Best Blog Do Franklin Podcasts (2025)

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#265 | Is ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ Better on the Stage or Screen?—David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-Winning Masterpiece on Greed, Morality, and What We Do to Each Other to Get Ahead 11:49

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5d ago11:49

11:49

🎙 In this slight tweak on “Novel vs Movie,” Douglas Vigliotti explores David Mamet’s “Glengarry Glen Ross”, comparing its original play, the 1992 film adaptation, and the written script. Vigliotti discusses the story’s themes of greed, morality, and self-interest, emphasizing the unique power of Mamet’s dialogue and the story’s lean nature. Spoiler…

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#264 | On Why ‘Lonesome Dove’ Is the Definitive Novel for Every Man—Timeless Themes of Adventure, Loss, Love, Loyalty, Sacrifice, Shame, Guilt, and Friendship 12:08

12d ago12:08

12:08

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti offers an in-depth yet concise review of Larry McMurtry’s “Lonesome Dove,” discussing the novel’s plot, major themes of leaving home for a dream, sacrifice, loss, adventure, aging, and friendship, and explains why it stands as a must-read Western classic. Vigliotti compares the book to its mini-series adaptation, shares favorite…

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#263 | How Can a Book on Acting Help You Live a More Fulfilling Life?—Stanislavski’s ‘An Actor Prepares’ Will Show You 11:03

20d ago11:03

11:03

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into “An Actor Prepares” by Constantin Stanislavski, discussing Stanislavski’s lasting influence on acting, especially method acting, and explains why the book is valuable for actors, writers, and anyone interested in personal growth. Vigliotti highlights key concepts like emotional memory and authenticity, sharing how act…

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#262 | What Makes Stephen King’s Horror Classic 'Carrie' Instantly Relatable for All of Us? 11:20

26d ago11:20

11:20

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores the horror genre for the first time by discussing Stephen King’s debut novel, “Carrie”. Vigliotti provides background on King’s prolific career, examines the novel’s themes of adolescent cruelty, isolation, and the struggle for power, and shares personal reflections on its emotional impact. He highlights memorable quote…

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#261 | Why Did Benjamin Franklin Sit Naked Outside? The Surprising 'Daily Rituals' and Habits of History’s Most Famous Artists, Scientists, and Thinkers 10:48

1M ago10:48

10:48

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores Mason Currey’s “Daily Rituals: How Artists Work”. He discusses Currey’s background, the book’s structure—161 short profiles of creative routines—and its diverse cast of famous artists, writers, and thinkers. Vigliotti highlights the importance of ritual for creatives, the individuality of creative processes, and his fas…

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#260 | Special Edition: What Is a Birthday, Anyway?—And the Societal Pressure to Feel 'Not Enough" 7:32

1M ago7:32

7:32

🎙 In this Special Edition episode of the "Books for Men” podcast, host Douglas Vigliotti shares his pop-up essay, “What is a Birthday Anyway?” Reflecting on his 39th birthday, he explores the meaning of birthdays, aging, ego, and societal pressure to feel “not enough.” Douglas encourages listeners to celebrate life itself, embrace self-acceptance, …

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#259 | Why Every Man Should Experience the Beauty of Haruki Murakami’s 1987 Coming of Age Novel ‘Norwegian Wood’ At Least Once 10:57

2M ago10:57

10:57

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into Haruki Murakami’s acclaimed coming-of-age novel Norwegian Wood. Vigliotti offers a compelling introduction to the book, unpacking its atmospheric exploration of love, loss, mental illness, and the complexities of memory. He highlights Murakami’s life, literary legacy, and signature style, sharing thought-provoking quo…

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#258 | Fear and Loathing in 2025: Why Does Hunter S Thompson’s Scathing Account of American Politics Still Matter Today? 12:36

2M ago12:36

12:36

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores Hunter S. Thompson’s "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ‘72," spotlighting Thompson’s groundbreaking gonzo journalism and his own admiration for the author. Vigliotti unpacks the book’s sharp, scathing critique of American politics, its timeless relevance, and Thompson’s uncanny ability to get at the truth, along …

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#257 | What Is the Timeless Lesson in Hemingway’s Pulitzer and Nobel Prize Winning Novella, ‘The Old Man and the Sea’? 11:02

2M ago11:02

11:02

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses Ernest Hemingway’s classic novella, “The Old Man and the Sea”. He explores Hemingway’s life, literary influence, and the novella’s enduring themes of perseverance, luck, and the human condition. Vigliotti shares favorite quotes and reflects on the importance of process over outcome, encouraging listeners to embrace res…

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#256 | Special Edition: Happy 3rd Anniversary, Books for Men—Some Fun Stats and Favorites From the Past 3 Years! 10:49

2M ago10:49

10:49

🎙 In this Special Edition episode of the "Books for Men” podcast, host Douglas Vigliotti celebrates the podcast’s third anniversary and reflects on the show’s journey since August 2022, sharing gratitude for listeners and highlighting key milestones. He reviews three years of episode types, favorite books, and standout episodes, inviting listeners …

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#255 | Another Celebrity Memoir? I Know, But It’s Al Pacino—The Godfather, Scarface, Scent of a Woman, Heat—Al Pacino! 16:10

3M ago16:10

16:10

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti examines Al Pacino’s 2024 memoir "Sonny Boy." Douglas discusses Pacino’s life, career, and the personal insights revealed in the book, emphasizing the difference between the artist and the man. He highlights themes of loneliness, artistic struggle, and vulnerability, sharing memorable quotes and reflections from Pacino on life, …

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#254 | Dorian Gray: The Original Influencer Who Sold His Soul for Likes—Is Oscar Wilde’s Classic Novel a Cautionary Tale for the Social Media Age? 14:39

3M ago14:39

14:39

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores Oscar Wilde’s classic novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray." He discusses Wilde’s life, literary significance, and the novel’s themes of vanity, morality, and the tension between public and private selves. Vigliotti highlights the book’s symbolism and memorable quotes, drawing parallels to modern social media culture and a…

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#253 | In Honor of Brian Wilson: 5 Quotes on the Power of Songs, Sharing, and Intuition from the Musical Genius Behind the Beach Boys—My First Concert Ever! 14:22

3M ago14:22

14:22

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti pays tribute to the late Brian Wilson by discussing his memoir, "I Am Brian Wilson." Douglas explores Wilson’s influence as a musician, reflects on his struggles with mental health, and highlights memorable quotes from the book. He shares personal stories about the Beach Boys’ impact on his life, emphasizing the transformative p…

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#252 | From the Vault: Morning After #7 – A Letter to Love—Personal Growth, Change, and the Impact of Literature on Love 10:41

3M ago10:41

10:41

🎙 In this special 'From the Vault' episode, Douglas Vigliotti invites you on a journey of personal growth and personal change through his reflective essay, 'A Letter to Love.' This unique episode explores the impact of literature on love, as Douglas pens a heartfelt letter to love itself—questioning how stories shape our understanding of this power…

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#251 | Why Hattie Williams Debut Novel ‘Bitter Sweet’ Is Proof Men Should Read More Women’s Fiction 13:10

3M ago13:10

13:10

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into Hattie Williams’ debut novel, "Bitter Sweet," ahead of its July 2025 release. Douglas unpacks the story of Charlie, a young book publicist at a London publishing house entangled with a famous, much older, married novelist, and the complexities of her emotional journey. He highlights the novel’s themes of grief, loss, …

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#250 | Phil Stutz’s Three Absolutes of Human Life: Unlocking Personal Growth with ‘True and False Magic' 16:10

4M ago16:10

16:10

🎙 Discover the keys to personal growth in this episode as Douglas Vigliotti unpacks Phil Stutz’s transformative book, 'True and False Magic.' Dive deep into Stutz’s core philosophy—embracing pain, uncertainty, and constant work, known as the three absolutes of human life—and learn how these principles can help you create real magic in your own life…

