Reading Short and Deep

Every week, Jesse Willis and Eric Rabkin sit down for a conversation that feels like pulling up a chair in a good library. Their Reading Short and Deep podcast is built on a simple, powerful premise: that a short piece of literature-a story, a poem, even a brief video-holds enough depth for a rich, unfolding discussion. They choose works you can experience in under thirty minutes, but the exploration that follows reveals layers of meaning, craft, and connection you might have missed on your own. This isn't about rushing through a plot summary; it's about slowing down and truly seeing what's on the page. Each episode is a guided tour through the nuances of language, theme, and authorial choice, sharpening your own analytical skills while sharing the genuine pleasure of discovery. The chosen text is always available for free, so you can read along and then listen as Jesse and Eric dig into its riches. Whether you're a lifelong literature lover or just looking to engage more thoughtfully with what you read, this podcast offers a regular, rewarding exercise in paying closer attention. It turns a half-hour of reading into hours of contemplation.