The National Writers Series Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Gillian Flynn, Author of "Gone Girl" (2013) Apr 27, 2021

Show notes

This week's episode sees us looking back to April 2013 when we welcomed bestselling author Gillian Flynn to the NWS Stage. Flynn joined us for a discussion with NWS co-founder Doug Stanton a year after the release of her breakout novel, Gone Girl (and a year before the release of the David Fincher-directed film based on the book).

During a wide-ranging conversation in front of a sell-out crowd, Flynn and Stanton chatted about the difficulties of leading an "authentic life" in a media-heavy age, the perks of being a Midwesterner living in New York, and her history displaying Honey Baked Hams...

"Living Legend" Nikki Giovanni, author of "Chasing Utopia" (2013) Apr 20, 2021

Show notes

April is National Poetry Month, and we're celebrating with this week’s episode featuring one of America’s most celebrated modern poets: Nikki Giovanni.

The National Writers Series has been graced by Giovanni’s presence twice over the years – once in 2018 to discuss her book A Good Cry, and for this conversation in 2013, just before the release of Chasing Utopia: A Hybrid, one part memoir, one part book of poetry.

Giovanni has also authored many other works of poetry, nonfiction, and children’s literature over her decades-long career, and earned accolades including being named “Woman of the Year” by multiple major magazines and one of Oprah Winfrey’s “Living Legends.” Our episode today is guest-hosted by Leigh Haber, books editor at O, The Oprah Magazine.

Our episode begins with a look back at Giovanni’s childhood neighborhood in late 60’s Harlem, where she counted musical and theatrical luminaries like Morgan Freeman, Eugene McDaniels, Cornell Dupree, and Sidney Poitier as her neighbors…

Diane Rehm, NPR Host and author of "When My Time Comes" (2021) Apr 13, 2021

Show notes

One of the most beloved NPR hosts of all time, Diane Rehm, joined the National Writers Series in February 2021 to discuss her book, When My Time Comes. The book sprang out of the interviews she conducted for her documentary film about Medical Aid in Dying of the same name. Our event was an illuminating talk that opens up a subject that no one really wants to talk about: death.

As her documentary is coming out on PBS this month, we thought it was a great time to revisit this extensive conversation about the controversial topic, expertly guest hosted by Cynthia Canty. From how to have an uncomfortable conversation about end-of-life issues, to death cafes, to what states are working towards legalizing the practice, to how the last two decades have been for states where it's allowed, we cover as much as we can about this important topic.

Mitch Albom, author of "Have a Little Faith" and "Tuesdays With Morrie" (2011) Apr 06, 2021

Show notes

For this week's podcast, we're looking back to one of our first National Writers Series conversations ever, featuring author and Detroit Free Press columnist Mitch Albom. This conversation took place in April 2011 - exactly one decade ago - and iit's the first of three conversations Albom has held with the NWS over the years.

In this conversation, NWS co-founder Doug Stanton talks with Albom a few days after the paperback release of his fourth (non-sports) book, Have A Little Faith. They talked about Albom's experiences writing the autobiography of Bo Schembechler, the genesis of his hugely-successful Tuesdays With Morrie, and the feeling of victory when you make a reader cry...