Best Mattea Podcasts (2025)

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Revisiting Writers & Company: Happy 250th, Jane Austen! 51:27

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3d ago51:27

51:27

Jane Austen is one of the most enduring novelists of all time. But what do we know about the woman behind the stories? To celebrate Austen’s 250th birthday, we’re revisiting Eleanor Wachtel’s conversation with Carol Shields about her 2001 biography, Jane Austen: A Life. Carol Shields herself was a writer and a lifelong Austen fan, and she talks abo…

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1,070 - Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Jack Blocker, Cole Quest & The City Pickers, Courtney Hartman, The Critton Hollow String Band 2:21:01

1d ago2:21:01

2:21:01

This episode was recorded on November 16th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Jack Blocker, Cole Quest & The City Pickers, Courtney Hartman, The Critton Hollow String Band. https://bit.ly/451CjinBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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So your whole family thinks you’re reincarnated — what now? 28:15

7d ago28:15

28:15

After releasing her breakout hit My Sister the Serial Killer in 2018, Oyinkan Braithwaite struggled to write under the pressure of high expectations. She worried about being a one-hit wonder … but her new novel, Cursed Daughters, proves otherwise. The book follows three generations of women from a family that is believed to be cursed, dooming them …

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“Are We Chopped?" Gen Alpha Slang 50:25

7d ago50:25

50:25

Alayna and Mak discuss unhinged Sims mods, absurd Gen Alpha slang terms, and the surprising origins of the Boobometer. FOLLOW CHOSEN FAMILY TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chosenfamilypod. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/chosenfamilypod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9WM_cdLWHtsCXLg3y…

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What are the 2025 Jeopardy! Highlights? 17:08

8d ago17:08

17:08

Michael and Sarah take a look back at the top moments from 2025. Inside Jeopardy! is sponsored by Shopify. Visit Shopify.com/jeopardy to sign up for a $1 per month trial period. Hosts: Michael Davies & Sarah Foss Production Support: Alexa Macchia & Carlos Martinez Follow Jeopardy! Instagram: @jeopardy Twitter: @jeopardy Subscribe on YouTube: www.yo…

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All I want for Christmas … is a fake boyfriend? 31:24

10d ago31:24

31:24

Christmas is a time for togetherness, good food … and lying to your family about your love life. At least, that’s the case in Uzma Jalaluddin’s new holiday rom-com, Yours for the Season. The book stars Sameera and Tom, whose career ambitions lead them into a fake-dating situation. The holidays get even messier when Sameera and Tom’s families decide…

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Video games are radical. Not in the way you think 30:53

14d ago30:53

30:53

Video games make you violent. Video games corrupt the youth. Video games rot your brain! You’ve probably heard that narrative before … but Kawika Guillermo offers a fresh take in their new essay collection, Of Floating Isles: On Growing Pains and Video Games. The book is part memoir, part cultural analysis about the roles that video games play in o…

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Death By Gen Z Stare 45:55

14d ago45:55

45:55

Breaking down the Gen Z stare, Ashley’s master plan for Fulton’s organs, and the great seat reclining debate. FOLLOW CHOSEN FAMILY TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chosenfamilypod. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/chosenfamilypod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9WM_cdLWHtsCXLg3ygFiww⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.…

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Three writers on the monsters that made them 44:41

17d ago44:41

44:41

What’s more horrifying than slashers, monsters … and Vancouver real estate? This week, Bookends brings you on-stage at the Vancouver Writers Fest. Back in October, Mattea Roach was joined by writers Mona Awad, Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Jen Sookfong Lee for a special panel about how the horror genre reflects our lived experiences. All three authors h…

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A priest and an artist walk into a bar 32:43

21d ago32:43

32:43

… and they can’t keep their hands off each other. That’s the premise at the centre of Brandon Taylor’s latest novel, Minor Black Figures. It’s about a painter named Wyeth who’s struggling to find his voice in New York’s politically charged art scene. It only gets messier when Wyeth has the perfect meet-cute at a bar … and starts falling for someone…

