In the final special episode celebrating American author Jack Kerouac’s centennial birthday, Dan invites Advanced PhD scholar of American Literature Saloni Srivastava & Poet David O’Connor to talk about the all-consuming meditative power of driving on the road, living at The Kerouac house in Orlando, FL, the spiritual depth of Kerouac’s writing, seeking one’s lineage,Continue reading "82. Scratching Beyond Kerouac’s Surface w/ Saloni Srivastava & David O’Connor"

In the second of three special episodes celebrating Kerouac’s 100th birthday, Dan invited S.A. Griffin & Richard Modiano to talk about Kerouac’s contribution to American poetry, his haiku mastery, spiritual questing, the challenge of adapting Kerouac’s novels on film, and so much more. Listen to the first Kerouac episode: 80. Celebrating Jack Kerouac’s 100th BirthdayContinue reading "81. Honoring Jack Kerouac’s Impact on American Poetry w/ S.A. Griffin & Richard Modiano"

In honor of Jack Kerouac’s 100th birthday, Dan invited writers and fellow Naropa alumni Tim Hernandez & Nate Jordan to talk about how Kerouac influenced their writing & personal journeys. They discuss Tim’s 2013 novel about Bea Franco (Terry/”The Mexican Girl” from On the Road) Mañana Means Heaven, understanding the influence of the published JoanContinue reading "80. Celebrating Jack Kerouac’s 100th Birthday w/ Tim Hernandez & Nate Jordan"

In Episode 79, Dan Dissinger is joined by guest host Danielle Lee to talk to Saint John's University alum Tara Bradway about life after the PhD, the complex issues facing contingent faculty, the challenges of being the artistic director of the Adirondack Shakespeare Company during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the role of isolation and mental health.

In Episode 78, we talk to Brandon Martin about writing movie trailers, creating a comic strip, and finding inspiration in life experiences and other artistic pursuits.

In Episode 77, we talk with writer & Tulane professor Merissa Nathan Gerson about her book Forget Prayers, Bring Cake: A Single Woman’s Guide to Grieving, the many ways people experience grief in their daily lives, and the interconnected impact grief has on the mind, body, & spirit. Also, Dan & Merissa do some reminiscingContinue reading "77. Processing Grief w/ Merissa Nathan Gerson"

In Episode 76, we talk to Dr. Cara Marta Messina about the academic job market, open-access research and critical fan studies, the parallels between fanfiction and fantasy football, and teaching writing for podcasting.

In Episode 75, Dan & Katie answer questions from the audience about the Metaverse, the cost of higher education, teacher training and experiences, identity, and much more. If you have questions for us to talk about and answer on another Office Hours episode, you can email them to [email protected]. People and Texts Mentioned in theContinue reading "75. Office Hours w/ Dan & Katie"

In Episode 74, Dan interviews Katie about her science fiction and fantasy novels, her background in medieval literature, her journey getting into podcasting, and her new role as a book writing coach.

Content Warning: Discussion of sexual and domestic violence, please listen with care. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual and/or domestic violence/abuse, you can find support through: RAINN & RSVP (for USC community). More resources available here. In Episode 73, Dan is joined by Writing Program faculty Chris Belcher & Stephanie Renee Payne, USC alum Jordan Broberg, andContinue reading "73. Confronting Campus Rape Culture w/ Chris Belcher, Stephanie Renée Payne, & Jordan Broberg"