Jennifer Habel, a poet and co-author of 'Days Work,' and Chris Bachelder, a novelist, dive into the obsession that sparked Habel's midlife exploration tied to Herman Melville's life and literature. They discuss how Melville's works, particularly 'Moby Dick,' evolved from obligation to genuine appreciation for them. The conversation also reveals the profound friendship between Melville and Hawthorne, alongside themes of personal struggle, ambition, and legacy, as both artists reflect on their own journeys and the impact of their literary inspirations.