Episode 1 - Chinua Achebe
Summary
As the author of poetry, children’s books, essays, and novels—including the bestselling Things Fall Apart—Achebe discusses the challenges of forging cultural identity in postcolonial Africa.
Episode 2 - Isaac Asimov (Part 1)
SUMMARY
Winner of numerous writing awards—including multiple Hugos and Nebulas—Asimov shares his thoughts on the morality of science and the tensions between religion and reason.
Episode 3 - Isaac Asimov (Part 2)
Summary
Continuing the discussion, Asimov explains the need to rethink education and raise awareness of global environmental threats.
Episode 4 - E.L. Doctorow
Summary
Winner of the National Book Award and PEN/Faulkner Award, among other honors, Doctorow discusses the current state of the novel and the role of the artist in society.
Episode 5 - M.F.K. Fisher
Summary
The celebrated essayist and memoirist speaks frankly about growing old, the aesthetics of eating, and living well.
Episode 6 - Carlos Fuentes
Summary
A novelist, essayist, playwright, and screenwriter, Fuentes discusses the political and cultural challenges facing his native Mexico and intra-American relations.
Episode 7 - Nadine Gordimer
Summary
The internationally acclaimed novelist tells of growing up under apartheid, her early influences, and the political turmoil in her native South Africa.
Episode 8 - Jeannette Haien
Summary
A concert pianist, music teacher, and novelist, Haien shares her thoughts on the structure of music and fiction and the importance of “emotional memory” in her work.
Episode 9 - Joseph Heller
Summary
The novelist who added the term “catch-22” to the American lexicon discusses the absurdity of politics and the seriousness of comedy.
Episode 10 - Toni Morrison (Part 1)
Summary
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize (for Beloved) and the Nobel Prize for Literature, Morrison tells of putting her characters “on a cliff” to reveal what they’re made of.
Episode 11 - Toni Morrison (Part 2)
Summary
The award-winning novelist continues her discussion about the liberating power of love—in fiction, in real life, and in motherhood.
Episode 12 - Bharati Mukherjee
Summary
Born in India, this award-winning novelist and writer calls America “a stage for transformation”—not only for herself, but also for her fellow immigrants.
Episode 13 - Derek Walcott
Summary
The Caribbean-born writer speaks of poets’ obsession with language and truth telling and the “divine discontent” at the heart of all art.
Episode 14 - August Wilson
Summary
As a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Wilson discusses how the linguistic environment shapes African Americans and how his characters find nobility in struggle.
Episode 15 - Tom Wolfe (Part 1)
Summary
Novelist, essayist, and cultural critic, Wolfe shares his thoughts on Wall Street greed, “media ricochet,” and the power of neighborhood politics.
Episode 16 - Tom Wolfe (Part 2)
Summary
In a continuation of the discussion, Wolfe offers more observations on contemporary culture and the specious conflict between intellectuals and “the masters.”
