This is Love

The day Edgardo Griffith met Heidi Ross, he asked her if she’d like to come with him to look for frogs. He was looking for a particular kind – bright yellow, with black spots: the Panamanian golden frog. But by the time Edgardo and Heidi were engaged, the frogs had started to disappear.Say hello on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts.Want to listen to This is Love ad-free? Sign up for Criminal Plus – you’ll get to listen to This is Love, Criminal, and Phoebe Reads a Mystery without any ads. Plus, you’ll get behind-the-scenes bonus episodes of Criminal and other exclusive benefits. Learn more and sign up here.We also make Criminal and Phoebe Reads a Mystery.Artwork by Julienne Alexander. Check out our online shop.Episode transcripts are posted on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leonard Marcus, a children's book historian and biographer of Margaret Wise Brown, unpacks the story behind Goodnight Moon. He explores Margaret's childhood and writing methods. He discusses the book's structure and ritual, Clement Hurd's hidden illustration details, early librarian pushback, and how the story moves from a single room to the cosmos.

In this engaging discussion, whitewater rafting guide Jimmy Johnson shares the wildly unexpected tale of a pit bull's entrance into his bed, a heartwarming encounter that changed his perspective on pets. He recounts his amusing adventures with animal antics, including a charming exploration of community life sparked by an adventurous pet pig named Carlton. Listeners will delight in whimsical stories of quirky animals, including a runaway camel and clever cats, that highlight the joys and surprises of companionship.

Ahmed Ali Akbar, a food reporter for the Chicago Tribune, joins Jadav Sharma, a mango importer and seller, to delve into the world of mangoes. They recount the emotional journey of acquiring special mangoes from Pakistan, celebrating their cultural significance. The duo discusses the complexities of importing these beloved fruits to the U.S., including challenges with distribution and consumer preferences. Listeners will savor their passion for exceptional varieties and enjoy heartwarming anecdotes about the joy of mango tasting and community connections.

Lisa Fagan Davis, a Medievalist and manuscript expert, dives into the captivating enigma of the Voynich manuscript. She discusses its mysterious origins and the enduring challenges of deciphering its unique language. Davis shares insights on the manuscript’s intriguing history, revealing it may reflect shared knowledge rather than a single author’s work. She emphasizes the significance of women’s contributions to its medicinal themes and highlights the artistic allure that keeps scholars fascinated by its secrets.

Join journalist Sebastian Junger, renowned for his immersive war reporting, as he shares his near-death experience after a medical emergency. He recounts a poignant encounter with his deceased father and the haunting sensation of a black void. Joining him are Dr. Sam Parnia, a physician investigating near-death experiences, and neurologist Jima Borjigan, who discusses brain activity during dying. Together, they explore the science and history of near-death phenomena and how these profound encounters shape our understanding of life and death.

Valentine Judge, known for her warmth and love of beautiful things, shares a poignant story about her final days as recounted by her daughter, Phoebe. The conversation navigates the emotional journey of watching a loved one face terminal illness, intertwining grief with treasured family memories. They explore the profound connections forged during this time, filled with humor and nostalgia. The episode also celebrates love's enduring power amidst loss, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of family bonds.

Drew Lanham, a Professor of wildlife ecology and author, shares his extraordinary journey from a childhood filled with bird obsession in South Carolina to a career in ornithology. He recounts crafting makeshift binoculars and how the call of a Prairie Warbler redirected his life from engineering. Drew highlights the importance of representation in birding, discusses experiences with racism in the field, and emphasizes the emotional connection between birding, history, and personal loss. His unique perspective brings a heartfelt depth to the world of birds and conservation.

Writer Andrew Leland, author of the Pulitzer-finalist memoir The Country of the Blind, shares his journey of gradually losing his sight due to retinitis pigmentosa. He discusses the stigma associated with using a white cane and how these experiences shaped his writing. Andrew also highlights misconceptions about blindness and the importance of community. He reflects on the role of assistive technologies versus human connection and opens up about his relationship with his son as they navigate his vision loss together.

When Miguel Esteban was 14 years old, he got an idea to make his own science fiction magazine. He wanted Octavia Butler to write a piece for it. So he picked up the phone to ask her.Special thanks to Terry Gross and Fresh Air, which is produced at NPR member station WHYY and distributed by NPR. Quotes reprinted with permission of the Octavia E. Butler Estate.Say hello on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2BmMZr5Want to listen to This is Love ad-free? Sign up for Criminal Plus – you’ll get This is Love, Criminal, and Phoebe Reads a Mystery ad-free. Plus, behind-the-scenes bonus episodes of Criminal and other exclusive benefits. Learn more and sign up here.We also make Criminal and Phoebe Reads a Mystery.Artwork by Julienne Alexander. Check out our online shop.Episode transcripts are posted on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices