A Word on Words

About A Word on Words

Nashville PBS’s Emmy Award-winning A Word on Words features accessible interviews with authors and poets about their latest books. Launched in 2015 the series was designed to be accessible and engaging for a new generation of readers. Join our A Word on Words hosts for more discussions with writers about their work, their process and what they are reading for inspiration.

Publisher

WNPT - Nashville PBS

Category

arts · fiction · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Nov 2022

Latest episode

13 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

56 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Jun 2026

   Galahad and the Grail - Malcolm Guite

   Galahad and the Grail is the first volume in Malcolm Guite's four-part epic poem, Merlin's Isle: An Arthuriad, which retells the Arthurian legends with a focus on the Grail quest, featuring Sir Galahad, Sir Bors, and Sir Percival. The book is a modern epic poem best read aloud. This book aims to be both a literary work and a spiritual journey.

2. 

   10 Jun 2026

   The Broken King - Michael Thomas

   Michael Thomas’ The Broken King is a powerful memoir exploring fathers and sons, race, trauma, and recovery. Through interwoven portraits of five men, including himself, Thomas traces his own breakdown and reckoning, crafting a deeply personal story about family, identity, and the fragile path back from loss and madness.

3. 

   6 Jun 2026

   Blessings and Disasters - Alexis Okeowo

   “In Alabama, we exist at the border of blessing and disaster….” Alexis Okeowo blends memoir and journalism to explore her upbringing in Montgomery as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants. Weaving her personal story with the state’s complex history, she challenges stereotypes and reveals how Alabamians reckon with loving a place shaped by both deep pride and painful truths.

Who has been a guest on A Word on Words

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Andrew Maraniss
• Signe Pike
• Morgan Bolling
• Toni Tipton-Martin
• Andre Dubus III

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

5 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

36

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60

Contact A Word on Words

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.