kurt vonnegut

Once a year Matt and Sam take questions from listeners—and they always prove to be incredibly smart and interesting. This time around was no different, with questions that include such topics as: the crisis in Israel and Palestine, the influence of postliberal thinkers on the right, polarization and our political future, the state of the GOP, Willie Nelson, conservative art (and artists), and more!

Sources:

Joshua Leifer, "Toward a Humane Left," Dissent, Oct 12, 2023; read Gabriel Winant's reply, "On Mourning and Statehood," and Leifer's response to Winant here

Patrick Deneen, Regime Change: Toward a Postliberal Future (2023)

Kurt Vonnegut, Player Piano (1952)

Kurt Vonnegut, "Harrison Bergeron" (1961)

Lilliana Mason, Uncivil Agreement: How Politics Became Our Identity (2018)

Samuel L. Popkin, Crackup: The Republican Implosion and the Future of Presidential Politics (2021)

Matt Grossmann and David A. Hopkins, Asymmetric Politics: Ideological Republicans and Group Interest Democrats (2016)

John Spong, "Daniel Lanois on Recording Willie Nelson’s Landmark Album 'Teatro,'" Texas Monthly, June 2023

Walker Percy, Love in the Ruins (1971)

Suzanne Schneider, "Light Among the Nations," Jewish Currents, Sept 23, 2023

Ellis Sandoz, Political Apocalypse: A Study of Dostoevsky's Grand Inquisitor (1971)

Mark C. Henrie, ed., Doomed Bourgeois in Love: Essays on the Films of Whit Stillman (2001)

...and don't forget to subscribe to Know Your Enemy on Patreon for access to all of our bonus episodes!

A conversation about time, violence, and war.

On the occasion of the publication of his new book, join scientist and author, Danny Nielsen, to talk about writing, reading, and other matters. The new book, Straight Flossin' and Other Stories of the American West, is an exploration of desert landscapes and the flora, fauna, and human characters who inhabit them. Danny talks about what motivates him to write and offers advice for how to keep at it and enjoy it, as well as his background growing up in Alabama surrounded by brothers. Danny has an unusual perspective on the world, and we think you will like this episode.

Buy the book! Early bird discount at:
https://www.whistlingrabbitpress.com/product/straight-flossin-and-other-stories-of-the-american-west/

Danny's website:
https://dannynielsen0.wordpress.com/

Follow Danny on Twitter:
@Touching_Grey

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:

https://www.discreetguide.com/podcast-books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

Jennifer on Twitter:

@DiscreetGuide

Jennifer on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkcrittenden/

Discreet Guide Training:

https://training.discreetguide.com/

 Ch 10 -- The narrator and Billy merge in Dresden

WARNING: These episodes are intended as a supplement to the reading. Anything revealed in a section is subject to a "what we know so far" discussion, with a greater than 0% chance of related speculation. We always avoid spoilers, BUT, if a close-reading reveals secrets left obscure to a casual reader... be warned. 

Please, keep comments relevant to the current episode. 

We'd like to encourage you to "like" the podcast if you do. Subscribe, tell your friends and leave us friendly or constructive comments. All of these help us grow and learn. 

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Thank you to Setuniman for letting us use his beautiful piano loop. https://freesound.org/people/Setuniman/ 

The cover art from the novel used in our thumbnail is by Dominic Harman. ISBN: 978-0-547-72202-3 

Welcome! We're so happy you found us ;)         

Defo and Lubie talk to long-time director/writer/producer Robert Weide, The Executive Producer and a Director for HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm". Weide's latest project, "Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck In Time" will be out in theatres and Video On Demand November 19th.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ch 9 -- the war is over, and escaping to New York City

WARNING: These episodes are intended as a supplement to the reading. Anything revealed in a section is subject to a "what we know so far" discussion, with a greater than 0% chance of related speculation. We always avoid spoilers, BUT, if a close-reading reveals secrets left obscure to a casual reader... be warned. 

Please, keep comments relevant to the current episode. 

We'd like to encourage you to "like" the podcast if you do. Subscribe, tell your friends and leave us friendly or constructive comments. All of these help us grow and learn. 

Patreon -- This option is for those who love what we're doing and just can't live without us. Your contributions will help us cover the costs of the RSS feed, logo design, hardware upgrades, etc. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=47998540

Instagram -- Follow SFFRA for episode announcements and general podcast info @scifi_fantasy_read_along 

If you'd like to contact us directly, use the following email: scifiandfantasyreadalong@gmail.com 

Thank you to Setuniman for letting us use his beautiful piano loop. https://freesound.org/people/Setuniman/ 

The cover art from the novel used in our thumbnail is by Dominic Harman. ISBN: 978-0-547-72202-3 

Welcome! We're so happy you found us ;)        

 Ch 8 -- the bombing of Dresden, and the anniversary party

WARNING: These episodes are intended as a supplement to the reading. Anything revealed in a section is subject to a "what we know so far" discussion, with a greater than 0% chance of related speculation. We always avoid spoilers, BUT, if a close-reading reveals secrets left obscure to a casual reader... be warned. 

Please, keep comments relevant to the current episode. 

We'd like to encourage you to "like" the podcast if you do. Subscribe, tell your friends and leave us friendly or constructive comments. All of these help us grow and learn. 

Patreon -- This option is for those who love what we're doing and just can't live without us. Your contributions will help us cover the costs of the RSS feed, logo design, hardware upgrades, etc. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=47998540

Instagram -- Follow SFFRA for episode announcements and general podcast info @scifi_fantasy_read_along 

If you'd like to contact us directly, use the following email: scifiandfantasyreadalong@gmail.com 

Thank you to Setuniman for letting us use his beautiful piano loop. https://freesound.org/people/Setuniman/ 

The cover art from the novel used in our thumbnail is by Dominic Harman. ISBN: 978-0-547-72202-3 

Welcome! We're so happy you found us ;)       

Ch 7 -- in which our band of American prisoners adapt to life in Dresden.

WARNING: These episodes are intended as a supplement to the reading. Anything revealed in a section is subject to a "what we know so far" discussion, with a greater than 0% chance of related speculation. We always avoid spoilers, BUT, if a close-reading reveals secrets left obscure to a casual reader... be warned. 

Please, keep comments relevant to the current episode. 

We'd like to encourage you to "like" the podcast if you do. Subscribe, tell your friends and leave us friendly or constructive comments. All of these help us grow and learn. 

Patreon -- This option is for those who love what we're doing and just can't live without us. Your contributions will help us cover the costs of the RSS feed, logo design, hardware upgrades, etc. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=47998540

Instagram -- Follow SFFRA for episode announcements and general podcast info @scifi_fantasy_read_along 

If you'd like to contact us directly, use the following email: scifiandfantasyreadalong@gmail.com 

Thank you to Setuniman for letting us use his beautiful piano loop. https://freesound.org/people/Setuniman/ 

The cover art from the novel used in our thumbnail is by Dominic Harman. ISBN: 978-0-547-72202-3 

Welcome! We're so happy you found us ;)      

Ch 6 -- by the end of which, Billy Pilgrim sees Dresden. So it goes.

WARNING: These episodes are intended as a supplement to the reading. Anything revealed in a section is subject to a "what we know so far" discussion, with a greater than 0% chance of related speculation. We always avoid spoilers, BUT, if a close-reading reveals secrets left obscure to a casual reader... be warned. 

Please, keep comments relevant to the current episode. 

We'd like to encourage you to "like" the podcast if you do. Subscribe, tell your friends and leave us friendly or constructive comments. All of these help us grow and learn. 

Patreon -- This option is for those who love what we're doing and just can't live without us. Your contributions will help us cover the costs of the RSS feed, logo design, hardware upgrades, etc. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=47998540

Instagram -- Follow SFFRA for episode announcements and general podcast info @scifi_fantasy_read_along 

If you'd like to contact us directly, use the following email: scifiandfantasyreadalong@gmail.com 

Thank you to Setuniman for letting us use his beautiful piano loop. https://freesound.org/people/Setuniman/ 

The cover art from the novel used in our thumbnail is by Dominic Harman. ISBN: 978-0-547-72202-3 

Welcome! We're so happy you found us ;)     

Six (or 5b) in which we finish up chapter five. Billy visits his honeymoon, and gets tangled in barbed wire.

