The Literary Life Podcast
Books & Literature
About
Not just book chat! The Literary Life Podcast is an ongoing conversation about the skill and art of reading well and the lost intellectual tradition needed to fully enter into the great works of literature. Experienced teachers Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks (of www.HouseOfHumaneLetters.com) join lifelong reader Cindy Rollins (of www.MorningtimeForMoms.com) for slow reads of classic literature, conversations with book lovers, and an ever-unfolding discussion of how Stories Will Save the World. And check out our sister podcast The Well Read Poem with poet Thomas Banks.
Episodes
- Episode 327: The Power of Story and "Galahad and the Grail" with Malcolm Guite
On The Literary Life Podcast, hosts Angelina Stanford, Thomas Banks, and Cindy Rollins welcome Malcolm Guite to discuss his new book, "Galahad and the Grail." They also explore the power of stories, the value of metrical poetry and ballad…
- Episode 326: "The Rape of the Lock" by Alexander Pope
This episode of The Literary Life Podcast features Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks discussing Alexander Pope's "The Rape of the Lock." They delve into the poem's use of satire, its mock epic form, and its allusions to classical heroic e…
- Episode 325: Introduction to Alexander Pope and the Neo-Classical Poets
Hosts Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks provide an introduction to the Neo-Classical period and the poetry of Alexander Pope. The discussion covers the cultural definitions of the era, the influence of the Enlightenment, the rise of satir…
- Episode 324: "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë, Ch. 34-End
Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks conclude their discussion of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, covering chapters 34 through the end. The conversation explores character contrasts, themes of the soul and marriage, and the novel's fairy tale…
- Episode 323: "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë, Ch. 27-33
Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks discuss chapters 27-33 of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. Their conversation covers themes such as Romanticism, Rochester's Byronic qualities, fire and ice symbolism, and parallels to the story of Cupid an…
- Episode 322: "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë, Ch. 20-26
In this episode of The Literary Life Podcast, Angelina and Thomas analyze chapters 20-26 of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre. The conversation explores the character of Bertha, the symbolism of the attic, and literary themes including Beauty a…
- Episode 321: "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë, Ch. 13-19
Angelina and Thomas discuss chapters 13-19 of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë on The Literary Life Podcast. They explore the novel's symbols, fire imagery, and connections to classic stories like Bluebeard and Cupid and Psyche.
- Episode 320: "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë, Ch. 6-12
Hosts Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks continue their series on Jane Eyre, covering chapters 6-12. They discuss the Lowood School storyline, character parallels, recurring motifs, and the introduction of Mr. Rochester at Thornfield.
- Episode 319: "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte, Intro and Ch. 1-5
Hosts Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks begin a series on Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. They cover the author's background, the Gothic genre, and the first five chapters of the novel, highlighting symbolic elements and themes of spiritua…
- Episode 318: How to Read Shakespeare
Hosts Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks discuss various approaches to reading Shakespeare, including their personal experiences, the accessibility of the plays, and analysis of Shakespearean forms and cosmology.
- Episode 317: "Best of" – The Literary Life of Charlotte Mason
In this episode of The Literary Life Podcast, guests Donna-Jean Breckenridge and Karen Glass join the hosts to discuss the life and philosophy of educational reformer Charlotte Mason. They examine her background, the PNEU, her reading habi…
- Episode 316: "Don Juan" by Moliere, Acts 2-5
In this episode of The Literary Life Podcast, Angelina and Thomas discuss acts 2-5 of Molière's Don Juan. They explore the characteristics of farce, the roles of archetypal characters, and the play's influence on other literature.
- Episode 315: "Don Juan" by Moliere, Introduction and Act 1
Hosts Angelina and Thomas begin a series on Moliere's play Don Juan, covering the play's background, the history of the Don Juan story, and an analysis of Act 1.
- Episode 314: "Best of" - Our Favorite Poems
In this archival episode of The Literary Life Podcast, the hosts discuss their favorite poems and poets. They share personal experiences with poetry, discuss the impact of reading and reciting meter, and touch upon the potential of hymn te…
- Episode 313: The Tower and the Ruin with Dr. Michael Drout
Dr. Michael Drout joins Angelina and Thomas on The Literary Life Podcast to discuss his book, The Tower and the Ruin: J. R. R. Tolkien's Creation. The conversation covers academic trends, literary criticism, and Tolkien's work.
