Chanda Prescod-Weinstein on THE EDGE OF SPACE-TIME
In this episode, theoretical physicist Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein discusses her work in particle cosmology, especially dark matter and neutron star astrophysics, while weaving together science, literature, and pop culture. She explains how metaphors—from Genesis to Star Trek to poetry—help translate complex concepts like the Big Bang, quantum indeterminacy, and the arrow of time for broader audiences. Prescod-Weinstein also reflects on the historical misuse of scientific ideas to justify social hierarchies and introduces her upcoming academic book, *The Cosmos is a Black Aesthetic*, which examines the universe through a Black Studies lens. Throughout, she emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary thinking and the role of storytelling in making science accessible.
Ben Lerner on TRANSCRIPTION
In this episode, author Ben Lerner discusses his new novel *Transcription*, which centers on a failed recording of a final interview with a 90‑year‑old mentor, Thomas, and the ripple effects of that missing transcript. Lerner explains how the book blends...
Patrick Radden Keefe on LONDON FALLING
In this episode of Poured Over, host Miwa Messer talks with author Patrick Radden Keefe about his new book *London Falling*, which grew out of a New Yorker article. Keefe recounts how a chance conversation on a TV set led...
Emma Straub on AMERICAN FANTASY
In this episode of Poured Over, bookseller and author Emma Straub discusses her new novel *American Fantasy*, a comedic yet heartfelt tale about 50‑year‑old Annie who, after a divorce, joins a cruise full of women and the nostalgic boy‑band Boy...
Caro Claire Burke on YESTERYEAR
In this episode of Poured Over, host Jenna Seery chats with author Carol Claire Burke about her debut novel *Yesteryear*, which follows Natalie Heller Mills, a ruthless social‑media entrepreneur who awakens in the 1850s version of the pioneer world she once fetishized. Burke...
Kevin Fedarko on A WALK IN THE PARK
In this episode of Poured Over, journalist Kevin Fedarko discusses his memoir A Walk in the Park, which recounts his 2015–2016 attempt to traverse the Grand Canyon on foot—a project originally intended as a National Geographic article for the National...
Jenny Lawson on HOW TO BE OKAY WHEN NOTHING IS OKAY
In this episode of Poured Over, host Jenna Seary chats with humorist and mental‑health advocate Jenny Lawson about her new book *How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay*. Lawson explains that the book grew out of her own post‑college‑kid‑leaving...
Yann Martel on SON OF NOBODY
In this episode of Poured Over, Barnes & Noble bookseller Brenda Allison interviews bestselling author Yann Martel about his new novel Son of Nobody. Martel explains the book’s dual structure—epic verses recounting a newly imagined Trojan War tale of a...
Kristen Arnett on STOP ME IF YOU'VE HEARD THIS ONE
In this episode of Poured Over, author Kristen Arnett discusses her latest novel, *stop me if you've heard this one*, a comedic yet heartfelt love letter to Florida centered on a lesbian birthday‑party clown named Cherry. Arnett explains how the...
Amal El-Mohtar on SEASONS OF GLASS AND IRON
In this episode of Poured Over, Barnes & Noble bookseller Isabel McConville chats with author Amal El‑Mohtar about her upcoming short‑story collection Seasons of Glass and Iron. Amal shares the chaotic lead‑up to the March 24 release—including a D&D podcast...
Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney on LAKE EFFECT
In this episode of Poured Over, host Miwa Messer chats with novelist Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney about her debut novel *The Nest* and its sequel *Lake Effect*. They recount the whirlwind launch of *The Nest*, the challenges of promoting books during the...
Tom Junod on IN THE DAYS OF MY YOUTH I WAS TOLD WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MAN
In this episode of Poured Over, host Miwa Messer interviews acclaimed writer Tom Junod about his memoir In the Days of My Youth I Was Told What It Means to Be a Man. Junod recounts how the book evolved from...
Jung Yun on ALL THE WORLD CAN HOLD
In this episode of Poured Over, host Miwa Messer chats with author Jung Yun about her novel *All the World Can Hold*, a multi‑generational story set on a post‑9/11 cruise ship that mirrors the structure of the classic TV series...
T Kira Madden on WHIDBEY
In this episode of Poured Over, author T. Cara Madden discusses her debut novel WHIDBEY, which follows three women—two adult survivors of a convicted child‑sex abuser and the abuser’s mother—after the abuser is murdered. Madden explains how the story emerged from...
Caitlin Breeze on THE FOX HUNT
In this episode, Barnes & Noble bookseller Isabel McConville chats with debut novelist Caitlin Breeze about her new fantasy novel, *The Fox Hunt*. Breeze shares the emotional journey of seeing her manuscript become a physical book, the collaborative design process...
Patricia Finn on THE GOLDEN BOY
In this episode of Poured Over, Isabel McConville chats with debut novelist Patricia Finn about her new book *The Golden Boy*. Finn shares the emotional roller‑coaster of seeing her manuscript become a physical book, the intensive editorial process, and the...
Markus Zusak on THE BOOK THIEF
In this hour‑long interview, author Markus Zusak reflects on the 20th anniversary of The Book Thief, discussing its unexpected evolution, the deliberate structure of the novel, and the emotional journey of writing it. He shares anecdotes about characters that were...
Ron Currie on THE SAVAGE, NOBLE DEATH OF BABS DIONNE
Ron Currie appears on the literary podcast Poured Over to discuss his hard‑boiled crime novel, The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne. The conversation, co‑hosted by Isabelle McConville, delves into Currie’s character‑first writing process, his Franco‑American roots, and the novel’s...
Tayari Jones on KIN
Tayari Jones joins host Miwa Messer on the Poured Over podcast to discuss her novel *Kin*, a deep dive into mother‑daughter, sister, and friendship bonds in the American South. The conversation expands to Jones’s Atlanta upbringing, her time at Spelman...
Cameron Sullivan on THE RED WINTER
The Poured Over podcast released a new episode featuring author Cameron Sullivan discussing his novel The Red Winter. The conversation explores the novel’s blend of French history, the Beast of Gévaudan myth, and a dark, supernatural love story. Co‑host Jenna...
Anna Quindlen on MORE THAN ENOUGH
Anna Quindlen discusses her new novel *More Than Enough* on the *Poured Over* podcast, describing it as a tender exploration of self‑discovery later in life. The conversation, hosted by Brenda Allison, weaves in topics such as friendship, motherhood, chosen family,...
Michael Pollan on A WORLD APPEARS
Michael Pollan’s new book *A World Appears* delves into consciousness, weaving together plant biology, human cognition, and philosophical inquiry. In a recent interview with Chris Gillespie, he expands on sentience, theory of mind, and the parallels between AI and the...
Jo Nesbø on WOLF HOUR
Jo Nesbø joined the Poured Over podcast to discuss his latest novel, Wolf Hour, a dark psychological crime thriller. The conversation, hosted by Chris Gillespie and mixed by Harry Liang, delved into the book’s exploration of a murderer’s mind, as well as Nesbø’s personal...