Now I've Heard Everything

Bill Thompson
  • 4.9 (14)
  • Arts
  • Updated Biweekly

Now I’ve Heard Everything brings you conversations about the turning points that shape extraordinary lives. Hosted by veteran interviewer Bill Thompson, the show features memoirists, biographers, artists, survivors, and cultural figures sharing the moments when everything changed, for themselves or for the people they’ve studied. With more than 30 years of intimate interviews behind him, Bill guides guests into the stories behind their stories: the choices, shocks, breakthroughs, and revelations that define a life.

  1. 5d ago

    The Myth of "Normal": A Neurodivergent Mom Championing Neurodivergent Kids

    In this episode of *Now I've Heard Everything*, host Bill Thompson sits down with author, law professor, and creative writing instructor **Katie Rose Pryal** to discuss her book, *Your Kid Belongs Here: An Insider's Guide to Parenting Neurodiverse Children* (Johns Hopkins University Press). Drawing from her personal journey of growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and autism, as well as her experiences raising two neurodivergent children, Pryal examines the systematic exclusion of neurodivergent youth from public life—and how we can rebuild environments where every child thrives. Together, they explore the nuance between identity-first and person-first language, why neurodivergence shouldn't be reduced to a "superpower" or a deficit, and practical guidelines for parenting publicly without compromising a child's dignity or privacy.Get your copy of Your Kid Belongs Here by Katie Rose PryalAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:35 Who Is the Book For? 00:55 Personal Experience with Neurodivergence 03:11 Origins of the Book: Essays and Society 04:35 Systematic Exclusion of Neurodivergent Kids 06:12 The Evolution of Neurodiversity in Public Discourse 08:10 Language: Autist vs. Person with Autism 09:42 The Strengths and Struggles of Neurodivergence 11:43 Neurodivergence and Creativity 13:09 Diagnosis Challenges for Adults 15:03 Supporting Strengths and Acknowledging Struggles 16:43 Identity-First vs. Person-First Language 20:00 Parenting Rules and Social Media 22:45 Supporting Neurodivergent Children in Society 24:39 Reflections on Parenting and SocietyGuest InformationKatie Rose PryalWebsiteSocial:YouTube Facebook Instagram1995 Barack Obama interviewFor more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  2. Aug 1

    The Secrets Behind Adassa's Success: Music, Miracles, and Faith

    In this deeply inspiring episode, host Bill Thompson sits down with singer, songwriter, and voice actress Adassa (the voice of Dolores in Disney’s "Encanto") to discuss her memoir, "Love Keeps Showing Up: Music, Miracle and Messes."Adassa shares her journey through the high-stakes music industry, starting from her childhood performing in Honduras and receiving a record deal at age 17, to facing severe financial struggles, rejection, and a near-fatal illness right before her big break with Disney. Grounded in deep faith, gratitude, and resilience, Adassa’s story proves that remarkable lives aren't defined by fame or wealth — they are forged through perseverance, purpose, and showing up every single day.Get your copy of Love keeps Showing Up by AdassaAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Adassa's Background 02:01 Early Life and Health Challenges 04:03 Music as a Language of Expression 06:54 Early Career and Lessons Learned 10:02 Faith, Resilience, and Opportunities 15:11 Facing Health Crises and Personal Reflection 18:12 Living with Gratitude and Purpose 19:59 Growth, Change, and Future AspirationsGuest InformationAdassaWebsiteSocial:YouTube Facebook Instagram TikTok1990 intervioew with Ronnie Spector For more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  3. Jul 25

    A Remarkable Life on a Fault Line

    In this deeply honest and moving conversation, host Bill Thompson sits down with Tim Smith, author of the memoir *Fault Line Still Standing*. Tim opens up about his childhood marked by extreme instability—including being kidnapped by his mother at under six years old, experiencing neglect, and navigating trauma. Tim shares how he confronted buried memories during therapy to write a memoir defined by candor and unvarnished truth. He discusses the physical and emotional toll of trauma loops and hypervigilance, the pivotal role his grandmother played as a safe harbor of morality and love, and how simple acts of kindness from "little angels" kept him grounded. Now in his fifties, happily married, and living a fulfilling life, Tim offers a powerful testament to resilience: while trauma may shape who you are, it never has to define where you go. His message is a beacon of stubborn, defiant hope for anyone seeking healing from their past.Get your copy of Fault Line: Still Standing by Tim SmithAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:07 The significance of the book's title and subtitle 01:53 The honesty and candor in the memoir 03:18 Memory recall and trauma inhibition 04:22 Therapy and emotional access to memories 13:27 The influence of mentors and strangers 14:21 Parenting reflections and personal growth 15:02 The message of hope and resilience 16:32 Trauma shapes but does not define us 17:08 The balance of happiness and guardedness 18:47 Survivor’s perspective and ongoing vigilanceGuest InformationTim SmithWebsiteSocial:Instagram LinkedIn1997 Jackie Joyner-Kersee interviewFor more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  4. Jul 17

