The Drunken Odyssey with John King: A Podcast About the Writing Life

Hosted ByJohn King

Join author John King for eclectic interviews with writers from a variety of genres, including fiction writing, poetry, memoirs, and journalism. From literature to genre writing to the movies, all writing is up for discussion. In particular, The Drunken Odyssey features discussion of all aspects of the writing process—not just the published manuscript, pristinely presented to the entire literate world, but also the scrawled notes and tortured drafts that lead writers there. In long-form interviews, writers discuss their process and the way that writing has influenced their lives. Besides this interview, each episode also features a short memoir essay from a writer about a beloved book, plus John King responds to listener’s questions and observations about the writing (and the drinking) life.


All Episodes

644: Schloctoberfeat 2024 #3 (A Discussion of Eraserhead with Jeff Shutter)

On this week’s show, Jeff Shuster and I delve into David Lynch’s first film feature, Eraserhead. We consider the existential threat of re-animated chickens, hyper-sexual surrealism, and other important matters.

643: Schloctoberfest 2024 #2 (A Discussion of THX 1138 with Jeff Shuster)!

On this week’s show, Jeff Shuster and I delve into George Lucas’s debut film feature, a science fiction epic that isn’t the one you are thinking of. This early ’70s work helps us understand what was once called The New Hollywood, and how George…

642: Schloctoberfest 24.1: A Discussion of David Cronenberg’s Crimes of the Future with Jeff Shuster!

On this week’s show, Jeff Shuster and I discuss the existential provocations of two films called Crimes of the Future, both created by David Cronenberg.

641: Catching Up with Samantha Nickerson!

On #641, John and Samantha Nickerson catch up and discuss Miami Book Fair, Celebrity Poetry, the comic mask, and the acting careers of James Franco, Jack Nicholson, and Robin Williams in a totally linear conversation.

Replay: Episode 537: Michael Wheaton (2022)!

In this week’s replay episode, John talks with the writer, publisher, and podcaster, Michael Wheaton (from 2022). Thanks to Brian Salmons!

640: Alex Gurtis!

On #640, John talks about poetry and bookselling and MFA programs and AWP conferences and Florida literature with Alex Gurtis, whose latest chapbook, When the Ocean Comes to Me, is now out with .

639: An Introduction without an Interview, Plus Fred Lambert with the Booze News Roundup!

On today’s show, John talks about NaNoRiMo’s new AI policy, the lameness of relatability as a value, and Elmore Leonard’s 10 rules for writing, plus Fred Lambert shares a booze news roundup!

638: Jennifer Maonocherian!

On this episode, John speaks with the screenwriter and novelist about building characters, planning stories, and the discoveries made while drafting.

637: Tiffany Midge!

On this episode, John speaks with the poet Tiffany Midge about the vibrant, often overlooked roles of humor and entertainment in poetry. They also talk about James Cameron’s Aliens, popular culture as metaphor, and serial killers.

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