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Word: A podcast about the literary arts in Arizona and the region
Published: Thursday, January 31, 2019 - 2:52pm
Updated: Saturday, January 1, 2022 - 10:42am
Welcome to Word, a podcast hosted by KJZZ's Tom Maxedon about literature in Arizona and the region.
S6 E6 | Jan. 1, 2022
What do a former hotshot, a poet writing about addiction and planetary scientist have in common?
What do a former hotshot, a poet writing about addiction and planetary scientist have in common?
S6 E6 | Dec. 7, 2021
What do a poetry library director from Tucson, a Lipan Apache Earth scientist/young adult novelist and a Tempe poet have in common?
What do a poetry library director from Tucson, a Lipan Apache Earth scientist/young adult novelist and a Tempe poet have in common?
S6 E5 | Nov. 11, 2021
Explore the human condition in the past, present and future with a historical fiction writer, a Phoenix poet and a Valley gaming enthusiast.
Explore the human condition in the past, present and future with a historical fiction writer, a Phoenix poet and a Valley gaming enthusiast.
S6 E4 | Oct. 26, 2021
What do a Valley financial advisor/novelist, tireless advocate of the arts and poet in her own right, and a teacher/spoken word artist in Phoenix have in common?
What do a Valley financial advisor/novelist, tireless advocate of the arts and poet in her own right, and a teacher/spoken word artist in Phoenix have in common?
S6 E3 | Oct. 12, 2021
On this offering of “Word,” wanderlust is our theme. We explore what Valley teacher and writer Marla-Tiye Vieira, southern New Mexico scholar, fiction writer and poet Ana Castillo, as well as longtime producer of Anthony Bourdain’s TV shows, Tom Vitale, have to contribute to our itinerary.
On this offering of “Word,” wanderlust is our theme. We explore what Valley teacher and writer Marla-Tiye Vieira, southern New Mexico scholar, fiction writer and poet Ana Castillo, as well as longtime producer of Anthony Bourdain’s TV shows, Tom Vitale, have to contribute to our itinerary.
S6 E2 | Sept. 21, 2021
What do a Tucson rancher with a famous sister, a poet who's lauded by NPR and the new Phoenix youth poet laureate have in common? Find out on "Word" S6:E2 hosted by Tom Maxedon from KJZZ. It's a podcast about literature in Arizona and the region.
What do a Tucson rancher with a famous sister, a poet who's lauded by NPR and the new Phoenix youth poet laureate have in common? Find out on "Word" S6:E2 hosted by Tom Maxedon from KJZZ. It's a podcast about literature in Arizona and the region.
S6 E1 | Sept. 7, 2021
In this Season 6 opener of "Word," we run the gamut from dealing with post-traumatic stress as a veteran and personal migration stories by Black people living in Arizona to a romantic comedy based in Phoenix that deals with the opioid crisis.
In this Season 6 opener of "Word," we run the gamut from dealing with post-traumatic stress as a veteran and personal migration stories by Black people living in Arizona to a romantic comedy based in Phoenix that deals with the opioid crisis.
S5 E8 | May 26, 2021
What are you reading this summer? We have some suggestions by Arizona writers for adults and kids or those who don’t want to adult for a minute and feel their youth again. Hear their stories on this Season 5 finale of “Word."
What are you reading this summer? We have some suggestions by Arizona writers for adults and kids or those who don’t want to adult for a minute and feel their youth again. Hear their stories on this Season 5 finale of “Word."
S5 E7 | May 11, 2021
What do indigenous futurism, young adult fantasy literature and climate have in common? Find out on "Word" — a KJZZ podcast about the literary arts in Arizona and the region hosted by Tom Maxedon.
What do indigenous futurism, young adult fantasy literature and climate have in common? Find out on "Word" — a KJZZ podcast about the literary arts in Arizona and the region hosted by Tom Maxedon.
S5 E6 | April 28, 2021
What do the Vietnamese diaspora, Beat/Wagner-inspired poetry, The Diné Reader and Black Lives Matter have in common? We explore those connections in this double-issue of Word as we close out National Poetry Month with PPE: a Pandemic Poetry Extravaganza.
