In this episode, Hans, Chris, and I discuss two sci-fi short stories collections, both by Ted Chiang. We touch on a number of topics, including determinism, stories as thought experiments, and the craft of using first-person narration to drive character.

In this episode, Hans, Chris, and I discuss the quite massive Pynchon novel Against the Day. At times hilarious, at times confusing, this novel is definitely an experience.

In this episode, Chris, Hans, and I discuss a really fantastic novel about trans experience, Small Beauty. With a very quiet tone, the novel explores the life of Mei, a Chinese-Canadian trans woman, in the aftermath of a family death.

In this interview, Hans and I chat with Adi Callai, author of XDB's newest publication, The Sodomites.

In this episode, Hans and Chris discuss the extremely disturbing first novel of Iain Banks, The Wasp Factory. I listen in the background for a while before chiming in with thoughts that break the whole thing open.

In this episode, Chris and I geek out a little over The Odyssey, a fantastic epic poem from the ancient world. Hans feels lost.

In this episode, Chris, Hans, and I tackle a classic: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. It's a fantastic novel of ideas that asks questions about moral responsibility and evil. 

In this episode, Hans, Chris, and I discuss the hilarious novel Myra Breckinridge, by Gore Vidal, and its lackluster sequel, Myron.

In this episode, Hans, Chris, and I discuss John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost, which gives an account of the apocrypha surrounding the Christian creation story.

In this special episode, Hans, Chris, and I chat with Daryl Farmer on the topic of his short story collection Where We Land, which examines relationships and death in the context of the American West.