Best Rick Ramirez Podcasts (2026)

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Jeff Hiller, Mohanad Elshieky, and Edna Vázquez 52:17

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4h ago52:17

52:17

Actor and writer Jeff Hiller dives into his memoir Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success, which highlights his awkward youth as a bullied kid in Texas to his Emmy win for HBO's hit series Somebody Somewhere; stand-up comedian Mohanad Elshieky recounts some recent challenges... like getting stuck in his apartment elevat…

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Season 2, Episode 9; Officer Lily Talley, Officer Josh Dobson, Interim Chief Jackie Stepp, and SPO Isaiah Senyak 1:00:17

1h ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Send us a text New year, new officers! In this episode, the first of 2026, new solo officers Lily Talley and Josh Dobson. They begin their careers together, but their paths to get here were vastly different. As we look forward, Interim Chief Jackie Stepp looks back as we see where 2025 ranked in several important categories. And from Community Enga…

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George Saunders and Samantha Crain (REBROADCAST) 51:14

10d ago51:14

51:14

Award-winning author George Saunders (Lincoln in the Bardo) unpacks his writing process and explains how creating confusion often leads to interesting literary worlds; and singer-songwriter Samantha Crain discusses the importance of making music in her Choctaw language, before performing "Joey" from her album A Small Death.…

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"Best of 2025 Special" with Paul F. Tompkins, Danez Smith, Riki Lindhome, and more 52:19

19d ago52:19

52:19

This "Best of 2025" special episode features some of Live Wire's favorite moments of the year: host Luke Burbank interviews an AI chatbot version of journalist Evan Ratliff; comedian Paul F. Tompkins receives a glitter bomb to celebrate his 7th appearance; authors Ira Madison III and Chuck Klosterman face-off in a quiz about Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa P…

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Susan Orlean and David Ramirez 52:08

26d ago52:08

52:08

Acclaimed writer Susan Orlean (The New Yorker) reflects on her storied career through the lens of her new memoir Joyride, which touches on her unique approach to research and celebrity profiles... and how Meryl Streep came to portray her in the "adaptation" of her hit book The Orchid Thief; plus, Austin's beloved singer-songwriter David Ramirez per…

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Season 2, Episode 8; Master Police Officer Joe Jones, Chaplain Patrick Creed, Captain Jonathan Brown, and the History Minute with Hannah Silberman 1:10:25

24d ago1:10:25

1:10:25

Send us a text This episode has an accidental basketball theme! Two of our guests (and your host) played college basketball. And one guest was a college basketball referee. Find out who did what as we get to know Master Police Officer Joe Jones, a Student Resource Officer at Asheville High School. We’ll also get to know APD Chaplain Patrick Creed. …

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Ken Jennings, Erica Berry, and Making Movies (REBROADCAST) 51:12

30d ago51:12

51:12

Author and Jeopardy host Ken Jennings takes us on a journey to the afterlife with his latest book, 100 Places to See After You Die, and explains why contestant interviews are so darn awkward; writer Erica Berry discusses her debut book Wolfish, which examines all things "wolf" – from fables to fears; and international rock group Making Movies perfo…

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Tamara Yajia, Susan Rice, and Anna Tivel 51:20

1M ago51:20

51:20

Comedy writer Tamara Yajia unpacks her memoir Cry for Me, Argentina, which follows her unorthodox upbringing between the U.S. and Argentina while attempting to become a child star; stand-up comedian Susan Rice comments on life as a woman in her 70s... which includes a dating service called SilverSingles; and indie folk artist Anna Tivel explains ho…

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Season 2, Episode 7; Interim Chief Jackie Stepp, Lt. Tyler Radford, SPO Justin Lewis, and the History Minute with Hannah Silberman 51:13

1M ago51:13

51:13

Send us a text Following the retirement of Chief Lamb, Deputy Chief Jackie Stepp was appointed Interim Chief of Police. She’ll join us to talk about that and her priorities in the new role. Getting to know Lt. Tyler Radford, who, it turns out, is related to a baseball legend. From Community Engagement, Senior Police Officer Justin Lewis, with all t…

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Ginny Hogan, Anis Mojgani, and Jimmie Herrod (REBROADCAST) 51:36

1M ago51:36

51:36

Comedian and satirist Ginny Hogan explains the terms and conditions of being her undetermined partner; Oregon Poet Laureate Anis Mojgani describes a surprising encounter with an unlikely poetry fan; and jazz vocalist and Pink Martini member Jimmie Herrod recounts his successful run on America's Got Talent before performing his new song, "I Love You…