What do the Vietnamese diaspora, Beat/Wagner-inspired poetry, The Diné Reader and Black Lives Matter have in common? We explore those connections in this double-issue of Word as we close out National Poetry Month with PPE: a Pandemic Poetry Extravaganza.
S5 E5 | April 13, 2021
National Poetry Month continues and after a virtual trip to Tucson last episode, we come back to the “Valley of the Poet” and explore some intriguing questions.
National Poetry Month continues and after a virtual trip to Tucson last episode, we come back to the “Valley of the Poet” and explore some intriguing questions.
S5 E4 | April1, 2021
We’re back from spring break and just in time for National Poetry Month. On this episode, we head to the University of Arizona Poetry Center in Tucson — well via Zoom anyway. Plus, we sample some poetry and talk verse with Tucson writers.
We’re back from spring break and just in time for National Poetry Month. On this episode, we head to the University of Arizona Poetry Center in Tucson — well via Zoom anyway. Plus, we sample some poetry and talk verse with Tucson writers.
S5 E3 | March 3, 2021
National Haiku Writing Month — NaHaiWriMo — concludes. On this episode, we will talk briefly with the randomly selected winner of KJZZ’s third-annual Haiku Writing Contest.
National Haiku Writing Month — NaHaiWriMo — concludes. On this episode, we will talk briefly with the randomly selected winner of KJZZ’s third-annual Haiku Writing Contest.
S5 E2 | Feb. 16, 2021
Na Hai Wri Mo — National Haiku Writing Month — continues, and so does KJZZ’s third-annual Haiku Writing Contest. This year’s theme: What's new for you during the pandemic? You can submit up to one original haiku per week. On this episode, we’ll catch up with organizers of this year’s Arizona Matsuri which is going virtual.
Na Hai Wri Mo — National Haiku Writing Month — continues, and so does KJZZ’s third-annual Haiku Writing Contest. This year’s theme: What's new for you during the pandemic? You can submit up to one original haiku per week. On this episode, we’ll catch up with organizers of this year’s Arizona Matsuri which is going virtual.
S5 E1 | Feb. 1, 2021
Welcome to the Season 5 opener of “Word” and the launch of KJZZ’s third-annual Haiku Writing Contest. This year’s theme: What's new for you during the pandemic?
Welcome to the Season 5 opener of “Word” and the launch of KJZZ’s third-annual Haiku Writing Contest. This year’s theme: What's new for you during the pandemic?
S4 E7 | Dec. 18, 2020
Welcome to the final episode of “Word” for this season. As we close out 2020, we’re exploring nonfiction, something we don’t often discuss as a literary art form.
Welcome to the final episode of “Word” for this season. As we close out 2020, we’re exploring nonfiction, something we don’t often discuss as a literary art form.
S4 E6 | Dec. 8, 2020
What do a retired veteran, a museum archivist and a technical writer have in common? They all finished the challenge of National Novel Writing Month and wrote at least a 50,000-word novel during November.
What do a retired veteran, a museum archivist and a technical writer have in common? They all finished the challenge of National Novel Writing Month and wrote at least a 50,000-word novel during November.
S4 E5 | Nov. 17, 2020
What do a tourism writer from Albuquerque, New Mexico; a Glendale life coach; and a burlesque performer and creative from the Valley have in common? They're all engaging in National Novel Writing Month.
What do a tourism writer from Albuquerque, New Mexico; a Glendale life coach; and a burlesque performer and creative from the Valley have in common? They're all engaging in National Novel Writing Month.
S4 E4 | Oct. 27, 2020
It’s nearly Halloween and almost National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). As we close out October, we celebrate the holiday and those who are stepping up to write 50,000 words in a month beginning Nov. 1.
It’s nearly Halloween and almost National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). As we close out October, we celebrate the holiday and those who are stepping up to write 50,000 words in a month beginning Nov. 1.
S4 E3 | Oct. 9, 2020
We welcome Annika Clark, chosen by Creative Youth of Arizona as the Phoenix Youth Poet Laureate. Plus, we talk to poet and retired teacher Joey Connolly and Pueblo Indian writer and NYT bestselling author Rebecca Roanhorse, who has a new fantasy novel called “Black Sun” out this month.
We welcome Annika Clark, chosen by Creative Youth of Arizona as the Phoenix Youth Poet Laureate. Plus, we talk to poet and retired teacher Joey Connolly and Pueblo Indian writer and NYT bestselling author Rebecca Roanhorse, who has a new fantasy novel called “Black Sun” out this month.
S4 E2 | Sept. 29, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic continues to present challenges for creatives. We’ll talk to a returning guest about it. Plus, we turn our attention to younger audiences and readers, beginning with puppets.
The coronavirus pandemic continues to present challenges for creatives. We’ll talk to a returning guest about it. Plus, we turn our attention to younger audiences and readers, beginning with puppets.
S4 E1 | Sept. 1, 2020
"Word" is a KJZZ original podcast about the literary arts in Arizona and the region. We begin this season with the first of three returning guests, David Hemphill, executive director of Black Theatre Troupe in Phoenix.
"Word" is a KJZZ original podcast about the literary arts in Arizona and the region. We begin this season with the first of three returning guests, David Hemphill, executive director of Black Theatre Troupe in Phoenix.
S3 E10 | May 27, 2020
Before we go on summer break, we close out Season 3 of “Word” by continuing our celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month with honest conversations about how those communities are coping in the age of COVID-19.
Before we go on summer break, we close out Season 3 of “Word” by continuing our celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month with honest conversations about how those communities are coping in the age of COVID-19.
S3 E9 | May 14, 2020
Is the planet getting an environmental reset in the age of COVID-19? That’s the question we begin with in this penultimate episode of “Word” this season. Plus, we celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month.
Is the planet getting an environmental reset in the age of COVID-19? That’s the question we begin with in this penultimate episode of “Word” this season. Plus, we celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month.
S3 E8 | April 29, 2020
On this mega edition of “Word,” we put a cap on National Poetry Month in Arizona and around the Southwest.
On this mega edition of “Word,” we put a cap on National Poetry Month in Arizona and around the Southwest.
S3 E7 | April 20, 2020
As National Poetry Month continues, we are heading to Tucson, virtually, to check in with our neighbors in Southern Arizona.
As National Poetry Month continues, we are heading to Tucson, virtually, to check in with our neighbors in Southern Arizona.
S3 E6 | April 7, 2020
Even as the coronavirus continues to shutter brick and mortar performance spaces, we shine a virtual spotlight on poetry this month.
Even as the coronavirus continues to shutter brick and mortar performance spaces, we shine a virtual spotlight on poetry this month.
S3 E5 | March 27, 2020
While we hunker down amid a pandemic, creatives are facing tough times, too.
While we hunker down amid a pandemic, creatives are facing tough times, too.
S3 E4 | March 13 2020
We celebrate International Women’s HERstory Month with some influential Arizona writers and readers.
We celebrate International Women’s HERstory Month with some influential Arizona writers and readers.
S3 E3 | Feb. 28, 2020
KJZZ's second-annual haiku writing contest comes to an end as we round out NaHaiWriMo.
KJZZ's second-annual haiku writing contest comes to an end as we round out NaHaiWriMo.
S3 E2 | Feb. 21, 2020
We continue National Haiku Writing Month by talking to three poets with connections to Arizona and the Southwest.
We continue National Haiku Writing Month by talking to three poets with connections to Arizona and the Southwest.
S3 E1 | Feb. 7, 2020
KJZZ's second annual Haiku Writing Contest launches this month as we celebrate NaHaiWriMo (National Haiku Writing Month).
KJZZ's second annual Haiku Writing Contest launches this month as we celebrate NaHaiWriMo (National Haiku Writing Month).
S2 E8 | Dec. 18, 2019
In this season two finale, we explore the spookier side of Christmas with a look at the tradition of telling ghost stories during the holiday season, from the Grinch to Krampus.
In this season two finale, we explore the spookier side of Christmas with a look at the tradition of telling ghost stories during the holiday season, from the Grinch to Krampus.
S2 E7 | Dec. 6, 2019
On this National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) retrospective and seventh episode of Season 2, we get back on the mic with some guests who joined us previously to discuss their hard work.
On this National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) retrospective and seventh episode of Season 2, we get back on the mic with some guests who joined us previously to discuss their hard work.
S2 E6 | Nov. 26, 2019
In this sixth episode of Season 2, we catch up with three writers and their stories in medias res.
In this sixth episode of Season 2, we catch up with three writers and their stories in medias res.
S2 E5 | Nov. 8, 2019
In this fifth episode of Season 2, we celebrate writers all over Arizona who are participating in the annual NaNoWriMo.
In this fifth episode of Season 2, we celebrate writers all over Arizona who are participating in the annual NaNoWriMo.
S2 E4 | Oct. 23, 2019
In this fourth episode of Season 2, we celebrate Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac, who died 50 years ago this month.
In this fourth episode of Season 2, we celebrate Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac, who died 50 years ago this month.
S2 E3 | Oct. 9, 2019
In this third episode of Season 2, “All the World’s a Stage.” If so, what are theater directors doing to include more diversity on it?
In this third episode of Season 2, “All the World’s a Stage.” If so, what are theater directors doing to include more diversity on it?
S2 E2 | Sept. 25, 2019
In this second episode of Season 2, we explore children's and young adult literature in Arizona.
In this second episode of Season 2, we explore children's and young adult literature in Arizona.
S2 E1 | Sept. 10, 2019
In this S2 opener, we push back against the depiction of young people from low income families as depicted in Nick Richey's film, "Low Low."
In this S2 opener, we push back against the depiction of young people from low income families as depicted in Nick Richey's film, "Low Low."
S1 E9 | May 29, 2019
Arizona StoryFest is back on June 1. Plus, Cynnita Agent, co-star of "Single Black Female," and David Hemphill, stage director.
The Play's The Thing, StoryFest
Arizona StoryFest is back on June 1. Plus, Cynnita Agent, co-star of "Single Black Female," and David Hemphill, stage director.
S1 E8 | April 30, 2019
Poetry podcaster Imogen Arate. KJZZ's Christina Estes samples some open mic poetry at a Valley bookstore. Plus, poet Anna Flores.
National Poetry Month, Part 3
Poetry podcaster Imogen Arate. KJZZ's Christina Estes samples some open mic poetry at a Valley bookstore. Plus, poet Anna Flores.
S1 E7 | April 24, 2019
Tom returns to the Valley to talk to Sally Ball, associate professor of English at ASU, and student poet and activist Austin Davis.
National Poetry Month, Part 2
Tom returns to the Valley to talk to Sally Ball, associate professor of English at ASU, and student poet and activist Austin Davis.
S1 E6 | April 18, 2019
Word hits the road! Take a trip to the University of Arizona Poetry Center, a haiku hike in Tucson — and more.
National Poetry Month, Part 1
Word hits the road! Take a trip to the University of Arizona Poetry Center, a haiku hike in Tucson — and more.
S1 E5 | March 1, 2019
Tucson Poet Laureate TC Tolbert and the Downtown Tucson Partnership put haiku in public spaces throughout the city.
TC Tolbert
Tucson Poet Laureate TC Tolbert and the Downtown Tucson Partnership put haiku in public spaces throughout the city.
S1 E4 | Feb. 22, 2019
An interview with Rosemarie Dombrowski, Phoenix poet laureate and ASU professor, about taking poetry to the streets and the power of haiku.
Rosemarie Dombrowski
An interview with Rosemarie Dombrowski, Phoenix poet laureate and ASU professor, about taking poetry to the streets and the power of haiku.
S1 E3 | Feb. 15, 2019
A preview of the upcoming Arizona Matsuri Festival of Japan with John Sachen.
Arizona Matsuri Festival
A preview of the upcoming Arizona Matsuri Festival of Japan with John Sachen.
S1 E2 | Feb. 8, 2019
An interview with Tomas Stanton from Mesa Arts Center about engaging youth in writing and performing poetry.
Tomas Stanton
An interview with Tomas Stanton from Mesa Arts Center about engaging youth in writing and performing poetry.
S1 E1 | Feb. 1, 2019
An interview with Michael Dylan Welch, creator of National Haiku Writing Month and administrator of the website that hosts it.
NaHaiWriMo
An interview with Michael Dylan Welch, creator of National Haiku Writing Month and administrator of the website that hosts it.
