Best Tim McIntosh Podcasts (2025)

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The Great Gatsby: Q&A Episode 1:30:05

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20h ago1:30:05

1:30:05

As always, you had plenty of great questions about our current book and on this episode we did our best to answer a bunch of them. Thanks for tuning in to and participating in this series. Happy listening! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/su…

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The Great Gatsby: The Final Chapters 1:16:37

8d ago1:16:37

1:16:37

It’s a bit late, but better late than never, right? Apologies for the delay! The upload speeds weren’t great in the English countryside. All the same, we’ve come to the end of The Great Gatsby, which means it’s time to talk about some of the most memorable passages in American literature. Join us as we dig in. Happy listening! This is a public epis…

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The Great Gatsby: Chapter 4-6 55:02

17d ago55:02

55:02

Welcome back to our series on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, in which we discuss his best novelistic skills, including his ability to deal in subtext while also creating mood. Plus: the way the book explores the dissonance between desire and reality, whether any of these characters have any interest in (or capacity to see) higher things, and much mor…

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The Great Gatsby: Chapters 1-3 1:05:36

24d ago1:05:36

1:05:36

Welcome to a new series of episodes on another wonderful book. It’s our first re-read here on Close Reads and it’s timely, too, since The Great Gatsby just turned 100 years old! So join in as we discuss what’s made F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel last a century, what makes Nick Carraway a compelling narrator, the tragic longing at the nostalgic core of…

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A Mailbag Episode 1:26:36

1M ago1:26:36

1:26:36

We’re in between books so we answered as many of your questions as we could—which is to say, this is one of those wide-ranging episodes on a variety of topics. Snack foods, book organization, novels we wish we wrote, protecting the canon, Lewis or Tolkien, and much more. Hope you enjoy! Until next time, happy reading. Up next: Chapters 1-3 of The G…

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Piranesi: Q&A Episode 1:04:55

1M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

You had questions; we did our best to answer them. It’s the Piranesi Q&A episode. Happy listening! Up next: An ask-us-anything mailbag episode, then we’ll be kicking off a new series on The Great Gatsby. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/subs…

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Piranesi: To the End 1:24:02

1M ago1:24:02

1:24:02

We’ve come to the end of Susannah Clarke’s novel, which means it’s time to discuss whether the somewhat controversial ending is ultimately satisfying, different ways of interpreting the book, the way it presents it’s myriad philosophical contemplations, and much more. Happy listening! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with oth…

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Piranesi: Chapters 4 and 5 1:03:37

2M ago1:03:37

1:03:37

Wikipedia rabbit holes. Peacefulness or lack thereof in the world of Piranesi. The source of human goodness and morality. Sudafed fever dreams. These and many other topics are discussed on this week’s discussion of Susannah Clarke’s novel. Happy listening! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access …

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Piranesi: Parts 2 and 3 1:02:54

2M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Welcome back to our ongoing conversation on Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi. This week we’re discussing the book’s genre-bending nature, Clarke’s extremely allusive approach (from Coleridge to Lewis and others in between), whether the house of a dark place or a peaceful place, and much more. Happy listening! This is a public episode. If you'd like to dis…

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Piranesi: Part 1 1:00:33

2M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

Welcome to a new series! It’s time to dig into Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi, a book that’s been requested many times since its release in 2020. In this episode, we’re previewing things and thinking about how to read it before discussing part 1. Happy listening! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get acces…

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O Pioneers!: Q&A Episode 1:04:23

2M ago1:04:23

1:04:23

You had questions; we did our best to answer them. It’s the final episode on O Pioneers!, and we’re sad to see it go. Happy listening! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/subscribeBy David Kern, Heidi White, and Sean Johnson

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O Pioneers!: To the End 1:13:55

3M ago1:13:55

1:13:55

This week, Sean describes how he wasn’t prepared for the ending of this book and we discuss the precision of the writing in some of the key scenes. Plus: Is it more tragic or comic (in the literary sense), what does the book have to say about justice, and much more. Happy listening! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other…

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Episode 23: What We Learned About War: The Hard Truths of Battle 49:05

3M ago49:05

49:05

Description In this final episode of Hot Takes on the Classics’ season on war, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh reflect on the biggest lessons they’ve learned from reading and discussing some of history’s greatest war literature. From the moral cost of battle to the intoxicating nature of the battlefield, they break down key themes that have emerged ac…

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O Pioneers!: Parts 2 & # 1:12:49

