The Wise Unknown

Courtney and producer Golda talk about how the series was created and look back at some memorable moments from our guests. 

Minisode: Listen to Courtney's ever so brief audio essay on the thing she can't forget from her conversation with Leah Solomon.

Rabbi Sharon Brous and Leah Solomon

Wise Unknown listeners, we're bringing you the first episode of a new series from our friends over at Slate. Living at Odds is a new How To! series about what’s holding us together when so much threatens to break us apart. Host Courtney Martin talks with two street vendors who operated rivaling merch tents at the same busy intersection during the 2024 election. Steve hawked MAGA caps and Trump-branded pool floaties just a few feet away from Sandra, who sweetened her sales of Harris-Walz campaign shirts with free “Kamala candy.” After so many weeks on the same street corner, the pair negotiated an easy friendship—and even talked about politics. Then came Election Day. 

Minisode: listen to Courtney's ever so brief audio essay reflecting on the theme of being an 'old soul', and the wisdom of children, featuring a previous guest, Isabel Allende's wise unknown, Lori Barra. 

W. Kamau Bell introduces Courtney to Dwayne Kennedy, a favorite comedian of people like Marc Maron and Chris Rock - so why hasn’t Dwayne ever “made it big?”This episode is from Wise Unknown's first season - listen for more quiet wisdom here: https://thewiseunknown.com/Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at [email protected] or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode.

Listen to Courtney's ever so brief audio essay on the thing she can't forget from her conversation with Maya Millett. 

Bestselling author and poet Hanif Abdurraqib introduces Courtney to editor and producer Maya Millett. 

Minisode: Listen to Courtney's ever so brief audio essay on the thing she can't forget from her conversation with Allison Cordona.Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at [email protected] or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode.

Tony Award-winning visionary and solo-performer Sarah introduces Courtney to animal and human rights advocate, Allison.Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at [email protected] or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode.

Minisode: Listen to Courtney's ever so brief audio essay on the thing she can't forget from her conversation with Agapi Stassinopoulos.Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at [email protected] or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode.

Media entrepreneur powerhouse Arianna introduces Courtney to actor, self-love guru, and sister, Agapi.Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at [email protected] or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode.

Minisode: Listen to Courtney's ever so brief audio essay on the thing she can't forget from her conversation with Janine de Novais.Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at [email protected]  or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode.

Bestselling author and movement builder adrienne introduces Courtney to sociological genius and writer, Janine. Who’s YOUR Wise Unknown? Tell us about them - write to us at [email protected] or send us a short voice note, and we might use it in our next episode.

Some of the country’s favorite actors, activists, and authors introduce listeners to the “wisest person no one has ever heard of” who they credit with being critical to their success in life. Host Courtney E. Martin–think Krista Tippett meets Studs Terkel–elicits the life lessons and palpable delights of these ‘wise unknowns’.

Courtney and Golda talk about how the series was created, look back at some memorable moments from our guests, and hear from listeners. Plus, stay tuned for how you can get your hands on the Wise Unknown poster.

Larger-than-life bestselling novelist Isabel introduces Courtney to a remarkably understated photographer and very patient daughter-in-law, Lori.

Renaissance woman Rosario introduces Courtney to her multi-hyphenate, straight-talkin’ bestie.

Ashley introduces Courtney to the man who helped her find her courage as she blew open the Harvey Weinstein case.

MacArthur genius and labor organizer Ai-jen introduces Courtney to under-the-radar Civil Rights hero, Joyce Johnson.

Beloved work guru Adam Grant introduces Courtney to the graduate instructor that changed everything for him.

Courtney talks to chef Samin Nosrat, who unabashedly pursued the limelight, and her often prophetic bestie, journalist Twilight Greenaway, who has consistently shied away from it.

Some of the country’s favorite actors, activists, and authors introduce listeners to the “wisest person no one has ever heard of” who they credit with being critical to their success in life. Host Courtney E. Martin–think Krista Tippett meets Studs Terkel–then elicits the life lessons, palpable delights, and funny stories of these refreshingly unrefined, ‘wise unknowns’.