"I hope that when there is laughter, it's laughter made wise by having known real grief — and when there is grief, it is made wise by having known real joy."

Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar is the story of a young Iranian American man searching for meaning through art, addiction, and connection. Akbar joins us to talk about writing both poetry and prose, collaboration with other novelists, creating compassion through writing and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over.

This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.

New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app.

Featured Books (Episode): Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

Calling a Wolf a Wolf by Kaveh Akbar

Pilgrim Bell by Kaveh Akbar

Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange

The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff

Ordinary Notes by Christina Sharpe