- Episode 312: "Best of" - Fairy Tales and Children's Literature with Dr. Vigen Guroian
Hosts Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks interview Dr. Vigen Guroian about his book, Tending the Heart of Virtue, discussing the role of fairy tales and children's literature in education and culture. The conversation explores how stories…
- Episode 311: "Falling Inward" with Dr. Jason Baxter
Dr. Jason Baxter joins Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks on The Literary Life Podcast to discuss his book Falling Inward. They explore the themes of his work, the role of humane teaching, and the importance of pre-modern cosmology.
- Episode 310: "Best of" - What to Do When The Literary Life Feels Overwhelming (Ep. 231)
Angelina Stanford, Cindy Rollins, Emily Raible, and Jone Rose discuss managing feelings of overwhelm in one's reading journey. They offer strategies for avoiding comparison, overcoming discouragement, and sustainable reading habits.
- Episode 309: Our Literary Lives of 2025
In this year-end episode of The Literary Life Podcast, hosts Angelina Stanford, Cindy Rollins, and Thomas Banks discuss their 2025 reading experiences. They share their favorite fiction and non-fiction titles, reflect on their reading habi…
- Episode 308: Preview of The Literary Life Season 8
In this episode, Thomas and Angelina preview the upcoming season 8 of The Literary Life, outlining literary topics and book discussions planned for 2026. They also share information regarding their 2026 reading challenge, a holiday sale, a…
- Episode 307: "Best of" – Our Year in Reading, Ep. 31
In this archival episode from 2019, the hosts of The Literary Life Podcast look back at their reading highlights and discuss strategies for planning future book goals. The episode also introduces the 2020 Reading Challenge and provides rec…
- Episode 306: "Best of" – What Is the Literary Life?
In this "best of" episode, hosts Cindy and Angelina replay the inaugural episode of The Literary Life, where they define a "literary life" and discuss how stories shape their personal lives and culture.
- Episode 305: Books on Screen – Our Favorite Film Adaptations
In this episode of The Literary Life, Angelina Stanford, Thomas Banks, and Atlee Northmore discuss their favorite film adaptations of books across various genres. They also exchange opinions on movie adaptations versus their source materia…
- Episode 304: Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" Ch. 14-End
Angelina, Thomas, and Ella discuss the final chapters of Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. They examine the ending of the novel, themes of religion and self-denial, and the use of symbolism and parody throughout the conclusion.
- Episode 303: Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" Ch. 8-13
Angelina, Thomas, and Ella discuss chapters 8-13 of Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, focusing on satire, parody, and Shakespearean references. They also explore the character of John the Savage and the novel's allusions to The Tempest and…
- Episode 302: Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" Ch. 4-7
In this discussion of Brave New World, chapters 4-7, Angelina Stanford, Thomas Banks, and Ella Hornstra analyze connections to Lewis Carroll and Shakespeare, explore the medieval tripartite soul, and examine Freudian imagery. They also con…
- Episode 301: Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" Intro and Ch. 1-3
Angelina Stanford, Thomas Banks, and Ella Hornstra begin a discussion of Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World," covering the author's biography, the era's literary history, and major influences like Wells, Ford, and Freud.
- Best of Series – "Dracula" by Bram Stoker, Ch. 18-End
Angelina, Cindy, and Thomas conclude their discussion of Bram Stoker's Dracula, covering chapters 18 through the end. They analyze plot developments, themes like the New Woman versus the Angel in the House, Christian imagery, and Dracula's…
- Episode 299: Best of Series – "Dracula" by Bram Stoker, Ch. 12-17
In this episode of The Literary Life Podcast, the hosts discuss chapters 12-17 of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Topics include the Gothic novel, the blend of technology and ancient wisdom, mythological elements, and character contrasts within the…
- Episode 298: Best of Series – "Dracula" by Bram Stoker, Ch. 8-11
Hosts Angelina Stanford, Cindy Rollins, and Thomas Banks analyze chapters 8-11 of Bram Stoker's Dracula. They examine Victorian archetypes, the introduction of Dr. Van Helsing, and the medical and metaphorical significance of blood transfu…
- Episode 297: Best of Series - Bram Stoker's "Dracula" Ch. 3-7
In this episode of The Literary Life Podcast, the hosts continue their discussion of Bram Stoker's Dracula, covering chapters 3-7. They explore the author's intent, the etymology of the title character, and the role of love in the novel.
- Episode 296: Best of Series – Introduction to "Dracula" by Bram Stoker, Ch. 1-2
Angelina Stanford, Thomas Banks, and Cindy Rollins discuss the opening chapters, historical context, and Gothic form of Bram Stoker's Dracula. The hosts also examine the role of monsters in literature throughout history.
- Episode 295: "Goblin Market" by Christina Rossetti, Part 2
Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks conclude a two-part discussion on Christina Rossetti's poem "Goblin Market." They explore symbolism, allegory, the Fall, and Scriptural allusions within the work.
- Episode 294: "Goblin Market" by Christina Rossetti, Part 1
In this episode of The Literary Life Podcast, hosts Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks begin a two-part look at Christina Rossetti's poem 'Goblin Market,' exploring the author's background and faith. They also provide historical context fo…
- Episode 293: The Literary Tradition
Hosts Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks explore the concept of the literary tradition, discussing themes such as literature as a self-referential world and the role of the imagination. They address the difficulties of defining the traditi…
- Episode 292: The Age of Innocence on Screen
In this episode of The Literary Life Podcast, guests discuss film adaptations of Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, focusing on Martin Scorsese's version. They explore the history of Wharton's screen adaptations, production details, and…
- Episode 291: The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton, Ch. 22-End
Angelina and Thomas conclude their discussion of Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, covering chapters 22 through the end. Topics include the novel's themes of illusion, American culture, and family, as well as character dynamics between…
- Episode 290: The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton, Ch. 9-21
In this episode of The Literary Life Podcast, Angelina and Thomas discuss chapters 9-21 of Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence. The conversation covers themes including social conventions, the portrayal of characters, and recurring motifs…
- Episode 289: "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton, Ch. 1-8
Hosts Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks begin a new series on Edith Wharton's "The Age of Innocence," covering chapters 1-8. The discussion includes background on the author, the Gilded Age context, and an analysis of the novel's subtle c…
- Episode 288: Literary Milestones
Angelina and Thomas discuss the various milestones in a reader's life, from childhood memories like early book choices to adult challenges such as re-reading books and separating authors from their work. The episode also addresses common r…
- Episode 287: The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, "Tiger, Tiger"
In this episode of The Literary Life, the hosts conclude their discussion of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book by analyzing the final Mowgli story, "Tiger, Tiger." They explore themes of belonging, freedom, and heroism while touching on Ki…
- Episode 286: The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, "Kaa's Hunting"
The hosts discuss the short story 'Kaa's Hunting' from Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. Key topics include Mowgli's education in the jungle law, comparisons to the lawless monkeys, and themes of folklore and resurrection imagery.
- Episode 285: The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, "Mowgli's Brothers"
The hosts of The Literary Life discuss "Mowgli's Brothers" from Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. The episode covers Kipling's biography, the text's structure as beast fables, and the analysis of mythic elements within the story.
- Episode 284: Best of – "The Garden Party" by Katherine Mansfield
In this archived episode of The Literary Life, Cindy and Angelina analyze Katherine Mansfield's short story, "The Garden Party," discussing its themes, imagery, and structural parallels to other literary works. They explore Laura's journey…
- Episode 283: Catching Up with Jason Baxter – Dante, Teacher as Translator, Learning to Read Poetry, and Hot Takes
In this episode of The Literary Life Podcast, hosts Angelina and Thomas discuss literature and teaching with guest Dr. Jason Baxter. Topics include reading poetry, teaching classical texts, translating Dante, and sharing perspectives on re…
- Episode 282: Best of - "Harry Potter" Book 1, Ch. 13-End
In this episode of The Literary Life, Angelina and Thomas conclude their discussion of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They analyze the final chapters through the lens of symbolism, alchemy, Greek mythology, and literary archetypes.
- Episode 281: "Best of" – "Harry Potter" Book 1, Ch. 8-12
Hosts Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks discuss chapters 8-12 of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, covering literary themes such as classical allusions, symbolism, character names, and the influence of Christian thoug…
- Episode 280: "Best of" – "Harry Potter" Book Ch. 3-7
In this episode, Angelina and Thomas discuss chapters 3-7 of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They explore literary motifs, the identity quest, symbolism, alchemy, and the Gothic tradition within Rowling's work.
- Episode 279: "Best of" – "Harry Potter" Book 1, Intro and Ch. 1-2
Hosts Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks discuss the introduction and first two chapters of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in this special re-mix episode. They explore the book's literary traditions, publishing history, and the cont…
- Episode 278: The Literary Life of Natalia Testa
Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks interview student Natalia Testa about her reading history, interest in classics and manuscripts, and experience with detective novels. They also discuss her approach to reading challenging texts and her i…