The People's Project by Maggie Smith and Saeed Jones is a carefully curated collection of poetry, essays and art from some of our greatest voices. Maggie and Saeed join us to chat about finding community in poetry, the challenge of vulnerability, using metaphor as a tool, writing across genres 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...
Sep 11, 2025•46 min
The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown is another mind-bending, globe-spanning maze of a story featuring Robert Langdon. Dan joins us to talk about revisiting his characters, the study of human consciousness, trusting your own taste, puzzles, Prague 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 (Epis...
Sep 10, 2025•34 min
You Weren't Meant to Be Human by Andrew Joseph White is a gritty and guttural story of an alien invasion in the mountains of West Virginia. Andrew joins us to talk about reading horror novels, the catharsis of writing, world building, Appalachia, 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 on your favorite podcast app...
Sep 09, 2025•50 min
Dark Renaissance by Stephen Greenblatt is a riveting look into the mysterious life of the brilliant and oft-misunderstood writer, Christopher Marlowe. Stephen joins us to talk about writing for the stage, literacy in the 1500s, the freedom of the theater, living in a time of extremes 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 podcas...
Sep 06, 2025•48 min
To the Moon and Back by Eliana Ramage is a sweeping story of a woman's journey to become the first Cherokee astronaut. Eliana joins us to talk about her research process, balancing comedy with tragedy, family stories, ambition, community 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)...
Sep 04, 2025•45 min
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan is an intimate portrait of small-town, midcentury America. Patrick joins us to chat about writing family mythologies, the passage of time, forgiveness, Ohio, craft 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): Buckeye by Patrick Ryan House of Beth by Kerry Cullen ...
Sep 02, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Toni at Random by Dana A. Williams takes readers into the inner world of Toni Morrison as a literary editor. Dana joins us to chat about language, the editorial process, Toni Morrison's lasting legacy 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): Toni at Random by Dana A. Williams The Black Book by ...
Aug 30, 2025•43 min
A Truce That is Not Peace by Miriam Toews is a heartfelt and hopeful memoir about life and art. Miriam joins us to talk about why she writes, silence, language, living in 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. Featured Books (Episode): A Truce That is Not Peace by Miriam Toews Fight Night by Miriam Toews S...
Aug 28, 2025•50 min
Katabasis by R.F. Kuang is a gripping tour de force that takes us into the depths of the underworld alongside two rival academics. Kuang joins us to talk about finding solace in writing, being a genre chameleon, 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 on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Katabas...
Aug 26, 2025•40 min
Blessings and Disasters by Alexis Okeowo is a riveting and empathetic portrait of a misunderstood U.S. state. Alexis joins us to talk about growing up in Alabama, building community, contradictions of the South, rhetoric vs propaganda, journalism 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): Blessin...
Aug 23, 2025•44 min
Seduction Theory by Emily Adrian isn't your average campus novel. Emily joins us to talk about writing comedy, marriage plots, reading classics and more. The Hypocrite by Jo Hamya is a gripping tale of complex family mythologies. Jo joins us to talk about writing dialogue, literary influences, story structure, separating art from the artist, characterization and more. Listen in as these authors speak separately with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Exec...
Aug 21, 2025•1 hr 24 min
Three decades in the making, Baldwin: A Love Story by Nicholas Boggs explores the personal relationships that made James Baldwin the indelible figure we know today. Nicholas joins us to talk about what first led him to Baldwin, the future of biographies, how Baldwin became the writer we know now, the art of yearning 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) h...
Aug 19, 2025•55 min
The Grand Paloma Resort by Cleyvis Natera centers on a tropical paradise hiding a sinister secret. Cleyvis joins us to talk about the intricacies of sibling stories, class disparities, tourism, the Dominican Republic, literary influences and more with 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 Grand Paloma Reso...
Aug 16, 2025•51 min
Moderation by Elaine Castillo is a warm, funny and surreal story about the blurred lines between high tech and humanity. Elaine joins us to talk about virtual reality, Pride and Prejudice , diaspora, Las Vegas 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): Moderation by Elaine Castillo How to Read No...
Aug 14, 2025•51 min
Scott and Jon Lee Anderson — award-winning journalists, bestselling authors, and brothers — both have new books out this month. The Anderson brothers join us to talk about their new books, King of Kings and To Lose a War , the evolution of communication, studying language, living against the backdrop of war 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 o...
