“The peril actually comes from us — our prejudice, our biases, and our conceived threats, not from artificial intelligence, so we need to reconsider what is human and how we're treating other human beings…” Unsettling and chilling, Bora Chung’s Your Utopia is a story collection featuring robot vehicles, sentient elevators and futures both hopeful and terrifying. Chung joins us to talk about the dangers of human influenced A.I., caring for our future robot overlords, adding humor to horror and mo...
Feb 17, 2024•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast “You can write all the books you want — they are going to be very pretty, but if they don't tell the truth, comprehensively, it's just not worth the effort.” Lucy Sante’s memoir, I Heard Her Call My Name: A Memoir of Transition , is deeply personal and features expertly crafted pros e that tells the author’s journey to authenticity and freedom in her identity. Sante joins us to talk about the small steps that lead to a change in perspective, creating community, incorporating visual arts and more...
Feb 15, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast “If you write about a person, you're writing about that person because they're special.” The Book of Love by Kelly Link combines fantastical elements, varieties of love and a supernatural bargain — all set in a picturesque seaside town. Link joins us to talk about what led her from short stories to her first novel, how she created her magic system, the influence of music on her writing and more with guest host, Kat Sarfas. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by guest host Kat Sarfas and mixed...
Feb 13, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast “ I am of the mind that a novel should not leave you with a thesis … I think a novel should reflect the deep parts of human behavior in such an accurate way that a wormhole forms …” With themes of race and class in a college town, Kiley Reid’s Come and Get It balances characters you can’t get enough of with a nonstop plot. Reid joins us to talk about money and marriage, power dynamics in academia , creating her crackling dialogue and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Po...
Feb 08, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast “I 'm interested in the limitations of the mind — like that your brain really does only go down so many paths , a nd then there's a million paths that for some reason, it never goes down …” Sheila Heti’s Alphabetical Diaries is a memoir in a form all its own. Told in order, sentence by sentence from A to Z, to tell a story of identity and change in a lyrically constructed way. Heti joins us to talk about the inception and writing of this book, intense and purposeful editing, creative process and...
Feb 06, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast “I feel like these poems tell stories in and of themselves. And perhaps as an entire collection , they tell a greater story. … We're human beings — people laugh, love, hope, dream, dance, smile, live, die, just like everybody else. And Black people need to be reminded of that, and everybody else needs to be reminded of that.” This Is the Honey is the new poetry collection edited by Kwame Alexander featuring carefully curated poems from contemporary Black poets. Alexander joins us on the show to ...
Feb 03, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast What can we do when our storybook romance ends? Good Material lets us laugh our way through the thick of heartbreak with sharp wit, the warmth of friendships and all too relatable moments from the throes of a breakup. Alderton joins us to talk about writing from the male perspective, the things we all do when our hearts get broken, the unspoken grief when relationships don’t work and more with guest host, Jenna Seery. We end this episode with TBR Topoff book recommendations from Marc and Mary. T...
Feb 01, 2024•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast “My writing is always trying to open that up and to say — you can start here; you can start now.” Imagination: A Manifesto by Ruha Benjamin reminds us that our imaginations already know what a better world looks like. From education to challenging our systems of oppression and more, this insightful work shows a new place for us all to start from. Benjamin joins us to talk about the split between imagination and technology, changing our narratives to tell new stories, the importance of community ...
Jan 30, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Filterworld by Kyle Chayka investigates one of our most prevalent yet often unnoticed influences — the algorithms that shape our online experiences from social media to shopping and more. Chayka joins us to talk about his own internet evolution, the concept of passive consumption and what we lose when the algorithms take over our feeds with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesda...
Jan 27, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast “I really wanted to find connection with these creatures that I'll never meet … ” Sabrina Imbler’s How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures is as unique and intriguing as the animals it explores. This book combines personal themes of race, gender, and family with reflections from the natural world in a n unforgettable series of essays. Imbler joins us to talk about how they started writing about nature, the incredible and interesting creatures featured in their work, the connection...
Jan 25, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast “ I hope that when there is laughter, it's laughter made wise by having known real grief — a nd when there is grief, it is made wise by having known real joy. ” Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar is the story of a young Iranian American man searching for meaning through art, addiction, and connection. Akbar joins us to talk about writing both poetry and prose, collaboration with other novelists, creating compassion through writing and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over w...
Jan 23, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Marie-Helene Bertino’s Beautyland gives insight in to the human experience through the eyes of a young woman ( who may or may not be an extraterrestrial ) and reflects the joys and heartaches of life in way that will resonate with all readers. Bertino joins us to talk about her unforgettable character, looking at the world from an outsider’s perspective, the mysticism of a fax machine and more. Poor Deer by Claire Oshetsky starts with a childhood game ending in the unimaginable and sets off on a...
Jan 20, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Transcript available on Metacast How We Do It: Black Writers on Craft, Practice, and Skill is edited by Jericho Brown and contains diverse and expansive essays and other works on the craft of writing from acclaimed Black authors like Nikki Giovanni, Barry Jenkins, Jacqueline Woodson and more. Brown joins us to talk about identity and language, the necessity of treating yourself like a writer, creating a new form of poetry and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. T his episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Produc...
Jan 18, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Vintage Contemporaries by Dan Kois is a fiction debut that blends a coming-of-age story with the themes of lasting friendship and what it takes to be an artist. Kois joins us to talk about the publisher that inspired the novel’s title, some of the important influences on his work, what he does in his day jobs and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. T his episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays ...
Jan 16, 2024•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast Bonnie Jo Campbell’s The Waters follows the interwoven and often complicated lives of a family of women inhabiting an island in a Michigan swamp. Campbell joins us to talk about the challenges in crafting this novel, matching her unique characters with an equally intriguing setting, small - town storytelling and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (w...
