Lit Think Podcast: Recent Episodes
Lit Think Podcast
Two English teachers talk about writing, literature, media, and the classroom. We believe that every piece of writing has a purpose, every story is connected, and ultimately language is at the core of every human experience. For more information about the podcast and the women behind it visit: https://litthinkpod.com/
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Alicia and Sarah face their fears of open water with their discussion of the classic film Jaws. They look at the elements of monster stories and how the film fits the pattern. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about what they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Elements of monster stories
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah geek out over all things action film in the 1990’s classic The Mummy. They discuss how women are portrayed in some of their favorite films and compare them to the portrayal of Evelyn in The Mummy. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about what they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Elements of action films
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah return to another classic from their teen years and young adulthood, Ever After. They discuss the traits of Cinderella myths and how the 90s classic fits each trait. They discuss how the movie still holds up as a love story focused on character development and female empowerment. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about what they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Elements of a Cinderella story
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah return to a classic from their teen years and young adulthood, A Knight’s Tale. They discuss the connections to The Canterbury Tales and Chaucer as well as the modern connections to fighting our fate and finding hope when all hope seems lost. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Parody, Fate
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah take a different approach as they discuss some of their favorite pieces of pop culture. Whether movies or books, these are the pop culture hills they are willing to fight for. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: “Hill I’ll die on”
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah gush about one of their all-time favorite musicals and their favorite film of 2024. Without offering spoilers for the second half of Wicked, they explore the idea of allegory and the different ways the first half of the musical highlights important allegorical themes. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Allegory
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah are back with a special episode looking back at their favorite films, television shows, and books of 2024.
Literary terms of the week: Pop Culture
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
Show Notes:
Intro notes:
- Trying something new this week (inspired by NPR’s Best of 2024 list)
Literary terms of the week:
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Alicia’s top 5:
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Interview with the Vampire (AMC+)
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The Husbands (book)
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Eric (Netflix)
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Agatha All Along (Disney+)
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Somebody, Somewhere (Max)
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Sarah’s top 5:
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Civil War (Max)
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Rings of Power (Amazon Prime)
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The Small and the Mighty (book)
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Shrinking (AppleTV)
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A Complete Unknown (in theaters now)
Related Episodes
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
In this summer special edition, Alicia and Sarah bring in special guest Julia Breakey to discuss literature as pop culture, with a particular focus on romantacy and the book series A Court of Thorns and Roses. Get a jump on your summer reading with an adult conversation about the re-emergence of reading and the role that books also play on pop culture. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Pop Culture, Literature, Literacy
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
In their season finale, Alicia and Sarah bring in special guest Christina Schuetz to discuss all things tragic hero through the lens of Star Wars and Anakin Skywalker. They look at classic tragic heroes from Othello to Oedipus and break down how Anakin fulfills the Greek model while also embracing the possibility of redemption. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Tragic hero, Anagnorisis, Hamartia, Catharsis
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah discuss both prequels and dystopias when they tackle the film adaptation of Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. They look at the role of prequels in giving us a fuller understanding of beloved stories and how it gives readers and viewers a chance to spend more time immersed in their favorite worlds. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Prequel
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah discuss the role unfettered consumerism has in the Amazon Prime dark comedy Upload. They touch on the ways that all three seasons challenge viewers to see how our conditioned need for newness and individualism impact the way we view our role in community, our relationships, and even our response to death. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Consumerism, Commercialism
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah return to their ever-present love of musicals with their discussion of the latest adaptation of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple. They look at sisterhood, including adopted family, the differences between co-dependency and interdependence, and the role of belonging in community. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Sisterhood, Dependence, Belonging
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah couldn’t wait to talk about all of the ways that Disney+ redeemed the visual telling of the Percy Jackson series. They discuss Greek and American family values and how Percy challenges the traditions of the Greek gods. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Family Values
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah are take on satire and mythology through their discussion of the first two seasons of Good Omens. They discuss the supernatural, origins, and the nature of good and evil. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Elements of myth
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah are joined by their NCTE presentation partner Bill Visco to discuss one of his favorites, Ted Lasso. They discuss sports journalism, the shifting sports narrative, and the power of sports to unite people. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Sports journalism, Sports narrative
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah return to a discussion of history and historical fiction with the summer blockbuster Oppenheimer. They discuss what makes a good historical film, the complexities of telling the story of the atomic bomb, and the difference between truth and facts in historical fiction. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Biopic, Historical fiction
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah embrace the whimsy of Roald Dahl and Willy Wonka as they discuss the holiday film Wonka. They discuss teaching the literary and writing concepts of style, tone, and voice and all of the ways Wonka captures the literary style of Roald Dahl. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Style, Tone, Voice
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah nerd out with a deep dive into mental health and royal history when they sit down to discuss the Bridgerton prequel Queen Charlotte. They look at potential ailments for King George, discuss the real-life love story of George and Charlotte, and imagine what the world could be like if the Great Experiment had actually happened. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Mental Health, Alternate History
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah welcome podcaster and author Casper ter Kuile to discuss one of his favorite 90s films, You’ve Got Mail. They look at epistolary stories through the ages, from love letters to online chat rooms. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Epistolary, Pen Pals
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah combine their love for theater and satire in their discussion of the indie film mocumentary Theater Camp. They look at the history of mocumentaries, their personal love for theater and theater experiences, and the role of satire in producing effective media that takes on the form of fake documentaries. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Mocumentary, Satire
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah combine their love for theater and satire in their discussion of the indie film mocumentary Theater Camp. They look at the history of mocumentaries, their personal love for theater and theater experiences, and the role of satire in producing effective media that takes on the form of fake documentaries. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Mocumentary, Satire
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah finally return to the Marvel Universe with a discussion of the summer film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. They discuss the closing of a chapter for many of the Guardians as their stories move on and the passing of the torch to Rocket as the new leader of the motley crew. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Legacy, Generational trauma, Origin story
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah defend the idea that graphic novels are literature as they discuss the Disney+ adaptation of the graphic novel, American Born Chinese. They discuss the differences between comic books, graphic novels, and sequential art, connecting the history of the genre to Gene Luen Yang’ groundbreaking work. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Graphic Novel, Frame Story, Multimodality
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah take a slightly different approach with this week’s episode over the film adaptation of Judy Blume’s classic novel, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. They discuss the movie, puberty, the censorship history of the novel, and book bans at large. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Censorship, Challenge, Ban
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
In their first episode of Season 4, Alicia and Sarah jump right into the pop culture moment with their discussion of the massive summer hit: Barbie. They discuss the role of feminism in the film, the gender binary, and their own critiques of the ending of the film. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Feminism, Gender Binary, and Intersectionality
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah take some time during their summer break to reflect on two years of podcasting and their hopes in preparation for Season Four, coming in August.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
In their last episode of Season 3, Alicia and Sarah use Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic to discuss the creative processes on display in the television series, Daisy Jones and the Six, based on the novel by the same name. They apply Gilbert’s five step process to analyze the fictional creative process of the characters in the television show. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Courage, Enchantment, Permission, Persistence, and Trust
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah work through the grief and trauma of the characters in the Academy Award nominated, Women Talking. They discuss the rhetorical appeals used by the women as they make a life changing decision and the role of consent in their final conclusion. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Rhetoric, ethos, logos, pathos
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah change directions in the superhero world with their discussion of the Academy Award winning film, Everything Everywhere All at Once. They look at culture, relationships, the superhero motif, and all things multiverse. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Cultural integrity, Exoticism, Superhero, Multiverse
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
Show notes:
30-second summary
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Why Everything Everywhere All at Once?
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Showtime
Literary terms of the week:
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A Guide to Selecting Multicultural Literature
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Cultural Integrity
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Avoidance of Exoticism
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READ, READ, READ
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6 Common Plot Elements of Superhero Fiction
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An urban metropolis setting
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A superpower, often enabled by a specialized item
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A dramatic origin story
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A secret identity
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A supervillain adversary
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An iconic sidekick
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Multiverse
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Term first used in 1895 “to refer to the confusing moral meaning of natural phenomena and not to other possible universes”
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Immigrant double identity
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Choices
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Physics-based evidence and theory
What are we enjoying right now?
-
Alicia: Animal Control (TV on Hulu), Poetry Unbound (Padraig O. Tuama)
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Sarah: Orphan Train by Christine Baker Kline (book), Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (movie)
Related episodes
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah discuss the history of whodunnits, mystery, and even true crime as they analyze Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Covering everything from Jack the Ripper to Clue, they look at the ways Glass Onion exemplifies the best elements of the mystery genre. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: Whodunit/Mystery story
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah expand their understanding of science fiction through the unconventional time travel story in Octavia Butler’s Kindred. They discuss how the Hulu adaptation has updated the forty-year-old novel while still challenging audiences to consider the lasting effects of slavery on our modern consciousness. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: speculative fiction, utopian fiction, visionary fiction
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah explore their darker sides with a discussion of the new Netflix original series Wednesday. They investigate the elements of gothic literature and cover centuries of gothic literature, leading right up to the Addams family. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: gothic, gothic literature, women in gothic literature
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah go back to a childhood favorite, Matilda, as they discuss the Netflix adaptation of the Broadway musical. They discuss archetypes as they appear in Roald Dahl’s original story, plus the good, bad, and ugly of using them to generalize groups of people. At the end of this week’s discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: archetype, child archetype, giant archetype
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah go back to Freshman English as they discuss the Hulu original film, Rosaline. They discuss elements of satire and look at the film as an example of using alternative views of classic stories to teach students how satire can strengthen and modernize arguments made in the original text. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: satire, hyperbole, oxymoron, allegory
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah take a walk on the wild side through their environmental analysis of the movie Avatar. They talk allusions, hubris, colonialism, and care for the planet. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
And Sarah’s dogs apologize for their barking ten minutes into the conversation.
Literary terms of the week: sophrosyne, hubris, Pandora, avatar, and barbarian/savage
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah explore the value of quality adaptations, particularly adaptations of Pride and Prejudice. Both Bride and Prejudice and Fire Island give us the opportunity to look at a classic story through a modern lens. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: adaptation, classic, diversity and representation
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah embrace their darker side to discuss all things zombie with a particular focus on the feature film Zombieland. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: monstered other, zombie, satire
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah discuss the movie adaptation of the novel Where the Crawdads Sing. They discuss the role of prejudice and oppression related to poverty and gender and the presence of naturalism throughout both the novel and movie. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: cycle of oppression, prejudice, isolation
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah bring history and comic book nerddom together in their discussion of the Disney+ original series, Ms. Marvel. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: others, differentness, unhomeliness
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah discuss the Jurassic Park/World franchise and connections to science fiction in the classroom, particularly Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: stereotype, character archetype
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah discuss their love for the Star Wars franchise and the latest installment from Disney+, Obi-Wan Kenobi. They look at Obi-Wan as both the wise guide and the middle-aged hero of his own story. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: allusion, monomyth, hero’s journey
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
Show notes
Introduction
Why Obi-Wan Kenobi? Can be found streaming on Disney+
30-second summary can be found here.
Literary focus for the episode: Hero’s Journey
Allusion (all the references to original Star Wars films)
Monomyth
Character archetypes
Theme Development: A delayed hero’s journey
What are we enjoying right now?
Alicia: Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (movie), Why Fish Don’t Exist, by Lulu Miller (book)
Sarah: Now What: How to Move Forward When We’re Divided (About Basically Everything) by Sarah Steward Holland and Beth Silvers (book), Stranger Things (television)
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
In the first episode of season three, Alicia and Sarah discuss changes for the next season of Lit Think and then analyze the role of stereotypes and archetypes in the hit ABC show, Abbott Elementary. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
Literary terms of the week: stereotype, character archetype
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
Show notes
Introduction
What we did this summer
Changes to the podcast
We’re going to do a 30-second summary before each summary drops. You can find that summary on reels on Facebook and IG. The 30-second summary for this episode can be found here. We always remind students that we use summary as support for analysis, not the analysis itself. We’re trying to demonstrate that in our podcast.
What do you need to know about Abbott Elementary?
It is an ABC show and you can find season one streaming on Hulu
It is inspired by a real teacher: “When you believe in them, you put in the work,” said Joyce Abbott, the Philadelphia teacher who inspired Abbott Elementary. “It's more than a job.”
Literary analysis focus for episode: Stereotypes/Archetypes
What is a stereotype?
What is an archetype?