WARNING: These episodes are intended as a supplement to the reading. Anything revealed in a section is subject to a "what we know so far" discussion, with a greater than 0% chance of related speculation. We always avoid spoilers, BUT, if a close-reading reveals secrets left obscure to a casual reader... be warned. 

Please, keep comments relevant to the current episode. 

We'd like to encourage you to "like" the podcast if you do. Subscribe, tell your friends and leave us friendly or constructive comments. All of these help us grow and learn. 

Patreon -- This option is for those who love what we're doing and just can't live without us. Your contributions will help us cover the costs of the RSS feed, logo design, hardware upgrades, etc. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=47998540

Instagram -- Follow SFFRA for episode announcements and general podcast info @scifi_fantasy_read_along 

If you'd like to contact us directly, use the following email: scifiandfantasyreadalong@gmail.com 

Thank you to Setuniman for letting us use his beautiful piano loop. https://freesound.org/people/Setuniman/ 

The cover art from the novel used in our thumbnail is by Dominic Harman. ISBN: 978-0-547-72202-3 

Welcome! We're so happy you found us ;)    

Five A -- in which, the Americans are interred at the extermination camp

WARNING: These episodes are intended as a supplement to the reading. Anything revealed in a section is subject to a "what we know so far" discussion, with a greater than 0% chance of related speculation. We always avoid spoilers, BUT, if a close-reading reveals secrets left obscure to a casual reader... be warned. 

Please, keep comments relevant to the current episode. 

We'd like to encourage you to "like" the podcast if you do. Subscribe, tell your friends and leave us friendly or constructive comments. All of these help us grow and learn. 

Patreon -- This option is for those who love what we're doing and just can't live without us. Your contributions will help us cover the costs of the RSS feed, logo design, hardware upgrades, etc. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=47998540

Instagram -- Follow SFFRA for episode announcements and general podcast info @scifi_fantasy_read_along 

If you'd like to contact us directly, use the following email: scifiandfantasyreadalong@gmail.com 

Thank you to Setuniman for letting us use his beautiful piano loop. https://freesound.org/people/Setuniman/ 

The cover art from the novel used in our thumbnail is by Dominic Harman. ISBN: 978-0-547-72202-3 

Welcome! We're so happy you found us ;)   

Four -- in which Billy Pilgrim is abducted by aliens and the American G.I.s arrive at an extermination camp.

WARNING: These episodes are intended as a supplement to the reading. Anything revealed in a section is subject to a "what we know so far" discussion, with a greater than 0% chance of related speculation. We always avoid spoilers, BUT, if a close-reading reveals secrets left obscure to a casual reader... be warned. 

Please, keep comments relevant to the current episode. 

We'd like to encourage you to "like" the podcast if you do. Subscribe, tell your friends and leave us friendly or constructive comments. All of these help us grow and learn. 

Patreon -- This option is for those who love what we're doing and just can't live without us. Your contributions will help us cover the costs of the RSS feed, logo design, hardware upgrades, etc. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=47998540

Instagram -- Follow SFFRA for episode announcements and general podcast info @scifi_fantasy_read_along 

If you'd like to contact us directly, use the following email: scifiandfantasyreadalong@gmail.com 

Thank you to Setuniman for letting us use his beautiful piano loop. https://freesound.org/people/Setuniman/ 

The cover art from the novel used in our thumbnail is by Dominic Harman. ISBN: 978-0-547-72202-3 

Welcome! We're so happy you found us ;)  

 Three -- in which a river of American humiliation flows East

WARNING: These episodes are intended as a supplement to the reading. Anything revealed in a section is subject to a "what we know so far" discussion, with a greater than 0% chance of related speculation. We always avoid spoilers, BUT, if a close-reading reveals secrets left obscure to a casual reader... be warned. 

Please, keep comments relevant to the current episode. 

