They have billions of dollars, political connections, and an audacious plan for America.

In David W. Swanson’s The Vote: A Story of Political Peril, wealthy operatives pursue a strategy involving elections, political power, and Article V of the Constitution. The result is a political thriller built around a provocative possibility: What could happen if enormous private wealth were turned toward changing the structure of American government?

In this episode of This One’s About…, a podcast by Mission Point Press, Swanson talks about the political and constitutional ideas behind his novel and the real-world machinery that gives its fictional conspiracy an unsettling edge.

If you like political fiction that mixes suspense with the inner workings of American government, put The Vote on your list.

Curious Sidney and cautious JoJo are heading to Thailand, where Mama lives—but getting there means crates, conveyor belts, two airplane rides, a vet visit, and quarantine.

Lauren Isaacson’s picture book The Tales of Sidney and JoJo: Adventures in Thailand imagines the real-life overseas journey of her two cats through their very different personalities. Along the way, young readers encounter tropical sights and sounds, Thai customs and words, temple cats, and the challenge of finding courage when everything feels unfamiliar. This conversation looks at how Isaacson’s experience as an educator shaped a playful story about travel, change, resilience, and curiosity about other cultures.

Listen to This One’s About…, a podcast by Mission Point Press, and follow the show for more conversations with books and authors.

What happens when one person becomes the last keeper of an entire civilization's memory? In this episode of This One's About..., we sit down with Stephen Rheaume, author of Nokee, The Last of The Great Lakes Mound Builders. Stephen shares the inspiration behind this sweeping historical novel, exploring Michigan's ancient mound-building culture, the power of oral tradition, and the enduring importance of preserving stories before they're lost to time. We also discuss the fascinating blend of history, spirituality, and suspense that makes Nokee's journey both timeless and unforgettable.