The National Park System (NPS) is a national treasure. US National Parks represent just about every type of feature and wildlife you can imagine. And it’s not just parks: The NPS includes national monuments, memorials, scenic trails, lakeshores, battlefields, recreation areas, and more. The concept of a national park is credited to George Catlin, a 19th-century lawyer, painter, and adventurer. His travels took him all over the burgeoning United States, where he met fifty native tribes. He also w...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Snuggled up next to Spain on the Iberian Peninsula and perched on the westernmost edge of Europe, Portugal has a long love affair with the sea. The Age of Discovery, launched in 15th-century Lisbon, carried Portuguese sailors to far-flung lands and brought sugarcane, tobacco, cotton, coffee, gold, spices, and chocolate back home. Today, the traditions of the colonies — and a Moorish invasion or two — are integrated into Portugal’s cuisine, music, architecture, and the azulejos that tell stories ...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 11 min
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: Aftertaste: A Novel by Daria Lavelle and Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir by Tessa Hulls. Then Mel delves into the story of New Jersey’s favorite beachy souvenir for National Taffy Day. Links Aftertaste: A Novel by Daria Lavelle Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson Butter Honey Pig Brea by Francesca Ekwuyasi Cinnamon and Gunpowder by Eli Brown Lush by Rochelle Dowden-Lord Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir by Tessa Hulls Podcast: Mel recommends Pig...
May 23, 2025•21 min
We’re delighted to announce that Season 7 of the Strong Sense of Place podcast kicks off on Friday, 30 May! We’ve put together an itinerary of thrilling destinations with a journey to every region of the globe. Pack your (virtual) bags for Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and two exciting destinations in the United States. (Hint: There will be incredible vistas and majestic trees involved in our visit to America.) This time, we’re also celebrating two favorite holidays for maximum fun. Get ready to ...
May 16, 2025•11 min
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune and My Friends: A Novel by Fredrik Backman. Then Dave talks about the stellar winners of the 2025 Pen America Awards. Links One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune Read an excerpt from One Golden Summer Love is Like Peanuts by Betty Bates on Internet Archive Every Summer After by Carley Fortune My Friends: A Novel by Fredrik Backman Beartown: A Novel by Fredrik Backman A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman Anxiou...
May 09, 2025•15 min
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig and I See You’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney. Then Dave talks about the stellar winners of the 2025 Pen America Awards. Links The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig Invasive by Chuck Wendig I See You’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney Truth in Advertising by John Kenney Writer’s Digest interview with John Kenney The Boat Who Wouldn’t Float by Farley Mowat Pen America website and Instagram Pen Inte...
May 02, 2025•18 min
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: Exit Zero: Stories by Marie-Helene Bertino and The Pretender: A Novel by Jo Harkin. Then Mel talks about the remarkable digital library fighting global censorship. Links Exit Zero: Stories by Marie-Helene Bertino 2 A.M. at the Cat’s Pajamas by Marie-Helene Bertino — hear Mel talk about it on our Pennsylvania episode Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino — hear Mel talk about it on our Outer Space episode The Pretender: A Novel by Jo Harkin Tell M...
Apr 25, 2025•16 min
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: Perspective(s): A Novel by Laurent Binet and The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer. Then Dave shares the app that’s decoding nature’s secrets in his favorite park. Links Perspective(s): A Novel by Laurent Binet The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer HHhH by Laurent Binet — hear Mel talk about it on our Prague podcast episode The Black House by Peter May — hear Mel talk about it on our Scotland episode Seek by iNaturalist: download the app for A...
Apr 18, 2025•13 min
We have a slew of new listeners — hello, new book friends! — so we’re sharing this episode from 2020 in which we answered questions about how we choose the books we read for the show, whether or not we really love everything we recommend, how we met, previous jobs, and other behind-the-scenes info. Hope you enjoy the peek into our lives and work! Sign up for our free Substack to connect with us and other lovely readers who are curious about the world. Transcript of this episode Do you enjoy our ...
Apr 11, 2025•27 min
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: When We Were Real by Daryl Gregory and The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones. Then Mel shares the meaningful story of the new Witches of Scotland tartan. Links When We Were Real by Daryl Gregory Daryl Gregory’s website Read an excerpt from When We Were Real Podcast: Mel talks about Spoonbenders in our Chicago episode Mel’s write-up of Spoonbenders Podcast: Mel talks about the P&T Knitwear bookshop The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by S...
