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Elena Bowes

New York-London design & culture writer of a certain vintage looking for meaning and wholeness in life

Podcast

Every month I interview authors whose books I’ve liked and found compelling. I want to know more. Join me as I ask all the questions I am dying to know: some serious, others not.

Send me questions you’d like me to ask here.

Elena meets Anastasia Rubis

February 9th, 2025

In today’s episode, I sat down with Anastasia Rubis—who goes by Stacy—to dive into her debut novel, Oriana. In the book, Stacy chronicles the life of pioneering Italian journalist Oriana Fallaci, whose fearless interviews with world leaders like Henry Kissinger, Gaddafi, and Golda Meir made her a trailblazer in journalism. I loved hearing Stacy read a compelling excerpt that perfectly captures Fallaci’s confrontational style with Kissinger. We explored everything from Fallaci’s unique approach to journalism and the challenges of balancing love and a demanding career, to how her childhood during World War II shaped her bravery. Stacy also shared her own journey of writing and publishing Oriana, her passion for bringing unsung female heroes to the forefront, and even compared Fallaci’s challenges with those faced by her contemporaries like Barbara Walters. The episode wraps up with Stacy touching on her upcoming projects and the importance of persevering in the face of rejection. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about courage, creativity, and the power of storytelling.

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Elena meets Michael Cecchi-Azzolina

January 24th, 2025

In this episode, Elena interviews Michael Cecchi Azzolina, a seasoned New York City restaurant veteran with a career spanning 40 years at top Manhattan establishments. Michael discusses his experiences in the book 'Your Table is Ready: Tales of a New York City Maître D', which offers a gritty, behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant industry during the 1980s Wall Street era. From touching stories about surviving the AIDS crisis and 9/11 to insights on restaurant dynamics and the art of service, Michael shares his journey from a troubled childhood in Brooklyn to managing his own successful eatery. He also reveals the challenges and joys of working in restaurants, the significance of great service, and how he came to write his book.

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Elena meets Stephen Bruno

December 13th, 2024

In this episode, Elena interviews Stephen Bruno, the author of 'Building Material: The Memoir of a Park Avenue Doorman’. In this coming of age story, Stephen talks about how getting the doorman job helped break his downward spiral from gifted academic kid in the Bronx to selling chicken wings at a fast-food restaurant in the midwest. He also opens up about the upstairs downstairs shenanigans at an exclusive Park Avenue building in New York City. Stephen talks about his unique perspective from twenty years spent serving residents. And while one of the rules of being a doorman is don’t get too close to the residents, they don’t want to be your friend, Stephen did just that and it saved him during a dark time. He talks about how watching a documentary on American black playwright August Wilson reminded him of a core rule of writing. He shares insights into his upbringing in the Bronx, the rules and subtleties of being a doorman, and the challenges he faced both professionally and personally. Stephen’s authentic account delves into themes of identity, class, and the transformative power of storytelling.

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Elena meets Rufi Thorpe

November 30th, 2024

In this episode, Rufi discusses her novel 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' and shares insights into her writing process, inspiration, and research. The novel delves into the world of a single mother who turns to OnlyFans to support her child, exploring themes like unemployment, sex work, and the complexities of human nature. Rufi also addresses societal judgments and the interweaving of tragedy and comedy in art. Additionally, she reflects on how personal experiences influenced her storytelling and offers a glimpse into the upcoming TV adaptation of her book.

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Elena meets Alison Espach

November 15th, 2024

In this episode, Elena interviews author Alison Espach about her novel 'The Wedding People.' Alison talks about how the idea of the book came to her, how grief can be freeing, and how she's always looking for opportunities for humor. Phoebe, the protagonist in this darkly funny novel, is grappling with suicidal thoughts at a luxurious wedding while the bride is furious that Phoebe would ruin her wedding week. Well, six day wedding. Alison is very insightful and curious about how tragedy isn't forever even though it might seem like it, and how the little happy moments can help us move on.

