The award-winning writer and broadcaster Eleanor Wachtel is the host and co-founder of CBC Radio's Writers & Company, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Five books of her interviews have been published, including Random Illuminations, a book of reflections, correspondence and conversations with Carol Shields which won the Independent Publisher Book Award, Original Minds, and most recently, The Best of Writers & Company. She has earned numerous accolades for her contributions to Canadian cultural life: nine honorary degrees and Officer of the Order of Canada.