What is the role of literary fiction in 2025? Is it simply escapism, or is it something deeper — a mirror to the world we inhabit, a lens on its inequities, contradictions, and quiet truths? In my latest episode of Some Things Considered, I spoke with Karen E. Bender, National Book Award finalist and author of The Words of Dr. L, to explore these questions.

Karen’s new collection is a meditation on our times. Her stories navigate the uneasy space between overt political urgency and narrative subtlety, achieving what only the most mature and authoritative fiction can: illuminating society without sacrificing character or craft. We talked about how her stories came together, the delicate process of unifying disparate pieces into a cohesive collection, and how she chooses between writing short fiction or novels.

We also discussed the realities of the literary ecosystem today. Universities and festivals that once nurtured writers are under threat — including the recent cancellation of the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, a hub of creative excellence for decades. Karen reflected on the growing importance of nonprofits, activism, and community support to sustain writers and their work in challenging times.

Throughout our conversation, one thing became clear: literary fiction matters now more than ever. It helps us reflect, empathize, and engage with our world in ways that journalism, social media, or fleeting news cycles cannot. Karen’s insights remind us that stories are not just entertainment — they are essential.

Website: karenebender.com
Facebook: facebook.com/KarenEBenderBooks

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

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Website: seanmurphy.net
Substack: seanmurphy.live
Twitter: @bullmurph
Instagram: @bullmurph
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In this episode of Some Things Considered, I sit down with Karen Eber — TED speaker, award-winning author of The Perfect Story, and former Fortune 500 executive whose talks have reached millions worldwide. Karen specializes in the science and skill of storytelling, helping leaders and creatives alike use stories to inform, influence, and inspire.

The conversation explores:

• The science of storytelling: what happens in the brain when a story works, and why humans are wired to connect through narrative.

• What makes a story succeed—or fail: common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Trust and connection: how storytellers can build authenticity and credibility with their audiences.

• Inherited stories and bias: recognizing how cultural, familial, and corporate narratives shape our beliefs and choices.

• Choosing which story to tell: balancing timeless themes with timely resonance.

• Introverts as storytellers: why some of the best storytellers aren’t the loudest voices in the room.

• Story in leadership and business: from media to the courtroom to the boardroom, the most effective leaders leverage story to motivate and inspire.

• Data storytelling: transforming raw information into narratives that resonate and drive action.

• Storytelling in the age of AI and misinformation: why the best defense against “bad stories” and fake narratives is to tell better ones.

This episode offers both practical insights and big-picture reflections on how stories shape our lives, our decisions, and our culture.

Instagram: @kareneber1
Twitter: @KarenEber1
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kareneber
Website: kareneber.com

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

Website: seanmurphy.net
Substack: seanmurphy.live
Twitter: @bullmurph
Instagram: @bullmurph
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphy
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41