    Halfway Homeless, Fully Healed: Reflecting on 20 Years of "Girlbomb" With Author Janice Erlbaum

    n this episode host Bill Thompson sits down with author, poet, and writing coach Janice Erlbaum to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her groundbreaking memoir, *Girl Bomb: A Halfway Homeless Memoir*. Janice opens up about what it means to be "halfway homeless" as a teenager in 1980s New York City, navigating shelters like Covenant House, group homes, and public school while keeping meticulous diaries. She candidly discusses the privileges that helped her succeed, the ethical mistakes she made along the way, and how she eventually found her center through writing and long-term therapy. Janice also shares invaluable advice for aspiring writers on embracing "ugly first drafts" and explains how she now helps others heal by putting their painful memories safely onto the page.Get your copy of Girlbomb by Janice ErlbaumAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:42 Reflecting on 20 Years of 'Girlbaum' 01:12 Returning to Covenant House 02:24 The Impact of the James Fry Exposé 03:07 The Universality of Youth Running Away 03:28 What Does 'Halfway Homeless' Mean? 06:10 Balancing School and Shelter Life 07:17 The Role of Writing in Her Life 09:05 Honesty About Mistakes and Ethical Dilemmas 10:53 Centering Yourself Amid Chaos 11:58 From Writer to Mentor 15:06 The Writing Process and Embracing Imperfection 18:35 Looking Back After 20 Years 19:40 Reflections on Happiness and Gratitude 21:35 Reconnecting with People from the BookGuest InformationJanice ErlbaumWebsiteSocial:YouTube Facebook Instagram TikTok1994 interview with Susanna KaysenFor more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  5. Jul 10

    The power of Education saved his life

    In this episode, host Bill Thompson sits down with Dr. Pius Kamau, a surgeon, author, and human rights advocate, to discuss his powerful new memoir, *Running with Lions*. Growing up in Kenya under the shadow of British colonialism and the violent Mau Mau uprising, Dr. Kamau’s future was entirely uncertain. Yet, fueled by his father's unwavering belief that education was his "northern star," he once walked hundreds of miles to pursue school. Dr. Kamau shares stories of overcoming systemic racism, surviving a horrific car crash that killed two of his professors and scarred his hand, and building a 38-year career as a surgeon. They also discuss his return to post-independence Kenya, the complex realities of its newfound freedom, and his current mission combating human cruelty as a board member of the Coalition Against Global Genocide.Get your copy of Running With Lions by Pius KamauAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Pius Kamau and His Memoir 03:01 The Journey of Education and Overcoming Adversity 05:54 Racism and Its Impact on Life Experiences 08:51 Resilience and the Will to Succeed 12:06 The Aftermath of a Life-Changing Accident 15:08 Parental Influence and the Value of Education 18:04 Reflections on Post-Independence Kenya 20:49 Advocacy Against Global Genocide 24:10 Closing Thoughts and Future AspirationsGuest InformationDr. Pius KamauSocial:Facebook InstagramCoalitoin Against Global Geocide 1991 interview with Hank AaronFor more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  6. Jul 3

    When the Doctor Needed Her Own Advice

    In this episode of *Now I've Heard Everything*, host Bill Thompson sits down with Dr. Durga Larkin, MD, an ophthalmologist and author of the new book *Timeless Vision: Empowered Aging Redefined*. Dr. Larkin shares how her decades-long career as an eye surgeon inspired her to view aging not as a structural decline or a narrowing field of view, but as a profound opportunity for inner growth and reinvention. Using the physical mechanics of the eye as a powerful metaphor, she explains how unrecognized "blind spots"—societal expectations and limiting beliefs—can hold us back at any age. Dr. Larkin also shares a deeply personal turning point: how a severe wrist injury threatened her dominant surgical hand, forcing her to confront her own identity and ultimately choose to live out the exact advice of her book. Whether you are in your 30s or your 90s, this conversation is an inspiring reminder that you can expand your vision, adjust your trajectory, and embrace life with purpose.Get your copy of Timeless Vision by Durga LarkinAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Timeless Vision 03:01 The Journey of Aging and Perspective 06:14 Blind Spots and Inner Vision 09:01 Generational Perspectives on Aging 12:04 The Importance of Emotional Fulfillment 14:50 Adapting to Life Changes 18:00 Finding Purpose in Later Life 21:01 Resilience and Positive Attitude 24:01 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsGuest InformationDurga LarkinWebsiteSocial:Facebook Instagram ---------------------Kevin Phillips 2012 interview on Now I've Heard EverythingFor more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  7. Jun 28

