Podcast Episodes

Minnesota bestseller Abby Jimenez on the sweet and spicy genre of romance

Abby Jimenez is a powerhouse.

Originally known for starting Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen, these days she’s known more for her books than her b…

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Tayari Jones on female friendships, divergent bonds and 'Kin'

After “An American Marriage,” her wildly successful 2018 novel, Tayari Jones signed a contract for her next book to be about a woman grappling with …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Presidential historian Jeffrey Engel on executive power and the current state of democracy

Kerri Miller hosted a community conversation with presidential historian and author Jeffrey Engel in Red Wing on Wednesday night, April 8. Engel was …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Daisy Hernandez on the many layers of 'Citizenship'

This week, the Supreme Court heard arguments on the constitutionality of President Donald Trump’s executive order that would undo birthright citizens…

6 months, 4 weeks ago

Louise Erdrich seduces with 'Python's Kiss'

A new book by Minnesota author Louise Erdrich is always reason to celebrate.

The acclaimed writer, already graced with a Pulitzer and a National Book…

7 months ago

Looking for grace in ‘The Glorians’

What does it mean to live richly, even radiantly, while facing the impending darkness of climate change? How do we stand in awe at the planet we see …

7 months, 1 week ago

How ancient stones helped megalith-hunter Fiona Robertson stay grounded through grief

When it comes to megaliths — massive stones set in place by prehistoric people — Americans are probably most familiar with Stonehenge. But the U.K.’s…

7 months, 2 weeks ago

Daniyal Mueenuddin pulls from his life for an upstairs-downstairs novel set in Pakistan

Daniyal Mueenuddin grew up in two vastly different worlds. As a child, he lived with his paternal relatives in Lahore, Pakistan. As a teenager, he sp…

7 months, 3 weeks ago

Between a rock and adulthood: Risk and reward in Gabriel Tallent's novel 'Crux'

Rock climbing is risky. But so is life. And friendship. And following your dreams. Nothing is promised. Success is not assured.

In Gabriel Tallent’s …

8 months ago

Tracy K. Smith prescribes poetry as a balm to our wounds in 'Fear Less'

When Tracy K. Smith was named U.S. Poet Laureate in 2017, the country was in a fragile place.

In her new book, Smith writes that, by then, “we’d come…

8 months, 1 week ago