We're back (again) after a long hiatus, but what a return. One of the most listened to episodes of this podcast were the two-part epic discussions between me and Andy Stanton a few years ago. We both kicked around the idea of a rematch, and what other book could we cover but the 1990 edition of Stephen King's The Stand? Whilst other podcasts displayed depressingly lateral thinking of covering the book during the COVID 19 outbreak, Andy and i took the high ground.

As you will hear, Andy has lived with The Stand in his head and his heart for most of his life, and he brings his blend of wit, insight and passion to this talk.

Unsurprisingly, it was too much to fit in one episode, so this is just the first part of our conversation, stay tuned for part two in a few months' time.

We also discuss Andy's new book, Benny the Blue Whale. A meditation on AI and the creative process, it is well worth a look. Naturally, it also contains a few references to Stephen King.

Next month we talk to NP Cunniffe about Pet Sematary: Bloodlines and his new book, the Irish folk horror tale, The Weejee Man.

Thanks to Stephen L Parkes for tech, as always. Contact us on theconstantreaderpodcast@gmail.com