Notes and Links to Shea Serrano’s Work         Shea Serrano is an American author, journalist, humorist, and former teacher. He is best known for his work with the sports and pop culture websites, The Ringer and Grantland, as well as his books, including The Rap Year Book, Basketball and Movies, all of which were The New York Times best-sellers. Buy Expensive Basketball   Shea Serrano's Wikipedia Page   Expensive Basketball Review and Interview for San Antonio Express   At about 2:00, Shea notes his accomplishments involving having multiple bestsellers as a Mexican-American writer At about 3:30, Pete remarks on the intensive research process that Shea undertook for this book and notes a possible “typo” At about 5:15, Shea responds to Pete’s question about which writers inspired him as a kid, and Shea transitions into talking about writing as an untapped career  At about 6:30, Shea gives background on how Chuck Klosterman’s work amazed him and inspired him to become a writer, as well as how Bill Simmons’ work proved aspirational for Shea At about 8:45, Shea responds to Pete’s question about what texts his middle-school students enjoyed, and he details some interesting lessons and points and connections he would teach, and Pete is surprised to learn that Shea taught science At about 10:40, Shea makes an interesting point about why he decided to teach science At about 11:35, Shea highlights his journey in knowing and working with Bill Simmons At about 13:35, Shea expands on the definition of the book’s title, Expensive Basketball At about 16:00, Shea details the chapter in the book about Tim Duncan At about 18:20, Shea talks about his chapter on Kobe Bryant and being “overcome with emotion” during Kobe’s last game At about 22:10, more about “Timmy” and all that could have been with the 2010s Oklahoma Thunder At about 23:20, Shea expands on “the coolest basketball player in the world” in Allen Iverson At about 26:05, Pete wonders about Sue Bird’s staying power, and Shea expands upon being drawn to the WNBA through the dynamic 2018 Playoffs At about 28:25, Pete and Shea discuss different types of trash talk and trash talk preferences At about 30:00, Shea waxes poetic about the “before” and “after” for Ajá Wilson   At about 34:45, the two discuss why and why not for Vince Carter’s dunk on Frederic Weis as the greatest dunk ever At about 36:05, Shea names his best dunk of all-time At about 36:40, Pete highlights a great dunk from Michael Jordan At about 37:30, the two stan Reggie Miller-both as a broadcaster and a player At about 40:00, Steph Curry’s “beautiful” shot is discussed, as well as his possible sunset as a beautiful player At about 41:30, Shea traces the incredible ending of the 2024 Olympics Basketball gold medal game and Curry’s   At about 43:35, Shea discusses the pain and pleasure of the book’s “Grail and Ghost Stories”  At about 44:35, Pete highlights the “Miscellaneous” chapter in the book, and Pete and Shea lament the horrors of Robert Horry’s dagger  At about 46:55, Pete complains about Jason Williams, despite his  At about 47:45, Shea responds to Pete’s questions about how to properly write about Shaq and his dominance, highlighting the ways in which even the greats talked about their awe of Shaq At about 51:25, The two discuss connections between the 1993 Charlotte Hornets and Steve Urkel, as well as the chapter about this team and its resonance  At about 54:00, The two reflect on the singlemindness of the greatest of the great At about 55:10, Pete hits Shea with some rapid-fire questions, and Shea responds with the “0.4 Seconds Game,” Derek Fisher hate, a controversial take on Drake’s “Forever,” “off-the-wall bars,” the best concerts he’s ever been to, and “Remember[ing] Some Guys”      You can now subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and leave me a five-star review. You can also ask for the podcast by name using Alexa, and find the pod on Stitcher, Spotify, and on Amazon Music. Follow Pete on

Notes and Links to Myriam Gurba’s Work       Myriam Gurba is a writer and activist. Her first book, the short story collection Dahlia Season, won the Edmund White Award for Debut Fiction. O, the Oprah Magazine ranked her true-crime memoir Mean as one of the “Best LGBTQ Books of All Time.” Her recent essay collection Creep: Accusations and Confessions was a finalist for a National Book Critics Circle award for Criticism, and won the Lambda Literary Award for Bisexual Nonfiction. She has written for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Harper’s Bazaar, Vox, and Paris Review. Her next book, Poppy State: A Labyrinth of Plants and a Story of Beginnings, published by Timber Press, is out today, October 21. Buy Poppy State: A Labyrinth of Plants and a Story of Beginnings   Myriam's Website   Los Angeles Daily News Review of Poppy State: A Labyrinth of Plants and a Story of Beginnings At about 1:50, Myriam discusses her mindset as the book is to be published, and she shares early feedback and reviews At about 4:05, Myriam talks about being inspired a bit by Borges’ short story collection, Labyrinths, and more so from mythologies for Mesoamerica and the Minotaur At about 5:20, Myriam defines an important term At about 6:30, Myriam talks about writing from the perspective of a child and connections to The Secret Garden At about 8:30, “halycon” talk! At about 9:20, Myriam talks about the book’s epigraph/opening saying, which comes from Myriam’s grandfather Ricardo Serrano Ríos, as well as an early message/challenge to the reader At about 12:30, Myriam responds to Pete’s questions about the differences between carefree childhoods and an encroaching world of homes and development, and nature being pushed aside At about 14:55, Myriam provides background on the book’s main locale, Santa Maria, and its changes in her lifetime At about 15:45, The two talk about “claiming” of land and “renaming” and its connection to colonization  At about 18:20, Myriam discusses "indigeneity imposed from outside” in relation to a profound quote Pete notes from the book At about 20:20, Myriam talks about Western terms and ideas that make it difficult to describe and document Chumash and other indigenous contemporary life and geographical boundaries  At about 22:15, Myriam shares the story from the book about Deborah Miranda and a young child’s shocked realization  At about 24:15, Pete notes some great puns, and Myriam expands on multiple meanings of “hoja” and connections between literacy and botany and the At about 26:05, Myriam talks about her use of The Santa Maria Times and its archive in building a history of the “settler town through the perspective of settlers”  At about 28:00, Myriam highlights Santa Maria-born Ida Mae Bochmann as an example of a certain time of progressive and colonizing woman  At about 30:20, Myriam reflect on the “communal garden” that was pre-European California At about 32:00, Pete and Myriam discuss the importance of paper and indigenous practices and priorities  At about 35:10, Myriam responds to Pete’s questions about how she balances the macro- and the micro-, the allegorical and literal At about 36:45, BARS At about 39:30, “allegorical memoir” and “botanical criticism” are two possible genres that Myriam imagines for her "kaleidoscopic" book; she also talks about her love of writing and solving puzzles At about 42:00, Corn talk! Myriam shares some frightening stories about encounters with Midwestern cornfields  At about 45:50, The two discuss a resonant homecoming scene  At about 47:10, Myriam reflects on how local travel and local appreciation inform her argument about “[our] homes hav[ing] multitudes” At about 48:45, The two discuss the humungous industry that is agriculture, and Myriam talks about focusing in on Santa Barbara County’s strawberry industry At about 51:30, Myriam talks about the history of Japanese-American farmers dispossessed by the internment camps of World War II At about 53:45, Myriam make

