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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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