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Alexis Okeowo, Maria Bamford, and Pete Droge 51:26

2M ago51:26

51:26

Writer Alexis Okeowo (The New Yorker) untangles the themes of her new book Blessings and Disasters: A Story of Alabama, which weaves personal experience and the complex history of her home state; legendary comedian Maria Bamford takes the hot seat and answers her popular Vulture magazine questionnaire; and alt-folk rocker Pete Droge performs "You C…

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Season 2, Episode 6; The Roast of Chief Lamb, with Deputy Chief Jackie Stepp, Deputy Chief Sean Aardema, Captain Jonathan Brown, Captain Joe Silberman, and Lt Geoffrey Rollins 55:37

2M ago55:37

55:37

Send us a text Welcome to a very special episode! The Roast of Chief Lamb; Stories, and a salute to 28 years of service. Chief Mike Lamb will be in the hot seat, and joined by some of his longtime co-workers: Deputy Chief Jackie Stepp, Deputy Chief Sean Aardema, Captain Jonathan Brown, Captain Joe Silberman, and Lieutenant Geoffrey Rollins. After a…

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Sona Movsesian, Marcella Arguello, and Brown Calculus (REBROADCAST) 51:53

2M ago51:53

51:53

Writer and podcaster Sona Movsesian makes the case for why she is "the world's worst assistant" to Conan O'Brien; stand-up comedian Marcella Arguello unpacks the politics of airport parking; and spiritual jazz duo Brown Calculus perform their song "Seven Seas."By PRX

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Maria Bamford, Brandi Brown, and The Reasonable Doubts 51:24

2M ago51:24

51:24

Comedian Maria Bamford riffs on money troubles... and why Instacart might be to blame; comic and crop artist Brandi Brown unpacks her childhood encounter with Prince and her favorite spots at the famed Minnesota State Fair; and The Reasonable Doubts prove that a cover band made up entirely of Minnesota state judges knows how to rock without robes.…

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Season 2, Episode 5; Detective Jacob Kielson, SPO Debbie LeCroy, Technology Specialist Albert Eastwood, and the History Minute with Hannah Silberman 47:36

2M ago47:36

47:36

Send us a text In this episode, who is Albert Eastwood? His friends call him Bert. Technology Specialist by day, rock n' roll star by night! When he’s not on the 4th floor at APD headquarters, Bert is on stage as the lead singer of a band called Aces & Eights. Also, getting to know Jacob Kielson, the WNC native who was recently promoted to Detectiv…

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Timothy Egan, and Dessa (REBROADCAST) 52:25

2M ago52:25

52:25

Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and acclaimed author Timothy Egan unpacks his newest book A Fever in the Heartland, which traces the Ku Klux Klan's expansion across America in the 1920s and one woman's crusade to stop them; rapper and poet Dessa proves she's more talented than AI by performing a poem she penned backstage using popular search terms.…

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Edgar Gomez, River Selby, and Hunter Noack 51:50

3M ago51:50

51:50

Writer Edgar Gomez discusses his collection of essays Alligator Tears, which follows his various hustles as a youth in Florida — from being a flip flop salesman to getting fake teeth through a little bankruptcy fraud; author River Selby recounts how they overcame addiction and sexism to become a hotshot wildland firefighter; and classical pianist H…

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Season 2, Episode 4; Chief Mike Lamb, Sgt Scott Fry, Sgt Jesse Ramirez, SPO Dennis Pace, and The History Minute with Hannah Silberman 52:00

3M ago52:00

52:00

Send us a text October 29th, 2013, is a day many of you in the APD remember. It’s the day we lost Senior Police Officer Rob Bingaman. In this episode, Chief Mike Lamb and Sgt Scott Fry look back at that tragic day and reflect in this deeply personal conversation. Also, getting to know Detective Jesse Ramirez, who will soon be Sergeant Ramirez of th…

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Laura Chinn, Mohanad Elshieky, and Jenny Conlee (REBROADCAST) 51:50

3M ago51:50

51:50

Writer and director Laura Chinn (Florida Girls) discusses her memoir Acne, which tackles her racial identity, Scientology, and of course... very oily skin; standup comedian Mohanad Elshieky riffs on embarrassing encounters with TSA and Uber drivers; and multi-instrumentalist Jenny Conlee, of The Decemberists, performs "Hawk" from her solo album Tid…