Notes and Links to Erin Somers’ Work       Erin Somers is a writer, reporter, and book critic based in the Hudson Valley. Her fiction, essays, and criticism have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, The Paris Review, Esquire, GQ, The Nation, The New Republic, Best American Short Stories, and elsewhere. Her first novel, Stay Up With Hugo Best (2019), was a Vogue Magazine Best Book of the Year.      Her second novel, The Ten Year Affair, was named a most anticipated book by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vulture, Bustle, LitHub, W Magazine, The Millions, Orion, and Our Culture, and a best book of the month by Apple Books and People Magazine. It is published by Simon & Schuster as of today, October 21. Buy The Ten Year Affair   Erin's Website   Erin on NPR All Things Considered New York Times Review of The Ten Year Affair   Erin's Book Tour/Events   At about 1:25, Erin talks about her mindset as Pub Day approaches on October 21 At about 3:20, Pete asks Erin about her relationship with reading and the written word At about 8:00, Erin discusses pivotal text and writers that cemented her love for reading and writing, including some GGMarquez classics read in a beautiful "ceremony" with her father  At about 9:50, Erin gives background on her foray into screenwriting and how her father encouraged her writing At about 11:15, Erin highlights “funny” writers like George Saunders, Lorrie Moore, and Sam Lipsyte as “approachable” in style and subject matter At about 12:40, Erin responds to Pete’s question about “exercising different parts of the brain” in writing fiction and nonfiction At about 13:15, Erin shouts out places to buy her book and outlines her book tour At about 15:25, Erin discusses the book’s seeds and the title’s provenance, and references how the book started out as a successful short story At about 17:30, The two discuss the book’s opening and the two main characters’ early alliance  At about 23:25, Erin describes how she worked to draw Elliott, Cora’s husband, as against archetype At about 25:00, Erin responds to Pete’s question about posing four main characters-two couples-so close to each other  At about 26:50,  At about 27:50, Pete and Erin stumble through some possible casting moves for a possible future movies At about 28:50, The two discuss the differing roles of the men and pregnant women, and the two fanboy/girl over Rachel Yoder’s Nightbitch At about 30:20, Pete wonders about Sam parrying the advances of Cora At about 31:30, Pete skirts plot spoilers in discussing the book’s parallel plotline and compliments the fact that the st At about 33:00, Erin discusses how the contrast between “banal reality” and the parallel world allowed her to have “fun” and “experiment with techniques” At about 34:00, Erin responds to Pete’s question about standing in judgment of Cora’s behaviors, and Erin brings up interesting points about professional and class mobility and dissatisfaction  At about 36:25, Elliott and Cora’s relationship is analyzed, with particular attention to Cora’s anxieties and Elliott’s loss that continues his depression At about 39:00, Pete asks Erin how she was able to “delicately” write about the Covid era  At about 41:35, Erin analyzes a telling quote by Jules, Sam’s wife, with regard to ideas of unhappiness, and the two discuss the physical proximity of the couples At about 43:00, Erin gives insight on an interesting dialogue full of lies at a joint 40th birthday party At about 44:10, Erin responds to Pete’s question about the families of Sam and Cora as “collateral damage” At about 46:40, Erin responds to Pete’s question about aging, with regard to Cora’s anxieties At about 48:30, The two discuss a meaningful dream sequence and ideas of freedom post-parenthood At about 51:10, Pete highlights some funny and resonant lines in the book, including a podcast about rope      You can now subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and leave me a five-star review. Y

Notes and Links to Anthony Gedell’s Work       ANTHONY GEDELL writes from New Jersey publishing in Hobart, Poverty House, Variant, Revolution John, Punk Noir Magazine, and Bull. His debut novel, Love Lies in the Throes of Rhetoric, was released in October 2024. Buy Love Lies in the Throes of Rhetoric   Anthony's Instagram   Anthony’s Writing for Hobart Pulp   Video Review for Love Lies in the Throes of Rhetoric   At about 1:40, Pete and Anthony talk about inspirations for the podcast At about 3:00, Anthony talks about how teaching informs his writing, and vice versa, with observations on  At about 5:20, Anthony talks about being a concerted listener and always being cognizant of “getting into the room” of wonderful writers and writing conversations At about Anthony talks about the ways in which he and the book’s significance have evolved in the year since publication   At about 8:40, Anthony talks about ideas of “writing from comfortability" and  At about 9:40, Anthony responds to Pete’s question about what texts have resonated with his students, which includes a major shout out for Eli Cranor At about 13:00, Anthony highlights Of Mice and Men as one example of “high intensity emotion” that moves/interests readers  At about 14:50, Anthony cites Marlon James saying that “the new American novel is the crime novel” and talks about the “writer as journalist” in discussing ideas of writing dystopian in a dystopian world and “writing towards genre”  At about 20:10, Pete and Anthony discuss ideas of the continuity of writers and writing over the centuries  At about 25:00, Anthony expands on ideas of nihilism in contemporary society  At about 31:00, Pete reads the Ecclesiastes, Ch 9, Verse 4, the introduction for Love Lies in the Throes of Rhetoric At about 32:20, Anthony responds to Pete’s questions about the book’s opening and significance for the rest of the book At about 35:00, Anthony talks about lessons and questions brought out in Biblical passages At about 36:00, Pete responds to Anthony’s questions about how Anthony’s novel is evocative of Catholic/catholic themes At about 39:30, Anthony shares moving connections in real-life and in the novel and ideas of misery and tragedy and compassion  At about 43:40, the two discuss the “snare” trope and how Eudora has been seen in two ways by a lot of readers, and Anthony shouts out Light Years by James Salter-its beautiful sentences and the possibility of Nedra in Salter’s book as a “snare character” At about 48:50, The two connect meaningful scenes and quotes from the novel to memorable Scripture At about 49:50, Anthony responds to Pete’s musings about the interesting “too young to feel this old” after Pete rambles about a writing project that “got away” At about 52:40, Anthony references Conrad in talking about nihilism and hopelessness, particularly with regard to Trasc and Eudora, the book’s protagonists  At about 55:25, Pete compliments Anthony’s use of “snappy dialogue” and asks Anthony about ideas of impotence, especially as seen with Trasc and Eudora At about 1:00:15, Anthony details particular scenes and reflects on some meanings that come from the portraits of masculinity  At about 1:04:30, Trasc and his sensitive nature is discussed, and Anthony talks about   At about 1:06:30, Anthony talks cryptically and profoundly on the writing process for his novel and quotes a memorable line from Salter’s Light Years At about 1:09:30, Pete and Anthony stan Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolff? and talk about the play’s “dialectical violence”   At about 1:12:00, Anthony reflects on his writing style and the place from which he writes and how boredom and “soccer dad” literature enervates  At about 1:14:50, a quote from the novel leads to the two dissecting David Foster Wallace’s work and its significance, and some texts that are thought to be overly celebrated   At about 1:18:00, Anthony reflects on dystopia, worldbuilding, and “collective human behaviors” and how the physical atm

Notes and Links to Ellen Birkett Morris’ Work        Ellen Birkett Morris is the author of Beware the Tall Grass, winner of the Donald L. Jordan Award for Literary Excellence, judged by Lan Samantha Chang, published by CSU Press. She is also the author of Lost Girls: Short Stories, winner of the Pencraft Award and finalist for the Clara Johnson, IAN and Best Book awards. Her fiction has appeared in Shenandoah, Antioch Review, Saturday Evening Post, and South Carolina Review, among other journals. She is a winner of the Bevel Summers Prize for short fiction. Morris is a recipient of an Al Smith Fellowship for her fiction from the Kentucky Arts Council.    Morris is also the author of Abide and Surrender, poetry chapbooks. Her poetry has appeared in The Clackamas Literary Review, Juked, Gastronomica, and Inscape, among other journals, and in eight anthologies. Morris won top prize in the 2008 Binnacle Ultra-Short Edition and was a finalist for the 2019 and 2020 Rita Dove Poetry Prize. Her poem “Abide” was featured on NPR’s A Way with Words. Her essays have appeared in The New York Times, Newsweek, AARP’s The Ethel, Oh Reader magazine, and on National Public Radio.    Morris holds an MFA in creative writing from Queens University-Charlotte. She attended the Kentucky Women Writers Conference on fellowship and teaches creative writing at The Virginia Piper Center at ASU in Tempe, Arizona and The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning in Lexington, Kentucky. Morris has spoken and taught at the 2018 Antioch Writers Workshop, 2019 Kentucky Women Writers Conference, 2022 Writer’s Block Festival and 2022 Louisville Book Festival. Buy Beware the Tall Grass   Ellen's Website   Review of Beware the Tall Grass from Heavy Feather Review  At about 3:40, Ellen responds to Pete’s question about receiving the Donald L. Jordan Award for Beware the Tall Grass At about 5:30, Ellen talks about the different resonance the book has a year plus after its publication; she highlights feedback from people with interesting comments about the continuing resonance of the Vietnam War At about 7:10, Ellen provides a summary of the novel At about 8:20, Ellen relays seeds for the book, particularly based on a NPR segment from 2014 At about 10:30, Ellen responds to Pete’s questions about any cynicism in exploring the stories of past lives’ remembrance, and she expands on how she dealt with the spiritual/reincarnation  At about 12:45, Pete and Ellen stan over Andrew Porter’s (Episode 294 guest) The Imagined Life At about 13:25, Ellen speaks beautifully of her mother as an “advocate”  At about 14:50, Ellen talks about how she put into practice the saying about “put your characters into trouble,” particularly with regard to Eve, one of two protagonists, and her mother  At about 16:05, The two discuss the exposition for main character and one of two narrators, Thomas, and how the loss of his horse affects him  At about 18:00, Ellen describes the agony in writing a particularly brutal and sad scene from the book At about 19:00, The two discuss Eve’s friend, Amy, and ideas of peace and tranquility  At about 20:00, Ellen reflects on the “hasty decision” pointed out by Pete, made by both Thomas in the novel and in real-life, for those who signed up for the army At about 21:30, Ellen talks about Dan in the novel and his family history that makes him act more logical even when the surreal comes out At about 23:00, The two discuss Thomas’ decision to enlist for Vietnam, and how it was perhaps subtly influenced by his father’s past service At about 24:00, We Were Soldiers Once and Young and Ellen’s uncle and soldiers' logs are cited as inspirations for Ellen’s writing At about 26:00, Pete lays out some of Charlie’s  At about 27:00, Ellen reflects on Carrie’s faith in Thomas’ coming back safe from Vietnam At about 27:40, The two reflect on connections in the novel to Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried At about 28:50, The two discuss two crises that bring m