Apr 04, 2025•13 min
In this episode, we get excited about fun new books: The Expert of Subtle Revisions by Kirsten Menger-Anderson and On Air: The Triumph and Tumult of NPR by Steve Oney. Then Dave recommends a tranquil dark sky festival. Links The Expert of Subtle Revisions by Kirsten Menger-Anderson On Air: The Triumph and Tumult of NPR by Steve Oney The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley Prague Spring by Simon Mawer Skellig Coast Dark Sky Festival Wikipedia on the amazing Skellig Michael Kerry International Dark-Sky Res...
Mar 28, 2025•11 min
In this episode, we get excited about fun new books: The Paris Express by Emma Donoghue and The Antidote by Karen Russell. Then Mel explains why you should give yourself a time-out on the floor. Links The Paris Express by Emma Donoghue Video: Emma Donoghue at Politics and Prose bookstore The Antidote by Karen Russell The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders Why Lying on the Ground Feels So Good How to Do a Legs-up-the-Wall Pose Trans...
Mar 21, 2025•11 min
In this episode, we get excited about three new books: The Café with No Name by Robert Seethaler & Katy Derbyshire (translation) and The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami. Then Mel recommends starting the day with the new word game ‘Order Up. Links The Café with No Name by Robert Seethaler, Katy Derbyshire (translator) The Tobacconist by Robert Seethaler, Charlotte Collins (translator) The Field by Robert Seethaler, Charlotte Collins (translator) The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami The River Has Roots...
Mar 07, 2025•13 min
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: How to Survive a Classic Crime Novel by Kate Jackson and The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune. Then Dave shares Kevin Kelly’s surprising tips for memorable travel. Links How to Survive a Classic Crime Novel by Kate Jackson Cross Examining Crime website Artist Joanna Lisowiec’s website Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village by Maureen Johnson, Jay Cooper Wolf Hall Companion by Lauren MacKay The Bones Beneath My Skin by ...
Feb 28, 2025•12 min
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: The Watermark by Sam Mills and Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live by Susan Morrison. Then Mel shares the buttery story of the best croissants in Paris. Links The Watermark by Sam Mills Sam Mill’s website The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live by Susan Morrison Gerloczy in Budapest: the hotel and the cafe Alma Nomad Bakery in Madrid Moon Croissants in Paris Instagram: Up close and personal ...
Feb 21, 2025•20 min
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: Every Tom, Dick & Harry by Elinor Lipman and On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer by Rick Steves. Then Dave shares a sweet poem about the good stuff: love and dogs. Links Every Tom, Dick & Harry by Elinor Lipman Podcast: Mel talks about Ms. Demeanor by Elinor Lipman Visit Elinor Lipman’s website. Elinor Lipman is the new EM Forster. Fight me. Review of The Inn at Lake Devine by Elinor Lipman Revi...
Feb 14, 2025•15 min
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: Cold Kitchen: A Year of Culinary Travelsby Caroline Eden and Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor. Then Dave shares his enthusiasm for the 2025 Grammy nominees for best audiobook recordings. Links Cold Kitchen: A Year of Culinary Travels by Caroline Eden Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration by Jimmy Carter My Name is Barbra by Barbra Streisand: print and audiobook …And Your Ass Will Follow by ...
Jan 31, 2025•13 min
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: The Power and the Glory: The Country House Before the Great War by Adrian Tinniswood and Playworld: A Novel by Adam Ross. Then Mel shares her reading and loving doorstopper novels of 500+ pages. Links The Power and the Glory: The Country House Before the Great War by Adrian Tinniswood The Long Weekend: Life in the English Country House, 1918-1939 by Adrian Tinniswood Noble Ambitions: The Fall and Rise of the English Country House After World W...
Jan 24, 2025•23 min
Spend a bookish weekend with us in a country manor house! For centuries, nobles and ne'er-do-wells have gathered on country estates for a bit of leisure, a lot of sumptuous food, sparkling conversation, and general good cheer. You’re invited to join us at Trevor Hall for a modern take on the traditional manor house weekend. Together, we’ll make ourselves at home in this historic Georgian mansion surrounded by the picturesque North Wales countryside. We’ll talk about books, share gourmet meals in...
Jan 17, 2025•20 min
In this episode, we get excited about three books: Gifts from the Kitchen by Kristine Kidd and A Christmas Cornucopia: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Yuletide Traditions by Mark Forsyth. Then Dave recommends entertaining, accessible graphic novels for newbies. Links Buy: Gifts from the Kitchen by Kristine Kidd Internet Archive: Gifts from the Kitchen by Kristine Kidd A Christmas Cornucopia: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Yuletide Traditions by Mark Forsyth Polar Vortex: A Family Memoir by Denise D...
