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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
Idioms
Language Evolution
Pangrams
Language Slang
Regional Expressions
Etymology
Culinary Expressions
Nautical Terminology
Food Language
Middle School Transition Anxiety
Expressions
Idiom Discussions
Expressions Like 'go Fry Ice'
Book Moth
Bookworm
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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes807Founded20 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Language LearningEducationSociety & Culture

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Artwork for A Way with Words

Latest Episodes

If you take up texting and social media late in life, there’s a lot to learn! A twenty-something wants advice getting her dad up to speed on memes, Instagram, and animated images. Plus, when you’re on a long road trip, what do you call that one drive... more

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Ever wonder what medieval England looked and sounded like? In Old English, the word hord meant "treasure" and your wordhord was the treasure of words locked up inside you. A delightful new book uses the language of that period to create a vivid look ... more

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Do you refer to your dog or cat as “somebody”? As in: When you love somebody that much, you don’t mind if they slobber. In other words, is your pet a somebody or a something? Also, for centuries, there was little consistency in the way many English w... more

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Sure, there’s winter, spring, summer, and fall. But the seasons in between have even more poetic names. In Alaska, greenup describes a sudden, dramatic burst of green after a long, dark winter. And there are many, many terms for a cold snap that foll... more

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Recent Guests

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
Dawn Davis
Caller from Evansville, Indiana discussing the expression 'Fiddlesticks'.
Episode: Scooter Pooting (Rebroadcast) - 26 May 2025
Rosalyn Maxwell
Caller from Montgomery, Alabama
Episode: Honor Bright - 5 May 2025
Jason Meyer
Caller from Hickory, North Carolina
Episode: Honor Bright - 5 May 2025
Tenley Thompson
Outdoor enthusiast from Jackson, Wyoming
Episode: Lead on Macduff (Rebroadcast) - 17 February 2025

Hosts

Grant Barrett
Co-host of a show focusing on language, linguistics and word history, known for his engaging storytelling and insightful commentary.
Martha Barnette
Co-host of a show focusing on language, linguistics and word history, recognized for her warmth and engaging interaction with callers.

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 Statesa month ago
  • Dynamic Duo

    Silver tongue and quick on their feet.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    dwchandl
    United States5 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 States5 months ago
  • Excellent but Grant must lose that annoying vocal fry, especially at end of calls!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Boo2009
    7 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 States8 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some listeners have expressed a desire for more original content rather than rebroadcasts, indicating a hunger for continuous learning.
Listeners appreciate the engaging and interactive nature of the show with a community feel.
The hosts are recognized for their warm personalities and deep knowledge of language, fostering an atmosphere of curiosity and exploration.
Many enjoy the personal anecdotes shared by callers, which enrich the conversation and add relatable depth.
Reviews highlight the value of learning about language evolution through entertaining discussions.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Familiar Strangers (Rebroadcast) - 19 January 2026
Q: Where can I start catching my dad up with the latest internet memes and lingo?
Start with sharing memes related to TV shows and movies he knows and gradually teach him how to generate his own memes to feel engaged in conversations.
You Talk Like a Sausage (Rebroadcast) - 5 January 2026
Q: What's your take on the expression 'talking like a sausage'?
The hosts reflect that while the phrase is amusing, it reveals how nonsense speech can be associated with absurdity, as sausages cannot talk.
You Talk Like a Sausage (Rebroadcast) - 5 January 2026
Q: How can you love this stuff more than somebody that I love so much?
Chris posits that pets should be considered 'somebody' due to their emotional connection, while his mom suggests they are just 'something'.
Safe as Houses - 22 December 2025
Q: What is the significance of the Tempestry Project?
It uses knitting to document and represent weather patterns over time, blending artistic expression with historical climate records.
Safe as Houses - 22 December 2025
Q: What does it mean when something goes 'gunny bags'?
'Gunny bags' refers to something that is malfunctioning or has gone out of order, often used in a humorous context.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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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?

This lively and entertaining show engages listeners in explorations of language, featuring discussions on everything from modern slang to historical expressions and dialects. Callers share personal anecdotes and regional phrases, contributing to a rich tapestry of linguistic insights. The hosts, both knowledgeable and warm, create a welcoming atmosphere where language lovers can delve into the quirks and intricacies of English and its many flavors around the world. Each episode boasts a mix of humor, thoughtful exploration, and interactive caller participation, making it a unique space for learning and connection through language.

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How many listeners does A Way with Words get?

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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. How To Do Everything
3. Science Friday
4. Radiolab
5. The Moth

How many episodes of A Way with Words are there?

A Way with Words launched 20 years ago and published 807 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. Tory Paulson
2. Chris Mershrod
3. Orianna Fisher
4. Logan Weber
5. Terry Wilson
6. Dawn Davis
7. Rosalyn Maxwell
8. Jason Meyer

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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