Ann enters into a meaningful discussion of ideas rather than debating as part of some collective opinion matrix, with Greg Johnson, one of the more solid podcast interviewers I have listened to. This is great, to get into the ups and downs, nuances and gratification of being a novelist. For aspiring writers, or those interested in the transformation of writing and publishing over the last two decades, this discussion is enthralling.

The discussion of the parasitic academic class is insightful for a grunt like I. It is so fascinating that the youth of today tend toward dogmatism, and Greg and Ann dig into that well of vapidity with some gusto.

Greg keeps bringing Ann back to herself and helps her peel away the layers of the writer's journey. Her discussion of gender assignment for fictional protagonists and science-fiction is telling and informative.

As the interview builds—for it does not wear on—Greg Johnson, who I know zero about, grows on the listener as a serene, keen, voice for intellectual autonomy.