Magic & Mountains

Latest Episodes:

Raising Young Heroes with Michaella Gallina and Elise Strong Dec 18, 2023

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 Exceptional Rodeo.

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 Save the Nautilus is making an impact.

Check out the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.

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.

Leadership and Identity with Dr. Doyin Atewologun Dec 11, 2023

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 Rhodes Scholars Program.

Check out the episode See Your Life as a Story 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.

100% for the Planet with Kate Williams Dec 04, 2023

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 1% for the Planet.

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.

Life Depends on Rivers with Tom Kiernan Nov 27, 2023

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 American Rivers.

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.

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

Leave no book unsigned. And leave no bowl of homemade soup uneaten.

In this episode, T. A. shares some of his favorite adventures from three decades of touring the world on his book tours. We travel from a small town in Alaska, to the top of the Washington Monument, to the island of Shikoku, Japan. From an early book event where no one showed up and even the host left for coffee, to filling bookstores and speaking to thousands at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry!

Join us as we celebrate how T. A.’s creativity has inspired more creativity from fans… producing stories, movies, paintings, magical wreaths, costumes, bird sanctuaries, Merlin sneakers, and homemade soup. (Not to mention original words like mooshlovely!)

We hear T. A.’s own personal journey from a hopeful writer who received only rejections, to a newly published author, to the now successful author of 32 books and counting. From empty rooms to lifelong fans who now join him for enduring, magical, and awe-inspiring journeys.

Tune in to laugh, cry, and fill your heart with the power of story.

Want to see what it’s like to attend book event with T. A. Barron? Check out this video from the virtual tour for GIANT: The Unlikely Origins of Shim.

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.

The Voice of Story with Audiobook Narrators John Lee and Carolyn Hunter Nov 13, 2023

How do you bring a character’s voice to life in a way that is authentic? How does one get started in audio book narration?

In this episode, we learn about the art of voice-acting and audio-book narration from two very different voices in the industry.

John Lee, the brilliant narrator of the audio book version of T. A. Barron’s GIANT: The Unlikely Origins of Shim, as well as hundreds of other books, shares with us how he put his thumb in the air and hitch-hiked around the universe before becoming a voice actor. Carolyn Hunter, our very own co-host, shares with us her unique journey as a voice artist.

We discover how John landed on the sparkling voice of Shim and he even treats us to a live performance.

T. A., Carolyn, and John will make you want to go home and read out loud to yourself, your kids, your loved ones. Find what voices just appear!

We hope you tune in. As Shim would say… Certainly, definitely, absolutely!

About John Lee:

John Lee has read hundreds of audio books of every conceivable genre. He is the recipient of many Audiophile Magazine Golden Earphone Awards and was one of their Golden Voices of 2010. He received the Audie Award for Male Solo Narration for The Count of Monte Cristo and has narrated two series of Ken Follett’s monumental historical novels as well as several of Turkish Nobel Laureate Orhan Pahmuk’s celebrated works.

Learn more about GIANT: The Unlikely Origins of Shim (Prequel to The Merlin Saga).

Check out more books narrated by John Lee and Carolyn Hunter.

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.

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

Jill Santopolo is an author, publisher, mother, and born storyteller. She gracefully weaves big moral questions, dilemmas, and choices into all of her books.

In this episode, T. A. and Jill illuminate their creative process in working together as author and editor. They discuss how to add layers of richness and depth into books. They share why stories make us feel less alone, how to see a place as a friend, and what guides us through the challenges of creating authentic worlds.

What does it mean to create something that is emotionally autobiographical? And what happens if you pat a magical Cat?

Tune in to find out.

About Jill Santopolo:

Jill Santopolo is the internationally best-selling author of Stars in an Italian Sky, Everything After, More Than Words, and The Light We Lost, which was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick and has been optioned for film. Her books have been translated into 35 languages and have been named to the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Apple, and Indie Bound bestseller lists. She is also the author of the Alec Flint Mysteries, the Sparkle Spa series, and the Follow Your Heart books. Jill holds a BA from Columbia University, an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a certificate in Intellectual Property Law from NYU. She is the publisher of Philomel, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group and lives in Washington, DC and New York with her husband and daughter.

Check out Jill’s books The Light We Lost and Stars in an Italian Sky.

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.

Writing from Your Soul with Patti Gauch Oct 30, 2023

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 novels and picture books.

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.

Lighting the Candle of Story with Isabel Allende Oct 23, 2023

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 IsabelAllende.com.

Check out Isabel’s books Violeta, Paula, and Aphrodite: A Memoir of the Senses.

Visit the Isabel Allende Foundation 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.

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

The spectacular journey of light continues.

How has the metaphor of light inspired T. A. Barron throughout his life and writings? Gather round to hear… and also to help Tamwyn, the wilderness guide of Avalon, re-light the stars.

Join us around this magical fire to hear more readings from T. A. Barron’s books, a musical performance by co-host Carolyn Hunter, and even… a love poem written by T. A. Barron for his wife Currie that has never been shared before in public.

Listen again to the song "Avalon Farewell". Lyrics by T. A. Barron, music by Carolyn Hunter.

"Avalon Farewell" is based on the ballad Merlin sings in The Eternal Flame, book 11 of The Merlin Saga by T. A. Barron (and also the third book of The Great Tree of Avalon trilogy). This ballad appears in Chapter 36 of the paperback and hardback USA editions.

Discover more original music by Carolyn Hunter.

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.

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

As Buddha said, “Make of your life a light.” What does that really mean? And how do we make our life, our gift of time, a candle flame that can light even the darkest places?

In this episode, T. A. Barron takes us on a beautiful journey of inspiration and light. He reads passages from his books Heartlight and The Great Tree of Avalon. We explore radiant ideas as well as distant stars, and we meet magical creatures including dragons, chimewings, light flyers, and more. We celebrate the light of story, of poetry, of Merlin, and of music, as well as the enduring light of love.

Will you use your life to make a little light?

Tune in to spark the flame.

Follow @tabarronauthor and check out this YouTube Short from T. A. Barron about his favorite quote from Buddha.

Learn more about Heartlight and The Great Tree of Avalon by T. A. Barron.

Download a printable copy of the poem highlighted in this episode, "Death, Soft on the Snow," by T. A. Barron.

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

"The Next Great Adventure" with Jane Goodall Oct 02, 2023

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 Jane Goodall Institute.

Follow @tabarronauthor or find him on Facebook for show information.

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

Magic & Mountains: Season 2 Trailer Sep 12, 2023

In season 2 of Magic & Mountains, 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 starting October 2 through mid-December 2023!

Young Heroes: Phebe Meyers & Claire Vlases Dec 19, 2022

How did one eight-year-old girl protect endangered rainforest in Costa Rica and all the songbirds living there? How did a bold middle schooler rally an entire community in Montana to install solar panels?

Today we welcome on to the show two more outstanding young heroes.

Phebe Meyers founded a group called Change the World Kids that has helped tropical songbirds throughout Central America.

Claire Vlases did everything possible to gain support for installing solar panels in her Montana town… including dressing up as a solar panel for Halloween.

T. A., Phebe, and Claire discuss the importance of community and the power of thinking like a kid.

These young heroes share what gives them hope, who are their mentors, and how they overcame critics of their young age and ambitious goals.

How can one kid make a lasting difference?

Tune in and hear these kids’ answers.

Change the World Kids is still hard at work – learn more!

Claire’s story (and that Halloween costume…) was also featured on our sister site, Inspiring Young Heroes.

Check out the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.

Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of more than 30 books. Carolyn Hunter is co-host.

Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson

Young Heroes: Ashley Carter & Shawn Henry Dec 12, 2022

How did one 11-year-old girl ultimately touch the lives thousands of young people in Africa? How did one teenage boy in New York City change an abandoned lot into a garden… while also changing the lives of many in his community?

Today we meet Ashley Carter & Shawn Henry, two inspiring young people who have won the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.

Ashley founded a nonprofit group called Africaid that supports education and entrepreneurship training for girls across East Africa.

Shawn founded an organization in New York City called Garden Angels that has planted many seeds – some in the ground, some in the heart.

T. A. asks these young heroes why they did what they did and how it has made a difference to others and to themselves.

We discuss the difference that one person can make, and how we can all overcome obstacles and doubt.

Tune in to meet these young heroes… and to learn the meaning of the Swahili proverb “Haba na Haba, Huiaza Kibaba.”

Learn more about how Africaid is still changing lives.

Shawn and Ashley’s heroic stories (and many others!) are also featured on our sister site, Inspiring Young Heroes.

Check out the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.

Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of more than 30 books. Carolyn Hunter is co-host.

Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson

The Importance of Heroes Dec 05, 2022

What is the difference between a hero and a celebrity? What does it mean to be a real-life hero? And why do heroes really matter?

