Between the Pages: A Bradford Press Podcast

brad hanson
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Between the Pages: A Bradford Press Podcast Stories don’t end when the book closes. Between the Pages is a storytelling podcast from Bradford Press, where listeners step inside the worlds of the books themselves. Each week you’ll hear narrated readings, explore the characters behind the stories, and discover the inspirations that shaped them. From small-town cozy mysteries to gripping thrillers and immersive historical fiction, this podcast is for readers who want more than a summary — it’s for those who want to live inside the story. Pour a cup of Misty Lake Coffee, settle into your favorite chair, and join us as we bring novels to life one chapter at a time. New episodes released weekly. Continue the stories and find the books at: www.thecuratedshelf.store

  1. 3d ago

    The Clue You Were Suppose to Miss: When Clues Hide in Plain Sight | Between the Pages Season 2, EP9

    The Clue You Were Supposed to Miss When the Truth Is Hiding in Plain Sight Full Podcast Description What if the most important clue in a mystery isn't hidden at all? What if you saw it, understood the words, knew the facts—and still missed what it meant? In this episode of Between the Pages, Brad Hanson returns to Tumblebrook to explore one of the most satisfying techniques in mystery fiction: the clue hiding in plain sight. Through three readings featuring Amelia Farnsworth, Clara Henderson, and the ever-observant Lady Grey, Brad examines the subtle game played between mystery writer and reader. Sometimes a clue seems too ordinary to matter. Sometimes the evidence is noticed but interpreted incorrectly. And sometimes one new piece of information forces us to reconsider everything we thought we understood. The progression is simple: Notice. Interpret. Reconsider. But that's where the mystery writer has an advantage. The writer already knows where the story is going. The reader has to decide which details matter, determine what the evidence means, and construct an explanation—often without realizing how many assumptions have slipped into the story along the way. Following his two-part conversation with attorney and educator Russ Pearlman about evidence, certainty, and truth, Brad discovers an unexpected connection between those questions and the mysteries he's been writing all along. Because good mystery fiction doesn't always hide the truth from us. Sometimes it puts the truth right in front of us... and lets our own assumptions do the hiding. This week's story question: Why are we so willing to believe the first explanation that makes sense? Join us for another trip to Tumblebrook, where Amelia is following the evidence, Clara is asking questions, and Lady Grey may already know considerably more than everyone else. Discover more books, stories, and episodes of Between the Pages at BradfordPress.net. Between the Pages podcast, Brad Hanson, Bradford Press, The Clue You Were Supposed to Miss, Tumblebrook mysteries, Tumblebrook cozy mysteries, Amelia Farnsworth, Clara Henderson, Lady Grey, cozy mystery, cozy mystery podcast, mystery fiction, mystery writing, mystery clues, clues hiding in plain sight, hidden clues, red herrings, mystery readers, writing mysteries, storytelling, evidence and interpretation, assumptions, how mysteries work, mystery author, mystery novels, book podcast, fiction podcast, reading podcast, author podcast, behind the story, writing craft, truth and evidence, The Reasonable Citizen, Russ Pearlman, critical thinking through fiction, books and reading

  2. Sep 27

    What Would Change Your Mind? | A Conversation with Russ Pearlman - Part 2 |Between the Pages Season 2 EP8

