Mother, Nature: A Journey of Distance, Belief & Becoming | Jedidiah Jenkins Moderated by: Nicole Richie 

In Mother, Nature: A 5,000-Mile Journey to Discover If a Mother and Son Can Survive Their Differences, Jedidiah Jenkins sets out on a literal and emotional journey—traveling across continents while reckoning with faith, identity, and his relationship with his mother. In conversation with moderator Nicole Richie, Jenkins reflects on the courage it takes to question inherited beliefs, the tenderness and strain of mother–son bonds, and what it means to choose honesty while still choosing love. Together, they’ll explore travel as transformation, storytelling as self-examination, and how navigating difference can open unexpected paths toward understanding and connection. The New Orleans Book Festival brings the world’s leading authors to Tulane University for a multi-day celebration of their works. 

The Festival features both fiction and non-fiction and convenes readings, panel discussions, symposia and keynote speeches. It provides an opportunity for outlets, authors and readers to interact with each other in one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities in the world.