Brandon Taylor (author of Real Life, Filthy Animals, and the acclaimed new novel Minor Black Figures) joins host Michael Jerome Plunkett on the LitWar Podcast by Lethal Minds Journal.In this conversation, Brandon reflects on the creative pivot that led him to abandon years of work and begin anew in a Paris hotel room with the novel he truly wanted to write. We talk about Wyeth, the young painter at the heart of Minor Black Figures, and how the book became both a meditation on art and politics in contemporary America and an exploration of individuality, cynicism, and belief.From the quiet intimacy of art restoration to the noise of online discourse, Brandon speaks candidly about millennial disillusionment, the commodification of the self, and the role of fiction in reclaiming life from abstraction. It’s a deeply thoughtful, funny, and searching conversation with one of today’s sharpest literary minds.

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Vernon. Vernon is a veteran, writer, and distinguished professor whose work examines how war shapes the human spirit and the stories we tell about it. Alex reflects on his journey from the battlefields of the Gulf War to the classroom, and from memoirist to biographer of one of America’s most influential war writers, Tim O’Brien. We discuss the years-long process behind his new book Peace is a Shy Thing, how friendship and trust informed his portrayal of O’Brien, and why storytelling remains one of the few ways to confront moral injury and memory. Join us as we trace the line between history and myth, duty and compassion, and consider what it means to write honestly about war and the people it leaves behind.Alex Vernon graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point—the only literature major in his class of over a thousand—and served in combat as a tank platoon leader during the Persian Gulf War. He holds a PhD from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill and is the recipient of an Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Award and a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship. He currently serves as the M.E. & Ima Graves Peace Distinguished Professor of English at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas.  

In this episode, we sit down with Candace Rondeaux, distinguished journalist and international affairs specialist, whose reporting has illuminated critical global conflicts and geopolitical developments.   Join us as Candace shares her remarkable journey from a Chicago classroom experimenting with Russian language studies to a career reporting from some of the world's most challenging regions. We explore themes of identity, curiosity, and the transformative power of education, as well as how personal experiences inform our understanding of complex international narratives.

Journalist and war correspondent Tom Mutch joins the LitWar Podcast. From the halls of British Parliament to the front lines of Ukraine, Mutch has reported where history is being made. His new book, Dogs of Mariupol, chronicles the early days of Russia’s invasion and the extraordinary civilians—lawyers, professors, bodyguards, neighbors—who risked everything to defend their country. This episode dives into the heroism and tragedy witnessed up close: a young couple who left their law firm to fight in Donbas, a philosophy professor turned sniper, and the ethical tightrope journalists walk between storytelling and voyeurism. We explore how myths of war form in real time, how ordinary lives become extraordinary, and the weight of recording history as it unfolds.

A LitWar Podcast first! Co-Founder and Executive Director Michael Jerome Plunkett sits down to discuss his debut novel Zone Rouge with co-host Emily Kinard. He reveals his decade-long obsession with Verdun, a French city where they are still dealing with the consequences of the First World War. They discuss everything from the many ways of interpreting Sisyphus and his boulder to the value of fiction writing in today's world. Zone Rouge is available today!

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Shaara, bestselling historical novelist and author of Gods and Generals, The Last Full Measure, and The Eagle’s Claw. Shaara continues the literary legacy of his father, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Shaara, whose novel The Killer Angels remains a defining work on the Battle of Gettysburg. Join us as we discuss Jeff’s transformative childhood experience visiting Gettysburg, the intricate process of writing historical fiction, and the emotional responsibility of continuing his father’s work. Together, we explore how the power of narrative shapes our collective memory and how individual stories illuminate the human dimensions of history.

In this episode, we talk with Julian Zabalbeascoa about his debut novel, What We Tried to Bury Grows Here, a haunting exploration of memory, silence, and the lingering wounds of the Spanish Civil War. Julian reflects on how landscapes, both familiar and foreign, shape his characters and his storytelling. He shares the real-life events and family history that inspired the book, including stories passed down about the Basque region and the war’s intergenerational shadows.    We discuss the novel’s moral complexities, its shifting points of view, and the challenge of portraying the quiet violences that persist long after a conflict ends. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at working with independent publisher Two Dollar Radio, from the editorial process to the deep collaboration that shaped the book’s final form. Throughout, he speaks candidly about the responsibility of writing historical fiction and the delicate balance between truth, invention, and empathy.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Khadijah Queen, esteemed poet and author known for her powerful exploration of identity, vulnerability, and strength through poetic form and narrative innovation.   Join us as Khadijah shares what led to the creation of her new memoir Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea which explores her time as a sailor in the US Navy as well as other women who have been erased from the common narrative of life at sea. It is a discussion that asks us to consider not only how a person can serve while retaining their autonomy but also whether institutions serve individuals and if the answer is no, then what are they designed to serve? 

