Pynchon Pals

Pynchon Pals
  • 5.0 (11)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Pynchon Pals is a podcast about finally reading Thomas Pynchon. Join co-hosts and good friends Patrick Fiorilli, Andrew Tillett, and Duri Long as they talk through, break down, and identify exciting new recipes from the works of one of American literature's foremost figures. Just saw One Battle After Another? Picked up Shadow Ticket? Had Gravity's Rainbow on your shelf for a decade? Or just a longtime fan looking to revisit your favorites? Everyone's welcome to be a Pynchon Pal! Support us at patreon.com/pynchonpals for additional bonus episodes, and follow us @pynchonpals.bsky.social.

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    12: “In which the Pynchon Pals retell Platonic dialogues and Porky Pig cartoons” (The Crying of Lot 49 Chs. 4-5)

    The devil is in the details in this episode—or should we say, the demon? We follow Oedipa up north and into the entropic underground. Groovy…  Next time, The Crying of Lot 49 Ch. 6.  Support the show and get access to monthly bonus episodes at patreon.com/pynchonpals and follow us @pynchonpals.bsky.social.  Show Notes: Spoilers for Twin Peaks Season 2 around 2:31:50 to 2:32:05! Thomas Pynchon, in correspondence, on The Crying of Lot 49 as a “potboiler,” via Mel Gussow in the New York Times archive “The Crisis of the University Started Long Before Trump,” by Clifford Ando via Compact, on the Bayh–Dole Act and its implications for patents on government funded research “Tlön, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius,” by Jorge Luis Borges, .pdf via University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign “Encuentro,” by Remedios Varo (1959) via the National Galleries of Scotland  The “Batusi” in Batman (1966) via YouTube Project OXYGAS (Dolphin Training) via the CIA online reading room “The dolphin who loved me: the Nasa-funded project that went wrong,” by Christopher Riley via The Guardian (or, the one about LSD trials on dolphins) Content warnings: strong language, physical and sexual violence, misogyny, racism, suicide, genocide, antisemitism --- Featuring Patrick Fiorilli, Andrew Tillett, and Duri Long. Produced and edited by Patrick Fiorilli (www.patf.io and @patfio.bsky.social). Our theme music is “Horology,” by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives license on the album Polygondwanaland.

    2h 50m

  2. FEB 11

    11. In which the Pynchon Pals, unseen, do a little dance (The Crying of Lot 49 Chs. 1-3)

    Move over Benny, Rachel, Stencil, and Paola, it’s time for a new book! Journeying into the swingin’ 60s, we talk on the phone, watch television, and even go to the theatre. Hey, wait a second, I know that kazoo tune… Next time, The Crying of Lot 49 Chs. 4-5.  Support the show and get access to monthly bonus episodes at patreon.com/pynchonpals and follow us @pynchonpals.bsky.social.  Show Notes: “Embroidering the Earth's Mantle,” by Remedios Varo (1961) via Obelisk Covers for The Crying of Lot 49 via thomaspynchon.com  The Carlton from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air via YouTube Droodles by Roger Price (1953) via Wikipedia Content warnings: strong language, physical and sexual violence, misogyny, racism. --- Featuring Patrick Fiorilli, Andrew Tillett, and Duri Long. Produced and edited by Patrick Fiorilli (www.patf.io and @patfio.bsky.social). Our theme music is “Horology,” by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives license on the album Polygondwanaland.

    2h 46m

  3. JAN 28

    10: In which a ludicrously high budget is needed to produce the V. adaptation of our dreams (V. Q+A)

    We hope you enjoy listening to this Q+A episode as much as we enjoyed making it! If so, you can now sign up to support the show via the brand new patreon.com/pynchonpals to get access to future Patreon-exclusive bonus episodes featuring Q+A’s, movie discussion, and more.    Next time, The Crying of Lot 49 Chs. 1-3. (Wow, a whole new book!) Show Notes: Content warnings: strong language, physical and sexual violence, misogyny, racism. --- Featuring Patrick Fiorilli, Andrew Tillett, and Duri Long. Produced and edited by Patrick Fiorilli (www.patf.io and @patfio.bsky.social). Our theme music is “Horology,” by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives license on the album Polygondwanaland.  Follow us @pynchonpals.bsky.social.

