Tess and Brock try to get on the same wavelength as Edwin Arlington Robinson, also known as EAR, by visiting his birthplace in Gardiner, ME. To get inside the head of the poet they talk with Richard Russo. Russo and EAR share more similarities than their status as Pulitzer prize winning Maine authors—both of their work focuses on growing up in small towns with big dreams.

Today, EAR may not be the biggest name, but his work remains timeless in its ability to connect to the inner misfit in all of us.

Mentioned:

• “The House on the Hill” by Edwin Arlington Robinson
• “Miniver Cheevy” by Edwin Arlington Robinson
• “Children of the Night” by Edwin Arlington Robinson
• Straight Man by Richard Russo
• Elsewhere by Richard Russo
• Somebody’s Fool by Richard Russo
• Breaking Bad (2008)
• Better Call Saul (2015)
• Colby College Special Robinson Collection

The house:

• The E.A. Robinson House

Tess Chakkalakal is the creator, executive producer and host of Dead Writers. Brock Clarke is our writer and co-host.

Lisa Bartfai is the managing producer and executive editor. Our music is composed by Cedric Wilson, who also mixes the show. Ella Jones is our web editorial intern, and Mark Hoffman created our logo. A special thanks to our reader Merrick Meardon.

This episode was produced with the generous support of our sponsors Bath Savings and listeners like you.