Ulysses In 80: The Ulysses Experience

mark sanford gross

Ready to embark on an epic literary adventure or maybe just learn what all the Ulysses buzz is about? Join your Ulysses80 team – Cliona O'Farrelly and Mark Sanford Gross – as we delve into James Joyce's Ulysses!

Starting June 1st, 2025, we're reading "Ulysses In 80 Days," finishing August 19th. Expect insightful discussions on the journey, fun detours, and recaps of our weekly chats with scholars, cultural experts, authors, and more. Never feel alone or frustrated in your own Ulysses journey. Whether you're a curious newcomer, a literary hobbyist, or a devoted Ulysses fan, tune in and enrich your experience! We're thrilled to have you.

also @ulysses80.bsky.social

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S5 · E12
August 21 · 45 min
Ulysses in 80 2026: In Conversation with Clare Hutton
Clare Hutton joins Mark Sanford Gross and Cliona O’Farrelly for the final conversation in the 2026 Speakers Series, part of Ulysses in 80’s annual 80-day global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses. A leading Joyce scholar and author of Serial Encounters: Ulysses and the Little Review, Clare brings us back to the extraordinary story of how Ulysses first reached its readers — and to the women who helped bring Joyce’s novel into the world. The conversation moves through the history of Ulysses, its publication, its readers, and the ways we continue to encounter the novel more than a century later. And as Clare reminds us, Molly Bloom gets the last word in Ulysses. So it seems only fitting that, for the last words of the 2026 Speakers Series component of Ulysses in 80, we leave them with Clare Hutton. Visit ulyssesin80.com to explore the complete archive of Ulysses in 80 2026 — an annual 80-day global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses and for more information on the annual reading. Ulysses for Everyone. Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
S5 · E11
August 13 · 49 min
Ulysses In 80 2026: In Conversation with Daniel Mulhall
In this episode of Ulysses in 80, Mark Sanford Gross and Cliona O’Farrelly are joined by Daniel Mulhall, former Irish Ambassador to the United States and author of Ulysses: A Reader’s Odyssey. Mulhall comes to Ulysses first and foremost as a reader—one who has returned to Joyce’s novel throughout a diplomatic career that took him around the world. The conversation moves from his own roots in Ulysses to Ireland then and now, identity, tolerance, and why he believes Joyce’s century-old novel remains a novel for modern times. And, as the U80 journey reaches Ithaca, there is also the question of coming home—both in Ulysses and after a lifetime spent representing Ireland abroad. Ulysses for Everyone. Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
S5 · E10
August 7 · 49 min
Ulysses In 80 2026: In Conversation with Daragh O'Connell
Mark Sanford Gross and Cliona O'Farrelly are joined by Daragh O'Connell, Associate Professor of Italian at University College Cork and Director of the Centre for Dante Studies in Ireland, for a lively journey between Dante and Joyce—and some of the surprising places where their worlds meet. From Ulysses' extraordinary final voyage in Dante's Inferno to the echoes that surface in Joyce's Ulysses, the conversation wanders through Homer, Circe, Dante's famous "midway" opening, and the little nuggets that send us back to these books again and again. Why did Joyce keep returning to Dante? And why, centuries later, do readers keep returning to both of them? Part of Ulysses in 80 — Ulysses for Everyone. Visit ulyssesin80.com Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
July 31 · 49 min
Ulysses In 80 2026: In Conversation with Joseph Valente
As readers journey into the final third of James Joyce's Ulysses, Professor Joseph Valente joins Ulysses in 80 for a thoughtful conversation exploring identity, belonging, nation, and the enduring humanity at the heart of Joyce's masterpiece. Together, we discuss Leopold Bloom, Joyce's treatment of Jewishness, questions of gender and sexuality, the complexities of nationalism, and why Ulysses continues to challenge—and reward—readers more than a century after its publication. Rather than offering easy answers, Valente invites us to read with greater curiosity, generosity, and openness. Ulysses in 80 is a global reading community exploring Ulysses over 80 days bringing together leading Joyce scholars and readers from around the world. Visit ulyssesin80.com to explore the books, essays, and other references mentioned in this episode, listen to past conversations, and join readers from around the world. Ulysees in 80 is led by Cliona O'Farrelly in Dublin and Mark Sanford Gross in Northern California Ulysses for Everyone. Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
July 26 · 47 min
Ulysses in 80 2026: In Conversation with Colin Murphy
What happens when Ulysses leaves the page and steps onto the stage? This week, Mark Sanford Gross and Cliona O'Farrelly welcome acclaimed Irish playwright, journalist, and historian Colin Murphy for a wide-ranging conversation about James Joyce, theatre, and the remarkable legal battle that transformed Ulysses from a banned novel into one of the world's most celebrated works of literature. Colin discusses his acclaimed play, The United States Versus Ulysses, the famous 1933 obscenity trial, why Joyce's work continues to challenge and inspire readers, and what happens when one of literature's most complex novels is brought to life before a live audience. With Colin Murphy's generous permission, this episode also includes an excerpt from his stage production, offering listeners a rare opportunity to hear Joyce's world interpreted through the theatre. Whether you're reading Ulysses for the first time or returning to it once again, this conversation reminds us that Joyce's masterpiece is meant to be experienced—not simply understood. Learn more about Colin Murphy and his work at colinmurphy.ie. Ulysses in 80 is hosted by Mark Sanford Gross in Northern California and Cliona O'Farrelly in Dublin as part of the global reading project Ulysses for Everyone. Visit ulyssesin80.com for daily readings, podcasts, discussions, and resources. Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
July 21 · 49 min
Ulysses in 80 2026: In Conversation with Patrick Hastings
This week on Ulysses in 80, we're joined by Patrick Hastings, creator of The Ulysses Guide, one of today's most trusted companions for readers making their way through James Joyce's Ulysses. Patrick has a remarkable ability to make Joyce's masterpiece feel welcoming without diminishing its richness or complexity. Throughout this conversation, he shares practical insights, reading strategies, and the quiet confidence that readers don't need to understand everything to enjoy the journey. His approach reminds us that Ulysses is meant to be experienced as much as it is studied. Together, we explore why the novel continues to reward both first-time readers and those returning to it year after year. Patrick also reflects on creating The Ulysses Guide, the importance of curiosity over certainty, and why reading Joyce is ultimately an invitation into conversation rather than a search for definitive answers. At the heart of this conversation is a simple idea that has become central to Ulysses in 80: Ulysses is for everyone. Whether you're opening the book for the first time or returning after decades, Patrick reminds us that there is no single "right" way to read Joyce—only your way. Hosted by Cliona O'Farrelly and Mark Sanford Gross. Visit ulyssesin80.com for daily readings, podcasts, resources, and a worldwide community discovering that Ulysses really is for everyone. Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
S5 · E5
July 10 · 52 min
Ulysses in 80 2026: In Conversation With Prof. Catherine Flynn
Professor Catherine Flynn of the University of California, Berkeley, joins Ulysses in 80 to explore the Nausicaa episode of James Joyce's Ulysses—the chapter that sparked one of the most famous censorship battles in literary history. Editor of The Cambridge Centenary Ulysses and co-host of the U22 podcast, Catherine combines deep scholarship with an engaging and welcoming approach to Joyce. In this conversation, she shares insights into Nausicaa, reflects on why Ulysses continues to reward readers with each return, and reads a memorable passage from the novel. Hosted by Mark Sanford Gross in Anchor Bay, California, and Cliona O'Farrelly in Dublin, Ulysses in 80 is a global reading journey through James Joyce's Ulysses—one day, one page, one conversation at a time. Learn more at ulyssesin80.com. Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
S5 · E5
July 3 · 56 min
Ulysses in 80 2026: In Conversation with Prof. Robert Spoo
Cyclops. History. The Life of Ulysses. This week on Ulysses in 80, we welcome Professor Robert Spoo, Princeton University, for a wide-ranging conversation recorded as we discuss the Cyclops episode of James Joyce's Ulysses. Together, we explore the remarkable life of Ulysses beyond its pages—history, the people who shaped its journey, and the enduring influence of one of the world's most extraordinary novels. Along the way, Robert shares insights into Joyce, the historical world surrounding the novel, and why Ulysses continues to inspire readers more than a century after its publication. As always, the conversation returns us to the book itself. At the close of Cyclops, after all the force, hatred, prejudice, and division, Leopold Bloom quietly offers another answer: Love. Hosted by Mark Sanford Gross and Cliona O'Farrelly as part of the global Ulysses in 80 project. For more information, daily readings, podcasts, and upcoming conversations, visit ulyssesin80.com. For more information, daily readings, podcasts, and upcoming conversations, visit ulyssesin80.com. Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
S5 · E4
June 28 · 47 min
Ulysses in 80 2026: In Conversation With Matthew Campbell
Professor Matthew Campbell of the University of York returns to Ulysses in 80 for a warm and engaging conversation as readers arrive in the heart of the Wandering Rocks episode. Matthew brings the same curiosity, wit, and generosity that readers have come to enjoy in his previous visits to Ulysses in 80. The conversation wanders through Wandering Rocks, poetry, music, teaching, and the pleasures of reading Joyce slowly, always returning to the ordinary readers who keep the book alive. Along the way, the discussion explores how Ulysses continues to surprise even after a lifetime of reading. Matthew reflects on the rhythms of Joyce's Dublin, memorable characters, unexpected discoveries, and the joy of following curiosity wherever the novel leads. Recorded live on Zoom as part of the 2026 Ulysses in 80 global reading community, this conversation has been lightly edited for podcast listening while preserving the spontaneity and spirit of the original discussion. For more information about Ulysses in 80, including daily reading schedules, guest conversations, podcasts, and resources, visit ulyssesin80.com. Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
S5 · E4
June 20 · 44 min
Ulysses In 80 2026: The Readers Pub—A Conversation with Our Readers
In this special Readers' Pub episode of Ulysses in 80, the guest speakers are the readers themselves. Participants from around the world gather for an open conversation that ranges from Joyce and language to Judaism, Gorgonzola sandwiches, and the unexpected connections that emerge when readers meet one another with curiosity and candor. More than a discussion of Ulysses, this episode explores reading slowly, embracing complexity, and discovering that some of the most meaningful conversations begin without knowing where they will lead. The episode closes with a brief excerpt from the poetry of Stéphane Mallarmé—a quiet reminder that not every word needs to be fully understood to be deeply felt. Ulysses in 80 is hosted by Cliona O'Farrelly and Mark Sanford Gross. Reformatted and adapted as a podcast from The Readers' Pub gathering of June 17, 2026. Produced in Anchor Bay, California. For more on Ulysses in 80, visit ulyssesin80.com. Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
June 14 · 52 min
Ulysses in 80 2026-In Conversation with Robert Nicholson
In Season 3, Episode 2 of Ulysses in 80, Mark Sanford Gross and Cliona O'Farrelly welcome Robert Nicholson—writer, curator, and one of Dublin's most respected guides to the world of James Joyce. For nearly fifty years, Robert has been walking the streets of Dublin with readers from around the world, bringing Joyce's city to life one step at a time. In this lively conversation, he leads us through the streets and stories of Joyce's Dublin, from funeral processions and quiet laneways to cattle in the streets, hidden corners of the city, and the people and places that still echo through the pages of Ulysses. Drawing on decades of experience guiding readers through Joyce's world, Robert reflects on Dublin then and now, the enduring appeal of Ulysses, and the pleasures of discovering the city through Bloom's wandering footsteps. Robert Nicholson is the author of The Ulysses Guide: Tours Through Joyce's Dublin and the video guide James Joyce's Dublin: The Ulysses Tour. Ulysses in 80 is hosted by Cliona O'Farrelly and Mark Sanford Gross. To learn more, join the conversation, and explore upcoming events and podcasts, visit ulyssesin80.com. Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
S5 · E1
June 7 · 50 min
Ulysses in 80 2026 — Opening Conversation with Sam Slote
Recorded during the opening week of the 2026 Ulysses in 80 global reading, this conversation brings together Mark Sanford Gross, Cliona O'Farrelly, and Professor Sam Slote of Trinity College Dublin to begin an eighty-day journey through James Joyce's Ulysses. As readers around the world gather to read the novel one day at a time, Sam reflects on a lifetime spent reading, teaching, and thinking about Joyce. The conversation explores the challenges and rewards of Ulysses, the experience of returning to the book again and again, and what it continues to reveal about language, readers, and ourselves. The episode also includes questions from members of the worldwide Ulysses in 80 community who joined the first weekly live conversation of the 2026 season on June 3, 2026. Professor Sam Slote is co-author of Annotations to James Joyce's Ulysses and author of Joyce's Nietzschean Ethics. He teaches at Trinity College Dublin and is recognized internationally as one of today's leading Joyce scholars. Learn more, follow the daily readings, join the discussions, and explore additional podcasts and events at ulyssesin80.com. Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
S5 · E1
May 19 · 40 min
How I Read Ulysses?
A mosaic of voices from the Ulysses in 80 community sharing spontaneous thoughts on how they read James Joyce’s Ulysses. New readers. First-time readers. Returning readers. No one prepared for this episode. The reflections here emerged in the moment — stream-of-consciousness responses to a simple question: How do you read Ulysses? This is not an academic “how to” episode. These are personal reflections shaped by experience, frustration, joy, confusion, passion, struggle, and discovery while reading one of literature’s greatest — and most challenging — masterpieces. Now in its fifth year, Ulysses in 80 brings readers from around the world together to read approximately 10–12 pages a day over 80 days while sharing conversation, insight, humor, and companionship along the way. The 2026 reading begins June 1 and continues through August 19, with the new website becoming the central hub for daily readings and discussion. This episode carries the voices of readers from Tasmania to Vancouver, sharing the deeply personal reasons they chose this book — and what happened when they began reading it together. Mark Sanford Gross in Northern California and Cliona O'Farrelly in Dublin, Ireland lead the Ulysses in 80 project and host this podcast. Questions? readingulyssesin80@gmail.com Visit: ulyssesin80.com Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
S3 · E1
March 22 · 44 min
Why Read Ulysses-Voices From Around the World
The 2026 season opens with this podcast. Ulysses in 80 is a global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, now in its fifth year, moving through the book together over eighty days. This episode gathers twenty-four voices — all participants in the global group — who offered their own response to a simple question: why read Ulysses? This is the first podcast of the 2026 season. These voices were not recorded in a studio, and not rehearsed. They arrived as they are — from around the world — finding their way into one place. What emerges is a mosaic of voices, each one distinct, yet somehow in conversation. And in a time that feels difficult, and with a book that often feels the same, something else begins to happen: we begin to hear each other. The 2026 Ulysses in 80 reading begins June 1. More information: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com Ulysses in 80 Produced by Mark Sanford Gross With Cliona O'Farrely Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
Aug 28, 2025 · 17 min
Ulysses in 80: 32 Voices, 12 Countries, One Soliloquy 08.28.25
Our final episode of the Ulysses in 80 Podcast (2025) weaves 32 soliloquies from readers in 12 countries. Each recorded in a place of their choosing, spontaneous and on the spot, their voices join into one collective stream of consciousness—the 2025 Soliloquy. Spanning many languages and accents, the chorus echoes Joyce’s vision: strangers passing one another on life’s journey. And at the end, one last soliloquy—an older voice, full of life—reminds us why we struggle with Ulysses, and why we read. Hosted by Clíona Ó’Farrelly and Mark Sanford Gross. Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
Aug 16, 2025 · 48 min
Ulysses in 80 Webinar Series Episode #10: From Trieste,Featuring Ilaria Susmel 08.13.2025
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, Silvia Margherita German 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 Silvia, whose passion and spirit made this closing conversation truly unforgettable. Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
Aug 7, 2025 · 49 min
Ulysses In 80 Webinar #9. The Intersection of Dante and Joyce Featuring Dr. Daragh O'Connell 8.06.2025
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. Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
Aug 1, 2025 · 44 min
Ulysses In 80 Webinar #8. A Fireside Chat With Robert Nicholson 07.29.25
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. Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
Jul 26, 2025 · 39 min
Ulysses In 80 Webinar #7 Featuring Patrick Hastings, Author of The Guide to James Joyce's, Ulysses.07.23.25
🌐 ulyssesguide.com In this episode, we’re delighted to welcome Patrick Hastings, author of the acclaimed Guide to James Joyce’s Ulysses. Patrick has a gift for presenting Joyce’s monumental—and famously challenging—novel in a way that’s accessible, engaging, and intellectually honest. His approach preserves the novel’s complexity, context, and the rich possibilities it offers for interpretation and discussion. With clarity, humor, and deep insight, Patrick helps readers find a way into Ulysses that feels welcoming and rewarding. The Guide to Ulysses is more than a reading aid—it’s a companion that will stay with you through every future journey into Joyce’s masterpiece. Whether you're a first-time reader or a seasoned Joycean, this conversation offers tools, perspectives, and inspiration to deepen your engagement with Ulysses—one episode at a time. Hosted by Cliona O'Farrelly and Mark Sanford Gross Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.
Jul 22, 2025 · 42 min
Ulysses In 80. BONUS EPISODE! “HALF-WAY!” 07.21.25
This special episode marks more than just the textual midpoint of Ulysses, where the novel turns toward Oxen of the Sun. It is a threshold moment in the novel. It is also a moment when the mirror turns, too. Instead of us looking into Ulysses, Ulysses—and something deeper within us—looks back. Strangers from across ten time zones, connected through the shared journey of reading Ulysses in 80 Days, came together live on a screen for a spontaneous, on-the-spot writing session. No time to prepare. A prompt in the real-time moment and then: GO! WRITE! TIMER SET! Just five minutes to write about a personal “threshold” moment—raw, unrevised, and real. What surfaced weren’t just stories, but glimpses of truth. This episode isn’t about studying Joyce. It’s about discovering what Ulysses helps reveal when we meet it halfway. The Ulysses in 80 project is hosted by Mark Sanford Gross and Clíona O’Farrelly. With deep thanks to the brave writers who stepped forward and shared from the middle. Ulysses in 80 A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days. 📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.

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