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Iron Gold (Red Rising Book 4) - Pierce Brown - Episode 127 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies are back from their extended hiatus (sorry vacations, bats, and constipation got in the way) to tackle Pierce Brown's "Iron Gold," the fourth book in his Red Rising series. The first trilogy currently sits #1 in both Keith and Dman’s rankings, so big expectations for this one. The Buddies got to revisit their old friends Darrow, Severo, Mustang, and many more along with some new friends as well. Did Iron Gold meet the Buddies high standards? Well, you’ll just have to listen to find out. So, grab your razor, practice your "Hail Reaper" salute (but maybe not in public), and join the Buddies as they navigate Pierce Brown's expanded universe of morally questionable heroes and volume-inconsistent narrators!
The Art of Winning - Bill Belichick - Episode 126 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies tackled Bill Belichick's "The Art of Winning" with the religious devotion only Patriots fans can muster. The Buddies got to chatting about why selfish players are actually fine, the tragic lack of insider Patriots secrets, and whether comparing NFL salary caps to office vlookups should be a crime. They also debated who should play Belichick in a biopic (Dennis Quaid vs. Randy Quaid, depending on how crazy things get). So grab your tattered hoodie, your "I f*cked that up" attitude, and join us as we read through the Greatest Coach of All-Time's new book.
Malibu Rising - Taylor Jenkins Reid - Episode 125 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies hit the waves with Taylor Jenkins Reid's "Malibu Rising". If you enjoy family drama with deadbeat dads, cocaine platters, and specialty seafood sandwiches that sound absolutely disgusting, this book is for you! The Buddies got to chatting about sympathizing with terrible fathers (because of diet failures), the economics of therapy vs. longboards, salmon polo shirts, and whether almonds taste like vanilla. So grab your longboard, your three model looking sibliings, and join us as we blaze through Malibu Rising.
The Housemaid - Freida McFadden - Episode 124 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies made their way to Brooklyn for Freda McFadden's thriller, "The Housemaid”. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with questionable characters, glaring red flags, and DIY dental work, this book is for you! The Buddies got to chatting about driving a great car (namely a 2011 Nissan Sentra), torture, Family Feud, gaslighting, and much more. So join us as we chat about The Housemaid (coming to theatres this Christmas).
Sunrise on the Reaping - Suzanne Collins - Episode 123 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies tackle Suzanne Collins' "Sunrise on the Reaping," the Hunger Games prequel that follows a young Haymitch Abernathy. If you liked the Hangover 2, Dumb & Dumber 2, and the Han Solo movie, then this book is for you. Not a lot of positive comments in this one, but the Buddies did wander into some bizarre tangents around spitting, gleeking, transfusions, and dead bees in figs. They also managed to rewrite the book, a "Lord of the Flies meets Rambo" epic. So join us as we discuss where it all went wrong on this one (or maybe skip if you were a big fan).
Carl's Doomsday Scenario - Matt Dinniman - Episode 122 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies strapped in for book 2 (or some may say book 1.5) of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series with Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman. While this book may have not advanced the story too much, the Buddies had a good time reading and got into chatting about, AIM chatting, binge reading, and being less intelligent and less sensitive is a good thing. So join us as we reconnect with our good buddies Carl, Princess Donut, and Mordecai.
First Lie Wins - Ashley Elston - Episode 121 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies dove into Ashley Elston's 2024 thriller First Lie Wins, and let's just say they weren't thrilled. The Buddies found the book lacking in both thrills and twists, so they tried to provide some in this podcast. They got to talking about group chats, guardian angels, bathroom etiquette at parties, and a clever use of a zip lock bag. So join us (or maybe skip if you’re a fan of this book), as we tell no lies in our review of First Lie Wins!
Dungeon Crawler Carl - Matt Dinniman - Episode 120 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies ventured into Matt Dinniman’s Dungeon Crawler Carl, a lit-RPG novel. A lit-RPG novel, for those of you that don’t know, is basically a story told more like a video game RPG (we’re guessing, as this is our first time ever reading one). This book had the Buddies chatting about Cats, Nick Arcade, and the merits of Public Urination. Looking for a light-hearted, good time, with your pals Princess Donut and Carl? Well pick up this book and join us as we venture through Book 1 of Dungeon Crawler Carl.
Demon Copperhead - Barbara Kingsolver - Episode 119 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies popped open a bottle of Appalachian moonshine and dove into Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. If you enjoy listening to a light-hearted comedic book podcast navigate a relentless parade of poverty, addiction, and child abuse while desperately trying to keep things light, this episode is for you! The Buddies got to discussing the benefits of rural living, stereotypes, and what Sarah McLachlan, Nas, and Kendrick Lamar have in common with this book. So join us for the most uncomfortable ‘funny’ book club discussion this side of Appalachia!
