Wild Precious Life

Wild Precious Life

Evergreen Podcasts

Join author, educator, and learner, Annmarie Kelly as she laughs, cries, and kvetches with the writers, musicians, entrepreneurs, and wanderers who inspire all of us to reach beyond our divisions and discover what it means to be wild, precious, and brave.

Sink with Joseph Earl Thomas

Sink with Joseph Earl Thomas

Joseph Earl Thomas is the author of Sink, a memoir, and his debut novel God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer, longlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Literary Excellence, and winner of the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize. On today’s show, Annmarie and Joseph talk about working-class upbringings, how to write complicated families with sensitivity and grace, and whether or not to raise an alligator in the backyard.Episode SponsorsThe Head & The Hand Books – A community-focused Philadelphia bookstore

Feb 11, • 52:25

I Was Their American Dream with Malaka Gharib

I Was Their American Dream with Malaka Gharib

Malaka Gharib is the author of I Was Their American Dream, a graphic memoir about being first-generation Filipino Egyptian American, and It Won't Always Be Like This, a graphic memoir about her summers in the Middle East. On today’s show, Annmarie and Malaka talk about the American immigrant experience, how to be a working writer, and what it means to be the realization of our parents’ greatest dreams.Episode SponsorsNovelette Booksellers – Nashville's only queer-owned bookstore. We are a fun, v

Jan 28, • 55:52

My Marriage Sabbatical with Leah Fisher

My Marriage Sabbatical with Leah Fisher

In her 60s, after decades as a psychotherapist, marital counselor, and work and family consultant, Leah Fisher embarked upon solo trips to multiple countries to see whether she could connect across cultures, participate in community projects, and try to be “of use.” On today’s show, Leah joins us to speak about her new memoir, My Marriage Sabbatical, and to discuss what is lost and gained when couples pursue separate dreams. Episode Sponsors:Orinda Books – An independently-owned bookstore just 3

Jan 14, • 54:40

Little Detours and Spiritual Adventures with Regina Brett

Little Detours and Spiritual Adventures with Regina Brett

Regina Brett is a two-time Pulitzer finalist and the New York Times bestselling author of God Never Blinks. Her latest book is Little Detours and Spiritual Adventures. On today’s show, Annmarie and Regina talk about their Catholic upbringings, cancer survival, best and worst Christmases, and what it means to be a slice of God for other people.Episode Sponsors:Loganberry Books – An independently owned and operated bookstore in the historic Larchmere neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. Logan

Dec 24, 2024 • 1:00:45

Wonderache with John Roedel

Wonderache with John Roedel

John Roedel is a poet, writer, comic, storyteller, and terrible dancer who gained unexpected notability as a writer and poet through Facebook conversations. His latest book is WonderAche. On today’s show, Annmarie and John talk about their Catholic upbringings, the places where faith meets doubt, and how to show up for others with more vulnerability and truth. Episode Sponsors:Bonsai Books in Cheyenne, Wyoming. At Bonsai, we’re more than just a bookstore. We believe in the power of book

Dec 10, 2024 • 57:32

Unveiled Love with David Allen Edmonds

Unveiled Love with David Allen Edmonds

David Allen Edmonds taught German and English for 43 years at three Cleveland-area high schools, Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State university. His high school experiences form the setting for his Joe Lehrer Mystery novels and the short stories in his Faculty Lounge series.Today on the show, Dave and Annmarie talk about book banning, small town romance, and the opportunities and costs of teaching in public high schools. Episode Sponsors:Black Cat Books & Oddities – Where

Nov 26, 2024 • 56:19

Your Dazzling Death with Cass Donish

Your Dazzling Death with Cass Donish

Queer poet and writer Cass Donish is the author of three books including The Year of the Femme, Beautyberry, and the new poetry collection Your Dazzling Death. Today on the show, Cass and Annmarie talk about grief, queer love, and how to heal in the face of suicide loss.Episode Sponsors:Prairie Lights Books – Iowa City’s premier indie bookstore since 1978. Perhaps the strength of our reputation lies in the reading series of local, national and international writers who have read their w

Nov 12, 2024 • 52:49

I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself with Glynnis MacNicol

I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself with Glynnis MacNicol

Glynnis MacNicol is the author of three books including I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself: One Woman's Pursuit of Pleasure and No One Tells You This. She wrote, produced, and hosted WILDER: A Reckoning with the Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder, and she writes the weekly newsletter Good Decisions. On today’s show, Annmarie and Glynnis talk about seeking friendship and pleasure in Paris, the joys of middle age, and how to ask for what you want– and get it.  Episode Sponsors:Mostly Books – An

Oct 29, 2024 • 1:07:38

The Glass Girl with Kathleen Glasgow

The Glass Girl with Kathleen Glasgow

Kathleen Glasgow is a poet turned novelist, and she’s the author of the bestselling titles Girl in Pieces, You'd Be Home Now, and How to Make Friends With the Dark, and the coauthor, with Liz Lawson, of the bestselling mystery series, The Agathas. On today’s show, Annmarie and Kathleen talk about her newest book, The Glass Girl, and the complex relationship many families have with alcohol addiction and rehabilitation.  Episode Sponsors:Mostly Books – An independent bookstore in Tucson,

Oct 15, 2024 • 54:49

Frighten the Horses with Oliver Radclyffe

Frighten the Horses with Oliver Radclyffe

Oliver Radclyffe is part of a new wave of transgender writers unafraid to examine the places where gender identity, sexual orientation, feminist allegiance, social class, and family history overlap. On today’s show, Annmarie and Oliver talk about his new memoir, FRIGHTEN THE HORSES, and discuss the complex nuances of gender transition.Episode Sponsors:Bluestockings – A collectively-run NYC activist center, community space and feminist bookstore that offers mutual aid, harm reduction sup

Oct 1, 2024 • 58:22

Margo’s Got Money Troubles with Rufi Thorpe

Margo’s Got Money Troubles with Rufi Thorpe

Rufi Thorpe is the author of four novels, The Girls from Corona del Mar, Dear Fang, With Love, The Knockout Queen, which was a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner award, and her newest Book, Margo's Got Money Troubles, which was recently shortlisted for the Kirkus Prize. On today’s show, Rufi and Annmarie talk about professional wrestling, OnlyFans, and the countless sacrifices parents make for their kids. Episode Sponsors:{pages} a bookstore – The place for book lovers of all ages, where rea

Sep 17, 2024 • 1:00:34

Bummer Camp with Ann Garvin

Bummer Camp with Ann Garvin

Ann Garvin is a USA Today Bestselling author of six novels. She writes about people who do too much in a world that asks too much from them. A former Registered Nurse, Ann currently teaches creative writing at Drexel University. Her latest book is BUMMER CAMP, in which “two sisters scramble to save their family’s legacy in a funny, huge-hearted novel about grandiose plans and summers to remember.” On today’s show, Ann and Annmarie talk about head lice, tick bites, weirdness, and the wor

Sep 3, 2024 • 47:32

Magic Season with Wade Rouse

Magic Season with Wade Rouse

Wade Rouse is the USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly, and internationally bestselling author of more than a dozen books which have been translated into 21 languages. On today’s show, Annmarie and Wade discuss difficult parents, screened-in porches, and how to pursue a writing life against the odds.Episode Sponsors:Literary Cleveland – Where writers can explore other voices and discover their own. The Inkubator is Literary Cleveland’s free annual festival for writers and readers. Generate new

Aug 20, 2024 • 1:01:05

Liars with Sarah Manguso

Liars with Sarah Manguso

Sarah Manguso is the author of nine books, most recently the novel LIARS.Her work’s been recognized by an American Academy of Arts and Letters Literature Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Rome Prize, and her writing has been translated into thirteen languages. On today’s show, Sarah and Annmarie discuss marriage and how our best intentions often crumble in the face of gender roles, misogyny, the patriarchy, and myriad forces so much larger than we are.Episode Sponsors:McNally Jack

Aug 6, 2024 • 50:33

The Genius of Judy with Rachelle Bergstein

The Genius of Judy with Rachelle Bergstein

Rachelle Bergstein is a lifestyle writer, author and editor. Her latest book is The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood For All of Us. On today’s show, Annmarie and Rachelle discuss taboo topics from childhood – periods! bras! masturbation! – and how Judy Blume books demystified all of them. Episode Sponsors:McNally Jackson – Independent booksellers with locations in Nolita, Williamsburg, Seaport, Rockefeller, and Downtown Brooklyn. To find your next great read, drop by or

Jul 23, 2024 • 52:53

Housemates with Emma Copley Eisenberg

Housemates with Emma Copley Eisenberg

Emma Copley Eisenberg is a queer writer in Philadelphia, where she co-founded Blue Stoop, a community hub for the literary arts. Her latest book is HOUSEMATES which we talk about today. On today’s show, Emma and Annmarie discuss queer aunties, the magic of road trips, and whether art can actually save our lives.Episode Sponsors:The Head & The Hand – A nonprofit independent publisher and community bookstore based in the Kensington/Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, where we’re co

Jul 9, 2024 • 49:51

Exhibit with R.O. Kwon

Exhibit with R.O. Kwon

R.O. Kwon is the author of the nationally bestselling novel The Incendiaries, which was named a best book of the year by more than forty publications. On today’s show, Annmarie and R.O. discuss her new book, Exhibit, an exhilarating novel that’s been called “the sexiest book of the year.” They also talk about photography, the torture and timelessness of ballet, and what it means for women to put voice to their desires both in and out of the bedroom.Episode Sponsors:Duende District – We

Jun 25, 2024 • 42:30

One of Our Kind with Nicola Yoon

One of Our Kind with Nicola Yoon

Nicola Yoon is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Instructions for Dancing, Everything, Everything, and The Sun Is Also a Star, and she was the first Black woman to hit #1 on the New York Times Young Adult bestseller list. On today’s show, Nicola and Annmarie discuss Nicola’s new adult book, One of Our Kind, “a terrifying and thought-provoking look at what it means to be truly free in America.” They also talk about Black joy, pursuing dreams, and also why it’s totally fine when

Jun 11, 2024 • 45:06

A Very Inconvenient Scandal with Jacquelyn Mitchard

A Very Inconvenient Scandal with Jacquelyn Mitchard

Jacquelyn Mitchard is the best-selling author of 23 books, including A Very Inconvenient Scandal, The Good Son, and The Deep End of the Ocean, which was the inaugural selection for Oprah Winfrey’s book club. In today’s episode, Jacquelyn and Annmarie talk about the opportunities and challenges of balancing motherhood and the writing life, finding character names in cemeteries, and how no story is ever truly complete until the reader is holding the author’s hand.Episode Sponsors:Aesop’s

May 28, 2024 • 1:04:13

Briefly Perfectly Human with Alua Arthur

Briefly Perfectly Human with Alua Arthur

Alua Arthur is the most visible and active death doula working in America today. She’s a recovering attorney and the founder of Going with Grace, a death doula training and end-of-life planning organization. Her TED Talk titled, “Why Thinking About Death Helps You Live a Better Life,” has over 1.5 million views. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Alua discuss Briefly Perfectly Human, Alua’s life-changing, soul-gathering memoir. They also discuss how talking about death can help all of us

May 14, 2024 • 42:21

Writing for the Ear

Writing for the Ear

Today, we have something new. This past spring, Annmarie gathered with eight local writers to try a podcasting project. Over the course of six weeks together, they wrote side-by-side, saying YES to whatever stories arose. About friendship and loss, dreams and possibility, parents and belief. These sessions were sometimes tearful and painful, but they were always beautiful. And powerful. Because something important happens when we create in community. In this episode, we share eight shor

Apr 30, 2024 • 54:53

Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghost with Crystal Wilkinson

Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghost with Crystal Wilkinson

Crystal Wilkinson is the award-winning author of several books including Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks. She was Poet Laureate of Kentucky from 2021 to 2023, and currently teaches creative writing at the University of Kentucky where she is a Bush-Holbrook Endowed Professor. In today’s episode, Crystal and Annmarie discuss kitchen ghosts, family recipes – including how biscuits need to “kiss,” and the blessings and self

Apr 16, 2024 • 1:03:27

Broughtupsy with Christina Cooke

Broughtupsy with Christina Cooke

Christina Cooke was born in Jamaica and is now a Canadian citizen who lives and writes in New York City. BROUGHTUPSY is her debut novel. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Christina discuss cultural upbringings, the cruelty of children, the joys of weightlifting, and how all humans are complex and contradictory and deserving of love. Episode Sponsor:Zora’s Den – Dedicated to empowering the lives of Black women writers. At Zora’s Den, we host a monthly reading series, conduct workshops, an

Apr 2, 2024 • 57:21

The Familiar with Sarah Kain Gutowski

The Familiar with Sarah Kain Gutowski

Sarah Kain Gutowski is the author of Fabulous Beast and along with interdisciplinary artist Meredith Starr, she’s co-creator of Every Second Feels Like Theft, a conversation in cyanotypes and poems, and It's All Too Much, a limited edition podcast and art project. She’s out now with a new book of narrative poetry, The Familiar. In today’s episode, Sarah and Annmarie discuss the ache of literary ambition, how parenthood divides us from ourselves, and how Moonstruck is one of the best mov

