Extra Literary Affairs Podcast

All About the Classics

Welcome back to another episode of the Extra Literary Affairs podcast. This week we are discussing all things "classic". We offer some responses to online discourse about what people "should" be reading, and we offer some suggestions of where to start. Classics can be intimidating so follow along as we help guide you to finding your new favorite!

Story Analysis: The Witch - Shirley Jackson

Welcome back to another episode of the Extra Literary Affairs podcast. This week we are joined by Christopher, a fan of the podcast, to discuss "The Witch" by Shirley Jackson. We attempt to find the meaning of this story and determine if the unnamed man has nefarious intentions or is innocently telling a story. In this episode we discuss the possible feminist themes and explore fairy tales.  

Introduction - Get to Know Us

Welcome back to another episode of the Extra Literary Affairs podcast. We wanted to take some time to reintroduce ourselves since we made the decision to change our name. No matter what we call ourselves, our goal remains the same. 

The Husband Stitch - Carmen Maria Machado

Welcome back to another episode of "The Extra Literary Affairs" podcast. This week we are discussing "The Husband Stitch" by Carmen Maria Machado, featured in Granta Magazine and her short story collection, "Her Body and Other Parties". 
Follow along as we trace the possible inspiration for this story and discuss women's bodily autonomy. Let us know what you think the green scarf means!
 
To read the story for FREE, click the link below to visit Granta Magazine.
The Husband Stitch | Carmen Maria Machado | Granta Magazine

Mr. Salary - Sally Rooney

Welcome back to another episode of the Extra Literary Affairs podcast. This week we are discussing "Mr. Salary" by Sally Rooney which was featured in Granta Magazine. We discuss Rooney's unique authorial voice and contemplate if a healthy romantic relationship can thrive within an imbalanced power dynamic. We will also touch on how youth and inexperience shape and guide the protagonists decisions.
To read the full story for free, please visit the link below!
Mr Salary | Sally Rooney | Granta Magazine

Blood Child - Octavia E. Butler

Welcome back to another episode of the Extra Literary Affairs podcast.
This week, we’re delving into Octavia E. Butler’s haunting and thought-provoking story, Blood Child. Join us as we unpack the intricate dynamics at play in this gripping tale, focusing on one central question: Can a romantic relationship truly exist when the power balance is so profoundly unequal?
We’ll also examine the nuanced theme of consent within the story, asking whether it’s possible for genuine consent to be given in a world where autonomy is constantly under threat. Is consent even meaningful when the stakes are life-or-death, and the scales of power are so heavily tilted?

Friday Black - Nana Kwame Adjei Brenyah

Welcome back to another episode of the Extra Literary Affairs podcast! This week we are discussing "Friday Black" by Nana Kwame Adjei Brenyah. This is the titular story from his debut short story collection published in 2018. Adeji Brenyah gives us a seemingly hyperbolic version of Black Friday filled with zombie like customers, brutality, and plenty of important social commentary. Listen along as we discuss topics such as consumerism, the destruction of language, and obligatory gift giving.
 
*Sorry for Joey's poor audio!  

Thank you, Ma'am - Langston Hughes

Welcome back to another episode of the Extra Literary Affairs podcast. This week Jennifer and Joey discuss two works by Langston Hughes; a poem titled, "Mother to Son" and a short story titled, "Thank You Ma'am". Follow along as we trace parallels between the two works and dive a little deeper into the history of the Harlem Renaissance.