Poured Over - podcast cover

Poured Over

Barnes & Noblewww.bn.com
Poured Over is a show for readers who pore over details, obsess over sentences and ideas and stories and characters; readers who ask a lot of questions, just like Poured Over's host, Miwa Messer, a career bookseller who's always reading. Follow us here for surprising riffs, candid conversations, a few laughs, and lots of great book recommendations from big name authors and authors on their way to being big names. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional bonus episodes on Saturdays).
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Episodes

Alia Hanna Habib on TAKE IT FROM ME

Take It from Me by Alia Hanna Habib is a riveting deep-dive into the publishing industry from an agent's perspective. Alia joins us to talk about curiosity, reading nonfiction, literary agenting, social media, building community and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Take It from Me: An Agent...

Jan 24, 202654 min

Rachel Eliza Griffiths on THE FLOWER BEARERS

The Flower Bearers by Rachel Eliza Griffiths is a powerful and poignant memoir from an inimitable voice. Rachel Eliza joins us to talk about poetry, grief, visual arts vs language, vulnerability, the evolution of New York and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The Flower Bearers by Rachel Eli...

Jan 22, 202656 min

Larissa Pham on DISCIPLINE

Discipline by Larissa Pham is a sharp debut following a young writer and the real-life inspiration behind her revenge fantasy novel. Larissa joins us to talk about ownership over stories, identity, art & artists, painting, influences and more with cohost Jenna Seery. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Jenna Seery and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Discipline by ...

Jan 20, 202642 min

Seanan McGuire on THROUGH GATES OF GARNET AND GOLD

Through Gates of Garnet and Gold by Seanan McGuire — the 11th installment of the Wayward Childrens Series — takes us on a whirlwind quest to the underworld. Seanan joins us to talk about identity, portal fantasies, creating her own rules, working on multiple series at once, characterization and more with cohost Isabelle McConville. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Isabelle McConville and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and ...

Jan 17, 202640 min

Isabel Ibañez on GRACELESS HEART

Graceless Heart by Isabel Ibañez is a dazzling slow-burn historical romance set in 1400s Florence. Isabel joins us to talk about lush world building, coming-of-age novels, self-reflection, eldest daughters, control and more with cohost Isabelle McConville. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Isabelle McConville and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Graceless Heart by Is...

Jan 15, 202638 min

Matt Dinniman on DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman is an intergalactic sci-fi adventure following one man's journey through the apocalypse. Matt joins us to talk about LitRPG novels, video games, worldbuilding, writing in a gameshow structure, the evolution of gaming and more with guest host Chris Gillespie. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Chris Gillespie and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Bo...

Jan 13, 202652 min

Ross Montgomery on THE MURDER AT WORLD'S END

The Murder at World's End by Ross Montgomery is a rollicking locked-room mystery centered on a dynamic detective duo. Ross joins us to talk about Halley's Comet, writing for children vs adults, cosmic frenzy, research, Golden Age murder mysteries and more with cohost Isabelle McConville. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Isabelle McConville and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books ...

Jan 10, 202644 min

Emma Pattee on TILT

Tilt by Emma Pattee is a breathtaking exploration of humanity, desperation, love and survival in the midst of a catastrophe. Emma joins us to talk about natural disasters, control, motherhood, research, grief and more with guest host Brenda Allison. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Brenda Allison and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Tilt by Emma Pattee I Am, I Am, I...

Jan 08, 202648 min

Ben Markovits on THE REST OF OUR LIVES

The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits is a deeply human and tender story of a man's journey across North America. Ben joins us to talk about road trip novels, middle age, marriage, family and more with guest host Brenda Allison. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Brenda Allison and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits Queen Esther b...

Jan 06, 202649 min

How We Read Now (featuring MJ Franklin and Joumana Khatib of The New York Times)

Get ready for another great year of reading! MJ Franklin and Joumana Khatib of The New York Times join us to talk about dissecting the literary canon, keeping books weird, language, dialogue, world building, rereading, blurbs and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Franny and Zooey by J.D. Sal...

Jan 01, 20261 hr 16 min

Jeff Chang on WATER MIRROR ECHO

Water Mirror Echo by Jeff Chang is a gripping blend of biography and history centered on a legendary figure. Jeff joins us to talk about community, Chinatown, the Vietnam War, the 1970s, movies and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America...

Dec 13, 202558 min

Annie Leibovitz on WOMEN

Women by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz is a remarkable celebration of life and womanhood through powerful portraits. Annie joined us live at B&N Union Square to talk about the evolution of photography, Rolling Stone, portraits, photojournalism, digital vs film, the 70s, Gloria Steinem and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your fav...

Dec 11, 202544 min

Charles Duhigg on SUPERCOMMUNICATORS

Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg expertly examines how to understand others and be understood through effective communication. Charles joins us to talk about identifying conversation types, connection, attention, the power of questions, neuroscience, habits and more with guest host Chris Gillespie. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Chris Gillespie and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Feat...

Dec 09, 202553 min

Simon Winchester on THE BREATH OF THE GODS

The Breath of the Gods by Simon Winchester is a fascinating deep dive into a familiar phenomenon. Simon joins us to talk about changing wind speeds, the moon landing, oboes, human migration, tumbleweeds and more with guest host Chris Gillespie. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Chris Gillespie and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The Breath of the Gods: The History a...