Mar 19, 2024 • 59:27

Faltas with Cecilia Gentili

Faltas with Cecilia Gentili

Originally from Argentina, Cecilia Gentili came to the U.S. pursuing a safer life as a transgender woman. She lived undocumented for 10 years. After surviving arrests and an immigration detention, she accessed recovery services and won asylum. Cecilia founded Transgender Equity Consulting, which works to ensure all people living on the margins receive dignity and respect. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Cecilia talk about growing up on the margins, emigrating to the United States, and

Mar 5, 2024 • 49:47

Splinters with Leslie Jamison

Splinters with Leslie Jamison

Leslie Jamison has written two essay collections, The Empathy Exams and Make It Scream, Make It Burn. She also gained prominence for her critical memoir, The Recovering: Intoxication and Its Aftermath. She’s out now with a new book, Splinters, about raising a child during the end of a relationship and the beginning of the pandemic. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Leslie talk about motherhood and how it’s both a mad transformative mystery and a boring daily slog. It’s both the Cheerios

Feb 20, 2024 • 1:06:55

Warrior Girl Unearthed with Angeline Boulley

Warrior Girl Unearthed with Angeline Boulley

Angeline Boulley, an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, is a storyteller who writes about her Ojibwe community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. She is a former Director of the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education and is the author of two bestselling novels, Firekeeper’s Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed. In today’s episode, Angeline and Annmarie talk about the need to protect and celebrate indigenous artifacts, cultures, and stor

Feb 6, 2024 • 45:55

The Loneliness Files with Athena Dixon

The Loneliness Files with Athena Dixon

Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Athena Dixon is a poet, essayist, and editor. She is the author of The Loneliness Files, The Incredible Shrinking Woman, and No God In This Room, winner of the Intersectional Midwest Chapbook Contest. In this episode, Annmarie and Athena talk about mental health, women who die alone, and how having loneliness in common might just be the connection we need to take better care of one another.Episode Sponsors:A Novel Idea – A community-minded bookstore an

Jan 23, 2024 • 54:29

Niksen: The Dutch Art of Doing Nothing with Olga Mecking

Niksen: The Dutch Art of Doing Nothing with Olga Mecking

Olga Mecking is a writer, journalist, and translator based in the Netherlands, and she’s the reporter who made Niksen (“doing nothing”) go viral. Her New York Times article on the subject was shared over 100,000 times. In this episode, Annmarie and Olga talk about the health and creativity benefits of doing nothing and why it is that pauses, rests, and breaks too often feel out of reach for our overworked selves.Episode Sponsors:The American Book Center – Booksellers with a personal tou

Jan 9, 2024 • 49:18

When They Tell You to Be Good with Prince Shakur

When They Tell You to Be Good with Prince Shakur

Prince Shakur’s debut memoir, When They Tell You to Be Good, is a political and personal exploration of his coming of age as a writer and activist. In this episode, Laura Maylene Walter talks to Prince Shakur about how race and identity shaped his formative years, how journaling providing him with a creative outlet, his experience with activism and protest, the challenges he faced in the publishing industry, and working with Hanif Abdurraqib as his editor at Tin House Books, and more.Fo

Dec 26, 2023 • 45:43

 The People Who Report More Stress with Alejandro Varela

The People Who Report More Stress with Alejandro Varela

Alejandro Varela is the author of THE TOWN OF BABYLON, a finalist for the National Book Award, and THE PEOPLE WHO REPORT MORE STRESS, which The New York Times called “a master class in analyzing the unspoken” and praised Varela for shedding light on complex societal problems with “seemingly effortless wit and empathy." Varela has a Master’s Degree in Public Health, and believes strongly in reparations, land back, a national health service, and a $36 minimum wage pegged to inflation. In

Dec 12, 2023 • 1:01:25

I Fell in Love with Hope with Lou-Andrea Callewaert

I Fell in Love with Hope with Lou-Andrea Callewaert

Lou-Andrea Callewaert was a chronically ill child who learned to write through her pain. She’s the author of I FELL IN LOVE WITH HOPE, the story of young hospital patients who support one another throughout their terminal diagnoses and promise to live fully for as long as they are able. Lou writes under the pen name Lancali, and in this episode, she and Annmarie talk about grief, horseback riding, and the necessity of clinging to hope even when it seems like there is no reason to do so.

Nov 28, 2023 • 49:40

This Is Salvaged with Vauhini Vara

This Is Salvaged with Vauhini Vara

Vauhini Vara’s debut novel, THE IMMORTAL KING RAO, has been published around the world, is being adapted for television, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. She’s out now with a new story collection, THIS IS SALVAGED, which Lit Hub and Electric Literature named one of the most anticipated books of the year. In this episode, Annmarie and Vauhini talk about the opportunities and costs of technology, writing through grief, and how to use Battlestar Galactica to solve craft problems.

Nov 14, 2023 • 54:26

Radiant Rebellion with Karen Walrond

Radiant Rebellion with Karen Walrond

Karen Walrond is the author of THE LIGHTMAKER’S MANIFESTO and THE BEAUTY OF DIFFERENT, and she’s out now with a new book, RADIANT REBELLION, in which she urges all of us to reexamine the myths and celebrate more of the opportunities of growing older. In this episode, Karen and Annmarie talk about reclaiming aging, practicing joy, and how to take charge of our own stories as we walk, dance, and even hula hoop into the second half of our lives. Episode Sponsors:Blue Willow Bookshop – A lo

Nov 2, 2023 • 54:04

The Heart of It All with Christian Kiefer

The Heart of It All with Christian Kiefer

Christian Kiefer is the director of the low-residency MFA at Ashland University. He’s the author of The Infinite Tides, The Animals, and Phantoms which was one of Kirkus Reviews and the BBC’s Best Books of 2019. And he’s out with a new novel, THE HEART OF IT ALL. Christian is the recipient of a Pushcart Prize for his short fiction and has enjoyed a second career in music, releasing a number of albums primarily in the folk-rock and avant-garde traditions. In this episode, Annmarie and Ch

Oct 19, 2023 • 51:45

In Memoriam: Echo Brown

In Memoriam: Echo Brown

On Sept. 16, 2023, one of our beloved guests, Echo Brown, passed away. We were incredibly saddened by the news, this is for her.Echo Brown’s recent memoir, THE CHOSEN ONE, examines the opportunities and costs of an Ivy League education, and the obligation universities have to support and safeguard first-generation college students. Annmarie and Echo discuss inequity, community, and the need to be a promised land for one another. Additionally, Echo talks about her current health crisis a

