Some of the country’s most revered actors, activists, authors, and spiritual guides introduce listeners to the “wisest person no one has ever heard of” who they credit with being critical to their success in life. Host Courtney E. Martin–think Krista Tippett meets Studs Terkel–then elicits the life lessons, palpable delights, and funny stories of these refreshingly unrefined, unknown gurus.

Larger-than-life bestselling novelist Isabel introduces Courtney to a remarkably understated photographer and very patient daughter-in-law, Lori.

Larger-than-life bestselling novelist Isabel introduces Courtney to a remarkably understated photographer and very patient daughter-in-law, Lori.

Meet the ordinary person that your favorite celebrity considers extraordinary

Isabel Allende & Lori Barra

Courtney and Golda talk about how the series was created, look back at some memorable moments from our guests, and hear from listeners. Plus, stay tuned for how you can get your hands on the Wise Unknown poster.

Courtney and Golda talk about how the series was created, look back at some memorable moments from our guests, and hear from listeners. Plus, stay tuned for how you can get your hands on the Wise Unknown poster.

Courtney Martin and Golda Arthur wrap the series

Renaissance woman Rosario introduces Courtney to her multi-hyphenate, straight-talkin’ bestie.

Renaissance woman Rosario introduces Courtney to her multi-hyphenate, straight-talkin’ bestie.

Rosario Dawson & Idalia Rodriguez

Ashley introduces Courtney to the man who helped her find her courage as she blew open the Harvey Weinstein case.

Ashley introduces Courtney to the man who helped her find her courage as she blew open the Harvey Weinstein case.

Ashley Judd and Ted Klontz

MacArthur genius and labor organizer Ai-jen introduces Courtney to under-the-radar Civil Rights hero, Joyce Johnson.

MacArthur genius and labor organizer Ai-jen introduces Courtney to under-the-radar Civil Rights hero, Joyce Johnson.

 Ai-jen Poo & Joyce Johnson

Beloved work guru Adam Grant introduces Courtney to the graduate instructor that changed everything for him.

Beloved work guru Adam Grant introduces Courtney to the graduate instructor that changed everything for him.

Adam Grant and Bernard Chang

Courtney talks to chef Samin Nosrat, who unabashedly pursued the limelight, and her often prophetic bestie, journalist Twilight Greenaway, who has consistently shied away from it.

Courtney talks to chef Samin Nosrat, who unabashedly pursued the limelight, and her often prophetic bestie, journalist Twilight Greenaway, who has consistently shied away from it.

Samin Nosrat and Twilight Greenaway

W. Kamau Bell introduces Courtney to Dwayne Kennedy, a favorite comedian of people like Marc Maron and Chris Rock - so why hasn’t Dwayne ever “made it big?”

W. Kamau Bell introduces Courtney to Dwayne Kennedy, a favorite comedian of people like Marc Maron and Chris Rock - so why hasn’t Dwayne ever “made it big?”

W.Kamau Bell and Dwayne Kennedy

Some of the country’s favorite actors, activists, and authors introduce listeners to the “wisest person no one has ever heard of” who they credit with being critical to their success in life. Host Courtney E. Martin–think Krista Tippett meets Studs Terkel–then elicits the life lessons, palpable delights, and funny stories of these refreshingly unrefined, ‘wise unknowns’.

Some of the country’s favorite actors, activists, and authors introduce listeners to the “wisest person no one has ever heard of” who they credit with being critical to their success in life. Host Courtney E. Martin–think Krista Tippett meets Studs Terkel–then elicits the life lessons, palpable delights, and funny stories of these refreshingly unrefined, ‘wise unknowns’.