

The Wise Unknown
The Wise Unknown
Some of the country’s most revered actors, activists, authors, and spiritual guides introduce listeners to the “wisest person no one has ever heard of” who they credit with being critical to their success in life. Host Courtney E. Martin–think Krista Tippett meets Studs Terkel–then elicits the life lessons, palpable delights, and funny stories of these refreshingly unrefined, unknown gurus.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 12, 2025 • 35min
Courtney Martin and Golda Arthur wrap season 2
Courtney and producer Golda talk about how the series was created and look back at some memorable moments from our guests.

May 5, 2025 • 4min
"Transformative intimacy"
Minisode: Listen to Courtney's ever so brief audio essay on the thing she can't forget from her conversation with Leah Solomon.

Apr 28, 2025 • 33min
Rabbi Sharon Brous and Leah Solomon
Leah Solomon, Chief Education Officer at Encounter, brings her expertise in peace-building and Jewish leadership to the discussion. She passionately explores the intertwined narratives of Israelis and Palestinians, emphasizing empathy as a key ingredient in conflict resolution. They delve into the depth of personal experiences in understanding conflict, and how intimacy can reshape relationships during turbulent times. Solomon also reflects on the challenges of parenting amid societal issues, advocating for honest, age-appropriate conversations that nurture understanding.

Apr 14, 2025 • 40min
Living at Odds - Two Partisans, One Corner
Wise Unknown listeners, we're bringing you the first episode of a new series from our friends over at Slate. Living at Odds is a new How To! series about what’s holding us together when so much threatens to break us apart. Host Courtney Martin talks with two street vendors who operated rivaling merch tents at the same busy intersection during the 2024 election. Steve hawked MAGA caps and Trump-branded pool floaties just a few feet away from Sandra, who sweetened her sales of Harris-Walz campaign shirts with free “Kamala candy.” After so many weeks on the same street corner, the pair negotiated an easy friendship—and even talked about politics. Then came Election Day.

Apr 7, 2025 • 8min
"Old Souls"
Minisode: listen to Courtney's ever so brief audio essay reflecting on the theme of being an 'old soul', and the wisdom of children, featuring a previous guest, Isabel Allende's wise unknown, Lori Barra.

Mar 31, 2025 • 39min
W.Kamau Bell and Dwayne Kennedy
W. Kamau Bell introduces Courtney to Dwayne Kennedy, a favorite comedian of people like Marc Maron and Chris Rock - so why hasn’t Dwayne ever “made it big?”This episode is from Wise Unknown's first season - listen for more quiet wisdom here: https://thewiseunknown.com/Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at thewiseunknown7@gmail.com or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode.

Mar 24, 2025 • 4min
"Listening for the unsaid"
Listen to Courtney's ever so brief audio essay on the thing she can't forget from her conversation with Maya Millett.

Mar 17, 2025 • 37min
Hanif Abdurraqib and Maya Millett
Bestselling author and poet Hanif Abdurraqib introduces Courtney to editor and producer Maya Millett.

Mar 10, 2025 • 3min
"Be present like a dog"
Minisode: Listen to Courtney's ever so brief audio essay on the thing she can't forget from her conversation with Allison Cordona.Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at thewiseunknown7@gmail.com or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode.

Mar 3, 2025 • 22min
Sarah Jones & Allison Cardona
Tony Award-winning visionary and solo-performer Sarah introduces Courtney to animal and human rights advocate, Allison.Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at thewiseunknown7@gmail.com or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode.