<![CDATA[Lit Think Podcast: Podcast]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/s/lit-think-podcasthttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!SV-C!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc29af097-4d23-4a4b-85b0-1148b04d4d53_1080x1080.pngLit Think Podcast: Podcasthttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/s/lit-think-podcastSubstackTue, 21 Apr 2026 21:30:07 GMT<![CDATA[Chapter 6.1 - Jaws and Monster Stories]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-61-jaws-and-monster-storieshttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-61-jaws-and-monster-storiesWed, 17 Sep 2025 08:03:52 GMTAlicia and Sarah face their fears of open water with their discussion of the classic film Jaws. They look at the elements of monster stories and how the film fits the pattern. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about what they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Elements of monster stories

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Intro notes:

  • Legacy of Jaws (50th anniversary)

Elements of an action story:

  • Etymology of monster: to warn

  • Physical representation of social fear

    • Music: anticipation of the monster

    • Don’t see the monster until the last act

  • How legend is talked about in story

    • Origin story

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: Lulu Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books (Kirsten Miller), Wednesday: Season 2 (Netflix)

  • Sarah: Blood of My Blood (Showtime), Demon Copperhead (Barbara Kingsolver)

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Chapter 4.6 - Role of Tradition in Sleepy Hollow
Alicia and Sarah return to their roots as American Literature colleagues in their discussion of the classic film, Sleepy Hollow. They look at the history of Halloween, the role of tradition in the ghost stories we tell, and the surprising depth of Washington Irving’s classic tale. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've …
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Chapter 3.11 - Wednesday, The Addams Family, and Gothic Literature
Alicia and Sarah explore their darker sides with a discussion of the new Netflix original series Wednesday. They investigate the elements of gothic literature and cover centuries of gothic literature, leading right up to the Addams family. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outs…
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Chapter 3.3 - Dino Ethics
Alicia and Sarah discuss the Jurassic Park/World franchise and connections to science fiction in the classroom, particularly Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom…
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4 years ago · 2 likes · Sarah Styf
]]><![CDATA[Chapter 5.6 - The Mummy and Women in Action Films]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-56-the-mummy-and-women-inhttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-56-the-mummy-and-women-inWed, 23 Apr 2025 08:00:41 GMTAlicia and Sarah geek out over all things action film in the 1990’s classic The Mummy. They discuss how women are portrayed in some of their favorite films and compare them to the portrayal of Evelyn in The Mummy. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about what they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Elements of action movies

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Intro notes:

  • Women in action films through The Mummy

Elements of an action story:

  • Likeable male hero

  • Moral throughline

  • Deadline

  • Chase scene

  • Sidekicks & mentors

  • Final showdown

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: Record of a Spaceborn Few (Becky Chambers), The Ministry of Time (Kaliane Bradley)

  • Sarah: The Sirens’ Call (Chris Hayes), Greenlights (Matthew McConaughey)

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Chapter 4.17 - Anakin as the Tragic Hero
In their season finale, Alicia and Sarah bring in special guest Christina Schuetz to discuss all things tragic hero through the lens of Star Wars and Anakin Skywalker. They look at classic tragic heroes from Othello to Oedipus and break down how Anakin fulfills the Greek model while also embracing the possibility of redemption. At the end of this week’s…
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Chapter 4.3 - Frame Story in American Born Chinese
Alicia and Sarah defend the idea that graphic novels are literature as they discuss the Disney+ adaptation of the graphic novel, American Born Chinese. They discuss the differences between comic books, graphic novels, and sequential art, connecting the history of the genre to Gene Luen Yang’ groundbreaking work. At the end of this week’s discussion, the…
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Chapter 3.14 - Superheroes and Everything Everywhere All at Once
Alicia and Sarah change directions in the superhero world with their discussion of the Academy Award winning film, Everything Everywhere All at Once. They look at culture, relationships, the superhero motif, and all things multiverse. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside o…
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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 5.5 - Ever After and Cinderella Stories]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-55-ever-after-and-cinderellahttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-55-ever-after-and-cinderellaWed, 02 Apr 2025 08:02:05 GMTAlicia and Sarah return to another classic from their teen years and young adulthood, Ever After. They discuss the traits of Cinderella myths and how the 90s classic fits each trait. They discuss how the movie still holds up as a love story focused on character development and female empowerment. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about what they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Elements of a Cinderella story

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Intro notes:

  • Why we both love this movie

Elements of a Cinderella story:

  • Lower-class protagonist

  • Abuse/mistreatment

  • Magical transformation

  • Mistaken identity

  • Reunion/happy ending

Sarah would also like to note that we recorded this episode before the Sweet 16, where her family watched Michigan finally get knocked out of the tournament. Such is March Madness 🤷🏻‍♀️🏀

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: Shrinking (Apple TV), The Fall Risk (Abby Jimenez)

  • Sarah: 1984 (George Orwell), The 100 (Netflix)

