Wild Precious Life

John Roedel is a poet, writer, comic, storyteller, and terrible dancer who gained unexpected notability as a writer and poet through Facebook conversations. His latest book is WonderAche. On today’s show, Annmarie and John talk about their Catholic upbringings, the places where faith meets doubt, and how to show up for others with more vulnerability and truth.   Episode Sponsors: Bonsai Books in Cheyenne, Wyoming. At Bonsai, we’re more than just a bookstore. We believe in the power of books to inspire, educate, and connect people. Our team of passionate book lovers is dedicated to curating a diverse selection of new books for readers of all ages and interests. At Bonsai, we bring literature to the community. Stop by our Cheyenne store at 126 Quincy Road or find us on social media @bonsaibookswy. Bonsai, more than just a bookstore. Address: 126 Quincy Rd Phone: 307-421-5307 Hours: Mon: Closed ,Tue-Sat: 11-6, Sun: 12-5 We can be found on Facebook at Bonsai Books and Instagram @bonsaibookswy. Ashland University Low-Res MFA – Expand your writing practice and refine your craft within the supportive community of Ashland University’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. Our accomplished faculty will help you find your voice and complete your degree at your own pace. Learn more and enroll today at ashland.edu. Books by John Roedel Wonderache Upon Departure Hey God. Hey John.: What Happens When God Writes Back Remedy Fitting In Is For Sardines Any Given Someday Untied Other Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode: The Gift: Poems by Hafiz, the Great Sufi Master, by Daniel Ladinsky  Michelle Francois-Walsh, Founder of My Village Well Here are the trailers for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Patterson, and About Time. Follow John Roedel: Instagram: @john_roedel Facebook: johnbigjohn Twitter: @JohnnyRoedel Substack: johnroedel.substack.com www.johnroedel.com **Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment:  If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing with John Roedel, consider joining him for a weeklong storytelling retreat in Italy next fall. Or you can join Annmarie and co-leader Athena Dixon for a writing retreat in Italy in September, 2025. Or you can join Annmarie and co-leader Phyllis Biffle Elmore for a writing retreat in France. You can travel to a beautiful place, meet other wise women, and write your own stories. We’d love to help you make your wishes come true.  As of this moment, we only have 2 spots left for France, but you can click this link for $900 off.  Enter the password RetreatWriteRepeat  and the coupon code is 25AK In 2025, Annmarie is teaching online Tuesday nights for Writing Workshops. Learn more and register HERE. For her folks interested in an online Saturday morning writing class, message Annmarie to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Allen Edmonds taught German and English for 43 years at three Cleveland-area high schools, Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State university. His high school experiences form the setting for his Joe Lehrer Mystery novels and the short stories in his Faculty Lounge series. Today on the show, Dave and Annmarie talk about book banning, small town romance, and the opportunities and costs of teaching in public high schools.   Episode Sponsors: Black Cat Books & Oddities – Where we specialize in new books for all ages. Visit us for an immersive experience that transports you back in time. Say hello to Edgar Allan Poe and cozy up with a thriller. If you're a mystery lover, head upstairs and settle into Sherlock's Study. Young adults will love Phantom's Passage, their own little nook of interesting titles to discover. There might even be a secret passageway leading to The Secret Garden, a world of wonder for the littlest of book lovers. Stop by our Medina, Ohio, store or shop online at blackcatmedina.com. Loganberry Books – An independently owned and operated bookstore in the historic Larchmere neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. Loganberry features a carefully curated collection of new, used and rare books in all genres for both readers and collectors, with an inventory over 100,000 volumes. Find your next great read and shop online at loganberrrybooks.com. Writing by David Allen Edmonds Unveiled Love Unexpected Love Personal Pronouns Indirect Objects The Faculty Lounge Series Other Titles Mentioned in This Episode: Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak In case you seriously haven’t seen it yet, here’s a trailer for Casablanca. Follow David Allen Edmonds: Goodreads: David_Allen_Edmonds Twitter: @authordedmonds Facebook: davidallenedmonds davidallenedmonds.com **Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment:  If you know you’ve been looking for the kind of female friendship we’ve spoken about on this show OR if you’re just desperate to get out of America right now, consider joining Annmarie and her co-leader, Phyllis Biffle Elmore, for a writing retreat in France! Learn more here.  You can travel to a beautiful place, meet other wise women, and write your own stories. We’d love to help you make that wish come true.  As of this moment, we only have 3 spots left, but you can click this link for $900 off.  