“The whole idea of historical fiction is to fill in the gaps in the emotional feeling of the participants in the crisis.” — Barbara Southard

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, historian and debut novelist Barbara Southard shares the emotional and intellectual journey behind her novel Unruly Human Hearts. Drawing from her academic roots and a deep fascination with 19th-century America, Barbara reimagines the infamous Beecher-Tilton adultery trial through the eyes of Elizabeth Tilton, the woman at the heart of the scandal. We explore gender dynamics, moral codes, and the role of historical fiction in giving voice to those left out of traditional narratives.

Key Themes:
1. The emotional power of historical fiction to tell untold stories
2. The complexity of Victorian gender roles and societal expectations
3. The double standard in “free love” and public morality
4. How historical fiction bridges the gaps left by historical record
5. Challenges of transitioning from academic writing to novel-writing
6. The enduring relevance of women’s voices in historical scandals
7. How empathy shapes character-driven storytelling

Buy: Unruly Human Hearts:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bK1Ajb
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781647428303

Connect with Barbara
Website: https://www.barbarasouthard.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbara.southard45/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraSouthardAuthor

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
#BarbaraSouthard #UnrulyHumanHearts #HistoricalFiction #VictorianScandal #WomenInHistory #DebutAuthor #BeecherTilton #FictionWithFeeling #UncorkingAStory

0 0

“We’ve got to start thinking of ourselves as the Earthling tribe.” — Dr. Peter Solomon

In this eye-opening episode of Uncorking a Story, scientist and author Dr. Peter Solomon shares how his passion for physics, sparked in a college classroom, led to a lifelong mission to communicate science through storytelling. We explore his Stardust Mystery project and dive into his upcoming novel 100 Years to Extinction, inspired by Stephen Hawking’s chilling prediction about humanity’s future. From DNA and AI to interstellar travel and misinformation, Dr. Solomon challenges us to think big, act fast, and imagine a world where science and society evolve together.

Key Themes:
1. Using fiction to teach science and spark curiosity in kids
2. The real science behind stardust and the Big Bang
3. Stephen Hawking’s 100-year extinction warning
4. How technology has outpaced society’s ability to manage it
5. Threats of AI, climate change, nuclear weapons, and misinformation
6. A call for a “fallacy vaccine” to fight the spread of lies online
7. Empowering Gen Z to reshape the future through activism and imagination


Connect with Peter
Website: https://www.100yearstoextinction.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/100yearstoextinction/

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
#PeterSolomon #100YearsToExtinction #StardustMystery #SciComm #ClimateFiction #ScienceAndSociety #AIethics #GenZActivism #UncorkingAStory

2 1

“Don’t be your own no—if the answer is no, let someone else say it. Don’t take yourself out of the race because of your own insecurities.” – Joanne Howard

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, we sit down with debut novelist Joanne Howard, author of Sleeping in the Sun, a historical fiction novel inspired by her grandfather’s childhood in India at the end of British rule. Joanne shares her journey from copywriter to published author, the emotional and creative process of writing her first novel, and how a pandemic pup named Kash became part of her storytelling. With humility, humor, and insight, Joanne offers writers at every stage the kind of inspiration that sticks.

Key Themes:
1. Writing historical fiction from family stories and primary sources
2. Navigating the MFA experience and learning to “kill your darlings”
3. The reality of pitching agents and choosing hybrid publishing
4. Bringing personal passion (like pets!) into storytelling
5. The evolving role of copywriters in the digital age
6. Why local bookstores matter more than ever
7. Trusting your path and asking for what you want

Buy Sleeping in the Sun
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DvSOZt
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781647427986

Connect with Joanne
Website: https://www.joannehowardwrites.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093201296124
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannesbooks

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#JoanneHoward #SleepingInTheSun #HistoricalFiction #DebutAuthor #WritersLife #MFAWriting #HybridPublishing #AuthorInterview #UncorkingAStory

0 0