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Published on:

3rd Aug 2023

Nebraska

In this thought-provoking bonus episode, Alex and Steven journey through the landscapes of Alexander Payne's 2013 film, "Nebraska." Join them as they navigate the complex world of Woody, a character on a quest that speaks to universal human experiences. Topics discussed include:

  • Woody is on a determined quest to claim his million dollars in the promised land of Nebraska. What kind of quest is this? Is there a sense in which we are all on a quest like Woody?
  • How do we understand what we could call Woody's 'gullibility'? Is it a sign of incipient dementia or more to do with him being a decent person who innocently trusts others to keep their word in what is, in reality, a mendacious world?
  • This movie, in many ways, is about family. What does it say about marriage, about the relationship between parents and their children, and between siblings and wider relations? In particular, how do Woody and David, as father and son, come closer together as they go on their journey?
  • Woody seems to have been a guy hollowed out by his inability to say 'no' to helping people out. What does the movie say about altruism and about people's gratitude?

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About the Podcast

The Reading Cure
Books that change lives.
In this bibliotherapy podcast, Dr Steven Davies and Dr Alexander Fox discuss the life-changing insights that great books have to offer. Each episode offers an in depth, mental health-focused analysis of a chosen book, and through their conversation, Alex and Steven try to get to the root of how we can best use that author's wisdom to avoid common pitfalls and live happier, more fulfilling lives.
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About your hosts

Steven Davies

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Dr Steven Davies is co-host and co-creator of The Reading Cure podcast. He is currently studying for an MSc in Counselling. Steven has a degree in Economics and a PhD in International Relations from the University of St Andrews; as well as a BA in Literature from the Open University. He has over 12-years experience working in education.

Alexander Fox

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Dr. Alexander Fox is co-host and co-creator of The Reading Cure Podcast. He has an MA (Hons) in philosophy, an MSc in Counselling and a PhD in English Literature (on the works of Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter) . He has a private counselling practice in Dundee, Scotland (https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/alexander-fox), and he sees clients online through a Harley St. clinic in London (http://www.westlakeclinic.co.uk/dralexfox.html). He also supervises counsellors/ therapists.