In Part II of our Salon Series: Spiritualism series, we formally enter our salon and hear a few works from our authors. Emma Hardinge Britten gives us some useful seance instruction, Rebecca Cox Jackson shares a real life account of her travels, and Ella Wheeler Wilcox delves deep into her spiritual poetry. Listen on ITunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Cast…

In this inaugural episode of the Salon Series, we’re learning about the Spiritualism movement of the late 19th / early 20th centuries and introduce our Salon attendees Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Emma Hardinge Britten, and Rebecca Cox Jackson. Listen on ITunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Castbox, or on the blog. Comments and ratings are appreciated on all platfor…

This post is for our dear TWWR Podcast Listeners – aka the most patient audience in the world. I know it has been an age since our last episode was published but it’s for good reason, I promise! Trapper has been living his best life in Louisiana and I’ve recently relocated to England. Wild times, I know. So I figured, what better time to relaunch t…

In this episode, we discuss the life of author Claude McKay—a Jamaican-born activist and writer who was an important part of the Harlem Renaissance. We examine a number of his poems as part of our “Nostalgia” theme, exploring subjects like grieving familial loss, romantic love, and the fight for racial equality in the United States and beyond. Plea…

In this episode, we journey into the lush and soulful musings of author Eudora Welty—a woman who used plain observation to confect rich and dynamic portraits of everyday life in the American south. We examine one of her short stories as part of our “Nostalgia” theme, and carve into complex subjects like narrative reliability, the struggle for power…

In this episode, we talk about two of our favorite topics: food and southern culture. Please join us as we try to read a little more, write a little better, and explore the human condition—together. Listen and subscribe on Apple, Google, and Spotify.The Writer Who Reads

In this episode, we take an inquisitive peek into the multilayered work of Creole playwright Victor Sejour—a dramatist who wielded satire like a weapon against 19th-century social prejudices and used real life tragedy to instigate audience introspection. We analyze one of his plays as part of our Morality theme, and tear into meaty issues like codi…

In this episode, we explore the little-known yet masterfully crafted work of author Edward Prime-Stevenson—a man who faced persecution with bravado and used his talent to strip away social stigmas. We analyze one of his novels as part of our “Morality” theme, and dig into compelling subjects like the historical/contemporary implications of gayness,…

In this episode, we survey the subtle and unflinching craftsmanship of writer Wu Zao—a woman whose boldly spun poetic narratives reflect the unconventionality with which she lived her life. We analyze a segment of her work as part of our “Poetry Appreciation” theme, while simultaneously dissecting intricate topics like sexual self-identification, r…

In this episode, we pour over the sinuous work and idealistic perspective of poet Agustina Andrade—a woman whose lyrical sensibilities and quixotic writing style came to define Argentine poetry at the end of the nineteenth-century. We analyze two of her poems as part of our “Poetry Appreciation” theme, and dissect thought-provoking topics like the …

In this episode, we peer into the unconventional life and prose of author Fredrika Bremer—a woman whose writing ignited a global shift towards the recognition of women’s rights. We analyze an excerpt of her work as part of our “Femininity” theme and discuss moving themes like feminism, independence, and personal conviction. Please join us as we try…

In this episode, we look into the compelling world view and craftmanship of playwright Mamie Burrill—a woman who used the art of drama to incite powerful social and moral debates during the early twentieth-century. We analyze one of her plays as part of our “Femininity” theme and discuss timely topics like reproductive rights, cultural expectations…

In this episode, we take a quick break from literary exploration and lay our analytical routine temporarily to the wayside. To celebrate the 10th installment of The Writer Who Reads podcast, we laugh our way through a candid conversation about our friendship and rummage through a heap of mutual memories. Please join us as we try to read a little mo…

In this episode, we review the trailblazing life and work of Alan L. Hart, M.D., a man whose quiet determination and fortitude sparked a slow-moving change in American social attitudes. We analyze one of his short stories as part of our “Rebirth” theme, and hash over resonant issues like gender identity, self-acceptance and liberty. Please join us …

In this episode, we consider the unorthodox outlook and craftsmanship of writer Hannah Hurnard—a woman whose literary technique is steeped in the subtle froth of empathy. We analyze one of her novels as part of our “Rebirth” theme, and reflect upon heady themes like faith, compassion, and emotional growth. Please join us as we try to read a little …

In this episode, we commemorate the humanitarianism and grit of memoirist Olaudah Equiano, also known as Gustavus Vassa — a man whose fortitude and ardor helped redefine the concept of freedom in the British Empire. We analyze his autobiography as part of our “Black History Month” theme, and discuss meaningful subjects independence, national identi…

In this episode, we examine the groundbreaking life and work of author Jessie Redmon Fauset—a woman whose tact and dynamism helped launch the Harlem Renaissance. We analyze a selection of her poetry as part of our “Black History Month” theme, and talk through tough topics like racial exoticism, American beauty standards and social empathy. Please j…

Happy Mardi Gras! Today is a big, sloppy, happy day for this writer who reads. But, before I start day-drinking, I thought I’d share our latest podcast episode: In this episode, we celebrate the supple words and imagination of writer Alice Dunbar-Nelson, a woman whose phrasing drips with the lurid richness of her Creole heritage. We analyze one of …

In this episode, we consider the intrepid technique and character of author Zitkala-Sa—a woman who gave voice to a stifled civilization and deified the languid splendor of the prairie. We analyze one of her essays as part of our ‘Unapologetic Living’ theme, and wade through complex topics like cultural assimilation, spiritualism, and racial identit…

In this episode, we examine the spirited style and observations of artist Natalie Clifford Barney—a woman who tore through conventionality and redefined the bounds of feminine self-expression. We analyze two of her poems as part of our ‘Unapologetic Living’ theme, and dive into complicated subjects like self-acceptance, homoeroticism, and intimacy.…

In this episode, we discuss the soulful perspective and poetry of writer Angelina Weld Grimke—a woman whose work reflects the depths of her emotional and social convictions. We analyze three of her poems as part of our ‘Secrets’ theme, and tackle poignant issues like race, queerness and romance. Please join us as we try to read a little more, write…

In this episode, we investigate the bold life and work of author Willa Cather—a woman who used her pen to transcribe the broad social richness of the American heartland. We analyze her novel “O Pioneers!” as part of our ‘Secrets’ theme, and delve into topics like gender, sexuality, and cultural identity. Please join us as we try to read a little mo…