What's Your Why?
What’s Your Why? The Authors Journey Every writer has a story—long before the first word is written. "What's Your Why?" is the podcast where authors share the journeys, inspirations, and defining moments that shaped their craft. Whether you're a book lover, an aspiring writer, or simply fascinated by the creative process, this show takes you beyond the pages and into the minds of storytellers. Join Emy diGrappa, Executive Producer, Wyoming Humanities, as we explore the passion, struggles, and triumphs that drive authors to write. Through in-depth interviews and solo reflections, we uncover the why behind the words—because behind every book, there’s a journey worth telling. Tune in and get inspired by the voices behind the stories.
Episodes
Writing is an act of celebration. In all my books, I’m celebrating something—whether it’s grizzly bears, the Himalayas, or the paramedic experience – Kevin Grange
Join host Emy Digrappa on Winds of Change as she sits down with award-winning author, paramedic, and firefighter Kevin Grange. In this episode, Kevin shares his journey from the landscapes of New Hampshire to the adrenaline-filled streets of Los Angeles as...
The cowboy myth isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a symbol of independence that still defines Western identity, for better or worse. – Betsy Gaines Quammen
Join host Emy Digrappa on What's Your Why? The Author's Journey as she sits down with historian and writer Betsy Gaines Quammen, author of True West: Myth and Mending on the Far Side of America. In this episode, Betsy discusses the myths and misconceptions surrounding ...
“It wasn’t just a drug story—it was about memory loss, collective blackouts, and how privilege lets some people escape consequences entirely.”
— Max Marshall on the themes behind Among the Bros
In this episode of What’s Your Why? The Author’s Journey, host Emy DiGrappa sits down with investigative journalist and debut author Max Marshall, whose breakout book Among the Bros explores fraternity life, drug trafficki...
“You can actually be whole only if you have both sides of yourself included in your identity.” Rebecca Balcárcel
In this episode of What's Your Why?, host Emy Digrappa sits down with Guatemalan Anglo-American author and poet Rebecca Balcárcel, acclaimed for The Other Half of Happy and Shine On, Luz Véliz!. Rebecca shares her inspiring journey from avid young reader to award-winning middle grade author, weaving in storie...
You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to develop a habit. Even when you don’t feel like writing, you show up—and the mind begins to wake up. – Tracy Daugherty
In this episode of What’s Your Why?, host Emy DiGrappa welcomes acclaimed author and biographer Tracy Daugherty for a deep and thoughtful conversation about the craft of writing, the influence of landscape, and the shaping power of culture. From his West Te...
"The land has always been my touching stone." – Rachel Berg
In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Berg, a multifaceted artist whose work blends diverse cultural influences and artistic mediums. Rachel's unique background, combining Mnicoujou, Lakota, Mexican, and German heritage, serves as the foundation for her creative expression and worldview. This episode offers a glimpse into the mind of an artist who bridges cultur...
"Become the honey pot and the bees will come." - Zeahlot Lopez
Welcome to "Empower and Lead: Women's Journey in Entrepreneurship." Are you tirelessly proving your worth and significance, yet still feeling unfulfilled? You're not alone. Many women entrepreneurs strive for success and recognition but continue to struggle with old belief systems. The hustle can be exhausting when fulfillment and a sense of worthiness seem ju...
"When you take time to listen to yourself and to be excited and to celebrate that individuality, I think it creates such a rich opportunity for conversation and real, authentic connection with people." - Carrie Klewin Lawrence
Hey there, get ready to hear about the power of personal storytelling in this conversation. There is a surprising journey, and insights shared by our special guest, Carrie Klewin Lawrence, as she des...
I think everybody should read picture books, whether you're three or 90 or, in fact, 97, like my mom. - Catherine Barr
I absolutely love what I do and embrace the endlessly fascinating, collaborative journey of working with scientists, subject experts and the incredible illustrators and publishers who bring my ideas to life. – Catherine Barr
Uncover the unexpected story of how a children's book author's accidental journey ...
There's two kinds of families, those with mental illness and those who don't have mental illness yet. - Thomas Insel
Are you seeking to overcome stigma and family trauma associated with mental illness? Join Emy Digrappa on What’s Your Why? podcast as she shares a compelling conversation with Meg Kissinger, where they explore managing mental illness and overcoming stigma and family trauma. Gain a new perspective and increa...
Even for all the problems that it brings forward, it also brings forward possibilities and promise. - Stephen Aron
Discover the American West's alternative history. In this What’s Your Why? podcast we discover some of the little-known stories of peace and friendship amidst the frontier's violence. Join us as we unravel the perspectives and role of government in Western expansion. Get ready for a more nuanced understanding ...
Did you know that the first Native American to chair the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grew up on a Navajo reservation in Arizona and faced tremendous challenges on her journey to higher education? Her story will inspire you. Discover how she is promoting indigenous knowledge and cultural inclusivity in education at a national level to make a difference.
The National Endowment for the Humanities has a bold ...
It's almost like someone telling you that your child is wrong - I mean, she'd be really perfect if you would just change her hair and add some freckles and then make her taller. - Traci Jones
Traci Jones, an accomplished young adult novelist, brings a unique blend of creativity and insight to her writing, enriching the literary landscape with diverse representation. With a background in psychology and a master's degree in...
"How do we move forward? How do we hold the past in all its complexity and move forward?" - Rebecca Clarren
"I think we're all here to be a good ancestor. How do we not create mess for our children and grandchildren to inherit?" - Judge Abby Abenanti (Yurok Tribal member)
Emy Digrappa interviews the interesting and sometimes surprising journey of Rebecca Clarren, a journalist investigating the hidden history of her Jewish ...
I had become a writer. The habit had stuck, and I fell in love with books and reading and writing, and the rest of the path unfurled from there. - Mason Engel
Discover the epic journey of Mason Engel, who embarked on a mind-blowing adventure to all 50 states in just 50 days, to read 50 books and interview 50 authors. Whoa! Imagine the day to day of meeting fascinating authors, navigating through time changes and road chall...
"You can move mountains when you're happy and you're motivated and you're getting rewarded for your actions." – Susan Rogers
In this episode of "What's Your Why?" hosted by Emy Digrappa, you'll dive into the captivating journey of Susan Rogers, a former record producer renowned for her work with music icon Prince. Susan shares her transition from the music industry to pursuing a doctoral degree in behavioral neuroscience, ...
Uncover the unexpected truth about embracing differences and the power of unhiding. Join Ruth Rathblott as she shares her journey of self-accepta...
"If we don't protect it, there's going to be nothing left. This is our backyard. There's a responsibility upon all of us to look after nature in whatever way we can." - Damien Mander
Discover the remarkable journey of a former special operations sniper who transitioned from a life of combat to becoming the founder and CEO of the In...
Renowned comedian W. Kamau Bell fearlessly challenges societal norms and amplifies underrepresented voices, sparking conversations on race and identity in America. W. Kamau Bell shared his journey of self-discovery and growth. From childhood dreams of becoming a superhero or entering show business to finding his voice as a comedian. Kamau's path reflects the universal quest for identity and purpose. His decision to use the...
“Just treat people the same way you treat anyone else. Don't just assume something about someone and just truly see them for what they can become.” - Tanner Dunn
In this episode of What's Your Why? hosted by Emy Digrappa, our guest Tanner Dunn, a photographer and musician with autism, shares his journey from capturing nature's beauty to aspiring to be part of his first ever photography art exhibit. Tanner's determination t...
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