History Through Fiction: The Podcast
Featuring Interviews with Historical Novelists Talking About Their Books and Their Craft
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Season 9, Episode 15 - Karen Essex
In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews author Karen Essex about her two-volume novel on Cleopatra. Essex reveals the real Cleopatra—an intelligent, multilingual ruler—contrasting her with the seductive figure from pop culture. She discusses her extensive research, including graduate studies and travel, and shares insights into the challenges of both traditional and independent publishing.
Season 9, Episode 14 - Herb Williams-Dalgart
In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful talks with Herb Williams-Dalgart, author of the novel "Jingle Boys." Set in Brooklyn during World War II, the story follows Wally Lipkin, a young man facing the draft and struggling with anxiety neurosis—a condition that could either send him to war or to a sanatorium.
Season 9, Episode 13 - Wendy Holden
In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful talks with Wendy Holden, author of "The Teacher of Auschwitz." Holden shares the remarkable story of Fredy Hirsch, a Jewish youth leader who became a beacon of hope for children during the Holocaust.
Season 9, Episode 12 - J. Susanne Wilson
In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews J. Susanne Wilson, author of The Death and Life of Iphigenia. Wilson shares her inspiration for reimagining the myth of Iphigenia, daughter of Agamemnon, and discusses her journey from academic study to crafting historical fiction.
Season 9, Episode 11 - Dennard Dayle
In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Dennard Tyler Dayle, author of How to Dodge a Cannonball.
Season 9, Episode 10 - Meagan Church
Colin Mustful speaks with with Meagan Church, author of "The Mad Wife." Meagan begins by reading a powerful excerpt from her novel, setting the stage for a deep dive into the story’s themes and historical context.
Season 9, Episode 9 - Katherine Reay
In this episode of History Through Fiction the podcast, host Colin Mustful welcomes back Jillian Forsberg to discuss her new novel, The Porcelain Menagerie, a companion to The Rhino Keeper. Jillian shares the real history behind her characters, the challenges of writing about dark truths, and the importance of artistic legacy.
Season 9, Episode 8 - Jillian Forsberg
In this episode of History Through Fiction the podcast, host Colin Mustful welcomes back Jillian Forsberg to discuss her new novel, The Porcelain Menagerie, a companion to The Rhino Keeper. Jillian shares the real history behind her characters, the challenges of writing about dark truths, and the importance of artistic legacy.
Season 9, Episode 7 - Angela Shupe
Host Colin Mustful speaks with author Angela Shupe to discuss her debut novel In the Light of the Sun, inspired by her own family history.
Season 9, Episode 6 - Kristen Loesch
Host Colin Mustful speaks with author Kristen Loesch to discuss her novel The Hong Kong Widow, a sweeping historical mystery set across 1930s Shanghai, 1950s Hong Kong, and modern-day Hong Kong.
Season 9, Episode 5 - Sarah Landenwich
In this intriguing episode of History Through Fiction the podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Sarah Landenwich, author of The Fire Concerto. Discover the story of Clara Bishop, a former piano prodigy drawn into a historical mystery after inheriting a 19th-century metronome linked to a famous composer’s death.
Season 9, Episode 4 - Joy Callaway
In this intriguing episode of History Through Fiction the podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Joy Callaway, author of The Star of Camp Green, a novel inspired by Broadway star Elsie Janis and set in a World War I army training camp.
Season 9, Episode 3 - Charles Bush
In this episode of History Through Fiction the podcast, author Charles Bush joins host Colin Mustful to discuss his novel The Boy with the Jade, a reimagining of the Chinese classic Dream of the Red Chamber.
Season 9, Episode 2 - Sarah Loudin Thomas
In this captivating episode of History Through Fiction the podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews author Sarah Loudin Thomas about her novel These Blue Mountains.
Season 9, Episode 1 - Rhys Bowen
In this captivating episode, host Colin Mustful sits down with bestselling author Rhys Bowen to discuss her latest novel, Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure. Set in 1938, the story follows Ellie Endicott, a dutiful wife blindsided by her husband’s request for a divorce. Instead of retreating quietly, Ellie embarks on a bold journey to the south of France, where she discovers friendship, community, and a new sense of purpose.
Announcing Season 9 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast
Welcome to Season 9 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast!
This season, history comes alive through daring heroes, brilliant artists, and extraordinary women and men who risked everything to shape their world. From haunted mansions in 1950s Hong Kong to the courts of 18th-century Europe, from the battlefields of the Civil War to the power struggles of ancient Egypt, each story is filled with love, courage, and unforgettable adventure.
Join bestselling authors as they bring the past to life—and experience history like never before, only on History Through Fiction: The Podcast.
Bonus Episode - Sparks of the Revolution with Todd Otis
Join us for a special bonus episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast! Host Colin Mustful interviews Todd Otis, author of Sparks of the Revolution, to uncover the fascinating story of James Otis, a key figure in the early resistance to British rule.
Season 8, Episode 13 - Alina Adams and Kyra Davis Lurie
This episode is sponsored by Anne Dean, author of Far Side of Revenge – Filled with captivating, complex characters, Far Side of Revenge is a remarkable feat of storytelling. The world of medieval Ireland springs to life before your eyes.
In the final episode of Season 8, Alina Adams and Kyra Davis Lurie engage in a compelling conversation. They discuss the inspiration behind The Great Mann, focusing on the two Black characters from The Great Gatsby. Alina shares the "What if?" question that led to Go On Pretending. The authors address cultural appropriation, differentiating genuine representation from inauthenticity, and talk about facing pushback. They also explore the literary thirst for trauma and the interplay of history and fiction in their novels. Don't miss this insightful discussion on storytelling and authenticity.
Season 8, Episode 12 - Billie Hanson-Dupree
In Season 8, Episode 12 of "History Through Fiction: The Podcast," host Colin Mustful welcomes Billie Hanson-Dupree, author of the upcoming novel Still Kicking. Inspired by her father, a World War II veteran, Billie shares the journey of crafting a historical fiction narrative that explores themes of trauma, resilience, and racial inequality. Set in post-war California, the novel follows Bill and two women navigating personal struggles and societal challenges. Billie also reflects on her writing process, historical research, and the importance of storytelling in addressing complex histories.
Season 8, Episode 11 - Sarah Penner
In Season 8, Episode 11 of "History Through Fiction: The Podcast," host Colin Mustful interviews bestselling author Sarah Penner about her latest novel, The Amalfi Curse. Sarah discusses the dual timelines of her story, featuring a present-day nautical archaeologist and a 19th-century sea witch, Mari. She shares insights into her meticulous research process, including scuba diving and consulting experts, and reflects on the challenges of drafting the novel. Sarah also teases her upcoming sequel to The Lost Apothecary.