Poets & Writers

Henry reads poems: Judith Kerman, Rana Duncan, Lee Smith

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Henry reads poems:by Judith Kerman, A Hard Frostby Rana Duncanby Lee Smith, DimestoreMentioned in this episode:WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest ...

Christine McKenna & Rees Shearer

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Christine McKenna & Rees ShearerMentioned in this episode:WEHC Fundraiser-The Martha Bassett Show-April 11, 2026Featuring: Amythyst Kiad State o...

Henry's book bag-What's Henry reading?

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Henry's book bag-What's Henry reading?Mentioned in this episode:WEHC Fundraiser-The Martha Bassett Show-April 11, 2026Featuring: Amythyst Kiad State...

Robert Frost 2_In his own words

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Robert Frost 2_In his own wordsMentioned in this episode:WEHC Fundraiser-The Martha Bassett Show-April 11, 2026Featuring: Amythyst Kiad State of Fra...

David Winship pt. 2

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Henry continues his conversation with David Winship. They both share poems and David reveals his social consciousness and appreciation for the humor ...

David Winship pt. 1

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

David Winship shares poetry and stories with Henry.

Valerie Neiman

29 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Henry interview Valerie Neiman, a well-known writer. She shares with him her stories of growing up and her latest works.

Kathy Shearer

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kathy Shearer

Donnamarie Emmert

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donnamarie Emmert

Terry Roberts, part 2

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This aired on WEHC 90.7 FM, September 16, 2025.

Terry Roberts, part 1

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This aired on WEHC 90.7 FM, September 9, 2025.

Mark Twain part 3: Henry and Patti travel to Missouri

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Twain part 3: Henry and Patti travel to Missouri

Mark Twain part 2: spoken word and music complication

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Twain part 2: spoken word and music complication

Mark Twain part 1: Henry Sweets

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this three part series about Mark Twain (Sam Clemens), Henry McCarthy speaks with Henry Sweets, Director of the Mark Twain Museum in Hannibal, Miss...

Bunny Medeiros part 2

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We revisit a conversation with Henry and Bunny Medeiros (August 15, 1942-June 7, 2025)."As an accomplished writer, Bunny advocated for her community b...

Bunny Medeiros part 1

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We revisit a conversation with Henry and Bunny Medeiros (August 15, 1942-June 7, 2025)."As an accomplished writer, Bunny advocated for her community b...

Isaac Freeman pt.2

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Judge Isaac Freeman of Marion, Virginia, an award winning storyteller, gets real and shares some his favorite tall tales that he has told in venues a...

Singers and Songwriters

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Henry shares poetry along with poetry from Jenny Kimmel.

Shep Quick pt.1

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Henry and grandson, Shep discuss their love of books and poetry.

20th show celebration from May 2010

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We dig back into the archives as Henry and Richard Graves celebrate the 20th episode of Poets & Writers, first aired on WEHC in May 2010.

Terry Roberts

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Henry interviews Terry Roberts from Asheville, North Carolina who was greatly influenced by Thomas Wolfe, as a writer. Terry shares his latest book, ...

Bryan Byrd

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Henry speaks with Bryan Byrd about his experiences that led to his book, "Surviving Paradise: the Perils and Pleasures of the Caribbean".

Felicia Mitchell

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Henry speaks with poet and friend Felicia Mitchell about her newest book, "Trail Magic".

Joe Tennis

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Henry interviews Joe Tennis about his latest work and travels on the Creeper Trail.

Ben Montgomery and Grandma Gatewood's Walk

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Henry speaks with Ben Montgomery about Grandma Gatewood's walk and the Appalachian Trail.

Leah Rampy

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Leah Rampy in her interview tells us why we need nature and trees in our lives. She shares wisdom that we can use in our survival as a species…

Ava O'Malley

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry has a lively interview with Ava O’Malley about her work in the world of marketing and publishing books …She brings energy and insight to our...

Michael Dechane

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Dechane shares poetry from The Long Invisible with Henry on Poets & Writers. Michael's poetry is deep and passionate.

Randy Johnson pt. 2

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry and Randy continue their conversation.

Randy Johnson pt1

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry talks with internationally traveled photojournalist, author, magazine editor, and trail professional, Randy Johnson, about Grandfather Mountain,...

Joshua Darty

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry McCarthy interviews Joshua Darty while walking the famous Riverside Cemetery in Asheville North Carolina where Thomas Wolfe and O Henr...

Ellen Malphrus

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry interviews Ellen Malphrus.

David Winship

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry shares memories with David about living in Southwest Virginia and all the music and stories including the Carter Family..David shares his latest...

Henry McCarthy Muses

04 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Inside an Appalachian Mind: Henry shares poetry and musings on this solo edition of Poets & Writers.

Kenton Thompson

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry interviews Kenton Thompson about his list of favorite books …growing up reading Foxfire books for information on building objects of the past....

Robert Morgan

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A classic from the Poets & Writers archives. Robert Morgan was one of the early interviews in which he talks about growing near Asheville, North ...

Bonny Gable

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Local author Bonny Gable talks with Henry about her latest novel, “The Martha Odyssey.”  This historical novel imagines life outside the wall...

Abingdon’s Boardinghouse Murder

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry speaks with author Greg Lilly about his latest book, Abingdon’s Boardinghouse Murder - historical true crime.https://www.arcadiapublishing.co...

Issac Freeman

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry talks with Judge Issac Freeman who is a superb storyteller from East Tennessee and SouthWest Virginia..a hilarious interview !!

Baseball

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry McCarthy talks baseball and tells the story of the boys of Waughtown who won the North Carolina state championship in 1960.

Betsy White

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

local leaders in promoting the culture of South West Virginia

Jeryl Prescott Sale

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry sits down with Jeryl Prescott Sale to talk with her about growing up in South Carolina..her academic career (teaching at Wake Forest with Maya A...

Clay Hipp part 2

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry talks with Clay for the second time about songs that are poetry

Anne Murray

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anne Murray shares her insight into restoring rare books and stories about her life

Poems and Popular Songs

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry shares poems and popular songs with his audience.

Martha Bassett

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry interviews Martha Bassett a great singer poet and person and talks with her about life on stage and other professions she has worked..also liste...

Brenda Humphrey

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry McCarthy talks with Brenda Humphrey about her travels with Maya Angelou. She reads poems by Maya and shares stories of her life and her forthco...

Miho Kinnas

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry talks with Miho Kinnas about her latest book of poetry…Born in Japan she shares beautiful haiku poems, stories about swimming…and endeavors ...

Clay Hipp

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henry engages Clay Hipp in a spirited conversation about the writing of Wendell Berry…Clay tells a great story about visiting Wendell and also share...

Earl Carter

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Henry shares local stories and recollections with Earl Carter as they discuss his multi-decade photographic exploration of southwest Virginia, northwe...

Joe Mills

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joe Mills poet …teacher and father shares his insightful poems with Henry…Joe is a beloved teacher at the University of North Carolina School of t...

Naomi Nye

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Naomi Nye, the people’s poet shares her poems and her insight on living a meaningful life...her stories of being a traveling poet are from the ...

Ron Rash

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Henry interviews Ron Rash about his writing and growing up in the Appalachian Culture. They have a spirited folksy discussion comparing childhood exp...

Michele Gillespie

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Henry talks with Michele Gillespie about her book, Katherineand R.J. Reynolds, their brilliance in building Reynolds Tobacco together andabout Katheri...

Gale Sigal

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Henry interviews Gale Sigal, a brilliant teacher who shares her stories about the Canterbury Tales and their application to present day culture

Tim Conroy

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Henry interviews Tim Conroy about his brother Pat and growing up in the Conroy family...also Tim shares his literary skills.

Cassandra King

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Henry interviews Cassandra King about her writing and her life with Pat Conroy at the first Pat Conroy festival.

Delilah O'Haynes

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Henry interviews Delilah O’Haynes a true voice of Appalachia..a member of Appalachian Poets (Depot Gathering)..Delilah’s voice will live on in the...

Lee Saunders

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Robert Lee Saunders is an avid reader teacher and culture builder who shares ten of his favorite books with Henry on Poets and Writers.

Tanner Cook

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tanner Cook is a sports writer for The Kingsport Times and Johnson City Press Chronicle. He shares with Henry some great stories of rivalrie...

Lenard Moore

20 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Henry chats with Lenard Moore ..a sweet conversation about writing and childhood…In 2008 Lenard became the first Southerner and first African Americ...

Jim Minick

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Minick was one of the first guests on Poets and Writers. Henry talks to Jim as he shares about his latest book: Without Warning also stories from...

Belinda Smith-Sullivan

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Henry interviews Belinda Smith about the joy of peaches and gives some great recipes..also Belinda shared her life from summertime...

David Madden

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Henry McCarthy speaks with David Madden about his book "Momma's Lost Piano."

Jule C. Spach

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Henry remembers his mentor and special friend, Jule C. Spach. A WWII fighter pilot, prisoner-of -war at Stalag Luft III, missionary to Brazil, moderat...