Notes and Links to Nishant Batsha’s Work       Nishant Batsha is the author of the novel A Bomb Placed Close to the Heart (ecco/HarperCollins). Set between California and New York at the dawn of World War I, A Bomb Placed Close to the Heart is an expansive and poignant story of love, radical ambition, and intellectual rebirth—all drawn from a lost American history.   His first novel, Mother Ocean Father Nation (ecco/HarperCollins) was a finalist for 2023 Lambda Literary Award, longlisted for a 2023 Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award, and named one of the best books of 2022 by NPR. It also won Honorable Mention in the prose category of the 2024 Association for Asian American Studies (AAAS) Book Awards.   He is currently at work on a third novel. This project has received monetary support from The de Groot Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts.   Nishant holds a PhD in history from Columbia University where he was a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow. He also works as a ghostwriter for public officials, CEOs, and leaders across various industries. Material he has ghostwritten has appeared in the New York Times and Politico, among other publications. He lives in Buffalo, NY with his wife and two children. Buy A Bomb Placed Close to the Heart   Nishant's Website   BookPage Review for A Bomb Placed Close to the Heart   Interview for Los Angeles Review of Books   At about 1:15, Nishant gives purchasing info for his novel At about 1:45, Nishant talks about his childhood connections to language and literature  At about 4:15, Nishant recounts how he began to embrace history and becoming a historian  At about 7:20, Nishant responds to Pete’s comments about connections between his main character Cora and him and other writers with regard to “the intoxication” of writing finding audience At about 9:20, Nishant talks about history and literature and “seeking out sameness”  At about 10:30, Nishant talks about being “so taken” by Marilyn Robinson’s Gilead At about 11:40, Nishant shouts out as writers who have thrilled and inspired him, including Sebald and Han Kang At about 14:30, Nishant reflects on Conrad’s Heart of Darkness At about 16:50, Pete asks Nishant about seeds for the book At about 19:00, Nishant lays out much of the work of M.N. Roy and Evelyn Trent, inspirations for the book’s protagonists, Indra and Cora At about 22:05, Nishant talks about research for his book At about 24:25, Pete lays out some of the book’s exposition At about 25:30, Nishant responds to Pete’s question about what draws Indra and Cora together  At about 28:10, Nishant reflects on the “in-betweeness” of Cora and how she connects to Indra At about 32:25, Nishant gives background on the Ghadar Party, which is so important in the novel At about 35:15, Nishant responds to Pete’s question about how Indra saw “action” and resistance  At about 38:40, Nishant outlines how he sees the novel as a sort of “parlor drama” At about 39:45, Nishant explains the significance of Indra receiving being called “cosmopolitan” as a compliment  At about 42:30, The two discuss the etymology of the term “cosmopolitan” At about 44:40, Pete and Nishant reflect on ideas of consumerism and creativity, and Nishant gives background on the real-life Rachel Crothers At about 46:25, The two discuss the contradictions of Dawson in the novel, based on David Starr Jordan and his views on anti-imperialism and eugenics  At about 49:40, the two reflect on the “strange and weird ideas” of the late 19th and early 20th centuries-a “heady time” and connections to the US military in the Philippines  At about 50:45, Scullion (based on John Osborne Varian) and his views of political and cultural change are discussed, in how the beliefs affect Indra At about 54:00, Nishant discusses ideas of class and caste in connection with Indra At about 58:15, Nishant traces the real-life connection between M.N. Roy and Bal Gangadhar Tilak At about 1:00:20, Nishant reflects on lies as a

Notes and Links to Nathan Thrall’s Work       Nathan Thrall is an American writer living in Jerusalem. In 2024, he received the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction for A Day in the Life of Abed Salama. An international bestseller, it was translated into more than thirty languages, selected as a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, and named a best book of the year by over twenty publications, including The New Yorker, The Economist, and Time. He is also the author of The Only Language They Understand. His reporting, essays, and criticism have appeared in the London Review of Books, The Guardian, The New York Times Magazine, and The New York Review of Books. He spent a decade at the International Crisis Group, where he was director of the Arab-Israeli Project, and has taught at Bard College.  Buy A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy   Nathan's Website   2021 The New York Review of Books Article: “A Day in the Life of Abed Salama”   At about 1:15, Nathan recounts the experience of winning the Pulitzer Prize, and notes the wonderful ways in which the book’s protagonists and others close to him have celebrated the achievement  At about 3:20, Nathan provides purchasing info and book details  At about 4:15, Nathan responds to Pete’s question about the added significance of the book being published on October 3, 2023, four days before a pivotal event At about 6:30, Nathan reflects on how “nothing [much] has changed” regarding the organizations (the “gatekeepers”) who cancelled events with him and Abed Salama, with perhaps more of these organizations digging in on standing with Israel At about 9:30, Nathan notes that “organized political money” is all on one side in the “corrupt political system” At about 12:35, Pete wonders about the “tail wagging the dog” regarding the voting public and the politicians, and Nathan expands upon the reasoning and details for this “gap” At about 14:35, Pete asks Nathan about seeds for the book, and about how the book speaks to the idea that the Israeli/Palestinian conflict did not start on October 7, 2023 At about 15:35, Nathan explains the apartheid and “walled ghetto” at the center of the book, and talks about how this ghetto is a microcosm for Israeli policy At about 18:30, Nathan responds to Pete’s questions about and admiration for his objective hand in writing the book At about 20:45, Pete sets the book’s exposition At about 21:45, Nathan notes the “striking” fact of talking to parents with their “unwarranted” guilt since the bus accident, in response to Pete wondering about Nathan’s broaching such a horrible topic with survivors At about 24:05, The two reflect on the innocence of youth as Nathan recounts the details of parents and family looking for their children and relatives after the bus accident At about 27:30, Nathan explains how just the telling of the basics of Abed’s story, including his odyssey just to find his son in the hospital, was to “tell of apartheid” At about 29:00, Pete compliments the ways in which Nathan’s tracing Abed’s childhood and youth and Nathan expounds on how the personal stories have the reader see “the world through [the character’s eyes]” At about 31:45, Nathan shares a recent experience that shows how life is micromanaged for Palestinians in Israel, revolving around a bridge crossing for Abed, his wife Haifa, and Nathan At about 34:45, Pete asks Nathan to explain the colored-permit system involving Palestinian ID cards and how the intifadas changed the processes, including for Abed At about 39:50, Pete and Nathan talk about different Palestinian cultural and political factions, as described in the book At about 40:30, Nathan explains “bypass roads” and the ways in which they represent Israeli control of Palestinians' lives; in so doing, he points out inaccuracies in the ways that democracy and Israel have often been linked  At about 47:35, Nathan expands on “fabric of life roads” and “sterile roads”-brutally racis