Oct 12, 2023 • 44:11

The Leftover Woman with Jean Kwok

The Leftover Woman with Jean Kwok

Jean Kwok immigrated from Hong Kong to Brooklyn when she was five, where she lived with her family in an unheated, roach-infested apartment. Her 2010 book, GIRL IN TRANSLATION, is a fictionalized account of how Jean worked in a clothing factory for much of her childhood. She followed that with MAMBO IN CHINATOWN which echoed the three years that Jean worked as a professional ballroom dancer, and SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE, which was an instant NYTimes bestseller and a Read with Jenna Book

Oct 6, 2023 • 44:41

Alive at the End of the World with Saeed Jones

Alive at the End of the World with Saeed Jones

Saeed Jones is a Pushcart Prize-winning writer whose first collection of poetry, PRELUDE TO BRUISE, was a 2014 finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. His 2019 memoir, HOW WE FIGHT FOR OUR LIVES, won the Kirkus Prize for Nonfiction. And his second poetry collection, ALIVE AT THE END OF THE WORLD, is a 2023 winner of an Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, the only national juried prize for literature that confronts racism and explores diversity. In this episode, Annmarie and Saeed ta

Sep 21, 2023 • 48:14

That’s a Hard No with Heather Drago

That’s a Hard No with Heather Drago

Heather Drago is the Founder and Chief Strategist of Clever Girl Marketing and the host of the That’s a Hard No podcast. A recent cancer survivor, Heather has been on a journey lately of turning down situations, experiences, and people who do not serve her. On today’s bonus episode, Annmarie and Heather discuss how to set healthy boundaries, saying NO, and what might be possible when we make a little more room for ourselves in these busy and hectic days. Learn more about your ad choices

Sep 14, 2023 • 30:18

The Way Life Should Be with William Dameron

The Way Life Should Be with William Dameron

In both fiction and memoir, William Dameron writes about coming out as a gay man, and what it might look like to start again with a great love affair in the second half of life. Dameron is the award-winning author of THE LIE, A MEMOIR OF TWO MARRIAGES, CATFISHING & COMING OUT. His most recent project, THE WAY LIFE SHOULD BE, is a novel, and it’s out now. In this episode, Bill and Annmarie talk about second-chance love, the various delights of both fiction and nonfiction, and why Ann

Sep 7, 2023 • 43:01

Owner of a Lonely Heart with Beth Nguyen

Owner of a Lonely Heart with Beth Nguyen

At the end of the Vietnam War, when Beth Nguyen was eight months old, she and her family fled Saigon for America, but Beth’s mother stayed behind. In this episode, Annmarie and Beth discuss OWNER OF A LONELY HEART, Beth’s recent memoir. They talk about the uncertainty of growing up without a strong tie to your biological mother, and the way other people can step in to fill that void. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 24, 2023 • 45:53

Time’s Mouth with Edan Lepucki

Time’s Mouth with Edan Lepucki

Edan Lepucki is the author of three novels, including CALIFORNIA, WOMAN NO. 17, and her newest book, TIME’S MOUTH. In this week’s episode, Annmarie and Edan grapple with fleetingness and nostalgia. What if we could go back in time? What might be better? What might be worse? They also discuss parenting and how much raising children is itself a form of time-travel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 10, 2023 • 56:01

let's have a House Party with justin a. reynolds

let's have a House Party with justin a. reynolds

justin a. reynolds always knew he wanted to be a writer, he even created his own book jacket when he was a kid. Fast forward and justin is an accomplished author whose debut novel, Opposite of Always, was a 2019 best seller. His most recent novel, House Party, is a novel in stories, written by ten different authors. In this episode, justin and Annamarie talk about wrangling authors, making the move with Marvel, and the best cereals of our childhood. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis

Jul 27, 2023 • 42:31

I Kick and I Fly with Ruchira Gupta

I Kick and I Fly with Ruchira Gupta

As a journalist, Ruchira Gupta stumbled upon a disturbing story: girls were disappearing from villages and being sold into prostitution in the city. Determined, Ruchira set about dismantling sex trafficking across her home country of India and around the world. She testified before Indian Parliament and lobbied the United Nations. She kept asking questions, kept sitting down with families, and kept fighting. Ruchira started with a single story and now leads a global movement. In this ep

Jul 13, 2023 • 42:45

Fat Talk with Virginia Sole-Smith

Fat Talk with Virginia Sole-Smith

Virginia Sole-Smith’s latest book, Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture, investigates how the “war on childhood obesity” has caused kids of all ages to absorb a daily onslaught of body shame from peers, school, diet culture, and parents themselves — and her book offers research-based strategies to help. In this episode, Annmarie and Virginia talk about how to navigate anti-fat bias in schools, doctor’s offices, and around our dinner tables and how to learn to love the way our

Jun 29, 2023 • 53:04

Much Ado About Nada with Uzma Jalaluddin

Much Ado About Nada with Uzma Jalaluddin

Uzma Jalaluddin is having a banner year. She has two books coming out in 2023: Much Ado About Nada and Three Holidays and a Wedding (coauthored with Marissa Stapley). She wrote her first play, The Rishta, which was performed in Montreal this past spring. And her second novel, Hana Khan Carries On, is currently in development for film with Mindy Kaling. In this episode, Uzma and Annmarie talk about writing, rom-coms, and representation, and how important it is to read widely and wisely t

Jun 15, 2023 • 48:55

Stash: My Life in Hiding with Laura Cathcart Robbins

Stash: My Life in Hiding with Laura Cathcart Robbins

Laura Cathcart Robbins is the co-host of The Only One in the Room podcast and the best-selling author of the memoir Stash: My Life In Hiding. Laura had everything going for her: a beautiful home, great kids, a Hollywood marriage, but she still found herself trapped inside self-doubt, secrecy, and addiction. In this episode, Laura and Annmarie talk about Laura’s journey through addiction to sobriety and how she found her way back to her most authentic and vulnerable self. Learn more abou

Jun 1, 2023 • 49:56

Chaos Theory with Nic Stone

Chaos Theory with Nic Stone

Nic Stone is a writer and storyteller who has published thirteen books, including DEAR MARTIN, DEAR JUSTYCE, and ODD ONE OUT. Her latest title, CHAOS THEORY, follows two teens learning about mental health challenges, addiction, and the notion that everyone is worthy of love. In this episode, Nic and Annmarie talk about neurodivergence, antiracist teaching, and how to build a connection with absolutely anybody you sit next to on an airplane. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph

May 18, 2023 • 49:42

You Could Make This Place Beautiful with Maggie Smith

You Could Make This Place Beautiful with Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith is a poet, writer, editor, and teacher who has published several books, including KEEP MOVING, GOLDENROD, and YOU COULD MAKE THIS PLACE BEAUTIFUL. In 2016, Maggie’s poem “Good Bones” went viral. To date, it’s been translated into nearly a dozen languages, interpreted by a dance troupe in India, set to music by multiple composers, and read at Lincoln Center by Meryl Streep. Public Radio International called it “the official poem of 2016.” In this episode, Annmarie and Maggie

May 4, 2023 • 51:41

I Take My Coffee Black with Tyler Merritt

I Take My Coffee Black with Tyler Merritt

Tyler Merritt is a Nashville-based actor, comedian, vocalist, and creator of The Tyler Merritt Project. His viral video Before You Call The Cops has been viewed by over 100 million people worldwide. He is also the author of two books: I Take My Coffee Black and A Door Made Just for Me. In this episode, Annmarie and Tyler talk about their shared love of musical theater and how to choose love over hate in a world that too often encourages the opposite. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi

Apr 20, 2023 • 58:12

The Last Beekeeper with Julie Carrick Dalton

The Last Beekeeper with Julie Carrick Dalton

Julie Carrick Dalton’s most recent novel, THE LAST BEEKEEPER, has been described as “a meditation on the fragile beauty of nature and the power of hope and resilience.” In this episode, Julie and Annmarie talk about the cuteness of bees, the blessings of loving and supportive parents, and how to open our eyes more fully to the beauty of the natural world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 6, 2023 • 57:46

Get Out of Your Own Way with Sara Read

Get Out of Your Own Way with Sara Read

Sara Read’s debut novel is JOHANNA PORTER IS NOT SORRY, a “snarky, sexy, book-club-ready novel” about a painter turned soccer mom turned art thief. In this episode, Annmarie and Sara talk about mom guilt, flute-making, and how to reclaim a part of ourselves that has laid dormant for too long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 23, 2023 • 46:54

I’ll Take Everything You Have with James Klise

I’ll Take Everything You Have with James Klise

James Klise’s acclaimed novels for teens include the Edgar Award-winning THE ART OF SECRETS and the ALA Stonewall Honor-winning LOVE DRUGGED. His newest book, I’LL TAKE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE, is a queer coming-of-age crime novel set in 1930s Chicago. In this episode, Jim and Annmarie talk about elementary school film strips, high school book clubs, and the importance of young people finding themselves in a story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 9, 2023 • 53:29

The Sleep Prescription with Dr. Aric Prather

The Sleep Prescription with Dr. Aric Prather

Dr. Aric A. Prather is a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of California, San Francisco, where he codirects the Aging, Metabolism, and Emotions Center and helps lead the UCSF Insomnia Clinic. Dr. Prather is also the author of THE SLEEP PRESCRIPTION: 7 DAYS TO UNLOCKING YOUR BEST REST. In this episode, Aric and Annmarie talk about the importance of sleep health, strategies for ensuring good rest, and advocating for sleep as a basic human right. Learn more

Feb 23, 2023 • 54:20

Change the World One Word at a Time with Kwame Alexander

Change the World One Word at a Time with Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, producer and #1 New York Times Bestselling author of 37 books, including AN AMERICAN STORY, THE DOOR OF NO RETURN, and his Newbery-winning book THE CROSSOVER. In this episode, Annmarie and Kwame talk about shooting and missing, and how you have to keep playing the game and always keep taking your shot. They also discuss teaching difficult histories to young children and how to change the world one word at a time. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis

Feb 14, 2023 • 41:15

Somebody’s Daughter with Ashley C. Ford

Somebody’s Daughter with Ashley C. Ford

Ashley C. Ford is the author of The New York Times Bestselling memoir, SOMEBODY’S DAUGHTER. In this episode, Annmarie and Ashley talk about surviving family trauma, setting healthy boundaries, and how to trust the people in our lives to do their own mental health work. On the lighter side, Ashley and Annmarie also discuss yacht rock, Midwestern pride, and their favorite character on The Golden Girls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 26, 2023 • 53:30

Bonus Episode #3 – Gather Your Starlings with Jen Dotsey

Bonus Episode #3 – Gather Your Starlings with Jen Dotsey

As a follow-up to our reading of Nancy Colier’s THE EMOTIONALLY EXHAUSTED WOMAN, we’re doing a series of brief bonus convos. In this episode, we welcome Jen Dotsey, high school teacher, community minister, and all-around delightful human. Annmarie and Jen discuss soul friendships, giving grace, how to speak difficult truths, and the ways that our communities can be an antidote to hopelessness and a gateway to authenticity and trust.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/

Jan 12, 2023 • 48:32

Bonus Episode #2 – Lift Up a Friend with Melissa McCaverty

Bonus Episode #2 – Lift Up a Friend with Melissa McCaverty

As a follow-up to our reading of Nancy Colier’s THE EMOTIONALLY EXHAUSTED WOMAN, we’re doing a series of brief bonus convos. In this episode, we welcome Melissa McCaverty–mom, lawyer, classic car enthusiast, and all-around terrific human. Annmarie and Melissa discuss the quest for peace, afternoon karaoke, and following your dreams no matter how long it takes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 12, 2023 • 20:40

Bonus Episode #1- Relentless Compassion with Sarah Frauenzimmer

Bonus Episode #1- Relentless Compassion with Sarah Frauenzimmer

As a follow-up to our reading of Nancy Colier’s THE EMOTIONALLY EXHAUSTED WOMAN, we’re doing a series of brief bonus convos. In this episode, we welcome Sarah Frauenzimmer–mom, writer, yoga teacher, and all-around amazing human. Annmarie and Sarah discuss the therapeutic necessity of self-compassion, the way happiness is often outward bound, and how going to the bathroom alone should not count as self-care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 12, 2023 • 20:36

The Emotionally Exhausted Woman with Nancy Colier

The Emotionally Exhausted Woman with Nancy Colier

This week’s guest is Nancy Colier, author of THE EMOTIONALLY EXHAUSTED WOMAN: WHY YOU’RE FEELING DEPLETED AND HOW TO GET WHAT YOU NEED. If you are someone who constantly feels like you’re taking care of other people at the expense of yourself, this conversation is for you. In this episode, Nancy and Annmarie talk about healthy boundaries, self-care, and how to develop lasting vitality and truth in a world that too often feels like it needs too much from us. Learn more about your ad choi

Jan 5, 2023 • 43:51

Listen with Your Heart, with Ryan Lee Wong

Listen with Your Heart, with Ryan Lee Wong

This week’s guest is Ryan Lee Wong, debut author of WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON. In this episode, Annmarie and Ryan discuss intergenerational activism, transgender pronouns, the wonder of strip malls, and home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 15, 2022 • 51:23

