Writer and organizer Sarah Thankam Mathews (All This Could Be Different) joins Mira to discuss a brush with mortality in a rip-tide off the California coast, discovering “the sourdough starter of ego death,” and the problems of being an artist under capitalism. MENTIONED: Big Sur, California "How to Escape a Rip Current" What It Is by Lynda Barry I May Destroy You Michaela Coel's Emmy acceptance speech (video, transcript) Sarah Thankam Mathews grew up between Oman and India, immigrating to the United States in her late teens. Her work has been published in Best American Short Stories and she is a recipient of fellowships from the Asian American Writers’ Workshop and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. In 2020, she founded the mutual aid group Bed-Stuy Strong. All This Could Be Different, Mathews’ debut novel, was named an NYT Editor’s Choice, chosen for multiple high-profile Best of 2022 lists, and shortlisted for the National Book Award. For more Thresholds, visit us at www.thisisthresholds.com Be sure to leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices