Writer's Voice with Francesca Rheannon

Francesca Rheannon
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Writer's Voice with Francesca Rheannon

Writer's Voice features author interviews and readings, as well as news, commentary and tips related to writing and publishing. We also talk with editors, agents, publicists and others about issues of interest to writers. Francesca Rheannon is producer and host of Writer's Voice. She is a writer, an independent radio producer and a broadcast journalist.

  1. Slippery Beast: Ellen Ruppel Shell on Eels, Ecology, and the Global Wildlife Trade

    2 HR. AGO

    Slippery Beast: Ellen Ruppel Shell on Eels, Ecology, and the Global Wildlife Trade

    In this episode, we dive into the world of eels with Ellen Ruppel Shell, author of Slippery Beast: A True Crime Natural History with Eels. From ancient mysteries and ecological importance to international crime syndicates and sustainable farming, Ruppel Shell unravels the fascinating and complex story of one of nature’s most enigmatic creatures. The conversation traces the mysterious lifecycle of eels, their pivotal role in ecosystems, and their entanglement in a global black market. Ruppel Shell also highlights efforts to sustainably farm eels and the cultural significance of these creatures to Native American communities. From Aristotle to the international criminal trade in wildlife, this episode offers a riveting exploration of eels and their connection to humanity. Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004. Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack.  Read The Transcript Key Words: Ellen Ruppel Shell, Slippery Beast, eel lifecycle, global wildlife trade, freshwater eels, ecological importance of eels, eel farming, eel conservation, wildlife crime, ecosystems services Key Topics * The mysterious lifecycle of freshwater eels and their migration to the Sargasso Sea * Eels’ ecological importance as predators, prey, and ecosystem engineers * The global eel trade: poaching, organized crime, and unsustainable practices * The decline of eel populations and its environmental consequences * Efforts in sustainable eel farming and Native American conservation initiatives * The paradox of human desire driving both exploitation and conservation Key Quotes * “Eels are like the bottom block of a Jenga tower—remove them, and ecosystems collapse.” * “The illegal eel trade is the largest wildlife crime by dollar value, rivaling international drug cartels.” * “Nature assumed eels. They’ve been here for millions of years, shaping ecosystems in ways we’re only beginning to understand.” If you enjoyed this episode, please share it on your favorite podcast app and leave a review.

    29 min
  2. Petrina Engelke, COOK ACROSS AMERICA

    6 DAYS AGO

    Petrina Engelke, COOK ACROSS AMERICA

    In this special holiday edition of Writer’s Voice, journalist and author Petrina Engelke shares her journey exploring iconic American cuisine along Route 66, detailed in the book she co-wrote with food blogger Gabriele Frankemölle, Cook Across America: 66 Iconic Recipes Along the Legendary Route 66. Engelke delves into the diverse cultural traditions that define American food, from maple syrup production in Illinois to fusion Tex-Mex dishes in Texas and barbecue’s African American roots. She also highlights the intersection of food, history, and climate change, discussing how environmental challenges threaten beloved traditions like winemaking and maple syrup harvesting. “Barbecue is a testament to resilience, born from hard labor and innovation by enslaved African Americans.” — Petrina Engelke Cook Across America is written for a German readership (Engelke reports on America for German news outlets) but our conversation is an engaging exploration of the many-splendored diversity that makes American food traditions so rich that any English-speaker can enjoy. Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004. Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack.  READ THE TRANSCRIPT Key Words: Petrina Engelke, American cuisine, climate change, Cook Across America Key Topics: * The origins of Cook Across America and its connection to Route 66 * The diverse cultural influences shaping American cuisine * Maple syrup production in Illinois and its climate challenges * Barbecue’s Indigenous, African American, and colonial roots * Tex-Mex fusion cooking and debates over “authenticity” in food * The impact of wildfires and climate change on California winemaking Learn more about Petrina Engelke’s work on her Substack blog Climate Culinarians and her journalism website. Happy Holidays! If you enjoyed this episode, please share and review the podcast!