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#249 | How All Men Can Relate to the Journey of Identity and Growth in ‘We the Animals’ 11:23

4M ago11:23

11:23

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores "We the Animals" by Justin Torres, a coming-of-age novel that tackles the intricate themes of family, identity, and personal growth. Douglas sheds light on the author’s background and the book's narrative, which follows a young protagonist as he navigates complex family dynamics and his emerging sexuality. With a focus …

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#248 | We’re All a Bit Irrational—12 Reasons Why from Daniel Kahneman’s Groundbreaking Book ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow' 14:45

4M ago14:45

14:45

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti delves into Daniel Kahneman's influential nonfiction book, "Thinking, Fast and Slow." Vigliotti outlines Kahneman's background and his pioneering work in behavioral economics, including his Nobel Prize-winning prospect theory. The episode explores key concepts from the book, such as the two systems of thinking—fast, intuitive Sy…

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#247 | Special Edition: How I Curate 'Books for Men' and What I Read More Broadly 17:40

4M ago17:40

17:40

🎙 In this Special Edition episode, Douglas Vigliotti unveils his book selection and curation process, sharing insights into his reading habits, the methodology behind his recommendations, and the importance of a "consumption diet" for mental health. Douglas outlines three pillars for curating his reading list, shares his reading statistics from the…

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#246 | What Is the Core Tension in Leo Tolstoy’s Classic Russian Novel ‘Anna Karenina’?—and Why It Matters Today for Modern Men 14:36

5M ago14:36

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🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives deep into Leo Tolstoy's timeless masterpiece, "Anna Karenina." Discover why Tolstoy stands as a giant in Russian literature as Douglas unpacks the novel's rich themes, from the fiery pursuit of passion to the comforting embrace of duty. Journey through the contrasting tales of Anna's tumultuous affair and Konstantin Levin'…

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#245 | Are You a ‘True Believer’? Eric Hoffer’s Provocative Take on the Nature of Mass Movements—Extremism, Fanaticism, and Collective Unity 14:46

5M ago14:46

14:46

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores Eric Hoffer's thought-provoking nonfiction book, "The True Believer." Uncover the secrets of extremism, fanaticism, and mass movements as Douglas unravels Hoffer's life and aphoristic writing style, showcasing the book's timeless relevance and lasting influence on political thought. Discover Hoffer's intriguing insights…

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#244 | Coming-of-Age Mixed with Gritty Crime Fiction—Yes, Please—And Why Foreign Novels Can Be a Breath of Fresh Air 12:19

5M ago12:19

12:19

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into the gripping world of Nicolas Ferraro's foreign crime novel, "My Favorite Scar." Originally published in 2021 and making its English debut in 2024, the story follows Ambar, a young girl entangled in a life of crime with her father, as she navigates trauma and personal growth. Vigliotti praises Ferraro's lean style and…

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#243 | Special Edition: 10 Random Quotes That Will Inspire You to Create Boldly 15:36

5M ago15:36

15:36

🎙 In this Special Edition episode, Douglas Vigliotti shares "10 Random Quotes That Will Inspire You to Create Boldly” from influential artists and writers like Leonard Bernstein, Francis Ford Coppola, and Jerry Seinfeld. Vigliotti discusses their relevance to the creative process and emphasizes embracing creativity, persistence, and authenticity. T…

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#242 | ‘Letters of Note’—This Blog Turned Book Will Be One of the Coolest Additions to Your Bookshelf or Library 16:10

6M ago16:10

16:10

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti delves into the nonfiction anthology "Letters of Note: Correspondence Deserving of a Wider Audience," compiled by Sean Usher. Vigliotti highlights the anthology's significance, featuring letters from writers, artists, and historical figures like Hunter S. Thompson, Ernest Hemingway, Albert Einstein, and Queen Elizabeth. He share…

