In this episode, we sit down with Don Siegel, Silver Spring novelist, jazz guitarist, and longtime earth-science professor, to talk about the inspiration behind his magical-realism novel Heartwood. Don shares how his love of music, his academic career, and his interest in Jewish and Ladino culture shaped the book’s sweeping journey from Eastern Europe to the United States.

We discuss the story’s powerful themes—identity, exile, cultural fusion—and the unique role music plays as both metaphor and character. Don also offers insights into his research and revision process and what has surprised him most since publishing Heartwood.

You can find Don’s books at Kensington Row Bookshop, and reach him at [email protected] or https://donaldisiegel.substack.com/