The Women Books & More’s Podcast

Douglas Preston & Aletheia Preston Discuss Paradox: Cloning, Cults, Religious Relics & the Extinction Series

This week, bestselling thriller author Douglas Preston joins us with his daughter—and new writing partner—Aletheia Preston to discuss Paradox, the gripping second novel in their Extinction series.

In Paradox, a reclusive man is found dead under grisly and suspicious circumstances in the Colorado wilderness. CBI Agent Cash and Eagle County Sheriff Colcord investigate a trail of bizarre killings, mysterious money transfers, a fanatical secret society, and a powerful religious relic that may connect them all. Meanwhile, cloned Neanderthals hiding deep in the Colorado mountains appear to be waiting for something…extraordinary.

Douglas and Aletheia Preston discuss the science and ethics of cloning, the appeal of conspiracy thrillers, and why Paradox feels frighteningly close to reality. From genetic engineering and secret cults to religious mysteries and modern technology, this conversation dives into the ideas shaping today’s smartest thrillers.

In this episode:

• Douglas Preston and Aletheia Preston on writing together as father and daughter
• The science and ethics behind cloning and genetic manipulation
• Religious relics, cults, conspiracy, and suspense fiction
• Why Paradox and the Extinction series feel so plausible
• How real-world technology is influencing modern thrillers

For more about Douglas Preston’s books: prestonchild.com

EATERLAND: A Coast-to-Coast Journey Through Regional American Food with Missy Frederick

From marionberry pie and cioppino to funeral potatoes, lobster stew, and Spam musubi, this episode is a delicious road trip across America. Host Irene Rawlings talks with food journalist and editor Missy Frederick about EATERLAND: Recipes and Stories from Across the United States, the new cookbook celebrating iconic dishes, local restaurants, and the diverse food cultures that define American cuisine.

Inspired by the beloved food platform Eater, EATERLAND celebrates the regional dishes, local traditions, restaurants, and immigrant food cultures that shape how America eats today.

In this lively conversation, Missy shares:

• Why California’s San Gabriel Valley has become one of the world’s great Chinese food destinations
• The surprising history behind Utah’s famous “funeral potatoes”
• Texas favorites like cowboy caviar, tortilla soup, and chicken fried steak
• Midwest classics including paczki and Wisconsin supper clubs
• Southern staples such as red-eye gravy, cornbread, crawfish étouffée, and boiled peanuts
• Baltimore coddies and the iconic Smith Island Cake
• New England comfort foods including clam chowder, Boston cream pie, and lobster stew
• Alaska specialties like reindeer dogs and birch syrup
• Hawaii’s beloved Spam musubi and the fascinating history behind Spam in Hawaiian cuisine
• Puerto Rico’s rich culinary traditions, from tostones and empanadas to rum and coconut tres leches cake

The book also includes a directory of featured restaurants across the country—perfect inspiration for your next foodie road trip.

If you love food history, regional cooking, restaurant culture, or simply discovering what Americans really eat from coast to coast, this episode is for you.

To order the book: https://abramsbooks.com/?s=EATERLAND

To subscribe to the Eater Newsletters: eater.com

Women’s Healthcare: Delayed Diagnoses, Insurance Denials & How to Navigate the System (Rebecca Bloom)

When women get sick, the challenges often go far beyond the illness itself—from delayed diagnoses to insurance battles. So how do you navigate a system stacked against you?

In this episode of Women, Books & More, Irene Rawlings talks with healthcare advocate and former benefits attorney Rebecca Bloom, author of When Women Get Sick. With over 25 years of experience, Rebecca shares practical advice for navigating the complicated and complex U.S. healthcare system.

Rebecca explains how to cut through insurance red tape, understand terms like “formulary exceptions,” and advocate for yourself or a loved one during illness. She also offers guidance on preparing before you get sick, building a strong relationship with your doctor, and finding reliable medical information online.

Grounded in real stories and actionable tools, When Women Get Sick empowers women to take control of their healthcare in a system that can feel overwhelming…and biased.

When Women Get Sick: https://www.whenwomengetsick.com/

 

Women’s Health Advocates: https://womenshealthadvocates.org/

 

Bay Area Cancer Connection: https://www.bayareacancer.org/

 

Endometriosis Foundation of America: https://www.endofound.org/

Adrian Miller on Asian White House Chefs, Soul Food & America’s Hidden Food History

Today on Women, Books & More, we’re joined by Adrian Miller—James Beard Award–winning food writer, historian, certified barbecue judge, and self-described Soul Food Scholar.

In his latest book, Cooking to the President’s Taste: Asian Chefs in White House History, Adrian uncovers a little-known chapter of American history, exploring the influence of Asian chefs on presidential cuisine and what it reveals about culture, power, and identity at the highest levels of government. We also discuss the lasting legacy of African American cooks—The President’s Kitchen Cabinet—and how their contributions have shaped the nation’s culinary story.

We revisit Adrian’s earlier books, Soul Food and Black Smoke, and talk barbecue, road trips, and the regional flavors that define American food culture. If you’re planning a summer road trip, Black Smoke is an essential guide to the country’s best barbecue restaurants and hidden roadside gems.

