The Literary Life Podcast

By: Angelina Stanford Thomas Banks
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  • Summary

  • Not just book chat! The Literary Life Podcast is an ongoing conversation about the skill and art of reading well and the lost intellectual tradition needed to fully enter into the great works of literature. Experienced teachers Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks (of www.HouseOfHumaneLetters.com) join lifelong reader Cindy Rollins (of www.MorningtimeForMoms.com) for slow reads of classic literature, conversations with book lovers, and an ever-unfolding discussion of how Stories Will Save the World. And check out our sister podcast The Well Read Poem with poet Thomas Banks.
    ©Cindy Rollins 2019
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Art Literary History & Criticism
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Episodes
  • Episode 249: “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by S. T. Coleridge, Part 2

    Episode 249: “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by S. T. Coleridge, Part 2
    Nov 5 2024

    Welcome back to The Literary Life podcast and the wrap up of our series on Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Today Angelina and Thomas cover the second half of the poem, beginning with some more discussion about the Romantic poets and what they were trying to do through their work. They talk at some length about the importance of imagination and fantasy in response to the focus on realism and science. After this, Thomas reads aloud some of the most important passages in this section of the poem. Angelina brings up the importance of understanding Deism in relation to Romanticism.

    To see all the books and get the full show notes for today's episode, visit our website for the complete show notes here: https://www.theliterary.life/249/.
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • Episode 248: “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by S. T. Coleridge, Part 1

    Episode 248: “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by S. T. Coleridge, Part 1
    Oct 29 2024

    On today’s episode of The Literary Life, Angelina and Thomas discuss the first half of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner. They review some of the ideas covered last week, particularly Romanticism and the harkening back to the medieval tradition in contrast to the Neo-Classicism that preceded this period. Thomas sets up the plot with an explanation of the “frame tale,” then reads several of the opening stanzas, pausing frequently for commentary and discussion with Angelina. They talk about the symbolism of the albatross, plus so much more!

    To see all the books and get the full show notes for today's episode, visit our website for the complete show notes here: https://www.theliterary.life/248/.
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Episode 247: Introduction to "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

    Episode 247: Introduction to "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
    Oct 22 2024

    On The Literary Life podcast this week, Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks begin their newest series, this time discussing Samuel Taylor Coleridge's Rime of the Ancient Mariner. First, Thomas and Angelina speak to the question of different editions of this poem, then they dive into the background on Coleridge, William Wordsworth, and the lyrical ballads. They discuss the artistic and cultural moment in which Coleridge is writing, particularly the Romantic period in literature. Angelina talks about the Romantics and why they used so much medieval language and used allegory so heavily. She shares some examples of the writers in this vein seeking to rediscover and return to ancient tradition and stories. Thomas also considers Coleridge as a poet and a person. Finally, they give some helpful information and tips for those approaching this text for the first time.

    To see all the books and get the full show notes for today's episode, visit our website for the complete show notes here: https://www.theliterary.life/247/.
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    1 hr and 1 min

Featured Article: We’re Booked—The Best Literature Podcasts for Every Bibliophile


Love everything books and literature? Of course, you do—that’s why you're here! Don’t worry, you’re in good company. If you're a book aficionado who loves chatting about literature with like-minded people, literature podcasts are the perfect addition to your listening lifestyle. There’s no shortage of great book podcast options to choose from. Here are just a few of the best literature podcasts, covering many different genres and styles of podcasting.

Featured Article We’re Booked The Best Literature Podcasts for Every Bibliophile

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Profile Image for KnitWit

the absolute best

I have become a literary life podcast proselyte. I can't stop talking about it and recommending it. stories will save the world.

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Profile Image for L. Nicholas

Get a Literary Education here!

I have loved listening to these three talk about books. I am always on the hunt for my next good read and was at a standstill until i started this podcast! They bring history and meaning into their discussion. They have a delightful viewpoint that helps me think through what I'm reading.

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Profile Image for Kindle Customer

Brilliant work

The people at LitLife will hold your hand and gently walk you through literature if that is what you need, while also providing robust, thoughtful, informed ideas for those who crave that. It is a rare gift to be able to do both with such wisdom, grace, and humour.
I am not a podcast person, and this and their poetry podcast are the only podcasts I listen to with any kind of regularity. Subscribe. They will not waste your time.

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Profile Image for R. Sheppard

wow!

I love this episode! I'm reading Northanger Abbey with my homeschool mama book club and I remembered that the Literary Life podcast did a series on it. Wow! Cindy and Angelina brought the book to life!

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Profile Image for Amy Harris

My favorite podcast!

I've been listening to LitLife since it began and every single episode is like a graduate level seminar in literature, without the pretension and student loan debt. Angelina's knowledge & passion combined with Cindy's wisdom, experience, gentle spirit, and wit create a fun and enjoyable discussion on books. I also enjoy Thomas' poems and contributions to the conversation. The only suggestion that I have is that I wish there were an alternative platform besides FB for the LitLife discussion group ( Mighty Networks perhaps?) My family is traveling full-time now, so following along with the LitLife is now my bookclub. Thanks for enriching my life. Stories will change the world!

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Profile Image for Ruthi reads

Fantastic episode

My first introduction to Charlotte Mason was Susan Schaeffer Macaulay's book For the Children's Sake 25 to 30 years ago so I'm already a fan of sorts, but really enjoyed learning more about her in this episode.

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Full of both beauty and fun

I've been listening to the LL podcast for over 2 years. The hosts are experts in their fields, but manage to distill the information about books and literature in a way that is both informative and FUN. I appreciate the way they explain how books, symbols, themes, etc fit into the literary tradition to help explain things that would have been understood in earlier epochs, but whose meanings are lost today. Thanks for the world you open each podcast, LL!

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Profile Image for John Thoreson

being preached to was like bait and switch.

I will not return to this podcast. Using the podcast to peach the idea that all authors of a genre are agreeing with the biblical view of original sin, (whether the authors knew it or not),
was a shocking bit of bias and simple- minded pursuit...

You should re- title your podcast so that sceptical folks who love literature won't have to listen to the religious filters you speak through.

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