Skip to main content
Chapters

Chapters

By Mary Mahoney

Chapters is an interview podcast that tells the stories of readers’ lives through the books that have meant the most to them.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
PodBean Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

42 - Trying to Get to You: The Reading Life of Elvis Presley (Revisited)

ChaptersAug 15, 2018

00:00
01:01:49
45- Andrew (Andy) McMillan

45- Andrew (Andy) McMillan

On this episode, our guest is Andrew (Andy) McMillan. Andrew is a pastor from Alabama currently living in Portland, Oregon. He is also the brother of our first guest, Jordan McMillan. In our conversation, we talk reading about the civil rights movement while growing up in Alabama, loving the novels of John Grisham, discerning an early vocation as a preacher, reading recommendations inspired by Boy Meets World, and the books that continue to shape his life.
Dec 17, 201801:09:26
44 - Thomas Lawrence Long

44 - Thomas Lawrence Long

On this episode, we talk to Thomas Lawrence Long, Associate Professor in Nursing at the University of Connecticut where he studies and teaches on medical humanities and health studies, the history of nursing, AIDS and culture, and rhetoric and academic writing. In our conversation, we cover a range of topics reflecting the diversity of Tom’s experiences – from treasured books from childhood, to the queerness of Sherlock Holmes, the gospels and narrative theory, and beyond.You can find Tom on twitter @thelongviewtom.
Dec 03, 201801:11:00
43 - Erica Leeman
Sep 01, 201801:16:26
42 - Trying to Get to You: The Reading Life of Elvis Presley (Revisited)

42 - Trying to Get to You: The Reading Life of Elvis Presley (Revisited)

On this episode, we mark the passing of Elvis Presley by examining his life as a reader. Elvis notoriously struggled with his intense fame and used books to answer spiritual questions, provide medical knowledge, and a venue for reflection away from fans, family, and friends. Larry Gellar, Elvis’ spiritual advisor, shares the books that helped Elvis on his spiritual quest to understand why God made him “Elvis Presley.” Notably, although Elvis did not leave a diary, he did write in treasured books and we talk about his responses to his reading. Mary and producer Taylor discuss what Elvis read and why, with diversions into some of Elvis’ music and movies.
Aug 15, 201801:01:49
41 - A Moby Dick Marathon at Mystic Seaport (Revisted)

41 - A Moby Dick Marathon at Mystic Seaport (Revisted)

Aug 01, 201830:20
40 - Joe Hourihan
Jul 17, 201858:49
39 - Chris Bouton
Jul 01, 201801:17:29
38 - "Somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond"- Poetry, Queerness, and a Listener Letter

38 - "Somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond"- Poetry, Queerness, and a Listener Letter

We asked our listeners what kinds of reading experiences helped them to understand their sexuality. In honor of pride month, we’re sharing some of your submissions with a particular focus on one listener’s letter about the role E.E. Cummings’ “Somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond” played in her life. To share what authors/poems/books inspired you, share your story with us on facebook and twitter @chapterspod using the hashtag #chapterspride. ]]>
Jun 15, 201808:21
37 - Reading Secret FBI Files with Matt Guariglia

37 - Reading Secret FBI Files with Matt Guariglia

On this episode, we’re going to enter the vault with historian Matt Guariglia and examine FBI files – files created by the FBI to monitor suspicious – and as we’ll hear, even patriotic Americans and other persons of interest. On this episode we’ll hear why Rod Serling of the Twilight Zone was of interest to the FBI, what’s in Debbie Reynolds’ file, learn about an offer Walt Disney made to the FBI, and more.]]>
Jun 01, 201834:04
36 - Katie from A Date with Dateline Podcast
May 15, 201801:03:01
35 - Dominique Taylor
May 01, 201801:16:55
34 - Jacqueline Suskin

34 - Jacqueline Suskin

On today’s show, we talk to Jacquline Suskin, a writer and performance poet based in Los Angeles. She is the author of two books, the latest entitled Go Ahead & Like It available from Ten Speed Press. Known for her multidisciplinary work with a project she calls Poem Store, Suskin composes improvisational poetry for patrons who choose both a topic and a price in exchange for a unique verse. On today’s episode we talk about the ways John Steinbeck’s work have inspired her as a writer, the power of poetry in her own life as a reader, and the ways her work has inspired readers for whom she’s written poems. To share your story on chapters, visit www.chapterspod.com
Apr 15, 201801:03:07
33 - Marisa Hicking

