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Big Books & Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller

Minnesota Public Radio
Friendship
Climate Change
CIA
Identity
Literature
American Democracy
Grief
Poetry
Civil War
Mental Health
Empathy
Women In Intelligence
Because Of Winn-Dixie
Motherhood
Immigration
Haiti
Covid-19
Loneliness
Trauma
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Where Readers Meet Writers. Conversations on books and ideas, Fridays at 11 a.m.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes157Founded21 years ago
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Latest Episodes

When asked about the Declaration of Independence, most Americans quote memorable phrases from the preamble. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable righ... more

Last month, the Wall Street Journal declared this summer to be the era of the “man band.” Those would be boy bands who’ve grown up — think New Kids on the Block, Boys II Men and the Jonas Brothers — along with their fans, who now have more disposable... more

Between death and emigration, Ireland lost almost a quarter of its population in the mid 1800s to the Great Hunger. Entire villages starved to death after potato blight wiped out the island’s primary subsistence crop, and British overseers did little... more

When novelist Ann Patchett is on Big Books and Bold Ideas, watch out. She and host Kerri Miller trade quips, stories, theories and book recommendations like two longtime friends.

And this week, Patchett returns to talk about her latest novel, “Whis... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Maggie O'Farrell
Author of Land
Episode: Maggie O'Farrell pulls from the mythology of her own family for 'Land'
Ann Patchett
Novelist and author of Whistler
Author, Whistler
Episode: Ann Patchett lauds the romance of friendship in 'Whistler'
Natalie Haynes
Mythologist and novelist
Author of No Friend to This House; Mithologist and author of A Thousand Ships
Episode: Is Medea misunderstood?
Kate Bowler
Author, Duke Divinity School professor
Duke Divinity School
Episode: Kate Bowler is not living her best life — and she's OK with that
Kelly Yang
Author, The Take
Episode: Kelly Yang's 'The Take' is an anti-aging thriller
Francine Prose
Novelist and author of Five Weeks in the Country
Author
Episode: 'Five Weeks in the Country' with Charles Dickens and Hans Christian Anderson
Luis Alberto Urrea
Author of Good Night, Irene; discussed mother's wartime journals and family memory
Author
Episode: Family matters when it comes to books
Safiyia Sinclair
Poet and memoirist, discussed Rastafari in Jamaica and personal family history
Author/Poet
Episode: Family matters when it comes to books
Tara Menon
Novelist; Assistant Professor of English, Harvard University
Harvard University
Episode: Lush nature and fathomless loss coexist in 'Under Water'

Host

Kerri Miller
Host of Big Books & Bold Ideas; known for thoughtful, well-researched interviews with authors and scholars.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 222 ratings
  • Excellent podcast

    I miss Kerri Miller’s regular show, but this is excellent as well.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    podgirlfromtheblacklagoon
    United States5 months ago
  • Happy to have this podcast

    I miss hearing Kerri Miller more often. And Tom Weber too. I do like Angela Davis’ show but also miss the former hosts.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    e85gal
    United States2 years ago
  • A brilliant broadcaster

    I started listening to Kerri when I first moved to North Dakota in 2006. I continued to do so for all of my 10 years in the USA. When I retired back to Australia in 2016 I had to take Kerri with me. She is a consummate broadcaster. An amazingly beautiful voice with a wonderful intelligence. Essential listening and an ornament to public broadcasting.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    cetigne
    Australia4 years ago
  • Insightful and well read

    Thanks so much for the insightful questions and conversation which are based on the perceptions of well read and thoughtful readers

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    APFineday
    United States5 years ago
  • defund MPR

    biased leftist garbage, these democrat activists need to be defunded

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    MnReview
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Some listeners feel the format has shifted toward political coverage in certain periods, though many still praise the depth of discussion.
Thoughtful, well-researched literary interviews that expand understanding.
Great depth on topics beyond surface-level book talk, with strong guests.
A must-listen for serious readers and writers seeking substantive conversations.
High-quality journalism and diverse guest expertise are frequently highlighted by fans.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#186
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#176
Switzerland/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ann Patchett lauds the romance of friendship in 'Whistler'
Q: How did you approach reading Whistler aloud, and what was your experience with the audiobook?
Patchett explains she practiced reading the book aloud, recorded it herself multiple times, and ultimately felt proud of the rendition after persisting through the process, noting the difference between reading fiction aloud and nonfiction in terms of voice and emotion.
Ann Patchett lauds the romance of friendship in 'Whistler'
Q: What was the process like for finalizing the ending with Kate DiCamillo?
Patchett recounts that DiCamillo suggested a different ending perspective rather than directing an explicit scene, and that the two of them collaborated to steer the ending toward a more precise emotional beat, which Patchett eventually adopted.
Louise Erdrich seduces with 'Python's Kiss'
Q: Can you talk about the anonymous story in Anonymous Sex and why you chose to publish it without your name at first?
Louise explains the anonymity was a deliberate choice to test the piece's reception and later revealed authorship, reflecting on how AI and anonymity intersect with publication concepts.
Louise Erdrich seduces with 'Python's Kiss'
Q: What's interesting about the way you came back to these pieces over years, sometimes reworking them in indiscriminate ways?
Louise discusses how inspiration resurfaces from notes, drafts, and emotional core, with writing sometimes happening quickly once momentum builds.
Daisy Hernandez on the many layers of 'Citizenship'
Q: With the Supreme Court considering birthright citizenship, what concerns do you have about how the decision could redefine who belongs in the United States?
I worry that a ruling could construe a loophole in the 14th Amendment and cast doubt on the citizenship of children born to undocumented parents, which would destabilize lives and echo historical precedents where statelessness and exclusion were used as tools of policy.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Big Books & Bold Ideas

What is Big Books & Bold Ideas about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Readers and ideas intersections fuel this show, which centers conversations with literary authors, historians, and thought leaders. Across recent episodes, expect deep dives into craft, publishing, and the cultural forces shaping storytelling—from ageism and representation in publishing to the ethics of biographical fiction, immigrant experiences, and the evolving boundaries of romance and genre. Guests are typically renowned or emerging writers, scholars, and critics who offer rigorous analysis, personal storytelling, and practical insight into writing, research, and the publishing industry. A standout quality is the program's blend of long-form, thoughtful interviews with timely themes and a clear emphasis on literature's social and cultu... more

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1. On Being with Krista Tippett
2. Poured Over
3. NPR's Book of the Day
4. 1A
5. Fresh Air

How many episodes of Big Books & Bold Ideas are there?

Big Books & Bold Ideas launched 21 years ago and published 157 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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What guests have appeared on Big Books & Bold Ideas?

Recent guests on Big Books & Bold Ideas include:

1. Maggie O'Farrell
2. Ann Patchett
3. Natalie Haynes
4. Kate Bowler
5. Kelly Yang
6. Francine Prose
7. Luis Alberto Urrea
8. Safiyia Sinclair

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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