Fourth Wing - Rebecca Yarros - Episode 118 - Buddy Book Club
On this episode, the Buddies jumped on their dragons and rode into the Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros; a Young adult book with heavy emphasis on the adult portion. If you like dragons, magic, and sexual tension that goes from zero to a hundred faster than Dom Toretto, then this book is for you. The Buddies got to talking about Basil Exposition, trauma counseling for students, and even played a game of 50 Shades or Fourth Wing. So, hop on your dragon if you were lucky enough to get chosen by one, bring your Signets, your love for Xaden (and hate for Dain) and join us as we jump into the first book of The Empyrean Series.
All the Colors of the Dark - Chris Whitaker - Episode 117 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies dive into All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whittaker. A story that manages to combine elements of Joe Dirt, Shawshank Redemption, Where the Crawdad Sing, and Forrest Gump into one surprisingly coherent narrative. Or more simply put, a tale about a pirate turning into a great painter. The book had the Buddies debating proper broccoli-roasting techniques, questioning why Ivy League acceptances are treated like community college admissions in small-town Missouri, and wondering if maybe eyepatch technology is due for an upgrade after several centuries. So, grab your sketchbook (preferably filled with portraits of missing persons), double-check that your doors are locked, and join the Buddies as they navigate through this heart-wrenching story.
Before the Fall - Noah Hawley - Episode 115 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies are back for their 5th year! They kick off 2025 with Noah Hawley's, Before the Fall. The Buddies got to chatting about what this book was really about. It is marketed as a mystery novel, but deep down it’s about: the importance of never answering questions, having ‘French toast hands’, and destroying a house in the name of art. So, grab your life vests, your philosophical questions, and your disdain for the media, and join the Buddies as we take the plunge into Before the Fall.
Mexican Gothic - Silvia Moreno-Garcia - Episode 114 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies unearth the horror section this week with Silvia Moreno-Garcia's, Mexican Gothic. The Buddies didn’t… love this one per say. They got to talking about the Get Out similarities, Eminem’s lyric connection, and “atmospheric writing”. So light yourself a cigarette, we needed a few whilst reading this one. And Join us as we discuss/attack Mexican Gothic.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Parts 1 & 2 - MOVIE - Episode 113 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies sadly close out their epic pilgrimage into the Harry Potter world with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Parts 1 & 2. In this episode, they discuss a wide range of topics, including fearing death, goblin-wizard relations, and casting couches. Plus, they tackle the age-old question: Is it okay to slow dance with your best friend’s girlfriend alone in your room? So, grab your popcorn and tissues as we watch the final movies of this epic, life-changing series.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling - Episode 112 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies close out J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series with book 7: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It was a sad episode for the Buddies as they finished the last chapter in their favorite book series, and got to talking about: Snape the “good guy”, Unforgivable Curses basically being magical jaywalking, and "kids" fairytales. Per usual, the Buddies got into some conspiracy theories that would make Xenophilius Lovegood look like a mainstream journalist. So grab your wands, brooms, and Deathly Hallows, for the last time and join us on our Harry Potter nostalgic farewell tour.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - MOVIE - Episode 111 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies watch movie # 6 - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on this week’s episode. The Buddies get to chatting about: Hogwarts "three strikes policy" for attempted murder, how Ginny and Harry's on-screen chemistry makes a flobberworm look charismatic, and whether Dumbledore the worst wingman in wizarding history. So, grab yourself some Felix Felicis, don’t tie your shoes, because we’re all getting real lucky on this episode.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - J.K. Rowling - Episode 110 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies are now onto the sixth chapter of their magical journey with "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling. The Buddies explored vital wizarding matters including: the questionable ethics of love potions at a high school, the surprising benefits of writing in used textbooks, and whether Dumbledore needed better threat assessment training. The Buddies also tackled life's deeper questions, like whether Harry's romantic strategy aligns with the D.E.N.N.I.S. system, and if Ginny Weasley is actually the only person at Hogwarts having a normal teenage experience. So grab your bottle of liquid luck, cause we’re snogging it up this episode (did we use that right)?
