Words in the Wild Podcast - Show Notes

Navigating Winter Blues, Digital Libraries & Atonement in 'My Government Means to Kill Me'

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 into lessons 6 through 10 of 'My Government Means to Kill Me' by Rasheed Newson. They explore Trey's victories in activism, the complexities of romantic love, and his journey towards finding purpose and atonement for past actions. The discussion also touches on the ethics of quiet success and the importance of finding joy amidst activism. Tune in for deep reflections, relatable experiences, and some heartfelt recommendations for personal growth.

00:13 Introduction

00:31 Winter Woes and Weather Complaints

03:15 Travel Plans and Libby Love

09:31 Book Discussion: My Government Means to Kill Me

12:06 Trey's Activism and Personal Growth

22:03 Revealing Trey's Past and Family Tragedy

31:44 Exploring Trey's Need for Parental Approval

32:30 The Complexity of Maintaining a Lie

34:49 Trey's Guilt and Search for Redemption

38:13 Romantic Notions and Self-Worth

43:52 The Burden of Quiet Success

47:24 Carrying the Weight of the Past

52:33 Balancing Selfish Goals and Collective Good

01:01:27 Finding Joy Amidst Struggles

• Author Website
• Words of the Week by @chrisvolcy on Tik Tok
• Learn about Libby - E-book/Audio Books for Libraries
• Black Owned Book Store Directory
• Directory of Public Libraries

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Remember to share your thoughts, predictions, and recommendations. Thanks for listening and being part of the journey!

Words in the Wild: Season 2 Premiere - Trey's New York Adventures Begin

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 societal constraints. Melanie and Tiffany discuss their personal experiences, linking them to the book's narrative about a young, gay Black man's journey in 1980s New York City. The episode concludes with motivational words from Jill Scott, setting an inspiring tone for the new season.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter

02:04 New Year Reflections and Personal Updates

10:51 Diving into Fiction: My Government Means To Kill Me

16:03 Protagonist's Background and Initial Struggles

20:30 Lessons from the Book: Affection and Sanctuary

37:01 Finding Your Tribe: Embrace Your Weirdness

39:22 Lesson Three: Don't Wear Straight Jackets

41:57 Transformations and Self-Discovery

51:55 Lesson Four: Enemies Have Their Value

01:00:49 Lesson Five: A Big Lie Can Build Character

01:05:52 Final Thoughts and Predictions

01:11:08 Words of the Week: Inspiration from Jill Scott

• My Government Means to Kill Me by Rasheed Newson (support your local library or Black-owned book store)
• Jill Scott On First Album In A Decade, Being Feminine Force In Music & Acting | Angie Martinez IRL
• Watch "Rustin" on Netflix

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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 and expand our book club. This season, we'll release weekly audio-only episodes, with additional engaging video content on our social pages. Join us as we kick off season two reading Lessons 1-5 from "My Government Means to Kill Me" by Rasheed Newson starting February 2nd!

00:00 Welcome Back: Season Two Begins!

00:20 New Name, New Identity

01:34 Expanding Our Book Horizons

03:48 Connecting with Our Community

05:24 Podcast Format Changes

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