The Ivory Tower Boiler Room is a Public Humanities podcast where we interview writers, scholars, performers, and artists. Episodes air on Mondays! Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ivorytowerboilerroom/support
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----Dallas Robertson is here! We all know what escorts are, right? Ever wanted to hear from one firsthand...? This is the episode for you!The infinitely talented writer Dallas Robertson tells us about some of his personal experiences in the sex work industry, how writing has impacted him along with the global differences in gay-bashing and accepting sex workers in daily life.Wanna learn more about Dallas Robertson? Check out the link below!Dallas Robertson - VICTORIA PARK, WA, Australia (279 books)-----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----This one's hot and heavy, everyone! Writer Dale Corvino is here and lets us all know about his experience as a "Kept Boy". If you've heard of Sugar Babies... you're going to want to tune into this one! Dale's first-hand experience as a kept boy for an older man went on for over a decade, which is written about in detail in his memoir Afterlife of a Kept Boy which you can check out down below!Afterlife of a Kept Boy: Corvino, Dale: 9781949540529: Amazon.com: BooksTo learn more about Dale Corvino and keep up with him and his work, make sure to tune into his blog!Dale Corvino – Author's blog collecting publications and media.-----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----Friend of the show Jeremy C. Fox of The Gay & Lesbian Review along with first time guest Eric Tribunella are joining us on ITBR today! First... Be sure to check out their latest issue discussing all things Victorian Era queerness down below!The Gay & Lesbian Review | GL Review | Magazine | HistoryJeremy and Eric provided an incredible conversation surrounding the paradox-like nature of the Victorian Era and how the term homosexuality derives from it- yet it's the same era that implements the earliest stages of the closet and staying "DL".Promiscuity, marriage standards and sexuality repression/expression have evolved drastically since the Victorian Era. So tune in and hear all the juicy analysis of this rich time in literature and history!-----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----Writer, journalist, educator, and queer activist Gaar Adams is here! The author of 2025's fascinating and introspective book Guest Privileges, which revolves around queer migration and rights in the Middle East as well as his own sexual identity, provides an incredible conversation here on ITBR!Whether it be his own experiences living as a queer man in the Middle East or clearing up common misconceptions in the Western world, this conversation will definitely teach you something new! Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Yemen have vastly different perspectives on sexuality, which Gaar breaks down for us as well as the many queer spaces that have flourished in the Middle East!Wanna learn more about Gaar Adams and Guest Privileges? Check out the link below!https://www.gaaradams.com/-----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----Incredibly talented debut author Nancy Genung is here on ITBR! Nancy is a New Jersey native and spent every summer going down the Jersey Shore, and was raised hearing mafia stories. Inspired by The Sopranos and the family values she grew up around, Nancy felt compelled to combine the two into her debut novel Cousins.We go all into Cousins and the THRILLING aspects of it that make it so unique in gangster media. On a global level, Nancy provided a fantastic conversation and outlook on the intergenerational differences between Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X.Cousins is available now! Check out the link below to give this gangster-fueled page-turner a try!Cousins - The BookChristopher and Giuseppe are more like brothers than cousins. They spent their summers every year at the Jersey shore. They come from a strong Italian family from New Jersey, that has a history of mob related relatives. Chris and Gee's parents are not part of that world and want to keep their families as far away as possible from that life. Chris and his sister, Suzy, work extremely hard and have learned great work ethics from their parents. Gee, however, has had everything handed to him and is only interested in his physique and screwing women. Chris is in a passionate, long-term relationship with Nicole, who is a successful Essex County Prosecutor. -----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Here is Mary's reading of chapter two of "Biased Justice: The Dimitri Rozenman Story." Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or producers.
