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Artwork for A Way with Words

A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over

Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett. Produced by Stefanie Levine.
Language
Regional Dialects
Cultural Expressions
Language Evolution
Idioms
Pangrams
Language Slang
Regional Expressions
Etymology
Culinary Expressions
Nautical Terminology
Middle School Transition Anxiety
Food Language
Expressions
Idiom Discussions
Expressions Like 'go Fry Ice'
Bookworm
Book Moth
Event Vs Eventful
Satsuma Orange

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes814Founded20 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Language LearningEducationSociety & Culture

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Artwork for A Way with Words

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Recent Guests

John Chinesky
Wayword quiz guy
Wayword, Inc
Episode: I Don't Have the Spoons (Rebroadcast) - 2 March 2026
Jonas Colling
Teacher who shared a funny anecdote about the word jabroni.
Episode: Excuse the Hogs (Rebroadcast) - 16 February 2026
Tim White
Caller asking about a saying from his father regarding books.
Episode: Excuse the Hogs (Rebroadcast) - 16 February 2026
Eileen Menaccio
Caller sharing a family adage related to manners and burping.
Episode: Excuse the Hogs (Rebroadcast) - 16 February 2026
Tory Paulson
Resident of Wyoming
Episode: Sour Pickle (Rebroadcast) - 23 June 2025
Chris Mershrod
Caller from Ithaca, New York
Episode: Sour Pickle (Rebroadcast) - 23 June 2025
Orianna Fisher
Biochemistry professor
Episode: Sour Pickle (Rebroadcast) - 23 June 2025
Logan Weber
Caller from Greenville, North Carolina discussing the phrase 'Scooter Poot'.
Episode: Scooter Pooting (Rebroadcast) - 26 May 2025
Terry Wilson
Caller from Bowling Green, Kentucky asking about a regional term 'Devil Strip'.
Episode: Scooter Pooting (Rebroadcast) - 26 May 2025

Hosts

Grant Barrett
Co-host and linguist known for his expertise in language and its cultural impacts.
Martha Barnette
Co-host and author known for her engaging storytelling and connection with listeners.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 2.9k ratings
  • Loved it !

    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.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Monkeyfriedchicken
    United States3 months ago
  • Dynamic Duo

    Silver tongue and quick on their feet.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    dwchandl
    United States6 months ago
  • Love this show!

    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!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Baggin Saggin Mary
    United States7 months ago
  • Excellent but Grant must lose that annoying vocal fry, especially at end of calls!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Boo2009
    9 months ago
  • Never bored with rebroadcasts

    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.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Alohahaunama
    United States10 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Reviews highlight the podcast as a favorite for broadening linguistic knowledge while maintaining a fun and light-hearted tone.
Some listeners express a desire for new content rather than rebroadcasts, indicating a longing for continuous fresh discussions.
Listeners appreciate the engaging and dynamic discussions that explore the nuances of language and its cultural significance.
The hosts are praised for their warmth and ability to connect with callers, making the show both informative and entertaining.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#178
United States/Society & Culture
Apple Podcasts
#206
India/Society & Culture

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

I Don't Have the Spoons (Rebroadcast) - 2 March 2026
Q: Why does the word 'based' have different meanings across communities and platforms?
Because slang evolves within communities and is heavily context-dependent; internet cultures like 4chan and alt-right groups have reinterpreted it, while other groups may use it to mean authenticity or alignment with beliefs, leading to divergent meanings.
I Don't Have the Spoons (Rebroadcast) - 2 March 2026
Q: What is the Spoon Theory and why is it useful for describing energy limitations?
The Spoon Theory uses 12 spoons as a metaphor for daily energy, where each task costs a spoon, helping explain how people with chronic illness must ration energy and plan activities.
Excuse the Hogs (Rebroadcast) - 16 February 2026
Q: What do you mean by Chatham House rules?
Chatham House rules require that participants in a meeting keep information shared confidential, promoting free discussion.
Excuse the Hogs (Rebroadcast) - 16 February 2026
Q: What do you think about the word deplane?
It's a strange word that doesn't seem polished compared to others used in aviation.
All That and a Bag of Chips (Rebroadcast) - 2 February 2026
Q: What is the history of the term 'dungarees'?
Dungarees is a relic of the British colonial presence in India.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About A Way with Words

What is A Way with Words about and what kind of topics does it cover?

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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How many listeners does A Way with Words get?

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What are the audience demographics for A Way with Words?

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How many subscribers and views does A Way with Words have?

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Which podcasts are similar to A Way with Words?

These podcasts share a similar audience with A Way with Words:

1. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
2. Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio
3. Science Friday
4. The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters
5. Radiolab

How many episodes of A Way with Words are there?

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.

How do I contact A Way with Words?

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What guests have appeared on A Way with Words?

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

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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