Dec 06, 202551 min

Bill Bryson on A SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING 2.0

A Short History of Nearly Everything 2.0 by Bill Bryson is the fully revised and updated exploration of life's biggest questions. Bill joins us to talk about advancements in research over the last 20 years, making science accessible, narrativizing history, Isaac Newton, humanity and more with guest host Chris Gillespie. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Chris Gillespie and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite...

Dec 04, 202556 min

Elizabeth McCracken on A LONG GAME

A Long Game by Elizabeth McCracken is a thoughtful and engaging guide to the craft of writing filled with tips, tricks and personal anecdotes from an acclaimed author. Elizabeth joins us to talk about breaking story rules, short stories vs novels, character physicality, setting, plot, dialogue and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorit...

Dec 02, 202552 min

Garth Greenwell on SMALL RAIN

Small Rain by Garth Greenwell is a haunting story of one man's emotional reckoning. Garth joins us to talk about bewilderment, memory, interiority, James Baldwin, home ownership, intimacy and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Small Rain by Garth Greenwell Nocturnes for the King of Naples by ...

Nov 29, 202545 min

Samin Nosrat on GOOD THINGS

Good Things by Samin Nosrat — our 2025 Gift Book of the Year — is a unique guide to forming a deeper sense of connection through food, paired with gorgeous photos and heartwarming anecdotes. Samin joins us to talk about reconnecting with cooking, writing recipes, teaching new thought processes in the kitchen, sharing a meal with loved ones, time, attention, community and more with guest host Brenda Allison. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Brenda Allison and mixed by Harry Liang. New ep...

Nov 27, 20251 hr 1 min

Jen Percy on GIRLS PLAY DEAD

Girls Play Dead by award-winning journalist Jen Percy is a powerful and poignant portrait of women and survival. Jen joins us to talk about understanding trauma, PTSD, gender expectations, wartime reportage, self-preservation, research and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Girls Play Dead: A...

Nov 26, 202552 min

Lily King on HEART THE LOVER

Heart the Lover by Lily King is a gripping story of family, identity, life and love from the bestselling author of Writers & Lovers . Lily joined us live at B&N Upper West Side to talk about crafting an emotional arc, writing little moments between characters, details, process, vulnerability and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your f...

Nov 25, 202542 min

W. David Marx on BLANK SPACE

Blank Space: A Cultural History of the Twenty-First Century by author and critic W. David Marx is a gripping retrospective that examines our culture today — and questions where we might be headed. David joins us to talk about living in Tokyo, the internet, merging art and commerce, nostalgia, smartphones and more with cohosts Chris Gillespie and Isabelle McConville. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Isabelle McConville and Chris Gillespie, and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tues...

Nov 22, 202557 min

Susan Orlean on JOYRIDE

Joyride by Susan Orlean is a vibrant memoir about the craft of writing and the pursuit of creativity from an acclaimed author. Susan joins us to talk about reportage, capturing place, detail, writers as outsiders, curiosity and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Joyride: A Memoir by Susan Orl...

Nov 20, 202554 min

Bryan Washington on PALAVER

Palaver by National Book Award finalist Bryan Washington is a moving story about mother and son, identity, home and humanity. Bryan joins us to talk about Tokyo, writing in 3rd person, navigating intimacy, utilizing space on the page, honesty, memory and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Pal...

Nov 19, 202558 min

John Edgar Wideman on LANGUAGES OF HOME

Languages of Home by John Edgar Wideman is a collection of the acclaimed author and cultural critic's most influential works — five decades in the making. John joins us to talk about the creative process, improvisation, basketball, storytelling, the evolution of voice, translation and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app...

Nov 18, 202557 min

Julian Brave NoiseCat on WE SURVIVED THE NIGHT

We Survived the Night by Julian Brave NoiseCat is a powerful and poignant blend of memoir, poetry, folklore and reportage from an Oscar-nominated director, journalist and champion powwow dancer. Julian joins us to talk about trickster narratives, Coyote stories, art, consideration and more with cohost Isabelle McConville. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Isabelle McConville and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your fa...

Nov 15, 202535 min

Quiara Alegría Hudes on THE WHITE HOT

The White Hot by Quiara Alegría Hudes is a lyrical and poignant novel about womanhood, home and identity from the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winner My Broken Language . Quiara joins us to talk about physicality, motherhood, eldest daughters, coming of age, Philadelphia and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured...

Nov 13, 202550 min

Ann Packer on SOME BRIGHT NOWHERE

Some Bright Nowhere by Ann Packer is a tender story of marriage, family and home. Ann joins us to talk about shifting perspective, community, character, moral dilemmas, influences and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Some Bright Nowhere by Ann Packer Mendocino and Other Stories by Ann Packe...

Nov 12, 202553 min

Tony Tulathimutte on REJECTION

Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte is a sharp and smart collection about belonging, vanity and connection. Tony joins us to talk about character vs plot, living alongside technology, isolation, satire and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte Private Citizens by Tony T...

Nov 11, 202545 min

Aja Gabel on LIGHTBREAKERS

Lightbreakers by Aja Gabel is a genre-defying story about how far one would go to save the person they love. Aja joins us to talk about time travel, faith vs fear, screenwriting, contemporary art, Marfa and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Lightbreakers by Aja Gabel The Ensemble by Aja Gabe...

Nov 08, 202552 min

Alix E. Harrow on THE EVERLASTING

The Everlasting by bestselling author Alix E. Harrow is an epic time-traveling fantasy about history, legacy, belonging and bravery. Alix joined us live at The Grove to talk about creating her own mythology, unreliable narrators, time loop stories, lady-knights, gender roles and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Feat...

Nov 06, 202546 min
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