3M ago1:12:49

1:12:49

What do we make of Carl’s choices (and semi-pursuit) of Alexandra? Does he have anything to offer her? What makes Marie such a compelling character? Plus, how Marie and Emil are counterpoints to Carl and Alexandra. This and much more are topics of discussion on this week’s discussion of Willa Cather’s modern classic. Happy listening! This is a publ…

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O Pioneers!: Part 1 1:14:39

3M ago1:14:39

1:14:39

Welcome to a new series on another great novel, Willa Cather’s O Pioneers!. This week we’re discussing Cather’s instinctive yet precise writing, the book’s contemplation of imagination and vocation, the relationship between the characterization and the land, and much more. Plus we discuss our 2025 literary bracket. Happy listening! This is a public…

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Episode 22: Modern Music & the Art of War: From Stravinsky to Picasso—20th Century’s Rule Change 1:10:11

3M ago1:10:11

1:10:11

Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh explore how war shaped modern music and art, breaking traditional forms and redefining artistic expression. They dive into Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, Picasso’s Guernica, Otto Dix’s War Triptych, and more, unpacking how these revolutionary works capture…

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Episode 21: Mein Kampf: The Blueprint for War & Genocide 1:11:47

3M ago1:11:47

1:11:47

Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh tackle one of the most infamous books ever written: Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf. Though poorly written and filled with contradictions, this book remains essential for understanding the ideological roots of Nazi Germany. Emily and Tim examine Hitler’s obsession with…

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A Tale of Two Cities: Q&A Episode 1:02:04

3M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

You had questions; we did our best to answer them. It’s another Q&A and it’s all yours now . . . or as soon as you hit the play button. Happy listening! Note: no video for this one. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/subscribe…

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Episode 20: All Quiet on The Western Front by Erich Marie Remarque: The Anti-War Protest Novel 59:37

4M ago59:37

59:37

Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh explore All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque’s searing anti-war novel that captures the brutal reality of World War I through the eyes of a young German soldier. They discuss how Remarque’s own experience as a soldier shaped his portrayal of trenc…

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The Jane Austen Heist Draft 1:05:50

4M ago1:05:50

1:05:50

Welcome to the Jane Austen heist draft, in which each of us will build a six-member crew of Jane Austen characters to perpetrate a heist, Oceans 11 style. In this case, we’re stealing back a long lost Turner painting from Captain Rushworth, who has (wrongly) claimed it as his own. Who has the best crew? That’s up to you. Happy listening! Note: The …

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Episode 19: Killer Angels by Michael Shaara: The Last Humane War? 43:59

4M ago43:59

43:59

Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh explore Michael Shaara’s The Killer Angels, the Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novel that brings the Battle of Gettysburg to life. They discuss how Shaara blends fact and fiction to create a gripping narrative that captures the heroism, strategy, and fateful d…

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A Tale of Two Cities: Final Chapters 1:15:14

4M ago1:15:14

1:15:14

And so we come to the end of Charles Dicken’s A Tale of Two Cities! In this episode, we discuss the sometimes complicated nature of reading and writing historical fiction, the way Dickens ratchets up the drama in the section, the wonderful confrontation between Miss Pross and Madame Defarge, and much more! As always, thanks for listening and happy …

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Now Available to Pre-order: "The Divided Soul: Duty and Desire in Literature and Life" by Heidi White 33:12

4M ago33:12

33:12

In this very special episode we go behind-the-scenes with Heidi on her forthcoming book! What’s the origin story? Why is the topic so important to her? What was it like to write? How’s she feeling now? Plus Tim’s here! What a momentous day. Happy listening! Want to pre-order your copy? Click here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss …

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Episode 18: Joan of Arc: Don’t Send a Man to Do a Woman’s Job 59:24

4M ago59:24

59:24

Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into Mark Twain’s Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, an unexpected and deeply admired work from the celebrated author. They explore Twain’s fascination with Joan’s extraordinary life, her divine visions, and her rise from an illiterate peasant to a mili…

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A Tale of Two Cities: Book 3, Chapters 1-8 1:11:36

4M ago1:11:36

1:11:36

Welcome back to our ongoing series on Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities! This week we’re chatting about scenes that make this section exciting, the political context of the story, what Dickens’ worldview seems to be based on some of the metaphors he uses in the book, and much more. Happy listening! Click here to support Bandersnatch Book’s book…

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Episode 17: On War by Clausewitz: The Years That War Changed 46:32

4M ago46:32

46:32

Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh unpack Carl von Clausewitz’s On War, a foundational text in military theory. They explore Clausewitz’s revolutionary ideas on the relationship between war and politics, his emphasis on total commitment in warfare, and the enduring relevance of his theories. The h…

