Strong Sense of Place | Travel Through Books

Bonus Episode With Tasha Sounart, Creative Director of Theme Parks at Pixar

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever wanted to go behind the scenes of the best theme parks in the world — Hello, Disney! — you’re going to love today’s bonus epi...

LoLT: Phantom Islands and Two New Books

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re excited about two new books — ‘Silver Nitrate’ by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and ‘The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale’ by Jon ...

Amusement Parks: Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The gates of an amusement park are a portal to a magical realm of thrill rides and fantasy worlds, larger-than-life characters, and the best portable ...

LoLT: Beautiful Street Art by NeSpoon & Two Great Books

14 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is a replay of an episode featuring books from beloved authors that are excellent summer reads: 'Killers of a Certain Age' by Deanna Raybourn and...

LoLT: A Sneaky Socialite and Two New Books

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new books — ‘The Only One Left’ by Riley Sager and ‘The Art Thief’ by Michael Finkel — then Dave...

LoLT: Postcard Pen Pals and Two New Books

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new books — ‘100 Places to See After You Die’ by Ken Jennings and ‘What the Dead Know’ by Barbara ...

Argentina: Tango to the End of the World

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Argentina is so alluring. Rugged gauchos riding the pampas, the percussive heartbeat of the tango, the otherwordly beauty of Tierra del Fuego, the fri...

LoLT: A Celebration of the Big Bang and Two New Books

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new books — ‘Return to Valetto’ by Dominic Smith and ‘National Dish’ by Anya von Bremzen — then ...

LoLT: The Literary Fun of ‘80 Days’ and Two New Books

16 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new books — ‘Unpacking for Greece’ by Sally Jane Smith and the new DK Eyewitness title ‘Europe by Tr...

Kenya: Hurrying Has No Blessing

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Located on the east coast of Africa, Kenya is a fantastic place to explore Swahili culture and get close to exotic wildlife — lions, elephants, chee...

LoLT: Shakespeare’s First Folio and Two New Books

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new books — The Power of Saying No by Vanessa Patrick and Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum — then Dav...

LoLT: 1917 Pulitzer Prize and Two New Books

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Tumbling Girl by Bridget Walsh and The West: A New History in Fourteen Lives by Naoíse Mac Sween...

Theater: Act One, Scene I, Lights Up

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Google the words’ history of theater,’ and you’ll get a timeline that begins in ancient Greece, circa the 6th century BCE, and high-kicks forwar...

LoLT: Literary Street in Vilnius and Two New Books

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Housekeeping note: There will be no 'Library of Lost Time' next week. The next episode will appear on Friday, June 2. 'Strong Sense of Place' will app...

Maine: Lighthouses, Lobster Rolls, and the King of Horror

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Perched in the top-right corner of the US, Maine is wrapped in a snuggly hug from Canada and bravely faces the crashing Atlantic. If bracing sea air, ...

LoLT: Jeremy Anderberg Recommends Shepherd.com and Two New Books

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Lioness of Boston by Emily Franklin and The Partisan by Patrick Worrall. Then guest Jeremy Anderb...

LoLT: The Forty Elephants Girl Gang and Two New Books

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Dinner Party by Sarah Gilmartin and You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith. Then Dave te...

London: The Tower, Tudors, and a Nice Cuppa Tea

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There's been a bridge over the Thames in London for about 2000 years. In the time since its founding during the Roman Empire, London has become one of...

LoLT: How to Find Your Favorite Poems and Two New Books

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Never Sleep by Fred Van Lente and The Wager: A Talk of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann. T...

LoLT: Charlotte Brontë’s Emma and Two New Books

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal and A House with Good Bones by T. Kingf...

Lebanon: Surrender to the Call of the Mijwiz

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you were born anytime after, say, 1974, you probably associate Lebanon and its capital city of Beirut with political strife, violence, and bombed-o...

LoLT: Adopt-a-Listener Month & Two New Books

14 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Last Heir to Blackwood Library by Hester Fox and The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Cha...

LoLT: Exclamation Points! & Two New Books

07 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Jane & Edward by Melodie Edwards and Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutan...

Sri Lanka: Remarkable, Relentless, Resplendent

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sri Lanka is known for its rich, full-bodied Ceylon tea, fishermen on stilts, and staggering beauty. If you want to visit an elephant sanctuary, trek ...

LoLT: The Regency Cook & Two New Books

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Girl with Twenty Fingers by Kate Mueser and White Cat, Black Dog: Stories by Kelly Link. Then Mel...

LoLT: Best of Shetland Islands & Two New Books

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Company by J.M. Varese and Sweet Enough: A Dessert Cookbook by Alison Roman. Then Dave shares sto...

Bookshops: Mostly Paper and Magic

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A bookshop is a special (maybe enchanted) place found all over the world and staffed by booksellers who seem to have a preternatural ability to put ju...

LoLT: The Gotham Book Prize & Two New Books

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Speak for the Dead by Amy Tector and I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai. Then Mel shares...

Jamaica: Let's Get Together and Feel All Right

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The mountains of Jamaica rise up out of the turquoise-blue Caribbean. From those jaggy peaks, rolling hills — covered in lush green rainforests — ...

LoLT: Solving a 16th-Century Code & Two New Books

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: ‘Weyward’ by Emilia Hart and ‘Psych: The Story of the Human Mind’ by Paul Bloom. Then Dave te...

LoLT: Peek Inside Virginia Woolf's Diaries & Two New Books

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: My Father’s House by Joseph O’Connor and A Mystery of Mysteries: The Death and Life of Edgar A...

New Orleans: Pass a Good Time

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When you’re ready to let the good times roll, there’s no place like New Orleans to cut loose, indulge in local grub, sip something intoxicating, a...

LoLT: The Story of a Special Map & Two New Books

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson and All the Beauty in the World by ...

LoLT: Hudson River Rail Excursions & Two New Books

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: Master Slave Husband Wife by Ilyon Woo and Mr. Breakfast by Jonathan Carroll. Mel shares the exciting...

Spain: Valencia, Velázquez, and Vermouth

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get all dreamy-eyed about everything that makes Spain a fantastic place to visit. We get curious about a unique but frequently ove...

LoLT: The Currywurst Story & Two New Books

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: 'Cold People' by Tom Rob Smith and 'Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform ...

SSoP Podcast Mini-Episode — Season 5: Announcing 12 Exciting Destinations

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We've put together an itinerary of 12 fantastic destinations with stops in every region of the globe. So pack your bags for the Caribbean, Asia, Afric...

LoLT: Bad High School Analogies & Two New Books

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: 'The Mitford Affair' by Marie Benedict and 'Creative ACT: A Way of Being' by Rick Rubin. Then Dave ta...

LoLT: The Spectacle of 'RRR' & Two New Books

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: 'Really Good, Actually' by Monica Heisey and 'How to Sell a Haunted House' by Grady Hendrix. Then Dav...

LoLT: Realm Podcasts & Two New Books

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: 'City Under One Roof' by Iris Yamashita and 'Endurance: 100 Tales of Survival, Adventure and Explorat...

LoLT: The Extraordinary Attorney Woo & Two Books

06 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: 'The Bandit Queens' by Parini Shroff and 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir. Then Dave explains why The...

LoLT: New Year's Eve Poems & New Books

30 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books: 'The Snow Ball' by Brigid Brophy and 'Nine Liars' by Maureen Johnson. Then Mel and Dave share poems t...

LoLT: The Big Read Book Club & New Books

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'The Family Game' by Catherine Steadman and 'The Explorer's Library: Books That Inspire Wonder' b...

LoLT: Best Books of 2022 & New Books

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about three books: 'The Christmas Party' by Georgette Heyer, 'The Christmas Murder Game' by Alexandra Benedict, and 'T...

LoLT: Betty Crocker's Cooky Book & New Books

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'Murder at Black Oaks' by Phillip Margolin and 'Dickens and Prince: A Particular Kind of Genius' ...

LoLT: German Fairy Tale Route & New Books

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'The Secret History of Christmas' by Bill Bryson and 'Wayward (Wanderers Book 2)' by Chuck Wendig...

A Mini-Episode to Wish You A Cozy and Happy Thanksgiving

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We know you don't all celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving, but it's never a bad idea to express gratitude and devote a day to being cozy. I...

LoLT: Fun Boardgames & New Books

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'Galatea' by Madeline Miller and 'Novelist as a Vocation' by Haruki Murakami. Then Dave recommend...

LoLT: Bookish Advice from Dear Dorothea & New Books

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'The Cloisters' by Katy Hays and 'The Best American Short Stories 2022' edited by Andrew Sean Gre...

LoLT: Notes from Three Pines Newsletter & New Books

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'Pretty Dead Queens' by Alexa Donne and 'Last Call at the Hotel Imperial: The Reporters Who Took ...

LoLT: A Helpful Movie Website & New Books

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'Revenge of the Librarians' by Tom Gauld and 'The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy' by M...

LoLT: Nun Cookies in Spain & New Books

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'The Whalebone Theatre' by  Joanna Quinn and 'The Hero of This Book' by Elizabeth McCracken. The...