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#241 | What Makes 'The God of the Woods' a Must-Read Literary Mystery? 13:30

6M ago13:30

13:30

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores Liz Moore's crime novel, "The God of the Woods." Vigliotti provides an overview of the book's plot, which centers on the mysterious disappearance of a young girl at a summer camp and her little brother, who disappeared years earlier. He delves into the novel’s themes of trauma, loss, entitlement, wealth, power, and fami…

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#240 | Pleasure to Pain: The Dark Side of Dopamine and How to Improve Your Mental Health—Break Free from Bad Habits with This 8-Step Process 14:54

6M ago14:54

14:54

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses "Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence" by Dr. Anna Lembke, unraveling the intricate ties between dopamine addiction, mental health, and its outsized influence on our daily lives. Vigliotti breaks down Lembke's innovative "DOPAMINE" strategy for achieving balance, beating addiction, and breaking bad…

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#239 | Is ‘American Psycho’ a Better Novel or Movie? Don’t Miss the Point of This Edgy Bret Easton Ellis Satire, or Christian Bale’s Brilliant Patrick Bateman! 14:55

6M ago14:55

14:55

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti delves into Bret Easton Ellis's novel "American Psycho" and its film adaptation by Mary Harron for another edition of “Novel vs Movie”. He discusses the book's themes, controversies, and the challenges of translating its provocative narrative to the screen. Vigliotti emphasizes the importance of understanding satire and metaphor…

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#238 | Go Behind the Scenes with Picasso, Hemingway, and Early 20th Century Paris in Gertrude Stein’s Unusual Autobiography from Her Partner's Eyes 14:34

6M ago14:34

14:34

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses Gertrude Stein's "The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas,” highlighting Stein's life, her literary contributions, and the vibrant artistic community of early 20th-century Paris. Vigliotti delves into the book's unique perspective, written from Toklas's viewpoint, and its structure covering pre-war, wartime, and post-war …

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#237 | Why ‘Last Exit to Brooklyn’ Might Be the Most Unflinching Portrait (Ever) of Lower-Class Life in Literature 11:07

7M ago11:07

11:07

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti delves into Hubert Selby Jr.'s "Last Exit to Brooklyn," a transgressive novel from 1964, discussing the book's raw portrayal of 1950s lower-class Brooklyn, its controversial themes of drug use, sexual abuse, homophobia, prostitution, and domestic violence. Vigliotti also shares his big takeaways, reflecting on Brooklyn's transfo…

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#236 | ‘Poor Charlie’s Almanack’: Life Advice Actually Worth Listening To—7 Charlie Munger Quotes and More! 17:27

7M ago17:27

17:27

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses the witty enlightening book "Poor Charlie's Almanack" by Charles T. Munger, who some consider the modern-day equivalent of Benjamin Franklin. Vigliotti highlights Munger's role as Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, his close relationship with Warren Buffett, and many of Munger's philosophies, such as inversion thinki…

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#235 | What Can John Fante’s ‘Ask the Dust’ Teach Us About Love, Loss, and Life’s Purpose? 12:50

7M ago12:50

12:50

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into the timeless allure of John Fante's 1939 classic, "Ask the Dust." He unpacks the novel's profound themes of loss, love, poverty, and the pursuit of life’s meaning, highlighting its semi-autobiographical nature, and its lasting impact on the literary cult hero Charles Bukowski and iconic screenwriter Robert Towne. Vigl…

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#234 | Is ’One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ a Better Novel or Movie? Ken Kesey vs. Milos Forman, Randle McMurphy vs. Nurse Ratched, and More! 16:28

7M ago16:28

16:28

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores the differences between Ken Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and its film adaptation by Milos Forman, as part of the "Novel vs Movie" series. Vigliotti discusses Kesey's influence on the counterculture of the 60s and the novel's themes of institutionalization, individualism, and social conformity. He highlights…

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#233 | Morning, Boys. How’s the Water?—The Life-Changing Importance of David Foster Wallace’s 2005 Commencement Speech ‘This Is Water’ 14:15

