Literary Disco

Literary Disco

Author: Literary Disco Language: English Episodes: 100
Imagine three friends who happen to be writers, gathered in a room where the conversation swings from passionate literary analysis to unapologetic tangents and genuine laughter. That’s the heart of Literary Disco. Hosts Tod Goldberg, Julia Pistell, and Rider Strong dive into books with the energy of a great book club debate, blending deep dives on classic novels with spirited discussions about contemporary works and the occasional unexpected page-turner. This isn't a dry lecture; it's a lively, often hilarious exploration of why we read and how stories shape us. You’ll hear them dissect prose, share personal connections to characters, and maybe even settle a long-standing literary feud, all with a warmth that makes you feel like you're pulling up a chair with them. The Literary Disco podcast has earned its place in the literary conversation, featured in publications from The New Yorker to the Los Angeles Times and recognized by The Washington Post as a best literary podcast. It’s a celebration of reading that reminds you books are meant to be talked about, argued over, and enjoyed in good company. Tune in for a uniquely engaging mix of arts and comedy, where the love of the written word is always the guest of honor.
Episodes
Revisiting George Saunders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:51
On today's episode, we revisit a recent conversation with one favorite authors on the podcast, George Saunders, whose new story collection Liberation Day is out now. This episode is brought to you by Bombas, the socks Ju…
Episode 204: Horror [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41:42
Today, on Literary Disco, we continue our genre-based season. Each episode of this season, we're diving deep into a particular literary genre, exploring what defines it, what makes it work or not work, interviewing autho…
Episode 203: Crime [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:35
Today, we continue our genre-based season where we dive deep into a literary genre exploring what defines it, what makes it work and not work, interviewing authors, talking to fans and scholars, whoever can unlock what m…
Episode 202: Fantasy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:46
Today we launch a new format of the Disco as we begin our "Genre Season." Each episode of this season, we're going to dive deep into a particular literary genre, exploring what defines it, what makes it work or not work,…
Sea Tea (Literary Disco Live!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:17
This is a recording of a live episode from Sea Tea Improv in Hartford, Connecticut, back in March. Julia and Rider are joined by special guests curator Mallory Howard of the Mark Twain House & Museum and librarian Gwen G…
Episode 201: Where the Hell Have We Been? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:12
Hey, guys! It's been a while. While Julia may have grown a beard, Rider still hasn't cut his hair, and Tod is still up to his old bullshit, we've been still reading books and are ready to start a new season -- with some…
Episode 200: Reflections on the Disco [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:20
It's episode 200. We're going to talk about what's changed over the years, and maybe do a bookshelf revisit. Who knows?! We're getting old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 199: Back to School [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:05
This week, Julia, Rider, and Tod head back to school with special guest Bree Rolfe, a teacher from Austin, Texas, where she helps high school students discover literature and creative writing. She is also a poet, whose c…
Episode 198: Horse Girls [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:58
This week, Julia, Rider, and Tod tackle the incredibly popular, enduring, and surprisingly diverse world of the horse girl. We have read a classic of the genre, Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry, and have read a…
Episode 197: East of Eden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:47
On this episode of Literary Disco, Julia, Rider, and Tod take on John Steinbeck's classic epic novel East of Eden, which centers on the Salinas Valley of California and tells the story of several generations of the Trask…