Teacher stereotypes
Administrator stereotypes
Highlights the struggles but also the heart that is in education.
What are we enjoying right now?
Alicia: RuPaul’s Drag Race (TV), Upstairs at the White House (book)
Sarah: The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley (book), Top Gun: Maverick (movie)
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
In the last episode of season two, Alicia and Sarah discuss the power of writing and words through their analysis of the new motion picture adaptation of the 2018 musical Cyrano. They discuss the different versions of the classic tale throughout literary history, the prevalence of love triangles in stories, and the destructive power of pride. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
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Alicia and Sarah discuss their personal history with the mystery genre and the world of podcasting as they analyze Hulu's original series, Only Murders in the Building. They discuss the mystery genre, the role of podcasting and true crime, and the complex layers that get peeled away in a good mystery tale. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah discuss the greater world of humanity and their close ties to Indiana in their discussion of John Green's podcast and book of essays, The Anthropocene Reviewed. They discuss the varied nature of the essays Green selected for his book, the importance and value of doing thorough research, and highlight their own likes and dislikes about Indiana and Indianapolis. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah dig deep into their love for dystopian literature and the realities of living through a global pandemic during their discussion of the HBO Max adaptation of Station Eleven. They cover the connections to the novel, the artistic changes that worked for a different medium, and themes of survival and hope through the creation of art. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah go into full Disney mode with their discussion of all things Encanto. They reminisce about the Disney films that made them think, their roles in their families, and the universal themes of Disney's latest animated film. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah return to their love of musical theatre with a full analysis of the Netflix adaptation of Jonathan Larson's Tick Tick Boom. They reminisce about their own struggles turning 30, review the power of nostalgia for RENT fans, and analyze themes of success, fear of failure, and the need to make one's mark on the world. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah return to their love of all things Marvel with a complete analysis of Spiderman: No Way Home. After a heated discussion over who played the best Spiderman, they discuss the hero's journey, coming of age, redemption, grief, sacrifice, and the fascinating possibilities with the introduction of the multi-verse. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
In their first episode of the new year, Alicia and Sarah return to their love of musicals with a complete analysis of the new film version of West Side Story. They discuss star-crossed lovers, racism, the social justice system, and the power of language, all wrapped up in the classic lyrics of the late Stephen Sondheim. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
In this special holiday episode, Alicia and Sarah return to their love of the Muppets and classic literature in their discussion of A Muppet Christmas Carol. In a nostalgic conversation about watching the movie as children and now as adults, they look at the enduring nature of the classic tale and the surprisingly accurate and effective version presented by the Muppets. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah return to their love of all things Marvel with their analysis of the movie Black Widow. They look at the history of women in the war narrative, the importance of family-like relationships, and the growing role of women in the comic book world. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah step outside of their literary comfort zone to talk about all things video games and the film Free Guy. They look at science, AI, free will, and discuss their new understanding of non-player characters. In the end, they prove that even a movie about a fictional video game can be full of analysis-rich layers. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah return to Stoneybrook for the second season of The Baby-sitters Club on Netflix. They reminisce about their own babysitting experiences, talk about young adolescence and the challenges of middle school, and highlight the importance of relationships through all of the episodes. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah focus on their role as educators in the world of adolescence and the glorious angst that teens bring with them as they discuss the movie version of the Broadway hit Dear Evan Hansen. They discuss mental health, social media, and the changes that have occurred during both of their careers in regards to society's awareness and the way we talk about the issue of mental health. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah celebrate Halloween by having fun with the 90s classic, Hocus Pocus. They discuss scary movies, the history of witches, and the power of family while looking at a film that has become an October tradition in many households, including Alicia's. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Once again, Alicia and Sarah take on the Cinderella myth, this time with the new Amazon Prime release of Cinderella. They discuss the different Cinderella archetypes, gender roles, story adaptation, and the power of music in making an old story new again. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
In an unapologetic love letter to Broadway, Alicia and Sarah gush about their newfound admiration for the hit musical Hadestown. They discuss Greek mythology, love stories old and new, and the power of music to make old stories come alive for a new age. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah dive into music through their discussion of Taylor Swift as a singer/songwriter as portrayed in the Netflix documentary Miss Americana. They look at the development of her poetry and music and all the ways that she has grown into adulthood, taking on more complex themes in her music and challenging expectations in her public life. They also discuss the writing process as it is portrayed throughout the documentary. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Sarah gets back to her comfort zone as Sarah and Alicia dive into the world of verse novels, particularly focusing on Elizabeth Acevedo's Clap When You Land. They discuss air travel, family relationships, coming of age, gender, cultural differences, and how one work of YA fiction perfectly encompasses it all. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia nudges Sarah out of her comfort zone as they tackle Maggie Smith's poetry collection, Goldenrod. They discuss the role of nature, family, self-discovery, and the various ways they approach the teaching of poetry in their classrooms. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom. Sign up for the newsletter and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
In this back-to-school episode, Alicia and Sarah talk about the Netflix series The Baby-Sitters Club, based on the best-selling YA series by Ann M. Martin. They discuss the role of nostalgia, the importance of female relationships, and the Bechdel test. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom. Sign up for the newsletter and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah talk about the film Crazy Rich Asians, based on the novel with the same name. They discuss the importance of representation, the role of colonialism in literature, Jane Austin, and continue a previous discussion about Cinderella stories.
