Get Lit Podcast
319 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 38 ratings"Welcome back to Get Lit, the literary podcast where we discuss famous works of literature and the authors who wrote them..."
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Episodes
Get Lit Episode 264: The Literary Ladies of London (LIVE!)
April 17, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 52.7 MBRecording from The Pile Bookstore in Berwyn, IL, we're delighted to bring you some fabulous adventures across time and London! Featuring the experiences of six different female authors, we examine this literary pilgrimage through the lens of these extraordinary ladies. Jon brings us some tea time trivialities and there's plenty of fun to be had! Join us, LIVE!
Episode 263: Sinclair Lewis
April 10, 2024 13:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MBIt's our 5th birthday and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than with the legacy of Sinclair Lewis! And to have Dan Esquivel on as our guest host! Lewis was the first American author to win the Nobel Prize for literature, along with 1.5 (ish - we'll explain...) Pulitzer Prizes. He held up a mirror to American society, writing novels and stories that helped us consider our values with his signature unflinching prose. Join us to celebrate this extraordinary author and our momentou...
Get Lit Episode 262: Beckett Nororris Jr. (An April Fool's Day Special)
April 03, 2024 01:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBSince we recorded on April Fool's Day, it seems only natural to pull a bit of a prank to get in the spirit of the thing! Steph and Jack whip up an episode about an entirely fake author who just happens to have lived a very similar life to host, Jon. He catches on... eventually... We share a list of literary pranksters and the theorized literary origins behind April Fool's Day! Join us for a bit of fun as we pull on over on Jon!
Get Lit Episode 261: Elizabeth von Arnim
March 27, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 45 MBThis week, Jack takes over hosting to tell Jon about Elizabeth von Arnim! This British author led a very storied life that took her across the world. She wrote 22 novels, mostly anonymous during the course of her life and pulled from various creative concepts and personal sources to develop her original voice. Did we mention she's also a countess? Multiple times?
Get Lit Episode 260: Margaret Fuller
March 20, 2024 14:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBWomen's History Month continues with Margaret Fuller! This extraordinary woman is considered by many to be the model of early feminist scholarship, writing about issues including independence, suffrage, and autonomy. Her work laid the foundation in many ways for other later thinkers during her time and today. She lived a powerful, passionate but tragically brief life. Celebrate her legacy with us this week!
Get Lit Episode 259: Marianne Moore
March 13, 2024 13:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBOur celebration of Women's History Month continues with Modernist poet Marianne Moore! Her life was varied and storied as she made her way from the the Midwest to the East Coast and through poetry, prose, and criticism. She surrounded herself with colorful characters as she explored the new landscape of American poetry, mentoring and inspiring the likes of William Carlos Williams, Elizabeth Bishop, and H.D! Also featuring tricorn hats, bathtub dinners, and children's books come to life!
Get Lit Episode 258: Eva Ibbotson
March 06, 2024 04:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBEva Ibbotson kicks off our celebration of Women's History Month! Ibbotson escaped the Nazi occupation, worked as a translator, and published her first novel at the age of 50! She shakes the conventions of the 'traditional' author path and forged her own way forward in the world of literature. She was known for her cheeky, witty humor, and delightfully whimsical characters, but has a legacy that extends far beyond this! Join us overseas this week and learn more about her life and work!
Get Lit Episode 257: Chester Himes
February 28, 2024 03:00 - 47 minutes - 32.3 MBMeet the extraordinary author behind the Black detective novel genre, Chester Himes! Himes lived a very colorful life that informed his work and his perspectives. He worked actively to combat racism and lived courageously, never afraid to start over or change course. His legacy transcends genres, continents, and time.
Get Lit Episode 256: Dr. Anna J. Cooper
February 21, 2024 03:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MBThis week, join us to reflect on the legacy of Dr. Anna J. Cooper! Cooper was an extraordinary activist, educator, author, speaker, and philosopher who made a significant difference in the lives of every community she was part of. Her legacy extends beyond her written work, but lives on in all of those she taught and those who got to know her work! She advocated for the rights of Black Americans, her students, women, and was an early advocate of the intersectional identities. Did we mention...
Get Lit Episode 255: A Literary History of Valentine's Day
February 14, 2024 04:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBIt's a Valentine's Day Special! We're exploring the literary ties to Valentine's Day dating all the way back to the 1300's! We cover Geoffrey Chaucer's contributions to the holiday, the origins of the Valentine's Day card, some strange Victorian love poetry, vinegar valentines, the language of flowers, and more! Regardless of the nature of your celebrations, we hope you enjoy a new look through a literary lens at this holiday!
Get Lit Episode 254: Pauline Hopkins
February 07, 2024 04:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MBThis week, Jon reports on Pauline Hopkins, a essential Black author whose legacy has gone largely neglected. She was a prolific activist, advocate, and author. She wrote in multiple genres including novels, short stories, plays and musicals, articles, and more to help bring an empathetic light to the lives of the communities around her. Join us for a look at her life and works, along with a rather unconventional celebration of President's Day!
Get Lit Episode 253: Mary Oliver (Revisited)
January 31, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour - 45.6 MBOn this week's episode, to honor the 5th anniversary of Mary Oliver's death, we revisit her remarkable life. Oliver's poetry reflected an exquisite relationship with the natural world and the spiritual one, simultaneously challenging and celebratory. Her words have inspired generations of readers to spend time examining their lives, urgently, in appreciation for all that lies within them. We reflect on her work, her life, and her impact and invite you to do the same with joy and curiosity!
Get Lit Episode 252 (LIVE!): Upton Sinclair
January 24, 2024 04:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBThis week, we're coming to you LIVE from Sandmeyer's Bookstore in downtown Chicago! We're bringing you the biography of Upton Sinclair who used his pen to join and inspire the revolutions that echoed around the world during his lifetime. We round out this episode with a delightful trivia game that will help open up all kinds of future conversations! Join us in the Jungle, from wherever you are!
Get Lit Episode 251: Ezra Jack Keats
January 17, 2024 15:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBIn celebration of the very snowy Midwestern day, we're honoring the pioneering legacy of Ezra Jack Keats! Keats was a renowned author and illustrator of dozens of children's books, perhaps most notably, The Snowy Day. He worked to ensure his books featured children from all backgrounds, as they deserved to see themselves: as the heroes! Join us for this very charming celebration of children's literature!
Get Lit Episode 250: Katherine Mansfield
January 10, 2024 13:00 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MBThis week, we're featuring Katherine Mansfield, a globe-trotting writer from New Zealand with an incredible legacy. Her work was as vibrant as her writing, and her authentic sense of self inspired those around her and future generations. Jon is also here to provide some gentle parenting advice!
Get Lit Episode 249: Harriet Monroe
January 03, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MBHappy 2024! We're kicking off this new year with Chicago poet and the Defender of the American poet and the art form: Harriet Monroe! Monroe used her power and position to secure the value of poetry in American culture, while also supporting the careers of dozens of iconic poets. Establishing what we now know as Poetry Magazine, Monroe's efforts have changed the way we understand and experience poetry! We also celebrate Public Domain Day and the new works that entered the Public Domain on Ja...
Get Lit Episode 248: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
December 27, 2023 04:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBJust in time for the New Year, we're featuring an author who might inspire us to chase new dreams and adventures: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry! de Saint-Exupéry wrote, most famously, The Little Prince! His other novels and journalistic work covers aviation and adventure from all angles. His work shaped generations of old and young readers alike, inspiring questions and curiosity, along with his rather mysterious death. Join us, but don't forget your flight jacket and helmet!
Get Lit Presents: A Christmas Carol - Stave Four
December 22, 2023 06:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBWe're delighted to present our first audiobook recording! Join Steph, Jon, Jack, and other special guests as we read Charles Dickens classic novel, 'A Christmas Carol'. We'll be releasing a new stave each Friday in December. Listen along, or save it all for a big listen on Christmas! No humbug about it!
Get Lit Presents: A Christmas Carol - Stave Five
December 22, 2023 06:00 - 14 minutes - 9.68 MBWe're delighted to present our first audiobook recording! Join Steph, Jon, Jack, and other special guests as we read Charles Dickens classic novel, 'A Christmas Carol'. We'll be releasing a new stave each Friday in December. Listen along, or save it all for a big listen on Christmas! No humbug about it!
Get Lit Episode 247: Betty Smith
December 20, 2023 04:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBWe don't have to go out on a limb to say that you're in for a real tree-t this week! We're featuring Betty Smith, author of 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,' among many other plays, novels, and articles! You won't be-leaf some of the stories we're going to share, but they all stem from her extraordinary life! So, branch out and learn something new about this wonderful author!
Get Lit Presents: A Christmas Carol - Stave Three
December 15, 2023 07:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBWe're delighted to present our first audiobook recording! Join Steph, Jon, Jack, and other special guests as we read Charles Dickens classic novel, 'A Christmas Carol'. We'll be releasing a new stave each Friday in December. Listen along, or save it all for a big listen on Christmas! No humbug about it!
Get Lit Episode 246: Charles Dickens & The Writing of A Christmas Carol
December 13, 2023 06:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MBInspired by the release of our audiobook, we're taking a deep dive into Charles Dickens' process writing A Christmas Carol this week! Learn more about the context of the time in which the book was written, why it was written, and the legacy it leaves 180 years later! If you love this classic, you'll love this episode! If not, Bah! Humbug! We'll be back to our regularly scheduled author content next week!
Get Lit Presents: A Christmas Carol - Stave Two
December 08, 2023 06:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBWe're delighted to present our first audiobook recording! Join Steph, Jon, Jack, and other special guests as we read Charles Dickens classic novel, 'A Christmas Carol'. We'll be releasing a new stave each Friday in December. Listen along, or save it all for a big listen on Christmas! No humbug about it!
Get Lit Episode 245: Nellie Bly
December 06, 2023 04:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MBThis week, we're covering the miraculous Nellie Bly! An exceptional journalist who traveled the world (in less than 80 days!), Bly used her skills to help change the lives of women, working class people, children, and other marginalized folks. She was a tireless advocate and the definition of 'courageous'. Join us in exploring her legacy and get the information for our next LIVE show in January!
Get Lit Presents: A Christmas Carol - Stave One
December 01, 2023 04:00 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MBWe're delighted to present our first audiobook recording! Join Steph, Jon, Jack, and other special guests as we read Charles Dickens classic novel, 'A Christmas Carol'. We'll be releasing a new stave each Friday in December. Listen along, or save it all for a big listen on Christmas! No humbug about it!
Get a Little Lit Episode 7: Stunt Girls
November 30, 2023 07:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBThis month, learn about the extraordinary women who revolutionized journalism and women's roles in print: The Stunt Girls. These journalists went undercover to uncover the corruption in government agencies, schools, hospitals and more, putting their lives at risk to effect change. This is a little episode that covers women who made a big difference - don't miss it!
Get Lit Episode 244: James Welch
November 29, 2023 05:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBThis week, we're profiling James Welch - an extraordinary Indigenous poet and author who grounded his works in a sense of place. Welch used his experiences to examine the tensions in identity, explore the meaning of space, and create thoughtful reexaminations of history. Join us to learn more about this Montana author, and get a few recommendations for the perfect holiday gifts for the book lover in your life!
Get Lit Episode 243: Diane Burns
November 22, 2023 07:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBThis week, we're back to our regularly scheduled programming - Steph and Jon discuss the life of Indigenous poet, activist, performer, model, and mother, Diane Burns. Burns was an integral part of the Lower East Side Poetry scene (and beyond!) and created work that helped her explore her identity and her challenges with it. We also share a complex, compelling news update AND announce our latest special, just for the holiday season!
Get Lit Episode 242: Jim Northrup
November 15, 2023 14:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBIn a Get Lit first, Jon hosts and is joined by Dan to tell us all about columnist, poet, performer, and activist Jim Northrup! They explore his legacy and the work he did to create change for his community and advocate across the US. Special guest appearance by Sondheim also!
Get Lit Episode 241: E. Pauline Johnson
November 08, 2023 05:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MBUp this week: E. Pauline Johnson! This extraordinary Canadian poetess used her writing to explore her own identity and was vulnerable and courageous enough to share it with the wider public. Her heritage and talents shaped Canadian literature as we know it and provided a glimpse into perspectives that many people might have never been able to understand.
Get Lit Episode 240: Alfred Hitchcock
November 01, 2023 04:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBHappy Halloween, Listeners! This week, we take on the legacy of Alfred Hitchcock, creator and vision behind so much of the suspense, horror, and fear of things that go 'bump' in the night that haunt our minds and chill our hearts! Hitchcock's controversial legacy is worth examining, alongside his art. So join us, but perhaps leave the lights on, just in case!
Get A Little Lit Episode 6: Ghost Books, Poison Books, And Ouija Boards, Oh My!
October 31, 2023 17:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBThis month's Get a Little Lit features books poisoned by arsenic, books meant to debunk ghost rumors, AND a new way to 'read' with spirits! Join us for a lightly spooky episode to celebrate Halloween!
Get Lit Episode 239: Vernon Lee
October 25, 2023 04:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBThis week, we continue our foray into psychological horror and ghost story writers with Vernon Lee. This queer icon wrote a number of works, spanning multiple genres including travel fiction, and non, essays, articles, and of course, ghost stories. Arriving on the literary scene with a flash, her work and aesthetic theories had everyone talking - including the spirits in the walls at times!
Get Lit Episode 238: Daphne du Maurier
October 18, 2023 03:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBWe're all back! This week, we examine another master of horror fiction: Daphne du Maurier! du Maurier is known for the iconic, haunting novel Rebecca. BUT she also wrote the author of the short story, 'The Birds' which would later serve as the inspiration for Alfred Hitchcock's film of the same name! Join the flock with us as we fly forward through our spooky features!
Get Lit Episode 237: Henry James
October 11, 2023 03:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBThe oft requested Henry James is our subject this episode, with guest host, Dan Esquivel! James is widely considered a deeply important American author, despite living most of his adult life abroad. His novels and stories explore the psychological states of his characters, and he considered himself a writer of ghost stories (notably in The Turn of the Screw). Join us as we kick off a month of haunts, horror, and happenings at Get Lit!
Get Lit Episode 236: Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard
October 04, 2023 03:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBThis week, Jack takes over hosting to present the story of Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard! This incredible activist used her writing and meticulous notes to document abuses against women and people admitted to asylums. Join us as we explore her life and legacy while Jon galavants around France.
Get Lit Episode 235: Anita Loos
September 27, 2023 02:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBThis week, we're featuring Anita Loos, screenwriter, novelist, playwright, and F. Scott Fitzgerald's replacement! That's right. Loos is most well known for her novel Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and the film that followed! But did you also know she was responsible for completing multiple screenplays that Fitzgerald was unable to make work? Join us as we explore the remarkable life of this Hollywood/Broadway/Showbiz legend!
Get a Little Lit Episode 5: Primers & Early Textbooks
September 22, 2023 12:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBEver wonder when American schools started using textbooks? Curious as to why and how they shaped our education system? Have a burning desire to learn more about early textbook company monopolies? Then do we have a Little Lit episode for you! Join us to explore the answers to all these questions and more in this month's Get a Little Lit episode!
Get Lit Episode 234: F. Scott Fitzgerald (revisited)
September 20, 2023 04:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MBCan’t repeat the past? Why of course you can! This week on Get Lit, we’re revisiting our favorite Old Sport, and author of The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald! Join us for a deep(er) dive into this iconic author as we unpack the myths and legends that surrounded his life, searching for the proverbial green light amidst the chaos of the 1920's and beyond.
Get Lit Episode 233: Printer's Row Lit Fest 2023 - Sunday
September 13, 2023 04:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MBThis week, instead of Steph and Jon discussing just one author, we heard from our lovely listeners about hundreds more! Printers Row Lit Fest 2023 was an absolute delight — we asked you to tell us about your favorite books, authors you would take to dinner, and some literary hot takes. Some were even brave enough to answer some literary trivia! Hear the voices of Printers Row Lit Fest in this eclectic two part series! Looking for your response? This episode covers all responses from Sunday!
Get Lit Episode 232: Printer's Row Lit Fest 2023 - Saturday
September 13, 2023 04:00 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MBThis week, instead of Steph and Jon discussing just one author, we heard from our lovely listeners about hundreds more! Printers Row Lit Fest 2023 was an absolute delight — we asked you to tell us about your favorite books, authors you would take to dinner, and some literary hot takes. Some were even brave enough to answer some literary trivia! Hear the voices of Printers Row Lit Fest in this eclectic two part series! Looking for your response? This episode covers all responses from Saturday!
Get Lit Episode 231: May Swenson
September 06, 2023 02:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MBWe're gearing up for lit fest this week! Join us for a beautiful biography of American poet May Swenson, a literary philosophy update, and some classic literary trivia selected and read by our co-co-host, Jack! Learn about all sorts of new ideas in this episode from Swenson on writing, poetry, and living, along with exploring the 'sacred' nature of the recurring text!
Get Lit Episode 230: Émile Zola
August 30, 2023 03:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBLooking for a bit more chaos this week? Add Émile Zola's life to your list then! This French author created political stirs with his writing throughout his life, particularly regarding the Dreyfus Affair. His novels, essays, plays, and other writings span decades along with the lore, speculation, and conspiracy theories around his death. Join us for an adventure across Europe with this twice Nobel-prize nominated and lost author!
Get Lit Episode 229: Harold Pinter
August 23, 2023 02:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MBThis week, we're featuring playwright/actor Harold Pinter and joined by Pinter enthusiast and literature teacher, Brian Hardie! Stories abound as we cover this prolific playwright, his theatre career, political endeavors, and more. Head across the Atlantic with us for this .... .... .... .... riveting... episode!
Get Lit Episode 228: William Golding
August 16, 2023 02:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBJust in time for the school year, we're profiling Lord of the Flies author William Golding! Join us and learn more about this curious author and the even more curious inspirations for his works! We're also going to crash land in an exploration of processing war through literature and the wild circumstances around the 1960's film version of his first novel!
Get a Little Lit Episode 4: A Brief History of Pencils
August 14, 2023 03:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBWe've got a back-to-school special episode for you this week: A Brief History of Pencils! We're investigating the origins of this very humble utensil and answering all the questions you never asked! Why are they called 'Number 2' pencils? What's that metal thing at the end called? How is Henry David Thoreau connected to all this? Find out in this month's Get a Little Lit episode!
Get Lit Episode 227: Ida B. Wells
August 09, 2023 03:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBWe're kicking off our series celebrating authors who were also teachers with Ida B. Wells! Known for her extraordinary activism in the face of hatred and racism, Wells used her powerful voice as a journalist, lecturer, and teacher to advocate for anti-lynching reform, rights for women, and for Black Americans. This week, we celebrate her life and honor her legacy as a critical voice in American history!
Get Lit Episode 226: Mary Chase
August 02, 2023 06:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MBThis week, we're back with an episode on the remarkable Mary Chase. Known for her Pulitzer Prize winning play, Harvey, Chase wrote so much more than she gets credit for. She was a groundbreaking journalist, labor activist, children's book author, playwright, and more. Her perspectives are as refreshing as her work - we promise you'll get just as excited about her as we did!
Get Lit Episode 225: Hrotsvitha
July 26, 2023 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MBWe're headed way back to the 10th century this week to discuss the incomparable Hrotsvitha! Her plays help us reconsider the ways women were represented in her time (and beyond) and her robust histories and other work provide us an entirely unique perspective on these topics! Also ft. a not so new, newly discovered clue about medieval comedy.
Get Lit Episode 224: Noël Coward
July 19, 2023 04:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBJon takes over hosting this week to bring us a biography of acclaimed playwright Noël Coward. Coward wrote some of the most well-known and frequently produced plays in the Western theatre canon. He helped modernize comedy while acting and directing in the West End, Broadway, and Hollywood! Join us for this star-studded, witty episode we hope does him proud!