Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

Kathrine Switzer made history in 1967 when she became the first woman to register and run in the Boston Marathon. She was 20 years old. Today, at age 74, she shares the story behind the story: the months leading up to her historic run as a student at Syracuse University (2:12), the coach that believed in her (4:34), and the night she decided to enter the race (6:00). We also walk through the madness of April 19th, 1967 (13:44), her efforts to ensure women’s marathons be included in the Olympics (24:13), the prejudice that remains against female athletes (28:22), and how she grapples with difficulty as a self-proclaimed optimist (36:42). Then, before we go, Kathrine shares the happiest day of her life with us (40:00). To support our work, become a subscriber at patreon.com/talkeasy  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Entertainer, activist, and author Ts Madison joins us this week! A trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community, Ts shares the stories that made her Ts: flipping through a Playgirl magazine at age three (6:30), exploring her nascent sexuality under a Christian roof (16:28) and the consequences of her curiosity (20:02). She also talks turning pain into comedy (30:36), her time as a sex worker (32:01), and the “duty” of “keeping the door open” to encourage representation for the Trans community (45:44). Then, before we go, she looks back on the night she first felt seen and the liberation that followed (48:40). You can support our work at patreon.com/talkeasy  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Sunday Talk Easy turns five years old! To mark the anniversary, we’re revisiting some of our favorite passages from the past 220 episodes: Errol Morris on creativity and curiosity (3:05), a short story from Elizabeth Gilbert (17:17), Colman Domingo’s family affair (22:25), Hasan Minhaj (32:02) and Lena Waithe (35:53) on making work that honors where they come from, a history lesson from Dolores Huerta (38:40), a mantra from Alan Alda (44:15), and the words that started this show, by the late Roger Ebert (57:53). Here’s to five more years. To support our work, become a subscriber at patreon.com/talkeasy Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist Nathaniel Rich (writer-at-large, New York Times Magazine) believes we can do “great good” with nature. But how? In his brilliantly reported new book, “Second Nature”, he explores the potential of environmental innovations (7:52), the weight of living in an era of “terrible responsibility” (11:00), what a methane leak in Aliso Canyon can teach us about us (14:03), and how he found hope in a Japanese doctor studying immortal jellyfish (22:38). We also discuss the spiritual change needed to address our climate crisis (35:41), and why (better) storytelling may be the most effective way out of this mess (42:51).  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best-selling author Anne Lamott joins us this week! With the release of her new book Dusk, Night, Dawn, we discuss how to move forward from the pain of the pandemic (5:53), a life-changing night in a Miami hotel (7:39), and what her sobriety can teach us about healing (12:22). Wise as her writing suggests, Lamott champions “the ordinary life” (17:27) and the power of forgiveness (22:00). At age 66, she shares her love of service (31:40), her impulse to write it all down (38:47), and the grace of getting older (40:36).   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the recent release of their anthology, Black Futures, curator Kimberly Drew and journalist J Wortham join us this week. We discuss their hopes for 2021 (7:33), interrogating institutions like the HFPA (11:20), their career paths (18:10) and expanding accessibility within their respective industries (8:56). J and Kimberly also reflect on how they’ve grown since creating Black Futures (25:38), navigating the pandemic (28:14), and the refuge they've found in the Marvel universe (32:27). Finally, they envision their future selves (39:47) and what a “black future” can look like (43:02).  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Mean Girls to Mamma Mia! to First Reformed, actor Amanda Seyfried has repeatedly displayed her versatility as a performer. She does so again in David Fincher’s Mank, playing 1920s and '30s screen star Marion Davies. In celebration of her excellent performance, we sit with Seyfried to discuss the interiors of Davies (6:53), her early years working in the industry (13:13), the joy of making Mean Girls (15:26), and why she moved to Los Angeles at 18 (21:17). Then, she reflects on the parallels between 1930s Hollywood and 2021 Hollywood (36:08), how she found her footing, (41:51) and where she'd like to go in the years ahead (45:32). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winnie Byanyima has devoted her life to public service, fighting for gender equality and racial justice. She joins us this week to discuss growing up in Uganda under a brutal dictatorship (2:30), eventually fleeing to gain an education in England (8:36), finding joy in student organizing (16:47) and connecting with young, like-minded activists (25:37). She also shares her experiences spearheading women leadership within the Parliament of Uganda (30:30), challenging income and healthcare inequalities (38:56), and the importance of collective action (47:32). Finally, she reflects on her childhood peers (56:14), on being a survivor (59:12), and her optimism about the future (1:02:45).  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At age 74, Emmy award-winning actor Glynn Turman “keeps on keepin’ on.” This week on the show, he tells us how. We discuss his first role in Broadway’s original production of A Raisin in the Sun (5:03), his unwavering commitment to acting, even as he struggled to find work (11:28), an opening night that took a dark turn (14:44), his breakout role in Cooley High (20:21), going to a human place as an actor (25:36), and what it means to live with loss (27:13). Then, finally, a story about his late ex-wife, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin (31:30). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we find our footing in 2021, activist and educator Brittany Packnett Cunningham is focused on the work ahead. She joins us this week to unpack the aftermath of the Capitol riots (4:11), her entry point into activism (8:39), unlearning perfectionism (14:30), grappling with imperfect allies (24:04), the consequences of using your voice (27:39), the enduring legacy of Toni Morrison (40:39), taking action under a Biden-Harris administration (45:56), rejecting objectification online (52:32), and, finally, how she keeps going (55:50).  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.