    2h 7m

  4. JAN 14

    09: In which the verdict on V. is, at long last, delivered (V. Epilogue and Wrapup)

    Sydney Stencil’s in Valletta for one last job, and so are we. Sail on, sailor! Next time, V. Q+A. Last chance to send in questions on Bluesky or by email: if you’ve got one, we want to read it! Show Notes: St. Agatha’s Crypt, Catacombs & Museum, website “V.: Analysis of Major Characters,” by Victoria Price via EBSCO  “The Mysterious Manicule,” by Keith Houston via Slate  Content warnings: strong language, physical and sexual violence, misogyny, racism, body dysmorphia, suicide --- Featuring Patrick Fiorilli, Andrew Tillett, and Duri Long. Produced and edited by Patrick Fiorilli (www.patf.io and @patfio.bsky.social). Our theme music is “Horology,” by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives license on the album Polygondwanaland.  Follow us @pynchonpals.bsky.social.

    2h 19m

  5. 12/31/2025

    08: In which Thomas Pynchon, like his cousin Taylor Swift, reflects on love (V. Chs. 14-16)

    Things lurk Behind the Curtain as we bid farewell to Benny and the gang. And time is running out to send in questions for our V. Q+A in the episode after next! Next time, V. Epilogue. Show Notes: Frank C. Stanley performs “Auld Lang Syne,” recorded 1910 on (now public domain) wax cylinder, released by the Indestructible Record Company, UC Santa Barbara Cylinder Audio Archive Family Relationship of Taylor Swift, Singer and Songwriter, 9th cousin 2 times removed to Thomas Pynchon, American Novelist, FamousKin.com  “The Feather Heist,” This American Life, WBEZ Chicago Content warnings: strong language, physical and sexual violence, incest, misogyny, racism, antisemitism, xenophobia, suicide. --- Featuring Patrick Fiorilli, Andrew Tillett, and Duri Long. Produced and edited by Patrick Fiorilli (www.patf.io and @patfio.bsky.social). Our theme music is “Horology,” by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives license on the album Polygondwanaland.  Follow us @pynchonpals.bsky.social.

    2h 52m

  6. 12/17/2025

    07: In which a solid option for a V.-themed tattoo emerges (V. Chs. 12-13)

    Happy Holidays from Pynchon Pals! In this episode, we stick with the Whole Sick Crew through their ups, their downs, their subsequent downs, their—wow, more downs, huh?  Next time, V. Chs. 14-16. Show Notes: Content warnings: strong language, physical and sexual violence, misogyny, racism, suicide, abortion. --- Featuring Patrick Fiorilli, Andrew Tillett, and Duri Long. Produced and edited by Patrick Fiorilli (www.patf.io and @patfio.bsky.social). Our theme music is “Horology,” by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives license on the album Polygondwanaland.  Follow us @pynchonpals.bsky.social.

    2h 19m

  7. 12/03/2025

    06: In which the phrase, “history is like a sine wave,” like a sine wave, recurs (V. Chs. 10-11)

    In this episode, we flop around with the Whole Sick Crew, then flip over to the metaphysical hellscape of besieged Malta, before finally deconstructing this whole “V” situation, literally.  Next time, V. Chs. 12-13. Show Notes: A collection of V. book covers via ThomasPynchon.com "Mystery and Melancholy of a Street," by Giorgio de Chirico    "The Philosopher’s Conquest," by Giorgio de Chirico  Content warnings: strong language, physical and sexual violence, misogyny, racism, xenophobia. --- Featuring Patrick Fiorilli, Andrew Tillett, and Duri Long. Produced and edited by Patrick Fiorilli (www.patf.io and @patfio.bsky.social). Our theme music is “Horology,” by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives license on the album Polygondwanaland.  Follow us @pynchonpals.bsky.social.

    3h 14m

  8. 11/19/2025

    05: In which Forrest Gump is revealed as the Hegelian World-Soul (V. Chs. 8-9)

    In this episode, we yo-yo from bohemian banality to colonialist atrocity. Awful house parties occur amidst both.  Next time, V. Chs. 10-11. Show Notes: Archive.org “Report on the natives of South-west Africa and their treatment by Germany,”via the South-West Africa. Administrator’s Office Al Jazeera “How to pay for genocide: Namibian victims of German colonialism want a say,” by Shola Lawal Content warnings: strong language, physical and sexual violence, misogyny, racism, xenophobia, genocide. --- Featuring Patrick Fiorilli, Andrew Tillett, and Duri Long. Produced and edited by Patrick Fiorilli (www.patf.io and @patfio.bsky.social). Our theme music is “Horology,” by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives license on the album Polygondwanaland.  Follow us @pynchonpals.bsky.social.

