Sep 30, 2022
With Emily St. John Mandel, discussing her new novel Sea of Tranquility. Topics: how she got to know her "Station Eleven" HBO showrunner at a super creepy gun show; the cathartic role of art and sports in any functioning society; and her deep ambivalence regarding our utterly convenient, utterly tech-enabled modern...
Sep 23, 2022
A mind-altering convo with anthropologist and public conversationalist Christopher Ryan about his book Civilized to Death. We discussed civilization's sneakily bad deal, as well as how cavemen knew better than we do how to laugh, live & love. Anecdote from the show: after reading his book Sex at Dawn, an elderly widow...
Sep 16, 2022
A story craft masterclass with Oscar-winning screenwriter Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3, Little Miss Sunshine, Star Wars: The Force Awakens). Highlights include: packing the most meaning possible into your climax; 3-act-structure pro hacks; how to get unstuck when blocked by reducing your story to a fairy tale; and what...
Sep 9, 2022
With the author of Tuesdays With Morrie, and one of the bestselling writers in American history, Mitch Albom. Discussing his new book, The Stranger In The Lifeboat, we got into the beguiling nature of answered prayers and how Mitch hopes to be the author readers reach for in times of trouble. In an emotional moment I...
Sep 2, 2022
With Pulitzer Prize-winner Jennifer Egan, discussing The Candy House, her critically-acclaimed follow-up to A Visit From The Goon Squad. Egan discussed how great prose voice is like great cooking stock (if it’s good, anything you throw in becomes good, too); clues to finding your calling in both art and life; and...