Notes and Links to Matthew Boedy’s Work        Matthew Boedy has written for many publications and authored three books. He's appeared on CNN and MSNBC and in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other media outlets.    He has been a leader in faculty organizing since 2020 as president of the Georgia conference of the American Association of University Professors, a national higher education advocacy group.     He completed his Ph.D. in English in 2015 at the University of South Carolina where he also received in 2010 a master's in creative writing. He most prizes his bachelor's degree in journalism in 2001 from the University of Florida and his work at the campus newspaper, the Independent Florida Alligator.     He is a full professor of rhetoric at the University of North Georgia. He researches and writes about religious rhetoric, particularly in the last few years about the rise of Christian Nationalism.     Buy The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy     Matthew's Website   Matthew Speaks on WBUR’s “Here and Now” on The Seven Mountains Mandate   Article from Mother Jones: “His Book on Charlie Kirk Was About to Come Out. Then His Subject Was Murdered.   At about 1:50, Matthew responds to Pete’s question about “exercising different muscles” in writing fiction, academic, and journalism At about 3:15, Matthew gives information on his book-publisher, summary, etc. At about 5:00, Matthew gives background on the book’s title and subtitle in cover in response to Pete’s question about added resonance for the book since Charlie Kirk’s murder At about 8:25, Matthew responds to Pete’s question about what Matthew has learned about the Turning Point and Charlie Kirk’s influence as seen from outside the United States   At about 10:20, Matthew discusses seeds for the book At about 11:40, Matthew talks about why he wrote two Prefaces for the book, and how the 2024 Presidential Election was a huge turning point for Turning Point At about 12:45, Pete and Matthew trace the book’s opening timeline and its significance in tracing the history of the Seven Mountains Mandate  At about 13:55, Matthew summarizes the Seven Mountains Mandates and talks about Charlie Kirk’s “conversion” to the philosophy   At about 17:25, Matthew reflects on whether or not Charlie Kirk’s “religious fervor” was authentic and on his turn to Christian nationalism  At about 19:45, Matthew responds to Pete’s musings about the connection between “grifting” and Charlie Kirk’s career At about 21:00, Matthew talks about the connections between the prosperity gospel and the Seven Mountains Mandate At about 22:15, Pete lays out some of the book’s early writing on Project 2025, and Matthew expands on its connection to the mandate At about 23:30, Matthew emphasizes how the book is a lot about post-January 6 and connections to the “Mountain of Government" At about 24:10, Matthew talks about Bill Bright and Loren Cunningham and some early iterations of the mandate  At about 27:25, Sara Diamond's prescient writing on the mandates is discussed  At about 29:15, Pete uses a unique analogy to ask Matthew about the ideas of mandates, and Matthew makes a key point about the Mandate as being part of a “minority movement”  At about 32:10, Matthew reflects on Trump’s connection to the Mandate and the movement and mutual benefits At about 33:30, Pete and Matthew discuss a staggering stat about American’s beliefs in and knowledge of the Mandate At about 34:25, Matthew responds to Pete’s question about Charlie Kirk’s death and its influence on religious conversion and political engagement  At about 35:20, Matthew talks about Charlie Kirk’s role in fulfilling a hole for many millennials and Gen Z and young men, particularly with reradds to a religious direction and “finding [one’s] purpose] At about 36:45, Pete asks Matthew about ideas of nonengagement and engagement and connections to Christian fundamentalism  At

Notes and Links to Robert Paylor’s Work     Robert Paylor was paralyzed from the neck down during the collegiate rugby national championship after a spinal cord injury left him with a prognosis that he would never walk or move his hands again. Refusing to accept that fate, Robert embarked on an extraordinary journey of recovery, re-learning life’s most basic functions and defying the odds to walk again. Now an inspirational speaker and author, Robert shares his powerful story and the mental tools that helped him overcome quadriplegia with organizations worldwide. Through his keynote, Paralyzed to Powerful, Robert inspires audiences to conquer what “paralyzes” them and turn their adversity into triumph.    Buy Paralyzed to Powerful: Lessons from a Quadriplegic's Journey   Robert's Website   Book Coverage and Article about Robert’s Journey in The Guardian   Robert's TED Talk: "Lessons in resilience from a quadriplegic"    At about 2:25, Robert talks about the four-month journey since the book has been published At about 3:25, Robert responds to Pete’s question about how he endeavored to make his individual story universal and widely-relatable At about 4:35, Robert expands on the genesis of the book’s structure, and why he needed to balance storyline and reader takeaways At about 7:00, Robert reflects on the writing process and knowing when a writing project is done (or not) At about 10:45, Robert talks about seeds for the book, and ideas of what the plan is for his life At about 11:45, Robert details the injury that led to his paralysis At about 17:00, Robert talks about “controlling [his] mindset” upon being so severely injured  At about 21:15, Robert responds to Pete’s question about the incredible support and love shown by his brother and friends At about 23:45, Robert talks about a key turning point at age 12 in raising the level of his aggression and success in sports At about 26:50, Robert expands upon an interesting and inspirational idea in setting goals, “moving from right to left” At about 31:00, Robert shares how hard it was to write about such personal pain, catharsis, and how the phrase “no tears in the writer, no tears in the reader” informed his writing At about 33:50, Robert gives more detail on the idea of the “mental diet” and using it to help bring progress At about 34:45, Robert describes the “relief” provided for the reader and for Robert through an impromptu hospital visit by Bill Murray At about 37:15, Robert and Pete talk about underrated scenes and quotes from Forrest Gump, and Robert describes marathon viewings of the movie in the hospital and ideas of destiny and deeds At about 38:40, Robert remarks on the beauty and selflessness of Joyce Zuidema and Talon Bonnano and those who prayed for Robert, as he also reflects on ideas of inspiration and comparison  At about 43:10, Robert talks about “get to v. have to” as a paradigm for his recovery and inspiration At about 45:25, Robert responds to Pete’s question about not wanting to be referred to in certain ways regarding disabilities  At about 46:30, The two discuss the “fraternity” of rugby and wonderful mentors and friends and coaches At about 47:40, Robert reflects on ideas of forgiveness and the rage he felt and has felt after his injury was caused by an illegal move  At about 51:20, Robert expands on the ways in which USA Rugby “neglect[ed] their duties” and Coach Jack Clark and Robert’s family At about 53:45, Robert responds to Pete’s comments and the question of “how [he’s] overcome” versus “what [he’s] overcome” At about 55:55, Robert talks about ideas of failures and successes and living with “joy, positivity, and “purpose”      You can now subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and leave me a five-star review. You can also ask for the podcast by name using Alexa, and find the pod on Stitcher, Spotify, and on Amazon Music. Follow Pete on IG, where he is @chillsatwillpodcast, or on Twitter, where he is @chillsatwillpo1. You can wat

Notes and Links to Cynthia Miller-Idriss’ Work       Cynthia Miller-Idriss is the author of Hate in the Homeland: The New Global Far Right and Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism. She is an opinion columnist for MSNBC and writes for The New York Times, The Atlantic, Foreign Affairs, The Washington Post, Politico, USA Today, The Boston Globe, and more. Buy Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism   Cynthia's Website   At about 1:25, Cynthia talks about the run-up to Pub Day, and how it’s different than for her previous books At about 3:00, Pete asks Cynthia about the unfortunate “timeliness” of her work, especially the book At about 5:45, the two discuss seeds for the book, as Cynthia expands on the Turning Point Suffragist Museum and its history and importance At about 7:35, the two discuss the not-so-distant history of misogyny and Simone de Beauvoir, and rising "hostile sexism and misogyny” in the social media and outside world At about 9:55, Cynthia talks about the silence that often is pervasive regarding “gender policing” how misogyny must be central in more explorations of violence  At about 12:05, Cynthia shares some insightful and profound quotes from young people regarding gender norms and expectations At about 16:35, Pete and Cynthia discuss Eliot Rodger and a recent school shooter and the ways in which the “warning signs” were so numerous for a long period of time, but resources are often hard to tap into, even from well-meaning parents and adults and friends  At about 21:25, the two discuss The Death of Expertise and ideas of “alternative facts” and a pervasive lack of trust in “experts” and government At about 23:00, Cynthia responds to Pete’s noting that she purposely avoids naming past shooters At about 25:00, the two lay out the book’s structure  At about 24:25, Pete reports some eye-popping stats of misogynist violence  At about 26:05 Cynthia and Pete reflect on the profound quote from the book that contemporary girls have “more freedom but less power, and boys less freedom and more power” At about 24:40, Cynthia discusses masculinity/sexuality paradigm shifts  At about 29:35, Cynthia and Pete laugh and almost cry regarding fitness as being claimed by the masculine right, such as with jeans-clad RFK At about 30:35, the two reflect on the moral arc of the universe and disturbing trends with Gen Z men At about 32:20, Cynthia responds to Pete reflecting on Trump voters and his misogyny and fixed and demanding gender rigidity and policing  At about 34:15, Pete notes the “intersectionality” of Christian nationalism and masculinity, and Cynthia expands on the adherents’ beliefs At about 36:15, the two discuss ideas of “containment” and visceral hatred and misogyny in hate email and chants and lashing out at women  At about 37:20, Cynthia talks about the data that charts female elected officials and hateful attacks, including from online vitriol and memes At about 39:35, Cynthia talks about people downplaying and excusing male behavior  At about 40:55, More discussion of women needing to be in the home/domestic sphere and women as a “safety net” in parts of the West, especially in the US, even up to Taylor Swift At about 42:30, Cynthia uses an anecdote from Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation to illustrate racist/sexist policing of women and women of color At about 44:50, “bonding through slurs” and online gaming’s influence on misogyny and young men is discussed At about 48:30, The two discuss some stunning (or not) numbers about the way Andrew Tate is viewed At about 49:35, Cynthia responds to Pete’s question about what sets Andrew Tate apart  At about 52:10, Scapegoating of sexual and racial minorities is discussed, and the “spiral” of keeping children safe and QAnon, anti-vax, etc. At about 54:40, Cynthia responds to Pete asking about possible remedies in her book, and how one avoids “preaching” in talking to those who have been radicalized online and off At about

