

Yale University Press Podcast
Yale University Press
The Yale University Press Podcast is a series of in-depth conversations with experts and authors on a range of topics including politics, history, science, art, and more for those who are intellectually curious. Jessica Holahan hosts discussions on all things art and architecture and there are occasional appearances by Yale University Press Director John Donatich.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 9min
Jennifer Banks in Conversation with Anthony T. Kronman
In this engaging conversation, Anthony T. Kronman, Sterling Professor of Law at Yale, shares insights from his book, True Conservatism. He defines conservatism as a cautious disposition that values inherited wisdom and guards against power. Kronman discusses the tension between human aspirations and modesty, critiques Enlightenment values, and emphasizes the importance of time in shaping political change. He draws lessons from Burke and Spinoza, advocating for a respectful engagement with the past rather than mere utilitarian views.

Sep 26, 2025 • 36min
Elixirs, Experiments, and the Birth of Modern Science
A conversation with science writer Philip Ball about his new illustrated history of alchemy.

Aug 27, 2025 • 36min
John Singer Sargent’s Paris Years
Join Stephanie Herdrich, the Alice Pratt Brown Curator at the Met, as she unpacks the fascinating world of John Singer Sargent's Paris years. Discover how Sargent’s family support and education in Paris fueled his rise in the vibrant art scene. Learn about his striking balance of tradition and modern techniques, exemplified in ‘The Daughters of Edward Darley Boyt.’ Delve into the scandal surrounding his iconic ‘Madame X’ and explore the dynamic cultural shifts that influenced his move to London, reshaping his art and legacy.

Jul 28, 2025 • 34min
A New History of Japanese Comics
Author Eike Exner discusses his new book, Manga

Jun 10, 2025 • 54min
The Richard Diebenkorn Catalogue Raisonné of Prints
Andrea Liguori, Kate Zanzucchi, Starr Figura, and Marcia Bartholme on the catalogue and Diebenkorn’s printmaking practice.

Apr 24, 2025 • 21min
Ruth Asawa
A conversation with Janet Bishop, co-curator of the exhibition Ruth Asawa: Retrospective.

Mar 28, 2025 • 36min
J.M.W. Turner and John Constable
A conversation with Nicola Moorby, author of a new dual biography of the painters.

Jan 30, 2025 • 38min
The Visual History of Panafricanism
Antoine I. Byrd, an expert in modern African art, and Matthew S. Witkovsky, a curator at the Art Institute of Chicago, dive into the rich visual history of Pan-Africanism. They discuss the groundbreaking exhibition 'Project a Black Planet', highlighting diverse artistic expressions tied to cultural identity. The conversation covers themes of home as both refuge and challenge, and the significance of artworks that reflect migration and community building. Their insights illuminate how art fosters connection and engagement within the Pan-African dialogue.

Nov 18, 2024 • 34min
The Story of Drawing
Susan Owens on Her Alternative History of Art

Oct 24, 2024 • 1h 8min
Why I Write: David Thomson Interviews Greil Marcus
In this special episode, British film critic David Thomson interviews music journalist, author, and cultural critic Greil Marcus. They cover how Marcus writes, the upcoming presidential election, classical music, and more.