How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water with Angie Cruz

How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water with Angie Cruz

This week’s guest is Angie Cruz, author of HOW NOT TO DROWN IN A GLASS OF WATER. In this episode, Annmarie and Angie discuss the importance of community, representation in literature, and how magic and connection are possible when we sit and fully listen to someone else’s story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 1, 2022 • 42:55

Get Smitten in Your Kitchen with Deb Perelman

Get Smitten in Your Kitchen with Deb Perelman

Our guest this week is Deb Perelman, author of three cookbooks, including most recently, SMITTEN KITCHEN KEEPERS. She’s not just a great cook, she’s like a kitchen fairy godmother. Deb taught Annmarie how to roast a chicken, how to roll dumplings, and how not to fear mushrooms. Because of her Smitten Kitchen website, Deb and Annmarie have cooked hundreds of meals together, but until today, they’d never met. In this episode, Deb and Annmarie discuss grandma cooking, how lasagna might sav

Nov 17, 2022 • 47:51

Get Lost and Find Adventure with Andrew Sean Greer

Get Lost and Find Adventure with Andrew Sean Greer

Our guest this week is Andrew Sean Greer who’s created one of our favorite dreamers in literature. His fictional character, Arthur Less, lives a somewhat disappointing life. Few of Arthur’s plans ever pan out, but there is often magic in the mayhem. In this episode, Andrew and Annmarie discuss foiled plans, dashed hopes, and how to discover new longings and brighter dreams when we wander–or even tumble–off the beaten path. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 3, 2022 • 44:43

Survive and Thrive with Dr. Ebony Butler

Survive and Thrive with Dr. Ebony Butler

Dr. Ebony Butler is a Licensed Psychologist, Trauma Expert, and Food Relationship Strategist who has made it her mission to make counseling accessible and safe for everyone. She recently created My Therapy Cards to support men, women, and teens who want to work towards self-exploration and discovery on their own time. In this episode, Annmarie and Dr. Ebony discuss vulnerability, the dangers of diet culture, and how we can destigmatize mental health services in minority communities. Lea

Oct 20, 2022 • 44:46

Our Missing Hearts with Celeste Ng

Our Missing Hearts with Celeste Ng

Celeste Ng is a literary rockstar whose bestselling novels have been translated into over thirty languages. Her latest book, OUR MISSING HEARTS, is a story about art, power, and the legacies we pass on to our children. In this episode, Annmarie and Celeste discuss banned books, miniatures, and whether the world can, in fact, be divided into Order Muppets or Chaos Muppets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 6, 2022 • 40:48

Thrill, Squelch, and Growl with Ben Percy

Thrill, Squelch, and Growl with Ben Percy

Ben Percy writes novels, and comic books, and podcasts, and television, and movies, and short stories, and more. He joins us today to talk about “juggling all those flaming chainsaws.” In this episode, Ben and Annmarie discuss Wolverine, sharks, and “cussedness,” how to be stubborn in the face of rejection, and what it takes to pursue the writing life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 29, 2022 • 46:55

Get Schooled with Stephanie Jankowski

Get Schooled with Stephanie Jankowski

In her book, SCHOOLED, Stephanie Jankowski writes a love letter to what she describes as “the exhausting, infuriating, occasionally excruciating yet somehow completely wonderful profession of teaching.” In this episode, Annmarie and Stephanie discuss back-to-school survival tricks, the value of educating the whole child, and how parents and teachers can be better partners on the journey.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 15, 2022 • 45:50

No One Crosses the Wolf with Lisa Nikolidakis

No One Crosses the Wolf with Lisa Nikolidakis

In her recent memoir, NO ONE CROSSES THE WOLF, Lisa Nikolidakis chronicles the inheritance of a crime scene, and what happened both before and after the murder-suicide that cracked her world wide open. In this episode, Annmarie and Lisa discuss trauma writing, open-heartedness, talking to horses, and how all of us are imperfect survivors of our own messy lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 1, 2022 • 46:18

Be a Promised Land with Echo Brown

Be a Promised Land with Echo Brown

Echo Brown’s recent memoir, THE CHOSEN ONE, examines the opportunities and costs of an Ivy League education, and the obligation universities have to support and safeguard first-generation college students. Annmarie and Echo discuss inequity, community, and the need to be a promised land for one another. Additionally, Echo talks about her current health crisis and her urgent campaign to find a kidney donor. You can learn more and contribute HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m

Aug 19, 2022 • 44:54

Make Me Disappear with Jessica Payne

Make Me Disappear with Jessica Payne

Jessica Payne’s most recent novel MAKE ME DISAPPEAR is a twisting thriller that poses important questions. What would it take for anyone to make a clean escape from their own life? And how far should you go to fight back against an abuser? This book provides hope for anyone who’s ever wanted to leave a broken relationship, but could not find their way out. In this episode, Annmarie and Jessica discuss their shared love for the Pacific Northwest, juggling writing and family life, and how

Aug 4, 2022 • 59:40

Be One-in-a-Million with Monica Wood

Be One-in-a-Million with Monica Wood

Monica Wood’s most recent novel THE ONE-IN-A-MILLION BOY will capture your imagination and warm your heart. It’s the best book you may not yet have heard of. In this episode, Monica and Annmarie discuss found families, where stories come from, and why strivers make the world go ‘round. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 21, 2022 • 46:12

Claim Your Inheritance with Teresa K. Miller

Claim Your Inheritance with Teresa K. Miller

Teresa K. Miller's poetry collection, BORDERLINE FORTUNE, won the prestigious National Poetry Series and has been featured on radio programs and book festivals across the country. However, not long ago, Teresa nearly gave up writing, after one too many publishing heartbreaks. In this episode, she and Annmarie unpack that story, compare family legacies, and ponder what truly makes a life worth living. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 7, 2022 • 54:59

Defy Expectations with Kirstin Chen

Defy Expectations with Kirstin Chen

Kirstin Chen’s recent book, COUNTERFEIT, is one of the most anticipated novels of the summer, in which two Asian American women grow a fake handbag scheme into a global enterprise. The book is full of twists and surprises and makes for great beach or poolside reading. In this episode, Annmarie and Kirstin chat about luxury purses, fanny packs, daily yoga practice, and the dangers of the model minority myth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 23, 2022 • 47:26

Travel Through the Pages with Jennifer E. Smith

Travel Through the Pages with Jennifer E. Smith

Jennifer E. Smith spent years editing other people’s manuscripts before finally finding her footing to publish her own. To date, she’s now written eleven books, including THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT and HELLO, GOODBYE, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN that will both be released as films soon. In this episode, Annmarie and Jennifer discuss summoning courage, paying attention to small moments of joy, and how to travel the world both in and out of the pages of a book. Learn