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Chapter 1.9 - Cinder and Cinderella for a Modern Age
Alicia and Sarah talk through the young adult novel Cinder, a dystopian sci-fi retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale. They discuss the Cinderella trope, dystopias, pandemics, sci-fi, and post-apocalyptic literature in the 21st century…
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Chapter 1.12 - Crazy Rich Asians, Literary Colonialism, and Representation
Alicia and Sarah talk about the film Crazy Rich Asians, based on the novel with the same name. They discuss the importance of representation, the role of colonialism in literature, Jane Austin, and continue a previous discussion about Cinderella stories…
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Chapter 2.6 - Rockin' the Glass Slipper
Once again, Alicia and Sarah take on the Cinderella myth, this time with the new Amazon Prime release of Cinderella. They discuss the different Cinderella archetypes, gender roles, story adaptation, and the power of music in making an old story new again. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyz…
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Chapter 2.20 - Cyrano and the Power of the Written Word
In the last episode of season two, Alicia and Sarah discuss the power of writing and words through their analysis of the new motion picture adaptation of the 2018 musical Cyrano. They discuss the different versions of the classic tale throughout literary history, the prevalence of love triangles in stories, and the destructive power of pride. At the end…
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4 years ago · Lit Think Podcast
]]><![CDATA[Chapter 5.4 - A Knights Tale, Parody, and Fate]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-54-a-knights-tale-parodyhttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-54-a-knights-tale-parodyWed, 19 Feb 2025 10:02:09 GMTAlicia and Sarah return to a classic from their teen years and young adulthood, A Knight’s Tale. They discuss the connections to The Canterbury Tales and Chaucer as well as the modern connections to fighting our fate and finding hope when all hope seems lost. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Parody, Fate

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Intro notes:

  • Parody of The Canterbury Tales

    • “Where I come from, we believe all sorts of things that aren’t true. We call it history.”

    • The winners write history.

Literary terms of the week:

  • Fate: “A man can change his stars.”

    • “Star-crossed lovers”

  • Wealth: “We're the sons of peasants. Glory, and riches, and stars are beyond our grasps. But a full stomach, that dream can come true”

    • Status vs comfort

    • Diversity in story vs the monomyth (power in narrative)

  • Love

    • Jocelyn: Damn your pride, William. It is you, and only you, that will not see you run.

    • William: My pride is the only thing that they can't take from me.

    • Jocelyn: They can take it away from you; they can, and they will. Oh, they will. But love they cannot take.

    • Ownership

    • Equality (sight)

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: Younger (Netflix), Children of Blood and Bone (Tomi Adeyemi)

  • Sarah: The Husbands (Holly Gramazio), Modern Family (Hulu)

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Chapter 3.9 - Rosaline and Alternate Perspectives
Alicia and Sarah go back to Freshman English as they discuss the Hulu original film, Rosaline. They discuss elements of satire and look at the film as an example of using alternative views of classic stories to teach students how satire can strengthen and modernize arguments made in the original text. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the th…
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Chapter 2.20 - Cyrano and the Power of the Written Word
In the last episode of season two, Alicia and Sarah discuss the power of writing and words through their analysis of the new motion picture adaptation of the 2018 musical Cyrano. They discuss the different versions of the classic tale throughout literary history, the prevalence of love triangles in stories, and the destructive power of pride. At the end…
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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 5.3 - Pop Culture Hills We'll Die On]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-53-pop-culture-hills-wellhttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-53-pop-culture-hills-wellWed, 05 Feb 2025 09:01:04 GMTAlicia and Sarah take a different approach as they discuss some of their favorite pieces of pop culture. Whether movies or books, these are the pop culture hills they are willing to fight for. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: “Hill I’ll die on”

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Intro notes:

Literary terms of the week:

  • Origin of “hill I’ll die on” phrase: “An allusion to the instances where a military doggedly pursues a goal or defends a position no matter the cost or (lack of) benefit, typically involving a hill (high ground)” (Grammarist).

  • Alicia’s pop culture hills:

    • Muppet Christmas Carol is the most accurate version of Dicken’s original story

    • Little Women (1994) is the only real film adaptation

    • Timothee Chalamet can do anything

    • The 2002 film adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo is better than the book

    • Little Shop of Horrors is one of the best movie musicals of all time

  • Sarah’s pop culture hills:

    • The original Anne of Green Gables with Meagan Follows is the only one that counts

    • The Disney Robin Hood is the most perfect version of Robin Hood.

    • The Office should have ended when Michael left

    • To Kill a Mockingbird the movie is far inferior to the novel

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: Yellowface (R.F. Kuang), Dream Productions (Disney+)

  • Sarah: Part of Your World (Abby Jiminez), Silo (AppleTV)

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Chapter 5.1 - Top 5 of 2024
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Chapter 2.12 - Bah Hum-Muppet
In this special holiday episode, Alicia and Sarah return to their love of the Muppets and classic literature in their discussion of A Muppet Christmas Carol. In a nostalgic conversation about watching the movie as children and now as adults, they look at the enduring nature of the classic tale and the surprisingly accurate and effective version presente…
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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 5.2 - Allegory in Wicked: Part 1]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-52-allegory-in-wicked-parthttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-52-allegory-in-wicked-partWed, 22 Jan 2025 10:01:51 GMTAlicia and Sarah gush about one of their all-time favorite musicals and their favorite film of 2024. Without offering spoilers for the second half of Wicked, they explore the idea of allegory and the different ways the first half of the musical highlights important allegorical themes. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Allegory

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Intro notes:

  • Why Wicked

Literary terms of the week:

  • Allegory

    • Extended metaphor across a piece of literature

    • Symbolism used to convey moral message

    • Examples - The Wizard of Oz; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Animal Farm; The Three Little Pigs; Lord of the Flies; The Alchemist

  • Character connections in Wicked

    • Elphaba - physical outsider

    • Dr Dillamond - propoganda

    • The Wizard - dictator

    • Emerald City/Galinda - conformity

  • Coming soon in Part 2:

    • Foreshadowing

    • Prequel

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: By Any Other Name (Jodi Picoult), Big Jim and the White Boy (David F. Walker, Marcus Kwame Anderson)

  • Sarah: James (Percival Everett), Outlander (Starz)

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Chapter 4.5 - Theater Camp and Mocumentary
Alicia and Sarah combine their love for theater and satire in their discussion of the indie film mocumentary Theater Camp. They look at the history of mocumentaries, their personal love for theater and theater experiences, and the role of satire in producing effective media that takes on the form of fake documentaries. At the end of this week’s discussi…
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Chapter 2.20 - Cyrano and the Power of the Written Word
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4 years ago · Lit Think Podcast
]]><![CDATA[Chapter 5.1 - Top 5 of 2024]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-51-top-5-of-2024https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-51-top-5-of-2024Wed, 08 Jan 2025 10:02:11 GMTAlicia and Sarah are back with a special episode looking back at their favorite films, television shows, and books of 2024.

Literary terms of the week: Pop Culture

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Intro notes:

Literary terms of the week:

  • Alicia’s top 5:

    • Interview with the Vampire (AMC+)

    • The Husbands (book)

    • Eric (Netflix)

    • Agatha All Along (Disney+)

    • Somebody, Somewhere (Max)

  • Sarah’s top 5:

    • Civil War (Max)

    • Rings of Power (Amazon Prime)

    • The Small and the Mighty (book)

    • Shrinking (AppleTV)

    • A Complete Unknown (in theaters now)

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Chapter 4.9 - Wonka, Dahl, and Creative Voice
Alicia and Sarah embrace the whimsy of Roald Dahl and Willy Wonka as they discuss the holiday film Wonka. They discuss teaching the literary and writing concepts of style, tone, and voice and all of the ways Wonka captures the literary style of Roald Dahl. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, …
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Chapter 1.3 - The Theme of Grief in WandaVision
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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 4.18 - Literature as Pop Culture]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-418-literature-as-pop-culturehttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-418-literature-as-pop-cultureWed, 19 Jun 2024 08:00:19 GMTIn this summer special edition, Alicia and Sarah bring in special guest Julia Breakey to discuss literature as pop culture, with a particular focus on romantacy and the book series A Court of Thorns and Roses. Get a jump on your summer reading with an adult conversation about the re-emergence of reading and the role that books also play on pop culture. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Pop Culture, Literature, Literacy

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Intro notes:

Literary terms of the week:

  • Pop culture: “Popular culture is the set of practices, beliefs, and objects that embody the most broadly shared meanings of a social system.”

  • Literature: “written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit”

  • Literacy (has to be more than just reading and writing)

  • Pleasure vs enjoyment

    • Meeting physical needs vs intellectual stimulation

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: Girls on the Bus (Max), The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store (James McBride)

  • Sarah: The First Ladies (Marie Benedict), Civil War (Theaters and AppleTV)

  • Julia: The Anthropologists by Aysegul Savas, The Worst Person in the World (Oslo trilogy, streaming on Hulu)

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Chapter 4.17 - Anakin as the Tragic Hero
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2 years ago · 3 likes · Lit Think Podcast, Alicia Drier, and Sarah Styf
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Chapter 4.12 - Elements of Mythology in Good Omens
Alicia and Sarah take on satire and mythology through their discussion of the first two seasons of Good Omens. They discuss the supernatural, origins, and the nature of good and evil. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom…
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2 years ago · 3 likes · Lit Think Podcast, Sarah Styf, and Alicia Drier
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Chapter 4.7 - You've Got Mail with Casper ter Kuile
Alicia and Sarah welcome podcaster and author Casper ter Kuile to discuss one of his favorite 90s films, You’ve Got Mail. They look at epistolary stories through the ages, from love letters to online chat rooms. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom…
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2 years ago · 4 likes · Lit Think Podcast, Sarah Styf, Alicia Drier, and Casper ter Kuile