33 - Marisa Hicking

Join us on our latest episode where we meet guest Marisa Hicking. Marisa is the Teen Librarian at Avon Free Public Library in Avon, Connecticut. On this episode we talk loving horse books, sci-fi, fantasy, linking our memories of books to the places we read them, the path to becoming a librarian, and more. Check out our website www.chapterspod.com if you would like to share your story on Chapters. ]]>
Apr 01, 201857:03
32 - Eddie Guimont
Mar 06, 201859:07
31 - Catherine Hammer
Feb 15, 201801:07:51
30 - Jason Derfuss
Feb 01, 201801:00:24
29 - Porter Square Books Overnight Marathon
Jan 20, 201829:00
28 - Trying to Get To You: The Reading Life of Elvis Presley
Jan 08, 201801:02:08
Chapters Yearbook 2017

Chapters Yearbook 2017

Here are some of our favorite stories from the last year. Thank you to everyone who shared their story with us! If you want to share your story on Chapters, find us at www.chapterspod.com ]]>
Dec 15, 201737:03
27 - Jolenta Greenberg
Oct 15, 201701:01:00
26 - Rachel Greenhaus

26 - Rachel Greenhaus

On today’s episode we meet Rachel Greenhaus. Rachel is a lapsed academic, professional cookbook editor, and over-enthusiastic home baker. She likes to think of herself as an independent scholar of Gender and the Poetry of Cake Recipes. From Shakespeare to Julia Child and the Joy of Cooking, this is Rachel’s story. To share your story on Chapters, visit us at www.chapterspod.com ]]>
Oct 01, 201751:32
25 - Danny Byrne

25 - Danny Byrne

On today’s episode we talk with Danny Byrne. Danny was raised on books that he’s now sharing with his twins as a new dad (I Will Love You Forever, The Giving Tree, Berenstain Bears). He tells us about that, and about growing up reading about baseball. From Chicago, Danny turned to books to understand the world around him. Toni Morrison became a treasured author in his life, both for the beauty of her prose and her wisdom on issues of social justice. When he met his wife, he dabbled in rereading. Never a fan of Jane Austen when required to read it in high school, his wife inspired him to reread Austen’s novels. On the second try, he found much to respect.What changed? Danny or Jane Austen’s books? This is Danny’s story. ]]>
Sep 15, 201701:19:29
24 - Melanie Newport

24 - Melanie Newport

On this episode, we talk with Melanie Newport. Melanie Newport is an assistant professor of History at the University of Connecticut at its Hartford campus. Originally hailing from Tulsa, OK and Tacoma, WA, she is currently working on a book called Community of the Condemned: Chicago and the Transformation of the American Jail. On today’s episode, Melanie shares stories about reading books as a child that allowed her to imagine herself into the past, from Little House on the Prairie to the American Girl series. While pursuing a career in History, Melanie had to rethink her reading. Specifically, how could she navigate reading disturbing accounts in her archival research into the history of Chicago’s jails, and simultaneously turn to books as an escape? From Little House on the Prairie to reading the archive, this is Melanie’s story. If you want to share your story on Chapters, visit our website at www.chapterspod.com . For more information on Melanie’s research, visit her site at https://melanienewport.com/ . ]]>
Sep 01, 201701:07:12
23 - Matt Blackburn
Aug 15, 201701:08:46
22 - Erin Bartram

22 - Erin Bartram

Join us this week as we talk with historian Erin Bartram. We discuss Nancy Drew, Baby-Sitters Club, and the appeal of books for children in which adults take kids seriously. We also talk about a kind of reading unique to historians: reading an archive of primary sources. Erin has read thousands of letters, journals and other documents to help her reconstruct the life of her nineteenth-century subject, Jane Sedgwick. We counter that discussion of reading and history by closing with thoughts about what it’s like to read social media. How is reading twitter a unique kind of reading? To share your story on Chapters, please visit us at www.chapterspod.com ]]>
Aug 01, 201701:08:02
BONUS Episode 3 - A Moby Dick Marathon at Mystic Seaport

BONUS Episode 3 - A Moby Dick Marathon at Mystic Seaport

Every year, on July 31st, readers gather at Mystic Seaport on the decks of the last remaining wooden whaling ship to read Moby Dick in twenty-four hours. “Herman Melville” opens the Moby Dick Marathon by reciting the first chapter from memory, and rejoins the community of readers on his birthday, August 1st, for the end of the book. On this episode of Chapters, we examine the idea of a reading marathon. How does it change your experience of reading a book to read it marathon style in the company of other readers? We’ll hear from readers at the Mystic marathon, talk to its organizers, and try to understand the significance of Moby Dick Marathons, an event that takes place across the country and around the world. If you want to take part in this year’s marathon, visit www.mysticseaport.org for more information. To tell your story on Chapters, visit www.chapterspod.com ]]>
Jul 20, 201730:20
21 - Matt from Pop Culture Died in 2009

