Best Pocket Forests Podcasts (2024)

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'American Scary' documents a cultural obsession with horror in the United States 10:34

1h ago10:34

10:34

Horror and scary stories are part of a long American tradition that dates back to the Salem witch trials. Columbia professor and cultural historian Jeremy Dauber traces this legacy in a new book, American Scary, from the fears of early English settlers to contemporary horror media like the films of Jordan Peele. The book draws surprising connection…

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In 'Ottolenghi Comfort,' Yotam Ottolenghi takes an expansive view of comfort food 10:01

2h ago10:01

10:01

Yotam Ottolenghi's books are a fixture on the shelves of many home cooks. In his latest cookbook, written with co-authors Helen Goh, Verena Lochmuller and Tara Wigley, the Israeli-British chef and restaurateur turns his eye towards comfort food. Ottolenghi Comfort considers the rituals and recipes that produce comfort in our culinary experiences, l…

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Al Pacino's memoir 'Sonny Boy' is a story of adventure, starting in the South Bronx 8:07

1d ago8:07

8:07

Al Pacino's childhood was spent in a tough neighborhood in the South Bronx. But he grew up among a crew of wild kids who often found themselves on adventures rivaling those of Huckleberry Finn. Those childhood antics proved foundational for Pacino, who details these stories and more in a new memoir, Sonny Boy. In today's episode, Pacino speaks with…

1
Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha bears witness to war in 'Forest of Noise' 7:20

1d ago7:20

7:20

Since the war in Gaza began, Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha says he has not lived a normal life. He lost 31 members of his extended family in an airstrike and now, he checks the list of casualties every day. Still, he has continued to write poetry. Abu Toha's new collection of poems, Forest of Noise, aims to document what he's witnessed and delive…

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S08 - Episode #06 - Stephen aka Near-miss 1:17:18

2d ago1:17:18

1:17:18

Send us a text In this week's episode we’re talking to an inspirational thru-hiker and mountain climber, his name is Stephen aka Near-miss when he’s on the trails, you can follow him on Instagram, @paul_bunyen_214 In this action-packed episode we talk to Stephen about his experiences both on the Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail. He al…

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Rebecca Yarros on literary tropes, writing through chronic illness and 'Fourth Wing' 19:14

4d ago19:14

19:14

Rebecca Yarros is the author of The Empyrean series, a wildly popular collection of "romantasy" novels. In a conversation with NPR's Emily Kwong at this year's National Book Festival, Yarros said she wanted to plot an enemies-to-lovers story when she began writing Fourth Wing, the first book in this series. In today's episode, Yarros talks about th…

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In new children's books from Trevor Noah and Travis Jonker, adventure is not far off 18:44

5d ago18:44

18:44

In two new children's books, characters discover worlds of adventure just outside their doorsteps. Trevor Noah's first picture book, Into the Uncut Grass, is about a young boy and his teddy bear who wander outside the boundaries of their home into unknown territory. The story, illustrated by Sabina Hahn, is about exploring the internal world of a c…

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A new biography portrays Queen Elizabeth II as the British public's emotional anchor 7:55

6d ago7:55

7:55

Author and essayist Craig Brown is perhaps best known for his sketch comedy writing and satirical columns poking fun at the British government. But he's also a biographer, having written about subjects like Princess Margaret and The Beatles. Now, he's turned his attention to Queen Elizabeth II in a new biography, Q: A Voyage Around the Queen. In th…

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Episodio 134 - Cómo no, un poco de Essen - Gloomhaven B&B - Compile - Dead Cells - War Story

7d ago

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Pues cómo no podía ser menos hablamos un poco de la experiencia en Essen pero intentamos que sea más informal que un listado de juegos al uso. Luego comentamos muchas de las novedades que hemos ido probando estos días. MUSIC:Space Invaders – Pornophonique & Look and feel years younger – Brad SucksBy Punto de victoria

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'How Women Made Music' reexamines the history of music with women at its center 6:16

7d ago6:16

6:16

Earlier this week, several legendary female artists–including Cher, Mary J. Blige and Big Mama Thornton–were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But despite this recognition, the history of women in popular music has always been marked by struggle. How Women Made Music, a new book from NPR Music and edited by Alison Fensterstock, centers an…

1
With a new cookbook, TikTok creator Owen Han aims to perfect the art of the sandwich 8:12

8d ago8:12

8:12

Owen Han used to work in hospitals, but his life changed in 2020 when his father died. Motivated by his late father's encouragement to pursue his passions, Han started posting food content on TikTok. He shared recipes for dishes inspired by his Italian and Chinese heritage, like his grandmother's shrimp toast. Since then, Han has become known for h…

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S08 - Episode #05 - Britt 43:35

9d ago43:35

43:35

Send us a text In this week's episode we’re heading down to the American Southwest to talk to an amazing individual. Her name is Britt and you can follow her on Instagram, @wanderswithbritt Britt shares with us some of her favorite places in and around Arizona, including the Tonto National Forest and more! We also hear about her experiences not jus…

1
'The Indian Card' explores the question of Native identity in the United States 8:46

9d ago8:46

8:46

Carrie Lowry Schuettpelz is a self-proclaimed data nerd. So, when she started work on a project on Native identity, she turned to the Census data. Quickly, she noticed that the number of people in the United States who identify as Native had skyrocketed over the last decade. That data made her curious about how communities–and the federal governmen…

1
Food meets family in new books from Ina Garten and Stephen Colbert 18:22

12d ago18:22

18:22

Ina Garten and Stephen Colbert share some big commonalities. They've both had long and successful careers in television, they're friends–and they love food. Garten has built her career around her persona as the Barefoot Contessa, with recipes that find the intersection between simple and interesting. And now, she's out with a memoir, Be Ready When …

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'Twenty-Four Seconds from Now' is a love story for Black boys–and everyone else, too 8:27

13d ago8:27

8:27

Earlier this month, novelist and poet Jason Reynolds received a grant from the MacArthur Foundation for his work "depicting the rich inner lives of kids of color." The latest example of that work is Twenty-Four Seconds from Now..., Reynolds' new young adult novel. The book follows a young Black couple, Neon and Aria, high school seniors who face a …

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In 'In Praise of Mystery,' U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón looks to the stars 7:58

14d ago7:58

7:58

NASA's Europa Clipper took off earlier this week, headed for Jupiter's fourth-largest moon. Etched on the outside of the spacecraft is a poem by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón called "In Praise of Mystery." Now, that poem, which celebrates human curiosity, has been adapted into a picture book by the same name, illustrated by Peter Sís. In today's epi…

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Malcolm Gladwell revisits old ideas in a new book, 'Revenge of the Tipping Point' 7:20

15d ago7:20

7:20

When Malcolm Gladwell released The Tipping Point in 2000, the book became a huge bestseller–and Gladwell became a star. Nearly a quarter-century later, the journalist and podcaster revisits that work. Revenge of the Tipping Point employs Gladwell's familiar methods, using storytelling to examine the spread of negative social behavior by pharmaceuti…

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S08 - Episode #04 - Joe (Joeyflatlander) 40:38

16d ago40:38

40:38

Send us a text In this week's episode we’re heading back to the Northeast to talk to an amazing individual. His name is Joe and you can follow him on Instagram, @joeyflatlander Joe shares with us his journey into hiking and backpacking, along with some of his favorite trails in and around the Northeast, including those he loves to tackle during the…

1
Han Kang, winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize in literature, on her novel 'The Vegetarian' 6:38

16d ago6:38

6:38

South Korean author Han Kang is this year's recipient of the Nobel Prize in literature, making her the first Korean writer to win the award. In its citation, the Swedish Academy commended Han "for her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life." Both of these themes are present in the author's 200…

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American Library Association president Cindy Hohl on why book bans are hard to stop 18:40

19d ago18:40

18:40

Cindy Hohl, the current president of the American Library Association, says the political temperature surrounding book bans has remained at a boiling point. Over the last year of her tenure, Hohl has witnessed librarians exit the profession due to increased stress, ridicule and public pressure to remove certain titles from their libraries–particula…

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In Simone St. James' 'Murder Road,' a lakeside honeymoon turns into a murder mystery 9:48