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Kraus, acclaimed author whose imaginative narratives explore both the bizarre and deeply human elements of storytelling. Join us as Daniel shares his thoughts on the unending nature of war, whether redemption is necessary, and how to navigate chain link fences in a tuxedo.   Together, we delve into the trenches of the first world war, perseverance in the face of comic misadventures, and how life's quirky moments enrich the stories we tell.

In this episode, we sit down with writer, professor, and photographer Ocean Vuong. Born in Saigon, Vietnam and raised in Hartford, Connecticut in a working class family of nail salon and factory laborers, he was educated at nearby Manchester Community College before transferring to Pace University to study International Marketing. Without completing his first term, he dropped out and enrolled at Brooklyn College, where he graduated with a BA in Nineteenth Century American Literature. He subsequently received his MFA in Poetry from NYU.   Join us as we talk about everything from the lives we live after we walk away from the wreckage of our past to the heightened awareness of the world that comes after you finish writing a book. We each consider our own relationship with regret and we attempt to see what is left in our writing once the author has been erased.

In this episode, we sit down with poet and novelist Kevin Powers to reflect on his body of work and the experiences that shaped it—from his deployment in Iraq to his emergence as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary war literature. Acclaimed for The Yellow Birds, Powers explores the emotional toll of combat and the enduring struggle to make meaning of violence, memory, and return. We delve into his literary origins, tracing his path from soldier to celebrated author, and discuss the tension between truth and fiction in war writing. Powers shares insights into his writing process, the responsibility of bearing witness, and why the novel remains a vital space for exploring the intimate, often invisible aftermath of war. Join us as we explore questions of morality, memory, and the enduring power of language in the face of loss.

In this episode, we sit down with novelist Ross Barkan to discuss his latest novel, Glass Century. Set against the shifting backdrop of New York City from the gritty 1970s through the disorienting days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Barkan’s novel captures the shifting landscape of New York through the life of Mona Glass, a one-time tennis player turned photojournalist. We explore the origins of Glass Century, delving into how Barkan masterfully intertwines intimate human drama with major historical events, crafting a narrative that speaks to both private loss and collective memory. Join us as we talk about his journey as a writer—from his work as a columnist for New York Magazine and contributor to The New York Times Magazine, to his role as editor-in-chief of The Metropolitan Review. Barkan also shares insights into his creative process, the enduring power of the novel form in a digital age, and how he captures the complexities of trauma, identity, and resilience amidst historical upheaval.  

In this episode, we sit down with novelist Shelby Hinte to discuss her searing debut, Howling Women. Set in the desert town of Yu, New Mexico, the novel follows Sabine—a woman fleeing the wreckage of her past—who returns home only to find herself drawn into a vortex of memory, confession, and reckoning. What begins as a story of escape becomes a fierce examination of trauma, justice, and the impossible task of telling the truth when no one wants to hear it. We explore the genesis of Howling Women, from its nonlinear structure and unforgettable voice to its refusal to offer neat moral answers. Shelby shares how her writing engages with the messiness of survival, the power of female rage, and the magnetic pull of the desert landscape. Along the way, we discuss the role of memory, the myth of closure, and what it means to write a character who steps out of silence and into fire.

In this episode, hosts Michael Jerome Plunkett and Emily Kinard from the LitWar Team sit down with acclaimed novelist Sheila Williams to discuss her latest historical novel, No Better Time. Set against the compelling backdrop of World War II, Williams’s novel sheds light on the remarkable yet overlooked story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—the only Black Women's Army Corps (WACs) unit to serve overseas during the war. We explore Sheila’s inspiration behind No Better Time, delving into how she vividly brings to life the experiences of Dorothy Thom and her fellow WACs, who navigated the challenges of military service and racial segregation while handling millions of undelivered letters meant for American soldiers. Sheila shares insights into her creative process, highlighting how she captures the profound resilience and transformative power of these extraordinary women. Join us as we discuss Sheila’s literary journey, her transition from the corporate world to becoming a celebrated author, and the deep significance of storytelling in illuminating forgotten histories and fostering greater understanding across communities.

In this episode, we sit down with author Ian T. Brown to discuss his groundbreaking book, A New Conception of War: John Boyd, the U.S. Marines, and Maneuver Warfare. Brown’s work offers a deep dive into the revolutionary ideas of John Boyd and their profound influence on modern Marine Corps doctrine. Combining rigorous historical research with a sharp analysis of military strategy, A New Conception of War explores how Boyd’s theories reshaped the concept of maneuver warfare and continue to guide the U.S. military today. We trace the origins of Brown’s interest in military history, from his time as a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot and forward air controller to his academic pursuits in military scholarship. Drawing on his deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Pacific, Brown shares how his operational experiences informed his perspective on warfare and his desire to create a definitive work on John Boyd’s legacy. Join us as we discuss Brown’s creative process, the challenges of bridging scholarly research and practical application, and the relevance of Boyd’s ideas in today’s evolving battlespace. We also explore Brown’s role at the Brute Krulak Center for Innovation and Future Warfare, his passion for wargaming, and his insights into how military strategy continues to adapt to emerging threats. Whether you’re a student of military history, a practitioner of strategy, or simply someone fascinated by the intersection of innovation and conflict, this conversation is not to be missed.

