Summary3 min read

Summary: “A Wonder Is What It Is: Nick Offerman Reads ‘They’ by Wendell Berry”

Podcast: All Of It with Alison Stewart
Host: WNYC
Featured Reader and Commentator: Nick Offerman
Date: June 26, 2026

Episode Overview

In this introspective and heartfelt mini-episode, Nick Offerman reads Wendell Berry’s poem “They.” Offerman reflects aloud on the enduring intimacy, dedication, and wonder found in long-term relationships, drawing parallels between Berry’s gentle verse and his own marriage. The episode blends literary appreciation, personal anecdote, gentle humor, and sincere contemplation on love’s commitment—offering listeners a warm meditation on what it means to be part of a couple through the passage of time.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction to the Series and Poem

00:30
- Nick Offerman explains the format: each episode features him reading a favorite poem and offering spontaneous reflections.
- Today’s poem, "They" by Wendell Berry, is introduced as particularly meaningful to him.

2. Reading of “They” by Wendell Berry

Poem Excerpt (as read by Offerman):
- “I see you down there, white haired, among the green leaves, picking the ripe raspberries.
  And I think, 42 years we are the you and I who were once the they whom we remember.”

3. Reflections on the Poem's Theme: Long-Term Partnership

Offerman shares a personal connection, relating the poem to his own 26-year marriage with his wife Megan Mullally.
Memorable quote [01:11]:
- “It, of course, makes me think of my 26 years with my wife Megan, and how we have these moments where we look at each other, notice each other, especially with reference to his wife Tanya's white hair.” — Nick Offerman

4. Love, Fidelity, and Choice in Marriage

Offerman explores the choices underpinning marriage vows, emphasizing agency and commitment over resignation.
Notable advice [01:51]:
- “When I hear people complain about their marriages, I say to them—or want to say to them depending on the setting—you can change that. … You know, this is a decision that you made and you promised somebody to be true to them, to love them for better or for worse, and to take care of them in sickness and in health. … So you can either buckle your seatbelt and get busy, you know, driving the road of your lives together, or make a change.” — Nick Offerman

5. The Joys of Shared Life and Belonging

Offerman warmly expresses his fulfillment in being one half of his “they,” playfully referencing berry-picking and his own fondness for raspberries.
Quote [02:40]:
- “I just love this sort of whimsical salute to that. I love being involved in a 'they.' I like being one half of my particular 'they.'” — Nick Offerman

6. Closing Thoughts and Invitation

Offerman closes by sharing gratitude for the chance to participate in the series and encourages listeners to return for future reflections.
“I love getting to do this. I hope that you'll meet me back here next time for more A Wonder Is what it Is.” [03:29] — Nick Offerman

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

On the simple beauty of Berry's poem [00:53]:
- “I just, I just love the simple notion of this poem.”
On taking responsibility for relationship happiness [02:08]:
- “Stop announcing to the world that you've made a bad decision and change it for both of your sakes. For my part, it's working out pretty well so far for 26 years.”
Whimsical note [02:45]:
- “And I also happen to be a big fan of raspberries.”

Important Timestamps

00:30: Nick Offerman introduces himself and the poem
00:45: Reading of Wendell Berry’s “They”
01:00 – 03:29: Offerman’s reflections—connection to his marriage, thoughts on marital commitment, and poetic appreciation
03:29: Warm closing and invitation to future episodes

Tone and Language

Offerman’s tone is gentle, earnest, and quietly humorous, blending deep appreciation of language with the humble wisdom of shared experience. His reflections feel like an intimate fireside chat—sincere, grounded, and welcoming.

This episode is a heartfelt meditation on longevity in relationships, the comfort and gratitude of “becoming a they,” and the wonders tucked into ordinary moments—delivered in Nick Offerman’s signature thoughtful style.

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Transcript3 lines

[00:00]
A
All of it is supported by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In a small groundbreaking clinical trial, 100% of participants with a specific type of rectal cancer saw their tumors disappear using immunotherapy alone. Researchers at MSK are now studying this approach in cancers of the stomach, liver and more. And a majority of tumors are disappearing. For MSK giving Day, all gifts will be tripled. Learn more@msk.org all of it
[00:31]
B
hello and welcome to A Wonder Is what It Is. In each episode of A Wonder Is what It Is, you will hear lines of poetry read aloud by me and then some thinking aloud on those lines of poetry, also by me, Nick Offerman. Today's poem is entitled they by my favorite writer, Wendell Berry. I see you down there, white haired, among the green leaves, picking the ripe raspberries. And I think, 42 years we are the you and I who were once the they whom we remember. I just, I just love the simple notion of this poem. It, of course, makes me think of my 26 years with my wife Megan, and how we have these moments where we look at each other, notice each other, especially with reference to his wife Tanya's white hair. After 42 years together and you think, my God, the years that we've spent together, committed to one another, working on the ups and downs of a human relationship, committing ourselves to the fidelity of loving someone. I just love this sort of whimsical salute to that. I love being involved in a they. I like being one half of my particular they. And, you know, when I hear people complain about their marriages, I say to them or want to say to them, depending on the setting, you can change that. You know, this is a decision that you made and you promised somebody to be true to them, to love them for better or for worse, and to take care of them in sickness and in health. You know, you made this vow for the rest of your life. And so you can either buckle your seatbelt and get busy, you know, driving the road of your lives together, or make a change. You know, stop announcing to the world that you've made a bad decision and change it for both of your sakes. For my part, it's working out pretty well so far for 26 years. And I also happen to be a big fan of raspberries. That was this week's offering from Wendell Berry. I love getting to do this. I hope that you'll meet me back here next time for more A Wonder Is what it Is.
[03:48]
C
Saturday presents in the red corner, the undisputed, undefeated weed. Whacker guy. Champion of hurling grass and pollen everywhere. And in the blue corner, the challenger. Extra strength hannity. Eyedrops that work all day to prevent the release of histamines that cause itchy allergy eyes. And the winner by knockout is Patternay. Patternay. Bring it on.