#14 - MaryAnn Shank
MaryAnn Shank is a writer and former teacher who, despite growing up surrounded by the birth of Silicon Valley, found her deepest inspiration among the women of Somalia, half a world away. She has been celebrating strong and passionate women ever since.
MaryAnn was the first person in her family to graduate from college, and shortly thereafter became a Peace Corps volunteer in Somalia, where she was a teacher. Later, back in California, she taught and was a librarian. She has written a number of books, including The Mystical Land of Myrrh, about her time in the Peace Corps. She has also written a volume of poetry, numerous articles, and a series of books to help women prosper in the business world. Her most recent book, Sor Juana, My Beloved, was published in 2024.
For more information, visit her website HERE.
MaryAnn Shank
MaryAnn as a Peace Corps volunteer in Somalia
Baidoa, Somalia
Faduma, the woman who saved MayAnn's life
Omar Chicago's family in Baidoa
Ouadan warrior
The Mystical Land of Myrrh (Amazon link)
SHOW CREDITS
SP/FS Producer & Host: Christopher Wurst
Opening Voices: Dmitri Wurst, Elena Wurst, Kjara Wurst, Christopher Wurst
Show Artwork: Kate Furby
Voice of Dubious Aunt Deb: Cathy Zielske
Cold Open Music: BWM – The Brina Band
Dubious Ant Deb Music: Cass County Beauty Queen – Alan Singley
Episode Music:
Lahaina – Blue Dot Sessions
Li Fonte – Blue Dot Sessions
Will I Ever See Another Sunrise? – Kai Engel
Logic Ghost – Neon Revenants
Monder – Blue Dot Sessions
La Chica de los Grandes Ojos Negroes – Adrián Berenguer
Interview date: April 23, 2025