    What Would Change Your Mind? A Conversation with Russ Pearlman — Part Two What would it take to change your mind? In Part Two of Brad Hanson's conversation with attorney and educator Russ Pearlman, Between the Pages goes deeper into one of the most difficult questions we face in an age of seemingly unlimited information: How do we know what is true? The conversation explores the difference between sincerity and accuracy, why motive may give us a reason to investigate but doesn't necessarily prove anything, and why the origin—or provenance—of evidence can matter as much as the evidence itself. Then Brad puts the ideas to the test. Russ is presented with a hypothetical video, but he doesn't receive all the information about it at once. Instead, Brad reveals the evidence piece by piece. An unknown source. A denial. Forensic analysis. And finally, independently authenticated provenance. The video never changes. The underlying truth never changes. But what can reasonably be concluded from the evidence does. The exercise raises an important distinction: More evidence isn't necessarily the same thing as better evidence. And it leads to another surprisingly powerful answer: I don't know. In a culture that often rewards immediate certainty, could recognizing the limits of what we know actually be a sign of better reasoning? This episode also marks an important new chapter for Between the Pages as Brad introduces his developing nonfiction research project, The Reasonable Citizen. At its center is a deceptively simple question: How does an ordinary person determine what is true? Brad explains why he's taking that question outside his own office and speaking with attorneys, meteorologists, engineers, journalists, researchers, and others whose professions require them to evaluate evidence, uncertainty, expertise, and competing explanations. The goal isn't to tell listeners what to think. It's to explore how we think—and how we can become more careful about the conclusions we reach. And there's room in that conversation for disagreement. Agreement cannot be the price of admission. Visit BradfordPress.net to explore our books, Between the Pages, and everything happening at Bradford Press. Between the Pages podcast, Brad Hanson, Bradford Press, Russ Pearlman, The Reasonable Citizen, What Would Change Your Mind, truth and evidence, evaluating evidence, critical thinking, intellectual humility, provenance, authentication, corroboration, misinformation, information literacy, media literacy, legal reasoning, evidence and truth, changing your mind, decision making, uncertainty, source verification, evaluating sources, how do we know what is true, reasonable conclusions, truth seeking, critical reasoning, podcast about truth, nonfiction research, evidence based thinking, thinking critically #BetweenThePages #BradfordPress #BradHanson #TheReasonableCitizen #RussPearlman #WhatWouldChangeYourMind #Truth #Evidence #CriticalThinking #IntellectualHumility #MediaLiteracy #InformationLiteracy #Provenance #SourceVerification #HowDoWeKnow #TruthSeeking #DecisionMaking #Curiosity #PodcastInterview #BooksAndIdeas

  3. Sep 20

    When Facts Are Not Enough: A Conversation with Russ Pearlman - Part One | Between the Pages Season 2 EP7

    When the Facts Aren’t Enough A Conversation with Russ Pearlman — Part One Full Podcast Description How do you know when you know enough? Every day, we make decisions based on incomplete information. We read articles, watch videos, listen to experts, hear competing explanations, and try to decide what the evidence actually allows us to believe. But having information isn’t the same thing as understanding it. And having evidence isn’t necessarily the same thing as knowing what that evidence proves. In this episode of Between the Pages, Brad Hanson sits down with attorney Russ Pearlman who specializes in law and AI Governance  for the first half of a thought-provoking conversation about evidence, judgment, certainty, and truth. Drawing on his experience in law, Russ explores what it means to reach reasonable conclusions without having every fact, why new evidence should sometimes cause us to reconsider what we believe, and why changing your mind isn’t necessarily a sign that your original reasoning failed. The conversation also examines a challenge increasingly important in an information-saturated world: Does having greater access to information actually make us better at understanding it? Along the way, Brad connects these real-world questions with something he recently discovered beneath his own fiction. Amelia Farnsworth follows clues. Charlie Brand interprets uncertain signals. Max Larkin evaluates sources. Different stories, different worlds—but each character is ultimately wrestling with the same question: How do I know what’s true? And before the conversation is finished, another question emerges—one that may be considerably harder: What evidence would cause you to change your mind? This is Part One of Brad’s conversation with Russ Pearlman. In Episode 8, the discussion continues as Brad gives Russ a hypothetical piece of evidence—a video—and reveals additional information about it one piece at a time. The video never changes. But what can reasonably be concluded about it does. Visit BradfordPress.net for books, podcast episodes, and more from Bradford Press. Topics in this episode Evidence and truth • Critical thinking • How we form beliefs • Information vs. understanding • Evaluating evidence • Intellectual humility • Changing your mind • Legal reasoning • Corroboration • Authentication • Media literacy • Decision-making under uncertainty • Storytelling and truth Tags / Hashtags #BetweenThePages #BradfordPress #BradHanson #RussPearlman #Truth #Evidence #CriticalThinking #HowDoWeKnow #MediaLiteracy #IntellectualHumility #DecisionMaking #LegalReasoning #InformationLiteracy #Storytelling #PodcastInterview #BooksAndIdeas #Curiosity #TruthAndEvidence

