Just Emilia with Jennifer Oko - Desideratum

What this episode covers

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

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Pt 1 History of the Discovery of the Mississippi River

Jun 18, 2026 ·21m

Pt 2 History of the Discovery of the Mississippi River

Jun 18, 2026 ·25m

Pt 3 History of the Discovery of the Mississippi River

Jun 18, 2026 ·22m

Pt 1 Life of Father James Marquette

Jun 18, 2026 ·25m

Pt 2 Life of Father James Marquette

Jun 18, 2026 ·23m

Pt 3 Life of Father James Marquette

Jun 18, 2026 ·24m

Similar Podcasts

Communication Desideratum Michele Buc, MSC How to Communicate without feeling like a lost bottle drifting in the vast ocean. Discovery and Exploration of the Mississippi Valley by John Gilmary Shea (1824 - 1892) LibriVox "It has long been a desideratum to have in English the early narratives, of the discovery and exploration of the Mississippi. Marquette's map and voyage have indeed appeared, but the narrative varies in no small degree from the authentic manuscript, and the map is not at all a copy of that still preserved, as it came from the hand of the great explorer. These published from original manuscripts, and accompanied by the narratives of the missionaries in La Salle's expedition, are now first presented in an accessible shape, and complete the annals of the exploration.The life of Marquette, and the history of the exploration itself, are the result of many years study of the early Spanish and French authorities, both printed and manuscript, some of which have never before been consulted." - Summary by the Author Discovery and Exploration of the Mississippi Valley John Gilmary Shea "It has long been a desideratum to have in English the early narratives, of the discovery and exploration of the Mississippi. Marquette's map and voyage have indeed appeared, but the narrative varies in no small degree from the authentic manuscript, and the map is not at all a copy of that still preserved, as it came from the hand of the great explorer. These published from original manuscripts, and accompanied by the narratives of the missionaries in La Salle's expedition, are now first presented in an accessible shape, and complete the annals of the exploration.The life of Marquette, and the history of the exploration itself, are the result of many years study of the early Spanish and French authorities, both printed and manuscript, some of which have never before been consulted." - Summary by the Author Discovery and Exploration of the Mississippi Valley John Gilmary Shea "It has long been a desideratum to have in English the early narratives, of the discovery and exploration of the Mississippi. Marquette's map and voyage have indeed appeared, but the narrative varies in no small degree from the authentic manuscript, and the map is not at all a copy of that still preserved, as it came from the hand of the great explorer. These published from original manuscripts, and accompanied by the narratives of the missionaries in La Salle's expedition, are now first presented in an accessible shape, and complete the annals of the exploration.The life of Marquette, and the history of the exploration itself, are the result of many years study of the early Spanish and French authorities, both printed and manuscript, some of which have never before been consulted." - Summary by the Author

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Desideratum?

This episode is 39 minutes long.

When was this Desideratum episode published?

This episode was published on October 4, 2025.

What is this episode about?

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...

Can I download this Desideratum episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.