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

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.

When Drew Lanham was growing up in South Carolina, he used to lie down in a field and play dead, just so he could get a glimpse of vultures flying over him. He made binoculars out of toilet paper rolls, and wings out of cardboard. He loved birds. But when he went to college, he says, “I was trying to live up to the expectations of others who said, ‘You’re a Black kid who’s good at math and science.’” So he studied engineering, and was miserable. And then, he heard the call of a Prairie Warbler.Drew Lanham’s book is The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature.This episode first aired in 2020.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

Writer Andrew Leland talks with Phoebe about slowly losing his eyesight. He was diagnosed with the degenerative eye disease Retinitis pigmentosa when he was in high school. "It was like, 'I'm going out in the woods with my friends at night. And oddly enough, I'm bad at it.'"Andrew Leland’s memoir, The Country of the Blind, A Memoir at the End of Sight, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.Say hello on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Accomplice. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts.Sign up for Criminal Plus to get behind-the-scenes bonus episodes of Criminal, ad-free listening of all of our shows, special merch deals, and more. We also make This is Love 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 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

Patrick Makuakāne, an influential hula dancer and choreographer, shares his vibrant journey from traditional hula in Hawaii to establishing a school in San Francisco. He discusses the cultural significance of hula as a form of expression and identity, touching on its historical evolution and modern adaptations. Makuakāne highlights the balance between tradition and innovation, and reflects on the political themes woven into hula performance, particularly during the AIDS crisis. His passion for storytelling and community shines throughout this engaging conversation.