Magic & Mountains

Welcome to Magic and Mountains: The T. A. Barron Podcast! Lifting our hearts, one story at a time — Inspiration from nature, heroes, and creativity. In season 2, we journey far and wide to the minds of courageous and visionary leaders like Jane Goodall and Isabel Allende, guided by the uplifting wisdom of T. A. Barron. We explore the wonders and inspiration of nature (as well as the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss) and the power of young people to make a positive difference in our world. Plus, you’ll hear T. A.’s amazing stories from his three decades as a wandering bard — as well as his views on the wonders of “light”, as we can find both in the stars and in the eyes of a loved one. Season 2 episodes are released weekly on Mondays beginning October 2 and will run through mid-December, 2023! https://tabarron.com/podcast/

Raising Young Heroes with Michaella Gallina and Elise Strong 12/18/2023

Raising Young Heroes with Michaella Gallina and Elise Strong This is a troubled time in our world. But each person has some personal power, some ability to help, even in the smallest of ways. Sometimes that is all we can do, and it is more than enough. How do we help impassioned young people to believe in themselves and take action to help the world? Meet Michaella Gallina and Elise Strong, two inspiring women, one a previous winner of the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, and the other, a mother of a previous winner. Michaella shares with us just how she started the Exceptional Rodeo for disabled children at the age of ten years old. Elise shares her journey of encouraging and empowering her son Josiah, founder of the non-profit Save the Nautilus. Don’t miss that pivotal moment when you are called to action. And don’t miss this inspiring conversation! About Michaella Gallina: Michaella Gallina is the Vice President of Investor Relations and ESG for H&R Block. Previously, she held many corporate finance roles including Chief of Staff, head of investor relations and corporate communications, and corporate development for several publicly traded companies. Before that, she worked as an investment analyst and in investment banking. Ms. Gallina graduated summa cum laude from the University of Denver with a bachelors and masters degree in finance and was a Boettcher Scholar and Coca-Cola Scholar. Beginning at the age of 8, Michaella led the Exceptional Rodeo, a rodeo for physically and mentally disabled children in her hometown, which is carried on today at the National Western Stock Show. She was an inaugural Barron Prize winner in 2001. Michaella is a national champion equestrian and resides in Denver, Colorado. Learn about the . About Elise Strong: Elise is the mother of Lucas and Josiah Utsch ( Winner of 2012 Barron Prize). She lives in Bozeman MT with her husband Adrian & Golden Retriever Molly. Elise has worked as a sailor, teacher, and landscaper, and also helped run her mother’s family business. She is an active supporter of numerous environmental and community service projects and serves on the boards of several local non-profit organizations. She spends her time caring for her family, working to protect the natural world and expanding support for underprivileged teens in Montana. Learn more about how is making an impact. Check out the . Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of 32 books and counting. Carolyn Hunter is co-host. Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson. /episode/index/show/d6de2453-7c1f-42af-8f29-4fcf0638faac/id/28943788

Leadership and Identity with Dr. Doyin Atewologun 12/11/2023

Leadership and Identity with Dr. Doyin Atewologun Let us never forget that our choices matter, and our lives matter. During a particularly hard time in her own childhood, Dr. Doyin Atewologun kept a journal. She wrote the story of her life, and it helped her to remember where she came from… and where she longed to go. In this episode, she tells us about how she walked the trail from growing up in Lagos, Nigeria to now being the Dean of Rhodes Scholars at Oxford University in England. Excelling in leadership and inclusion with success and impact, Doyin shares with us how to expand our views on leadership, how to empower young leaders, and how to turbocharge the possibilities for impact. T. A. and Doyin talk about how to honor our own story – our own identities – and at the same time build community with people from all walks of life. You are here. And because you are here, you belong. About Dr. Doyin Atewologun Doyin is a psychologist, scholar practitioner, regular media contributor and multi-award winner in recognition of her innovative methodologies and pioneering work in promoting inclusion and excellence in organisations. She is CEO and Founder of Delta, a leadership and inclusion consultancy and Leadership Programme Advisor at the Rhodes Trust at the University of Oxford. Her previous roles include Dean of the Rhodes Scholarship, and Director of the Gender, Leadership & Inclusion Centre at Cranfield School of Management, where she was Reader (Associate Professor). Doyin is the Academic Adviser on the UK-government backed Parker Review Committee, as well as a member of the Co-op’s Diversity and Inclusion Think Tank. Doyin is an Honorary Fellow at Trinity College, University of Oxford and has extensive experience in coaching, executive education, and programme design. She was recognised in People Management magazine’s Top 20 Diversity and Inclusion ‘Power List’ for 2020 and has won numerous awards for excellence in academic publications. More about the . Check out the episode from Magic & Mountains, Season 1. Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of 32 books and counting. Carolyn Hunter is co-host. Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson. /episode/index/show/d6de2453-7c1f-42af-8f29-4fcf0638faac/id/28943683

100% for the Planet with Kate Williams 12/04/2023

100% for the Planet with Kate Williams Perseverance — a quality essential to success. In this episode, T.A. talks with Kate Williams, CEO of a unique environmental group called 1% for the Planet, about the true meaning of perseverance — and how core values can lift an entire organization. Our world today faces huge environmental challenges. But only a tiny sliver of total philanthropic giving goes to environmental causes. Kate’s organization is on a mission to change that. How does she keep fighting, keep learning, and keep making a difference to our planet? Kate shares with us the core values of 1% for the Planet. She discusses her guiding philosophy “Ask the next question.” She also shares her unusual definition of “Return on Investment”. Tune in for ways to rise to the challenge, increase your stick-to-it-ivity, and make an enduring impact. About Kate Williams: Kate Williams is CEO of 1% for the Planet, a global organization that inspires action and commitment so that our planet and future generations thrive. 1% for the Planet’s global network of thousands of businesses and individuals have donated hundreds of millions of dollars to vetted environmental partners to date. Kate has driven significant organizational scale —implementing high-impact giving strategies, growing a global brand and leading an incredible and dedicated team around the world. Outside of her tenure at 1% for the Planet, Kate earned a BA at Princeton University and an MS at the MIT Sloan School of Management, and has served on a variety of Boards. At home, Kate is Mom to two amazing young adults, a partner with her husband of 30 years, and is a trail runner, hiker, and kitchen gardener. Learn more about Kate’s work with . Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of 32 books and counting. Carolyn Hunter is co-host. Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson. /episode/index/show/d6de2453-7c1f-42af-8f29-4fcf0638faac/id/28830053

Life Depends on Rivers with Tom Kiernan 11/27/2023

Life Depends on Rivers with Tom Kiernan A leader brings the weather, and in this episode, President and CEO of American Rivers, Tom Kiernan, gives us a warm summer day (with a cool breeze) and a ton of enthusiasm. T. A. and Tom K. discuss how nature has the capacity to hold us in times of stress, loss, and deep personal struggles. We hear the heartbreaking and uplifting story of how Tom Kiernan has become a devoted protector of open spaces and wild places. And we reflect on the peace that nature offers us all – the reconnection and the renewal. We learn about our rivers, why we need them, the threats they are facing, and what American Rivers is doing to help. Tom K. urges us all, “Follow your passions. Figure out what really excites you.” T. A. asks us, “What would it look like if you combined your true passion with what the world truly needs?” Join us and get inspired to do your part to protect the natural world. About Tom Kiernan: Tom Kiernan (he/him) became President and CEO of American Rivers in February 2021, leading the 78 staff that make American Rivers the nation’s most trusted and influential river conservation organization. Throughout his career, Tom has been dedicated to protecting the nation’s lands and waters, diversifying the conservation movement and advancing innovative solutions to benefit people and nature. Before joining American Rivers, Tom led the American Wind Energy Association for over seven years, growing the organization and advancing a clean energy policy agenda to fight climate change. As President of the National Parks Conservation Association from 1998-2013, he increased the annual budget from $16 to $35 million and led a capital campaign exceeding the $125 million goal. With his team, he established the Community Partners Program at NPCA in 1999 – one of the first diversity programs of any major conservation organization. Tom developed a love for rivers at a young age, growing up on the Potomac River in metropolitan Washington, DC. He co-founded the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center on the Arkansas River in Colorado and worked at North Carolina’s Nantahala Outdoor Center guiding trips throughout the Southeast. Today, Tom is an avid rower who spends time on the Potomac River most mornings. He received a BA from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. Read more about . Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of 32 books and counting. Carolyn Hunter is co-host. Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson. /episode/index/show/d6de2453-7c1f-42af-8f29-4fcf0638faac/id/28742998

Crazy, Funny, and True: My Stories as a Wandering Bard 11/20/2023

The Voice of Story with Audiobook Narrators John Lee and Carolyn Hunter 11/13/2023

How to Write with a Wide Open Heart (and a Magical Cat) with Jill Santopolo 11/06/2023

Writing from Your Soul with Patti Gauch 10/30/2023

Writing from Your Soul with Patti Gauch Are we willing to walk with our characters? Are we willing to go far enough? Are we willing to let go to find transcendence? This episode’s special guest is former Editor in Chief of Philomel Books, Patricia Lee Gauch. Patti (as she’s known by her friends) was T. A. Barron’s editor for over 30 years – editing 27 of his 32 books. T. A. and Patti speak passionately about finding the core values of your story, then protecting and nurturing them, and letting them shine organically. Hear two seasoned writers explore the power of humor and magic in stories, as well as the importance of voice. Patti urges us, “Trust the universal storyteller in you. If you only trust your brain, you may have a compositionally powerful piece, but you may have missed the beating heart. And that is what we’re going for – the beating heart.” Where did it all begin for Patti? And… how do we, as authors, earn our ending? You don’t want to miss this lively and completely inspiring conversation about voice, character, and the beating heart of story. Aspiring writers – this one’s for you. About Patricia Lee Gauch: I am Patricia Lee Gauch, my writers call me Patti. I have worn many hats – journalist, author, teacher, lecturer and finally editor, but all of my hats have been grounded in writing. And my relationships with my writers have passed into sacred space, from my point of view. I have worked with Patricia Polacco, Brian Jacques, Eric Carle, Andrew Clements, Janet Lisle, Jane Yolen, but the first writer I worked with at Philomel was T.A. Barron. The renowned Madeleine L’Engle discovered him at a retreat, was impressed, and brought him to my agent Dorothy Markinko, and she brought him to me, fledgling editor. He was and always has been an unusual mix of writer of fantasy writer and environmentalist, wroter of fantasy and philosopher. As he walks his Colorado mountains, which he does regularly, he is always searching for ideas. His characters are often paradigms, rich in their humor, their courage, their humanity. That’s Tom, searching. And discovering. Tom and my fondest memories were rooted in editorial sessions at his mountaintop cabin in Colorado. We would sit in a window that looked out on a meadow, simply breathing open air, and we would begin a somewhat miraculous brainstorming. I was often the tip-master, but Tom could catch fireflies of ideas, and when he realized that there was a key Merlin story still to be told, he began writing his life’s work. We are partners still. And partners here today. Check out Patricia Lee Gauch’s and . Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of 32 books and counting. Carolyn Hunter is co-host. Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson. /episode/index/show/d6de2453-7c1f-42af-8f29-4fcf0638faac/id/28424702

Lighting the Candle of Story with Isabel Allende 10/23/2023

Lighting the Candle of Story with Isabel Allende Stories emerge from the darkness… characters walk out of a mist… no map, no directions, just a candle and an invitation to muse. This is how Isabel Allende writes – with transcendence, vulnerability, and magic. In this wonderfully candid and soulful conversation, Isabel shares with us the heartbreaking story of how she lost her beloved daughter Paula, which inspired the book Paula. She also speaks about her sacred writing process, which can be a catharsis. She even shares with us an extraordinary perspective about life given to her by her grandmother. T. A. and Isabel share something truly special in this conversation. Not only a beautiful friendship, but a love of writing stories with the door cracked open to mystery. Stories of forgiveness, of starting again, of courage, compassion, and perseverance. Together they explore how to honor each person’s story, how to listen to characters, and how to bring characters to life. About Isabel Allende: Isabel Allende—novelist, feminist, and philanthropist—is one of the most widely-read authors in the world, having sold more than 77 million books. Chilean born in Peru, Isabel won worldwide acclaim in 1982 with the publication of her first novel, The House of the Spirits, which began as a letter to her dying grandfather. Since then, she has authored more than twenty six bestselling and critically acclaimed books, including Daughter of Fortune, Island Beneath the Sea, Paula, The Japanese Lover, A Long Petal of the Sea and her most recent memoir, The Soul of a Woman. Translated into more than forty two languages, Allende’s works entertain and educate readers by interweaving imaginative stories with significant historical events. In addition to her work as a writer, Allende devotes much of her time to human rights causes. In 1996, following the death of her daughter Paula, she established a charitable foundation in her honor, which has awarded grants to more than 100 nonprofits worldwide, delivering life-changing care to hundreds of thousands of women and girls. More than 8 million have watched her TED Talks on leading a passionate life. She has received fifteen honorary doctorates, including one from Harvard University, was inducted into the California Hall of Fame, received the PEN Center Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Anisfield-Wolf Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014, President Barack Obama awarded Allende the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, and in 2018 she received the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters from the National Book Foundation. She lives in California. Her website is . Check out Isabel’s books , , and . Visit the for more information on her work with women. Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of 32 books and counting. Carolyn Hunter is co-host. Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson. /episode/index/show/d6de2453-7c1f-42af-8f29-4fcf0638faac/id/28347221

Make of Your Life a Light (My Favorite Quote) – Part II 10/16/2023

Make of Your Life a Light (My Favorite Quote) - Part I 10/09/2023

"The Next Great Adventure" with Jane Goodall 10/02/2023

"The Next Great Adventure" with Jane Goodall Join T. A. Barron in an intimate and soulful conversation with the bright light that is Dr. Jane Goodall. What is her deepest wish for the world? And what is her next great adventure? T. A. and Dr. Jane, who is now almost 90 years old, consider our troubled world, the indomitable human spirit, and the importance of giving people a sense of their own individual power. Hope is a remarkable thing, and Dr. Jane has made it her mission to give people just that – HOPE. She shares how to inspire young people, and who encouraged her at a young age to pursue her passion and purpose. Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration and wisdom with one of the world’s most uplifting and compassionate leaders. About Dr. Jane Goodall: Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and UN Messenger of Peace, is a world-renowned ethologist and activist inspiring greater understanding and action on behalf of the natural world. Dr. Goodall is known for groundbreaking studies of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, which forever changed our understanding of our relationship to the rest of the animal kingdom. This transformative research continues today as the longest running wild chimpanzee study in the world. Jane’s work builds on scientific innovations, growing a lifetime of advocacy including trailblazing efforts through her international organization the Jane Goodall Institute which advances community-led conservation, animal welfare, science, and youth empowerment through JGI’s Roots & Shoots program. Today, Jane continues to connect with worldwide audiences, despite the challenges of the pandemic, through 'Virtual Jane' including remote lectures, recordings, and her podcast, the Jane Goodall Hopecast. In 2021, Jane was the recipient of the Templeton Prize, and her newest book, The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times, was published. Jane is a global icon spreading hope and turning it into meaningful positive impact to create a better world for people, other animals, and the planet we share. Learn more about the . Follow or find him on for show information. is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of 32 books and counting. Carolyn Hunter is co-host. Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson /episode/index/show/d6de2453-7c1f-42af-8f29-4fcf0638faac/id/28135259