Sally Quinn — Silent Retreat - with Maureen Dowd episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 17, 2025 · 1H 3M

Sally Quinn — Silent Retreat - with Maureen Dowd

from Politics and Prose Presents · host Politics and Prose

When prize-winning reporter Sibylla Sumner checks into a monastery for a silent retreat, romance is the last thing on her mind. She plans to spend five meditative days surrounded by the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley – and apart from her famous husband and their crumbling marriage.James Fitzmaurice Kelly isn’t looking for romance either. He’s the Archbishop of Dublin, and has maintained a vow of celibacy for decades – even as he’s publicly questioned the church’s teachings.But as Sibylla and Fitz continue silently crossing paths, an undeniable charge builds between them, one that could see them abandoning their vows.In this sophisticated, sexy, and soulful love story, novelist Sally Quinn explores the boundary between flesh and spirit, restraint and ecstasy, and asks what we’re willing to sacrifice in the name of passion.  PURCHASE BOOK HERE: https://politics-prose.com/book/9798891385528?ic_referral=Nql2E7LY07oq5mqPeYpHtYRqK5NCOEtePVlyC-gokjEwM7uyrsurw9QBhzTzVGIMJ0FHu546QAyEQBb2TuAjJlJukIxughYhmPDA6dIvwVv2crc9FUA22HUzVtXAfE8wJk38ovcSally Quinn is a longtime journalist at the Washington Post, a bestselling novelist, and a Washington DC insider. Her religion website “On Faith” ran in the Washington Post for seven years. She is the author of We’re Going to Make You A Star, Regrets Only, Happy Endings, The Party, and Finding Magic. She lives and works in Georgetown.Quinn is in conversation with Maureen Dowd. Dowd is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the New York Times, known for her sharp and incisive commentary on politics and culture. She is the author of three bestselling books: Bushworld, Are Men Necessary?, and The Year of Voting Dangerously. She lives in Washington, DC.*recorded 6/3/2025

When prize-winning reporter Sibylla Sumner checks into a monastery for a silent retreat, romance is the last thing on her mind. She plans to spend five meditative days surrounded by the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley – and apart from her famous husband and their crumbling marriage.James Fitzmaurice Kelly isn’t looking for romance either. He’s the Archbishop of Dublin, and has maintained a vow of celibacy for decades – even as he’s publicly questioned the church’s teachings.But as Sibylla and Fitz continue silently crossing paths, an undeniable charge builds between them, one that could see them abandoning their vows.In this sophisticated, sexy, and soulful love story, novelist Sally Quinn explores the boundary between flesh and spirit, restraint and ecstasy, and asks what we’re willing to sacrifice in the name of passion.  PURCHASE BOOK HERE: https://politics-prose.com/book/9798891385528?ic_referral=Nql2E7LY07oq5mqPeYpHtYRqK5NCOEtePVlyC-gokjEwM7uyrsurw9QBhzTzVGIMJ0FHu546QAyEQBb2TuAjJlJukIxughYhmPDA6dIvwVv2crc9FUA22HUzVtXAfE8wJk38ovcSally Quinn is a longtime journalist at the Washington Post, a bestselling novelist, and a Washington DC insider. Her religion website “On Faith” ran in the Washington Post for seven years. She is the author of We’re Going to Make You A Star, Regrets Only, Happy Endings, The Party, and Finding Magic. She lives and works in Georgetown.Quinn is in conversation with Maureen Dowd. Dowd is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the New York Times, known for her sharp and incisive commentary on politics and culture. She is the author of three bestselling books: Bushworld, Are Men Necessary?, and The Year of Voting Dangerously. She lives in Washington, DC.*recorded 6/3/2025

NOW PLAYING

Sally Quinn — Silent Retreat - with Maureen Dowd

0:00 1:03:16

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

MG Show MG Show The MG Show, hosted by Jeffrey Pedersen and Shannon Townsend, is a leading alternative media platform dedicated to uncovering the truth behind today’s most pressing political issues. Launched in 2019, the show has grown exponentially, offering unfiltered insights, comprehensive research, and real-time analysis. With a commitment to independent journalism and factual integrity, the MG Show empowers its audience with knowledge and encourages active participation in the political discourse. Breaking News Show | eTurboNews Juergen Thomas Steinmetz News is relevant to the global travel and tourism industry, human rights and global issues.Breaking news when it happens and only from the source. Eat to Live Jenna Fuhrman, Dr. Fuhrman Our health is our most precious gift and smart nutrition can change your life. Each month, join Dr. Fuhrman and his daughter, Jenna Fuhrman as they discuss important topics in the world of nutrition. Eat to Live will change the way you eat and think about food. French Your Way Jessica: Native French teacher founder of French Your Way Boost your French listening skills and test your comprehension with this one of a kind series of podcasts. Get the chance to listen to a real conversation between native speakers talking at normal speed AND customise your learning experience through carefully designed sets of questions (2 levels of difficulty) available for download at www.frenchvoicespodcast.com. All interviews also come with the transcript. French teacher Jessica interviews native speakers of French from around the world who share a bit of their life and passion. Where else would you meet in one same place a French yoga teacher based in Melbourne, a soap manufacturer from Provence, or a couple cycling around the world?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Politics and Prose Presents?

This episode is 1 hour and 3 minutes long.

When was this Politics and Prose Presents episode published?

This episode was published on June 17, 2025.

What is this episode about?

When prize-winning reporter Sibylla Sumner checks into a monastery for a silent retreat, romance is the last thing on her mind. She plans to spend five meditative days surrounded by the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley – and apart from her famous...

Can I download this Politics and Prose Presents 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.
URL copied to clipboard!