Five Questions

In which Eman talks about moving to Japan without knowing Japanese, exploring foods of the world--some of which were still moving on her plate, the secrets of siblings, and more!

In which Sherry talks about flying a kite while wearing a rainbow tutu, indulging in delicious cookies from Levain Bakery, the magic of walking a labyrinth, becoming an adult in Atlanta, and the joy of talking to strangers.

In which Brian talks about the magical garden growing on his balcony, walking for hours every day through Washington, DC, the Bangladeshi neighborhood where he learned about his French Huguenot ancestors, the surprising story of Isabella Bruton Askew, and so much more. 

In which Kim talks about what it's like to wonder every day if you'll be forced to leave your job, growing pretty things in the desert, the redeeming power of the New Orleans Saints, who really needs to pay attention to climate change, and the importance of people who have your back. 

In which Josh talks about gateway cats and Nats cats, revolutionary and inspirational architecture, his memorable talent show moment, the wonder of Longwood Gardens,  walking into the Unitarian church the Sunday after Trump's election, and more.  Here are links to some of the things Josh mentioned during our interview: Kimbell Art Museum PPG Place Louis Kahn Paul Revere Williams    

In which Christin talks about embracing the mystery of identity instead of being reduced to percentages, the questions she would ask Jesus, the mantras of Beautiful Chorus, the evolution from language and women's studies to advocacy to ministry, what it means to be with "the People," the nap ministry, and more. 

Tristan talks about math epiphanies, Billy Joel, Shakespeare and curry, Barack Obama, and more! You can buy Tristan's book here.

Five Questions is back after an unexpected 18-month hiatus! Our first episode of season five features Jenni Hogan discussing cicada sushi, making your own path in life, the fine line between playful dirt and necessary hygiene, and taking a leap of faith.   

In which Callen discusses his appreciation for mysteries that aren't scary; how his mom makes better Halloween costumes than you can buy at the store; the only segment of the PBS News Hour he makes time to watch; his dreams of composing a great song, writing a book, and and painting a famous painting; and SO MUCH MORE.  Callen also sets me straight about Mary Poppins' true disposition.  If you'd like to check out some of Callen's favorite book series, visit: Dav Pilkey (author of Captain Underpants, Dog Man, and more) A to Z Mysteries Encyclopedia Brown

In which Franklin talks about how his whole life is the strangest thing he's experienced, coaching a semi-pro ultimate frisbee team, what it's like to write for television in the current exploding TV environment, his love of US women's soccer, what it would be like to witness his parents' decision to immigrate to the US (where he was born) from Korea (where he was conceived), how an unexpected conversation with a religion professor at William and Mary inspired Franklin to pursue his desire to be a filmmaker, and more. Listen to the song Franklin mentioned-- In the Airplane Over the Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel.

In which Samara discusses the challenge and triumph of playing saxophone in "Hollywood Milestones," why she likes France and Michelle Obama, and the significance of playing cards with her grandma in Australia until 2am. Check out some of Samara's influences: Gossamer by Lois Lowry, Hamilton, and more.

In which Jennifer introduces me to Dorothy Dunnett, explains how she unintentionally became an expert on drone law, declares her love of red pandas, describes the impact that Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George had on her life, and much more. 

In which Emille Bryant, who I met unexpectedly in a teachers lounge, talks about the Japanese concept of IKIGAI, what he learned in the Air Force, how he's changed in 20 years, and why he admires Superman and Thor. 

In which six-year-old Zeke discusses the Avengers, his desire to visit India (with a translator), his love of LEGOs, and more. 

This is Zoe. She is 12. Zoe recently learned that she loves riding roller coasters. Now she also loves watching roller coaster videos on YouTube. Zoe has been asking to be featured on this podcast again for months, perhaps even years! I invite you to listen to this podcast to hear Zoe's insights about books, musical theater, martial arts, and more. 

Quinn won the opportunity to be a featured guest on this podcast at an auction to benefit EvolveAll's move to a new studio. While I've known Quinn since he was a toddler, I didn't really much about him as a tween, except for what I've seen when he does martial arts, since he is in class with my daughter. I really enjoyed learning about Quinn's hobbies and interests, and now I know who to call next time I need help around the house or want to go out for sushi!

In which Byron talks about working as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching in Ukraine and Lesotho, being given a bar of soap by David Sedaris in Las Vegas, his dream of living in Africa, our mutual love of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency tv show and the beauty of Botswana, throwing free throws in the Barclays Arena in Brooklyn, making the choice to practice empathy in challenging circumstances, understanding that everything is political, and much more. 

In which Kendra discusses the bizarre yet normal day-to-day life of a zoo veterinarian, the strangeness of living in a city without seasons, the profound experience of singing and silence in remote wilderness, and more. Learn more about the licking okapi, ET the walrus, the elephant, the porcupine (whose quills get everywhere!), and the adorable axolotl. 

In which Ryan talks about the explosive drag scene in Atlanta, his journey from 95-pound teenager to well-built massage therapist (including his experiences with steroids), surviving his traumatic childhood through humor (and therapy), the influence of his 10th grade English teacher who treated him with respect, and much more.

In which Jessica talks about not only renewing her wedding vows after 15 years but also thinking about the impact that she and her family have on the world, what her aspirations were when she was growing up with a disability, what it means to take a stand for human rights, taking pictures and teaching, and so much more. 

In which Wendy talks about an unusual life at boarding school including living with different families and riding a horse; her love of insects and desire to raise goats; how flooding in Florence, Italy and the "mud angels" changed Wendy's life when she was 13; living in Japan; being sexually harassed by her boss; and so much more. 

In which Queta describes the decision she made to move with her father to the US from Nicaragua, the current political upheaval in Nicaragua and the danger her family faces, what it's like to be a mom in Arlington, Christmas tamales, and much more. 

In which Amy discusses the evolution of her music career, which isn't actually her career, adopting her son from Korea, writing about potatoes, and her most recent calling as an activist with Herd on the Hill. 

In which Neena discusses helping raise her little brother, devoting her work life to good causes, the ability to do more than 24 hours of work in a day, losing her father to suicide, and more. 

In which Cullen discusses his diverse vocations, including composing songs and playing piano, country line dancing, traveling around the world, and writing. Believe it or not, Cullen has a demanding day job as a radiologist. Shout out to Mrs. Hooks for reminding Cullen of her high expectations. 

In May 2017 I interviewed my beloved friend Gay Gibson Cima for my Five Questions podcast. Twice during our conversation, her answers to my questions were about her wonderful husband Ron. On September 25, Ron died after suffering a heart attack 10 days earlier. I wanted to share with you these moments of Gay talking about Ron, who was a loving, kind, gentle, and thoughtful presence in the world. He will be greatly missed. We love you, Gay and Ron. 

In which Regina talks about working in theatre, eating her way around the world, watching Jeopardy! with her husband, demonstrating compassion and discussing marginalization when she performs, feeling at home with creators, wanting to hone her Philipino cooking, the smell of Aquanet, and more.

In which Chris discusses the energy and passion of his students, his love of human geography, growing up gay in a small Virginia town, how he loves going out and coming home, the risk he took in moving to Atlanta, how Dead Poets Society got him into William and Mary, and so much more.  Chris' favorite movies: Auntie Mame Amélie Monty Python and the Holy Grail Angels in America anything directed by Baz Luhrmann

In which Krissi talks about the beauty she finds in deteriorating, how she is inspired by her students and the drive to change the world, instantly becoming an adult when her mom died, changing her life at Camp Gladiator, pursuing her PhD after taking 10 years to earn her bachelor's degree, how graduate school in art history changed her perspective on religion, and so much more.  Learn more about Cindy Sherman, one of Krissi's artistic role models, here: https://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/1154

In which Lisa talks about being a Korean-American growing up in Alabama, not yet having adulthood figured out, evolving as a parent to meet the changing needs of your kids, overturning artificial rules of civility, what it meant to lose her mom, and much more. 

In which Mark discusses being born in the Dominican Republic and growing up in Latin America and Falls Church (being a third culture kid) and returning to the Caribbean and Latin America on multiple medical missions as a doctor, advocating for a better health care system for all, being a "motorcycle dilettante," where he must focus on what has has to do in the moment, and so much more. 

In which Pam discusses her pasttime of embroidering affirming messages on fabric squares and leaving them in random places for strangers to find, her affinity for tiny houses and desire to travel in an Airstream trailer, how changing her diet has changed her life, what she would have said to her 16-year-old self, and much more. 

In which Chris describes the elaborate breakfast concotion he creates each morning (ingredients pictured here), making albums in junior high and high school, growing and advocating for cannabis, teaching special education, fighting for educational equity, facilitating dialogue around diversity, setting boundaries, and more. 

In which Emily--calling from Glasgow, Scotland--talks about writing food and fashion blogs, becoming a vegan, the many meanings of "Back in Black" by AC/DC, her vision of an affordable and sustainable town, and the walkability of Glasgow and liberal politics of Scotland. Talking and laughing with Emily made me really miss hanging out with her and Mary (another previous podcast guest). 

In which Jen describes her experience working for a cult in Australia, therapeutic ballroom dancing, releasing sea turtles in Bali, floating underneath glowworms in New Zealand, getting lost in New York City trying to find her apartment, choosing your own superpower, and more. 

