Some Things Considered with Sean Murphy

Today’s guest is Ed Simon, who is the Public Humanities Special Faculty in the English Department of Carnegie Mellon University and the Editor-in-Chief for Belt Magazine and the forthcoming Pittsburgh Review of Books. His essays have appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The New York Times and many others. He dropped by to discuss his recent piece from Lit Hub, “American Literature’s White Whale: Why the “great American Novel” is Still Worth Pursuing.” Our conversation tackled this question (spoiler alert: a resounding YES), and explores how the best American novels have had one consistent quality across the centuries: they all, in their way, interrogate and grapple with what America is, and the ways it falls short of its utopian designs. As such, we mention Hawthorne, Melville, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, Morrison, and many other notable names, all of whom can make claims to writing the American novel. Inevitably, we talk about narrative, the importance of story not only for creative endeavors (duh), but the ways exceptional storytelling is utilized by politicians, tech oligarchs, and lowly lit nerds. If you are interested in a lively discussion about what makes a good book endure across generations (and cultures and languages), you’ll love this episode, and if you could use a reminder that Moby Dick rules, we’ve got you covered.

ABOUT THE GUESTS

Read more from Ed Simon:

https://lithub.com/american-literatures-white-whale-why-the-great-american-novel-is-still-worth-pursuing

ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY

Website: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41

Today’s guests are Leeya Mehta and Bill Miller, both of whom I admire as friends, artists, teachers, and occasional collaborators. Bill directed the creative writing program at George Mason University for more than two dozen years, and helped establish the Alan Cheuse Center. Leeya is the current Director of the Center, and is also a prize-winning poet, fiction writer and essayist. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Cheuse Center, and we talk about how this beloved institution went from idea to thriving cultural force. Bill and Leeya share a genuine passion for community and connection, and their combined super power is generating awareness of—and enthusiasm for—international literature. We discuss the thrills, challenges, and opportunities inherent in operating a center that serves students, artists, and the wider community. We also assess the role of teachers, advocates, and creatives in uncertain times (hint: we agree this is vital work, always, but especially when powerful forces are doing their worst to stymie and silence expression). You’ll come away from this conversation informed, inspired, and hopefully fired up.

ABOUT THE GUESTS

Learn more about Bill and the Cheuse Center here: https://cheusecenter.gmu.edu/about/board-of-advisors

Learn more about Leeya here: https://leeyamehta.com/about

ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY

Website: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41

Today’s guest is Jessa Crispin, one of my favorite go-to sources for cultural insight and inspiration. She’s the author of Why I Am Not a Feminist: A Feminist Manifesto, and The Dead Ladies Project. Currently, she is editor-in-chief of the awesome publication The Culture We Deserve. Jessa joins me to talk about everything from the present state of American politics, to how both class and education remain ubiquitous yet oddly—and annoyingly—under-discussed topics in our media, and especially amongst progressives. Jessa, suffice it to say, is a much-needed voice, and one more self-satisfied and myopic critics and opinion writers should pay attention to. We inevitably discuss craft and why effective narrative works, not only via essays, but political campaigns. We also compare notes on the challenges and opportunities of maintaining an online brand, building a community amongst creatives, and why it’s always been difficult to carve out a viable (much less paying) gig as a writer. Jessa is always refreshing, provocative, challenging, and honest, and I hope everyone tuning in becomes a fan and spreads the word.

ABOUT JESSA CRISPIN

Learn more about Jessa at jessacrispin.com

ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY

Website: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41

Today’s guest is American avant-garde jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader Matthew Shipp. Prolific and critically adored, Shipp has been praised by eclectic musicians ranging from David Bowie to Henry Rollins, and has recorded with virtually every significant contemporary jazz musician. Matthew joined me to talk about his new book Black Mystery School Pianists and Other Writings, which covers decades of his writing on subjects ranging from jazz icons, his own influences, and his voracious appetite for art and culture of all kinds. Matthew has many opinions, all of them deeply held and informed, and he shared his thoughts on everything from authenticity, discipline, community, and how to cultivate a creative existence. We also reminisced about the New York City scene of the mid 1980s, which was a much dirtier, diverse, and nurturing place; Matthew was part of a world where one might bump into anyone from John Zorn to Jean-Michel Basquiat. Matthew also talks about his discography, which is wide-ranging—from solo to trio and quartet work, as well as his cross-genre experimentations (some of which, from the early 2000’s, are among my favorite albums, particularly his collaborations with geniuses such as David S. Ware, William Parker, and DJ Spooky). This conversation, like Matthew’s music, went in many different directions, and anyone can learn a great deal from the trail Shipp has blazed.