LoLT: The Island Walk on PEI & New Books

14 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: 'The Sleeping Car Porter' by Suzette Mayr and 'Such Sharp Teeth' by Rachel Harrison. Then Dave ex...

LoLT: San Marino & New Books

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two books, one backlist and one new: 'Wakenhyrst' by Michelle Paver and 'This Is What It Sounds Like: What the M...

LoLT: Rebecca The Musical & New Books

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'The Most Likely Club' by Elyssa Friedland and 'The English Understand Wool' by Helen DeW...

Italy: A Bottle of Red, the Tuscan Sun, and Il Dolce Far Niente

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel like Italy is just showing off just a bit? It's literally got the best of both worlds, surrounded by the sea and graced with mountain...

LoLT: Hugo Award Winners & New Books

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Duran Duran: Careless Memories' by Denis O'Regan and 'The Slow Road to Tehran: A Revelat...

LoLT: Traveling with Sleep Stories & New Books

16 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Ten Things I Hate About Me' by Joe Tracini and 'Thistlefoot' by Gennarose Nethercott. Th...

Secret Passages: Down the Rabbit Hole

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Secret corridors, hidden rooms, and trapdoors are the stuff of adventure and romance. Egyptian pyramids riddled with underground chambers and booby tr...

LoLT: Beautiful Street Art by NeSpoon & New Books

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Killers of a Certain Age' by Deanna Raybourn and 'Fairy Tale' by Stephen King. Then Mel ...

LoLT: Newfoundland Screech & New Books

02 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'these are the words' by Nikita Gill and 'Daisy Darker' by Alice Feeney. Then Dave explai...

Atlantic Canada: For There Blow Some Cold Nor’westers on the Banks of Newfoundland

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Close your eyes and imagine it: Craggy coastlines with the rumble of crashing surf, sand dunes shaped by the wind off the Atlantic, maybe a lonely lig...

LoLT: Shetland Series and New Books

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Portrait of an Unknown Woman' by Daniel Silva and 'A Dreadful Splendor' by B.R. Myers. T...

Turkey: It’s Turkish Delight on a Moonlit Night

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Perched where East meets West, Turkey was once a stopover on the Silk Road, connecting the cultures of Europe and the Balkans to exotic Eastern locale...

LoLT: Tell Us How We’re Doing!

05 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this very short episode, we get curious about what you think about The Library of Lost Time. We'd like to know how to make a better podcast for yo...

LoLT: The Most Remote Island in the World & New Books

05 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Kismet' by Amina Akhtar and 'Alias Emma' by Ava Glass. Then we think about running away ...

Hawaii: Bring a Bottle of Gin for Pele

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With palm trees galore, more than 100 beaches (plus more than 100 volcanoes!), Hawaii's islands are a playground in paradise. But there's a lot more t...

LoLT: The Real ’Dirty Dancing’ Hotel (?) & New Books

29 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'The Half Life of Valery K' by Natasha Pulley and 'The Man Who Could Move Clouds: A Memoi...

Museums: A Gathering of Muses, A Clutch of Curators

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Museums are where we put our best stuff. An item might belong in a museum if it's rare, expensive, irreplaceable, or so ordinary and beloved it become...

LoLT: Postcards from Timbuktu & New Books

15 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by B...

LoLT: Pop-Up Book Art & New Books

08 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'What Moves the Dead' by T. Kingfisher and 'The Mermaid of Black Conch' by Monique Roffey...

South Africa: Nelson Mandela, the Big Five, and Sweet Melktert

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Animal safaris! White sand beaches! The majesty of Table Mountain! Plus, urban penguins, world-class wine, and food with irresistible names like melkt...

LoLT: Butler County Donut Trail & New Books

01 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Her Majesty's Royal Coven' by Juno Dawson and 'Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers...

LoLT: Typewriter Rodeo & New Books

24 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Woman of Light' by Kali Fajardo-Anstine and 'Ordinary Monsters' by J. M. Miro. Then we s...

Appalachia: Buttermilk Biscuits, Bluegrass, and a Big Blue Moon

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Let's get this straight immediately: If you want to make friends with the good people of the mountains, you'd better pronounce the name of their home ...

LoLT: Midnight Sun Marathon in Norway & New Books

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Last Call at the Nightingale' by Katharine Schellman and 'Downton Shabby: One American's...

LoLT: Maurice Sendak’s Birthday & New Books

10 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'The Woman in the Library' by Sulari Gentill and 'There Are Places in the World Where Rul...

