In this episode of Desideratum, host Theresa Bakken sits down with author Jennifer Oko to discuss her latest novel, "Just Emilia." Set in a Washington, DC elevator, the story brings together three women (ages 17, 47, and 77) at pivotal moments in their lives, forcing them to confront a shared trauma and unravel the threads connecting their past, present, and future.

Jennifer shares the inspiration behind the novel, the challenges of writing across generations, and the personal connections that shaped her characters. The conversation explores themes of memory, responsibility, aging, and the enduring impact of trauma, as well as the unique setting of DC and the symbolism of the ginkgo tree.

Listeners will enjoy insights into the writing process, the realities of publishing with an independent press, and the essential role of storytelling and art in our lives. Whether you're a fan of literary fiction, stories about family and self-discovery, or simply love hearing from passionate storytellers, this episode offers a thoughtful and heartfelt look at what it means to grow, heal, and embrace each new chapter.

Connect with Jennifer Oko at www.JenniferOko.com and get the rest of the story in "Just Emilia" from www.Regal House Publishing.com

In this episode, we explore the remarkable story behind "The Cure for Women: Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi and the Challenge to Victorian Medicine that Changed Women’s Lives Forever." Host Theresa Bakken is joined by author Lydia Reeder and audiobook narrator Sara Sheckells to discuss the life and legacy of Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi—a pioneering scientist and physician who broke barriers for women in medicine during the 19th century.

Key Highlights:

• Mary Putnam Jacobi’s Journey: From a publisher’s daughter in New York to a trailblazing doctor, Jacobi overcame societal and institutional barriers, becoming a force in both science and women’s rights.
• Historical Context: The episode delves into the challenges women faced in accessing education and medical training, the suffrage movement, and the prevailing (often harmful) medical theories about women’s health.
• Scientific Breakthroughs: Jacobi’s research debunked myths about women’s bodies, especially regarding menstruation and fertility, and helped introduce evidence-based medicine to America.
• Personal Connections: Lydia Reeder shares how her own family history inspired her research, while Sara Sheckells reflects on the importance of telling women’s stories and the parallels between Jacobi’s era and today.
• Broader Impact: The conversation touches on the collective efforts of women in history, the importance of public education, and the ongoing relevance of Jacobi’s courage and scientific rigor.
• Audiobook Sample: Listeners hear a vivid scene from Jacobi’s youth, capturing her awe and inspiration as she peers through a microscope—a moment that set her on her groundbreaking path.

Get The Cure for Women audiobook from Libro.fm

https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=970873&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9781666681376

Colorado Humanities Colorado Book Awards

https://coloradohumanities.org/programs/colorado-book-awards/

Sara Sheckells narrator

https://sarasounds.com/

Lydia Reeder author

https://lydiareeder.com/

 This is a story about getting focused and creative. It's a non-fiction handbook and guidebook to your brain and what current brain science tells us about how to thrive, relax and even work better with others. The author is a cognitive scientist intent on turning good science into good life strategies. I am so excited to feature the audiobook SHARP 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science by Therese Huston on this Desideratum. Thanks to the team at publisher Dreamscape Media including Producer Pete Cross and Editor Cody Stephenson. And, thanks to this episode’s sponsor Pozotron (the audiobook prep and proofing service I use on every single audiobook project I work on).

Here’s an affiliate link to Libro dot fm to get the SHARP audiobook with all its science based brain hacks. Here’s a link to the episode sponsor Pozotron. And, here’s the link to the late Reverend Frederick Buchner profile on PBS. I hope like me you will find ways to support PBS and NPR at your local level. As always, thanks for being here. Thanks for listening.