Wild Card with Rachel Martin: "Jason Reynolds Loves Being a 'Crybaby'" – Detailed Summary

Episode Release Date: June 12, 2025
Host: Rachel Martin, NPR
Guest: Jason Reynolds, Poet and Author

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Wild Card with Rachel Martin, acclaimed poet and young adult author Jason Reynolds joins host Rachel Martin to delve into profound personal experiences, creative processes, and life's intricate emotions. Named a Top 10 Podcast of 2024 by The New York Times, Wild Card distinguishes itself by moving beyond conventional interviews, encouraging guests to explore life's biggest questions through a unique deck of conversation-controlling cards.

Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics

Jason Reynolds paints a vivid picture of his childhood, sharing heartfelt memories centered around family meals that served as both anchors and sources of emotional grounding.

• Favorite Childhood Meal:
  • "[02:23] Jason Reynolds: 'My mom had this thing. I don't know where she got it from, by the way. She had a weird obsession with feeding us turkey wings. And so we would have turkey wings, like, every night. Turkey wings and like, a broccoli every night.'"

These nightly meals, though monotonous, symbolized the stability amidst the turbulence of his family's changing dynamics, including his parents' separation and the loss of his grandmother at a young age. Reynolds reflects on how these simple dinners became an "anchoring point" during complex times.

• Impact of Family Separation and Loss:
  • "[04:28] Jason Reynolds: 'I mean, my dad. My parents split. You know, you go through that thing that so many of us go through around that age... my teenage years were full of death... and I'm starting to find whatever my vehicle of communication and expression is, because this is also the year I find writing.'"

Influence of Parents on Personal Development

Reynolds credits his parents for shaping his worldview and creative inclinations, highlighting the balance between his father's grounded nature and his mother's spiritual and artistic influence.

• Father’s Role:

  • "[07:46] Jason Reynolds: 'I like to say that my mother taught me how to think about the world, and my father taught me how to be in the world. My dad was life of the party... a psychologist... progressive, open-minded man.'"

• Mother’s Role:

  • "[09:56] Jason Reynolds: 'I grew up in a house where my mom was smudging our home every morning with sage and palo Santo... crystals everywhere.'"

His mother's dedication to Eastern spiritual practices provided a sanctuary for creative and emotional expression, fostering Reynolds' appreciation for imagination and introspection.

Creative Journey and Writing as Therapy

Discovering his passion for writing became a pivotal turning point for Reynolds, serving as a coping mechanism during his tumultuous teenage years.

• Finding Writing:
  • "[04:24] Jason Reynolds: 'I start tapping into this new thing that would eventually change my life for the better and save my life, arguably.'"

His early experiences with grief and familial changes propelled him into poetry and storytelling, ultimately leading to his success as a young adult author with works like "Long Way Down", "Ghost", and "2 Miles Morales: Spider-Man".

The Role of Music and "Soundtrack" Project

Music holds a profound place in Reynolds' life, deeply influenced by his father's eclectic taste spanning genres from Nirvana to Miles Davis.

• Musical Upbringing:

  • "[16:08] Jason Reynolds: 'My father introduced me to Nirvana... Phil Collins and Hall of Oates... blues, the jazz. We listen to Miles Davis... John Coltrane.'"

• "Soundtrack" Audiobook:

  • "[13:36] Reynolds discusses his original audiobook, 'Soundtrack,' which celebrates young musicians in the New York City subway system, highlighting music as a universal language and a potent form of self-expression."

Through "Soundtrack", Reynolds pays homage to the transformative power of music, illustrating how it fosters community and personal growth among young artists navigating the complexities of urban life.

Coping with Challenges and Mental Health

Reynolds openly discusses his struggles with restlessness and the constant drive to put forth effort, reflecting on societal expectations of masculinity and the importance of emotional expression.

• Balancing Effort and Rest:

  • "[30:15] Jason Reynolds: 'It's the trying that it's an intentional word... I'm trying relentlessly.'"
  • "[31:23] Reynolds elaborates on the challenges of balancing relentless effort with the need for rest, emphasizing his ongoing journey to find peace amidst constant productivity."

• Emotional Expression:

  • "[23:20] Reynolds: 'I can't help it. I am a crybaby of all crybabies... it reminds me that the expectations of masculinity didn't get me.'"

He champions the importance of allowing oneself to be vulnerable, asserting that crying is a testament to his freedom from restrictive societal norms.

Personal Practices: Alone Time and Imagination

Reynolds highlights the significance of solitude and imaginative thinking in his creative process, underscoring routines that foster mental clarity and creativity.

• Alone Time Practices:
  • "[20:31] Reynolds shares his daily regimen, which includes morning gym sessions and multiple baths, describing them as essential for recharging and tapping into his imaginative capabilities."
  • "[22:05] He emphasizes the importance of imagination, likening it to a playground where he can explore ideas that manifest in his writing."

Memories and Reflections

In the episode’s concluding segment, Reynolds shares a poignant memory with his father, encapsulating the blend of joy and impending loss that shaped his emotional landscape.

• Memory Time Machine:
  • "[43:18] Jason Reynolds: 'I took my dad out in a Porsche 911... we pushed it to about 150 miles an hour... he told me that he was going to die.'"

This cherished moment underscores the deep bond with his father and the enduring impact of their shared experiences, reinforcing Reynolds' dedication to living a meaningful and effortful life.

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• On Childhood Meals:

  • "[02:23] Jason Reynolds: 'My mom had this thing... she had a weird obsession with feeding us turkey wings...'*

• On Creativity and Writing:

  • "[04:24] Jason Reynolds: 'Those turkey wings were there every night... life is moving and it's changing... I really don't have that much control over.'*

• On Emotional Expression:

  • "[23:28] Jason Reynolds: 'I am a crybaby of all crybabies... it reminds me that the expectations of masculinity didn't get me.'*

• On Effort and Rest:

  • "[30:15] Jason Reynolds: 'It's the trying that it's an intentional word... I'm trying relentlessly.'*

• On Memories with His Father:

  • "[43:18] Jason Reynolds: 'I took my dad out in a Porsche 911... he told me that he was going to die.'*

Conclusion

Jason Reynolds' candid exploration of his life, from childhood memories and parental influences to his creative pursuits and emotional vulnerabilities, offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the mind of a celebrated young adult author. Through heartfelt narratives and introspective dialogues, Reynolds articulates the delicate balance between relentless effort and the essential need for rest, all while honoring the profound impact of family, music, and personal resilience.

For those interested in more enriching conversations, Rachel Martin recommends listening to her episode with fellow young adult author John Green, who delves into the essence of humanity and hope amidst adversity.