In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Ken Miller, author of High Finance, to dive into the complex world of Wall Street, fiction writing, and social responsibility. They explore how Miller weaves together the interconnected lives of his characters while tackling themes of civil rights, free speech, and the moral cost of ambition. Ken also opens up about his transition from a career in finance to fiction, his creative process, and what’s next in his writing journey. This thought-provoking conversation offers listeners an inside look at how personal experience and professional insight can shape powerful storytelling.

What We're Talking About...

• Ken Miller’s novel High Finance delivers a powerful and unique perspective on Wall Street and the people behind it.
• The book’s interconnected characters mirror the real-life complexities of the financial world.
• Fiction writing became Ken’s way of giving back to the literary community and exploring deeper human truths.
• Racism and social responsibility are central themes that Ken addresses with honesty and passion.
• Ken’s friendship with Alan Alda underscores the value of empathy and human connection.
• The culture of Wall Street often prioritizes short-term gains over long-term consequences—a key moral tension in the story.
• Characters wrestle with ethical dilemmas tied to ambition, success, and personal integrity.
• The shoeshine man represents the overlooked voices that keep the financial system running.
• Ken’s future projects promise to explore more complex social and political themes.
• Through his work with PEN America, Ken champions free speech and the importance of storytelling in protecting democracy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ken Miller and High Finance

04:14 The Inspiration Behind Writing Fiction

07:22 Exploring Truth in Fiction

10:06 Ken's Philanthropic Efforts and Community Involvement

13:02 The Culture of Wall Street

16:18 Character Development and Themes in High Finance

19:15 The Role of Supporting Characters

22:08 The Cost of Financial Dreams

25:07 Ken's Future Projects and Reflections on Writing

28:06 Conclusion and Where to Find High Finance

28:44 Empowerment and Importance of Individual Contributions

28:45 Understanding High Finance and Its Accessibility

Links Mentioned

Ken Miller's Website: https://www.kenmillerbooks.com/