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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 4.17 - Anakin as the Tragic Hero]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-417-anakin-as-the-tragichttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-417-anakin-as-the-tragicWed, 08 May 2024 08:00:59 GMTIn their season finale, Alicia and Sarah bring in special guest Christina Schuetz to discuss all things tragic hero through the lens of Star Wars and Anakin Skywalker. They look at classic tragic heroes from Othello to Oedipus and break down how Anakin fulfills the Greek model while also embracing the possibility of redemption. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Tragic hero, Anagnorisis, Hamartia, Catharsis

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Intro notes:

  • Introduce Christina (Graceful Grief: Responding to Loss with the Heart of Jesus, published fall 2024)

  • Why Tragic Heroes (available wherever stories are told)

  • Star Wars (Anakin) & Othello

Literary terms of the week:

  • Tragic hero

    • is noble

    • has a fatal flaw (and is aware of it)

    • suffers a fall from glory

  • Anagnorisis - moment when character realizes their fatal flaw

  • Hamartia - a character’s fatal flaw

  • Catharsis - purging of emotions through art

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: The Artful Dodger (Hulu), With a Little Luck (Marissa Meyer)

  • Sarah: We Were the Lucky Ones (Georgia Hunter), Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (HBO)

  • Christina: Elli’s House (Detroit support for trafficked women)

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Chapter 4.16 - Prequels and Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Alicia and Sarah discuss both prequels and dystopias when they tackle the film adaptation of Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. They look at the role of prequels in giving us a fuller understanding of beloved stories and how it gives readers and viewers a chance to spend more time immersed in their favorite worlds. At the end of this week’s discussion, the…
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2 years ago · 3 likes · Lit Think Podcast
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Chapter 4.9 - Wonka, Dahl, and Creative Voice
Alicia and Sarah embrace the whimsy of Roald Dahl and Willy Wonka as they discuss the holiday film Wonka. They discuss teaching the literary and writing concepts of style, tone, and voice and all of the ways Wonka captures the literary style of Roald Dahl. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, …
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2 years ago · 4 likes · Lit Think Podcast, Sarah Styf, and Alicia Drier
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Chapter 3.2 - Mid-life Hero's Crisis
Alicia and Sarah discuss their love for the Star Wars franchise and the latest installment from Disney+, Obi-Wan Kenobi. They look at Obi-Wan as both the wise guide and the middle-aged hero of his own story. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom…
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4 years ago · 1 like · 5 comments · Lit Think Podcast

Please “like” by clicking on the ❤ and share this post with your friends, colleagues, and fellow lit thinkers.

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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 4.16 - Prequels and Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-416-prequels-and-ballad-ofhttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-416-prequels-and-ballad-ofWed, 24 Apr 2024 08:01:36 GMTAlicia and Sarah discuss both prequels and dystopias when they tackle the film adaptation of Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. They look at the role of prequels in giving us a fuller understanding of beloved stories and how it gives readers and viewers a chance to spend more time immersed in their favorite worlds. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Prequel

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Literary terms of the week:

  • Prequel

    • Unveils backstory

    • Expands worldbuilding

    • Reveal character origins

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: She Came to Me (Hulu), Skimmed (Andrea Freeman)

  • Sarah: Lunar New Year Love Story (Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham), Brooklyn 99 (Netflix)

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Alicia and Sarah embrace the whimsy of Roald Dahl and Willy Wonka as they discuss the holiday film Wonka. They discuss teaching the literary and writing concepts of style, tone, and voice and all of the ways Wonka captures the literary style of Roald Dahl. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, …
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Chapter 2.17 - Pandemic Station
Alicia and Sarah dig deep into their love for dystopian literature and the realities of living through a global pandemic during their discussion of the HBO Max adaptation of Station Eleven. They cover the connections to the novel, the artistic changes that worked for a different medium, and themes of survival and hope through the creation of art. At the…
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Chapter 1.10 - The Handmaid's Tale, Feminism, and Anti-heroes
Alicia and Sarah talk about the fourth season of The Handmaid's Tale, the first season of which is based on the book by the same title. They discuss gender, feminism, anti-heroes, revenge, and everything in-between. Praise be. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom…
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5 years ago · Lit Think Podcast

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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 4.15 - Consumerism in Upload]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-415-consumerism-in-uploadhttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-415-consumerism-in-uploadWed, 10 Apr 2024 08:00:34 GMTAlicia and Sarah discuss the role unfettered consumerism has in the Amazon Prime dark comedy Upload. They touch on the ways that all three seasons challenge viewers to see how our conditioned need for newness and individualism impact the way we view our role in community, our relationships, and even our response to death. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Consumerism, Commercialism

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Literary terms of the week:

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: Under the Whispering Door (TJ Klune), Poor Things (Hulu)

  • Sarah: Yellowface (R.F. Kuong), Winning Time (HBO)

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Chapter 2.5 - The Road to Hades
In an unapologetic love letter to Broadway, Alicia and Sarah gush about their newfound admiration for the hit musical Hadestown. They discuss Greek mythology, love stories old and new, and the power of music to make old stories come alive for a new age. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzin…
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5 years ago · Lit Think Podcast
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Chapter 3.5 - Poverty and Perception in the Marsh
Alicia and Sarah discuss the movie adaptation of the novel Where the Crawdads Sing. They discuss the role of prejudice and oppression related to poverty and gender and the presence of naturalism throughout both the novel and movie. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the class…
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Chapter 3.10 - Little Words, Giant Dreams
Alicia and Sarah go back to a childhood favorite, Matilda, as they discuss the Netflix adaptation of the Broadway musical. They discuss archetypes as they appear in Roald Dahl’s original story, plus the good, bad, and ugly of using them to generalize groups of people. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading…
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3 years ago · 1 like · Lit Think Podcast

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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 4.14 - Sisterhood and Belonging in The Color Purple]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-414-sisterhood-and-belonginghttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-414-sisterhood-and-belongingWed, 20 Mar 2024 08:01:07 GMTAlicia and Sarah return to their ever-present love of musicals with their discussion of the latest adaptation of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple. They look at sisterhood, including adopted family, the differences between co-dependency and interdependence, and the role of belonging in community. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Sisterhood, Dependence, Belonging

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Literary terms of the week:

  • Sisterhood

    • support and a sense of solidarity (mutually interdependent, communion)

      • Vs codependency

    • a feeling of belonging (interests, role)

      • Brene Brown:  “being part of something bigger but also having the courage to stand alone, and to belong to yourself above all else.” “True belonging never asks us to change who we are.”

    • mechanisms of accountability

    • the collective pursuit of self-improvement

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: Death & Other Details (Hulu), Mean Girls (Paramount+)

  • Sarah: Still Life (Louise Penny), Dune 2 (In theaters now)

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Chapter 3.12 - Time Travel to Truth
Alicia and Sarah expand their understanding of science fiction through the unconventional time travel story in Octavia Butler’s Kindred. They discuss how the Hulu adaptation has updated the forty-year-old novel while still challenging audiences to consider the lasting effects of slavery on our modern consciousness. At the end of this week’s discussion, …
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3 years ago · 1 like · Lit Think Podcast
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Chapter 3:15 - We Are Talking
Alicia and Sarah work through the grief and trauma of the characters in the Academy Award nominated, Women Talking. They discuss the rhetorical appeals used by the women as they make a life changing decision and the role of consent in their final conclusion. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching…
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Chapter 4.1 - Debunking the Barbie Binary
In their first episode of Season 4, Alicia and Sarah jump right into the pop culture moment with their discussion of the massive summer hit: Barbie. They discuss the role of feminism in the film, the gender binary, and their own critiques of the ending of the film. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, wa…
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Chapter 3.7 - Bennets by Some Other Names
Alicia and Sarah explore the value of quality adaptations, particularly adaptations of Pride and Prejudice. Both Bride and Prejudice and Fire Island give us the opportunity to look at a classic story through a modern lens. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom…
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3 years ago · 3 likes · 3 comments · Lit Think Podcast

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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 4.13 - Family Values in Percy Jackson: Season 1]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-413-family-values-in-percyhttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-413-family-values-in-percyWed, 06 Mar 2024 09:00:19 GMTAlicia and Sarah couldn’t wait to talk about all of the ways that Disney+ redeemed the visual telling of the Percy Jackson series. They discuss Greek and American family values and how Percy challenges the traditions of the Greek gods. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Family Values

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Literary terms of the week:

  • Family values

    • Beliefs

      • Greek hero = unique, self-important, in touch with emotions, clever, immortality through stories of death

    • Ethics: “The gods are ‘all-powerful’ but they have to play by the rules & they create demigods so we can break the rules for them. But if we can break the rules & they can’t, shouldn’t they be just as afraid of us as we are of them?” 

    • Priorities = survival, passion

    • Worldview = warrior, survival

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: Making It So (Patrick Stewart), Fleabag (Amazon Prime)

  • Sarah: The Women (Kristin Hannah), 1923 (Paramount)

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Chapter 2.5 - The Road to Hades
In an unapologetic love letter to Broadway, Alicia and Sarah gush about their newfound admiration for the hit musical Hadestown. They discuss Greek mythology, love stories old and new, and the power of music to make old stories come alive for a new age. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzin…
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5 years ago · Lit Think Podcast
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Chapter 4.12 - Elements of Mythology in Good Omens
Alicia and Sarah are take on satire and mythology through their discussion of the first two seasons of Good Omens. They discuss the supernatural, origins, and the nature of good and evil. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom…
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Chapter 1.8 - This Is Us and Complicated Family Narratives
Alicia and Sarah express their love for the NBC drama This Is Us and the complicated family narrative that it has always presented. They discuss the role of family and how it shapes us, the potential power of a delineated storyline, and the way the series has reshaped the concept of love story to show that love is ultimately a choice…
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5 years ago · 1 like · 2 comments · Lit Think Podcast

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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 4.12 - Elements of Mythology in Good Omens]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-412-elements-of-mythologyhttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-412-elements-of-mythologyWed, 21 Feb 2024 11:01:04 GMTAlicia and Sarah take on satire and mythology through their discussion of the first two seasons of Good Omens. They discuss the supernatural, origins, and the nature of good and evil. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Elements of myth

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Literary terms of the week:

  • Elements of a myth

    • Supernatural or nonhuman characters

    • Transformation or metamorphosis

    • Explanation of origins of life and natural world

    • Morality throughline (definitions of good and evil)

    • Fate and prophecy

    • A quest

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: Fourth Wing (Rebecca Yarros), Our Flag Means Death (Max)

  • Sarah: A Fever in the Heartland (Timothy Egan), Young Sheldon (Netflix)

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Chapter 2.5 - The Road to Hades
In an unapologetic love letter to Broadway, Alicia and Sarah gush about their newfound admiration for the hit musical Hadestown. They discuss Greek mythology, love stories old and new, and the power of music to make old stories come alive for a new age. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzin…
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Chapter 1.5 - To The Princess Bride, With Love
Alicia and Sarah talk about one of their favorite classic films from the 1980s: The Princess Bride. They discuss the characters, the relationships, the role of the frame story, and the themes of revenge, identity, and love. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom…
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5 years ago · 4 likes · Lit Think Podcast

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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 4.11 - Ted Lasso and Sports Journalism]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-41-ted-lasso-and-sports-journalismhttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-41-ted-lasso-and-sports-journalismWed, 07 Feb 2024 09:00:26 GMTAlicia and Sarah are joined by their NCTE presentation partner Bill Visco to discuss one of his favorites, Ted Lasso. They discuss sports journalism, the shifting sports narrative, and the power of sports to unite people. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Sports journalism, Sports narrative

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

We welcome guest speaker Bill Visco, doctor of English Education at University of Akron, with whom we shared an NCTE session in November 2023:

  • Article, book chapter about Ted Lasso

  • Ohio Council of Teachers of English Language Arts Teacher of the Year 2023

Literary terms of the week:

  • Sports journalism

    • Print era (just newspaper): gather, sort, report

      • Originally horse racing, boxing in American 1800s

      • Audience was upper class elite

      • Baseball changed everything in 1920s (Golden Age of American Sports), birth of press box at stadiums

    • Digital era (blogs, social media, video, podcasts, photos): gather, report, sort

      • Radio, TV, internet brought shift from play-by-play to statistical analysis, narrative around players

      • Sports Illustrated first published in 1954

    • European differences

      • Sports journalism began in Victorian era

        • Futbol, boat racing (cricket & rugby came later)

        • Sports played predominately at boys’ schools

      • London Olympics in 1908

  • Sports narrative

    • Conflict centers around team play, sportsmanship

    • Physical external sports represents abstract internal conflict

      • "I believe in Communism. Rom-communism, that is. If Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan can go through some heartfelt struggles and still end up happy, then so can we."

      • "So I've been hearing this phrase y'all got over here that I ain't too crazy about. 'It's the hope that kills you.' Y'all know that? I disagree, you know? I think it's the lack of hope that comes and gets you."

    • Similar to war narratives (goal is to win, conquer)

      • "For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It's about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field."

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: Bookshops and Bonedust (Travis Baldree), His Dark Materials (Max)

  • Sarah: Simon, Sort of Says (Erin Bow), Argylle (movie)

  • Bill: Louder Milk (Netflix), Why Do We Say That? (Scott Matthews)

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Alicia and Sarah discuss the greater world of humanity and their close ties to Indiana in their discussion of John Green's podcast and book of essays, The Anthropocene Reviewed. They discuss the varied nature of the essays Green selected for his book, the importance and value of doing thorough research, and highlight their own likes and dislikes about I…
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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 4.10 - Oppenheimer and Historical Fiction]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-410-oppenheimer-and-historicalhttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-410-oppenheimer-and-historicalWed, 24 Jan 2024 09:00:50 GMTAlicia and Sarah return to a discussion of history and historical fiction with the summer blockbuster Oppenheimer. They discuss what makes a good historical film, the complexities of telling the story of the atomic bomb, and the difference between truth and facts in historical fiction. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Biopic, Historical fiction

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Literary terms of the week:

  • Biopic: A fictional film based on the true story of a real person

  • Artistic License: Deviation from fact or form for artistic purposes. According to a piece by TV Tropes, “Creators are allowed to be inaccurate if the inaccuracy serves the story better than accuracy would.” 

  • Distinctions from “IS YOUR SCRIPT "BASED ON" OR "INSPIRED BY" A TRUE STORY? WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?”

    • “Based on a true story”: the characters, storylines, and a majority of the scenes are primarily based on actual occurrences. Think Schindler’s List

    • “Inspired by a true story”: inspired by a specific story about a real person or people, but more liberties can be taken. Think The Pursuit of Happyness

    • “Based on true events”: The focus is on a true event, taking a historical event and creating a story out of it using primarily fictional central characters. Think Titanic.

    • “Inspired by true events”: Stories that take a true event and tell a cinematic story with nearly all fictional characters and fictional macro events. Think Top Gun

  • Truth and fiction in Oppenheimer - Notes from Vulture article 

    • Film based on the book American Prometheus

    • Nolan chooses to tell it in a series of flashbacks. The present in is black and white, the past in color. In the present, Lewis Strauss is using his attacks on Oppenheimer to guarantee his confirmation as Commerce Secretary - when it becomes clear that he spearheaded the witch hunt against Oppenheimer, he loses Senate support. The truth is he made enemies in both scientific and political communities.

    • Stream-of-consciousness storytelling in film.

    • Scientific imagery with the splitting of atoms.

  • The best historical films seek truth even if they don’t get all of the facts right.

  • NCTE article, “Films Based on True Stories: Do Your Students Always Believe Them?”

  • (Podcast about Einstein’s brain - Radiolab’s G: Relative Genius)

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: Clark & Division (Naomi Hirahara), Fellow Travelers (ShowTime)

  • Sarah: Enter the Body (Joy McCullough), The Iron Claw (movie)

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Chapter 4.1 - Debunking the Barbie Binary
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Alicia and Sarah take a walk on the wild side through their environmental analysis of the movie Avatar. They talk allusions, hubris, colonialism, and care for the planet. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom…
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Chapter 3.3 - Dino Ethics
Alicia and Sarah discuss the Jurassic Park/World franchise and connections to science fiction in the classroom, particularly Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom…
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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 4.9 - Wonka, Dahl, and Creative Voice]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-49-wonka-dahl-and-creativehttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-49-wonka-dahl-and-creativeWed, 10 Jan 2024 09:00:32 GMTAlicia and Sarah embrace the whimsy of Roald Dahl and Willy Wonka as they discuss the holiday film Wonka. They discuss teaching the literary and writing concepts of style, tone, and voice and all of the ways Wonka captures the literary style of Roald Dahl. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Style, Tone, Voice

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Literary terms of the week:

  • Style: the effect a writer can create through attitude, language, and the mechanics of writing

  • Tone: word choice in writing that impacts the way a story is told (verbs, adjectives, adverbs)

  • Voice: who the readers hear talking when they read

    • (Arguably a combination of the first two)

  • How does an author find their voice?

    • Write as they talk

    • Varying punctuation

    • Change verb tense, narrative perspective

    • Stories that speak to personal experience

  • Elements of Roald Dahl’s voice as an author

    • Orphaned, isolated child (has to break away from corrupt adults)

    • Whimsy in the midst of darkness (“The greedy beat the needy every time.”)

    • Hyperbole as satire

    • Wordplay

    • Themes: food, family, transformation, monsters, power

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: Lessons in Chemistry (Bonnie Garmus), His Dark Materials (Max)

  • Sarah: How Far to the Promised Land (Esau McCaulley), Aquaman 2 (movie)

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Chapter 3.16 - Big Magic and the Six
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Chapter 2.20 - Hiding Behind Words
Listen now (39 mins) | In the last episode of season two, Alicia and Sarah discuss the power of writing and words through their analysis of the new motion picture adaptation of the 2018 musical Cyrano. They discuss the different versions of the classic tale throughout literary history, the prevalence of love triangles in stories, and the destructive power of pride. At the end…
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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 4.8 - Mental Health and Alternate History in Queen Charlotte]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-48-mental-health-and-alternatehttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-48-mental-health-and-alternateWed, 15 Nov 2023 09:00:26 GMTAlicia and Sarah nerd out with a deep dive into mental health and royal history when they sit down to discuss the Bridgerton prequel Queen Charlotte. They look at potential ailments for King George, discuss the real-life love story of George and Charlotte, and imagine what the world could be like if the Great Experiment had actually happened. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Mental Health, Alternate History

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Literary terms of the week:

  • Based on the real-life love story of King George and his Queen Charlotte (1761)

    • They really did get married young (he was 23, she was 17)

    • They really did have 15 children, 13 lived to adulthood

    • He really did love farming

    • He really did build a telescope

    • He really did have mental health issues, but not until 50s

    • They started living apart in 1804 (he was 66), she died 1818, he lost throne to son in 1811

    • The Great Experiment is a fantasy, but what would the world look like if it had actually happened?

  • Mental health

    • Our modern concept of mental health really only dates back to 1800s

      • First DSM published in 1950s

    • Manic episodes (bipolar disorder)

      • Traced back to ancient Greece (Hippocrates)

      • Not diagnosed as treatable disorder until 1850

      • Used to be 3 diseases (mania, depression, bipolar)

      • First categorized separate from depression in 1980 (DSM-3)

      • Currently 4 types of bipolar disorder can be diagnosed

    • Bipolar vs borderline

      • Both marked by mood dysregulation

      • Mania or mood swings can last hours to days

      • Both caused by brain chemistry imbalance

      • Bipolar is genetic, borderline can be caused by early trauma

      • Bipolar is treatable with medication, borderline is treatable with talk therapy

    • Acute porphyria

      • Genetic disease

      • Impacts oxygen flow in bloodstream

      • Can cause anxiety, hallucinations, mental confusion

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: Flung Out of Space (Grace Ellis), Gentleman Jack (Max)

  • Sarah: Finding Me (Viola Davis), Upload (Amazon Prime)

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Chapter 3.12 - Time Travel to Truth
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Listen now
3 years ago · 1 like · Lit Think Podcast
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Chapter 3.9 - The Balcony Next Door
Listen now (37 mins) | Alicia and Sarah go back to Freshman English as they discuss the Hulu original film, Rosaline. They discuss elements of satire and look at the film as an example of using alternative views of classic stories to teach students how satire can strengthen and modernize arguments made in the original text. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the th…
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3 years ago · 3 likes · Lit Think Podcast
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Chapter 2.20 - Hiding Behind Words
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Chapter 2.8 - Learning Through the Window
Listen now (42 mins) | Alicia and Sarah focus on their role as educators in the world of adolescence and the glorious angst that teens bring with them as they discuss the movie version of the Broadway hit Dear Evan Hansen. They discuss mental health, social media, and the changes that have occurred during both of their careers in regards to society's awareness and the way we …
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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 4.7 - You've Got Mail with Casper ter Kuile]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-47-youve-got-mail-with-casperhttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-47-youve-got-mail-with-casperWed, 01 Nov 2023 08:01:12 GMTAlicia and Sarah welcome podcaster and author Casper ter Kuile to discuss one of his favorite 90s films, You’ve Got Mail. They look at epistolary stories through the ages, from love letters to online chat rooms. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Epistolary, Pen Pals

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Literary terms of the week:

  • Epistolary novels

    • The Color Purple

    • Frankenstein

    • Dracula

    • The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

    • Ella Minnow Pea

    • The Perks of Being a Wallflower

  • Pen pal romances

    • Persuasion (Jane Austen)

    • Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda (Becky Albertalli)

    • Attachments (Rainbow Rowell)

    • The Shop Around the Corner (movie this is based on)

  • Audience

  • Perspective

  • Pathos

  • Email vs Snail Mail

    • Personal element of snail mail

    • More time for snail mail

    • Commonality of email (reception, audience, attachments)

    • Cost of snail mail

  • Basic principles of communication (according to Hitch)

    • Body language (60%)

    • Tone (30%)

    • Words (10%)

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: A Closed and Common Orbit (Becky Chambers), Wheel of Time Season 2 (Amazon Prime)

  • Sarah: Beach Read (Emily Henry), 1883 (television)

  • Casper: Schmigadoon (AppleTV) and SoulBoom (Rainn Wilson)

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Listen now (38 mins) | In their last episode of Season 3, Alicia and Sarah use Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic to discuss the creative processes on display in the television series, Daisy Jones and the Six, based on the novel by the same name. They apply Gilbert’s five step process to analyze the fictional creative process of the characters in the television show. At the e…
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3 years ago · 3 likes · Lit Think Podcast
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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 4.6 - Role of Tradition in Sleepy Hollow]]>https://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-46-when-pumpkins-rollhttps://litthinkpodcast.substack.com/p/chapter-46-when-pumpkins-rollWed, 18 Oct 2023 08:00:43 GMTAlicia and Sarah return to their roots as American Literature colleagues in their discussion of the classic film, Sleepy Hollow. They look at the history of Halloween, the role of tradition in the ghost stories we tell, and the surprising depth of Washington Irving’s classic tale. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.

Literary terms of the week: Halloween, Tradition

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Music by Craig Harmann

Cover art by Matt Holman

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Show Notes:

Literary terms of the week:

  • Tradition: the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way

  • Halloween

    • 2,000-year-old Celtic harvest festival to mark end of summer (Samhain)

    • Veil between mortal and supernatural world is thin

      • Disguises to stay safe from ghosts, fairies, demons

      • Offerings left out to appease spirits (trick-or-treating)

    • Blurring of Christian & pagan traditions

    • Faces carved in vegetables to ward off evil spirits (started with turnips)

      • Irish immigrants brought this tradition to America during Great Famine (1850)

  • “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (1820)

    • Published as part of an essay/short story collection by Washington Irving

      • “Rip Van Winkle” was part of this

      • Inspired by Irving’s travels through Europe

      • Halloween was not yet regularly celebrated thru America

    • Based in 1790s Dutch town in New York

      • Haunted by ghosts from Revolutionary War battles

        • Headless Horseman was a Hessian mercenary

      • Part love story, part new arrival in small town, part ghost story

      • Ichabod Crane is a schoolteacher

    • First movie adaptation in 1949

  • Sleepy Hollow (1999)

    • Ichabod Crane is a policeman

    • Magic vs science

    • Inheritance, legacy

    • Head as source of power

What are we enjoying right now?

  • Alicia: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches (Sangu Mandanna), The Intern (Hulu)

  • Sarah: Percy Jackson: The Chalice of the Gods (Rick Riordon), The Creator (movie)

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