In this episode of Writer’s Voice, Host Francesca Rheannon welcomes acclaimed author Louise Erdrich to discuss her new novel, The Mighty Red.

Known for her deeply layered storytelling and themes centered on Native American life, Erdrich takes listeners on a journey into the heart of the Red River Valley in North Dakota. Here, she weaves a compelling tale about love, resilience, and the enduring relationship between people and land.

Then, in the wake of hurricanes that battered the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida, Francesca revisits her interview with Dr. James Hansen, a pioneering climate scientist and former head of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

Dr. Hansen, known for his groundbreaking 1988 Congressional testimony on climate change, discusses the urgent warnings he presented in his 2010 book, Storms of My Grandchildren. This conversation addresses the intensifying climate crisis, with a focus on extreme weather events, the critical need for emissions reduction, and the global impacts of rising temperatures.

Read An Excerpt from The Mighty Red

Listen also to our 2013 interview with Erdrich about her novel, The Round House. And read about our 2008 interview with her about The Plague of Doves.

---

Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004.

Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on X/Twitter@WritersVoice.

Key words: Louise Erdrich, fiction, 2008 farm crisis, Francesca Rheannon podcast, Red River Valley North Dakota, climate change, global warming, James Hansen, hurricanes

Louise Erdrich Interview

Episode Highlights

• Erdrich’s vivid descriptions of the Red River Valley and its flat, expansive landscape.
• The impact of the 2008 economic crisis on North Dakota farming families.
• A unique discussion on the dynamics of love, responsibility, and self-discovery among the main characters.
• Insights into the author’s perspective on modern agricultural practices and their effects on the environment and local communities.

Listen Now
Join Francesca Rheannon and Louise Erdrich as they explore the rich tapestry of life, love, and land in The Mighty Red. Hear about Erdrich’s thoughts on sustainability, her inspiration for the characters, and her take on how land and community are deeply interconnected. This is a powerful episode for anyone interested in storytelling, cultural history, and environmental awareness.

---

Interview with Dr. James Hansen (encore)

Episode Highlights

• Hansen’s early predictions about coastal flooding, which foreshadowed events like Hurricane Sandy.
• The science behind the “loading of the climate dice” and why it leads to extreme weather patterns.
• The importance of maintaining a stable climate for the survival of ecosystems, agriculture, and human civilization.
• Hansen’s critique of cap-and-trade policies, and his proposal for a more effective carbon tax approach.

Listen to the original full interview