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Mak and Chappell Roan? 53:52

21d ago53:52

53:52

Mak’s close encounter with a famous popstar, a curly hair debate, and questionable financial choices. FOLLOW CHOSEN FAMILY TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chosenfamilypod. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/chosenfamilypod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9WM_cdLWHtsCXLg3ygFiww⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. FOLLOW ASHLEY…

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1,069 - Hannah Cohen, Lera Lynn, Boulevards, Amy Millan, and Oyo 2:07:37

22d ago2:07:37

2:07:37

This episode was recorded on November 11th, 2025 at the People's Bank Theatre in Mariette, Ohio. The lineup includes Hannah Cohen, Lera Lynn, Boulevards, Amy Millan, and Oyo. https://bit.ly/445zyvTBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Anarchists have bigger hearts than you think 29:23

24d ago29:23

29:23

What’s more romantic than planning an assassination together? You’d have to ask the radical activist Emma Goldman, who did just that with her revolutionary partner and lover, Sasha Berkman. Emma was a real historical figure and one of the best known anarchists and orators of all time … and the Canadian author Robert Hough fictionalizes her life in …

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John Irving’s new novel returns to a familiar orphanage 23:51

28d ago23:51

23:51

John Irving’s books are on many readers’ list of favourites. He’s written novels like The World According to Garp and The Cider House Rules, which you also might recognize from their beloved screen adaptations. John is known for writing generation-spanning novels about family, identity and contemporary issues. His latest book, Queen Esther, deliver…

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The Hobbies Episode 50:10

28d ago50:10

50:10

Mak, Alayna, and Ashley discuss their current hobbies, favorite movies, Sabrina Carpenter, and Julio's mysterious disappearance...? FOLLOW CHOSEN FAMILY TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chosenfamilypod. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/chosenfamilypod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9WM_cdLWHtsCXLg3ygF…

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1,068 - SHADOWLANDS feat. John Raymond & S. Carey, TAE & The Neighborly, Ken Yates, Damn tall Buildings, Erin McKeown 2:19:56

29d ago2:19:56

2:19:56

This episode was recorded on October 19th, 2025 at WVU's Canady Creative Arts Center in Morgantown, WV. The lineup includes SHADOWLANDS feat. John Raymond & S. Carey, TAE & The Neighborly, Ken Yates, Damn tall Buildings, Erin McKeown. https://bit.ly/3M4ZkdjBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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This poem took 16 straight hours to write 30:46

1M ago30:46

30:46

It’s a bit of an understatement to say that Canisia Lubrin has a way with words. Last year, she took home the Carol Shields Prize for her debut novel, Code Noir. Now she’s back with a long-form poem called The World After Rain. The poem is an epic tribute to her mother and the passing of time, and it poured out of Canisia over the span of 16 hours.…

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1,067 - Craig Finn & The Band of Forgiveness, East Nash Grass, Deb Talan, Nicki Bluhm, and Two Runner 2:22:34

1M ago2:22:34

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This episode was recorded on October 12th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Craig Finn & The Band of Forgiveness, East Nash Grass, Deb Talan, Nicki Bluhm, and Two Runner. https://bit.ly/3XJq7hPBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Here’s what you have wrong about teen moms 26:11

1M ago26:11

26:11

Leila Mottley was only 17 years-old when she wrote her debut novel, Nightcrawling … and she was 20 when she became the youngest author ever to make the Booker Prize longlist. After that incredible start, Leila is now back with her second novel, called The Girls Who Grew Big. It’s about a group of young mothers who navigate growing up and raising ch…

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The Great Flashing Of 2026 49:06

1M ago49:06

49:06

Ashley’s sunflower eyes, Mak’s acupuncture, Alayna’s EMDR training, and preparation for the most controversial Patreon incentive ever created. FOLLOW CHOSEN FAMILY TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chosenfamilypod. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/chosenfamilypod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9WM_cdLWHtsCX…

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Who are the Postseason Players? 20:28

