Episode Appearances
Renewing Your Mind · Feb 7, 2026
The Riddle of Samson
“American novelist referenced for describing Samson as 'one of those enigmatic broods of the Old Testament'”
Book of Judges structure and compositionSamson narrative analysis and biblical interpretationSpiritual decline in leadership and institutions
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The New Yorker: Fiction · Feb 1, 2026
Tessa Hadley Reads John McGahern
“Short story writer previously featured on the podcast; cited by Hadley as part of her 'inner circle of beloved writers'”
Father-Son Relationships and Patriarchal ViolenceLiterary Technique: Repetition and Rhythm in Short FictionRural-Urban Migration and Identity Formation
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The New Yorker Radio Hour · Nov 28, 2025
Ian McEwan on Imagining the World After Disaster
“American novelist whose legacy and readership McEwan reflects on regarding literary survival after an author's death.”
Speculative fiction and climate change narrativesLiterary fiction's role in understanding modernity and human natureNuclear war scenarios and geopolitical conflict
View AnalysisThe New Yorker Radio Hour · Oct 24, 2025
Zadie Smith on Politics, Turning Fifty, and Mind Control
“Referenced as example of writer with separate offices for different types of writing work”
Literary representation and cultural appropriation in fictionDigital manipulation and algorithmic control of attentionScreen time regulation and child development
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Search Engine · Oct 3, 2025
Talk Easy x Search Engine
“Novelist frequently interviewed by Gross; discussed writing's role in reflecting and clarifying human life”
Long-form interview techniques and craftPublic radio history and evolution (1973-2024)Interviewing as journalism vs. voyeurism ethics
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