Wild Precious Life

Evergreen Podcasts
  • 5.0 (76)
  • Books
  • Updated Semimonthly

Join author, educator, and learner, Annmarie Kelly as she laughs, cries, and kvetches with the writers, musicians, entrepreneurs, and wanderers who inspire all of us to reach beyond our divisions and discover what it means to be wild, precious, and brave.

  1. 3d ago

    The Original with Priya Parmar

    Priya Parmar is the author of the novel, Vanessa and Her Sister, a New York Times Notable Book, and her latest novel, The Original, is out now. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Priya discuss their shared obsession with movie star, Katharine Hepburn, gender norms in old Hollywood, and how to know when a book is really finished.  Bookstore Spotlights: Barrett Bookstore – The oldest and largest independent bookstore in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Woman-founded in 1939 and woman-owned today, Barrett booksellers develop relationships with authors (hosting many events like our yearly Ladies of Summer panel), partnerships with local schools and libraries, and friendships with our loyal patrons. Visit Barrett in Darien, CT or at barrettbookstore.com. Newtonville Books – An independent bookstore located at 10 Langley Rd, in Newton, Massachusetts -- in the old stone building at the north corner of the triangle parking lot. Come for the books. Stay for the books. And learn more and shop online at newtonvillebooks.com. Titles by Priya Parmar: Exit the Actress Vanessa and Her Sister The Original Additional Titles Mentioned in This Episode: The Foursome, by Christina Baker Kline Desk Set The Philadelphia Story Adam’s Rib Sylvia Scarlett Follow Priya Parmar: Facebook: @priyaparmar Instagram: @priyaparmarwriting Substack: Plum Bean Notes @priyaparmarwriting priyaparmar.net **Writing Workshops: If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below. For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min

  2. May 19

    Accidental Devotions with Kelli Russell Agodon

    Kelli Russell Agodon is a poet, writer, editor, and book designer whose Dialogues with Rising Tides, was named a Finalist for the Washington State Book Awards. In today’s episode, Kelli and Annmarie discuss texting Emily Dickinson, how to write a poem, and Kelli’s latest book Accidental Devotions which Traci Brimhall describes as “the kind of beauty you wish to hold forever.” Episode Sponsors: Open Books: Poem Emporium – A poetry bookstore and community space located in historic Pioneer Square, in Seattle, Washington. Stop by our Seattle location or shop at open-books-a-poem-emporium.myshopify.com. Newtonville Books – An independent bookstore located at 10 Langley Rd, in Newton, Massachusetts -- in the old stone building at the north corner of the triangle parking lot. Come for the books. Stay for the books. And learn more and shop online at newtonvillebooks.com. Titles by Kelli Russell Agodon: Accidental Devotions Dialogues with Rising Tides Hourglass Museum Everything Is Writable, co-authored with Annette Spaulding-Convy The Daily Poet: Day-By-Day Prompts, co-authored with Martha Silano Demystifying the Manuscript: Essays and Interviews on Creating a Book of Poems, co-edited with Susan Rich Additional Titles and Authors Mentioned in This Episode: The New Economy, by Gabrielle Calvocoressi Blue Atlas, by Susan Rich Dear Selection Committee, by Melissa Studdard Glitter Road, by January Gill O’Neil Terminal Surreal, by Martha Silano Follow Kelli Russell Agodon: Facebook: @agodon Instagram: @kelliagodon Bluesky: @kelliagodon Threads: @kelliagodon Twitter/X: @kelliagodon Substack: Postcards from a Poet @kelliagodon YouTube: @PoemsYouNeed agodon.com twosylviaspress.com **Writing Workshops: If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below. For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here. For anyone interested in a May weekday accountability circle, you can sign up here. For anyone in search of an evening class to jumpstart their creative practice, you can sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 2m

  3. May 5

    We Meet Apart with Martha Conway

    Martha Conway is the author of several novels including The Underground River, which was a New York Times Book Editor’s Choice. Her novel Thieving Forest won the North American Book Award for Best Historical Fiction, and her novel The Physician’s Daughter has been called “historical fiction at its finest.” In today’s episode, Annmarie and Martha discuss multiverses, theater kids, and how her latest book We Meet Apart was both a puzzle Martha created and a puzzle she needed to solve.   Episode Sponsors: Green Apple Books – Connecting curious San Francisco readers to great books since 1967. Browsing at Green Apple is a unique experience. From our handmade signs and book recommendations to the many nooks and crannies, you can both get lost in here and find serendipity. Our friendly, well-read employees also stand ready to help you in any way. For your next great read, stop by or go to greenapplebooks.com. Orinda Books – An independently-owned bookstore just 30 minutes east of San Francisco. We are 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. Titles by Martha Conway: Thieving Forest The Underground River 12 Bliss Street Sugarland The Physician’s Daughter We Meet Apart Titles Mentioned in This Episode: And The Ancestors Sing, by Radha Lin Chaddah Bug Hollow, by Michelle Huneven Skylark, by Paula McLain Recipe for Joy, by Monica Comas Follow Martha Conway: Instagram: @marthamconway Threads: @marthamconway Substack: @marthaconway marthaconway.com **Writing Workshops: If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below. For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here. For anyone interested in a May weekday accountability circle, you can sign up here. For anyone in search of an evening class to jumpstart their creative practice, you can sign up here. And if you’d like to travel with your writing, Annmarie is co-leading a writing retreat in Paris this June. Join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 2m