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Elena meets Kate Feiffer

November 1st, 2024

In this episode, Elena interviews writer Kate Feiffer about her latest novel, 'Morning Pages'. The conversation covers Kate's diverse career, her talented family background, and the central themes of her book, including its focus on a playwright dealing with writer's block, family responsibilities, and professional challenges. Kate explains the inspiration behind the novel, its narrative style using 'Morning Pages', and the real-life experiences that influenced the story. The discussion also delves into the writing process, the humor in the book, and the dynamics within writers' groups that helped shape Kate's work.

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Elena meets Dawn Tripp

October 18th, 2024

n this episode of Elena Meets the Author, Elena interviews bestselling author Dawn Tripp about her historical fiction novel 'Jackie,' which offers a nuanced portrait of Jackie Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. Through insights from Dawn's extensive research and reflections, the discussion reveals Jackie's intellectual depth, passion for literature, and complex relationships, particularly with JFK. The episode dives into Jackie's profound resilience, highlighted by her ability to manage grief and maintain her public image following JFK's assassination. It also touches on her later years and significant relationships, including with Aristotle Onassis. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of Jackie's multifaceted persona, her literary passions, and her influential role in history. The segment concludes with literary recommendations from Elena and teasers for future discussions.

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Elena meets Jillian Lavender

October 4th, 2024

In this episode, Elena is joined by Jillian Lavender, co-founder of the London and New York Meditation Centers, to discuss her book 'Why Meditate? Because it works' and the enduring relevance of meditation. Jillian shares her journey into meditation and becoming a Vedic meditation teacher. She debunks common myths about meditation, emphasizing that it's not about stopping thoughts but embracing practices that offer numerous life benefits. Lavender explains the deep physiological and psychological effects of regular meditation, such as improved brain function, resilience, and emotional balance, and highlights meditation's potential role in health and creativity. The discussion touches on how meditation can positively impact fertility and challenges, with Lavender sharing personal anecdotes and extensive research backing. The conversation concludes with inspirations for the coming year and insights Lavender would give to her younger self.

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Elena meets Ann Leary

September 20th, 2024

Ann’s latest book, I’ve Tried Being Nice is an anthology of essays about Ann’s life and the things that matter to her. Ann is married to stand-up comedian and actor Denis Leary. After reading I’ve Tried Being Nice in two days, I think Ann might be just as funny as her husband. In this episode we talk about tennis- how it can both help and hinder your marriage, how having hobbies can help you write, and the unexpected joys of empty nesting.

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Elena meets Lea Carpenter

September 6th, 2024

New York author Lea Carpenter talks about her latest spy novel and the inspirations behind it, her literary heroes- Graham Greene, John Le Carré to name a few, and how she decided to write a thriller with a feminine twist.

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Elena meets Ruth Reichl

August 23rd, 2024

In this episode of 'Elena Meets the Author,' host Elena Bowes interviews renowned food writer and author Ruth Reichl about her latest book, 'The Paris Novel.'

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Elena meets Beatriz Williams

August 9th, 2024

In this episode, Elena Bowes talks to acclaimed author Beatriz Williams about her latest work of historical fiction, Husbands & Lovers.

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Elena meets Clare Pooley

July 26th, 2024

In this episode I talk to the lovely London-based Clare Pooley about her latest novel, How to Age Disgracefully.

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Elena meets Annabel Monaghan

June 26th, 2024

In today’s episode I talk to Annabel Monaghan about her latest funny, romantic page-turner, Summer Romance, which came out in the US a few weeks ago and is available in the UK on July 4th.

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Elena meets Holly Gramazio

May 26th, 2024

In today's episode, I sit down with Aussie author and game designer Holly Gramazio to delve into the creative process and inspiration behind Holly's best-selling book, The Husbands.

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Elena meets Elizabeth Fremantle

April 28th, 2024

I caught up with British author Elizabeth Fremantle to learn more about her latest gripping novel Disobedient.

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Elena meets Lyn Slater

March 27th, 2024

Today I am speaking to Lyn Slater, author of How to Be Old, Lessons in Living Boldly from The Accidental Icon.

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