Ep. 3: Books by Steve Martin, James Patterson, Steven Johnson, and Ben Fountain are discussed by comedians Dan Van Kirk, Doug Dixon, Raj Desai.

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10+ y ago 1:05:26

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In our third episode we begin the show discussing Steve Martin’s autobiography “Born Standing Up” with comedian Dan Van Kirk, looking into the incredible career of the legendary comedian. We also delve into the art and challenges of stand up comedy, the improvised stand up show “Set List”, audience dynamics, and how fame and popularity change everything.

Next, we get a visit from a “Helicopter Mom” in New Canaan Conn., Julia Ballentine Peter, who tells us how a children’s book by James Patterson of ‘Alex Cross’ fame, “Treasure Hunters”, got her daughter Nel, 8, to fall in love with reading. It turns out that’s something he’s passionate about, and he has a great website called readkiddoread.com that promotes reading for kids and does lots of great work.

Next, we talk to comedian Doug Dixon about a fascinating non-fiction book, “How We Got To Now: Six innovations That Made the Modern World” - by Steven Johnson. Based on the television series of the same name, hosted by Steven Johnson of the same person, seen on BBC2 and PBS. It’s an amazing multi-media project about innovation and how things change our world in surprising ways. Read it or watch it, you can choose! (You’re probably gonna watch it, aren’t you?) This project reminds me of another multi-media project I love, The Big History Project, a collaboration between Bill Gates and David Christian that’s about, well, everything. I highly recommend checking it out. It’s fun, easy, and informative.

We wrap it up with a timely selection from Raj Desai, “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk”: by Ben Fountain. Currently being made into a movie by Ang Lee, this provocative novel leads us into a great discussion about late bloomers, heroes, Raj’s hometown of Arlington Tx., Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, a young Alan Arkin, Malcolm Gladwell, The Dallas Cowboys, and so much more. Enjoy!

17 episodes