Embark on an extraordinary journey through time and immerse yourself in the captivating and momentous saga known as The Dreyfus Affair, one of the most pivotal events in French history.

In the fateful December of 1894, Captain Alfred Dreyfus found himself unjustly arrested, accused of treason. Little did anyone know that this grave error would set in motion a chain of events that would reverberate through the very fabric of French society. Over the course of agonizing 12 years, the tides of public opinion shifted dramatically, giving rise to a powerful movement fueled by a resolute pursuit of justice and the fight against antisemitism.

Within this gripping narrative, one name shines brightly as a catalyst that ignited a flame of righteous indignation within the hearts of the French public—Emile Zola. It was Zola's impassioned letter, a clarion call against the gross miscarriage of justice, that galvanized the nation and sparked an unprecedented wave of activism. The words penned by Zola not only condemned the unjust treatment of Dreyfus but also laid bare the deep-seated prejudices that stained the French society of that era.

In the wake of Zola's intervention, a seismic shift occurred, as the Dreyfus Affair transformed from a mere legal case into a powerful symbol of social awakening. Ordinary citizens, intellectuals, and activists rallied together, driven by a collective determination to rectify the grave injustice inflicted upon Dreyfus. With their resolute spirit, they spearheaded an unyielding crusade against bigotry and discrimination, forever altering the course of French history.

Prepare to be transported to Regency era England as we unravel the premise behind “Romantically Written.”

Romantically Written presents an irresistible offering: weekly letters that unfold tales of romance and intrigue. With their Three-Month, Six-Month, and One-Year Packages, listeners can immerse themselves in the captivating narratives meticulously crafted for their enjoyment. We discuss our love of letters, the Regency era and storytelling. A joyful conversation to inspire the inner romantic Epistolarian. xo

In this episode, we speak with Andrew Morris, curator of The Matrix Collection and Sigillum Seals, a stunning collection of over 4000 seals gathered over the past 30 years. Based in the UK, Andrew has continued his late father's passion for collecting seals, and it has become an integral part of his life for the past two decades.

Follow Andrew on Instagram

https://instagram.com/sigillumseals

The Matrix Collection Book https://sigillumseals.co.uk/collections/the-matrix-collection

🌍 We talk about the fascinating world of antique seal collecting. From the intricacies of the seal designs to their historical significance, we're diving deep into the subject of collecting and sharing a couple pieces from the collection. You can watch the video of this conversation here: https://youtu.be/53WDXDrH-f8

🗓️ Mark your calendars!

First, Andrew has some beautiful antique seals up for auction next week at Lyon & Turnbull in Scotland. https://www.lyonandturnbull.com/auction/details/749-a-private-collection-of-seals-highlights-from-the-matrix-collection/?au=9376

Second, we’re going live on Instagram on Wednesday 24th for another discussion. It will take place at 4pm for those in the UK, and 8am Pacific (11am ET) for those based in the US.

💬 Buy your copy of the Kathryn Hastings Antique Wax Seal Buying Guide here:

https://kathrynhastingsco.com/products/antique-wax-seal-buying-guide

In this episode, we dive into Rainer Maria Rilke's sixth letter to a young artist, exploring his insightful advice on the creative process and the struggles that arise along the way. We delve into Rilke's thoughts on the importance of solitude, self-discovery, and finding one's own unique voice in the artistic world.

As we read and analyze Rilke's words, I share my personal reflections on my own artistic journey.

Throughout the episode, listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences as artists and to consider how they can apply Rilke's wisdom to their own work. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to help you navigate the challenges and joys of the creative life.

Welcome to this episode of the podcast where we discuss the art of death cleaning and how it relates to the question of how long to keep cards and letters. As your host, I will share my own perspective on this topic, as well as some insights I gained from reading the book "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning" by Margareta Magnusson.

In this episode, we will explore the emotional attachment people often have to cards and letters they receive, and the reasons why they may want to hold onto them for years, or even a lifetime. We will also discuss how the practice of death cleaning, which involves decluttering one's possessions and reflecting on what truly matters in life, can help us reconsider our relationship to these sentimental items.

One of the key insights I gained from reading Magnusson's book is that death cleaning is not just about getting rid of things, but about embracing the present and living a more intentional life. When it comes to cards and letters, this means considering their significance in the context of our lives and relationships, and being mindful of the space they take up in our homes and hearts.

Join me as we delve deeper into this fascinating topic, and discover how the Swedish art of death cleaning can help us let go of the past and make room for the future. Whether you're struggling with clutter or simply looking for a fresh perspective on life, this episode is sure to inspire and enlighten you.

Welcome to this episode of the podcast, where we will explore "How to Reclaim the Office for a Space of Leisure and Beauty". As your host, I will share my experience with office design, including renaming my workspace "Otiumsanctum" and what that means.

We will discuss the importance of a beautiful and relaxing letter writing space, covering lighting, color, temperature, noise, clutter, ergonomics, and more. Additionally, we will explore how to design a workspace that is both relaxing and functional by considering the flow of the room.

We will also highlight the importance of small details in creating a relaxing and enjoyable space, such as comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and scents.

Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter as well: https://tremendous-founder-4461.ck.page/51cc1a9122

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the rich and delectable world of Tuscan cuisine with our guest, Giulia Scarpaleggia. As a renowned Tuscan food writer, cookbook author, food photographer, and cooking class instructor, Giulia has been sharing her passion for Tuscan food and heritage with the world through her popular blog, Juls' Kitchen, since 2009.

In this episode, we explore Giulia's latest project, "Letters from Tuscany," a fascinating collection of stories and recipes inspired by her Tuscan upbringing. We'll uncover the ingredients, techniques, and flavors that make Tuscan cuisine so unique, and delve into the cultural significance of food in Tuscany.

Giulia shares her insights into the art of Tuscan cooking and offers practical tips for recreating authentic Tuscan dishes in your own kitchen. We'll also discuss her journey as a food writer and photographer, and the challenges and rewards of turning her passion into a full-time career.

Join us for a mouth-watering conversation that will transport you to the heart of Tuscany and leave you inspired to explore the rich culinary heritage of this beautiful region.

In this episode, we also mention the Nocellara del Belice DOP, a Sicilian olive oil that is a must-try for any food lover. Additionally, you can purchase Giulia's newest book, "Cucina Povera," through the provided link, and follow her on Instagram and subscribe to her Substack for more exciting updates. Finally, be sure to check out her website and blog for more recipes and insights into Tuscan cuisine.

https://en.julskitchen.com/cucina-povera-cookbook

https://instagram.com/julskitchen

https://en.julskitchen.com/newsletter

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of wax seals and the symbolism behind them. Wax seals were used for centuries as a way to authenticate documents, and they were also a form of personal expression. In Victorian times, wax seals became increasingly popular, and they were often adorned with intricate symbols that conveyed a range of meanings.

We delve into the meanings behind some of the most common Victorian symbols found on wax seals.

In this episode, I will explore the ways in which you can leverage the power of AI language models like ChatGPT to enhance your letter writing abilities.

I discuss what ChatGPT is and how it works. Then, we will delve into some specific use cases for ChatGPT, such as generating new ideas and refining your writing style.

I will also share some tips and best practices for using ChatGPT effectively, including how to give clear and specific prompts, how to evaluate the quality of the responses you receive, and how to integrate ChatGPT into your writing process.

In the 50th episode, we read a letter to a cartoonist who changed the world. I muse about what it means to follow a dream even when we don’t know what will come and share some of my favorite insights from Iwerks’ career. If you haven’t heard of Iwerks, changes are you still know his most famous cartoon! Subscribe to for updates here: KathrynHastingsCo.com/subscribe