From Rumi to The Simpsons, Kaveh Akbar Contains Multitudes

Iranian-American author Kaveh Akbar joins us in the Chicago Humanities Tapes studio for an exclusive conversation about his debut novel Martyr!, which was recently shortlisted for the 2024 National Book Award. He chats with podcast host Alisa Rosenthal about his poetry background as a novelist, the multitudes we hold during times of tragedy, his love of Chicago, and '90s nostalgia. Plus, a brief preview of his live 10/26 Chicago Humanities event with fellow Midwestern author John Green. Watch Kaveh Akbar's conversation with John Green here.   SHOW NOTES: Read the podcast transcript. CW: Mention of suicide If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.   PHOTO: Alisa Rosenthal and Kaveh Akbar chat over Zoom. READ: Kaveh Akbar, Martyr!: A Novel   Edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Alexandra Quinn Copy assistance from Katherine Kermgard Additional assistance from Mark Bazer and David Vish   Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chicago-humanities-tapes/id1534976656 Donate now to support programs like this: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/donate/ Explore upcoming events: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/   Instagram • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn   SCWPJ3ZVKBFRO4H0