Get the app
Ben Fountain
Award-winning novelist and essayist known for Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk and the essay collection Beautiful Country, Burn Again; guest on this episode to discuss books for dark times and his work.
Best podcasts with Ben Fountain
Ranked by the Snipd community
Oct 16, 2025
• 25min
158 RTB Ben Fountain in Dark Times (JP)
chevron_right
Ben Fountain, an award-winning novelist known for his impactful works like Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, dives into the power of literature during turbulent times. He shares his appreciation for Joan Didion's insights on America, praising her ability to capture political nuances. Fountain delves into Marilynne Robinson's essays on Puritanism, illuminating their importance in understanding American identity. He also reflects on James Baldwin's enduring influence and how today's crises shape literature, particularly in the context of his upcoming novel set in 1990s Haiti.
The AI-powered Podcast Player
Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
Get the app