    33 min
  3. Rebecca Nagle, BY THE FIRE WE CARRY

    NOV 27

    Rebecca Nagle, BY THE FIRE WE CARRY

    In this episode, Rebecca Nagle, journalist and author of By the Fire We Carry: The Generations’ Long Fight for Justice on Native Land, unpacks the history of the Cherokee Nation and broader Indigenous struggles for sovereignty. Nagle intertwines personal family history with systemic injustices, tracing the consequences of the Trail of Tears, the Indian Removal Act, and the ongoing fight for Native land rights. She examines how these histories intersect with larger issues of capitalism, democracy, and climate justice. The conversation also highlights recent landmark Supreme Court decisions and their implications for Indigenous sovereignty and U.S. democracy. ““If you think that lawlessness towards one group can’t eventually affect you, history tells us otherwise.” — Rebecca Nagle Then, we continue our Thanksgiving week tradition of hearing Native American storyteller and ethnohistorian Marge Bruchac talk about the holiday from the Native point of view — and her re-telling of the Story of Corn. Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004. Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack.  Key Words: Rebecca Nagle, By the Fire We Carry, Indigenous sovereignty, Cherokee Nation, Supreme Court, Trail of Tears, McGirt v. Oklahoma, Native land rights, Indian Removal Act, democracy and genocide, environmental justice, Neil Gorsuch Key Topics * The legacy of John and Major Ridge and their controversial role in Cherokee history * The Trail of Tears and its ongoing impact on Indigenous communities * The Indian Removal Act: greed, violence, and the roots of U.S. capitalism * Supreme Court cases Murphy v. Oklahoma and McGirt v. Oklahoma and their significance * The resilience of Native sovereignty and environmental challenges * Lessons from Indigenous struggles for addressing democratic backsliding Timestamps * [0:00] Introduction * [4:35] Rebecca Nagle’s family history and connection to Cherokee Nation * [12:15] The Trail of Tears and the Indian Removal Act * [20 :30] Supreme Court cases Murphy and McGirt: reclaiming Indigenous land * [25:45] Capitalism, environmental justice, and Native land exploitation * [39:00] Democracy, systemic injustice, and Indigenous resilience * [43:47] Lessons for today’s democratic struggles

    59 min
  4. LINGUAPHILE: Julie Sedivy on the Beauty, Complexity, and Mystery of Language

    NOV 21

    LINGUAPHILE: Julie Sedivy on the Beauty, Complexity, and Mystery of Language

    Summary In this episode, Julie Sedivy, author of Linguaphile: A Life of Language Love, explores her profound relationship with language as both a scientist and a writer. Sedivy shares her journey from a multilingual childhood to becoming a linguist, reflecting on the complexities of multilingualism, the emotional weight of language, and its profound ties to time, identity, and human connection. She also delves into how language shapes our social interactions, cultural divides, and even our final moments. “The last word my brother said was ‘love.’ And that’s what remains when everything else falls away.” — Julie Sedivy Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004. Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack.  Key Words: Julie Sedivy, Linguaphile, multilingualism, psycholinguistics, linguistics, aging and language, Key Topics * Sedivy’s multilingual upbringing and the influence of her cultural journey on her love of language * The science and art of linguistics: exploring psycholinguistics and time-dependent language processing * Misconceptions about multilingualism: debunking the “confusion” myth * The emotional resonance of first languages versus learned ones * How language differences contribute to cultural and political divides * AI’s limitations in replicating the lived, human experience of language * The intersection of love, loss, and language in Sedivy’s personal life and writing Timestamps * [0:00] Introduction * [3:10] Julie Sedivy’s multilingual childhood and journey to linguistics * [10:25] Misconceptions about multilingualism and the science of language learning * [18:00] The emotional weight of first languages * [25:30] Cultural and political divides reflected in language * [35:20] Reflections on language, time, and mortality * [44:15] AI and its disconnection from human experience * [50:00] The enduring power of love and connection in language If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, rate and review our podcast on your favorite podcast app! Read an excerpt from Julie Sedivy’s Linguaphile: A Life of Language Love Next Week On Writer’s Voice: We spend most of the hour talking with Native American journalist Rebecca Nagle about her book, By The Fire We Carry: The Generations Long Fight For Justice On Native Land. It’s a gripping account of the landmark Supreme Court ruling that recognized the sovereignty of tribal lands and the long and tragic history tha...

    57 min
  5. Ann Patchett, BEL CANTO, The Annotated Version & Kathy Engel, DEAR INHERITORS

