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FAQs about The LitJames Podcast:How many episodes does The LitJames Podcast have?The podcast currently has 6 episodes available.
May 29, 2026The Madhouse with T.J BensonUnveiling The Madhouse: A Conversation with T.J Benson on The LitJames PodcastT.J Benson's The Madhouse blends magical realism, psychological complexity, and cultural storytelling. In this episode, we explore the themes of outcasts, family bonds, and the eerie elements woven into the fabric of Nigerian society, as well as TJ's creative process.TJ Benson shares the inspiration behind The Madhouse, rooted in Nigerian urban mythologies, superstitions, and personal childhood experiences in Kaduna.The use of magical realism to reflect Nigeria’s extreme socio-political realities during the 90s, blending supernatural elements with political upheaval.An exploration of non-linear storytelling, with shifting timelines and multiple perspectives inspired by works like Festus Iyayi's Violence.The novel’s underlying themes of outcasts, societal rejection, and familial trauma, especially around the characters of Sharif, Max, and Andre.How scientific and psychological concepts like twin-twin transfusion syndrome and autism shape character development without explicit terminology and forehand knowledge.The atmospheric depiction of sex and intimacy, emphasizing mood and emotional connection over explicit detail.TJ’s insights on the societal perceptions of masculinity, outcasts, and mental health in Nigeria.Resources & Links:Festus Iyayi’s ViolenceTJ Benson - Personal WebsiteCatapult Magazine (selected works)Frank Wilczek - Fundamentals of RealityTwitterLinkedInJoin us next episode for more discussions on African literature, storytelling, and culture....more50minPlay
April 27, 2026The Tiny Things Are Heavier with Ifesinachi OkonkwoThis episode of The LitJames Podcast surrounds the inspiration behind Ifesinachi Okonkwo's The Tiny Things Are Heavier; how the ENDSARS protests spurred her into writing the book; the emotional trajectory of young women who japa in their 20s; the impact of migration on our well-being; how the title of her book came about and the arduous nature of sentence creation.It also debunks the MFA-ication of Nigerian writing while upholding the long tradition of Achebe mentions in our literature.TakeawaysMigration and its impact on identity and emotional well-beingThe influence of Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart' on Nigerian literatureNormalization of things that should not be normalChapters00:00 The Inspiration Behind the Book32:51 The Tiny Things Are Heavier: Title and Inspiration38:26 Character Development and Writing Process56:27 The MFA-ication of Nigerian Writing01:03:33 The Impact of Migration on Identity and Well-being01:09:02 Economic Anxiety and Anti-Immigrant Sentiments01:14:57 Plot, Character, and Sentences01:20:30 Mental Health and Societal Attitudes01:26:28 Patriarchy and Gender Dynamics01:38:05 Romantic Persistence and Self-Acceptance01:45:10 Influence and Writing Well...more1h 9minPlay
March 31, 2026Dami Ajayi, Affection & Other AccidentsThis episode covers the writing process of 'Affection and Other Accidents' by Dami Ajayi; the personal and political themes in poetry; the influence of music on poetry; the vulnerability of poetry; the form and content of 'Affection & Other Accidents'; and the discussion of marital roles in modern relationships. It also touches on complexities of love, the significance of mourning, and the importance of cultural and linguistic heritage. It explores the impact of death and the value of preserving and honoring cultural and linguistic heritage.TakeawaysVulnerability in PoetryGender Roles in Modern Relationships LoveThe importance of honoring cultural and linguistic heritageChapters00:00 Introduction to Dami Ajayi40:20 The Influence of Music on Poetry58:49 Marital Roles and Relationships01:26:21 The Significance of Language and Culture...more48minPlay
March 01, 2026(Re)reading Efuru in 2026The Lit James podcast's second episode discussed Flora Nwapa's book 'Efuru' and explores themes of feminism, autonomy, societal ills, and the potential for film adaptation. The conversation covers the plot, writing style, and the feminist perspective of the book from a 2026 viewpoint, as well as the portrayal of characters, views on the female body, and the concept of autonomy and boundaries. It concludes with talks on the potential adaptation of the book into a film.TakeawaysFeminismAutonomyChapters00:00 Introduction to Efuru06:47 Feminism in Efuru14:23 Views on the Female Body20:55 Autonomy and Boundaries27:00 Societal Ills and Mortality40:06 Marriage and Fulfillment...more44minPlay
February 13, 2026Things Fall Apart at 67In this inaugral episode of The LitJames Podcast with Ikhide and Ikheloa, we discuss Things Fall Apart, its historical significance, modern perception and its future....more1h 6minPlay
February 12, 2026Things Fall Apart at 67The inaugural episode of the Lit James podcast features a discussion on Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart.' The conversation delves into the plot, personal reflections, societal expectations, and the perception of individual worth. Pa Ikhide Ikheloa shares insights on cultural immersion and the literary impact of the book, offering a unique perspective on the themes and characters within the novel. The conversation dives into the legacy of Chinua Achebe, exploring his impact on literature, language, and cultural representation. It also discusses the modern perception of Achebe's works, the debate on writing style, and the artistic integrity of Achebe. The conversation further explores Achebe's early works, his literary influence, and the significance of writing in native languages. It touches on the Nobel Prize, the use of native languages in literature, and the impact of colonialism on literary expression. It reflects on Achebe's last years and the treatment of literary figures in the West. Chigozie Obioma's literary prowess is not left out, neither is the legacy of Things Fall Apart, the impact of technology on publishing, challenges in promoting African literature, and the power of narrative. It also explores the relevance of literature in society, the influence of cultural and immigration themes, and the significance of African literary history. Finally, it addresses the infrastructure and tourism challenges in Nigeria and how it impacts the penetration of arts into modern life.TakeawaysCultural ImmersionLiterary Impact Achebe's ImpactLanguage and LiteratureCultural Representation and Chigozie Obioma's exceptional writingThe impact of literature on culture and societyChapters00:00 Perception of Individual Worth01:26:17 Achebe's Prophecy and Literary Impact01:32:06 Revisiting African Literary History01:40:15 Exploring Nigerian Writers and Literature01:45:24 Adaptation of Literary Works in Media01:52:41 Prominence of Literary Figures in Society02:01:16 Infrastructure and Tourism in Nigeria02:09:46 The Relevance of Things Fall Apart in 2026...more1h 6minPlay
FAQs about The LitJames Podcast:How many episodes does The LitJames Podcast have?The podcast currently has 6 episodes available.