49 Writers Active Voice Podcast

Gustavus based writer Kim Heacox sounds a warning bell and gives hope for the future in this packed exchange with host Katie Bausler. Kim's wilderness activism has infused his writing and photography of than a dozen books over the past twenty-five years. His novel, Jimmy Bluefeather, won the 2015 National Outdoor Book Award. And his 2005 memoir, The Only Kayak is rife with prescient realizations about the times we live in. His latest focus is on writing opinion pieces for daily newspapers .

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Kim Heacox
49 Writers

State Writer Laureate Ernestine Hayes has spent a good part of her life bearing witness. The author of the American book award winning, Blonde Indian and the Tao of Raven, Hayes is known for bringing out the connections between all things. She is also a member of the faculty at the University of Alaska Southeast. She says to better understand our present we need to look our past, and the history of oppression and genocide of indigenous peoples.

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Ernestine Hayes
Blonde Indian
The Tao of Raven
49 Writers

Travel writer and author of the acclaimed Global Soul, Pico Iyer is an eternal optimist in a seemingly pessimistic world.

Pico Iyer is also a contributor to major news publications, the author of two novels and nine works of nonfiction. His latest effort is The Art of Stillness, Adventures in Going Nowhere. Pico’s Ted Talks have millions of viewers and he’s been hanging out with the Dali Lama for 44 years. Attendees at the 2018 Northwords Writers Symposium in Skagway, Alaska were lucky enough to hang out with Pico as he was the keynote guest. When they are not traveling, Pico and wife Hiroko live in Japan and California. In between a symposium session, Pico shared his refreshing perspectives on making time for writing and humanity.

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Pico Iyer
Ted Talk
Elle Magazine
49 Writers

When not spending time in endangered and beautiful places or teaching writing, Pam Houston lives with horses, goats and dogs in her cherished home of almost 30 years, an off the grid ranch in the high country of Colorado. In this episode, Pam tells host and producer Katie Bausler that it is metaphors that get her through this seminal moment for the natural world. And discusses her latest book, Deep Creek,Finding Hope in the High Country.

We’ve reached a last straw in the struggle for justice for black people in this country. Add to that mass inequality magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic. What’s an artist, writer or activist to do? Writer’s Block co-owner Vered Mares and Active Voice host Katie Bausler discuss elevating the voices of black and brown writers. And Mares experience with racism and freedom of religion as a high school student in Denton, Texas, which led to a Supreme Court catalyst case in the early 1990’s.