Notes and Links to Ursula Villarreal-Moura’s Work     A native of San Antonio, Texas, Ursula Villarreal-Moura is the author of two works of fiction. Her debut novel Like Happiness is a finalist for The Rudolfo Anaya Fiction Award, longlisted for The Crook’s Corner Book Prize, selected as an Indie Next Pick, and was named a Best Book of 2024 by NPR, San Francisco Chronicle, ELLE, and Them. Math for the Self-Crippling, her flash fiction story collection, was a small press bestseller and has been taught at numerous universities. Her stories, essays, and interviews can be found in Lit Hub, Electric Literature, Story, Alta Journal, and The Rumpus, among others. She is a longtime advocate of reading diversely and of Land Back.    Buy Like Happiness   Ursula's Website   Book Review for Like Happiness from NPR   At about 30:50, Ursula expands on “subverting” ideas of teenage rebelliousness and daughter/parent relationships At about 34:40, Pete talks about Happiness, M. Dominguez’s book, as an “oasis”  At about 35:15, Ursula responds to Pete’s questions about Tatum “using her voice” and revisiting past events with Mateo At about 36:20, The two discuss the initial email correspondence between Tatum and Mateo At about 37:40, Ursula responds to Pete’s question about At about 39:40, Pete remarks on the literary world’s idiosyncrasies, and Ursula shares an amazing story about the National Book Awards and some writing industry “slipper[iness]” At about 42:05, Pete and Ursula reflect on book readings and their myriad crowds; Ursula shares a cool summary of seeing Sigrid Nuñez speak   At about 44:00, Ursula expands on Pete’s wondering and asking about Mateo and Tatum’s early relationship and ideas of a platonic and perhaps unequal relationship At about 47:35, Ursula gives background on real-life parallels to the nunnery portrayed in the novel  At about 49:00, Ursula talks about the juxtaposition of Mayumi and Valeria as reflections of Tatum’s naivete and growth At about 51:10, Ursula talks about the “limbo” that governs Tatum’s reaction to early indications of Mateo’s possible womanizing At about 54:05, Pete wonders about Tatum being in denial and also aware that Mateo may be guilty of charges, and Ursula talks about the Kitty Genovese story and it “always staying with [her]” At about 55:15, Ursula expands on her interest in the “bystander effect” and how this phenomenon has played out with outreach for Gaza At about 56:50, Pete asks Ursula about the importance of Tatum staying in New York At about 59:00, Ursula responds to Pete’s question about the pull of teachers and teaching in Tatum’s life At about 1:01:30, the two discuss the phases of life and subtleties of the Mateo and Tatum relationship At about 1:02:10, Pete talks about Tatum reading Maria Luz’s account of the abuse inflicted by Mateo At about 1:3:00, Pete asks Ursula about writing the phases of the relationship  At about 1:06:00, Pete and Ursula talk about Tatum’s writing her own account of his time with Mateo and if her “ ‘complicated feelings’ ” are helping to “sanitize” Mateo’s behaviors      You can now subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and leave me a five-star review. You can also ask for the podcast by name using Alexa, and find the pod on Stitcher, Spotify, and on Amazon Music. Follow Pete on IG, where he is @chillsatwillpodcast, or on Twitter, where he is @chillsatwillpo1. You can watch other episodes on YouTube-watch and subscribe to The Chills at Will Podcast Channel. Please subscribe to both the YouTube Channel and the podcast while you’re checking out this episode.       Pete is very excited to have one or two podcast episodes per month featured on the website of Chicago Review of Books. The audio will be posted, along with a written interview culled from the audio. His conversation with Hannah Pittard, a recent guest, is up at Chicago Review.     Sign up now for The Chills at Will Podcast Patreon: it can be found at patreon.com/chillsatwillpodcas

Notes and Links to Wright Thompson’s Work       Widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading sports journalists, Wright Thompson is a senior writer for ESPN, an Emmy Award-winning reporter, and the executive producer of the TV show TrueSouth. He is the author of several bestselling books including Pappyland, about the storied whiskey distillery, and, most recently, The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi, a New York Times bestseller that confronts the haunting legacy of Emmett Till’s killing.    A Mississippi native, Thompson is at heart a southern storyteller who believes that understanding the place one lives is both an obligation and an act of love. By exploring foodways, beliefs, identities, and histories—both remembered and forgotten—he seeks to reveal the truths of the region he calls home.   Buy The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi   Wright Thompson's Website   Book Review for The Barn from Washington Post   At about 1:45, Wright talks about the paperback release of The Barn and feedback on the book as “resonat[ing] with readers” in an “urgent” way At about 4:10, Wright responds back to Pete’s questions about what connections he sees between the events of The Barn and contemporary politics and culture At about 7:00, The two reflect on and Wright highlights the open-casket funeral  At about 8:10, Wright responds to Pete’s questions about the biased/blind books that he was exposed to in his Mississippi schooling; he also highlights North Towards Home and Faulkner’s Absalom, Absalom as his favorite book of all-time   the accusation is always the confession At about 10:30, Wright asks Pete about books/writers that his guests have consistently hailed as the best; Pete is unsure, but thinks right away of Toni Morrison At about 11:50, Wright shouts out Ian Toll as a favorite writer At about 12:10, Wright speaks on the best barbecue, highlighting Scott’s-Parker in Lexington, TN At about 14:30, Pete notes the myriad connections between Mississippi/Southern/cotton economy and so many disparate parts of the country and world; Wright expands upon international connections and the need to “go back across the ocean” to fully understand the events of the book and so much more history At about 17:30, the two discuss the “incredible” Gloria Dickerson and her incredible work in Drew, MS, a “stripped” town ruined by economic chains At about 19:15, Pete notes his close connection to Christopher Rufo, and Wright envisions a conversation with him and others railing against “Wokeism” about differences in Black history and CRT  At about 21:55, Wright discusses the “entry point” for The Barn, an article  At about 23:00, Wright discusses an incredible connection between Avery Bradley and Chamillionaire and highlights  At about 24:00, Wright talks of his reverence for Sam Anderson, especially his work regarding Weird Al Yankovic  At about 25:05, Wright responds to Pete’s question regarding Frank DeFord, Bill Naack, Ric Telander, Gary Smith, Tom Junod, Michael Paternitti The Long Fall of Flight 111  At about 26:10, Pete stans Wright’s wonderful collection, The Cost of These Dreams, an incredible anthology focusing on top-tier athletes At about 27:05, Pete traces the book’s beginning, with Willie Reed seeing Emmett Till in his killers’ truck and Pete asks Wright about the titular barn and its standing as a living being in 2025 At about 29:50, Wright responds to Pete’s questions about the impunity with which white people terrorized Black people in Mississippi; he talks about a “moral test”  At about 33:35, Wright highlights family members who passed and failed the aforementioned “moral test” and ideas of all Mississippians being bound together  At about 35:30, Wright talks about history as being weaponized in recent years, versus something to be analyzed/examined with its “disparate datapoints” At about 36:40, Wright points to connections between Chicago and the Mississippi Delta At about 37:25, Wrig

Notes and Links to Andrew Porter’s Work     Andrew Porter is the author of four books, including the short story collection The Theory of Light and Matter (Vintage/Penguin Random House), which won the Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction, the novel In Between Days (Knopf), which was a Barnes & Noble “Discover Great New Writers”  selection, an IndieBound “Indie Next” selection, and the San Antonio Express News’s “Fictional Work of the Year,” the short story collection The Disappeared (Knopf), which was longlisted for The Story Prize and the Joyce Carol Oates Prize, and the novel The Imagined Life, which was published by Knopf in April 2025. Porter’s books have been published in foreign editions in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand and translated into numerous languages, including French, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Bulgarian, and Korean. In addition to winning the Flannery O’Connor Award, his collection, The Theory of Light and Matter,  received Foreword Magazine’s “Book of the Year” Award for Short  Fiction, was a finalist for The Steven Turner Award, The Paterson Prize  and The WLT Book Award, was shortlisted for the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing, and was selected by both The Kansas City Star and The San Antonio Express-News  as one of the “Best Books of the Year.” The recipient of a Pushcart Prize and fellowships from the James Michener-Copernicus Foundation, the W.K. Rose Foundation,  and the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation,  Porter’s  short stories have appeared in The Best American Short Stories, One Story, Ploughshares, The Southern Review, The Threepenny Review, The Missouri Review, American Short Fiction, Narrative Magazine, Epoch, Story, The Colorado Review, Electric Literature, and Texas Monthly, among others. He has had his work read on NPR’s Selected Shorts and numerous times selected as one of the Distinguished Stories of the Year by Best American Short Stories.  A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Porter is currently a Professor of English and Director of the Creative Writing Program at Trinity University in San Antonio.   Buy The Imagined Life   Andrew's Website   Andrew’s Wikipedia Page   Book Review for The Imagined Life from New York Times   At about 1:30, Pete makes a clumsy but heartfelt comparison between The Imagined Life and Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea and Andrew shares feedback from readers of his novel At about 3:10, Andrew responds to Pete’s question about the book’s seeds and talks about “tinker[ing]” with the book’s opening for years At about 4:45, Pete remarks on the book’s first-person account, and Andrew and Pete discuss the book’s opening and ideas of naivete and fallible parents At about 6:45, Pete asks Andrew, who expands about structuring the book and its connection to revision  At about 8:45, Pete compares the setting of the book, 1983 Fullerton, CA, to The Smashing Pumpkins’ “1979,” and Andrew discusses similarities  At about 10:30, Pete reflects on the importance of the age given to the book’s narrator and the two characterize the book’s “father” and Andrew talks about using a 70s/early 80s atmosphere through the young narrator’s lens At about 15:30, Pete summarizes an important character introduction and Andrew talks about the importance of an embarrassing faux pas by the narrator’s father that might have "professional ramifications” At about 17:30, Andrew responds to Pete’s question about the visits that Steven takes to speak with his father’s former colleagues in the present-day At about 21:20, Andrew explains connections between Proust (“Proo-st”) and the father, who is obsessed in some ways with Proust’s work; Andrew notes personal parallels between the father and Proust At about 24:10, Andrew gives background on Uncle Julian’s connection to his brother and his family  At about 25:40, Andrew responds to Pete’s questions about the importance of the book’s cabana and complicated coupling  At about 27:40, Andrew reflects on Chau’s relationship

