O dearest delights—welcom! After a quick chat about the virtues of book contests, the crew sat down for this week's episode with Ross Gay in a quirky, quaint Portland hotel. While sipping Spoiling Orchards, Uncle Ross chopped it up with on the performance of delight, the practice of tenderness, and gardening—among other things. ROSS GAY is the author of three books of poetry: Against Which; Bringing the Shovel Down; and Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude, winner of the 2015 National Book Critics Circle Award and the 2016 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award. His collection of essays,The Book of Delights, was released by Algonquin Books in 2019. Ross is a founding board member of the Bloomington Community Orchard, a non-profit, free-fruit-for-all food justice and joy project. He has received fellowships from Cave Canem, the Bread Loaf Writer's Conference, and the Guggenheim Foundation. Ross teaches at Indiana University.    SPOILING ORCHARD: Fruity, fizzy, and a little bit funky, this mocktail is kind on the eyes and the bod. Like a sangria minus the hangover, Spoiling Orchards are perfect for a sunny day when you want to be clear-headed and attentive to the delights around you. Pairs well with vegan fruit gummies, Brigit Pegeen Kelly’s book The Orchard, and our conversation with the effervescent Ross Gay. Serve in something clear and non-pretentious, like a jelly jar, and enjoy. INGREDIENTS: Kombucha Black cherry juice Fresh fruit (raspberries)