Infinity Goes Up On Trial

By: Erin Callahan
  • Summary

  • “Infinity Goes Up on Trial” focuses on ideas central to the depth of Bob Dylan’s music, art, and writing in a broader social, cultural, and political context. Discussing these concepts with scholars, artists, educators, activists, and myriad experts, we explore how Dylan’s ideas reflect and encompass all aspects of human existence.
    © 2024 Erin C. Callahan
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Episodes
  • Bob Dylan Examined: A Discussion with Harold Lepidus (IOT 07)
    Oct 3 2024
    Since Robert Shelton’s New York Times review of Bob Dylan was published almost exactly 63 years ago, on September 29, 1961, Dylan has been the subject of intense critical focus. Journalists, academics, and fans have created an expansive catalog chronicling the minutiae of Dylan’s seven-decades in the public sphere. From studio releases and live performances, through books and films, to personal relationships and shifts in identity, every aspect of Dylan’s life and career has been scrutinized to gain a greater understanding of his oeuvre. In this episode, journalist and podcaster, Harold Lepidus, and I further expand the catalog as we discuss Dylan through the lens of Harold’s work, his fandom, and the expectations the sustained focus has created, and how Dylan has defied them. Harold Lepidus is the author of Friends and Other Strangers - Bob Dylan Examined, an anthology of
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Myth, Memory, and Identity Construction with Court Carney (IOT 06)
    Sep 2 2024
    From the beginning of his career, critics, scholars, and fans have attempted to define Bob Dylan’s identity. Countless interviews and biographies and even Dylan’s 2004 memoir Chronicles: Volume One include myths, half-truths, and obfuscations, leading to lingering questions. These questions are compounded by the public’s perception of him and public images of Dylan used to serve a particular agenda – most often associated with his early protest period. Indeed, public and historic figures’ identities have oft been altered, distilled, diluted, or corrupted through their representations in popular culture. In this episode, Court Carney and I discuss his forthcoming book on Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest, identity construction and public memory, and how Bob Dylan’s identity has been constructed throughout his career. Court is a cultural historian who writes on public memory. He is a full professor of history at Stephen F. Austin University where he teaches courses on
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Bobcats, Bobheads, and Dylanologists with Elizabeth Cantalamassa (IOT 05)
    Aug 1 2024
    Bob Dylan, like the Grateful Dead, has a loyal and dedicated fanbase who follow his tours, exchange bootleg recordings, and analyze his lyrics and music. Called “Bobcats,” “Bobheads,” or “Dylanologists,” these Dylan fans have created a unique and supportive worldwide community who stay connected through various networks, meet up at shows, and share their love and appreciation for the art Dylan has created. In 2014, David Kinney chronicled the history and stories of some of the most passionate fans in his book The Dylanologists. In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Cantalamassa, professor, scholar, and Dylan fan, talks about her work and her experiences on tour with Dylan. Elizabeth is a philosopher whose research focuses on the intersection of social philosophy, philosophy of language, and value theory. She is an Emerging Scholar with the Mark Twain Circle of America and was a Quarry Farm Fellow with the Center for Mark Twain Studies. Elizabeth has written and presented on Dylan, Taylor
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    1 hr and 1 min

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