  4. Sep 13

    The Stories That Found Me: Where Stories Really Begin | Between the Pages Season 2 EP6

    Season 2 • Episode 6 The Stories That Found Me: Where Stories Really Begin Where do stories really begin? Is it with the first sentence... or years before an author ever sits down to write? In this deeply personal episode of Between the Pages, Bradford Press Managing Partner Brad Hanson steps away from the novels themselves to share the remarkable journey behind them. From the quiet influence of World War II radar operator Charlie Stainer, to unforgettable summers at Many Point Scout Reservation and canoe trips through Minnesota's Boundary Waters, to a simple question that eventually inspired The Miami Connection, Brad reflects on how ordinary moments quietly became extraordinary stories. More importantly, he explores something many of us discover only by looking backward—that life's seemingly unrelated experiences often reveal a purpose we couldn't see at the time. Whether you're a reader, a writer, or simply someone wondering how the experiences of your own life fit together, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and consider that the people you've met, the places you've loved, and the questions that won't leave you alone may be preparing you for a story you haven't yet imagined. In this episode: • The real-life inspiration behind The Secret Eye • Why northern Minnesota became the heart of Tumblebrook • The question that inspired The Miami Connection • How ordinary experiences become unforgettable stories • Looking back to recognize purpose and providence • Why every Bradford Press novel ultimately explores the search for truth Visit BradfordPress.net to discover our books, explore the Between the Pages podcast, and learn more about Bradford Press. Join the conversation and receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content through the Bradford Press Society on Patreon, and continue these reflections throughout the week on Substack. #BetweenThePagesPodcast #BradfordPress #BradHanson #Storytelling #BehindTheStory #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #HistoricalFiction #CozyMystery #ThrillerBooks #WritersLife #ReadersOfInstagram #BookPodcast #AmWriting #CreativeJourney #WorldWarII #Minnesota #BoundaryWaters #Purpose #TruthInStories

  5. Sep 6

    The Hero Nobody Sees: Why Every Story Needs a Companion | Between the Pages Season 2 EP5

    The Hero Nobody Sees Why Every Great Story Needs a Companion Every great hero has someone standing just outside the spotlight. They're rarely the ones history remembers. Their names may never appear on the cover of the book. Yet without them, the hero's journey might never reach its destination. In this episode of Between the Pages, Brad Hanson explores one of storytelling's most enduring relationships—the companion. Through three unforgettable characters from historical fiction, cozy mysteries, and thrillers, he reveals how the people beside the hero often shape the story just as profoundly as the hero themselves. Lilly Hope gives Charlie Brand a reason to believe in a future beyond the war in The Secret Eye. Lady Grey, the beloved British Shorthair of Tumblebrook, quietly guides Amelia Farnsworth toward truths others fail to notice. Ed Harper works behind the scenes in The Miami Connection, providing the wisdom, strategy, and steady leadership that allow Max Larkin to pursue the truth. Through exclusive readings from each novel and reflections on the writing process, Brad explores a simple but powerful truth: Great heroes may stand in the spotlight, but someone standing just outside the light helped them get there. This episode is a celebration of the companions who give us hope, perspective, clarity, and courage—and an invitation to reflect on the people who have quietly shaped our own lives. In this episode: Why every memorable hero needs someone beside them. How Lilly Hope becomes Charlie Brand's anchor throughout The Secret Eye. Why Lady Grey is much more than Amelia Farnsworth's faithful cat. How Ed Harper quietly becomes the foundation beneath Max Larkin's investigation. Why companions don't diminish heroes—they reveal who they truly are. The timeless lesson that none of us reaches our destination alone. As you listen, consider this question: If someone wrote the story of your life, who would be standing beside you? After you finish listening, take a moment to thank someone who's been the companion in your own story. They may never realize how much they've shaped your life—but chances are, your story wouldn't be the same without them.