8M ago14:15

14:15

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores David Foster Wallace's non-fiction work "This Is Water," originally a 2005 commencement speech at Kenyon College. Vigliotti delves into Wallace's life, his literary impact, and the speech's key themes: awareness, compassion, and the power of choice, underscoring the importance of recognizing the "totally obvious" aspect…

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#232 | From the Vault: A Chat with Bob Roth, CEO of the David Lynch Foundation, on the Power of Transcendental Meditation 55:10

8M ago55:10

55:10

🎙 In this episode of "From the Vault", host Douglas Vigliotti reshares a conversation from his previous podcast “It’s Not What It Seems" with Bob Roth, CEO of the David Lynch Foundation and a seasoned meditation teacher. They delve into the transformative power of Transcendental Meditation (TM), discussing its benefits for personal growth and well-…

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#231 | In Honor of David Lynch: 9 Quotes from ‘Catching the Big Fish’ on Creativity, Consciousness, and Meditation 16:41

8M ago16:41

16:41

🎙 In the wake of David Lynch’s recent passing, Douglas Vigliotti delves into the iconic filmmaker’s nonfiction book "Catching the Big Fish,” sharing nine standout quotes on creativity, meditation, and consciousness. He reflects on Lynch's legendary career, highlighting films like "Eraserhead," "Blue Velvet," "Mulholland Drive," and the TV series an…

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#230 | Is ’No Country for Old Men’ a Better Novel or Movie? Cormac McCarthy’s Masterpiece vs. The Coen Brothers Oscar-Winning Adaptation 15:56

8M ago15:56

15:56

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti introduces the new segment "Novel vs. Movie," focusing on the violent world of Cormac McCarthy's "No Country for Old Men" and its faithful film adaptation by the Coen brothers. Vigliotti discusses the strengths and differences between the novel and movie, highlighting the depth of the book, particularly through Sheriff Ed Tom Be…

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#229 | When I Think of a ‘Thriller’ Novel This Is What I Think Of 13:38

9M ago13:38

13:38

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses the thriller novel "Tell No One” by Harlan Coben, where a doctor's world is upended by an email hinting that his murdered wife of eight years ago may still be alive. Vigliotti unpacks the suspenseful narrative, praises Coben's accessible and conversational writing style, and challenges common misconceptions about the t…

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#228 | Meth and Mayhem: How Rampant Drug Usage Influenced Hitler, Nazi Germany, and World War II 13:16

9M ago13:16

13:16

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores "Blitzed: Drugs in the Third Reich” by Norman Ohler, a history book that reads like a novel and offers a unique and fresh perspective on World War II. Discover the hidden role of cocaine, opiates, and methamphetamines in Nazi Germany and on the German military strategy, blitzkrieg, propelling the Wehrmacht’s early succe…

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#227 | This Short Novel Will Change the Way You Look At the 'World' 15:17

9M ago15:17

15:17

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti takes you on a journey through Samantha Harvey's 2023 novel "Orbital," a thought-provoking piece of literary fiction and a love letter to Earth. Discover how Harvey's meditative prose beautifully captures the essence of human achievement and our cosmic connection, all from the unique vantage point of space. Vigliotti also shares…

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#226 | 12 Great Quotes from 2024 + What to Expect in 2025 18:15

9M ago18:15

18:15

🎙 In this year-end episode, Douglas Vigliotti reflects on 12 notable quotes from various books throughout 2024, sharing one for each month. He announces changes to the podcast, including a new segment called "Movie or Novel?" Vigliotti discusses the nature of adaptations and emphasizes the importance of reading. The episode serves as a wrap-up for …

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#225 | Tragedy or Comedy? The Life and Legacy of the Beloved Comedian Chris Farley 18:05

10M ago18:05

18:05

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses the emotional and powerful biography "The Chris Farley Show" by Tom Farley Jr and Tanner Colby, providing insights into the tragic life of the celebrated comedian and actor Chris Farley. The book explores the contradictions and complexities of Farley's persona, from his immense talent and popularity to his deep-seated …

