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Live and Video Events

Join A Way with Words, public radio’s lively show about language, for a fantastic event! Slang, dialect, word origins, language change, new words, and a whole lot more.

Hosts Martha and Grant explore the amazing oddities of English, from the very old to the very new — plus they host a language Q&A where you can find out what you’ve always wanted to know.

You’ll come away enlightened and inspired! Whether it’s in person or on a livestream, these events are always a hit.

Are you an organization interested in booking Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett? Call (619) 567-9673 or email biz@waywordradio.org to inquire.

These are packed, lively occasions filled with language-y wows, linguisticky goodness, and bookish goofing around.

We have wowed them with packed houses in New York City; Washington, D.C.; Indianapolis, Dallas, San Diego, San Antonio, Milwaukee, Reno; Madison, Wisconsin; Arcata, California; Portland, Oregon; and Huntsville, Alabama, and more.

Testimonials

“Words Alive could not have chosen a more perfect team in Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett to emcee our Annual Authors’ Luncheon. Held every year as the centerpiece event of our organization, the luncheon celebrates literacy, Words Alive’s role in the community, and its supporters. Few speakers have been able to connect their message to Words Alive’s audience in a more passionate, impactful way as Martha and Grant. We’re truly grateful for their participation – and are convinced that their participation played a significant role in making the event a major success!” —  Patrick Stewart, Executive Director, Words Alive literacy organization, San Diego, California

“Speaking from my experience, you’ll love their presentations and the opportunity to ask them direct questions during the question and answer period at the end of their presentations. You’ll be able to personally explore with them expressions/words specific to your region/city or to ask about those ‘fabled’ family expressions. Maybe you can even stump them, although I doubt it! Don’t miss it!” — Barbara Alexander, San Antonio, Texas

Many Types of Events and Audiences

  • Language change and new words
  • Word histories, etymology, and word origins
  • Regional dialects and language differences
  • Language differences across eras and generations
  • Slang, youth language, and what’s new with it
  • Language diversity: why we don’t all speak alike, never have, never will, and why that’s just fine
  • The reading life: books, libraries, and learning
  • Taboo, naughty, and forbidden language
  • Anything-goes Q&A
  • Zoom/video/live-streaming/virtual/online
  • Lively presentations/lectures/speeches
  • Emceeing and hosting
  • Schools (we have a killer slang presentation!)
  • Corporate events (Martha’s diversity talk is in high demand)
  • Professional conferences
  • Panels (as moderator)
  • Formal interviews (as interviewer)
  • Academic conferences (as plenary speakers)
  • Workshops
  • Commencement addresses
  • Charity dinners
  • Awards presentations
  • Radio listeners
  • Your donors
  • The general public
  • Your clients
  • Corporate staff
  • Professional staff
  • Classrooms
  • College students
  • High school students
  • K-12 assemblies
  • Church groups
  • Business fraternities
  • Youth groups
  • Book clubs

For more information on what Martha and Grant can do for your organization:

Details

  • Wayword, Inc., the nonprofit on whose behalf Martha and Grant appear, is paid a fee for their public appearances.
  • Expenses, including accommodations, airfare, transportation, and other incidentals, are covered by the client organization.
  • Martha and Grant fly out of San Diego.