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Artwork for Mapping the Zone: A Thomas Pynchon discussion podcast

Mapping the Zone: A Thomas Pynchon discussion podcast

Thomas Pynchon books discussed here!
Bleeding Edge
Thomas Pynchon
9/11
Deep Archer
New York City
Gentrification
Government Surveillance
Montauk Project
Silicon Alley
Gabriel Ice
Deep Web
Maxine
Horst
War On Terror
Espionage
Maxine Tarnow
Family Dynamics
9-11 Attacks
Chandler Platt
Midwest

Each episode, we take a deep-dive into the book we are focusing on—we explore the references, characters, plot, and everything in between from a non-scholarly point of view. We are just four fans who love these books and can talk about them endlessly.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes104Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksArts

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Artwork for Mapping the Zone: A Thomas Pynchon discussion podcast

Latest Episodes

Dally rolls into town just around the corner, readier than most to take the world by its horns, but our crew of worryworts can't help themselves from checking in. Helpful roommate Katie eases some concerns, but then again, would a girl like Dahlia en... more

YouTube

Kit's going through it, so we get down and rough it with the poor boy. It's nice to catch up with him, gives the crew an opportunity to connect some dots, draw some prospective lines. Between the continuance of Tesla v. World, acute personal loss, an... more

YouTube

It's the end of the year, so we decided to talk about some books we read in 2025 that weren't Pynchon. Of course, we decided to do this after we finished recording a 4+ hour episode for Against the Day, so we were admittedly all a bit spacey. Anyway,... more

YouTube

Starting 01 February 2026, Cody and Kate will be (kinda) deep-diving into another book. What's the twist? It's not a Pynchon book (cue "shocking" sound bite). If you want to know what we're going to be covering in a monthly 10-part series within our ... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Alex Pheby
Author of the Cities of the Weft trilogy
Newcastle University
Episode: Bonus Episode - Alex Pheby
Johan Harstad
A notable Norwegian author
Episode: Bonus Episode - Talkin' It Up with Johan Harstad

Hosts

Cody
Host who discusses various themes in Thomas Pynchon's works and engages listeners in detailed literary analysis.
Kate
Co-host who brings insights and enthusiasm to discussions of Pynchon's literary complexities and themes.
Will
Co-host with a nuanced understanding of Pynchon and a commitment to unpacking complex narratives.
Luke
Co-host who provides engaging commentary and literary insights during discussions of Pynchon's works.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 123 ratings
  • My Thomas Pynchon Companion Podcast

    Fantastic podcast where the hosts go deep in examining Thomas Pynchon’s works. I’ve loved pacing my reading alongside the episodes as the hosts’ insights have really enhanced my understanding of and appreciation for each book.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    annajrules
    Australia5 months ago
  • I like Luke

    That’s it. I like him

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DanielMHII
    United States6 months ago
  • Reading the Line With Podcast Jobbers *WHERE HAVE GONE?

    So glad to have another TP podcast (RIP PIP). Mason and Dixon is my favorite of Pynchon's novels, and the most under explored. They examine its nooks and crannies here in the convivial manner popular to the podcast format.

    Thank you! Vineland next I hope! *No new shows in over a month. What gives? Miss it.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    junt
    United States9 months ago
  • Boring libs missing the point

    Absolutely fantastic podcast if you want to hear a bunch of midwit libs misunderstand Pynchon and talk themselves out of believing he’s saying what is right there on the page. Maybe get a communist or an anarchist as one of the main hosts so you have somebody who actually ideologically relates with Pynchon’s writing. He is my favorite author and this is a huge disappointment.If you want better analysis listen to the Pynchon episodes of Programmed to Chill, Beverley Trillbillies, or Death is Just... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    scottryan88
    United Statesa year ago
  • Refreshing perspective

    The tone of the discussion is low key and inviting, so much so that you might miss how really thoughtful the hosts are. If you already love Pynchon or are just curious this is an absolute recommendation —this team has a fresh, open perspective and bring out the heart and the fun that many critics overlook. Cheers!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Doc Denoon
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the insightful and accessible analysis of Pynchon's works, often enhancing their understanding of the intricate narratives.
Some listeners express a desire for deeper critiques, feeling the analysis could occasionally lack academic rigor, but most still find value in the perspective offered.
The casual, friendly tone of the hosts makes the discussions enjoyable and engaging, inviting fans to join in regardless of their prior knowledge of Pynchon.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#240
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#57
Ireland/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#140
Ireland/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#181
Norway/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#234
Sweden/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Bonus Episode - Kefahuchi Tract trilogy by M. John Harrison
Q: Do you think these are a good introduction to his work?
I think that these could be a good introduction to him.
Bonus Episode - Kefahuchi Tract trilogy by M. John Harrison
Q: What puts light into your top 10 books you've ever read, top three sci-fi you've ever read?
The world building is really exquisite, I would say, in terms of it's just really well thought out.
Bonus Episode - Kefahuchi Tract trilogy by M. John Harrison
Q: Does it tell us what we should or should not turn down for?
No, it doesn't. It does not address turning down or turning up.
Bonus Episode - The Red Handler by Johan Harstad (translated by David Smith)
Q: Are the criticisms of the crime novel genre accurate?
Cody agrees that certain tropes in crime novels can be excessive but also remarks that there is charm in the journey from point A to B in traditional novels.
Bonus Episode - The Red Handler by Johan Harstad (translated by David Smith)
Q: Did you understand like from the beginning that this is kind of like a meta-fictional like joke or were you partially sold on the kind of frame narrative of it?
Cody indicated he was sold based on the description on the back but found it more interesting once he realized it was meta-fictional.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The episodes are dedicated to a comprehensive exploration of Thomas Pynchon's literary works, focusing on the intricate narratives, complex characters, and rich thematic elements found within his novels. The hosts adopt a casual, fan-oriented perspective, which likely appeals to both new and seasoned readers looking for insights and deeper understanding of Pynchon's writing. Notable episodes center on specific chapters of his novels, such as "Against the Day," providing analytical discussions that highlight the intersections of personal experiences and socio-political themes in Pynchon's work. The approach is distinctly non-academic, welcoming discussions that emphasize personal engagement with the texts rather than traditional literary cri... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Slow Learners
2. Blank Check with Griffin & David
3. TRUE ANON TRUTH FEED
4. Jokermen
5. Chapo Trap House

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this podcast launched 3 years ago and published 104 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Alex Pheby
2. Johan Harstad

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