20d ago9:48

9:48

In 1995, a mostly pre-digital age, it was much easier to get lost–especially on a strange road in the middle of the night. This time period is the setting for Simone St. James' thriller Murder Road, which came out earlier this year. In the book, newlyweds are en route to a lakeside cabin in Michigan when they take a wrong turn and discover a hitchh…

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'Building Material' is the memoir of a Park Avenue doorman 7:14

21d ago7:14

7:14

Stephen Bruno is a doorman for a high-end building on Manhattan's Park Avenue, where he's worked for 14 years. Bruno says that while he treats every occupant like his boss, he routinely blurs professional boundaries by forming close friendships with his residents. Now, those friendships–and the many other stories from Bruno's building–form the basi…

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Jules Feiffer, 'The Phantom Tollbooth' illustrator, is out with a new graphic novel 8:38

22d ago8:38

8:38

Jules Feiffer has been drawing and writing for a living since he was 17 years old. Now 95, the illustrator behind The Phantom Tollbooth is out with his first graphic novel for middle grade readers. That book, Amazing Grapes, kicks off with a father's departure, which sets in motion a series of adventures across dimensions for his three children. A …

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S08 - Episode #03 - Ryanna (Ree) 52:26

23d ago52:26

52:26

Send us a text In this week's episode we have an incredible guest from SoCal, she’s a poet, novelist, author, and hiker. Her name is Ryanna and you can follow her on Instagram, @soulledwanderess Ree shares with us how she started out solo hiking and traveling, including some of the incredible places she’s been able to visit throughout her travels. …

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'How to Build a Fashion Icon' is stylist Law Roach's guide to image architecture 8:41

23d ago8:41

8:41

Stylist Law Roach grew up in Chicago watching his grandmother get ready for church. He said observing her process first exposed him to the art form of being a woman. Since then, Roach has become what he calls an "image architect," styling celebrity clients like Zendaya, Celine Dion and Anya Taylor-Joy. Roach's new book How to Build a Fashion Icon i…

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'Hope for Cynics' and 'On Freedom' ask big-picture questions about how we live 20:49

26d ago20:49

20:49

In today's episode, two new nonfiction books take on big themes: cynicism and freedom. In his new book, Hope for Cynics, Stanford psychology professor Jamil Zaki argues that cynicism is unhealthy not only for individuals, but also for communities and even entire nations. He speaks with Here & Now's Deepa Fernandes about why Americans have grown mor…

1
In 'We Solve Murders,' Richard Osman introduces a new detective trio 8:02

27d ago8:02

8:02

Richard Osman is the author of the popular Thursday Murder Club book series. But despite the success of that project, Osman said he wanted to spread his wings with a fresh palette and a new cast of characters. His new novel, We Solve Murders, follows a detective trio as they try to outsmart a supervillain. In today's episode, Osman talks with NPR's…

1
Lyndsay Rush's new book of poems, 'A Bit Much,' was written for poetry skeptics 8:43

28d ago8:43

8:43

Lyndsay Rush was never a big fan of poetry. But after discovering the world of internet poets through Instagram, she discovered that writing poetry could be attainable–and fun. Now, Rush is out with a new collection of poems, partially drawn from her popular Instagram account, @maryoliversdrunkcousin. In today's episode, Rush speaks with NPR's Mary…

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Ta-Nehisi Coates returns to political writing in his new book 'The Message' 12:31

29d ago12:31

12:31

Ta-Nehisi Coates is no stranger to political writing–or controversy. But his new book, The Message, marks the author's return to nonfiction almost a decade after the publication of Between the World and Me. The new book of essays focuses on Coates' reporting in three central locations: the American South, Palestine and Africa. In today's episode, C…

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S08 - Episode #02 - Larkin 43:13

30d ago43:13

43:13

Send us a text In this week's episode we have an incredible guest, originally from East Texas, but currently a Park Aide at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park. His name is Larkin and you can follow him on Instagram, @larkinthepark509 Larkin shares his hiking and outdoor journey from his start in East Texas and the road trip that kicked off his pass…

1
Richard Powers' new novel 'Playground' is filled with awe for the ocean 8:46

1M ago8:46

8:46

In Richard Powers' new novel Playground, technology and the environment meet on the island of Makatea in French Polynesia. The book weaves stories together from across decades, but revolves around core themes like awe for the vastness of our oceans and the centrality of play in the story of human survival. In today's episode, Powers talks with NPR'…

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Newbery Medalist Meg Medina and NBA star Jayson Tatum are out with children's books 18:09

1M ago18:09

18:09

Newbery Medalist Meg Medina remembers her childhood babysitter perfectly. Medina called her Señora Mimí–and now, the author is celebrating caregivers of all kinds in her new children's book. No More Señora Mimí, illustrated by Brittany Cicchese, tells the story of a little girl whose relationship with her babysitter changes after the girl's grandmo…

1
'What If We Get It Right?' envisions new possibilities for our climate future 9:06

1M ago9:06

9:06

It can be difficult to feel optimistic when faced with the existential threat of climate change. But a new book from marine biologist and writer Ayana Elizabeth Johnson asks us to imagine a different version of our climate future: one in which things work out. What If We Get It Right? is a collection of essays and interviews with environmental expe…

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In the new book 'Want,' Gillian Anderson collects other women's sexual fantasies 9:05

1M ago9:05

9:05

The actress Gillian Anderson plays a sex therapist on Netflix's Sex Education. Now, in her off-screen life, Anderson has taken on a similar role: gathering the sexual fantasies of women from around the world. The result, Want, is an edited collection of anonymous submissions exploring women's intimate desires and the spectrum of female sexuality. I…

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'City in Ruins' is the finale of the Danny Ryan trilogy–and of Don Winslow's career 9:05

1M ago9:05

9:05

Novelist Don Winslow says City in Ruins is his last book. The third novel in the author's Danny Ryan trilogy completes the series, a contemporary crime epic that draws inspiration from Greek and Roman classics like The Aeneid. In today's episode, Winslow talks with NPR's Scott Simon about working on this trilogy over the course of 30 years and his …

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S08 - Episode #01 - Tabby 46:59

1M ago46:59

46:59

Send us a text In our Season 8 premiere, we have an incredible guest who traveled across much of the Western US. Her name is Tabby and you can follow her on Instagram, @tabbysroadtrip In this episode, Tabby shares her hiking and travel journey from her start in Idaho to now being down in Texas. We learn about some of her favorite places not just in…

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In 'Who's That Girl?' Eve reflects on her time in a male-dominated hip-hop industry 7:39

1M ago7:39

7:39

With songs like "Let Me Blow Ya Mind," "Satisfaction" and "Tambourine," Eve's music was a staple of early 2000s hip-hop. In her new memoir, Who's That Girl? Eve and co-author Kathy Iandoli detail the rocky path to the rapper's success. In today's episode, Eve speaks with NPR's Ayesha Rascoe about coming up in a male-dominated hip-hop industry. They…

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James McBride on music, writing and 'The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store' 20:42

1M ago20:42

20:42

James McBride, the literary giant and author of books like The Color of Water and Deacon King Kong, was awarded this year's Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction. In a conversation with NPR's Michel Martin at the National Book Festival, he said that leaving a career in journalism allowed him to find creative fulfillment in fiction. In toda…

1
'Represent' charts the United States' long struggle for the right to vote 7:54

1M ago7:54

7:54

Election denialism and myths of voter fraud have long been part of the history of the United States. In their new book, Represent: The Unfinished Fight for the Vote, Michael Eric Dyson and Marc Favreau trace the contentious battle for democratic representation from the American Revolution to the present day–up to the 2024 election. In today's episo…

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In 'Entitlement,' a young woman helps an elderly billionaire give away his fortune 8:48

1M ago8:48

8:48

In Rumaan Alam's new novel, Entitlement, Brooke, a former teacher, is given a rare opportunity. She takes a job with an 83-year-old billionaire and is tasked with helping him decide what to do with his fortune. But, as Brooke spends more time in proximity to such great wealth, the experience begins to distort her sense of priorities, ambitions and …

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Venus Williams' new book 'Strive' is a personal guide to physical and mental health 5:36

1M ago5:36

5:36

Tennis legend Venus Williams has a lot on her plate. There's her tennis career, of course, but also business pursuits in fashion, interior design, nail art and more. As a result, Williams says it can be difficult for her to find balance. In her new book Strive, she details eight steps she follows in pursuit of this balance between her mental, physi…

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Rachel Kushner's new novel 'Creation Lake' is inspired by real-life espionage 8:55

1M ago8:55

8:55

Rachel Kushner's new novel, Creation Lake, has all the makings of a great spy thriller: a cool and unknowable secret agent, a mysterious figure who communicates only by email and a radical commune of French eco-activists. Kushner has said that some of these elements were, in fact, inspired by real-world stories of espionage and her own access to th…

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Episodio 133 - Miniaturas vs juegos de mesa - GWT NZ - Forest Shuffle - Kinfire delve - Harmonies

2M ago

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Como siempre charlamos de diversos temas, entre ellos la diferencia entre la afición a miniaturas y los juegos de mesa. Luego hacemos varios rewinds y 4 reseñas. MUSIC:Space Invaders – Pornophonique & Look and feel years younger – Brad SucksBy Punto de victoria

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'At War with Ourselves' and 'Broken Open' are memoirs chronicling internal conflict 17:08

2M ago17:08

17:08

New memoirs by former National Security Adviser H. R. McMaster and recovery advocate William Cope Moyers document conflicts of different kinds. In At War with Ourselves, McMaster contends with his years in the Trump administration and the political infighting he experienced at the White House. Moyers' Broken Open documents a more personal struggle …

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'The Museum of Failures' follows a father-to-be as he stumbles upon family secrets 10:52

2M ago10:52

10:52

The Museum of Failures follows Remy Wadia, an Indian American ad executive who left India for the United States years ago. But when Remy returns to Bombay to adopt a child, he realizes things aren't as he left them. Remy's mother is ill, and soon, he uncovers a shocking family secret. Thrity Umrigar's novel, first released last year, is now out in …

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In 'The Stories We Cannot Tell,' difficult pregnancies unite two very different women 7:27

2M ago7:27

7:27

Over 25 years ago, author Leslie Rasmussen connected with a stranger over challenges with their fertility. That friendship inspired her 2023 novel, The Stories We Cannot Tell, which follows two very different women who contend with excruciating decisions around their pregnancies. In today's episode, Rasmussen talks with NPR's Leila Fadel about her …

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In 'We're Alone,' Edwidge Danticat's essays extend an invitation to be together 8:45

2M ago8:45

8:45

Edwidge Danticat is known for her novels and short stories. But her new book, We're Alone, is a collection of eight wide-ranging essays. These essays touch on intimate and historical topics: Danticat's past and present, the history of Haiti, parenting, migration and the author's connection to her literary heroes. In today's episode, Danticat speaks…

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S07 - Episode #10 - Grant 41:22

2M ago41:22

41:22

Send us a text In the Season 7 finale, we not only have a special guest but also a special recording location. Nearly two years since our first episode, we join Grant at Mt Rainier National Park to close out the season. You can follow him on Instagram, @gallivanting.with.grant We catch up with Grant and hear about some of his amazing gallivants acr…

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'A Pair of Wings' draws inspiration from Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to fly 7:59

2M ago7:59

7:59

Carole Hopson wanted to be a pilot since childhood, but it wasn't until her mid-30s that she learned about Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to earn her pilot's license in 1921. Coleman's story not only encouraged Hopson to pursue her own career as a commercial pilot, but it also inspired A Pair of Wings, Hopson's first novel. In today's episod…

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'Anything's Pastable' and 'My Life in Recipes' explore viral pasta and family history 19:58

2M ago19:58

19:58

Anything's Pastable and My Life in Recipes, new cookbooks from Dan Pashman and Joan Nathan, get personal in very different ways. Pashman, the James Beard Award-winning podcaster, sets out to revolutionize our relationship with pasta, while Nathan's 12th cookbook blends recipes and memoir to trace her family history through Jewish cuisine. In today'…

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