Books & Looks

Explore the epic history of macaroni and cheese! Learn how this comfort food evolved from an ancient Roman dish into a clever religious fasting loophole.

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Think macaroni and cheese is just a simple American comfort food born out of a blue box? Think again. In this episode of Books & Looks, host Blaine DeSantis sits down with culinary historian Karima Moyer-Nocchi to uncover...

Uncover the hidden WWII history of 600 ships sunk off the U.S. coast. In this episode, Sara Vladic discusses The Dangerous Shore and civilians who fought back.

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Most Americans believe the two massive oceans flanking the United States kept the home front completely safe during World War II, but the terrifying reality is far from the truth. In...

Discover how Scotland's winters fuel creativity. Mystery author Val McDermid joins the Books and Looks podcast to discuss her new non-fiction book, Winter.

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How does a legendary mystery novelist find inspiration in the darkest, coldest months of the year? In this episode of Books and Looks, Blaine DeSantis chats with renowned Scottish author Val McDermid about stepping outside her fiction comfort zone to pen her captivating new non-fiction book, Winter. List...

Tired of conflicting health claims? Dr. Joe Schwarcz helps you spot scientific misinformation and discover the truth behind health trends and nutrition news.

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We are constantly bombarded by conflicting studies and bold marketing claims about what we should eat or avoid. Dr. Joe Schwarcz joins the show to help us navigate this sea of...

Discover The Strength of Water memoir, a powerful story of Chinese reverse immigration. Learn how one woman survived moving from 1920s Detroit to a rural Chinese village.

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In this incredible interview, author Karin K. Jensen shares the astonishing true story behind The Strength of Water memoir, a book that details her mother's unbelievable journey of perseverance. Born in America, her mother Helen was taken to a remote Chinese peasant village in the 1930s at just 11 years old...

Discover the Doctor's Riot of 1788 and the grim history of body snatching. Learn about 18th-century anatomy riots and the shocking modern-day black market for body parts.

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In 1788, a furious mob stormed the streets of New York, not over taxes or tyranny, but over stolen corpses. This was the Doctor's Riot of 1788, a violent clash that exposed the grim underworld of 18th-century medical science. What drove medical students to dig up fresh graves in...

Explore the new John Candy biography with author Paul Myers. Discover powerful stories of the beloved comedian's true character, integrity, and unforgettable kindness.

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In this definitive John Candy biography deep dive, author Paul Myers reveals the untold stories behind one of cinema's most beloved figures. While we all know John Candy for his iconic roles in movies like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, The Great Outdoors, and Cool Runnings, what was the man behind the laughter truly like...

Explore the Mysteries of the National Parks with author Mike Bezemek. Discover forgotten stories of the first UFO sighting, lost explorers, and other unsolved national park mysteries.

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Was the first-ever UFO sighting covered up by the Roswell incident? What really happened to the honeymooners who vanished on the Colorado River? Author and outdoor adventurer Mike Bezemek joins us to uncover the shocking secrets and strange events hidden within America’s most treasured landscapes. In this episode, we dive de...

Tired of seeing the same titles on every "Best Of" list? In this third annual special episode, host Blaine DeSantis cuts through the noise to deliver his personal baker's dozen of the absolute best books he's read all year. If you're searching for the perfect present for the readers in your life, this list of Christmas book recommendations 2025 has something for everyone, from your spouse and parents to siblings and friends. Forget the popularity contests; these are 13 compulsively readable books, read cover-to-cover, that are guaranteed to surprise and delight.

This is the ultimate Books and Looks podcast...

Was the Italian Renaissance only for men? While history remembers the names of Michelangelo, Leonardo, and the Medici, one woman’s story of power, art, and ambition rivals them all. In this episode, we uncover the life of Isabella d'Este, the First Lady of the Renaissance, with acclaimed historical novelist Sarah Dunant. Discover the incredible true story of the woman who ran a state, built a world-class art collection, and navigated a dangerous marriage—all while a secret disease swept through Europe, changing her destiny forever.

Join us as celebrated author Sarah Dunant, a fell...

In 1980, a 20-year-old Graham Broyd turned a prestigious six-week scholarship to Washington, D.C. into the adventure of a lifetime. He traded his ticket for a flight to Los Angeles with a dream of surfing in Malibu and a wild plan to hitchhike across the country. In this episode, Graham shares the incredible story of his journey, a tale he revisited in 2024 to see how the country and he had changed. This is the ultimate story of hitchhiking across America then and now. What happens when you have just $600 to survive for six weeks, relying on your wits and...

In this exclusive Mary Grand A Halloween Murder interview, we explore a high school reunion gone horribly wrong. When old friends gather at a historic castle on the most haunted island in the world, nostalgia quickly turns to terror after one of them is found dead. Was it a tragic accident, a desperate suicide, or a calculated murder? With the castle locked down, everyone is a suspect, and time is running out to find the truth before the killer can escape.