Jim Stokely, part 2

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Henry interviews Jim Stokely in Asheville NC at the home of his mother Wilma Dykeman near the creek she played in. This is part two of a two part seri...

Jim Stokely, part 1

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Henry interviews Jim Stokely in Asheville NC at the home of his mother Wilma Dykeman near the creek she played in. This is part one of a two part seri...

Garland Thompson Jr.

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Henry interviews Garland Thompson Jr., a well known poet ,actor and playwright about his life and father, at the Festival of Arts in Winston Salem. Th...

Sandra Ann Winters

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sandra Ann Winters is a native of Durham, North Carolina.  She served as a professor of English and Irish literature at Guilford College in Green...

Jane Hicks

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Henry talks with Jane Hicks about her latest book, her experiences growing up and teaching in high schools in the Appalachian Region. Henry taught Ja...

Poets & Writers (Doug Pote)

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Host Henry McCarthy speaks with Doug Pote, a fine playwright who has a special ability to take great songs and turn them into great plays! They discus...

Randall Smith

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Henry McCarthy remembers master naturalist, Washington County teacher, coach, poet, and historian Randall Smith through a conversation they shared in ...

Emily Wilson

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Henry McCarthy interviews Emily Wilson (Ms. Wake Forest) about her life, her writing and her poetry. She also discusses the many personalities she ha...

Barbara Kingsolver

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host Henry McCarthy sits down with award winning author Barbara Kingsolver to discuss her new book Demon Copperhead.

Tanya Belcher

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tanya is currently the Director of Special Collections and Archives at the Z. Smith Reynolds Library at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North...

Michael Blumenthal

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Blumenthal has been a law and creative writing professor at Harvard. He lived and studied with wildlife. Listen to Michael as he reads his wis...

Drew Lanham

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Drew Lanham is a poet, a forestry professor, and recently received the MacArthur Genius award for his work to preserve nature, particularly our beauti...

Shelly Frome pt. 3

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Henry McCarthy for another conversation with award-winning mystery writer, Shelly Frome for a free-ranging conversation.

Brother Billy

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Henry McCarthy talks about his brother Billy, attends his funeral and conducts the eulogy.

Felicia Mitchell

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Poets & Writers Henry talks with Emory & Henry English Professor Emeritus, Felicia Mitchell about her experiences navigatin...

Pat Conroy pt.2

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Henry McCarthy sits down and has another conversation with Pat Conroy.

Pat Conroy pt.1

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Henry McCarthy sits down and has a conversation with Pat Conroy.

Janet and William Cohen

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Henry McCarthy sits down and has a conversation with Janet and William Cohen.

Eugene Wolf pt.2

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Henry McCarthy sits down and has a conversation with Eugene Wolf.

Edwin Wilson

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Henry McCarthy sits down and has a conversation with Edwin Wilson.

Catherine Green

08 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Henry McCarthy sits down with Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Catherine M. Green, MD

Lee Smith

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Poets and Writers' Henry McCarthy sits down and has a conversation with Lee Smith

Dale Jett

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Henry McCarthy has a one on one talk with Dale Carter Jett

Children and Poetry

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Children are natural born poets, they tell what they hear, feel and see. Three children join the podcast to tell some of their favorite poems

Ben Montgomery pt. 1

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part one of two of Poets & Writers with Ben Montgomery.

Ben Montgomery Pt 2

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of 2 of Poets & Writers with Ben Montomery

Edison Jennings

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Henry McCarthy speaks with Edison Jennings

Trisha Chaney

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Trisha Chaney is a poet, actress, and singer who lives in Abingdon, Virginia. She was a employee and innovator with Apple Computer in its infancy, an...

Denham Brothers

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Reminiscences of Waughtown, Davidson College, love, loss, and life experiences with poets and scholars Bill and Bob Denham.

Charlie Lovett

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie Lovett, New York Times best selling novelist and playwright, collector of Lewis Carroll ephemera including his 1885 typewriter, discusses with...

Jule C. Spach

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Henry remembers his mentor and special friend, Jule C. Spach. A WWII fighter pilot, prisoner-of -war at Stalag Luft III, missionary to Brazil, mode...

Adin Thayer

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Adin Thayer shares poetry from her new book, "The Close World," capturing the suffering and realities of international work...the beauty of nature an...

Richard Stone

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Richard Stone shares the value of storytelling and how it effects us in our everyday lives as well as working with the professional community.

Bob Denham

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A beloved Emory & Henry professor and former chair of the English Department, Bob Denham, inspired students to love poetry and literature and foll...

Will Harlan

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Will Harlan takes us into nature and the wild side of life and helps us find the meaning of our existence in his book, "Untamed: The Wildest Woman in ...