The Last Word: Conversations with Writers
Books & Literature
About
Are you an aspiring author, do you hope to write your memoir one day? Do you have a story bursting to be told? Or do you just simply love to curl up with a good book, a beloved volume of poetry, or a thrilling page turner? What do writers think? What do writers really do? Find out – listen to THE LAST WORD: Conversations with Writers every Thursday at 5:30 pm with host, Carly Newfeld. Carly is the 2022 recipient of the “Book In Hand Award" from the New Mexico Book Association for her work on The Last Word.
Episodes
- Stacia Raymond
Author Stacia Raymond discusses Henry Mancini's life and music, including his works like "The Pink Panther" and "Moon River." Her biography, "Grace Notes," explores his musical talent and character.
- Andrew Guthrie Ferguson
George Washington University Law School Professor Andrew Guthrie Ferguson discusses his book "Your Data Will Be Used Against You: Policing in The Age of Self-Surveillance." The episode explores how data from personal devices like smartphon…
- Hafeez Lakhani
Author Hafeez Lakhani discusses his novel "Abundance," which honors immigrant families. The episode also mentions his upcoming book readings.
- Donald Levering
Poet Donald Levering discusses his award-winning Man-Moth poems and an upcoming multimedia production featuring collaborations with artist Barbara Mehlman and musicians Gary Barton and Joe West. Levering reads from his Man-Moth Chapbook.
- Wayne Lee
This episode features poet Wayne Lee discussing his lifelong writing career and his collection 'Beautiful Foolishness,' which includes pieces from 1972. His poetry evokes images of nature, animals, and treasured moments from daily life.
- Jack Ratliff
Jack Ratliff joins the podcast to discuss his memoir, 'Riding The White Bull: The Making of A Navy SEAL.' He shares insights on facing fear, leadership, and the humor found in his experiences.
- Carol Calvert
The Last Word features a conversation with Carol Calvert, discussing her multifaceted life as a singer, harpist, composer, author, and ordained Bishop. The episode touches upon her scholarship in ancient Celtic spirituality and Druidism, a…
- Annie Bloom
Annie Bloom, a wilderness guide for 35 years, shares insights on finding stillness and facing fears in nature, drawing from her experiences and book 'Buffalo Dreamer'.
- Terry Tempest Williams
This episode features an interview with NYT best-selling author Terry Tempest Williams discussing her book "The Glorians: Visitations from the Holy Ordinary." She shares how her writing helps us recognize and appreciate the extraordinary i…
- Shelley Noble
Bestselling author Shelley Noble discusses her book 'The Sisters of Book Row,' which highlights the work of women supporting reproductive health and challenging book bans on Manhattan's Book Row in the early 1900s.
- Lauren Camp
Lauren Camp, New Mexico Poet Laureate Emeritus, discusses her new poetry collection, 'Is Is Enough,' which honors her father's life and experience with Alzheimer's Disease. The collection also celebrates his vibrancy, offering words for ev…
- Elaine Pinkerton
Author Elaine Pinkerton shares a heart-opening interview about her parents' WWII love letters, now republished as From Calcutta with Love. The book highlights their enduring love and historical events from the China-Burma-India theater.
- Christopher C. Gorham
In this interview, author Christopher C. Gorham discusses his book 'Matisse at War,' focusing on art and resistance in Nazi-occupied France. Gorham draws parallels between this historical period and current events, highlighting art's power…
- Anne Hillerman & Anna Sochocky
Bestselling author Anne Hillerman discusses her career and receiving the Richard Harris Award. Anna Sochocky of the New Mexico Book Association joins to talk about the award and the Association's work.
- Richard Brady
Richard Brady, author of
- Molly O’Sullivan
Molly O’Sullivan, author of the debut novel The Book of Autumn, joins the podcast to discuss the mindset of fantasy writers and the process of bringing imaginative stories to life in published works.
- John Biscello
This episode features author John Biscello discussing his book The Last Furies. The conversation delves into his home in Taos, as well as fables, myths, and lucid dreamscapes.
- Renata Golden
Renata Golden discusses her essays, drawing from her Irish roots and experiences in Arizona and New Mexico. Her collection, "Mountain Time: A Field Guide to Astonishment," focuses on finding what truly matters.
- Priyanka Kumar
Priyanka Kumar, naturalist and filmmaker, joins "The Last Word" to discuss her book "Conversations with Birds," praised by Publishers Weekly as an ode to birds and a defense of the planet. Her new book, "The Light Between Apple Trees," is…
- Julia Cameron and Joel Fotinos
Julia Cameron, known for inspiring creativity, joins her friend Joel Fotinos to discuss her new book, 'The Daily Artist’s Way: 366 Meditations for Creative Living.' The episode focuses on accessible methods for fostering creativity.
- David Abbey
David Abbey, who directed the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee for 26 years, joins the show to discuss his memoir, 'Forty Years in The New Mexico Roundhouse.' The conversation covers his experiences with fund appropriation, societa…
- Erica Elliott
Dr. Erica Elliott shares her journey from a mainstream doctor to a healer in the third part of her memoir, "From Doctor to Healer: The Mountain Lion’s Gift." She recounts overcoming life-threatening obstacles and transforming her practice…
- Elyn Aviva
Elyn Aviva, a Cultural Anthropologist with a Masters in Divinity, joins The Last Word to discuss her book 'The Reluctant Medium.' She shares her experiences channeling ancient Greek philosophers and explores whether mediumship could be con…
- Joyce Salisbury
This episode features an interview with medieval historian and author Joyce Salisbury about her book, Acequias of Albuquerque: Walking Ancient Waterways. The discussion covers the history, geography, wildlife, and beauty of the Acequias.
- Peter Beinart
Peter Beinart joins the show to discuss his new book, 'Being Jewish After The Destruction of Gaza.' Clinical social worker Marcelle Grant also participates in the conversation.
- Mark Small
Composer Mark Small discusses his biography of Lee Berk, 'Lee Berk: Leading the Berklee Way,' which details the life and vision of the Berklee College of Music president. Small collaborated with Lee Berk's widow on the book.
- Priyanka Kumar
Naturalist Priyanka Kumar discusses her new book, "The Light Between Apple Trees," which explores the wild through apples, touching on their decline due to climate change and the concept of the "micro wild."
- Nathan Brown
Nathan Brown, an author and Oklahoma Poet Laureate emeritus, joins The Last Word to discuss his latest book series, "Birth of A Vagabond," and his upcoming musical tour with his daughter, Sierra.
- Karen Chase and Matthew Chase-Daniel
Karen Chase and Matthew Chase-Daniel discuss art, writing, poetry, and imagination. Karen shares her new re-imagined story, Two Tales, set in 16th Century India and a thousand years in the future. Matthew is known for his podcast, art inst…
- Demetria Martinez and Susan Sherman
Poet and activist Demetria Martinez discusses her collaboration "Poetry in Dangerous Times" with playwright Susan Sherman. Martinez describes poetry as an act of resistance and their work gives strength to those affected by fear.
- Carlyn Montes de Oca
This episode features animal advocate Carlyn Montes de Oca, author of "Junkyard Girl" and "Dog As My Doctor, Cat As My Nurse." She discusses her work and the recent passing of her dog, Grace.
- Deborah Taffa and Anna Sochocky
Anna Sochocky, President of the New Mexico Book Association, and NEA recipient Deborah Taffa discuss the organization's work and the upcoming Annual Gala. Taffa, author of the National Book Award finalist memoir Whiskey Tender, will be the…
- Hosho McCreesh
This episode features New Mexico native artist and writer Hosho McCreesh, author of the poetry collection Psalms from The Badlands. The discussion touches on his inspirations and creative process.
- Solala Towler
Daoist philosopher and teacher Solala Towler shares wisdom on Qigong and the Tao, reading from his book 'Teahouse at The Edge of The World' to encourage a deeper connection with life's natural flow.
- Marcia Butler
Marcia Butler, author of "Dear Virginia, Wait for Me," discusses her novel featuring the character Peppa. Butler has had previous careers as an oboist, filmmaker, and interior designer.
- Caroline Star Rose
This episode features award-winning children's author Caroline Starr Rose discussing her new book, The Burning Season. The book, written in poetry prose, is set in a fire lookout watchtower in the Gila National Forest and is described as a…
- Mariah Blake
Investigative journalist Mariah Blake discusses her book
- David Edgerley Gates
This episode features an interview with author David Edgerley Gates, exploring themes from the last century including wartime theater and the arts.
- Robert Wolf & Bonnie Larson
Robert Wolf and Bonnie Larson join The Last Word to discuss the launch of their book, Coyotes and Stars: Stories from The American Southwest. The collection features essays from over 50 local individuals, capturing the essence of the regio…
- Cynthia Rose
Cynthia Rose joins The Last Word to discuss her debut novel Emerging Resonance, a work of visionary fiction set in the future. The conversation touches on conscious evolution and finding hope amid despair.
- Joanne Fay Brown
Joanne Fay Brown, poet and writing guide, shares insights into her childhood during the McCarthy era, influenced by her activist parents. Her collection 'Independence Day' explores her journey to independence, and she now leads writing wor…
- Wayne Lee
Poet Wayne Lee joins The Last Word to discuss his latest poetry collection, Dining on Salt: Four Seasons of Septets. The episode touches on his daily writing discipline and the personal loss of his wife, Alice.
- Kristena Prater Pt. 2
This episode continues a conversation with Kristena Prater about her book 'Tessa Eyes on The World.' It delves into Tessa's life, her brother Xavier, and the inspiration the Prater family finds in Tessa's service and joy.
- Mary Gilliland
Mary Gilliland discusses her latest work, "In The Pool of The Sea’s Shoulder," a reimagined story about her younger brother. The book, published by Dancing Girl Press, aims to reveal beauty and familial love.
- Alison Kosik
Journalist Alison Kosik shares her personal journey of learning financial management after divorce and discusses her book, 'What's Up with Women and Money,' offering guidance for financial independence.
- Brooke Williams
Naturalist and environmental writer Brooke Williams discusses
- Mary McGinnis and Kathamann
Poets Mary McGinnis and Kathamann share readings from their collections. McGinnis discusses her experience with synesthesia and tasting color, while Kathamann shares her background as a nurse and Peace Corps volunteer.
- Kristena Prater Pt. 1
Kristena Prater discusses her book about her daughter Tessa's experiences in the Himalayas and her humanitarian work. Despite a tragic death, Tessa's vision continues to inspire, as detailed in the book.
- Bruce Neuburger
Bruce Neuburger discusses lessons learned from the rise of fascism in the last century, addressing contemporary anti-semitism, divisiveness, and racism. He shares insights from his book, "Postcards to Hitler: A German Jew’s Defiance in A T…
- James McGrath Morris and Sandra Blakeslee
James McGrath Morris and Sandra Blakeslee discuss New Mexico Writers, detailing how aspiring authors can apply for grants and network. Information is provided on the organization and upcoming events, with details available at nmwriters.org.