Shows
Fifty Words For SnowRerun of Episode 12 Words From Italian Language: Scarpetta and SpaghettataA linguistc expedition into brave new words. Maggie and Emily learn the Farsi words taarof and khaste nabashid with native speaker Navid Naderi Alizadeh and put the term “happy birthday” on linguistic trial. Poem by Emily: Taarof.
2026-02-2629 minFifty Words For SnowRerun of Ep 11: Words from Farsi Language: Taarof and Khaste NabashidA linguistic exploration into brave new words. In this rerun of episode 11, Maggie and Emily learn the Farsi words taarof and khaste nabashid with native speaker Navid Naderi Alizadeh and put the term “happy birthday” on linguistic trial. Poem by Emily: Taarof.
2026-02-1929 minFifty Words For SnowEp 64 The Valentine's Episode: The Word Love on TrialMaggie and Emily revisit the Sanskrit word mudita with Katherine Senshin Griffith and the Chinese word guimi 閨蜜 with Shen Zhong. Then, they put the word "love" on trial with judge Matthew Laura Aitken. Poem by Maggie: The First Year Without Love.
2026-02-1233 minFifty Words For SnowEp 63 Words from Ancient Greek Language: Kyklos and EpistropheMaggie and Emily learn the ancient Greek words kyklos and epistrophe from psychologist Chet Sunde and try to coin a word for "nostalgia for the present" with Arlo Miller-Baynham. Poem by Emily: I Had An Epistrophe.
2026-02-0530 minFifty Words For SnowEp 62 Words From Ancient Greek Language: EkgonaMaggie and Emily learn the Ancient Greek word "ekgona" from psychologist Chet Sunde and put the word "legacy" on linguistic trial with judge Matthew Laura Aitken. Poem by Maggie: ekgona.
2026-01-2930 minFifty Words For SnowEp 61 Words From Hebrew Language: tohu wa-bohuMaggie and Emily explore the Hebrew word tohu wa-bohu with retired Yeshiva principal Seth Taylor and philospher Peter Rollins. Poem by Maggie: Tohu wa-bohu.
2026-01-2232 minFifty Words For SnowEp 60 Words From Portuguese Language: SaudadeMaggie and Emily discuss the Portuguese word saudade with Lucas Gomes and Peter Rollins. Poem by Emily: Saudade.
2026-01-1529 minFifty Words For SnowEp 59 Words from Puerto Rican Spanish: Gufear and ChinchorrearMaggie and Emily learn the Puerto Rican Spanish words gufear and chinchorrear and speak to Nerys Miller-Baynham about the fictional Welsh saint, Saint Toiletai. Poem by Maggie: One Day.
2026-01-0824 minFifty Words For SnowEp 58 The New Year's Episode: German word UmweltMaggie and Emily learn the German word umvelt from philosopher/Biblical scholar Jared Byas. Poem by Emily: The Umvelt of the Human Animal.
2026-01-0135 minFifty Words For SnowEp 57 The Christmas Episode: Portuguese word MuvucaMaggie and Emily learn the Portuguese word muvuca from Kika Mousse and put the term "safe space" on trial with judge Matthew Laura Aitken. Poem by Maggie: Muvuca.
2025-12-2530 minFifty Words For SnowEp 56 Words From French Language: Spleen and YaourterMaggie and Emily learn the French words spleen and yaourter from Luc Lewitanski and the AI term hopium from C. Brian Smith. Poem by Emily: Spleen.
2025-12-1829 minFifty Words For SnowEp 55 Words from French Language: retrouvailles and l'esprit d'escalierMaggie and Emily learn the French words rretrouvailles and l'esprit d'escalier from Parisian English and French teacher Luc Lewitanski. Then they put the word "banter" on trial. Poem by Maggie: L'esprit d'escalier.
2025-12-1130 minFifty Words For SnowEp 54 Words from Portuguese Language: Cafofo and CafunéMaggie and Emily learn the Portugese words cafofo and cafuné from Kika Mousse and put the word "self-made" on trial with judge Matthew Laura Aitken. Poem by Emily: Cafofo.