  4. Apr 21

    The Road to Tender Hearts with Annie Hartnett

    Annie Hartnett is the award-winning author of three novels: Rabbit Cake, Unlikely Animals, and the national bestseller The Road to Tender Hearts, which won the 2025 New England Book Award for fiction and was named a best book of 2025 from NPR, LitHub, and Southern Living. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Annie discuss parenting worries, janky rental houses, and how to write a road trip book with or without a cat that can predict death. Episode Sponsors: Newtonville Books – An independent bookstore located at 10 Langley Rd, in Newton, Massachusetts -- in the old stone building at the north corner of the triangle parking lot. Come for the books. Stay for the books. And learn more and shop online at newtonvillebooks.com. Blue Willow Bookshop – A locally-owned, independently-minded West Houston bookstore. Blue Willow is run by a team of opinionated, well-read women. Our staff meetings are full of laughter, our back room is full of snacks, and we absolutely love putting the right book into a reader’s hands. We’ve got recommendations. We’ve got pizzazz. And we look forward to welcoming you to our happy place. Stop in or shop online at bluewillowbookshop.com. Titles Mentioned in This Episode:  Rabbit Cake, by Annie Hartnett Unlikely Animals, by Annie Hartnett The Road to Tender Hearts, by Annie Hartnett Margot’s Got Money Troubles, by Rufi Thorpe Follow Annie Hartnett: Instagram: @annie_hartnett Threads: @annie_hartnett Substack: @anniehartnett anniehartnett.com accountabilityworkshops.com Photo credit: Traer Scott **Writing Workshops:  If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.  For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.  For anyone interested in a May weekday accountability circle, you can sign up here. For anyone in search of an evening class to jumpstart their creative practice, you can sign up here.And if you’d like to travel with your writing, Annmarie is co-leading a writing retreat in Paris this June. Join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59 min

  5. Apr 7

    Bloom How You Must with Tara Pringle Jefferson

    Tara Pringle Jefferson is the founder of The Self Care Suite, a digital wellness community for Black women. Her voice has been featured on New York magazine’s The Cut, Black Enterprise, and Essence. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Tara discuss Bloom How You Must: A Black Woman’s Guide to Self-Care and Generational Healing, and the importance of both self-care and community care as a sustaining force for Black women. Episode Sponsors: Tastes & Tomes – A Black woman-owned, mission-driven, pop-up/mobile bookshop in Columbus, Ohio. Founded during the pandemic by author, poet, advocate, and educator, Tracy Ramey (pen name Tracy D.F. Resonance), Tastes & Tomes centers historically underrepresented stories, banned and challenged books, and indie authors. Find Tastes & Tomes online at bookshop.org/shop/tastesandtomes. And if you’re in the Columbus area today, April 7, 2026, come on out to Zora’s House for the Inaugural National Black Bookstore Day. Come support your local Black bookstore. Let’s celebrate and recognize literacy, knowledge, and those who paved the way before us. Literary Cleveland – Developing writers, amplifying voices, and transforming our community through storytelling. Explore other voices and discover your own. Search for classes and find your creative community at litcleveland.org. Titles Mentioned in This Episode: Bloom How You Must: A Black Woman’s Guide to Self-Care and Generational Healing, by Tara Pringle Jefferson Firstborn Girls, by Bernice L. McFadden Dominion, by Addie E. Citchens The Price of Exclusion: The Pursuit of Healthcare in a Segregated Nation, by Nicole Carr Follow Tara Pringle Jefferson: Facebook: @wherewomenbloom Instagram: @wherewomenbloom Threads: @wherewomenbloom Substack: The Well Rested Black Woman tarapringlejefferson.com theselfcaresuite.com **Writing Workshops: If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below. For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here. For anyone interested in an evening class to jumpstart your creative practice, you can sign up here. And if you’d like to travel with your writing, Annmarie is co-leading a writing retreat in Paris this June. Join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min