MORE FROM MATTHEW SHIPP

Buy Black Mystery School Pianists and Other Writings on Amazon

ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY

Website: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41

Today’s guest is Jacob Silverman, who is an independent journalist and co-author of the New York Times bestseller Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud. He writes often about the politics of technology, the media, and is a contributing editor for The Baffler and The New Republic. Jacob and I compare notes on how we saw the 2024 election unfold (including predictions and assumptions we—and most journalists—made), and some of the myriad things that are different with Trump 2.0. One particular topic we go deep on is the unsettling, recent development of MAGA-supporting tech oligarchs, and how that money and influence has virtually reshaped our culture. We also take a crack at a personal obsession, which is why—and how—the Democrats have historically been so inept at crafting compelling or effective messaging. We also cover the ways technology is impacting everything from politics and academia to the arts. Jacob also has long been an astute observer of social media (in general) and the ways it at once connects and disrupts a global audience. Check out why I’ve been a big fan of Jacob, and see why you should begin following him, and look forward to his next book, coming later in 2025!

ABOUT JACOB SILVERMAN

You can learn more about Jacob and Subscribe to him here on Substack:

ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY

Website: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41

We’re thrilled to announce that Season 3 of Some Things Considered drops next Tuesday, April 29th—and we’re just getting started.

Hosted by award-winning author and cultural critic Sean Murphy, Some Things Considered is a weekly podcast and Substack newsletter that goes deep with creative minds across literature, music, art, politics, and tech. These aren’t just interviews—they’re immersive conversations about what drives creativity, why story matters, and how our most inspired thinkers turn vision into impact.

Now entering its third season, the podcast continues to peel back the layers of how creativity works—from the personal routines and philosophies of master storytellers to the broader cultural currents shaping art and expression in America today. This season, host Sean Murphy dives deeper into the currents shaping our creative, cultural, and political landscapes—with a fresh lineup of writers, thinkers, musicians, critics, and change-makers.

* From the dystopian rise of tech oligarchs to the future of political messaging, investigative journalist Jacob Silverman opens the season with a wide-ranging conversation on the post-2024 election climate, the influence of crypto billionaires, and why Democrats keep missing the messaging memo.

* Legendary jazz pianist and thinker Matthew Shipp explores authenticity, artistic integrity, and how NYC’s underground scene shaped a generation of innovators. This episode is a masterclass in how to live—and think—creatively.

* Ed Simon, English professor and Belt Magazine editor, unpacks the myth of the Great American Novel and how literature continues to challenge, reflect, and reshape American democracy.

* Cultural critic and iconoclast Jessa Crispin holds nothing back, tackling class, feminism, media, and the uneasy politics of visibility in a chaotic age. It's a sharp, insightful look at narrative power and building meaningful communities.

* Leeya Mehta and Bill Miller reflect on a decade of the Alan Cheuse International Writers Center, the role of the literary arts in global dialogue, and why nurturing creativity matters now more than ever.

* Jason Zinoman, NYT critic and comedy chronicler, joins to unpack how self-promotion is reshaping art itself—and how comedians are navigating the increasingly blurred line between craft and content.

* Will Boast digs into literary indigestion—literally—with a brilliant discussion on bodily woes, con artists, and the literary roots of discomfort. It’s funny, unsettling, and deeply researched.

* Ryan Flahive, host of Climate Changers, offers a timely reflection on climate storytelling, narrative-driven activism, and the challenges of making meaning in a media-saturated world.

* Dr. Shawn DuBravac, economist and futurist, closes the season with a big-picture look at how emerging tech—AI in particular—is reshaping our future. He breaks down complex ideas with clarity and heart.

* Paula Whyman, author and naturalist, shares the personal and political layers of her new memoir—an immersive journey through nature, identity, and belonging. She reflects on writing, teaching, and the solace found in wild places.

If you enjoy the show, tell a friend (or five), and let us know who you think we should feature next. We’re here to celebrate creativity in all its forms—and we’re just getting warmed up.

Listen and subscribe at seanmurphy.live.

Today’s guest is Jane Friedman who, if you have even casually followed anything to do with book publishing and the state of the literary industry during the last two decades, you already know—and appreciate. Jane has been the consensus go-to for insights on trends, developments, and how to build a platform in the 21st Century. Named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World in 2023, Jane has been featured across countless media outlets, including The New York Times, The Atlantic, CNN, BBC, NPR, and many others. Her guide The Business of Being a Writer is the book I most often recommend to anyone looking to get a handle on an industry that, while always evolving, is primarily driven by the same people: those writing and those seeking good writing. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Jane on many occasions, dating back to when I was an analyst for the technology industry (and we chatted about such new-fangled developments as eReaders and blogs!). Every time I speak with Jane, I learn new things about a world I’m deeply involved—and invested—in, so I can’t overstate how invaluable her perspective is. In this episode of Some Things Considered we cover what to be excited and/or concerned about (hint: people are still buying books!), how writers can and should balance their priorities as they relate to writing vs. marketing, we assess the health of lit mags, and inevitably, we talk a bit about AI. This conversation will, in sum, illustrate why Jane is my annual MVP of all-things literary.

ABOUT JANE FRIEDMAN

Learn more about Jane's work at janefriedman.com and here on Substack:

ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY

Website: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41

Today’s guest is Grant Shonkwiler who, if you’ve been following the gaming industry during the last couple of decades, you already know as the legend he is. For those unfamiliar, Grant has built his reputation as a programmer, lead designer, technical producer, leadership coach, and author. (Even if you aren’t personally a gaming enthusiast, it’s almost impossible you’ve not heard of Doom and Fortnite—just two of the massively popular and influential projects Grant has worked on!)

For today’s discussion, Grant reviews his career trajectory—from apprentice to master, from fan to mentor—through the consistent influences of curiosity and passion. In addition to insights provided about how best-selling games go from conception to execution to marketing, Grant also explains how storytelling impacts all aspects of the business. We also explore how technology is often if not always challenging (and challenged) before it becomes embraced and adopted; one could look at the ways gaming has—and hasn’t—changed and make myriad comparisons to the movie, music, and book industries. Perhaps the most critical ingredient of everything Grant has accomplished is an understanding that one can only succeed (as a gamer, as a writer, as a consultant) if one is able to make genuine connections: authenticity, along with curiosity and passion, is the special sauce that makes special things happen.

ABOUT GRANT SHONKWILER

Learn more about Grant at shonkventures.com

ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY

Website: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41

Today’s guests are dynamic duo and my favorite creative husband and wife team Karen E. Bender and Robert Anthony Siegel. Karen is author of the story collection Refund, which was a Finalist for the 2015 National Book Award in Fiction and also a Los Angeles Times bestseller. Her third collection of stories, The Words of Dr. L, will be published by Counterpoint Press in May, 2025. Robert is a writer, writing coach, and author of the memoir Criminals and two novels, All Will Be Revealed, and All the Money in the World. In addition, they have taught creative writing at the college level for more than two decades and are deeply dedicated literary citizens.

During our very busy conversation, we covered their recent—and forthcoming—writing, how teaching has changed (and, importantly, the ways it hasn’t), and how the state of the literary industry is ever-evolving. Key themes involve the necessity of adapting, embracing available technologies, and why community is a necessary, if often overlooked component of the artistic existence. Karen and Robert remain positive forces of inspiration, because they consistently operate at the highest levels of achievement (as writers, as teachers), but they are also incredibly kind and generous human beings; we need their example more than ever right now. Please enjoy this wonderful conversation!

ABOUT KAREN E. BENDER & ROBERT ANTHONY SIEGEL

Learn more about Karen's work at karenebender.com

Learn more about Robert's work at robertanthonysiegel.com

ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY

Website: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41

Today’s guest is Hannah Grieco, who, using baseball terminology is a five tool player: she’s a writer, a teacher, an editor, an advocate, and a literary citizen extraordinaire. She is also one of my favorite creative people, managing to be insanely productive (and successfully published!), but also a devoted mother, friend, and cheerleader for the arts. You may have read her work in The Washington Post, or Huffington Post, or The Rumpus, or in any number of other highly regarded lit journals. Her writing has been nominated for Best American Essays, The Pushcart Prize, Best of the Net, Best Small Fictions, and Best Microfiction.

It’s been my pleasure to collaborate with Hannah many times, via 1455, and—proving the literary community in DC is tight and supportive—many of the other organizations and authors we know and support. Hannah, as I mention in this conversation, is a rare and refreshing person who’s incapable of dishonesty; this shines through in her work, but is also what makes her such an indefatigable champion for other people’s work. She’s got opinions (which is good), and they are all informed and insightful (which is better), and we check in on the state of our industry, academia, constant hustle being the “new normal” for creatives, and how to find balance between writing, life, and the daily grind. Hannah keeps it real in every sense of the word, and I hope—if you’re not yet familiar with her—you’ll become a fan once you hear her. She’s got wisdom to share, and while no one could copy her, everyone should be inspired by her example. Please enjoy this action-packed conversation!

ABOUT GUEST HANNAH GRIECO

Learn more about Hannah's work at hgrieco.com

ABOUT SOME THINGS CONSIDERED

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

ABOUT HOST SEAN MURPHY

Website: seanmurphy.netSubstack: seanmurphy.liveTwitter: @bullmurphInstagram: @bullmurphFacebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41