  6. Aug 30

    The Many Faces of Heroism | Between the Pages Season 2 EP4

    The Many Faces of Heroism Three Genres. Three Heroes. One Choice. What makes someone a hero? Is it courage? Duty? Compassion? The willingness to tell the truth when it would be easier to remain silent? In this episode of Between the Pages, Brad Hanson steps beyond genre to explore one of storytelling's most enduring questions. Through three very different characters from three very different novels, he examines how heroism often appears in the quiet choices ordinary people make every day. Charlie Brand, the young radar operator from The Secret Eye, never commands a ship or flies a fighter aircraft. Yet his competence empowers everyone around him to make life-saving decisions. Amelia Farnsworth, the innkeeper from The Roses Remember, doesn't wear a badge or carry a weapon. Her greatest strength is the compassion she extends to others, standing beside those who need hope when their world begins to fall apart. Max Larkin, the investigative journalist from The Miami Connection, discovers that pursuing the truth comes at an unimaginable personal cost. His conviction reminds us that integrity often demands sacrifice. Through exclusive readings from each novel and reflections on the writing process, Brad explores a simple but profound idea: The greatest heroes don't seek power—they empower others. Whether through competence, compassion, or conviction, each leaves the people around them stronger than they found them. This episode is a celebration of the quiet heroes whose stories often go unnoticed and an invitation to consider the ordinary choices that define extraordinary lives. In this episode: Why heroism looks different across historical fiction, cozy mysteries, and thrillers. How Charlie Brand demonstrates the quiet power of competence. Why Amelia Farnsworth reminds us that compassion is one of the greatest forms of leadership. How Max Larkin's pursuit of truth illustrates the courage of conviction. Why lasting influence comes from empowering others rather than seeking recognition. The timeless connection between storytelling and the virtues that shape our lives. If you've ever wondered why certain fictional heroes stay with you long after you've finished the last page, this conversation is for you. Continue the conversation by joining the Bradford Press Society on Patreon, following Brad's writing on Substack at bradfordpress.substack.com, or visiting bradfordpress.net to discover the books, podcast, and the stories behind the stories.

  7. Aug 23

    Building a World Readers Believe | Between the Pages Season 2 EP3

    Building a World Readers Believe How do you convince readers that a fictional world is real? In this episode of Between the Pages, Brad Hanson takes listeners behind the scenes of The Secret Eye to explore one of the greatest challenges in historical fiction: earning a reader's trust. Charlie Brand never existed. Neither did Hadaki Yamatsumi, Lilly, or Gil. Yet the world they inhabit is built upon years of historical research, declassified military documents, after-action reports, firsthand conversations, and one remarkable invention that quietly helped change the course of World War II. Brad shares how discovering the actual Navy radar training manuals used during the war transformed the way he wrote Charlie Brand's journey. He explores the extraordinary radar training facility built inside a San Diego aircraft hangar using painted concentric circles, wire, and even modified tricycles to simulate aerial combat. What sounds almost unbelievable turns out to be one of the most fascinating examples of wartime innovation. You'll also step inside the famous Tizard Mission as Britain introduces the cavity magnetron to American scientists—a meeting that truly happened, though the conversations had to be imagined. Brad discusses the balance between historical fact and creative interpretation, how he studied Franklin Roosevelt's speeches to capture the rhythm and cadence of his voice, and why authenticity sometimes means preserving the spirit of a person rather than every spoken word. This episode is an invitation into the research, decisions, and invisible craftsmanship that allow historical fiction to feel authentic without ever pretending to replace history. In this episode: Why historical fiction succeeds or fails on the reader's trust. The real Navy radar manuals that inspired Charlie Brand's training. The remarkable story of the Tizard Mission and the cavity magnetron. How Roosevelt's voice shaped fictional dialogue. Why historical conversations are imagined—but the world surrounding them is carefully reconstructed. How after-action reports and wartime records brought the USS Lexington to life. Where history ends... and empathy begins. If you've ever wondered how history becomes fiction—or why some stories feel so real you forget the characters never lived—this episode is for you. Continue the conversation by joining the Bradford Press Society on Patreon, reading behind-the-scenes essays on Substack, or visiting BradfordPress.net to discover more stories. You can find The Secret Eye on Amazon: The Secret Eye #BetweenThePages #BradfordPress #StoriesLiveHere #HistoricalFiction #WWIIHistory #BookPodcast #WWIIHistory #BookPodcast #WritingCommunity #Bookstagram #ReadersofInstagram

