I’m joined today by contributor to The New York Times and editor-at-large of Jewish Currents, Peter Beinart, Professor of journalism and political science at City University of New York to discuss his provocative new book, Being Jewish After The Destruction of Gaza. Joining me in the studio is clinical social worker, Marcelle Grant, who is one of the organizers of Peter Beinart’s talk in Santa Fe on October 20th. A must-listen episode about a controversial book and a critically-defining period in our global experience. More at peterbeinart.substack.com Register for his free talk at beinartinsantafe@gmail.com

A delight to chat with composer, guitarist, and music journalist Mark Small about his biography of Lee Berk, the former president of Berklee College of Music where Mark was on staff for many years. Lee Berk: Leading the Berklee Way covers the life and vision of Lee and his father Lawrence and why Berklee stands out as one of the most sought after colleges by musicians everywhere. Mark Small worked closely with Lee’s widow, Susan Berk to create this book honoring her husband’s life, and both will be at Collected Works Bookstore on Thursday, October 9th at 6:00.

Nationally-acclaimed naturalist, Priyanka Kumar, praised for her luminous book Conversations with Birds and often compared to Rachel Carson, joins me with her new book, The Light Between Apple Trees: Rediscovering The Wild Through A Beloved American Fruit.

A musical treat today with author, singer, songwriter and 2014 Oklahoma Poet Laureate emeritus Nathan Brown. With 30 volumes of poetry and prose to his name and uncountable songs, Nathan delights, informs and inspires audiences wherever he goes. Lucky for us, he has recently relocated to Santa Fe from Texas hill country and celebrates publication of the second book in his Birth of A Vagabond seasonal series here on The Last Word. He begins a new tour, along with his daughter Sierra, with a house concert next Thursday and a musical event at Susan Eddings Perez Gallery, 717 Canyon Road, Friday, September 19th beginning “around 6:30.”

Mother and son, Karen Chase and Matthew Chase-Daniel intrigue the airwaves with me to discuss art, writing, poetry, imagination and historical “facts.” Karen Chase comes to town to read her “re-imagined” story, Two Tales: Jamali Kamali and ZundelState, the first tale set in 16th Century India inspired by the magnificent tomb in Delhi of Sufi Saint Jamali and his supposed lover, Kamali, and ZundelState set a thousand years in the future. Matthew is well respected in Santa Fe for his podcast Coffee and Culture, art installations and mobile art gallery Axle Contemporary. Mother and son will be in conversation at Collected Works on Sunday, September 7th at 4:30 and always at karenchase.com and chasedaniel.com

New Mexico poet and activist Demetria Martinez in dialogue with playwright, poet and co-founder of IKON magazine Susan Sherman, light up today’s episode with powerful insights and sensitivity. Their collaboration, Poetry in Dangerous Times, gives a voice to those who have been silenced and a renewed strength for those who are frozen by a growing fear. As Demetria says, “Poetry is an act of resistance.”

Animal lovers stop scrolling now and click the Listen button. Here’s another informative, and this time poignant, interview with nationally-respected animal advocate Carlyn Montes de Oca following the passing of her beloved dog, Grace. Award-winning author of Junkyard Girl and Dog As My Doctor,Cat As My Nurse, Carlyn also teases her next book, to be published soon. animalhumanhealth.com

A special episode honoring New Mexico Book Association‘s superb work on behalf of our local writers, book designers and small publishing houses. NMBA’s President, Anna Sochocky joins me with National Endowment for The Arts recipient Deborah Taffa who will be the keynote speaker at NMBA’s Annual Gala on August 21st. Deborah’s celebrated memoir, Whiskey Tender, was a 2024 National Book Award finalist and named a 2024 Top Ten book by Time Magazine.

Regular listeners know that we like to feature local authors as well as some big names. So, meet New Mexico native artist and writer Hosho McCreesh, a name taken from Navajo tradition and his Irish roots. Hosho’s poetry collection, Psalms from The Badlands, offers evocative reading a little longer than classic Haiku. His writing inspiration is fascinating in itself and how he folds his artistry into his special edition volumes is creative genius. Learn more about him at hoshomccreesh.com

Take a few minutes this evening from attention-grabbing headlines and daily worries to drop deeply into the natural flow and ease of your life. Daoist philosopher and teacher Solala Towler joins me from leafy Oregon to share wisdom from one of his 12 books on Qigong and the art of the Tao. Reading from Teahouse at The Edge of The World his voice will soothe your nervous system and perhaps inspire you to let go a little.