Poured Over

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Welcome to Poured Over! A show about stories presented by Barnes & Noble Booksellers. New podcasts every Tuesday & Thursday.

Barnes & Noble


    • Aug 5, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 47m AVG DURATION
    • 569 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Poured Over podcast is an absolute gem for book lovers. As an avid reader, I am always on the lookout for new books to devour, and this podcast delivers just that. The interviews conducted by host Miwa Messer are engaging, insightful, and thought-provoking. Messer has a talent for asking thoughtful questions that delve deep into the author's work and process. The conversations feel natural and comfortable, as if you are eavesdropping on an intimate conversation between friends over a cup of coffee. This podcast has introduced me to a plethora of incredible authors and books that I may not have discovered otherwise.

    One of the best aspects of The Poured Over podcast is the sheer variety of books and authors featured. From debut novelists to established literary figures, there is something for everyone in each episode. The interviews go beyond just discussing plot summaries and delve into the why and how of a book being written. It offers unique insights into the creative process and allows listeners to gain a deeper understanding of literature as both an art form and a reflection of our world.

    Another standout aspect of this podcast is the research done by Miwa Messer before each interview. Her depth of knowledge about both the author's previous work and their current project shines through in her questions. This level of preparation leads to nuanced conversations that touch on various themes, emotions, and life experiences. Messer's tact, grace, and skillset as an interviewer create an atmosphere where authors feel comfortable opening up about their writing journey.

    In terms of drawbacks, it is challenging to find any major flaws with this podcast. However, one small criticism could be that some episodes focus heavily on well-known authors or popular titles rather than exploring more niche or lesser-known works. While it is not necessarily a negative aspect, it would be great to see even more diverse voices featured in future episodes.

    In conclusion, The Poured Over podcast is a must-listen for any book lover. The interviews are engaging, insightful, and offer a unique perspective into the world of literature. Miwa Messer's interviewing skills and thorough research make each episode a joy to listen to. Whether you are looking for recommendations or simply enjoy diving deep into the creative process, this podcast is a treasure trove of literary goodness. Grab your favorite hot beverage, sit back, and immerse yourself in the world of books with The Poured Over podcast.



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    Latest episodes from Poured Over

    Jason Mott on PEOPLE LIKE US

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 43:22


    People Like Us by National Book Award-winning author Jason Mott is a brilliant story of grief, fear, hope and joy. Jason joins us to talk about story pacing, sequels, comic books, finding home, video games and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): People Like Us by Jason Mott Hell of a Book by Jason Mott North Woods by Daniel Mason Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison Grendel by John Gardner Lord of the Flies by William Golding The Inheritors by William Golding Monsters by Barry Windsor-Smith The Color Purple by Alice Walker Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu

    Aiden Thomas on CEMETERY BOYS

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2025 46:06


    Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas is a heartfelt story of first love, identity and home. Aiden joins us to talk about fan interactions, reflecting on the 5 years since publishing his debut, Día de Muertos, heart stories, influences and more with cohost Isabelle McConville. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Isabelle McConville and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab

    Stephanie Wambugu on LONELY CROWDS

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 39:48


    Lonely Crowds by Stephanie Wambugu is a heartfelt and empathetic coming-of-age story centered on the volatile relationship between two artists. Stephanie joins us to chat about campus novels, outlining, Toni Morrison and more with cohost Isabelle McConville. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Isabelle McConville and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Lonely Crowds by Stephanie Wambugu The Diaries of Franz Kafka by Franz Kafka Sula by Toni Morrison Corregidora by Gayl Jones Horse Crazy by Gary Indiana

    Chris Nashawaty on THE FUTURE WAS NOW

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 56:05


    The Future Was Now by Chris Nashawaty is a fascinating deep-dive into an era we'll never forget — the summer blockbuster season of 1982. Chris joins us to talk about the height of science fiction, Hollywood, Steven Spielberg, the future of film and more with guest host Chris Gillespie. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Chris Gillespie and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The Future Was Now by Chris Nashawaty Caddyshack by Chris Nashawaty Featured Books (TBR Top Off): Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time by Barry Sonnenfeld Pictures at the Revolution by Mark Harris