1M ago20:28

20:28

Michael and Sarah return to reveal the fields for the upcoming Jeopardy! postseason. Inside Jeopardy! is sponsored by Shopify. Visit Shopify.com/jeopardy to sign up for a $1 per month trial period. Hosts: Michael Davies & Sarah Foss Production Support: Alexa Macchia & Carlos Martinez Follow Jeopardy! Instagram: @jeopardy Twitter: @jeopardy Subscrib…

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Chris Hadfield — from astronaut to author 36:53

1M ago36:53

36:53

You might know Chris Hadfield, decorated astronaut and former Commander of the International Space Station. But do you know Chris Hadfield, the pilot, engineer, musician and author? His latest novel, Final Orbit, is a Cold War-era thriller set against the backdrop of the Space Race of the 1970s. The book draws from Chris’s own experiences in the st…

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1,066 - Jim Lauderdale & The Game Changers, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Lilly Hiatt, Joachim Cooder, and Woodbine 2:26:14

1M ago2:26:14

2:26:14

This episode was recorded on October 5th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Jim Lauderdale & The Game Changers, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Lilly Hiatt, Joachim Cooder, and Woodbine. https://bit.ly/4qXuRhhBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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A fictional ad agency — and its very real ghosts 27:40

1M ago27:40

27:40

In Aurora Stewart de Peña's debut novel, Julius Julius, ads are inescapable … which isn’t far off from real life. If you ever feel unsettled by the way that marketing influences us, you’ll probably resonate with Julius Julius. It's a satirical look at the advertising industry and a finalist for this year’s Atwood Gibson Writers' Trust Fiction Prize…

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Mak Learns To Twerk 45:04

1M ago45:04

45:04

Ashley, Alayna, and Mak discuss 6 7, acupuncture, Mak’s thirst-trapping days, Katseye, and the most difficult “would you rather”. FOLLOW CHOSEN FAMILY TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chosenfamilypod. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/chosenfamilypod/⁠⁠⁠⁠. Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9WM_cdLWHtsCXLg3ygFiww⁠⁠⁠⁠. FOL…

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Kiran Desai’s novel is worth the 20-year wait 41:48

2M ago41:48

41:48

Not many people can say that a Booker prize nomination feels like deja vu … but Kiran Desai is one of those rare people. Twenty years after her first win, Kiran is back on the Booker shortlist with her long-awaited new novel, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny. It’s an expansive book that traces the paths of two young Indians as they criss-cross the…

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Five Faves: Kathy Mattea Edition (Special Episode) 1:57:45

2M ago1:57:45

1:57:45

This week’s broadcast of Mountain Stage is a Five Favorites edition featuring a collection of favorite sets from 2023, chosen by our host Kathy Mattea. This special episode includes performances by Jason Isbell, Catherine Russell, Karla Bonoff, The High Kings, and Jennifer Hartswick Band. https://bit.ly/3LokYcs…

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What is a stag dance? 27:15

2M ago27:15

27:15

Torrey Peters was in the woods building her own sauna when she came up with the titular story in her new collection, called Stag Dance. The story is about a lumberjack at the turn of the 20th century … and it’s a sharp turn from her debut novel Detransition, Baby, which was a huge success with both readers and critics. The stories in Stag Dance exp…

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We Like Our Friends Cancelled 50:22

2M ago50:22

50:22

Ashley, Mak, and Alayna break down Taylor Swift’s new album, invent a new word, and work through a listener’s attachment style woes. FOLLOW CHOSEN FAMILY TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chosenfamilypod. ⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/chosenfamilypod/⁠⁠⁠. Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9WM_cdLWHtsCXLg3ygFiww⁠⁠⁠. FOLLOW…

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Zadie Smith never thought she’d tell this story 48:01

2M ago48:01

48:01

It’s hard to believe that Zadie Smith was just 24 years old when she wrote White Teeth, the book that made her a literary star. 25 years later, Zadie is still finding new stories from her life to reflect on — and she shares many of those in her latest essay collection, Dead and Alive. The book combines art criticism with musings about technology, p…

