The podcast takes listeners on a journey through a broad range of topics, ranging from literature to politics, all fueled by the pair’s shared passion for art, idea, and spirited debate.
In an age where sound bites and fleeting trends dominate the media landscape, Manifesto stands out as a podcast dedicated to deep, thoughtful discussions. Launched by lifelong friends writer Jacob Siegel and College of Arts and Sciences MFA program faculty member Phil Klay, the podcast takes listeners on a journey through a broad range of topics, ranging from literature to politics, all fueled by the pair’s shared passion for art, idea, and spirited debate.
“Jake and I have been arguing about art and ideas as long as we know each other,” Klay recalls. “We both have strong opinions, care deeply, and have sharp disagreements as well as points of connection. As our lives got increasingly busy, we wanted to commit to regularly meeting up to keep discussing work we loved or were troubled by and wanted to talk over with a friend.”
The idea for Manifesto grew naturally from Klay and Siegel’s friendship, one built on intellectual curiosity and countless hours of lively discussions. As their lives became busies, the friends realized they needed a way to keep these conversations alive. Turning their conversations into a podcast allowed them not only to continue their explorations but to share their insights with a broader audience eager for more content that stimulates intellectual curiosity and encourages meaningful dialogue.
The name Manifesto reflects the podcast’s goal to present a range of perspectives and provoke critical thinking, muck like a manifesto lays out a vision or set of principles. Klay explains, “we appreciate people who try to make sense of the chaos of life by putting down a marker of where they stand and how they see the world. Even if you disagree, confronting those sorts of arguments and ideas teaches you a lot.”
Since its launch, the podcast has delivered a series of memorable episodes. One episode addressed patriotism inspired by Klay’s New York Times essay, “The Soldiers We Leave Behind.” Other episodes explored topics ranging from Tolkien’s literary genius to reflections on the Book of Jonah.
“The episodes we did on Tolkien, and on the architecture of the Sagrada Familia, on the Book of Jonah and on Virginia Woolf’s essay on the modern essay all stand out in my mind because they were useful for later writing. We also had the great critic George Scialabba at Fairfield’s podcast studio to record an episode, which was a real treat for me,” Klay explained.
Looking ahead, Klay and Siegel hope to address new topics, with future episode covering the political essays of Joan Didion and the poetry of Robinson Jeffers. Ultimately, Klay hopes listeners take away one thing from their podcast—the pleasure of a good discussion or argument about art.
Learn more and listen to Manifesto here.
