Stay Lit

Season two of Stay Lit begins with a discussion of Frankenstein, the groundbreaking Gothic novel that continues to captivate readers more than two centuries after its publication. In this episode, Miles Ellison and Cambria Shaw explore how Frankenstein is far more than a simple horror story, examining themes of ambition, isolation, grief, and the dangerous pursuit of knowledge without responsibility. The hosts also discuss Mary Shelley’s tragic personal history and how her experiences with death and loss may have shaped the novel’s haunting themes of creation and abandonment. As Victor Frankenstein attempts to conquer death itself, the novel raises a timeless question: who is the real monster — the creature, or the man who created him? Join Stay Lit for the season two debut and a thoughtful exploration of one of literature’s most enduring and emotionally powerful works.

In this episode of Stay Lit, Miles Ellison and Cambria Shaw explore Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s haunting short story The Yellow Wallpaper. Published in 1892, this psychological tale follows a woman’s slow descent into obsession as she fixates on the strange pattern in her room’s wallpaper. What begins as a quiet retreat turns into something far more disturbing. Is the narrator unraveling—or revealing something deeper? Join us as we examine the blurred lines between confinement and imagination, sanity and perception, in this eerie and unforgettable classic.

In this edition of Stay Lit, Miles Ellison and Cambria Shaw explore two of Robert Frost’s most beloved poems:“The Road Not Taken” and “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” Though often quoted and widely taught, these poems offer more than meets the eye. What do they really say about choice, solitude, and the tension between action and reflection? Are they as hopeful as we remember—or is there something more complex beneath the surface? Join us as we take a closer look at the paths we choose, the moments we pause, and the meaning we make along the way.

In this fourth edition of Stay Lit, hosts Miles Ellison and Cambria Shaw step into the shadowy world of Trifles, Susan Glaspell’s groundbreaking 1916 one-act play. Set in the aftermath of a mysterious murder,Trifles reveals how seemingly insignificant details—the things men overlook—become the key to understanding a woman’s silent, stifled life. Is justice served, or simply understood? Join us as we examine how Glaspell’s short drama challenged gender roles, redefined evidence, and helped lay the groundwork for modern feminist theater.

In this third edition of Stay Lit, Miles Ellison and Cambria Shaw explore Edwin Arlington Robinson’s classic poem “Richard Cory.” First published in 1897, this deceptively simple narrative captures the quiet tragedy behind appearances. Richard Cory is admired, envied—even idealized—as he moves among the townspeople with wealth, charm, and grace. But beneath the surface lies a deeper, darker reality. How happy is he, really? And what does the poem say about the assumptions we make about others? Join us as we examine how this short piece still speaks a universal—and unsettling—truth.

In this episode of Stay Lit, hosts Miles Ellison and Cambria Shaw turn their attention to Kate Chopin’s provocative short story “The Story of an Hour.” First published in the 1890s, this brief but powerful tale rattled readers with its portrayal of marriage, independence, and personal awakening. Over a century later, its final twist still sparks debate. Was it liberation or tragedy? Subversion or sorrow? Join us as we explore why this compact story continues to challenge readers, stir strong reactions, and earn comparisons to The Twilight Zone.

Welcome to the debut episode of Stay Lit with hosts Miles Ellison and Cambria Shaw. This first edition centers on Rudyard Kipling’s iconic poem “If—,” a timeless meditation on resilience, character, and self-mastery. Why has this poem resonated so deeply across generations? What relevance does it still hold in today’s world? Join us as we reflect on Kipling’s verses, share personal responses, and consider how literature continues to offer guidance through life’s challenges.