21 - Matt from Pop Culture Died in 2009

On this week’s episode we talk to Matt, founder of the gossip blog and curated archive of celebrity culture, Pop Culture Died in 2009. In our conversation, Matt shares how he became interested in celebrity gossip culture in the early aughts, and how he amassed the archive of celebrity magazines he uses to create his site. There’s been speculation that celebrity gossip magazines are becoming the victim of the digital age, and Matt reflects on being both a part of this digital celebrity gossip world, and an avid fan of its print culture. To share your story on Chapters, visit us at www.chapterspod.com . ]]>
Jul 15, 201701:07:46
20 - Mark Barone

20 - Mark Barone

Join us on this week’s episode as we talk with Mark Barone about the Lord of the Rings, Stephen King novels, Game of Thrones, and more! We’ll hear stories about stealing a book from a public library, and the best way to protect a book in your backpack. Hint: it involves a pasta box. If you’d like the share your story on Chapters, please visit us at www.chapterspod.com ]]>
Jul 01, 201701:12:25
19 - Liz Fleming

19 - Liz Fleming

Have you ever dressed up like your favorite author? Our guest, Liz Fleming, discovered The Old Man and the Sea at a young age, and dressed up as Hemingway to show her admiration. Join us on today’s episode as we hear this story, and the stories behind other meaningful reading experiences. Joan Didion’s writings on California, for example, helped Liz to prepare for a cross country move to further her acting career. Nick Hornby’s books have been a touchstone throughout her life, a source of laughter and consolation. If you’d like to share your story on Chapters, please visit us at www.chapterspod.com ]]>
Jun 15, 201701:05:32
18 - Kathy Van Voorhees

18 - Kathy Van Voorhees

Whether taking in Forever by Judy Blume as a young reader, sneaking Sibyl from her mother’s bookshelf, adopting Kurt Vonnegut’s turns of phrase, or reading Stephen King’s The Stand to gain some clarity during a tough time, books have been a touchstone in the life of our guest, Kathy Van Voorhees. On this episode, we discuss bonds between parents and children over books, dyslexia, the relationship between books and dreams, and much more. To tell your story on Chapters, visit us at www.chapterspod.com ]]>
Jun 01, 201701:07:12
17 - Anna Newman

17 - Anna Newman

What’s it like to read in a new language? On this episode, we talk to Anna Newman, a librarian who shares stories about reading everything from the Secret Garden to Dante’s Divine Comedy. We’ll hear about the year she studied abroad in Florence, and the ways she thinks about reading and translation. She also shares her method for recording her reading history. If you’d like to be a guest on Chapters, visit us at www.chapterspod.com]]>
May 15, 201757:50
16 - Allison Horrocks

16 - Allison Horrocks

Meet Allison. Allison Horrocks grew up on American Girl books, the Dear America series, and Nancy Drew. Combining a love for history and detection, it can come as no surprise she’s chosen to pursue a career in public history. Listen as Allison explains her life in books from Amelia Bedilia to The Diary of Martha Ballard, with many detours in between. Want to share your story on Chapters? Contact us at www.chapterspod.com ]]>
May 01, 201701:06:08
15 - Abby Southwell

15 - Abby Southwell

What is it about girls and horse books? On this week’s episode, we investigate the appeal of horse books by hearing from self-proclaimed “horse book expert” Abby Southwell. She also imagines an eat, pray, love adventure, shares some controversial Wuthering Heights opinions, and tells us how her reading changed during a study abroad year in Florence. If you’d like to share your story, visit us on www.chapterspod.com]]>
Apr 15, 201701:02:03
14 - Graham Stinnett

14 - Graham Stinnett

Join us as we talk to our guest Graham Stinnett, archivist at the Thomas J. Dodd Center at the University of Connecticut. We talk The Giving Tree, album liner notes, zines, vegan cookbooks, Moby Dick, and more! ]]>
Apr 01, 201758:04
13 - Danielle Dumaine

13 - Danielle Dumaine

On this week’s episode we join Danielle Dumaine to hear stories about My Side of the Mountain, Mrs. Dalloway, Maggie Nelson’s Argonauts, and what it’s like to be named after a famous romance novelist. To share your story, please contact us at www.chapterspod.com ]]>
Mar 15, 201701:07:42
12 - Betsy Pittman

12 - Betsy Pittman

Nancy Drew, the Boxcar Children, Laura Ingalls Wilder and romance novels - this episode with guest Betsy Pittman has it all. With a lifelong interest in history, Betsy offers really fascinating reflections on the appeal of romance novels, the lure of rereading some of her favorites, and why the genre - one of the most popular on the market - gets such a bad rap. This episode was recorded as part of a visit to the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center. To share your story on chapters, visit our website: www.chapterspod.com ]]>
Mar 01, 201701:04:50
11 - Rob Sullivan

