How Stories Happen

The hosts delve into Isabel Allende's 'In the Midst of Winter,' balancing serious social themes with a quirky corpse heist. Personal anecdotes highlight the vibrant culture of Philadelphia sports fans, blending humor with community identity. They explore Allende's resilience in storytelling, contrasting urban landscapes and character dynamics during a snowstorm. The discussion also touches on recognizing 'green flags' in relationships amid winter's challenges, while examining deeper societal narratives reflected in the characters' journeys.

Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer-winning novel The Nickel Boys tells a haunting story of two young men whose identities are forever changed by their experiences at a brutal institute for boys in 1960s Florida. It's not easy subject matter, but Whitehead's wonderfully economic prose keeps it engaging all the way to the downright surprising end.This episode is sponsored by Squarespace. Go to squarespace.com/overdue for 10% of your first purchase of a website or domain.Our theme music was composed by Nick Lerangis.Follow @overduepod on Instagram and BlueskyAdvertise on OverdueSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discussing Upton Sinclair's 'The Jungle', the hosts delve into its powerful themes of food safety and social reform. They explore the book's historical impact on legislation and its chilling portrayal of labor exploitation. With personal anecdotes and humorous insights, they highlight how literature can inspire social change. The conversation also reflects on Sinclair's legacy and the ongoing relevance of his critiques in today’s socio-political landscape, revealing the connection between past and present struggles.

Dive into the whimsical world of Chicken Soup for the Soul, where tales of inspiration and trauma are blended with a touch of humor. Discover the quirky launch of Progresso Soup Drops and the economic rollercoaster of meme stocks like Redbox. Reflect on the self-help genre's impact amid a playful critique of its narratives and dating expectations. The conversation highlights resilience, emotional depth, and the challenges of modern life, all while savoring the absurdities of soup-themed marketing.

Dive into the whimsical world of a café where time travel meets heartfelt reflections. The hosts explore the healing power of feel-good literature, emphasizing themes of nostalgia and emotional connections. Discover strict time travel rules and their philosophical implications alongside humorous anecdotes. Engaging discussions about the complexities of memories, love, and choices prompt listeners to ponder how the past shapes the present. Their playful banter brings a charming blend of humor and insight into the enchanting narrative and café culture.

Exciting changes are brewing as the hosts discuss new Patreon offerings, including a $1 tier with access to a lively Discord community. Fans will love the $3 tier featuring an exclusive newsletter, rich with insights on the 'Famous Forty' books related to 'The Wizard of Oz'. They share heartwarming moments reading 'Gossie and Friends' to family and emphasize their commitment to community engagement. With plans for Children's Book Week and more interactive content, the hosts are thrilled to connect with their audience in 2025!

Dive into a whimsical retelling of classic fairy tales with T. Kingfisher's 'Thornhedge,' where Sleeping Beauty might not want to wake up. Explore the darker origins of beloved stories and the complexities of morality through the lens of Toadling, a unique fae character. The lively conversation also touches on the cultural impact of Maleficent and the importance of mentorship in creative fields. Engage with the characters' struggles and moral dilemmas while enjoying the hosts' light-hearted banter throughout.

Imagine waking up one day to find out that you're the heir to the throne of a tiny fictional European country. Now imagine that, after that, you still need to navigate the choppy waters of high school! Also you're flunking Algebra, which has somehow created an opening for your teacher to date your mom. Oh no!Complete our listener survey at gum.fm/overdue.This episode is brought to you in part by MasterClass.Our theme music was composed by Nick Lerangis.Follow @overduepod on Instagram and BlueskyAdvertise on OverdueSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For this year's Happy Hornydays celebration, we go under the covers undercover with the FBI on a fast-paced mission to infiltrate the Zicari Crime Syndicate. This steamy little novella is more criminal than Christmas, but it still makes for a fun conversation about professionalism, brotherhood, and limousine intimacy. Complete our listener survey at gum.fm/overdue. This episode is brought to you in part by Play On Podcasts.Our theme music was composed by Nick Lerangis.Follow @overduepod on Instagram and BlueskyAdvertise on OverdueSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dive into the thrilling world of cyberpunk as the hosts unravel William Gibson's groundbreaking work, exploring themes of technology, AI, and corporate control. Discover the imaginative character designs and the cultural influences that shaped 'Neuromancer,' including the fascinating portrayal of 1980s Japan. There's a humorous take on adaptations of sci-fi literature and an insightful discussion on the moral complexities of AI and cloning. Plus, learn about the significance of crafting a digital identity in today's tech-driven landscape.