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MB from xaviers (1)

Writer. Radio host. Word nerd.

I co-host the long-running radio show and podcast A Way with Words. My new book combines the joy of language and my own story, from my Appalachian roots through my study of Ancient Greek, and the fun of conversations with thousands of listeners.

Praise for Friends with Words

Mary Norris, New York Times bestselling author of Between You and Me

 “Bravissima! Chef ’s kiss! A delight from intro to epilogue!”

Sarah Ogilvie, author of The Dictionary People

“Martha Barnette is an inspiration to all worders. Friends with Words is a captivating and joyous read about language, identity, and, most importantly, life and love.”

Ellen Jovin, bestselling author and star of Rebel with a Clause

“A joyful, enchanting, always-entertaining word excursion along the wide-ranging paths of our human experience.”

Martha on the Move:
Events and 
Appearances

2025

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May 14

An Evening with Martha and Grant

University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
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May 15

Rotary District 7770 Conference

Luncheon speaker
Columbia, South Carolina
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October 28

Vermont Humanities Lecture Series

"The Language of Climate Resilience”
October 28 
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More events and book festivals are in the works for 2025, so check back soon!
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​​​​​​​​​2024

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January 20

WNIN Public Radio Winter Gala
Featured speaker
Evansville, Indiana

 

January 24

Georgetown University

Introducing Dr. Emily Wilson,
translator of The Iliad
Thalia Potamianos Annual Lecture Series
Check out the Photo Gallery
Washington, DC 

 

April 4

ACES conference

Keynote speaker
San Diego, CA

 

April 18

Oregon Heritage Conference

Forest Grove, OR

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Contact

General inquiries and bookings: (619) 796-5455

Email: info@marthabarnette.com

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Have a question for the public radio show and podcast “A Way with Words”? Visit our show's website or call or text 877-929-9673 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada)

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