Sophomore Lit

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.

Jean, Jean, the roses are red and all of the leaves have gone green, so Glenn Fleishman and John are discussing Muriel Spark’s The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1961). John McCoy with Glenn Fleishman Referenced Works The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie Show Notes & Links Pants in the Boot Glenn’s podcast on being divided by a common language. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) Trailer for the film adaptation starring Maggie Smith. Rod McKuen: Jean McKuen’s inexplicable theme song for the above. 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.

Ross Cleaver discusses Carrie’s War (what is it good for?), Nina Bawdwin’s 1973 children’s book about evacuations, skulls, and grumpy Welshmen. John McCoy with Ross Cleaver Show Notes & Links BBC School Radio: Carrie's War The BBC school radio site with teaching guides and a complete recording of the book. 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.

Grab a whisky and soda and put your leg up. My dad and I discuss Ernest Hemingway’s “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” (1936). Bonus content: a visit to the Hemingway Home in Key West! John McCoy Referenced Works The Snows of Kilimanjaro Show Notes & Links Hemingway Home The former home of Ernest and the current home of many six-toed cats. 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.

Jelani Sims returns to discuss the literal and metaphorical ghosts of Toni Morrison’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel Beloved (1987). John McCoy with Jelani Sims Referenced Works Beloved 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 have good feelings about this one! Zach Powers returns to discuss desparate criminals and mysterious benefactors in Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations (1861). John McCoy with Zach Powers Referenced Works Great Expectations Show Notes & Links Great Expectations (1998) Trailer Relive the 90s and enjoy the trip-hop stylings of Mono. 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.