Episodes

  • Housemates with Emma Copley Eisenberg

    Housemates with Emma Copley Eisenberg
    Jul 9 2024
    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 committed to serving as a launchpad for the next generation of local writers. We strive to create innovative relationships between authors and their audiences, and we publish and stock writing with the power to both entertain and spark change. Come visit or find us online at theheadandthehand.com. Women & Children First – A bookstore that understands the transformative power of literature. As intersectional trans-inclusive feminists, we believe books are tools for liberation. Since 1979, we’ve celebrated and amplified under-represented voices. We offer a welcoming space for learning, dialogue, and reflection, and strive toward a feminist, equitable workplace. Come visit our Chicago location or shop online at womenandchildrenfirst.com. Titles Mentioned in this Episode: Housemates, by Emma Copley Eisenberg The Third Rainbow Girl: The Long Life of a Double Murder in Appalachia, by Emma Copley Eisenberg Nicotine, by Nell Zinks The Girls of Slender Means, Murial Spark All This Could Be Different, by Sarah Thankham Mathews Sophie's Choice, by William Styron Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott A Grace Paley Reader: Stories, Essays, and Poetry Blue Stoop, a home for Philly writers Learn more about Emma Goldman’s ice cream parlor here Jordan Kisner podcast Thresholds Follow Emma Copley Eisenberg: Twitter: @frumpenberg Instagram: @frumpenberg emmacopleyeisenberg.com Photo credit: Kenzi Crash Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • Exhibit with R.O. Kwon

    Exhibit with R.O. Kwon
    Jun 25 2024
    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 make tiny bookstores for & by people of color— where all are welcome. What you'll find at each Duende District is a lovingly curated selection of new & used adult & children's books by authors of color in English & Spanish. Each boutique partnership offers a uniquely crafted & inviting literary space focused on engaging communities of color, while also inviting all people to participate in the experience. Visit our locations in Albuquerque & Brooklyn, or find us online at duendedistrict.com. Loyalty Bookstores – A Black, Asian, and Queer owned bookstore, which aims to be the Mid-Atlantic’s neighborhood spot for books, gifts, and programming. At Loyalty, we highlight the diverse voices and creatives who make our communities great. We work to create an inclusive, welcoming environment because, well, books are home. Visit our DC and Silver Spring locations or find us online at loyaltybookstores.com. Yu and Me Books – A bookstore / café / and bar that showcases strong, diverse voices, with a focus on immigrant stories, in a space where we can dream together, strive for change, and push systems closer to justice. Come to our NYC location to sip, read, and share amazing conversations, or find us online at yuandmebooks.com. Titles Mentioned in this Episode: Exhibit, by R.O. Kwon The Incendiaries, by R.O. Kwon Kink: Stories, edited by Garth Greenwell and R.O. Kwon Small Rain, by Garth Greenwell Follow R.O. Kwon: Twitter: @rokwon Instagram: @ro.kwon ro-kwon.com Photo credit: Jesse Dittmar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • One of Our Kind with Nicola Yoon

    One of Our Kind with Nicola Yoon
    Jun 11 2024
    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 your kids want to dye their hair blue. Episode Sponsors: Annabelle’s Book Club LA – A highly curated collection of books and gifts with a modern point of view. Founded by 17-year-old Annabelle Chang, this YA-focused bookstore aims to spark imagination, inspire connection, and bring joy to people of all ages. Stop or find us online at annabellesbookclubla.com. Rep Club – A bookshop and creative space curated by Blackness in Los Angeles, California. Named one of Issa Rae's "favorite places in Los Angeles," this Black, queer, and woman-owned space hosts bookish events and can help you find your next 5-star read. Wherever you are, shop online at rep.club. For a limited time, listeners can get 10% off your next read with code WILD at checkout! Books by Nicola Yoon: Everything, Everything The Sun Is Also a Star Instructions for Dancing One of Our Kind Blackout, by Nicola Yoon, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, and Nic Stone Whiteout, by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon If you’re looking for a throwback karaoke song, here’s Making Love Out of Nothing at All, by Air Supply. Follow Nicola Yoon: Facebook: NicolaYoonWriter Twitter: @NicolaYoon Instagram: @nicolayoon nicolayoon.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • A Very Inconvenient Scandal with Jacquelyn Mitchard

    A Very Inconvenient Scandal with Jacquelyn Mitchard
    May 28 2024
    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 Fable – An independent bookshop in Holliston, Massachusetts with a focus on inspiring creativity and growth in readers of all ages. Stop by or shop online at aesopsfable.com. Brewster Book Store – A full-service independent shop filled to the brim with books, toys, games, greeting cards, and gifts. We’ve been matching readers with books for over 40 years, and we’re proud of our collection of Cape Cod books, our extensive children's section, and our wide selection of books for readers of all tastes and ages. We believe books have the power to change lives. Come in or shop online at brewsterbookstore.com. A Small Selection of Books by Jacquelyn Mitchard: A Very Inconvenient Scandal The Deep End of the Ocean The Good Son A Theory of Relativity Films Mentioned in this Episode: Wuthering Heights – Here’s a clip from the 1992 version starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche. Here’s a trailer for North by Northwest. Here’s a clip from the film Glory. Here’s the trailer for American Fiction. Finally, if you’re a writer and want to journey with Jacquelyn Mitchard along the Mediterranean Sea this fall, learn more HERE. Follow Jacquelyn Mitchard: Facebook: jacquelyn.mitchard Twitter: @JackieMitchard Instagram: @jacquelynmitchard Goodreads: jacquelyn_mitchard jacquelynmitchard.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Briefly Perfectly Human with Alua Arthur

