John McCoy and a guest host read books you might have been assigned in high school, or college, or other stuff you might have read when you were a kid. The theming is loose!
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John McCoy and first-time co-host Jill Hoffman delve into Meindert De Jong's "The Wheel on the School," a charming 1954 Newberry winner. They discuss the book's picturesque Dutch setting, the author's distinctive, matter-of-fact narrative voice, and its enduring appeal to young readers through themes of unsupervised childhood adventure and community building. The conversation highlights how a group of children galvanizes their isolated village to work together, respecting elders and fostering agency, all while on a quest to bring good-luck storks back to their town.
Jelani Sims returns to talk about Mildred D. Taylor’s heartbreaking Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (1977). John McCoy with Jelani Sims Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.
John and Dan McCoy revisit Don Marquis's 'Archy and Mehitabel,' a collection of newspaper columns featuring Archie, a reincarnated cockroach poet, and Mehitabel, a street cat. They discuss Marquis's historical fame as a humorist, his influence on writers like E.B. White, and the work's surprising dark humor and philosophical insights. The episode also touches on the challenges of adapting such unique material and its lasting appeal as a quirky snapshot of 1920s New York life.
Hosts John and Marina McCoy discuss Plato's Apology, examining Socrates' defense against charges of corrupting youth and impiety in ancient Athens. They explore his unique method of questioning, his "crusty" yet principled character, and the philosophical concept of "aporia" – embracing the state of not knowing as an ethical virtue. The episode highlights Socrates' challenge to societal norms, his distinction from the Sophists, and his profound belief that an unexamined life is not worth living, ultimately influencing generations of philosophical thought despite his execution.
Co-host Daniel Heddendorf joins John McCoy to delve into Harlan Ellison's 1965 short story, "Repent, Harlequin!" Said the Ticktockman. They analyze its unique dystopian setting where life is rigidly governed by schedules and individuals face consequences for "wasting time." The discussion explores the Harlequin's whimsical acts of rebellion, the story's critique of bureaucracy, Ellison's innovative narrative style, and its lasting relevance in contemporary society. The episode also touches on literary parallels and a surprising radio adaptation featuring Robin Williams.
John McCoy and Shaenon K. Garrity delve into Flann O'Brien's enigmatic 'The Third Policeman,' a novel far ahead of its time with its postmodern structure and dark humor. They discuss its unique narrative, the strange theories of De Selby, the bizarre police station, and the intricate, often illogical, plot. The conversation also covers O'Brien's fascinating Irish background, his career as a civil servant and newspaper columnist, and the book's unexpected influence on later countercultural works, concluding with a look at its beautiful, witty prose.
Hope you’re not lactose intolerant! Matt Skuta returns to discuss John Cormier’s I am the Cheese (1977). John McCoy with Matt Skuta Show Notes & Links I am the Cheese The 1983 film adaptation. Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more....
What, the one as big as me? Marina McCoy makes her holiday return to discuss Mário de Andrade’s sweet-and-salty “A Christmas Turkey” (1956). John McCoy with Marina McCoy Show Notes & Links Mario de Andrade - Brazil School A dubbed introduction to the life and work of Brazilian poet and author Mário de Andrade Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more....
Who watches the Watch House? Not us, the book is better. Ross Cleaver returns to discuss Robert Westall’s The Watch House (1977). John McCoy with Ross Cleaver Show Notes & Links *Pathetic Fallacy* post to accompany this episode The 1988 BBC adaptation (if you must) Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more....
In their annual Thanksgiving episode, the McCoy brothers delve into three iconic protest songs from the Vietnam era: Pete Seeger's "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?", The Original Caste's "One Tin Soldier", and Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant". They offer diverse perspectives on the songs' lyrical depth, musicality, and their effectiveness as social commentary, also touching on generational differences in appreciating such art and the evolution of comedy.
John McCoy and David Loehr delve into Tom Stoppard's "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead," exploring its absurdist and existential themes and its unique perspective on Shakespeare's Hamlet. They discuss the challenges of adapting plays to screen, Stoppard's directorial choices for the film version, and the play's enduring impact on theater and individual artists. The conversation also touches on Stoppard's other works and the broader landscape of classic literature.
Don’t it allways seem to go, you don’t know what unicorns you got til they’re gone. Kathy Campbell discusses Peter S. Beagle’s 1968 The Last Unicorn . John McCoy with Kathy Campbell Show Notes & Links I'm Aliiiiiiive My Pathetic Fallacy blogpost about theme song for the movie version of The Last Unicorn. Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more....
John McCoy and guest John Siracusa discuss Karel Čapek's R.U.R., the play that coined "robot." They examine whether the play's creations are true robots or biological androids, the story's humorous yet critical take on class, labor, and unchecked technological advancement. The discussion covers the play's unique narrative structure, its allegorical elements, and how its themes still resonate with modern AI and ethical dilemmas, including the unexpected role of "love" in its resolution.
Hosts discuss Jean Merrill's 1964 novel, "The Pushcart War," a satirical "fake history" about a conflict between pushcarts and trucks in New York City. They delve into its allegorical nature, which critiques unchecked power and propaganda, surprisingly prescient for modern politics. The episode also touches on the author's progressive background and the book's significant influence on children's literature, highlighting its charm and enduring lessons about social resistance and craftsmanship.
Hosts John McCoy and Daniel Daughhetee delve into Henry David Thoreau's "Walden, or Life in the Woods," discussing its unconventional prose and Thoreau's experiment in living minimally. They explore the book's complex themes, Thoreau's philosophical inquiries, and his often-contradictory views on society and self-reliance, appreciating the work despite its quirks and the author's challenging personality.
Rosalynde Vas Dias joins to discuss three key poems by Elizabeth Bishop: “Sestina,” “Filling Station,” and “Crusoe in England.” They explore Bishop's unique place in poetry, her reserved style contrasted with confessional poets, and her mastery of form and observation. The conversation highlights themes of grief, domesticity, loss, and the complexity of human experience captured through vivid imagery and tone.
David Dedrick joins John McCoy to discuss John Wyndham's "The Chrysalids," exploring themes of post-apocalyptic survival, societal fundamentalism, and the fear of mutation. They delve into Wyndham's writing style, the novel's commentary on evolution, and its lasting influence on young adult fiction. The conversation also touches on moral ambiguity and the challenges faced by female characters.
John McCoy and Glenn Fleishman discuss Friedrich Dürrenmatt's play "The Visit," exploring its themes of revenge, morality, and societal corruption. They analyze the characters, the play's historical context, and its relevance to contemporary issues, highlighting its unique blend of dark humor and thought-provoking commentary. The discussion delves into the complexities of the play's moral dilemmas and its impact on the audience.
Lisa Schmeiser joins John McCoy to discuss T.S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," exploring its themes of frustration, social constraints, and the search for meaning in middle age. The discussion covers the poem's density, allusions, and Eliot's personal life, offering fresh interpretations and insights into this modernist work. They delve into its imagery, historical context, and enduring relevance, revealing the poem's layers for new and seasoned readers.
I’ve heard it said by men of wide experience that podcasts used to be better in the old days. Kieran Healy discusses three short stories by Frank O’Connor: “First Confession,” “The Majesty of the Law,” and “Guests of the Nation.” John McCoy with Kieran Healy Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more....
Forever is composed of podcasts. Caroline Fulford discusses selected poems by Emily Dickinson (c. 1860-65). John McCoy with Caroline Fulford and Marina McCoy Show Notes & Links Emily Dickinson at the Poetry Foundation Biography and texts of many of her poems. Works in this episode linked below: I felt a funeral, in my brain I heard a Fly buzz - when I died - Forever – is composed of Nows – You left me – Sire – two Legacies – Wild nights - Wild nights! Support this show and other shows like i...
Cigars are always trouble. Marina McCoy discusses Barbara Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1972). John McCoy with Marina McCoy Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.
Sometimes you want to go where everybody is a thread in the fabric of the human condition. Also they know your name. Phil Gonzales discusses William Saroyan’s The Time of Your Life (1939). John McCoy with Phil Gonzales Show Notes & Links The Time of Your Life (1976) The John Houseman directed television version for Theater in America, with Kevin Kline and Patti Lupone. Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to pod...
Hey, things are tough. The McCoy Bros, Rob, John, and Dan, discuss the books that get them through. John McCoy with Rob McCoy and Dan McCoy Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.
Ross Cleaver returns to talk owls, plates, and Welsh mythology in Alan Garner’s The Owl Service (1967). John McCoy with Ross Cleaver Show Notes & Links Owl Service dinner plate The titular service plate with its owl flowers. Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more....
This episode has many omissions, and contains much that is apocryphal, or at least wildly inaccurate. Jacob Haller tries to make sense of Douglas Adams’s The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1979). John McCoy with Jacob Haller Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.
What’s more cultivated and genteel than classical theater? David Loehr discusses Aristophanes’s Lysistrata (411 B.C.E.) John McCoy with David J. Loehr Show Notes & Links Lysistrata Jones Trailer for the 2011 Broadway musical Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more....
Because twenty would be too few and twenty-two would be ridiculous. Shaenon K. Garrity discusses William Pène du Bois’s The Twenty-One Balloons (1947). John McCoy with Shaenon K. Garrity Referenced Works The Twenty-One Balloons Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more....
Rain Main meets Air Bud . Dan McCoy discusses stims and happy endings and Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2003). John McCoy with Dan McCoy Show Notes & Links Dan McCoy's Special Interests My brother’s newsletter mentioned in the episode. Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more....
This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but with a bunch of monks sitting around copying stuff. Jelani Sims returns to discuss Walter M. Miller Jr.’s A Canticle for Leibowitz (1959). John McCoy with Jelani Sims Referenced Works A Canticle for Leibowitz Show Notes & Links A Canticle for Leibowitz The Internet Archive has all episodes of the 15-part NPR Playhouse adaptation which aired in 1981. Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member ....
