Where Inger makes Jason read a Romance Novel (again!)
Feb 25, 2025
01:49:06
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Quick takeaways
The hosts humorously reflect on the experience and emotional complexities of reading romance novels, specifically discussing Rebecca Yarros's 'The Fourth Wing'.
They emphasize the often tedious nature of academic reading, contrasting it with the guilt-free pleasure derived from reading for leisure.
A significant part of the conversation focuses on the necessity of adapting to AI in academic environments while maintaining ethical considerations.
The hosts explore the emotional challenges of decluttering personal libraries, emphasizing the importance of retaining meaningful works over mere accumulation.
Deep dives
Sunburn and Skincare Regrets
The hosts discuss the challenges of managing sunburn and the importance of sunscreen application. One speaker shares a personal anecdote about forgetting to apply sunscreen during an overcast morning, leading to noticeable sunburn. This leads to a humorous exchange about the speaker’s collection of skincare products, including peptides, and the chaotic way they are applied. The conversation highlights the common oversight of sun protection, especially during seemingly safe weather conditions.
Reading Recommendations and Romance Genres
The hosts delve into the world of reading, particularly focusing on romance novels as they humorously discuss a recent reading assignment that one of them reluctantly completed. The featured book, 'The Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarris, is highlighted as a bestseller blending romance with fantasy elements. The hosts engage in a lighthearted banter about the protagonist and her adversities in a militaristic training environment filled with dragons. The dialogue emphasizes how engaging narratives can draw readers in despite initial reluctance or personal preferences.
Experiences at Academic Events
The speakers recount their recent experiences while hosting academic workshops and interacting with PhD candidates. They share insights about the writing challenges faced by students and the importance of building trust during these intensive sessions. The hosts celebrate the impressive number of words produced by the students during these events, showcasing a collective achievement. Highlights of their travels, including encounters with colleagues and discussions around academic institutions, create a sense of community and camaraderie in their academic pursuits.
AI Utilization in Academic Work
A significant topic of discussion is the utilization of AI in research and academic environments, where one host emphasizes the necessity of adapting to AI-enhanced workflows. They discuss how some students are reluctant to embrace AI tools due to ethical considerations, questioning its place in their academic work. The speakers highlight the various ways AI can streamline research processes, while addressing potential adjustments required for incorporating these technologies into personal workflows. There is a reflection on the fine line between utilizing AI and maintaining academic integrity.
The Challenge of Maintaining Academic Libraries
In a reflective moment, the hosts discuss their personal libraries filled with academic texts and the inevitable considerations of decluttering. One host expresses the emotional complexity of letting go of books while also emphasizing the importance of only retaining the most significant works. They discuss potential strategies for curating collections, including the significance of personal connection, rarity, and the notion of creating an anti-library that reflects knowledge yet to be consumed. The thoughtful examination of their libraries illustrates the identities they hold in relation to their academic careers.
The Evolution of Reading Practices
The conversation shifts to the evolution of reading habits, where one host articulates how completing a PhD can dampen the joy of reading for pleasure. They share how academic pressures have often led them to prioritizing professional reading over leisure. Additionally, the importance of finding a balance between academic responsibilities and enjoying fictional narratives is underscored. This reflection resonates as a common struggle among academics and highlights the need for reclaiming the joy of reading.
Final Thoughts on Academic Pursuits
During the culmination of their discussion, the hosts reflect on their academic journeys and the possibility of transitioning away from traditional academic roles. They muse about the impact of teaching biography in promoting a love for learning and the joys of sharing knowledge. The sentiment of leaving a legacy through literature, both personal and in academic settings, surfaces as a poignant theme. Ultimately, the hosts convey a sense of hopefulness about embracing new opportunities, including exploring creative outlets in writing.
Longtime listeners who have been asking for Jason to read another romance novel: Inger has delivered! Jason reads Rebecca Yarros's 'The Fourth Wing' and only throws up a little bit in his mouth :-)
After a bit of mail bag, we go deep on the subject of reading: how much of it there is; how tedious academic reading can be; how tired this reading makes us; the feelings of Guilt when you read for pleasure; and the myth of 'keeping up with the literature'.
Finally we talk about how many books we own: how much is too many and when/how should you slim down a collection? Inger feels better about her massive collection when she compares herself to Umberto Eco, and Jason has a mild panic attack at the idea of putting together a display shelf.
We finish with a tribute to the late, great Professor Peter Elbow (one of Inger's most beloved writers about writing) and a two minute tip about buying study aids.
Note, we were going to try to put out a video version of this one - but there were technical problems. Hence the references to showing the camera books. We will try again next time.