  6. Mar 24

    Mathey Girls with Melody Chu

    Melody Chu is a writer and attorney. The daughter of Chinese immigrants from Taiwan, she graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School and has practiced as an attorney in Hong Kong, Beijing and the United States. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Melody discuss her debut novel Mathey Girls. They also talk about independent publishing and the power of female friendships across distance, time, and grief.  Episode Sponsors: 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. Mac’s Backs – A proud Cleveland indie bookstore with three floors for browsing, great online service, and chocolate milkshakes right next door. Find your new favorite book and shop online at macsbacks.com. Titles Mentioned in This Episode: Mathey Girls, by Melody Chu Kundun (1997) Official Trailer The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Official Trailer Follow Melody Chu: Facebook: @MelodyChu Instagram: @MelodyChu_author Threads: @melodygchu melodychuauthor.com **Writing Workshops: If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below. For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here. For anyone interested in an evening class to jumpstart your creative practice, you can sign up here. And if you’d like to travel with your writing, Annmarie is co-leading a writing retreat in Paris this June. Join us! Photo Credit: Melissa Lipnick, Life Unscripted Photography Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr

  7. Mar 10

    No Friend to This House with Natalie Haynes

    Natalie Haynes is a writer, broadcaster and “rock star mythologist.” Her retelling of the Trojan War, A Thousand Ships, was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction and has been translated around the globe. She’s out now with No Friend to This House, a reimagining of the story of Medea. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Natalie poke fun at Perseus, demystify Greek myths, and discuss the relevance of classic literature in our modern world.  Episode Sponsors: Pocket Books – An independent, queer, feminist bookstore committed to the idea that bookstores are places for communities to share knowledge, wisdom, resources, and connections. We stock an intentional and eclectic selection of books that we hope will help you feel safe exploring something new. Pocket Books is a place of discovery where readers find support for their ideas and new interests. Stop by one of our Lancaster, Pennsylvania locations or shop online at pocketbooksshop.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. Titles by Natalie Haynes:  No Friend to This House A Thousand Ships The Children of Jocasta Stone Blind Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth Pandora's Jar: Women in the Greek Myths Additional Titles Mentioned in This Episode  The Overstory, Playground, and Bewilderment, all by Richard Powers O Brother, Where Art Thou? Official Trailer Clash of the Titans (1981) Official Trailer Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics Follow Natalie Haynes: Facebook: @nataliehaynesstandupclassicist Twitter/X: @officialnhaynes Instagram: @NatalieHaynesAuthor Threads: @nataliehaynesauthor Bluesky: @NatalieHaynes nataliehaynes.com **Writing Workshops:  If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.  For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.  For anyone interested in an evening class to jumpstart your creative practice, you can sign up here. And if you’d like to travel with your writing, Annmarie is co-leading a writing retreat in Paris this June. Join us!Photo Credit: James Betts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 1m

  8. Feb 24

    The Irish Goodbye with Beth Ann Fennelly

    Beth Ann Fennelly is the former poet laureate of Mississippi and the author of seven books, including Heating and Cooling and The Titled World. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Beth Ann discuss her latest book, The Irish Goodbye: Micro-Memoirs, and what we can learn from everyday moments observed with extraordinary clarity and humor. Episode Sponsors: Square Books – A general independent bookstore on the historic town square of Oxford, Mississippi, home of the University of Mississippi and many great writers, including William Faulkner, Barry Hannah, Larry Brown, and, for a time, both Willie Morris and John Grisham. Square Books is known for its strong selection of literary fiction, books on the American South and by Southern writers, and its emphasis on books for children. The store hosts the popular Thacker Mountain radio show and over 150 author events a year. Stop by our Oxford location or shop online at squarebooks.com. Fountain Bookstore – An independent, general, full-service bookstore serving the Metro Richmond area and the world! Fountain hosts more author programming than any other entity in the state of Virginia. We also ship autographed copies worldwide. Come check us out! You’ll find enthusiastic booksellers happy to talk about their favorite titles. Or find us online at fountainbookstore.com. Titles by Beth Ann Fennelly  Open House Tender Hooks Unmentionables Great with Child: Letters to a Young Mother The Tilted World, coauthored with Tom Franklin Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs  The Irish Goodbye: Micro-Memoirs Additional Titles Mentioned in This Episode  House of Smoke, by John T. Edge Me vs. Slugs: Pandemic Edition, by Beth Ann Fennelly Outtakes from the Highlight Reel, by Beth Ann Fennelly Follow Beth Ann Fennelly: Facebook: @BethAnnFennelly Instagram: @bethannfennelly Threads: @bethannfennelly Substack: The BethAnnigan bethannfennelly.com **Writing Workshops:  If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.  For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here.  For anyone interested in an evening class to jumpstart your creative practice, you can sign up here. And if you’d like to travel with your writing, Annmarie is leading a writing retreat in Paris this June. Join us! Photo Credit: Paul Gandy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 2m
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5
out of 5
76 Ratings

About

Join author, educator, and learner, Annmarie Kelly as she laughs, cries, and kvetches with the writers, musicians, entrepreneurs, and wanderers who inspire all of us to reach beyond our divisions and discover what it means to be wild, precious, and brave.

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