    Anne Frank: The Writer Behind the Icon

    In this episode of *Now I've Heard Everything*, host Bill Thompson sits down with biographer and author Ruth Franklin to discuss her book, *The Many Lives of Anne Frank*. Far from a simple biography, Franklin’s work takes a kaleidoscopic approach to one of history’s most famous figures, examining how Anne Frank has been transformed into a global icon and co-opted by various groups to fit different agendas. Franklin reveals a side of Anne that many readers miss: her identity as a deeply serious, precocious creative artist who intentionally rewrote and edited her own diary for future publication. The conversation also explores the harrowing reality of women in concentration camps, the grim history of the Holocaust in the Netherlands, and the enduring legacy managed by Anne's father, Otto Frank.Get your copy of The Many Lives of Anne Frank by Ruth FranklinAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:00 Exploring the Many Lives of Anne Frank 02:59 The Iconic Transformation of Anne Frank 06:14 Anne Frank: The Writer Behind the Diary 08:50 The Unwritten Legacy of Anne Frank 11:56 Understanding the Holocaust in the Netherlands 14:52 Reflections on Anne Frank's ImpactGuest InformationRuth FranklinWebsiteSocial:YouTube Facebook Instagram ---------------------Deborah Lipstadt 1993 interview on Now I've Heard EverythingFor more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

  8. Jun 19

    She Spent Five Years Unravelling an Art History Mystery

    What if the iconic blue-and-white pottery sitting on your grandmother’s mantle was actually the key to an art history mystery? In this episode of *Now I've Heard Everything*, host Bill Thompson sits down with decorative art advisor, author, and former *Antiques Roadshow* expert Genevieve Wheeler Brown to discuss her new book, *Beyond Blue and White*. Genevieve shares the serendipitous story of stepping into a quiet New York City townhouse and discovering a rare cache of 17th- and 18th-century Dutch Delftware. What unfolded was an incredible "who-done-it" that revealed the hidden, powerful history of women in the arts and financial history. From female pottery owners who grew up down the street from Vermeer to the Gilded Age wives who bypassed sexist museum boards to found their own institutions, this episode explores how decorative arts served as a gateway to independence for women throughout history.Get your copy of Beyond Blue And White by Genevieve Wheeler BrownAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:01:16 – Porcelain vs. Earthenware: The 9th-Century Imitation Game 02:02 – From *Antiques Roadshow* to a New York City Mystery 03:41 – The Secret Women Entrepreneurs of the Dutch Golden Age 05:14 – Craft vs. Art: From Everyday Tables to Royal Commissions 07:03 – Financial Literacy and Equal Rights in the 17th Century 08:12 – The Golden Age of Archiving and Connecting the Dots 09:14 – Gilded Age Rebels: How Women Built Their Own Museums 10:48 – A 5-Year Writing Journey Born Out of a Zoom Lecture 14:00 – Getting Lost in the Smithsonian: Childhood Inspirations 16:38 – The Centennial Exposition of 1876 and the Women’s Pavilion 18:11 – Ceramics as a Gateway to Women's Suffrage and Independence 20:02 – The Science of Cobalt Blue: Technology Thinner Than Porcelain 21:46 – Is There Valuable Delftware Hiding in Your Attic? 22:51 – Wrap-up & Where to Find *Beyond Blue and White*Guest InformationGenevieve Wheeler BrownWebsiteSocial:Facebook Instagram 1988 interview with Alex HaleyEasier, more confident everyday conversation: "The Everyday What To Say"For more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Now I’ve Heard Everything brings you conversations about the turning points that shape extraordinary lives. Hosted by veteran interviewer Bill Thompson, the show features memoirists, biographers, artists, survivors, and cultural figures sharing the moments when everything changed, for themselves or for the people they’ve studied. With more than 30 years of intimate interviews behind him, Bill guides guests into the stories behind their stories: the choices, shocks, breakthroughs, and revelations that define a life.

Information

  • Creator
    Bill Thompson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    756
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bill Thompson
  • Show Website
    Now I've Heard Everything

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