I hear you on the analog horror stuff. Since it was spooky month my teen *invited* me to watch with her. Her pick was Ted the Caver, which builds slowly and interesting at the end. Lots to talk about too.
You've had a teenager for a week, huh? I want you to know that I am saying this as a fan of you and your work: but as the father of a 19 and a 17 YO I'd advise being a bit more patient with those who are annoyed by teenagers. This quote might need some help in the next few years. Just sayin'.
Hi Austin. That note you wrote about teenagers is brilliant. It should be given to new parents in a sealed envelope to be opened when their child turns 12 so they can prepare for the onslaught of the teen years. (I used to work in an elementary school, then I was a substitute in a high school...I don't have children!!! 'Nuff said!)
Hey, Austin! Congrats on the pre-order being available for "Don't Call It Art"! I've been watching your posts for an announcement (in addition to savoring your regular content, of course 🙂) and hadn't seen anything.
Instead, it's a side note in your Priya Parker interview. What's up with that? Did I miss its announcement elsewhere? Anyway, my pre-order is in! https://austinkleon.com/dont-call-it-art/
I’ve been listening to Geese and Turnstile. My son loves these bands and I am starting to listen to them everyday (also listening to Water Martin) I’m very excited because I hear the stolen moments from some of my older favorite bands
Love hearing about video games. And it turns out both Inside and Limbo are both on sale cheap in the Nintendo eShop. (And available on a bunch of other platforms.)
Thanks for the Cheever recommendation -- somehow I've never read his work! I'm going to pick up some of his books at the library later today.
I also thought that given both your love of jack-o-lanterns and Over the Garden Wall, you might appreciate that my 12 and 15 yr olds both chose OTGW characters to carve in their pumpkins this year: https://bethanyh.net/2025/10/28/we-carved-pumpkins-with-the.html
If you enjoy reading John Cheever, a wonderful book has just come out about the stories by his daughter Susan--When All The Men Wore Hats. I highly recommend it.
Also have you heard of this "analog bag" trend?! Made me think of you, Austin... https://www.bhg.com/analog-bag-trend-11824319
my whole house is an analog bag LOL
Before I had kids, I was annoyed by kids. Now that I have kids, I'm annoyed by people who are annoyed by kids 😂
Love the teenager quote! Also as a Curious Elder they are often my partners in crime!
I hear you on the analog horror stuff. Since it was spooky month my teen *invited* me to watch with her. Her pick was Ted the Caver, which builds slowly and interesting at the end. Lots to talk about too.
You've had a teenager for a week, huh? I want you to know that I am saying this as a fan of you and your work: but as the father of a 19 and a 17 YO I'd advise being a bit more patient with those who are annoyed by teenagers. This quote might need some help in the next few years. Just sayin'.
Any month is a perfect Leonard Cohen listening month.
Hi Austin. That note you wrote about teenagers is brilliant. It should be given to new parents in a sealed envelope to be opened when their child turns 12 so they can prepare for the onslaught of the teen years. (I used to work in an elementary school, then I was a substitute in a high school...I don't have children!!! 'Nuff said!)
Hey, Austin! Congrats on the pre-order being available for "Don't Call It Art"! I've been watching your posts for an announcement (in addition to savoring your regular content, of course 🙂) and hadn't seen anything.
Instead, it's a side note in your Priya Parker interview. What's up with that? Did I miss its announcement elsewhere? Anyway, my pre-order is in! https://austinkleon.com/dont-call-it-art/
And thank you for preordering!
Doesn’t come out until June 2, so it’s really just a treat for people paying attention. Don’t worry: you’ll hear plenty about it 😂
I’ve been listening to Geese and Turnstile. My son loves these bands and I am starting to listen to them everyday (also listening to Water Martin) I’m very excited because I hear the stolen moments from some of my older favorite bands
It’s kind of the great treat: youngsters it’s all new to them, for the oldsters we get to listen for the swipes
Yes 🙌
Love hearing about video games. And it turns out both Inside and Limbo are both on sale cheap in the Nintendo eShop. (And available on a bunch of other platforms.)
Yes! I should’ve mentioned that. (Kiddo wanted “inside” for his birthday and it was only $2)
Thanks for the Cheever recommendation -- somehow I've never read his work! I'm going to pick up some of his books at the library later today.
I also thought that given both your love of jack-o-lanterns and Over the Garden Wall, you might appreciate that my 12 and 15 yr olds both chose OTGW characters to carve in their pumpkins this year: https://bethanyh.net/2025/10/28/we-carved-pumpkins-with-the.html
The t(w)eens are alright!! I love these. Tell them I said well done
If you enjoy reading John Cheever, a wonderful book has just come out about the stories by his daughter Susan--When All The Men Wore Hats. I highly recommend it.
She has the best perspective of her father. Thanks 🙏 for recommending
No. 10. !!!!!!!!!!!!!