11 - Rob Sullivan

Has reading ever helped you in your grief? Join us as we welcome Rob Sullivan to discuss Superman and the ways reading can help us mourn loss in our lives. In an episode that includes books ranging from Charlotte’s Web to comic books to Game of Thrones, listen as Rob shares stories from his life through the books that have meant the most to him. ]]>
Feb 15, 201701:05:05
10 - Nick Hurley

10 - Nick Hurley

From the Berenstain Bears to Marc Bloch’s Strange Defeat, join us as our guest Nick Hurley shares the books that have shaped his life. This is the first in a series of interviews we conducted in the Archives and Special Collections at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center at the University of Connecticut. To share your story on Chapters, please visit our website www.chapterspod.com.]]>
Jan 31, 201751:45
9 - Heather Parker

9 - Heather Parker

On today’s episode we hear about Caddie Woodlawn, Anne of Green Gables, Henry James, romance novels and the Chronicles of Narnia with guest Heather Parker!]]>
Jan 15, 201701:15:16
8 - Bryn Mawr Bookstore-  Part 2

8 - Bryn Mawr Bookstore- Part 2

Join us for part two of our visit to Bryn Mawr Bookstore in Cambridge, Massachusetts! Our guests, Barbara Powell and Cornelia Robart, share stories on books including Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and the Jungle Book. Check out information on the Bryn Mawr Bookstore on our blog. To tell your story on Chapters, or to invite us to your bookstore or library, contact us at www.chapterspod.com . ]]>
Jan 01, 201745:12
BONUS Episode  2 - Holiday Cards

BONUS Episode 2 - Holiday Cards

Happy Holidays from all of us at Chapters! On this special episode, our listeners share stories of memorable holiday cards. ]]>
Dec 25, 201613:18
7 - Steven Domingues

7 - Steven Domingues

On this episode, Steven Domingues, co-host of the Pure BS Podcast joins us to discuss the books that have informed his life. From Goosebumps to the works of Stephen King, join us for a conversation about the books that have helped Steven understand his world and his place within it.]]>
Dec 15, 201601:13:13
6 - Harry Potter and Friendship Tests

6 - Harry Potter and Friendship Tests

This episode is a continuation of our conversation with Jordan McMillan Rees. Join us as we discuss Harry Potter, fan fiction, and the idea of books as friendship tests! For more information on our show, and to be a guest on Chapters, contact us at www.chapterspod.com]]>
Dec 01, 201639:56
5 - Alexis Boylan (Bryn Mawr Bookstore - Part 1)

5 - Alexis Boylan (Bryn Mawr Bookstore - Part 1)

This is the first in a series of interviews we conducted at Bryn Mawr Bookstore in Cambridge, Massachusetts. On this episode, art historian and Bryn Mawr alumna Alexis Boylan shares the ways books such as Little House on the Prairie , The Diary of Anne Frank , Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States and Station Eleven shaped her life.]]>
Nov 15, 201655:46
BONUS Episode 1 - Bibliomancy

BONUS Episode 1 - Bibliomancy

Have you ever used a book to predict the future? Divine a fortune? On this first bonus episode of Chapters, we examine the history of bibliomancy, or the use of books to predict the future. Readers have turned to the bible, novels, poetry, and most recently, tumblr, for answers to life’s questions. On this episode, hear what drives such practices and what answers readers have found in the pages of their books.]]>
Nov 01, 201629:41
4 - Casper Ter Kuile

4 - Casper Ter Kuile

On this episode, Casper Ter Kuile, co-host of the Harry Potter and the Sacred Text podcast, shares parts of his life that have been informed by the books he has read. Whether it be the role of No Logo in awakening an early social conscious, or the ways reading A Christmas Carol aloud enriched his love for celebrating the seasons, books have helped him to create what he calls a “world of joyful belonging.”]]>
Nov 01, 201640:39
3 - Samantha Fey

3 - Samantha Fey

What do Anne of Green Gables , Little House of the Prairie and The Diary of a Psychic have in common? Listen as we learn how these and other books helped to shape the life of intuitive Samantha Fey, the co-host, along with Deb Bowen, of the podcast Psychic Teachers .]]>
Nov 01, 201653:33
2 - Deb Bowen

2 - Deb Bowen

Deb Bowen is the co-host, along with Samantha Fey, of the podcast Psychic Teachers . Do we choose books or do books choose us? Join us as we listen to how books from The Witch of Blackbird Pond to Crossing to Avalon helped to shape Deb’s life as an intuitive. ]]>
Nov 01, 201601:04:58
1 - Jordan McMillan Rees

1 - Jordan McMillan Rees

Join us for our inaugural interview in which we discuss The Baby-Sitters Club , Jane Eyre , Twilight , and much more!]]>
Nov 01, 201659:44
Trailer

Trailer

Oct 02, 201600:52