Jun 9, 2022 • 58:13

Have a Good Talk with Mira Jacob

Have a Good Talk with Mira Jacob

Mira Jacob is a novelist, memoirist, illustrator, and cultural critic whose graphic memoir GOOD TALK has been described as “exactly the book America needs at this moment.” Annmarie and Mira discuss racism, social justice, and how to encourage our kids to ask difficult questions even when we don’t have all the answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 26, 2022 • 55:40

Embrace Your Weird with Carrie Harris

Embrace Your Weird with Carrie Harris

As a child, Carrie Harris was the kind of girl who played STAR WARS with the boys. Even at that young age, she yearned for more female roles and adventures. So these days, she writes them. Carrie recently landed her dream job telling stories for Marvel. Annmarie and Carrie reminisce about high school hijinks and discuss the importance of unleashing the superhero inside of each one of us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 12, 2022 • 41:25

Translate Love and Compassion with Haleh Liza Gafori

Translate Love and Compassion with Haleh Liza Gafori

As a child, Haleh Liza Gafori was introduced to Rumi’s Persian poetry, and as an adult, she began singing and translating these same poems. Annmarie and Haleh talk about the timelessness of this 13th century mystic, how Rumi’s work offers “liberating and nourishing perspectives” still vital to us today, and how we can both lose and find ourselves in the depth of his words. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 28, 2022 • 47:22

Climb Your Mountain with Silvia Vasquez-Lavado

Climb Your Mountain with Silvia Vasquez-Lavado

Silvia Vasquez-Lavado climbs mountains. In fact, she is one of the few women in the world to complete the Seven Summits, ascending the highest peak on each continent. In this episode, Silvia and Annmarie talk about the healing power of mountain climbing and how women can work through trauma by putting one foot in front of the other and hiking far above the clouds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 14, 2022 • 56:35

Unlearn Your Lessons with Elizabeth Lesser

Unlearn Your Lessons with Elizabeth Lesser

Elizabeth Lesser is a well-known author whose latest book, CASSANDRA SPEAKS, challenges us to think about how when women are the storytellers, the human story changes. In this episode, Annmarie and Elizabeth discuss the roles females have played throughout history, religion, and mythology, and how now is time for us to unlearn some of the gendered lessons we have come to believe so that all people can flourish and shine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 31, 2022 • 1:02:10

Surrender and Live with Barb Roose

Surrender and Live with Barb Roose

Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author who is passionate about teaching women to live in courage and faith. Annmarie and Barb discuss hometown heartaches, why people should eat dessert first, and how to journey through your own wilderness season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 17, 2022 • 46:48

We Are All We Need with Bodhi Calagna and Wilson Rodriguez

We Are All We Need with Bodhi Calagna and Wilson Rodriguez

Bodhi Calagana and Wilson Rodriguez have something in common: a love of sound. Specifically EDM or Electronic Dance Music. In this episode, Bodhi, Wilson, and Annmarie discuss finding acceptance, healing, and refuge in the EDM community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 3, 2022 • 1:09:28

Adopt Love and Understanding with Julia Brewer Daily

Adopt Love and Understanding with Julia Brewer Daily

Julia Brewer Daily began her career in Marketing, but she always knew she had a story to tell. Now in her 60s, Julia recently published her debut novel, NO NAMES TO BE GIVEN, a semi-autobiographical account of adoption practices years ago. In this episode, Annmarie and Julia discuss the heartache, love, and joy involved both in loving a child and letting her go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 17, 2022 • 47:31

Look to the Future with Laura Maylene Walter

Look to the Future with Laura Maylene Walter

Laura Maylene Walter is the author of BODY OF STARS, a novel in which women’s bodies predict the future. Annmarie and Laura discuss love and loss and the power of manifesting our dreams through storytelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 3, 2022 • 52:01

Keep the Flame Alive with Thrity Umrigar

Keep the Flame Alive with Thrity Umrigar

At the age of 21, Thrity Umrigar left India to study journalism in the United States. Decades later, she is the acclaimed author of more than a dozen books, including her latest, HONOR, in which a reporter searches for courage amid the ashes of hatred. Annmarie and Thrity talk about the resilience of women, our need to protect the most vulnerable among us, and how to find love hidden in the boredom of ordinary days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 20, 2022 • 49:37

Embrace Self-Love with Megan Logan

Embrace Self-Love with Megan Logan

Megan Logan is a therapist, mom, and author of the SELF-LOVE WORKBOOK FOR WOMEN. In this episode, we open up about past struggles and current opportunities. Annmarie and Megan also discuss nude beaches, skydiving, and how to embrace the best version of yourself in every phase of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 6, 2022 • 46:18

Just Say YES with Emily Ford Revisited

Just Say YES with Emily Ford Revisited

During this holiday season, we've decided to reissue our episode featuring Emily Ford. In case you don't remember, Emily was the first woman to successfully through-hike and complete Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail in the winter. I think we can all take a little of Emily's optimism into 2022!Emily’s love of the outdoors, her incurable optimism, and SAY YES spirit will have you donning hiking boots and heading for a walk in the woods. Annmarie talks to Emily (and her trusty sidekick Diggins) a

Dec 30, 2021 • 44:15

Dream with Your Eyes Open with Naki Akrobettoe

Dream with Your Eyes Open with Naki Akrobettoe

Naki Akrobettoe is a poet, a Ghanaian princess, and most importantly a mother. In this episode, Naki and Annmarie talk about the tricky balance of creativity and parenthood, the need for safe mental health practices, and the power of finding a home within yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 16, 2021 • 42:01

Never Run Out of Stories with Rebecca Makkai

Never Run Out of Stories with Rebecca Makkai

Rebecca Makkai is the author of Pulitzer Prize finalist, THE GREAT BELIEVERS, which tells the story of the AIDS epidemic in Chicago. Rebecca and Annmarie talk about the parallels and differences between battling Covid today and fighting HIV in the 1980s, as well as the lessons we can all learn about how to live and love in the face of fear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 2, 2021 • 40:23

Make Sense of Your Self with Derdriu Ring

Make Sense of Your Self with Derdriu Ring

Derdriu Ring always knew she wanted to act, and when she moved from Ireland to the United States, she continued to make this dream come true. Derdriu has performed sold-out shows from Los Angeles to Dublin and she joins us this week to talk about the magic and mystery of her craft. Annmarie and Derdriu discuss the importance of listening, working as an ensemble, and how to welcome adventures into the unknown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 11, 2021 • 43:58

