Lit Up

Re-release: Isaac Fitzgerald on Dirtbag, Massachussets. Nov 28, 2023

Hi everyone!

In celebration of the release of Isaac Fitzgerald's DIRTBAG, MASSACHUSETTS in paperback, we are re-releasing our episode with him from last year.

We'll be back in two weeks with Bianca Bosker, author of CORK DORK, to talk about wine for the holidays.

Enjoy!

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Re-release: Cody Keenan on Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America. Nov 14, 2023

Angie's got a cold, and it's making her think about hot toddys. And the time she sipped some bourbon and talked with with Cody Keenan, President Obama's speech writer and author of Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America.

Grace has just arrived in paperback, so it's a perfect time to revisit this conversation. We hope you enjoy it!

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Re-release: Esther Perel on rethinking infidelity (from 2018) Oct 31, 2023

This week. we're re-releasing of our best and most popular conversations: Angie's 2018 conversation with Esther Perel.

Psychotherapist Esther Perel joins Angie to talk about her latest book "The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity," the provocative follow up to her New York Times best-seller "Mating in Captivity." This conversation, like Esther's book, will no doubt push some buttons and leave you questioning--and perhaps rethinking--the boundaries of your romantic relationships!

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Adriana Trigiani on how she's written over 20 books and why she reinvents herself every seven years. Oct 17, 2023

Angie speaks with Adriana Trigiani, the author of 20 best-selling books of fiction and nonfiction, most recently the novel THE GOOD LEFT UNDONE. She is an award-winning filmmaker who has directed the greats such as Whoopi Goldberg and Ashley Judd and now she’s hosting a new podcast, You Are What You Read, with Book of the Month. Angie and Adriana talk about how her Appalachian and Italian heritage shaped her, why she reinvents herself every seven years, and how her time as a temp on Wall Street in the 80s has shaped how she organizes her days ever since.
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Shaina Feinberg and Julia Rothman on How We Got By. Oct 03, 2023

This week Angie is joined by writer and filmmaker Shaina Feinberg and illustrator Julia Rothman to talk about their new book, How We Got By: 111 People Share Stories of Survival, Resilience & Hope through Hardship. The book was inspired by the success of their illustrated column for the business section of The New York Times called Scratch about people’s relationship with money, small businesses, and resilience. They talk about how writing a book can help you find a husband (!), how speaking with strangers has encouraged them to live more fully, and the quirks that define their friendship.
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Anya Von Bremzen on the national dishes of Japan, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and more. Sep 19, 2023

This week on the podcast, Angela speaks with the James Beard award-winning food writer Anya von Bremzen about her book National Dish: Around the World in Search of Food, History, and the Meaning of Home. Angie and Anya also talk about what makes a memorable meal, the joy of Neapolitan pizza, and how the ongoing war in Ukraine has irrevocably changed her relationship with Borscht.
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Angie and Liam wrap up the summer by talking books, movies, and more! Sep 05, 2023

This week, LIT UP producer and podcaster Liam Billingham comes back to chat with Angie about her vacation reading, things to watch, and a whole lot more! A chill end of summer episode for your ears. Enjoy!
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Prachi Gupta on 'They Called Us Exceptional.' Aug 22, 2023

This week on the podcast, Angela speaks with writer Prachi Gupta about her new book They Called Us Exceptional. Angie and Prachi also talk about her work as a reporter during the 2016 election, and her award-winning essay Stories About My Brother.
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Mattie Kahn on Young and Restless, the Girls Who Sparked America's Revolutions. Aug 08, 2023

This week Angie is joined by award-winning journalist and writer Mattie Kahn. She's written one of the buzziest books of the season: Young and Restless, the Girls Who Sparked America's Revolutions. This book highlights the gutsy girls and the women whose voices and courageous actions have helped shape American society for the better. Maddie has made a career of championing women's voices. She was the culture director at Glamor where she specialized in women's issues. She's covered news and politics at l and her journalism has appeared in Harper's Bazaar, the New York Times Vanity Fair, and more. Angie and Mattie talk about the book, those we choose to highlight through history (and those we don't), and also about the young women making names for themselves in politics today. They also talk about how much Mattie loves BRAVO.
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Angie and Helen Ellis chat in the Coral Lounge Jul 25, 2023

This week on Lit Up, Angie welcomes back Helen Ellis to chat about her new collection of essays, Kiss Me in the Coral Lounge: Intimate Confessions From A Happy Marriage..
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LIT UP presents: DIE HARD ON A BLANK! Jul 11, 2023

This week on Lit Up, Angie is putting her feet up and taking a well deserved break. In her place this week is her producer and friend Liam Billingham, who is bringing us an episode of his film podcast, DIE HARD ON A BLANK. On DHOAB, Liam and his co-host, screenwriter Philip Gawthorne explore the influence of Die Hard on action movies, one action movie at time. Today they're tackling CLIFFHANGER (one of Angie's favorites) alongside NYTimes Opinion writer and podcaster Jamelle Bouie. Enjoy the spirited discussion and, if you like it, subscribe to Die Hard On A Blank.
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Gina Chung joins Angie to talk about 'Sea Change.' Jun 27, 2023

This week, on a sweltering day in New York City, Gina Chung joined Angie to talk about her new book Sea Change. Angie and Gina talk about a lot: professional mourners, Sharktinis (2 parts gin, 1 part mountain dew, hint of jalapeño,) supernatural places, and shitty break ups. Gina's book Sea Change is available in the US now. Get it wherever you get your books!
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Max Porter returns to talk about his new novel 'Shy,' how we talk to our children, and Japanese socks. Jun 13, 2023

This week Angie talks to Max Porter about his new novel 'Shy,' the story of a few strange hours in the life of a teenage boy. Max and Angela talk about being young, grief, and loss, but they also make room for lighter topics, like Max's penchant for shower gels and Japanese socks (a bit hipster, he calls them). We hope you enjoy this conversation with Max Porter!
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Hannah Goldfield on finding her way into food & restaurant criticism. May 30, 2023

This week, we welcome New York City food critic and writer Hannah Goldfield to Lit Up! Angela and Hannah discuss what makes a restaurant experience special, how Hannah captures New York City's shifting moods through the lens of food for The New Yorker, early influences that inspired Hannah to pursue a career in food criticism, quintessential food writers, and the pleasures of reading non-fiction on topics she doesn't devote her time to thinking and writing about. Hannah's recommendations: Save Me the Plums: My Gourmet Memoir by Ruth Reichl Counter Intelligence: Where to Eat in the Real Los Angeles by the late Jonathan Gold, Pulitzer Prize-winning Los Angeles Times restaurant critic Jeffrey Steingarten's food writing in Vogue the late writer Laurie Colwin, author of Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen Battle of Ink and Ice: A Sensational Story of News Barons, North Pole Explorers, and the Making of Modern Media by Darrell Hartman Strangers to Ourselves: Unsettled Minds and the Stories That Make Us by Rachel Aviv Genius Recipes Cookbook by Kristen Miglore via Food52 See you in two weeks!
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Samantha Irby on liking what you like without apology. May 16, 2023

This week on Lit Up, Samantha Irby—TV writer ("And Just Like That..."), comedian, and best-selling author and essayist—graces us with her singular presence! Angie and Sam discuss what it’s like to write on a TV show that everyone actually watches (and has an opinion about), what to ask before you say ‘I do' (hint: how many jars of mustard are in your partner’s fridge?), her spot-on observations of modern life and the pleasures of unabashedly liking the things you like, and the culture that’s lighting Sam up at the moment. Samantha’s latest essay collection, Quietly Hostile, is out today (via Vintage), May 16th. She’s also on book tour, and headed on a driving tour this fall with fellow writer Lindy West! You can purchase your copy of Sam’s new collection via BookShop.
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Adrienne Westenfeld returns to share what she’s reading (and watching) this spring. May 02, 2023

This week, we welcome back repeat Lit Up guest Adrienne Westenfeld, Esquire's Books and Fiction Editor! Given Adrienne's role overseeing books coverage, writing about film, TV, & culture, and curating the Esquire Book Club, it's always a treat to get a glimpse into her ever-growing stack and to find out what recent reads and series have stayed with her. Along with sharing many recommendations, we also talk about our shifting relationship to book events, what makes for a good book-to-film/TV adaptation, and the beauty of merging poetry with travel. Adrienne's recommendations: -Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel -Less Is Lost by Andrew Sean Greer -Matrix by Lauren Groff -Chain Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah -Kindred, 2022 TV series adapted from the novel Kindred, by Hugo Award-winner Octavia E. Butler -Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023, dir. Kelly Fremon Craig) -Interview with the Vampire (1976) book by Anne Rice and 2022 series -the poetry of Jack Gilbert (1925–2012) Angela's recommendations: -The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell -It Ended Badly: Thirteen of the Worst Breakups in History by Jennifer Wright -Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld -Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock by Jenny Odell -Fleishman Is in Trouble (2022 mini-series), based on the novel of the same name by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
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Natasha Pickowicz on why she bakes for pleasure and community. Apr 18, 2023

This week, Angie’s joined by pastry chef and writer Natasha Pickowicz for a conversation on why there’s so much more to cake than meets the eye. Her long-anticipated debut book of recipes, More Than Cake: 100 Recipes Built for Pleasure and Community, is out now from Artisan Publishers. They discuss Natasha’s experiences crafting glorious pastries for places like Flora Bar at the Met Breuer museum and Café Altro Paradiso, the relationship between community organizing and baking, embracing imperfection in the kitchen, collaborating with her mom (a successful contemporary artist for decades!) on artwork for the book, and a preview of her upcoming book tour, featuring plenty of baked goods along the way. Natasha also shares a memorable lesson she learned while attempting to incorporate the natural flora of Wyoming into a mutual friend’s wedding cake…! All the details on Natasha’s book and tour are available at her website, https://www.natasha-pickowicz.com/ Natasha Pickowicz recommends: Kitchen Arts and Letters, 1435 Lexington Ave. New York, NY 10128 Brooks Headley's Fancy Desserts Ten Vineyard Lunches by Richard Olney Stay True: A Memoir by Hua Hsu
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Lindsey Tramuta shares the new ideas shaping Paris. Apr 04, 2023

This week, we welcome French-English culture & travel journalist, bestselling author, and host of The New Paris podcast, Lindsey Tramuta. Lindsey talks about what she’s observed over her 16 years in Paris, the illuminating ideas behind her books The New Parisienne (Abrams, pub. 2020) and The New Paris (Abrams, pub. 2017), her ongoing work to challenge Parisian stereotypes and archetypes, and the storied history behind the ‘American in Paris’ in literature. She also shares some of her favorite French books, including Muriel Barbery’s 2006 novel The Elegance of the Hedgehog. Order your copies of Lindsey’s books via Bookshop or your favorite local indie bookshop.
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Catherine Lacey on crafting her multilayered fictional Biography of X, unknowability, and the mysterious forces that draw people together. Mar 21, 2023

This week, Angela welcomes back Lit Up’s first-ever (!) guest, author Catherine Lacey, and delve into the making and imagining of her brilliantly textured new book, Biography of X: a multilayered portrait of an inscrutable art and literary star as reported by her widow. Catherine shares the entry points into her chosen fictional biography form, reimagining American history through the writing process, centering queer people on the page without explanation, the mysterious forces that draw people into each other’s orbits, and the pleasure of reading in bed with coffee first thing in the morning. Pick up your copy of Biography of X at Bookshop or your favorite local indie bookstore. Plus, check out Catherine’s friend John Wray’s forthcoming book Gone to the Wolves.
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Michael Cecchi-Azzolina on collecting a lifetime’s worth of New York City restaurant tales. Mar 07, 2023

From La Rousse to Le Coucou, Michael Cecchi-Azzolina—Maitre d’ extraordinaire—has a birds eye view on some of New York City’s most historic, glamorous restaurants. After more than 35 years in the restaurant world, he’s sharing his behind the scenes tales in his delicious new memoir YOUR TABLE IS READY (Dec. 2022, pub: St. Martin's Press). This week, Michael tells Angie all about his early memories of the restaurant business, living through the AIDS epidemic, the singular magic of gathering around a dinner table, and his next exciting chapter: opening an NYC spot of his own. Plus, he shares his go-to comfort dish to cook at home. YOUR TABLE IS READY is available via Bookshop.org
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Reid Mitenbuler on getting swept up in explorer Peter Freuchen’s larger-than-life stories. Feb 21, 2023

This week on Lit Up, Angela chats with author Reid Mitenbuler, whose new book, Wanderlust: An Eccentric Explorer, an Epic Journey, a Lost Age (Mariner at HarperCollins) charts the true story of adventurer Peter Freuchen and his larger-than-life escapades. They talk about the origins of Freuchen’s adventurous spirit, the unexpected quirks you uncover when delving into someone’s life story, the importance of historical context, and Mitenbuler’s go-to narrative nonfiction writers.
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Revisiting our conversation with Elizabeth Day! Feb 07, 2023

This week on the podcast, we're re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from 2022, when we talked to Elizabeth Day about her book Magpie. Next month, Elizabeth is releasing a new book called Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict, and seeing as she and Angie talked about friendship, we couldn't think of a better time to revisit this warm and fun conversation. Enjoy!
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Kate Baer on ‘And Yet’ speaking truth through poetry. Jan 24, 2023

This week, Angela chats with Kate Baer, the Pennsylvania-based poet and New York Times-bestselling author of the collections WHAT KIND OF WOMAN, I HOPE THIS FINDS YOU WELL, & AND YET. They talk about Kate's path to sharing poems about motherhood, in all its complexity, with strangers on the internet; pushing back against misogynistic takes on her work; the poets whose words she keeps returning to; and the wisdom that accompanies getting older and embracing who you are. Plus, lucky us: Kate reads several of her poems throughout the episode. We recommend Jessica Bennett's profile on Kate. What Kind of Woman I Hope This Finds You Well And Yet
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Tarajia Morrell on collaborating with the late chef Fatima Ali and uncovering fascinating characters through food writing. Jan 10, 2023

This week on Lit Up, Angela speaks with Tarajia Morrell, writer, born-and-raised New Yorker, and creator of the food and travel blog, The Lovage. They discuss Tarajia’s impactful collaboration with the late boundary-breaking chef Fatima Ali on her 2022 posthumous memoir Savor: A Chef's Hunger for More (Ballantine Books), which features writing from Fatima during her last months and contributions by her mother, Farezeh. They also discuss Tarajia’s path into food writing as a way to talk about memorable characters, favorite cookbooks, and their preferred techniques for roasting a chicken. Savor: A Chef's Hunger for More Tarajia’s blog, The Lovage
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2022 in books (plus a gift guide!) feat. Ruby Smith. Dec 20, 2022

For Lit Up’s final episode of 2022, Angie and Ruby (a brilliant colleague who works on the Sugar23 Books imprint, and spent a past life as a bookseller at New York City’s iconic Three Lives & Company), catch up about their year in great books, titles they’ve loved, what’s topping their list for winter break marathon reading sessions, and recommended book gifts for all the avid readers in your lives this holiday season. Books we talk about on this ep include: The English Understand Wool by Helen DeWitt The Midcoast by Adam White Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Acne: A Memoir by Laura Chinn The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs by Beth Ann Fennelly Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee Fly Girl: A Memoir by Ann Hood Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef by Gabrielle Hamilton Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain The World of Natural Wine: What It Is, Who Makes It, and Why It Matters by Aaron Ayscough Catch up on any episodes you missed this year at https://www.lituppodcast.com/ (or wherever you like to listen!). More to come in the shiny new year.
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The Cut’s Jen Ortiz on honing her editing skills and secret YouTube obsessions. Dec 13, 2022

This week, Angela chats with Jen Ortiz, Deputy Editor of New York Magazine’s The Cut. They talk about Jen’s trajectory through the media world, working with writers, life and abortion resources after Roe, newsletters and books she’s loving of late, and of course, this August’s Meghan Markle cover story. Jen's recs include: Alive at the End of the World by Saeed Jones Bre Graham’s newsletter Just to Delight and book, Table for Two: Recipes for the Ones You Love The Old Place by Bobby Finger Vegan chef and cookbook author Gaz Oakley’s (aka “the Avant-Garde Vegan”) YouTube channel
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Nimarta Narang, Literary Editor of Brown Girl Magazine, on creating space for a multitude of South Asian stories. Nov 29, 2022

This week, Angela speaks with writer and editor Nimarta Narang, who has worked as a journalist since she was 15 in Thailand and currently oversees Brown Girl Magazine’s literary vertical, commissioning and publishing original fiction from established and emerging South Asian writers. Brown Girl Magazine, a multimedia company created by and for South Asian womxn, believes in storytelling as a powerful tool for community building. Their team encompasses and welcomes women, femmes, men, gender non-conforming, queer, and transgender individuals living across the diaspora including the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Angela and Nimarta discuss the publication’s anthology “Untold: Defining Moments of the Uprooted,” (edited by Gabrielle Deonath and Kamini Ramdeen) which features over 30 deeply personal stories exploring South Asian experiences with specificity; coming of age and studying in cities around the world; her work to amplify expansive narratives through the BGM platform and advocate for more inclusive media and publishing industries; and a few contemporary writers currently inspiring her. Nimarta's podcast and book recs include: The Chaat Room, hosted by Keertana Sastry & Nikitha Menon — in partnership with Brown Girl Magazine — featuring interviews with South Asians in Hollywood, on and off the screen. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri Books by Adiba Jaigirdar Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel Missed Translations: Meeting the Immigrant Parents Who Raised Me by Sopan Deb Taste Makers: Seven Immigrant Women Who Revolutionized Food in America by Mayukh Sen
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The Bard Behind Bars: Introducing Where There’s a Will Nov 22, 2022

I’m changing things up a bit today and bringing you a preview of a new podcast I’m enjoying and think you will, too. Where There’s a Will: Finding Shakespeare searches for the surprising places Shakespeare shows up outside the theater. Host Barry Edelstein, artistic director at one of the country’s leading Shakespeare theaters, asks what is it about Shakespeare that’s given him a continuous afterlife in all sorts of unexpected ways? You’ll hear Shakespeare doing rehabilitative work in a maximum security prison, helping kids on the autism spectrum to communicate, in the mouths of U.S. presidents, and even at the center of a deadly riot in New York City. In this preview, Barry takes us into California’s Centinela State Prison for a one-of-a-kind production of Shakespeare’s English history plays performed by incarcerated individuals. Barry asks: What makes Shakespeare a force of transformation and transcendence behind bars? Hear more from Where There’s a Will: https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/wtaw?sid=litup.
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Susan Orlean on living with animals and following her curiosity. Nov 15, 2022

This week, Angela talks to New Yorker staff writer Susan Orlean, the New York Times-bestselling author of Rin Tin Tin, Saturday Night, and The Orchid Thief (the basis for the Academy Award–winning film, Adaptation), among other books. The conversation begins with On Animals—Susan’s collection of favorites pieces exploring animal-human relationships—and her own experiences of living alongside various creatures. They also talk about honing your instincts as a writer and letting your curiosity lead you to unexpected places. Read Susan’s latest piece for the New Yorker about Dillie, a whitetail deer from Ohio. Explore Susan's books below: The Orchid Thief Saturday Night Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend The Library Book
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Alyssa Shelasky on 'This Might Be Too Personal.' Nov 01, 2022

This week on the podcast, Angela is joined by Alyssa Shelasky, editor of NY Mag's Sex Diaries (and soon to be the star of the HBO series), writer, and author of 'This Might Be Too Personal,' a collection of essays on relationships, sex, motherhood, and finding yourself. Angie and Alyssa talk about the 'good old days', but also what it means to grow older in New York City. They also discuss some good advice Alyssa got from a colleague, and what it means to live as an artist. Angie references Alyssa's conversation with Jenny Mollen, which you can listen to here.
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Laura Warrell on the 20-year journey to write her new novel Soft, Sweet, Plenty Rhythm. Oct 18, 2022

This week on the podcast, Angela speaks with teacher and author Laura Warrell. They discuss Laura's new novel, Soft, Sweet, Plenty Rhythm, and the 20-year journey to getting it into the world. Laura's book is about Circus Palmer, a trumpet player and the women in his orbit. They talk about Laura's work to make these characters as rich as the man as at the center of the story. They also talk about Laura's 2019 viral essay, I Gave Up On Love, And It Was One Of The Best Decisions I Ever Made. Seeing as they recorded this in LA, they also complained about traffic. Laura's essay on Writing While Black can be found here. She also wrote a piece for Lit Hub about her devotion to Jazz. Angie mentions Lisa Lucas at the beginning of this interview. Here is a NYTimes piece about Lisa. Laura's book Soft, Sweet, Plenty Rhythm, can be found at your favorite local bookstore, or here. We'll be back in two weeks!
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Cody Keenan on his book, Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America Oct 04, 2022

This week on the podcast, Angela welcomes Cody Keenan, author of Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America. This book is a special one for Angela and Sugar23, as we are publishing this book in partnership with Mariner at HarperCollins. Cody spent years as President Obama's speechwriter, a position he held during some of the greatest moments and darkest days of Obama's presidency. Angie and Cody talk about meeting Obama for the first time, writing speeches for the first Black president, falling in love with a fact checker (his now wife), and how to free yourself when you're stuck as a writer (tip: read Baldwin or listen to Taylor Swift). Grace is available at the link above or wherever you get your books. Next week on the podcast: Laura Warrell, author of Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm.
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Belletrist's Karah Preiss stops to talk books, family, making TV , and a lot more. Sep 20, 2022

This week Angela welcomes Karah Preiss, Co-Founder of Bellatrist, to the show. They talk about how Bellatrist came to be, what she's reading right now, and the role books that have changed her life. They also talk about 'the biz,' and how to turn a book into a TV show or movie. Belletrist celebrates great books and the people who read them. Learn more at belletrist.com Karah and Emma's new series, Tell Me Lies, is available on HULU. Karah's recommendations: Stay With Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ (her new novel, A Spell of Good Things, comes out next year). My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite Wild Game by Adrienne Brodeur Like a House on Fire by Lauren McBrayer
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Kal Penn on his memoir You Can't Be Serious. Sep 06, 2022

This week, Angela speaks to the actor and writer Kal Penn about his memoir You Can't Be Serious, now in paperback. Angie talks to Kal about what led him to leave his role as a TV regular on House to work in the Obama administration, and a whole lot more. Kal's book, You Can't Be Serious, is available now.
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A Labor Day rerelease: Stanley Tucci Aug 30, 2022

Hello Lit Up listeners! While you're making summery cocktails and making pasta salad this labor day week/weekend, we thought you'd like to enjoy the dulcet tones of Stanley Tucci. Today we're revisiting Angela's October 2021 conversation with the internet's favorite martini maker. We hope you enjoy, and that you have a lovely, sunny Labor Day weekend. -Angela, Liam, Olivia, Ruby, and the entire Lit Up team.
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Natasha Sizlo on All Signs Point to Paris Aug 23, 2022

When Angela first heard Natasha Sizlo's story in 2020, she couldn't believe what she was reading, but she knew she had to be a part of telling it. Now, Natasha joins Angela on Lit Up to talk all about what inspired her to write her new memoir, ALL SIGNS POINT TO PARIS. We'll be back in two weeks with Kal Penn!
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Isaac Fitzgerald on his memoir Dirtbag, Massachusetts. Aug 09, 2022

This week on the pod, Angela welcomes her friend Isaac Fitzgerald to talk about his memoir Dirtbag, Massachusetts, which recently made its way onto the New York Times Bestseller list. Isaac is known for championing others on the Today Show, but Angie asks him about his life, including why he waited a decade to write this book. Isaac's recent piece on being an uncle for Esquire can be read here. Follow Isaac on Instagram and Twitter. Follow Lit Up on Instagram and Twitter, too!
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Safia Elhillo on her new book of poetry, GIRLS THAT NEVER DIE. Jul 26, 2022

On this week's episode, Angela speaks with Safia Elhillo about her new book of poetry GIRLS THAT NEVER DIE. Safia and Angie talk about poetry (of course!), Safia's amazing fashion sense, and what it means to be a poet in all aspects of her life. Safia's the author of two other books, including Home Is Not A Country and The January Children. You can read more about her work here.
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Christopher Hermelin of So Many Damn Books on how to break out of a reading rut. Jul 12, 2022

Fellow books podcast host Christopher Hermelin (So Many Damn Books) joins Angela for a special crossover episode! Angie and Christopher talk about what to do when the magic of reading has temporarily vanished (especially when your day job is in publishing), books that help us make sense of modern life and the near future, and summer reading plans. You can hear the other half of Christopher and Angie’s chat on the So Many Damn Books podcast feed this week: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-many-damn-books/id931442125 And here are a few of Christopher’s reading recommendations as shared in this episode: — The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden (pub. 1960) — The Car by Gary Paulsen (pub. 1994) — The Shimmering State by by Meredith Westgate (pub. 2021) — The New Me by Halle Butler (pub. 2019) — Ada, or Ardor: A Family Chronicle by Vladimir Nabokov (pub. 1969) — Either/Or by by Elif Batuman (pub. 2022) See you in two weeks!
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Lisa Taddeo returns to talk GHOST LOVER. Jun 28, 2022

Angela loves talking to Lisa Taddeo, who is on Lit Up for the third time this week. Lisa's writing always makes Angie nervous because it's so good at confronting the darker side of longing and attachment. Angie and Lisa talk about Lisa's new short story collection, GHOST LOVER, and why Lisa's writing gives Angie a funny tummy. -- https://donations4abortion.com/ - donate to support abortion funds by state https://secure.actblue.com/donate/supportabortionfunds - donate to the national network of abortion funds (donations split between 80+ abortion funds) https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/abortion-policy-absence-roe - abortion policy by state as of June 1, 2022 More in-depth version: https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy
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Abi Morgan on This Is Not A Pity Memoir. Jun 14, 2022

This week on the podcast, Angela talks to Abi Morgan, BAFTA and Emmy award-winning playwright and screenwriter best known for The Iron Lady, Shame, The Invisible Woman and Suffragette. Most recently, she's also created the hit series The Split. Now, Abi has released 'This Is Not A Pity Memoir,' and it's all about what happens when the person you love most no longer recognizes you. Angie and Abi talk about the extraordinary, traumatic, and funny moments of her harrowing memoir. They touch upon the glimmers of hope that got Abi through, and how writing this book helped her hold onto her identity, and her relationship with Jacob. Next time: Lisa Taddeo, again! See you in two weeks.
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Elizabeth Day on on the struggles that define us and make us stronger, and her new novel MAGPIE. May 31, 2022

Today on the podcast Angela welcomes Elizabeth Day, a journalist, broadcaster, and author of five books, including her latest, the domestic thriller Magpie. Elizabeth also hosts the only podcast Angela listens to religiously, How To Fail with Elizabeth Day. Angie and Elizabeth talk about Magpie, but they also share their journeys, failures, and how they've come to understand themselves.
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From Talk Easy: Margaret Atwood’s Burning Questions May 22, 2022

This week, we’re sharing a special preview of a podcast we’ve been enjoying, Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso, from Pushkin Industries. Talk Easy is a weekly interview podcast, where writer Sam Fragoso invites actors, writers, activists, and musicians to come to the table and speak from the heart in ways you probably haven't heard from them before. Driven by curiosity and an abundance of research, he’s had revealing conversations with everyone from George Saunders and Cate Blanchett to Ocean Vuong and Gloria Steinem. In this preview, Sam talks with author Margaret Atwood about her new essay collection, Burning Questions, the lasting impact of The Handmaid’s Tale, her role in the debate around ‘the writer as political agent’, and the power of poetry. You can listen to Talk Easy at https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/telitup.
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Zarqa Nawaz on her career and making fun of ISIS in her new book Jameela Green Ruins Everything. May 17, 2022

This week, Angela talks to documentarian, writer, and comedian Zarqa Nawaz, whose new book, Jameela Green Ruins Everything, is out now. Angie and Zarqa talk about Zarqa's career, including her documentary Me and The Mosque, her TV show Little Mosque on the Prarie, and how years writing pilots in Hollywood lead her to write a memoir. They also talk about how to make fun of ISIS. Zarqa talks about textbooks created by America to radicalize children in Afghanistan. Here's the Washington post article about that story. We'll be back in two weeks with Elizabeth Day.
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Clemency Burton-Hill on surviving a brain injury and how it changed her relationship to music. May 03, 2022

On this week's episode, Angela speaks with musician, author, and broadcaster Clemency Burton-HIll. Clemency wants to make classical music more accessible, and has brought this mission to her work at New York Public Radio, WNYC, and the BBC. Angie and Clemency talk about her books Year of Wonder and the follow-up Another Year of Wonder, both of which introduce the listener to a new piece of classical music every day. They also talk about Clemency's recovery from a brain hemorrhage in 2020, which only deepened her relationship to music. We'll be back in two weeks with Zarqa Nawaz. See you then!
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Re-Release: Max Porter on love through grief. Apr 19, 2022

This week we're revisiting Angela's conversation with Max Porter about his book Grief Is The Thing With Feathers. It's all about messy families, relationships, and we hope it'll encourage you to hug your families tight this Easter weekend. Follow these links to get Max's newer books, Lanny, and The Death of Francis Bacon. We'll be back in two weeks with our conversation with Clemency Burton-Hill. See ya then!
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Pamela Paul on the art of boredom, buying a one-way ticket to Thailand, and what we've lost to the Internet. Apr 05, 2022

This week on Lit Up, Angela speaks with Pamela Paul, formerly the editor of The New York Times Book Review and now a Times Opinion Columnist. She's also the author of 8 books, including her latest, 100 Things We've Lost to The Internet. Angie and Pamela talk about the importance of boredom, what the pandemic taught us about our needs in life, and the choice we have over how we use the internet. Next time: Clemency Burton-Hill.
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Stephan Lee on the phenomenon that is K-Pop. Mar 22, 2022

This week on the show, Angela talks to Stephan Lee, author of K-Pop Confidential and the upcoming K-Pop Revolution. They talk about K-Pop, his recent move from New York to LA, and his experience of feeling like an outsider in both America and Korea. You can purchase K-Pop Confidential and pre-order K-Pop Revolution via the link on our website, LitUpPodcast dot com See you in two weeks!
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Jason Diamond on suburbs, cardigans, Russian literature, the Martini, and more. Mar 08, 2022

This week on the podcast Angela talks to Jason Diamond, contributor to GQ and author of The Sprawl and Searching For John Hughes. Angie and Jason have a wide-ranging chat about growing up in the suburbs, house cardigans, and his Martini drinking club called The Beardo Crew. Jason also talks about his Polish and Russian heritage, and how that has affected his love of Russian literature. Jason also writes regularly at his own substack. https://meltedcheeseonwhitefish.substack.com/ Next time: Stephan Lee, author of K-Pop Confidential and the forthcoming K-POP Revolution.
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Sheila Heti on God's First Draft, social anxiety in the metaverse, and Feldman, the, loyal, snoring dog beside her. Feb 22, 2022

This week on the podcast, Angela is joined once again by Sheila Heti, whose book, Pure Color, is available now. Sheila is also the author of many other books, including How Should a Person Be? and Motherhood. This episode is about beards, birds, fish, and which one you are. Sheila and Angie also talk about being critical, not wanting to be 18 again, and why looking at your phone may be as important as looking at the sky. Delightfully, they are jointed by Feldman, Sheila's loyal dog who is asleep beside her. You can hear him snoring, softly. Sheila's serialized diaries are available on The New York Times. Next time: Jason Diamond.
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A Valentine's Day Re-release: Alain de Botton on keeping love alive Feb 14, 2022

Valentine's Day has got Angela thinking about an old conversation with philosopher Alain De Botton: If you've ever been in love, had your heart broken, been in a relationship, or yearned for one, this week's episode is for you -- in other words, if you're a human, you'll benefit from listening to the wise words of world-renowned philosopher and writer Alain de Botton. Next week: Sheila Heti, and God's first draft.
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Maeve Higgins on her big family, migration, and making fun of Angie. Feb 08, 2022

This week on Lit Up, Angela speaks with comedian, podcaster, actor, and her friend Maeve Higgins. Angie and Maeve talk about her big family, how going back to school to study migration has influenced her comedy, and about the time she accidentally ingested THC. She also unmasks Angie as a loving friend who nevertheless finds any opportunity to give Maeve a hard time. Maeve's book, Tell Everyone On This Train I Love Them, is available now, and you can purchase it wherever you get your books. Next Week: Sheila Heti.
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Wajahat Ali on 9/11, being American, and how his sense of humor landed him love. Jan 25, 2022

This week on the pod, Angela speaks with Wajahat Ali, author of the new book Go Back To Where You Came From and Other Helpful Recommendations On How To Become American. Angie and Wajahat talk about how it took 3 months (but really forty years) to write the first draft of his book, how his sense of humor landed him love, and what being Muslim in America looks like after 9/11. Go Back To Where You Came From and Other Helpful Recommendations On How To Become American is available now. Click to purchase it right there! Next time: Maeve Higgins!
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Book and TV critic Hillary Kelly on her most anticipated books of 2022, and why she doesn't *get* books about happy people. Jan 11, 2022

It's a new year, and we're so excited to be joined by HIllary Kelly, a book and TV critic at Vulture, The New Yorker, and LA Times. Angela and Hillary talk about the books they missed in 2021, and what to look forward to in 2022. They also talk about the hype machine, talking about books others pretend to like, how doing a profile of Claire Vaye Watkins helped her get over her own fears, and why she doesn't know what books about happy people want from her. Books discussed in this episode: Bewilderment by Richard Powers I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness by Claire Vaye Watkins Night Bitch by Rachel Yoder Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch by Rivka Galchen Happy All The Time by Laurie Colwin So Long, See You Tomorrow by Richard Maxwell Middlemarch by George Eliot Hillary's favorites from last year: Night Bitch by Rachel Yoder Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch by Rivka Galchen Hillary's picks for next year: The Invisible Kingdom by Meghan O'Rourke Foreverland: On the Divine Tedium of Marriage by Heather Havrilesky Ancestor Trouble: A Reckoning and a Reconciliation by Maud Newton The Candy House by Jennifer Egan To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara Thanks so much for listening! In two weeks, we'll be speaking with Wajahat Ali, author of the forthcoming Go Back To Where You Came From.
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Angela got you a Christmas present! Plus an end-of-year review. Dec 21, 2021

Angela and Liam, our producer, finally met in person this week after over a year of working on the pod together! Angie and Liam jumped on the mics to talk about some of their great memories from a year of podcasting. Then they give you a Christmas present (scroll down in the feed to see what it is!). All the episodes we talked about are available at lituppodcast.com or wherever you like to listen! (PS You may occasionally hear an echo of Liam. Technical issue on our end. Blame the eggnog.)
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Uli Beutter Cohen on subways, stillness, and the next 10 thousand years. Dec 07, 2021

This week on the podcast Angela chats with Uli Beutter Cohen, who spent the last 7 years riding the subway and asking people what they were reading. This led to her acclaimed Instagram account Subway Book Review, and her new book Between The Lines: Stories From The Underground. Angie and Uli discuss their favorite subway stations (obviously), the need for Savasana, and what the next 10 thousand years might look like. We'll be back in two weeks with a Christmas present for you.
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Ann Patchett on a remarkable friendship, the importance of Snoopy in her life, and much, much more. Nov 23, 2021

This week Angela talks to Ann Patchett about her book These Precious Days. Angie and Ann discuss her remarkable friendship with Sooki Raphael, whose work graces the cover of Ann's book. They also talk about why writing about happy people seems like a radical thing to do lately.
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Emily Ratajkowski on why writing feels like a feminist act. Nov 09, 2021

This week Angela talks to model, entrepreneur and writer Emily Ratajkowski. She's written a new book called 'My Body,' that delves into the way Emily's image has been bought and sold, and the way this has impacted her. Angie and Emily talked about what feminism is, the role of mothers in how we see ourselves, and the writers they both love. You can purchase 'My Body' via the link on our website, LitUpPodcast.com Next time on Lit Up: Ann Patchett on These Precious Days.
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Brendan Borrell on the race to the Covid vacine Oct 26, 2021

It's a big week here at Lit Up. Angie sits down with Brendan Borrell, author of The First Shots, The Epic Rivalries and Heroic Science Behind the Race to the Coronavirus Vaccine, a book she is publishing through her job as Editorial Director at Sugar23 books. The First Shots bring us inside the world of the vaccine race, and will soon be adapted for HBO by Adam McKay (Succession, The Big Short, Anchorman). You can purchase the book via the link on our website, lituppodcast.com In two weeks: Emily Ratajkowski on her memoir, My Body.
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Adrienne Westenfeld on Matrix, Harlem Shuffle, My Body, and other books you should read this Fall. Oct 19, 2021

This week on Lit Up, Angela brings on Esquire editor Adrienne Westenfeld to talk about the books you should read this Fall. Adrienne and Angie also talk about TV, Hobbits, the changing ways men are writing about masculinity, and a lot more. You can read Adrienne's writing in Esquire and on esquire.com Next week: Brendan Borrell and The First Shots, his book about the COVID vaccine race.
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Christine Pride and Jo Piazza on interracial friendship, and their new book, We Are Not Like Them. Oct 12, 2021

This week Angela welcomes Christine Pride and Jo Piazza on Lit Up to talk about their new book, We Are Not Like Them. They talk about their own interracial friendship, how it informed their book, and what it's like to write with another person. We Are Not Like Them is available now, and you can purchase it via the link on our website, LitUpPodcast.com
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Stanley Tucci on Taste, life's journeys, and wooing through food. Oct 05, 2021

This week, Angela welcomes actor, director, writer, TV show host, and Instagram’s favorite bartender Stanley Tucci to Lit Up. Angie and Stanley talk about food (of course), living in Italy, and how you should always talk to whoever’s next to you. Stanley’s book, Taste, is available now, and you can purchase it via the link on our website, LitUpPodcast.com
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Annie Daly on wellness, self-care, and what those words mean all over the world. Sep 28, 2021

This week, Angela welcomes her old friend and colleague Annie Daly on the podcast to chat about her new book Destination Wellness. They talk about the commercialization of wellness, the origin of the term self-care, and that time they crashed a wedding. They also talk about how to be a better traveler. Annie’s book is available now, and you can purchase it via the link on our website, LitUpPodcast.com Next week: The Tooch.
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Reeves Wiedeman on his obsessive viral article ‘The Spine Collector.’ Sep 21, 2021

For the past 5 years, a mysterious figure has been tricking agents, famous authors, book scouts, and other unwitting participants into sending them their precious manuscripts. New York Magazine writer Reeves Wiedeman began an obsessive, exhaustive to figure out who this person is. Angie and Reeves talk about the exhaustive work (and danger) that went into finding the spine collector, as well as his book Billion Dollar Loser, The Epic Rise and Spectacular Fall of Adam Neuman and Wework.
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Liz Plosser on mornings, routines, and working from home. Sep 14, 2021

With fall here in the US, and much of the world going in and out of lockdown, Angela is feeling like it’s a moment of transition, so she decided to talk to a friend and colleague for guidance. Liz Plosser is the Editor in Chief of Women’s Health, and she’s written a new book called Own Your Morning. Angie and Liz talk about changing routines, how your personal life can bring joy to your work zoom meeting, and how to survive working next to your partner. Let us know about your moment of transition on Twitter or Instagram @LitUpShow.
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Parker Posey on her friendship with Nora Ephron, acting with integrity and the past lives of dogs. Aug 31, 2021

Angie misses New York. Yes, she still lives there, but she's missing the beautiful chaos of life before the pandemic in New York. Maybe that's why she decided to share one of her favorite episodes with the quintessential New Yorker Parker Posey. If you're a lucky New Yorker, you saw her walking in the East Village, crossing the street in a turban or with her little dog Gracie. Back in 2019, before the pandemic, Angie and Parker got together at an energetic New York spot to talk about her memoir, You're on an Airplane, A Self-Mythologizing Memoir. They talk about Parker's upbringing, her artistic process, how she prepares for roles in films like Waiting For Guffman, Best In Show, and a lot more.
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Min Jin Lee on the history of Korean families in Japan (from 2017). Aug 24, 2021

For the next couple weeks, we’re going into the archives to give you some of our most requested episodes. This week, Angie talks with National Book Award Finalist Min Jin Lee about her smash novel Pachinko. It’s a timely conversation about complicated history and the experience of people who are persecuted where they live and have no choice but to flee. Next we’ll be revisiting Angela’s conversation with the one-and-only Parker Posey! Please tell your book-loving friends and family all about Lit Up.
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Katie Kitamura on the charismatic nature of power and her new novel, Intimacies. Aug 17, 2021

This week on the podcast, Angela speaks with Katie Kitamura, author of the new novel Intimacies. Katie and Angie talk about how novels become different things once they are written, what it’s like being married to a writer, and catching your students on YouTube. Katie's new novel, Intimacies, is available now and you can purchase via the link on our website, LitUpPodcast.com.
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Meredith Westgate on guarding what we share with those we love, and her new book The Shimmering State. Aug 10, 2021

This week on the podcast, Angela speaks with Meredith Westgate, author of the new novel The Shimmering State. Meredith and Angie talk about the pitfalls of sharing too much with your partner, the power dynamics in Hollywood for young women, and the power of dance. You can purchase Meredith's debut novel, The Shimmering State, via the link on our website, LitUpPodcast.com.
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Azareen Van Der Vliet Oloomi on how history lives in our bodies and the joy of riding horses. Aug 03, 2021

This week on the podcast, Angela speaks with Azareen Van Der Vliet Oloomi, author of Call me Zebra and her new novel Savage Tongues. Azareen tells Angie about traveling with healing in mind, how mothers and daughters speak to one another, and the way riding a horse makes her feel.
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Stephanie Danler on confronting the past and the value of gentleness. Jul 27, 2021

This week on the podcast, Angela speaks with Stephanie Danler, author of the best seller Sweetbitter and her new memoir Stray. Stephanie tells Angela about confronting her past, the dangers of magical thinking, and the value of gentleness. Stray is available now and you can purchase it via the link on our website, LitUpPodcast.com. Lit Up is a podcast from Sugar23. It's hosted by Angela Ledgerwood and produced by Liam Billingham. Mike Mayer and Michael Sugar are the executive producers. This week's episode was edited by Rebecca Seidel. The theme music is by Andrey Radovsky.
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Raven Leilani on art & failure, writing to her past self, and Six Flags. Jul 20, 2021

This week on the podcast, Angela speaks with Raven Leilani author of the award-winning book Luster. Raven tells Angie about her obsession with painting, writing as the act of speaking to your past self and failure being integral to making art. They also talk about Six Flags as a romantic destination. Luster is available now and you can purchase it via the link on our website, LitUpPodcast.com Lit Up is a podcast from Sugar23. It's hosted by Angela Ledgerwood and produced by Liam Billingham. Mike Mayer and Michael Sugar are the executive producers. This week's episode was edited by Rebecca Seidel. The theme music is by Andrey Radovsky.
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Lisa Taddeo on obsessions with mothers and the wisdom of French Actresses Jul 13, 2021

This week on the podcast, Angela speaks with Lisa Taddeo, author of the best-selling book Three Women and the new novel Animal. Angie and Lisa chat about being obsessed with their moms, jealousy between women, and the wisdom of French actresses. Lisa's book, Animal, is available now, and there's a link to purchase via our website, LitUpPodcast.com Lit Up is hosted by Angela Ledgerwood. It's produced by Liam Billingham. Mike Mayer and Michael Sugar are the executive producers. The theme music is by Andrey Radovksi.
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Laura Dave on finding out who someone really is and different ways to be a mother. Jun 29, 2021

This week on the podcast, Angela speaks with her friend Laura Dave, author of the best-selling book The Last Thing He Told Me. Angie and Laura talk about being the hero of your own story, writing to Bruce Springsteen songs, and how every book is a love letter. We're off next week, but we'll be back the week after! Have a great holiday weekend.
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Gabriela Garcia on Cuba, mothers and daughters, and the link between cigars and literature. Jun 22, 2021

This week on the podcast, Angela speaks with writer, poet, and immigrant justice organizer Gabriela Garcia, author of Of Women and Salt. Angie and Gabriela talk about the best intentions of mothers, machismo, and the importance of The Babysitter’s Club in Gabriela’s life. You can purchase Gabriela's book, Of Woman and Salt, via the link on our website, LitUpPodcast.com, and read more of her work at gabrielagarciawriter.com.
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Trent Preszler on the healing power of building a boat with your hands. Jun 15, 2021

This week on the podcast, Angela meets up IN PERSON with her friend Trent Preszler. He’s a winemaker, wooden boat builder, and author of the memoir Little and Often. Angie and Trent discuss what Trent learned about himself in the wake of his father’s passing, and how a beat up wooden toolbox changed his life. Little and Often is available now, and you can purchase it via the link on our website, LitUp Podcast.com. You can follow him on instagram @preszlerwoodshop. Lit Up is a Podcast from Sugar23. It is hosted by Angela Ledgerwood. The show is produced by Liam Billingham. Mike Mayer and Michael Sugar are the executive producers. The theme music is by Andrey Radovsky.
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Hala Alyan on family secrets and the charged history of the Middle East. Jun 08, 2021

This week on Lit Up, Angela welcomes poet, clinical psychologist and author Hala Alyan. Her new novel, The Arsonist’s City, is about a family spread between Lebanon and the US who come together after the death of their family’s patriarch. Angie and Hala talk about messy family dramas, the charged history of the Middle East, and how to cope in times of uncertainty. The Arsonist's City can be purchased via the link on our (new!) website, lituppodcast.com, and you can learn more about Hala and her writing at her website. Lit Up is a Podcast from Sugar23. It is hosted by Angela Ledgerwood. The show is produced by Liam Billingham. Mike Mayer and Michael Sugar are the executive producers. The theme music is by Andrey Radovsky.
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Clint Smith on Reckoning with the History of Slavery in America Jun 01, 2021

This week on the podcast, Angela welcomes Clint Smith, author of How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America. Clint shares stories about the places he visited and people he met on his mission to understand the legacy of slavery in the US. Angie and Clint also talk about the gift of poetry, how much we can learn about the past by talking to our elders, and, the best kind of jokes, according to his kids. How The Word is Passed is available now, and you can purchase it via the link on our website, LitUpPodcast.com. You can read more of Clint's writing at clintsmithiii.com and at the Atlantic, where is a staff writer. Lit Up is a Podcast from Sugar23. It is hosted by Angela Ledgerwood. The show is produced by Liam Billingham. Mike Mayer and Michael Sugar are the executive producers. The theme music is by Andrey Radovsky.
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Lauren Oyler on who we are on the internet. May 25, 2021

This week, Angela welcomes Lauren Oyler to the podcast. They talk about dumb ex-boyfriends, apocalyptic mindsets, and why depressing books make them feel in step with the world. They also talk about Lauren’s new book, Fake Accounts. Fake Accounts is available now, and you can purchase it via the link on our website, LitUpPodcast.com. You can learn more about Lauren's writing at laurenoyler.com and follow her on twitter @LaurenOyler. Lit Up is a Podcast from Sugar23. It is hosted by Angela Ledgerwood. The show is produced by Liam Billingham. Mike Mayer and Michael Sugar are the executive producers. The theme music is by Andrey Radovsky.
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Te-Ping Chen on funeral strippers, and her collection of short stories, Land of Big Numbers. May 18, 2021

On this week’s episode, Angie speaks with author and journalist Te-Ping Chen, whose collection of short stories about China, Land of Big Numbers, is available now. They talk about robots cutting your noodles, funeral strippers, and hotline girls. Te-Ping’s book The Land of Big Numbers is available now, and you can purchase it via the link on our website, LitUpPodcast.com. You can learn more about Te-Ping’s writing at te-pingchen.com and read her work in the Wall Street Journal. Lit Up is a Podcast from Sugar23. It is hosted by Angela Ledgerwood. This week’s episode was edited by Rebecca Seidel. The show is produced by Liam Billingham. Mike Mayer and Michael Sugar are the executive producers. The theme music is by Andrey Radovsky.
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Nadia Owusu on the healing power of a rocking chair and her new memoir, Aftershocks. May 11, 2021

On this week’s episode, Angie speaks with Nadia Owusu, the author of one of 2021’s most anticipated books, Aftershocks. Angie and Nadia talk about growing up all over the world, loving jazz, and the healing power of a rocking chair. Nadia's memoir, Aftershocks, is available now, and there's a link to purchase it on our website, LitUpPodcast.com. You can find more of her work at https://www.nadiaaowusu.com/ Lit Up is a Podcast from Sugar23. It is hosted by Angela Ledgerwood. The show is produced by Liam Billingham. Mike Mayer and Michael Sugar are the executive producers. The theme music is by Andrey Radovsky.
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Elizabeth Gilbert on why being honest is better than being good, and her novel CITY OF GIRLS. (From the Archive) May 04, 2021

Angie has been dancing in her apartment during covid. And her dancing reminded her of this convo from early 2020, before we were all stuck dancing in our apartments. On this episode, Angie speaks with Elizabeth Gilbert about dancing, becoming interesting, and why being honest is better than being good. Elizabeth's book, City of Girls, is available now, and there's a link to purchase it on our website, LitUpPodcast.com. You can find more of her work at https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/ Lit Up is a Podcast from Sugar23. It's hosted by Angela Ledgerwood. The show is produced by Liam Billingham. Mike Mayer and Michael Sugar are the executive producers. The theme music is by Andrey Radovsky.
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Jess Walter on the ‘She-Dog of Anarchy’ Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, and his new novel The Cold Millions. Apr 27, 2021

On this episode, Angie speaks with award-winning author Jess Walter about his novel, The Cold Millions, inspired by his grandfather’s years crisscrossing the west by train, searching for work. Angie and Jess talk about how to make the best Manhattan, wealth inequality in the Gilded Age, and why the history of organizing in Spokane, Washington resonates today. Jess' book, The Cold Millions, is available now, and there's a link to purchase it on our website, LitUpPodcast.com. You can find more of his work at JessWalter.com Lit Up is a Podcast from Sugar23. It is hosted by Angela Ledgerwood. The show is produced by Liam Billingham. Mike Mayer and Michael Sugar are the executive producers. The theme music is by Andrey Radovsky.
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Jen Silverman on the art of the post-scandal comeback and her novel, We Play Ourselves. Mar 31, 2021

On this episode, Angie speaks with Jen Silverman about her new novel, We Play Ourselves, inspired in-part by her own life as an award-winning playwright—minus the scandals! Angie and Jen talk about the blurred boundaries of a creative life, anger, why Jen draws sad pandas, and what lights her up. Jen's book, We Play Ourselves, is available now, and there's a link to purchase it on our website, LitUpPodcast.com. Follow Jen on Instagram @this_panda_is_sad. Lit Up is a Podcast from Sugar23. It's hosted by Angela Ledgerwood. The show is produced by Liam Billingham. Mike Mayer and Michael Sugar are the executive producers. The theme music is by Andrey Radovsky.
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Kaitlyn Greenidge on what freedom means in 2021 and her novel, Libertie. Mar 29, 2021

On this episode, Angie speaks with Kaitlyn Greenidge about her new novel, Libertie, inspired by the life of one of the first black female doctors in the United States. Angie and Kaitlyn talk about the complexity of mother daughter relationships, what the reconstruction era can teach us about 2021, and what lights Kaitlyn up. Kaitlyn's book Liberte is available March 30. There's a link to purchase it on our website, LitUpPodcast.com Lit Up is a Podcast from Sugar23. It's hosted by Angela Ledgerwood. The show is produced by Liam Billingham. Mike Mayer and Michael Sugar are the executive producers. The theme music is by Andrey Radovsky.
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From Sugar23, this is Lit Up. Mar 29, 2021

Join host Angela Ledgerwood as she chats to the authors she loves most about books, life, and what lights them up. Episodes every Tuesday!
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Christopher Bollen on writing likeable characters who do bad things Mar 26, 2021

The city of Venice is the key character in Christopher Bollen’s latest novel A Beautiful Crime. Christopher joins host Angela Ledgerwood to discuss the summer internship that brought him to Venice for the first time, exploring power dynamics in romantic & platonic relationships and how he writes likeable characters who do bad things.
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Alain de Botton on keeping love alive Dec 18, 2020

If you've ever been in love, had your heart broken, been in a relationship, or yearned for one, this week's episode is for you -- in other words, if you're a human, you'll benefit from listening to the wise words of world-renowned philosopher and writer Alain de Botton.
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Mira Jacob on drawing her family Dec 03, 2020

Exhausted by writing, Mira Jacob used illustration to explore themes of family, love and race in her graphic memoir Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations. She joins host Angela Ledgerwood to discuss her parents’ love story, teaching herself to draw and the idea that love is the opposite of racism.
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Veronica Roth on the consequences of fame Dec 03, 2020

Veronica Roth’s latest dystopian novel, Chosen Ones, explores the negative side of fame. Veronica joins host Angela Ledgerwood to discuss building dystopian worlds in her novels, being critiqued in the media and how the unexpected success of her first novel, Divergent, lead her to undergo therapy in her early 20’s.
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Kate Elizabeth Russell on power Apr 21, 2020

It took 18 years for Kate Elizabeth Russell to write her debut novel, My Dark Vanessa, about a student who falls in love with her teacher. She joins host Angela Ledgerwood to discuss power dynamics within relationships, consent and how the Me-Too Movement influenced her writing.
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Dolly Alderton on being comfortable being alone Feb 19, 2020

An 18-month break from dating forced UK journalist Dolly Alderton to learn to become comfortable being alone. Dolly discusses her debut book, Everything I Know About Love, with host Angela Ledgerwood, the intensity of female friendships and why her Australian therapist compared her to Donald Trump.
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Lauren Mechling on being out of Vogue Feb 04, 2020

Losing her job at Vogue forced Lauren Mechling to create a new identity for herself outside of work. Lauren joins host Angela Ledgerwood to discuss her latest novel ‘How Could She’, the impact working in magazines had on her writing and why she has an Instagram dedicated to clogs.
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Leslie Jamison on turning animals into characters Jan 14, 2020

A lonely whale named 52 Blue is a key character in Leslie Jamison’s new essay collection Make It Scream, Make It Burn. Leslie speaks with host Angela Ledgerwood about the different things the whale represented to her readers, the three themes she structured her essay collection around and where she gets her inspiration from.
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Jami Attenberg on dysfunctional families Dec 31, 2019

Moving to New Orleans gave Jami Attenberg a new perspective on her characters. Her latest novel, All This Could Be Yours, follows one dysfunctional family in New Orleans who are coming to terms with their secrets. Jami joins host Angela Ledgerwood to discuss finding ideas in unexpected places, calling out the male gaze and how all readers see themselves in her different characters.
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Vicki Laveau-Harvie on surviving her family Oct 30, 2019

All families are nuts, according Vicki Laveau-Harvie and there was no better place to explore her family's eccentricities than her Stella Award winning debut memoir The Erratics. Vicki talks with host Angela Ledgerwood about her experience growing up with, and escaping, a narcissistic mother and creating a new life for herself in France & Australia with her chosen family.
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Elaine Welteroth on having the perfect life Oct 16, 2019

The perfect life is different for everyone and what we all dream of but sometimes it isn’t everything we think it is. Elaine Welteroth lifts the veil on the perfect social media life in her new book More Than Enough: Claiming Space For Who You Are and talks about finding those little clues in your earlier life full of enthusiasm to help you on your journey to doing what you love.
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Courtney Maum on heeding your own instincts Oct 10, 2019

Addiction to technology is hard to get away from, but author Courtney Maum is taking a break from the internet and returns to talk about the preservation of art in her new book Costalegre with Host Angela Ledgerwood. Courtney talks about deep diving into an idea rather moving quickly from one to the next.
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Jia Tolentino on self-reflection Aug 07, 2019

Self reflection is one of the hardest things we can do to ourselves and Jia Tolentino covers this in her new book of essays Trick Mirror: Reflections of self delusion. Host Angela Ledgerwood talks with Jia on what inspires her essays and how we can learn to sit within the knowledge of things we've done in the past without changing ourselves.
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Kathleen Alcott on searching for America Aug 01, 2019

There were a lot of events that shaped America in the 1960’s – the Vietnam war, the first moon landing. Host Angela Ledgerwood talks with Kathleen on how she researched these events and the consequences of our actions for her new multi-generational novel – America was hard to find.
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Lisa Taddeo on the effects of past relationships Jul 24, 2019

Our past is made up of relationships, both good and bad, and these relationships shape who we are. Lisa Taddeo reveals to host Angela Ledgerwood the real-life experiences that inspired the three main characters of her new book, Three Women, and what she has learned about desire.
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Ocean Vuong on inheriting our values Jul 17, 2019

Ocean Vuong explores race, class and masculinity within his storytelling. Better known for his honest and beautiful poetry, Ocean speaks to host Angela Ledgerwood about his debut novel: On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, and the power of breaking the silence for those less fortunate.
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Elizabeth Gilbert on exploring our desires and sexual freedoms Jul 04, 2019

Eat. Pray. Love’s portrayal of the inner-struggles we deal with and the raw emotions that come with these struggles is part of what made her book hugely successful. Elizabeth shares with host Angela Ledgerwood how taking a deep dive into your own emotions and your own character and its’ flaws can help you form these relatable characters in books.
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Mickey Rapkin on writing a Hollywood hit Jun 19, 2019

Getting a publisher to agree to print a book about the world of acapella singing groups was not an easy task for Author Mickey Rapkin, but he stuck with it and this risk let to the hugely successful trilogy of Pitch Perfect films. Host Angela Ledgerwood speaks to Mickey about where he got the idea from, how slow the process is when transitioning a book to a film and why he has chosen children's' books as his latest writing challenge.
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Ceridwen Dovey on the privilege and vulnerability of being a young woman Jun 12, 2019

What does the relationships look like between an artist and their patron and what is expected of one from the other? Ceridwen Dovey speaks to host Angela Ledgerwood about the power, privilege and vulnerability of being a young, talented woman, how she found her voice as a writer and why she is exploring new voices.
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Stan Grant reflects on the privilege of nostalgia May 29, 2019

How does a country's history weigh on its' people? Journalist Stan Grant exiled himself from Australia in order to seek to understand Australia, what it means to be Australian and his own struggle for belonging and identity as an indigenous Australian man. Stan speaks to host Angela Ledgerwood about his book 'Australia Day,' the moment in his childhood that changed his outlook on the world, and why he believes philosophers hold the key to understanding culture.
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Monica Tan on understanding Australia May 15, 2019

A 30,000km trip around Australia was the journey Monica Tan took to discover who she was in relation to the country she lived in, Australia. From the role Chinese Australians played in colonisation to segregation in Australia in the 70s and how Australia history is taught now, Monica's novel Strange Country explores all facets of Monica's identity as a Australian Born Chinese person and she shares what she has learned with host Angela Ledgerwood.
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Bret Easton Ellis on the danger of so-called thought-crime May 08, 2019

Presenting an avatar of virtuousness online instead of presenting your real self is a danger to exploring the nuances of life and how people think, and that's what Bret Easton Ellis calls out in his first non-fiction book White. Bret explores the fame that he gained from American Psycho with host Angela Ledgerwood and how it informed his understanding of people as well as the narrative media build around celebrities. He also discusses why he believes that novels lead to a greater understanding of people than what you can get from their 'real life' on social media.
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Taylor Jenkins Reid on women not aspiring to be merely the muse May 01, 2019

In the novel Daisy Jones & The Six, Taylor Jenkins Reid wanted to build a female character who was not conditioned to be pleasing and likeable and would react and say things that Taylor could never say herself. Taylor chats to host Angela Ledgerwood about how important female friendships build the frameworks for relationships and how some people enjoy the feeling of shame and self-sabotage.
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Hermione Hoby is seeking to understand people Apr 24, 2019

In a world of click bait and jarring headlines journalist Hermione Hoby believes that the key to empathy and connection is in reading novels and getting the entire character of a person in order to understand their actions. Hermione speaks to host Angela Ledgerwood about her debut novel Neon in Daylight, the boundaries to searching for someone's humanity and the strange world of dialling up your specific fantasies through craigslist.
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Trent Dalton on what makes a good man Apr 17, 2019

Finding meaning in sadness, defining the different types of love and looking at the complexities of masculinity, are the overarching themes in Trent Dalton's novel, Boy Swallows Universe. Trent shares with host Angela Ledgerwood how he used this book to put a positive spin on some of the sadness of his past and how he used his character, Eli, to explore what a do-over on his life would have looked like.
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Natalka Burian on writing about family dynamics Apr 10, 2019

Through her book 'Welcome to the Slipstream' Natalka explores how sickness can complicate family dynamics. She discusses with host Angela Ledgerwood the freedom she found in placing her characters in the Nevada dessert, why she co-founded her feminist fundraising reading series The Freya Project and how the advice of her grandmother set her up for who she is today.
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Sheila Heti on the ties between female identity and motherhood Apr 03, 2019

Is it desire, duty or expectation that leads someone to become a mother? This is the question Sheila Heti explores in her book Motherhood. Sheila discusses the ties between the female identity and motherhood with host Angela Ledgerwood, as well as her theory as to why female artists seem to get a pass for being child-less when women in other professions don’t.
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Mary Gabriel on placing females artists back into art history Mar 27, 2019

Art historian Mary Gabriel has re-written history to include the incredible women who changed modern art in her book ‘9th street women.’ Mary tells host Angela Ledgerwood how the idea for the book arose out of a conversation she had with painter Grace Hartigan 30 years ago. Mary dispels a lot of the misconceptions around the rivalry of female artists during the male-dominated world of twentieth-century abstract painting.
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Rachel Kushner on Understanding Stalkers Mar 20, 2019

Rachel Kushner's existing relationships with people in the American penal system led to an understanding of, and sympathy for, the people involved in prison life, from workers to inmates. Rachel chats to Angela Ledgerwood about how she came to understand people's 'logic' surrounding murders they'd committed and how stalkers perceive their stalking actions and how this informed the writing of her book 'The Mars Room.'
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Kerry O'Brien on the importance of investing in journalism Mar 13, 2019

Six-time Walkley Award winner Kerry O'Brien has worked in newspapers, television and the wire service as a journalist. Having been at the helm of Australian news programs This Day Tonight, Four Corners, Lateline and the 7.30 Report for 15 years, Kerry shares with host Angela Ledgerwood who his favourite interviewees were and how to spot a good story. Having turned his journalistic eye on his own life, Kerry discusses his memoir 'Kerry O'Brien, A Memoir' and why he fears for the future of investigative journalism.
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Courtney Maum on the importance of touch Mar 06, 2019

What does touching look like in the future or do people even touch? In her book 'Touch', Courtney Maum looks to a world where romantic touching and spontaneous touch don't happen anymore and discusses, with host Angela Ledgerwood, the issues that touch deprivation can cause amongst people and how our body language skills are getting rusty because of social media.
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Lucie Greene on forecasting desire through data Feb 27, 2019

Are 'Big Tech' companies taking over governmental roles? The birth of technology as a consumer project and the value of the data we freely give away is at the heart of what Lucie Greene's ‘Silicone States’ is about. Lucie speaks to host Angela Ledgerwood about the conscious expectations we have of tech companies and how our reliance on these companies is effecting government services.
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Georgia Clark on representing someone else's experience Feb 20, 2019

Research is key for author, performer and screenwriter Georgia Clark when writing characters that represent an experience that she has not had herself. Georgia speaks to host Angela Ledgerwood about her book 'The Bucket List' and the importance of respecting your friends and of having a strong support system around you.
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Olivia Laing and dealing with the contradictions of the world Feb 13, 2019

Olivia Laing's agitation about the political events of 2017 led her to keep a diary that became the basis for her novel Crudo. In it she becomes a hybrid of h2erself and late author Kathy Acker as topics that were relevant in the 80s crop up again in the modern day like Nazism, body-autonomy and hyper-violence. Olivia discusses with host Angela Ledgerwood her difficulty in reconciling the fact that the pain of others can co-exist alongside the minor pleasures you take from life.
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R.O. Kwon and the cult of religion Feb 06, 2019

Getting rid of distractions and daily choices like what to eat and what to wear helped R.O. Kwon focus on her debut novel, The Incendiaries. This novel took her 10 years to write and she shares with Angela Ledgerwood how changes in her personal life, her stance on religion and her obsession with cults all found it's way into the final evolution of the novel.
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Rebecca Traister and the positive power of female rage Jan 30, 2019

Journalist Rebecca Traister writes about women in politics, media, and entertainment from a feminist perspective. Rebecca catches up with host Angela Ledgerwood to speak about her book 'Good and Mad' and how women's rage is portrayed negatively even though it is often the catalyst for big social change and movements.
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Glory Edim on representation in literature Jan 23, 2019

When did you first see yourself in the character of a book? Glory Edim speaks to host Angela Ledgerwood about her book Well-Read Black Girl and the importance of being represented in literature. Glory started her Instagram and Brooklyn-based book club, Well-Read Black Girl, to celebrate the uniqueness of Black literature and sisterhood. Now, having established a literature festival of the same name, her goal is to the expand the definition of what it means to be 'well-read' and to showcase the universality of Black women through literature.
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James Frey wants to burn the world down Jan 16, 2019

*Explicit language warning* Controversial American author James Frey doesn't care if he enrages you or breaks your heart, as long as his writing makes you feel something. James speaks to host Angela Ledgerwood about using his book, Katerina, to examine his past and what could have been.
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Ingrid Fetell Lee and the aesthetics of Joy Jan 09, 2019

Design affects our health and happiness whether it be in our home, work or our natural surroundings. Designer an author of Joyful - The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness, Ingrid Fetell Lee, speaks to host Angela Ledgerwood about how to inject joy into your everyday surroundings.
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Parker Posey compares acting to writing Jan 02, 2019

The solitary life of a writer. Actor Parker Posey chats to host Angela Ledgerwood about how her dog, Gracie, got her through the tough times when she was writing her memoir, ‘You’re on an Airplane,’ and the similarities between researching an acting role and writing.
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Meg Mason on Motherhood's effect on her writing Dec 26, 2018

The loneliness of motherhood is the theme explored by Aussie author and journalist Meg Mason in her novel You Be Mother. Meg chats to friend and Lit Up host Angela Ledgerwood about how she uses the characters in her books to examine complicated family dynamics and the struggles she experienced when becoming a mother in her early 20s.
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Neil Gaiman and Norse Gods Dec 19, 2018

Comic books, graphic novels, films and audio theatre...English author Neil Gaiman has done it all! Gaiman discusses his novel, American Gods, with Lit Up host Angela Ledgerwood. As well as, what Norse Gods taught him about modern humanity and some handy tips for designing your own religion.
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Caitlin Moran on sexual shame and gender boundaries Dec 11, 2018

British journalist and author Caitlin Moran chats to host Angela Ledgerwood about her book 'How to be Famous.' Caitlin calls on men to break down gender boundaries and to start their own equivalent of feminism and suggests how women can take back the power when it comes to sexual shame.
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Ann Patchett on opening up in fiction Jul 22, 2018

Ann Patchett joins Angie from Nashville to discuss her not-to-be-missed novel, Commonwealth.
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Max Porter on love through grief Jul 22, 2018

Max Porter joins Angie to discuss his first novel, Grief Is the Thing with Feathers.
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Jennifer Egan on Manhattan Beach, gangsters and following her instincts Jul 22, 2018

Angie talks to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jennifer Egan about her latest novel "Manhattan Beach," which was 15 years in the making. They also talk about Jennifer's first solo European trip that helped forged her writing life, her intensive research for the book, and much more.
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Karl Ove Knausgaard on fate, shame, prolonging pleasure, and iconic memories Jul 22, 2018

Karl Ove Knausgaard, best known for his six-volume sensation My Struggle, talks to Angie about his new book, Autumn, addressed to his unborn daughter and the first in a quartet based on the four seasons.
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Min Jin Lee on the history of Korean families in Japan Jul 22, 2018

This week, Angela sits down with author of Free Food for Millionaires, Min Jin Lee, to discuss her newest novel, Pachinko.
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Maria Semple on friendship, city living, and coping mechanisms Jul 22, 2018

Angela and best-selling author, Maria Semple, sit down and discuss her new book, Today Will Be Different.
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Trevor Noah live at NeueHouse Jul 22, 2018

Trevor Noah, host of the Daily Show, joins Angie to discuss his newly released memoir, Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood. It was a packed room at NeueHouse and an incredibly timely conversation in this era of post-election confusion.
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The way forward with Lidia Yuknavitch Jul 22, 2018

In a particularly emotional episode, Lidia Yuknavitch joins Angela to discuss all of her work, which blurs the lines between fiction and non-fiction.
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Viet Thanh Nguyen on the Vietnamese-American refugee experience Jul 22, 2018

Last year's Pulitzer Prize winner Viet Thanh Nguyen, joined us to talk about the renowned collection of stories that took him nearly two decades to perfect: The Refugees. Throughout the stories, Viet gives voice to the Vietnamese communities in Southern California (where he grew up) and to those living in the country he fled. In 1975, he and his family came to The United States as refugees in the wake of the Vietnam War. His debut novel, The Sympathizer, winner of last year's Pulitzer Prize, revisited the conflict that changed the trajectory of his life and inserted a much-needed Vietnamese perspective to the largely American-driven narrative.
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Claire Messud on long-lost friendships Jul 22, 2018

Claire Messud and Angie talk about her new novel "The Burning Girl," as well as Claire's childhood years in Australia, and how childhood friendships can haunt and define us.
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The ever introspective Mary Louise Parker Jul 22, 2018

Sometimes, rarely, you meet someone whose energy radiates and fills the whole room. Mary Louise Parker is that person. She joins Angie to discuss her gorgeous first book, Dear Mr. You.
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Salman Rushdie on how life is Stranger Than Fiction Jul 22, 2018

Angie sits down with Salman Rushdie at Random House’s “Off the Page” event to talk about his new novel “The Golden House,” the chaos of Trump’s America, and how he scored a role on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
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Maggie Nelson reflects on her work Jul 22, 2018

Maggie Nelson joins Angie to discuss her work, including The Argonauts and The Red Parts.
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Stephanie Danler on coming of age in NYC Jul 22, 2018

Stephanie Dandler and Angie sit down to discuss her novel Sweetbitter
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Tom Perrotta on porn addiction, suburban America and exploring gender norms Jul 22, 2018

Tom Perrotta, the author of Election, Little Children and The Leftovers talks to Angie about his latest novel Mrs. Fletcher, which explores sexuality in America, empty nest syndrome and the universal longing for human connection.
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Samantha Irby on intentional dating, epic sexual mishaps and redefining family Jul 22, 2018

Irby's raw and relatable book of essays "We Are Never Meeting in Real Life" will make you LOL for real. Irby shares her hilarious application to be a contestant on The Bachelorette, the life lessons she learned from her 14 years at the animal hospital, and what she's willing to do for love.
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Esther Perel on rethinking infidelity Jul 22, 2018

Psychotherapist Esther Perel joins Angie to talk about her latest book "The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity," the provocative follow up to her New York Timesbest-seller "Mating in Captivity." This conversation, like Esther's book, will no doubt push some buttons and leave you questioning--and perhaps rethinking--the boundaries of your romantic relationships!
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Jami Attenberg on being a woman in NYC and finding success Jul 22, 2018

Angela sits down with Jami Attenberg to chat about her newest novel, "All Grown Up".
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Mohsin Hamid on immigration, life in Pakistan, and Donald Trump Jul 22, 2018

Angela sits down with Mohsin Hamid to discuss his newest novel, "Exit West."
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The inimitable roxane gay Jul 22, 2018

Prolific writer Roxane Gay joins Angie to discuss her collection of short stories, Difficult Women; Madonna; and her forthcoming book, Hunger.
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