relationships

The Timeless Quest to Understand Love: Diane Ackerma’s Masterpiece

Bill Thompson

Women and men of all ages and all cultures and all backgrounds in all societies have tried for all time to define love.

… and to study and deconstruct and analyze love.

Great artists, writers, poets, musicians, playwrights, and authors have all had their say.

And in 1994, acclaimed author poet and naturalist Diane Ackerman had hers.

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She followed up her best-selling book A Natural History of The Senses with a book called A Natural History of Love.

But that was much more than just a literary effort, as Ackerman brought together science and religion and culture.

And what did she conclude? You’re about to hear it. So here now, from 1994, Diane Ackerman.

Diane Ackerman is 76 now. She lives in Ithaca, New York.

Maureen Dowd’s satirical Take on The Gender Politics of Our Time

Bill Thompson
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Are men necessary?

No, I’m not asking the question, I’m merely repeating the title of the 2005 book by the renowned New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd.

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In a witty, often tongue-in-cheek examination of the sexual politics of the day, Dowd explains many of the perplexities of male-female relationships , which seems especially relevant in today’s world where politicians define us as men or women, period.

I met Maureen Dowd just before Christmas 2005 to talk about her book.

So here now, from 2005, Maureen Dowd.

Maureen Dowd turned 73 a couple of weeks ago. She’s been with the New York Times since 1983.

Conquering Personal Fears: Insights from Arianna Huffington

Bill Thompson
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What are you afraid of?

Beyond the common fears of spiders or tall bridges or public speaking, many people suffer from self-inflicted fears about their appearance, their relationships, or their parenting skills.

And those fears are all but universal, according to author, columnist, and Huffington Post co-founder Arianna Huffington.

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In her 2006 book On Becoming Fearless she reveals the fears that she has experienced – and how she overcame them.

I met with her when she was on the author tour for that book. It was one of many conversations we’ve had through the years.

So here now, from 2006, Arianna Huffington.

Arianna Huffington will be 74 in July. and remains active in several business ventures.

Jill Conner Browne

Bill Thompson

A 41-year tradition continues this weekend in Jackson, Mississippi, with the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, featuring the sweet potato queens.

It all started when Jill Connor Browne and a few of her friends formed the Queens.

And in the years since then, it has become an honored tradition — and has spawned several bestselling books.

I first met Jill Conner Browne in 2001, after publication of her second book, God Save The Sweet Potato Queens.

So here now, from 2001, Jill Conner Browne.

Jill Conner Browne still reigns as the Queen Bee of the Sweet Potato Queens.

The Sweet Pottato Queens have chapters in over twenty countries.

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Karen Salmansohn

Bill Thompson

It’s Valentine’s Day. And we could have done the usual mushy, romantic stuff, but instead I wanted to go more tongue in cheek .

Back in 1994 I interviewed the popular self-help author Karen Salmansohn. She had just written a book called how to make your man behave in 21 days or less using the secrets of professional dog trainers.

Really, how much more romantic can you get?

But you know, as much as I hate to admit it, behind every incisive piece of humor. There is a nugget of truth. As I think you’ll find out right now.

So here now, from 1994, Karen Salmansohn/

Karen Salmansohn’s most recent book, Instant Calm, was published in 2019.

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