Episode 104: ‘Everything but the Squeal,’ or Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle
Upton Sinclair spent about seven months in the Chicago stockyards, dressed as worker, making notes about poor working conditions, corrupt bosses, unsanitary conditions, and inhumane slaughter. And in his debut novel, he tried to include nearly everything he saw. Sinclair’s 1906 novel contains a litany of outrages. Its publication brought about some important reforms. But, the lads suspect he tried to cram too much in, to the detriment of good storytelling.
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21 Aug 2026
Episode 104: “Get Me The Graduate II!” or Larry Peerce’s 1969 Film Goodbye, Columbus
The lads follow up Phillip Roth's 1959 eponymous novel with Larry Peerce's 1969 film version. The film was the 10th highest grossing film of 1969, which is quite an achievement, given the other films that surfaced that year, and Peerce deploys his significant powers in delivering a commercial success. Jesse and Chris discuss the nature of adaptation and whether the film, ultimately, rises to the level of its source material.
We have a Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/upper_middle_brow
And a Discord server!https://discord.gg/h734EZ3hBU
29 Jun 2026
Episode 103: “A Pleasurable Disgust,” or Philip Roth’s Goodbye Columbus
Roth's 1959 novella begins with an account of the protagonist, Neil Klugman watching the lovely Brenda swim while he holds her glasses. Immediately, we're transported to the poolside, and into Klugman's brain. But, is Klugman's brain worth visiting?
Klugman is charming and manipulative, funny and arrogant. We watch him pursue Brenda, begin and relationship and (spoiler alert) predictably louse it up. The UMBs discuss the virtues in inhabiting the world of a bad person who doesn't improve.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
4,029
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
13 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 65 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
73
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
77
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