Episodes

  • LINGUAPHILE: Julie Sedivy on the Beauty, Complexity, and Mystery of Language

    LINGUAPHILE: Julie Sedivy on the Beauty, Complexity, and Mystery of Language
    Nov 21 2024
    Summary In this episode, Julie Sedivy, author of Linguaphile: A Life of Language Love, explores her profound relationship with language as both a scientist and a writer. Sedivy shares her journey from a multilingual childhood to becoming a linguist, reflecting on the complexities of multilingualism, the emotional weight of language, and its profound ties to … Continue reading LINGUAPHILE: Julie Sedivy on the Beauty, Complexity, and Mystery of Language →
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    57 mins
  • Ann Patchett & Kathy Engel on Art, Love, and the Power of Poetry in Difficult Times

    Ann Patchett & Kathy Engel on Art, Love, and the Power of Poetry in Difficult Times
    Nov 14 2024
    Summary In this episode of Writer’s Voice, celebrated novelist Ann Patchett discusses the annotated release of her beloved novel Bel Canto, exploring how themes of love, art, and humanity resonate in times of crisis. Patchett reflects on her writing process, the tenderness of her characters, and how art can provide solace in difficult times. The, … Continue reading Ann Patchett & Kathy Engel on Art, Love, and the Power of Poetry in Difficult Times →
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    58 mins
  • Gardening Utopia: Olivia Laing on THE GARDEN AGAINST TIME

    Gardening Utopia: Olivia Laing on THE GARDEN AGAINST TIME
    Nov 8 2024
    In this thought-provoking episode, acclaimed author Olivia Laing shares insights from The Garden Against Time, exploring the concept of gardens as both physical spaces and metaphors for paradise, exclusion, and resistance. Laing recounts restoring a historic garden and reflects on themes of ecological stewardship, historical gardens, and the philosophical tensions between control and collaboration with … Continue reading Gardening Utopia: Olivia Laing on THE GARDEN AGAINST TIME →
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    59 mins
  • CRISIS AVERTED: Caitlin Rivers on the Hidden Science of Fighting Outbreaks

    CRISIS AVERTED: Caitlin Rivers on the Hidden Science of Fighting Outbreaks
    Oct 31 2024
    In this episode, we speak with epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers about her book Crisis Averted. From the successful eradication of smallpox to navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Rivers delves into public health challenges, funding gaps, and the “panic and neglect” cycle that threatens our preparedness for future outbreaks. Host’s Note We are less than a week away … Continue reading CRISIS AVERTED: Caitlin Rivers on the Hidden Science of Fighting Outbreaks →
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    57 mins
  • Eiren Caffall THE MOURNER’S BESTIARY & Betsy McCully, AT THE GLACIER’S EDGE

    Eiren Caffall THE MOURNER’S BESTIARY & Betsy McCully, AT THE GLACIER’S EDGE
    Oct 28 2024
    In this episode of Writer’s Voice, we explore the intersections of personal and ecological narratives through two powerful interviews. Francesca speaks with writer and musician Eiren Caffall about her memoir, The Mourner’s Bestiary, and naturalist Betsy McCully, author of At the Glacier’s Edge: A Natural History of Long Island from the Narrows to Montauk Point. … Continue reading Eiren Caffall THE MOURNER’S BESTIARY & Betsy McCully, AT THE GLACIER’S EDGE →
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • World Wars: Robert Harris, PRECIPICE & Giles Milton, THE STALIN AFFAIR

    World Wars: Robert Harris, PRECIPICE & Giles Milton, THE STALIN AFFAIR
    Oct 24 2024
    Today, we explore two uncommon angles on the histories of World War I and World War II. First, we’re joined by historical fiction writer Robert Harris, author of the recently released novel, Precipice. The novel explores a true story — the clandestine relationship between British Prime Minister Herbert Asquith and Venetia Stanley — set against … Continue reading World Wars: Robert Harris, PRECIPICE & Giles Milton, THE STALIN AFFAIR →
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Louise Erdrich, THE MIGHTY RED & James Hansen (encore) STORMS OF MY GRANDCHILDREN

    Louise Erdrich, THE MIGHTY RED & James Hansen (encore) STORMS OF MY GRANDCHILDREN
    Oct 18 2024
    In this episode of Writer’s Voice, Host Francesca Rheannon welcomes acclaimed author Louise Erdrich to discuss her new novel, The Mighty Red. Known for her deeply layered storytelling and themes centered on Native American life, Erdrich takes listeners on a journey into the heart of the Red River Valley in North Dakota. Here, she weaves … Continue reading Louise Erdrich, THE MIGHTY RED & James Hansen (encore) STORMS OF MY GRANDCHILDREN →
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    58 mins
  • Anna Zivarts, WHEN DRIVING IS NOT AN OPTION & Dan Piatkowski, BICYCLE CITY

    Anna Zivarts, WHEN DRIVING IS NOT AN OPTION & Dan Piatkowski, BICYCLE CITY
    Oct 6 2024
    In this episode of Writer’s Voice, we talk about changing urban transport to make it more people-centric, not car-centric. We welcome disability mobility advocate Anna Zivarts, author of When Driving Is Not An Option: Steering Away From Car Dependency. Then, urban planner Dan Piatkowski tells us about how new developments in bike technology can make … Continue reading Anna Zivarts, WHEN DRIVING IS NOT AN OPTION & Dan Piatkowski, BICYCLE CITY →
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    57 mins