FW Presents: The Mirror Factory #3 — The Razor’s Edge

Welcome back to The Mirror Factory! In this episode, Max Romero is joined by a very special guest — Fire and Water OG Rob Kelly! Rob brings to the Factory a favorite passage from his favorite book; W. Somerset Maugham's literary classic, "The Razor's Edge." Together Rob and Max will discuss why this passage is so meaningful to Rob, the evolving nature of spirituality, and how home can be a very different place than where you started. Rob will read his passage for our listeners, and then it's off to the Mail Room for your listener's comments!

 

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Music credits:

  • Intro theme: “My Baby Loves a Bunch of Authors,” by Moxy Fruvous
  • Dialogue from "The Razor's Edge" (Tyrone Power, Elsa Lanchester; 1946)
  • "Loch Lomond," accompaniment performed by Carl D. Phillips
  • Closing music: “Farewell," by Bob Dylan

You can find Rob Kelly here on The Fire and Water Podcast Network, on Twitter (start with the Film and Water Podcast), and be sure to check out his blog on "The Razor's Edge," Principles of Psychology.

Want to be a guest on a future episode? E-MAIL – mirrorfactorypodcast.gmail.com

Leave us a comment, and remember — read a book!

Rob's personally designed cover for "The Razor's Edge." This book cover comes with a story of its own.

15 responses to “FW Presents: The Mirror Factory #3 — The Razor’s Edge

  1. Great episode.
    I have only seen the Tierney movie but I got the book at a book fair last year and it is on the night stand to be read!

    Love the discussion and the cover!

  2. Excellent cover, Rob. I can see why someone would want to swipe it.

    I also enjoyed the discussion of the deep and personal topics raised by the book. Listening to the two of you talk, I was reminded of a mentor I had as an undergrad, who really challenged me to think critically about my spiritual beliefs and worldview, and that was a gift that I continue to appreciate to this day, even when it leads to the occasional sleepless night.

  3. This is the episode I knew was coming eventually and couldn’t wait for. I like Rob and I think on the whole, his likes and sensibilities are similar to mine so I’ve often thought about reading this book based solely on previous mentions. Perhaps I’ll watch one of the films? I haven’t done either yet but glad to hear Rob talk as it is helps push me towards to finally get a copy for myself.

    THE LOST HORIZON is one of my favorite books. I’ve read it a few times and absolutely adore it so naturally, I love hearing someone mention it in passing. As a thought exercise, I’ve wondered: if I were a podcaster and I were to volunteer, what stories would I want to talk about and why? LOST HORIZON, while never chosen, is always on the list.

    I look towards future episodes to introduce me to other long held favorites and the discussions that will make me want to read them.

    1. I would say so, Rob! You should be getting royalties on sales of The Razor’s Edge — I think I’m only one of many here who’ve picked up the book thanks to your enthusiasm for it. Thanks again for coming on and talking so openly about it.

  4. And another ‘great cover’ from me. And excellent show, Max and Rob. I only came to the book and film (Tyrone Power version) due to Rob enthusing elsewhere, and I’m so glad I did, they’re such rich experiences.

    Rob, have you ever read JD Salinger? You may find Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters/Seymour: An Introduction especially interesting.

    Excellent job timing the ‘Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond’ to Rob’s Reading, Max! Or was that Rob himself?

      1. Thanks for the kind words, Martin! And yup, I do all the editing of the show, so I’m glad it worked well this time around. (I won’t lie, this has been a learning experience!)

        I haven’t read much Salinger myself, and even that was Catcher in the Rye back in high school. I keep meaning to re-read it, but just never seem to get around to it. Is Catcher a standard part of the school curriculum in your part of the world, too, Martin?

        1. Not in my time, but it was required student reading, and that took me on to the wonderful Glass family stories. One, Uncle Wiggly in Connecticut, was adapted for the screen as Susan Hayward weepie My Foolish Heart.

  5. Sorry for such a late post as I’ve been behind on my podcast listening. Another great episode! Your personal discussions of spirituality was great to hear as it felt honest and not too heavy-handed and no one was trying to win an argument about spirituality. You guys were both listening to each other and it made for a great discussion. Well done!
    My only experience with this novel is through this network and Mr.Kelly’s enjoyment of it. Though having heard this episode, it’s made me want to pick up a copy. I just wish I could get a physical copy with that great cover Rob made. It looks like a Penguin Classic!
    Keep on with the great work about great works!

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