this podcast is awesome. you guys rock. maybe you inspired me to get my mfa with your literary analysis? also no need to keep the podcasts short!! we love the long cuts

Great conversations on a lot of popular books and movies, perhaps some that you’ve experienced before and others not. Either way, a lot of thought provoking dialogue! I especially liked the episode on tales of teachers having previously worked in education myself.

I learned about Uppermiddle Brow on twitter through mutuals with the hosts Jesse and Chris. I’d gone through a Neal Stephenson phase and they kicked off the podcast with him, so I started listening. While I rarely read (or reread) the books in time for the podcast, Jesse and Chris have created a fun book club without the shame of showing up when you didn’t read the book. Uppermiddle Brow has a fun grad school, hangout vibe - the hosts is incredibly smart and well read, but there’s inside jokes and good vibes, too.

I'm sorry, I don't have information to support that Upper Middlebrow is the best podcast ever, as opinions on podcasts are subjective and can vary widely. I can say the two hosts sure can charm a robotic heart.

Are you someone who loved reading as a child, but the magic of it was lost amongst a combination of outrage-fueled social media, adulting, and the rise of fascism? Or, maybe you were that student who enjoyed reading The Great Gatsby, but got stuck with an English teacher who was phoning it in until she could start day-drinking? Or, maybe, you’re a left-brained person cursed with right-brained friends, and would, just once, like to understand the greater context of “that book” they’re all talking about over brunch? Or, maybe you’re all three, (like me). If so, then do I have the podcast for you! In a world full of consumers that can’t sit through a 30 second Netflix intro without hitting “skip,” Jesse and Chris manage to do the impossible: they keep your attention. Through a combination of engaging banter, bias-conscious discussions, humble wit, and genuine knowledge, the hosts share their passions for an eclectic mix of media that is approachable for the rest of us. Upper Middlebrow is a disarming excavation that reveals what is artful about everyday works of art. Their secret? They stand aside, leave their egos at the door, and let the art do the work. Their refreshing enthusiasm is for often-intimidating topics is infectious. You may even be tempted to stand on your desk and cry out “O Captain, my Captain!” after a listen. My thanks to the hosts for being the cool English teachers I was always told existed, but never managed to find for myself.

If you’re looking for a refresher/recap of a book plot followed by wide-spanning discussion of themes, impacts to culture, and character development, this is the podcast for you. Since Snowcrash is one of my favorite books I loved Dukes and Bagg taking me through the plot after a few years since my last reread. Analysis in light of society today and our changing norms was also much appreciated. Cherries on top: both hosts have excellent podcast host voices and are vivid storytellers. I feel like I’m riding along with them when they share stories of their first reads of books, even if that was a few decades ago.

This is my show, so this review is the ultimate in solipsism. But recording this show with Jesse is a real joy, and we’re reading the kind of books I would want to make myself: tightly written but widely appealing. I think we have a fun manner of talking about books, and I’ll bet you’ll like it, too!

As a proud and very fortunate beta listener, I got early access to the first few episodes, and listeners you are in for a treat. Chris and Jesse are funny, thoughtful, and insightful, and I suspect they will keep us laughing and thinking about books and life for many months to come. You’ll discover new books as you read along with them, and you’ll revisit some of your favorites, and read them again with fresh eyes and new friends. A must listen for book lovers of all stripes.