The password is RetreatWriteRepeat  and the coupon code is 25AK In 2025, Annmarie is teaching online Tuesday nights for Writing Workshops. Learn more and register HERE. For her folks interested in an online Saturday morning writing class, message Annmarie to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Queer poet and writer Cass Donish is the author of three books including The Year of the Femme, Beautyberry, and the new poetry collection Your Dazzling Death. Today on the show, Cass and Annmarie talk about grief, queer love, and how to heal in the face of suicide loss. Episode Sponsors: Prairie Lights Books – Iowa City’s premier indie bookstore since 1978. Perhaps the strength of our reputation lies in the reading series of local, national and international writers who have read their works which were broadcast live on stations WSUI and WOI and which was the only regular literary series of its kind. All of this could not have been possible without a loyal customer base and a dedicated staff. Learn more or shop online at prairielights.com. Skylark Bookshop – A fiercely independent bookstore where we strive to find new ways to celebrate literature and our community. Some books give us knowledge and perspective; others simply give necessary space to breathe. Putting the right book into the right hands is a deeply meaningful act. We believe that we can find that book for everyone who walks through our doors. We embrace enjoyment, entertainment, and the beauty of Skylark Bookshop. Stop by or shop online at skylarkbookshop.com. Left Bank Books – The oldest and largest independently-owned bookstore in St. Louis, Missouri, where we offer a full-line of new and used books, gifts, cards, toys and services. We see ourselves as a cultural institution as well as a retail business. In that spirit, we produce over 300 events per year, most of which are free and open to the public. We've grown and changed throughout our 50 years, but our mission still remains the same – to spark public conversation by curating an intelligent, relevant, culturally diverse selection of books. Stop by or shop online at left-bank.com. Books by Cass Donish Your Dazzling Death The Year of the Femme Beautyberry On the Mezzanine Other Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode: Letters to Forget, by Kelly Caldwell Here’s a link to the Hot Widows Club podcast. Here is the trailer for Emily in Paris. And here’s another for Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Follow Cass Donish: Instagram: @cassdonish Twitter: @CassDonish cassdonish.com **Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment: If you know you’ve been looking for the kind of female friendship we’ve spoken about on this show OR if you’re just desperate to get out of America right now, consider joining Annmarie and her co-leader, Phyllis Biffle Elmore, for a writing retreat in France! Learn more here. You can travel to a beautiful place, meet other wise women, and write your own stories. We’d love to help you make that wish come true. As of this moment, we only have 3 spots left, but you can click this link for $900 off. The password is RetreatWriteRepeat and the coupon code is 25AK In 2025, Annmarie is teaching online Tuesday nights for Writing Workshops. Learn more and register HERE. For her folks interested in an online Saturday morning writing class, message Annmarie to learn more. Photo credit: Josh Theus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Glynnis MacNicol is the author of three books including I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself: One Woman's Pursuit of Pleasure and No One Tells You This. She wrote, produced, and hosted WILDER: A Reckoning with the Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder, and she writes the weekly newsletter Good Decisions. On today’s show, Annmarie and Glynnis talk about seeking friendship and pleasure in Paris, the joys of middle age, and how to ask for what you want– and get it.    Episode Sponsors: Mostly Books – An independent bookstore in Tucson, Arizona, for readers of all ages. We offer a carefully curated selection of New & Used Books, Greeting Cards, T-shirts, and Gifts. Stop by our store in Tucson or buy books and Libro.fm audiobooks on our website: mostlybooksaz.com. Books Are Magic – A family-owned independent bookstore in Brooklyn, committed to being a welcoming, friendly, and inclusive space for all people. We believe that books are indeed magic and that literature is one of the best ways to create empathy, transportation, and transformation. Stop by or shop online at booksaremagic.net Books by Glynnis MacNicol I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself No One Tells You This Becoming a Baker The 10 Habits of Highly Successful Women, co-authored with Rachel Sklar Other Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode: Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close, by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center, by Rhaina Cohen Here are the trailers for two Katharine Hepburn movies, Adam’s Rib and Desk Set. Follow Glynnis MacNicol: Instagram: @noonetellsyouthis glynnismacnicol.com **Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment:  If you know you’ve been looking for the kind of female friendship Glynnis talks about in this interview and in her book, consider joining Annmarie and her co-leader, Phyllis Biffle Elmore, for a writing retreat in France! Learn more here.  