Tasmania: The Heart-Shaped Island at the Edge of the World

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This might be a bit too seem cheesy, but we're going to say it anyway: This small-ish, heart-shaped island in the Southern Hemisphere has stolen our h...

LoLT: Azerbaijani Food & New Books

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Hide' by Kiersten White and 'Born to Be Hanged' by Keith Thomson. Then we discuss the ve...

LoLT: Golden Gate Bridge Opening Day & New Books

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Trust' by Hernan Diaz and 'How to Be Eaten' by Maria Adelmann. Then we get nostalgic for...

Hotels: The Liminal Space with M&Ms in the Mini-Bar

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Room service. An oversized bed seemingly made of clouds. Breathtaking views through wall-sized windows. Zippy elevators. Friendly, efficient bellhops....

LoLT: A Floating Taco Bar in the Caribbean & New Books

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: The Cherry Robbers by Sarai Walker and Book of Night by Holly Black. Then we are charmed ...

Thailand: Come for the Food, Stay for the Spiritual Enlightenment

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is 100-percent situated in the tropics. It's hot and humid and, sometimes, there's torrential rain. The capital ci...

LoLT: ’INterSECTS’ Exhibit at the New York Public Library & New Books

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: Siren Queen by Nghi Vo and Every Good Boy Does Fine: A Love Story in Music Lessons" by Je...

LoLT: Whimsical Acorn People & New Books

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'Woman, Eating' by Claire Kohda and 'How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorabl...

Iceland: Warrior Poets, Emo Horses, and Maybe (Probably) Elves

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With all those dramatic volcanoes and glaciers, Iceland has become known as the Land of Fire and Ice. But we like to think of it as the Land of Legend...

LoLT: The Enduring Art of Handpainted Signs & New Books

22 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'True Biz' by Sara Nović and 'Hotel Magnifique' by Emily J. Taylor. Then we discuss the ...

LoLT: Edward Gorey’s Eerily Cute Art & New Books

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'The Patron Saint of Second Chances' by Christine Simon and 'Portrait of a Thief' by Grac...

LoLT: Dali Dinner Party & New Books

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we get excited about two new book releases: 'The Sea of Tranquility' by Emily St. John Mandel and 'The Candy House' by Jennifer Egan....

SSoP Podcast Mini-Episode — Season 4: Announcing 12 Amazing Destinations

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Season 4 of the Strong Sense of Place podcast starts 25 April! We've put together an itinerary of 12 destinations with stops on every continent. It's...

Ep 32 — Greece: Gyros, Heroes, Philosophy, and Phyllo

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Comprised of more than 2000 islands on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula, Greece is bounded by bluer-than-blue water. Ionian Sea! Aegean Sea! M...

Ep 31 — The Forest: Meet a Witch, Climb a Tree

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For longer than memory, those deep, dark forests have been a symbolic, powerful setting for stories. The wildwoods of fairy tales are where we meet Ha...

Ep 30 — Egypt: Ancient Antiquities, Fiery Djinn, and the Lure of the Nile

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Egypt was one of the world's first civilizations, with a history that reaches back 5000 years through the sands of time. It's where writing and two-di...

Ep 28 — Arctic: Otherwordly Beauty That Might Kill You

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Arctic is the northernmost region on Earth. It includes the Arctic Ocean and northern parts of Russia, the state of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and...

Ep 29 — Afghanistan: Poppies, Tribalism, and the Taliban

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Located in Central Asia with Iran to the west and Pakistan to the east, Afghanistan sits at the crossroads of Asia and the Middle East. That's made it...

Ep 27 — Newsroom: From Clacking Typewriters to Viral Video

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The word newsroom can conjure images of jaded reporters tapping away at typewriters and harried producers coddling the on-air talent just before showt...

Ep 26 — Costa Rica: Cloud Forests, Coffee, and Capuchin Monkeys

16 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Located in Central America — and with coasts on both the Pacific and the Caribbean — Costa Rica just might be the quintessential tropical country....

SSoP Podcast Mini-Episode — Dave's Emergency Surgery

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Astute listeners will by now have noticed that our podcast cast has been MIA since May. In this special episode, we tell you why. Trigger warning: il...

SSoP Podcast Mini-Episode — What happened to Season 3?

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this mini-episode, we explain why our podcasts have been MIA and when you can expect new episodes. Spoiler: It shouldn't be too long now! The best...

Ep 25 — Hollywood: Gumption, Glamour, Heartbreak, and Hubris

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hollywood is a land of sunshine dreams, glamorous red carpets, and the magic that happens when a great story lands in the right creative hands. It's a...