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Can your nail tech throw a mean right hook? 25:43

2M ago25:43

25:43

In the new novel Pick a Colour, the answer to that question is a resounding yes. The debut novel from Souvankham Thammavongsa centres on Ning, the owner of a nail salon. Before she was a nail technician, Ning was a boxer … and she hasn’t completely shrugged off those instincts from the ring. Souvankham won the Giller Prize in 2020 for her story col…

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The Breakup Special ft. Mattea Ingemi 45:14

2M ago45:14

45:14

In a special edition of the podcast, "cousins" Mak and Mattea cover breakups, bras, and teenage crushes. FOLLOW CHOSEN FAMILY TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chosenfamilypod. ⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/chosenfamilypod/⁠⁠. Youtube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9WM_cdLWHtsCXLg3ygFiww⁠⁠. FOLLOW ASHLEY GAVIN @ashgavs TikTok: ⁠⁠h…

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1,065 - The Baseball Project, The Minus 5, Bob Mould, Chris Stamey, Loose Cattle 2:18:03

2M ago2:18:03

2:18:03

This episode was recorded on September 28th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes The Baseball Project, The Minus 5, Bob Mould, Chris Stamey, Loose Cattle. https://bit.ly/4hvWHNnBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Ian McEwan has hope for humanity — here’s why 35:03

2M ago35:03

35:03

A century from now, how will historians look back on your life? In his latest novel, What We Can Know, Ian McEwan imagines the future in 100 years. In a world altered by climate change and nuclear war, human beings are looking back at our current age with a mix of nostalgia, envy and contempt … which is why a scholar becomes fixated on finding a lo…

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What is the 2026 Jeopardy! Postseason? 13:36

2M ago13:36

13:36

Michael and Sarah return to discuss the latest in the world of Jeopardy!, including Pop Culture Jeopardy! Season 2 and Celebrity Jeopardy!. Plus, they reveal the upcoming postseason format. Inside Jeopardy! is sponsored by Shopify. Visit Shopify.com/jeopardy to sign up for a $1 per month trial period. Hosts: Michael Davies & Sarah Foss Production S…

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1,064 - Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes, The SteelDrivers, Basia Bulat, The Wildwoods, and Taylor Rae 2:24:56

2M ago2:24:56

2:24:56

This episode was recorded on September 21st , 2025 at the Canady Creative Arts Center in Morgantown, WV. The lineup includes Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes, The SteelDrivers, Basia Bulat, The Wildwoods, and Taylor Rae. https://bit.ly/3Wmpn1EBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Why Mona Awad gave the Bunnies a say 31:34

2M ago31:34

31:34

The bunnies are back … and they’re bloodier than ever. In We Love You, Bunny, Mona Awad returns to the surreal world of her best selling novel Bunny. A deliciously deranged mix of fairy tale, satire and horror, Bunny was loved by critics and readers alike. But what do the villains of that story — a clique of mean girls called the Bunnies — have to …

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This Got Out of Hand 59:36

2M ago59:36

59:36

The chaotic episodes have returned, with Mak dressing up for Halloween, Alayna describing her research, and a question from a listener about attraction to a friend. The podcast then derails into an extensive discussion of a particular body part. FOLLOW CHOSEN FAMILY TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chosenfamilypod. ⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagr…

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Where do North Korean spies go for dinner? 30:06

2M ago30:06

30:06

Soju, kimchi, gun fights, car chases … and profound reflections on the Korean diaspora. Whether you’re hungry for food or for action, Jinwoo Park’s debut novel has it all. Oxford Soju Club is about a group of Korean spies carrying out their missions in Oxford. At the centre of it all is The Soju Club, the only Korean restaurant in town. Like any go…

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1,063 - Robert Randolph, Carolyn Wonderland, Patty Larkin, and Nellie McKay 2:27:28