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Mary Roach, Janesh Rahlan, and Amy Millan 52:03

3M ago52:03

52:03

Popular science writer Mary Roach dives into lab-grown organs, historical nose jobs, and unlikely hair transplants, as covered in her latest book Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy; stand-up comedian Janesh Rahlan riffs on learning Spanish as an Indian American growing up in Texas; and singer-songwriter Amy Millan (of the indie group Star…

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Season 2, Episode 3; Lt. Diana Loveland, Doug Oeser, SPO Carrie Lee, and the History Minute with Hannah Silberman 1:07:47

3M ago1:07:47

1:07:47

Send us a text October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in this episode, Lt. Diana Loveland from the Criminal Investigations Division, who works closely with the Family Justice Center. We’ll hear all about the great work they’re doing for survivors. Doug Oeser, the Director of Data Accountability and Crime Analysis, discusses the large rol…

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Dana Schwartz, Jenny Odell, and Black Belt Eagle Scout (REBROADCAST) 51:58

3M ago51:58

51:58

Novelist Dana Schwartz unpacks her gothic fantasy duology, Anatomy and Immortality, then dives into her podcast Noble Blood, which explores the bizarre and risqué lives of royals; writer Jenny Odell dismantles the clock in her newest book Saving Time while explaining it's unofficial motto: "time is beans;" and indie rocker Black Belt Eagle Scout pe…

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Paul F. Tompkins and Meklit 51:40

4M ago51:40

51:40

Comedian and podcaster Paul F. Tompkins chats about taking his variety show Varietopia back on the road after his (surprise!) coronation as Live Wire's most frequently appearing guest; and vocalist Meklit offers her exquisite blend of Ethio-jazz during a performance of the track "Tizita" from her new album A Piece of Infinity.…

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Chuck Klosterman, and Making Movies (REBROADCAST) 52:29

4M ago52:29

52:29

In this rebroadcast, writer Chuck Klosterman (Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs) unpacks his newest book The Nineties and admits how the "slacker ethos" of the decade made him embarrassed to succeed as a writer; and international rock band Making Movies explains why it's difficult to separate activism from their music, before performing the title track o…

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Season 2, Episode 2; Lifesaving Stories From Helene, also Lt. Brian Hogan, and the History Minute with Hannah Silberman 1:07:01

4M ago1:07:01

1:07:01

Send us a text One year ago, our lives were turned upside down courtesy of Hurricane Helene, the aftereffects of which we’ll be feeling for years to come. But along with horrible tragedy came stories of bravery and heroism by Officers and Detectives of the APD. We’ll be hearing some of those firsthand stories in this episode, as I’m joined by Senio…

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Sam Sanders, Sandi DuBowski, and The Lowest Pair 51:40

4M ago51:40

51:40

Radio host and podcaster Sam Sanders makes the case for the three TV shows that he believes changed culture; filmmaker Sandi DuBowski discusses his documentary Sabbath Queen, which follows Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie over two decades as he grapples with orthodoxy, interfaith marriage, and his drag persona; and indie folk duo The Lowest Pair perform "Fa…

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Jon Mooallem, Jenny Nguyen, and Laura Veirs (REBROADCAST) 52:24

4M ago52:24

52:24

Writer Jon Mooallem (The New York Times Magazine) discusses his newest collection of essays Serious Face and why you shouldn't tell your friend they look like a 1940’s Spanish bullfighter; chef Jenny Nguyen chats about opening her Portland bar The Sports Bra, which exclusively televises women's sports; and singer-songwriter Laura Veirs performs "My…

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Season 2, Episode 1; Chief Mike Lamb, Deputy Chief Sean Aardema, Deputy Chief Jackie Stepp, SPO Isaiah Senyak, and the History Minute with Hannah Silberman 43:41

4M ago43:41

43:41

Send us a text Welcome to Season 2! The APD Pod Squad launched on August 24th, 2024, just over one year ago. In this episode, the first of Season 2, we look back at the past year with Chief of Police Mike Lamb, Deputy Chief Sean Aardema, and Deputy Chief Jackie Stepp. Hurricane Helene dominated the headlines, of course, but the past year was so muc…

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Aubrey Gordon, Jean Grae, and Rogê 51:51

