George Orwell's novels 1984 and Animal Farm feel especially prescient in this moment, as surveillance technologies continue to expand, and history and language are weaponized. We take a look at the life and literature of George Orwell. And ask: what does the term "Orwellian" really mean?

GUESTS:

• Laura Beers: Professor of History at American University, and the author of Orwell’s Ghosts: Wisdom and Warnings for the Twenty-First Century

• D. J. Taylor: Writer, critic, and author of many books, including Orwell: The New Life and Who is Big Brother? A Reader's Guide to George Orwell

• Sandra Newman: Author of Julia: A Novel, among other books

Music featured (in order):

• Welles Raises Kane (I. Overture) – Bernard Herrmann, as conducted by himself, leading the London Philharmonic Orchestra

• Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty-Four) – Eurythmics

• One Brick – Aesop Rock

• Keep the Aspidistra Flying – Ivan Waters and the Citadel

• Piggies – The Beatles

• 1984 – Anais Mitchell

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Colin McEnroe and Dylan Reyes contributed to this show, which originally aired on May 6, 2026.