Dec 13, 2024•20 min
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: A Lively Midwinter Murder by Katy Watson and The Way by Cary Groner. Then Dave recommends fun boardgames to play with your friends and family this holiday season. Links A Lively Midwinter Murder by Katy Watson The Dead of Winter by Nicola Upson The Way by Cary Groner Sky Team dice game — how-to video Harmonies board game — how-to video Flip 7 card game — how-to video Transcript of this episode. The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Pla...
Dec 06, 2024•14 min
It’s our November tradition! This week, we’re replaying a special Thanksgiving episode of our show. ==== We know you don’t all celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving, but it’s never a bad idea to express gratitude and devote a day to being cozy. In that spirit, we’ve made a little gift for you to show our appreciation. Watching the movie ‘Home for the Holidays’ is an annual Thanksgiving tradition in our house. The film is based on a brilliant short story by Chris Radant that is, sadly, o...
Nov 26, 2024•25 min
In this episode, we get excited about three books: Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris, The Starlets by Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne, and Darkly by Marisha Pessl. Then Dave makes the case for playing cozy games. Links Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris The Starlets by Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne Diavola by Jennifer Thorne Darkly by Marisha Pessl Mel’s review of Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl Night Film by Marisha Pessl Steam gift cards Tiny Glade on Steam Video: Tiny Gla...
Nov 22, 2024•17 min
We'd love to hear from you! -- Take our survey at strongsenseofplace.com/survey. In this episode, we get excited about two books: the audiobook version of Rivals, written by Jilly Coooper (read by Georgia Tennant) and Big Book of Bread: 125+ Recipes for Every Baker from King Arthur Flour. Then Mel shares her extreme enthusiasm for sandwiches and The Sammies Awards. Links Rivals by Jilly Cooper(read by Georgia Tennant) King Arthur Flour Big Book of Bread: 125+ Recipes for Every Baker Podcast: How...
Nov 15, 2024•20 min
Hello! Please take our end-of-the-season survey at http://strongsenseofplace.com/survey! We'd love to hear from you. Seattle is a mashup of water and mountains — it just might be the ultimate outdoor playground. If you want to go hiking, camping, boating, biking, or meander in a beautiful garden, Seattle is a fantastic place to do all of that. It can also claim a vast realm of ‘firsts’ in music, architecture, politics, and literature. (Not to mention Bigfoot sightings, if that’s your thing.) The...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 7 min
In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Absinthe Forger by Evan Rail and The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper by Roland Allen. Then our guest Evan Rail shares his enthusiasm for fountain pens and special inks. Links The Absinthe Forger: A True Story of Deception, Betrayal, and the World’s Most Dangerous Spirit by Evan Rail The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper by Roland Allen Evan Rail’s website and Instagram Evan’s interview with Radio Prague International Pelikan fo...
Nov 01, 2024•16 min
Graveyards, cemeteries, ossuaries, and crypts — all places of reverence where the living can pay their respects to those who’ve crossed over before us. But that wasn’t always the case. In the Middle Ages, graveyards were far more raucous, home to fairs, markets, and even grazing cattle. In the 19th century, some cemeteries were the place to see and be seen, possibly with a well-stocked picnic basket in tow. In 1860, The Green-Wood Cemetery in New York rivaled Niagara Falls (!) as the most popula...
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 12 min
In this episode, we get excited about two books: Accidentally Wes Anderson: Adventures by Wally & Amanda Koval and Polostan by Neal Stephenson. Then Wally and Amanda from Accidentally Wes Anderson recommend a silly-fun music hotline. Links Accidentally Wes Anderson website and Instagram Accidentally Wes Anderson: Adventures by Wally and Amanda Koval Accidentally Wes Anderson by Wally and Amanda Koval Accidentally Wes Anderson: Adventures audiobook narrated by Jeff Goldblum Radio Prague on th...
Oct 18, 2024•15 min
If you think a trip to Brazil is an invitation to the best party ever, you are correct! Colorful, sizzling, breathtakingly beautiful, and populated with friendly people (and amazing animals), Brazil is the place for good times, good food, good drinks, and good energy. We begin with the Amazon, a vast rainforest and river teeming with magical creatures like pink dolphins, bioluminescent mushrooms, and — yes — piranhas and anacondas. (Shout-out to the friendly capybaras!) Brazil’s cities offer som...
Oct 11, 2024•1 hr 7 min
In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel and Book and Dagger by Elyse Graham. Then Mel recommends the History Extra podcast for your Spooky Season storytelling needs. Links The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel Book and Dagger by Elyse Graham History Extra podcast Ancient Egypt: The Big Questions Salem: Investigating the Witch Trials More episodes about witches Halloween episodes Transcript of this episode. The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Se...
Oct 04, 2024•13 min
