Literary Ramblings

Scott Talmage, Joe Hecker, Kevin McCarthy, and Wes Allen
  • 4.9 (8)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

In a book club spanning over a decade, Joe, Kevin, Wes, and Scott actually discuss the books- and now, it's a podcast! With a focus on serious fiction, the four explore context, interpretation, and criticism while enjoying a few drinks and lively banter. There will be spoilers- so, if you haven’t read the novel, and would prefer not to hear plot points, pause this now, go read the book, and then press play.

  1. FEB 20

    On Don Carpenter's Hard Rain Falling

    In this Bonus Short, Joe discusses Don Carpenter’s 1966 novel Hard Rain Falling. He explores Carpenter’s background, the novel’s existential struggles, and Carpenter’s possible place within the Beat Generation and the West Coast experimental writers of his time. Joe also considers the novel’s search for shelter from the “hard rain,” and much more. He closes by promoting his novel I Ain’t a Girl, available on Amazon in ebook and paperback, and announces a live podcast event on March 9th from 7–9 p.m. at Blue Couch Bookshop in Columbus, Ohio.

    17 min

  2. FEB 12

    On Marilynne Robinson's Gilead

    In this episode, Joe, Wes, Scott, and Kevin dive into Marilynne Robinson’s 2005 Pulitzer Prize–winning novel Gilead. Their conversation explores themes of reconciliation and forgiveness, the role of religion in fiction, the moral responsibilities of parents, and the quiet dignity—and possible cost—of an unassuming life. As always, the episode features original music composed and performed by Sam Muccio. The episode also includes a mention of Joe’s new novel, I Ain’t a Girl, now available on Amazon in paperback and e-book formats.

    1h 33m

  3. JAN 16

    On Peter Matthiessen's Shadow Country

    In this episode, Joe, Wes, Scott, and Kevin dive into Peter Matthiessen’s 2008 National Book Award–winning novel, Shadow Country. The conversation explores the construction of truth, the challenges of writing beyond one’s lived experience, what defines historical fiction—and whether Shadow Country truly qualifies—as well as the concept of the Jungian shadow and much more. The episode also features original podcast music composed and performed by Sam Muccio, along with the announcement of Joe’s new novel, I Ain’t a Girl, now available on Amazon in paperback and e-book formats.

    1h 37m

  4. 12/19/2025

    Reflections on Reading

    In this special episode, Joe, Wes, Scott, and Kevin dive into a wide-ranging conversation about the act of reading, who’s doing it, and why literary fiction—however you define it—remains essential. This episode also features the premiere of our original podcast music composed and performed by Sam Muccio.

    1h 52m

  5. 11/13/2025

    On Pynchon's Shadow Ticket

    In this episode, Joe, Scott, Wes, and Kevin discuss Thomas Pynchon's 2025 novel, Shadow Ticket. At 88 years old, Pynchon gives us another gem which we compare and contrast with his previous work, discuss who might follow in the footsteps of master's like Pynchon, delve into the cheese scandals of the 1930s and much more...

    1h 24m

  6. 10/20/2025

    Thoughts on Postmodern Literature via Arno Schmidt

    In this episode, Joe, Wes, Scott and Kevin discuss the German postmodern writer Arno Schmidt and dive into what exactly postmodern literature is and what value it may or may not have.

    1h 38m

  7. 05/21/2025

    On Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian

    In this episode, Joe, Scott, Wes, and Kevin discuss Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian. We discuss the Judge, the Kid, the nature of violence as presented by McCarthy, why there are no women in the nevel, the influence of Faulkner and Melville, and much more...

    1h 49m

  8. 03/24/2025

    On Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go

    In this episode, Joe, Scott, Wes, and Kevin discuss Kazuo Ishiguro's 2005 dystopian novel, Never Let Me Go. We discuss questions around what it actually means to be human, the ethical treatment of others, what exactly is YA, style vs content, and much more...

    1h 35m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

In a book club spanning over a decade, Joe, Kevin, Wes, and Scott actually discuss the books- and now, it's a podcast! With a focus on serious fiction, the four explore context, interpretation, and criticism while enjoying a few drinks and lively banter. There will be spoilers- so, if you haven’t read the novel, and would prefer not to hear plot points, pause this now, go read the book, and then press play.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Talmage, Joe Hecker, Kevin McCarthy, and Wes Allen
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Scott Talmage, Joe Hecker, Kevin McCarthy, and Wes Allen