2025-12-0433 minFifty Words For SnowEp 53 The Thanksgiving Episode: Word BiophiliaMaggie and Emily learn the word "biophilia" from Globe Aware founder Kimbery Haley-Coleman and discuss two words coined by poet Norm Milstein: hapitat and ebullhumblexuberance. Poem by Maggie: Heavier Things Than Me.
2025-11-2629 minFifty Words For SnowEp 52 The Journey of a Word: TachlesMaggie and Emily learn the word tachles (German/Hebrew/Yiddish) from retired Yeshiva principal and educator Seth Taylor and put the word “utilize” on trial with Judge Matthew Laura Aitken. Poem by Emily: Tachles.
2025-11-2128 minFifty Words For SnowEp 51 The Illusion Episode: French word Chimera (Chimère) and Hindi word MrugtrushnaMaggie and Emily learn two words dealing with illusion, the French word chimère from Ralph Levinson and Luc Lewitanski and the Hindi word mrigtrishna from Vikas and Shashi Bandhu. Poem by Maggie: Condemned to Hope
2025-11-1332 minFifty Words For SnowEp 50 Words From the Eye: ScotomaMaggie and Emily learn the word “scotoma” from retired ophthalmologist Ralph Levinson, then put scotoma “in action” with Eric Giancoli. They coin the word chatterflop with Daniel Wiltshire. Poem by Emily: Scotoma.
2025-11-0632 minFifty Words For SnowEp 49 Words From Church part two - ReckoningMaggie and Emily discuss the word "reckoning" with pastor Cedric Lundy and put the word "forgiveness" on trial with judge Matt Laura Aitken. Poem by Maggie: While Washing The Dishes.
2025-10-3034 minFifty Words For SnowEp 48 Words From Russian Language- Toska (Тоска) and Listopad (Листопад)Maggie and Emily learn the Russian words Toska (Тоска) and Listopad (Листопад) from Masha Lichtenberg. Word in action: the Hindi word jugaad with natual stone specialist Dan Wiltshire. Poem by Emily: A Cat Called Tosca
2025-10-2329 minFifty Words For SnowEp 47 Words From Russian Language: Da nyet ( Да нет) and Apparatchik (Аппаратчик)Maggie and Emily learn the Russian words Da nyet (Да нет) and Apparatchik (Аппаратчик) from Masha Lichtenberg and put the term "can't wait" on trial with judge Matt Laura Aitken. Poem by Maggie: No.
2025-10-1629 minFifty Words For SnowEp 46: Teen Slang: Words of the YoungMaggie and Emily learn teen slang from Maggie's nieces, Addie and Ava, and Emily's son Ollie. Words include 6-7, gyatt, touch grass, riz, Stan, big back, Poem by Emily: Poem Number 67.
2025-10-0930 minFifty Words For SnowEp 45 Wise Words From Church: EdifyMaggie and Emily discuss the word "edify" with pastor Cedric Lundy and put the word "secular" on trial with judge Eric Giancoli. Poem by Maggie: Looking For God In All The Wrong Places.
2025-10-0230 minFifty Words For SnowEp 44 Words From Hindi Language: Seva and AtithiMaggie and Emily learn the Hindi words seva and atithi from Vikas and Shashi Bandhu. "Word in action": seva with Nerys Miller-Baynham. Poem by Emily: seva.
2025-09-2527 minFifty Words For SnowEp 43 Words From Hindi Language: NazarMaggie and Emily learn the Hindi word nazar from Vikas and Shashi Bandhu and put one usage of the word "just" on trial. Poem by Maggie: Nazar.
2025-09-1832 minFifty Words For SnowEp 42 Words From Welsh Language: HiraethMaggie and Emily learn the Welsh word hiraeth from Welsh educater Stephen Rule (Dr.Cymraeg.) Poem by Emily: Hiraeth.
2025-09-1231 minFifty Words For SnowEp 41 Words from Astrophysics: Dark Matter and ParallaxMaggie and Emily explore the Dutch word ietsisme and the terms “dark matter” and "parallax" with astrophysicist Margot Brouer. They discuss “scalation” with author/speaker Rob Bell. Poem by Maggie: Dark Matter.