Author Mary Grand joins the podcast to unpack her thrilling new novel, a...

Before the Pink Ribbon, talking about breast cancer was taboo. In this episode, we uncover the shocking and inspiring history of breast cancer awareness and the three women who defied a dismissive medical establishment to save millions of lives. Author Judith L. Pearson joins us to discuss her groundbreaking book, "Radical Sisters," revealing how Shirley Temple Black, Rose Kushner, and Evelyn Lauder launched a revolution from their hospital beds and boardrooms. How did a child star, a determined journalist, and a cosmetics mogul tear down the wall of silence and change medicine forever?

This deep dive into...

It took 30 years, multiple rewrites, and a publisher going out of business, but author Cindy Fazzi's groundbreaking story is finally here. In this episode, we sit down with Cindy for an in-depth author interview about her perseverance and the incredible journey behind the Domingo the Bounty Hunter series, a compulsively readable set of novels that turn the hard-boiled genre on its head. How do you tell a thrilling story about the chase while realistically portraying the complex, vulnerable lives of undocumented immigrants?

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Cindy Fazzi as she discusses her unique contribution...

What's deadlier: a puffer fish or a great white shark? A tiger or a lion? A beautiful flower or a venomous snake? In this episode, we sit down with PhD entomologist and author Eleanor Spicer Rice to explore the shocking, fascinating, and sometimes gross world of her hit The Deadliest book series. Prepare to have your assumptions challenged as we uncover which creatures are nature's most lethal competitors - and why the winners might not be what you expect.

This interview is a must-watch for curious kids, parents, and anyone fascinated by the natural world. Dr. Eleanor...

Were the Martian canals real? For decades, some of the world's most respected astronomers and newspapers answered with a resounding YES. But how did a simple misunderstanding spiral into a global belief in an advanced, dying civilization on the Red Planet? This episode unwraps the incredible story of the turn-of-the-century Martian craze, a period when fact and fiction blurred, and humanity collectively looked to the stars, convinced someone was looking back. We explore how this mania began, who its biggest champions were, and how the idea of intelligent Martians shaped science and culture forever.

This deep dive...

What if you could transform your life from a pack-a-day smoker who gets winded after 500 meters to a world-record athlete? In this episode, we talk to Marie Leautey, the fastest woman to run around the world, who did exactly that. She reveals the incredible story of how an ordinary financial director with no athletic background ran the equivalent of a marathon every single day for 825 days, covering 28,249 kilometers across four continents. How is it possible to endure such a feat without a single running injury, especially when facing a global pandemic, financial strain, and unbelievable logistical challenges?

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What happens in Sherlock Holmes' world when the master detective is away and Dr. Watson is kidnapped? In this episode, we sit down with author Jeri Westerson to do a deep dive into her An Irregular Detective Mystery series, a thrilling and historically rich take on the Victorian detective genre. When Dr. Watson goes missing, it’s up to Tim Badger, a former Baker Street Irregular, and his partner, the scientifically-minded Ben Watson (no relation!), to solve a case that could make or break their fledgling detective agency.

Join us as we explore the foggy streets of Vi...

Have you ever wondered about the dark side of the American dream? In this episode, we delve into the complete Seabrook Farms history, a story of ambition, innovation, and betrayal that built—and ultimately destroyed—one of America's largest agricultural empires. Author John Seabrook, grandson of the company's visionary founder, joins us to discuss his book, The Spinach King, and unearth the secrets buried beneath a dynasty built on frozen vegetables. We explore the complex question of how a family can create a national brand from nothing, only to have it torn apart by the very man who built it.<...

Ever wondered about the real story behind a bottle of tequila? It's not just about agave and distilling; it's a dramatic saga of revolution, political betrayal, and intense family rivalries. In this episode, we're joined by author Ted Genoways to uncover the incredible history of Jose Cuervo, a story that is far more turbulent and cinematic than you can imagine. We'll explore how one man's ambition to build a business empire became entangled in a bloody struggle for the very spirit of Mexico.

Join us as we dive deep into the subjects of Ted Genoways' groundbreaking book, "...

Step inside a world of opulence, excess, and elaborate deception. While the Gilded Age is known for its industrial titans and lavish parties, a dark and fascinating criminal underworld was thriving, run by some of history's most audacious con artists. In this episode, we uncover the shocking true stories of the female grifters of the Gilded Age, a group of women who used society's expectations against itself to swindle fortunes. Author Annie Reed joins us to reveal how these master manipulators stole millions, outsmarted the shrewdest businessmen, and became legends of crime.

From high-stakes...

