Podcast Episode 19: Claude Mckay

In this episode, we discuss the life of author Claude McKay—a Jamaican-born activist and writer who was an important part of the Harlem Renaissance.


We examine a number of his poems as part of our “Nostalgia” theme, exploring subjects like grieving familial loss, romantic love, and the fight for racial equality in the United States and beyond.


Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better, and explore the human condition—together.

Readings: The Tropics in New York, December, 1919, Romance, If We Must Die

Resources:

Poetry Foundation

Biography.com

Libcom.org 

Grade Saver

Jamaican Information Service

African American Poetry

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Podcast Episode 18: Eudora Welty

In this episode, we journey into the lush and soulful musings of author Eudora Welty—a woman who used plain observation to confect rich and dynamic portraits of everyday life in the American south.


We examine one of her short stories as part of our “Nostalgia” theme, and carve into complex subjects like narrative reliability, the struggle for power within the family unit, and the universal need to be heard.


Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better, and explore the human condition—together.

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Podcast Episode 17: Food

In this episode, we talk about two of our favorite topics: food and southern culture.

Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better, and explore the human condition—together.

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Podcast 009.2: Victor Séjour

In this episode, we take an inquisitive peek into the multilayered work of Creole playwright Victor Sejour—a dramatist who wielded satire like a weapon against 19th-century social prejudices and used real life tragedy to instigate audience introspection.
We analyze one of his plays as part of our Morality theme, and tear into meaty issues like codified racism, the many facets of motherhood and self-identification.
Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better, and explore the human condition—together!

Listen on ITunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Castbox, or right here on the blog. Comments and ratings are appreciated on all platforms!

Reading:

The Fortune Teller

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Podcast 009.1: Edward Prime-Stevenson

 

In this episode, we explore the little-known yet masterfully crafted work of author Edward Prime-Stevenson—a man who faced persecution with bravado and used his talent to strip away social stigmas.

We analyze one of his novels as part of our “Morality” theme, and dig into compelling subjects like the historical/contemporary implications of gayness, unconventional romance and the importance of self-expression.

Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better, and explore the human condition—together.

Listen on ITunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Castbox, or right here on the blog. Comments and ratings are appreciated on all platforms!

Reading: Imre, a memorandum

Resources:

Left to Themselves: The Subversive Boys Books of Edward Prime-Stevenson

Homosexual Identity, Translation, and Prime-Stevenson’s Imre and The Intersexes

Biography Stevenson, Edward Irenaeus Prime

Manipulating a Genre, “Boy Book”

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Podcast 008.1: Agustina Andrade

 

 

In this episode, we pour over the sinuous work and idealistic perspective of poet Agustina Andrade—a woman whose lyrical sensibilities and quixotic writing style came to define Argentine poetry at the end of the nineteenth-century.

We analyze two of her poems as part of our “Poetry Appreciation” theme, and dissect thought-provoking topics like the cultural ramifications of art, Victorian sexuality and the power of self-expression.

Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better, and explore the human condition—together.

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Podcast 007.2: Fredrika Bremer

In this episode, we peer into the unconventional life and prose of author Fredrika Bremer—a woman whose writing ignited a global shift towards the recognition of women’s rights.

We analyze an excerpt of her work as part of our “Femininity” theme and discuss moving themes like feminism, independence, and personal conviction.

Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better, and explore the human condition—together.

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Podcast 007.1: Mary P Burrill

 

In this episode, we look into the compelling world view and craftmanship of playwright Mamie Burrill—a woman who used the art of drama to incite powerful social and moral debates during the early twentieth-century.

We analyze one of her plays as part of our “Femininity” theme and discuss timely topics like reproductive rights, cultural expectations of womanhood and classism.

Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better, and explore the human condition—together.

Listen on ITunes, Stitcher, Castbox, or right here. Comments and ratings are appreciated on all platforms!

Reading: They That Sit In Darkness

Resources:
A Representative Tragedy of African American Women, B.N. Wakchaure
Aphrodite’s Daughters, Maureen Honey

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Podcast 006.0: GET TO KNOW US

In this episode, we take a quick break from literary exploration and lay our analytical routine temporarily to the wayside. To celebrate the 10th installment of The Writer Who Reads podcast, we laugh our way through a candid conversation about our friendship and rummage through a heap of mutual memories.

Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better, and explore the human condition—together.

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Podcast 005.2: Alan L Hart

In this episode, we review the trailblazing life and work of Alan L. Hart, M.D., a man whose quiet determination and fortitude sparked a slow-moving change in American social attitudes. We analyze one of his short stories as part of our “Rebirth” theme, and hash over resonant issues like gender identity, self-acceptance and liberty.

Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better and explore the human condition–together.

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Reading: An Idyll Of A Country Childhood

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Podcast 005.1: Hannah Hurnard

 

In this episode, we consider the unorthodox outlook and craftsmanship of writer Hannah Hurnard—a woman whose literary technique is steeped in the subtle froth of empathy. We analyze one of her novels as part of our “Rebirth” theme, and reflect upon heady themes like faith, compassion, and emotional growth.

Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better, and explore the human condition—together.

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Reading: Hinds Feet On High Places

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Podcast 004.2: Olaudah Equiano

In this episode, we commemorate the humanitarianism and grit of memoirist Olaudah Equiano, also known as Gustavus Vassa — a man whose fortitude and ardor helped redefine the concept of freedom in the British Empire. We analyze his autobiography as part of our “Black History Month” theme, and discuss meaningful subjects independence, national identity, and compassion. 

Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better, and explore the human condition — together.

Listen on ITunes, Stitcher, SoundCloud, Castbox, or right here. Comments and ratings are appreciated on all platforms!

Reading: The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano: Or Gustavus Vassa, The African, Written By Himself

Resources:
CORRECTION | Vicissitudes, Underwater Sculpture

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Podcast 004.1: Jessie Redmon Fauset

In this episode, we examine the groundbreaking life and work of author Jessie Redmon Fauset—a woman whose tact and dynamism helped launch the Harlem Renaissance. We analyze a selection of her poetry as part of our “Black History Month” theme, and talk through tough topics like racial exoticism, American beauty standards and social empathy.

Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better, and explore the human condition—together.

Listen on ITunes, Stitcher, Castbox, or right here. Comments and ratings are appreciated on all platforms!

Reading: Touche

Resources:
The Crisis Magazine 
The Forgotten Work of Jessie Redmon Fauset, The New Yorker

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Podcast 003.0: Alice Dunbar Nelson

Happy Mardi Gras! Today is a big, sloppy, happy day for this writer who reads. But, before I start day-drinking, I thought I’d share our latest podcast episode:

In this episode, we celebrate the supple words and imagination of writer Alice Dunbar-Nelson, a woman whose phrasing drips with the lurid richness of her Creole heritage. We analyze one of her short stories as part of our special “Mardi Gras” theme, and wade through intricate subjects like moral decadence, cultural dilution, and Louisiana tradition.

Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better and explore the human condition—together.

Listen on ITunes, Stitcher, Castbox, or right here. Comments and ratings are appreciated on all platforms!

Reading: The Goodness of St. Rocque and Other Stories

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Podcast 002.2: Zitkála-Šá

In this episode, we consider the intrepid technique and character of author Zitkala-Sa—a woman who gave voice to a stifled civilization and deified the languid splendor of the prairie. We analyze one of her essays as part of our ‘Unapologetic Living’ theme, and wade through complex topics like cultural assimilation, spiritualism, and racial identity.

Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better, and explore the human condition—together.

Listen on ITunes, Stitcher, Castbox, or right here. Comments and ratings are appreciated on all platforms!

Reading: Why I Am A Pagan

Resources:
Earlham.edu
NativeAmericanWriters.com
Zitkala-Sa | The Native Voice From Exile by Dorothea Susag

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Podcast 002.1: Natalie Clifford Barney

In this episode, we examine the spirited style and observations of artist Natalie Clifford Barney—a woman who tore through conventionality and redefined the bounds of feminine self-expression. We analyze two of her poems as part of our ‘Unapologetic Living’ theme, and dive into complicated subjects like self-acceptance, homoeroticism, and intimacy.

Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better,  and explore the human condition—together.

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Reading: A Parisian Roof Garden in 1918

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Podcast 001.2: Angelina Weld Grimké

 

In this episode, we discuss the soulful perspective and poetry of writer Angelina Weld Grimke—a woman whose work reflects the depths of her emotional and social convictions. We analyze three of her poems as part of our ‘Secrets’ theme, and tackle poignant issues like race, queerness and romance.

Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better, and explore the human condition—together.

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Reading:
At April
Tenebris
Rosabel

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Podcast 001.1: Willa Cather

In this episode, we investigate the bold life and work of author Willa Cather—a woman who used her pen to transcribe the broad social  richness of the American heartland. We analyze her novel “O Pioneers!” as part of our ‘Secrets’ theme, and delve into topics like gender, sexuality, and cultural identity.

Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better and explore the human condition—together.

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Reading: O Pioneers!

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