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).

Episodes

Sarah Perry on ENLIGHTENMENT

Enlightenment by Sarah Perry is a story of lost love, longing and scientific pursuit with transportive and transformative prose. Perry joins us to talk about writing about ethics, class and money in her work, female rage, redemption and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. 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): Enlig...

Jun 04, 202434 min

Nina St. Pierre on LOVE IS A BURNING THING

In her memoir, Love is a Burning Thing, Nina St. Pierre explores her complicated relationship with her mother, mental health, poverty and the divine. St. Pierre joins us to talk about challenging stigmas, the importance of storytelling, writing as a restorative practice and more with guest host, Jenna Seery. We end this episode with TBR Top Off recommendations from Jamie and Donald. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Jenna Seery and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thu...

Jun 01, 202445 min

Kevin Kwan on LIES AND WEDDINGS

Travel across the globe in Kevin Kwan’s Lies and Weddings , a funny, lavish novel about love and secrets . Kwan joins us live at Barnes & Noble Union Square to talk about his writing process, cultural identity, representation , reader reactions and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. 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 (Epi...

May 30, 202442 min

Garth Risk Hallberg on THE SECOND COMING

The Second Coming by Garth Risk Hallberg is a story of fathers and daughters and the lengths we'd go to for the people we love. Hallberg joins us to talk about writing likable characters, self-discovery and trauma, his literary influences and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. We end this episode with TBR Topoff recommendations from Marc and Donald. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional S...

May 28, 202458 min

Hari Kunzru on BLUE RUIN

Blue Ruin by Hari Kunzru is a novel about how we live now, the price we pay for the choices we make, and who gets to call themself an artist. Kunzru joins us to talk about structure and character development, identity and culture, authenticity in storytelling and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. 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...

May 25, 202438 min

R.O. Kwon on EXHIBIT

Exhibit by R.O. Kwon weaves together themes of identity, artistry, and desire in a powerful story of women searching for meaning. Kwon joins us to talk about the dangers of ambition, the power of creating art, her connection to this novel and more with guest host 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): Exhibit b...

May 23, 202442 min

Sebastian Junger on IN MY TIME OF DYING

In My Time of Dying , Sebastian Junger’s deeply personal memoir, follows the author’s own harrowing journey to answer his questions about death and dying. Junger joins us to talk about his own near-death experience, the impact it had on his perspectives, mental health and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. We end this episode with TBR Topoff recommendations from Marc and Mary. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and ...

May 21, 202450 min

Carvell Wallace on ANOTHER WORD FOR LOVE

Carvell Wallace’s memoir Another Word for Love recounts life growing up Black and queer with beautifully crafted , emotional storytelling. Wallace joins us to talk about vulnerability, authenticity and liberation, his literary influences and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. 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): ...

May 18, 202451 min

Miranda July on ALL FOURS

All Fours by Miranda July is a funny and unflinching look at one woman’s existence as she faces changes in her life and relationships. July joined us to talk about aging as a woman, societal pressures on identity and motherhood, her writing process and more with guest host, 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)...

May 14, 202444 min

Zoë Schlanger on THE LIGHT EATERS

The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger is a journey through the complexity and beauty in the world of plants. Schlanger joins us to talk about the possibility of communicating plants, new research breakthroughs, her connection to climate science 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)...

May 11, 202451 min

Rachel Khong on REAL AMERICANS

Rachel Khong’s Real Americans is a family story that weaves class and race with forgiveness and identity in a story with rich and warm characters. Khong joined us live at The Grove to talk about heritage and culture in writing, nostalgia and memory, community building and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. 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 ...

May 09, 202440 min

Colm Tóibín on LONG ISLAND

Colm Tóibín’s Long Island features family secrets and complicated choices in the sequel to his beloved novel, Brooklyn. Tóibín joins us to talk about choosing to continue this story, creating his characters and themes of identity and community with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. 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): Lon...

May 07, 202451 min

Genevieve Kingston on DID I EVER TELL YOU?

Did I Ever Tell You? by Genevieve Kingston is an intimate and compelling story of grief and love, family, and the reverberating impact of what we leave behind. Kingston joins us live at B&N Upper West Side to talk about her connection to her mother, grieving and healing, crafting a memoir and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. 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 y...

May 02, 202433 min

Salman Rushdie on KNIFE

In his new memoir, Knife , Salman Rushdie tells the unforgettable (and life-affirming) story of the attempt on his life and the recovery and healing that would follow. Rushdie joins us to talk about writing such a personal work, the importance and beauty of art and the kinds of literature he loves with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. 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 y...

Apr 30, 202450 min

Shannon Chakraborty on THE ADVENTURES OF AMINA AL-SIRAFI

Shannon Chakraborty’s The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi is a journey through magical lands and tempestuous seas with a crew of pirates that you won’t soon forget. Chakraborty joins us to talk about creating her unique and vibrant characters, writing about history (and magic), including important themes of identity and religion and more with guest host, Jenna Seery. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Jenna Seery and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occas...

