Episodios

  • Incurable Optimist with Jennifer Cramer-Miller

    Incurable Optimist with Jennifer Cramer-Miller
    Apr 22 2025
    Jennifer Cramer-Miller is a writer, speaker, and joy seeker. She’s the Minnesota Board Chair for the National Kidney Foundation, and a Donate Life Ambassador for LifeSource. She’s also the author of the award-winning memoir, Incurable Optimist: Living with Illness and Chronic Hope, which is available now. On today’s show, Annmarie and Jennifer discuss kidney failure, unconditional love, and how the stories of our lives seldom unfold quite how we plan. Episode Sponsors Excelsior Bay Books – A locally owned & independent bookstore. Our atmosphere is casual and inviting with a comfy seating area in the center of the store. We have an interesting mix of titles and can special order anything not on the shelves. Our children's section is outstanding! All books and toys are hand-picked for quality and fun. We also offer a great selection of reading accessories (lights, bookmarks, book plates), puppets, puzzles, notecards, and educational gifts and toys. And we are dog-friendly. Come in and browse, or shop online at excelsiorbaybooks.net. Big Hill Books – The happiest bookstore in Minneapolis. Big Hill Books welcomes you to Bryn Mawr, one of the most charming and eclectic neighborhoods in the Twin Cities. As a general interest bookstore, we offer an engaging, inclusive inventory of titles and a bright, airy space for customers to sit, read and relax. Our feline friends, Goose and Addie, are also available for some complimentary lap time. Visit Big Hill Books and help us build a community in which "we all do better when we all do better." Find us online at bighillbooks.com. Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode: Incurable Optimist: Living with Illness and Chronic Hope, by Jennifer Cramer-Miller Kelly Corrigan recently featured Jennifer Cramer-Miller’s story on Thanks for Being Here. Here’s a trailer for Steel Magnolias, a film which you should not watch if you do not want to cry. Here’s the opening credits for ThirtySomething which ought to be streaming somewhere – I’d love to see if it still holds up. Bruce Springsteen singing Thunder Road in Barcelona – fantastic! Follow Jennifer Cramer-Miller: Instagram: @jennifercramermiller Facebook: @JenniferCramerMiller Twitter: @JenniferCramerMiller LinkedIn: @jenniferCramerMiller Learn more at jennifercramermiller.com and join her monthly-ish newsletter here. Buy Jennifer’s book here. Jennifer Cramer-Miller's Awards and Recognition: International Impact Book Award, Family + Medical Book Excellence Award Winner, Family BookFest Award Winner, Transformational Memoir + Relationships & Family 2024 IPPY E-Book Award: Gold Winner 2024 Next Generation Book Finalist, Memoir + Cover Design National Indie Excellence Book Award - Inspiration + Medical + Non-Fiction Living Now Award Bronze Medal: Health and Wellness Readers' Favorite Award: Gold Medal - Non Fiction Publishers Weekly, starred review "...a knockout memoir..." *Also, here’s a link to donatelife.net if you want to learn more about organ donation and kidney.org if you'd like more about kidney health. Photo Credit: Belu Photography **Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment: If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing abroad, consider joining Annmarie and co-leader Athena Dixon for a writing retreat in Italy in September, 2025. 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. This will sell out. Act now and join us! Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, message Annmarie to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h
  • People of Means with Nancy Johnson

    People of Means with Nancy Johnson
    Apr 8 2025
    A native of Chicago’s South Side, Nancy Johnson worked for more than a decade as an Emmy-nominated, award-winning television journalist at CBS and ABC. More recently, she’s the author of The Kindest Lie and her latest novel, People of Means. On today’s show, Annmarie and Nancy discuss the call to activism, and what makes some people enter the fight for racial justice while others step away. This show also covers family history and how important it is to record ancestral stories before they are lost forever. Episode Sponsors Da Book Joint – A Black woman-owned business born on the Southside of Chicago, and committed to literary growth and positive engagement of young people. Da Book Joint is a bookstore created with the purpose of uniting lovers of literature with diverse bestselling and rising authors. We’ve been in operation since 2007 and we’ve developed a thriving community where readers can easily purchase books they love and come together with like-minded individuals through virtual and in-person literary events. Stop by or shop online at dabookjoint.com. The Lynx – A new general-interest bookstore in Gainesville, Florida, with an emphasis on books that are currently challenged or banned in Florida. We especially seek to celebrate the voices of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors whose stories are among the most challenged titles, and to bring attention to the deep and radiant literary legacy of the Sunshine State. We believe in the power of books to build and foster communities, conversations, and change. A group of lynxes is a Watch. Please join our Watch today. And stop by or shop online at thelynxbooks.com. Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode: The Kindest Lie, by Nancy Johnson People of Means, by Nancy Johnson Follow Nancy Johnson: Instagram: @NancyJAuthor Twitter: @NancyJAuthor Facebook: NancyJohnsonAuthor nancyjohnson.net Photo Credit: Nina Subin **Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment: If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing abroad, consider joining Annmarie and co-leader Athena Dixon for a writing retreat in Italy in September, 2025. 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 1 spot left. This will sell out. Act now and join us! Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, check out Annmarie’s webpage to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h
  • Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One with Kristen Arnett

    Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One with Kristen Arnett
    Mar 25 2025
    Kristen Arnett, aka “America’s Favorite Dad,” is the queer Floridian author of With Teeth, and the New York Times bestselling novel Mostly Dead Things, both of which were finalists for the Lambda Literary Award in fiction. She runs the substack “Dad Lessons,” and her latest novel, STOP ME IF YOU’VE HEARD THIS ONE, is out now. On today’s show, Annmarie and Kristen discuss clowning, lesbians, Orlando, Dad culture, and the joy of showing up for our art exactly as we are. Episode Sponsors The Lynx – A new general-interest bookstore in Gainesville, Florida, with an emphasis on books that are currently challenged or banned in Florida. We especially seek to celebrate the voices of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors whose stories are among the most challenged titles, and to bring attention to the deep and radiant literary legacy of the Sunshine State. We believe in the power of books to build and foster communities, conversations, and change. A group of lynxes is a Watch. Please join our Watch today. And stop by or shop online at thelynxbooks.com. Tombolo Books – An independent bookstore dedicated to promoting the value and pleasure of reading throughout St. Petersburg, Florida, by offering thoughtful inventory curation, extensive literary knowledge, and excellent customer service. Tombolo is committed to carrying books by emerging and marginalized voices, books in translation, and books from small independent presses, as well as classics and outstanding popular titles. We support free expression and the right of every reader to determine their reading material. Stop by or shop online at tombolobooks.com. **Today’s guest, Kristen Arnett, will be doing an event at Tombolo on April 1. If you’re in Florida or St. Pete, or looking for a reason to be in Florida or St. Pete, you can RSVP for that event HERE. Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode: With Teeth, by Kristen Arnett Mostly Dead Things, by Kristen Arnett Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One, by Kristen Arnett In case you haven’t seen one of the Blade movies, here’s a trailer for the first one. Follow Kristen Arnett: Substack: @KristenArnett Instagram: @Kristen_Arnett Twitter: @Kristen_Arnett kristenarnettwriter.com Photo Credit: Maria Rada **Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment: If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing abroad, consider joining Annmarie and co-leader Athena Dixon for a writing retreat in Italy in September, 2025. 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 1 spot left. This will sell out. Act now and join us! Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, message Annmarie to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 m
  • Clever Little Thing with Helena Echlin

    Clever Little Thing with Helena Echlin
    Mar 11 2025
    Helena Echlin has written for numerous publications on both sides of the Atlantic, including The Guardian and The Times. She taught for years at Stanford University and has recently returned to the United Kingdom, where she now teaches fiction writing for Oxford University’s Department of Continuing Education. Clever Little Thing is her first psychological thriller. On today’s show, Helena and Annmarie discuss the judgmentalness of parenting, the chaos of plotting a novel, and how a daily jump into the Thames – rain or shine – can work wonders for your health. Episode Sponsors Gramercy Books – A locally-owned, independently-minded neighborhood bookstore located in the heart of Bexley, Ohio. Our philosophy at Gramercy Books is simple: we’re about inspiration and discovery, community and adventure. We connect readers and writers with books they love, and host special events and ongoing visits by authors, poets and songwriters who provoke conversation. Stop by or shop online at gramercybooksbexley.com. 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. Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode: Clever Little Thing, by Helena Echlin Annie Bot, by Sierra Greer The School for Good Mothers, by Jessamine Chan Follow Helena Echlin: Instagram: @helenaechlin Twitter: @Helenaechlin helenaechlin.com Photo Credit: Charlotte Knee Photography **Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment: If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing abroad, consider joining Annmarie and co-leader Athena Dixon for a writing retreat in Italy in September, 2025. 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. This will sell out. Act now and join us! Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, message Annmarie to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 m
  • My Mother in Havana with Rebe Huntman

    My Mother in Havana with Rebe Huntman
    Feb 25 2025
    Rebe Huntman is a memoirist, essayist, dancer, teacher and poet whose debut memoir, My Mother in Havana, is out now. On today’s show, Annmarie and Rebe discuss the magic of dance, communicating with deceased loved ones, and how a search for our mothers can bring us closer to understanding ourselves. Episode Sponsors Gramercy Books – A locally-owned, independently-minded neighborhood bookstore located in the heart of Bexley, Ohio. Our philosophy at Gramercy Books is simple: we’re about inspiration and discovery, community and adventure. We connect readers and writers with books they love, and host special events and ongoing visits by authors, poets and songwriters who provoke conversation. Stop by or shop online at gramercybooksbexley.com. 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. Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode: My Mother in Havana: A Memoir of Magic & Miracle, by Rebe Huntman Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison Here’s a video of Ella Fitzgerald singing Mack the Knife. Follow Rebe Huntman: Instagram: @rebehuntman Facebook: RebeHuntmanAuthor rebehuntman.com Photo Credit: Kate Sweeney **Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment: If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing abroad, consider joining 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 For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, message Annmarie to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 m
  • Sink with Joseph Earl Thomas

