About twenty years ago, D’yan Forest considered getting into stand-up comedy. “People told me, no, don’t go into comedy. Everybody is going to make fun of you. They’re gonna heckle you. You’re an old woman.” D’yan ignored them.Say hello on 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

When his older brother died of cancer, Patrick Bringley quit his New York office job and got a new one at the Metropolitan Museum of Art—as a security guard. He stayed for 10 years.Patrick Bringley's book is All the Beauty in the World.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

Danny Stewart, a compassionate social worker, discovered an abandoned baby in a New York City subway, an event that transformed his life. Joining him is Pete Mercurio, his creative partner, who chronicles their adoption journey in his upcoming memoir. They discuss the emotional turmoil of becoming parents unexpectedly and how they navigated the complexities of adoption. With heartfelt anecdotes, they reflect on their deepened bond and the joys of parenthood, capturing the essence of family formed in the most unconventional ways.

Cody Bryant, who suffered amnesia after a moped accident in Spain, shares his incredible journey of recovery. His girlfriend, Haley Woloshen, recounts her dedication to supporting him through this traumatic time, highlighting the emotional challenges of reconnecting. The couple discusses their evolving bond, the complexities of memory loss, and the struggles of a love born amidst adversity. Their story is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, love, and the unexpected ways connections can deepen in the face of life's toughest trials.

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

Everything you didn’t know about Goodnight Moon, the book that’s put children to bed for generations — and the woman who wrote it. "She could write very well for young children because she remembered exactly what it was like to be one of them."Leonard Marcus’ book is Margaret Wise Brown: Awakened by the MoonSay 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

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.

Recently, Phoebe told a personal story about her mother, who died this year. In this episode, she talks to journalist Sebastian Junger, who was rushed to the hospital one day after feeling sick – and then, he saw something strange.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