For audiobook lovers searching for your next listen, Desideratum features compelling scenes from audiobooks in all genres and sincere chats with the authors, narrators and industry geniuses making the immersive magic of audio storytelling happen.
In Search of the Blonde Tigress, the Untold Story of Eleanor Jarmon
This is the incredible true story of Eleanor Jarman, dubbed "the most dangerous woman alive" by 1930s newspapers — but was she really?In 1933, Eleanor was sentenced to 199 years as an accomplice to murder during a Chicago robbery gone wrong. The press sensationalized her as "The Blonde Tigress," leader of a dangerous gang. But the truth was far more complex.After seven years as a model prisoner, Eleanor escaped from the Oakdale Reformatory for Women in 1940 and vanished. The FBI hunted her for decades, but she was never found.Fast forward to the 2000s: Cold case researcher and author Silvia Pettem became fascinated by this unsolved mystery. Through meticulous research and collaboration with online sleuths, Silvia uncovered the shocking truth — Eleanor had been hiding in plain sight as "Marie Millman," working as a waitress at Pete's Diner in Denver for years.In this episode, host Theresa sits down with:• Silvia Pettem, author of "In Search of the Blonde Tigress"• Mary Combs, genealogy researcher who helped crack the case• Pat DeOliveira, Eleanor's granddaughter, who had been searching for the truth about her grandmother for yearsDiscover how Eleanor went from being portrayed as a vicious criminal to a woman who simply wanted to blend in and live a quiet life. This is a story about sensationalized media, the justice system of the 1930s, and a quest to humanize the woman behind the headlines.BOOK: "In Search of the Blonde Tigress: The Untold Story of Eleanor Jarman" by Silvia PettemLEARN MORE: www.silviapettem.comTrueCrime #ColdCase (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/coldcase) #BlondeTigress (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/blondetigress) #UnsolvedMysteries (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/unsolvedmysteries) #History (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/history) #1930s (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/1930s) #Chicago (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/chicago) #Denver (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/denver) #Fugitive (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/fugitive) #Podcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcast) #Desideratum (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/desideratum)
7 Jan 2026
Starman After Midnight: A Conversation with Scott Semegran and Brian P. Craig
Join host Theresa Bakken for a captivating conversation with Austin-based author Scott Semegran and Brooklyn-born narrator Brian P. Craig about their latest collaboration, Starman After Midnight. This literary fiction novel explores unlikely friendships, neighborhood mysteries, and the power of human connection in our divided times.
Discover the story behind a naked man appearing on porch cameras, missing pets, and how two neighbors with opposing political views find common ground. Scott and Brian discuss the creative process, the art of audiobook narration, and how weather, technology, and serendipity weave through this unique tale.
Episode Length: ~52 minutes
Scott Semegran - Austin, Texas-based author of literary fiction, including The Codger and the Sparrow (featured on Desideratum in 2024) and Starman After Midnight. Scott writes character-driven stories with humor, heart, and unexpected depth.
Brian P. Craig - Audiobook narrator with an acting background who grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Brian brings Scott's characters to life with nuanced performances that capture both the humor and emotional complexity of the stories.
[0:00 - 4:30] Introduction & Recording Setup
The challenges of home recording studios
Managing temperature and equipment noise
The gift of getting lost in creative work
[4:30 - 14:00] The Narrator-Author Partnership
How Brian's voice blends perfectly with Scott's narrative style
The difference between "by the numbers" mysteries and literary fiction
Why this collaboration works so well
[14:00 - 23:00] Physical Description & Cinematic Writing
Scott's vivid character descriptions (the "human-sized farm egg" moment)
How detailed imagery helps narration
The cinematic quality of the storytelling
[23:00 - 35:00] Literary Fiction vs. Genre
Character-driven, voice-forward storytelling
Why readers either love it or hate it
The importance of humor in dark narratives
[35:00 - 48:00] The Neighborhood as Character
How proximity forces connection
The role of weather (ice storms, tornadoes, drought) as a unifying force
Real-life inspiration from Austin's 2022 ice storm
[48:00 - 1:05:00] Unlikely Friendship Across Political Divides
Seth (progressive writer) and Big Dave (MAGA plumber)
How the friendship develops despite ideological differences
The importance of face-to-face interaction vs. online conflict
[1:05:00 - 1:20:00] The Starman Mystery
A naked man appearing on neighborhood security cameras
Missing and dead pets
The "Hey Neighbor" app and social media hysteria
The yellow asterisk that gives Starman his name
[1:20:00 - 1:30:00] Featured Audio Excerpt
Hank the Uber driver's story
The great horned owl scene
Brian's masterful pacing and vocal performance
[1:30:00 - 1:45:00] Technology & Community
The double-edged sword of neighborhood apps
How online information differs from face-to-face conversation
The physicality of in-person conflict and resolution
[1:45:00 - 2:00:00] Unexpected Elements
The Farmer's Almanac as common ground
Rural vs. urban perspectives
Finding shared language across divides
[2:00:00 - 2:15:00] Magic & Mystery
The Melon Girl and magical realism
Nature's unpredictability
The Log Lady inspiration from Twin Peaks
[2:15:00 - 2:30:00] The Audiobook Format
Why this experimental structure works in audio
10 poems, 10 short stories, and a 10-chapter novella
The challenge of multiple narrative forms
Purchase the audiobook from Libro.fm to support your local independent bookstore. Here's the Desideratum Podcast affiliate link:
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=970873&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9798218769482 (https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=970873&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9798218769482)
Scott Semegran
Website: https://scottsemegran.com/ (https://scottsemegran.com/)
Brian P. Craig
Website: https://brianpcraigvoice.actor/ (https://brianpcraigvoice.actor/)
4 Oct 2025
Just Emilia with Jennifer Oko
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
Who has been a guest on Desideratum
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Sierra Greer
Jennifer Jill Araya
Brooke Bentley
Julia Whelan
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
22,782
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
13 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 62 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
74
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
51
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