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This is the incredible true story of Eleanor Jarman, dubbed "the most dangerous woman alive" by 1930s newspapers — but was she really?In 1933, Eleanor was sentenced to 199 years as an accomplice to murder during a Chicago robbery gone wrong. The press sensationalized her as "The Blonde Tigress," leader of a dangerous gang. But the truth was far more complex.After seven years as a model prisoner, Eleanor escaped from the Oakdale Reformatory for Women in 1940 and vanished. The FBI hunted her for decades, but she was never found.Fast forward to the 2000s: Cold case researcher and author Silvia Pettem became fascinated by this unsolved mystery. Through meticulous research and collaboration with online sleuths, Silvia uncovered the shocking truth — Eleanor had been hiding in plain sight as "Marie Millman," working as a waitress at Pete's Diner in Denver for years.In this episode, host Theresa sits down with:• Silvia Pettem, author of "In Search of the Blonde Tigress"• Mary Combs, genealogy researcher who helped crack the case• Pat DeOliveira, Eleanor's granddaughter, who had been searching for the truth about her grandmother for yearsDiscover how Eleanor went from being portrayed as a vicious criminal to a woman who simply wanted to blend in and live a quiet life. This is a story about sensationalized media, the justice system of the 1930s, and a quest to humanize the woman behind the headlines.BOOK: "In Search of the Blonde Tigress: The Untold Story of Eleanor Jarman" by Silvia PettemLEARN MORE: www.silviapettem.comTrueCrime #ColdCase #BlondeTigress #UnsolvedMysteries #History #1930s #Chicago #Denver #Fugitive #Podcast #Desideratum

Join host Theresa Bakken for a captivating conversation with Austin-based author Scott Semegran and Brooklyn-born narrator Brian P. Craig about their latest collaboration, Starman After Midnight. This literary fiction novel explores unlikely friendships, neighborhood mysteries, and the power of human connection in our divided times. Discover the story behind a naked man appearing on porch cameras, missing pets, and how two neighbors with opposing political views find common ground. Scott and Brian discuss the creative process, the art of audiobook narration, and how weather, technology, and serendipity weave through this unique tale. Episode Length: ~52 minutes Scott Semegran - Austin, Texas-based author of literary fiction, including The Codger and the Sparrow (featured on Desideratum in 2024) and Starman After Midnight. Scott writes character-driven stories with humor, heart, and unexpected depth. Brian P. Craig - Audiobook narrator with an acting background who grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Brian brings Scott's characters to life with nuanced performances that capture both the humor and emotional complexity of the stories. [0:00 - 4:30] Introduction & Recording Setup The challenges of home recording studiosManaging temperature and equipment noiseThe gift of getting lost in creative work[4:30 - 14:00] The Narrator-Author Partnership How Brian's voice blends perfectly with Scott's narrative styleThe difference between "by the numbers" mysteries and literary fictionWhy this collaboration works so well[14:00 - 23:00] Physical Description & Cinematic Writing Scott's vivid character descriptions (the "human-sized farm egg" moment)How detailed imagery helps narrationThe cinematic quality of the storytelling[23:00 - 35:00] Literary Fiction vs. Genre Character-driven, voice-forward storytellingWhy readers either love it or hate itThe importance of humor in dark narratives[35:00 - 48:00] The Neighborhood as Character How proximity forces connectionThe role of weather (ice storms, tornadoes, drought) as a unifying forceReal-life inspiration from Austin's 2022 ice storm[48:00 - 1:05:00] Unlikely Friendship Across Political Divides Seth (progressive writer) and Big Dave (MAGA plumber)How the friendship develops despite ideological differencesThe importance of face-to-face interaction vs. online conflict[1:05:00 - 1:20:00] The Starman Mystery A naked man appearing on neighborhood security camerasMissing and dead petsThe "Hey Neighbor" app and social media hysteriaThe yellow asterisk that gives Starman his name[1:20:00 - 1:30:00] Featured Audio Excerpt Hank the Uber driver's storyThe great horned owl sceneBrian's masterful pacing and vocal performance[1:30:00 - 1:45:00] Technology & Community The double-edged sword of neighborhood appsHow online information differs from face-to-face conversationThe physicality of in-person conflict and resolution[1:45:00 - 2:00:00] Unexpected Elements The Farmer's Almanac as common groundRural vs. urban perspectivesFinding shared language across divides[2:00:00 - 2:15:00] Magic & Mystery The Melon Girl and magical realismNature's unpredictabilityThe Log Lady inspiration from Twin Peaks[2:15:00 - 2:30:00] The Audiobook Format Why this experimental structure works in audio10 poems, 10 short stories, and a 10-chapter novellaThe challenge of multiple narrative formsPurchase the audiobook from Libro.fm to support your local independent bookstore. Here's the Desideratum Podcast affiliate link:https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=970873&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9798218769482 Scott Semegran Website: https://scottsemegran.com/Brian P. Craig Website: https://brianpcraigvoice.actor/

In this episode of Desideratum, host Theresa Bakken sits down with author Jennifer Oko to discuss her latest novel, "Just Emilia." Set in a Washington, DC elevator, the story brings together three women (ages 17, 47, and 77) at pivotal moments in their lives, forcing them to confront a shared trauma and unravel the threads connecting their past, present, and future. Jennifer shares the inspiration behind the novel, the challenges of writing across generations, and the personal connections that shaped her characters. The conversation explores themes of memory, responsibility, aging, and the enduring impact of trauma, as well as the unique setting of DC and the symbolism of the ginkgo tree. Listeners will enjoy insights into the writing process, the realities of publishing with an independent press, and the essential role of storytelling and art in our lives. Whether you're a fan of literary fiction, stories about family and self-discovery, or simply love hearing from passionate storytellers, this episode offers a thoughtful and heartfelt look at what it means to grow, heal, and embrace each new chapter. Connect with Jennifer Oko at www.JenniferOko.com and get the rest of the story in "Just Emilia" from www.Regal House Publishing.com

In this episode, we explore the remarkable story behind "The Cure for Women: Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi and the Challenge to Victorian Medicine that Changed Women’s Lives Forever." Host Theresa Bakken is joined by author Lydia Reeder and audiobook narrator Sara Sheckells to discuss the life and legacy of Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi—a pioneering scientist and physician who broke barriers for women in medicine during the 19th century. Key Highlights: Mary Putnam Jacobi’s Journey: From a publisher’s daughter in New York to a trailblazing doctor, Jacobi overcame societal and institutional barriers, becoming a force in both science and women’s rights.Historical Context: The episode delves into the challenges women faced in accessing education and medical training, the suffrage movement, and the prevailing (often harmful) medical theories about women’s health.Scientific Breakthroughs: Jacobi’s research debunked myths about women’s bodies, especially regarding menstruation and fertility, and helped introduce evidence-based medicine to America.Personal Connections: Lydia Reeder shares how her own family history inspired her research, while Sara Sheckells reflects on the importance of telling women’s stories and the parallels between Jacobi’s era and today.Broader Impact: The conversation touches on the collective efforts of women in history, the importance of public education, and the ongoing relevance of Jacobi’s courage and scientific rigor.Audiobook Sample: Listeners hear a vivid scene from Jacobi’s youth, capturing her awe and inspiration as she peers through a microscope—a moment that set her on her groundbreaking path. Get The Cure for Women audiobook from Libro.fm https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=970873&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9781666681376 Colorado Humanities Colorado Book Awards https://coloradohumanities.org/programs/colorado-book-awards/ Sara Sheckells narrator https://sarasounds.com/ Lydia Reeder author https://lydiareeder.com/

This is a story about getting focused and creative. It's a non-fiction handbook and guidebook to your brain and what current brain science tells us about how to thrive, relax and even work better with others. The author is a cognitive scientist intent on turning good science into good life strategies. I am so excited to feature the audiobook SHARP 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science by Therese Huston on this Desideratum. Thanks to the team at publisher Dreamscape Media including Producer Pete Cross and Editor Cody Stephenson. And, thanks to this episode’s sponsor Pozotron (the audiobook prep and proofing service I use on every single audiobook project I work on). Here’s an affiliate link to Libro dot fm to get the SHARP audiobook with all its science based brain hacks. Here’s a link to the episode sponsor Pozotron. And, here’s the link to the late Reverend Frederick Buchner profile on PBS. I hope like me you will find ways to support PBS and NPR at your local level. As always, thanks for being here. Thanks for listening.

This is a story about a robot. Annie Bot was created to be the perfect companion and girlfriend for her human owner Doug. She's designed to adapt and learn to get better at serving and meeting his needs. It's a story about what and how she learns. You follow her to her tune up appointments with technicians, you ride a bike with her, and feel her sentience and consciousness grow even while you are continually reminded she's a robot and needs to plug into a charger regularly. On this episode of Desideratum we're talking about the disarmingly, provocative, edgy novel Annie Bot with author Sierra Greer and narrator Jennifer Jill Araya. Jennifer is an Audie award winning narrator - with incredible range and skill you will hear in the audiobook samples. And, author Sierra Greer has been racking up the awards for this book.  Annie Bot just won the Arthur C. Clarke Award which is an award started by and named for the author of the 2001 space Odysessy. It's a yearly award. Annie Bot is the 39th winner. Back in 1987, Margaret Atwood's The Handmaids Tale won the Arthur C Clarke.  Annie Bot was also named a Best Book of the Year by Scientific American, Harper's Bazaar and NPR - a Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Book of the Year by the Washington Post and Elle. I hope you enjoy meeting these comfort zone pushing, deep thinking and award winning storytellers as much as I did. Jennifer's websites: https://www.starvingartistnomore.com/https://www.jenniferjillaraya.com/ Sierra's website: https://www.sierragreerwriter.com/ Libro.fm Affiliate Link directly to the Annie Bot audiobook: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=970873&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9780063312722

Empathy, Dreams, and Breaking Barriers: The Story Behind 'Sideline Confidential' In this episode, author Brooke Bentley and renowned narrator Julia Whelan talk about their collaboration on the audiobook 'Sideline Confidential.' Brooke shares how her real-life experiences as a sports reporter for the NFL informed the creation of her protagonist, Blake, who navigates the challenges of a male-dominated industry. Julia discusses her new venture, Audiobrary, a revolutionary platform for audiobook listeners and narrators. Both women explore themes of empathy, personal growth, and the importance of staying true to one's unique vision. The episode includes a reading from 'Sideline Confidential,' showcasing the powerful storytelling that ties their conversation together. 00:00 A Dream Job in the NFL 00:41 Meeting the Narrator Julia Whelan 02:10 Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry 03:00 Brooke's Real-Life Experiences 05:04 The Power of Storytelling in Sports 08:15 Universal Themes of Women in Male-Dominated Spaces 13:58 Julia Whelan's Audiobook Industry Insights 24:16 The Journey from Screenplay to Book 25:01 Character Development and Themes 26:32 Balancing Career and Personal Life 27:16 Writing Process and Achievements 29:40 Redefining Dreams and Success 38:37 Empathy and Storytelling 42:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Helpful links:  https://www.brookebentley.com/ https://audiobrary.com/ https://theresabakkennarrator.com/

This is a story about a young woman, a small town wedding party planner, whose curiosity and gut instincts lead to some amateur sleuthing and some shenanigans. We're talking about the audio book Party Planning Can Be Murder, and our conversation, like the book, starts off talking about funerals. You're gonna hear why funerals have made their way into so many of this author's stories. You'll also hear about her favorite part of the writing process. It's this aha moment she gets sometimes late in the story. And, you'll find out why a Viking is an integral part of her own life story. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Kerry Ann King, also known as Kerry Schafer. As much as I did. Here's how to find out more about Kerry: https://allthingskerry.com/ Here's the link to get the audiobook: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=970873&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9781666692297

This is a story full of secrets and surprises and suspense. In one of the first scenes, it's 2018, and you are stumbling through a snowstorm with an art appraiser who might just be freezing to death. You're not sure. Again and again, author Debra Spark caught me off guard and drew me in. She pulled together a storyline about a teenage boy sent to an abusive boarding school in the 1970s (based on a real school she researched). She ties that storyline back to the art appraiser's own messy relationship with her teenage son today, and to an art theft and mystery that the appraiser gets sucked into. The art mystery spirals around these three valuable portrait paintings of children from the 1930s. It wasn't easy for me to talk to Debra about her work without spoilers for you, but we did it and I hope you'll be intrigued enough after listening to seek out the rest of the story. The novel is called Discipline, and this is my conversation with author Debra Spark on the Desideratum Podcast.

This is a story set in an inhospitable land, where the characters are struggling to find a home for the living and a place to bury their dead. We're talking about the novel No Place to Bury the Dead with audiobook narrator Maria McCann. Maria is a Los Angeles native, a graduate of the UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television, who’s appeared in dozens of films and television shows, such as Lucifer, Shameless and Grey’s Anatomy.  She also works as an acting coach. I’ve personally had the delight of being coached by her.  But, maybe my favorite thing about her - as you’ll hear - is that Maria is an open book and very fun to listen to! I hope you find Maria’s commitment to joy as contagious as I did, and that you want to hear more of her voice in your ears.  I want to thank you Harper Audio for sharing the audio samples from No Place to Bury the Dead by Karina Sainz Borgo, translated by Elizabeth Bryer. If you want to listen to the rest of the story,here's an affiliate link to the audiobook marketplace Libro.fm. I partner with Libro.fm because they support local bookstores. When you buy your audiobooks from them you can pick a local to you indie bookstore to support with every purchase. Thanks for listening!

Step into the world of 1917 with author Donna Alward's debut historical fiction, "When the World Fell Silent." This gripping tale explores the lives of two distinct women, Nora and Charlotte, against the backdrop of the Halifax explosion—an event that reshaped a city and its people. Known for her success in romance, Donna takes on the challenge of weaving historical facts with compelling character arcs, creating a story that is as much about love and community as it is about tragedy. Join us as Donna shares her journey from romance to historical fiction, the serendipity that led her there, and the detailed research behind this novel. Discover how she brings to life the experiences of these two women—one a nurse, the other a war widow—each navigating the societal expectations of their time. Listen to how the Halifax explosion, the largest manmade explosion before the atomic bomb, becomes a pivotal element in their stories. Hear excerpts from the audiobook, narrated by Ivana Rakic and Laurence Bouvard, as they capture the essence of Halifax and its resilient women. Explore the themes of motherhood, trauma, and the power of community through Donna's insightful storytelling. With a backdrop of historical events, this episode delves into the philosophical questions of destiny and self-determination, leaving us with a sense of hope amidst adversity. If you enjoyed the audiobook snippets and want to experience the full story, consider supporting local bookstores by purchasing the audiobook through Libro.fm. Follow our affiliate link to support both this podcast and a bookstore of your choice with every purchase. Thanks for listening! https://desideratumpodcast.com/ https://donnajonesalward.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@stepintothestorybooks 00:00 Author Donna Allward writes historical fiction set in 1917 03:09 You're telling the story through two main characters, Nora and Charlotte 06:38 The Halifax explosion is at the heart of this story 07:15 The Halifax explosion was the largest man made explosion in history before the atom bomb 10:42 You write about eye injuries caused by Halifax explosion in historical fiction 15:11 One of the other things that I wanted to talk about these two women is motherhood 17:44 Ivana Rakic narrates the audiobook from Charlotte's Awakening 20:08 When we were choosing narrators, I was concerned about the accent 22:06 The narrator is Laurence Bouvard, originally from Boston, Massachusetts 26:42 You talk about how you gravitate towards serendipities in your book 31:10 We dug into some stuff that I haven't talked about on any podcast before 31:54 Dealing with trauma in 1917 is very different than how we deal with it today Show notes created by https://headliner.app