In which Keith discusses his unexpected conversion to a lifestyle of yoga and meditation upon moving to California, the joys of watching his boys overcome obstacles and excel, what it meant to prepare for his father's brain surgery, the allure of looking inside other people's houses, and more. 

In which Helen discusses the gifts of music, her travels to Nicaragua, growing up speaking Chinese but walking like an American, citizen activism, working at the American Visionary Art Museum, and much more. Also you'll just enjoy hearing Helen's wonderful laugh. 

In which Libby talks about getting her car stuck in a surprisingly deep puddle on a deserted road in the woods and having to take a breathalizer test, her affinity for Dar Williams, how her allergies have made her a great cook, her adventures at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, her unexpected path from math and computer science to music and teaching, how piano gave her a voice, and more.  Five pieces of literature that have influenced Libby: Cheaper by the Dozen, The Vagina Monologues, The Handmaid's Tale, Many Moons, and "All Summer in a Day."

In this episode (which will cool you off because it was recorded in the snow), Mike discusses the proud sci-fi and fantasy geekdom he's cultivating in his children, his surprise at becoming a parent (thanks Dan and Michelle for the inspiration!), the influence of Mr. Spock and Leonard Nimoy on his life, how his then-girlfriend and now-wife Karen helped him understand there isn't just one right choice, what he has in mind for the knights of King Arthur's court, and more. 

In which Alex talks about her affection for books, her adventure working for a year and a half on Nantucket when she'd never even heard of the place, her fantasy careers of being a psychotherapist hairdresser or running an artisanal snowcone food truck, being a birthday gift for a friend in Australia (and her private time with a koala), and much more.

In which Donnie talks about deliberately simplifying his life, the surprising similarities between being an actor and working as a nurse specializing in end-of-life care, the effects on Donnie when he was a teenager of his cousin's death, the importance of local flavor when he's traveling, what it means to make people laugh, and more. 

In which Mary Jane talks about the unexpected influence on her life of our high school French teacher Madame Alnwick; her time in Europe, Africa, and Hawaii; her sculpting work in plaster, ceramic, and bronze; meeting her Tongan husband on a flight from Salt Lake City; the unique traits she inherited from her Chinese father (who had to flee China as a child) and Mormon hippie mother; and much more. 

In which Mark discusses his unexpected counter with the Yakuza while on a mission in Japan, playing the trumpet, growing up in Idaho and the influence that his senator had on Mark's childhood, his adventures in Sequoia National Park, his Czech ancestry, and more. 

In which Tiffany talks about being a trailblazing African-American woman judge, her Monopoly acumen, what she learned from being offered an afterschool job at Pizza Hut, the surprises of parenthood, Dave Chappelle, and more. 

Yay chickens! Sustainable farmer and best-selling author Forrest Pritchard talks about cat-shaped vending machines that dispense cars, his insatiable need for sunshine and a good soundtrack, patronizing advice that turned out to be true, the joy of stonemasonry, and so much more.  Listen to the song he mentions here.

In which Genevieve discusses the beautiful cold and quiet of snowshoeing, having an adundance of what she needs, raising chickens with her children, her unlikely decision to move cross country with someone she didn't actually know very well, and working as a women's health nurse or, in another universe, a historical landscaper. 

In which Niraj discusses his journey from growing up in New York to becoming an urban farmer in Washington, DC, the connection between his new farming techniques and his family's farming history in India, why strawberries grown in a greenhouse have more flavor, how working on the roof of the Environmental Protection Agency changed his life, and more.  Learn more about Niraj's work at http://www.cultivatethecity.com.

In which Nancy discusses the isolation of making art; the diverse occupations of pastamaking, art and graphic design, and running a business; her newfound political activism; and the influence of her Italian heritage on her daily life. 

In which Trinishia discusses experiencing life as a native Washingtonian, learning Spanish in Mexico, scuba diving, her aspirations to live and work in Francophone Africa, reading her husband's mind, gentrification, her kids' fluency in Mandarin, and more. 

In which Paul Douglas discusses the drama of breeding Siamese fighting fish as a teenager, being schooled in Scrabble by his sisters, unexpectedly visiting a Venitian church with a storied musical history, why people need to listen more and talk less, the importance of his Southern roots, how he would like to direct Candide, stage managing A Streetcar Named Desire, how the experience of dual consciousness of seeing A Long Day's Journey Into Night on stage inspired him to do theatre, and more. 

In which Whitney talks about growing up on the Equator and smelling the outdoors, running half-marathons against her better judgment, what inspires her from civil rights movements then and now, feeling at home and spiritually connected in Ghana, her admiration for her parents and the faith they instilled in her, and the dinner party she'd like to have with Jesus, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Barack and Michelle Obama.