2025-09-0433 minFifty Words For SnowEp 40 Words From German Language - WeltschmerzMaggie and Emily learn the German word weltschmerz from Philipp De Vries. Word in action: Muße with Eric Giancoli. Poem by Emily: Wild.
2025-08-2831 minFifty Words For SnowEp 39 - Words From Dutch Language: zingevingMaggie and Emiy learn the Dutch word zingeving from astrophysicist Margot Brouwer. Poem by Maggie: Zingeving.
2025-08-2130 minFifty Words For SnowEp 38 - Words From German Language - MußeMaggie and Emily learn the German word muße from Philipp De Vries and explore petrichor with Susan Sechrist. Poem by Emily: Muße.
2025-08-1428 minFifty Words For SnowEp 37 Words From Dutch Language: PolderonMaggie and Emily learn the Dutch word polderon and put the word "boss" on trial with judge C. Brian Smith. Poem by Maggie: Polderon.
2025-08-0730 minFifty Words For SnowEp 36 Words From Dutch Language: Uitwaaien and VoorpretMaggie and Emily learn the Dutch words uitwaaien and voorpret from Jozua Ros and explore the Cajun lagniappe with Brenda Pontiff. Poem by Emily: Uitwaaien.
2025-07-3123 minFifty Words For SnowEp 35 Words from Swedish Language: FikaMaggie and Emily learn the Swedish word fika from Tomas Walch and explore the word petrichor with Susan Sechrist. Poem by Maggie: fika
2025-07-2431 minFifty Words For SnowEp 34 Words From Swedish Language: VemodMaggie and Emily learn the Swedish word vemod from Tomas Walch, coin the word "crookie," and put the word "manifestation" on trial with Judge Matthew Laura Aitkin. Poem by Emily: Vemod
2025-07-1733 minFifty Words For SnowEp 32 Words From Irish Language: plámásMaggie and Emily learn the Irish word plámás from Leonie McDonagh and coin the term "folly space" with Susan Sechrist. Poem by Maggie: plámás.
2025-07-1026 minFifty Words For SnowEp 31 Words From Irish Language: Slán abhaileMaggie and Emily learn the word slán abhaile from Hiberno-English speaker Jimmy Doyle. Pop quiiz with Eric Giancoli. Poem by Emily: Slán abhaile.
2025-07-0332 minFifty Words For SnowEp 30 Words From Irish Language: CraicMaggie and Emily are back for season two with new episodes. They discuss meeting for the first time in Belfast in the flesh and learn the Irish word craic from Leonie McDonagh. Poem by Maggie: Craic.
2025-06-2632 minFifty Words For SnowRerun of Ep 10 Words From Ancient Greek Language Plus Scarpetta Word in ActionRerun of Episode 10 Ancient Greek Anchors plus word in action "scarpetta" with Susan Levinson.
2025-06-1934 minFifty Words For SnowRerun of Ep 9 Words From Hawaiian Language: Plus Wildflower PoemRerun of episode 9 Hawaiian Harmony plus a poem for the wildflower downingia by Norm Milstein.
2025-06-1233 minFifty Words For SnowRerun of Ep 8 Words From Yiddish Language Plus Bonus: German Poet in AmsterdamRerun of episode eight Yiddish Yums plus poetry from Philipp de Vries.
2025-06-0537 minFifty Words For SnowRerun of Ep 7 Words From Spanish Language plus bonus Swedish poetryRerun of episode 7 Spanish Specials plus poetry by Swedish poet Tomas Walch.
2025-05-2934 minFifty Words For SnowRerun of Ep 6 Words From Chinese Language plus bonus Danish poetryRerun of Episode Six Chinese Charms plus bonus: two poems by Danish Ulrick Dam.
2025-05-2239 minFifty Words For SnowRerun of Ep 5 Words From Hindi Language Plus Theme Music by Jake LabotzRerun of Episode Five: Hindi Horizons Plus Jake Labotz sings the theme song for 50 Words For Snow: Love Advice From Grandma, one of Maggie's favorite songs ever.
