I had the distinct honor of serving as guest host for the smart and savvy Big Table podcast. I sat down with former California Poet Laureate and former National Endowment for the Arts Chair Dana Gioia to discuss Ray Bradbury’s remarkable legacy, his impact on literature and culture, and his assured place in the pantheon of great writers. Dana and I first met when I joined Ray at the White House in 2004 when Ray was given the Medal of Arts from President George W. Bush. We have remained friends and admirers since.

Then I got the opportunity to chat with New Yorker writer and author extraordinaire, the great and formidable Susan Orlean, about her love for Bradbury and how we he was her “spirit animal” when she wrote the exceptional The Library Book.

I hope you will give the episode a listen!