Mapping the Zone: A Thomas Pynchon discussion podcast

Books #229

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.

Introduction
Mar 9, 2023 – 29:11
Against the Day: Chapter. 11
Jun 6, 2025 – 03:33:31
Bonus Episode - Alex Pheby
May 23, 2025 – 02:07:58
Bonus Episode - David Foster Wallace (w/ Johan Harstad)
May 9, 2025 – 02:08:46
Slow Learner: Introduction & The Small Rain
Mar 14, 2025 – 01:06:38
Bonus Episode - Talkin' It Up with Johan Harstad
Feb 28, 2025 – 01:20:47
Against the Day: Part One - The Light Over the Ranges (w/ Johan Harstad)
Feb 21, 2025 – 01:28:28
Against the Day: Chapter 10
Feb 7, 2025 – 02:26:30
Bonus Episode - David Lynch
Jan 18, 2025 – 01:37:36
Against the Day: Chapter 9
Jan 17, 2025 – 02:05:50
Against the Day: Chapter 8
Jan 3, 2025 – 03:25:34
Against the Day: Chapter 7
Dec 20, 2024 – 02:45:28
Against the Day: Chapters 4-6
Dec 6, 2024 – 03:44:40
Against the Day: Chapters 1-3
Nov 22, 2024 – 02:45:35
Bonus Episode - Yellow Back Radio Broke-Down by Ishmael Reed
Nov 1, 2024 – 53:13
Bonus Episode - Kefahuchi Tract trilogy by M. John Harrison
Oct 18, 2024 – 37:28
Bonus Episode - The Pale King by David Foster Wallace
Oct 4, 2024 – 56:08
Bonus Episode - The Red Handler by Johan Harstad (translated by David Smith)
Sep 20, 2024 – 28:39
Bleeding Edge: Wrap-up with @Byron's Glowing Filament
Aug 23, 2024 – 01:50:20
Bleeding Edge: Chapters 40-41
Aug 16, 2024 – 02:50:33
Bleeding Edge: Chapters 37-39
Aug 9, 2024 – 02:49:01
Bleeding Edge: Chapters 34-36
Aug 2, 2024 – 02:42:46
Bleeding Edge: Chapters 31-33
Jul 26, 2024 – 02:29:41
Bonus Episode: Fear and Loathing in America by Hunter S. Thompson
Jul 19, 2024 – 10:34
Bonus Episode: A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace by John Perry Barlow
Jul 12, 2024 – 09:57
Bleeding Edge: Chapters 28-30
Jul 5, 2024 – 03:04:34
Bleeding Edge: Chapters 25-27
Jun 28, 2024 – 02:38:49
Bleeding Edge: Chapters 22-24
Jun 14, 2024 – 02:35:39
Bleeding Edge: Chapters 19-21
Jun 7, 2024 – 02:06:19
Bleeding Edge: Chapters 16-18
May 24, 2024 – 02:59:26
Bleeding Edge: Chapters 13-15
May 10, 2024 – 02:58:03
Bleeding Edge: Chapters 10-12
May 3, 2024 – 02:43:58
Bleeding Edge: Chapters 7-9
Apr 26, 2024 – 03:05:48
Bleeding Edge: Chapters 4-6
Apr 19, 2024 – 02:33:22
Bleeding Edge: Chapters 1-3
Apr 12, 2024 – 02:38:09
Bonus Episode - David Bowie
Apr 5, 2024 – 01:08:04
Bonus Episode - Octavia Butler's Patternist series
Mar 29, 2024 – 45:04
Bonus Episode - Death In Her Hands by Otessa Moshfegh
Mar 22, 2024 – 32:46
Bonus Episode - Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
Mar 15, 2024 – 25:55
Bonus Episode - INLAND EMPIRE
Mar 8, 2024 – 36:16
Bonus Episode - My Dinner With Kate and Will
Mar 1, 2024 – 02:16:42
Vineland: Wrap-up with Seth from W.A.S.T.E. Mailing List
Feb 23, 2024 – 01:35:18
Vineland: Chapter 15 (Part 2)
Feb 16, 2024 – 03:27:12
Vineland: Chapter 15 (Part 1)
Feb 9, 2024 – 02:35:56
Vineland: Chapter 14
Feb 2, 2024 – 02:40:18
Vineland: Chapter 13
Jan 26, 2024 – 03:14:27
Vineland: Chapter 12
Jan 19, 2024 – 02:52:49
Vineland: Chapters 10-11
Jan 12, 2024 – 02:49:25
Vineland: Chapter 9 (Part 2)
Dec 29, 2023 – 02:30:04
Vineland: Chapter 9 (Part 1)
Dec 22, 2023 – 03:01:59

Recent Reviews

junt

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.
scottryan88

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 Around the corner. Very disappointed because I would love a GOOD podcast with granular analysis of my favorite author
Doc Denoon

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!
wjh503

Plop Go the Donkeys

The misguided, execrable anti-Journey sentiment is balanced out well by a possible appreciation for Steve Lukather.
huntle_

Loquacious

Two words.
1988pens

Nvm

Nvm
TarheelMonk

A great literature podcast!

This podcast is quickly becoming one of my favorites for in-depth analyses of literature. They have great insight and perspective. The audio quality is also very good - thank you for that!