Maureen Corrigan

David Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic specializing in election threats, delves into alarming potential strategies for how Trump might disrupt the 2026 midterms, including military presence at polling places and pressure tactics on election workers. He discusses the significance of misinformation, recent legislative maneuvers, and a hypothetical worst-case scenario in Maricopa County. Meanwhile, Maureen Corrigan, a book critic and literature professor, shares her insights on Patti Smith’s memoir, 'Bread of Angels,' exploring its connection to her earlier work.

Maureen Corrigan, literature professor and book critic, offers a brisk review of Rachel Weaver’s memoir Dizzy. Chris Jennings, author of End of Days, traces the Ruby Ridge siege, apocalyptic beliefs, militia ties, and how those events fed conspiracy-driven politics. Short, sharp conversations about survivalism, law enforcement tactics, and the cultural roots of modern conspiracies.

Charles Bethea, New Yorker writer who investigated alpha-male camps, describes mud, ice baths, and the loneliness driving men toward performance. Maureen Corrigan, book critic and literature professor, gives a brisk review of Tana French’s The Keeper. They discuss social media influencers, therapeutic rituals turned macho theater, political posturing, and the cultural currents fueling a resurgence of hypermasculinity.

Jacob Soboroff, a senior political correspondent for MSNOW and author of 'Firestorm,' shares his profound experiences covering the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, revealing the failures of infrastructure and policy that exacerbated the disaster. He discusses the emotional impact of witnessing his childhood home burn, and the physiological sensations of reporting amid chaos. Literary critic Maureen Corrigan reviews Ben Markovits's novel 'The Rest of Our Lives,' blending insights on narrative with themes of loss and recovery.

Acclaimed filmmaker Richard Linklater, known for classics like Dazed and Confused and Boyhood, discusses his adventurous foray into French cinema with Nouvelle Vague, emphasizing how he tackled the language barrier. He shares insights on his new film Blue Moon, exploring the complexities of Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart's life and creativity. Literature professor Maureen Corrigan reviews Lily King's Heart the Lover, highlighting its intricate character development. The conversation weaves together themes of personal struggle, artistic expression, and the magic of filmmaking.

Quiara Alegría Hudes, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and author of The White Hot, discusses her captivating debut novel centered on a mother named April seeking self-discovery. She explores the contradictions of female agency in literature, contrasting it with male narratives of spiritual quests. Hudes reflects on her family's migration from Puerto Rico and her mother's spiritual practices. Literary critic Maureen Corrigan reviews John Banville's ‘Even the Dead,’ adding to the rich tapestry of storytelling and identity explored in their conversation.

Julian Brave NoiseCat, an Indigenous storyteller and filmmaker, discusses his memoir, We Survived the Night, exploring his father's origins and the impact of residential schools. He candidly shares stories about family silence, the complexities of cultural identity, and the beauty of powwow traditions. Julian highlights the significance of community bonds and the resurgence of Indigenous beliefs amid colonial trauma. Maureen Corrigan reviews Daphne du Maurier's After Midnight, offering insights into the author's narrative style.

Maureen Corrigan, noted literary critic and professor, gives a brisk review of George Saunders. Julian Barnes, Booker Prize winner and novelist, discusses his hybrid final book, mortality, and mourning. Liz Moore, bestselling novelist and MFA director, talks about addiction, missing siblings, adapting novels for TV, and writing routines. Short, conversational segments cover craft, grief, and adaptations.

Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani education activist and Nobel laureate, reflects on her childhood, the 2012 attack, recovery, and studying at Oxford. Oscar Isaac, Guatemalan- and Cuban-descended actor and musician, talks about Beef, Frankenstein, working with Guillermo del Toro, and his music with family. Maureen Corrigan, literature professor and critic, recommends three spring novels.

St. Vincent (Annie Clark), inventive multi‑Grammy musician known for daring guitar work and persona-driven songs. Maureen Corrigan, longtime literature professor and critic, reviews Nancy Foley’s debut novel. They talk about St. Vincent’s noise-driven sound design, Bowie and Nirvana influences, theatrical identity and touring life. Corrigan highlights the novel’s unreliable narrator and dark humor.