    NOV 14

    Ann Patchett, BEL CANTO, The Annotated Version & Kathy Engel, DEAR INHERITORS

    Summary In this episode of Writer’s Voice, celebrated novelist Ann Patchett discusses the annotated release of her beloved novel Bel Canto, exploring how themes of love, art, and humanity resonate in times of crisis. Patchett reflects on her writing process, the tenderness of her characters, and how art can provide solace in difficult times. The, poet and activist Kathy Engel discusses her collection, Dear Inheritors, touching on the intersections of poetry, social justice, and the ongoing struggles against racism and privilege. Engel’s work reflects on her life experiences and the contradictions of beauty and violence in society, emphasizing the importance of holding space for vulnerability, honesty, and collective healing. We last spoke with her in 2014. Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004. Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack.  Key words: Ann Patchett, Bel Canto annotated, Kathy Engel, Dear Inheritors, poetry, writing process, art and activism, podcast, Writer’s Voice Key Quotes: * “Art is the point. In critical moments, art really does surge forward.” —Ann Patchett * “If we believe we are all connected, we are all of one life, all deserving of love and forgiveness.” —Ann Patchett * “I will not write a poem over the graves of children… Give me a language for the stem that loves the root fully.” —Kathy Engel Key Topics: * The power of art in times of crisis and Patchett’s reflections on the role of storytelling * Annotating Bel Canto: Patchett’s process and insights on themes of time, tenderness, and resilience * Engel’s Dear Inheritors: the struggle with privilege, white supremacy, and social justice through poetry * The importance of vulnerability and connection in addressing social and personal conflicts * Contradictions in beauty and violence in nature and human relationships Timestamps: * [0:00] Introduction * [3:30] Ann Patchett on the inspiration for annotating Bel Canto * [8:20] Exploring themes of time and humanity in Bel Canto * [12:40] The role of art in times of social and personal crisis * [20:15] Kathy Engel on Dear Inheritors: poetry, privilege, and activism * [32:45] Confronting privilege and vulnerability through poetry * [42:00] Nature, beauty, and violence in Engel’s work

    58 min
  6. Gardening Utopia: Olivia Laing on THE GARDEN AGAINST TIME & Timothy Snyder, ON TYRANNY

    NOV 8

    Gardening Utopia: Olivia Laing on THE GARDEN AGAINST TIME & Timothy Snyder, ON TYRANNY

    In this thought-provoking episode, acclaimed author Olivia Laing shares insights from The Garden Against Time, exploring the concept of gardens as both physical spaces and metaphors for paradise, exclusion, and resistance. Laing recounts restoring a historic garden and reflects on themes of ecological stewardship, historical gardens, and the philosophical tensions between control and collaboration with nature. Their book juxtaposes the beauty of gardens with the historical darkness behind some, revealing how spaces of natural beauty have sometimes been exclusionary or rooted in colonial wealth. We also replay our 2017 interview with Timothy Snyder about his book, On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century. The book was intended as a kind of vaccine to inoculate us against acquiescing to authoritarianism. Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004. Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or on Bluesky. READ TRANSCRIPTS ON OUR SUBSTACK Key words: Olivia Laing, The Garden Against Time, historical gardens, utopian communities, ecological gardening, Paradise Lost, environmental stewardship, gardening and mental health, public gardens, Timothy Snyder, fascism, Donald Trump, authoritarianism, resistance. Key Topics: * Restoring Mark Rumery’s historic garden: beauty, decay, and ecological stewardship * The symbolic meaning of gardens as both paradise and places of exclusion * Philosophical themes: the balance between control and natural growth * Historical contexts of gardens, including Milton’s Paradise Lost and utopian communities * Gardens as communal spaces and “commonwealths” against environmental and social challenges Key Quotes: * “The garden is a time capsule as well as a portal out of time—a space that reminds us of the need for slower, ecological rhythms.” * “In a time obsessed with dystopia, Milton’s Eden offers an important reminder of hope, the possibility of imagining a better world.” * “What would it mean to make gardens that are inclusive, shared, and restorative spaces—a cherished commonwealth for all?” Host’s Note on The Election & Timothy Snyder’s Warning Gutted by the results of the election, I went in search of comfort. I found it in Rebecca Solnit’s powerful clarion call for solidarity. Listen to it here. But, aside from building solidarity, to go forward, we need to also think about how we got here. So we replay our 2017 interview with historian Timothy Snyder, discussing the insights from his book, On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century. Key Topics:

    59 min
  7. CRISIS AVERTED: Caitlin Rivers on the Hidden Science of Fighting Outbreaks

