When Words Fail with Alex Schechter & Billy Lezra

Say Nephew with Steven Pfau

Debut author Steven Pfau joins me this week to talk about his new hybrid memoir, Say Nephew (Catapult). The book explores the archetype of the queer uncle, as well as Pfau's relationship with his own uncle Bruce. You can find the book here [https://books.catapult.co/books/say-nephew/]. This episode is dedicated to Elena Artemis Ivașcu, may she rest in peace.  Transition music by Tri-Tachyon. Theme music by Nesasio [https://soundcloud.com/nesasio].  Thanks for listening, and please remember to subscribe!

The Locked Room with Maile Chapman

This week, I catch up with novelist Maile Chapman to discuss her new work, The Spoil. During our conversation, we cover it all—lucid dreams, hypnotherapist Milton Erickson, grief, jumping spiders, and the psychic pull of Las Vegas. It's not one to miss! You can find Maile's new book here [https://www.graywolfpress.org/books/spoil-0].  Theme music by Nesasio [https://soundcloud.com/nesasio]. Transition music by Pax11. Thank you for listening, and please remember to subscribe!

The Archivist with Dennis McBride

This week, author, archivist, and former director of the Nevada State Museum Dennis McBride joins me to discuss growing up gay in 70s-era Nevada, establishing Las Vegas' first LGBTQ archive, and whether or not gay has lost its mystique. Our interview coincides with the recent designation of Vegas' gayborhood, the Fruit Loop, as a historic landmark [https://lasvegasweekly.com/news/2025/jun/05/nevada-legislature-approves-recognizing-the-fruit/]. If you'd like to learn more about Dennis' work, you can find his book, Out of the Neon Closet: Queer Community In the Silver State, here [https://www.amazon.com/Out-Neon-Closet-Community-Silver/dp/1535367261].  Transition music by simmys_recycle_bin Thanks for listening, and remember to subscribe!

Curing Queers with Tommy Dickinson

This week, I chat with Tommy Dickinson, author of Curing Queers: Mental Nurses and their Patients, 1935-74. The book includes oral histories of both nurses who administered--and the individuals who received--treatments designed to "cure" homosexuality.  Find Tommy's book here [https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781784993580/]. Special shoutout to Gay's The Word [https://www.instagram.com/gaysthewordbookshop/], the oldest LGBTQ bookstore in the UK, where I first encountered Tommy's book! Thank you for listening, and please remember to subscribe!

Write The Book You Want To Write with Aiden Arata

This week, first-time author Aiden Arata shares some thoughts on trusting your vision, artifice in the 2010s, and what it even means to write about "the internet."  Be sure to check out Aiden's new book, You Have a New Memory [https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/aiden-arata/you-have-a-new-memory/9781538767597/]. Thanks for listening, and remember to subscribe!