George Scialabba, a distinguished critic with a four-decade-long engagement with the complexities of modernity, joined MFA program faculty member Phil Klay and writer Jacob Siegel on campus for a live recording of Manifesto! A Podcast on Monday, Dec. 4, in front of a studio audience of students, faculty, and staff at the University’s Media Center. 

The discussion explored the foundations of modern liberalism and centered around Scialabba's essay "Last Men and Women," originally published in Commonweal Magazine and featured in his latest book, Only A Voice (Verso Books). The essay delves into the costs of modern liberalism, exploring the challenges faced by the modern liberal order in the midst of war, ecological crises, and political discord.

"The recording went great," said Klay. "First off, Fairfield has a beautiful studio where we were able to produce a professional-quality recording. And George Scialabba was not just brilliant and penetrating, but also, in response to a question from Fairfield’s own [Professor] Carol Ann Davis, who was in the audience, he responded with an illuminating and very intimate discussion of his family in relation to the broader — and very philosophical — discussion we were having."

Phil Klay, a National Book Award-winning author and veteran renowned for his writings on war, and his podcast co-host, writer Jacob Siegel, originated the Manifesto! A Podcast platform to explore critical ideas and debates shaping the contemporary world. Each episode features in-depth conversations with influential figures who share their perspectives on pressing issues. Sponsored by Fairfield's College of Arts and Sciences, the Dec. 4 event provided the on-campus audience with a unique look into the intricacies of recording a podcast as well as an opportunity to dissect the complexities of contemporary issues.

Last Men and Women: George Scialabba and the Challenge of Modernity

(Episode 62 · December 7th, 2023 · 1 hr 20 mins)