Go behind the music and uncover the secrets of one of the world's most iconic supergroups. In this episode, award-winning Swedish music journalist Jan Gradvall joins us to reveal The Story of ABBA, drawing from his new book, "The Story of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover." We explore the fascinating human drama, the cultural clashes, and the surprising musical genius that propelled a band from Sweden to global domination. What is the shocking truth behind their happiest songs? Jan Gradvall, who has interviewed all four members, pulls back the curtain on the legends.

From their formation as two couples...

During World War II, a groundbreaking group of elite female aviators flew over 60 million miles in every type of military aircraft, from the P-51 Mustang to the B-17 Flying Fortress. They were the Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASP), and after proving that women belonged in the cockpit, their program was abruptly disbanded and their contributions were erased from history for decades. How did this happen? In this episode, we uncover the hidden history of these forgotten pioneers with bestselling author Heather B. Moore.

Heather B. Moore's meticulously researched biographical fiction novel, the Lady Flyer book, brings...

What if a centuries-old chess piece could trigger a murder spree in modern-day Iceland? Join molecular geneticist and author Sara Winokur as she delves into Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessmen Murders, a thrilling tale where ancient artifacts, cutting-edge DNA forensics, and a chilling 1627 Turkish pirate raid collide. Discover how this historical fiction/murder mystery unravels centuries-old family secrets and grab your copy of Ivory Bones today, then subscribe to Books and Looks for more deep dives into your next great read!

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Unparalleled Access: CNN journalist Jill Dougherty spent 30 years inside Russia, witnessing Vladimir Putin's rise from KGB officer to global adversary. In this interview based on her book, "My Russia," she shares unique insights, from covering Gorbachev and Yeltsin to the Ukraine war and surprising personal encounters. Understand the man behind the power, the historical context, and the future challenges in this pivotal region.

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Secrets, family drama, and unexpected turns of fate are revealed in author Ruth Foster's unique novel. In this Books and Looks interview, Ruth discusses how "A Perfect Year?" uses annual Christmas newsletters to trace the lives of three families over decades in a British commuter town. Discover the hidden stories in plain sight and the inspiration behind this fascinating tapestry of human experience and suburban life.

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Are you ready to uncover a Gilded Age mystery that blurred the lines between fiction and reality? This week on Books & Looks, join Blaine DeSantis as he talks with acclaimed historical fiction author Marie Benedict about her new book, "The Queens of Crime." Step back to 1931 London, where legendary mystery writers Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Orczy form a secret group to assert their place in a male-dominated world. But when a real-life murder occurs, these literary icons become unlikely detectives, using their mystery-writing prowess to solve a crime the police couldn't. Learn about...

Dive into the explosive Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, disco fever, and the birth of iconic TV moments as author David Krell joins Blaine DeSantis to unpack his fascinating book "1978: Baseball and America in the Disco Era." From Louisiana Lightning's unstoppable pitching to Robin Williams' star-making alien debut, discover how this pivotal year shaped American culture both on and off the diamond. Whether you're a baseball fanatic or a pop culture enthusiast, this time-traveling journey through a defining year will captivate you with untold stories and nostalgic revelations.

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Meet Rose Valland, the art historian turned spy who documented the Nazi's massive art theft operation from inside occupied Paris. In this riveting episode, author Michelle Young reveals how Valland secretly recorded details of over 650,000 stolen masterpieces using her near-photographic memory while facing a Nazi death warrant. Young shares previously unknown details about Valland's dangerous double life, her relationship with her British partner Joyce Heer, and how her meticulous documentation became essential to the Monuments Men. This true story of extraordinary courage illuminates how one determined woman risked everything to preserve France's cultural soul during history's darkest hours.

From choosing steak knives for celebrities to outsmarting dawn trash room inspectors, Jamie Cooperstein reveals how rejection from sports broadcasting ("your voice is too local") led her to discover her true calling behind luxury concierge desks. In her memoir "True Hospitality," Cooperstein shares how a decade serving Philadelphia's elite transformed her understanding of human connection and the psychological art of exceptional service. Listen as we uncover why sometimes the uniform we never planned to wear fits us perfectly.

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In 1890s Bombay, a murdered silversmith and his partner holding the bloody knife set the stage for a mystery that unveils colonial India's soul. Join author Nev March, born in India herself, as she guides host Blaine DeSantis through the cultural labyrinth of "The Silversmith's Puzzle," where mixed-race detective Captain Jim and his high-society wife Lady Diana navigate forbidden marriages and rigid hierarchies while racing to save an innocent man from the gallows. Beyond the whodunit, discover forgotten historical gems like the "Bombay dog riots" and the real-life business pioneers who inspired characters. This isn't just a murder mystery...

