Strong Sense of Place | Travel Through Books
Melissa & DaveOne lifetime is too short to visit everywhere and meet everyone. That‘s why we love books with a strong sense of place — they let us travel the world in our imagination. In each episode of our Strong Sense of Place podcast, we explore one destination and talk about what makes that place different from everywhere else. Then we recommend five books that took us to that place on the page. Every other... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 233 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksArts | |||
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This is a special episode of Strong Sense of Place in which we announce that we’re doing it again — we’re taking a group of readers back to Trevor Hall.
In October 2025, we took over Trevor Hall — a Georgian manor house in Llangollen, Wales — with f... more
Sometimes, it really does feel like Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Give us the fairy lights, colored baubles, fresh smell of pine, whipped cream-topped hot chocolate, and cookies. ALL THE COOKIES, PLEASE.
One of the best things ab... more
In October 2025, we took over Trevor Hall — a Georgian manor house in Llangollen, Wales — with forty members of the Strong Sense of Place community. It was the best book club ever.
We took walks in the countryside, talked about (so many) books, enjo... more
We recently spent three weeks in North Wales, and TBH, we left a big part of our hearts in Cymru. From the mystical borderlands to the rugged coastline and the top of Snowdon, Wales is thick with friendly sheep, genial locals, alluringly dark folklor... more
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- Love the book suggestions!
I only sometimes listen to the facts at the first part of the episode, but I love to hear their enthusiasm for books and I love to hear how widely they read.
Apple Podcasts5SarahOnTheBrink
United States5 months ago - The best podcast ever!
Could you make an episode about Amsterdam or The Netherlands?
Apple Podcasts5donyamasud
Sweden6 months ago - A dangerous show (in the best way!)
This show is dangerous both for my TBR and my travel bucket list. Every episode leaves me with new books I’m dying to read and countries that I had never considered traveling to before but now desperately want to visit. I especially appreciate the wide variety of genres they explore - there really is something for everyone. Excellent content, great banter between Mel and Dave, and truly a fun experience. Their website and newsletters are top-notch as well!
Apple Podcasts5Elsie BrowncowUnited Statesa year ago - Really Terrific Podcast
This is a really terrific podcast—what a great idea! So far all of the books I’ve read that were recommended by Mel & Dave have delivered that strong-sense-of-place that I love. A great listen with solid recommendations.
Apple Podcasts5sarahelizeUnited Statesa year ago - A favorite pod
Long time follower, supporter of the pod and the Great library of lost time !!! Have a copy of Strange Beasts by Susan J Morris , I’m part of the group of folks who support the imprint Inky Phoenix which published the book. So glad you mentioned it! Really liked the other recommendations as well! It’s bad enough that the pod SSOP increases my TBR astronomically now this!!! Struggling this month for reads, have been putting down so many things that just don’t work in the current world and US clim... more
Apple Podcasts5SusancaraUnited Statesa year ago
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Apple Podcasts | #112 |  Japan/Arts/Books |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Strong Sense of Place
What is Strong Sense of Place about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A travel-through-books show that centers each episode on a specific destination and pairs it with five carefully chosen books set there. Episodes blend geography, culture, history, food, and local lore with warm, bantering hosts who share personal experiences, travel tips, and book recommendations. A standout is the consistent emphasis on “sense of place,” plus recurring mini-episodes with two new books and a lighthearted distraction, which keeps the format fresh for listeners who love immersive travel writing and literary exploration.
Where can I find podcast stats for Strong Sense of Place?
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How many listeners does Strong Sense of Place get?
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What are the audience demographics for Strong Sense of Place?
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How many subscribers and views does Strong Sense of Place have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Strong Sense of Place?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Strong Sense of Place:
1. What Should I Read Next?
2. The Currently Reading Podcast
3. Well-Read
4. From the Front Porch
5. Sarah's Bookshelves Live
How many episodes of Strong Sense of Place are there?
Strong Sense of Place launched 6 years ago and published 233 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Strong Sense of Place?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Strong Sense of Place?
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What guests have appeared on Strong Sense of Place?
Recent guests on Strong Sense of Place include:
1. Steve Bissette
2. Kate Jackson
3. TJ Klune
4. Kevin Kelly
5. Amy Nicholson
6. Adrian Tinniswood
7. Adam Ross
8. Evan Rail
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