Exploring Mental Health and 80s High School Life with Author and Poet, David Ebenbach

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In this episode, I chat with author and poet David Ebenbach about Possible Happiness, his latest teen and YA novel set in Philadelphia in the 80s.
What can a high school journey in the late 80s tell us about today's struggles with mental health and sexuality? Acclaimed author and academic David Ebenbach explores this question through the lens of his latest novel, Possible Happiness. Discover how David's personal experiences shape his characters and narrative, providing a deeply relatable and insightful look into the complexities of teenage life. Unpack the surprising classification of his novel as a YA book and understand the nuances behind the protagonist Jacob's experiences and challenges.
We also dive into the multifaceted world of David Ebenbach's career, from his poetry and short stories to his commitment to student-centered teaching at Georgetown University. Learn about his creative process, the importance of the arts in education, the therapeutic nature of reading, and the bittersweet emotions tied to an empty nest.
Enjoy,
Mandy
David Ebenbach

Possible Happiness, David Ebenbach

A Thousand Times Before, Asha Thanki

The Bees, Laline Paull

Les Fourmis (Empire of The Ants), Bernard Werber

Ada Limon Books

Anne Carson Books
For Australian listeners, you can purchase books from yourbookstore.io

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1. Exploring Mental Health and 80s High School Life with Author and Poet, David Ebenbach (00:00:00)

2. Exploring Books, Writing, and Music (00:00:10)

3. Navigating Mental Health Through Literature (00:09:07)

4. Exploring Poetry and Fiction Preferences (00:23:42)