Chase Your Dreams with Nayomi Munaweera

Chase Your Dreams with Nayomi Munaweera

Nayomi Munaweera is currently drafting her third novel. However, her first book took over ten years to write. Through dozens of revisions, rejections, and doubts, Nayomi learned the craft and never gave up on her dream. She felt in her bones she was meant to be a writer. Annmarie speaks with Nayomi about her immigrant childhood, teenage shenanigans, and what it really means to do the sacred work of storytelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 28, 2021 • 51:49

Be A Survivor with Jonathan Penner

Be A Survivor with Jonathan Penner

Jonathan Penner is an actor and screenwriter well-known for his multiple appearances on the show Survivor. But he joins us today to talk about arguably his most important role: caregiver for his wife, Stacy Title, an Academy Award-nominated director, screenwriter, and producer, who passed away in 2021. Annmarie and Jonathan talk about love stories, the creative life, and what happens after happily ever after. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 14, 2021 • 45:47

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone with Lori Gottlieb

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone with Lori Gottlieb

In this episode, Annmarie speaks with writer and therapist Lori Gottlieb about the power of talk therapy to transform our story. After jobs in television, journalism, and even a stint in medical school, Lori finally found her calling in psychotherapy. She has been on both the giving and receiving end of therapeutic wisdom and Lori teaches us how to unlearn old habits and foster new connections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 30, 2021 • 43:22

Reclaim Your Story with Vanessa Angélica Villareal

Reclaim Your Story with Vanessa Angélica Villareal

Does poetry scare you? Does it leave you feeling more lost than found? If so, you aren’t alone. In this episode, Annmarie talks to poet Vanessa Angélica Villareal about owning your truth, storytelling as survival, and the intergenerational power of Dirty Dancing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 16, 2021 • 48:36

Discover Your Superpowers with Sanyin Siang

Discover Your Superpowers with Sanyin Siang

Annmarie first met Sanyin in college. They passed each other in the halls and said, “Hey.” But it wasn’t until years later that they actually connected and became friends. In this episode, we catch up with Sanyin, who is now an executive coach and thought leader. She teaches us that when we look for the awesomeness in others, we can also find greatness in ourselves.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 2, 2021 • 46:27

Believe in Doubt with Matthew Paul Turner

Believe in Doubt with Matthew Paul Turner

Matthew Paul Turner was raised in a religious family and has spent his career authoring books about faith. However, in this episode, Annmarie and Matthew talk about the importance of uncertainty, questions, and doubt. Matthew reminds us that doubt and belief can work together as both children and adults grow in love, faith, and understanding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 19, 2021 • 49:58

Dwell in Possibility with Eliese Goldbach

Dwell in Possibility with Eliese Goldbach

Eliese Goldbach was a part-time seasonal house painter. She had no health care. She felt lost. Then she applied for a job as a steelworker and spent three years stirring molten iron, driving a forklift, and galvanizing metal. She did something completely outside of her comfort zone. And it changed her. It forged her as a human and a writer. It helped her be brave. In this episode, Annmarie and Elise discuss mental health, bravery, and the many paths to hope, possibility, and lasting cha

Aug 5, 2021 • 39:05

Dare to Be Challenged with Mikki Kendall

Dare to Be Challenged with Mikki Kendall

Mikki Kendall is a writer, activist, and “occasional feminist” whose book, Hood Feminism, challenges us to rethink our perspectives on what it means to be a woman, an ally, and a progressive member of any community. Annmarie and Mikki discuss education reform, sexuality, affordable housing, and whether watching The Muppet Show can be both escapist AND a feminist battle cry.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 22, 2021 • 45:32

Take a Soul Detour with Francisco X. Stork

Take a Soul Detour with Francisco X. Stork

Francisco X. Stork spent thirty-three years working at one job, but felt in his heart he was called to pursue another. He is a grandfather now and has just published his 9th book. Francisco draws upon his experiences as a Mexican immigrant to write captivating stories for young readers. Annmarie and Francisco discuss do-overs, chess, hopeful endings, and how to resist putting a time limit on our dreams.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 8, 2021 • 39:53

 Permission to Fail with Rachel Simmons

Permission to Fail with Rachel Simmons

When was the last time you did something that scared you? Not just bungee jumping or mountain biking, but even little fears, like talking to a stranger or asking for a raise at work? This week, Annmarie talks to author, educator, and executive coach Rachel Simmons about the importance of taking risks and exercising our “failure muscles.” Rachel reminds us that NOT being amazing is actually an important step on our journey to success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/

Jun 24, 2021 • 41:19

Your Black Friend, Fred Joseph

Your Black Friend, Fred Joseph

Whether he’s empowering kids around the world to see the film Black Panther or providing food and shelter to thousands of families during the Covid pandemic, Frederick Joseph is a tireless agent of social change. His book, The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person, is a gateway for both young people and adults to talk about racism and how to combat it. Fred and Annmarie discuss what it means to be an accomplice, the obligations of white privilege, antiracist teachings, and how to

Jun 10, 2021 • 44:47

The Last Day of My First Life with Katherine Standefer

The Last Day of My First Life with Katherine Standefer

When Katherine Standefer woke up in a parking lot with gravel in her forehead, she knew her life would never be the same. The incomparable author of Lightning Flowers takes us on a medical and spiritual journey as she discovers how to navigate life with a defibrillator in her chest. Annmarie and Katherine discuss their difficult experiences with the healthcare system, Katherine's global journey to investigate the minerals in her medical device, and the true costs of what it means to sav

May 27, 2021 • 40:30

Just Say YES with Emily Ford

Just Say YES with Emily Ford

Emily Ford recently became the first woman to solo hike the entire Ice Age Trail in winter. Emily’s love of the outdoors, her incurable optimism, and SAY YES spirit will have you donning hiking boots and heading for a walk in the woods. Annmarie talks to Emily (and her trusty sidekick Diggins) about trail magic, the kindness of strangers, and how all of us are so much stronger than we realize. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 13, 2021 • 44:15

Finding Faith with Bunmi Laditan

Finding Faith with Bunmi Laditan

Bunmi Laditan is a mom, writer, and self-proclaimed "domestic failure." She has written a number of fantastic books including the hilarious Honest Toddler, and her most recent heartfelt title, Dear God. In this episode, Bunmi walks us through lessons in faith, grace, love, and forgiveness. Annmarie and Bunmi discuss normalizing anxiety, how humor can be born from adversity, and how to survive when children turn our worlds upside-down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm

Apr 29, 2021 • 39:47

Introducing: Wild Precious Life with Annmarie Kelly

Introducing: Wild Precious Life with Annmarie Kelly

Join author, educator, and learner, Annmarie Kelly as she laughs, cries, and kvetches with the writers, musicians, entrepreneurs, and wanderers who inspire all of us to reach beyond our divisions and discover what it means to be wild, precious, and brave. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 9, 2021 • 2:14

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