This chapter seemingly has little to do with being A Climate Novel, but after some classic (over)reading, your faithful hosts diagnose the overlapping political economy, millennial, cultural, and gendered landscape of Jackie’s twentysomething life in a climate-changing Midwest. Emily and John — despite not necessarily knowing what a pitch deck really is — secure the proverbial bag by discussing: how Jackie the character and Markley the writer are consciously challenging and also reproducing gendered tropes; playing a game of  “What IRL actor (but what IS real life anyway) should we compare The Actor to?”; thinking about Indiana Jones and Girls; lauding subtle climate humor; and much more. 

Dear Listener, was there psychoanalysis deep diving? Of course. Your id craves it, even if your ego says no — trust us. Look at this novel, gaze upon this chapter, and listen to this podcast episode.

Our theme music is from “I Can’t See the Milky Way Anymore” by Alex Rudnick. We heartily encourage you to check out Alex’s music.