New Books Network

Jonathan Baillie Strong, a podcast producer and media entrepreneur, shares his inspiring journey from corporate life to community enabler. He reflects on his isolated upbringing in rural Belgium and its influence on his dedication to connection. Discover how he founded the Jackson Heights Insider newsletter to foster local engagement and vibrant community events. Jonathan discusses the strategic approach his agency, Spotlight Podcasting, takes in working with mission-driven organizations. He emphasizes the value of community involvement while sharing the delightful experiments with communal dinners.

Pierre d'Alancaisez, a London-based critic and curator, and Amir Naaman, an accomplished writer and editor, explore the complexities of gay life in today's world. They discuss the evolution of terms like 'homosexual' and 'queer' and question the implications of modern sexual freedoms. The guests delve into the cultural shift brought by gay marriage and dating apps, the discontent among some gay men, and the impact of institutionalized queer art. Their conversation challenges prevailing narratives, urging reflection on the future of gay identity.

In a lively discussion, award-winning Canadian novelist Brad Smith—a master of blending humor with sharp social commentary—talks about his latest work, Billy Crawford's Double Play. He dives into the inspiration behind the novel, notably the Ontario Greenbelt scandal, and the challenges of writing compelling characters like Billy, a baseball player caught in a web of political intrigue. The author also reflects on the evolution of modern politics and the smart, sharp female characters that bring depth to his narrative.

Peter Mancina, an anthropologist and visiting scholar at Rutgers Law School, dives deep into the complex relationship between local police and ICE. He reveals how, even in sanctuary jurisdictions, police informally reinforce federal immigration enforcement. Mancina discusses the loopholes within sanctuary policies that allow for exceptions and how police practices often contradict the intent of these laws. He also introduces his innovative body-worn camera ethnography method, shedding light on the realities of police interactions with immigrants.

Daniel K. Falk, a prominent scholar in Classics and Jewish Studies at Penn State, dives into the fascinating world of ancient prayers, drawing from his extensive work on a multi-volume project. He touches on the broad definition of prayer and discusses unique examples, like graffiti prayers found in unexpected locations. Falk emphasizes accessibility for non-specialists and highlights the project's innovative digital features. Reflecting on the significance of prayer today, he explores its social roles and shares insights on future projects, including work on the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Luis Felipe Murillo, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology, explores the innovative world of hackerspaces as alternatives to corporate tech domination. He reveals how hacker collectives foster privacy networks and community-created monitoring devices to combat mass surveillance. Through his research in San Francisco, Tokyo, and Shenzhen, Murillo discusses the political nuances of hacking and the importance of inclusivity. He argues that these spaces not only challenge the status quo but also envision a more just technological future.

Lucy Jeffery is a scholar in literature and cultural studies, while Anna Váradi specializes in post-socialist media. They discuss their book, which explores how contemporary cultural productions reconsider the communist past, blending trauma and nostalgia. They delve into curatorial challenges in Lithuanian museums, intergenerational memory differences, and the political implications of remembering communism. Additionally, they explore the balance between artistic expression and historical accuracy in film and TV, highlighting how cultural narratives convey lived experiences.

Maddalena Alvi, a historian specializing in modern European art markets, dives deep into how the First World War transformed the European art landscape. She reveals that the war shattered the integrated market dominated by elite collectors, paving the way for a nationalized, finance-driven art economy. Alvi also explores how British, French, and German markets reacted differently, with art emerging as a tangible investment during inflation in Germany while British auctions continued unabated. Her insights reveal the profound socio-economic shifts that forever altered art collection.

Celina Su, the inaugural Marilyn J. Gittell Chair in Urban Studies at CUNY Graduate Center, dives into her powerful book, Budget Justice. She explains how government budgets are not just numbers but moral documents that shape urban life and democracy. With insights from her activism and research in places like Porto Alegre and Barcelona, she advocates for participatory budgeting as a transformative tool. Su also addresses its limitations and emphasizes the need for supportive civic ecosystems to empower communities against austerity.

In this engaging conversation, Yossi Yovel, a zoologist and neurobiologist known for his work on bat behavior, explores the fascinating world of bats and their intelligence. He discusses how vampire bats share food through reciprocal altruism and the complexities of their social structures. Yovel reveals the surprising communication skills of bats, including vocal learning and dialects. He also addresses the threats bats face from humans and the importance of conservation efforts. Dive into the hidden life of these remarkable creatures!