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A Tale of Two Cities: To the End of Book 2 1:11:43

4M ago1:11:43

1:11:43

Welcome back! It’s French Revolution time (i.e., Dickens does history). Also, Lucy and Darnay discuss Sidney’s sadness, Lucy and Darnay have children, and ultimately Darnay leaves. We discuss. Happy listening! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.co…

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Episode 16: War and Peace: How to Defeat Napoleon? Do Nothing 49:56

5M ago49:56

49:56

Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh tackle Leo Tolstoy’s monumental War and Peace. They explore how Tolstoy weaves the lives of Russian aristocrats with the chaos of Napoleon’s invasion, balancing themes of love, honor, fate, and the unpredictability of war. Tim delivers a bold hot take, arguing th…

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A Tale of Two Cities: Book 2, Chapters 14-19 1:15:07

5M ago1:15:07

1:15:07

It’s the episode in which we dig into the ways Dickens uses different tones of voice in various sections, the way his writing creates a tableau-like effect, how the serialization of the story should impact our reading, and question on morality that the book’s introduction of the French Revolution raises. In other words, it’s another conversation on…

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Jonathan McIntosh: Figuratively Speaking: the Old Testament, Natural Law, and Libertarianism 27:24

5M ago27:24

27:24

According to the natural law tradition of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Old Testament civil law wasn’t merely political, but was also “figurative” or symbolic in nature. Yet in his actual interpretation of the judicial precepts, Aquinas treats them almost entirely as political, an error that results in an overly broad and (ironically) theonomic understan…

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Nathan Stenzel: Preambles to Politics - Reformed & Roman Catholic Views of Human Constitution 27:15

5M ago27:15

27:15

Behind Roman Catholic and Reformed debates over soteriology, or the doctrine of salvation, lie conflicting views of man’s pre-fall nature. The donum superadditum, or “superadded gift,” is the Roman Catholic doctrine that when Adam was created, he had to be given a special, supernatural grace just to harmonize his spiritual and bodily natures. The R…

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Will Boyd: We Are Not Beavers - The Cost of Creating Slack Water 32:47

5M ago32:47

32:47

The free-running Snake and Clearwater Rivers once provided significant natural assets to mankind: beauty, clean water, fish, recreation, transportation, inspiration, waterfowl, solace. Many of these assets are now compromised. Since the four lower Snake River dams were finished in 1976, return rates for salmon to Lower Granite Lock and Dam have con…

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George Harrell: Re-enchanting History in an Age of Woke Ideologies and Christian Nationalisms 32:30

5M ago32:30

32:30

Through historical narratives like the 1619 Project and critiques of the “post-war consensus,” both the post-liberal Left and Right seek to find meaning in our past while dismantling our national myths. This raises a critical question for Christians: are the historical methods employed by these political identities defensible? Or is there a more hi…

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Episode 15: Depicting War in Art and Music: Of Fallen Heroes and Epic Battles 1:05:08

5M ago1:05:08

1:05:08

Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh shift their focus to the depiction of war in art and music. They explore how Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, and iconic paintings like Napoleon Crossing the Alps and Washington Crossing the Delaware capture the complexities of heroism, l…

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A Tale of Two Cities: Part 2, Chapters 7-13 1:09:29

5M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

Welcome back to our ongoing conversation about Charles Dickens’ classic novel! In this episode, we discuss what the book is revealing itself to be about, the question of villainy in the story, the importance of the historical context, the differences in the various men who love Lucie, Dickens use of symblism, and much more. Happy listening! This is…

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A Tale of Two Cities: Book 2, Chapters 1-6 1:13:52

5M ago1:13:52

1:13:52

We’re back with another conversation on Charles Dickens’ classical novel, and this time we discuss the introduction of Sidney Carton and Charles Darnay—and the way Dickens employs doubling to develop them as characters alongside the key themes of the book. Plus: a great Dickens-ism, a few wonderful scenes, chat on Dickens and dialogue, questions ab…

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Episode 14: Paradise Lost: The Cosmic Battle of Good and Evil 40:01

5M ago40:01

40:01

Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into John Milton’s Paradise Lost, a towering epic of English literature that grapples with theology, cosmology, and human nature. They discuss Milton’s attempt to craft a Christian epic, his complex portrayal of Satan, and the cosmic war between good and ev…

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Episode 13: Henry V - Shakespeare: A Young Prince Delivers the Greatest Speech on War 35:12