Notes and Links to Melissa Lozada-Oliva’s Work      Melissa Lozada-Oliva is a Guatemalan-Colombian-American writer. Her chapbook peluda (Button Poetry 2017) explores the intersections of Latina identity and hair removal. In her novel-in-verse Dreaming of You (2021, Astra House), a poet brings Selena back to life through a seance and deals with disastrous consequences. Candelaria (Astra House, 2023) follows a Guatemalan grandmother at the end of the world and her three lost American granddaughters who started it. Candelaria was named one of the best books of 2023 by VOGUE and USA Today. Her collection of short stories BEYOND ALL REASONABLE DOUBT, JESUS IS ALIVE! will be released on September 2 through Astra House. Her newsletter READING SUCKS tracks the books she’s read and the distractions she had while reading them, while interviewing authors about their relationship to reading.  She is currently adapting Dreaming of You into a film and working on a new novel. Melissa has done brand work with Facebook, Instagram, Google, Armani, and Topo Chico Hard Seltzer. Melissa’s work balances the line between horror and humor. Her work has been featured or is forthcoming in NPR, VOGUE, REMEZCLA, PAPER, The Guardian, BreakBeat Poets, Kenyon Review, Vulture, Bustle, Glamour Magazine, The Huffington Post, Muzzle Magazine, The Adroit Journal, and BBC Mundo. She teaches fiction and poetry at the Center for Fiction and the Red Hook Public Library.   Buy Beyond All Reasonable Doubt, JESUS IS ALIVE   Melissa's Website   Review of Beyond All Reasonable Doubt, JESUS IS ALIVE from Kirkus Reviews At about 0:55, Melissa talks about her mindset in the runup to publication and gives purchasing info and info about book events At about 3:35, Melissa responds to Pete’s questions about formative reading and writing from her childhood At about 5:40, Pete and Melissa talk "Usted" and "Tu" and "Vos" and writing in Spanish At about 7:10, Melissa talks about the “real-time satisfaction” of seeing/hearing her work “resonate” with people as a catalyst for her writing career At about 8:20, Melissa expands on what Button Poetry is and how she worked with the organization-here’s one of her viral videos At about 9:45, Melissa talks about the difference in performing writing and then writing in a more solitary way At about 10:50, Melissa talks about writers who have inspired and thrilled her, including Sandra Cisneros, Jhumpa Lahiri, Kelly Link, Julia Alvarez, and Octavia Butler At about 12:50, Melissa shouts some Kelly Link writing to start with in exploring her great work At about 13:15, Melissa responds to Pete's questions about throughlines in the story collection and any seeds for the writing At about 14:35, The two discuss the epigraph’s importance, with another Kelly Link shoutout, and discussion of “nothingness”  At about 16:40, Pete traces the collection’s opening and asks Melissa about her usage of second-person At about 18:20, Pete makes a Soulja Boy/Spanish joke…does it hit? At about 18:45, Melissa replies to Pete’s questions about the idolized teacher in the first story At about 20:45, Melissa reflects on ideas of “cancel culture” as seen in the world and in her collection At about 22:00, Pete wonders about the inspiration for the collection’s title and the titular story At about 26:05, “Pobrecito” is discussed as a “curdled short king story” and Melissa responds to Pete’s questions about the storyteller as trustworthy At about 29:10, “Heads” and the story collection’s “absurd humor” and privilege are discussed, especially through ideas of admiration and connection At about 32:15, Pete compliments Melissa flashback work At about 33:00, Melissa talks about inspiration from Joyce Carol Oates’ “Where are You Going, Where Have You Been?” for her poolhouse story At about 35:15, The body horror story “Tails” is discussed, with its themes of misogyny and competition among women brought on by this systemic misogyny At about 38:40, Melissa expands on

Notes and Links to Joan Silber’s Work    Joan Silber was raised in New Jersey and received her B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College, where she studied writing with Grace Paley. She moved to New York after college and has made it her home ever since. She holds an M.A. from New York University. She’s written ten books of fiction--most recently, Mercy, out in fall 2025.  Secrets of Happiness was a Washington Post Best Book of the year and a Kirkus Reviews Best Fiction of the Year.  Improvement won The National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction and the PEN/Faulkner Award.  She also received the PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in the Short Story.  Her other works of fiction include Fools, longlisted for the National Book Award and finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award, The Size of the World, finalist for the Los Angeles Times Prize in Fiction, and Ideas of Heaven, finalist for the National Book Award and the Story Prize.  She’s also written Lucky Us, In My Other Life, and In the City (to be reissued by Hagfish in 2026), and her first book, Household Words, won the PEN/Hemingway Award. She’s the author of The Art of Time in Fiction, which looks at how fiction is shaped and determined by time, with examples from world writers.  Her short fiction has been chosen for the O. Henry Prize, Best American Short Stories, and the Pushcart Prize.  Stories have appeared in The New Yorker, Tin House, The Southern Review, Ploughshares, Zyzzyva, and other magazines. She’s been the recipient of an Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York Foundation for the Arts. For many years Joan taught fiction writing at Sarah Lawrence College and in the Warren Wilson MFA Program for Writers.  Joan lives on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, with Jolie, her rescued street dog from Taiwan, and she travels as often as she can, with a particular interest in Asia. Buy Mercy   Joan Silber's Website   Joan Silber’s Wikipedia Page   Boston Globe Review of Mercy   At about 2:55, Joan talks about responses about her new novel and how uncertainty is always  At about 3:45, Joan talks about places to buy her new novel and upcoming book events At about 5:05, Joan traces her early relationship with reading and writing and talks about early inspirations like Louisa May Alcott At about 6:55, Joan responds to Pete’s question about the catalysts for her writing career, and she references the wonderful Grace Paley and her generative teaching methods At about 8:35, Joan talks about contemporary writers and influences like Charles Baxter, Andrea Barrett, and Margo Livesy At about 9:50, Pete bumbles through a vague comparison in complimenting Joan on her depiction of New York in the 1970s and gives some exposition of the book, especially regarding the book’s main protagonist, Ivan  At about 11:25, Joan reflects on Ivan and Eddie as “intellectuallizing” their drug adventures  At about 12:35, Joan responds to Pete asking about Eddie and his mindset and personality  At about 14:45, the two trace the book’s inciting incident, involving Eddie and Ivan indulging in drugs to an extreme  At about 17:30, Joan expands on her initial thoughts for the book, and on the secret that Ivan keeps to himself, as well as how she views Ivan in a “complicated” way At about 18:45, Joan responds to Pete’s question about whether or not she “sit[s] in judgment of [her] characters” At about 20:20, Pete highlights Ivan and asks Joan’s about Eddie “hav[ing] his own kingdom” in Ivan’s life, especially with regard to his atonement for Alcoholics Anonymous At about 21:50, Pete traces Astrid/Ginger’s career arc, as Ivan sees her rise and connects to Eddie, and Joan expands on why her film being done in Malaysia is connected to real-life regulations in China At about 23:30, Pete asks Joan about how she gets into the mindset to write about “What if?” At about 24:50, Chapter Two is discuss