The Codger And The Sparrow is a story about an old man, a teenage boy and the trouble they get into. It's a friendship that at first you will not quite understand and yet totally be cheering for! Author Scott Semegran shares the inspiration behind the novel, which stemmed from a vivid image he had during the stressful days of the pandemic. He envisioned an older man and a teenage boy, vastly different in age and background, yet sharing a comfortable camaraderie as they drove together in a car. This image sparked a story that explores the deep and often humorous bond between friends. One of the highlights of our conversation was Scott's approach to character development. He is a keen observer of people, and this is reflected in the rich, detailed descriptions of his characters. Narrator Brian Craig, who has primarily worked on non-fiction before this, found a deep connection with the characters. His narration was praised in AudioFile Magazine for its "perfect mix of wonder, empathy, and enthusiasm", bringing Scott's characters to life in a way that moved even the author to tears. One of the most touching aspects of the story is the unique vehicle they use on their quest – a hot pink hot rod that has its own backstory, inspired by Scott's late father-in-law. I hope you enjoyed getting to know author Scott Semegran and narrator Brian Craig as much as I did. If you enjoyed the audiobook samples published by Vibrance Press, I suggest you listen to the rest of the story on Libro.fm. Here's ⁠⁠an affiliate link⁠⁠ to purchase the audiobook that also supports this podcast. Libro.fm is running a 'Shop small, Shop local Promotion'. So, you can get three audiobooks for the price of one ⁠⁠when you start a new Libro.fm membership with the code SMALL⁠⁠. You can chose a local bookstore near you to benefit from every purchase you make. I think you should start with Scott Semegran's The Codger And The Sparrow. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we delve into a poignant summer romance that transcends time and societal boundaries. Join us as we explore the intricate layers of "All the Flowers of the Mountain" with author Christina Holbrook. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque lake, this story follows the love between a local boy and a girl from an affluent family, unraveling the secrets and uncertainties that linger long after their summer together. Christina Holbrook opens up about her personal connection to the story, sharing how her family history and her own experiences have influenced her writing. We discuss the themes of art, nature, and personal growth that permeate the novel, and you'll hear an exclusive snippet from the audiobook. One of the most compelling aspects of our conversation is Christina's candid discussion about her serious illness and how it has reshaped her perspective on life and writing. Her insights into the importance of connection, both in storytelling and in life, are profoundly moving. Don't miss this heartfelt episode that not only celebrates a beautiful love story but also delves into the deeper, essential things that make life meaningful. Thanks to Walker Vreeland Productions for the audiobook sample and to Christina Holbrook for sharing her journey with us. You can find more about Christina and purchase the audiobook through the links in the show notes. As always, thanks for listening. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theresa-bakken/support Show notes created by https://headliner.app https://www.walkervreelandproductions.com/ https://christinaholbrook.com/ https://theresabakkennarrator.com/

This is a story about a family on the Lower East Side of Manhattan a hundred years ago. Their lives in the densely populated tenements offer a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of immigrant life in early 20th-century America.  We’re talking to author Gail Lehrman about her novel Across Seward Park. I found so many essential things in this conversation. For me this is not just a chat about a historical fiction; it's a mirror reflecting our own times, our own challenges, and our own capacity for greatness. In her storytelling, Gail Lehrman explores the potency of words as tools for persuasion and instigation. She delves into the conflicts that arise when ideology meets practicality, and she explores the delicate balance between self-interest and altruism. I hope listening to this conversation and the audio excerpt will inspire you to seek out the rest of the story in Across Seward Park. Thanks for listening.

Ever wondered what makes a story both romantic and riotously funny? This episode invites you into the minds of a creative couple who turned a series of "what ifs" into a comedic and heartfelt narrative. Learn how they intertwined their personal experiences with a fictional couple's chaotic journey, reflecting on the deep connections and empathy that arise from shared struggles. As they dissect their characters' misadventures and moments of empathy, you'll be enticed to explore the audiobook that brings us closer to understanding the complexities of love. We’re talking about the romantic comedy Emergency Contact with co-writers New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne and her real life husband Anthony LeDonne. Thanks to Pozotron and BlackStone Publishing for sponsoring this episode. The audiobook scenes from Emergency Contact in this episode come from BlackStone Director and Producer Jesse Bickford and Kyle Willoughby.  The narrators are Tim Paige and Brianna Cohen. Thanks for listening. https://www.pozotron.com/ ⁠https://www.blackstonepublishing.com/⁠ https://www.briannacohen.com/about https://timpaige.lpages.co/ttp-welcome-page/ https://www.laurenlayne.com/