5M ago35:12

35:12

Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into Shakespeare’s Henry V, a play that captures the remarkable transformation of Prince Hal into England’s greatest warrior king. They discuss the historical backdrop of the Hundred Years’ War, the tension between honor and responsibility, and the timeless…

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A Tale of Two Cities: Book 1, Chapters 1-6 1:13:40

5M ago1:13:40

1:13:40

Over the years, many of you have asked us to discuss a Dickens novel and it’s finally time! Over the next several episodes we are going to dig into A Tale of Two Cities. But fair warning: as we get into the book we do spend some time explaining why we’re not necessarily Dickens enthusiasts, before getting into what really works well. (Don’t worry, …

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The Bridge of San Luis Rey Q&A 1:18:09

5M ago1:18:09

1:18:09

You had questions about The Bridge of San Luis Rey; we did our best to answer them. Thanks for tuning in to this series! Up next: A Tale of Two Cities. Please note: no video for this episode. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/subscribe…

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Episode 12: Song of Roland/Pope Urban/Life of Charlemagne: Battles that Become Legends 48:31

5M ago48:31

48:31

Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh explore The Song of Roland, a medieval French epic that epitomizes bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice. Set during Charlemagne’s campaigns in Spain, the story recounts Roland’s heroic last stand and the betrayal that led to his demise. Tim and Emily discuss the poem’…

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Episode 11: Beowulf: Three Monsters and An Aging Hero 30:39

6M ago30:39

30:39

Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh dive into Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxon epic poem about a legendary hero who battles monsters and confronts a dragon. Tim and Emily discuss the poem’s origins, its tension between pagan heroism and emerging Christian values, and why its rhythmic, alliterative style is…

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The Bridge of San Luis Rey: To the End 1:10:36

6M ago1:10:36

1:10:36

It’s time to dig into the end of Thornton Wilder’s lovely novel and in this episode we’re discussing the impact (and epilogue-like nature) of the final chapter, the spiritual contemplations inherent in the narrative, the way Wilder manages to say something powerful about the nature of love, and much more. Happy listening! Video editionA quick note …

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Episode 10: The City of God: A User’s Guide for the End of Civilization 41:53

6M ago41:53

41:53

Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda explore St. Augustine’s monumental work, City of God. Written in response to the Visigoth sack of Rome in 410 AD, this profound text examines the relationship between the City of Man and the City of God, offering reflections on war, virtue, and the Christian resp…

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The Bridge of San Luis Rey: Parts 1-3 51:56

6M ago51:56

51:56

Welcome to the first episode of 2025 here on Close Reads! Our first book of the year is a short but powerful contemplation of , well, the meaning of life and death. Great way to kick off a new year . . . Topics of conversation include whether this is an unbearably sad book, the complex (mirrored) relationships at the core of the story, the nesting …

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Episode 9: Plutarch: Alcibiades and Coriolanus: Great Men to Love and Hate 41:56

6M ago41:56

41:56

Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into Plutarch’s Parallel Lives, exploring the contrasting characters of Alcibiades, the charming yet treacherous Athenian, and Coriolanus, the unyielding Roman general. Through their discussion, the hosts unpack Plutarch’s moral philosophy, the timeless app…

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The Great Passion: Q&A Episode 1:23:35

6M ago1:23:35

1:23:35

We’ve come to the end of our series on James Runcie’s novel, The Great Passion, which (as usual) means it’s time for a Q&A episode and this time we have a very special guest: our friend Greg Wilbur, who happens to a conductor and composer who has also authored a biography of Bach himself. Greg joined us to chat about his experience with The Great P…

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The Great Passion: To the End 58:45

6M ago58:45

58:45

Merry Christmas from all of us at Close Reads! In this episode we’re chatting about the final chapters of James Runcie’s lovely novel, The Great Passion. Topics of conversation include the way this book is perfect for the Christmas season, how Runcie portrays the performance of the Passion in the book, what the epilogue accomplishes, and much more.…

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The Year in the Reading Episode 1:30:12

6M ago1:30:12

1:30:12

It’s that time of year! In this annual tradition we’re sharing our top five reads of 2024 (as well as a slew of honorable mentions). Happy listening! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/subscribe…

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Episode 8: The Art of War by Sun Tzu: Victory without Battle 34:50

7M ago34:50

34:50

Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda analyze Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, a foundational text in strategic thought. Written during China’s Zhou Dynasty, the book offers timeless insights into warfare, leadership, and human conflict. The hosts discuss Sun Tzu’s emphasis on victory without battle, his Ta…