Words in the Wild

Episode Summary: On this episode of Words in the Wild, Mel and Tiff return to wrap up their discussion on Piranesi, concluding with parts 4 - 7. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Check-Ins 19:04 Book Recap 01:10:27 Wrapping Up and Next Read Resources & Links: Learn more about Susanna Clarke Black Owned Book Store Directory Directory of Public Libraries Connect With Us! 📸 Instagram: @wordsnt...

Episode Summary: On this episode of Words in the Wild, Mel and Tiff return and begin discussing part 1 - 3 of Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Wellness Check-Ins 16:04 Book Overview 23:22 Part 1: Piranesi 39:27 Part 2: The Other 01:13:18 Part 3: The Prophet Resources & Links: Learn more about Susanna Clarke Black Owned Book Store Directory Directory of Public Lib...

Episode Summary: On this episode of Words in the Wild, Mel and Tiff wrap up Part Two of Toni Morrison’s Sula while reflecting on recent life transitions and the need for digital detox and creative focus. Episode Chapters: 00:00:19 - Intro & Wellness Check-In 00:22:15 - Book Intro 00:25:22 - Year of 1919 00:30:42 - Year of 1920 00:38:08 - Year of 1921 00:49:32 - Year of 1922 01:04:07 - Year of...

Episode Summary: Mel and Tiff jump into the short and week book Sula by Toni Morrison. This reading captures themes of family dynamics the meaning of friendship. Episode Chapters: 00:00:19 - Intro & Wellness Check-In 00:22:15 - Book Intro 00:25:22 - Year of 1919 00:30:42 - Year of 1920 00:38:08 - Year of 1921 00:49:32 - Year of 1922 01:04:07 - Year of 1923 01:14:02 - Year of 1927 Resources &am...

Atmosphere Finale: Meaning, Risk, and Choosing Love Episode Summary: On this episode of Words in the Wild, Mel and Tiff wrap their discussion of Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. They explore themes of meaning and perspective after Vanessa's harrowing spaceflight, the fragility of life, and how love and fear shape what we’re willing to say out loud. Episode Highlights: 00:00:25 Introduction 00:12...

Episode Summary: Mel and Tiff continue discussing Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid exploring pages 194-266. The book begins to speed through time as the story jumps from fall 1981 to winter 1982 and summer 1983. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Check-Ins 19:04 Book Recap 01:10:27 Wrapping Up and Next Read Resources & Links: Taylor Jenkins Reid's Website Black Owned Book Store Directory Dir...

Words in the Wild Podcast - Show Notes Episode Summary: Melanie and Tiffany discuss pages 140–193, focusing on the tension between assimilation and resistance for women navigating NASA’s male-dominated culture. They also explore the emotional costs of a closeted love story unfolding alongside the high-stakes 1984 shuttle disaster. Episode Highlights: 08:24 Wellness Check and Learning 17:41 Finally...

Words in the Wild Podcast - Show Notes Episode Summary: On this episode of Words in the Wild, Mel and Tiff continue discussing Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. We explore themes of vulnerability, assimilation and the diverging relationship between Barbara and Joan and the relationship between Vanessa and Joan grows. Episode Highlights: 00:00:25 Introduction 00:12:51 Book Talk 00:59:29 Closing Th...

Words in the Wild Podcast - Show Notes Episode Summary: Melanie and Tiffany introduce their podcast Words in the Wild, share personal check-ins about life transitions, returning to intense workouts, and challenges balancing nutrition (especially protein) with a vegan/fish diet, plus a discussion about swimming and technique. They begin book three of the season, Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, n...

Words in the Wild Podcast - Show Notes Title : Earthseed, Acorn, and Finding Community at the End of the World Episode Summary: Melanie and Tiffany wrap up Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower (chapters 20–25), beginning with personal check-ins before recapping the group’s final trek to Bankhole’s land. Episode Highlights: 02:18 Wellness Check In 08:02 Final Chapters 13:18 Lauren and Bankole 2...

Words in the Wild Podcast - Show Notes Episode Summary: Melanie and Tiffany welcome fellow climber, book lover, and Rise Outside Collective Co-founder Marian “May” Perez to discuss Parable of the Sower chapters 14–19. Episode Highlights: 01:01 Introductions 05:59 Wellness Check In 17:15 Starting the Book Discussion 43:01 Chapter 17 New Allies 46:16 Harry Debate 01:00:16 Quake Fire New Allies 01:06...

Words in the Wild Podcast - Show Notes Episode Summary: Hosts Melanie and Tiffany recap Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower, covering chapters 10–13. After personal updates, we discuss Earthseed passages about change, fear, and leadership, then review major plot events. Next episode we are reading Chapters 14-19. Episode Highlights: 00:16:20 Chapter 10 00:27:51 Chapter 11 00:45:48 Chapter 12...

Words in the Wild Podcast - Show Notes Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler, unpacking its powerful themes of resilience, faith, and radical change in a crumbling society. Mel and Tiff break down how Butler’s work offers not just a dystopian vision but a blueprint for collective transformation rooted in spirituality and self-preservation. Episode Hi...

Words in the Wild Podcast - Show Notes Episode Summary: In this emotionally charged finale, Melanie and Tiffany reflect on the impactful themes, character arcs, and key moments from  My Government Means to Kill Me . They explore the rapid transformation of Trey as an activist, the symbolic significance of his experiences, and the unresolved questions about loyalty, love, and justice. Plus, th...

Words in the Wild Podcast - Show Notes Episode Title: Unpacking Activism, Relationships, and Historical Myths on "Words in the Wild" Episode Summary: In this episode, Melanie and Tiffany delve into lessons 11 through 14 of  My Government Means to Kill Me , exploring the nuanced dynamics of activism, friendship, and history's staged narratives. They reflect on how personal identities evolve am...

Words in the Wild Podcast - Show Notes Episode Title: Navigating Winter Blues, Digital Libraries & Atonement in 'My Government Means to Kill Me' Episode Summary: In this episode of Words in the Wild , hosts Melanie and Tiffany keep it candid discussing the relentless New York winter, their personal struggles, and the joy of discovering the Libby app for digital reading. The hosts then dive int...

Words in the Wild: Season 2 Premiere - Trey's New York Adventures Begin Episode Summary: In the season 2 premiere of 'Words in the Wild,' Melanie and Tiffany kick off the episode with an excited celebration of their return. They dive into the first five lessons from 'My Government Means to Kill Me' by Rasheed Newson, discussing themes of personal growth, identity exploration, and overcoming societ...

In this special preview episode of Season 2, we unveil some exciting changes, including a new name for the podcast—'Words in the Wild,' reflecting our broader adventure narrative beyond just bouldering. We discuss our shift to a more diverse range of book genres, aiming to enhance wellness and escape through various literary styles. Tune in for a new adventure as we connect with fellow adventurers...

Books and Boulders Podcast - Episode Show Notes Episode Summary: In the final episode of Books and Boulders season one, hosts Melanie and Tiffany discuss the conclusion of 'Enough' by Melissa Arnot Reed. They delve into the remaining chapters and epilogue, touching on Melissa's transformative journey, her relationship with Tyler, and her ultimate accomplishment of summiting Everest without oxygen....

Books and Boulders Podcast - Show Notes Episode Summary: In the latest episode of 'Books in Boulders,' hosts Melanie and Tiffany dive into part four of Melissa Arnot Reid's 'Altitude.' They explore Melissa's tumultuous marriage, her relentless pursuit of Everest summits, and a series of tragic events that challenge her emotional fortitude. Discussion revolves around Melissa's complicated relations...

Books and Boulders Podcast Show Notes Release Date: November 17, 2025 Episode Summary: In this episode of Books and Boulders, hosts Melanie and Tiffany dive into part three of 'Enough' by Melissa Arnot Reid. The discussion kicks off with Tiffany's new commitment to yoga and mindfulness, which segues into deeper reflections on personal growth and resilience. The hosts share their thoughts on Reid's...

Books and Boulders Podcast Show Notes Release Date: November 3, 2025 Episode Summary: In this episode of Books in Boulders, Melanie and Tiffany continue their discussion on 'Enough: Climbing Towards a True Self on Mount Everest' by Melissa Arnot Reed. Covering chapters 4 through 8, they unpack Melissa's evolving relationships, both personal and professional, as she navigates her climbing journey....

Books and Boulders Podcast - Episode Show Notes Episode Title: "Enough" Part I Release Date: October 20, 2025 Episode Summary: In this episode of Books and Boulders, hosts Melanie and Tiffany dive into the first part of 'Enough: Climbing Toward a True Self on Mount Everest' by Melissa Arnot Reid. They discuss themes of parental relationships, emotional neglect, childhood trauma, and overcoming adv...

Books and Boulders Podcast Show Notes Episode Title: Wild by Cheryl Strayed | Ch 15 - 19 Release Date: October 6, 2025 Episode Summary: Welcome to this episode of Books in Boulders, where hosts Melanie and Tiffany dive into the final chapters of 'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed. In this episode, they discuss Cheryl’s encounters with unsavory characters, her near-empty wallet woes, and the bittersweet end...

Books and Boulders Podcast Episode Title: Wild by Cheryl Strayed | Ch 11 - 14 Release Date: September 22, 2025 Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into 'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed, focusing on Part Four. Tiffany shares a personal story of facing racism while gardening, leading to a discussion on the racial biases present in outdoor spaces. The duo then delves into the challenges Cheryl Strayed...