2025-05-1542 minFifty Words For SnowRerun of Ep 4 Words From Bengali Language plus Guest MusicRerun on Episode Four Bengali Bounty plus "guest music" - the song City Girl with Amy Correia and Kimon Kirk.
2025-05-0837 minFifty Words For SnowRerun of Ep 3 Words From German Language plus Words on the Brink musicRerun of Episode Three German Gems plus Words on the Brink song "Rock Tree River" with Amy Correia and Kimon Kirk.
2025-05-0141 minFifty Words For SnowRerun of Ep 2 Words From Japanese Language plus Words on Trial MusicRerun of Episode Two Japanese Jewels plus Words On Trial song "You Go Your Way" with Amy Correia and Kimon Kirk.
2025-04-2439 minFifty Words For SnowRerun of Ep 1 - Words From Dutch Language Plus Italian Swear WordsRerun of episode one Dutch Delights. Bonus: Italian actress Laura James shares how to swear in Italian.
2025-04-1739 minFifty Words For SnowEp. 29 The Scarpetta EpisodeThe final episode of season one. Maggie and Emily scoop up the last bits of interviews (like a scarpetta – a piece of bread used to mop up last bits of sauce) and review their favorite word specimens found on their expedition
2025-04-1035 minFifty Words For SnowEp 28 Words From Scottish Language: Haar and CoorieMaggie and Emily learn the Scottish words haar and coorie from Scotland native Lynsay Mackay. They discuss with Steve O'Donnell a word he has coined: Arbeitstraumschreck. Word in Action "hurkle durkle" with Eric Giancoli and poem by Maggie: Hurkle Durkle; For Those Who Stay in Bed.
2025-04-0331 minFifty Words For SnowEp 27 Fifty Shades of Snow: The Pain EpisodeMaggie and Emily talk with author Leigh Cowart about the terms nociception and hyperalgesia. They discuss embarrassing sounds with actress Naomi Grossman and learn the term vinted coined by Bonnie Harvey and Michael Houlihan. Poem by Emily: Oi Void.
2025-03-2931 minFifty Words For SnowFifty Shades of Snow: The Pain EpisodeMaggie and Emily talk with author Leigh Cowart about the terms nociception and hyperalgesia. They discuss embarrassing sounds with actress Naomi Grossman and learn the term vinted coined by Bonnie Harvey and Michael Houlihan. Poem by Emily: Oi Void.
2025-03-2732 minFifty Words For SnowEp 26 Words From Language of Poker: On Tilt and Pot CommittedMaggie and Emily learn the poker terms “pot committed” and “on tilt” from TV writer producer poker champion Matt Salsberg. They talk with philosopher Pete Rollins about freedom from the pursuit of happiness. Poem by Maggie: On Tilt.
2025-03-2028 minFifty Words For SnowEp 25 Words From Japanese Language: Ikigai and OkagesamaMaggie and Emily learn the Japanese words ikigai and okagesama from native speakers Masami Covey and Yujiro Seki. Word in action “apisoir” with Eric Giancoli and poem by Emily: Ikigai.
2025-03-1331 minFifty Words For SnowEp 25 Japanese Jewels Part 2: Ikigai and OkagesamaMaggie and Emily learn the Japanese words ikigai and okagesama from native speakers Masami Covey and Yujiro Seki. Word in action “apisoir” with Eric Giancoli and poem by Emily: Ikigai.
2025-03-1331 minFifty Words For SnowEp 24 Bird Brilliance: Zugunruhe and MurmurationMaggie and Emily learn about murmurations and zugunruhe from Ballona Wetlands tour guide Susan Levinson. Isi the Scribe discuss (and shares a poem) about animal collective nouns. Poem by Maggie: Zugunruhe.
2025-03-0631 minFifty Words For SnowEp 23: Wine Wisdom: Terroir and Noble Rot (Botrytis)Maggie and Emily learn the words from “terroir” and “noble rot” from wine educator Nora Murphy. They discover “apisoir” with Michael Alberty and “aha-mnesty” with C. Brian Smith. Poem by Emily: Terroir.
