From La Rousse to Le Coucou, Michael Cecchi-Azzolina—Maitre d’ extraordinaire—has a birds eye view on some of New York City’s most historic, glamorous restaurants. After more than 35 years in the restaurant world, he’s sharing his behind the scenes tales in his delicious new memoir YOUR TABLE IS READY (Dec. 2022, pub: St. Martin's Press). This week, Michael tells Angie all about his early memories of the restaurant business, living through the AIDS epidemic, the singular magic of gathering aroun...
Mar 07, 2023•41 min•Ep. 61
This week on Lit Up, Angela chats with author Reid Mitenbuler, whose new book, Wanderlust: An Eccentric Explorer, an Epic Journey, a Lost Age (Mariner at HarperCollins) charts the true story of adventurer Peter Freuchen and his larger-than-life escapades. They talk about the origins of Freuchen’s adventurous spirit, the unexpected quirks you uncover when delving into someone’s life story, the importance of historical context, and Mitenbuler’s go-to narrative nonfiction writers. Advertising Inqui...
Feb 21, 2023•31 min•Ep. 60
This week on the podcast, we're re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from 2022, when we talked to Elizabeth Day about her book Magpie. Next month, Elizabeth is releasing a new book called Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict, and seeing as she and Angie talked about friendship, we couldn't think of a better time to revisit this warm and fun conversation. Enjoy! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Feb 07, 2023•40 min
This week, Angela chats with Kate Baer, the Pennsylvania-based poet and New York Times-bestselling author of the collections WHAT KIND OF WOMAN, I HOPE THIS FINDS YOU WELL, & AND YET. They talk about Kate's path to sharing poems about motherhood, in all its complexity, with strangers on the internet; pushing back against misogynistic takes on her work; the poets whose words she keeps returning to; and the wisdom that accompanies getting older and embracing who you are.Plus, lucky us: Kate re...
Jan 24, 2023•32 min•Ep. 59
This week on Lit Up, Angela speaks with Tarajia Morrell, writer, born-and-raised New Yorker, and creator of the food and travel blog, The Lovage. They discuss Tarajia’s impactful collaboration with the late boundary-breaking chef Fatima Ali on her 2022 posthumous memoir Savor: A Chef's Hunger for More (Ballantine Books), which features writing from Fatima during her last months and contributions by her mother, Farezeh. They also discuss Tarajia’s path into food writing as a way to talk about mem...
Jan 10, 2023•36 min•Ep. 58
For Lit Up’s final episode of 2022, Angie and Ruby (a brilliant colleague who works on the Sugar23 Books imprint, and spent a past life as a bookseller at New York City’s iconic Three Lives & Company), catch up about their year in great books, titles they’ve loved, what’s topping their list for winter break marathon reading sessions, and recommended book gifts for all the avid readers in your lives this holiday season.Books we talk about on this ep include:The English Understand Wool by Hele...
Dec 20, 2022•30 min•Ep. 57
This week, Angela chats with Jen Ortiz, Deputy Editor of New York Magazine’s The Cut. They talk about Jen’s trajectory through the media world, working with writers, life and abortion resources after Roe, newsletters and books she’s loving of late, and of course, this August’s Meghan Markle cover story.Jen's recs include:Alive at the End of the World by Saeed JonesBre Graham’s newsletter Just to Delight and book, Table for Two: Recipes for the Ones You Love The Old Place by Bobby FingerVegan che...
Dec 13, 2022•39 min•Ep. 56
This week, Angela speaks with writer and editor Nimarta Narang, who has worked as a journalist since she was 15 in Thailand and currently oversees Brown Girl Magazine’s literary vertical, commissioning and publishing original fiction from established and emerging South Asian writers. Brown Girl Magazine, a multimedia company created by and for South Asian womxn, believes in storytelling as a powerful tool for community building. Their team encompasses and welcomes women, femmes, men, gender non-...
Nov 29, 2022•37 min•Ep. 55
I’m changing things up a bit today and bringing you a preview of a new podcast I’m enjoying and think you will, too. Where There’s a Will: Finding Shakespeare searches for the surprising places Shakespeare shows up outside the theater. Host Barry Edelstein, artistic director at one of the country’s leading Shakespeare theaters, asks what is it about Shakespeare that’s given him a continuous afterlife in all sorts of unexpected ways? You’ll hear Shakespeare doing rehabilitative work in a maximum ...
Nov 22, 2022•12 min
This week, Angela talks to New Yorker staff writer Susan Orlean, the New York Times-bestselling author of Rin Tin Tin, Saturday Night, and The Orchid Thief (the basis for the Academy Award–winning film, Adaptation), among other books.The conversation begins with On Animals—Susan’s collection of favorites pieces exploring animal-human relationships—and her own experiences of living alongside various creatures. They also talk about honing your instincts as a writer and letting your curiosity lead ...
