READING MCCARTHY is a podcast devoted to the consideration and discussion of the works of one of our greatest American writers, Cormac McCarthy. Each episode calls upon different well-known Cormackian readers and scholars (and occasional other folks of interest) to help us explore different works and various essential aspects of McCarthy’s writing. Scott Yarbrough is your host in these deep dives into the world of McCarthy.

The guest for this episode is a different member of the McCarthy gang, Dennis. Dennis McCarthy is the author of the novel The Gospel According to Billy the Kid, published this past month by the University of New Mexico press and available everywhere. A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Dennis McCarthy has been a park ranger, ecologist, speechwriter, editor in chief, professor, and attorney. For the listeners of the podcast saying to themselves right now, “Wait, I thought this was about the other McCarthy,” well, yes, this is Cormac’s brother; and after retiring out west after his long and varied career, he’s switched paths and written this excellent novel. He’s currently at work on his second novel, and he and his wife and beagle live in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Music for READING MCCARTHY is composed, performed, and produced by Thomas Frye. The Intro is “The World to Come”; other music includes (23:27) “Running with Wolves,” (28:38) “Toadvine,” (33:16) “Blues for Blevins,” (41:34) “Much Like Yourself,” and the Outro, as always, is “Blues for Blevins.”

The opinions of the host and his guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of their institutions or the Cormac McCarthy Society.

Reach us at Readingmccarthy@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

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Starting in spring of 2023, the podcast began accepting minor sponsorship offers to offset the costs of the podcast. This may cause a mild disconnect in earlier podcasts where the host asks for patrons in lieu of sponsorships. But if we compare it to a very large and naked bald man in the middle of the desert who leads you to an extinct volcano to create gunpowder, it seems pretty minor...

Episode 7: Dennis McCarthy, Author of The Gospel According to Billy the Kid and brother to Cormac

Reading McCarthy