At age six, Pavel Baldea was dragged from his bed at 2AM by Communist police who imprisoned his parents and abandoned their children on the streets. Decades later, after a daring escape across borders to America, this Romanian refugee with a scientific mind has distilled 20 years of biblical study into "The Last Day on Earth," a book that deliberately strips away theological complexity to explore humanity's ultimate questions. Join us for this special Good Friday conversation where Baldea reveals why his "Bible in a capsule" intentionally omits chapter-verse citations most religious texts depend on, how his perspective was forged...

"Had Revere failed that night, America's revolution might have died before it began." Author Kostya Kennedy reveals how history pivoted on a silversmith's midnight journey and the astonishing betrayal by the British general's American-born wife who may have leaked crucial military plans. On the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's ride, "The Ride" uncovers what history books missed: how Revere demanded his own court-martial years later, the massive warship whose timbers still rest in Cape Cod sand, and why a Massachusetts police officer couldn't bring himself to ticket Paul Revere's descendant for speeding near Lexington. Listen as Kennedy shares what...

When perfectly executed suicides deliver pristine donor hearts, cardiologist-turned-novelist Cristina LePort reveals the terrifying intersection of heart transplantation and organized crime in her medical thriller "Change of Heart." Host Blaine DeSantis explores how a mafia don's cybercrime operation manipulates organ donation networks while FBI probationary agent Charlotte Bloom races to stop the conspiracy - all while hiding that her own heart is failing. Drawing from her medical expertise, LePort crafts a world where the 12-hour "heart box" technology meant to save lives becomes a sinister tool in the wrong hands. As family secrets and questions of identity emerge, the...

When a corporate spreadsheet erased 42 minor league baseball teams from America's map, it didn't just kill baseball in places like Batavia, New York - it threatened to dismantle the last institution where a Vietnam veteran finds peace, political adversaries share beers as friends, and a young man with cerebral palsy washes uniforms by hand until 2 AM. In "Homestand," author Will Bardenwerper, a former Army Ranger, reveals what happens when profit-driven efficiency collides with our deepest need for belonging. As citizens rally to save their century-old Muckdogs, their story exposes a choice facing communities everywhere: surrender our local institutions to...

They transform American skies into living art, yet these same iridescent birds represent one of history's most spectacular ecological disasters—all because one Victorian gentleman released 200 starlings in Central Park in 1890. When Eugene Schieffelin's well-intentioned birds exploded to 200 million strong, they unleashed agricultural havoc costing billions while pushing native species toward extinction. Author Mike Stark unravels this remarkable saga of unintended consequences, debunking the persistent Shakespeare myth while uncovering forgotten footnotes—from Mozart's musical pet starling to the bizarre "Starling War" that once rained thousands of dead birds onto Irish streets. As these unstoppable invaders continue their conquest, their stor...

In this gripping episode, author Patricia Bonis shares her harrowing true story documented in "Jeddah Bride." Bonis recounts falling in love with a Saudi man in 1970s Boston, her shocking cultural adjustment in Saudi Arabia, and the devastating 14-year separation from her children after their father kidnapped them. Host Blaine DeSantis guides this eye-opening conversation exploring cross-cultural marriage, religious conversion, and the stark legal differences that left an American mother powerless when international custody laws failed her family.

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A mysterious Revolutionary War coin, modern cyber terrorism, and a shadowy organization known as the Liberty Unit converge in this groundbreaking techno-thriller that bridges America's past and present. Join Books and Looks for an in-depth review of "Going Dark" by George K. Mehok, a stunning debut novel that weaves together historical intrigue and contemporary cyber warfare. When NSA analyst Paul Knox inherits a mysterious coin from the Revolutionary War, he becomes entangled in a centuries-old fight to protect America from those who would destroy it from within.

Written by a former cybersecurity expert, this thriller exposes the...

In 1970, six women defied societal expectations and brutal conditions to become the first all-female team to summit North America's highest peak. This is their remarkable story.Author Cassidy Randall uncovers the incredible journey of the "Denali Damsels" who faced -30° temperatures, deadly storms, and a skeptical climbing community to make mountaineering history. Through intimate journals and long-buried accounts, discover how these trailblazing women proved that the "fairer sex" could conquer one of the world's most challenging peaks.

Join us for this fascinating interview about "30 Below," the book that finally tells the untold story of these pioneering women w...

Explore the surprising history of U.S. interest in Greenland and the Arctic's rising geopolitical importance. Why has America tried to buy Greenland multiple times?

Join us as we dive deep into the Arctic's past and present with Mary Thompson-Jones, author of 'America in the Arctic.' Discover how climate change and global powers are reshaping this crucial region. We'll explore historical attempts to acquire Greenland, the strategic implications of a melting Arctic, and what it means for international relations.

This episode reveals the hidden battles for the Arctic and why it matters more than...