The Bittersweet Life

Episode 570: An Irish-American Story (with Edward Burns)


Listen Later

Today Katy interviews actor, filmmaker, and author Edward Burns about his debut novel A Kid from Marlboro Road on the stage of Town Hall Seattle. Tune in for a conversation about storytelling, memory, and the transition from screen to page.

Acclaimed filmmaker and actor Edward Burns steps into the world of fiction with his debut novel, A Kid from Marlboro Road. Set in the 1970s, this coming-of-age story draws inspiration from Burns's own Irish-Ameican childhood on Long Island, capturing the complexities of family, loss, and growing up.

Edward Burns, known for films like The Brothers McMullen and Saving Private Ryan, has built a career telling stories of Irish-American life. Now, he brings that same depth and authenticity to the page. In this episode, he shares the inspiration behind his novel, how his filmmaking background influenced his writing, and what it was like to revisit his own past through fiction.

This event was presented by Town Hall Seattle in September 2024. Thanks to Town Hall Seattle for presenting Edward Burns and allowing The Bittersweet Life to record and reair this conversation.

-------------------------------------

COME TO ROME WITH US: For the third year in a row, we are hosting an intimate group of listeners for a magical and unforgettable week in Rome, this October 2025! Discover the city with us as your guides, seeing a side to Rome tourists almost never see. Find out more here.

ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach expats, future expats, and travelers all over the world. Send us an email to get the conversation started.

BECOME A PATRON: Pledge your monthly support of The Bittersweet Life and receive awesome prizes in return for your generosity! Visit our Patreon site to find out more.

TIP YOUR PODCASTER: Say thanks with a one-time donation to the podcast hosts you know and love. Click here to send financial support via PayPal. (You can also find a Donate button on the desktop version of our website.) The show needs your support to continue.

START PODCASTING: If you are planning to start your own podcast, consider Libsyn for your hosting service! Use this affliliate link to get two months free, or use our promo code SWEET when you sign up.

SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss an episode. Click here to find us on a variety of podcast apps.

WRITE A REVIEW: Leave us a rating and a written review on iTunes so more listeners can find us.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you have a question or a topic you want us to address, send us an email here. You can also connect to us through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Tag #thebittersweetlife with your expat story for a chance to be featured!

NEW TO THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1: OUTSET

BOOK: Want to read Tiffany's book, Midnight in the Piazza? Learn more here or order on Amazon.

TOUR ROME: If you're traveling to Rome, don't miss the chance to tour the city with Tiffany as your guide!

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Bittersweet LifeBy Expat, Repat, Travel, Rome, Seattle, Books, Art, Italy, Wonder

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

295 ratings


More shows like The Bittersweet Life

View all
Fresh Air by NPR

Fresh Air

38,485 Listeners

The New Yorker Radio Hour by WNYC Studios and The New Yorker

The New Yorker Radio Hour

6,780 Listeners

Global News Podcast by BBC World Service

Global News Podcast

7,728 Listeners

Marketplace by Marketplace

Marketplace

8,755 Listeners

On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti by WBUR

On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti

3,973 Listeners

In Our Time by BBC Radio 4

In Our Time

5,487 Listeners

Join Us in France Travel Podcast by Annie Sargent

Join Us in France Travel Podcast

1,038 Listeners

Inside Europe by DW

Inside Europe

180 Listeners

The Europeans | European news, politics and culture by Katy Lee and Dominic Kraemer

The Europeans | European news, politics and culture

159 Listeners

7am by Solstice Media

7am

122 Listeners

Untold Italy travel podcast by Katy Clarke

Untold Italy travel podcast

647 Listeners

What's That Rash? by ABC listen

What's That Rash?

247 Listeners

Where to Go by DK Travel

Where to Go

31 Listeners

Kimberly's Italy Travel by Kimberly Holcombe

Kimberly's Italy Travel

190 Listeners

Empire by Goalhanger

Empire

2,465 Listeners