Blake Butler, a writer from Atlanta known for his acclaimed book 'Molly', shares his eclectic experiences and insights. He humorously reminisces about his adventures at a Limp Bizkit concert, reflecting on 90s nostalgia and celebrity culture. The conversation dives into veggie burgers, green tea choices, and the quirks of the publishing industry. Blake also discusses his writing journey and the balance between creativity and commercial expectations, all sprinkled with lighthearted, taboo humor.
The contrasting beverage preferences between coffee and tea reveal personal routines and highlight individual tastes in daily rituals.
The dialogue around veggie burgers underscores a shift towards authentic, flavorful vegetarian options that cater to discerning palates.
The conversation about nostalgia for bands like Limp Bizkit illustrates how cultural icons can be reinterpreted and appreciated across generations.
Deep dives
Coffee and Tea Preferences
The conversation highlights the speakers' contrasting preferences for coffee and tea, revealing insights into their daily rituals. One speaker enjoys a single cup of black coffee in the morning to kickstart the day, while claiming that green tea, despite its purported health benefits, lacks a strong caffeine kick. The other speaker's experience reflects a more skeptical view of tea, particularly when served too hot, which can lead to discomfort. This discussion underscores the importance of personal beverage choices and how they reflect individual routines and tastes.
The Evolution of Veggie Burgers
The speakers share their thoughts on the current state of veggie burgers, discussing a recent dining experience that showcased a well-crafted black bean burger. They emphasize the distinction between mass-produced veggie patties and those made with real vegetables, pointing to a backlash against overly processed options in the restaurant landscape. As they reminisce about the origins of the black bean burger, they mention its unexpected popularity from establishments like Chili's, highlighting trends in vegetarian dining. Their conversation showcases a growing demand for authentic, flavorful plant-based options that don't compromise on taste.
Dining Experiences in Charleston
A memorable meal at a local restaurant named Vern's captivates the speakers, emphasizing the charm and unassuming quality of the dining establishment. They praise the unique offerings, such as a remarkable sourdough flatbread and inventive side dishes, showcasing a delightful culinary experience. The discussion reflects on how local eateries can create a sense of community and how they can rival more upscale dining options in terms of quality. This conversation captures a genuine appreciation for exceptional food in everyday places, contrasting with the often pretentious atmosphere of high-end restaurants.
Celebrity Culture and Nostalgia
The speakers delve into the resurgence of interest in bands like Limp Bizkit and the accompanying nostalgia that draws both irony and genuine appreciation from fans. They discuss attending a Limp Bizkit concert and the absurdity of witnessing young fans engaging with music once deemed problematic. This nostalgia reveals how past cultural icons can be reinterpreted in modern contexts, making them attractive to new generations. Through humor and reflection, the conversation touches on the complex dynamics of fame and the cyclical nature of pop culture.
Navigating Artistic Expression and Controversy
The conversation shifts to topics of artistic integrity, public perception, and the challenges of being a writer in today's landscape. The speakers discuss the impact of criticism and controversy on an artist’s career, particularly in relation to a recent book release that sparked debate. They stress the importance of maintaining authenticity in their work while navigating the minefield of public opinion and media portrayal. This discussion emphasizes the resilience required to pursue art amid backlash and highlights the complex relationship between creators and their audiences.
Blake Butler is a writer from Atlanta who lives in Baltimore. His newest book, the critically acclaimed Molly, is out now. We chat about green tea, veggie burgers, Blake and Chris' tangential relationship, the crazy story behind his book, a shellfish ranking, he recently saw Limp Bizkit, M*cklemore and K*ller Mike, biscuit-eating bitches, bootlicking, his time at Bennington, Honor Levy's book, taboo humor, media and the publishing industry, why he has a Substack, and shitting.