    Sink with Joseph Earl Thomas
    Feb 11 2025
    Joseph Earl Thomas is the author of Sink, a memoir, and his debut novel God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer, longlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Literary Excellence, and winner of the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize. On today’s show, Annmarie and Joseph talk about working-class upbringings, how to write complicated families with sensitivity and grace, and whether or not to raise an alligator in the backyard. Episode Sponsors The Head & The Hand Books – A community-focused Philadelphia bookstore that provides curated fiction, local lit, and children’s/middle grade books to the Fishtown neighborhood and beyond. We do readings, workshops, curated events, children’s programming, and more. Stop by for a visit! Or shop online at theheadandthehand.com. Novelette Booksellers – Nashville's only queer-owned bookstore. We are a fun, vibey, safe space for book lovers of all ages. We boast a highly curated selection of both fiction and non-fiction books by diverse authors, and a great selection of graphic novels. With an eye toward inclusivity and the celebration of our differences, Novelette strives to welcome people of all backgrounds. Stop by or shop online at novelettebooksellers.com Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode: Sink, by Joseph Earl Thomas Leviathan Beach, by Joseph Earl Thomas (available for pre-order) God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer Zone One, by Colson Whitehead The Gilda Stories, by Jewelle Gomez Here’s a trailer for the Japanese anime Attack on Titan. Follow Joseph Earl Thomas: Instagram: @jetvgc Substack: @birthworldproblems Twitter: @JETVGC josephearlthomas.com Photo Credit: Marcus Jackson **Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment: If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing abroad, consider joining 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 folks interested in an online Saturday morning writing class, message Annmarie to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 m
  • I Was Their American Dream with Malaka Gharib

    I Was Their American Dream with Malaka Gharib
    Jan 28 2025
    Malaka Gharib is the author of I Was Their American Dream, a graphic memoir about being first-generation Filipino Egyptian American, and It Won't Always Be Like This, a graphic memoir about her summers in the Middle East. On today’s show, Annmarie and Malaka talk about the American immigrant experience, how to be a working writer, and what it means to be the realization of our parents’ greatest dreams. Episode Sponsors Novelette Booksellers – Nashville's only queer-owned bookstore. We are a fun, vibey, safe space for book lovers of all ages. We boast a highly curated selection of both fiction and non-fiction books by diverse authors, and a great selection of graphic novels. With an eye toward inclusivity and the celebration of our differences, Novelette strives to welcome people of all backgrounds. Stop by or shop online at novelettebooksellers.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. Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode: I Was Their American Dream, by Malaka Gharib It Won’t Always Be Like This, by Malaka Gharib Uzma Jalaluddin Liana Finck Blue Sky Through the Window of a Moving Car: Comics for Beautiful, Awful and Ordinary Days, by Jordan Bolton Follow Malaka Gharib: Instagram: @MalakaGharib Substack: @Malaka malakagharib.com Photo Credit: Leah Margulies **Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment: If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing with other women on retreat, consider joining 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 m
  • My Marriage Sabbatical with Leah Fisher

    My Marriage Sabbatical with Leah Fisher
    Jan 14 2025
    In her 60s, after decades as a psychotherapist, marital counselor, and work and family consultant, Leah Fisher embarked upon solo trips to multiple countries to see whether she could connect across cultures, participate in community projects, and try to be “of use.” On today’s show, Leah joins us to speak about her new memoir, My Marriage Sabbatical, and to discuss what is lost and gained when couples pursue separate dreams. Episode Sponsors: Orinda Books – An independently-owned bookstore just 30 minutes east of San Francisco. We’re open six days a week with free parking, and the Orinda BART station is a pleasant half-mile walk away. We provide a diverse range of books and our children's department is extensive and inviting. Besides books, we also carry puzzles, toys, cards, and calendars, as well as locally-made chocolate, olive oil, ceramics, and artwork. We love to read and recommend our favorites — so don't hesitate to ask! Stop by or shop online at orindabooks.com. International Writers' Collective – The Collective offers fiction and poetry workshops online and in the Netherlands and a vibrant international community to support you in your writing goals. Many students view their program as a cheaper and more flexible alternative to an MFA. Learn more and find a class at internationalwriterscollective.com. Titles Mentioned in This Episode: My Marriage Sabbatical: A Memoir of Solo Travel and Lasting Love, by Leah Fisher Necessary Losses: The Loves Illusions Dependencies and Impossible Expectations That All of us Have, by Judith Viorst Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, by Judith Viorst The Work of Christmas, based on a poem by Howard Thurman. Follow Leah Fisher: mymarriagesabbatical.com **Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment: If this conversation sparked in you a desire to travel, consider joining 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 folks interested in an online Saturday morning writing class, message Annmarie to learn more. Photo Credit: Aileen Schier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 m
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