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----The next installment of Biased Justice is here! Co-host Mary DiPipi joins me as we dive deeper into Dimitri's conviction and how the losses in his personal life brought him to the brink of despair.This case is shown to have more and more layers as we listen back to Dimitri's powerful messages that make his story become clearer. The Justice System in America has been unjust for generations, and Dimitri's story is a prime example of highlighting those faults.Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or producers.-----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Hey guys! With Episode 2 of Biased Justice coming out right around the corner, we figured we reupload part one as a refresher! Sit back and get caught up!-----Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroomIn the premiere episode of Biased Justice, I'm joined by Mary DiPipi of True Crime in Academia to unpack the first chapter of Biased Justice, the manuscript written by Dimitri Rozenman about his wrongful conviction.Dimitri recounts the legal chaos that followed his overturned conviction—including being abandoned by multiple attorneys and ultimately forced to represent himself in a system stacked against defendants without resources. He reflects on his lifelong love of literature, the influence of the Alfred Dreyfus affair, and why writing became his final tool for survival and truth.The conversation expands into a sharp critique of the U.S. criminal justice system—examining prosecutorial power, evidence control, and systemic bias—while contrasting it with more impartial models abroad. Above all, Dimitri explains why telling his story matters: to expose injustice, push for reform, and reclaim a voice he hopes might one day reach his daughters.Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or producers.Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----Christian Pan is here! Christian is an activist and the author of Bi-Curious and City of Desire. He gave a great chat on the public perception of erotic literature, using sexual identity in media as publicity and the soaring ticket prices of Broadway shows with the influx of Hollywood stars taking the stage.It's more important than ever before to pursue self-fulfillment... so if you wanna be an erotic author but you're worried about the public stigma? This is the episode for you!Check out the link below to check out Christian, his socials and books!Christian Pan| Kindle Book Promotion-----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
In part two of our conversation, we discuss strategies for engaging students in an age where so many are turning to ChatGPT to do the thinking for them? This was part of the New Jersey College English association conference. Moderated by Ameenah McKiethenFeaturing Professors Andrew Rimby, Angela Weisl, Jan Balakian, Mary Balkun, and Jan Balakian
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----This is an episode truly like no other, as I'm joined by spiritual guru, author and long-time universal truth-seeker: Harrison Viers Newberry. Never before have we had such extensive discussion on the increasingly real possibility that we may not be alone in the universe...From UFOs to lizard beings sent here thousands of years ago only to return in 2008... this one is a heck of a rabbit hole deep dive! Harrison also brings it back to the soul and self; and the importance of maintaining a strong spiritual balance.To learn more about Harrison and to check out his books, click the link below!https://www.amazon.com/stores/Harrison-Viers-Newberry/author/B0CR4CKWMW-----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
A live podcast episode from the New Jersey College English Association conference hosted by Seton Hall University. This roundtable conversation is moderated by Ameenah McKiethen from Kean University and features the following professors: Dr. Andrew Rimby (Kean, Montclair, and Seton Hall) Dr. Angela Weisl (Seton Hall) Dr. Jan Balakian (Kean) Dr. Mary Balkun (Seton Hall) Dr. Stefanie Shapiro (SUNY Maritime)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----Marie Rutkoski is here! The author of 2025's most irresistibly charming and hopeful queer novel Ordinary Love provided us with a great conversation here on ITBR, both going all in on her newest novel and giving us some insight on her perspective of the current state of the LGBTQ community under the current administration.Queer stories are often tied to tragedy, heartbreak or unrequited love. That trope has been turned on its head under Marie Rutkoski as she reminds the world that hopeful stories are necessary and are what get us through trying times– not only just relishing in the tragedy.Wanna learn more about Marie Rutkoski and Ordinary Love? Check out the link below!https://www.marierutkoski.com/-----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----Many academics yearn to be single-author scholars but are afraid that it simply will not be sustainable or possible. That's why Dr. Devoney Looser is joining me today! Devoney is a writer and professor at Arizona State University and a Jane Austen scholar. She goes in depth on how she was able to make her career work, tips for the next generation of scholars and the importance of Jane Austen! Her new book, Wild for Austen is out now!Wanna learn more about Devoney, Wild for Austen and so much more? Check out the links below!DEVONEY LOOSER - Devoney Looser, Professor of English, Jane Austen Scholar, & Roller Derby PlayerWild for Austen - DEVONEY LOOSERWild for Austen: A Rebellious, Subversive, and Untamed Jane (published in North America by St. Martin's Press, in the UK by Manchester University Press, and by Ultimo Press in Australia) honors and explores Austen's writings, life, and legacy, just in time for the celebration her 250th birthday on December 16. 2025. -----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----Kiersten White is here! The author of the 2024 novel Lucy Undying among a plethora of New York Times best sellers goes all in on what it was like shaping her vision of Lucy from Dracula's story.Weaving a story with a modern and queer touch surrounded a character originally written over a century is no simple task. Kiersten reminds us how important it is to embody a queer story that doesn't have to end or revolve around pure tragedy: queer joy in media should be represented, too!Check out Lucy Undying and learn more about Kiersten down below!Lucy Undying by Kiersten White: 9780593724422 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: BooksAbout Me — Kiersten White-----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Want to listen to this episode AD FREE? Go to patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom to become a subscriber today!Hey, true crime friends. I'm back!In honor of Women's History Month, this episode explores the life- and brutal murder- of Dian Fossey. A fearless conservationist who dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas, Fossey's legacy is undeniable, but her death remains shrouded in mystery.Theme Song: Pisces by Anne Sophie AndersenOur Sponsors:To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe, and enterpromo code ITBR50 to receive 50% off any print or digital subscription. Followthem on IG, @theglreview.Follow That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema on IG, @thatolgayclassiccinema andlisten here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-ol-gay-classic-cinema/id1652125150Head to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher,for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off yourbroadviewpress.com order.Follow them on IG, @broadviewpress.Follow ITBR on IG, @ivorytowerboilerroom,TikTok, @ivorytowerboilerroom, andX, @IvoryBoilerRoom!Sources:https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dian-Fosseyhttps://www.biography.com/scientists/dian-fosseyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dian_Fossey
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----Re-release time! I'm visiting Salem, Massachusetts for the Society for the Study of the American Gothic and figured this would be a great episode to put out again to a fresh audience!From its European roots, the gender differences in witchcraft accusation and persecution, along with reparations for those affected, are just a few topics we get into in this conversation! ----Andrew and guest co-host, Gail Crowther are joined by Stacy Schiff, author of The Witches: Suspicion, Betrayal, and Hysteria in 1692 Salem and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Cleopatra. Stacy discusses why the Salem Witch Trials happened and why they are so relevant in today's social and political climate. To read more about Stacy Schiff, check out her website! https://www.stacyschiff.com/-----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----Clarence A. Haynes is author of the urban fantasy novel The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery (Legacy Lit) and co-author of the acclaimed YA Afrofuturist series Nubia: The Awakening and The Reckoning (Delacorte Press), written with actor/producer Omar Epps. He is also author of the nonfiction work The Legacy of Jim Crow (Penguin Workshop), published as part of the True History series for middle-grade readers.On today's episode I'm joined by none other than Clarence A. Haynes! Carrying just as much energy as his infinitely thrilling novel The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery, Clarence brought an incredibly enticing conversation to the table where we get to hear everything that inspired his writing, the myriad of characters in his novel and the importance of queer representation in media.I wish I could tell you more about the book but that's for you to find out! So, what are you waiting for? You literally won't be able to put this book down once it's yours!Get to know more about Clarence and check out The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery down below!Clarence A. Haynes — Wave LiteraryThe Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery: A Novel: Haynes, Clarence A.: 9781538768518: Amazon.com: Books------Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----Olivia Wolfgang-Smith is the author of the novels Mutual Interest (2025) and Glassworks, which was longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize and named a Best Book of the Year by NPR, Apple, and Good Housekeeping. She is a 2024 NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellow in Fiction!Joining me on ITBR today is Olivia Wolfgang-Smith! The author of the critically acclaimed Mutual Interest weighs in on the importance of differentiating self-care and what the beauty industry wants from you as a consumer. Mutual Interest holds a plethora of characters all with different relationships with the world of beauty, self-care and queer identity that anyone can either see themselves in or enjoy!Wanna know more about Olivia Wolfgang-Smith and Mutual Interest? Check out the link below!About — Olivia Wolfgang-Smith-----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
SPOILER ALERT!!I continue my conversation with my husband to discuss our thoughts about Scream 7, and whether or not we enjoyed the addition of new characters. We end with our thoughts on the motives of Ghostface, and we'll pick back up there with part three next week!
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----Mary Balkun is Professor of English and Founding Director of the Center for Faculty Development at Seton Hall University and American Literature Scholar! Joining Ameenah and me today on ITBR: Teaching the Humanities is Dr. Mary Balkun! On today's episode, Mary has incredibly insightful advice for anyone struggling to balance work, school, and their personal life. Student life has evolved to be more time-strenuous than ever before, so be sure to tune in for helpful tips from Mary! The American education system and broad curriculum that students must endure has killed their passion for knowledge. Along with A.I. gradually deteriorating critical thinking, what does that mean for the future of teaching the humanities? Mary gives us plenty of insight and hope on how we can make changes in the near future so that children and college students alike can learn in an education system that nurtures their learning experience!-----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----Stacy Wolf is a Professor of Theater at Princeton University and is one of America's foremost scholars on musical theater! On this week's episode of ITBR, Stacy Wolf is here! We share a conversation with some much-needed warmth in these trying times, along with the importance of attending the theater with like-minded individuals! Mental health is important, and while the world is seemingly on fire, a fantastic way to heal the spirit is to be surrounded by those with a shared interest!Stacy and I cover this year's radar for Broadway shows and some thoughts on Wicked: For Good, as well as the famous shows of the past and how social justice/theater intertwine! Tune in to hear all of Stacy's insightful thoughts and more!-----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom-----Bill Hulseman joins me today on ITBR! Religion and sexuality have had an opposing relationship for thousands of years. Bill breaks down the confusing world of living with both a queer and religious identity. To be yourself and not pick any "sides" in your identity is what Bill has lived by since coming out in college.Being an advocate for Catholicism as a gay man, Bill reveals he's actually faced more backlash from queer spaces than Catholic ones. His personal journey has led him down a variety of paths that may be of help for any lost voices out there in need of guidance.Wanna know more about Bill Hulseman? Check out his latest book & his website down below!https://www.billhulseman.com/six-to-carry-the-casket-and-one-to-say-the-masshttps://www.billhulseman.com/-----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
TRIGGER WARNING: Today's episode contains mentions of sexual assault, pedophilia, sex trafficking and violence.Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom------An award-winning author, public speaker, and former special victims prosecutor, Roger Canaff has devoted his legal career to the eradication of violence against women and children. Today on ITBR, I'm joined by none other than Roger Canaff. Roger's history on today's topics like potential AI sexual exploitation, predatory behavior patterns and of course; the Jeffrey Epstein Files makes for a heavy and informative conversation.In the era of information overload, mental health erosion and potentially being ruled by the very people who were trafficking women and children... how do we cope? Well, Roger believes it's within the self and in curating communities and safe places to thrive in and take care of your mental well-being.Wanna know more about Roger Canaff? Check out his website right here: Roger Canaff-----Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
SPOILER ALERT!!Right after seeing the new Scream film, my husband and I jumped on the podcast to review the film since we both are fans (well my husband is a diehard fan) of the Scream franchise. If you saw the film, what were your thoughts?
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom------David Starkey, English Professor at Santa Barbara City College joins me on this week's episode of ITBR to discuss the recent ramifications that AI has had on the academic process for the current generation of writers. David's guide, Academic Writing Now serves as a strong foundational place for any academic writer!How can we counteract the rise of anti-intellectualism in the classroom? As for David, he's been working on a variety of intuitive and creative ways that students can compose and structure their academic works. Tune in to hear more! Wanna know more about David? Check out the link below!https://davidstarkey.net/about/You can get his book here (use code ivorytower for 20% off):https://broadviewpress.com/product/academic-writing-now-with-readings/#tab-description------Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Since gothic and horror is all the rage right now in pop culture (think Scream 7, Frankenstein, and The Bride), here are a few books that I'd love to recommend to you all for your TBR piles!1. Your Favorite Scary Movie (Ashley Cullins)2. It All Began With a Scream (Padraic Maroney)3. Rear Window: The Making of a Hitchcock Masterpiece in the Hollywood Golden Age (Jennifer O'Callaghan) 4. Jenny Kidd (Laury A. Egan)5. Come Knocking (Mike Bockoven) 6. Lucy Undying (Kiersten White)7. Vampire Literature: An Anthology (Robin Werner and Elizabeth Lewis)8. American Scary (Jeremy Dauber)9. The Horror Theory Reader (Jeffrey Andrew Weinstock)
Since so many gothic and horror films have just been released, including a new Dracula, Frankenstein, The Bride, and Scream, I thought I'd rerelease this exciting conversation with Robin Werner and Elizabeth Lewis! They edited the book Vampire Literature: An Anthology (published by Broadview Press).Use the promo code ivorytower for 20% off the book: https://broadviewpress.com/product/vampire-literature/#tab-description
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom------It's steamy, thrilling and equally serious! Kink culture is all around us. Subconsciously, what we yearn for in terms of our pleasure and bodies reflects back into who we are. Joining me today are The Gay & Lesbian Review's new managing editor, Jeremy C. Fox along with contributing writers Casper Byrne and Sergio Interdonato! What kink means to us, our learning experiences and growth in terms of self-discovery through sexual desire are just the tip of the iceberg on this week's episode. Globally, we cover the United States' relationship to its kink culture as well as representation on TV and movies that have made significant impacts in the kink social movement. The hidden beauty of the foot desire, Sex & The City and more await in this week's HOT episode!------Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroomDrew Droege is here! The star-studded queer comedian, actor, writer and director joins this week's co-host, Brian Alessandro, and me to talk all things Luca Guadagnino, the LGBTQ social climate in life and entertainment, and Drew's newest satirical play: Messy White Gays!In such a wildly turbulent moment in history, Drew reminds us how important it is to stick up for and protect our trans friends and communities, as there is a level of disproportionate harassment and political targeting by the current administration against them, whether it be in terms of legislation or social provocation.Of course, we leave more than enough room for talking about all the various exciting, fun and rich productions Drew has worked on over his career, along with a future project with RuPaul! Wanna learn more about Messy White Gays?It's Sunday morning in Hell's Kitchen. Brecken and Caden have just murdered their boyfriend and stuffed his body into a Jonathan Adler credenza. Unfortunately, they've also invited friends over for brunch. And they're out of limes!Feel bad for them!They're MESSY WHITE GAYS!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~You can find out more about Drew and his work on his website: https://www.drewdroege.com/Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Since Scream 7 is now in movie theaters, I thought it would be fun to rerelease our Scream episode from a few years ago! Watch the 1996 SCREAM film with me, Mary, and Lorentz! It was such a fun time talking about such an iconic horror film. To watch the second part, head on over to our Patreon (for free):https://www.patreon.com/posts/91376830
In honor of Scream 7's opening weekend, here's a past episode we did with Scream expert Padraic Maroney! We hope you enjoy it. I'm joined with horror film expert Padraic Maroney who has written about both the Final Destination and Scream franchises! If you don't know, not only am I a horror fanatic, but so is my husband who couldn't miss out on this exciting conversation. Padraic has interviewed so many from both the Final Destination and Scream franchises, and he reveals so many unanswered questions that viewers have, like what the new Scream film will look like! Padraic starts off the conversation explaining why Final Destination is a bridge between 90s slashers (like Scream) and supernatural horror! We hope you enjoy this conversation.You can find Padraic's books here: https://amzn.to/3J6yTm6Follow Padraic on Instagram and TikTok @basedonabookbypadraicFollow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @ivorytowerboilerroom
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroomOn today's historical deep-dive episode of The Ivory Tower Boiler Room, I'm joined by queer author Robert Fieseler who takes us back to McCarthyism and how it set the stage for queer persecution for decades to come.We discuss the cultural and political significance of queer life under authoritarian regimes and how those in power will scapegoat and target marginalized groups like black and brown people, trans and gay people as a means to breed hatred and stay in power.Robert's book American Scare is available now! Link: https://www.rwfieseler.com/Follow him on Instagram @wordbobbyIn January 1959, Art Copleston was escorted out of his college accounting class by three police officers. In a motel room, blinds drawn, he sat in front of a state senator and the legal counsel for the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee, nicknamed the “Johns Committee.” His crime? Being a suspected homosexual. And the government of Florida would use any tactic at their disposal—legal or not—to get Copleston to admit it.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Use the promo code ivorytower for 20% off your order of Writing on Fire and all Broadview Press books! https://broadviewpress.com/product/writing-on-fire/Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroomIn this episode, I sit down with Poe scholar Dr. Amy Branam Armiento to explore why Edgar Allan Poe continues to captivate readers nearly two centuries later. From discovering “The Raven” as a young reader to teaching gothic literature today, Amy shares how Poe's exploration of power dynamics, psychological unraveling, and human vulnerability keeps his work relevant.We discuss the difference between gothic and horror—how gothic literature uses confined spaces and allegory to examine political and societal tensions—and why stories like “The Masque of the Red Death” resonated so deeply during COVID-19.Amy also reflects on today's evolving gothic landscape, where diverse voices are reshaping monster narratives and challenging traditional perspectives. Finally, we address the realities facing academia, including shrinking conference funding and the struggle to balance teaching with scholarship.You can find out more about Amy's work here: https://www.frostburg.edu/academics/colleges-and-departments/english/faculty--staff.phpAnd here's her edited collection of essays: https://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Love-Enduring-Fascination/dp/0881469467~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Use the promo code ivorytower for 20% off your order of Writing on Fire and all Broadview Press books! https://broadviewpress.com/product/writing-on-fire/Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroomIn this episode, we talk with author Jonathan Lerner about his memoir Performance Anxiety and his journey through gay identity, radical politics, and 1960s counterculture!Lerner reflects on his involvement with Students for a Democratic Society and the broader movement against police brutality, racism, and the Vietnam War. He shares what it felt like to come of age in a time when major social change seemed not just possible, but imminent.We explore gay visibility before and after Stonewall, and how pre-Stonewall life—even in progressive circles—often meant silence and fear. Lerner opens up about resisting his identity, living underground, working as a hustler, and ultimately coming out after a 13-year marriage.Learn more at JonathanLerner.info and follow @LernerWriter on Instagram!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Use the promo code ivorytower for 20% off your order of Writing on Fire and all Broadview Press books! https://broadviewpress.com/product/writing-on-fire/Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroomIn the premiere episode of Biased Justice, I'm joined by Mary DiPipi of True Crime in Academia to unpack the first chapter of Biased Justice, the manuscript written by Dimitri Rozenman about his wrongful conviction.Dimitri recounts the legal chaos that followed his overturned conviction—including being abandoned by multiple attorneys and ultimately forced to represent himself in a system stacked against defendants without resources. He reflects on his lifelong love of literature, the influence of the Alfred Dreyfus affair, and why writing became his final tool for survival and truth.The conversation expands into a sharp critique of the U.S. criminal justice system—examining prosecutorial power, evidence control, and systemic bias—while contrasting it with more impartial models abroad. Above all, Dimitri explains why telling his story matters: to expose injustice, push for reform, and reclaim a voice he hopes might one day reach his daughters.Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or producers.Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Author and historian Chris Adams (Out for Blood: A Cultural History of Carrie the Musical) joins Andrew in the ITBR to dig deep into the strange, bloody, and endlessly fascinating legacy of Carrie. From the moment Chris first encountered Stephen King's novel, his obsession was born—one that would eventually lead him straight to the infamous 1988 Broadway musical.Chris unpacks how Carrie went from a catastrophic flop to a full-blown cult phenomenon, asking the question fans still can't stop debating: if it failed so spectacularly, why are we still talking about it decades later? He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from interviewing cast and creative team members from both the 1988 original and the 2012 revival—many of whom opened up for the very first time about their complicated relationship with the show on the Out for Blood podcast.Together, Chris and Andrew explore why Carrie's twisted fairytale resonates so deeply, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, where its themes of alienation, repression, and explosive self-discovery hit close to home.Get your hands on Chris' book here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/out-for-blood-9781350320536/Follow Chris and Holly's "Out for Blood" podcast on Instagram, @outforbloodpodcast Listen to the "Out for Blood" podcast here: https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcast/out-for-blood/
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroomIn this episode, we discuss Dr. Rachel Teukolsky's Writing on Fire and her bold approach to reimagining academic writing for today's students. Blending pop culture, practical exercises, and a passion for the humanities, Teukolsky argues that writing should be engaging, accessible, and rooted in critical thinking. We also explore the future of humanities education, the pressures facing the field, and the complicated role AI may play in shaping how students learn to write.You can find more about Rachel on her website! https://www.rachelteukolsky.net/Use the promo code ivorytower for 20% off your order of Writing on Fire and all Broadview Press books! https://broadviewpress.com/product/writing-on-fire/Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon and get a free trial for the ITBR Professor level! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroomDid you think we were going to miss out on talking about the epic relationship between Rozanov and Hollander? I'm joined with an incredible trio of queer media experts including Jeremy C. Fox, managing editor of the Gay and Lesbian Review, Joseph Federico, a queer marketing specialist, and Dr. Colin Carman, English professor and contributor to the Gay and Lesbian Review!What is it about this TV show that has made it so quotable...I'm Coming to the Cottage...and has made getting a banana smoothie such a sensual experience? We discuss why this show is such a phenomenon and has taken over social media. How has this show successfully appealed to almost every viewer, especially straight women and queer men? Later in the conversation, we talk about how Heated Rivalry compares in theme to two other popular queer male shows from this year, Boots and Overcompensating. We explore how Boots' grittier, more realistic depiction of boot camp life contrasts with Heated Rivalry's romance, and how Overcompensating's comedic approach differs in tone.We end the conversation asking whether Heated Rivalry's success will lead to more adaptations of male-male romance novels, and whether it will open the door for more diverse queer narratives. Be sure to follow Jeremy C. Fox and the Gay and Lesbian Review on Instagram @jeremycfox and @gaylesbianreview.You can find Joseph Federico on Instagram @josephafederico.And you'll find Colin Carman on Instagram @colincarman.Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Why has Heated Rivalry created such buzz and caused such a splash? That's what tomorrow's episode is all about! But, here's a shorter conversation that teases a few topics that we get into tomorrow. Jeremy C. Fox, the managing editor of the Gay and Lesbian Review gets into a conversation with me about queer literature, film, and TV that have shaped our journey as gay men in America. You can find the Gay and Lesbian Review here: https://glreview.org/Use the promo code ITBRChoice for a free issue of the magazineYou can find the Broadview Press books I talk about here: https://broadviewpress.com/Use the promo code ivorytower for 20% off all books
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon and get a free trial for the ITBR Professor level! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroomI'm so honored and grateful to be joined with Greg Cope White, the author of the memoir "The Pink Marine" which was adapted into the Netflix series "Boots". Greg discusses the strong sense of camaraderie and brotherhood that developed among the cast and crew during the filming of "Boots", and how this mirrored his own experience in the Marine Corps. We explore the themes of homophobia and discrimination that were present in the military, particularly during the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era. Greg discusses how the show and book aimed to authentically portray these experiences, while also highlighting the resilience and determination of LGBTQ+ service members.Greg also shares details about his upcoming book, which will continue the story and explore his experiences after leaving the Marine Corps.You can get personalized copies of Greg's book here: https://www.thepinkmarine.com/Follow Greg on Instagram @eatgregeatFollow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon and get a free trial for the ITBR Professor level! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroomWith the new academic semester, comes a new Teaching the Humanities episode! We're thrilled to have Dr. Stefanie Shapiro join us in the Ivory Tower Boiler Room. Stefanie teaches Rhetoric and Composition at SUNY Maritime and is the founder of The Writing Hut which provides editorial, proofreading, and writing support. As a first-year writing professor, Stefanie provides so many strategies for those of us who need more creative ways to make writing engaging and exciting for our students. One interesting resource that Stefanie brings up is the use of an AI Bot which not only helps support her students but also avoids the oft quoted email "It's in the syllabus." And Stefanie explains why she uses AI in her own daily life, and how using AI effectively is an important skill that she wants her students to understand since they'll be faced with using it in the corporate world! Stefanie is happy to answer questions you have via email so you can find her at stefanie.shapiro@gmail.comAnd follow her on LinkedIn @stefanieshapiro Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon and get a free trial for the ITBR Professor level! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroomShannon Carlin, a pop culture journalist, joins me to discuss her book Witches Run Amok: Disney's Hocus Pocus the Oral History which features extensive interviews with the cast and creative team of the iconic 1993 film! One major question that Shannon discusses in both this conversation and in her book is how did a movie that didn't catch an initial spark end up casting such a spell on mainstream culture? We discuss so many topics starting with Hocus Pocus' origins and development, including how Bette Midler got cast as Winifred, the original script which was much scarier, and how the Sanderson Sisters became the campy trio that we all know and love! Then, Shannon discusses what the cast and creative team remember about the filming experience, specifically what it was like filming with such iconic actresses. At the end, Shannon weighs in on whether or not she thinks Hocus Pocus 3 is in the works and could there possibly be a Broadway musical adaptation? You can find Shannon's book here: https://books.disney.com/book/witches-run-amok/And follow Shannon on Instagram @new_girl_fridayFollow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon and get a free trial for the ITBR Professor level! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroomMary joins me to discuss whether or not we actually enjoyed Ryan Murphy's Ed Gein series. Why are all of Ryan Murphy's recent shows so controversial, and may shocking his audience be his kink? Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimby @dipips7Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Follow That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema on IG @thatolgayclassiccinema Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-ol-gay-classic-cinema/id1652125150Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon and get a free trial for the ITBR Professor level! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroomWe're back for a new season in 2026 with a few contributors and the new managing editor of our favorite magazine, The Gay and Lesbian Review. Both Chase Bryer and Dean Hamer, join me to talk about their articles in the November/December issue which explores non-Western queer histories. Chase's article looks at Native American "Two-Spirit" communities, while Dean's article traces the history of Hawaii's idea of aikane, male same-sex friendships. Not only do both Chase and Dean provide more context about these indigenous queer ideas, but they also explain why it's so important to reclaim non-Western gender and sexual language that colonizers made shameful and erased. Chase also provides a lot of book recommendations for those interested in learning more about Native American and indigenous culture. Jeremy Fox, the new managing editor of the magazine explains how the G&LR is modernizing their brand to adapt to a digital and social media age. Then, he teases the new issue of the magazine which just came out! It's all about kink culture. Read this issue of the magazine here:https://glreview.org/issue/issue-179/ Follow ITBR on IG @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok @dr.andrewrimbyBe sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can watch video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ivorytowerboilerroomThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview and TikTok @g_and_lrHead to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Follow That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema on IG @thatolgayclassiccinema Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-ol-gay-classic-cinema/id1652125150Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Welcome back to the Ivory Tower Boiler Room! We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, and we're wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year. I'm manifesting that 2026 is the year that all of us creative people accomplish our creative dreams! Please follow our new TikTok @dr.andrewrimby and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel! There are so many exciting episodes that we're about to release and remember that you can always message me if you're interested in coming on the podcast or have a future episode suggestion!
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon and get a free trial for the ITBR Professor level! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroomDaniel makes his ITBR debut! Join me and first-time guest Daniel McKernan, the Managing Director/Production Manager at Playgirl magazine. He discusses its complicated yet rich history. We get deep into the female gaze overlapping with gay imagery, the censoring of queer spaces online, and the intricacies of what goes into these magazines. From Playgirl's first issue in 1973 to celebrity controversies, Daniel doesn't shy away from clueing us in on all the details. Be sure to get your hands on Daniel's history of Playgirl book here: https://shop.playgirl.com/products/playgirl-50th-anniversary-bookAnd follow @playgirl and @danielmckernan on Instagram! Thanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview.Head to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Follow That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema on IG @thatolgayclassiccinema Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-ol-gay-classic-cinema/id1652125150Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
Watch this episode ad-free by joining the ITBR Patreon and get a free trial for the ITBR Professor level! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroomWe're so happy to be back with our Teaching the Humanities series with Professor Meredith Aristone, who not only teaches in the college classroom but is also a creative writer, musician, and multi-media artist. She has her MFA in creative nonfiction from Columbia and her BFA in creative writing from Pratt. In 2024 she won first place in the NYC Poetry Contest, and right away, Meredith discusses her creative writing background and how it informs her teaching. We talk about so many topics in the college classroom, starting with how to spark creative conversations with our students! As a millennial/Gen Zer, Meredith has a lot of thoughts about navigating technology, especially how to capture the attention of a student population addicted to their devices. Then, Meredith addresses what it's like to be a young queer female professor and how she navigates preconceived notions that students and sometimes fellow faculty make about her. For example, how can young faculty be flexible in their policies while also maintaining structure/boundaries? And Meredith leaves us with her favorite texts and authors to teach in her literature and writing courses! We can't wait to have Meredith back on to talk about her upcoming memoir Girlhood Is the Monster Under My Bed: A Story of Femininity & Vice.Be sure to follow Meredith's Instagram, which is also the name of her Substack @stuckinm0ti0nYou can find Meredith's poetry, creative nonfiction, and indie film work on her website: https://mca2197.wixsite.com/mereditharistoneThanks to our following sponsors! To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit glreview.org. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG @theglreview.Head to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your broadviewpress.com order. Follow them on IG @broadviewpress.Follow That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema on IG @thatolgayclassiccinema Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-ol-gay-classic-cinema/id1652125150Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Sean Penta (Intern)
It gives me great pleasure to introduce you all to Dr. Jack Gieseking's new podcast Our Dyke Histories. Jack is a friend of the ITBR and came on a few years ago to talk about his work on LGBTQ+ spaces in NYC. I'll be sure to re-feature that conversation sometime soon in honor of his new podcast! Our Dyke Histories is a podcast about how we built queer life one gathering at a time. Hosted by historian, geographer, and environmental psychologist Jack Jen Gieseking, and produced in collaboration with Sinister Wisdom, the oldest lesbian multicultural literary journal, the series brings together historians, elders, artists, and everyday dykes to remember how bars, parties, bookstores, and basements became our sanctuaries.Listen to it wherever you get podcasts, and for more information head here: https://www.sinisterwisdom.org/podcast
Want to listen to this episode AD FREE? Go to patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom and become a subscriber today!Hey, true crime friends! I hope you all had a safeand happy Thanksgiving
(Originally released on Nov. 27, 2023)I'm joined with my parents to talk about the importance of amplifying Native American voices, and we educate ourselves about how Native American Heritage Day came to be. As a white family, we talk about how "Killers of the Flower Moon" is essential viewing to learn about the Osage community and their culture/values, and how they were manipulated and abused by white settlers.After recording, my mom kept repeating, "can we have a do-over because I'm worried that there's going to be a strong backlash." I assured her that speaking truth to power when it comes to the Native American genocide that we see play out in "Killers of the Flower Moon" is not a fantasy but a reality. At the end of the episode my father emphatically states "What's wrong with history and facts" if it makes you uncomfortable "Deal With It"! Hopefully, listening to us discuss this encourages more families to have these conversations. Follow ITBR on IG, @ivorytowerboilerroom and TikTok, @ivorytowerboilerroom
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