Adrian Miller will appear at Tattered Cover Bookstore (Colfax) in Denver on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM for a talk, Q&A, and book signing. https://visitdenver.com/event/adrian-miller-live-at-tattered-cover-colfax/139878/s

Adrian Miller: https://adrianemiller.com/

 

University of Denver Cookbook Collection:

https://library.du.edu/collections/special-collections-archives/cookery-and-foodways

 

What surprised you most about this conversation? Tell us at: womenbooksandmore @gmail.com

Author Claire Swinarski on Motherhood, Sisterhood & The Supper Club Saints

In this episode of Women, Books & More, host Irene Rawlings sits down with author Claire Swinarski to discuss her new novel, The Supper Club Saints.

Swinarski shares the story behind the book: When Cass Simon leaves a cult-like “Mommune” and returns to her small Wisconsin hometown, she hopes for a fresh start—but instead must navigate family tensions, motherhood, and the complexities of sisterhood.

Claire also talks about her writing process, the inspiration behind her characters, and the line resonating with readers: “She wondered if womanhood was just the process of slowly but surely understanding your mother.”

The conversation also explores her earlier novel, The Funeral Ladies, as well as the restorative magic of libraries—because sometimes, wandering the stacks can solve just about anything.

If you enjoy books about family, resilience, community, and the beautifully messy realities of women’s lives, this literary podcast episode is not to be missed.

Learn more at claireswinarski.com

Adult: 

The Supper Club Saints

The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County

Middle Grade: 

Each and Every Spark 

Take It From The Top 

What Happened to Rachel Riley 

The Kate In Between 

What Happens Next 

The documentary Claire mentioned is on Netflix and it's called Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare.

She also highly recommended Paris Hilton's podcast Trapped in Treatment. 

 

Storm Warning: An Eco-Thriller with Bestselling Author Alice Henderson

In this episode of Women, Books & More, Irene Rawlings speaks with bestselling author Alice Henderson about her latest eco-thriller, Storm Warning, part of the acclaimed Alex Carter series. Known for weaving endangered species, conservation science, and high-stakes suspense, Henderson takes readers into some of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.

Our conversation explores Storm Warning, as well as earlier titles like A Solitude of Wolverines and A Blizzard of Polar Bears, delving into how Henderson selects the endangered animals and landscapes at the heart of her work. She also shares insights from her background as a wildlife sanctuary monitor and bioacoustician, offering a rare glimpse into the science that shapes her fiction.

The episode also touches on her wide-ranging career, from writing for beloved television series to contributing to the Star Wars universe, and her time at NASA’s Launchpad workshop, where science and storytelling converge.

Alice Henderson https://alicehenderson.com/

NASA’s Launchpad https://www.launchpadworkshop.org/

 Alex Carter series: A Solitude of Wolverines, A Blizzard of Polar Bears, A Ghost of Caribou, The Vanishing Kind, Storm Warning, Dangerous Ground (out March 2027) – William Morrow

Voracious (supernatural thriller set in Glacier National Park) - Penguin Random House

The Skyfire Saga (climate fiction trilogy): Shattered Roads, Shattered Lands, Shattered Skies -Kensington Publishing

Fresh Meat (an official novel based on the Supernatural TV show) - Titan Books

Portal Through Time (an official novel based on Buffy the Vampire Slayer) - Simon & Schuster

Night Terrors (an official novel based on Buffy the Vampire Slayer written in a choose your own adventure style) - Simon & Schuster

Celebrating Jacques Pépin at 90: classic recipes, culinary wisdom, the art of simple cooking

There’s something so enduring about Jacques Pépin—a sense that good cooking, like a good story, only deepens with time. Now in his 90s, he remains a guiding presence in kitchens everywhere, reminding us that food is not just technique, but generosity, memory, and joy.

In this episode of Women, Books & More, we return to a conversation recorded on the eve of his 90th birthday. Pépin reflects on a lifetime in the kitchen—from professional mastery to the quiet rituals of home cooking—and on the joy of teaching others to cook with confidence and ease.

Many listeners have been reading and cooking from The Art of Jacques Pépin, sharing the dishes that have made their way onto family tables—especially his classic poulet à la crème, a simple chicken with cream sauce that feels, somehow, both humble and elegant.

I recently wrote a fun piece about Jacques Pépin for The Saturday Evening Post. The piece includes the recipe for poulet à la crème. It will be available at 9:00 am EDT on Wednesday 4/8/26.  You can read that piece here: https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2026/04/jacques-pepin-on-cooking-art-and-a-lifetime-of-simple-honest-food/

For more information about the Jacques Pepin Foundation. https://jp.foundation/

For more information about Jacques Pepin’s artwork: https://jacquespepinart.com/

To contact Women, Books & More: womenbooksandmore@gmail.com

 

Discovering Denmark: Cycling, Cuisine & Family Adventures

In this episode of Women, Books & More, we are joined by Mads Ostergaard of Visit Denmark to explore what makes Denmark one of Europe’s most inviting travel destinations.

From Danish wellness to a cycling culture (“wheelness”) that shapes everyday life, discover how to experience Denmark like a local. We also dive into the country’s celebrated food scene, including its many Michelin Guide-recognized restaurants, and the idea of gastronomy as an art form.

Plus: summer at Tivoli Gardens, family-friendly highlights (hello, LEGO), and the enduring charm of Denmark’s seaside hotels.

Planning a trip—or just dreaming? This episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips.

Learn more: visitdenmark.com

In Search of the Perfect Seaside Hotel in Denmark – Everett Potter’s Travel Report https://www.everettpotter.com/2024/02/in-search-of-the-perfect-seaside-hotel-in-denmark/

Follow Women, Books & More for more travel, culture, and storytelling.