Wild Precious Life: Recent Episodes
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.
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
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
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 episode, Annmarie and Ruchira talk about her nonprofit Apne Aap, her debut novel I KICK AND I FLY, and what it would take to create a world where no child is ever bought or sold again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 to learn the multitudes contained in one another’s stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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.
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 save your marriage, and how shared recipes can foster love, understanding, and joy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 any story truly comes to be.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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) about trail magic, the kindness of strangers, and how all of us are so much stronger than we realize. https://evergreenpodcasts.com/wild-precious-life/just-say-yes-with-emily-ford
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 change.
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.
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.
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.
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 use Twizzlers as a straw.
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 save a life. Katherine’s story is truly remarkable.
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.
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.
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.