One lifetime is too short to visit everywhere and meet everyone. That‘s why we love books with a strong sense of place — they let us travel the world in our imagination. In each episode of our Strong Sense of Place podcast, we explore one destination and talk about what makes that place different from everywhere else. Then we recommend five books that took us to that place on the page. Every other week, we share The Library of Lost Time, a mini-pod that features two new books and our Distrac ...
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Do you ever go somewhere, and have a strong emotional response to it, such as happiness, nostalgia or fear? Have you ever wondered why we look for meaning in places and develop stories or legends about them over time? Well these behaviours are known as a sense of place. In general, a sense of place describes our relationship with places, expressed through the tangible and intangible aspects of human life: emotions, imagination, sound, touch, smell, and personal experiences. Sense of place ca ...
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This is the home of the Sense Of Place Podcast
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Cemetery: Celebrate Life, Honor the Dead.
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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…
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Ep 29: Lost in the Garden: Folk Horror, Hauntology & Misremembered Nostalgia ft. Adam S. Leslie
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‘Like an old wives’ tale, like a piece of wisdom passed down through generations which no one questioned or even thought about too hard. Like folklore. It was just something everyone knew, a rule to be followed. Don’t go to Almanby’. In today’s episode I chat to author and screenwriter Adam S. Leslie about his debut novel, Lost in the Garden which …
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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 Kova…
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Brazil: Sugarloaf, Samba, and Sao Paulo
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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 creatu…
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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 Sa…
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Saudi Arabia: Old Ways and New Directions (?)
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Saudi Arabia is the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, a sea of sand (95% of the country is desert) that holds 17% of the world’s petroleum reserves. Its cities encapsulate the country’s contradictions: ancient souks and ultra-modern skyscrapers, women veiled in abayas but also entering the workforce, petroleum refineries, and sparkling beac…
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In this episode, we get excited about two books: So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison and The Wildes by Louis Bayard. Then Dave shares the exploits of the world’s greatest art detective. Links Rachel Harrison’s website So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison — hear Mel talk about it Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison — hear Dave talk…
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Detective Agency: Discrete Inquiries, Mysteries Solved
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Fictional detectives are some of the most beloved characters in print and on-screen. It’s easy to relate to someone with an overblown sense of justice and a need to set the world right (or as right as it can be). There are nosy neighbors like Nancy Drew and Miss Marple with no real credentials whatsoever and police detectives — Hello, Harry Bosch! …
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In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Bookseller of Venice by Giovanni Montanaro (translator: Edward Williams) and _ Creation Lake_ by Rachel Kushner. Then Mel recommends the immersive, interactive walking tours from Secret City Trails. Links The Bookseller of Venice by Giovanni Montanaro, Edward Williams (translator) Libreria Acqua …
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Panama: Jump Back, What’s That Sound?
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The Central American country of Panama is like a stretched-out letter S, lying on its side to soak up the sun — with the Pacific and the Caribbean snuggling up to its curves. The capital, Panama City, in the bottom arch of the S, invites you to stroll down red-brick streets lined with lush palm trees and white colonial buildings that look like laye…
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In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Divide: A Novel by Morgan Richter and Mina’s Matchbox by Yōko Ogawa, Stephen B. Snyder (translator). Then author Morgan Richter explains why now is a great time to read Batman comics. Links The Divide: A Novel by Morgan Richter Mina’s Matchbox by Yōko Ogawa, Stephen B. Snyder (translator) The Mem…
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Norway: Vikings, Bears, Boats, and Bergen
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Yes, Norway has cities that are well worth a visit — Hallo, Oslo! Hei, Bergen! God morgen, Tromsø! — but nature is right there at every moment. Where the coast of Norway meets the Norwegian Sea, there are more than 1700 fjords, stunning waterways lined with sheer rock cliffs and dotted with dramatic waterfalls, storybook villages, and friendly goat…
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We’re on our summer holiday so we’re replaying this popular episode of The Library of Lost Time. We’re back next week with a new episode of Strong Sense of Place about Norway! LoLT: Postcard Pen Pals and Two New Books — 30 June 2023 In this episode, we get excited about two new books — ‘100 Places to See After You Die’ by Ken Jennings and ‘What the…
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We’re on summer holiday! In honor of the Olympics taking place in Paris right now, please enjoy this replay of our Paris episode. Paris: It’s Always a Good Idea - 24 August 2020 When you daydream about Paris, whatever sparkling, romantic images you conjure are probably not too far off the mark. It is, after all, know as the City of Lights and the C…
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In this episode, we get excited about two books: Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp by Michelle Moran and Navola by Paolo Bacigalupi. Then Dave delves into the mystery of Mongol warrior Genghis Khan’s lost tomb. Links Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp by Michelle Moran Michelle Moran’s website Maria by Maria von Trapp on Internet Archive Podcast: Th…
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Mongolia: Under the Eternal Blue Sky
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If we say ‘Mongolia,’ and you imagine an eagle hunter on horseback silhouetted against an endless blue sky and vast open plains, you are not wrong. Ditto for thinking of Chingiss Khan, frigid winters, and resilient nomads in gers (yurts). While those perceptions are valid, Mongolia may have some surprises for you. The sun shines 250 days a year, an…
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In this episode, we get excited about two books: A Season for That by Steve Hoffman and The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. Then Mel explains why she’s so excited to get the new episode of the ‘Pack One Bag’ podcast every week. Links A Season for That by Steve Hoffman Steve Hoffman’s website and an interview with the Star Tribune Still blog by Mary …
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Outer Space: We Are All Made of Stars
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As you read these words and listen to our podcast, we’re all riding on a ball about 8000 miles (13,000 km) across. Our rotating disco ball in space is dancing around the sun at about 67,000 mph (107,000 km/h). Our sun is about 93 million miles (150 million km away), shooting us with subatomic particles. Probably not maliciously, but who knows? The …
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In this episode, we get excited about two books: A Super Upsetting Cookbook about Sandwiches by Tyler Kord and Good Material by Dolly Alderton. Then Dave shares three great stories about India from his podcast research. Links A Super Upsetting Cookbook about Sandwiches by Tyler Kord Turkey and the Wolf: Flavor Trippin in New Orleans by Mason Herefo…
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India: The Continent Masquerading as a Country
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India seems committed to being over-the-top in the best way possible. It’s colorful, noisy, crowded, vast, deeply historic, spiritual, vibrantly modern, multi-lingual, and stunningly beautiful. Want to get loud? India is the place for you! Sure, its population of 1.4 billion people might overwhelm you with the sheer crush of humanity, but its citie…
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In this episode, we get excited about two books: Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart and Hip-Hop is History by Quest Love. Then Mel delves into the immersive storytelling, cosplay, and fantastic settings of LARPing. Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart Rob Hart’s Substack Hip-Hop is History by Quest Love Video: Quest Love on CBS Mornings Chaos League websit…
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New York City: NO! SLEEP! TILL BROOKLYN!
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Is New York City the world capital of… everything? It’s sure putting up a good effort. We could talk about how the New York Stock Exchange started under a tree (!) on Wall Street and how NYC is now the financial capital of the world. Billionaires, millionaires, blah blah blah. Let’s talk about what really matters. Like… the best pizza and bagels in…
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In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Main Character by Jaclyn Goldis and The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. Then Dave shares a very cool phone trick for tracking your books. Links The Main Character by Jaclyn Goldis Video: Jaclyn Goldis on the Chris Voss Podcast The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley Video: Kaliane Bradley’s …
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France: Mostly Here for the Butter
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According to people in the know, there are two Frances: Paris and the rest of the (alluring, picturesque) country. In this episode, we’re celebrating the châteaux, coastlines, cathedrals, cuisine, mountains, and museums that give France its unique je ne sais quoi. It’s hard to argue with the notion that France offers the best of everything. From sc…
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Since we launched Strong Sense of Place in 2020, we’ve produced five seasons — 56 episodes — of the show. We’ve also shared our affection for books through 101 episodes of The Library of Lost Time podcast — and we’ve introduced you to 500 books we love. Thanks to you, we’ve had over one million downloads (!) and, the best part of all, we feel like …
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We recently invited our audience to ask us anything, and we got excellent questions in return. The queries ran the gamut from ‘What literary theme park would you design?’ to ‘How do you hope people relate to your show?’ and ‘Are you still thinking about developing tours of bookshops in Europe?’ In this mini-episode, we answer those questions and mo…
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I’m pleased to welcome back writer Gareth E. Rees for round two on the podcast! This time, we explore his latest book Sunken Lands: A Journey Through Flooded Kingdoms and Lost Worlds. Drawing on the book's central themes, Gareth and I discuss the history of flood myths and their continued relevance in the face of the climate crisis. We also chat ab…
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Season 6 of the Strong Sense of Place podcast starts 24 May! We’ve put together an itinerary of 12 thrilling destinations with a journey to every region of the globe. Pack your (virtual) bags for Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America, and two great cities on opposite coasts of the United States. This time, we’re also heading to space (and tw…
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In this episode, we get excited about two books: Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench & Brendan O’Hea and The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson. Then Dave recommends a website to find new-to-you music. Links Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench & Br…
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In this episode, we get excited about two books: Honor the Dead by Amy Tector and Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne. Then, our special guest author, Amy Tector, shares how she starts her day with poems. Links Honor the Dead: Dominion Archives Mystery #3 by Amy Tector by Amy Tector Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne Honor the Dead: Dominion Archi…
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In this episode, we get excited about two books: ‘Cold People’ by Tom Rob Smith and ‘Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life’ by Dacher Keltner. Then Mel shares the delicious history of Berlin’s currywurst. Links Cold People by Tom Rob Smith Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Lif…
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In this episode, we get excited about two books: How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin and Table for Two: Fictions by Amor Towles. Then Mel explains how much she’s loving the new Brontë Parsonage podcast. Links How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin Table for Two: Fictions by Amor Towles Rules of Civility by Amor Towles A Gentleman…
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In this episode, we’re excited two new books: The Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer Croft and Why We Remember: The Science of Memory and How It Shapes Us by Charan Ranganath. Then Dave shares his thrilling experience at Guys and Dolls in London. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/StrongSense …
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In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Morningside by Téa Obreht and James by Percival Everett. Then Mel tells us about an unforgettable Sri Lankan meal at Rambutan. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/StrongSense and get on your way to being your best self. Links The Morningside b…
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This is a replay of an episode featuring Dinner Party by Sarah Gilmartin and You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith. Then Dave tells the tale of remarkable women involved in London’s criminal underworld. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/StrongSense and get on your way to being yo…
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While graffiti might have modern connotations, it’s existed for thousands of years. The act of creative expression on walls and other surfaces is observable in many different forms - and there’s always been plenty of conflicting opinions about it! In today’s episode, I chat with Chris Pensa, a street art expert and former art auctioneer at Sotheby'…
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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 Humphreys. Then Dave tells us about the awesome Stanfords bookshop. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/StrongSense and get on your way to being your best se…
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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 Mel talks about how she’s delving into Shakespeare. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/StrongSense and get on your way to being your best self. Link…
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In this episode, we’re excited about new books on our TBRs: The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai and Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange. Then Mel talks about cooking chicken soup from around the world. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/StrongSense and get on your way to being your bes…
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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 shares some events worth traveling to in 2024. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/StrongSense and get on your way to being your best self. Links Strawberry…
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In this episode, we’re excited about new books on our TBRs: Everyone on This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson and Fall Through by Nate Powell. Then Dave shares a lovely poem by Matthew Olzmann. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/StrongSense and get on your way to being your best self. L…
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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 Mel celebrates the birthday and work of author Judith Viorst. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/StrongSense and get on your way to being your best self. L…
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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 her excitement about a webcam in the Namib Desert. Links Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar video: …
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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 the delightful Planet Word Museum in Washington, DC. Links The Fury by Alex Michaelides Maude Horton’s Glorious Revenge by Lizzie Pook Planet World website video: Welcome to Planet Word video: Introdu…
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In this episode, we’re excited about new books: The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan and Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree. Then Mel shares the podcasts that have captured her imagination. Links The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan Spooky & Sublime: 43 Gothic Novels with a Strong Sense of Place Legends & Lattes by Travis Bald…
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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 shares the heartbreaking story of the hack on the British Library. Links The Lost Van Gogh by Jonathan Santlofer The Last Mona Lisa_ by Jonathan Santlofer Jonathan Santlofer’s website Gabriel Allon series by Daniel …
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In this episode, we get excited about two books: Empty Theater by Jac Jemc and Yellowfaceby R.F. Kuang. Then we discuss great reading resolutions for a bookish 2024. Links Empty Theater by Jac Jemc Yellowface by R.F. Kuang The reading resolutions we discussed in our show came from our fantastic (friendly, empathetic, imaginative) supporters on Patr…
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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 Blackgoose. Then Dave recites a delightful poem from British poet Brian Bilston. Links One Woman Show by Christine Coulson Video: Christine Coulson at Hudson River Museum Metropolitan Stories by Christine Coulson Po…
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In this episode, we get excited about two books: This Is Christmas, Song by Song by Annie Zaleski and The Bathysphere Book by Brad Fox. Then Mel gets daydreamy about the deliciousness of fresh toast. Links Whamageddon 2023 Video: Blame it on Christmas by Shea Diamond Video: It Snowed by Meaghan Smith Video: Think of Christmas by Anne-Marie This Is …
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In this episode, we get excited about three books: ‘The Christmas Party’ by Georgette Heyer, ‘The Christmas Murder Game’ by Alexandra Benedict, and ‘The Writer’s Journey’ by Travis Elborough. Then Dave shares a fantastic resource for finding the best books of the year. The Christmas Party by Georgette Heyer The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Be…
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