Notes and Links to Ruben Reyes, Jr.’s Work     Ruben Reyes Jr. is the son of two Salvadoran immigrants. He completed his MFA in fiction at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. He is a graduate of Harvard College where he studied History and Literature and Latinx Studies. His writing has appeared in The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, AGNI, BOMB Magazine, Lightspeed Magazine, LitHub, and other publications. His debut story collection, There is a Rio Grande in Heaven, was a finalist for The Story Prize, and longlisted for the the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, the Carnegie Medal for Excellence, the Aspen Words Literary Prize, and the New American Voices Award. Archive of Unknown Universes is his first novel. Originally from Southern California, he lives in Queens.   Buy Archive of Unknown Universes   Ruben's Website   Book Review for Archive of Unknown Universes from Washington Post, by Bilal Qureshi   At about 1:45, Ruben describes the experience of having his first novel out in the world At about 3:30, Ruben talks about feedback he’s received about the novel At about 4:35, Ruben shares publishing information and shouts out “local indies” and Bookshop.org as good places to buy the book, and he shares a story about his book tour for his story collection At about 6:10, Ruben talks about his writing timeline and how he wrote his novel and his story collection at around the same time, allowing him flexibility and variety  At about 9:00, Ruben responds to Pete’s questions about how feedback and the writing community worked during the pandemic At about 11:00, Ruben reflects on seeds for his novel, particularly the “turning point” that was his 2018 research trip to El Salvador At about 12:30, Ruben talks about the importance of oral histories he did on this 2018 research trip At about 13:25, Pete asks Ruben about the book’s dedication and how he viewed the specific and universal  At about 16:15, Pete shares the book’s profound epigraphs, and shares the book’s exposition; Ruben responds to Pete’s questions about the book’s structure and his rationale in starting the book with a letter At about 19:25, Ruben reflects on writers and their views on a “perfect novel” At about 20:45, Ruben and Pete describe the book’s pivotal machine, The Defractor, and fun with different “Interlocutors” for the machine  At about 23:40, Pete provides background information on Ana and Luis, important characters in the books At about 25:20, Ruben and Pete discuss the importance of Archbishop Oscar Romero and his coverage in the novel At about 28:00, Ruben reflects on how the “What if?” question is so resonant in literature and outside At about 28:50, Ruben and Pete talk about setting the tone for the start of the relationship between Rafael and Neto and an early scene at Havana’s Malecon  At about 30:40, Pete reflects on traumas so understatedly and profoundly rendered  At about 32:00, Ruben talks about Ana’s and Luis’ relationship  At about 33:40, Pete wonders about an important decision made by Neto, and Ruben expands on research he did that showed how youth was largely in control during the Salvadoran Civil War At about 35:50, Ruben expands on what demands and hopes the revolutionaries/guerrillas had in the Salvadoran Civil War At about 39:05, The two discuss the book’s parallel storyline At about 41:55, Ruben and Pete reflect on the fiery passions of youth and what makes relationships works and connections At about 44:15, The two discuss similarities and differences between Neto and Rafael  At about 46:10, Ruben homes in on how queerness was seen/embraced in the 70s, as shown through Rafael and Neto At about 47:30, Pete highlights a profound quote as he and Ruben talk about “grasping the lost threads of history” and how Ruben’s book connects to ideas of silences and traumas and "reclaiming history” At about 49:40, Ruben shouts out Leisy Abrego’s “On Silences” and its argument about silences as “intergenerational” in the Salvadoran diaspora        Y

Notes and Links to Adnan Virk’s Work       Adnan Virk is an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster who is currently a host on MLB Network, NHL Network, and Amazon Prime Canada. Virk has been on television since September 2002 and worked almost nine years at ESPN, where he was a host primarily on their baseball and college football coverage, while also filling in on ESPN Radio. Virk’s podcast Cinephile ran for eight years, totaling 336 episodes from 2016 to 2024. A graduate of Ryerson University and a Toronto native, Adnan lives with his wife Eamon and their four boys, Yusuf, Adeen, Shazz, and Maaz, in New Jersey. Buy Cinephile   Adnan's Instagram   Cinephile Podcast   At about 2:30, Adnan provides background on working with Mango Publishing and the process of seeing the book to publication At about 4:50, Adnan and Pete reminisce over their struggles and triumphs in high school and college intramurals At about 5:50, Adnan shares exciting feedback from readers, while sharing some favorite stories of his and talking about  At about 7:00, Adnan shares how his son’s middle name is “Scorsese” and talks about an important “informal quiz” that Adnan’s future took to solidify the relationship  At about 9:00, The two reflect on the death of McCluskey in The Godfather  At about 9:30, The two fanboy over the wondrous Dekalog movie series At about 13:20, Adnan traces the iconic night where he announced the Best Picture mixup at the 2017 Oscars At about 16:40, Adnan discusses his interview with Monica Bellucci At about 18:15, Pete and Adnan share their thoughts on the  At about 19:00, Adnan responds to Pete’s leading question about Scorcese’s Silence and reflects on the “special” movie and unique moviegoing experience   At about 21:50, the two reflect on Mahershala Ali’s profound quote on “experiencing” a movie At about 22:35, Adnan responds to Pete's questions about formative moviegoing experiences At about 25:10, the two discuss the wondrous Raging Bull At about 26:40, Pete asks Adnan what movie he can quote at will  At about 28:00, Adnan reflects on movies he enjoyed when he first saw them and then later changed his opinion At about 28:50, Adnan mentions Hoffa in riffing on underrated/underappreciated movies  At about 30:00, Adnan talks about his fun in writing a sort of miscellaneous last chapter of Cinephile  At about 31:15, Adnan talks about Big Night and Raging Bull as great “brother” movies    You can now subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and leave me a five-star review. You can also ask for the podcast by name using Alexa, and find the pod on Stitcher, Spotify, and on Amazon Music. Follow Pete on IG, where he is @chillsatwillpodcast, or on Twitter, where he is @chillsatwillpo1. You can watch other episodes on YouTube-watch and subscribe to The Chills at Will Podcast Channel. Please subscribe to both the YouTube Channel and the podcast while you’re checking out this episode.       Pete is very excited to have one or two podcast episodes per month featured on the website of Chicago Review of Books. The audio will be posted, along with a written interview culled from the audio. His conversation with Hannah Pittard, a recent guest, is up at Chicago Review.     Sign up now for The Chills at Will Podcast Patreon: it can be found at patreon.com/chillsatwillpodcastpeterriehl      Check out the page that describes the benefits of a Patreon membership, including cool swag and bonus episodes. Thanks in advance for supporting Pete’s one-man show, DIY podcast and extensive reading, research, editing, and promoting to keep this independent podcast pumping out high-quality content!    This month’s Patreon bonus episode features an exploration of flawed characters, protagonists who are too real in their actions, and horror and noir as being where so much good and realistic writing takes place.    Pete has added a $1 a month tier for “Well-Wishers” and Cheerleaders of the Show.     This is a passion project, a DIY operation, and Pete

Notes and Links to Jahmal Mayfield’s Work      Jahmal Mayfield writes gritty crime novels that touch on large social issues. He was born in Virginia but currently resides in New Jersey. In addition to writing, he serves as the director of a nonprofit program that provides employment support to people with disabilities. Mayfield is a husband and father of two young adults who are both embarrassed by his frequent forays down the rabbit holes of YouTube to view old 90s hip hop videos. SMOKE KINGS was inspired by Kimberly Jones’ passionate viral video, “How can we win?”    Buy Smoke Kings   Jahmal's Website   Book Review for Smoke Kings from Washington Post, by E.A. Aymar   At about 2:00, Pete and Jahmal fanboy over Nas and talk “classic” hip hop At about 3:40, Jahmal talks about “three phases” of his reading and writing life At about 4:45, Jahmal talks about being “a reader first, and a writer second,” and responds to Pete’s question about what he has gotten from his favorite writers At about 6:00, Jahmal responds to Pete’s musings about At about 7:40, Jahmal expands upon “lean[ing]” into a certain character to use him as a caricature and the reasoning behind the choice At about 8:25, Jahmal and Pete discuss the wonderful crime fiction community  At about 10:25, The two reflect on Kimberly Jones’ viral video and profound speech and righteous rage At about 12:30, The two share much about the book’s exposition and dynamic opening scene At about 13:25, Jahmal gives background on Jackson Keeler’s wonderful editing and how the opening came about At about 14:45, Jahmal shares how he referenced real historical racist tragedies that informed the racist crimes referenced in the book At about 15:45, Jahmal provides background on the book’s main characters and their rationale in seeking revenge  At about 17:10, the two discuss the character of Mason, the PI and his arc and treatment At about 19:30, Jahmal explains how he aimed to have two characters serve as “counterweights” to Mason At about 20:55, Jahmal and Pete reflect scene  At about 23:15, Jahmal responds to Pete’s question about the book’s title, also riffing on the evolution of the title and how he tried to “honor the spirit of Kimberly Jones” At about 25:00, The two discuss the book’s parallel storylines and Jahmal talks about how the book’s structure came late in the process At about 27:50, Pete wonders about Mason and how he views his job At about 29:15, The two discuss the escalating levels of violence within the Smoke Kings and the different ways they view their mission At about 31:20, Jahmal responds to Pete’s comments on Joshua, the brother of the murdered Darius, as taking a step back; Jahmal remarks on how/why he “kinda sidelined" him At about 33:00, Jahmal gives background on Elizabeth and her character as representative   At about 35:35, Jahmal talks about the significance of the names of the white supremacist characters and their characteristics  At about 37:55, Jahmal reflects on a tagline for the book, “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves At about 39:45, The two reflect on Colin Kaepernick’s protests and how it connects to ideas of racial justice At about 43:10, Jahmal responds to Pete’s questions about the systematic versus the individual, in connection to the book At about 46:30, Jahmal gives some previews of his future writing path    You can now subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and leave a five-star review. You can also ask for the podcast by name using Alexa, and find the pod on Stitcher, Spotify, and on Amazon Music. Follow Pete on IG, where he is @chillsatwillpodcast, or on Twitter, where he is @chillsatwillpo1. You can watch other episodes on YouTube-watch and subscribe to The Chills at Will Podcast Channel. Please subscribe to both the YouTube Channel and the podcast while you’re checking out this episode.       Pete is very excited to have one or two podcast episodes per month featured on the website of Chicago R