Nov 15, 2022•32 min•Ep. 54
This week on the podcast, Angela is joined by Alyssa Shelasky, editor of NY Mag's Sex Diaries (and soon to be the star of the HBO series), writer, and author of 'This Might Be Too Personal,' a collection of essays on relationships, sex, motherhood, and finding yourself.Angie and Alyssa talk about the 'good old days', but also what it means to grow older in New York City. They also discuss some good advice Alyssa got from a colleague, and what it means to live as an artist.Angie references Alyssa...
Nov 01, 2022•47 min•Ep. 53
This week on the podcast, Angela speaks with teacher and author Laura Warrell. They discuss Laura's new novel, Soft, Sweet, Plenty Rhythm, and the 20-year journey to getting it into the world. Laura's book is about Circus Palmer, a trumpet player and the women in his orbit. They talk about Laura's work to make these characters as rich as the man as at the center of the story. They also talk about Laura's 2019 viral essay, I Gave Up On Love, And It Was One Of The Best Decisions I Ever Made. Seein...
Oct 18, 2022•36 min•Ep. 52
This week on the podcast, Angela welcomes Cody Keenan, author of Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America. This book is a special one for Angela and Sugar23, as we are publishing this book in partnership with Mariner at HarperCollins.Cody spent years as President Obama's speechwriter, a position he held during some of the greatest moments and darkest days of Obama's presidency. Angie and Cody talk about meeting Obama for the first time, writing speeches for the first Black p...
Oct 04, 2022•42 min•Ep. 51
This week Angela welcomes Karah Preiss, Co-Founder of Bellatrist, to the show. They talk about how Bellatrist came to be, what she's reading right now, and the role books that have changed her life. They also talk about 'the biz,' and how to turn a book into a TV show or movie.Belletrist celebrates great books and the people who read them. Learn more at belletrist.com Karah and Emma's new series, Tell Me Lies, is available on HULU.Karah's recommendations:Stay With Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ (her ne...
Sep 20, 2022•52 min•Ep. 50
This week, Angela speaks to the actor and writer Kal Penn about his memoir You Can't Be Serious, now in paperback. Angie talks to Kal about what led him to leave his role as a TV regular on House to work in the Obama administration, and a whole lot more.Kal's book, You Can't Be Serious, is available now. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Sep 06, 2022•52 min•Ep. 49
Hello Lit Up listeners!While you're making summery cocktails and making pasta salad this labor day week/weekend, we thought you'd like to enjoy the dulcet tones of Stanley Tucci. Today we're revisiting Angela's October 2021 conversation with the internet's favorite martini maker. We hope you enjoy, and that you have a lovely, sunny Labor Day weekend.-Angela, Liam, Olivia, Ruby, and the entire Lit Up team. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...
Aug 30, 2022•38 min
When Angela first heard Natasha Sizlo's story in 2020, she couldn't believe what she was reading, but she knew she had to be a part of telling it. Now, Natasha joins Angela on Lit Up to talk all about what inspired her to write her new memoir, ALL SIGNS POINT TO PARIS.We'll be back in two weeks with Kal Penn! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Aug 23, 2022•43 min•Ep. 48
This week on the pod, Angela welcomes her friend Isaac Fitzgerald to talk about his memoir Dirtbag, Massachusetts, which recently made its way onto the New York Times Bestseller list.Isaac is known for championing others on the Today Show, but Angie asks him about his life, including why he waited a decade to write this book.Isaac's recent piece on being an uncle for Esquire can be read here.Follow Isaac on Instagram and Twitter. Follow Lit Up on Instagram and Twitter, too! Advertising Inquiries...
Aug 09, 2022•55 min•Ep. 47
On this week's episode, Angela speaks with Safia Elhillo about her new book of poetry GIRLS THAT NEVER DIE. Safia and Angie talk about poetry (of course!), Safia's amazing fashion sense, and what it means to be a poet in all aspects of her life.Safia's the author of two other books, including Home Is Not A Country and The January Children. You can read more about her work here. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jul 26, 2022•37 min•Ep. 46
Fellow books podcast host Christopher Hermelin (So Many Damn Books) joins Angela for a special crossover episode! Angie and Christopher talk about what to do when the magic of reading has temporarily vanished (especially when your day job is in publishing), books that help us make sense of modern life and the near future, and summer reading plans. You can hear the other half of Christopher and Angie’s chat on the So Many Damn Books podcast feed this week: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so...