2025-02-2729 minFifty Words For SnowEp. 22 Buddhist Blessings: Dukkha and MuditaMaggie and Emily discuss the Buddhist words dukkha and mudita with Zen priest Senshin and put the word “karma” on trial with judge Matthew Laura Aitken. Poem by Maggie: Not To My Liking.
2025-02-2031 minFifty Words For SnowEp 21: Valentines: Words For Love Around The WorldMaggie and Emily talk to guests from around the world about love and learn how people say “I love you” across the globe. Poem by Emily: galaxies.
2025-02-1329 minFifty Words For SnowEp 20 Words From the Armenian Language: Mousmous and Qti MazMaggie and Emily learn the Armenian words qti maz and mousmous from Gagik Hakobyan and John Ekezian. They discuss the term brickianity with Rob Bell and see the word kalsarikänni in action with Eric Giancoli. Poem by Maggie: Tapping Out.
2025-02-0627 minFifty Words For SnowEp 19 Math and Music: Isophene, Asymptote, and MondegreenMaggie and Emily discuss the words isophene and asymptote with fiction writer Susan Sechrist and learn the musical term mondegreen from jazz singer Sarah Spiegel. Poem by Emily: Isophene.
2025-01-3029 minFifty Words For SnowEp 18: Words From Hebrew Language: Asir Toda and NefeshMaggie and Emily learn Hebrew words asir toda and nefesh from native speaker Leila Eden. Reporter at large Peter Baynham reports on the Finnish word kalsarikännit and Susie McDonnell shares “embarrask.” Poem by Maggie: Asir Toda (Gratitude Prisoner)
2025-01-2330 minFifty Words For SnowEp. 17 Words From Pashto Language: Gharzai and SabarMaggie and Emily discuss the Pashto words gharzai and sabar with native speaker Sanjar Qiam from Afghanistan and learn the word "contemplocean" from the author of The Cosmic Dictionary, Norm Millstein. Poem by Emily: Gharzai.
2025-01-1431 minFifty Words For SnowEp 16: Words From Pashto Language: Khomar and MelamastiaMaggie and Emily learn the words khomar and melamastia from native speaker Sanjar Qiam. They speak with Italian actress Laura James about the Italian word pantofoliao and observe the French word flaneur in action with Jim Vallely. Poem by Maggie: It Happens Sometimes.
2025-01-0332 minFifty Words For SnowEp 15: Words From French Language: Dépaysement and FlaneurMaggie and Emily speak with Chris Reuland about the French words flaneur and dépaysement and learn a very particular use of the word “scripted” from John Ekezian. Poem by Emily: Dépaysement.
2024-12-1932 minFifty Words For SnowEp 14 Words From Croatian Language: Pomalo and FjakaMaggie and Emily learn the words pomalo and fjaka from native Croatian speaker Saskia Neal. They discover the word hustletivity with Bonnie Harvey and Michael Houlihan. Poem by Maggie: It is Time.
2024-12-1236 minFifty Words For SnowEp 13 Words From Swedish Language: Slutspurt and LagomMaggie and Emily talk to Majken Nillson about the Swedish words slutspurt and lagom. They explore a "Word in Action" with Nerys Miller-Baynham and the word "woolfthdt." Poem by Emily: Lagom.
2024-12-0528 minFifty Words For SnowEp 12 Words From Italian Language: Scarpetta and SpaghettataMaggie and Emily discuss the words scarpetta and spaghettata with Italian guest Sofia Milos. They coin the term "highlight huddle" with C. Brian Smith and discuss gossip with Jim Vallely. Poem by Maggie: Scarpetta.
2024-11-2829 minFifty Words For SnowEp. 11 Words From Farsi Language: Taarof and Khaste NabashidMaggie and Emily learn the Farsi words taarof and khaste nabashid with native speaker Navid Naderi Alizadeh and put the term “happy birthday” on linguistic trial. Poem by Emily: Taarof.
2024-11-2129 minFifty Words For SnowEp. 10 Words From Ancient Greek Language: Eunomia and EudomoniaMaggie and Emily learn the ancient Greek words eunomia and eudomonia with scholar and theologian Peter Rollins. They coin the word "tempfatum." Poem by Maggie: Eunomia in the Aftermath.
2024-11-1433 minFifty Words For SnowEp. 10 Ancient Greek Anchors: Eunomia and EudomoniaMaggie and Emily learn the ancient Greek words eunomia and eudomonia with guest Peter Rollins. They coin the word "tempfatum." Poem by Maggie: Eunomia in the Aftermath.
2024-11-1433 minFifty Words For SnowEp 9 Words From Hawaiian Language: Pono and Ha’aha’aMaggie and Emily learn the Hawaiian words pono and ha’aha’a from native speaker Luana Kawaa. They coin the word "pommies" with Vern M and put a usage of "cringe" on trial with Judge Matt Aitken. Poem by Emily: Getting Low.
2024-11-0731 minFifty Words For SnowEp 8: Words From Yiddish Language: Machatunim and KvellMaggie and Emily learn the Yiddish words machatunim and kvell with guest Annie Korzen. They coin the word “yuck yum” with Nerys Miller-Baynham and “flink” with Tammy Schlofterson. Poem by Maggie: They Kvell.
2024-10-3129 minFifty Words For SnowEp. 7 Words From Spanish Language: Estrenar and the DiminutiveMaggie and Emily discuss the Spanish diminutive and the word estrenar. They put the word sweet (usage of “compliant woman”) on trial with judge Matt Aitken and coin the word conker. Poem by Maggie: To Be Dear.
2024-10-2431 minFifty Words For SnowEp 6 Words From Chinese Language: Guimi 闺蜜 and Houpa 后怕Maggie and Emily learn the Chinese words guimi 诡秘 and houpa 后怕 from native speaker Sheng Zhong. They coin the word “schaudenfriend” with Eric Giancoli and put the word “bromance” on trial with judge Matt Aiken. Poem by Emily: “Houpa: A Poem About PTSD.”
2024-10-1735 minFifty Words For SnowEp. 5 Words From Hindi Language: Jugaad and JigivishaMaggie and Emily talk to native Hindi speaker Shashi Bandhu and learn the words jigivisha and jugaad. They coin the word “snoob” and rescue “scurrifunge” from the brink of extinction. Poem “Necessity Labors” by Maggie.
2024-10-1035 minFifty Words For SnowEp. 4 Words From Bengali Language: Aram and Jhapang JhapangMaggie and Emily explore the Bengali words aram and jhapang jhapang with native speaker Safeera Ahmed. They put the word “canoodle” on trial with judge Jim Vallely, coin the word “rain-newel” and explore the concept of a soul wink from hotline caller Tammy Slofterson. Poem by Emily: Aram.
2024-10-0333 minFifty Words For SnowEp. 3 Words From German Language: Waldensemkeit, Torschlusspanik, and KaputrepariumMaggie and Emily explore the German words torschlusspanik, waldensemkeit, and kaputreparium with linguist Charley Rowe and native German speaker Merle Emrich. They put the word “mine” on trial with judge Jim Vallely and coin the word “torschlusspresence.” Poem by Maggie “Nothing at All.”
2024-09-2637 minFifty Words For SnowEp. 2 Words From Japanese Language:: Wabi Sabi and ShoshinMaggie and Emily explore the Japanese words wabi sabi and shoshin with native Japanese speaker Taka Tora in Tokyo. They put the word “should” or trial with judge Matt Vern and coin the words “winblunder” and “loomingloss.” Poem by Emily “A Japanese View of Love.”
2024-09-1936 min2024-09-0506 minFifty Words For SnowEp. 1 Words From Dutch Language: Gezellig and NiksenMaggie and Emily explore the Dutch words gezellig and niksen with Dutch native speaker Natanel Bohmer. They put the word “lazy” on trial with judge Matt Vern, coin the word “sacred flakery,” and learn how long it takes it the average human being Jim Vallely to eat a banana. Poem by Maggie: Pilgrim! Stop your Progress!
2024-09-0535 min