIA and when you can expect new episodes. Spoiler: It... more

Hollywood is a land of sunshine dreams, glamorous red carpets, and the magic that happens when a great story lands... more

In our recent survey, we invited our audience to ask us anything, and we got 153 excellent questions in response.... more

On our show, we usually get curious about a destination somewhere in the world and take you with us on... more

Divided in two by political and religious differences, the isle of Ireland comprises two fabulously green entities: Northern Ireland (part... more

Every four years when presidential elections roll around, Pennsylvania is a big deal: It's a swing state with 20 electoral... more

It's our Podiversary! Podcastiversary? Podcastersary? Let's just call it our 1-year Podcast Anniversary. In this mini-episode, we look back at our... more

Vietnam has mostly been defined by its tumultuous history of border scuffles, invasions, and colonialism — which does this beautiful,... more

In this mini-episode of our show, we talk about holiday traditions from around the world that we've added to our... more

In the 200 years since trains first started clattering on the rails, they dramatically changed industry and commerce — and... more

Peru is South America's geographical triple-threat with beach-front desert fronting the Pacific, the Andes mountains (the second-highest range in the... more

Located on the west coast of Africa, Nigeria is the seventh most populous country in the world — and one... more

Iran (formerly known as Persia) is the second-largest country in the Middle East, and its culture reaches back through the... more

It's no surprise that most Halloween stories delve into the dark corners and shadows of life. That premise is in... more

Head south to Australia and take a sharp turn east to arrive in New Zealand. It's a landscape both magical... more

The library is a sacred and celebratory place, filled with objects, yes — but inside those objects are imagination and... more

Alaska is the 49th and largest state in the union. It was derided as Seward's Folly when the US Secretary... more

When you daydream about Paris, whatever sparkling, romantic images you conjure are probably not too far off the mark. It... more

In this mini-episode, we answer a variety of questions, including how we choose the books for our show, whether or... more

In this mini-episode, we share some of the results from our end-of-Season-1 audience survey, preview some of the changes we're... more

There is no Strong Sense of Place without you, and now we're curious about what's on your mind. Where shall... more

Feats of derring-do! Amazing acrobats! Clowns both ridiculous and poignant! Majestic animals from around the world! For centuries, the circus has... more

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, with sparkling beaches, lush jungles, and mountainous forests populated by animals found... more

We're usually all about curiosity and fun facts and armchair travel and great books on our podcast. But in this... more

As of April 2020, Sweden is the seventh-happiest country in the world. And it's no wonder! Its residents enjoy one... more

Today, we armchair travel to the Windy City for a deep-dive into what makes Chicago different from every other city... more

Russia is the largest country in the world. And its culture is dominated by larger-than-life historical figures, giants of literature,... more

Morocco can seem like something conjured from a dream. The twisty alleys of its old-town medinas hold secrets around every... more

The sea is a metaphor for everything that's important to us: for adventure and creativity and love. It's fascinated humans... more

A rebellious national spirit, a predilection for ghost stories, an affinity for smart plaids, and an appreciation of a wee... more

Mexico is an inspired background for stories that explore the joy (and challenges) of family and the magic of everyday... more

Rooted in tradition and family, the culture of Japan provides rich fodder for stories that grab hold of you and... more

In a restaurant kitchen, the chef is the ultimate authority, a figure that can inspire fear, rebelliousness, and a cult... more