Episode 382
with Pam Houston, Naomi Ekperigin, Nadya Okamoto, and the Shook Twins
Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello reveal their personal “Balancing Acts;” author Pam Houston reconciles her great love of the natural world and the challenges of living within it, as outlined in her latest book Deep Creek: Finding Hope in the High Country; comedian Naomi Ekperigin talks couples therapy for comedians; entrepreneur and social activist Nadya Okamoto explains why she ignited the “menstrual movement;” and Shook Twins perform “Safe” from their album Some Good Lives.
Pam Houston
Author
Pam Houston is living the high life. The author of the new memoir "Deep Creek: Finding Hope in the High Country," Houston literally lives 9,000 feet above sea level near the headwaters of the Rio Grande. Her compassionate, intimate stories have been selected for anthologies of The O. Henry Award, Best American Travel Writing, and The Pushcart Prize, she's published two novels, two collections of short stories, and a collection of essays, and she is Professor of English at UC Davis. In her deeply observed work, Houston creates a profound sense of place and passion for the land — allowing her readers to live high alongside her. Website • Twitter
Naomi Ekperigin
Podcaster
Naomi Ekperigin is ball of talent wrapped in a cloak of charm surrounded by a cloud of delight. She’s a prolific actor, stand-up comedian, and writer who has written for Great News, Broad City, and HBO’s upcoming series Mrs. Fletcher. She’s told hilarious and insightful jokes on "Late Night with Seth Meyers", HBO’s "2 Dope Queens", and in her very own Comedy Central half hour special. She also co-hosts the popular live show and podcast Couples Therapy which combines the fun of a comedy show with the intimacy of a therapy session. If you’re looking for the whole comedy package, then gleefully unwrap Naomi Ekperigin’s body of work. Website • Twitter
Nadya Okamoto
Social Activist
Nadya Okamoto is doing something unusual - taking a leave of absence from Harvard to help change the narrative around menstrual periods. At just twenty years old, the Portland, OR native is the Executive Director of PERIOD (period.org), an organization she founded at the age of 16. Now the largest youth-run NGO in the field of women’s health, PERIOD’s mission is to celebrate and destigmatize menstrual cycles and provide products to those in need. Since 2014 they have arranged assistance for over 400,000 periods and registered over 230 campus chapters. Okamoto published her debut book, "Period Power: A Manifesto for the Menstrual Movement", in 2018. Nadya Okamoto is creating change and changing social norms. Period. Website • Twitter
Shook Twins
Musical Group
The Shook Twins may be identical, but they create music that is truly one-of-a-kind. The sisters - Katelyn on vocals and guitar, and Laurie on banjo and vocals - pay homage to everyone from a late grandpa and godfather to Bernie Sanders on their fourth album, Some Good Lives. The album examines how everyone in your life will write their own chapter in your story. The connected duo continue to grow together musically and emotionally with this heart-felt, personal, and beautiful new album. Listen • Twitter
