“Tangles” & the Hidden History of Hanford Nuclear Site with Kay Smith-Blum (E184)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Kay Smith-Blum. Kay is a former fashionista and Seattle School Board President, spends her days debunking the tropes of the mid-20th-century history. An odd dream and the recent upheaval over leaking radioactive waste tanks at the Hanford Nuclear site compelled her to write Tangles. Recently named Best Regional Fiction in the West for 2025 by the National Indie Excellence Awards and Best Historical Mystery/Suspense by the American Fiction Awards at Book Fest 2025. Smith-Blum, a sunrise writer, has lived in Seattle for four decades. She works out her writer’s block in her sons’ gardens and the nearest lap pool.
Key Highlights:
The extensive 8.5-month research process behind Tangles, including oral testimonies, archival histories, and peer-reviewed scientific research.
The fascinating but troubling history of the Hanford Nuclear Plant, where workers were told their jobs were top secret and essential to the war effort.
How officials repeatedly raised the “safe” level of radioactive waste in the water supply to downplay risks to surrounding communities.
The long-term dangers and ethical concerns surrounding nuclear waste disposal.
How an unexpected dream helped spark the idea for Tangles.
Her book flight includes dual-timeline historical fiction.
Connect with Kay Smith-Blum:
Books and authors mentioned:
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
The Witch Elm by Tana French
Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Book Flight
Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!