You can travel to a beautiful place, meet other wise women, and write your own stories. We’d love to help you make that wish come true.  As of this moment, we only have 3 spots left, but you can click this link for $900 off.  The password is RetreatWriteRepeat  and the coupon code is 25AK In 2025, Annmarie is teaching online Tuesday nights for Writing Workshops. Learn more and register HERE. For her folks interested in an online Saturday morning writing class, message Annmarie to learn more.  Photo credit: Jamie Magnifico Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kathleen Glasgow is a poet turned novelist, and she’s the author of the bestselling titles Girl in Pieces, You'd Be Home Now, and How to Make Friends With the Dark, and the coauthor, with Liz Lawson, of the bestselling mystery series, The Agathas. On today’s show, Annmarie and Kathleen talk about her newest book, The Glass Girl, and the complex relationship many families have with alcohol addiction and rehabilitation.    Episode Sponsors: Mostly Books – An independent bookstore in Tucson, Arizona, for readers of all ages. We offer a carefully curated selection of New & Used Books, Greeting Cards, T-shirts, and Gifts. Stop by our store in Tucson or buy books and Libro.fm audiobooks on our website: mostlybooksaz.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. Books by Kathleen Glasgow The Glass Girl, by Kathleen Glasgow Girl in Pieces, by Kathleen Glasgow  You’d Be Home Now, by Kathleen Glasgow How to Make Friends with the Dark, by Kathleen Glasgow The Agathas, by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson The Night in Question, by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson Other Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode: Frighten the Horses, by Oliver Radclyffe The Bell Jar, by Sylvia Plath The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky  The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, by Carolyn Keene Here’s the trailer for Raising Arizona. Finally, Kathleen is running a fundraiser for Youth on Their Own. If you buy a copy of ANY one of Kathleen’s books and upload your proof of purchase, they’ll make a donation to combat teen homelessness. Go to yoto.org to learn more. Follow Kathleen Glasgow: Instagram: @misskathleenglasgow TikTok: @kathleenglasgow Facebook: Kathleen Glasgow, Author Threads: @misskathleenglasgow kathleenglasgowbooks.com **Writing Workshop Note: Annmarie’s teaching in-person Tuesday nights for Literary Cleveland. Learn more and register HERE. Annmarie is teaching online Tuesday nights for Writing Workshops. Learn more and register HERE. For the online October Saturday morning class, message Annmarie to learn more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oliver Radclyffe is part of a new wave of transgender writers unafraid to examine the places where gender identity, sexual orientation, feminist allegiance, social class, and family history overlap. On today’s show, Annmarie and Oliver talk about his new memoir, FRIGHTEN THE HORSES, and discuss the complex nuances of gender transition. Episode Sponsors: Bluestockings – A collectively-run NYC activist center, community space and feminist bookstore that offers mutual aid, harm reduction support, non-judgemental resource research and a warming/cooling place that is radically inclusive of all genders, cultures, expansive sexualities and identities. Bluestockings seeks to empower all people to challenge oppression and participate in creating a society which is equitable, cooperative, and free, and we strive to empower our worker-owners through non-hierarchy, cooperation, and consensus-based decision making, providing an example of the society we are working toward. Stop by or shop online at bluestockings.com. The Word Is Change – A neighborhood bookstore in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, selling used and new books, hosting readings and meetings, buying books for resale, and supporting visual artists. Come into the store and find the perfect book you were looking for, OR the perfect book you didn’t even know you were looking for. And shop online at thewordischange.com Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode: Adult Human Male, by Oliver Radclyffe Frighten the Horses, by Oliver Radclyffe Who’s Afraid of Gender? by Judith Butler The Transgender Issue: An Argument for Justice, by Shon Faye  Here’s a trailer for Once.  Follow Oliver Radclyffe: Instagram: @oliverradclyffe Twitter: @RadclyffeOliver Facebook: OliverRadclyffeWriter oliverradclyffe.com **Writing Workshop Note: Annmarie’s teaching in-person Tuesday nights for Literary Cleveland. Learn more and register HERE. For the online October Saturday morning class, message Annmarie to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rufi Thorpe is the author of four novels, The Girls from Corona del Mar, Dear Fang, With Love, The Knockout Queen, which was a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner award, and her newest Book, Margo's Got Money Troubles, which was recently shortlisted for the Kirkus Prize. On today’s show, Rufi and Annmarie talk about professional wrestling, OnlyFans, and the countless sacrifices parents make for their kids.  