    OCT 31

    CRISIS AVERTED: Caitlin Rivers on the Hidden Science of Fighting Outbreaks

    In this episode, we speak with epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers about her book Crisis Averted. From the successful eradication of smallpox to navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Rivers delves into public health challenges, funding gaps, and the “panic and neglect” cycle that threatens our preparedness for future outbreaks. Host’s Note We are less than a week away from the most consequential election in US history. A lot is at stake, including the fate of basic freedoms and democratic rights. But one huge matter life and death matter has gone largely ignored: the fate of our public health system. Everything from access to clean water, life-saving vaccines, reproductive and maternal health, and so much more, is on the ballot — but few voters know that. That’s because public health — the infrastructure that keeps us safe and healthy — is the invisible half of our health care system. We only think about it when we are in danger, like during a pandemic, not when we are well. The choices made for President and Congress in this election will determine whether we can meet challenges by strengthening our public health system — or whether we will fail because that public health system has been utterly dismantled. The American Public Health Association has published a terrifying description of what would happen if Donald Trump is able to put Project 2025 into action — It was created by the most extreme members of his previous administration and widely considered to be the plans for his next, whatever he may deny. The report says, “while Project 2025 is aimed at the executive branch and intended as guidance for the next administration, many members of the U.S. House and Senate and those in state government support many of the policies proposed in Project 2025,” and are looking for ways to enact them. Here’s just some of what the APHA warns about Project 2025: * It would politicize the Centers for Disease Control, replacing scientific experts with political loyalists to Donald Trump and MAGA ideology. Project 2025 would cripple the use of data collection on disease outbreaks and prohibit it from issuing health guidance on vaccines and masks. * Project 2025 would nationalize strict anti-abortion measures, including requiring states to report abortion data — meaning states would have to monitor women’s pregnancies. It also would limit or ban access to reproductive health care drugs like Mifepristone. * Project 2025 would limit access to Medicaid: adding work requirements and capping benefits, which would disproportionately affect those with chronic conditions or disabilities, affecting the poor and disproportionately people of color. * It would entirely privatize Medicare, skyrocketing costs — and profits to insurance companies — while limited access to seniors and people with disabilities * Project 2025 would cripple our response to the climate crisis, ending government research on climate, stripping away environmental protections and encouraging the use of oil and fracked gas, putting the dangerous impacts of climate change on human health on steroids. * And it would also privatize the weather service, so that Americans would have to pay to know if a hurricane or tornado was coming their way.

    57 min
  8. Stories of Resilience and Restoration: Conversations with Eiren Caffall and Betsy McCully

    OCT 28

    Stories of Resilience and Restoration: Conversations with Eiren Caffall and Betsy McCully

    In this episode of Writer’s Voice, we explore the intersections of personal and ecological narratives through two powerful interviews. Francesca speaks with writer and musician Eiren Caffall about her memoir, The Mourner’s Bestiary, and naturalist Betsy McCully, author of At the Glacier’s Edge: A Natural History of Long Island from the Narrows to Montauk Point. These conversations explore the interconnectedness of environmental degradation and restoration, personal story, and the history of place. Topics Covered: * Environmental Parallels: How personal narratives of illness can reflect larger environmental crises. * Climate Change and Coastal Resilience: Insights into Long Island’s history of glaciation and ongoing environmental restoration efforts. * Ecological Restoration and Community: The importance of grassroots efforts in restoring and protecting local ecosystems. * The Human Connection to Nature: How loss, grief, and recovery in our own lives can mirror those within the environment. Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004. Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on X/Twitter@WritersVoice. Key words: marine ecology, Long Island Sound, Gulf of Maine, Eiren Caffall, Betsy McCully, global warming, climate change, PKD, Writer’s Voice, environmental memoir Eiren Caffall: A Personal and Ecological Grief Caffall’s The Mourner’s Bestiary intertwines her experience of living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) with her deep concern for environmental issues, particularly the degradation of aquatic ecosystems. Caffall describes how witnessing environmental collapse, such as the mass die-off in Long Island Sound in 1987, paralleled her family’s history with PKD. She uses this backdrop to reflect on the broader implications of how humans and the environment experience collapse and healing. As Caffall states, her work seeks to “ground our understanding of what’s happening to the planet in something as physical as our own disease progress.” Key Quote: “I was born in a flooding body, on a flooding planet, in a flooding family.” — Eiren Caffall Betsy McCully: Long Island’s Fragile Ecosystem In At the Glacier’s Edge, McCully examines the natural history of Long Island and how human intervention has reshaped this delicate landscape. From coastal erosion to the loss of barrier islands, McCully explores how unchecked development threatens not only human settlements but also diverse habitats. She stresses the urgent need for sustainable practices to preserve Long Island’s unique natural history. As McCully explains, “Barrier islands were never meant to be built on… as the sea level rises, we are essentially erasing these natural systems.” Key Quote: “We are ourselves as a human species, in a way, being on an edge… a metaphor for how precarious our position ha...

    1h 1m
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Writer's Voice features author interviews and readings, as well as news, commentary and tips related to writing and publishing. We also talk with editors, agents, publicists and others about issues of interest to writers. Francesca Rheannon is producer and host of Writer's Voice. She is a writer, an independent radio producer and a broadcast journalist.

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