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - J. K. Rowling - Episode 108 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies plunged into the fifth installment of their magical marathon with "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" by J.K. Rowling. The Buddies discussed many important topics including: becoming radicalized over owl injuries, the Weasley twins' mastery of guerrilla marketing, and whether Dumbledore's penchant for secrecy deserves a Howler. The Buddies also pondered life's important questions, like whether listening to audiobooks is an acceptable alternative to watching your child being born (spoiler: it's not). So your practice your "hem-hems", tell no lies, and join us for this week's episode.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - MOVIE - Episode 107 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies fly into the fourth installment of their Harry Potter book/movie marathon with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The Buddies conjured up a spellbinding discussion covering: Dumbledore choking out students, Beauxbatons' Disney-on-ice entrance, and ranking the top movies so far. So put on your magical eye, start flicking your tongue, and join us for the Goblet of Fire movie discussion.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - J. K. Rowling - Episode 106 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies read what might be their favorite book ever written in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. They are joined by special guest, and Harry Potter super fan, Jimmy for the fourth installment of the greatest series to ever live. This is a long one and they touch on pretty much every topic you can imagine. From the true dark lord, to wizard gambling, to going out on top (that is to say dying on top). So hold on to your broom handles, because we’re flying right into the action on this one.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - MOVIE - Episode 105 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies apparate into the third Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. They got to chatting about: Wizards and their fashion choices, romantic scenes, Hermione's workout regiment, and how Snape's redemption arc got lost somewhere between the book and the big screen. So practice your "Lumos Maxima" for those late-night reading sessions, and join the Buddies as they dissect a film that's darker than Hagrid's rock cakes.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - J. K. Rowling - Episode 104 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies fly into book 3 of the Harry Potter series in, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. They're joined by special guest (with an appropriate name): Magic. They discuss everything from taking a page out of Willy Wonka's 'how to deal with spoiled children' book, to the questionable penal system of Azkaban. They also get into important topics around: The raging hormones of pubescent wizards, chocolate being the ultimate magical and non-magical cure, and how Snape is dead to them. So grab your Firebolt (if you can afford it), practice your Patronus charm, and join the Buddies for book 3 of the greatest series that ever lived.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - MOVIE - Episode 103 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies continue their marathon with movie #2, Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets, directed by Chris Columbus. The Buddies delved into a number of movie topics including: Mr. Weasley's book vs movie differences, the uncanny similarity between Quidditch and Star Wars space battles, and whether Moaning Myrtle's voice is more terrifying than the basilisk itself. So, grab your broken wand (and maybe consider turning it around), watch out for basilisk snakes/Lucius Malfoy in the hallways, and get your slow clap ready for this week’s episode.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - J. K. Rowling - Episode 102 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies jumped into book 2 of their epic Harry Potter book/Movie Marathon, with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J.K. Rowling. The Buddies delved into a number of magical topics including: Mr. Weasley being a gangster, Quidditch equipment regulations, the economics of the wizarding world, and whether Moaning Myrtle's bathroom is preferable to a packed one after a feast at the great hall. So, grab your Nimbus 2000 or 2001 (if your daddy can afford it), watch out for rogue bludgers, and join us for this week's episode.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - MOVIE - Episode 101 - Buddy Book Club
After completing book one of the greatest series of all time, the Buddies sat down to watch the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone movie. The Buddies discussed a number of things including: the pronunciation of "Quidditch", saying 'Happy' vs. 'Merry' Christmas, the drunken tendencies of magical hats, Professor McGonagall's potential gambling addiction, and whether Hagrid is a terrible guardian or just really bad at time management. So, grab your wand, don your invisibility cloak, and join us for this week's magical episode. And remember, 'never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain' - unless it's the Buddy Book Club podcast.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J. K. Rowling - Episode 100 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies celebrate their 100th episode by fulfilling their promise and starting on a Harry Potter reading (and movie) marathon. The J. K. Rowling series has been a favorite of the Buddies (they’ve only referenced the books multiple times in all of their other 99 episodes) and they were eager to re-read. Strap in because the Buddies had a lot to discuss, this is a long one. The Buddies went in depth and even added a few new categories just for this series. So, pick up Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone today and join us for a summer Harry Potter marathon.
Shōgun - TV SHOW - Episode 99 - Buddy Book Club
After reading 1,000+ pages, and dedicating 3 episodes to the Shōgun book, the Buddies finally got a chance to complete the new Shōgun FX series. They didn’t want to be the people that say “the book is better than the show”, but they spend most of the pod (hopefully not too pretentiously) saying the book was better than the show. They got to talking about the positives of subtitles, swimming naked, and seppuku. So join us as we discuss and watch Mariko, Anjin, Toranaga, and all of our other friends from Shōgun.
Morning Star (Red Rising Series, Book 3) - Pierce Brown - Episode 98 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies close out Pierce Brown’s, Red Rising trilogy, with book 3: Morning Star. It was sad to see one of the Buddies favorite trilogies come to an end, but luckily in five years they’ll completely forget the series and be able to do it all over again! The Buddies got to chatting about: yearbooks, the prisoner's dilemma, and the drawbacks of filming everything (especially violent massacres). So equip your SlingBlade and wolf cloaks for one last ride (in this trilogy at least) as we finish book 3 in the Red Rising Series.
Golden Son (Red Rising Series, Book 2) - Pierce Brown - Episode 97 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies we’re so happy to see their friends, Darrow, Sevro, and Mustang again as they read Golden Son, book 2 of Pierce Brown’s Red Rising Series. The Buddies have talked about how this is one of the only series to come close to Harry Potter, and book 1 currently sits on top of their favorite books read on the podcast. So how did this one turn out? Well, you’ll just have to listen to find out! And maybe give us a bloody damn review if you have the chance.