In this episode, we sit down with novelist Mark Treanor to discuss his award-winning debut novel, A Quiet Cadence. Drawing on his experiences as a Marine rifle platoon leader in Vietnam, Treanor delivers a powerful and haunting narrative that explores both the horrors of combat and the lifelong struggles of those who return home. Set in Vietnam’s treacherous Arizona Territory and extending into the aftermath of war, A Quiet Cadence plumbs the depths of terror, survival, and the unshakable weight of memory. We delve into the origins of the novel and Treanor’s decision to tell this story through fiction, examining how his firsthand experiences shaped the visceral authenticity of the book while allowing room for the universal truths of young men at war. Treanor also reflects on the unique structure of the novel, which dedicates significant time to life after combat, capturing the challenges of healing, reckoning, and the quiet endurance of veterans long after the battles have ended. Join us as we explore Treanor’s journey from the Marine Corps to becoming a novelist, the years of dedication it took to bring A Quiet Cadence to life, and the themes of courage, trauma, and hope that resonate so deeply in his work. We also discuss Treanor’s broader leadership experiences—from his time at the Naval Academy to his roles in corporate leadership and national security—and how those experiences inform his writing and understanding of resilience and humanity. We are in the midst of our first Platoon Book Club Initiative in which we are funding and facilitating platoon-sized book clubs for active duty and reserve platoons in every branch of the military. Click here to learn more.

In this episode, we sit down with Anuradha Bhagwati, former Marine Corps officer and author of the raw and revolutionary memoir, Unbecoming. Bhagwati’s deeply personal narrative chronicles her journey from the daughter of strict Indian immigrants to a trailblazing activist who fought for historic policy reforms in the military. After leaving behind an Ivy League education to join the Marines, Bhagwati confronted sexism, racism, and injustice within one of the most masculine institutions in the world. As a bisexual woman of color, her time in the Corps challenged her in ways she never anticipated. Join us as we discuss Bhagwati’s experience in the military, her courageous fight to dismantle the misogyny and discrimination she witnessed, and the resilience it took to pursue such transformative change, including her role in lifting the ban on women in combat roles. We explore her journey of self-discovery, activism, and the inner conflict of balancing duty with personal values. 

In this episode, we sit down with author Michael Ramos to discuss his powerful memoir, The After: A Veteran's Notes on Coming Home. Ramos, an Iraq War veteran, offers a raw and compelling look at the complexities of returning to civilian life after serving in combat. In his essay collection, Ramos delves into his decade-long military career, the challenges of transitioning back into a society that often misunderstands veterans, and the personal struggles he faced through divorce, remarriage, and the loss of comrades. Join us as we explore his journey from serving as a Navy chaplain's bodyguard to becoming a writer, teacher, and advocate for bridging the gap between military and civilian communities. We discuss the deeply personal stories that shaped his memoir, the nonlinear approach to storytelling, and his reflections on what it means to be a warrior, veteran, and father.

In this episode, we sit down with novelist Chris Knapp to discuss his debut novel, States of Emergency. Set against the sweltering backdrop of Paris in 2015, Knapp’s novel captures the fragility of a marriage and the existential weight of a world in crisis. We explore the origins of States of Emergency, delving into how Knapp masterfully intertwines personal and global turmoil, creating a narrative that speaks to both the intimate cracks in a relationship and the larger, looming uncertainties of our time. Join us as we talk about his journey as a writer, from his experiences at MFA at the University of Virginia to his success in renowned publications like The Paris Review and Granta. Knapp also shares insights into his creative process, exploring the delicate balance between hope and despair, and how he captures the nuances of human connection amidst chaos. We are in the midst of our first Platoon Book Club Initiative in which we are funding and facilitating platoon-sized book clubs for active duty and reserve platoons in every branch of the military. Click here to learn more.

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed novelist Emily St. John Mandel to reflect on the ten-year anniversary of her groundbreaking novel, Station Eleven. Mandel’s poignant narrative explores the fragile balance between civilization and chaos, art and survival, in the aftermath of a global pandemic. Join us as we discuss the origins of Station Eleven, the novel's lasting impact, and its surprising resonance in today’s world. Mandel shares her journey as a writer, from crafting the complex characters who navigate a post-apocalyptic landscape, to witnessing the story’s adaptation into a critically acclaimed HBO Max series. We also explore her creative process and how she balances themes of hope and despair in her work. Whether you're a fan of dystopian fiction, literary storytelling, or thoughtful explorations of the human condition, this conversation is not to be missed.  We are in the midst of our first Platoon Book Club Initiative in which we are funding and facilitating platoon-sized book clubs for active duty and reserve platoons in every branch of the military. Click here to learn more.