Bloomsbury Academic Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Raincoats' The Raincoats with Jenn Pelly Jul 07, 2020

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Born out of 1970s Britain, The Raincoats were a band formed from the ashes of experimental punk and rebellion. In this episode, author and journalist Jenn Pelly transports you back to a world of indie record stores, feminist ideals, DIY music, and a fight against capitalism as she discusses four independent, talented women, their work as artists, and their impact as a group. Explore their history, songs, opinions, and culture with someone who traveled to London to speak with The Raincoats themselves.

Sex and Suits with Alok Vaid-Menon Jun 23, 2020

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Fashion, in many ways, is an extension of the person who wears it and can be used to make a statement, create a persona, or even claim an identity. In this special episode, performance artist, writer, and LGBTQ+ rights activist Alok Vaid-Menon talks about their experience reading Sex and Suits, the history behind gendered fashion, their own choices in style, and the fight against the gender binary.

Othello with Ayanna Thompson Jun 19, 2020

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Ayanna Thompson is a scholar, activist, and self-proclaimed Othello whisperer. She is the co-author of Teaching Shakespeare with Purpose, the author of Passing Strange and Performing Race and Torture on the Early Modern Stage, and the editor of Weyward Macbeth, Colorblind Shakespeare, and the Arden Third Series' Othello. In this episode, Ayanna Thompson outlines the complexities of Othello, the history of racism in theater, and the strides the industry still needs to make to reach equality. For any theater buff, aspiring performer, literature professor, or Shakespeare fan, this is a conversation you'll want to join.

Fashion Forecasting with Lorynn Divita Jun 09, 2020

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An important skill for any designer is the ability to create the future of fashion, or at least be able to predict it. Learn how to do just that with author Lorynn Divita as she shares her secrets to anticipating emerging trends in the fashion industry. Covering a wide range of topics including fashion theory, cultural appropriation, economic status and affordability, style tribes, and more, this episode is perfect for any aspiring fashionista or trend-setting trainee.

An Ethical Guidebook to the Zombie Apocalypse with Bryan Hall May 29, 2020

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Everyone knows that in the midst of a zombie apocalypse, what is considered normal or rational human behavior goes out the window. How would you react to a world-ending crisis? Author Bryan Hall has some ideas. In this episode, we discuss cultural relativity and philosophical theory both in the fictional context of ethics in an ungoverned, zombie-infested society and in the very real context of our current moral obligations during COVID-19—to wear masks, voice opinions on social media, refrain from hoarding food and supplies, among other ethical considerations in the face of an international virus.

Tom Petty's Southern Accents with Michael Washburn May 19, 2020

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Having grown up in northern Florida, Tom Petty had a distinctly narrow view of America—something that is apparent in his album, Southern Accents. In this interview, author Michael Washburn analyzes these songs and Petty himself, commenting on the prevailing racial prejudices that still exist in the south today. Covering everything from 80's rock 'n' roll to white nationalism, this episode discusses a music legend while also revealing some of the vital southern culture that he was misconstruing.

The Lion and the Nightingale with Kaya Genç May 12, 2020

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Turkey is home to a vast creative community and a complex political climate—something that author and journalist Kaya Genç is extremely familiar with. During this episode, we explore the tense dynamic that exists between the Turkish government and the people who live there, touching on the country's rich history and the many interviews Kaya has had with marginalized citizens whose voices often go unheard. If you're interested in learning more about foreign politics or following the story behind Kaya's literary journalism, take a listen.

The Beatles' "Let it Be" with Steve Matteo May 05, 2020

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May 8th 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' Let It Be album—the recording sessions for which might be the most dramatic, creative, and chaotic of their career. In celebration, author Steve Matteo gives a behind-the-scenes look into the Beatles themselves, the story of Let It Be, and the many interviews he had with people close to the band.

Steve Matteo is the author of the short biography Dylan and a well-known music writer and journalist, whose work has been featured in a wide range of magazines including the New York Times, Blender, Rolling Stone, Spin and Details. He is also the author of one of our first books from the 33 1/3 series, The Beatles' Let It Be.

The Beatles' Let It Be with Steve Matteo May 05, 2020

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China's Forgotten People with Nick Holdstock Apr 28, 2020

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Xinjiang, China is home to the largest known concentration camp network in the modern world. Author and journalist Nick Holdstock discusses his work investigating the mass imprisonment of Muslims by Chinese officials and the tight government control that makes gathering information and providing aid to the Uyghur people so difficult. This episode covers the history and politics surrounding this human rights crisis.

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