Think Out Loud

An interview with George Saunders at Portland’s McDaniel High School

By Gemma DiCarlo (OPB)
Sept. 24, 2026 1 p.m.

Broadcast: Thursday, Sept. 24

Author George Saunders' most recent book, "Vigil," explores corporate greed, climate change and the nature of salvation.

Author George Saunders' most recent book, "Vigil," explores corporate greed, climate change and the nature of salvation.

Basso Cannarsa / Courtesy of Basso Cannarsa

George Saunders’ biting, imaginative short stories and novels have made him one of America’s most celebrated authors. His 2017 novel “Lincoln in the Bardo,” which won the Man Booker Prize, follows Abraham Lincoln as he grapples with a host of spirits following his son’s death.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

In his most recent novel, “Vigil,” Saunders returns to the afterlife to explore corporate greed, climate change and the nature of salvation.

Saunders joins us to talk about life, death and everything in between in front of a live audience of students at Portland’s McDaniel High School.

“Think Out Loud®” broadcasts live at noon every day and rebroadcasts at 8 p.m.

If you’d like to comment on any of the topics in this show or suggest a topic of your own, please get in touch with us on Facebook, send an email to thinkoutloud@opb.org, or you can leave a voicemail for us at 503-293-1983.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: