Podcast by Mark Perzel
Best Part of the Book
Mark Perzel hosts engaging conversations with authors of nonfiction books published by McFarland.
Best Part of the Book
Latest episodes
17 April 2026
Whitney Wallace: North Carolina Day Hiking for Every Body
Mark Perzel talks with author Whitney Harris Wallace about her book, "North Carolina Day Hiking for Every Body: What to Know and Where to Go from the Blue Ridge to the Beaches." Turns out, hiking doesn’t have to involve extreme gear, expert knowledge, or a personality change. They get into what actually counts as a hike, how to get started without overcomplicating it, and a few great places to wander around North Carolina. Worth a listen if you’ve ever thought, “I should get outside more,” and then… didn’t.
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43:28
03 April 2026
Robert T. Tally Jr: The Mismeasure of Orcs
In this episode, Mark Perzel talks with author Robert T. Tally Jr. about his book, The Mismeasure of Orcs, and what it means to rethink one of fantasy’s most familiar “enemy” figures. What begins as a discussion of Tolkien’s orcs becomes a deeper conversation about perspective, dehumanization, and the ways stories shape how we see both heroes and villains. Drawing from Tolkien’s letters and texts, Tally explores the surprising humanity of orcs—and why even Tolkien himself seemed troubled by how they were portrayed. It’s a thoughtful and unexpected look at what happens when we question the assumptions built into the stories we love.
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45:27
20 March 2026
Caroline Reitz and Beth Foxwell: Clues Journal
Explore Clues: A Journal of Detection, McFarland’s scholarly journal devoted to mystery and detective fiction. Joined by Executive Editor Caroline Reitz and Managing Editor Elizabeth Foxwell, the conversation examines why crime narratives continue to resonate and how academic scholarship deepens our understanding of the genre. From Victorian detective stories to contemporary crime fiction across media, we discuss what makes a compelling mystery endure—and what makes Clues such a rewarding project to shape. It’s a thoughtful look at the cultural and critical importance of studying mystery fiction seriously.
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41:24
06 March 2026
Matthew Wilhelm Kapell: Broadening Horizon
A talk with Matthew Wilhelm Kapell about his book, "Broadening Horizon: Essays on Environment, Culture, Identity and Myth in the Game Franchise." What begins with robot dinosaurs and post-apocalyptic storytelling becomes a deeper conversation about ecology, theology, and the cultural power of the stories we play. From “ludic eschatology” to the hero’s journey, Kapell reflects on how games shape the way we imagine both catastrophe and hope.
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43:53
20 February 2026
Zak Ford: Called Up
Zak Ford shares the most memorable, and sometimes hilarious, stories of athletes reaching the big leagues in his book, Called Up: Ballplayers Remember Becoming Major Leaguers. From receiving a call up via registered mail to the sensory overload of a 1,000-watt stadium, to the debut home run on a freezing day in Toronto, and a pitcher who finished his career with a perfect 1.000 batting average. You’ll love this heartwarming conversation about the moment a childhood dream finally becomes a reality for your favorite ballplayers.
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38:17
06 February 2026
Carla Lesh: Wheels of Her Own
Author Carla Lesh joins Mark Perzel to discuss her book, "Wheels of Her Own: American Women and the Automobile, 1893–1929," uncovering how the early automobile became a powerful tool for liberation and social justice. Explore the stories of women—including Black and Indigenous drivers—who navigated prejudice and broken-down roads to claim their independence. Check out this inspiring look at the bold pioneers who used the driver’s seat to challenge the status quo.
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33:47