Get Lit Podcast

Send us a textThis week, we present a back to school special with Andrew Clements. Clements was a teacher-turned-author who wrote dozens of books that helped children foster a love of learning. Known for Frindle, The Landry News, The School Story, and other texts, Clements' characters helped encourage young readers to believe in themselves and dare to bring their dreams to life. We salute all the amazing educators out there about to start their new years! Your students are so lucky to have you! 

Send us a textWe take a summer trip to Provincetown, Massachusetts and other places across the United States to explore the legacy of novelist, journalist, playwright, and member of the Provincetown Players, Floyd Dell! Dell's work is often overshadowed by his other more famous contemporaries, including Eugene O'Neill, Susan Glaspell, Jack Reed, and others. This week, we shine a spotlight on his work and adventures through Bohemian culture and beyond! 

Send us a textWe're featuring a listener request (thanks, Dad!) - Ken Kesey. Known for his novel 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest', Kesey wrote many other works through various forms, including articles and stories over the course of his storied career. We explore the other jobs he had, the adventures he took in between (to prison and beyond!), and the important work he advocated for! Join us on our very own trip in the Further with our own Merry Pranksters! 

Send us a textWe are delighted to feature Ethel Payne on Get Lit this week! Payne was known as the 'First Lady of the Black Press', a pioneering force in journalism who broke down barriers, created space for the voices of Black Americans, and became a problem for the White House in a truly rebellious way. Her journey takes us across the United States and overseas, and her impact to this day echos just as far! 

Send us a textWe have a rather whimsical episode for you all this week as we cover author, illustrator, cartoonist, and artist Tove Jansson. Jansson is most popularly known as the creator of the Moomin characters, whose colorful world brought delight to readers around the globe. She had a unique voice that spoke through words, through art, and through her relationship with a particular island. Grab a ticket and join us in Finland for a midsummer trip!

Send us a textWe're featuring a founding father this week! A founding father of modernist drama, that is: Henrik Ibsen. He is also our first Norwegian author, first 3-time Nobel prize nominee (not winner), and first author to use his own life experiences in his work (jk lol). This episode is a wild ride with stories, analysis, and a visit from Edgar Allan Poe to start, so come along for the journey! 

Send us a textWe could all use a bit of magic in our lives these days, so join us for the most delightful episode about the wittiest, witchiest, wordsmith: Betty MacDonald! Known for her clever reflections in her autobiographies and her wonderful character, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, MacDonald is remembered as a unique voice in literature who helped adults and children alike find theirs.  

Send us a text'According to Emily Post', she's the subject of our episode this week! We explore another version of 'literature', examining Emily's advice and articles on how best to handle any social situation. We discuss the role of etiquette, society, communication, and culture, along with the intersection of feminism amidst all of this! Join us for the answers to all your most important etiquette and more! 

Send us a textAnd he's here tonight, everybody! It's Leo Tolstoy! We examine the writing, life, and legacy of author and philosopher and radical thinker and failed farmer ?  His contributions to writing and literature have changed not only how we write but also the way we think. We unpack some of the context around his work and the stories that have made this man a myth. Join us! 

Send us a textSteph & Jon are back to discuss Fairy Tale Legend, Mary De Morgan. Growing up in varied intellectual circumstances, De Morgan used her original fairy tales to critique the society she lived in. She wrote about gender roles, power, class, and of course, capitalism! Natural fodder for fairy tales, really. Join us this week to learn more about your new favorite fairy tale author!