Welcome to Season 9 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast—where the past comes alive through extraordinary stories and unforgettable characters.

This season, we travel from the opulent courts of 18th-century Dresden to the battlefields of the American Civil War, from haunted mansions in 1950s Hong Kong to the heart of ancient Egypt. You’ll meet daring aristocrats, courageous performers, trailblazing artists, and extraordinary women and men who defied expectation, risked everything, and reshaped their worlds.

Each week, bestselling and acclaimed authors guide us through tales of love, loss, ambition, and resilience—stories that illuminate the human spirit across time and place. From sweeping historical epics to intimate personal journeys, Season 9 invites you to witness history in motion and to discover the lives behind the legends.

Join us, listen closely, and experience the adventure, the intrigue, and the enduring power of storytelling—only on History Through Fiction: The Podcast.

In this special bonus episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful sits down with Todd Otis, author of Sparks of the Revolution. The conversation dives into the life and legacy of James Otis, a pivotal yet often overlooked figure in the early resistance against British rule. Todd shares insights into Otis’s legal battles, his mental health struggles, and his influence on key revolutionary figures like Sam Adams and Mercy Otis Warren. The discussion also explores the relevance of Otis’s story to today’s political climate and the enduring power of the written word in shaping democracy. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that bridges history and the present.

This episode is sponsored by Anne Dean, author of Far Side of Revenge – Filled with captivating, complex characters, Far Side of Revenge is a remarkable feat of storytelling. The world of medieval Ireland springs to life before your eyes.

In the final episode of Season 8, Alina Adams and Kyra Davis Lurie engage in a compelling conversation. They discuss the inspiration behind The Great Mann, focusing on the two Black characters from The Great Gatsby. Alina shares the "What if?" question that led to Go On Pretending. The authors address cultural appropriation, differentiating genuine representation from inauthenticity, and talk about facing pushback. They also explore the literary thirst for trauma and the interplay of history and fiction in their novels. Don't miss this insightful discussion on storytelling and authenticity.

In Season 8, Episode 12 of "History Through Fiction: The Podcast," host Colin Mustful welcomes Billie-Hanson Dupree, author of the upcoming novel Still Kicking. Inspired by her father, a World War II veteran, Billie shares the journey of crafting a historical fiction narrative that explores themes of trauma, resilience, and racial inequality. Set in post-war California, the novel follows Bill and two women navigating personal struggles and societal challenges. Billie also reflects on her writing process, historical research, and the importance of storytelling in addressing complex histories.

In Season 8, Episode 11 of "History Through Fiction: The Podcast," host Colin Mustful interviews bestselling author Sarah Penner about her latest novel, The Amalfi Curse. Sarah discusses the dual timelines of her story, featuring a present-day nautical archaeologist and a 19th-century sea witch, Mari. She shares insights into her meticulous research process, including scuba diving and consulting experts, and reflects on the challenges of drafting the novel. Sarah also teases her upcoming sequel to The Lost Apothecary.

In Season 8, Episode 9 of "History Through Fiction: The Podcast," host Colin Mustful speaks with authors Robert Dugoni, Jeff Langholz, and Chris Crabtree about their novel Hold Strong. The book explores the tragic story of the Arisan Maru, a Japanese "hellship" carrying Allied POWs during World War II. The authors discuss their 11-year journey of extensive research, including declassified documents and firsthand exploration, to uncover this untold history. They share insights into their collaborative writing process, balancing historical accuracy with compelling storytelling, and honoring the heroism of figures like Father Thomas Cecina.

In Season 8, Episode 9 of "History Through Fiction: The Podcast," host Colin Mustful sits down with C.W. Towarnicki, author of Notes from a Deserter. They delve into the intriguing story behind the gravesite on Towarnicki's property that sparked the novel's creation. The conversation explores the craft of constructing a short story cycle, offering diverse perspectives from the Civil War era. Towarnicki also shares insights on how his MFA program has shaped his writing journey and contributed to his development as an author. Tune in for a captivating discussion on history, storytelling, and the art of writing.

In Season 8, Episode 8 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews author Shara Moon about her novel Let Us March On, which tells the story of Elizabeth McDuffie, FDR's maid and an influential yet overlooked historical figure. Shara discusses Lizzie's rise from modest beginnings to her role in the White House, where she advocated for civil rights and social change. The conversation explores Lizzie's relationship with the Roosevelts, her impact on political shifts in the African American community, and the challenges of writing historical fiction. Shara also shares her passion for uncovering untold stories and offers a preview of her next project about the segregated Gold Star Mothers pilgrimage.

In Season 8, Episode 7 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Margaret Pinard, author of Orla Rafferty Seeks Her Fortune. Margaret discusses her novel set in 1830s Scotland, exploring themes of women's independence, political reform, and social change through the lens of historical fiction. She shares her journey from international development to indie publishing, her creative process, and her passion for addressing inequality through storytelling.

In Season 8, Episode 6 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful sits down with J. E. Weiner, author of The Wretched and Undone. Dive into the southern gothic genre as Weiner discusses the sweeping history from the Civil War to WW1 that forms the backdrop of his novel. Explore the captivating and distinctive setting of the Texas Hill Country, and discover how it shapes the narrative. Join us for an insightful conversation that blends history, fiction, and the haunting beauty of the South.