News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Life
Culture & Art
Hobbies
News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Culture & Art
Hobbies
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.
City on Fire - Don Winslow - Episode 96 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies take their first foray into criminal enterprises, in City on Fire by Don Winslow. The book follows the Irish and Italian mobs as they fight for control of Providence, Rhode Island in the 1980s. Unfortunately, City on Fire did create some tension between the Buddies who have Irish and Italian ancestry, respectively. They got into arguing/chatting about, the negatives of loyal friends, nepotism, and having the name Pam. So pick up this crime/mob-thriller and join us for this weeks episode. And remember, ‘don't ever take sides with anyone against the family/Buddies’.
Scorched - Don Silver (INTERVIEW) - Episode 95 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies were lucky enough to sit down with Don Silver, author of the newly released coming-of-age thriller, Scorched. The book follows 15-year old Jonas Shore and the many ups-and-downs he experiences as a youth and the impacts it has later in his life. The Buddies chatted with Don about stepping into the shoes of a high schooler again, music influences, and how he possibly manages to write a book of this caliber without an outline. This book is hot off the presses (just released on May 7th), it’s so hot you may get… Scorched. So go pick it up now and join for an interview and discussion about the book!
Columbus Day - Craig Alanson - Episode 94 - Buddy Book Club
A listener recommended Columbus Day by Craig Alanson to the Buddies, because it follows around a joke-telling, cheeseburger-eating, lower-iq-having, protagonist. Figured we’d relate. They were absolutely right. The Buddies took on book #1 of the Expeditionary Force series and fit right in. They got to talking about chivalry, the duck test, and the negatives of having AI always around. So put on your best down east accent, prepare to defend the world, and join us as we blast into Columbus Day.
The Righteous Arrows - Brian J. Morra - Episode 93 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddy Book Club podcast was extra intelligent this week. That’s because the Buddies sat down with former U.S. intelligence officer and award-winning author Brian J. Morra to discuss his new book, The Righteous Arrows. The second book in the Able Archers series takes place in war-torn Afghanistan in the 1980s and once again follows characters Kevin Cattani and Ivan Levchenko. The Buddies got to ask questions about Brian’s writing style, the ripple effects of the conflicts discussed in the book, his thoughts on the OSI, and they even got a sneak peak of the upcoming books. So, join us and pick up the newly released The Righteous Arrows now!
North Woods - Daniel Mason - Episode 92 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies headed up north for their most recent book, into the woods… the North Woods by Daniel Mason. This Pulitzer Prize finalist novel had the Buddies fighting for their lives as their 8th grade reading abilities were really put to the test. It had them chatting about their love of apples, if they believe in ghosts, and Buddy love letters. So, strap in for this one, get your dictionary out, and your trusty ax, as we chop it up with the North Woods.
The Art Thief - Michael Finkel - Episode 91 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies found themselves in an unfamiliar section of the book store this week, as they wandered into the the non-fiction arena. A fellow Buddy/listener recommended The Art Thief by Michael Finkel, and the Buddies had to oblige. The book follows the crazy and somehow true story of Stéphane Breitwieser & Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus, and their torrid stealing spree across Europe. The Buddies got to discussing the pros and cons of stealing 2 billion dollars’ worth of art, why having extra vacation time is bad, and why living by a code like Omar from the Wire is so important. So get your Swiss Army Knife ready, read up on the European legal system, and join us as we take on The Art Thief.
The Three-Body Problem - Liu Cixin - Episode 90 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies are jumping deep into the science fiction world again this week reading, The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin (also a new series on Netflix)! Emphasis must be placed on the science part of this science fiction novel as the Buddies struggled to grasp everything that went on in this one. They had 99 problems and the Three-Body Problem was one of them… Anyway, they got to talking about the benefits of leaving your family in favor of drinking and playing video games, and why Superman (shouts to the Lois & Clark tv show), had it right all-along. So, get your physics textbook ready, learn to love ‘sophons’, and join us as we navigate our way through the Three-Body Problem.
The Blade Itself - Joe Abercrombie - Episode 89 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies re-enter the world of sword and sorcery with the first book in Joe Abercrombie’s First Law Trilogy: The Blade Itself. The Buddies were left wanting more time with the characters in this darker fantasy novel, so there is a good chance they’ll be reading book two in the future. The Blade Itself follows a number of malcontents and dissentients, much like the Buddies and it got them talking about varying topics like: Caleb Williams, nicknames and would you rathers when it comes to morning routines. So gather your ‘named men’, start speaking to the spirits, and join us as we start in on The Blade Itself adventure.
Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut - Episode 88 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies are going back to school reading popular high school novel, Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. Things haven’t changed much since high school for the Buddies as they struggled to interpret the true meaning of the novel. The satirical anti-war book did provide the buddies some good talking points, namely: how being negative is a good thing, how life is easier when you’re hung like a horse, and the benefits of being a POW. So re-visit your high school reading assignments, pick up Slaughterhouse-Five and tell us what you think of the novel (or tell us what we were supposed to think).
Shōgun (Chapters 47-End) - James Clavell - Episode 87 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies take their 3rd and final crack at the ‘epic’ Shōgun by James Clavell. It’s been a long journey reading this 1,000+ page book, but if you followed along you’re now ready to dive into the new FX show. In their final installment the Buddies topics were very militaristic: ninjas, sacrificing pawns, pitched battles, and the dangers of pillow talk. So join us for the last Banzai and our last time with our friends Toranaga, Mariko, Anjin, Omi, and Rodrigues.
Shōgun (Chapters 10-46) - James Clavell - Episode 86 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies are back! After a bit of a hiatus (someone selfishly decided to travel), the Buddies are back at in covering books 2 & 3 of Shōgun (chapters 10-46). A lot to cover on this one as the Buddies got into the meat (or the rice and fish if you’re Japanese) of the James Clavell’s epic novel. The Buddies got to talking about scholarly things like: Karma, Religions, relieving yourself outside, and why Star Wars Episode 8 was awful. We hope you’ve followed us on this spiritual journey, jump on in and join us for chapters 10-46, because next week we’ll finish Shōgun and achieve full nirvana.
Dune - MOVIE - Episode 85 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies are still reading through Shōgun (it's 50+ hours so give us a break), so they decided to jump into a different epic story based on a book. On this weeks episode they tackle 2021 Blockbuster, Dune. They are joined once again by their buddy Mikko (@BuddyHive) to talk things over. They got to talking about spices, drugs, Pearl Harbor, and why you can assume anyone from Sweden is a bad guy. So take a little break from Japan (we assume you’re reading Shōgun along with us), and join us in a much dryer scenery as we worm our way through Dune.
Shōgun (Chapters 1-9) - James Clavell - Episode 84 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies start in on the epic historical fiction novel, Shōgun by James Clavell. They start with part 1 (prologue – chapter 9) on their 1,000+ page voyage. With a new tv show coming out on FX in February, the Buddies couldn’t put off D-mans favorite book any longer. The Buddies got to chatting about full sends, baths, and the importance of peeing on things to show dominance. We are even treated to a historical scene setting portion by D-man aka Dan Carlin 2.0. So bring your katana and wakizashi swords, some bubble soap (for the bath), as we soak in everything Shōgun has to offer.
Bad Santa - MOVIE - Episode 79 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies are still working hard at deciphering the Cloud Cuckoo Land book, so they decided with the upcoming holidays, they’d watch a wholesome, family oriented, Christmas movie: Bad Santa. The high-brow comedy got the Buddies talking about a lot of important holiday topics: like what makes something a Christmas movie, how young is too young to be drinking mimosas on Christmas morning, and if it’s appropriate to ‘punch-down’ and make fun of someone’s ‘gear’. So, fix yourself some sandwiches and a vodka neat, gather the whole family around, and watch one of the best Christmas movies with your Buddies.
Airborn - Kenneth Oppel - Episode 83 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies are (Matt) Crusing through books so far this year checking off Airborn by Kenneth Oppel from their list. Airborn had a little bit of everything, an alternate world, airships, and pirates. Combine those things with the fact that it is written for younger adults and it adds up to the perfect mix for the Buddies. It got them discussing the love for inanimate objects, big Zepplin, and the advantages of being stranded on a desert island. So check your career ambitions at the door, pack yourself some hydrium, and maybe a weapon or two, and join us as we take-off into Airborn.
Matilda - Roald Dahl - Episode 82 - Buddy Book Club
The Buddies read their second Roald Dahl book in as many months, this time diving into fan favorite, Matilda. Dahl’s books have proven to be fun, quick reads, with the perfect reading level for the Buddies. To most, Matilda is the hero in this book, but the Buddies saw things differently. They discussed that, plus the intricacies of decorum, psychological warfare, and author rivalries. The Buddies were dishing up a full course of topics on this weeks podcast, and a chocolate cake for dessert. So, bring your appetite as we dig into Matilda by Roald Dahl.