  8. Aug 16

    Two Sons, Two Nations, One War | Between the Pages Season 2 EP2

    Two Sons. Two Nations. One War. Why tell a World War II story from both the American and Japanese perspective? In this episode of Between the Pages, Bradford Press founder Brad Hanson takes listeners behind one of the most important creative decisions in writing The Secret Eye. Rather than telling the story through the eyes of only one nation, Brad explores why he chose to follow two young men—Charlie Brand, an American radar operator, and Hadaki Yamatsumi, a Japanese pilot—whose lives are forever changed by the same war. Discover how Charlie Brand was inspired by the quiet service of real WWII radar operator Charlie Stainer, and why Hadaki was never written as "the enemy," but as another son, another brother, and another young man answering what he believed was his calling. Brad discusses the research behind the novel, the challenge of balancing historical accuracy with compelling fiction, and why childhood memories, family traditions, faith, love, and grief were just as important to the story as aircraft carriers and radar. Through readings from The Secret Eye, you'll discover how historical fiction allows us to see beyond battles and military strategy to the human lives forever shaped by war. Because before history remembered them as enemies... They were simply two sons. Two nations. One war that changed them forever. In this episode you'll discover: Why The Secret Eye alternates between American and Japanese perspectives. The real-life inspiration behind Charlie Brand. How Hadaki Yamatsumi became one of the novel's most compelling characters. The importance of empathy in historical fiction. Why ordinary people often tell the most extraordinary stories. If you enjoy today's episode, please follow Between the Pages, leave a review, and share the podcast with someone who loves books, history, or the writing process. Go beyond the last page by joining the Bradford Press Society on Patreon, reading behind-the-scenes essays on Substack, or visiting BradfordPress.net to discover more stories. You can find The Secret Eye on Amazon: The Secret Eye Between the Pages is the official podcast of Bradford Press, where we explore the stories behind the stories—and discover why stories still matter. Historical Fiction • World War II • Radar • USS Lexington • Pacific War • Radar Operators • MIT Radiation Laboratory • Charlie Brand • WWII History • Writing Process • Historical Research • Authors • Independent Publishing • Between the Pages • Bradford Press

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Between the Pages: A Bradford Press Podcast Stories don’t end when the book closes. Between the Pages is a storytelling podcast from Bradford Press, where listeners step inside the worlds of the books themselves. Each week you’ll hear narrated readings, explore the characters behind the stories, and discover the inspirations that shaped them. From small-town cozy mysteries to gripping thrillers and immersive historical fiction, this podcast is for readers who want more than a summary — it’s for those who want to live inside the story. Pour a cup of Misty Lake Coffee, settle into your favorite chair, and join us as we bring novels to life one chapter at a time. New episodes released weekly. Continue the stories and find the books at: www.thecuratedshelf.store

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