Sophomore Lit

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.

Why just sit around waiting for the end of the world when you can hear a podcast about it? Jelani Sims discusses Nevil Shute’s On the Beach (1957). John McCoy with Jelani Sims Sponsors Incomparable Memberships!: Sign up, support our show, and get access to exclusive podcasts! Show Notes & Links On the Beach (1959) Stanley Kramer’s film adaptation, on YouTube. 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.

Kids today love Thucydides, right? Anyone? Daniel Daughhetee returns to discuss this late fifth century BCE chronicle of Athens v. Sparta. John McCoy with Daniel Daughetee Show Notes & Links Map of the Peloponnesian Wars Follow along at home! 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.

It’s a naive literary podcast without any breeding, but I think you’ll be amused by its presumption. Dan Cassino discusses James Thurber’s “The Catbird Seat” (1942) and The 13 Clocks (1950). John McCoy with Dan Cassino 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.

If you’ve believed six impossible things before breakfast, why not listen to this podcast before lunch? Phil Gonzales discusses Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There (1871). John McCoy with Phil Gonzales Referenced Works Through the Looking-Glass Show Notes & Links Kate Beckinsale adaptation of Through the Looking Glass Phil’s favorite! 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 podcast, the hosts discuss John Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wrath' from its controversial presence in high school curriculum to the complex character of Casey and the controversial ending. They also explore themes such as women's roles, art, propaganda, and the treatment of women in the novel. The podcast provides an analysis of the Texan dialect, personal connections to the Dust Bowl, and curiosity about the characters.

Howl likes to move it, move it. Audrey Lazaro and Dan McCoy are on to discuss Diana Wynne Jones’s book Howl’s Moving Castle (1986). John McCoy with Dan McCoy and Audrey Lazaro Referenced Works Howl's Moving Castle Howl's Moving Castle [Amazon] 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.

I don’t care how long this day’s journey has been, so help me I will turn this car around if you kids don’t stop. Kris Markel discusses Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night(written 1941, published 1956). John McCoy with Kris Markel Referenced Works Long Day's Journey Into Night Show Notes & Links The Complete and Condenses Stage Directions of Eugene O'Neill, vol. 1 This clip dramatizes the stage directions for Long Day’s Journey into Night Act 2, Scene 1. 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.