In the fifty-fifth episode of GREAT PODVERSATIONS, Singer, Songwriter, Author, and Activist JOAN BAEZ discusses her book of poetry When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance: Poems, with Journalist, Author and Host of On My Mind Podcast DIANE REHM.

Joan Baez is a singer-songwriter, poet and activist, who has performed for more than 60 years, releasing more than 30 albums. Baez has displayed a lifelong commitment to political and social activism in the fields of nonviolence, civil rights, human rights, and the environment.

Baez’ first book of poetry When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance: Poems, connects fans to the real heart of who Joan Baez is as a person, as a daughter and sister, and as an artist who has inspired millions. Baez shares poems for or about her contemporaries (such as Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Judy Collins, and Jimi Hendrix), reflections from her childhood, personal thoughts, and cherished memories of her family, including pieces about her younger sister, singer-songwriter Mimi Fariña. Speaking to the people, places, and moments that have had the greatest impact on her art, this collection is an inspiring personal diary in the form of poetry.

Joan Baez has been honored with both the Recording Academy and the Latin Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award, and her 1960 debut album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Amnesty International presented her with its first Joan Baez Award for Outstanding Inspirational Service in the Global Fight for Human Rights.

Diane Rehm began her radio career in 1973 as a volunteer for WAMU, the NPR member station in Washington, D.C. She went on to become a host and producer. In 1979, she began hosting WAMU’s local morning talk show, Kaleidoscope, which was renamed The Diane Rehm Show in 1984. The Diane Rehm Show grew into a program with international reach and a weekly on-air audience of nearly 3 million.

In 2016, Diane brought her unique mix of curiosity, honesty, intimacy and four decades of hosting experience to the podcast world with On My Mind. She also hosts a monthly book club series, Diane Rehm Book Club, at WAMU. Rehm is the author of five best-selling books. In 2014, President Barack Obama presented Rehm with the National Humanities Medal. Rehm was named a Fellow by the Society of Professional Journalists, the highest honor the society bestows on a journalist, for extraordinary contributions to the profession.

When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance: Poems  by Joan Baez

Am I Pretty When I Fly?: An Album of Upside Down Drawings  by Joan Baez

When My Time Comes: Conversations About Whether Those Who Are Dying Should Have the Right to Determine When Life Should End  by Diane Rehm

Original air date: 11/15/2024

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