The Habit

Galahad and the Grail is Book 1 of Merlin’s Isle, Malcolm Guite’s retelling of the King Arthur legends in ballad form. It releases in March of 2026. In the prelude to Galahad and the Grail, a voice shimmering in the morning air says: Poet, take up the tale–Take up the tale the land still keeps,In earth and water magic sleeps,The dryad sighs, the naiad weeps,But you can lift the veil. Malcolm has taken up a very old tale and lifted the veil on stories that have lingered in the traditions of the British Isles longer than the English language itself.  Scholar and teacher Junius Johnson is taking up the tale in another way. Starting in January 2026, Junius is teaching a 20-week online class on the King Arthur legend. He describes the class as a chance to see for yourself why this story has fascinated the imagination for so many centuries. In this episode, Malcolm, Junius talk with Jonathan Rogers about how King Arthur rode into their lives, and what these stories have meant to them. This episode is sponsored by The Habit Writer Development Cohorts. Join "Cohort Week Zero," a free mini-class, at TheHabit.co/Development.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joel Miller, author and creator of the Substack 'Miller's Book Review', discusses his enlightening new book, The Idea Machine. He explores how books serve not only as vessels of ideas but as vital technology that shapes culture and institutions. Miller emphasizes the importance of active reading and argues that writing is a key tool for refining complex thoughts. He also compares ancient libraries to modern-day search engines, showcasing the evolution of information management. Despite declining reading trends, he champions the passion of dedicated readers.

Mischa Willett is a poet and writing professor. He is the Director of the Whitworth Writers' Workshop MFA in Creative Writing at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. In this episode, Mischa Willett and Jonathan Rogers talk about MFA programs, failure as a means of getting work done, and apology letters written by robots. This episode is sponsored by The Habit Writer Development Cohorts. Join "Cohort Week Zero" a free mini-class, TheHabit.co/Development.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In her role as poet, Rachel Donahue has a track record of gathering other poets, encouraging them in their work, and giving them space to shine. In her role as publisher and editor at Bandersnatch Books, she has done all those things for poets by envisioning, then bringing to life I’ve Got a Bad Case of Poetry, an anthology of poems for children by dozens of poets, gorgeously illustrated by Emily J. Person. In this episode, Jonathan Rogers speaks with both Rachel and Emily about the origins of A Bad Case of Poetry, the joys of creating in community, and the role of delight in the making of art—especially art for children. To get I've Got a Bad Case of Poetry by Christmas, preorder at Kickstarter before December 5.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Palpant, an insightful author and interviewer, shares the conversation with celebrated poet Scott Cairns. They delve into Kafka's metaphor about poetry awakening the silent within us. Cairns reveals his humorous approach to poetry, emphasizing the importance of irony. The duo explores how life's particularities lead to spiritual depth through poetic discovery. They discuss managing humility, the perils of self-promotion for young writers, and reminisce about defining childhood moments that anchor joy amidst life's uncertainties.

Katherine Ladny Mitchell is a mystery-writer. Not To Be is the first in her Pen and Paintbrush mystery series, in which a writer and a painter, two sisters, work together as amateur sleuths. In this episode, Katherine and Jonathan Rogers talk about the rules of mystery stories, and how they apply to other kinds of storytelling. And they discuss the ways that the habit of art could make artists of all kinds good crime solvers.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grace Hamman, a writer and scholar specializing in late medieval poetry, dives deep into the fascinating world of virtues and vices. She shares how her studies reshaped her understanding of these concepts, revealing their richer meanings. Grace discusses meekness as a space for holy anger and redefines creativity, emphasizing the importance of creatureliness and humility in artistic expression. She even connects unicorn symbolism to chastity and hospitality, offering a unique medieval perspective. Grace's insights on love and virtue are both timeless and transformative.

In this engaging conversation, Karen Walrond, an author and blogger behind Chookooloonks, shares her insights on embracing amateurism through hobbies. She emphasizes the joy found in dabbling, reframing failure as a path to self-discovery. Karen discusses how intentional amateurism fosters curiosity and happiness, contrasting playful exploration with perfectionism. She encourages a ‘menu of dabbles’ to inspire lifelong learning and connection with others. With anecdotes on reclaiming joy through creativity, Karen showcases the brilliance of being a total amateur.

Kate Gaston, a talented essayist and the mind behind the Substack That Middle Distance, shares her insights on creativity and hospitality. She discusses how confessing envy can free creative work, emphasizing vulnerability's role in relationships. Kate reflects on the transformative power of community and generosity, highlighting her journey from medicine to writing. She also explores how sharing the messy process of creativity fosters connection among artists and praises the hospitable spaces at Northwind Manor that nurture creative growth.

Dr. Louis Markos, a Professor of English and authority on C. S. Lewis, discusses classical thought and creativity. He explores the differences between wishes and choices, emphasizing the moral implications of our decisions. Markos connects Aristotle's eudaimonia to Christian joy and highlights how adopting virtues can be likened to developing tastes through habit. He also champions active contemplation as key to creativity, revealing how it fuels inspiration and the creative process. Markos draws on influential thinkers, providing a rich tapestry of ideas.