Aug 12, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Trying by Chloé Caldwell is a poignant memoir of self-exploration, home and identity. Chloé joins us to talk about minimalist writing, her journey with infertility, literary 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): Trying by Chloé Caldwell Women by Chloé Caldwell The Red Zone by Ch...
Aug 09, 2025•45 min
A City on Mars by Hugo Award-winning duo Kelly and Zach Weinersmith is a gripping take on one of humanity's biggest questions. The Weinersmiths join us for an out-of-this-world conversation about space settlements, planet colonization, science fiction vs reality, Space Law 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 podca...
Aug 07, 2025•1 hr 2 min
People Like Us by National Book Award-winning author Jason Mott is a brilliant story of grief, fear, hope and joy. Jason joins us to talk about story pacing, sequels, comic books, finding home, video games 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): People Like Us by Jason Mott Hell of a Book by J...
Aug 05, 2025•43 min
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas is a heartfelt story of first love, identity and home. Aiden joins us to talk about fan interactions, reflecting on the 5 years since publishing his debut, Día de Muertos, heart stories, influences 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): Cemetery...
Aug 02, 2025•46 min
Lonely Crowds by Stephanie Wambugu is a heartfelt and empathetic coming-of-age story centered on the volatile relationship between two artists. Stephanie joins us to chat about campus novels, outlining, Toni Morrison 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): Lonely Crowds by St...
Jul 31, 2025•40 min
The Future Was Now by Chris Nashawaty is a fascinating deep-dive into an era we'll never forget — the summer blockbuster season of 1982. Chris joins us to talk about the height of science fiction, Hollywood, Steven Spielberg, the future of film 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 (Episo...
Jul 29, 2025•56 min
I Want to Burn This Place Down by Maris Kreizman is a funny, honest and hopeful collection of essays from a cultural critic. Maris joins us to talk about the golden age of blogging, Mad Men , magazines, physical vs digital reading, gateway authors 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): I Want...
Jul 24, 2025•51 min
Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee is funny, full of heart and folklore, centered on a woman determined to find humor in her heartbreak. Katie joins us to talk about short books, universality, unnamed narrators, Chinese mythology, living in translation, hope 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 ap...
Jul 22, 2025•39 min
Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild is a page-turning family drama, a second-chance love story, and a meditation on the fragile nature of life, all in one. Loretta joins us to talk about the relationship between grief and love, narration, finding inspiration, characterization, creating tension 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 a...
Jul 19, 2025•48 min
I'll Tell You When I'm Home is a poignant exploration of place and identity by Hala Alyan, the author of Salt Houses . Hala joins us to talk about poetry, what it means to tell the truth, redaction, establishing trust with readers, loyalty, motherhood 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): I'...
Jul 17, 2025•48 min
Misbehaving at the Crossroads by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers is an indelible collection of essays on womanhood, home and history. Honorée joins us to talk about the blues, intersectionality, Ryan Coogler's Sinners , respectability politics, poetry 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): Misbehavin...
Jul 15, 2025•59 min
Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart is a story about a modern family coming apart at the seams — and one child is at the center of it all. Gary joins us to chat about characterization, curiosity, gifted kid burnout, dystopian fiction, AI 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): ...
Jul 10, 2025•45 min
A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst is an engrossing true account of a shocking shipwreck that's part love story and part peril on the high seas. Sophie joins us to talk about the 70s, marriage, sailing, survival 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): A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst Adr...
Jul 08, 2025•42 min
Reality TV has changed our cultural landscape… for better or worse. We're tackling reality TV with two books — The Compound by Aisling Rawle and Cue the Sun! by Emily Nussbaum. One takes us into the fictional perspective of a reality show contestant and the other is a riveting cultural study from a Pulitzer Prize-winning critic. Listen in as these authors speak separately with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer Miwa Messer and mixed by ...
Jul 05, 2025•1 hr 50 min
Braided Heritage by Dr. Jessica B. Harris is a sweeping account of food, home and culture featuring stories and recipes from the acclaimed culinary historian. Dr. Harris joins us to talk about travel writing, language, the evolution of American cuisine, cookbooks 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 (...
Jul 03, 2025•51 min