    Briefly Perfectly Human with Alua Arthur
    May 14 2024
    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 live better lives. Episode Sponsors: Octavia’s Bookshelf – An independent bookstore in Pasadena, California where readers of all walks of life can enjoy our store full of books written by BIPOC writers. Octavia’s Bookshelf is a place to find your new BFF inside a book, a space to find community, enjoy a cup of coffee, read, relax, find unique and specially curated products from artisans from around the world and in our neighborhood. Stop by or shop online at octaviasbookshelf.com. Rep Club – A bookshop and creative space curated by Blackness in Los Angeles, California. Named one of Issa Rae's "favorite places in Los Angeles," this Black, queer, and woman-owned space hosts bookish events and can help you find your next 5-star read. Wherever you are, shop online at rep.club. For a limited time, listeners can get 10% off your next read with code WILD at checkout! Titles Discussed in this Episode: Briefly Perfectly Human, by Alua Arthur Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides Conscious Grieving, by Claire Bidwell Smith Love on the Scottish Spring Isle, by Beatrice Bradshaw Fathers and Sons, by Howard Cunnell Follow Alua Arthur: Instagram: @going_with_grace Twitter: @goinggracefully Facebook: @goingwgrace goingwithgrace.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • Writing for the Ear

    Writing for the Ear
    Apr 30 2024
    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 short essays. Some folks have been writing for decades. Others are just getting started. All of them have stories to tell. Episode Sponsors: Literary Cleveland – Developing writers, amplifying voices, and transforming our community through storytelling. You can explore other voices and discover your own. Search for classes and find your creative community at litcleveland.org. Mac’s Backs – A proud Cleveland indie bookstore with three floors for browsing, great online service, and chocolate milkshakes right next door. Find your next great read and shop online at macsbacks.com. Writers Showcased in this Episode: Alvis Pettker Tamar Cloyd Jackie Sliva T. Lee Peters Deborah Taddeo Emily Jaster L.P. Amy Alspach Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghost with Crystal Wilkinson

    Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghost with Crystal Wilkinson
    Apr 16 2024
    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-awareness we find in the stories of our ancestors. Episode Sponsor: Charis Books and More – An independent feminist bookstore. Charis fosters sustainable feminist communities, works for social justice, and encourages the expression of diverse and marginalized voices. When you spend your money or your time at Charis Books and More, you are investing in the radical belief that multi-racial organizing and movement- building centered in a Southern, queer, feminist, anti-racist practice can shift culture and change lives and we appreciate your support. Stop by our Decatur, Georgia store or find us online at charisbooksandmore.com. BEM | books and more – BEM is a bookstore specializing in food literature of the African Diaspora, inspired by a line of dynamic and brilliant Black women who season with love and spin tales with the best of them. Honoring that legacy and those of Black folks and families across time and place is at the heart of what they do. Food opens a door to life, to sustenance, to love, to politics, and BEM | books and more is thrilled to welcome you into their community to explore it all together. Discover more online at bembrooklyn.com or on their Instagram @bembrooklyn. Wild Precious Life listeners receive 10% off their orders at BEM | books and more. Just type in the code WILDPRECIOUSLIFE (all one word) when you check out. Titles Discussed in this Episode: Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks, by Crystal Wilkinson Perfect Black, by Crystal Wilkinson The Birds of Opulence, by Crystal Wilkinson Other conversations with Crystal Wilkinson: PRAISESONG FOR THE KITCHEN GHOSTS: STORIES AND RECIPES FROM FIVE GENERATIONS OF BLACK COUNTRY COOKS PERFECT BLACK: CRYSTAL WILKINSON IN CONVERSATION WITH KIESE LAYMON BREATH BETTER SPENT: LIVING BLACK GIRLHOOD--DAMARIS B. HILL IN CONVERSATION WITH CRYSTAL WILKINSON Follow Crystal Wilkinson: Instagram: @crystalwilki Twitter: @crystalwilki Facebook: @wilkinsoncrystal crystalewilkinson.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Broughtupsy with Christina Cooke

    Broughtupsy with Christina Cooke
    Apr 2 2024
    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, and invite writers to share their work-in-progress for feedback and constructive criticism. Our hope is to build a sisterhood of writers at every level of accomplishment and to strengthen the voices of the unheard and unacknowledged. If you’re a Black woman writer, you’re welcome to join us. Learn more at zorasden.com. Brain Lair Books – A black-owned, woman-owned children's bookstore located in South Bend, Indiana. At Brain Lair, we partner with local schools and universities to help build an inclusive, welcoming community. We specialize in juvenile and young adult literature written by and for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+, and Disabled communities, as well as adult nonfiction about ending white supremacy, promoting anti-racism, and becoming a social activist. We can help you find the books you need. Drop by or browse online at brainlairbooks.com. Titles Discussed in this Episode: BROUGHTUPSY, by Christina Cooke IMAGINARY HOMELANDS, by Salman Rushdie WHITE TEETH, by Zadie Smith It’s All Coming Back to Me Now, by Celine Dion. Learn more about Louise Bennett, a Jamaican folklorist and poet. Follow Christina Cooke: Instagram: @christina.j.cooke Twitter: @christinajcooke www.christinajcooke.com Photo credit: Eli Jules Photography Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins