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Angela Ledgerwood

Lit Up

A Books , Arts and Society & Culture podcast

#126 in Books · 🇳🇴
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About the show

Join host Angela Ledgerwood as she chats to the authors she loves most about books, life, and what lights them up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newest episodes

Kaitlyn Teer on Motherhood & Hope in an Apocalyptic World

29 min

How do you stay hopeful and present for kids in an increasingly uncertain world? Whether it's AI or climate, there are so many triggers for anxiety and doom. Kaitlyn Teer and Angie talk about how to summon positivity and passion, especially as a mom, and explore the themes in Kaitlyn's treasure of a book, Little Apocalypses: Essays on Motherhood, Climate Change, and Hope at the End of the World. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Isaac Fitzgerald on the Power of Pilgrimage

29 min

Isaac Fitzgerald, author of New York Times best-seller American Rambler and Dirtbag Massachusetts, talks to Angie about reframing his childhood and confronting his fear of homelessness. They get into the strange, enduring legacy of Johnny Appleseed, and what pilgrimage really means: not just the miles you walk, but why you set out in the first place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sister Monica Clare on A Change Of Habit

50 min

This week on the show, Angie talks to Sister Monica Claire, an author whose book, , she helped publish. Angie and Sister Monica talk about what led Sister Monica to become a nun, and also listen to some unexpected and beautiful cello music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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All episodes

The newest 50 of 288 episodes

Kaitlyn Teer on Motherhood & Hope in an Apocalyptic World

29 min

How do you stay hopeful and present for kids in an increasingly uncertain world? Whether it's AI or climate, there are so many triggers for anxiety and doom. Kaitlyn Teer and Angie talk about how to summon positivity and passion, especially as a mom, and explore the themes in Kaitlyn's treasure of a book, Little Apocalypses: Essays on Motherhood, Climate Change, and Hope at the End of the World. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Isaac Fitzgerald on the Power of Pilgrimage

29 min

Isaac Fitzgerald, author of New York Times best-seller American Rambler and Dirtbag Massachusetts, talks to Angie about reframing his childhood and confronting his fear of homelessness. They get into the strange, enduring legacy of Johnny Appleseed, and what pilgrimage really means: not just the miles you walk, but why you set out in the first place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sister Monica Clare on A Change Of Habit

50 min

This week on the show, Angie talks to Sister Monica Claire, an author whose book, , she helped publish. Angie and Sister Monica talk about what led Sister Monica to become a nun, and also listen to some unexpected and beautiful cello music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Glynnis MacNicol on the pleasures of Paris.

49 min

This week, Angela welcomes Glynnis MacNicol, author of I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself: One Woman's Pursuit of Pleasure in Paris. Angie and Glynnis chat about how travel can bring out our most seductive selves Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Annabelle Hickson on living in regional Australia, Galah magazine, and why the kids are gonna be all right.

46 min

This week Angela talks to her old friend Annabell Hickson about her life in the country. They discuss how they came to be friends, life outside the city, creating and publishing Galah magazine, and why maybe we all need to let our kids be on their own a bit more. You can purchase the hardcover Galah collection here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cora Frazier (The New Yorker) on the beautiful strangeness of new motherhood.

46 min

Cora Frazier’s New Yorker piece for Shouts & Murmurs, Writing Prompts for New Parents, struck a chord with Angie as soon as she read it. Having just had a baby, she identified with the bizarre hallucinatory thoughts of the writer/mother in Frazier’s piece.  Cora Frazier has contributed to The New Yorker since 2012. She is a creator and writer of the podcast “I Think You’re Projecting.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anna Funder on The Invisible Life of Mrs. Orwell

52 min

This week, Angela is delighted to welcome Anna Funder, author of Wifedom: Mrs. Orwell's Invisible Life, to Lit Up. Angie and Anna discuss the untold story of Eileen Blair, the wife of Eric Arthur Blair, better known to the world as George Orwell. Angie and Anna talk about the challenges of being a writer and a mother, Eileen's role in Orwell's success, and how much we're still under the grip of gender roles today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katie Kitamura returns to talk about her new book Audition.

49 min

This week, Lit Up returns to your ears, and so does one of our favorite guests: Katie Kitamura. Katie and Angie dig into Katie's new book Audition through the lens of relationships, acting, and parenting.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy Jones on Matrescence and transformation of motherhood,

52 min

This week Angie welcomes Lucy Jones, author of Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood, among other books. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bianca Bosker on Get The Picture

42 min

This week, Bianca Bosker returns to discuss her new book, Get the Picture: A Mind-Bending Journey Among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cameron Russell on How to Make Herself Agreeable to Everyone

33 min

This week Angie welcomes model, activist, and author Cameron Russell on the podcast to talk about her memoir, How to Make Herself Agreeable to Everyone. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Re-Release: Trent Dalton on Boy Swallows Universe and what makes a good man.

54 min

This week we're re-releasing an episode featuring Trent Dalton. The adaptation of his book, Boy Swallows Universe, is currently a hit on Netflix. Angie and Trent talked about the book in 2019 when it came out. Finding meaning in sadness, defining the different types of love and looking at the complexities of masculinity, are the overarching themes in Trent Dalton's novel, Boy Swallows Universe. Trent shares with host Angela Ledgerwood how he used this book to put a positive spin on some of the sadness of his past and how he used his character, Eli, to explore what a do-over on his life would have looked like. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bianca Bosker on her unexpected wine obsession and how it upended (and enriched) her life.

44 min

Angie speaks with award-winning journalist Bianca Bosker about how hearing of the existence of ‘The Best Sommelier in the World Competition’ sparked an obsession to become a sommelier herself, a decision that upended her life and led to her best-selling book Cork Dork: A Wine-FUELED Adventure Among The Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me to Live for Taste. We also touch upon her latest obsession—the art world—which will be captured in her forthcoming book, Get the Picture: A Mind-Bending Journey among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See, out February 6, 2024. Bianca will be back on the pod in February, to talk about her next riveting read! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Re-release: Isaac Fitzgerald on Dirtbag, Massachussets.

54 min

Hi everyone! In celebration of the release of Isaac Fitzgerald's DIRTBAG, MASSACHUSETTS in paperback, we are re-releasing our episode with him from last year. We'll be back in two weeks with Bianca Bosker, author of CORK DORK, to talk about wine for the holidays. Enjoy! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Re-release: Cody Keenan on Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America.

40 min

Angie's got a cold, and it's making her think about hot toddys. And the time she sipped some bourbon and talked with with Cody Keenan, President Obama's speech writer and author of Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America. Grace has just arrived in paperback, so it's a perfect time to revisit this conversation. We hope you enjoy it! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Re-release: Esther Perel on rethinking infidelity (from 2018)

54 min

This week. we're re-releasing of our best and most popular conversations: Angie's 2018 conversation with Esther Perel. Psychotherapist Esther Perel joins Angie to talk about her latest book "The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity," the provocative follow up to her New York Times best-seller "Mating in Captivity." This conversation, like Esther's book, will no doubt push some buttons and leave you questioning--and perhaps rethinking--the boundaries of your romantic relationships! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adriana Trigiani on how she's written over 20 books and why she reinvents herself every seven years.

35 min

Angie speaks with Adriana Trigiani, the author of 20 best-selling books of fiction and nonfiction, most recently the novel THE GOOD LEFT UNDONE. She is an award-winning filmmaker who has directed the greats such as Whoopi Goldberg and Ashley Judd and now she’s hosting a new podcast, You Are What You Read, with Book of the Month. Angie and Adriana talk about how her Appalachian and Italian heritage shaped her, why she reinvents herself every seven years, and how her time as a temp on Wall Street in the 80s has shaped how she organizes her days ever since. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shaina Feinberg and Julia Rothman on How We Got By.

32 min

This week Angie is joined by writer and filmmaker Shaina Feinberg and illustrator Julia Rothman to talk about their new book, How We Got By: 111 People Share Stories of Survival, Resilience & Hope through Hardship. The book was inspired by the success of their illustrated column for the business section of The New York Times called Scratch about people’s relationship with money, small businesses, and resilience. They talk about how writing a book can help you find a husband (!), how speaking with strangers has encouraged them to live more fully, and the quirks that define their friendship. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anya Von Bremzen on the national dishes of Japan, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and more.

39 min

This week on the podcast, Angela speaks with the James Beard award-winning food writer Anya von Bremzen about her book National Dish: Around the World in Search of Food, History, and the Meaning of Home. Angie and Anya also talk about what makes a memorable meal, the joy of Neapolitan pizza, and how the ongoing war in Ukraine has irrevocably changed her relationship with Borscht. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angie and Liam wrap up the summer by talking books, movies, and more!

52 min

This week, LIT UP producer and podcaster Liam Billingham comes back to chat with Angie about her vacation reading, things to watch, and a whole lot more! A chill end of summer episode for your ears. Enjoy! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prachi Gupta on 'They Called Us Exceptional.'

37 min

This week on the podcast, Angela speaks with writer Prachi Gupta about her new book They Called Us Exceptional. Angie and Prachi also talk about her work as a reporter during the 2016 election, and her award-winning essay Stories About My Brother. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mattie Kahn on Young and Restless, the Girls Who Sparked America's Revolutions.

41 min

This week Angie is joined by award-winning journalist and writer Mattie Kahn. She's written one of the buzziest books of the season: Young and Restless, the Girls Who Sparked America's Revolutions.This book highlights the gutsy girls and the women whose voices and courageous actions have helped shape American society for the better.Maddie has made a career of championing women's voices. She was the culture director at Glamor where she specialized in women's issues. She's covered news and politics at l and her journalism has appeared in Harper's Bazaar, the New York Times Vanity Fair, and more.Angie and Mattie talk about the book, those we choose to highlight through history (and those we don't), and also about the young women making names for themselves in politics today. They also talk about how much Mattie loves BRAVO. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angie and Helen Ellis chat in the Coral Lounge

47 min

This week on Lit Up, Angie welcomes back Helen Ellis to chat about her new collection of essays, Kiss Me in the Coral Lounge: Intimate Confessions From A Happy Marriage.. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LIT UP presents: DIE HARD ON A BLANK!

1 hr 29 min

This week on Lit Up, Angie is putting her feet up and taking a well deserved break. In her place this week is her producer and friend Liam Billingham, who is bringing us an episode of his film podcast, DIE HARD ON A BLANK. On DHOAB, Liam and his co-host, screenwriter Philip Gawthorne explore the influence of Die Hard on action movies, one action movie at time. Today they're tackling CLIFFHANGER (one of Angie's favorites) alongside NYTimes Opinion writer and podcaster Jamelle Bouie. Enjoy the spirited discussion and, if you like it, subscribe to Die Hard On A Blank. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gina Chung joins Angie to talk about 'Sea Change.'

35 min

This week, on a sweltering day in New York City, Gina Chung joined Angie to talk about her new book Sea Change. Angie and Gina talk about a lot: professional mourners, Sharktinis (2 parts gin, 1 part mountain dew, hint of jalapeño,) supernatural places, and s****y break ups.Gina's book Sea Change is available in the US now. Get it wherever you get your books! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Max Porter returns to talk about his new novel 'Shy,' how we talk to our children, and Japanese socks.

50 min

This week Angie talks to Max Porter about his new novel 'Shy,' the story of a few strange hours in the life of a teenage boy. Max and Angela talk about being young, grief, and loss, but they also make room for lighter topics, like Max's penchant for shower gels and Japanese socks (a bit hipster, he calls them).We hope you enjoy this conversation with Max Porter! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hannah Goldfield on finding her way into food & restaurant criticism.

40 min

This week, we welcome New York City food critic and writer Hannah Goldfield to Lit Up!Angela and Hannah discuss what makes a restaurant experience special, how Hannah captures New York City's shifting moods through the lens of food for The New Yorker, early influences that inspired Hannah to pursue a career in food criticism, quintessential food writers, and the pleasures of reading non-fiction on topics she doesn't devote her time to thinking and writing about.Hannah's recommendations:Save Me the Plums: My Gourmet Memoir by Ruth ReichlCounter Intelligence: Where to Eat in the Real Los Angeles by the late Jonathan Gold, Pulitzer Prize-winning Los Angeles Times restaurant criticJeffrey Steingarten's food writing in Voguethe late writer Laurie Colwin, author of Home Cooking: A Writer in the KitchenBattle of Ink and Ice: A Sensational Story of News Barons, North Pole Explorers, and the Making of Modern Media by Darrell HartmanStrangers to Ourselves: Unsettled Minds and the Stories That Make Us by Rachel AvivGenius Recipes Cookbook by Kristen Miglore via Food52See you in two weeks! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Samantha Irby on liking what you like without apology.

41 min

This week on Lit Up, Samantha Irby—TV writer ("And Just Like That..."), comedian, and best-selling author and essayist—graces us with her singular presence! Angie and Sam discuss what it’s like to write on a TV show that everyone actually watches (and has an opinion about), what to ask before you say ‘I do' (hint: how many jars of mustard are in your partner’s fridge?), her spot-on observations of modern life and the pleasures of unabashedly liking the things you like, and the culture that’s lighting Sam up at the moment.Samantha’s latest essay collection, Quietly Hostile, is out today (via Vintage), May 16th. She’s also on book tour, and headed on a driving tour this fall with fellow writer Lindy West!You can purchase your copy of Sam’s new collection via BookShop. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adrienne Westenfeld returns to share what she’s reading (and watching) this spring.

31 min

This week, we welcome back repeat Lit Up guest Adrienne Westenfeld, Esquire's Books and Fiction Editor! Given Adrienne's role overseeing books coverage, writing about film, TV, & culture, and curating the Esquire Book Club, it's always a treat to get a glimpse into her ever-growing stack and to find out what recent reads and series have stayed with her. Along with sharing many recommendations, we also talk about our shifting relationship to book events, what makes for a good book-to-film/TV adaptation, and the beauty of merging poetry with travel.Adrienne's recommendations:-Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel-Less Is Lost by Andrew Sean Greer-Matrix by Lauren Groff-Chain Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah-Kindred, 2022 TV series adapted from the novel Kindred, by Hugo Award-winner Octavia E. Butler-Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023, dir. Kelly Fremon Craig)-Interview with the Vampire (1976) book by Anne Rice and 2022 series-the poetry of Jack Gilbert (1925–2012)Angela's recommendations:-The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell-It Ended Badly: Thirteen of the Worst Breakups in History by Jennifer Wright-Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld-Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock by Jenny Odell-Fleishman Is in Trouble (2022 mini-series), based on the novel of the same name by Taffy Brodesser-Akner Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natasha Pickowicz on why she bakes for pleasure and community.

41 min

This week, Angie’s joined by pastry chef and writer Natasha Pickowicz for a conversation on why there’s so much more to cake than meets the eye. Her long-anticipated debut book of recipes, More Than Cake: 100 Recipes Built for Pleasure and Community, is out now from Artisan Publishers.They discuss Natasha’s experiences crafting glorious pastries for places like Flora Bar at the Met Breuer museum and Café Altro Paradiso, the relationship between community organizing and baking, embracing imperfection in the kitchen, collaborating with her mom (a successful contemporary artist for decades!) on artwork for the book, and a preview of her upcoming book tour, featuring plenty of baked goods along the way. Natasha also shares a memorable lesson she learned while attempting to incorporate the natural flora of Wyoming into a mutual friend’s wedding cake…!All the details on Natasha’s book and tour are available at her website, https://www.natasha-pickowicz.com/Natasha Pickowicz recommends:Kitchen Arts and Letters, 1435 Lexington Ave. New York, NY 10128Brooks Headley's Fancy DessertsTen Vineyard Lunches by Richard OlneyStay True: A Memoir by Hua Hsu Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lindsey Tramuta shares the new ideas shaping Paris.

35 min

This week, we welcome French-English culture & travel journalist, bestselling author, and host of The New Paris podcast, Lindsey Tramuta. Lindsey talks about what she’s observed over her 16 years in Paris, the illuminating ideas behind her books The New Parisienne (Abrams, pub. 2020) and The New Paris (Abrams, pub. 2017), her ongoing work to challenge Parisian stereotypes and archetypes, and the storied history behind the ‘American in Paris’ in literature. She also shares some of her favorite French books, including Muriel Barbery’s 2006 novel The Elegance of the Hedgehog.Order your copies of Lindsey’s books via Bookshop or your favorite local indie bookshop. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catherine Lacey on crafting her multilayered fictional Biography of X, unknowability, and the mysterious forces that draw people together.

36 min

This week, Angela welcomes back Lit Up’s first-ever (!) guest, author Catherine Lacey, and delve into the making and imagining of her brilliantly textured new book, Biography of X: a multilayered portrait of an inscrutable art and literary star as reported by her widow.Catherine shares the entry points into her chosen fictional biography form, reimagining American history through the writing process, centering queer people on the page without explanation, the mysterious forces that draw people into each other’s orbits, and the pleasure of reading in bed with coffee first thing in the morning. Pick up your copy of Biography of X at Bookshop or your favorite local indie bookstore. Plus, check out Catherine’s friend John Wray’s forthcoming book Gone to the Wolves. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Cecchi-Azzolina on collecting a lifetime’s worth of New York City restaurant tales.

40 min

From La Rousse to Le Coucou, Michael Cecchi-Azzolina—Maitre d’ extraordinaire—has a birds eye view on some of New York City’s most historic, glamorous restaurants. After more than 35 years in the restaurant world, he’s sharing his behind the scenes tales in his delicious new memoir YOUR TABLE IS READY (Dec. 2022, pub: St. Martin's Press). This week, Michael tells Angie all about his early memories of the restaurant business, living through the AIDS epidemic, the singular magic of gathering around a dinner table, and his next exciting chapter: opening an NYC spot of his own. Plus, he shares his go-to comfort dish to cook at home.YOUR TABLE IS READY is available via Bookshop.org Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reid Mitenbuler on getting swept up in explorer Peter Freuchen’s larger-than-life stories.

31 min

This week on Lit Up, Angela chats with author Reid Mitenbuler, whose new book, Wanderlust: An Eccentric Explorer, an Epic Journey, a Lost Age (Mariner at HarperCollins) charts the true story of adventurer Peter Freuchen and his larger-than-life escapades. They talk about the origins of Freuchen’s adventurous spirit, the unexpected quirks you uncover when delving into someone’s life story, the importance of historical context, and Mitenbuler’s go-to narrative nonfiction writers. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Revisiting our conversation with Elizabeth Day!

40 min

This week on the podcast, we're re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from 2022, when we talked to Elizabeth Day about her book Magpie. Next month, Elizabeth is releasing a new book called Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict, and seeing as she and Angie talked about friendship, we couldn't think of a better time to revisit this warm and fun conversation. Enjoy! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Baer on ‘And Yet’ speaking truth through poetry.

32 min

This week, Angela chats with Kate Baer, the Pennsylvania-based poet and New York Times-bestselling author of the collections WHAT KIND OF WOMAN, I HOPE THIS FINDS YOU WELL, & AND YET. They talk about Kate's path to sharing poems about motherhood, in all its complexity, with strangers on the internet; pushing back against misogynistic takes on her work; the poets whose words she keeps returning to; and the wisdom that accompanies getting older and embracing who you are.Plus, lucky us: Kate reads several of her poems throughout the episode.We recommend Jessica Bennett's profile on Kate.What Kind of WomanI Hope This Finds You WellAnd Yet Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tarajia Morrell on collaborating with the late chef Fatima Ali and uncovering fascinating characters through food writing.

35 min

This week on Lit Up, Angela speaks with Tarajia Morrell, writer, born-and-raised New Yorker, and creator of the food and travel blog, The Lovage. They discuss Tarajia’s impactful collaboration with the late boundary-breaking chef Fatima Ali on her 2022 posthumous memoir Savor: A Chef's Hunger for More (Ballantine Books), which features writing from Fatima during her last months and contributions by her mother, Farezeh. They also discuss Tarajia’s path into food writing as a way to talk about memorable characters, favorite cookbooks, and their preferred techniques for roasting a chicken.Savor: A Chef's Hunger for MoreTarajia’s blog, The Lovage Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022 in books (plus a gift guide!) feat. Ruby Smith.

29 min

For Lit Up’s final episode of 2022, Angie and Ruby (a brilliant colleague who works on the Sugar23 Books imprint, and spent a past life as a bookseller at New York City’s iconic Three Lives & Company), catch up about their year in great books, titles they’ve loved, what’s topping their list for winter break marathon reading sessions, and recommended book gifts for all the avid readers in your lives this holiday season.Books we talk about on this ep include:The English Understand Wool by Helen DeWittThe Midcoast by Adam WhiteLessons in Chemistry by Bonnie GarmusAcne: A Memoir by Laura ChinnThe Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'FarrellRomantic Comedy by Curtis SittenfeldHeating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs by Beth Ann FennellyJoyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell LeeFly Girl: A Memoir by Ann HoodBlood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef by Gabrielle HamiltonKitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony BourdainThe World of Natural Wine: What It Is, Who Makes It, and Why It Matters by Aaron AyscoughCatch up on any episodes you missed this year at https://www.lituppodcast.com/ (or wherever you like to listen!).More to come in the shiny new year. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cut’s Jen Ortiz on honing her editing skills and secret YouTube obsessions.

39 min

This week, Angela chats with Jen Ortiz, Deputy Editor of New York Magazine’s The Cut. They talk about Jen’s trajectory through the media world, working with writers, life and abortion resources after Roe, newsletters and books she’s loving of late, and of course, this August’s Meghan Markle cover story.Jen's recs include:Alive at the End of the World by Saeed JonesBre Graham’s newsletter Just to Delight and book, Table for Two: Recipes for the Ones You Love The Old Place by Bobby FingerVegan chef and cookbook author Gaz Oakley’s (aka “the Avant-Garde Vegan”) YouTube channel Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nimarta Narang, Literary Editor of Brown Girl Magazine, on creating space for a multitude of South Asian stories.

37 min

This week, Angela speaks with writer and editor Nimarta Narang, who has worked as a journalist since she was 15 in Thailand and currently oversees Brown Girl Magazine’s literary vertical, commissioning and publishing original fiction from established and emerging South Asian writers. Brown Girl Magazine, a multimedia company created by and for South Asian womxn, believes in storytelling as a powerful tool for community building. Their team encompasses and welcomes women, femmes, men, gender non-conforming, queer, and transgender individuals living across the diaspora including the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Angela and Nimarta discuss the publication’s anthology “Untold: Defining Moments of the Uprooted,” (edited by Gabrielle Deonath and Kamini Ramdeen) which features over 30 deeply personal stories exploring South Asian experiences with specificity; coming of age and studying in cities around the world; her work to amplify expansive narratives through the BGM platform and advocate for more inclusive media and publishing industries; and a few contemporary writers currently inspiring her. Nimarta's podcast and book recs include:The Chaat Room, hosted by Keertana Sastry & Nikitha Menon — in partnership with Brown Girl Magazine — featuring interviews with South Asians in Hollywood, on and off the screen.The Namesake by Jhumpa LahiriBooks by Adiba JaigirdarErotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur JaswalKaikeyi by Vaishnavi PatelMissed Translations: Meeting the Immigrant Parents Who Raised Me by Sopan DebTaste Makers: Seven Immigrant Women Who Revolutionized Food in America by Mayukh Sen Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bard Behind Bars: Introducing Where There’s a Will

12 min

I’m changing things up a bit today and bringing you a preview of a new podcast I’m enjoying and think you will, too. Where There’s a Will: Finding Shakespeare searches for the surprising places Shakespeare shows up outside the theater. Host Barry Edelstein, artistic director at one of the country’s leading Shakespeare theaters, asks what is it about Shakespeare that’s given him a continuous afterlife in all sorts of unexpected ways? You’ll hear Shakespeare doing rehabilitative work in a maximum security prison, helping kids on the autism spectrum to communicate, in the mouths of U.S. presidents, and even at the center of a deadly riot in New York City. In this preview, Barry takes us into California’s Centinela State Prison for a one-of-a-kind production of Shakespeare’s English history plays performed by incarcerated individuals. Barry asks: What makes Shakespeare a force of transformation and transcendence behind bars? Hear more from Where There’s a Will: https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/wtaw?sid=litup. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susan Orlean on living with animals and following her curiosity.

32 min

This week, Angela talks to New Yorker staff writer Susan Orlean, the New York Times-bestselling author of Rin Tin Tin, Saturday Night, and The Orchid Thief (the basis for the Academy Award–winning film, Adaptation), among other books.The conversation begins with On Animals—Susan’s collection of favorites pieces exploring animal-human relationships—and her own experiences of living alongside various creatures. They also talk about honing your instincts as a writer and letting your curiosity lead you to unexpected places.Read Susan’s latest piece for the New Yorker about Dillie, a whitetail deer from Ohio.Explore Susan's books below:The Orchid ThiefSaturday NightRin Tin Tin: The Life and the LegendThe Library Book Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alyssa Shelasky on 'This Might Be Too Personal.'

47 min

This week on the podcast, Angela is joined by Alyssa Shelasky, editor of NY Mag's Sex Diaries (and soon to be the star of the HBO series), writer, and author of 'This Might Be Too Personal,' a collection of essays on relationships, sex, motherhood, and finding yourself.Angie and Alyssa talk about the 'good old days', but also what it means to grow older in New York City. They also discuss some good advice Alyssa got from a colleague, and what it means to live as an artist.Angie references Alyssa's conversation with Jenny Mollen, which you can listen to here. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura Warrell on the 20-year journey to write her new novel Soft, Sweet, Plenty Rhythm.

36 min

This week on the podcast, Angela speaks with teacher and author Laura Warrell. They discuss Laura's new novel, Soft, Sweet, Plenty Rhythm, and the 20-year journey to getting it into the world. Laura's book is about Circus Palmer, a trumpet player and the women in his orbit. They talk about Laura's work to make these characters as rich as the man as at the center of the story. They also talk about Laura's 2019 viral essay, I Gave Up On Love, And It Was One Of The Best Decisions I Ever Made. Seeing as they recorded this in LA, they also complained about traffic.Laura's essay on Writing While Black can be found here. She also wrote a piece for Lit Hub about her devotion to Jazz.Angie mentions Lisa Lucas at the beginning of this interview. Here is a NYTimes piece about Lisa.Laura's book Soft, Sweet, Plenty Rhythm, can be found at your favorite local bookstore, or here.We'll be back in two weeks! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cody Keenan on his book, Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America

41 min

This week on the podcast, Angela welcomes Cody Keenan, author of Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America. This book is a special one for Angela and Sugar23, as we are publishing this book in partnership with Mariner at HarperCollins.Cody spent years as President Obama's speechwriter, a position he held during some of the greatest moments and darkest days of Obama's presidency. Angie and Cody talk about meeting Obama for the first time, writing speeches for the first Black president, falling in love with a fact checker (his now wife), and how to free yourself when you're stuck as a writer (tip: read Baldwin or listen to Taylor Swift).Grace is available at the link above or wherever you get your books.Next week on the podcast: Laura Warrell, author of Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Belletrist's Karah Preiss stops to talk books, family, making TV , and a lot more.

51 min

This week Angela welcomes Karah Preiss, Co-Founder of Bellatrist, to the show. They talk about how Bellatrist came to be, what she's reading right now, and the role books that have changed her life. They also talk about 'the biz,' and how to turn a book into a TV show or movie.Belletrist celebrates great books and the people who read them. Learn more at belletrist.com Karah and Emma's new series, Tell Me Lies, is available on HULU.Karah's recommendations:Stay With Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ (her new novel, A Spell of Good Things, comes out next year).My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan BraithwaiteWild Game by Adrienne BrodeurLike a House on Fire by Lauren McBrayer  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kal Penn on his memoir You Can't Be Serious.

51 min

This week, Angela speaks to the actor and writer Kal Penn about his memoir You Can't Be Serious, now in paperback. Angie talks to Kal about what led him to leave his role as a TV regular on House to work in the Obama administration, and a whole lot more.Kal's book, You Can't Be Serious, is available now. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Labor Day rerelease: Stanley Tucci

38 min

Hello Lit Up listeners!While you're making summery cocktails and making pasta salad this labor day week/weekend, we thought you'd like to enjoy the dulcet tones of Stanley Tucci. Today we're revisiting Angela's October 2021 conversation with the internet's favorite martini maker. We hope you enjoy, and that you have a lovely, sunny Labor Day weekend.-Angela, Liam, Olivia, Ruby, and the entire Lit Up team. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natasha Sizlo on All Signs Point to Paris

43 min

When Angela first heard Natasha Sizlo's story in 2020, she couldn't believe what she was reading, but she knew she had to be a part of telling it. Now, Natasha joins Angela on Lit Up to talk all about what inspired her to write her new memoir, ALL SIGNS POINT TO PARIS.We'll be back in two weeks with Kal Penn! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Isaac Fitzgerald on his memoir Dirtbag, Massachusetts.

54 min

This week on the pod, Angela welcomes her friend Isaac Fitzgerald to talk about his memoir Dirtbag, Massachusetts, which recently made its way onto the New York Times Bestseller list.Isaac is known for championing others on the Today Show, but Angie asks him about his life, including why he waited a decade to write this book.Isaac's recent piece on being an uncle for Esquire can be read here.Follow Isaac on Instagram and Twitter. Follow Lit Up on Instagram and Twitter, too! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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