At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah talk about the Disney film, Cruella. They discuss their love of dogs, the role of villains and complicating their narrative, and the nature of evil. At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom. Sign up for the newsletter and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Editor's note: There were technical difficulties during the taping of this episode. We apologize for the sound issues throughout the episode.
Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah talk about the fourth season of The Handmaid's Tale, the first season of which is based on the book by the same title. They discuss gender, feminism, anti-heroes, revenge, and everything in-between. Praise be.
At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah talk through the young adult novel Cinder, a dystopian sci-fi retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale. They discuss the Cinderella trope, dystopias, pandemics, sci-fi, and post-apocalyptic literature in the 21st century.
At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Editor's note: There were technical difficulties during the taping of this episode. We apologize for the sound issues at the beginning and the end of the episode.
Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah express their love for the NBC drama This Is Us and the complicated family narrative that it has always presented. They discuss the role of family and how it shapes us, the potential power of a delineated storyline, and the way the series has reshaped the concept of love story to show that love is ultimately a choice.
At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah talk through the first season of HBO's Lovecraft Country, based on the book by the same title. They discuss the role of problematic literature and H.P. Lovecraft's undeniable influence on 20th-century sci-fi and horror fiction, racism in literature and the complicated history underneath, the effort to reclaim that history and the way the narrative is told, and the symbolism of magic in the racial power dynamic.
At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah talk about the new film The News of the World, based on the book by the same title. They discuss the importance of truth versus sensationalism, the role of language and communication, the messiness of westward expansion and the complicated nature of that part of America's story, and redemption and healing.
At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah talk about one of their favorite classic films from the 1980s: The Princess Bride. They discuss the characters, the relationships, the role of the frame story, and the themes of revenge, identity, and love.
At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah discuss their love for musical theatre and the joy that two seasons of Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist has brought into their lives. In addition to taking a position on the "Team Simon" or "Team Max" debate, they also discuss the themes of grief, healing, and imagination.
At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Theme music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah discuss their love for all things Marvel and the Disney Plus television show, WandaVision, discussing the role of storytelling and character development to explore the theme of grief throughout the nine-episode long first season.
At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Theme music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah talk about one of their favorite English teacher movies: Dead Poets Society. They discuss the reasons for that love, the ways they have used it in the classroom, and the unrealistic expectations that the movie sets for English teachers.
At the end of the discussion, they talk about the things they've been reading, watching, and analyzing outside of the classroom.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
In their first podcast episode, Alicia Drier and Sarah Styf talk about their teaching careers, their friendship, and their hopes for the podcast. Listen in to learn more about the women behind the mics and the way their English brains see everything they read, watch, and listen to.
Bonus? They reveal the things that they should love as English teachers, but honestly don't.
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Music by Craig Harmann
Cover art by Matt Holman
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com
Alicia and Sarah meet to talk about the core beliefs of Lit Think and relate them back to the hero's journey.
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Welcome to Lit Think.
We're two English teachers, former colleagues, and friends who want to discuss the way English teachers view the world around us.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit litthinkpodcast.substack.com