Apr 27, 202439 min

Elaine U. Cho on OCEAN'S GODORI

Ocean’s Godori by Elaine U. Cho has it all — space, murder, romance and characters to love. Cho joins us to talk about what lead her to write the book, cultural identity in sci-fi, her inclusion of pop culture references and more with guest host, Kat Sarfas. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Kat Sarfas and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Ocean’s Godori by Elaine U. ...

Apr 25, 202428 min

Amy Tan on THE BACKYARD BIRD CHRONICLES

The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan allows readers to experience through the author’s eyes and taps into the fascination we share with our avian friends. Tan joins us to talk about birdwatching and the creative process, the ways she came to writing the book, observation in the natural world and more with Miwa Messer, the host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) her...

Apr 23, 202447 min

Crystal Hana Kim on THE STONE HOME

The Stone Home by Crystal Hana Kim is a story of mothers and daughters, secrets and lies, complicity and betrayal set in 1980s South Korea. Kim joined us to talk about the history that appears in her novel, oppression and storytelling, the importance of historical fiction and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. 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 podc...

Apr 20, 202440 min

Amanda Montell on THE AGE OF MAGICAL OVERTHINKING

The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell combines witty and playful analyses of the way our brains work in the nonstop information age with personal stories that will make readers feel like talking to a best friend. Montell joins us to talk about the truth about cognitive biases, her extensive research process, the effects our society has on our thinking and more with guest host, Jenna Seery. We end this episode with TBR Topoff book recommendations from Marc and Jamie. This episode of P...

Apr 18, 202450 min

Sarah Hart on ONCE UPON A PRIME

Once Upon a Prime by Sarah Hart connects mathematics and fiction, encouraging readers to dig deeper into why they like to read what they like to read, using math as a guide. Hart joins us to talk about her path to writing, the unexpected parallels between seemingly different disciplines, some of her favorite mathematical literature facts and more with guest host, Jenna Seery. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Jenna Seery and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays ...

Apr 15, 202443 min

Carys Davies on CLEAR

Clear by Carys Davies is a beautifully written short novel about the price of isolation and the desire for community. Davies joined us to talk about the importance of language in her writing, wilderness and western adaptations, writing concise stories and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. We end this episode with TBR Topoff book recommendations from Marc and Jamie. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (...

Apr 13, 202445 min

Maggie Nelson on LIKE LOVE

Like Love by Maggie Nelson features essays and conversations, advice and introspection, spanning the decades of her career. Nelson joins us to talk about her many influences, the role of love in art criticism, vulnerability in writing and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. 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): Lik...

Apr 11, 202442 min

Anne Lamott on SOMEHOW

Somehow: Thoughts on Love by Anne Lamott is full of empathy, heart and humanity, drawing on personal struggles and triumphs to showcase the wider truths of love and compassion. Lamott joined us to talk about the powers of connection, the impact of distractions in our lives, joy and wonder in creativity and more with guest host, 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...

Apr 09, 202447 min

Xochitl Gonzalez on ANITA DE MONTE LAUGHS LAST

Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez is a sharp and rollicking read about the power of art and the lasting legacy of those who make it. Gonzalez joined us live at Barnes & Noble UWS to talk about studying art history, culture shock in higher education, creative freedom and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. 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 favori...

Apr 06, 202445 min

Julia Alvarez on THE CEMETERY OF UNTOLD STORIES

The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez is a funny, life-affirming novel about storytelling, friendship and death. Alvarez joins us to talk about aging, community, how we chose which stories we tell and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. 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 Cemetery of Untold Stories ...

Apr 04, 202449 min

Leif Enger on I CHEERFULLY REFUSE

I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger is a big-hearted, hopeful novel that's part adventure story, part love story — with unforgettable dialogue, characters, and sense of place. Enger joins us to talk about writing dystopian fiction, the importance of setting, world building and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. We end this episode with TBR Topoff recommendations from Marc and Mary. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays a...

Apr 02, 202451 min

Lisa Ko on MEMORY PIECE

Memory Piece by Lisa Ko is an unforgettable story of art, friendship and coming-of-age that cuts across decades from the 1980s to the 2040s. Ko joins us to talk about forming the characters of the novel, writing through a large span of time, her artistic influences and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. We end this episode with TBR Topoff recommendations from Marc and Jamie. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Th...

Mar 30, 202446 min

Vinson Cunningham on GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Great Expectations by Vinson Cunningham is a clear-eyed, charming coming-of-age-story set in the world of power, money, and political campaigns. Cunningham joins us to talk about choosing the title for his book, the connections between art and identity, what it means to write about politics and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. 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...

Mar 28, 202455 min

Hanif Abdurraqib on THERE'S ALWAYS THIS YEAR

There’s Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib plays with time and memory, intimacy and vulnerability, going away and coming home — and leaves everything on the court. Abdurraqib joins us to talk about Ohio, bravery in writing, nostalgia and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. 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): Th...

Mar 26, 202452 min