Podcast Description

In our final Ulysses in 80 webinar guest series of 2025, we’re joined by Ilaria Susmel from Trieste, Italy. A local and enthusiastic Joyce reader, Ilaria’s warm and engaging delivery brings both affection for Ulysses and fresh insight into how the city of Trieste itself shapes the reading of the novel in ways we may not have known.

As an added gift, Sylvia joins us from Trieste with song—imagine the city lights behind her as she sings and speaks, carrying the voice of Trieste into this final stop with Joyce’s masterpiece.

This episode is hosted by Clíona O’Farrelly and Mark Sanford Gross. With heartfelt gratitude to Ilaria and Sylvia, whose passion and spirit made this closing conversation truly unforgettable.

Ulysses in 80 welcomes special guest Dr. Daragh O’Connell, Director of the Centre for Dante Studies in Ireland. This compelling conversation explores the deep links, intersections, and influences between Dante Alighieri and James Joyce — and their landmark works, Inferno and Ulysses. Through this shared lens, we uncover new insights into the structure, symbolism, and ambition of both literary masterpieces. This episode is hosted by Clíona O’Farrelly and Mark Sanford Gross.

In this episode of the Ulysses in 80 podcast, we sit down with the one and only Robert Nicholson—a true Joyce legend who spent four decades as the curator of the James Joyce Tower & Museum in Sandycove. Robert has led countless walking tours through the winding streets of Joyce’s Dublin, published beloved editions of Walking Joyce’s Dublin, and brought the spirit of Joyce to life through community events, talks, and good old-fashioned conversation.

Think of this as a fireside chat… if the fire were flickering in a pub at the turn of the 20th century and the topic was Ulysses. With Robert’s wit, stories, and deep connection to the city and the novel, it’s more than a discussion—it’s a journey.

This episode was recorded live on July 29, 2025, and is hosted by Clíona Ó’Farrelly and Mark Sanford Gross.

Pull up a stool, pour a pint, and join us.