T. A. and Carolyn discuss why we need heroes now more than ever.

T. A. describes meeting a deeply cynical girl in Ohio who inspired him to write the non-fiction book The Hero’s Trail. Hear the amazing story of a courageous girl named Wilma Rudolph. And learn about the origins of the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.

Tune in… and be inspired.

Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of more than 30 books. Carolyn Hunter is co-host.

Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson

Saving Nature and Our Home Planet with Carter Roberts Nov 28, 2022

What is a resplendent quetzal? And how can magnificent creatures like this enlighten and inspire us… and give us the courage to protect the world’s most wondrous ecosystems?

In this episode, T. A. welcomes onto the show his friend and hiking companion, Carter Roberts, the President and CEO of the World Wildlife Fund in the USA.

Carter shares with us his first magical experience in nature. He tells us how he finds time to get out in nature while leading one of the largest conservation organizations on the planet. He also explains what WWF is doing to protect our home planet, our fellow creatures, and ourselves.

T. A. and Carter discuss why we depend upon nature. We talk about climate change and the loss of nature, and how the two are intertwined.

And finally, we hear about Carter’s favorite animal, the resplendent quetzal.

Learn more about World Wildlife Fund.

Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of more than 30 books. Carolyn Hunter is co-host.

Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson

Wonder, Mystery, and Joy in Nature with Rue Mapp Nov 21, 2022

How does Rue, founder of Outdoor Afro, retain her sense of joy? And how has she kept her childlike sense of wonder through all the challenges of life?

We are so thrilled to welcome to the show one of T. A.’s most favorite people in the whole world, Rue Mapp. She is the founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, an important organization and network that celebrates and inspires Black leadership and connections in nature.

We learn about what inspired Rue to create Outdoor Afro, and her highest goals and aspirations for the organization. We also get to hear about her passion for hunting… as well as olives.

T. A. and Rue discuss her triumphant new book Nature Swagger, as well as their favorite places in nature.

Tune in.

Check out Rue's book, Nature Swagger.

Learn more about Outdoor Afro.

Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of more than 30 books. Carolyn Hunter is co-host.

Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson

A Walk in the Enchanted Forest of Nature Nov 14, 2022

Why does nature have such great power to heal, transform, and inspire? Walk with us in the enchanted forest of nature, full of wonder and mystery.

T. A. Barron shares the story of how he first came to know the enduring power of nature. He walks us through his journey from a nature writer to a fantasy writer and why the magic of nature infuses all his stories.

Carolyn and T. A. discuss the dangers that nature is facing in the 21st century and some ways we can help.

We sit in the hold of a great Redwood tree and read a passage from The Ancient One, where a young teenage girl from Oregon faces grave peril to herself and her world… and finds the courage to hope.

Ultimately there are many ways nature renews our hope and gives us the strength to prevail. What are they? Tune in to find out.

Check out The Ancient One.

Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of more than 30 books. Carolyn Hunter is co-host.

Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson

See Your Life as a Story Nov 07, 2022

Why is it essential to follow your dreams? What part of your soul would you sacrifice if you never tried? What can we learn from life’s rejections and failures?

In today’s episode, T. A. invites you to see your own life as a story. A story of which YOU are the author.

He shares some of the most bizarre and surprising (and funny!) turns in his own life story… including the 32 rejections of his first novel! He also shares the laugh-out-loud tale of how he met the wonderful author Madeleine L’Engle.

After getting all those rejections, how did he become the author of more than 30 published books, numerous best-sellers, and many international editions? Tune in to find out… and to begin seeing your life as a story.

Check out T. A.'s blog on this topic: Live Your Life as a Story.

Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of more than 30 books. Carolyn Hunter is co-host.

Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson

Sailing Your Story Boat – Whole Brain Creativity Oct 31, 2022

Are you an aspiring writer? Do you have stories in you that you are yearning to tell?

In this episode, T. A. reminds us of the power of stories to reach people across all distances, times, and languages. He shares the story of something truly bizarre that happened to him while at the Frankfurt, Germany Book Festival.

T. A. and Carolyn talk about how to use your whole brain while writing – and why that is important.

We will learn how to create a map, not of a place, but of the journey the key characters in a story must take.

T. A. will also remind us of one of the best (and most surprising) parts of writing. Tune in to find out!

Read T. A. Barron’s essay, Growing Your Own Story.

Check out T. A.’s best-selling trilogy, The Great Tree of Avalon.

Follow @tabarronauthor or find us on Facebook for show information.

Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of more than 30 books. Carolyn Hunter is co-host.

Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson

A Deep Dive into Creativity Oct 24, 2022

What are the three essential rules for writing the perfect novel? What is a story boat…and how do you keep it afloat?

Journey with us as we take a deep dive into the blue lagoon of creativity. T. A. and Carolyn explore the mysterious process of creative writing, bringing characters to life, bringing places to life, and bringing stories to life.

We talk about the value of voice… and how it’s essential to make characters feel true. And we also discuss the importance of noticing, paying attention to what's inside ourselves and what's outside ourselves.

T. A. shares with us a few of his essential rules for writing, as well as his essential elements for every story.

Tune in to explore all this, plus, fantasy as a bent mirror!

Follow @tabarronauthor or find us on Facebook for show information.

Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of more than 30 books. Carolyn Hunter is co-host.

Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson

Merlin’s 7 Magical Words for a Meaningful Life Oct 17, 2022

If you asked the great wizard Merlin, “How do I live a meaningful life?” …what would he say?

In this episode, we continue our Merlin explorations in a rather surprising way, by visiting Merlin’s Crystal Cave.

T. A. shares aspects of one of his smallest books that holds some of his biggest ideas, The Wisdom of Merlin: 7 Magical Words for a Meaningful Life. These are brilliant and magical words of advice from the heart of our favorite wizard. (Or you could say, Merlin’s greatest hits.)

This episode will heal, inspire, and ignite.

Well…what are the seven most magical words? Can’t tell you! Tune in to today’s episode to find out.

Check out The Wisdom of Merlin: 7 Magical Words for a Meaningful Life.

Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of more than 30 books. Carolyn Hunter is co-host.

Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson

Merlin in History and Myth with Carolyne Larrington Oct 10, 2022

What is the historical origin of Merlin? Did Merlin have a different understanding of the natural world than the rest of us? Why have his legends persisted over all these centuries?

Travel with us to the land affectionately known as “Merlin’s Isle.”

T. A. talks with Carolyne Larrington at Oxford University, a professor of medieval European literature and fellow at St. John’s College.

We explore how traditional British folk tales attempt to illuminate and answer some of the biggest questions about life. Especially the wonderous tales about the wizard Merlin!

Carolyne shares her thoughts about the earliest works of Merlin, and how authors like Geoffrey of Monmouth, Mary Stewart, and T. H. White made these stories live so powerfully. She also gives us a lush description of why, more than 1,000 years after the first Merlin stories, this original wizard is still so alive in our hearts and minds today.

Tune in to travel back in time with us to the origins of Merlin. (Fitting, as traveling back in time was one of Merlin’s specialties!)

About Carolyne Larrington:

Carolyne Larrington is a professor of medieval European literature and official fellow of St. John's College at the University of Oxford. An expert on old Norse and medieval Arthurian literature, her areas of focus have included emotion and women and how they are portrayed in ancient tales. She is the author of many books, including The Land of the Green Man, A Journey Through the Supernatural Landscape of the British Isles; King Arthur's Enchantresses; and The Norse Myths.

Check out Carolyne’s book The Land of the Green Man, A Journey Through the Supernatural Landscape of the British Isles.

Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of more than 30 books. Carolyn Hunter is co-host.

Follow @tabarronauthor or find us on Facebook for show information.

Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson

The Magic of Merlin – Creating “The Merlin Saga” Oct 03, 2022

What are Merlin’s passions? What were his greatest heartaches? And how did he discover that nature was the true source of all magic?

In this episode, T. A. Barron describes why Merlin has become for him both a mentor and a friend. We explore how T. A. first discovered Merlin and what sparked him to begin writing his best-selling series The Merlin Saga.

We dive into the challenges he faced while adding to the tapestry of myth around this beloved character. A tapestry that began with oral traditions of the Druids and Celts and was first written down by Welsh monks 1000 years ago.

We discover three reasons why Merlin is still around today, and why we need him now more than ever.

Tune in to learn all this, plus what T. A. calls “the metaphor of Merlin.”

Check out all 13 books in The Merlin Saga.

Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of more than 30 books. Carolyn Hunter is co-host.

Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson.

Magic & Mountains: Season 1 Trailer Sep 07, 2022

Welcome to Magic & Mountains: The T. A. Barron Podcast!

In this first season, T. A. explores the creative writing process, the enduring magic of Merlin, the wonders and inspiration of nature (as well as the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss), the power of young people to make a positive difference in our world… and he’ll also invite listeners to “see your life as a story.” On some episodes, he will interview some truly wonderful guests; on others, you will hear T. A. sharing his own magic as a storyteller.

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