4M ago51:51

51:51

Podcaster Aubrey Gordon dives deep into topics tackled on her hit show Maintenance Phase, including the monopolization of weight-loss medications; multi-disciplinary artist Jean Grae explains why she's banning gum chewing and beatboxing at her funeral; and Brazilian singer-songwriter Rogê performs "A Lenda Do Abaeté" from his album Curyman II.…

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Lauren Fleshman, Joey Clift, and Who Is She? (REBROADCAST) 51:55

5M ago51:55

51:55

Record-breaking runner Lauren Fleshman unpacks her New York Times bestseller, Good for a Girl, a part-memoir, part-manifesto which challenges the male-built sports system; comedian and writer Joey Clift chats about his new Comedy Central digital series Gone Native, which delves into the weird microaggressions Native people are up against; and Seatt…

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Episode 26; SPO Robert Crume, Det. Shawn Parker, Capt. Jonathan Brown, and the History Minute with Hannah Silberman 44:17

5M ago44:17

44:17

Send us a text In this episode, Getting To Know Senior Police Officer Robert Crume, who recently saved a dog from drowning in a backyard pool. We'll learn what happened that day and the latest on the rescued dog. August is National Black Business Month, and Detective Shawn Parker will tell us how his love for cigars led to his new business venture,…

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Melissa Febos, Evan Ratliff, and Tropa Magica 52:24

5M ago52:24

52:24

Writer Melissa Febos discusses her latest book The Dry Season, wherein she explores the transformative—and at turns erotic—year she spent celibate; journalist Evan Ratliff takes us into the uncanny world of his podcast Shell Game, which examines the consequences of unleashing an AI version of himself out into the world; and psychedelic cumbia punk …

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Dylan Marron, and Brittany Davis (REBROADCAST) 52:27

5M ago52:27

52:27

Writer and podcaster Dylan Marron chats about his book and podcast of the same name, Conversations with People Who Hate Me, and how a phone call can forge a deeper connection than social media; and musician Brittany Davis explains how music became their first language as a blind person, before performing "Loud Loud World" from their EP I Choose to …

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Episode 25; Chief Mike Lamb, Sgt. Ricardo Martinez, SPO Preston Grondahl, Sgt. Lucas Lovelace, and The History Minute with Hannah Silberman 56:17

5M ago56:17

56:17

Send us a text On this episode, getting to know Sgt. Ricardo Martinez of Recruitment and Career Development. His hard work is a big reason that staffing numbers are looking up. Also, Senior Police Officer Preston Grondahl, who happens to be left-handed. With International Left-Handers Day on August 13th, he seemed like an obvious choice to be a gue…

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J. Kenji López-Alt, Ann Powers, and Khatumu 52:01

6M ago52:01

52:01

Celebrated chef J. Kenji López-Alt schools us on the food history of teriyaki, nachos, and broccoli cheddar soup; music critic Ann Powers unpacks her latest book Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell, which explores the musician's life and career, while addressing her own feelings about tackling the legend; and singer-songwriter Khatumu dispels t…

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Open Book: Melissa Febos 21:30

5M ago21:30

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Author Melissa Febos (The Dry Season) opens up about her first addiction: books. Then we hear why it's important to read "books of the people," which includes her favorite micro-genre of “airport romantasy." Plus, Melissa recommends some of her favorite sex writing.By PRX

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Ross Gay, Lane Regan, and Baroque Betty with Mood Area 52 (REBROADCAST) 51:57

6M ago51:57

51:57

Poet and essayist Ross Gay (Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude) dissects privilege, pain, and skateboarding, all themes from his newest book Inciting Joy; Michelin Star chef Lane Regan outlines their journey from farmer's markets to foraging, while creating a new dining experience in the wilds of Michigan; and singer-songwriter Baroque Betty, accompani…

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Episode 24; SPO Madison Johnson, SPO Angelica LaFemina, SPO Justin Lewis, and The History Minute with Hannah Silberman 46:29

5M ago46:29

46:29

Send us a text August 1st is National Girlfriend's Day, which celebrates the special bond of friendship between girls, whether sisters or mothers, classmates or co-workers. In this episode, coworkers Senior Police Officer Madison Johnson and Senior Police Officer Angelica LaFemina discuss their close friendship and what it means, both on the job an…

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Open Book: Sam Sanders 27:55

6M ago27:55

27:55

Radio host and podcaster Sam Sanders (The Sam Sanders Show, Vibe Check) chats about promoting a book through wearable merch and imagines his “dream casting” for Percival Everett’s novel James. Plus, Sam and Elena attempt to “fix” publishing.By PRX

