Listening to America aims to “light out for the territories,” traveling less visited byways and taking time to see this immense, extraordinary country with fresh eyes while listening to the many voices of America’s past, present, and future.

We invite you to join us on this journey. 

ESSAYS, INTERVIEWS AND FEATURES

Read more +08 October 2024 By Russ Eagle in Features

John Steinbeck: The Journals of a Novelist

Two journals John Steinbeck kept while writing his two most famous novels provide an intimate look into the author’s creative process.
Read more +01 October 2024 By Clay Jenkinson in Features

Looking for America in London

Clay shares impressions from a recent visit to England, where he led a cultural tour.
Edward AbbeyRead more +24 September 2024 By Clay Jenkinson in Features

To the Desert With Edward Abbey

Clay visits with Edward Abbey, the colorful, eloquent, and passionate advocate of the American West.

Connect with Listening to America

Events

October 17, 2024: American Village 25th Anniversary Kick-off Event: Civil/Uncivil Discourse
Montevallo, Al.

October 25, 2024: Fundraiser for Raue Center for the Arts: Clay Jenkinson is J.Robert Oppenheimer
Crystal Lake, Ill.

Cultural Tours & Retreats

February 23–March 6, 2025: Cuban-American History Tour

January 5–10, 2025: Winter Retreat: Thoreau’s Walden & Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire 

January 12–17, 2025: Winter Retreat: Classic Shakespeare: King Lear & As You Like It

Online Class — Now Open for Regsitration!

November 16–December 7, 2024: John Donne and the English Renaissance 

Books We’re Reading

Read more +03 September 2024 By Clay Jenkinson in Books

Peaceful Transfer of Power: Then and Now

Lindsay Chervinsky’s new book closely examines the dramatic events that shaped America’s pattern for the peaceful transfer of power.
Read more +12 July 2024 By Russ Eagle in Books

The Best John Steinbeck Biographies, Part II

Russ Eagle builds on his previous list of John Steinbeck biographies by looking at works that focus on specific relationships and periods in the author’s life.
Read more +11 June 2024 By Russ Eagle in Books

The Best John Steinbeck Biographies, Part I

As Clay prepares for the second leg of his Travels with Charley journey, Russ Eagle calls out the best John Steinbeck biographies.
Clay Jenkinson

Clay Jenkinson

A prolific author and noted humanities scholar, Clay Jenkinson is a frequent guest on national media and is regularly featured in documentary films, including several by Ken Burns. Clay is the recipient of the National Humanities Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

TOP