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#224 | ‘Reasons to Live’—Why What Isn’t There Is Just as Important as What Is 12:35

10M ago12:35

12:35

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores the powerful short story collection “Reasons to Live” by Amy Hempel, highlighting her masterful use of minimalism as a shining example of what is possible by using “less” to magnify human emotion and complexity. Her lean yet evocative prose challenges readers to uncover a deeper meaning within her stories, emphasizing w…

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#223 | What’s Your Origin Story? In This Book, Successful Writers, Novelists, and Musicians Share Theirs! 13:49

10M ago13:49

13:49

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses the fun book “Write About Now” by Jonathan Small. It is a captivating collection of interview excerpts from the author’s hit podcast that reveals how successful writers overcame obstacles to launch their creative careers. Discover the universal themes that link the winding paths of literary success. If you're a writer,…

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#222 | Does ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ Still Speak to Modern Youth? Maybe More than Ever. 14:26

10M ago14:26

14:26

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into the classic coming-of-age novel “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, exploring the iconic character of Holden Caulfield and the timeless themes of phoniness, loneliness, and the desire for human connection. Discover how this 1951 literary masterpiece has captivated readers for generations and left an indelible m…

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#221 | Aristotle for Novelists (Part 4 of 4)—Principles #13, #14, and the 15th Principle 17:52

10M ago17:52

17:52

🎙 In part four, Douglas Vigliotti closes out the series by outlining the final three Principles #13, #14, and the 15th Principle from his new book, "Aristotle for Novelists: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story,” an adaptation of the timeless principles from Aristotle’s esteemed “Poetics” to be used by novelists. Discover the tried-and-true p…

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#220 | Aristotle for Novelists (Part 3 of 4)—Principles #9, #10, #11, and #12 18:07

11M ago18:07

18:07

🎙 In part three, Douglas Vigliotti continues the four-part series by overviewing Principles #9, #10, #11, and #12 from his new book, "Aristotle for Novelists: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story,” an adaptation of the timeless principles from Aristotle’s esteemed “Poetics” to be used by novelists. Discover the tried-and-true principles used …

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#219 | Aristotle for Novelists (Part 2 of 4)—Principles #5, #6, #7, and #8 18:28

11M ago18:28

18:28

🎙 In part two, Douglas Vigliotti provides an overview of Principles #5, #6, #7, and #8 from his new book, "Aristotle for Novelists: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story,” an adaptation of the timeless principles from Aristotle’s esteemed “Poetics” to be used by novelists. Discover the tried-and-true principles used since antiquity to craft st…

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#218 | Aristotle for Novelists (Part 1 of 4)—Principles #1, #2, #3, and #4 22:41

11M ago22:41

22:41

🎙 In part one, Douglas Vigliotti discusses the first four principles from his new book, "Aristotle for Novelists: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story,” an adaptation of the timeless principles from Aristotle’s esteemed “Poetics” to be used by novelists. Discover the tried-and-true principles used since antiquity to craft stories for the scre…

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#217 | October 2024 Recap: A Literary Classic, How to ‘Act’, and Japanese Noir 9:24

11M ago9:24

9:24

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti recaps the month of October 2024, discussing the classic literary novel "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the pragmatic acting guide "True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor" by David Mamet, and the literary noir novel "The Rope Artist" by Fuminori Nakamura. With quick summaries, insights, and key quotes f…

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#216 | Fuminori Nakamura: Subtle, Dark, Complex—Maybe the Most Underrated Author in America 12:59

12M ago12:59

12:59

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores “The Rope Artist” by Fuminori Nakamura, an acclaimed Japanese author whose noir-tinged literary fiction delves into the dark underbelly of the human psyche. Vigliotti delves into the author's lack of appeal in the United States, distinctive minimalistic style, and powerful usage of metaphor—in this case, ropes, tetherin…