Podcasts about our woman

Hey Friend! Its me, Carla! Whew, this episode was a ride! Dex is officially a Cowboy Carter ticket holder (Beyhive, stand up!), and I've been auditing my top five closest people—we'll see who makes it and who's getting cut real quick. Our Woman of the Week is the one and only Joy Reid—because duh, she's amazing and I really want her to win. And shameless plug, I'd LOVE to work with her!!! Meanwhile, Dex, who was supposed to be focused on creating this episodes outline, went down a whole Neyo rabbit hole (thank you, Shaderoom), and now we're deep-diving into polyamory, parenting, and when to introduce your kids to a new partner—especially in non-traditional relationships. Let's just say, opinions were flying. And THEN, we got into a listener letter from "Caught Up in the DM"—sis has been flirting in the Instagram DMs for months, but instead of a date, she got a sexting buddy. Should she shoot her shot, or is this man just here for the content? You already know we had thoughts on this one. Hit play and let's get into it!

Ambassador Vicki Huddleston, author of “Our Woman in Havana”, unpacks the dire circumstances in Cuba driving hundreds of thousands to flee the island and parses the impacts of South Florida exile politics on US diplomacy: the hammer is the only tool left in the box.

Welcome back to Brunch with Desb! Today, we are going to be chatting about religion. As you may know from previous episodes, I've been struggling a lot lately with my feelings toward religion and God and although I am not identifying as an atheist, I am questioning a lot. This is something that has stirred up a lot of controversy over on my Instagram page, specifically with men so not only am I thinking about my own beliefs, but also the way women are typically viewed within traditional religions. Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Besides this, we'll also dive into some of the latest pop culture headlines from our very own T Swift being announced as Time's Woman of the Year to Selena Gomez announcing her new relationship and Britney Spears' latest Instagram post. I'll also share the cult docu-series I've been obsessed with lately, some exciting DBFT updates, and of course how my video on religion blew up on social media. Keep listening to hear more and don't forget, when in doubt use code desb at check out! Time Stamps: (5:09) My Phone Case Addiction  (8:13) I Went Viral! (11:09) Taylor is Our Woman of the Year  (12:46) VPR Season 11 is Coming  (13:47) Selena Gomez's Social Media Rant  (15:48) Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet (17:00) Britney Spears Speaks about Jamie's DWTS Journey (17:41) DBFT Updates  (22:24) Launches (25:44) Watches of the Week (43:42) Questioning Religion ------- PARAGON X DESB IS LIVE use code desb for 11% off https://www.paragonfitwear.com/desb PRE REGISTER FOR 6WEEKS2SLAY: https://desbfittraining.com/challenge-waitlist Join BetterHelp today - bit.ly/betterhelpbrunch code “desb” for 10% off your first month! #ad #sponsored stream anywhere: https://www.brunchwithdesb.com JOIN MY APP FOR LESS THAN $1 A DAY: https://bit.ly/bfittrainingplans code "brunchwithdesb" for $10 off your first month. leave me a voicemail: https://bit.ly/voicemail_bwd find all my codes and discounts: https://bit.ly/desblinks watch my latest YouTube video: https://bit.ly/myyoutube_bwd DM me on IG: https://bit.ly/brunchwithdesbIG Follow my like to know it: https://bit.ly/ltk_bwd Follow up amazon store: https://amzn.to/46ff4zi OPEN FACEBOOK FITNESS COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/dbftcommunity_bwd

Beatriz Williams is the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of Our Woman in Moscow, The Summer Wives, Her Last Flight, The Golden Hour, The Secret Life of Violet Grant, A Hundred Summers, and several other works of historical fiction, including four novels in collaboration with fellow bestselling authors Karen White and Lauren Willig. A graduate of Stanford University with an MBA in Finance from Columbia University, Beatriz worked as a communications and corporate strategy consultant in New York and London before her first novel was published in 2012. Beatriz's books have won numerous awards, have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and appear regularly in bestseller lists around the world. Born in Seattle, Washington, Beatriz now lives near the Connecticut shore with her husband and four children, where she divides her time between writing and laundry. Reviews "Williams' particular gift as a writer is peeling back the pages of history to breathe life into the interior lives of women — how they lived, loved, and lost within the expectations and limitations of their time." — Entertainment Weekly "I think Williams is writing the best historical fiction out there. It's lush with period detail but feels immediate." — Elin Hilderbrand Interviewer Jessica Hatch has a passion for writing laugh-out-loud fiction with a strong-beating heart. Her first novel, My Big Fake Wedding debuted at #1 on Amazon's “Humorous American Literature” charts in August 2022. It went on to be a Lonely Victories Best Book of 2022, and her follow-up, How to Keep a Husband for Ten Days, was a BookLovr pick for spring 2023.  Before being acquired by Bookouture, her debut novel won a pitch slam at the Brooklyn Book Festival in 2018 and was workshopped by acclaimed author Rumaan Alam at Aspen Summer Words in 2019. Jessica has worked in book publishing since 2013. She has had bylines published in Writer's Digest, The Millions, and G*Mob Magazine, among others, and she is a proud alumna of the Mors Tua Vita Mea workshop in Sezze Romano, Italy. Jessica was born outside of Richmond, Virginia, and now lives in Jacksonville, Florida, with her bartender husband, Paul, and their three cats. When she is not writing, you can find her jogging on the Riverwalk or planning her next international trip. Say hello on Instagram at @JessicaNHatch. Reading Recommendations Check out Beatriz's historical fiction from the library! --- Never miss an event! Sign up for email newsletters at https://bit.ly/JaxLibraryUpdates  Jacksonville Public LibraryWebsite: https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaxlibrary Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaxLibrary/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxlibrary/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jaxpubliclibraryfl Contact Us: jplpromotions@coj.net 

Melanie is feeling so much better this week, and you'll be delighted to hear her back in her normal feisty form (particularly where NCAA basketball is concerned). We continue our discussion from a few weeks back about Whoop City (oh, it tickles me), and we also talk about my recent facial - not to mention how this past weekend's PJ Morton concert changed my life a little bit.  But wait! There's more! Melanie has a new book recommendation for us, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.  Enjoy, y'all!  - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron Show Notes: - Peter Burns - Whoop City - Sophie's March newsletter - The Retreat Day Spa in Birmingham - PJ Morton - "Melodies from Heaven" at the PJ Morton concert in Birmingham - Inventing Anna - Julia Garner's Inventing Anna accent  - Unmissing by Minka Kent - Redeeming Love movie - Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams (this one is on Melanie's to-read pile) - Everything Sad is Untrue (Patreon book club is March 21st for the $8 level) - pearl(-ish) hoop earrings - Vanilla Bean Oikos Greek yogurt with Purely Elizabeth Coconut Cashew granola - spring sets - Ava & Viv velour top and velour shorts and Who What Wear lime green sweatshirt and terry lounge pants - air fryer breakfast tostada (9 minutes in air fryer on 375) - Anna Mae Groves on IG - Our latest bonus episode with Kari Kampakis Sponsors: - June's Journey (download in the Apple App Store or on Google Play) - iwi Life (use code BIGBOO for 30% off your first purchase) - Hello Fresh (use code BIGBOO16 for up to 16 free meals and 3 free gifts) - Helix (use this link for up to $200 all mattress orders and 2 free pillows)

Jon Bowzer Bauman describes himself as being “Renaissancey” which begins to cover it. His talents range from musical prodigy to social justice advocacy with, of course, some Sha Na Naing along the way. Jon shares how his “Truth in Music” campaign won back performing rights for original members of The Drifters, The Coasters and The Platters and how his Social Security Works PAC is fighting for the rights of Seniors. Plus Fritz and Weezy are recommending The Summer of Soul, The One and Only Dick Gregory, Mr. Jones and Our Woman in Moscow.Path Points of Interest:Jon Bowzer Bauman's Rock n' Doo Wop PartyJon Bowzer Bauman on WikipediaJon Bowzer Bauman on TwitterJon's Op Ed in The HillSocial Security Works PACMr. Jones on PrimeMr. Jones on HuluOur Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams Beatriz Williams' Author PageSummer of Soul or When the Revolution Could be Televised - HuluThe One and Only Dick Gregory on PrimeThe One and Only Dick Gregory on Hulu

  Join Michael Zeldin in his conversation with Beatriz Williams, author of Our Woman in Moscow,  a historical fiction  of Cold War espionage and family devotion, loosely inspired by the Cambridge spy ring. Guest Beatriz Williams Beatriz Williams is the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of Our Woman in Moscow, The Summer Wives, Her Last Flight, The Golden Hour, The Secret Life of Violet Grant, A Hundred Summers, and several other works of historical fiction, including three novels in collaboration with fellow bestselling authors Karen White and Lauren Willig. A graduate of Stanford University with an MBA in Finance from Columbia University, Beatriz worked as a communications and corporate strategy consultant in New York and London before she turned her attention to writing novels that combine her passion for history with an obsessive devotion to voice and characterization. Beatriz's books have won numerous awards, have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and appear regularly in bestseller lists around the world. Born in Seattle, Washington, Beatriz now lives near the Connecticut shore with her husband and four children, where she divides her time between writing and laundry. Follow Beatriz on Twitter: @authorbeatriz Host Michael Zeldin Michael Zeldin is a well-known and highly-regarded TV and radio analyst/commentator. He has covered many high-profile matters, including the Clinton impeachment proceedings, the Gore v. Bush court challenges, Special Counsel Robert Muller's investigation of interference in the 2016 presidential election, and the Trump impeachment proceedings. In 2019, Michael was a Resident Fellow at the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School, where he taught a study group on Independent Investigations of Presidents. Previously, Michael was a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice. He also served as Deputy Independent/ Independent Counsel, investigating allegations of tampering with presidential candidate Bill Clinton's passport files, and as Deputy Chief Counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives, Foreign Affairs Committee, October Surprise Task Force, investigating the handling of the American hostage situation in Iran. Michael is a prolific writer and has published Op-ed pieces for CNN.com, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Hill, The Washington Times, and The Washington Post. Follow Michael on Twitter: @michaelzeldin

  Join Michael Zeldin in his conversation with Beatriz Williams, author of Our Woman in Moscow,  a historical fiction  of Cold War espionage and family devotion, loosely inspired by the Cambridge spy ring. Guest Beatriz Williams Beatriz Williams is the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of Our Woman in Moscow, The Summer Wives, Her Last Flight, The Golden Hour, The Secret Life of Violet Grant, A Hundred Summers, and several other works of historical fiction, including three novels in collaboration with fellow bestselling authors Karen White and Lauren Willig. A graduate of Stanford University with an MBA in Finance from Columbia University, Beatriz worked as a communications and corporate strategy consultant in New York and London before she turned her attention to writing novels that combine her passion for history with an obsessive devotion to voice and characterization. Beatriz's books have won numerous awards, have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and appear regularly in bestseller lists around the world. Born in Seattle, Washington, Beatriz now lives near the Connecticut shore with her husband and four children, where she divides her time between writing and laundry. Follow Beatriz on Twitter: @authorbeatriz Host Michael Zeldin Michael Zeldin is a well-known and highly-regarded TV and radio analyst/commentator. He has covered many high-profile matters, including the Clinton impeachment proceedings, the Gore v. Bush court challenges, Special Counsel Robert Muller's investigation of interference in the 2016 presidential election, and the Trump impeachment proceedings. In 2019, Michael was a Resident Fellow at the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School, where he taught a study group on Independent Investigations of Presidents. Previously, Michael was a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice. He also served as Deputy Independent/ Independent Counsel, investigating allegations of tampering with presidential candidate Bill Clinton's passport files, and as Deputy Chief Counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives, Foreign Affairs Committee, October Surprise Task Force, investigating the handling of the American hostage situation in Iran. Michael is a prolific writer and has published Op-ed pieces for CNN.com, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Hill, The Washington Times, and The Washington Post. Follow Michael on Twitter: @michaelzeldin

Audiobook narrator Cassandra Campbell gives us a quick take on what it was like to perform Our Woman in Moscow by New York Times bestselling author Beatriz Williams. Then, we leave you with nearly 30 minutes of said audiobook to enjoy.

In 1962 the world teetered on the edge of nuclear destruction as the Presidents of the USA and the Soviet Union fought over Soviet warheads installed on the islands of Cuba. In Nuclear Folly: A New History of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the historian Serhii Plokhy retells the tortuous decision-making and calculated brinkmanship of John F Kennedy, Nikita Khrushchev and Fidel Castro. He tells Amol Rajan it was ultimately fear that saved the planet, and it’s time to draw lessons from the many mistakes that were made at the time. The Cold War era did produce a nuclear arms-control agreement – the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty – signed in 1987. But the nuclear physicist and former director of the UN Institute for Disarmament Research Patricia Lewis says that in 2019 the United States and Russia withdrew their support. Lewis, who now leads the International Security programme at Chatham House, asks whether we are now entering a second nuclear age. The BBC journalist Sarah Rainsford visited the sites of the Soviet Union's nuclear stations in Cuba when she was posted there in 2011. She wrote about her experiences and the end of the Castro era in Our Woman in Havana. Rainsford is now the BBC’s Moscow correspondent and explores how far Khrushchev’s political scheming and disinformation compare to the strategy of President Putin. Producer: Katy Hickman

On this week's episode, Slick and the fam talked about sneaky links. We talked about the sneaky links we've been involved in, if we ever regretted a sneaky link with someone, if a sneaky link ever turned into a relationship, and so much more. As always, we got into the Quickies. We talked about the Megan Markle interview with Oprah, All Star weekend in Atlanta, Coming to America 2, and a few others. Our Woman of the Week segment continues, and this week it goes to our girl Jennifer Pope!!! Thank you for all you do in our community surrounding mental health! And as always we have to shoutout our sponsors @Muffins_Mixes and @Cannasnob!!! Make sure you follow them and tell them Slick sent you when you order. Next week for Ep. 109, we're gonna discuss double standards. Until then...

Geoeconomics Podcast Episode 2: Ambassador Vicki Huddleston -How has Mali's Security Situation Evolved over the last 20 Years?Former Ambassador Vicki Huddleston https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicki_J...​ Check out Vicki Huddleston's book - “Our Woman in Havana” http://ourwomaninhavana.com/​ https://www.amazon.com/Our-Woman-Hava...​ ECFR's Map of the Sahel Conflict https://www.ecfr.eu/mena/sahel_mapping​ This podcast was produced by the Adrianople Group. The Adrianople Group is a business intelligence firm that specializes in economic zones, public private partnerships, infrastructure, and geoeconomics. For more information, please visit: https://www.adrianoplegroup.com/

How does a renowned educational institute impact one’s professional growth? Is the power of academic research underrated in a Google empowered world? Are we at the cusp of understanding communication via text messages & emoticons, only and how is that affecting other forms of verbal and non-verbal communication? Our Woman of Substance Vinati Dev holds a B.A. in Economics and International Development from Clark University, and M.A. and a M.Sc. in Political Economy from London School of Economics. She has previously worked at Harvard Business School and now lives and works in Delhi. Her company is called The Script and she helps organizations and individuals articulate well. She is also an ICF approved brain based coaching expert & has helped mid and senior level professionals at organizations like Bain and Company and Delhivery achieve their personal and professional goals. With over 17 years of professional experience she’s talking to us today about the power of research, good communication and transitioning as a leader.   Skip to your favourite part: 3.30 - Entrepreneurship Growth India & China- A Research perspective 7.30 - Data, Research and Informed Opinion 12.30 - Early Impressions boarding school and international culture shaping careers 14.30 - Nurturing enquiry and Dissent 18.00 - Politics, World Economics and their impact 20.00 - Women, Performance and Perceptions in the workplace 22.30 - Communication- Its value 25.30 - How to communicate better & Write Better? 30.30 - On Leadership & Transitioning 33.30 - Why think like a teacher as a leader 35.00 - Servant Leadership and People Management 37.30 - Dealing with Self Doubt 39.00 - Bias to Action, Showing Up & Playing for the Long Haul 42.00 - Why collaborate and why we’re a Verb   Original Music by Joseph Mc Dade Drop us a note on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter @voice_of_achievers Or write in directly to editor@voiceofachievers.com We’re listening to you.   Don’t forget to follow us on Spotify, Sticher, Apple, Google, JioSaavn, Gaana or wherever you’re listening to us! You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on all the shows produced and distributed by Ep.Log Media are personal to the host and the guest of the shows respectively and with no intention to harm the sentiments of any individual/organization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why hello there. Our gals are back swinging with a hot off the press episode of Fierce Fems. This week, Jordan covers the story of Maureen Kanka. When Maureen's daughter Megan was murdered, Maureen turned this unthinkable tragedy into something which has benefited many across the United States. She and her husband Richard worked tirelessly to advocate for Megan's Law. In the years since Megan's death, they have helped countless families in their time of need. Our Woman of the Week is Giovanna "Gia" Fuda, an 18-year-old woman who was found alive after 9 days missing in the Washington wilderness. Join us to learn about these incredible women, and, as always, so much more.

Our fierce fems are getting fiercer and feistier in this week's episode. Our ladies start with a discussion of the Colorado forest fires, a fix-it from last week, and an announcement about the format of the pod going forward. Things get political when Courtney tells the story of Senator and Vice Presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, as our main story. Our Woman of the Week is Cori Bush, a congressional nominee from Missouri. Our gals finish up by discussing the importance of voting in the upcoming election, as well as easy ways to register and vote during the pandemic.

We're covering the small amount of news surrounding INDYCAR including new rides, new aeroscreens, and announcement planning for Alonso to start off the episode. Our Woman of the Week (16:40) and Shit We Didn't Make Up (56:25) detail the really cool Gordon sisters of Robyn and Becky and their off-road excursions. We spend some time discussing the upcoming Honda Indy of Toronto including the race, things to watch for, and all of our predictions and drinking games (19:45). Remember with your drink choice, and whoever wins the Honda Indy of Toronto, it all depends!  If you enjoyed this please subscribe, rate, review, and share this podcast with your friends and family. Thank you for listening! Past episodes, show notes, and blog entries can be found on our website: www.fastcarsfastgirls.com please visit, contact us, and let us know what you think. Twitter @FastCarsin317 Instagram FastCarsFastGirls and Facebook.com/FastCarsFastGirls    

Our Woman in Venezuela - Annika Hernroth Rothstein - just got deported when trying to return to the country. This time she has gone too far and is accused of being part of a huge conspiracy. She's now accused of being Mossad. Hemsidan: http://bit.ly/Venezuela_part3 (för länkar och löpande text!) paypal.me/ARONFLAM DKs Patreon: bit.ly/ARONFLAMDK SWISHA på 0768943737 Bitcoin: 3EPQMEMVh6MtG3bTbGc71Yz8NrMAMF4kSH

May Fever is in the air! We discuss the latest INDYCAR news including new drivers, the qualification controversy, and the hunt for an OEM. Our Woman of the Week is the amazing Elfrieda Mais (18:34). We spend the rest of the episode discussing all of the races and events going on in May and our thoughts and opinions on everything (22:57), and the Shit We Didn’t Make Up is McLaren in Indy (47:20). Next episode – it’s gonna be May! Past episodes, show notes, and blog entries can be found on our website: www.fastcarsfastgirls.com please visit, contact us, and let us know what you think. Visit us also on our social media: Twitter @FastCarsin317 Instagram FastCarsFastGirls and Facebook.com/FastCarsFastGirls As always, please subscribe, rate, review, and share this podcast with your friends and family. Thanks for listening

We cover some brief news and then dive into the INDYCAR Advanced Frontal Protection (nubbin’) debuting in May to help protect the cockpit…we need more data. Then it’s off to the races literally and figuratively as we run down the schedule, our hopes and dreams, and more importantly which races we’re attending (18:33). Our Woman of the Week is super-smart Jackie Heinricher (47:29), and we continue the theme with the list of All-Female racing teams in Shit We Didn’t Make Up (50:52).Whoa Season 2 is over! Thank you guys for listening, next week we go right into Season 3 because there’s no rest for the wicked! Past episodes, show notes, and blog entries can be found on our website: www.fastcarsfastgirls.com please visit, contact us, and let us know what you think. Visit us also on our social media: Twitter @FastCarsin317 Instagram FastCarsFastGirls and Facebook.com/FastCarsFastGirls As always, please subscribe, rate, review, and share this podcast with your friends and family. Thanks for listening

