New Books Network

Cultural historian and theater critic Daniel Pollack-Pelzner discusses his biography of Lin-Manuel Miranda, exploring the artist's development from a sensitive child in Washington Heights to a pioneering creator reshaping musical theater. He shares insights on the complexities of writing biography, balancing personal narratives with historical context. Pollack-Pelzner highlights Miranda's collaborative spirit and the significance of feedback in his creative process. Their conversation also delves into how Miranda’s influences shaped his work and the unique storytelling techniques used in the biography.

In this engaging discussion, Ruby Oram, a historian and professor at Texas State University, dives into her research on the intersection of gender, child labor, and education for girls in urban America from 1870 to 1930. She reveals how middle-class reformers like Jane Addams shaped educational policies, often reflecting racial and class inequalities. Oram highlights the resistance of girls to domestic training, the complexities of women reformers, and the dual role of schools as tools for both advancement and social control. Her insights enrich our understanding of educational inequities and the history of girlhood.

Aaron G. Fountain Jr., historian and author, discusses the pivotal role of high school activism during the 1960s and 70s. He reveals how inspired students organized protests, demanding educational reform and highlighting civil rights issues. Fountain shares fascinating stories of underground newspapers that amplified youth voices and the intense FBI surveillance on these movements. He provides insights into the racial dynamics that fueled student protests, demonstrating how these young activists shaped American education, while foreshadowing future work on teen antiwar sentiments.

David Newheiser, Associate Professor of Religion at Florida State University, dives into the innovative concept that art-making can be a spiritual practice independent of religious belief. He discusses the collaborative Melbourne project that explores art as ritual and emphasizes material practices over biographies. Additionally, Newheiser connects art's epistemic role to power dynamics and colonial histories, highlighting its capacity for knowledge and democratic imagination. He also reflects on 'spiritual but not religious' sentiments and the transformative experiences art can provide.

Veteran baseball writer Jane Leavy, known for her biographies of legends like Babe Ruth, dives into her new book, proposing bold reforms for the game. She suggests wrapping major league outfields in uniform 18-foot plexiglass walls to promote exciting plays rather than predictable home runs. Leavy critiques analytics for stifling creativity and urges a return to speed and defensive prowess. She also calls for free tickets for kids to nurture future fans, reflecting her deep love for baseball and its vibrant community.

Sean Minogue, a versatile writer for film, television, and theatre, shares insights about his play Prodigals and his debut novel, Terminal Solstice. He delves into the emotional landscape of his hometown, Sault Ste. Marie, and the challenges of returning to face unresolved pasts. Topics include the powerful character dynamics between Wesley and Jen, the humor brought by Greg, and the role of the offstage murder trial in shaping the narrative. Sean also offers advice on writing authentic dialogue and discusses his hopes for future productions.

In this engaging discussion, Alastair McClure, an Assistant Professor specializing in legal histories of colonial India, explores the intricate relationships between mercy, violence, and criminal law from 1857 to 1922. He reveals how colonial officials wielded mercy as a tool for governance, reflecting both power and vulnerability. The episode highlights the impact of high-profile trials, including that of Bahadur Shah II, and examines figures like Tilak and Gandhi who transformed the rejection of mercy into a powerful anti-colonial stance.

Daniel Hershkovitz, a Professor of Religious Studies at Duke University known for his expertise in modern Jewish thought, explores the Judeo-Christian thought of Franz Rosenzweig. He highlights how Rosenzweig’s renowned work, The Star of Redemption, intricately weaves Jewish and Christian ideas, challenging traditional interpretations. Topics include the influence of Protestant theology on Rosenzweig, the significance of revelation versus historical criticism, and the complexities of Rosenzweig's dialogue on sin and redemption, painting a picture of a truly inclusive theological framework.

Andrea Gevurtz Arai, a cultural anthropologist and Acting Assistant Professor at the University of Washington, dives into grassroots social change in East Asia. She discusses the intersection of art, activism, and everyday resistance against neoliberalism. Arai highlights inspiring projects led by young people, particularly women, who are reshaping their communities through creativity and solidarity. She delves into the impact of the Fukushima disaster and how it shifted narratives on environment and energy, showcasing how localized actions can forge new possibilities for the future.

Henrike Kohpeiß is a philosopher and postdoctoral scholar whose work, "Bourgeois Coldness," investigates how affluent subjectivities protect themselves from systemic violence. In this discussion, she defines bourgeois coldness as a strategy that maintains a safe emotional distance from societal catastrophes. Kohpeiß connects critical theory with Black studies, revealing important dialogues between Adorno, Horkheimer, and contemporary issues like anti-Palestinian racism. She emphasizes understanding the affective structures of bourgeois democracies to promote political clarity and more inclusive engagement.