In this episode, we discuss the life of author Claude McKay—a Jamaican-born activist and writer who was an important part of the Harlem Renaissance. We examine a number of his poems as part of our “Nostalgia” theme, exploring subjects like grieving familial loss, romantic love, and the fight for racial equality in the United States Read More

In this episode, we journey into the lush and soulful musings of author Eudora Welty—a woman who used plain observation to confect rich and dynamic portraits of everyday life in the American south. We examine one of her short stories as part of our “Nostalgia” theme, and carve into complex subjects like narrative reliability, the Read More

In this episode, we talk about two of our favorite topics: food and southern culture. Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better, and explore the human condition—together. Listen and subscribe on Apple, Google, and Spotify.

In this episode, we take an inquisitive peek into the multilayered work of Creole playwright Victor Sejour—a dramatist who wielded satire like a weapon against 19th-century social prejudices and used real life tragedy to instigate audience introspection. We analyze one of his plays as part of our Morality theme, and tear into meaty issues like Read More

In this episode, we explore the little-known yet masterfully crafted work of author Edward Prime-Stevenson—a man who faced persecution with bravado and used his talent to strip away social stigmas. We analyze one of his novels as part of our “Morality” theme, and dig into compelling subjects like the historical/contemporary implications of gayness, unconventional Read More

In this episode, we survey the subtle and unflinching craftsmanship of writer Wu Zao—a woman whose boldly spun poetic narratives reflect the unconventionality with which she lived her life. We analyze a segment of her work as part of our “Poetry Appreciation” theme, while simultaneously dissecting intricate topics like sexual self-identification, romantic fixation, and Read More

In this episode, we pour over the sinuous work and idealistic perspective of poet Agustina Andrade—a woman whose lyrical sensibilities and quixotic writing style came to define Argentine poetry at the end of the nineteenth-century. We analyze two of her poems as part of our “Poetry Appreciation” theme, and dissect thought-provoking topics like Read More

In this episode, we peer into the unconventional life and prose of author Fredrika Bremer—a woman whose writing ignited a global shift towards the recognition of women’s rights. We analyze an excerpt of her work as part of our “Femininity” theme and discuss moving themes like feminism, independence, and personal conviction. Please join us as Read More

In this episode, we look into the compelling world view and craftmanship of playwright Mamie Burrill—a woman who used the art of drama to incite powerful social and moral debates during the early twentieth-century. We analyze one of her plays as part of our “Femininity” theme and discuss timely topics like reproductive rights, cultural Read More

In this episode, we take a quick break from literary exploration and lay our analytical routine temporarily to the wayside. To celebrate the 10th installment of The Writer Who Reads podcast, we laugh our way through a candid conversation about our friendship and rummage through a heap of mutual memories. Please join us as we Read More