Wild Card with Rachel Martin: Bonus Episode featuring Sandra Cisneros
Introduction
In this special bonus episode of Wild Card with Rachel Martin, acclaimed writer and poet Sandra Cisneros joins host Rachel Martin to delve deep into life's profound questions through an intimate and unconventional interview format. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of her seminal work, The House on Mango Street, Cisneros brings her unique perspective to the conversation, enriching listeners with her experiences, insights, and reflections.
Round One: Influential Figures Beyond Parents
Timestamp: [02:20]
The first round of the Wild Card game poses the question: "Who was an adult besides your parents, who had an influence on you for good or for ill?"
Sandra Cisneros shares a heartfelt story from her sixth-grade experience, highlighting the transformative impact of an encouraging teacher.
"When you love your students, your students know it. And when you don't love them, they know it too." ([04:20])
Cisneros recounts how this teacher’s recognition of her artwork—not a common occurrence in her previous school—instilled in her a newfound confidence and a desire to excel academically. This pivotal moment not only improved her grades from D's and C's to A's and B's but also underscored the profound influence that genuine care and attention from educators can have on a child's development.
Round Two: Reluctant Realizations About Oneself
Timestamp: [07:32]
The second round challenges guests with: "What's something about yourself that you have reluctantly realized is true?"
Initially hesitant, Cisneros opens up about her contemplations on aging and mortality, describing this phase of her life as her "magical mystery period."
"There's a wonderful phrase in Spanish, 'de estas alpuras.' From these heights, you are at a height where you can review your life and you have gratitude for your mistakes." ([09:29])
She reflects on the importance of embracing failures as integral to personal growth, emphasizing that success stems not from accolades but from the resilience to overcome setbacks. This introspection leads her to appreciate the continuous process of self-transformation and the wisdom gained from life's challenges.
Round Three: Activities that Resemble Prayer
Timestamp: [10:51]
The final round presents the question: "Is there anything in your life that feels like praying?"
Cisneros eloquently equates her practice of writing poetry to prayer, describing it as a spiritual and healing ritual.
"Writing poetry is praying. If we all wrote poems every day, we would be better human beings." ([11:05])
She elaborates on how poetry serves as her medication, helping her navigate through depression without relying on pharmaceuticals. Cisneros advocates for poetry as a tool for emotional expression and self-understanding, encouraging others to engage in creative writing as a means of spiritual and mental well-being.
Memory Time Machine: A Mystical Journey
Timestamp: [17:56]
In the closing segment, Cisneros takes Rachel and listeners on a nostalgic journey to Akumal, a serene location in the Yucatan. She recounts a profound mystical experience she had as a child, where she felt an overwhelming sense of interconnectedness with the universe.
"I understood that we are all interconnected, like the Buddhists say we are. There's no me and you or I or they. It's all part of that." ([20:10])
This peak experience left a lasting impression on her, shaping her intuitive nature and her belief in the unity of all things. Cisneros shares how these moments of clarity inspire her writing and her understanding of human connection, especially in the context of global challenges like environmental issues and pandemics.
Conclusion
This bonus episode of Wild Card offers a deep and enriching conversation with Sandra Cisneros, exploring themes of influence, self-discovery, spirituality, and interconnectedness. Through candid storytelling and reflective insights, Cisneros provides listeners with a nuanced perspective on navigating life's complexities. For those who appreciate thoughtful dialogue and the intertwining of personal experiences with broader existential themes, this episode stands out as a must-listen addition to the Wild Card series.
Production Credits
- Produced by Taylor Hutchison
- Edited by Dave Blanchard
- Executive Producer: Beth Donovan
- Theme Music by Ramtin Arablouei
Connect with Wild Card
For more episodes and updates, reach out to us@wildcardpr.org and stay tuned for future installments every Thursday.