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Martha Barnette

Co-host of the radio show “A Way with Words”. Author of the book 'Friends with Words', which explores the etymology and history of words.

Top 5 podcasts with Martha Barnette

Ranked by the Snipd community
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28 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 51min

Outdoor Summer: Cowboy Cooking, Mail Order Chickens and Freezer Door Daiquiris

Join cowboy cook Kent Rollins as he shares the hearty delights of chuck wagon cuisine, from famous coffee to burger dogs. Tove Danovich introduces the charming antics of backyard chickens, including the legend of Mike the Headless Chicken. Cheryl Day offers baking wisdom, tackling listener queries and creative techniques. Finally, Martha Barnett delves into the intriguing origins of lemon-related idioms, providing a sprinkle of language fun. It's a flavorful journey filled with culinary tips and lively anecdotes!
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7 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 58min

SCAN-DA-LOUS (feat. Martha Barnette)

Join Martha Barnette, a seasoned journalist and language enthusiast known for her work on 'A Way With Words,' as she dives deep into the evolution of language. She shares fascinating insights on how language shapes identity, especially regarding non-binary pronouns. The conversation also highlights the charm of archaic words and the dynamic nature of linguistic expression. Barnette encourages listeners to embrace their unique dialects while discussing the power of language in fostering community and resilience. It's a delightful exploration of words that will leave you thinking!
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Sep 3, 2025 • 12min

‘Friends with Words’ is a book about language, from word origins to regional dialects

Martha Barnette, co-host of 'A Way with Words' and author of 'Friends with Words', dives into the fascinating world of language. She shares her journey sparked by a curious 'spark word' and highlights quirky etymologies. Instead of grammatical rants, Martha celebrates regional dialects and explores agricultural roots of words like 'broadcasting'. She discusses the mellifluous nature of language and even delves into societal dislikes, like the word 'moist', enriching listeners' appreciation for the magic within our daily vocabulary.
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Aug 11, 2025 • 16min

Fun With Words

Martha Barnette, co-host of A Way with Words and author of Friends with Words: Adventures in Languageland, dives into the fascinating histories behind words like 'spam' and 'cocktail.' She explains how cultural influences, like a Monty Python sketch, shape language use. Martha shares intriguing origins, such as how 'cocktail' relates to horses with docked tails. The conversation also explores regional phrases in America and highlights the fluidity of grammar, celebrating the ever-evolving nature of language.
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Jul 31, 2025 • 32min

‘Spark words’ and the hidden history of ‘panic’ and ‘Ritalin,’ with Martha Barnette

Martha Barnette, co-host of "A Way with Words" and author, dives into the enchanting world of language. She introduces the concept of 'spark words,' igniting passion in language lovers. The discussion traverses fascinating etymologies, including the surprising links between 'panic' and ancient Greek roots. Barnette also reveals the whimsical history behind terms like 'flashlight' and explores how cultural narratives shape language, celebrating its evolution and playful nature.

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