‘Fresh Air’ Host Terry Gross Interviews Singer-Songwriter Mary Gauthier

Mary Gauthier is a favorite of Simply Folk listeners, appreciated for her powerful, evocative songs and raspy voice. She’s also Terry Gross’s guest on this edition of “Fresh Air”.

In classic Terry Gross fashion, the conversation is wide-ranging and candid. Gauthier opens up about a challenging childhood, being a lesbian, recovery from alcoholism and drug use, spiritual growth, and how she infuses her music — and the food she prepares for others — with love.

There’s also an anecdote about how an open mic at the legendary Club Passim in Boston changed the trajectory of her life.

Every November on Simply Folk, we play her song, “Thanksgiving,” about families visiting prisoners on that holiday (lyrics here). She has a new release called “Trouble & Love.”