We'd like to encourage you to "like" the podcast if you do. Subscribe, tell your friends and leave us friendly or constructive comments. All of these help us grow and learn. 

Patreon -- This option is for those who love what we're doing and just can't live without us. Your contributions will help us cover the costs of the RSS feed, logo design, hardware upgrades, etc. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=47998540

Instagram -- Follow SFFRA for episode announcements and general podcast info @scifi_fantasy_read_along 

If you'd like to contact us directly, use the following email: scifiandfantasyreadalong@gmail.com 

Thank you to Setuniman for letting us use his beautiful piano loop. https://freesound.org/people/Setuniman/ 

The cover art from the novel used in our thumbnail is by Dominic Harman. ISBN: 978-0-547-72202-3 

Welcome! We're so happy you found us ;) 

Two -- in which a second narrative evolves; one that loosely orbits around Billie Pilgrim just after the Battle of the Bulge, but also in 1967, and at other times, too. So it goes.

WARNING: These episodes are intended as a supplement to the reading. Anything revealed in a section is subject to a "what we know so far" discussion, with a greater than 0% chance of related speculation. We always avoid spoilers, BUT, if a close-reading reveals secrets left obscure to a casual reader... be warned. 

Please, keep comments relevant to the current episode. 

We'd like to encourage you to "like" the podcast if you do. Subscribe, tell your friends and leave us friendly or constructive comments. All of these help us grow and learn. 

Patreon -- This option is for those who love what we're doing and just can't live without us. Your contributions will help us cover the costs of the RSS feed, logo design, hardware upgrades, etc. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=47998540

Instagram -- Follow SFFRA for episode announcements and general podcast info @scifi_fantasy_read_along 

If you'd like to contact us directly, use the following email: scifiandfantasyreadalong@gmail.com 

Thank you to Setuniman for letting us use his beautiful piano loop. https://freesound.org/people/Setuniman/ 

The cover art from the novel used in our thumbnail is by Dominic Harman. ISBN: 978-0-547-72202-3 

Welcome! We're so happy you found us ;)

One -- which, in the rambling style of a beloved madman, introduces us to the novel, its narrator and fair helping of disorder. Peace.

WARNING: These episodes are intended as a supplement to the reading. Anything revealed in a section is subject to a "what we know so far" discussion, with a greater than 0% chance of related speculation. We always avoid spoilers, BUT, if a close-reading reveals secrets left obscure to a casual reader... be warned. 

Please, keep comments relevant to the current episode. 

We'd like to encourage you to "like" the podcast if you do. Subscribe, tell your friends and leave us friendly or constructive comments. All of these help us grow and learn. 

Patreon -- This option is for those who love what we're doing and just can't live without us. Your contributions will help us cover the costs of the RSS feed, logo design, hardware upgrades, etc. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=47998540

Instagram -- Follow SFFRA for episode announcements and general podcast info @scifi_fantasy_read_along 

If you'd like to contact us directly, use the following email: scifiandfantasyreadalong@gmail.com 

Thank you to Setuniman for letting us use his beautiful piano loop. https://freesound.org/people/Setuniman/ 

The cover art from the novel used in our thumbnail is by Dominic Harman. ISBN: 978-0-547-72202-3 Welcome! 

We're so happy you found us. Keep reading everyone.         

Between February 13 and February 15, 1945, RAF and USAAF bombers flew over the German city of Dresden, dropping hundreds of tons of incendiary and high explosive bombs over the densely populated city. Incendiary bombs caused a widespread fire that ravaged the city. All in all, the attack resulted in around 25,000 Germans killed and many more injured. 

In the weeks and years that followed, the attack on Dresden would occupy a central role in the debates over Allied war crimes and whether such an operation was militarily necessary at that point in World War II. Dresden had served as a haven for refugees coming in from elsewhere in Germany, and so its destruction seemed doubly horrible. Worse, Dresden has become a rallying cry among elements of the far-right, who use it as a symbol of Allied brutality and thus the need for vengeance. Even now, 75 years later, the debate rages on over Dresden.

Patreon: www.patreon.com/dascriminal

Sources: https://bit.ly/3bhoMVw