New Books Network

Giuseppe Longo, a leading mathematician and theoretical biologist, joins Adam Nocek, a philosopher specializing in technology, to discuss their collaborative work. They delve into the limits of computation in understanding biological complexity and argue for a new biological theory that reflects the intricacies of life. Longo critiques the DNA-as-program myth and highlights the importance of historical specificity and randomness in organisms. The conversation also touches on Turing's overlooked morphogenesis model and the need for pluralistic science that accommodates diverse theoretical perspectives.

Dr. Kellen Hoxworth, a professor at the University at Buffalo and author of *Transoceanic Blackface*, discusses the global history of racialized performance and its ties to imperialism. He explores the cultural intersections of blackface beyond the U.S., tracing its origins in 18th-century British theater. Hoxworth delves into the adaptation of minstrelsy across empires, analyzing the complexities of performances like Jim Crow and Othello burlesques. He also addresses how these performances reflect and shape racial and gender anxieties throughout history.

Bänoo Zan, a renowned poet and curator, and Cy Strom, an editor with a focus on history and literary genres, dive deep into their anthology, 'Woman Life Freedom: Poems for the Iranian Revolution.' They discuss the anthology’s genesis in response to Mahsa Amini's tragic death and the empowerment behind its feminist message. With an emphasis on inclusivity, they share how submissions were anonymized to broaden diverse voices. The duo also reflects on the role of art in advocating for human rights, aiming to connect global audiences to the Iranian struggle.

Patrick McGuigan and Carlos Yescas, seasoned cheese experts and co-authors, dive into the mouth-watering world of cheese. They share fascinating insights on the origins of the World Cheese Awards and what judges look for when selecting winners. Listeners will learn about the impact of globalization on cheese, the importance of terroir, and the revival of traditional British cheeses. McGuigan and Yescas also discuss their top cheese picks and practical tips for navigating the cheese aisle, ensuring you pick only the finest for your palate.

Robert Dorschel, an Assistant Professor in Digital Sociology at the University of Cambridge, delves into the intricacies of tech workers' lives in his new book. He defines who counts as a tech worker and contrasts their evolving identities with traditional entrepreneurial roles. Dorschel discusses their critical awareness of the industry, class perceptions, and how they navigate capitalism. Also explored are their ordinary lifestyles and the commodification of their critiques by firms, highlighting tech workers as a unique and influential class fraction.

O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an associate professor at Winthrop University, delves into the powerful activism of Black women during the Charleston hospital workers' campaign of 1969. She reveals how a wrongful termination sparked a significant strike, linking it to earlier labor actions in Charleston. Dixon-McKnight highlights influential figures like Mary Moultrie, and emphasizes the importance of oral histories in understanding these struggles. She challenges listeners to recognize the broader implications of working-class Black women's fight for dignity and equality.

Anne Sokolsky, a Professor of Japanese literature focusing on gender studies, dives into her new work, highlighting how Japanese literature depicts divorce from the Heian to Heisei periods. She discusses the various terms for divorce in Japanese and their cultural implications. Sokolsky reveals how authors like Tamura Toshiko used divorce as a narrative device for women's liberation. The podcast also explores modern perspectives on marriage and custody laws, making a compelling case for the ongoing relevance of these literary narratives.

Join D. Graham Burnett, a historian of science at Princeton; Alyssa Loh, a filmmaker and attention activist; and Peter Schmidt, program director at the Strother School of Radical Attention, as they explore the urgent need to reclaim our attention from commodification. They discuss the origins of the Friends of Attention collective and introduce 'human fracking,' a powerful metaphor for today's attention crisis. The trio also highlights joyful practices and sanctuaries for attention, advocating for community action and deeper engagement to reconnect with our shared humanity.

Linda Wilgus, a debut novelist and former bookseller, takes listeners into the captivating world of her novel, The Sea Child. She delves into the rich Cornish folklore that inspired her story, centered around Isabel Henley, a girl found by the sea with mysterious origins. The podcast explores Isabel’s struggles with identity, her emotional ties to the ocean, and the community's history of smuggling. Wilgus shares insights into building Isabel’s character and the profound impact of the Cornish landscape on her narrative.

Anna Fishzon, a psychoanalyst and author, discusses her poignant book exploring breast cancer, loss, and identity. She intertwines her personal cancer journey with the themes of mourning and reconstruction, delving into how the body becomes an uncanny double post-surgery. The conversation reveals her reflections on cultural memory, maternal relationships, and the socio-emotional impacts of shame and anxiety in survivorship. Fishzon also connects her experiences to broader historical narratives, including her Soviet upbringing and reflections on queer temporality.