As the holidays approach, we decide to spend some time discussing and ruminating on all of the INDYCAR and motorsport news, both recent and ongoing (looking at you W-Series). It's the Kidnapping of Juan Manual Fangio, and how he knows snitches get stitches, in Shit We Didn't Make Up (43:58). Our Woman of the Week is young Katrina Moller as we review her career (51:03).  Past episodes, show notes, and blog entries can be found on our website: www.fastcarsfastgirls.com please visit, contact us, and let us know what you think. Visit us also on our social media: Twitter @FastCarsin317 Instagram FastCarsFastGirls and Facebook.com/FastCarsFastGirls   As always, please subscribe, rate, review, and share this podcast with your friends and family. Thanks for listening!    Split In Synapse Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Deep dives all over the place! We do some INDYCAR news catch up before discussing Silly Season implications and guesses, including of course Bump Day (8:23). We then get to a great question regarding the cost of racing (28:05) where we know it’s all about the monies. Our Woman of the Week is amazing Australian Rally driver Molly Taylor (50:39) and we discuss the Brickyard Grand Prix in Shit We Didn’t Make Up (55:05) before a final discussion on recent news. Thanks for listening everyone! Past episodes, show notes, and blog entries can be found on our website: www.fastcarsfastgirls.com please visit, contact us, and let us know what you think on our website and via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  As always, please subscribe, rate, review, and share this podcast with your friends and family. Thanks for listening!  Split In Synapse Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  

You knew we’d start the episode off with the big news surrounding women in motorsports. First – the good news about the MSR all-female team. We then dive straight into the whole W-Series and our thoughts about it. Following our not-so-brief Motorsports Pit Stop we answer a listener question regarding a throwback race (35:59). Our Woman of the Week is Ellen Lohr and she’s feisty! (42:22) Then we discuss the Born Racer movie and there are SPOILERS, you are warned. (51:29). Finally, Shit We Didn’t Make Up is Scott Dixon’s record as a racer – so far (1:10:39). Thanks for listening and hope you’re getting your Butterball turkeys! Past episodes, show notes, and blog entries can be found on our website: www.fastcarsfastgirls.com please visit, contact us, and let us know what you think on our website and via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  As always, please subscribe, rate, review, and share this podcast with your friends and family. Thanks for listening!    Split In Synapse Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

So much news! We’re running down all the silly season news and implications before looking briefly at the idea of unionizing INDYCAR drivers (1:18). Our Woman of the Week is UAE up and comer Amna Al Quabais (49:00). We preview the Red Bull Air Race as we’re feeling the need for speed! (54:50) Finally, we end with discussing the 1964 Indianapolis 500 in Shit We Didn’t Make Up! (1:04:14) Past episodes, show notes, blog entries, and the show's social media links can be found on our website: www.fastcarsfastgirls.com please visit, contact us, and let us know what you think. As always, please subscribe, rate, review, and share this podcast with your friends and family.  Split In Synapse Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Our Woman in Havana chronicles the past several decades of US-Cuba relations from the bird’s-eye view of State Department veteran and longtime Cuba hand Vicki Huddleston, our top diplomat in Havana under Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush.After the US embassy in Havana was closed in 1961, relations between the two countries broke off. A thaw came in 1977, with the opening of a de facto embassy in Havana, the US Interests Section, where Huddleston would later serve. In her compelling memoir of a diplomat at work, she tells gripping stories of face-to-face encounters with Fidel Castro and the initiatives she undertook, like the transistor radios she furnished to ordinary Cubans. With inside accounts of many dramatic episodes, like the tumultuous Elián González custody battle, Huddleston also evokes the charm of the island country, and her warm affection for the Cuban people.

Last month I had the chance to sit down with the one-and-only Vicki Huddleston to talk about her just released book, Our Woman in Havana. In this podcast, she tells a few stories, including how a 6-year-old boy tipped the 2000 US election...