
Fun conversation with callers from all over about new words, old sayings, slang, family expressions, word histories, linguistics, dialects, word games, books, literature, writing, and more. Be on the show with author/journalist Martha Barnette and linguist/lexicographer Grant Barrett. Share your thoughts, questions, and stories: waywordradio.org/contact or words@waywordradio.org. In the US... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 814 | Founded | 20 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Language LearningEducationSociety & Culture | |||

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I had the pleasure of serving Martha at my restaurant tonight! Martha and Martha’s partner were so amazing! They let me know about this show, so I listened, fittingly, to the ‘Cocktail’ episode after work. I loved it! Can’t wait to listen to more.
Silver tongue and quick on their feet.
I stumbled upon this show one weekend while I was listening to NPR and now I’m hooked. I have always been a fan of languages, but I’ve honestly never thought about linguistics as much, or the history behind it. This is a truly fascinating and fun show. I especially enjoy listeners calling in with their stories of different expressions. I’ve learned so much from this show in the past few months. Thank you!
Excellent but Grant must lose that annoying vocal fry, especially at end of calls!
Learn and relearn new things each time your consistent politeness and interest in guests is downright pleasant. Considering this is all own your own time, bless you.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
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Apple Podcasts | #178 | |
Apple Podcasts | #206 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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A vibrant exploration of language and its quirks, featuring engaging conversations with callers from diverse backgrounds about words, idioms, and family expressions. Episodes often delve into the histories and cultural significances of various phrases, as well as offer insights into the evolution of language over time, showcasing everything from regional dialects to personal anecdotes that reflect the rich tapestry of linguistic diversity. This podcast not only entertains but also educates, creating a delightful space for language enthusiasts and casual listeners alike, along with interactive segments like word games and pronunciation debates.
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A Way with Words launched 20 years ago and published 814 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on A Way with Words include:
1. John Chinesky
2. Jonas Colling
3. Tim White
4. Eileen Menaccio
5. Tory Paulson
6. Chris Mershrod
7. Orianna Fisher
8. Logan Weber
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