Tucson Festival of Books: Rex Ogle and Melani “Mele” Martinez

In this special episode of Words on a Wire, host Tim Z. Hernandez brings listeners into a moving panel discussion recorded live at the Tucson Festival of Books. Joined by acclaimed authors Rex Ogle (Abuela, Don’t Forget Me) and Melani “Mele” Martinez (The Molino: A Memoir), the conversation dives deep into the role of storytelling in shaping identity, healing generational trauma, and reclaiming cultural narratives. Through personal reflections and powerful anecdotes, the panelists explore how family histories, community roots, and lived experiences influence their writing. From the quiet resilience of an abuela to the complexities of growing up in multicultural neighborhoods, this episode celebrates the ways stories can preserve memory, challenge stereotypes, and offer transformation. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about memory, voice, and the many layers of what it means to be a storyteller today.