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Chapters & Sections (132)
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00:02
Host Welcome and Guest Introduction
00:33
Guest’s Initial Impressions of the Host
01:05
Author Biography and Awards Overview
01:35
Influence of Raymond Carver and Tobias Wolf
02:38
Working-Class Themes in Short Stories
03:08
Russian Story Inspiration and Narrative Contrast
04:10
Humorous Personal Anecdote About Elevator Farting
05:12
Discussion of Writing Process and Inner Voice
06:14
Early Life in Amarillo and Academic Path
07:18
Transition from Engineering to Writing Career
07:49
Oil Field Experience in Asia
08:21
Attempt to Write an Afghan War Novel
08:53
Internal Conflict Over Adventure vs. Writing
09:24
Mature Self Advises Against War Novel
09:55
Realization About Hemingway’s Fame
10:25
Turning Point Toward Writing Focus
10:56
Hemingway’s Style vs. Life Observation
11:29
Comfort in Writing and Reader Perception
12:00
Finding Community Through Literature
12:33
Relating to Crime and Punishment’s Sociopathy
13:03
Teaching Complex Stories with Imperfect Structure
14:05
Impact of Literature on Youth and Mental Phenomena
14:37
Discussion of Objectivist Philosophy
15:09
Transition to Libertarian Views
15:39
Academic Challenges and Philosophical Justification
16:11
Work in Asian Oil Fields and Encounter with Reality
16:41
Confronting Objectivist Ideals Through Observed Injustice
17:11
Reassessing Self-Identity and Belief System
17:43
Narrative of Personal Struggle with Objectivism
18:13
Encounter with Fictional Narratives and Their Impact
18:43
Reevaluation of Selfishness in Later Life
19:45
Philosophical Reflection on Selfishness and Human Nature
20:17
Personal Crisis Over Self-Perception at Midlife
21:19
Redefining Selfishness and Embracing Service
21:49
Mechanism of Transformation in the Narrative
22:21
Discussion of Story Selection and Themes
22:21
Pragmatic Reasons for Choosing Russian Stories
22:52
Selecting Teachable and Accessible Stories
23:53
Exploring National Character in Russian Literature
24:24
Purpose of Fiction for Personal Identity and Ethics
25:28
Ethical Questions Raised by Great Fiction
25:58
Accepting Initial Reader Reactions
27:01
Trusting Instincts and Learning from Projection
28:36
Personal Anecdote About Reading Lincoln
29:08
Magical Feeling of Writing
29:39
Inspiration from Extraordinary Books
30:11
Teaching Russian Short Stories for Two Decades
30:41
Welcoming Host and Inclusive Storytelling
31:12
Psychological Work in Writing Development
31:43
Encouragement as a Powerful Tool
32:13
Micro-choices and Joyful Writing
32:43
Buddhist Mindfulness in Creative Practice
33:14
Discernment and the Ruminating Mind
33:44
Writing as Playful Observation
34:15
Mental States and Hallucinogenic Experience
34:47
Drugs, Consciousness, and Brain Chemistry
35:18
Mutability of Consciousness and Life's Limitations
36:20
Initial Frustration with Writing Goals
36:51
Marriage, Children, and Shifting Priorities
37:22
Work Constraints and Creative Inspiration
39:45
Moral Reflections After Parenthood
40:29
Challenges of Portraying Light in Writing
41:32
Using Humor to Highlight Positive Moments
42:33
Encouraging Students to Embrace Imperfect Writing
43:37
Writer's Block as Elevated Expectations
44:09
Writing Without Fear of Failure
44:42
Infinite Takes and Micro-Choices in Revision
45:12
Revealing a Better Self Through Editing
45:42
Editing as Exponential Impact on Story
46:47
Shrinking and Strengthening Narrative Length
47:18
Iterative Voice Development Through Revision
47:50
Editing for Pace and Rhythm in Television
48:20
Balancing Long-Term Projects with Freshness
48:52
Deciding When to End a Prolonged Draft
50:27
Prospecting for Oil in the Jungle
50:58
Village Interaction and Monkey Acquisition
51:28
Monkey’s Attachment to the Host
52:01
Monkeys as Symbols of Imperialism
52:33
Monkey’s Transformation into a Heroic Figure
53:03
Invitation to Join a Class and Campus Interaction
53:38
Expressing Appreciation for George Saunders
54:09
Discussion of New Yorker Humor Piece
54:40
Admiration for George Saunders’ Writing Style
55:12
Desire to Attend Saunders’ Class Amid Competition
56:05
Clarifying Objectivism and Ayn Rand Pronunciation
57:47
Philosophical Overview of Objectivism
58:18
Personal Insight on Insecurity and Spirituality
58:50
Cocaine’s Effect on Dopamine and Reward Pathways
59:23
Neurobiology of the VTA–Nucleus Accumbens Circuit
59:53
Mechanism of Dopamine Transporter Inhibition by Cocaine
1:00:24
Triple Reuptake Inhibition and Its Uniqueness
1:00:54
Alcohol’s Dual Effects on Inebriation and Dopamine Release
1:01:24
The First 90 Minutes of Drinking Experience
1:02:29
Reflections on Author Discussions and Writing Processes
1:03:00
Planning for Georgia Visit and Family Updates
2h 31m⏭ 2
2h 4m⏭ 2
2h 36m
1h 28m⏭ 3
2h 5m⏭ 1
2h 0m⏭ 2
1h 2m⏭ 2
2h 17m
1h 14m
2h 26m⏭ 2
2h 8m
1h 50m
1h 21m⏭ 4
39m⏭ 2
2h 33m⏭ 2
1h 8m⏭ 4
1h 58m
32m⏭ 1
1h 7m
51m⏭ 2
40m
59m⏭ 4
1h 2m⏭ 1
1h 46m⏭ 3