    3h 10m

  9. 11/05/2025

    04: In which appear a bodacious cowboy, a Babylon sister, and several gentleman losers (V. Ch. 7)

    In this episode, we get our teeth checked for ego, encounter the Situation, and finally chat for a bit about Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another (spoilers for the film after 2:24:00).  Next time, V. Chs. 8-9 Show Notes: “Gaucho,” by Steely Dan Mother Country Radicals: A Family History of the Weather Underground Content warnings: strong language, physical and sexual violence, misogyny, racism, xenophobia, fatphobia. --- Featuring Patrick Fiorilli, Andrew Tillett, and Duri Long. Produced and edited by Patrick Fiorilli (www.patf.io and @patfio.bsky.social). Our theme music is “Horology,” by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives license on the album Polygondwanaland.  Follow us @pynchonpals.bsky.social.

    2h 42m

  10. 10/22/2025

    03: In which Andrew uncovers a conspiracy and North Carolina is mentioned (V. Chs. 5-6)

    In this episode, we head underground and somehow spend a long time talking about Dr. Seuss books, the musical Grease, and the modern classic (?) John Cena movie Ricky Stanicky. Next time: V. Ch. 7 Show Notes: Reddit: The Zug Under The Rug From There's A Wocket In My Pocket is now The Vug Under The Rug. The New York Times: 5 IN QUEENS GUILTY IN SEWER SCANDAL; CASE RAN 202 DAYS; 5 Guilty in Queens Sewer Case; 202-Day Trial Believed Record Clemente and Son Convicted With 3 Borough Employes on Laurelton Project ONE ENGINEER CLEARED 3 Could Be Fined $800,000 Each--Two-Mile Sewer Had to Be Replaced Brooklyn Public Library: POTW: Steve Brodie Jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge and Lived (Maybe?) Content warnings: strong language, physical and sexual violence, animal abuse, pedophilia, misogyny, racism, xenophobia, eugenics, suicide. --- Featuring Patrick Fiorilli, Andrew Tillett, and Duri Long. Produced and edited by Patrick Fiorilli (www.patf.io and @patfio.bsky.social). Our theme music is “Horology,” by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives license on the album Polygondwanaland.  Follow us @pynchonpals.bsky.social.

    2h 36m

  11. 10/08/2025

    02: In which the Pynchon Pals never resolve how to pronounce “Porpentine” (V. Chs. 3-4)

    In this second ever episode, we learn about imperialist territorial disputes, nineteenth century travel guides, and layered Biblical allusions, while making intertextual comparisons to children’s cartoons and reality television.  Next time: V. Chs. 5-6 Show Notes: Featuring Patrick Fiorilli, Andrew Tillett, and Duri Long. Produced and edited by Patrick Fiorilli (www.patf.io and @patfio.bsky.social). Our theme music is “Horology,” by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives license on the album Polygondwanaland.  Follow us @pynchonpals.bsky.social.  Egypt and the Sûdân: Handbook for Travellers by Karl Baedeker (1914) - Scanned and available at Archive.org Content warnings: strong language, physical and sexual violence, firearms, facial disfigurement, surgery, pedophilia, misogyny, racism, xenophobia, antisemitism, Islamophobia.

    2h 47m

  12. 09/24/2025

    01: In which the Pynchon Pals propose a cookbook (V. Chs. 1-2)

    In this inaugural episode, we meet the Whole Sick Crew, who would have a podcast in 2025. Next time: V. Chs. 3-4 Show Notes: Featuring Patrick Fiorilli, Andrew Tillett, and Duri Long. Produced and edited by Patrick Fiorilli (www.patf.io and @patfio.bsky.social). Our theme music is “Horology,” by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives license on the album Polygondwanaland.  Vulture: "On the Thomas Pynchon Trail: From the Long Island of His Boyhood to the ‘Yupper West Side’ of His New Novel" by Boris Kachka Content warnings: strong language, physical and sexual violence, firearms, misogyny, antisemitism, Islamophobia

    2h 48m
  • 12 Episodes

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Pynchon Pals is a podcast about finally reading Thomas Pynchon. Join co-hosts and good friends Patrick Fiorilli, Andrew Tillett, and Duri Long as they talk through, break down, and identify exciting new recipes from the works of one of American literature's foremost figures. Just saw One Battle After Another? Picked up Shadow Ticket? Had Gravity's Rainbow on your shelf for a decade? Or just a longtime fan looking to revisit your favorites? Everyone's welcome to be a Pynchon Pal! Support us at patreon.com/pynchonpals for additional bonus episodes, and follow us @pynchonpals.bsky.social.

Information

  • Creator
    Pynchon Pals
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Pynchon Pals