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Gabe Henry, William Nuʻutupu Giles, and Sir Woman 52:08

6M ago52:08

52:08

Writer Gabe Henry unpacks his book Enough Is Enuf: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Eezier to Spell, which humorously explores the centuries-long evolution of the Simplified Spelling Movement, where "laugh" most became "laf;" Hawaii-born Samoan poet and educator William Nuʻutupu Giles performs a piece that reflects on making art in the language …

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Open Book: Sloane Crosley 10:13

6M ago10:13

10:13

Author Sloane Crosley (Grief Is for People) confesses the origin of her aversion to audiobooks, plus tells us which adaptations are better than their literary source material and reveals the first adult book that made her bawl her eyes out.By PRX

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Kathryn Schulz, Keanon Lowe, and John Craigie (REBROADCAST) 52:25

6M ago52:25

52:25

Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Kathryn Schulz (The New Yorker) unpacks her memoir Lost & Found, which weaves together the loss of her father with finding the love of her life; football coach and mentor Keanon Lowe recounts the day he intercepted a potential school shooter with a hug; and storyteller and singer-songwriter John Craigie explains having…

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Episode 23; Cadet Julian Lanier, Chief Mike Lamb, SPO Debbie LeCroy, and The History Minute with Hannah Silberman 54:12

6M ago54:12

54:12

Send us a text July is National Culinary Arts Month. In this episode, Cadet Trainee Julian Lanier tells us about his parents, who were both chefs, how that rubbed off, and his favorite food to prepare. Lanier was a recent BLET graduate at AB Tech, along with 14 others who will soon be patrolling our streets. The next class will be even bigger and t…

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Open Book: Omar El Akkad 22:37

6M ago22:37

22:37

Journalist and author Omar El Akkad (One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This) explains why book clubs don’t work for him and how growing up in media-censored Qatar led him to read anything he could gets his hands on — from Little Women to Dennis Rodman’s autobiography. Plus, Omar and Elena bond over the power of the perfect book title.…

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Rick Steves and The Lullaby Project 51:32

6M ago51:32

51:32

Legendary travel writer Rick Steves reflects on his days adventuring down "the hippie trail" from Istanbul to Kathmandu... and we discover why you might find him eating at McDonald's in Paris; plus The Lullaby Project brings together singer-songwriter Stephanie Schneiderman and the Oregon Symphony to perform a song co-written by an incarcerated mot…

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Open Book: Ann Powers 18:17

6M ago18:17

18:17

Music critic Ann Powers (Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell) dishes about her oddball reading journey, from staging puppet shows as a library-dwelling misfit kid to struggling to keep up with her favorite writers on Substack.By PRX

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Saeed Jones, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and The Lowest Pair (REBROADCAST) 51:05

7M ago51:05

51:05

Poet and Kirkus Prize winner Saeed Jones unpacks his newest collection Alive at the End of the World and why Billie Holiday had a bone to pick with Maya Angelou; writer Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Mexican Gothic) explains how her love of horror at a young age found its way into her latest book The Daughter of Doctor Moreau; and indie folk duo The Lowest …

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Episode 22; SPO Ryan Begley, SPO Ann Aiken, SPO Dennis Pace, and The History Minute with Hannah Silberman 58:36

7M ago58:36

58:36

Send us a text On this episode…we wish a happy belated Father’s Day to Senior Police Officer, Ryan Begley, who became a Dad for the first time one day before Hurricane Helene arrived in Western North Carolina. We'll hear all about those first few crazy days as a new Dad and how his daughter is doing 9 months later. Senior Police Officer Ann Aiken i…

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Open Book: Scaachi Koul 20:04

7M ago20:04

20:04

Slate writer Scaachi Koul (Sucker Punch) reveals her delinquent beginnings as a serious reader and which reading behavior she finds inexcusable. Plus, Elena unpacks “hysterical realism” as a literary genre and Scaachi explains why the Bible's biggest sin isn't its content.By PRX

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Karen Russell, Sam Miller, and David Ramirez 52:05

7M ago52:05

52:05

Award-winning author Karen Russell takes us inside her "dust bowl epic" novel The Antidote, which employs the fantastical to comment on memory, climate change, and the nation's troubling history of land ownership; stand-up comedian Sam Miller finds sidesplitting humor in his own experiences with addiction and incarceration; and singer-songwriter Da…