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Showing episodes and shows of
Matt Bucher & Dave Laird
Shows
Concavity Show
Episode 86 - Matt Bucher, author of The Summer Layoff
In Episode 86, Matt Bucher not only co-hosts, but guests as the author of interest, whose new novel, a follow-up to The Belan Deck, has just recently released. Matt's latest book is a Marksonian treatise on the marking, measuring, and allocation of time, and is sure to delight listeners of our show. You can purchase Matt's excellent sophomore release here: Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble Alienated Majesty Bookstore (Austin, TX) Book People (Austin, TX) Matt's Websites: mattbucher.com simpleranger.net buchrtumblr.com
2025-07-09
1h 04
Concavity Show
Episode 85 - Camille Bordas, author of The Material & How to Behave in a Crowd
In Episode 85, we're joined by Camille Bordas, whose recent novel The Material explores what a fictionalized MFA program in stand-up comedy might look like. It's funny (as you might imagine) and philosophical, exploring some of the great cultural questions of our (and just about any other) time. You can find out more about Camille on her website, where eight of her New Yorker short stories are linked. Her English language novels are both available on bookshop.org. Camille's Chicago piece we mention on the 2024 Democratic National Convention is here. Camille is on Ins...
2025-04-10
1h 10
Concavity Show
Episode 84 - Sergio De La Pava, author of Every Arc Bends Its Radian
In Episode 84, the incredible Sergio De La Pava joins Dave and Matt to talk about his latest novel, Every Arc Bends Its Radian, out now from Simon & Schuster. We also discuss David Lynch and his recent passing, deep sea life, and haunted hotels, among many other things. You can find Sergio's website here. Contact Dave & Matt: Email - concavityshow@gmail.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/ConcavityShow Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/concavityshow/ Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/concavityshow Threadless Merch Store...
2025-02-27
1h 05
Always Choose Orange
#66: Matt Bucher - Thoughts on A.I. and Art, Staying Creative at a Corporate Job, Wikipedia Rabbit Holes, and Writing The Belan Deck
Matt Bucher is the author of The Belan Deck and co-host, with Dave Laird, of The Concavity Show podcast. He is one of the founders of the International David Foster Wallace Society and administers the wallace-l listserv. His writing has been published in Electric Literature, The Dublin Review of Books, Puerto del Sol, Publishers Weekly, and other places. He currently lives in Austin, Texas.In this episode, Matt and I talk about the creative process behind his debut novel, The Belan Deck, a thought-provoking story about a businessman who is working on a PowerPoint presentation at the airp...
2025-02-19
1h 15
Always Choose Orange
#66: Matt Bucher - Thoughts on A.I. and Art, Staying Creative at a Corporate Job, Wikipedia Rabbit Holes, and Writing The Belan Deck
Matt Bucher is the author of The Belan Deck and co-host, with Dave Laird, of The Concavity Show podcast. He is one of the founders of the International David Foster Wallace Society and administers the wallace-l listserv. His writing has been published in Electric Literature, The Dublin Review of Books, Puerto del Sol, Publishers Weekly, and other places. He currently lives in Austin, Texas.In this episode, Matt and I talk about the creative process behind his debut novel, The Belan Deck, a thought-provoking story about a businessman who is working on a PowerPoint presentation at the airp...
2025-02-19
1h 15
Concavity Show
Episode 83 - 2024 Year in Review
Join Matt and Dave as they look back at the best of their year in reading during 2024, each with a list of ten(ish) books they found compelling and noteworthy. Dave's top 10: Dayspring by Anthony Oliveira Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar Prophet Song by Paul Lynch The Bee Sting by Paul Murray Fortress of Solitude by Jonathan Lethem Coexistence by Billy-Rae Belcourt What Remains of Elsie Jane by Chelsea Wakelyn Same Bed Different Dreams by Ed Park Assembly by Natasha...
2025-01-22
1h 21
Concavity Show
Episode 82 - Lauren Elkin, author of Scaffolding
In this episode, Matt speaks with Lauren Elkin about her new novel, Scaffolding. They discuss Lacan, marriage, and why Paris is so damn literary, among other things. Lauren Elkin is a French and American writer and translator, most recently the author of the novel Scaffolding (FSG), a New York Times Editor's Choice which the Observer called both "erudite" and "horny." Previous books include Art Monsters: Unruly Bodies in Feminist Art, No. 91/92: Notes on a Parisian Commute, and Flâneuse: Women Walk the City, which was a finalist for the 2018 PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of...
2024-12-30
48 min
Concavity Show
Episode 81 - Benjamín Labatut, Author of The MANIAC and When We Cease to Understand the World
We're delighted to present our conversation with the remarkable Benjamín Labatut for Episode 81, in which we primarily discuss his 2023 non-fiction novel The MANIAC, its primary figure John von Neumann, the madness and magic of fiction, and the limits and future of science and the human mind. Run, don't walk to buy Benjamín's two English-language books: When We Cease to Understand the World The MANIAC Extra special thanks to Cameron Waller of Penguin Random House Canada (@cameronsbookshelf) for (a) putting us onto Benjamín's work in a person...
2024-09-20
1h 02
Three English Experts
How to choose a good English book
Bedtime is an excellent time of the day to dive into some English reading – and there is nothing better than a good book. We have some recommendations for you from easy to advanced reading. Of course, listening to the audio version will also work. In this episode, we discuss great book/reading recommendations, how to find good books, and how to describe books in English.Birgit’s 1st book recommendation: A Walk in the Woods (1:15 - 3:16) by Bill Bryson - describing it as “a humorous and easy-to-read book.”Rebecca’s 1st book recommendation: Holly by Stephen King (5:18 - 8:24) - describin...
2024-08-25
28 min
Concavity Show
Episode 80 - Jessica Anthony, author of The Most
For episode 80, we welcome Jessica Anthony back to the show. She has long been one of our favorite writers and she returns this month with a new novel titled The Most (out July 30 from Little Brown). Jessica Anthony is the author of three books of fiction, most recently the novel Enter the Aardvark, a finalist for the New England Book Award in Fiction. Her debut, The Convalescent, won the inaugural McSweeney’s Amanda Davis Highwire Fiction Award in 2004. A recipient of the Creative Capital Award in Literature, Anthony wrote The Most while guarding the Mária...
2024-07-12
1h 18
Concavity Show
Episode 79 - Matt Lowell of Lo Moon
In this episode, Matt Bucher interviews Matt Lowell of the band Lo Moon. They discuss the genesis of Lo Moon's new hit song, "Water." Lowell shares how he discovered David Foster Wallace's writing and he also breaks down his collaborative writing process. Later, he digs into some of his literary influences and the two Matts discuss Salinger, Fitzgerald, Knausgaard, and more. You can order the new album on vinyl here: https://www.lomoonofficial.com/ and there you can learn more about Lo Moon’s 2024 tour schedule here: https://lomoon.komi.io/. Check out thei...
2024-05-23
49 min
Concavity Show
Episode 78 - Don Hough, author of The Funeral Girl and All the Best
In this episode, Matt interviews Don Hough. Don is the author of a collection of short stories titled The Funeral Girl, a collection of essays called The Exact Right Word, and a new correspondence collection called All the Best. They discuss how The Funeral Girl is influenced by David Foster Wallace’s work, how Don discovered DFW, James Cameron’s Titanic, Labute’s In the Company of Men, Alexander Theroux, Jonathan Franzen, Taylor Swift, and much much more. You can follow Don on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/DHSayer His blog is here: http...
2024-05-15
1h 07
Concavity Show
Episode 77 - Adam Levin, author of The Instructions, Bar Mitzvah Edition
In this episode, Dave and Matt sit down with Adam Levin to discuss the publication of the Bar Mitzvah edition of that great novel, The Instructions. They discuss growing up in the land of Bar Mitzvahs, the writing process, and what happens to Gurion, among other things. Adam Levin's website is: https://www.adamlevinadamlevin.com/ You can order the new edition of the book direct from McSweeney's here: https://store.mcsweeneys.net/products/the-instructions-bar-mitzvah-edition?taxon_id=1 And here's a friends-and-family discount code for 25% off: mazeltov The Material is the new novel from Camille Bordas. A...
2024-05-06
1h 17
Concavity Show
Episode 76 - 2023 Year in Review, featuring Ben "Felonies!" Diamond
It's our favorite annual episode on the show, when we get to look back at the best of our year in reading with someone else who has read cool stuff. This time it's with Ben Diamond, a very keen listener and patron from London, who for three years running has sent us an annual best of his year recording, always full of interesting books, shows, music, and films. We had an awesome conversation with Ben that we hope you'll enjoy. Stay tuned for the Patreon bonus episode in two weeks that covers all other things we...
2024-01-29
2h 10
Concavity Show
Episode 75 - Diego Báez, Author of Yaguareté White
In Episode 75 we welcome poet Diego Báez back onto the show, to discuss his fantastic forthcoming book of poetry, Yaguareté White, which releases from University of Arizona Press on February 20, 2024. You can pre-order it directly from the publisher or from Bookshop.org Follow Diego on Twitter Contact Dave & Matt: Email - concavityshow@gmail.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/ConcavityShow Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/concavityshow/ Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/concavityshow Threadless Merch Store - ht...
2023-12-31
1h 18
Concavity Show
Episode 74 - David Lipsky, author of The Parrot and the Igloo
In this episode with speak with bestselling writer and journalist David Lipsky. To David Foster Wallace fans, Lipsky is, of course, familiar as the author of Although Of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself which was the basis of the 2015 film The End of the Tour. David Lipsky is a contributing editor at Rolling Stone. His fiction and nonfiction have appeared in The New Yorker, Harper's, The Best American Short Stories, The Best American Magazine Writing, The New York Times, The New York Times Book Review, and many others. He contributes to NPR's All Things Considered, and...
2023-10-13
2h 14
Concavity Show
Episode 74 - David Lipsky, author of The Parrot and the Igloo
In this episode with speak with bestselling writer and journalist David Lipsky. To David Foster Wallace fans, Lipsky is, of course, familiar as the author of Although Of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself which was the basis of the 2015 film The End of the Tour. David Lipsky is a contributing editor at Rolling Stone. His fiction and nonfiction have appeared in The New Yorker, Harper's, The Best American Short Stories, The Best American Magazine Writing, The New York Times, The New York Times Book Review, and many others. He contributes to NPR's All Things Considered, and...
2023-10-12
2h 14
Pro Running News
E39 - Evolution in World-Class Endurance Training Practices
An expert panel of 25 acknowledged sport scientists asked the following 2 questions: Q1 - What are the most important trends related directly or indirectly to the training and improved performance of the world’s best endurance athletes during the past 10–15 years? and Q2 - Which advances will contribute to further improving endurance performance during the next 10–15 years? Dave and Matt discuss the questions and answers provided by the panel in this episode of Pro Running News. Show Notes: Article - Sandbakk, Ø., Pyne, D. B., McGawley, K., Foster, C., Talsnes, R. K., Solli, G...
2023-10-06
35 min
Concavity Show
BONUS: DFW vs Martin Amis: Every Tennis Match is a Ghost Story
In this bonus episode, we have a special audio production from British literary scholar Saul Leslie and American writer Wendy Liu. What do you think David Foster Wallace was really like in a tennis match? You are invited to listen to a tennis commentary of a fictional match played between David Foster Wallace and Martin Amis. This audio piece was part of DFW2023, held in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It was written and presented by Saul Leslie, and features commentary by fictional Wimbledon champion and writer Elsa Canetti (voiced by Wendy Liu), and a guest 'courtside' appearance from l...
2023-07-14
46 min
Concavity Show
Episode 73 - Matt Bucher, author of The Belan Deck
In Episode 73, Dave welcomes special guest Matt Bucher on the show to discuss his debut novel, The Belan Deck. Buy Matt's book here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-belan-deck-matt-bucher/19943822?ean=9798888623428 Biblioklept review: https://biblioklept.org/2023/06/02/matt-buchers-the-belan-deck-is-an-unexpectedly-moving-argument-for-humanity-and-serious-triviality/ The Belan Deck on Goodreads (featuring reviews by many of our amazing listeners, like Phillip Freedenberg, Jack Waters, and Richie Speiser): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/128126023-the-belan-deck Erick Eckel review: https://erikeckel.com/2023/06/18/the-belan-deck-hints-of-microserfs-in-an-ai-age/ Jay Innis Murray review/interview: https://www.thevisionarycompany.net/blog/the-afterlife-of-anecdotes-a-review-of-the-belan-deck-by-matt-bucher Contact Dave & Matt: ...
2023-06-21
1h 24
Concavity Show
Episode 72 - Sheila Liming, author of Hanging Out: The Radical Power of Killing Time
In Episode 72, we welcome friend of the show, Edith Wharton scholar, accordion/bagpiper extraordinaire, and prolific writer, Sheila Liming on to talk about her new book Hanging Out, delving into the myriad ways that unstructured hang time is a radical, life-affirming act that resists capitalist commodification. The New York Times article on Sheila and the book: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/16/style/sheila-liming-hanging-out-interview.html Sheila on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/seeshespeak Buy the book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/717263/hanging-out-by-sheila-liming/ and here https://bookshop.org/p/books/hanging-out-the-radical-power-of-killing-time-sheila-liming/18462992?ean=9781685890056 ...
2023-04-21
1h 22
Concavity Show
Episode 71 - Year in Review 2022 with Evan Stephens Hall of Pinegrove
In this episode, we talk with prolific reader and accomplished musician Evan Stephens Hall from the band Pinegrove. We discuss his top books of the year and go through a few of our own favorite reading experiences from 2022. Here is the David Foster Wallace & Richard Powers Q&A we mention. And here is the reading poriton of that event that begins with DFW talking about the “brick” in his pocket. The Pinegrove songs featured in this episode are Alaska and Habitat. Thank you to Rough Trade Rec...
2023-01-23
1h 50
Concavity Show
Episode 70 - Peyton Thomas, author of Both Sides Now
In episode 70, we talk to our friend Peyton Thomas, a DFW, Louisa May Alcott, and American Girl doll enthusiast. His recent YA novel, Both Sides Now, was published in 2021, and his writing has appeared in Vanity Fair, Pitchfork, and Billboard, and many other places. Peyton is currently at work on his second novel, a contemporary interpretation of Little Women. You can read more about this forthcoming book in Oprah Daily. Peyton also hosts a podcast about Little Women called Jo's Boys. Peyton's website - https://peytonthomas.ca/ Buy Both Sides Now - https://www.pen...
2022-11-29
2h 16
Concavity Show
Episode 69 - Michael O’Connell, editor of Conversations with George Saunders
In Episode 69, we talk to our friend Mike O'Connell about his recent collection from University of Mississippi Press, Conversations with George Saunders, and discuss Mike's background, the origins of the collection, particulars of the interviews in the book, the trajectory and flavor of Saunders' literary career, and where it all might go. Buy the Conversations book here - https://www.upress.state.ms.us/Books/C/Conversations-with-George-Saunders Buy George's brand new book, Liberation Day here - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/564990/liberation-day-by-george-saunders/ You can find Michael online in these places...
2022-11-01
1h 28
Concavity Show
Episode 68 - Adam Levin, author of Mount Chicago
In Adam's second appearance on the show, we discuss his brand new novel, Mount Chicago, which follows a handful of characters living in the shadow of a "terrestrial anomaly" that befalls Chicago's downtown. Both hilarious and tragic, the book shows off Levin's great versatility as a storyteller, metafictionist, humorist, and, maybe to some extent, autobiographer. We also talk about birds (again). Buy Adam's new book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/695826/mount-chicago-by-adam-levin/ or here: https://bookshop.org/books/mount-chicago/9780385548243 Adam's website: https://www.adamlevinadamlevin.com/ Seminary Co-op Virtual Event on August 10th (registration r...
2022-08-04
1h 25
Concavity Show
Episode 67 - Christian TeBordo, author of The Apology (and DFW22 Conference Recap)
In Episode 67, we welcome Christian TeBordo back to the show to discuss his new novel, The Apology, as well as get a rundown of the recent David Foster Wallace conference in Austin, with overall reflections from Matt. Christian on Twitter - https://twitter.com/xtebordo Buy The Apology here - https://www.astrophilpress.com/the-apology Contact Dave & Matt: Email - concavityshow@gmail.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/ConcavityShow Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/concavityshow/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/concavityshow/ Patre...
2022-07-10
1h 42
Concavity Show
Episode 66 - Dario Diofebi, author of Paradise, Nevada
In Episode 66, we welcome Dario Diofebi, the mind behind one of our favorite books of 2021, Paradise, Nevada, from Bloomsbury Publishing. You can buy the book here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/ca/paradise-nevada-9781635576207/ Stay tuned for the bonus episode, dropping about two weeks from this launch. Check out our Patreon for access details: https://www.patreon.com/concavityshow Contact Matt and Dave: Email - concavityshow@gmail.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/ConcavityShow Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/concavityshow/ Facebook - https://www.facebook...
2022-03-23
1h 43
Concavity Show
Episode 65 - Kyle Beachy, author of The Most Fun Thing
In Episode 65, we bear witness to the glorious return of Kyle Beachy to the show, to discuss his new book on skateboarding (and marriage, architecture, literature, etc.), The Most Fun Thing: Dispatches from a Skateboard Life, out now from Grand Central Publishing! You can buy the book from your friendly local book store, or online, here: https://bookshop.org/books/the-most-fun-thing-dispatches-from-a-skateboard-life-9781549166969/9781538754115 Find Kyle on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kylebeachy And here: https://twitter.com/TheMostFunThing Kyle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostfunthing/?hl=en Kyle's Podcast, Vent City: https://so...
2022-02-18
1h 33
Concavity Show
Episode 64 - 2021 Year in Review
In Episode 64, we recount our year in reading, noting our highlights along the way. Stay tuned for Film, TV, and Music in the Patreon bonus episode! Apple Music Year End Playlist - https://music.apple.com/ca/playlist/concavity-show-best-of-2021/pl.u-r2yBJmEIPj5rYl Spotify Year End Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/39OGzFZKMCQGSoZIQGudL6?si=366545dd4e93492d Show Notes: Robyn O'Neil Cards - https://www.robynoneil.com/cardsandstickers Rob Rahmier's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rdeezy84/ Jacob Rahier's Instagram - https://www.instagram.c...
2021-12-31
1h 25
home of life | Der Life-Talk-Podcast
Holi Bookclub #2: Unsere Top 3 Bücher 2021
Eine neue Folge Holi Bookclub! Zum Ende des Jahres sprechen wir darüber, welche Bücher uns 2021 besonders berührt und beeinflusst haben. ---------------Alles zur Folge. 📕 Claudi´s Top 3:Lars Amend - Where is the love ?*Campino - Hope Street*Dave Grohl - The Storyteller*📙 Alma´s Top 3:Matt Haig - Die Mitternachtsbibliothek*Alicia Keys - More Myself*Mackenzie Marzluff - How to lead a badass business from your heart*Der Holi-BookclubWir sind immer auf der Suche nach tollen, inspirierenden Büchern. Hast du einen Buchtip...
2021-12-12
44 min
Concavity Show
Episode 63 -Deb Olin Unferth
In Episode 63, Matt and Dave talk to Deb Olin Unferth—author of the fantastic novels Barn 8 and Vacation, short story collections Wait Till You See Me Dance and Minor Robberies, and the memoir Revolution—about her writing, research, and creative writing teaching. Contact Deb about Pen-City - pencitywriters@gmail.com Deb's Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/debolinunferth Deb's Shipman Agency page - https://www.theshipmanagency.com/deb-olin-unferth Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deb_Olin_Unferth Contact Matt and Dave: Email - concavitysho...
2021-12-03
1h 34
writtenbetweenthelines der Bücherpodcast
Vom Weihnachtsmann, Transparenz und einer untergetauchten Prinzessin
Heute wird es weihnachtlich, dystopisch und prinzessinnenhaft! Für die neue Folge habe ich drei Bücher ausgesucht, die ich euch gerne vorstellen möchte! A boy called christmas bzw. Ein Junge namens Weihnacht von Matt Haig Der Circle von Dave Eggers Prinzessin undercover - Geheimnisse von Connie Glynn Hier kommt ihr zum Trailer von Ein Junge namens Weihnacht (Youtube) >> Update >> Nachdem ich den Film gesehen habe, muss ich leider sagen, dass dieser für mich dem Buch in keinem Fall gerecht wird. 💻 Zu meinem B...
2021-12-01
11 min
Concavity Show
Episode 62 - Phillip Freedenberg & Jeff Walton
In Episode 62, Dave and Matt talk to the author and illustrator of the cryptic meganovel sensation, America and the Cult of the Cactus Boots: A Diagnostic, out now from Corona/Samizdat Press. Audio recording featuring thunder! Show Notes: Buy the book: 20€ + Shipping, Send email to (rick.harsch@gmail.com), pay through PayPal (same email address) Leaf by Leaf video review by Chris Via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2HKsvOU5mM Everyone Who Reads It Must Converse preview interview w/ Phill and Jeff: https://www.youtube.com...
2021-10-18
1h 41
Concavity Show
Episode 61 - Steve Erickson (feat. Matt Luter & Mike Miley)
In Episode 61, we welcome the highly celebrated, multi award-winning American writer Steve Erickson, author of Shadowbahn, Tours of the Black Clock, These Dreams of You, and a host of other novels and non-fiction. To help celebrate the release of Conversations with Steve Erickson, out now from University of Mississippi Press, we're joined by the book's editors, familiar faces on the show, Matt Luter and Mike Miley, who talk with Steve about the book itself, his body of work, his latest online piece "American Stutter," music, film, and lots more. Stay tuned for the Patreon bonus ep...
2021-09-07
1h 34
Concavity Show
Episode 60 - Brandon Hobson
In Episode 60, Dave and Matt are joined by National Book Award Finalist, Brandon Hobson, to discuss his brand new novel, The Removed, as well as his other tremendous fiction. Notable links: Order The Removed - https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-removed-brandon-hobson?variant=32126575837218 Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young (Heartdrum imprint) - htthttps://www.harpercollins.com/products/healer-of-the-water-monster-brian-young?variant=32269101989922 Brandon's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandon.hobson.7/?hl=en Brandon's Twitter: https://twitter.com/bwhobson The Mother and the Whore (La Maman et la Putain) film - htt...
2021-08-06
1h 24
Concavity Show
Episode 59 - Introducing....Concavity Show
In Episode 59, Dave and Matt make a special announcement about the podcast, and outline a host of exciting changes! There is also a Jessica Anthony Enter the Aardvark giveaway contest, so hang in til the end. You have until the end of July 15th to email us your entry! Check out our Patreon page with a fresh $5 per month tier, offering an exciting new reward: https://www.patreon.com/concavityshow We now have a Threadless merch store! Get your Concavity Show wares here: https://concavityshow.threadless.com/
2021-07-01
1h 18
Concavity Show
Episode 58 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Chris Via of Leaf by Leaf
In Episode 58, Dave and Matt are joined by YouTube creator Chris Via of the Leaf by Leaf book review/discussion channel. A special surprise guest also makes an appearance that was about impossible to seamlessly edit out! We discuss Chris' excellent book channel's origins, primary preoccupations, Chris' recent re-read of Infinite Jest, the joy of reading, and a host of other great books and authors. Show Notes: Leaf by Leaf Homepage: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZAGMLh7Gh38MjmHeHDTnzw Chris' Infinite Jest video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOc...
2021-03-01
1h 40
Concavity Show
Episode 57.3 - 2020 Year in Review (Feat. Grace Chipperfield) - Part 3
In the third and final installment of our 2020 Year in Review episode, Dr. Grace Chipperfield joins us to talk about her Ph.D. thesis on Wallace, and the music and board/video games that stood out this year. Show Notes: TGC's Best of 2020 Music Playlist: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/54cVYaPoAuOOCRFygJjYH9?si=_JT7ZtK6Su63rd_2DOMYoQ Apple - https://music.apple.com/ca/playlist/best-of-2020/pl.u-zPyLLE5tZxBPNl Grace's Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7qHeOMoSBTHdMRV9nM5VQP?si=1tFzStCITkuS80d6v_g3og
2021-02-08
1h 25
Concavity Show
Episode 57.2 - 2020 Year in Review (Feat. Chris Ayers) - Part 2
In Part 2 of our 2020 Year in Review, we talk to old friend of the show, Chris Ayers, our resident film and TV specialist, about the year in screen-based entertainment. Part 3 with Grace Chipperfield coming soon! Find Chris' amazing Wallace-related and design work here: Poor Yorick - https://pooryorickentertainment.tumblr.com/ Professional - http://www.chrisayerscreative.com/ Redbubble - https://www.redbubble.com/people/cwayers/shop/?collections=999954 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisayerscreative/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/chrisAcreative ...
2021-01-19
1h 09
Concavity Show
Episode 57.1 - 2020 Year in Review (Feat. Matt Luter) - Part 1
Given our Year of Collective Quarantine, we had so much to talk about w/r/t our literary and pop-cultural consumption, that we have a three-parter for our 2020 recap. In Part 1 here, we talk to old friend and recurring guest of the show, Matt Luter, about his productive year in reading, and ours. We hope you find a slew of new books to add to your stack. Part 2 coming in January. Happy New Year to our wonderful listeners, and ode to a much better 2021! Find Matt Luter on Twitter: ht...
2021-01-01
2h 26
Concavity Show
Episode 56 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Jessica Anthony, author of Enter the Aardvark and The Convalescent
In Episode 56, we have the great pleasure of talking to Jessica Anthony about her exceptional new book, Enter the Aardvark, as well as our classic favorite, The Convalescent, which you've no doubt heard us mention over the years. Jess unpacks for us her views on the imaginate power of fiction, 19th century British taxidermy, and some of the most expensive luxury goods on the planet. Show Notes: André Breton “Manifesto of Surrealism - http://www2.hawaii.edu/~freeman/courses/phil330/MANIFESTO%20OF%20SURREALISM.pdf Zadie Smith – “Fascinated to Presume: In Defense of Fiction”...
2020-09-17
1h 38
Concavity Show
Episode 55 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Christian TeBordo, author of Ghost Engine and Toughlahoma
In Episode 55, we're joined by writer Christian TeBordo, author of the recent short story collection Ghost Engine, and novel Toughlahoma. He's the director of the creative writing program at Roosevelt University in Chicago, and a colleague and friend of recent guests Adam Levin and Kyle Beachy. You can buy his excellent books here: Ghost Engine - bookshop.org/books/ghost-engine-stories/9781732366732 Toughlahoma - bookshop.org/books/toughlahoma/9780986086908 You can read some of his short fiction here: "The Star Thrower-Thrower" https://www.alwa...
2020-07-23
1h 40
Concavity Show
Episode 54 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Martina Testa
In Episode 54, we talk to Martina Testa, Editor at Edizioni SUR, and one of Wallace's Italian translators and interpreters. The conversation explores her background with discovering Wallace's writing, getting contracts to translate his work, the Italian fervour surrounding him, and her friendship with Wallace. You can find Martina online in these places: Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinatesta Edizioni SUR Website - https://www.edizionisur.it/chi-siamo/ Connect with The Great Concavity here: Twitter - https://twitter.com/ConcavityShow Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/con...
2020-05-27
1h 16
Concavity Show
Episode 53 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Adam Levin, author of Bubblegum and The Instructions
In Episode 53, we're joined by the writer Adam Levin, author of The Instructions, Hot Pink, and the incredible forthcoming novel Bubblegum, which releases April 14, 2020. In our conversation, we talk a good deal about the new novel, Adam's experience reading/thinking about Wallace, swearing, parrots, swearing & parrots, metafiction, and other fun topics. Show notes: Adam's website: https://www.adamlevinadamlevin.com/ Order Bubblegum - https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780385544962 Guernica excerpt of Bubblegum - https://www.guernicamag.com/bubblegum/?fbclid=IwAR39CVIwDGSW9KZm7rrzGA7DaMEAG4sLpf7lxjHVZq4wEvtYZpo2LJW7s58 Order The Instru...
2020-04-07
1h 56
Concavity Show
Episode 52 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Jon Baskin
In Episode 52, we talk to Jon Baskin, author of the exciting new book Ordinary Unhappiness: The Therapeutic Fiction of David Foster Wallace. Topics of exploration in the conversation include Freud, Wittgenstein, and hating Ben Lerner (or not). You can find out more details and buy Jon's book here, through Stanford University Press: https://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=29316 Jon’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/BaskinJon The Point Twitter and website: https://twitter.com/the_point_mag & https://t.co/QV9prYnta5?amp=1 On The Hatred of Literature - https://the...
2020-03-08
1h 32
Concavity Show
Episode 51 - 2019 Year in Review (feat. Mike Miley)
In Episode 51, we bring on our resident film expert and Episode 38 guest Mike Miley to talk about our year in books, movies, music, TV, and games. Show Notes: Link to Jeff Tweedy & George Saunders interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWlKCB1JCG0 2019 Playlist (iTunes): https://music.apple.com/ca/playlist/the-great-concavitys-best-of-2019/pl.u-yZyVVY3tYq2akv 2019 Playlist (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6blJyhTb9QdKFB1qdyc9ug Mike's Book: https://www.upress.state.ms.us/Books/T/Truth-and-Consequences Mike's Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikecmiley?lang=en Appro...
2020-01-01
1h 57
Concavity Show
Episode 50 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Michael McGowan & Martin Brick
In Episode 50, we talk to Michael McGowan and Martin Brick, the editors of David Foster Wallace and Religion: Essays on Faith and Fiction, out now from Bloomsbury Academic: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/david-foster-wallace-and-religion-9781501345289/ Contact our guests: Michael McGowan: prof.mcgowan@gmail.com Martin Brick: brickm@ohiodominican.edu Contact Dave & Matt Twitter - https://twitter.com/ConcavityShow Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/concavityshow/ Email - concavityshow@gmail.com Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/concavityshow Facebook - https://www.faceboo...
2019-12-11
1h 24
Concavity Show
Episode 49.2 - Discussing David Foster Wallace & Don DeLillo’s Letters
This is the second and final episode covering Wallace and DeLillo's correspondence, housed at the Ransom Center Archive in Austin, Texas. Show notes: 1996 Leonard Lopate interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ4AeIRKbfwhttps://www.wnyc.org/story/56878-david-foster-wallace/ 1996 David Streitfeld piece: https://craigfehrman.com/2010/05/05/details-1996-profile-of-david-foster-wallace/ Robyn O'Neil's show at The Modern, WE, THE MASSES: https://www.themodern.org/exhibition/upcoming/robyn-oneil-we-the-masses-/5115 Robyn O'Neil pop-up shop at The Modern: https://shop.themodern.org/collections/robyn-oneil Contact Dave and Matt: Twitter - https://twitter.c...
2019-11-07
1h 35
Concavity Show
Episode 49.1 - Discussing David Foster Wallace & Don DeLillo's Letters
After a very busy summer, Dave and Matt reconvene to discuss the Wallace/DeLillo correspondence housed at the Ransom Center in Austin, Texas. This will be the first instalment of a several-part episode, as there's a lot here to cover! Five Dials, David Foster Wallace Memorial - https://fivedials.com/files/fivedials_no10.pdf Contact Dave and Matt: Twitter - https://twitter.com/ConcavityShow Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/concavityshow/ Email - concavityshow@gmail.com Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/concavityshow Facebo...
2019-09-26
1h 11
Concavity Show
Episode 48 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Yonina Hoffman
In Episode 48, we're joined by Yonina Hoffman. Yonina is PhD student at the Ohio State University. Her work centers around, you guessed it, David Foster Wallace. In this discussion, we cover a range of topics around DFW's work and Yonina's dissertation. We discuss voice, narrative, voice, humor and other issues that track across Wallace's career. Yonina has also presented on Updike and New Sincerity so we ask her about that. You can find Yonina on Twitter: @yonina. She also has this nifty website: http://www.yoninahoffman.com/ Contact Dave and Matt:...
2019-07-01
1h 33
Concavity Show
Episode 47 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Jim Gauer, author of Novel Explosives
In Episode 47, we're joined by Jim Gauer, author of the excellent Novel Explosives, a book you've no doubt heard us mention in recent conversations. Jim is a mathematician, published poet, and self-described as the world's only Marxist venture capitalist. In this discussion, we cover a range of topics around Jim's book, it's relation to Wallace's sensibilities and Infinite Jest, the dangers of hyper-capitalism, the anxiety of influence, lethality enhancement, and a host of others. Jim's book can be purchased through your local bookstore (which he most encourages), with the backup plan of online sales (though he i...
2019-05-10
1h 26
Concavity Show
Episode 46 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Marshall Boswell
In Episode 46 we talk to Rhodes College professor and O.G. Wallace scholar Marshall Boswell about his new book The Wallace Effect: David Foster Wallace and the Contemporary Literary Imagination, out now from Bloomsbury Press! As usual, we bash Franzen a bit, get some overview of the central novels addressed in Marshall's book, and discuss the recent trend of "Wallace Snark" online. Contact Dave and Matt: Twitter - https://twitter.com/ConcavityShow Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/concavityshow/ Email - concavityshow@gmail.com Patreon - http...
2019-04-06
1h 10
Concavity Show
Episode 45 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Kyle Beachy
In Episode 45, we get to talk to Kyle Beachy, Associate Professor of English and Creative Writing at Roosevelt U in Chicago, and author of the novel The Slide. In it, we discuss his extensive teaching of Wallace's work to creative writing students, his novel and writing on skateboarding, and get some great book recommendations from him (Kyle being one of the most well-read people Matt knows, which is saying a lot). Things we said we'd link to: Growing Sentences with David Foster Wallace - https://kottke.org/09/03/growing-sentences-with-david-foster-wallace Kyle's "The Deep Seams...
2019-03-11
1h 46
Concavity Show
Episode 44 - 2018 Year in Review
In this episode, Dave and Matt talk about their favorite literary and pop-cultural artifacts from the past year. This episode offers a contest as well, associated with the following music playlist. Good luck! TGC's Favorite Music of 2018 (iTunes) - https://itunes.apple.com/ca/playlist/the-great-concavitys-favorite-songs-of-2018/pl.u-pMyll2jh4KoErM TGC's Favorite Music of 2018 (Spotify) - https://open.spotify.com/user/concavityshow/playlist/6Gkdv29x9bpXIIzmmlWolO?si=V2aBBNKASm-70W12xwfn0g Show Notes: *Correctional note* - When Matt was talking about Robert Coover in Marfa, he meant Robert Cr...
2019-01-22
1h 43
Concavity Show
Episode 43 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Bo Butler
In Episode 43 we meet our nemesis Bo Butler of Pynchon in Public for the inevitable postmodern fiction podcast throwdown. Join us as we discuss the history of our beefing over literary turf and all related topics!
2018-12-20
1h 45
Concavity Show
Episode 42 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Esther J. Cepeda
In Episode 42 we talk to Chicago-based journalist and teacher Esther J. Cepeda about her love of Wallace, annual Infinite Jest reads, and other related literature and pop culture. A huge thank you to our Patrons as well on #ThankYouPatrons day today! Show notes: Esther's favourite cards - Art of Play - https://www.artofplay.com/collections/playing-cards Esther's Twitter - https://twitter.com/estherjcepeda Great Concavity on Twitter - https://twitter.com/ConcavityShow Great Concavity on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/concavityshow/?hl=en Email us - concav...
2018-11-19
1h 41
Concavity Show
Episode 41 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Tim Personn
In Episode 41, we talk to Dr. Tim Personn (in person!) from the University of Victoria about his recently-defended dissertation, "Fictions of Proximity: The Wallace Nexus in Contemporary Literature." Buckle up for a philosophical discussion, as Tim takes us on a ride through the work of Wittgenstein, Derrida, and other thinkers whose work informed Wallace's fiction and influence on the modern literary landscape. Other topics include tacos, seeing Parquet Courts live, and potential future podcast beefs! Show Notes: Shazia Hafiz Ramji's book Port of Being - https://invisiblepublishing.com/product/port-of-being/ Kieran Seti...
2018-10-25
1h 27
Concavity Show
Episode 40 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Greg Carlisle
In Episode 40, we welcome Greg Carlisle, author of the Infinite Jest commentary, Elegant Complexity, and Nature's Nightmare, an analysis of Wallace's Oblivion collection. Greg's books here: http://www.sideshowmediagroup.com/books/ Contact Greg: g.carlisle@moreheadstate.edu
2018-08-25
1h 41
Concavity Show
Episode 39 - 2018 ISU David Foster Wallace Conference Review (feat. Matt Luter)
We're joined by repeat guest Matt Luter to talk about all the fun Dave missed out on at the recent Illinois State University Wallace conference, held June 7-9, 2018. Topics covered include panel recaps, anagram alter egos, karaoke highlights, and all other manner of conference scoops. Almost as good as having been there!
2018-06-26
1h 35
Concavity Show
Episode 38 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Mike Miley
In Episode 38 we talk again with Mike Miley, Vice President of the International David Foster Wallace Society and quiz kid extraordinaire. Topics include film, game shows, Oliver Stone, JFK assassination scoops, and hanging out with Michael Silverblatt. Show Notes: Smart Set – “Reading Wallace Reading” https://thesmartset.com/article08181401/ Medium – “Caught in the Bandana Trap” https://medium.com/just-words/caught-in-the-9fa2c864b76d Medium – “The Eye of Sauron” https://medium.com/just-words/the-eye-of-sauron-d454ed83377a Critique – “…And Starring David Foster Wallace...
2018-05-07
1h 57
Concavity Show
Episode 37 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Andrea Laurencell Sheridan & Diego Báez
In Episode 37 we welcome the Diversity Committee Coordinators from the International David Foster Wallace Society to talk about issues of representation in the writing of Wallace, and within the Wallace community itself. Relevant links: Diversity Announcement - https://www.dfwsociety.org/2017/05/27/introducing-the-diversity-committee/ Diversity Blog Posts - https://www.dfwsociety.org/category/diversity/ Sean Gandert's “A Short Meditation on the Whiteness of David Foster Wallace’s Writing” - https://www.dfwsociety.org/2017/07/15/a-short-meditation-on-the-whiteness-of-david-foster-wallaces-writing/ “Cat Person” by Kristen Roupenian, from The New Yorker - https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/12/11/cat-person Andrea’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/nmn80418 Diego’s Twitter: https...
2018-04-05
1h 30
Concavity Show
Episode 36 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with William Beutler and Bill Lattanzi
In Episode 36 we have not one, but two special guests(!), both experts in the cartography of Infinite Jest's Boston (and beyond). William Beutler is the creative mind behind the staggeringly glorious Infinite Map (among other things), and Bill Lattanzi has led a series of walking tours in the Boston area tracing the locations of Wallace's opus, so you can see the emerging theme of the episode here. List of links to pertinent discussion points in the episode: Infinite Atlas: http://infiniteatlas.com/ LA Review of Books article by Bill L: https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/messi...
2018-02-23
1h 27
Concavity Show
Episode 35 - 2017 Year in Review
In this episode, we stray a bit off our usual Wallacian course (but not too far) to discuss our literary and pop-culture highlights from the last solar revolution. Links we said we'd share: Robyn O'Neil's 20 Years of Drawings: https://www.archonprojects.com/shop/robyn-oneil-20-years-of-drawings Me Reading Stuff podcast by Robyn O'Neil: https://www.robynoneil.com/me-reading-stuff George Saunders' "Sea Oak": http://www.barcelonareview.com/20/e_gs.htm The Great Concavity's Best Music of 2017 playlists: iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/playlist/the-great-concavitys-best-of-2017/pl.u-pMyllebf4KoErM Spotify: https://open.spoti...
2018-01-12
1h 43
Concavity Show
Episode 34 - Discussing OzWallace with Nick Maniatis and Tony Mcmahon
In this episode we're joined by friends Nick and Tony to discuss Australia's first ever David Foster Wallace conference, which was held in Melbourne during September 1-3, 2017. Following a discussion of the conference proceedings, join auxillary Concavityite Nick Maniatis as he interviews a host of presenters live from the conference weekend. Huge thanks go to Nick for towing his microphone around and getting all the juicy details for those of us who couldn't attend, and to Tony for organizing the conference! Nick Maniatis' DFW website, The Howling Fantods: http://www.thehowlingfantods.com/dfw/ (with day-by-day conference recaps) ...
2017-12-18
1h 37
Concavity Show
Episode 33 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Allard den Dulk
In this episode we talk with Allard about philosophy and film in relation to the work of Wallace, and to lesser extent, Dave Eggers and Jonathan Safran Foer. Dr. Allard den Dulk is Lecturer in Philosophy, Literature and Film at Amsterdam University College, and Research Fellow at the Faculty of Humanities of the VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands. He is the author of Existentialist Engagement in Wallace, Eggers and Foer, which is a significant topic of our conversation as well. Other topics include what it's like to show up unannounced at J.S. Foer's personal residence, and DFW cosplay.
2017-11-07
1h 29
Concavity Show
Episode 32 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Shazia Hafiz Ramji
In this episode we talk to award-winning Vancouver poet and writer Shazia Hafiz Ramji about her three consecutive stints as a guide for Infinite Jest online community reads (Poor Yorick's Summer, Sacred Jest, and the recent Ennet House), as well as her own writing and the influence of DFW. You can find her on Twitter at @Shazi_R Her chapbook is Prosopopoeia Poor Yorick's Summer on Twitter at @poor_summer Sacred Jest on Twitter at @SacredJest Ennet House on Twitter at @infinitejestyvr
2017-10-10
1h 15
Concavity Show
Episode 31 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Matt Luter
In this episode we speak with Matthew Luter, DFW scholar and author of Understanding Jonathan Lethem. https://www.sc.edu/uscpress/books/2015/7512.html We discuss the state of DFW studies, academia, and Matt's paper at this year's DFW Conference. Matt's paper deals with, among other things, Rita Felski's work and Kevin Birmingham's book on Ulysses, "The Most Dangerous Book." We also make mention of Sidney Peterson's 1947 experimental film "The Cage" which you can watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXEW_ZCqWsc You can follow Matt on Twitter at @matthewjluter. ...
2017-09-18
1h 30
Concavity Show
Episode 30 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Grace Chipperfield
In this episode we are joined by Australian Wallace scholar Grace Chipperfield of Flinders University, whose recent work on Wallace deals with the concepts of protracted adolescence and political landscape in Wallace's writing. The recent DFW17 conference and her experience there is also discussed, as is the possible vampireness of Australian politicians (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmqKSKDfSSQ).
2017-07-21
1h 29
Concavity Show
Episode 29 - Live from the ISU David Foster Wallace Conference, featuring Charlie Harris and Jim Plath
On our first live episode (recorded in front of conference attendees at the fourth annual DFW conference at Illinois State University) we talk to Charlie Harris and Jim Plath about the life and legacy of Wallace, give some prizes away, and feature live music for the very first time on the show. You can also watch the Facebook live video stream, which is archived for posterity, at the top of the page here: https://www.facebook.com/concavityshow/
2017-06-13
59 min
Concavity Show
Episode 28 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Lucas Thompson
In this episode we are joined by Wallace scholar Lucas Thompson. Lucas Thompson is the author of the new book Global Wallace (Bloomsbury) which is the first volume in a new series called "David Foster Wallace Studies" edited by Stephen Burn. Global Wallace centers around the often overlooked sources of influence on Wallace's work. Thompson explores Wallace's connection and borrowing from Manuel Puig, Dostoevsky, hip hop culture, and many others. Thompson is a Research Fellow at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, Australia. He has published articles in Texas Studies in Li...
2017-05-12
1h 23
Concavity Show
Episode 27 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Jill Braithwaite
This time we talk to our friend Jill Braithwaite, a Wallace scholar who wrote her Masters thesis on Infinite Jest and its connections to the ideas of theologian Paul Tillich and Unitarian Universalism. She is on Twitter here. Jill mentions a sermon she gave (in which Wallace's Kenyon speech makes a sigificant appearance), which can be found here.
2017-04-04
1h 45
Concavity Show
Episode 26: Discussing David Foster Wallace with Jeff Severs
In this episode, we talk with Jeff Severs, author of the excellent new book David Foster Wallace’s Balancing Books: Fictions of Value, published by Columbia University Press. Severs is associate professor of English at the University of British Columbia, Canada, Convexity. Severs is also a noted Pynchon scholar, author of a number of scholarly articles and co-editor of a book about Against the Day. His website can be found at https://jeffreysevers.wordpress.com/ Show Notes 1:00 - Introductions 2:40 - Austinites 3:34 - James Manguson ...
2017-03-10
1h 38
Concavity Show
Episode 25 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Lee Konstantinou
This time, we talk to our friend Lee Konstantinou, a contemporary US literature scholar who has published significantly on Wallace. His new book Cool Characters is available now from Harvard University Press.
2017-02-17
1h 48
Concavity Show
Episode 24 - 2016 Year in Review
As is the tradition, Dave and Matt take a minor detour (at times) from the usual topic of David Foster Wallace to discuss their personal highlights and favorite literary and pop cultural items of 2016. Show notes: 00:27 - The Nightmare: 2016 02:08 - Matt knows books, Dave knows everything else 03:29 - Phone addiction 04:02 - Personal years in review 09:52 - Go to the 2017 David Foster Wallace Conference 11:15 - Sports, or lack thereof 14:59 - The International DFW Literary Society (dfwsociety.org) 21:20 - Matt’s favorite books of...
2017-01-25
1h 31
Concavity Show
Episode 23 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Andrew Savage of Parquet Courts
In this episode we speak with the multi-talented writer and musician Andrew Savage of the band Parquet Courts. Their song “Instant Disassembly” opens and closes each episode of our podcast, but more importantly, Andrew is a super-literate dude who is capable of expounding on almost any topic. Here is the video that Dave mentions of George Saunders’ appearance on The Charlie Rose show: https://charlierose.com/videos/23703 (DFW discussion starts at 40:54). Check out Parquet Courts on Spotify or Apple Music or YouTube or just shout their name out the nearest window. Their o...
2017-01-05
1h 28
Concavity Show
Episode 22 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Nicolas Giacobone
In this episode with talk with Academy-Award winning screenwriter and DFW fan Nicolás Giacobone. Nico is best known as the co-writer of Iñarritu's Birdman and Biutiful, but he's also a writer of fiction and a serious reader. If you have not seen the movie Birdman, it is strongly advised that you do so. In this episode we discuss his grandfather's filmography, literary influences, Manu Ginobli, and many other things. Books and writers mentioned include Alberto Laiseca, John Updike, Don DeLillo, George Saunders, and Michael Ondaatje's Coming Through Slaughter among other...
2016-12-13
1h 46
Concavity Show
Episode 21 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Clare Hayes-Brady
In this episode we talk with Wallace scholar Clare Hayes-Brady about her new book The Unspeakable Failures of David Foster Wallace. http://www.bloomsbury.com/us/the-unspeakable-failures-of-david-foster-wallace-9781501313530/ She is Lecturer in American Literature at University College, Dublin. We discuss a variety of issues in this episode including bad endings, DFW Studies, Ricoeur, love, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and assorted other things. You can find her on Twitter https://twitter.com/ClareHayesBrady Show notes 00:30 - Byzantine Erotica right off the bat ...
2016-11-28
1h 09
Concavity Show
Episode 20: Discussing David Foster Wallace with John Mango
In this episode we talk with John Mango. John is a teacher and a scholar but in this episode we talk a lot about recovery, AA membership, depression, and alcoholism--perennial DFW subjects all around. 01:07 - Twenty episodes in a year 02:02 - Introducing John Mango 04:01 - John Grisham paperbacks 05:05 - Joseph Heller, Thomas Pynchon, Cormac McCarthy 06:30 - A comforting loss and depression 08:30 - Terry Eagleton & the role of literature 11:22 - Discovering Wallace after death 13:15 - We feel like we know him 14:14...
2016-10-28
1h 18
Concavity Show
Episode 19 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Rachel Laird & Amy Pelletier
In this episode, Dave and Matt start by catching up about the recent photo caption contest winner and entries, Dairy Queen, Flannery O'Connor conferences, and the distinguished list of famous writers Matt has met. Then, our guests Amy and Rachel talk to Dave about their recent experiences reading Infinite Jest for the first time.
2016-09-29
1h 17
Concavity Show
Episode 18 - Discussing Infinite Jest with Sean Pratt
In this episode we speak with audiobook narrator extraordinaire, Sean Pratt. Sean is the narrator of the 56-hour-long audiobook of Infinite Jest. He has also narrated over 800 other books. Believe it or not, Infinite Jest is not even the longest book Sean has narrated! We discuss the mechanics of recording, the different voices in the book, the endnotes issue, what it takes to become an audiobook narrator, and many other things You can find Sean on Twitter at @SPPresents and his website http://www.SeanPrattPresents.com Show Notes 2:06 - Sean Pratt’s...
2016-09-16
1h 16
Concavity Show
Episode 17.2 - David Foster Wallace Conference 2016 Recap Show - Part 2
In Part 2 of this episode we look back at the 3rd Annual David Foster Wallace Conference, held at Illinois State University July 28-30. We talk with a number of DFW scholars and conference attendees. In this episode are interviews with Melissa Holton, Jane Carman, Emily Spalding & Josh Katz, Tony McMahon, Ryan Marnane, and Rob Short & Chris Ayers. Last day for photo caption contest entries is end of day Aug 31st, so post on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! Winner to be determined shortly thereafter. Show Notes: 00:00:55 - Melissa Holton - @maccalisa17 00:12:27 - Jane Carman - f...
2016-08-27
1h 49
Concavity Show
Episode 17.1 - David Foster Wallace Conference 2016 Recap Show - Part 1
In Part 1 of this two-part episode we look back at the 3rd Annual David Foster Wallace Conference, held at Illinois State University. We talk with a number of DFW scholars and conference attendees. In this episode are interviews with keynote speaker Marshall Boswell, Michael O'Connell, Jeff Severs, Corrie Baldauf, Matt Luter, Mike Miley, and Samantha Wallace. Show notes: 00:00:45 - Recap of our respective summers 00:05:30 - The Inkiest Black 00:06:55 - Online communities 00:10:30 - 4th Annual Conference 00:15:01 - photo caption contest 00:17:18 - Interview with Michael O'Connell 00:27:51 - Interview with Marshall Boswell 00:29:00 - Cambridge Companion to David Foster Wallace, edited by Ralph...
2016-08-15
1h 43
Concavity Show
Episode 16 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Edmund Waldstein
In this episode, we talk with Pater Edmund Waldstein. He is a Cistercian monk at a monastery in Austria and a David Foster Wallace scholar. We talk about religion and morals and a number of other related issues in Wallace's work. His blog is an excellent resource for his writing about Wallace and other topics: https://sancrucensis.wordpress.com/ Pater Edmund is on Twitter @sancrucensis
2016-07-27
56 min
Concavity Show
Episode 15 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Krzys Piekarski
In this episode, we talk with Krzys Piekarski, PhD. Krzys is a DFW scholar who has written extensively on DFW and Buddhism. He also runs a wisdom program in Austin called Character by Design: https://characterbydesign.org/ We cover a variety of topics in this show, from parables to stress and boredom to the basics of Buddhism and how it manifests in Wallace’s writing. The book Krzys mentions is at the end of the show is called Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, and we talk about the books of Steven Batchelor - Buddhism without Beliefs...
2016-06-29
1h 11
Concavity Show
Episode 14: Discussing David Foster Wallace with Josh Roiland and his class at the University of Maine
In this special episode we talk with Professor Josh Roiland and his class at the University of Maine. Roiland is Assistant Professor + CLAS-Honors Preceptor of Journalism in the Department of Communication and Journalism + Honors College. Roiland’s class this semester was called “Consider David Foster Wallace” and they read a TON of DFW work. As part of their class project, the students also created a really useful website about IJ called Consider Infinite Jest https://considerinfinitejest.wordpress.com/ Josh has written a lot about Wallace and here are a few of his pieces we mention in this episode...
2016-05-25
1h 18
Concavity Show
Episode 13: Discussing David Foster Wallace with Rob Short
In this episode we talk with Wallace scholar Rob Short. We discuss everything from AA & recovery to William James and summer camp. You can follow Rob on twitter and academia.edu here: https://twitter.com/vismeainlabore http://florida.academia.edu/RobShort Show Notes Urine trouble? You’re in luck! - 00:49 Rob’s academic background – 1:09 Wallace’s interview with SPEAK magazine – 3:15 Rob’s...
2016-04-27
1h 23
Concavity Show
Episode 12: Discussing David Foster Wallace with David Hering
In this episode we talk with DFW scholar David Hering. Hering is the author of the forthcoming book David Foster Wallace: Fiction + Form. He's also a Lecturer at the University of Liverpool and editor of the book Consider David Foster Wallace. You can follow him on Twitter at @hering_david
2016-04-08
1h 11
Concavity Show
Episode 11: Answering Your Questions about David Foster Wallace
THE Q&A EPISODE In this episode, we finally get around to answering the questions you submitted in February. Listen to find out if we answered yours! We also mention this clip of Wallace talking about traveling to Italy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVzhhvCRTCo If you haven't read Wallace on Federer, it's here: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/20/sports/playmagazine/20federer.html?pagewanted=all And be sure to follow our show on Twitter over yonder ----> @ConcavityShow
2016-03-24
58 min
Concavity Show
Episode 10: Discussing David Foster Wallace with Nick Maniatis of The Howling Fantods
In this episode, we talk with Nick Maniatis, proprietor and webmaster of the invaluable website, The Howling Fantods. http://www.thehowlingfantods.com/dfw/ If you are a DFW fan, Nick probably needs no introduction, but we do ask him how the site came to be and how it has evolved over the years. Be sure to follow him on Twitter here:@nick_maniatis or on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/and.but.so/
2016-02-26
1h 03
Concavity Show
Episode 9: Discussing David Foster Wallace with Jenni B. Baker
In this episode, we talk about Infinite Jest (and lots of other things) with Jenni B. Baker, Editor-in-Chief of The Found Poetry Review and creator of the Erasing Infinite project. Jenni is also one of the guides of the current Infinite Winter project. You can follow Jenni on Twitter @erasinginfinite and @jennibbaker.
2016-02-12
56 min
Concavity Show
Episode 8 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with DT Max
In this episode we talk with Wallace biographer D.T. Max. Max is the author of Every Love Story is a Ghost Story. We also mention his latest piece in the New Yorker about a pioneering surgery for paraplegics. If you don't follow him already, he's @dtmax on Twitter. Also, here is a WBUR radio interview with David Foster Wallace from 1996, which we mention in this episode: http://radioopensource.org/david-foster-wallace-chris-lydon/
2016-01-29
47 min
Concavity Show
Episode 7 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Chris Ayers
Chris Ayers designed a number of movie posters from James Incandenza's filmography. He posts his art and designs at http://pooryorickentertainment.tumblr.com In this episode we discuss the upcoming 20th anniversary edition of Infinite Jest and the cover design contest. Head on over to Poor Yorick Entertainment to see the winning design and some other entrants. You can follow Chris on Twitter at @chrisAcreative
2016-01-15
55 min
Concavity Show
Episode 6 - 2015 Year in Review
In this episode we go almost completely OFF TOPIC and wrap up 2015 by discussing our favorite books, movies, music, TV shows, and games of the year. We've collected some of the music recommended in this episode into this playlist on Apple Music. One artist who didn't make it on the playlist is Joanna Newsom, who doesn't license her music to most streaming services. But she does get Paul Thomas Anderson to direct her new music video!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48xlgXqQKLA At the end of this episode we request that listeners send us questions. We w...
2016-01-07
53 min
Concavity Show
Episode 5 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Tim Groenland
In this episode with talk with Irish scholar Tim Groenland, who has written extensively about Wallace and The Pale King. Groenland's doctoral work is concerned with authorship and the way Michael Pietsch molded The Pale King after Wallace's death. We also discuss Gordon Lish's editorial relationship with Raymond Carver. You can follow Tim on Twitter @groenbot.
2015-12-30
1h 03
Concavity Show
Episode 4 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Corrie Baldauf
In this episode we talk with artist Corrie Baldauf. If you haven't seen her Infinite Jest project, check it out here: http://hyperallergic.com/178866/reading-david-foster-wallace-for-the-colors/ And follow her on Twitter! https://twitter.com/CorrieBaldauf Show notes courtesy of Jordan Tibbett.Show Notes (00:00) - Intro (00:30) - Guest Corrie Baldauf (01:50) - Corrie’s Infinite Jest Project (03:50) - Pale King Cover Design (06:51) - Corrie’s Introduction to Infinite Jest (08:20) - Color References in The Book
2015-12-07
59 min
Concavity Show
Episode 3 - Discussing David Foster Wallace with Robyn O'Neil
In this episode we talk with artist Robyn O'Neil. Her artwork titled These final hours embrace at last; this is our ending, this is our past is the logo for our podcast. See more of her work at http://robynoneil.com/ or listen to her reading stuff on her own podcast called "Me Reading Stuff" - http://robynoneil.com/me-reading-stuff/ She's @Robyn_ONeil on Twitter.Our podcast is @ConcavityShow on Twitter. Show Notes (00:00) - Intro (00:39) - Guest Robyn O’neil (02:00) - Robyn’s Image...
2015-11-05
1h 03
Concavity Show
Episode 2 - Discussing David Foster Wallace and The End of the Tour
In this episode, we spend most of the show discussing James Ponsoldt's film "The End of the Tour." If you have not seen the movie yet, there are spoilers of a sort. Thanks again to Robyn O'Neil for her artwork, Parquet Courts for the intro song, and Jordan Tibbett for the transcript and show notes. Show Notes (00:00) - Intro (00:30) - End of the Tour (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_end_of_the_tour_2015/) (02:39) - James Ponsoldt (04:20) - Jason Segel’s Pe...
2015-10-27
55 min
Concavity Show
Episode 1 - Discussing David Foster Wallace
The Great Concavity is inspired by the debate in David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest. In this initial episode, we introduce ourselves and talk a little about what a DFW podcast might entail. Artwork courtesy of Robyn O'Neil. Intro song courtesy of Parquet Courts. UPDATE: Below are show notes courtesy of Jordan Tibbett. A transcript of episode 1, also by Jordan is available here: https://www.scribd.com/doc/286341051/Great-Concavity-podcast-Ep-1-Show-Notes-Transcript Show Notes (00:00) - Intro (01:08) - Matt’s Background (01:10) - wallace-l (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Pynchon) (01:55) - Howling...
2015-10-09
40 min