This is Love

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.

BokHee, a beloved background character from 'Grey's Anatomy,' shares her unique journey from a strict upbringing in Seoul to working in the medical field in California. She discusses the significance of side characters like Nurse BokHee and their cultural impact. With humor, she reflects on her rise to fame as 'Queen Bogey' and delightful anecdotes from the set, highlighting the surprising connections between her life as a nurse and her role on TV. Her experiences bridge the worlds of healthcare and entertainment, leaving listeners with a profound appreciation for unseen heroes.

Gabrielle Gatto, a dedicated worker at the historic Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, shares her insights on death and grief. She discusses the emotional challenges of managing cremation orders, especially during the pandemic. Gabrielle explores the vital role of rituals in mourning and reflects on the personal connections we have with our departed loved ones. She emphasizes the importance of empathy in her work, illustrating how cemeteries can foster connections rather than just symbolize loss. Her compelling stories remind us of the love that persists even in grief.

Charlie Harding, a songwriter and music journalist, and Nate Sloan, a musicologist, dive deep into the revolutionary legacy of Wendy Carlos and her groundbreaking album 'Switched-On Bach.' They discuss the synthesizer's remarkable journey from its 1890s invention to redefining musical genres. The pair explores the fusion of classical music and electronic sound, highlighting how Carlos overcame obstacles to pave the way for future artists. Personal anecdotes reveal the artistry behind synthesizers, shedding light on key figures who shaped the electronic music landscape.