Episode
Author Dave Eggers on Contrapposto: Art, Friendship, and a Lifetime of Creativity (06-07-26)
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- Jun 6, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 929
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Summary
On this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes artist and designer turned best-selling author, Dave Eggers, for a conversation about his new novel, Contrapposto . Known for bestselling and critically acclaimed works, including his groundbreaking debut, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius , and What Is the What, Eggers joins the program to explore the inspiration behind Contrapposto , a sweeping story that follows the lifelong friendship of Cricket Dib and Olympia Argyros across six decades of art, ambition, creativity, and personal transformation. 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, " think of a statue of Michelangelo balancing on one foot." He also reflects on themes of friendship, aging, creativity, and the often-absurd nature of the art world. Later, in our conversation, Eggers shares his passion for educational opportunity and literacy through organizations he helped establish and support, including ScholarMatch , which helps first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds earn bachelor’s degrees, and 826michigan , which provides free writing and literacy programs for K–12 students across Southeast Michigan. Eggers also talks about his upcoming appearance with the National Writers Series in Traverse City, and what continues to inspire him after decades as one of America's most influential literary voices. Learn more about his terrific new novel, Contrapposto , from Penguin Random House , or pick up a copy from your favorite local bookstore.