Jan 13, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast “ I think it is a moment where we are thinking a lot about our relationship to the places and the societies that we have … wanting to create deeper connections .” My Friends by Hisham Matar reflects family and friendships in the shadow of revolution as a man navigates life in exile. Matar joins us to talk about his journey to telling this story, the importance of time in a novel, exploring themes of political strife and identity and more with host, Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was ho...
Jan 11, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Fetishist by Katherine Min is a darkly humorous and provocative novel of love, revenge, and identity published after her death in 2019 . Min’s daughter, Kayla Min Andrews, joins us to talk about her mother’s work, taking on the task of finishing and publishing this novel, creating and continuing a legacy and more with host, Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional ...
Jan 09, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Julie Myerson’s newest novel Nonfiction is intricate and raw , featuring themes of motherhood, addiction and what it means to write. Myerson joins us to talk about her approaches to writing a novel, her interwoven and often personal themes, how she picks her titles and more with guest host, Jenna Seery. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Jenna Seery and mixed by Harry Liang. Follow us here for new episodes Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays). Featured Books (Episode): Nonfi...
Jan 06, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast "People always asked 'what made you want to write fiction?' And I'm like, this isn't a departure. I feel like this is me going back to how it actually started..." All Good People Here , our January Mystery & Thriller Pick, has everything you want in a crime thriller — a cold case, an intrepid journalist and more twists and turns than you could count, all told from the host of the hit podcast Crime Junkie. Author Ashley Flowers and her co-writer Alex Kiester joined us to talk about their collabor...
Jan 04, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast “ O ur ancestors, our grandparents , love us by not speaking … ” The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan follows one family in 1945 Malaya as they face the realities of a life shaped by war and colonization. Chan joined us to talk about her family connection to her novel, her unique journey to becoming an author, the things about writing that surprised her and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. ...
Jan 02, 2024•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast “New York is a character in the book, and I hate it when people are like ‘ the city's almost a character ’ ” One of our favorites of 2023, Colson Whitehead’s Crook Manifesto is a crime novel and so much more with unforgettable characters and a gritty portrait of New York in the 70s. Whitehead joined us to talk about his portrayal of the city he grew up in, creating a code of honor for criminals, important movie references and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Ove...
Dec 16, 2023•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast “I think it's actually good for discussion, because you want to see a range of variety of books on these top 10 lists . ” I t’s been a great year for books! With best - of - the - year lists rolling out, Gilbert Cruz, Books Editor at the New York Times, sat down with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over , to discuss some favorites of the year, how the top lists are compiled, the joys of recommending books and more . This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer Miwa Messer and mixed b...
Dec 14, 2023•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Winner of the National Book Award for Nonfiction, The Rediscovery of America by Ned Blackhawk puts Indigenous history at the center to create a fuller and more accurate depiction of America’s past and future . Blackhawk joins us to talk about the erasure of Indigenous peoples from American history, retelling narratives from new perspectives, the surprises he found in his research and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer Miwa Mes...
Dec 12, 2023•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Fashion Killa by Sowmya Krishnamurthy offers an in-depth look at the significant cultural intersection between hip - hop music and the world of fashion. Krishnamurthy joins us to talk about her career leading up to writing this book, the research she did, gender roles in hip - hop and fashion and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional S...
Dec 09, 2023•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hot Springs Drive by Lindsay Hunter is a raw and visceral novel that explores primal desires, shocking secrets and the effects they have on those that uncover them. Hunter is joined by her publisher, Roxane Gay, a prolific author in her own right including her new collection, Opinions. The two join us to discuss collaboration and revision, writing the gritty details of life, advice for writers and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. We end this episode with TBR Topoff book recommendation...
Dec 07, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast Emily Wilson’s new translation of The Iliad brings to life this divine tale of conflict, love and honor in a way that feels fresh and compulsively readable. Wilson joins us to talk about the universality of Homer’s work, working with gods and epic themes, translating for modern audiences and more with guest host, Jenna Seery. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Jenna Seery and mixed by Harry Liang. Follow us here for new episodes Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays). Featured...
Dec 05, 2023•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast “It’s important for us to examine those inherited perspectives that … guide the way that we think and feel and imagine with regard to other life forms on the planet.” Entangled Life: The Illustrated Edition brings readers back to the wondrous realm of fungi , now with stunning photographs that illuminate this mysterious piece of our world in a new way. Sheldrake joins us to talk about adding a new medium to his work, the influences of fungi on culture, important conservation efforts and more wit...
Dec 02, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ed Park’s Same Bed Different Dreams blends history, technology and pop culture in a novel that spans time and reality in an unforgettable way. Park joins us to talk about the long gap between his books, writing and identity, media connections in his work and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite pod...
Nov 30, 2023•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast With recent reprints of The Children’s Bach and This House of Grief , Helen Garner’s voice returns in two of her best works — a novel featuring the intricacies of complicated family life and a nonfiction account of one of Australia’s most shocking criminal cases. Garner joins us to talk about how she came to write each of these stories, keeping diaries, the complexities of human character and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer...
Nov 28, 2023•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast In Jeff Tweedy’s newest book World Within a Song , the accomplished musician shares fifty influential songs that have shaped his life and career and shows us how music can create connection for all. Tweedy joins us to talk about the impact of music on identity, the shared qualities between his different mediums, his thoughts on authenticity and more with guest host, Jenna Seery. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Jenna Seery and mixed by Harry Liang. Follow us here for new episodes Tuesda...
Nov 23, 2023•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