    Maris Kreizman on I WANT TO BURN THIS PLACE DOWN

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 51:23


    I Want to Burn This Place Down by Maris Kreizman is a funny, honest and hopeful collection of essays from a cultural critic. Maris joins us to talk about the golden age of blogging, Mad Men, magazines, physical vs digital reading, gateway authors and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): I Want to Burn This Place Down by Maris Kreizman Filterworld by Kyle Chayka Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe Meaty by Samantha Irby Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk The Fraud by Zadie Smith Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver Audition by Katie Kitamura Great Black Hope by Rob Franklin A Separation by Katie Kitamura Bright Lights, Big City by Jay McInerney Flashlight by Susan Choi Searches by Vauhini Vara

    Katie Yee on MAGGIE; OR, A MAN AND A WOMAN WALK INTO A BAR

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 39:18


    Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee is funny, full of heart and folklore, centered on a woman determined to find humor in her heartbreak. Katie joins us to talk about short books, universality, unnamed narrators, Chinese mythology, living in translation, hope and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee The Most by Jessica Anthony The Harpy by Megan Hunter Joan is Okay by Weike Wang The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston Monkey King: Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en All This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Mathews The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka Heartburn by Nora Ephron A Big Storm Knocked It Over by Laurie Colwin The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong Audition by Katie Kitamura

    Loretta Rothschild on FINDING GRACE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2025 48:22


    Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild is a page-turning family drama, a second-chance love story, and a meditation on the fragile nature of life, all in one. Loretta joins us to talk about the relationship between grief and love, narration, finding inspiration, characterization, creating tension and more with cohost Isabelle McConville.   This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Isabelle McConville and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy The Sirens by Emilia Hart Featured Books (TBR Top Off): Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner Greenwich by Kate Broad

    Hala Alyan on I'LL TELL YOU WHEN I'M HOME

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 47:45


    I'll Tell You When I'm Home is a poignant exploration of place and identity by Hala Alyan, the author of Salt Houses. Hala joins us to talk about poetry, what it means to tell the truth, redaction, establishing trust with readers, loyalty, motherhood and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): I'll Tell You When I'm Home by Hala Alyan Salt Houses by Hala Alyan Arsonist's City by Hala Alyan Good Girl by Aria Aber The Ferguson Report by Nicole Sealey A Little Daylight Left by Sarah Kay

    Honorée Fanonne Jeffers on MISBEHAVING AT THE CROSSROADS

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 58:58


    Misbehaving at the Crossroads by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers is an indelible collection of essays on womanhood, home and history. Honorée joins us to talk about the blues, intersectionality, Ryan Coogler's Sinners, respectability politics, poetry and more with host Miwa Messer.   This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Misbehaving at the Crossroads by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers Recitatif by Toni Morrison The Age of Phillis by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers The Collected Poems of Lucille Clifton edited by Michael S. Glaser and Kevin Young Black Buffalo Woman by Kazim Ali

    Gary Shteyngart on VERA, OR FAITH

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 45:01


    Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart is a story about a modern family coming apart at the seams — and one child is at the center of it all. Gary joins us to chat about characterization, curiosity, gifted kid burnout, dystopian fiction, AI and more with cohost Isabelle McConville. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Isabelle McConville and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart Lake Success by Gary Shteyngart Little Failure by Gary Shteyngart What Maisie Knew by Henry James Prophet Song by Paul Lynch Circular Motion by Alex Foster

    Sophie Elmhirst on A MARRIAGE AT SEA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 41:49


    A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst is an engrossing true account of a shocking shipwreck that's part love story and part peril on the high seas. Sophie joins us to talk about the 70s, marriage, sailing, survival and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst Adrift by Steven Callahan Stuart: A Life Backwards by Alexander Masters Offshore by Penelope Fitzgerald A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel

    Poured Over Double Shot: Aisling Rawle and Emily Nussbaum

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2025 109:51


    Reality TV has changed our cultural landscape… for better or worse. We're tackling reality TV with two books — The Compound by Aisling Rawle and Cue the Sun! by Emily Nussbaum. One takes us into the fictional perspective of a reality show contestant and the other is a riveting cultural study from a Pulitzer Prize-winning critic. Listen in as these authors speak separately with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.        New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app.   Featured Books (Episode): The Compound by Aisling Rawle Cue the Sun! by Emily Nussbaum Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden God of the Woods by Liz Moore

    Dr. Jessica B. Harris on BRAIDED HERITAGE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 50:40


    Braided Heritage by Dr. Jessica B. Harris is a sweeping account of food, home and culture featuring stories and recipes from the acclaimed culinary historian. Dr. Harris joins us to talk about travel writing, language, the evolution of American cuisine, cookbooks and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Braided Heritage by Dr. Jessica B. Harris High on the Hog by Dr. Jessica B. Harris Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child Provence, 1970 by Luke Barr Featured Books (TBR Top Off): Braided Heritage by Dr. Jessica B. Harris Black Food by Bryant Terry The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs by Padma Lakshmi

    John Ganz on WHEN THE CLOCK BROKE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 53:31


    When the Clock Broke by John Ganz is a sweeping and detailed portrait of the roots of deepening conflict in America. John joined us to talk about elections, history vs memory, mainstream media and more on with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): When the Clock Broke by John Ganz The Cycles of American History by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. Nixonland by Rick Perlstein Featured Books (TBR Top Off): When the Clock Broke by John Ganz West from Appomattox by Heather Cox Richardson Reaganland by Rick Perlstein

    Catherine Newman on SANDWICH

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 52:33


    Sandwich by Catherine Newman is a charming, often laugh-out-loud funny story about a woman being pushed and pulled between her parents and her children, her past and her future. Catherine joined us live at B&N Upper West Side to talk about writing autofiction, mothers, daughters, femininity, family and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Sandwich by Catherine Newman Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby Small Rain by Garth Greenwell

    Rob Hart on THE MEDUSA PROTOCOL

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 46:55


    The Medusa Protocol by Rob Hart takes us back into the world of reformed hitmen from Our Mystery Monthly Pick, Assassins Anonymous. Rob joins us to talk about poison vs venom, John Wick movies, masculinity and more with guest host Chris Gillespie. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Chris Gillespie and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The Medusa Protocol by Rob Hart Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby

    Megan Abbott on EL DORADO DRIVE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 49:27


    El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott is a twisty story of friendship, love and betrayal. Megan joins us to talk sisterhood, suspense, Real Housewives, MLMs, money and more with guest host Brenda Allison. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Brenda Allison and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott

    Yael van der Wouden on THE SAFEKEEP

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 46:42


    The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden — winner of the 2025 Women's Prize for Fiction — is an indelible debut novel about love, loss, war and want. Yael joins us to talk about writing historical fiction, creating messy characters, repression, home and family with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden Fingersmith by Sarah Waters Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

    Tourmaline on MARSHA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 37:05


    Marsha by Tourmaline — artist, activist, and one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in the World — is the inspiring story of icon Marsha P. Johnson. Tourmaline joins us to talk about the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, merging art and history, quiet revolution, joy, legacy and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson by Tourmaline

    Dennard Dayle on HOW TO DODGE A CANNONBALL

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 40:14


    How to Dodge a Cannonball by Dennard Dayle is a rollicking satire of the Civil War centered on one unforgettable protagonist. Dennard joins us to talk about building a novel out of a short story, laughing at your own jokes, studying with Paul Beatty, The Boondocks, humor writing and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): How to Dodge a Cannonball by Dennard Dayle Candide: or Optimism by Voltaire The Good Soldier Svejk by Jaroslav Hasek Erasure by Percival Everett Miss Lonelyhearts by Nathanael West The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton CivilWarLand in Bad Decline by George Saunders Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

    Jess Walter on SO FAR GONE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 51:25