Notes and Links to Camille Adams’ Work          CAMILLE U. ADAMS, Ph.D. was born and raised in beautiful Trinidad and Tobago. She is the author of the explosive memoir How To Be Unmothered: a Trinidadian memoir, finalist in the Restless Books Prize in New Immigrant Writing 2023.    Camille is a memoirist, a poet, and a nature writer. She has been awarded Best of The Net—nonfiction 2024. She has received five Pushcart Prize nominations and three Best of the Net nominations for her memoir writing. Camille’s work has also received recognition as a notable essay in Best American Essays 2022. Her writing has been long-listed in the Graywolf Creative nonfiction Prize 2022 and selected as a finalist for The 2021 Orison Anthology Award in Nonfiction.    Her other honours include an awarded fellowship as an inaugural Tin House Reading Fellow, an inaugural Granta nature writing workshop fellowship, an inaugural Anaphora Arts Italy Writing Retreat Fellowship, a McKnight Doctoral Fellowship, a Community of Writers Fellowship, A VONA scholarship, and a Roots Wounds Words Fellowship.    A Tin House Summer Workshop alum, Camille has served as a juried reader for Tin House for two consecutive years and as a moderator for two author panels. She has also received support from Kenyon Writers Workshop, Grubstreet, and others.   In addition, Camille has been an associate CNF editor at Variant Lit and an assistant memoir editor at Split Lip Magazine and at The Account. She has long taught English and creative writing, emphasising the importance of strong craft, beautiful prose, and ugly truths.   Having earned her MFA in Poetry from City College CUNY and her Ph.D. in Creative Nonfiction from FSU, Camille currently teaches creative writing and literature in New York City. She is at work on her second memoir. Buy How to Be Unmothered: A Trinidadian Memoir   Camille U. Adams' Website    Excerpt from How to Be Unmothered     At about 2:55, Camille talks about her ideal writing environments and she and Pete bond over Pete’s  At about 5:00, Camille responds to Pete’s question about what books and stories resonate with her students-she references Javier Zamora and Derek Walcott and Jamaica Kincaid At about 8:00, the two discuss purchasing details for How to Be Unmothered At about 9:15, Camille shares great early feedback for the memoir  At about 11:35, Camille responds to Pete’s question about her early reading loves At about 14:30, Pete cites Jamaica Kincaid’s masterful work and Camille shouts out George Lanning, Samuel Selvon, Paul Keyes Douglas, and other masterful Caribbean writers At about 16:50, Camille responds to Pete’s questions about the “push-and-pull” of colonialist language and history in Trinidad At about 21:00, Camille highlights Daniel José Older’s brilliant work as the two discuss evocative language  At about 22:25, Camille cites calypso and its performances as a keen example of the dynamic nature of language   At about 24:05, Camille and Pete discuss the book’s dedication and epigraph (eek-Pete first calls it an “epitath”), with Camille sharing an insightful story on an idea’s generative appearance in her head At about 28:40, Camille responds to Pete’s question about the significance of her memoir’s chapter titles as different trees At about 31:05, Pete and Camille set out the exposition for the memoir, especially the pivotal opening scene; Camille expounds on the long drive recounted and how it serves as a sort of cultural and historical tour of Trinidad At about 35:00, Camille talks about her  At about 36:25, Camille talks about the Trinidian term “hotfoot,” as the two discuss double standards for men and women At about 38:20, No spoilers! as Pete highlights an evocative and creative section about rum At about 40:55, Camille reflects on an “initiation” and on ideas of dominion over nature At about 44:00, Camille examines ideas of being a child and expectations and tropes around parent-child alienations At about 46:50, The

Notes and Links to Jordan Harper’s Work           Jordan Harper is the Edgar-Award winning author of THE LAST KING OF CALIFORNIA, EVERYBODY KNOWS, SHE RIDES SHOTGUN and LOVE AND OTHER WOUNDS. Born and educated in Missouri, he now lives in Los Angeles, where he works as a writer and producer for television. Buy She Rides Shotgun   Jordan Harper's Author Page for Goodreads   She Rides Shotgun Review from Kirkus Reviews   Buy Tickets for She Rides Shotgun At about 3:30, Jordan talks about wanting a bullet wound of a main character to be a visceral and realistic for the reader  At about 4:30, Pete shares a perhaps apocryphal story of a damning way that Sicilian Mafiosi would kill At about 5:20, Jordan further explains a piece of the book that explains an interesting connection to gun violence At about 6:00, Pete references Mario Puzo and his research for his Mafia writing in asking Jordan about his own research for She Rides Shotgun At about 8:25, Jordan shares interesting insights into ways to jumpstart research through using RICO files At about 10:50, Jordan describes his philosophy on realism, and gives credit to Chuck Palahnuik’s approach and advice At about 13:10, Jordan specifies Slab Town in his book as an example of a possibly unrealistic place that is provided evidence of realism and describes his view on violence in his writing At about 14:40, Jordan riffs on John Wick and the “ziplessness of the violence”  At about 16:00, Pete quotes a wise writer friend about noir and horror, etc., and how they are the venues for so much important and brilliant contemporary writing; he also means to shout out Jordan’s incredible recent short story, “My Savage Year” At about 18:00, Jordan talks about “A Violent Masterpiece” as a title of a future book, and its genesis, as well as connections to escapism   At about 21:20, Jordan talks about a shift in subject manner in his latest work, in a more macro-/government At about 22:55, Jordan replies to Pete asking about what it’s like to see the movie version of She Rides Shotgun in the theater; he quotes Jill Ciment in describing the wonder of having your writing adapted to the big screen  At about 24:50, Jordan provides a summary of She Rides Shotgun At about 27:00, Jordan talks about the book’s protagonist, Polly, and the ways in which she’s been “oppressed” At about 29:00, Jordan talks about ideas of hate, oppression, intolerance, fascism, and free speech as connected to Nazism and hate At about 30:40, Pete compliments the “fish out of water” balance that Jordan uses with Polly, and Jordan responds to Pete’s question about the idea of “gunfighter eyes”-attributed to Polly in the novel At about 32:40, Pete and Jordan provides a little exposition for the novel, particularly with regard to the father and daughter relationship, or lack thereof At about 33:40, Pete connects a flashback scene into the novel to a great and intense story by William Carlos Williams, “The Use of Force” At about 34:20, Jordan responds to Pete asking about what keeps Polly with her father, even when she is-especially at the beginning-scared of him/by him At about 35:40, Jordan reflects on a mindset towards pain, and how this mindset manifests in the book At about 37:40, Pete and Jordan reflect on the book’s time lapses and standout flashforward and time compression At about 39:10, Jordan highlights both the book and the idea of The Lie that Tells the Truth, and an important bear makes a cameo At about 41:00, Jordan talks about "complicating the machismo” by making the bear an important part of the novel’s storyline At about 43:50, Pete reflects on the bear’s significance and connection to the high school world; Jordan reflects on seeing himself in Polly, and how readers’ comments made him reflect  At about 46:00, Jordan recounts how a change in POV in the drafts of the book changed the book’s effects At about 48:55, Pete and Jordan reflect on the traumas in Polly’s short life At about 52:15, Pete lauds J