On Margins

In this conversation, cultural historian W. David Marx dives into his book, analyzing 21st-century pop culture and shifts in societal values. He explores the impact of gallows humor post-9/11, the rise and fall of tech optimism, and how social media has reshaped creativity. Marx also reflects on personal choices to step away from Silicon Valley, the challenges of documenting rapid change, and the influence of global cultures in a digital age. The discussion highlights the complexities of artistic innovation amidst commercialization and the evolving landscape of the internet.

Guest: W. David Marx Book: Ametora: How Japan Saved American Fashion W. David Marx and I talk about his book Ametora, Japanese culture, and books in translation. Listen to the full episode

Guest: Sam Anderson Book: Boomtown Part two of our interview with award winning New York Times Magazine writer, Sam Anderson. Listen to the full episode

Guest: Sam Anderson Book: Boomtown An interview with award winning New York Times Magazine writer, Sam Anderson. Listen to the full episode

Guest: Gray318 Book: An interview with award winning book cover designer, Gray318 (Jon Gray). Listen to the full episode

Guest: Lynne Tillman Book: Men and Apparitions An interview with novelist, essayist, and cultural critic, Lynne Tillman. Listen to the full episode

Guest: Jessica Hische Book: Tomorrow I'll Be Brave An interview with designer and letterer Jessica Hische, author of the best-selling children's book, Tomorrow I'll Be Brave. Listen to the full episode

Guest: Lisa Brennan-Jobs Book: Small Fry An interview with Lisa Brennan-Jobs, author of the best selling memoir, Small Fry. Lisa and Craig Mod discuss the design, production, and writing of this fascinating book about family, identity, and the complications of growing up in Palo Alto as the daughter of Steve Jobs. Listen to the full episode

Guest: Craig Mod Book: Koya Bound: Eight days on the Kumano Kodo A walk in the woods with Craig Mod, talking about the economics and production of his book made in collaboration with Dan Rubin, Koya Bound. Listen to the full episode

Guest: Jason Kottke Book: kottke.org Jason Kottke has been distilling his brain into kottke.org for twenty years. Listen to the full episode