2M ago2:27:28

2:27:28

This episode was recorded on August 24th, 2025 at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg, WV. The lineup includes Robert Randolph, Carolyn Wonderland, Patty Larkin, and Nellie McKay. https://bit.ly/472AlQdBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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High Value Men Only 49:26

2M ago49:26

49:26

The boys give updates on all things high-value male: football, cologne, date ideas, and lesbianism. FOLLOW CHOSEN FAMILY TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chosenfamilypod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chosenfamilypod/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9WM_cdLWHtsCXLg3ygFiww FOLLOW ASHLEY GAVIN @ashgavs TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@…

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Think Stonehenge rocks? So does Ken Follett 40:10

2M ago40:10

40:10

Ken Follett is one of the most successful authors alive today. He’s sold almost 200 million books, and readers have devoured his stories about the Black Plague, German spies and nuclear war. His next challenge? The great mystery of Stonehenge. Ken’s latest novel, Circle of Days, imagines the story behind that monument and wonder of ancient life. Ke…

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What is extreme caretaking? 25:11

3M ago25:11

25:11

The winner of the 2025 CBC Nonfiction Prize is The Invisible Woman by Laura MacGregor. It's a deeply personal and heartfelt story Laura wrote about her son Matthew, who lived with profound disabilities and required around-the-clock care. Laura wrote The Invisible Woman as a way of dealing with her grief after Matthew's passing, and to reckon with h…

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Therapized Mak Is A Nightmare 51:20

3M ago51:20

51:20

Mak recaps her experiences in therapy. Alay... Mak recaps her experiences in therapy. Alayna advises on how soon you're allowed to fire your therapist. Ashley updates us on Fulton’s health. FOLLOW CHOSEN FAMILY TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chosenfamilypod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chosenfamilypod/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/chan…

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1,062 -Vanessa Collier, Margaret Glaspy, Matt Andersen, Amythyst Kiah, and Ron Sowell 2:35:02

3M ago2:35:02

2:35:02

By West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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R.F. Kuang raises a little hell 45:41

3M ago45:41

45:41

After massive hits like The Poppy War, Babel and Yellowface, R.F. Kuang’s new novel takes readers to hell — quite literally. Katabasis follows two grad students who venture through the underworld to save their professor’s soul, and R.F. Kuang’s own experience as a PhD student, high school debater and talented chef all factor into the book. At a spe…

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Well That Got Dark 45:21

3M ago45:21

45:21

Mak, Alayna, and Ashley discuss the most light-hearted topics: pet death, plane crashes, and regret. FOLLOW CHOSEN FAMILY TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chosenfamilypod⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chosenfamilypod/⁠ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9WM_cdLWHtsCXLg3ygFiww⁠ FOLLOW ASHLEY GAVIN @ashgavs TikTok: ⁠https://www.tikt…

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1,061 - Rhonda Vincent, Neal Francis, Otis Gibbs, Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, Chao Tian: From China to Appalachia, and Dawn Landes 2:33:22

3M ago2:33:22

2:33:22

This episode was recorded on July 20th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Rhonda Vincent, Neal Francis, Otis Gibbs, Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, Chao Tian: From China to Appalachia, and Dawn Landes. https://bit.ly/4nPfG8dBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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What would it take to become the first Cherokee astronaut? 32:42

3M ago32:42

32:42

Statistically, your odds of becoming an astronaut are close to zero. You have to make some pretty extreme sacrifices to reach the stars, and that’s the thrust of a new novel about the first Cherokee astronaut. To the Moon and Back is Eliana Ramage’s debut novel and the September pick for Reese Witherspoon’s book club. It’s a book about ambition and…

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1,060 - Kelly Willis, Sierra Green & The Giants, John Doyle & Michael McGoldrick, Sarah Klang, Craig Bickhardt & Michael G. Ronstadt 2:21:10

3M ago2:21:10

2:21:10

This episode was recorded on June 22nd, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Kelly Willis, Sierra Green & The Giants, John Doyle & Michael McGoldrick, Sarah Klang, Craig Bickhardt & Michael G. Ronstadt. http://bit.ly/3KE3tUQBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting