Writer (and sometime guest host of the Lopate Show) John Hodgman spoke to Leonard about That Is All, the last part of his trilogy called Complete World Knowledge. He also revealed what his comfort food is and why he loved Cormac McCarthy's novel The Road.

What have you read or seen over the past year (book, play, film, etc…) that moved or surprised you?

        I spent the past year reading and viewing the apocalypse—“Omega Man,” The Road, The Stand. Most surprising was “A Boy and His Dog” with Don Johnson and a telepathic dog roaming the wasteland looking for women. Profane, odd, disturbing, but surprisingly well acted and edited. We once made even pulp culture beautiful.

What are you listening to right now?

        Leonard Lopate interviewing Narayan Janakiraman and Ray Smith on the P.A. in the green room.

What’s the last great book you read?

        As per above, finally braved The Road by C. McCarthy. Pages 1-100: “why would any reader put themselves through such sadness?” Pages 100-end: “I cannot stop reading.”

What’s one thing you’re a fan of that people might not expect?

        Also per above, every day I am holding myself back from turning back to page 1 and reading The Stand all over again.

What’s your favorite comfort food?

        A comfy blanket soaked in chicken soup.