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Artwork for Thresholds

Thresholds

Jordan Kisner
Poetry
Grief
Horror
Housemates
Emma Copley Eisenberg
Death
Me Too Movement
Meghan O'rourke
Creativity
Fat Liberation
Trump's Presidency
Mental Health
Sexual Violence
Patriarchy
The Long Goodbye
Chronic Illness
Vinson Cunningham
The Shining
Existentialism
Leah

This is Thresholds, a series of interviews with writers and artists you love about the transformative experiences (surprises, crises, existential freakouts, u-turns, breakthroughs) that have shaped their work. The life-wasn’t-the-same-after-that moments. Hosted by Jordan Kisner, author of the essay collection THIN PLACES. Thresholds is a co-production between Black Mountain Institute and Literary ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes151Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsSociety & CultureBooks

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Artwork for Thresholds

Latest Episodes

Jordan sits down with author Jayson Greene during a live taping of Thresholds at the Beverly Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two talk about Jayson's new novel, UnWorld, the uncanniness of grief, the instability of memory, and how presciently his no... more

Jordan sits down to talk with bestselling novelist Tayari Jones about the power and satisfaction of moving back home after decades away, and how her new novel, KIN, changed the scope of her work.

Mentioned in the episode:

* Beaches

* Mighty Ju... more

Thresholds is happy to introduce "Borrowed & Returned," a new podcast from the Brooklyn Public Library about the books that have changed America. This episode was made in partnership between Borrowed & Returned and Thresholds. You can hear the whole ... more

Jordan sits down with marine biologist, writer, and climate advocate Ayana Johnson to talk about her mission to fight climate fatalism, her love of Rachel Carson, and her skepticism of the impulse to look for "hope" in the face of climate change -- a... more

Key Facts

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

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Recent Guests

Tayari Jones
Novelist and author of "An American Marriage" and "Kin"
Author
Episode: Tayari Jones
Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab
Urban Ocean Lab
Episode: Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Mariana Enriquez
A journalist from Argentina and the Queen of Latin American Gothic Horror.
Episode: Mariana Enriquez
Miriam Toews
Novelist and author known for her exploration of Mennonite life and family dynamics in her works.
Episode: Miriam Toews
Sarah Aziza
Palestinian American writer, journalist and translator
Episode: Sarah Aziza
Lisa Ko
Novelist known for her acclaimed novel The Leavers and her recent work Memory Piece
Episode: Lisa Ko
Sabrina Imbler
Staff writer at Defector and author of the essay collection How Far the Light Reaches.
Defector
Episode: Sabrina Imbler
Maya Binyam
Novelist and author of 'Hangman'
Episode: Maya Binyam
Lidia Yuknavitch
National bestselling author known for her memoir, "The Chronology of Water," and her new work, "Reading the Waves."
Riverhead Books
Episode: Lidia Yuknavitch

Host

Jordan Kisner
Host of Thresholds, focused on insightful literary conversations and the craft of writing.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 151 ratings
  • This got me through med school

    Please release the Kaveh Akbar recording from Mission Creek! That conversation was so needed and such a blessing to listen in 🤍

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tytytytylertytyty
    United States3 years ago
  • The Best Literary Podcast

    Wonderful, fascinating guests all reviewed with such depth and grace by the lovely Jordan Kisner. I learn something new about writing and the writing life with each episode.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dizzydizzlle
    United States3 years ago
  • So underrated!

    I recommend this podcast to all of my friends, especially those who love to write. Incredibly insightful, and some of my all-time favorite authors (and new favorites!) are guests on the show. Couldn’t ask for more.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    hanniemouse
    United States3 years ago
  • A gem

    Easily my favorite podcast out there—Jordan’s interviews highlight the humanity, humor, tenderness, and difficulty in writing and creating. I am grateful for every new episode!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Emma Gorenberg
    United States3 years ago
  • I am utterly delighted with this podcast. I have had more than a few driveway moments where I stayed in the car after already arriving home and enjoyed the final moments of the show. Thanks, Jordan!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    ZaryFekete
    3 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Consistent praise for depth, warmth, and the host's interviewing style
Some feedback about navigating the episode descriptions and show notes could be clearer
Listener enthusiasm for thoughtful, in-depth author conversations
Positive reactions to diverse guest lineups and insightful topics
Overall, the show is regarded as a high-quality literary podcast with strong guest selections and engaging dialogue.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#239
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#238
Singapore/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Tayari Jones
Q: What did you think about embedding all this in story and in these two people and in this friendship and the relationship dynamic?
Jones considers the differences in paths taken by two women and how education plays a vital role in shaping their futures.
Tayari Jones
Q: How did that coming home to yourself and coming home to your parents and your family and your city, how did that start to show up in your writing?
Jones experienced a transformation in her writing, which became more rooted in the Southern culture she embraced upon her return home.
Tayari Jones
Q: What was the process of beginning with the moment when you're in the Brooklyn coffee shop and you realize everybody's drinking the same water and there's something that's maybe starting to seep out of your fiction in terms of the particularity of place?
Jones reflects on her realization that living in New York may not be best for her writing, leading her back to Atlanta.
Introducing: "Borrowed & Returned" from the Brooklyn Public Library
Q: So, Adra, how about it? Is it time to return to Silent Spring?
Absolutely. For our last episode in this series, we're returning to a book that changed the way we see the world around us and how we respond to climate and environmental forces that can sometimes feel outside of our control.
Claire Vaye Watkins
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about your mom and her death and what that experience was like for you?
Watkins reflects on how her mother's substance abuse and eventual death profoundly impacted her life and writing, shaping her perspectives and experiences as a daughter and a writer.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Household Income
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Frequently Asked Questions About Thresholds

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

This show centers on deep, extended conversations with writers and artists about the moments that changed everything in their work and lives. Across episodes, guests reflect on places, communities, and histories that shaped their craft—ranging from publishing industry dynamics and regional identities to memory, trauma, and transformation. The host's gently probing, empathetic style tends to bring out intimate stories about creative life, risk-taking, and the emotional economics of producing art. Noteworthy is the show's focus on place-based storytelling, diverse literary voices, and a willingness to explore difficult topics with warmth and curiosity, making it a strong fit for listeners who want both literary insight and human-scale storyte... more

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How many episodes of Thresholds are there?

Thresholds launched 6 years ago and published 151 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 Thresholds?

Recent guests on Thresholds include:

1. Tayari Jones
2. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
3. Mariana Enriquez
4. Miriam Toews
5. Sarah Aziza
6. Lisa Ko
7. Sabrina Imbler
8. Maya Binyam

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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