Jul 12, 2022•20 min•Ep. 45
Angela loves talking to Lisa Taddeo, who is on Lit Up for the third time this week. Lisa's writing always makes Angie nervous because it's so good at confronting the darker side of longing and attachment. Angie and Lisa talk about Lisa's new short story collection, GHOST LOVER, and why Lisa's writing gives Angie a funny tummy.--https://donations4abortion.com/ - donate to support abortion funds by statehttps://secure.actblue.com/donate/supportabortionfunds - donate to the national network of abor...
Jun 28, 2022•34 min•Ep. 44
This week on the podcast, Angela talks to Abi Morgan, BAFTA and Emmy award-winning playwright and screenwriter best known for The Iron Lady, Shame, The Invisible Woman and Suffragette. Most recently, she's also created the hit series The Split.Now, Abi has released 'This Is Not A Pity Memoir,' and it's all about what happens when the person you love most no longer recognizes you.Angie and Abi talk about the extraordinary, traumatic, and funny moments of her harrowing memoir. They touch upon the ...
Jun 14, 2022•35 min
Today on the podcast Angela welcomes Elizabeth Day, a journalist, broadcaster, and author of five books, including her latest, the domestic thriller Magpie. Elizabeth also hosts the only podcast Angela listens to religiously, How To Fail with Elizabeth Day.Angie and Elizabeth talk about Magpie, but they also share their journeys, failures, and how they've come to understand themselves. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information...
May 31, 2022•41 min
This week, we’re sharing a special preview of a podcast we’ve been enjoying, Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso, from Pushkin Industries. Talk Easy is a weekly interview podcast, where writer Sam Fragoso invites actors, writers, activists, and musicians to come to the table and speakfrom the heart in ways you probably haven't heard from them before. Driven by curiosity and an abundance of research, he’s had revealing conversations with everyone from George Saunders and Cate Blanchett to Ocean Vuong and ...
May 22, 2022•22 min•Ep. 42
This week, Angela talks to documentarian, writer, and comedian Zarqa Nawaz, whose new book, Jameela Green Ruins Everything, is out now. Angie and Zarqa talk about Zarqa's career, including her documentary Me and The Mosque, her TV show Little Mosque on the Prarie, and how years writing pilots in Hollywood lead her to write a memoir. They also talk about how to make fun of ISIS.Zarqa talks about textbooks created by America to radicalize children in Afghanistan. Here's the Washington post article...
May 17, 2022•33 min
On this week's episode, Angela speaks with musician, author, and broadcaster Clemency Burton-HIll. Clemency wants to make classical music more accessible, and has brought this mission to her work at New York Public Radio, WNYC, and the BBC.Angie and Clemency talk about her books Year of Wonder and the follow-up Another Year of Wonder, both of which introduce the listener to a new piece of classical music every day. They also talk about Clemency's recovery from a brain hemorrhage in 2020, which o...
May 03, 2022•36 min•Ep. 40
This week we're revisiting Angela's conversation with Max Porter about his book Grief Is The Thing With Feathers. It's all about messy families, relationships, and we hope it'll encourage you to hug your families tight this Easter weekend.Follow these links to get Max's newer books, Lanny, and The Death of Francis Bacon.We'll be back in two weeks with our conversation with Clemency Burton-Hill. See ya then! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...
Apr 19, 2022•50 min•Ep. 39
This week on Lit Up, Angela speaks with Pamela Paul, formerly the editor of The New York Times Book Review and now a Times Opinion Columnist. She's also the author of 8 books, including her latest, 100 Things We've Lost to The Internet. Angie and Pamela talk about the importance of boredom, what the pandemic taught us about our needs in life, and the choice we have over how we use the internet.Next time: Clemency Burton-Hill. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. S...
Apr 05, 2022•37 min•Ep. 38
This week on the show, Angela talks to Stephan Lee, author of K-Pop Confidential and the upcoming K-Pop Revolution. They talk about K-Pop, his recent move from New York to LA, and his experience of feeling like an outsider in both America and Korea.You can purchase K-Pop Confidential and pre-order K-Pop Revolution via the link on our website, LitUpPodcast dot comSee you in two weeks! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Mar 22, 2022•33 min•Ep. 37
This week on the podcast Angela talks to Jason Diamond, contributor to GQ and author of The Sprawl and Searching For John Hughes. Angie and Jason have a wide-ranging chat about growing up in the suburbs, house cardigans, and his Martini drinking club called The Beardo Crew. Jason also talks about his Polish and Russian heritage, and how that has affected his love of Russian literature.Jason also writes regularly at his own substack. https://meltedcheeseonwhitefish.substack.com/Next time: Stephan...
Mar 08, 2022•38 min
