KJZZ's Word

On this penultimate episode for Season 11 of Word, everything old is new when it comes to a Roman Emperor who practiced Stoicism. Plus, we offer a new spin on a gothic literary classic. And, we propose a couple of adult fiction summer reading suggestions.

Arizona State University will host a CantoMundo retreat with Latinx poets; a new play about two beloved film critics comes to the stage in the Valley; and David Ignatius from the Washington Post talks about his new fictional spy thriller, and real-world technology that poses a serious national security concern.

On this episode of Word, we discuss a new romance book club in the Valley, how the 2022 shooting of a Valley man by a former Phoenix police officer inspired a collection of poems and a new collection of climate fiction short stories.

On this episode of “Word,” we talk religion and politics with NPR National Political Correspondent and co-host of NPR’s "Politics Podcast," Sarah McCammon. We also chat with the winner of the 2023 National Book Award for Poetry, Craig Santos Perez.

On this episode of KJZZ's Word podcast about literature, we feature stories about a crime, a baseball historian with a century-old tale and science from an NPR correspondent. Plus, we have the winner of this year’s KJZZ Haiku Writing Contest.

To kick off Season 11, this episode of Word features author awards, an NPR host, poetry and the annual KJZZ Haiku Writing Contest.

On this season-ending episode of Word, we highlight some of those who appeared during 2023. It's a "Fest Of Us," celebrating literature and the winners of KJZZ's "Tiny Library" drawing.

On this episode we catch up with children’s authors who discuss the importance of empathy and interconnectedness as well as a former journalist who has a page-turning new historical novel about an American reporter who turned into a mouthpiece for Nazi propaganda during World War II.

On this episode of KJZZ's Word podcast about literature, we feature the winner of the National Book Award for his collection of poetry. Plus, the holiday season means it’s time for NPR’s annual, “Books We Love" feature. Also, a children's author offers two new interactive titles.

It’s Halloween and on this episode, we explore Magic, Marvel and President Abraham Lincoln.

On this episode, Word spotlights horror in numerous ways from banned books to a new novel about a murdered Indigenous woman, as well a murder satire of cozy mysteries. Guests include Carew Papritz, J.A. Jance and Chuck Palahniuk.

Poets and storytellers have an opportunity to perform in the Valley, plus we feature young adult travel and romance set in Arizona, as well as a YA fantasy/romance rooted in dark magic.

On this Season 10 opener of KJZZ's Word podcast hosted by Tom Maxedon, it’s all about anecdotes. In this episode, we feature conversations about minor league baseball, the only Latino governor of Arizona, Raúl Héctor Castro, affectionately known as Raúlito, plus tales on the road about legendary troubadour Bob Dylan.

On this episode of Word, it’s the season-ender! We discuss reading events beyond the upcoming Juneteenth holiday that offer a deeper connection to why it’s celebrated. Plus, a literary conversation from Kenya happened while on "vacation," and I returned to the Valley to discuss a debut novel from an ASU professor emerita.

On this episode, a Diné writer releases her first novel. Plus, we examine an international true-crime story by a Valley poet-turned sleuth. And, we extend a bow to Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a day at the Kentucky Derby.

Coming up on this episode, musician Lizzo is the subject of a new graphic short story series. Plus, a linguist argues for bad language … "Like, literally, dude."And, a rapid-fire play examines the search for love and dignity by single Black females.

National Poetry Month continues on this episode of Word, which also features crime fiction, a novel set in 1940s Harlem, plus a memoir from journalist and NPR's "All Things Considered" co-host Marie Louise Kelly.

Country music in the West and poetry reverberate the sounds of spring in this episode of Word, a podcast about literature in Arizona and the region.

Shakespeare, hiking in Arizona, poetry on vinyl and a haiku winner share some thematic space on this KJZZ podcast about literature in Arizona and the region. It's hosted by Tom Maxedon.

A Valley resident turns experience as a former prison inmate into a graphic novel, an addiction to an anti-anxiety drug leads to a debut mystery, the KJZZ Annual Haiku Writing Contest keeps on chugging and Arizona Matsuri returns to Phoenix, in person.