    So Far Gone by Jess Walter is a timely thriller steeped in the sociopolitical landscape of the nation. Jess joins us to talk about conspiracy theories, pillars of trust, media literacy, messy characters, Spokane, road trip novels, raccoons and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): So Far Gone by Jess Walter The Cold Millions by Jess Walter Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter True Grit by Charles Portis The Dog of the South by Charles Portis The Berlin Stories by Christopher Isherwood

    Molly Jong-Fast on HOW TO LOSE YOUR MOTHER

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 51:16


    How to Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast is a heartfelt and honest exploration of complicated childhoods, life and grief. Molly joined us live at B&N Upper West Side to talk about motherhood, mass culture, living in a sandwich generation, the attention economy, nepo-babies and more with Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): How to Lose Your Mother: A Daughter's Memoir by Molly Jong-Fast Fear of Flying by Erica Jong

    Kyra Davis Lurie on THE GREAT MANN

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 45:38


    The Great Mann by Kyra Davis Lurie transports readers into a narrative of wealth, race, class and fame. Kyra joins us to chat about writing Los Angeles, respectability politics, reimagining The Great Gatsby, complicated characters and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The Great Mann by Kyra Davis Lurie The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald The Wrong End of the Telescope by Rabih Alameddine Matrix by Lauren Groff The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong The Perishing by Natasha Deón Ask the Dust by John Fante Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow

    Susan Morrison on LORNE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2025 56:51


    The history of Saturday Night Live and the man who made it, Lorne by Susan Morrison is an honest and earnest look at how such a simple concept took over the comedy scene, and how it persisted through decades. Susan joins us to talk late nights on set, interviewing the man behind the curtain, comedy greats from back then and now, bringing a sketch from the writers' room to the stage and more with guest host Chris Gillespie. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Chris Gillespie and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Lorne by Susan Morrison

    Rob Franklin on GREAT BLACK HOPE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 42:34


    Great Black Hope by Rob Franklin is a story about identity, home and hope from a fresh new voice in fiction. Rob joins us to chat about party novels, the evolution of New York City, writing during the pandemic, 2010s indie sleaze and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Great Black Hope by Rob Franklin Bright Lights, Big City Jay McInerney Just Kids by Patti Smith How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia by Mohsin Hamid Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe Intimacies by Katie Kitamura The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong Bluets by Maggie Nelson

    Maggie Stiefvater on THE LISTENERS

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 49:45


    The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater is historical fiction set against the backdrop of World War II and the bombing of Pearl Harbor. With complex and compelling characters and political tension, it's a read that transports. Maggie joins us to talk about what luxury really means, liminal spaces, morning routines, characterization, mini dachshunds and more with cohost Isabelle McConville. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Isabelle McConville and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis Featured Books (TBR Top Off): The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles The Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O'Neill

    Laura Pegram, Edwidge Danticat and Princess Joy L. Perry on SING THE TRUTH

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 46:42


    Laura Pegram, Edwidge Danticat and Princess Joy L. Perry joined us live at B&N Upper West Side to celebrate 15 Years of The Kweli Journal. Listen in as they chat about using language to build community, short stories vs novels, witnessing emerging talent and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Sing the Truth: The Kweli Journal Short Story Collection edited by Laura Pegram Krik? Krak! by Edwidge Danticat This Here is Love by Princess Joy L. Perry A Kind of Rapture by Robert Bergman

    Robert Macfarlane on IS A RIVER ALIVE?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 52:26


    Travel writing, ecological reporting and history flow together in a portrait of one of nature's most powerful features in Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane. Rob joins us to talk about the rights of rivers, white river kayaking, giving old ideas new power, moral imagination, fear vs risk, water puns and more with guest host Chris Gillespie. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Chris Gillespie and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane Underland: A Deep Time Journey by Robert Macfarlane

    Tayari Jones and A.M. Homes on 30 Years of the Women's Prize for Fiction

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 56:49


    Tayari Jones and A.M. Homes joined us live at B&N Upper West Side to celebrate 30 Years of the Women's Prize for Fiction and riff on the craft of writing, the importance (and fun) of editing, unlikable characters, literary influences, endings and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): An American Marriage by Tayari Jones May We Be Forgiven by A.M. Homes James by Percival Everett Good Girl by Aria Aber

    Alison Bechdel on SPENT

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 33:16


    Spent by Alison Bechdel is a big-hearted and funny account of life and art from a beloved author. Alison joins us to talk about late-stage capitalism, vulnerability hangovers, community, writing autofiction and more with cohost Jenna Seery. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Jenna Seery and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Spent by Alison Bechdel Fun Home by Alison Bechdel Are You My Mother? by Alison Bechdel Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappé The Unstrung Harp by Edward Gorey

    Sarah Kay on A LITTLE DAYLIGHT LEFT

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 45:38


    Inspiring and uplifting, A Little Daylight Left by Sarah Kay is a poetry collection aimed at lighting the fire in you, whether you're facing new challenges, or staring down familiar ones. Sarah joined us live to talk about how she started writing poetry, making poetry accessible for any reader, live performances and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): A Little Daylight Left by Sarah Kay Martyr! by Kaveh Akabar

    Ron Chernow on MARK TWAIN

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 65:56


    Mark Twain by Ron Chernow is a deep dive into the life of one of America's literary geniuses through the eyes of a master biographer. Ron joins us to talk about his research process, understanding the inner and outer life of Mark Twain, viewing Twain through a modern lens, the future of biographies and more with guest host Chris Gillespie. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Chris Gillespie and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Mark Twain by Ron Chernow Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain Chasing the Last Laugh by Richard Zacks Featured Books (TBR Top Off): Mark Twain by Ron Chernow James by Percival Everett The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf

    Ocean Vuong on THE EMPEROR OF GLADNESS

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 74:54


    There are the books you read and then there are the books you experience, like The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong. Poet, photographer and bestselling author, Vuong's novels are spun from gorgeous prose and vibrant, original imagery. Ocean joins us to talk about autofiction, language, wonder, characterization and more with Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong Time is a Mother by Ocean Vuong On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong Suttree by Cormac McCarthy Another Country by James Baldwin The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow Ways of Seeing by John Berger Featured Books (TBR Top Off): The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong Dayspring by Anthony Oliveira My Name is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende

    Florence Knapp on THE NAMES

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 37:36


    The Names by Florence Knapp is a stunning story about the power of family, legacy, language and lineage. Florence joins us to talk about writing in alternate timelines, the power of a name, fate vs choice, parenting and more with guest host Brenda Allison. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Brenda Allison and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The Names by Florence Knapp This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

    Jemimah Wei on THE ORIGINAL DAUGHTER

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 46:35


    The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei is a story about the dawn of the internet, budding influencer culture and complicated family ties. Jemimah joins us to talk about Singapore, sisterhood, ambition, the rise of social media and more with Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin A Heavy Feather by A.L. Barker A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood The Most by Jessica Anthony Heaven by Mieko Kawakami The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

    Michael Luo on STRANGERS IN THE LAND

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 44:37


    Strangers in the Land by Michael Luo is a gripping history of Chinese immigrants in America, from the nineteenth century to modern times. Michael joins us to talk about researching archives, the Chinese Exclusion Act, writing narrative nonfiction, working as a journalist and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Strangers in the Land by Michael Luo The Cycles of American History by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe The Wager by David Grann The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan

    Shelby Van Pelt on REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 38:14


    Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is the big-hearted tale of a detective octopus helping a grieving aquarium employee solve the mystery of her missing son. Shelby joins us to talk about living in an octopus renaissance, small towns, feeling uprooted, writing about grief, creating chapter titles and more with cohost Jenna Seery. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Jenna Seery and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Charlotte's Web by E. B. White A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

    Omar El Akkad On Writing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 56:50


    Omar El Akkad began writing fiction while working as a journalist, leading to two novels and an essay collection: American War, What Strange Paradise and One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This. Omar joins us to talk about the relationship between journalism and fiction writing, worldbuilding, living in translation, interiority and inversion with host Miwa Messer.  This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): American War by Omar El Akkad What Strange Paradise by Omar El Akkad One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson A Bright Shining Lie by Neil Sheehan There's Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib

    Denne Michele Norris on WHEN THE HARVEST COMES

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 37:28


    When the Harvest Comes by Denne Michele Norris is a story about fathers and sons, love, life and inheritance. Denne joins us to talk about capturing music on the page, sibling relationships, literary influences, Ohio and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): When the Harvest Comes by Denne Michele Norris Going to Meet the Man by James Baldwin Light Years by James Salter Ghana Must Go by Taiye Selasi The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

    Andrew Porter on THE IMAGINED LIFE

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 41:26


    The Imagined Life by Andrew Porter is a novel about fathers and sons, complex family mythologies and buried secrets. Andrew joins us to talk about finding the right tone for his novel, writing about the 1980s, Proust, the evolution of language and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The Imagined Life by Andrew Porter How to Write an Autobiographical Novel by Alexander Chee The Crack-Up by F. Scott Fitzgerald Swann's Way by Marcel Proust

    Suleika Jaouad on THE BOOK OF ALCHEMY

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 42:33


    If you've ever wanted to start journaling, we've got you covered. The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad is filled with inspiration, advice and anecdotes from a lifelong journaler and bestselling author. Suleika joins us to talk about flexing your creative muscles, the importance of constancy over output, finding community in reading and writing, navigating uncertainty and more with cohost Jenna Seery. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Jenna Seery and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

    Camilla Barnes on THE USUAL DESIRE TO KILL

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 37:19


    Our favorite book families tend to be delightfully dysfunctional, and there are none quite like the one in The Usual Desire to Kill by Camilla Barnes. With two sisters, a pair of aging parents and barn animals aplenty, this is a quirky and heartfelt novel that reminds readers our parents had lives before us. Camilla Barnes joined us live at the Barnes & Noble on NYC's Upper West Side to talk about long-term marriage, family folklore, llamas and more with cohost Jenna Seery. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Jenna Seery and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The Usual Desire to Kill by Camilla Barnes The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr How Not to Be a Politician by Rory Stewart

    Kevin Nguyen on MY DOCUMENTS

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 47:16


    Mỹ Documents by Kevin Nguyen follows four cousins navigating a tumultuous political landscape, internment camps, exploitation and isolation. Kevin joins us to talk about Japanese incarceration, media misinformation, writing family stories, war movies and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Mỹ Documents by Kevin Nguyen New Waves by Kevin Nguyen Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen O Sinners! by Nicole Cuffy Giant Robot by Eric Nakamura The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam No-No Boy by John Okada

    Reginald Dwayne Betts on DOGGEREL

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 59:06


    Doggerel by Reginald Dwayne Betts is a profound new collection on the intricacies of humanity and life, with man's best friend as its focal point. Reginald joins us to talk about storytelling, the power of poetry, the necessity for community, masculinity, freedom, forgiveness and more with host Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Doggerel by Reignald Dwayne Betts Olio by Tyehimba Jess The Ferguson Report: An Erasure by Nicole Sealey leadbelly by Tyehimba Jess The Residue Years by Mitchell S. Jackson Felon by Reginald Dwayne Betts Redaction by Reginald Dwayne Betts and Titus Kaphar Bastards of the Reagan Era by Reginald Dwayne Betts Featured Books (TBR Top Off): Devotions by Mary Oliver Crush by Richard Siken

    reagan era reginald dwayne betts doggerel richard siken nicole sealey
    Kaliane Bradley on THE MINISTRY OF TIME

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 46:18


    The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley is escapist and relatable, poignant and funny. This genre-bending novel is firing on all storytelling cylinders, and is a terrific pleasure to read. Kaliane joined us to talk about falling down reading rabbit holes, writing about time travel, categorizing identity and more with cohost Jenna Seery. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Jenna Seery and mixed by Harry Liang.                      New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut Time Lived, Without Its Flow by Denise Riley Featured Books (TBR Top Off): The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard The Giver by Lois Lowry Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mantel

    Katie Kitamura on AUDITION

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 49:28


    Audition by Katie Kitamura follows one woman's daring exploration of identity, life and love. Katie joins us to talk about writing in first person, unreliable narrators, marriage as a narrative tool, writing women and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over.  This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Audition by Katie Kitamura Intimacies by Katie Kitamura A Separation by Katie Kitamura The Longshot by Katie Kitamura The Lover by Marguerite Duras Good Morning, Midnight by Jean Rhys The Lady with the Dog by Anton Chekhov Colored Television by Danzy Senna The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James The Anomaly by Hervé Le Tellier The Coin by Yasmin Zaher

    Ferris Jabr on BECOMING EARTH

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 59:42


    After you read Becoming Earth by Ferris Jabr, be prepared to reconsider everything you think, know or believe to be true thanks to this engaging and thoughtful new look at our world. Ferris joins us to talk about the Gaia hypothesis, understanding planetary systems from your own backyard, science writing and more with guest host Chris Gillespie. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Chris Gillespie and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Becoming Earth by Ferris Jabr The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake A Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne Featured Books (TBR Top Off): The Living Mountain by Nan Shepherd An Immense World by Ed Yong

    Maggie Smith on DEAR WRITER

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 53:04


    With personal anecdotes, writing exercises and a deep-dive into the pillars of creativity, Dear Writer by Maggie Smith is a one-stop-shop for budding authors, poets and artists from a bestselling voice in literature. Maggie joins us to talk about craft books, quieting the inner critic, tenacity, vulnerability and more with cohost Jenna Seery. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Jenna Seery and mixed by Harry Liang.                      New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app.  Featured Books (Episode): Dear Writer by Maggie Smith You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith On Writing by Stephen King Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr Refuse to Be Done by Matt Bell Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert Why Poetry by Matthew Zapruder The Wonder Paradox by Jennifer Michael Hecht Featured Books (TBR Top Off): Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

    Jennifer Haigh on RABBIT MOON

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 40:54


    Rabbit Moon by Jennifer Haigh is a story of sisterhood, secrets and complicated family mythologies. Jennifer joined us to talk about writing in public spaces, visiting Shanghai, chance encounters, how well we really know our parents and more with guest host Brenda Allison. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Brenda Allison and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Rabbit Moon by Jennifer Haigh Mercy Street by Jennifer Haigh Faith by Jennifer Haigh The City Changes Its Face by Eimear McBride

    Nicole Cuffy on O SINNERS!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 46:37


    O Sinners! by Nicole Cuffy is a story about identity, grief, belonging, cults and coming-of-age centered on a young journalist in the California redwoods. Nicole joined us to talk about what it takes to build a cult, writing battle scenes, researching the Vietnam War, taking control of her language and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over.  This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): O Sinners! by Nicole Cuffy Dances by Nicole Cuffy All This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Mathews Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War by Karl Marlantes Sula by Toni Morrison We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

    Dennis E. Staples on PASSING THROUGH A PRAIRIE COUNTRY

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 45:56


    Passing Through a Prairie Country by Dennis E. Staples is a chilling tale of fear and folklore set in a labyrinthine casino on an Ojibwe reservation deep in the wilds of northern Minnesota. Dennis joins us to chat about brushing up against the paranormal, casino culture, writing genre fiction and more with cohost Jenna Seery. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Jenna Seery and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Passing Through a Prairie Country by Dennis E. Staples This Town Sleeps by Dennis E. Staples The Mishomis Book: The Voice of the Ojibway by Edward Benton-Banai Ojibway Heritage by Basil H. Johnston The Shining by Stephen King Doctor Sleep by Stephen King The Thief of Always by Clive Barker Featured Books (TBR Top Off): The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones White Horse by Erika T. Wurth

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