About this episode

This episode explores issues of happiness through readings of works by Oscar Wilde and Kevin Brockmeier.

In the second of two programs created with the podcast Death, Sex, and Money and our live event host Anna Sale, we explore issues of happiness. Host Meg Wolitzer introduces a satirical romance by Oscar Wilde (did he write any other kind?). “The Model Millionaire” is read by Peter Francis James. In Kevin Brockmeier’s “Space,” a grieving widower and his son try to get past their loss, looking for light in the darkness. The reader is Michael Stuhlbarg.

People in this episode

Host: Meg Wolitzer

Guests: Peter Francis James, Michael Stuhlbarg

Topics covered

• happiness
• grief
• satirical romance
• loss
• family
• literature

Keywords

• happiness
• grief
• Oscar Wilde
• satirical romance
• family
• literature
• Death, Sex, and Money

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Model Millionaire, Space

More episodes of Selected Shorts

• Nothing to Do with Love · June 11, 2026 · 58 min
• Death Sex Money · May 28, 2026 · 58 min
• Modest Expectations · May 21, 2026 · 60 min
• Save the Date with Belletrist Book Club · May 14, 2026 · 59 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Selected Shorts podcast page.