
The Literary Life Podcast
Not just book chat! The Literary Life Podcast is an ongoing conversation about the skill and art of reading well and the lost intellectual tradition needed to fully enter into the great works of literature.
Experienced teachers Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks (of www.HouseOfHumaneLetters.com) join lifelong reader Cindy Rollins (of www.MorningtimeForMoms.com) for slow reads of classic literature, conversations with book lovers, and an ever-unfolding discussion of how Stories Will Save the World.
And check out our sister podcast The Well Read Poem with poet Thomas Banks.
Latest episodes

32 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 37min
Episode 262: “Much Ado About Nothing” by William Shakespeare, Acts 2 & 3
Dive into the playful world of Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing' as characters don disguises and navigate the murky waters of deception. Discover how eavesdropping intertwines with hidden motives and the complexities of love. The comedic yet poignant dynamics between Benedick and Beatrice shine through their witty banter, while Dogberry's absurdity adds a humorous twist to law enforcement. Explore the transformative power of classic literature and how timeless themes resonate even today!

27 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 23min
Episode 261: “Much Ado About Nothing” by William Shakespeare, Acts 1 & 2
Dive into the world of Shakespeare as the hosts dissect the first two acts of 'Much Ado About Nothing'. They explore the dynamics of romantic vs. anti-romantic couples and the balance of poetic dialogue. The discussion also touches on themes of deception, medieval cosmology, and the cultural interplay of music and dance in Elizabethan times. With wit reminiscent of Shakespeare's own characters, they highlight the comedic misunderstandings that drive the plot while critiquing modern literary analyses that focus solely on character motivations.

30 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 24min
Episode 260: Introduction to William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing”
Dive into the enchanting world of Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing,' featuring lively discussions on its comedic elements and enduring themes. Discover fascinating insights into Shakespeare's life as a businessman and actor, along with his impact on theatre. Delve into the Elizabethan drama landscape, the shifting perception of his works through the ages, and his innovative storytelling techniques. The hosts bring a playful banter while inviting listeners to engage in upcoming events related to classic literature.

Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 36min
Episode 259: "Best of" Series - The Literary Life of Thomas Banks (Ep. 78)
Dive into the captivating literary journey of Thomas Banks, where he reflects on the powerful influence of his parents and cherished childhood books. Explore his unexpected path to poetry and college, alongside his passion for literature. The discussion traverses nostalgic literary favorites, the impact of classic works on education, and the struggles of navigating personal aspirations. Engage with themes of generational conflict in 'Fathers and Sons' and discover the enriching power of reading that shapes lives.

Jan 7, 2025 • 1h 32min
Episode 258: "Best of" Series - Our Literary Lives of 2022
On The Literary Life podcast today, we bring you another episode from our podcast archive in which our hosts look back on their reading lives of 2022. Angelina, Cindy and Thomas each share a commonplace quote, then they each share a little about how they approach reading in a way that fits with the demands of their busy lives. Each of our hosts talks about their literary surprises, their most outstanding reads of the year, disappointing books they read, and their personal favorite podcast books from 2022. Angelina also reiterates why reading rightly is so important to us all! To view the complete show notes for this episode, including links to books mentioned, please visit https://theliterary.life/258/.

Dec 31, 2024 • 1h 25min
Episode 257: "Best of" Series -- Our Literary Lives of 2021
Reflect on a year of reading with lively discussions about favorite and least favorite books from 2021. Discover the transformative power of storytelling and the joy of imagination in literary journeys. Enjoy humorous critiques of disappointing reads and delve into the complexities of literary experiences. Hear personal anecdotes about life changes impacting reading habits and learn about unconventional author productivity methods. It’s a delightful mix of insights and reflections on literature's influence in our lives.

16 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 1h 26min
Episode 256: Our Literary Lives of 2024
Join a lively discussion on the transformative power of literature as the hosts reflect on their reading year. They share highlights and a few books they wished to toss across the room! Personal insights into family dynamics and the joys of grandparenting add warmth to the conversation. The impact of technology on attention spans is debated, while classic literary critiques spark engaging dialogue. Get excited for upcoming reads and book recommendations that inspire joy and contemplation!

Dec 17, 2024 • 1h 15min
Episode 255: "An Ideal Husband" by Oscar Wilde, Act 4 & Film Adaptations
Atlee Northmore, a film expert known for his work on film adaptations and Star Wars webinars, joins the discussion on Oscar Wilde's "An Ideal Husband." They delve into the play's satirical themes and the role of women's suffrage. The analysis contrasts the play's humor and contemporary relevance while critiquing various film adaptations. The conversation highlights how different cultures reinterpret Wilde's work, blending nostalgia with insights into the film industry's evolving relationship with classic literature.

5 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 57min
Episode 254: The Literary Life 2025 Season Preview
Get ready for an exciting literary journey in 2025! The hosts reveal upcoming topics like classical education and the complexities of unlikable characters in literature. Nostalgic reflections on 'very special episodes' from 90s TV add humor to their preview. They discuss notable works such as 'The Age of Innocence' and 'The Jungle Book', and announce interactive events, including a Shakespeare read-along. Expect lively discussions on classic literature and literary adaptations, along with special guests ready to join the conversation!

Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 21min
Episode 253: "An Ideal Husband" by Oscar Wilde, Acts 2 & 3
Dive into the intricacies of Oscar Wilde's 'An Ideal Husband' as the discussion tackles the moral complexities and societal expectations of the Victorian era. Unravel the themes of ambition and aspiration, while humorously critiquing 19th-century fashion. Explore the significant role of a brooch in escalating marital tensions and uncover the wit and satire that define Wilde’s work. The conversation also touches on the evolution of women's roles and the intersection of media, scandal, and morality in politics, offering a contemporary lens on timeless issues.
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