On this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes artist and designer turned best-selling author, Dave Eggers, for a conversation about his new novel, <i>Contrapposto</i>.<br /><br />Known for bestselling and critically acclaimed works, including his groundbreaking debut,  <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/45415/a-heartbreaking-work-of-staggering-genius-by-dave-eggers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><i><b>A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius</b></i></a>, and <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/45422/what-is-the-what-by-dave-eggers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><i><b>What Is the What,</b></i></a> Eggers joins the program to explore the inspiration behind <i>Contrapposto</i>, a sweeping story that follows the lifelong friendship of Cricket Dib and Olympia Argyros across six decades of art, ambition, creativity, and personal transformation.<br /><br />During our conversation, Eggers discusses the novel’s unique title—borrowed from the classical artistic technique that creates balance through asymmetry, and how his own background as a visual artist helped shape the story. As Eggers explained, "<i>think of a statue of Michelangelo balancing on one foot."</i><br /><br />He also reflects on themes of friendship, aging, creativity, and the often-absurd nature of the art world.<br /><br />Later, in our conversation, Eggers shares his passion for educational opportunity and literacy through organizations he helped establish and support, including <b><a href="https://www.scholarmatch.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ScholarMatch</a>,</b> which helps first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds earn bachelor’s degrees, and <b><a href="https://www.826michigan.org/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">826michigan</a></b>, which provides free writing and literacy programs for K–12 students across Southeast Michigan.<br /><br />Eggers also talks about his upcoming appearance with the <a href="https://nationalwritersseries.org/author-event/dave-eggers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>National Writers Series </b></a>in Traverse City, and what continues to inspire him after decades as one of America's most influential literary voices.<br /><br />Learn more about his terrific new novel, <i><b><a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/768682/contrapposto-by-dave-eggers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contrapposto</a>,</b></i> from <b><a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/768682/contrapposto-by-dave-eggers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penguin Random House</a></b>, or pick up a copy from your favorite local bookstore.