Podcast Episodes

A Way of Being with Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and Aaron Becker

Season 10 Episode 21

Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and Aaron Becker, author and illustrator of We Go Slow (Atheneum Books for Young Readers), join Matthew to talk about the wise ones who know to take time.

Visit Mariahades…

Published on 2 hours ago

(R) What Gives Rachel Michelle Wilson Hope

Season 10

*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired May 3 2025.

Rachel Michelle Wilson (To Catch a Ghost) shares what is giving her hope today: the small moments in our every day.

This is …

Published on 3 days, 2 hours ago

A Champion for Children with Valerie Bolling

Season 10 Episode 20

Valerie Bolling, author of A Flea for Justice: Marian Wright Edelman Stands Up for Change (Charlesbridge), illustrated by TeMika Grooms, joins Matthew to talk about a person worth writing about.

Vi…

Published on 1 week ago

(R) What Gives Zetta Elliott Hope

Season 10

*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 29, 2025.

Zetta Elliott (The Oracle's Door) shares what is giving her hope today: art. Art has always been not just an expression of h…

Published on 1 week, 3 days ago

In the Thick of It with Corinna Luyken

Season 10 Episode 19

Corinna Luyken, author illustrator of The Arguers (Rocky Pond Books), joins Matthew to talk about the silly, the absurd, and seeing yourself in every single character.

Visit Corinna Luyken online a…

Published on 2 weeks ago

The Hopeline is Open

Season 10

Matthew pops into the feed to share a couple of important updates: accepting messages of hope from all listeners, seeking an intern or friend to help with social media, and I love you.

If you have …

Published on 2 weeks, 3 days ago

Becoming Curious with Heidi EY Stemple

Season 10 Episode 18

Heidi EY Stemple, author of The Poetry of Car Mechanics (Wordsong), joins Matthew to talk about becoming curious and making every bit of your writing intentional.

Visit Heidi EY Stemple online at h…

Published on 3 weeks ago

As Meaningful As Possible with Erin Entrada Kelly

Season 10 Episode 17

Erin Entrada Kelly, author of At Last She Stood (Greenwillow Books) and The Last Resort (Scholastic Press), joins Matthew to talk about crafting stories as meaningful as possible to the reader.

Vis…

Published on 4 weeks ago

What Gives Mary Reaves Uhles Hope

Season 10

Mary Reaves Uhle, author illustrator of The Flock We Found (Magination Press), shares what is giving her hope today:  all the parents and kids posting pictures of bright faces and shiny new outfits t…

Published on 1 month ago

Mining Our Memories with Natasha Khan Kazi

Season 10 Episode 16

Natasha Khan Kazi, author illustrator of Bela and Lily (Kokila), joins Matthew to talk about bravery through being a multi-language learner.

Visit Natasha Khan Kazi online at natashakhankazi.com

Published on 1 month ago