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. Essex also talks about her broader storytelling career in film and television, her bestselling novel Leonardo’s Swans, and her upcoming book Run, Darling, about the Gabor Sisters’ dramatic escape from Nazi-occupied Hungary.

Season 9, Episode 15 - Karen Essex

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. Herb discusses the inspiration behind Wally’s unique journey, including a real-life jingle contest that offers a chance at a safer, stateside job, and the fascinating history of music’s role in wartime. The conversation also explores Herb’s personal connection to WWII and his research process.

Season 9, Episode 14 - Herb Williams-Dalgart

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 Freddie Hirsch, a Jewish youth leader who became a beacon of hope for children during the Holocaust. Through resilience, compassion, and courage, Hirsch fought to protect and inspire young lives in the darkest of times. Holden discusses her research, the challenges of fictionalizing history, and the enduring importance of remembering stories like Freddie’s today.

Season 9, Episode 13 - Wendy Holden

In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews J. Suzanne Wilson, author of The Death and Life of Iphigenia. Jenny shares her inspiration for reimagining the myth of Iphigenia, daughter of Agamemnon, and discusses her journey from academic study to crafting historical fiction. Discover how Jenny blends research, imagination, and personal experience to bring ancient Greece to life, and hear about her path as an independent author, her travels, and what’s next in her myth-inspired series.

Season 9, Episode 12 - J. Susanne Wilson

In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Dennard Tyler Dayle, author of How to Dodge a Cannonball. Dayle shares an excerpt and discusses his satirical take on the Civil War through the eyes of Anders, a teenage flag twirler. They explore the novel’s humor, unique structure, and the complexities of loyalty and survival. Dayle also reflects on his research, character development, and publishing journey, offering insight into the importance of staying sane amid chaos.

Season 9, Episode 11 - Dennard Dayle

In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host 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. The conversation explores the life of Lulu Mayfield, a 1950s housewife whose seemingly perfect suburban existence unravels as she confronts societal expectations, mental health struggles, and the mysterious new neighbor across the street.

Season 9, Episode 10 - Meagan Church

In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful sits down with Katherine Reay, author of The English Masterpiece. Set in 1973 London, this gripping historical novel follows Diana Gilden, the first female keeper of the modern collections at the Tate Gallery, and her assistant, Lily Summers, as they navigate the high-stakes world of art forgery. When Lily identifies a Picasso painting as a forgery, a scandal erupts, threatening careers and the reputation of the Tate Gallery. Katherine shares her meticulous research process, from exploring the archives of the Tate Gallery to interviewing art insurance experts. She also delves into the fascinating history of forgeries, the psychology of forgers, and the challenges of weaving historical, thriller, and romantic elements into a cohesive narrative. Tune in to hear Katherine discuss her creative process, her love for history, and her upcoming project, The Undercover Bookshop.

Season 9, Episode 9 - Katherine Reay

In this intriguing 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. The conversation explores the novel’s blend of art, intrigue, and animal stories, as well as Jillian’s writing journey, her partnership with History Through Fiction, and the value of collaboration in publishing.

Season 9, Episode 8 - Jillian Forsberg

In this intriguing episode of History Through Fiction the podcast, 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. Set during World War II in both Italy and the Philippines, the novel explores resilience, faith, and the power of music amid wartime upheaval. Shupe shares how opera, resistance movements, and personal memory shaped her storytelling in this moving conversation.

Season 9, Episode 7 - Angela Shupe

In this intriguing episode of History Through Fiction the podcast, 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. Loesch shares how family history, urban legends, and the idea of a “collective hallucination” shaped her story. She reveals the challenges of weaving multiple timelines, creating atmospheric settings, and balancing research with character-driven storytelling.

Season 9, Episode 6 - Kristen Loesch

History Through Fiction founder and editor Colin Mustful talks with historical novelists about their craft of weaving history and fiction to create engaging, historically detailed stories.

History Through Fiction - The Podcast