Sophomore Lit

The most important reason for going from one place to another is to see what’s in between. Moisés Chiullán discusses Norton Juster’s The Phantom Tollbooth (1961). [We’ve re-issued this episode to correct an audio problem.] John McCoy with Moisés Chiullán Referenced Works The Phantom Tollbooth Show Notes & Links The Phantom Tollbooth (1970) Trailer for Chuck Jones’s adaptation. Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Podcasters: What Do They Know? Do They Know Things?? Let’s Find Out! Jason Snell talks about marine life in J.D. Salinger’s “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” (1948). John McCoy with Jason Snell Referenced Works A Perfect Day for Bananafish Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Lions and tigers and bea— you know what, just lions. Jordan Morris is here to discuss Ray Bradbury’s story “the Veldt” (1950). John McCoy with Jordan Morris Show Notes & Links "The Veldt" radio drama From the 1983 NPR Playhouse series Bradbury 13. "The Veldt" Track by Combustible Edison from the album I, Swinger (1994). Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Dive into the dark depths of Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' as the hosts dissect colonialism, imperialism, and the enigmatic character of Kurtz. Explore the mastery of Conrad's language, the conflicting ideologies of the era, and the subtle critique of European colonialism within the narrative. Unravel the themes of invasion fiction in Victorian literature and the complexities of interpreting the layers of meaning within the story.

In this episode, the hosts discuss Mark Twain's 'Tom Sawyer' and their personal history with the novel. They explore the satirical elements in Twain's writing, the evolution of Happy Days, and Tom Sawyer's theme of nostalgia and disillusionment. The speakers also delve into the relevance and popularity of the book today, discuss the connection between 'Huckleberry Finn' and 'Tom Sawyer Detective', and speculate on Mark Twain's financial difficulties.

Actually, I need this sea in an extra wide. Caroline Fulford discusses postcolonialism and recurring fires in Jean Rhys’s Wide Sargasso Sea (1966). John McCoy with Caroline Fulford Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

The Burgermeister Meisterburger has nothing on this burglar! My wife Marina joins me for our annual Christmas episode. This time we discuss Willa Cather’s “The Burglar’s Christmas” (1896). John McCoy with Marina McCoy Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

The waiting is the hardest part. Ross Cleaver and James Randall discuss the apocalypse, palace intrigue, and the charm of 80’s BBC television in this episode about John Christopher’s The Prince in Waiting (1970). John McCoy with Ross Cleaver and James Randall Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

In this Thanksgiving special, the podcast hosts discuss Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack. They explore Franklin's life and influence, the success of the almanac, and its quirky sayings. Reflecting on aging, they discuss aphorisms from the almanac and the concept of eccentricity, using Franklin as an example.

Raggedy Ann, Barbie, Chucky—they’re all here. That’s what this book is about, right? Erin Gambrill discusses Jacqueline Susann’s Valley of the Dolls (1966). John McCoy Sponsors Incomparable Memberships!: Sign up, support our show, and get access to exclusive podcasts! Referenced Works Valley of the Dolls (novel) Show Notes & Links Valley of the Dolls (1967) Trailer for the movie adaptation starring Barbara Parkins, Patty Duke, and Sharon Tate Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.