Shows
Heavy Bored#92 Tragic Comedies w/ Leslie RasmussenAndrew Wittstadt is joined by screenwriter, entrepreneur, and novelist Leslie Rasmussen in a discussion of her latest novel, When People Leave. Topics Include: grief–sisterhood–sibling relationships–writers rooms–screenwriting vs novel writing–drama vs comedy–old hollywood vs new hollywood–and more!Recorded 7/15/2025*LINKS**Buy the Books*When People Leave by Leslie Rasmussen: https://amzn.to/4lmdPp9More Books by Leslie Rasmussen: https://amzn.to/47pRB25From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg: https://amzn.to/3UHiQhnAre You There, God...2025-08-111h 14
Heavy Bored#91 Prep School Boys w/ Thomas CullenAndrew Wittstadt is joined by federal judge and author Thomas Cullen in a discussion of his debut novel, Charlie-Man. Topics include: Masculinity–male coming of age stories–prep schools–male companionship–the philosophy of a sitting judge–writing routines–and more!Recorded 7/8/2025*LINKS**Buy the Books*Charlie-Man by Thomas Cullen: https://amzn.to/450IDH5All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren: https://amzn.to/4mouh9fMore Books by Robert Penn Warren: https://amzn.to/45vTmJMLegal Writing in Plain English by Bryan Garner: https...2025-08-041h 09
Heavy Bored#90 Louise Glück: Poems 1962-2012 w/ Damon Moore (part 1)Andrew Wittstadt is joined by poet, writer, and friend of the pod Damon Moore in the first part of a multi-part extravaganza that covers the complete Louise Glück. Topics include: Louise Glück’s career–first books–beauty–devastating last lines–energy on the page–Glück’s Firstborn–and More!Recorded: 6/28/2025*LINKS**Buy the Books*Louise Glück: Poems 1962-2012: https://amzn.to/3IL6hi3More Books by Louise Glück: https://amzn.to/40C9iaEStag’s Leap by Sharon Olds: https://amzn.to/45mr04GMore Books...2025-07-282h 29
Heavy Bored#88 Eroding Masculinity w/ Gary E SmithAndrew Wittstadt is joined by author and entrepreneur Gary Smith in a discussion of his latest installment of the Warren Steelgrave series of novels. Topics include: masculine role models–growing up in 1950s America–family roots–Italian living–self-publishing–and more!Recorded 5/27/2025*LINKS**Buy the Books*More than You Know by Gary E. Smith: https://amzn.to/4eV0t1LMore Books by Gary Smith: https://amzn.to/4nyhSkwThe Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler: https://amzn.to/3GbYM33The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler: https://am...2025-07-072h 11
Heavy Bored#87 Monitoring the Dream Situation w/ Ron RichardAndrew Wittstadt is joined by author, inventor, and entrepreneur Ron Richard. Recorded 5/14/2025*LINKS**Buy the Books*The Zenith Project by Ron Richard: https://amzn.to/3ZGLphHThe Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis: https://amzn.to/3ZIjjTnThe Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: https://amzn.to/44rBBe5Bellevue by Robin Cook: https://amzn.to/4lbrIH8More Books by Robin Cook: https://amzn.to/4jZWdPeJurassic Park by Michael Crichton: https://amzn.to/4jVTAxLMore B...2025-06-231h 26
Heavy Bored#86 In the Fires of Joy w/ Tara HeatonAndrew Wittstadt is joined by author and public speaker Tara Heaton, in a discussion about her debut memoir, Life Minutes: Igniting Joy from the Fire of Heartache. Topics include: Sales and marketing–messaging and advertising–the art of storytelling–the art of sales–neuroscience as self empowerment–the craft of memoir–grief–motherhood–trauma–and more!Recorded 5/6/2025*LINKS**Buy the Books*Life Minutes: Igniting Joy from the Fire of Heartache by Tara Heaton: https://amzn.to/45909tgA Place Called Home by David Ambroz: https://amzn.to/3HKXbBmJoin...2025-06-091h 58
Heavy BoredHeavy Bonus: Ghost Craft w/ Meg Hamand (preview)Meg Hamand joins Andrew Wittstadt for an extended bonus interview for subscribers only. Topics include: dogs vs cats–ghost stories and technique–pov in fiction writing–adoption journeys–and more!Recorded 5/1/2025*LINKS**Buy the Books*Diamonds in Auschwitz by Meg Hamand: https://amzn.to/43sRhw2Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: https://amzn.to/43HrvFDMore Books by Jane Austen: https://amzn.to/43xGGQyGone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell: https://amzn.to/4mw0yfBJoin Patreon or Substack to get F...2025-06-0308 min
Heavy Bored#85 Midwestern Romanticism w/ Meg HamandAndrew Wittstadt is joined by author Meg Hamand in a discussion of her debut novel, Diamonds in Auschwitz. Topics include: historical fiction–Millennial childhoods–Pride and Prejudice–Jane Austen–Wishbone stories–romanticism in writing–earning a living as a writer–and more!Recorded 5/1/2025*LINKS**Buy the Books*Diamonds in Auschwitz by Meg Hamand: https://amzn.to/43sRhw2Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: https://amzn.to/43HrvFDMore Books by Jane Austen: https://amzn.to/43xGGQyGone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell: https://amzn.to/4mw0yfB...2025-05-261h 48
Heavy Bored#84 Thomas Mann's The Magic Mountain w/ Maggie ZhuAndrew Wittstadt is joined by writer, Maggie Zhu, in an hours long discussion of Thomas Mann’s masterpiece, The Magic Mountain. Topic Include: stuck in the sanatorium–Hans Castorp as a coward–intellectuals–twitter discourse repeating itself–the trad cath movement–AWP–German modernism–and more!Recorded 4/16/2025*Buy the Books*The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann: https://amzn.to/3YBRWK3Doctor Faustus by Thomas Mann: https://amzn.to/3EZ4IM6BuddenBrooks by Thomas Mann: https://amzn.to/3H4LaX5More books by Thomas Mann: https://amzn.to/44B2BskMy Y...2025-05-123h 30
Heavy Bored#83 The Great Poetry Hoax w/ Jasper CeylonAndrew Wittstadt is joined by the poet and author known as Jasper Ceylon, in a wide-ranging discussion about his latest project, Echolalia Review: An Anti-Poetry Collection. Jasper’s latest project spans over two years and involves the publication of over 47 fake poems in 30 poetry journals. These fake poems are collected, along with detailed notes about the process, in Ceylon’s latest book. Topics Include: Is poetry dead?--is poetry foundation a captured institution–Allen Ginsberg and the beat writers–identity politics in poetry–literary journals–and more!Recorded 4/12/2025*Buy the Books*Echolalia Review: An Anti-Poet...2025-04-283h 00
Heavy Bored#82 Tom Clancy's Without Remorse w/ James GregoryAndrew Wittstadt is joined by author and friend of the pod, James Gregory. As the two go into James’ latest novel, Killer App, and Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse. Topics include: Artificial intelligence–AI assistants–AI chatbots–technology in art–seduction in literature–writing historical fiction–and more!Recorded 3/15/2025Buy the Books!Without Remorse by Tom Clancy: https://amzn.to/4lvz88SKiller App by James Gregory: https://amzn.to/42g9LAIZephyr’s War by James Gregory: https://amzn.to/4cuyp41Small Fortunes by James Gregory: https://amzn.to/4j...2025-04-141h 54
Heavy BoredHeavy Bonus: Dream Situations w/ Josh Mendoza (preview)Andrew Wittstadt is joined by filmmaker and author, Josh Mendoza, in a subscribers only extended interview. Topics include: Changes in creative industries–the indie film boom–the streaming wars–politics in art–and more!Recorded 3/1/2025This is a FREE preview of a longer episode! Join Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Buy the Books!Shadow of the Eternal Watcher by Josh Mendoza: https://amzn.to/4iLoLMpWatch What Stil...2025-04-0705 min
Heavy Bored#81 Sitting in the Sci-fi Section w/ Josh MendozaAndrew Wittstadt is joined by filmmaker and author, Josh Mendoza, in a conversation about his debut novel, Shadow of the Eternal Watcher. Topics include: Social media for artists–Grinding out an artistic career–realistic filmmaking–noir fiction classics–Star Wars–screenwriting vs novel writing–and more!Recorded 3/1/2025Buy the Books!Shadow of the Eternal Watcher by Josh Mendoza: https://amzn.to/4iLoLMpWatch What Still Remains (2018): https://amzn.to/3DLMv48Join Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com...2025-03-311h 34
Heavy BoredHeavy Bonus: Dogs vs Cats w/ Paris Heart (preview)Andrew Wittstadt is joined by musician and artist, Paris Heart. In a special bonus segment of Heavy Bored. Topics include: Dogs vs Cats–the music industry missing something–vibes–ancient religions and cultures–native American culture–and more!Recorded 2/15/2025This is a FREE preview of a longer episode! Join Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Listen to Paris Heart!Spotify:https://open.spotif...2025-03-2607 min
Heavy Bored#80 Making Love Vibes w/ Paris HeartAndrew Wittstadt is joined by musician and artist, Paris Heart. Topics include: Songwriting–recognizing artistic strengths and weaknesses–social media for creatives–earning a living as an artist–building a business–artist branding–bending music genres–and more!Recorded 2/15/2025Listen to Paris Heart!Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/1zd1nUPhQbqxICwQuxNPFAYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ParisHeartsMusicJoin Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: h...2025-03-171h 43
Heavy Bored#79 George Oppen: New Collected Poems w/ Damon MooreAndrew Wittstadt is joined by poet, and friend of the pod, Damon Moore in a discussion of George Oppen’s New Collected Poems. Topics include: Louise Gluck and Oppen’s influence–Objectivism in poetry–Objectivist poets–modernist poets–Ezra Pound–Oppen’s decades long break from poetry–Ezra Pound and Oppen–and more!Recorded 2/9/2025Buy the Books!George Oppen: New Collected Poems: https://amzn.to/3Fcdypg21 Poems by George Oppen: https://amzn.to/4kfDLnfWalking to Martha’s Vineyard by Franz Wright: https://amzn.to/4kredDJProofs and Theories by Louise...2025-03-032h 35
Heavy BoredHeavy Bonus: White Lies, Faith, and Indie Publishing w/ Becky Bell (preview)Andrew Wittstadt and Becky Bell talk about indie publishing, filling gaps in the literature market, Mormon misconceptions, and more!Recorded 1/25/2025This is a FREE preview of a longer episode! Join Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Buy the Books!The Gnomes of FIbberton by Becky Bell: https://amzn.to/40TBAwIJoin Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!2025-02-1806 min
Heavy Bored#78 Telling Fibs w/ Becky BellAndrew Wittstadt is joined by children’s author, Becky Bell. Topics include: Classic children’s stories–morality tales–right vs wrong–faith–indie publishing–pay to play social media–family life–and more!Recorded 1/25/2025Buy the Books!The Gnomes of FIbberton by Becky Bell: https://amzn.to/40TBAwIJoin Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Sign up for Andrew’s Newsletter for FREE! https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Conta...2025-02-101h 55
Heavy Bored#77 Sleep Paralysis w/ Dr. Funke Afolabi-BrownAndrew Wittstadt is joined by author, physician, and sleep expert, Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown. Topics include: Sleep schedules–Sleep aids–insomnia–sleep as a superpower–self-publishing–hydration and sleep–blue light and social media–and more!Recorded: 12/14/2024Buy the Books!Beyond Tired by Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown: https://amzn.to/4g4Oa1KDr. Funke Afolabi-Brown: https://www.therestfulsleepplace.com/Join Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/...2025-01-2156 min
Heavy BoredJerkShop #10 | Writing Workshop StoriesAndrew Wittstadt reads listener emails about workshop culture and literary institutions. Topics include: The literary canon–Harold Bloom–publishing houses–the literary culture–wokeness–politics vs poetry–and more!Recorded 1/11/2025Join Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Sign up for Andrew’s Newsletter for FREE! https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Contact us: heavyboredpodcast@gmail.comLeave a 5-Star Review on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heavy-bored/id1617156706Follo...2025-01-1336 min
Heavy Bored#76 Killing a Bull Moose w/ Michael FedorAndrew Wittstadt is joined by political strategist and thriller author Michael Fedor. Topics include: Political strategy–self-publishing–growing up in the mid-Atlantic–teaching–writing routines–the 2024 election–pendulum swings in politics and culture–power dynamics–indie authors–self-marketing plans–and more!Recorded 11/23/2024Buy the Books!The Senate Deception by Michael Fedor: https://amzn.to/4j6ebQIWhat it Takes to Kill a Bull Moose by Michael Fedor: https://amzn.to/3BLXqK5The Tree of Liberty by Michael Fedor: https://amzn.to/3ZWbZCMRead Michael Fedor: https://michaelfedorbooks.com/2025-01-061h 24
Heavy BoredChristmas Special 2024: It's A Jimmy Stewart Christmas w/ ErikMerry Christmas!Andrew Wittstadt is joined by friend of the pod, Erik (@bazillionplus) to celebrate Christmas with an in-depth discussion of The Shop Around the Corner (1940) and It’s a Wonderful Life (1947)Recorded 12/18/2024Join Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Sign up for Andrew’s Newsletter for FREE! https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Contact us: heavyboredpodcast@gmail.comLeave a 5-Star...2024-12-232h 40
Heavy BoredHeavy Bonus: Collaborative Art w/ Sasha Saidman (preview)Andrew Wittstadt is joined by children’s author Sasha Saidman. The conversation continues for subscribers only. Topics include: Collaborating with illustrators–children screaming in public–Storyboarding–dyslexia–creativity and youth–and MORE! ONLY FOR SUBSCRIBERSRecorded 11/2/2024This is a FREE preview of a longer episode! Join Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Buy the Books!All Out of Ducks by Sasha Saidman: https://amzn.to/4iuGRmrFirst Day: An Adoption Story by Sash...2024-12-1604 min
Heavy Bored#75 Adopting Imagination w/ Sasha SaidmanAndrew Wittstadt is joined by children’s author Sasha Saidman. Topics include: Growing up dsylexic–imagination–social media followings–haters–self-publishing–creativity–emo era–parenting–motherhood–and more!Recorded 11/2/2024Buy the Books!All Out of Ducks by Sasha Saidman: https://amzn.to/4iuGRmrFirst Day: An Adoption Story by Sasha Saidman: https://amzn.to/4gq5yhPMelonade by Sasha Saidman: https://amzn.to/49vLecUA Boat in the Kitchen by Sasha Saidman: https://amzn.to/49uPJ7bDust Bunnies aren’t Bad by Sasha Saidman: https://amzn.to/3Zrl6L...2024-12-091h 33
Heavy BoredHeavy Bonus: Football Girl w/ Amy Daughters (preview)Andrew Wittstadt and Amy Daughters go into football, home teams, the power of prayer, ribbon dancing, fishing, and the hit soap opera Dallas, and more! ONLY FOR SUBSCRIBERS.Recorded 10/27/2024This is a FREE preview of a longer episode! Join Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Buy the Books!Dear Dana by Amy Daughters: https://amzn.to/40Yt1SZYou Cannot Mess This Up by Amy Daughters: https://amzn.to/4fFuSk92024-12-0208 min
Heavy Bored#74 Funny Girl w/ Amy DaughtersAndrew Wittstadt is joined by author and public speaker Amy Daughters. Topics include: Handwriting vs typing–handwritten letters vs email–social media friends vs real life friends–spreading hope–arranging flowers–and more! Recorded 10/27/2024Buy the Books!Dear Dana by Amy Daughters: https://amzn.to/40Yt1SZYou Cannot Mess This Up by Amy Daughters: https://amzn.to/4fFuSk9Join Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/2024-11-251h 33
Heavy BoredHeavy Bonus: Building Schools w/ Doug Villhard (preview)Andrew Wittstadt is joined by author and entrepreneur Doug Villhard in a subscribers only extended interview. Topics include: Building schools from scratch–Private vs Public school–History and its relevance–Building community–fatherhood–and more! ONLY FOR SUBSCRIBERS.Recorded 10/26/2024This is a FREE preview of a longer episode! Join Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Buy the Books!The Golden Age of Red by Doug Villhard: https://amzn.to/4hHb2WS2024-11-1805 min
Heavy Bored#73 The Business of Fiction w/ Doug Villhard (preview)Andrew Wittstadt is joined by author and entrepreneur Doug Villhard in a discussion about writing, building your own press, passion projects, Stephen King books, historical fiction, teaching, and more! ONLY FOR SUBSCRIBERS.Recorded 10/26/2024This is a FREE preview of a longer episode! Join Patreon to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Buy the Books!The Golden Age of Red by Doug Villhard: https://amzn.to/4hHb2WSCity of Women by Doug Villhard: https://amzn.to/48RaBWcC...2024-11-1125 min
Heavy BoredJerkShop #9 w/ Stephen Harrison (preview)Andrew Wittstadt is joined by author and journalist, Stephen Harrison. The two go into writing workshops, Wikipedia’s bias, politics ruining everything, lack of religion, gotcha questions, mean comments, and more! ONLY FOR SUBSCRIBERS.Recorded 10/19/2024This bonus segment is for subscribers only! Join Patreon to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Buy the Books!The Editors by Stephen Harrison: https://amzn.to/3Ah5m5aSupport Heavy Bored on Patreon for More:https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Sign up f...2024-11-0305 min
Heavy Bored#72 Editing the Internet w/ Stephen HarrisonAndrew Wittstadt is joined by author and journalist, Stephen Harrison. Topics include: Wikipedia–separating non-fiction and fiction–social media for writers–millennials and the internet–the lack of internet in contemporary fiction–and more!Recorded 10/20/2024*LINKS* Buy the Books!The Editors by Stephen Harrison: https://amzn.to/3Ah5m5aSupport Heavy Bored on Patreon for More:https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Sign up for Andrew’s Newsletter for FREE! https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Read Stephen Harrison for FREE! https://notes.stephenharrison.com/Contact u...2024-10-281h 41
Heavy Bored#71 Ethical Arson w/ Nick FlynnAndrew Wittstadt is joined by acclaimed poet and writer, Nick Flynn. Topics include: poetry vs memoir–mind, body, and spiritual connections for creativity–sources of creativity–creative outlets–collaboration in art making–writing stamina–meditation–and more!Recorded 9/28/2024*LINKS* Buy the Books!Low by Nick Flynn: https://amzn.to/483masGI Will Destroy You by Nick Flynn: https://amzn.to/3NoaHe0My Feelings by Nick Flynn: https://amzn.to/3YmO3J6The Captain Asks for a Show of Hands by Nick Flynn: https://amzn.to/3BGTTw1Bl...2024-10-132h 04
Heavy Bored#70 Parenthood Poems (preview)Andrew Wittstadt reads and interprets several poems about parenthood and children. Including poems by W.B. Yeats, Philip Larkin, Gwendolyn Brooks, William Blake, and W.D. Snodgrass.This be the Verse by Philip LarkinInfant Joy by William BlakeA Prayer for my Daughter by W. B. YeatsLife for my child is simple, and is good. by Gwendolyn BrooksHeart’s Needle by W. D. SnodgrassRecorded 9/18/2024*LINKS* Buy the Books!Philip Larkin: The Complete Poems https://amzn.to/3Y1TLj...2024-09-3007 min
Heavy Bored#69 Book Branding w/ James R. GregoryAndrew Wittstadt is joined by author James R. Gregory in a discussion about his life, work, and latest book, Zephyr’s War. Topics include: Writing as a hobby–book branding–book publishing economics–intangible capital–romanticizing stories–writing routines–self-publishing–and more!Recorded 8/17/2024*LINKS* Buy the Books!Zephyr’s War by James R. Gregory: https://amzn.to/3z02b1cKiller App by James R. Gregory: https://amzn.to/4cRnGimColumbia the Street by James R. Gregory: https://amzn.to/4cNIXttSupport Heavy Bored on Patr...2024-09-021h 39
Heavy Bored#68 William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet w/ BrendanAndrew Wittstadt is joined by Brendan of the Tales from the Mall podcast in a discussion of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and two film adaptations of the play, Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet (1968) and Lurhmann’s Romeo And Juliet (1996) Topics Include: Masculinity–Male Romance–Emo boys–Shakespeare’s massive influence–fear and faith–romantic comedies–It’s a Wonderful Life–small talk–men vs women–and more!Recorded 7/17/2024*LINKS* Buy the Book!Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare: https://amzn.to/3SVMChHThe Norton Shakespeare Collection: https://amzn.to/3STB4M6Support...2024-08-182h 50
Heavy Bored#67 Smiling Crooked w/ Jared KlicksteinAndrew Wittstadt is joined by author Jared Klickstein, discussing his memoir, Crooked Smile: What it Took to Escape a Decade of Homelessness, Addiction, and Crime. Topics Include: Living on the street–the source of addiction–the problems with rehab models–government policy failures–spiritual drive–Kurt Vonnegut–being labeled “right-wing”--and more! Recorded 6/29/2024LINKSBuy the Book!Crooked Smile: What it Took to Escape a Decade of Homelessness, Addiction, and Crime by Jared Klickstein: https://amzn.to/3Ytzx2ASupport Heavy Bored on Patreon for More:https://www.patreon.com/H...2024-08-042h 02
Heavy Bored#63 Robin Cook's Chromosome 6 w/ Rare CandyGlen and Psi of the Rare Candy podcast join Andrew Wittstadt for a journey into the medical malpractice thriller, Chromosome 6 by Robin Cook. The boys go into 90’s Italian mobsters, medical ethics, podcasting life, animal rights, covid, Vegas sports, and MORE!Recorded 5/11/2024*LINKS**Buy the Books*Chromosome 6 by Robin Cook: https://amzn.to/3HavmCiComa by Robin Cook: https://amzn.to/4jgBer6More Books by Robin Cook: https://amzn.to/43ckNr3Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton: https://amzn.to/4jsED6oState of Fe...2024-06-092h 11
Heavy Bored#62 Ian Fleming's Live and Let Die w/ The Nani StateAndrew Wittstadt is joined by musical mastermind and senior fellow at the James Bond Autist Institute, The Nani State (@thenanistate), for the second part of the James Bond novel series on Heavy Bored. The two go into Bond villains, Roger Moore’s first role as James Bond, Fleming’s importance to western literature, Movie vs book, Bond’s evolution as a character and cultural figure, international spy templates, Fleming being a total baller, USA vs Europoors, and MORE!*LINKS**Buy the Books*Casino Royale by Ian Fleming: https://amzn.to/4jnI6D3Live...2024-05-262h 04
Heavy Bored#61 Fierce and Dangerous Love w/ Steven PowellAndrew Wittstadt is joined by author and scholar, Steven Powell, to talk about his award-winning biography of the American crime writer James Ellroy, Love Me Fierce in Danger: The Life of James Ellroy. Topics include: Crime fiction–mystery in novels–the work of writing a biography–scholarship around crime and noir–and more!First Hour is FREE! Join Patreon to get FULL access to Heavy Bored! https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored *LINKS**Buy the Books*Love Me Fierce in Danger: The Life of James Ellroy by Steven Powell: https://amzn.to/4mvmkzS2024-05-121h 00
Heavy BoredHeavy Bonus: No One Buys Books (preview)Andrew Wittstadt goes into the viral article by Elle Griffin, “No One Buys Books,” and the revealing truths about the publishing industry and the state of the literary world as a culture and a business. This is a free preview of an episode for subscribers only. Join Patreon to get FULL access to Heavy Bored! https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored *LINKS*Read “No One Buys Books” by Elle Griffin: https://www.elysian.press/p/no-one-buys-booksJoin Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored...2024-05-0516 min
Heavy Bored#59 Sharon Olds' OdesAndrew Wittstadt reads and reviews Sharon Olds' collection of poems, Odes. Going into bad line breaks, the state of contemporary poetry, aging as a writer and still writing teenage material, and more. *LINKS**Buy the Books*Odes by Sharon Olds: https://amzn.to/3Zur6UuStag’s Leap by Sharon Olds: https://amzn.to/3F7fNuHThe Dead and the Living by Sharon Olds: https://amzn.to/43w8eG3More Books by Sharon Olds: https://amzn.to/4k4hEiUJoin Patreon or Sub...2024-04-1459 min
Heavy BoredHeavy Movies: True Detective 1-4 (part 2)Andrew Wittstadt reviews seasons three and four of HBO’s True Detective. Part 2 of 2.True Detective–season three (2019)True Detective: Night Country (2024)*LINKS**Own the Show*True Detective season 1: https://amzn.to/3FrwjFRTrue Detective season 2: https://amzn.to/3Fn9nHMTrue Detective season 3: https://amzn.to/43ktbmYTrue Detective: Night Country: https://amzn.to/4mwjACt*Buy the Books*Galveston by Nic Pizzolatto: https://amzn.to/4jgFPcAThe L.A. Quartet by James Ellroy: http...2024-03-3142 min
Heavy BoredHeavy Movies: True Detective 1-4 (part 1)Andrew Wittstadt reviews the first two seasons of HBO’s True Detective. Part 1 of 2.True Detective–season one (2014)True Detective–season two (2015)*LINKS**Own the Show*True Detective season 1: https://amzn.to/3FrwjFRTrue Detective season 2: https://amzn.to/3Fn9nHMTrue Detective season 3: https://amzn.to/43ktbmYTrue Detective: Night Country: https://amzn.to/4mwjACt*Buy the Books*Galveston by Nic Pizzolatto: https://amzn.to/4jgFPcAThe L.A. Quartet by James Ellroy: https...2024-03-2442 min
Heavy Bored#58 Charles Dickens A Tale of Two Cities (preview)Andrew Wittstadt reviews Charles Dickens A Tale of Two Cities, going into what works in the novel and what doesn’t, and why it may be one of Dickens weakest novels. This is a free preview of an episode for subscribers only. Join Patreon to get FULL access to Heavy Bored! https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored *LINKS**Buy the Books*A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens: https://amzn.to/4mvkyigMore Books by Charles Dickens: https://amzn.to/44OhK9LJoin Patreon or S...2024-03-1724 min
Heavy Bored#57 Charles Bukowski's The Pleasures of the Damned w/ Matt WallAndrew Wittstadt is joined by Matt Wall of the I Hate Matt Wall Poetry Podcast as the two go into a lengthy discussion about Charles Bukowski’s The Pleasures of the Damned. Topics Include: Bukowski’s Legacy–Transgressive Poetry–Alcoholism–Masculinity–The Appeal of Bukowski’s prose–Bukowski’s distinct style–subject matter triumphing over craft–not giving a fuck–confessional vs fictional–and more!*LINKS**Buy the Books*The Pleasures of the Damned by Charles Bukowski: https://amzn.to/3Hpi8S8Post Office by Charles Bukowski: https://amzn.to/4mpW0qVWomen by Charles...2024-02-253h 44
Heavy Bored#56 Berryman Posting w/ Sarah FletcherAndrew Wittstadt is joined by poet Sarah Fletcher in a lively and lengthy discussion about all things poetry, including her debut poetry collection, Plus Ultra. Topics include: Robert Lowell–Elizabeth Bishop–John Berryman–Confessional poetry–feminism–lack of craft in contemporary poetry–musical influences–and More!This is a free preview of an episode for subscribers only. Join Patreon to get FULL access to Heavy Bored! https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored *LINKS* *Buy the Books*Anne Sexton: The Complete Poems: https://amzn.to/4kxSqsXPlus Ultra by Sarah Fletcher: https://amzn.to...2024-01-281h 19
Heavy BoredHeavy Movies: The Sound of Hysteria (preview)Andrew Wittstadt Reviews four films from 2023.The Sound of Freedom (2023)The Creator (2023)Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant (2023)Saltburn (2023)This is a free preview of an episode for subscribers only. Join Patreon to get FULL access to Heavy Bored! https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Join Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Sign up for Andrew’s Newsletter for FREE! https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Contact us: he...2024-01-2119 min
Heavy Bored#54 Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter w/ MellyAndrew Wittstadt is joined by Melly of the Now Then podcast to discuss Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel, The Scarlet Letter. Topics include: Puritans–Witch Trials–Cowardice–Atheism vs Religion–Vatican II–Faith and Belief–Sex and the City–Friday Night Lights–Hester Pryne’s Beauty–Spiritual Fulfillment–Pearl’s Wisdom–Masculine vs Feminine–and more!Recorded 11/2/2023*LINKS**Buy the Books*The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne: https://amzn.to/43mUm25More Books by Nathaniel Hawthorne: https://amzn.to/43w2trWJoin Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patre...2023-12-312h 43
Heavy Bored#53 Ada Limon's The Hurting KindAndrew Wittstadt reads and reviews Ada Limon’s The Hurting Kind, going into the perils of success while praising and lamenting the confessional mode of writing. Topics include: Ada Limon–Line breaks–Instagram poetry’s influence–confessional poetry–bad poetry editing–and more!*LINKS* *Buy the Books*The Hurting Kind by Ada Limon: https://amzn.to/43JgnrKMore Books by Ada Limon: https://amzn.to/3ZvwPt6Join Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/2023-12-171h 09
Heavy BoredJerkShop #6 w/ Sam Fakahany | Writing Workshop StoriesAndrew Wittstadt is joined by friend of the pod, Sam Fakahany. The two go into the constant hysteria that has plagued the world for the last few years, and the many blow-ups, online and off, that have become the norm in publishing and the larger literary world. Topics include: Literary freedom–publishing changes–the new rules–politics invading everything–censorship–authors on substack–independent creatives–and more!Join Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Sign up for Andrew’s...2023-12-101h 12
Heavy Bored#51 Frank Bidart's Star Dust (preview)Andrew Wittstadt reviews Frank Bidart’s 2005 collection, Star Dust. Topics include–Frank Bidart–David Lynch–Abstractness for Abstractness Sake–boring art–Raw Subconscious–and more. This is a free preview of an episode for subscribers only. Join Patreon to get FULL access to Heavy Bored! https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored *LINKS* *Buy the Books*Star Dust by Frank Bidart: https://amzn.to/4kxZ56wHalf-Light: Collected Poems 1965-2016 by Frank Bidart: https://amzn.to/4mwvWKUMore Books by Frank Bidart: https://amzn.to/3FwuWWiJoin Patreon...2023-11-1906 min
Heavy Bored#50 Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell To Arms w/ Valerie LuteAndrew Wittstadt is joined by writer and friend of the pod, Valerie Lute, in a discussion about Ernest Hemingway’s masterpiece, A Farewell to Arms. Topics Include: Hemingway’s Legacy–literature’s impact–the importance of classic books–war novels–book banning–Hemingway’s Masculine quirks–and More!*LINKS**Buy the Books*A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway: https://amzn.to/3H7MGYNMore Books by Ernest Hemingway: https://amzn.to/4jfokcMJoin Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Su...2023-11-051h 15
Heavy BoredHeavy Bonus #6 Horror Movie Round Up October 2023 (preview)Andrew Wittstadt goes over the (mostly) horror movies he’s been watching during the Halloween season. Including The Nun (2018) and The Nun II (2023).This is a Bonus Episode for subscribers only. Join Patreon to get FULL access to Heavy Bored! https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Join Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Sign up for Andrew’s Newsletter for FREE! https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Contact us: heavyboredpodcast@gmail.comLeave...2023-10-2904 min
Heavy Bored#49 Mary Oliver's House of LightAndrew Wittstadt goes into Mary Oliver’s poetry collection, House of Light. Topics include: Romantic poetry–Rhetorical questions in poetry–linebreak techniques–orienting the reader–and more! *LINKS**Buy the Books*House of Light by Mary Oliver: https://amzn.to/43mTsCJMore Books by Mary Oliver: https://amzn.to/3HmulXOJoin Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Sign up for Andrew’s Newsletter for FREE! https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/2023-10-2254 min
Heavy BoredHeavy Bonus #5 Listener Emails 10/14/2023 (preview)Andrew Wittstadt reads and responds to listener emails. Topics include: The Western Canon–Authenticity in literature–identity politics–hostility to the literary canon–good faith arguments–why you should say what you're thinking–and more!This is a Bonus Episode for subscribers only. Join Patreon to get FULL access to Heavy Bored! https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Join Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Sign up for Andrew’s Newsletter for FREE! https://andrewwittstadt...2023-10-1506 min
Heavy Bored#48 Melancholic America w/ Caleb CaudellAndrew Wittstadt talks with author Caleb Caudell (@LitMiddle) about all things books, writing, politics and culture. Topics include: The Midwest–Fight Club–Masculinity in Literature–Building an Independent platform–Writing routines–Faulkner–and More!First hour is FREE! Join Patreon to get the FULL episode! https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored *LINKS**Buy the Books*The Neighbor by Caleb Caudell: https://amzn.to/4jlcHB8Novelty and Other Stories by Caleb Caudell: https://amzn.to/4kxYIZGMore Books by Caleb Caudell: https://amzn.to/3ZuX5nuRead Cal...2023-10-0855 min
Heavy BoredJerkShop #4 w/ Erik | Writing Workshop StoriesAndrew is joined by friend of the pod, Erik (@bazillionplus), as the pair enjoy drinks and shit-talking about the state of literature and its consequences. Topics include: MFA’s–Writing workshops–Cancel Culture–Joyce Carol Oates–sexism in literature–identity politics ruining workshops–and more!First hour is FREE! Join Patreon to get the FULL episode!https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Join Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Sign up for Andrew’s Newslet...2023-10-011h 06
Heavy Bored#47 Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe w/ ErikAndrew is joined by Erik @bazillionplus in a lengthy discussion about Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe. Topics include: Colonialism–Man Conquering Nature–Defoe’s career–Castaway stories–Finding God–Friday and Crusoe’s relationship–90 Day Fiance–Las Vegas–Poor scholarship–the state of universities–and more. First hour is FREE! Join Patreon to get the FULL episode! https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored *LINKS**Buy the Books*Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe: https://amzn.to/3H2WJhMMoll Flanders by Daniel Dafoe: https://amzn.to/4kemA4UMore Books by Daniel Da...2023-09-241h 13
Heavy BoredHeavy Bonus #3 Listener Emails (preview)Andrew Wittstadt reads and responds to listener emails. Topics include, Ben Lerner’s The Hatred of Poetry, Gary Snyder, Diane Di Prima, Walt Whitman, poetic context, reading writers' complete works, Allen Ginsberg, the Beat poets, Harold Bloom, allusion in poetry, why you should study languages, and more!This is a Bonus Episode for subscribers only. Join Patreon to get FULL access to Heavy Bored! https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Join Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/2023-09-1710 min
Heavy Bored#46 Louise Gluck's The Wild IrisAndrew Wittstadt goes into Louise Gluck’s masterpiece collection of poems while discussing some of the best poems written in the 1990’s. Topics include: being sick of poetry–frustration with line breaks–being a poetry snob–taking a poetry break–Gluck’s career–Pulitzer Prizes–and more!*LINKS**Buy the Books*The Wild Iris by Louise Gluck: https://amzn.to/3SOaaECFaithful and Virtuous Night by Louise Gluck: https://amzn.to/3SlL6oqPoems 1962-2012 by Louise Gluck: https://amzn.to/3SgQcT1More Books by Louise Gluck: https://amzn.to/4k...2023-09-1047 min
Heavy BoredHeavy Bonus #2 August 2023 Reading Roundup (preview)Bonus Episode for subscribers only. Join Patreon to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Andrew Wittstadt reviews the book log from August 2023. Going into Pynchon, Defoe, McCarthy, and several Edith Wharton novels that should be on your list.*LINKS*Join Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Sign up for Andrew’s Newsletter for FREE! https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Contact us: heavyboredpodcast@gmail.comLeav...2023-09-0307 min
Heavy Bored#45 Ian Fleming's Casino Royale w/ The Nani StateAndrew Wittstadt talks with anonymous musician and James Bond autist, The Nani State (@thenanistate) As they go into the importance of Fleming’s books, James Bond as a cultural Icon, British vs American love of Bond, The Bond Films, Daniel Craig as James Bond, the whitewashing of Fleming’s books, and more!*LINKS**Buy the Books*Casino Royale by Ian Fleming: https://amzn.to/4jnI6D3Live and Let Die by Ian Fleming: https://amzn.to/4dw1mwEMoonraker by Ian Fleming: https://amzn.to/4kruibwDiamonds are...2023-08-271h 55
Heavy BoredJerkShop #3 w/ Matt Wall | Writing Workshop StoriesAndrew Wittstadt and Matt Wall sit down and chat for hours about MFA programs, Writing Workshops, the State of Poetry, The state of publishing, fashion Trends, Low-rise jeans, Writers strike, and more!Send in your Workshop Stories to heavyboredpodcast@gmail.comThis is a partial episode. To get the FULL episode, become a subscriber at https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored *LINKS*Join Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Sign up for Andrew’s Ne...2023-08-201h 05
Heavy Bored#44 Poetic Anarchy w/ Matt Wall (preview)Andrew is joined by friend of the pod, Matt Wall, from the I Hate Matt Wall Poetry Podcast Where the two get into a lengthy discussion about all things writing, poetry, quirks, styles, and general dissatisfaction with the state of the publishing industry. Topics Include: Why write?--Publishing on Amazon–Building a business from writing–state of publishing–State of book sales–college MFA’s–and more. This is a free partial episode. To get the FULL Episode become a subscriber at patreon.com/HeavyBored*LINKS*Join Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: ht...2023-08-132h 05
Heavy BoredJerkShop #2 w/ Cassandra | Writing Workshop StoriesAndrew is joined by friend of the pod, C*ss*ndr* (@truth_enjoyer), in a lively discussion about workshops, MFA’s, DFW and Mary Karr, writing feedback, workshop culture, academic spaces, workshop dynamics, identity politics in literature, and more! Send in your Workshop Stories to heavyboredpodcast@gmail.com*LINKS*Join Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Sign up for Andrew’s Newsletter for FREE! https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Contact us: heavyboredpodcast@gmail.com2023-08-061h 04
Heavy Bored#43 Richard Siken's Crush w/ CassandraAndrew Wittstadt talks with anonymous e-girl poet C*ss*ndr* (@truth_enjoyer) about Richard Siken’s masterpiece while constantly bringing up peak emo culture and the never-ending relevance of Siken’s work. Topics include: Emo culture–Siken’s brilliance–2005–Brand New–Music vs poetry–writing love poems–the tenderness of emo–MFA programs–Tumbler–artistic influence–and more!*LINKS**Buy the Books*Crush by Richard Siken: https://amzn.to/4k77U7MWar of the Foxes by Richard Siken: https://amzn.to/4j5UuaEJoin Patreon or Substack for FREE!2023-07-301h 34
Heavy Bored#42 Cormac McCarthy's Cities of the Plain (preview)Andrew Wittstadt reviews the 3rd novel in Cormac McCarthy’s Border Trilogy, while going into weaknesses in writing prose, writing contracts, if trilogies are intended or not, and some of the best passages from the novel. Topics include: McCarthy’s style–Coming of age novels–Trilogy series–death scenes–Larry McMurtry–and more. This is a free preview. To get the full episode, become a subscriber! https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored *LINKS**Buy the Books*The Border Trilogy by Cormac McCarthy: https://amzn.to/43lxjn0All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCart...2023-07-1616 min
Heavy Bored#41 Charles Simic's Scribbled in the DarkAndrew dives into Simic’s book of poems from 2017, going into why artists tend to decline at the end of their careers and why Simic’s reputation is well-earned. Topics include: Artists aging–themes of lament–end of career woes–documenting artists in later years–Simic’s reputation–and more. *LINKS**Buy the Books*Charles Simic's Scribbled in the Dark: https://amzn.to/3F7p5H1Charles Simic's The World Doesn't End: https://amzn.to/4kqtLXrNew and Selected Poems of Charles Simic: https://amzn.to/45d3FTmMore Books by C...2023-07-021h 00
Heavy Bored#40 Cormac McCarthy's The CrossingAndrew Wittstadt praises Cormac McCarthy’s genius in the Border trilogy books while going into what makes McCarthy such an important figure in American literature. His coming-of-age novel series and the harrowing prose that makes up McCarthy’s body of work.*Note* This was recorded on June 9, 2023. Just days before the world lost McCarthy forever. RIP Cormac–a huge hole left in American literature where he used to stand. *LINKS**Buy the Books*The Border Trilogy by Cormac McCarthy: https://amzn.to/43lxjn0All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarth...2023-06-181h 09
Heavy Bored*UNLOCKED* #31 William Faulkner's As I lay Dying**Get a taste of subscriber-only content**Andrew and Sophie fix the Hamline University controversy before diving into the deep sweaty realms of strange small-town southern America. Topics include–small-town settings–classic novels–Faulkner’s legacy and reputation–Dewey Dell being the best character–whats up with Vardaman?--class elements in Faulkner–and more.*LINKS**Buy the Books*As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner: https://amzn.to/4klIdQnMore Books by William Faulkner: https://amzn.to/4jZTYfuJoin Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: htt...2023-06-041h 46
Heavy BoredJerkShop #1 | Writing Workshop StoriesAndrew reads a listener email and goes into one of his own close encounters with a workshop going off the rails. Exploring topics like, what is workshop culture?, academic spaces smothering artists, who’s in charge in a workshop? and more. Send in your workshop stories and thoughts to heavyboredpodcast@gmail.com Join Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Sign up for Andrew’s Newsletter for FREE! https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Contact...2023-05-2834 min
Heavy Bored#39 Gary Snyder's Turtle IslandThe tide washes ashore as Andrew Wittsadt goes into Gary Snyder’s prize-winning poetry collection. Going into the major themes and weaknesses in the collection and why ideology overshadows artwork when laid on too thick. *LINKS**Buy the Books*Turtle Island by Gary Snyder: https://amzn.to/4dnWbPyMore Books by Gary Snyder: https://amzn.to/3FnN04SJoin Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Sign up for...2023-05-211h 18
Heavy Bored#38 Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-FiveAndrew Wittstadt discusses why Vonnegut is one of his most cherished influences as he goes into the major themes of the famous novel, Slaughterhouse-Five.*LINKS**Buy the Books*Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut: https://amzn.to/4djGWqKBreakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut: https://amzn.to/3S5S2WGCat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut: https://amzn.to/434F163More Books by Kurt Vonnegut: https://amzn.to/45e2zqmJoin Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored 2023-05-071h 01
Heavy Bored#37 Emily Dickinson: The Complete Poems (part 4)In the final part of The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson, Andrew takes the wheel of the car and scrapes the guardrail for over forty minutes while trying to articulate what a lyric poem is. Dickinson poems (1867-1886) Topics include–Dickinson’s decline–Speculation around Dickinson’s mental health–artists losing their drive–maturing as a writer–and more.*LINKS**Buy the Books*The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson: https://amzn.to/3H0ce9XMore books by Emily Dickinson: https://amzn.to/3F9ePOsDickinson by Helen Vendler: https://amzn.t...2023-04-231h 38
Heavy Bored#36 Emily Dickinson: The Complete Poems (part 3)In part 3 of The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson, Andrew moves back in with his parents, while Sophie chooses to live on the streets instead. Both become dependent on substances and self-publish emo poetry for the rest of their lives. Dickinson Poems (1862-1867) Topics include–Dickinson getting sick–Artists losing their touch–What makes Dickinson so good?--Vendler’s essays on Dickinson–and more.*LINKS**Buy the Books*The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson: https://amzn.to/3H0ce9XMore books by Emily Dickinson: https://amzn.to/3F9ePOsDickinso...2023-04-093h 12
Heavy Bored#35 Emily Dickinson: The Complete Poems (part 2)In part 2 of The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson, Andrew butchers Dickinson’s poems while reading them out loud. Sophie speaks on Death, God, and Jesus and shit. Both become agoraphobic and move to a Massachusetts homestead with an abusive mother. Dickinson poems (1862). Topics include–editors destroying artists works–Dickinson writing nonstop bangers in 1862–The purpose of meter in poetry–boxer briefs vs boxers–Sophie’s favorite poems–Vendler’s takes on Dickinson–and more. This is a free preview. To get access to the full 3 hour episode and all Heavy Bored content, become a subscriber at https://www.patreon.c...2023-03-2621 min
Heavy Bored#34 Emily Dickinson: The Complete Poems (part 1)Andrew rants about the censorship of Dahl’s books for twenty minutes before Sophie is allowed to speak and Emily Dickinson’s first few packets of poetry are discussed. (1858-1862) Topics include–the censorship of art–writers not standing up to censorship–Dickinson’s Legacy–The impact of the em dash–why Dickinson is so beloved–Helen Vendler’s take on Dickinson–the point of lyric poetry–music in meter–and more.*LINKS**Buy the Books*The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson: https://amzn.to/3H0ce9XMore books by Emily Dickinson: https://a...2023-03-122h 17
Heavy Bored#33 F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great GatsbySophie crashes a car into a pedestrian while Andrew helps bury the body and avoids vehicular manslaughter charges. Both become hermits and avoid large towns for the rest of their lives. Topics include–The Great Gatsby’s reputation–the state of the publishing industry–readers lacking options in terms of current books–did Gatsby love Daisy?--what’s up with Nick Carraway?--why Gatsby was Fitzgerald’s only good book–and more. *LINKS**Buy the Books*The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: https://amzn.to/4k2q0aVMore Books by F. Scott Fitzg...2023-02-262h 15
Heavy Bored#32 Olena Kalytiak Davis And Her Soul Out of NothingSophie becomes an animal bone while Andrew goes on tangents about love, loss, and self-help. Both become souls trapped by bodies while knowing nothing. Topics include–The thing about first books–Why you should love OKD–sex in poetry–line breaks–gen x–and more.*LINKS**Buy the Books*And Her Soul Out of Nothing by Olena Kalytiak Davis: https://amzn.to/3F7ZwFMMore Books by Olena Kalytiak Davis: https://amzn.to/3YPTe4bJoin Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com...2023-02-121h 42
Heavy Bored#31 William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying (preview)Andrew and Sophie fix the Hamline University controversy before diving into the deep sweaty realms of strange small-town southern America. Topics include–small-town settings–classic novels–Faulkner’s legacy and reputation–Dewey Dell being the best character–whats up with Vardaman?--class elements in Faulkner–and more. This episode is a free preview. To get access to the full episode, support us on Patreon at www.patreon.com.heavybored*LINKS**Buy the Books*As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner: https://amzn.to/4klIdQnMore Books by William Faulkner: https://amzn.to...2023-01-2912 min
Heavy Bored#30 Lana Del Rey's Violet Bent Backwards Over the GrassSophie gets lost in a big haunted vagina, while Andrew makes himself at home in the pepsi-filled cervix. Absolutely no drugs were consumed in the making of this episode. Topics include–celebrity poetry–collage art–whisper voices–mushroom trips–Instagram poetry–bad photography–aesthetic over art–what gives a poem meaning?–the line between song lyrics and poetry–and more. *LINKS**Buy the Books*Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass by Lana Del Rey: https://amzn.to/4kr4jRKHowl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg: https://amzn.to/4dqXFIODirecting Herbert W...2023-01-152h 15
Heavy Bored#28 Charles Dickens A Christmas CarolSophie gets her Hitler’s out after ye went on his Hitler tour while Andrew cries like a little bitch about how much he loves Christmas. Topics include–what’s the meaning of Christmas?–Humor in Dickens works–Redemption archetypes–Male pattern baldness–The Muppets Christmas Carol–Christmas tunes–and more. *LINKS**Buy the Books*A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: https://amzn.to/43yIGcjMore Books by Charles Dickens: https://amzn.to/4mjWajBJoin Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored ...2022-12-182h 10
Heavy Bored#27 Allen Ginsberg's Howl and Other PoemsSophie and Andrew become a pectoral muscle big as vagina and make no reference at all to cock and endless balls in a mature discussion of Allen Ginsberg’s masterpiece. Topics include–beat writers–banned books–why there is no counterculture in literature today–masculinity–book reputations–Ginsberg’s influence–and more.*LINKS**Buy the Books*Howl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg: https://amzn.to/4dhfcmwKaddish and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg: https://amzn.to/4jYM5H9Reality Sandwiches by Allen Ginsberg: https://amzn.to/3Zp765FThe Fall of A...2022-12-041h 42
Heavy Bored#26 Zoje Stage's Baby TeethSophie talks love handles and low-rise jeans while Andrew simps for Jessica Biel. Both agree Britney Spears should still be under lock and key. Topics include–Literary vs Pop Fiction–ass crack exposure ratios–what makes a good horror story?–sex in novels–Zoje Stage’s career so far–disturbing scenes in books–and more*LINKS**Buy the Books*Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage: https://amzn.to/4jWGEZfMore Books by Zoje Stage: https://amzn.to/4j8ZJX9It by Stephen King: https://amzn.to/4k494RiJoin P...2022-11-202h 20
Heavy Bored#25 Carl Phillips Coin of the RealmSophie talks passionately about her true calling–waxing holes. While Andrew rants about aliens controlling the weather and denies climate change. Topics include: authority in writing–spirituality in art–identity politics in poetry–why the new critics are correct–balance in one's writing–and more.*LINKS**Buy the Books*Coin of the Realm by Carl Phillips: https://amzn.to/4dpPZqcThe Art of Daring by Carl Phillips: https://amzn.to/3S8Fo9hMore Books by Carl Phillips: https://amzn.to/3ZkK9k0Join Patreon or S...2022-11-062h 35
Heavy Bored#24 Bram Stoker's DraculaSophie gets bored while reading about Victorian-era drivel, while Andrew gets obsessed with the sexual nature of horror. Topics include Horror and Sex, Victorian-era niceties, Male brain vs Female brain, Dracula’s cultural legacy, monster stories and movies, structuring thriller fiction, and more. *LINKS**Buy the Books*Dracula by Bram Stoker: https://amzn.to/4mgAyVhFrankenstein by Mary Shelley: https://amzn.to/4mhc4LHMore Books by Bram Stoker: https://amzn.to/44ytzkeJoin Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.pat...2022-10-231h 41
Heavy BoredHeavy Bonus #1 Listener Q&A 09/29/22 (free sample)Andrew and Sophie answer listener questions while ranting about workshops, building confidence as a writer, what makes a poem great, how to assess your own work to completion, and more. This bonus episode is for Subscribers Only. To subscribe and get full access to Heavy Bored Content, become a patron at https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored*LINKS* Join Patreon or Substack for FREE!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeavyBored Substack: https://andrewwittstadt.substack.com/Sign up for Andrew’s Newsletter for FREE! https://andrewwittstadt.subs...2022-10-1630 min
Heavy Bored#23 Nick Flynn's The Captain Asks for a Show of HandsAndrew and Sophie get waterboarded by government agents as they read and discuss topics such as war crimes, why erasure is the lowest form of poetry, why Nick Flynn is underrated, creativity in contemporary poetry, line breaks, and more. *LINKS* *Buy the Books* The Captain Asks for a Show of Hands by Nick Flynn: https://amzn.to/4mfKONySome Ether by Nick Flynn: https://amzn.to/3F4Avv6Blind Huber by Nick Flynn: https://amzn.to/3GUrtkZI Will Destroy You by Nick Flynn: https://amzn.to/4diK...2022-10-091h 57
Heavy Bored#22 James Baldwin's Giovanni's RoomSophie and Andrew pretend to read French while discussing Baldwin’s legacy, literary vs pop fiction, mystery structure in novels, literary style, short books, Baldwin’s larger impacts on the culture and more. *LINKS* *Buy the Books*Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin: https://amzn.to/4jWK26LGo Tell it on the Mountain by James Baldwin: https://amzn.to/4k5ZQ75If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin: https://amzn.to/43ucU01Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin: https://amzn.to/4jWztAkJames...2022-09-251h 35
Heavy Bored#21 Heather Christle's The Trees, The TreesAndrew rants about the lack of structure in contemporary poetry, while Sophie imagines herself as a Tree in a forest. Topics include the power of repetition in poetry, what makes a poem good or bad?, the lack of discipline and scholarship in the field, why no major magazine will publish a negative poetry review, and more. *LINKS* *Buy the Books*The Trees, The Trees by Heather Christle: https://amzn.to/3GWqmB0The Crying Book by Heather Christle: https://amzn.to/4iQSnXWMore Books by Heather Christle:https://amzn.to/3GM...2022-09-111h 42
Heavy Bored#20 Herman Melville's Moby DickSophie becomes a big fat whale while Andrew struggles to remember any character in the novel he just read. Topics include the power of cultural touchstones, canonizing books and authors, why Moby Dick became such a highly praised classic, Harold Bloom's thoughts on the subject, and more. *LINKS* *Buy the Books*Moby Dick by Herman Melville (Wordsworth edition): https://amzn.to/3YDdmGKMoby Dick by Herman Melville (Penguin edition): https://amzn.to/43mxIXeBilly Budd, Bartleby, and Other Stories by Herman Melville: https://amzn.to/42NpO9dMo...2022-08-281h 48
Heavy Bored#19 Jonathan Culler's Theory of the LyricAndrew gives Sophie Covid through Skype while they discuss lyric poetry and all of its glory. Sophie helps Andrew learn how to read big words he can’t pronounce. And both cough loudly into the microphone every few minutes as an artistic choice. Topics include what’s the point of lyric poetry? the problem with academic writing, why no one reads poems, the futility of loving poetry, and more. *LINKS* *Buy the Books*Theory of the Lyric by Jonathan Culler: https://amzn.to/3SqrkrLLiterary Theory: A Very Short Introduction by Jonath...2022-07-312h 19
Heavy Bored#18 Stephenie Meyer's Breaking DawnThe final part of the Twilight Saga has Sophie becoming pro child brides while Andrew mansplains vampire pregnancy. Both become pro-life and consider converting to the Mormon faith. All while speculating about vampire erections–size, girth, temperature, texture. Topics include Book vs Movie, the structure of romance, bad endings, vampire sex, CGI babies, and more. *LINKS* *Buy the Books* Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: https://amzn.to/4d4QXrDNew Moon by Stephenie Meyer: https://amzn.to/44XkW2MEclipse by Stephenie Meyer: https://amzn.to/4m4vPpCBreak...2022-07-173h 09
Heavy Bored#17 Stephenie Meyer's EclipsePart 3 of the continuing Twilight Saga kicks off with Andrew wanting it to be over because he’s a man, while Sophie is seduced by some hot, wet talking. Both become sympathetic to rigorous Mormon-style abstinence-only sex education while reading about sexual assault from werewolves and vampires. Topics include emo culture, high school, men vs women, why scholarship is in the toilet, and more.*LINKS* *Buy the Books* Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: https://amzn.to/4d4QXrDNew Moon by Stephenie Meyer: https://amzn.to/44XkW2MEclipse by Step...2022-07-032h 28
Heavy Bored#16 Stephenie Meyer's New MoonAndrew and Sophie get a bad case of Twilight Fever while being nostalgic for the emo era in Part 2 of the continuing Twilight Saga. Sophie gets in touch with her Mormon side while Andrew becomes homoerotically fixated on Taylor Lautner’s physique. Topics include the emo era, performative self-harm, Romeo and Juliet, the problems with film adaptations, Pauline Kael’s theories on “Trash Art” and why they’re correct, and more.*LINKS* *Buy the Books* Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: https://amzn.to/4d4QXrDNew Moon by Stephenie Meyer: https://amzn.to/44XkW2M2022-06-192h 36
Heavy Bored#12 Walt Whitman's Leaves of GrassSophie and Andrew get terribly bored reading this classic American masterpiece. Topics include transcendentalism, free verse, the limits of the line and page, Whitman and his impact, and more!*LINKS**Buy the Books* Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman (1855 edition): https://amzn.to/3RWa2CKLeaves of Grass by Walt Whitman (Deathbed edition): https://amzn.to/4jMNK2EMore Books by Walt Whitman: https://amzn.to/3EXvR1QJoin Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!Patreon: https://www.p...2022-04-241h 25
Heavy Bored#9 Virginia Woolf's To the LighthouseAndrew and Sophie discuss one of the greatest novels ever written while discussing technique, the limits of plot, the beauty of Woolf’s prose, and more.*LINKS**Buy the Books* To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf (Wordsworth edition): https://amzn.to/4iRuUpCTo the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf (unabridged edition): https://amzn.to/3RVRqmuA Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf: https://amzn.to/3Z5Y1ysMrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf: https://amzn.to/4k3Qrx3More Books by Virginia Woolf: https://amzn...2022-03-311h 47
Heavy Bored#7 Joy Williams' The Quick and the DeadAndrew and Sophie discuss the merits of plot, the usefulness of setting, trends in writing, the boredom factor, and much more in Joy Williams' Pulitzer-nominated novel, The Quick and the Dead.*LINKS**Buy the Books* The Quick and the Dead by Joy Williams: https://amzn.to/3Z0Tj52The Visiting Privilege by Joy Williams: https://amzn.to/3YtWsdEMore Books by Joy Williams: https://amzn.to/4kdyDiGJoin Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Heavy Bored!Patreon: https://www.patreon.c...2022-03-311h 47
Heavy Bored#4 Brigit Pegeen Kelly's The OrchardAndrew and Sophie go into the haunting imagery of Brigit Pegeen Kelly’s The Orchard. Her final collection of poems. Topics include, the problems with tech in the classroom, teaching writing, Kelly’s mastery of the craft, and more. *LINKS**Buy the Books* The Orchard by Brigit Pegeen Kelly: https://amzn.to/42KuyepSong by Brigit Pegeen Kelly: https://amzn.to/42MuydUTo the Place of the Trumpets by Brigit Pegeen Kelly: https://amzn.to/3GqYFAjJoin Patreon or Substack to get FULL access to Hea...2022-03-311h 42
Heavy Bored#2 Harold Bloom's The Art of Reading PoetryAndrew and Sophie take a deep dive into the very slim, but extremely articulate introductory essay to Harold Bloom’s The Best Poems of the English Language, engaging with Bloom’s larger theories of influence around artistic works and how making a judgment about art is the most important part. *LINKS**Buy the Books*The Art of Reading Poetry by Harold Bloom: https://amzn.to/44CKn9BThe Best Poems of the English Language by Harold Bloom: https://amzn.to/4cM3NetThe Anxiety of Influence by Harold Bloom: https...2022-03-312h 35
Heavy Bored#1 Edith Wharton's The House of MirthIn the inaugural episode of Heavy Bored, Andrew and Sophie discuss this classic Wharton novel, including the problem with class analysis, the many themes of beauty, the tragedy of heartbreak and loss, and more. *LINKS**Buy the Books*The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton(Penguin): https://amzn.to/4jJg7PnThe House of Mirth by Edith Wharton (Dover Thrift): https://amzn.to/3YOPqA2The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton: https://amzn.to/44sjMfFThe Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton: https://amzn.to/3EmLrE82022-03-311h 28