Episode Sponsors: {pages} a bookstore – The place for book lovers of all ages, where reading, meeting and discussing books is a way of life. We offer a carefully curated selection of new fiction, non-fiction, children’s, cooking, surf, coffee table books and bestsellers. We are proud of our knowledgeable and caring staff who can match any reader with the perfect book. Learn more or shop online at pagesabookstore.com. 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. Titles by Rufi Thorpe: Dear Fang, With Love The Knockout Queen The Girls from Corona del Mar Margo’s Got Money Troubles Other Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode: Dennis Lehane Walter Mosley Here are a few trailers for some of Rufi’s favorite shows: 30 Rock  It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia I Think You Should Leave The Eric Andre Show Follow Rufi Thorpe: Instagram: @rufithorpe Twitter: @RufiThorpe Facebook: RufiThorpeAuthor rufithorpe.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ann Garvin is a USA Today Bestselling author of six novels. She writes about people who do too much in a world that asks too much from them. A former Registered Nurse, Ann currently teaches creative writing at Drexel University. Her latest book is BUMMER CAMP, in which “two sisters scramble to save their family’s legacy in a funny, huge-hearted novel about grandiose plans and summers to remember.” On today’s show, Ann and Annmarie talk about head lice, tick bites, weirdness, and the worries and wonders of camp.  Episode Sponsors: Mystery to Me – A general bookstore with a very specific name. Of course we curate a wide selection of mystery as well as general and literary fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, fantasy, rom-com, horror, graphic novels, young adult titles, and a delightful children's section. Visit our Madison, Wisconsin location or shop online at mysterytomebooks.com. Bluestockings – A collectively-run NYC activist center, community space and feminist bookstore that offers mutual aid, harm reduction support, non-judgemental resources, and a warming/cooling place that is radically inclusive of all genders, cultures, expansive sexualities and identities. Bluestockings seeks to empower all people to challenge oppression and participate in creating a society which is equitable, cooperative, and free, and we strive to empower our worker-owners through non-hierarchy, cooperation, and consensus-based decision making, providing an example of the society we are working toward. Stop by or shop online at bluestockings.com. Titles Mentioned in this Episode: Bummer Camp, by Ann Garvin Olive Kitteridge, by Elizabeth Strout Station Eleven, by Emily St. John Mandel Here’s the trailer for Station Eleven. Check out Tall Poppy Writers. Follow Ann Garvin: Instagram: @anngarvin_ Twitter: @anngarvin_ Facebook: @ann.w.garvin anngarvin.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wade Rouse is the USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly, and internationally bestselling author of more than a dozen books which have been translated into 21 languages. On today’s show, Annmarie and Wade discuss difficult parents, screened-in porches, and how to pursue a writing life against the odds. Episode Sponsors: Literary Cleveland – Where writers can explore other voices and discover their own. The Inkubator is Literary Cleveland’s free annual festival for writers and readers. Generate new writing, improve your craft, and advance your career. Register for classes, sign up for our free writing conference, and find your writing 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. Titles Mentioned in this Episode: Magic Season, by Wade Rouse The Recipe Box: A Novel, by Viola Shipman Here’s the trailer for Terms of Endearment. Follow Wade Rouse: Instagram: @authorwaderouse and @viola_shipman Twitter: @waderouse and @viola_shipman Facebook: @authorwaderouse and @authorviolashipman YouTube: @WadeRouse waderouse.com and violashipman.com Photo Credit: Ivan Hundric Photography Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Manguso is the author of nine books, most recently the novel LIARS. Her work’s been recognized by an American Academy of Arts and Letters Literature Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Rome Prize, and her writing has been translated into thirteen languages. On today’s show, Sarah and Annmarie discuss marriage and how our best intentions often crumble in the face of gender roles, misogyny, the patriarchy, and myriad forces so much larger than we are. Episode Sponsors: McNally Jackson – Independent booksellers with locations in Nolita, Williamsburg, Seaport, Rockefeller, and Downtown Brooklyn. To find your next great read, drop by or shop online at www.mcnallyjackson.com 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. Stories Mentioned in this Episode: Liars, by Sarah Manguso Learn more about Amber Heard and Gabby Petito. Creep, by Myriam Gurba Follow Sarah Manguso: sarahmanguso.com Photo Credit: Beowulf Sheehan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices