Literary Guise: A Book Club for Modern Men

Special Episode: The Best Books of the 21st Century

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this special episode, we move the discussion out of the Stardust Lounge and into the soulless void of a podcast studio... mostly to address the first three seasons' alcohol budget imbalance. We share our thoughts about the New York Times "Best Books of the 21st Century." A list which includes works by Alison Bechdel and Cormac McCarthy. (Does McCarthy PASS the Bechdel test? The answer will not surprise you.) We talk a lot about the books we've read, admit to the books we shamefully have not, and nitpick the list based on odd, arbitrary fixations we've developed over years of reading books and then podcasting about them... but by now you would expect nothing less.

The Final Episode?!?... or not (Season 3 Recap)

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

We talk about our favorite reads in 2023 and the conversations they inspired. We discuss changes (Gordon in NYC, Zac in lawful marriage) and brainstorm tentative plans for the future of the podcast. We speculate why no one listened to our Death Wish episode (an episode no one asked for and certainly no one wanted), congratulate ourselves on some truly stellar book choices and some well received readings, and inevitably go off on tangents about Hitchcock, Steven Seagal being an absolute joke of a man, and ABC's 1991 sitcom "Dinosaurs." See if you can also catch our subtle tribute to the film, "Clue."
We'll be taking a hiatus while we discuss the future and hope you'll stick with us down the road.

...Literary Guise Will Return!

"The Great Gatsby," by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0500

25+ years of friendship, 3 years of co-hosting a podcast, and we finally reached the pinnacle of the craft when it comes to literary conversation: that is to say, talking about a book without really talking much about the book. We close out our third season with one of the Great American Novels-- and true to Fitzgerald's artistic vision, we use the boozy shenanigans of Jay, Nick, Daisy, Tom, Dr. T. J. Eckleburg, et al as a jumping off point for conversations about the human condition and the state of the American dream. At least that's how we hope it turned out... there were many martinis involved. Or to put it another way: our boats were against the current, but we beat on, born back ceaselessly into gin-fueled talents.

"The Killer Angels," by Michael Shaara

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0500

As a man, how often do you think about... The Civil War? Well, if you've joined us on this season three book club, the answer is likely often. Join us as we discuss the Pulitzer Prize-winning classic from author Michael Shaara, about the generals of Gettysburg and the brooding, emo moods that define them

"The Tell-Tale Heart," by Edgar Allan Poe

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

A dramatic reading of a Halloween classic from the father of the short story, the inventory of horror, and the progenitor of the modern mystery! He also married his cousin and died wearing another man's clothes for some mysterious reason... Edgar Allan Poe did it all

The Collected Works of Dashiell Hammett

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

The Maltese Falcon! The Thin Man! Nick and Nora Charles, Sam Spade, The Continental Op... even Noir as a genre... so much greatness to come out of one author with such a small, but refined, body of work. Join us as we fanboy more than usual over one of our shared favorite authors. Pour your favorite style of martini into a Nick and Nora glass, and read along with us as we cover Red Harvest, Maltese Falcon, Glass Key, and The Thin Man... along with drunken asides about 1970s "Trop Rock" legend Bertie Higgins who we recently became obsessed with after watching him chain-smoke his way through all his videos. What does he have in common with the architect of the modern mystery? Perhaps that's the greatest mystery of them all (spoiler: it's just lots of drinking.)

Top 10 Literary Men

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 08:00:00 -0400

We've caved under our own pressure for content and a few too many boozy Manhattans... here's our contribution to the ubiquitous world of ranked lists on the internet: the literary men we admire most. (It's only 10 because we'd be hard pressed to even name 15... virtue, integrity, and general self-awareness typically don't make for interesting characters). But these 10 are awesome and interesting in their own way! Enjoy!

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 22:00:00 -0400

How much can we pack into one episode? Southern race relations? Gender identity? Paragons of masculine virtue? Great literary drinking buddies? *A bonus 90 second rant on "Go Set a Watchman" WITH cursing* This episode is crammed with some of our favorite topics, suitable for our Back to School special as we both revisit this icon of American Literature.

Death Wish: The Cinematic Universe

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0400

Wherein we discuss Death Wishes 1-5, the remake, Death Hunt, and everyone's favorite Bronson movie, made 15 years after his passing, Death Kiss. What do these dreary, nihilistic films have to say about the role and capacity of violence in the modern man? Whatever the answer, they forgot it halfway through the plot of the original and it only went downhill from there. Join us on this love/hate exploration of 70s grit and 80s excess through everyone's favorite deadpan mustache: Charles Bronson

"Memories of My Melancholy Whores" by Gabriel García Márquez

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Another listener suggestion, giving us the chance to talk about one of the great South American writers, and indeed, one of the great writers of all-time. Why did he choose to write a Lolita clone as his swan song? Why do men struggle so much with aging? What is the best cream for rear-end itching? These questions will all be talked in one of our more challenging episodes to date.

"Heartstopper" by Alice Oseman

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Our second graphic novel exploration, taking a hard pivot from the action genre by delving into the world of LGBTQIA+ high school romance. What does Alice Oseman get right about the story of two young men falling in love? What has this work meant to the queer community? And why is paving the way for more work like this is so important? Also, Nellie the dog.... come on! When is she going to get her own MCU spin-off series?!

"Road to Perdition" by Max Allan Collins

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Revenge! Revolvers! Riverboat Gambling! We read our first graphic novel to learn about the form, experience a new level of storytelling, and indulge our mafia fascination.
You can get a copy of the original comic through abebooks.com or you can read it online via a free 7-day trail at dcuniverseinfinite.com OR you can watch the stellar Sam Mendes movie to witness (*spoiler*) a balding Jude Law and Tom Hanks machine-gunning Paul Newman to death. (Best Hollywood retirement ever?)

A Reading: "If" by Rudyard Kipling

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400

We take a chance on one of the few non-problematic works by Kipling as we read his short poem, "If," and discuss the various "masculine" virtues it extolls.
*Disclaimer: this episode was recorded during 50% off scotch night at The Stardust Lounge, so we do go off track... from Theranos's Elizabeth Holmes to Hunter S. Thompson's daily drinking schedule... how does it all relate to Kipling's poem? Your guess is as good as ours!

"Predator: A Memoir" by Ander Monson

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0400

Get to the chopaaaaah!!! We return to the 'roid-biceped, greased-gun, day-glo fantasia of violence that was our 1980s action movie childhood... specifically this memoir about how the movie Predator has affected one American man, and in turn, so many of us. Join us for a discussion that includes gay poets, gay rock n' roll singers, and totally straight, nothing-to-see-here, bros who just like admiring each other's strength while getting sweaty in the jungle. **Our apologies to Lee Marvin for being misidentified as Lee Majors in this episode. Literary Guise: apologizing to character actors who have been dead for 36 years after misidentifying them for character actors who haven't worked in 36 years! Follow us @literaryguise for a continued discussion on the movies that made us.

The White Lotus: Season 2

Mon, 15 May 2023 08:00:00 -0400

We're drinking Aperol Spritzes out of comically oversized wine glasses by the beach club for this second episode on Mike White's HBO series. Join us for an examination of father-son dynamics, toxic male friendships, and whether or not the gay mafia really is trying to murder Jennifer Coolidge. And we finally answer the question: is Quentin really Tom Ripley from the Patricia Highsmith-verse? (Yes.)

"Sharks in the Time of Saviors," by Kawai Strong Washburn

Mon, 01 May 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Join us for a special episode recorded in Hawai'i! We'll be discussing one of the best novels of the decade, learning from its perspective on native Hawaiian culture, and exploring its unique relationship to "The Big Island."
Did we take this opportunity to record from white sand beaches over-looking clear-turquoise bays where sea turtles glide and dolphins play? Of course not! Instead we take a tour of some of Hilo's finest dive bars where the windows are shaded and the pu-pus are served on paper plates. Our thinking was-- hey, didn't one of the novel's characters get kicked out of the same bar where a problematic DC-universe actor was recently arrested? Let's go drinking there!

"The Man with the Beautiful Eyes," by Charles Bukowski

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Love him or... more than likely hate him, it cannot be denied that Charles Bukowski has left this mark on the literary landscape with his singular approach to masculinity. We present a dramatic reading of one of his best known prose poems, a surprisingly sensitive and nuanced piece, and discuss it in the context of his greater oeuvre.It's a podcast sure to upset diehard Bukowski fans and we just know he'd love that.

"Less" by Andrew Sean Greer

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0400

We thoroughly enjoyed our read of this recent, Pulitzer-prize winning novel celebrating the ennui and folly of an American abroad. Join us table-side at the Stardust Lounge as we talk about Arthur Less: a man of many facets, all of them semi-tragic.

The White Lotus-- What season 1 has to say about modern masculinity

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0400

The Guys are binge-watching The White Lotus season 1 while getting Tiki drunk (if only to honor the season's themes of colonization and appropriation). We'll be sharing our thoughts on Armond's best dinner service ever, debating whether or not Shane did, in fact, book the Pineapple Suite; and sharing what we learned from Quinn once he stopped viewing the world through a screen.

So, join us, Jennifer Coolidge-style (aka tipsy chic), at the piano bar and lets talk about this modern touchstone of a series.

"Bright Lights, Big City" by Jay McInerney

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Season 3* kicks off with full book episodes released on the first Monday of every month. First up, we return to the cocaine novels of the 1980s and one of the literary brat pack's brightest works. This novel has everything: Cocaine, Bolivian Marching Powder, Peruvian Pink (and also some really salient things to say about masculinity within the meat grinder of 1980s publishing.) You could watch the Michael J. Fox movie adaptation, but then you'd miss out on a rare novel told in the 2nd person POV.

*Our Season 3 format will feature new episode on the first and third Monday of the month, with longer, full novel discussions on the first followed by special readings, road trips, interviews, and general pop culture discussions on the third. As always, you can join the discussion on Instagram: @litguise

Season 3 Announcement!

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Announcing the line-up for Literary Guise: Season 3, returning March 6th. We also preview our new format. All our monthly novels will be tackled in one long-form episode on the 1st Monday of the month. The third Monday of the month we will reserve for dramatic readings/discussions of classic short stories, literary field trips, and general tom-foolery.

Season 2 Recap

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Just two guys, in that gray twilight between Christmas and New Year's Eve, sipping Seagrams Escapes in a mostly empty bar.. talking about all the books we've read this year with you, our loyal listeners. We also talk about a book so bad that it's gotten a mention in TWO seasons' worth of recaps.

Literary Guise will return in March with all new episodes!
And a new episode announcing our line-up (with more listener input than ever before) will be airing in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. We won't really be gone. We'll just be suffering through dry Janurary.

A Reading: "Sticks," by George Saunders

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0500

As an end of the year gift to ourselves and the Literary Guise community, we read one of our favorite short stories and analyze its themes over drinks at the Stardust Lounge.

"No Country for Old Men," by Cormac McCarthy (Episode 21.2) Part 2/2

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0500

One of our favorite episodes: where we get to talk about literary greats like Cormac McCarthy, Annie Proulx, Colson Whitehead, and Amor Towles... along with discussions of masculine nature vs the reality of male nurturing. We also try to get to the bottom of why it is so important for men to navigate ventilation vents with shower rods or why it is paramountto always check your loose cash for transmitters.

"No Country for Old Men," by Cormac McCarthy (Episode 21.1) Part 1/2

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0500

"What's the most you ever lost on a coin toss?"
In conjunction with Cormac McCarthy's first novel released in 16 years, we're reviewing one of his all-time classics (and the brilliant Coen Bros film it inspired) "No Country for Old Men."
The unconventional typographical choices, odd plotting, hyper-violence, and deep life philosophy inherent in its pages are all covered in this episode (along with a behind the scenes peek at which members of the podcast have mustaches and which among us have a deep appreciation for the startlingly homo-romantic Zegna commercials starring Javier Bardem and Dev Patel)

"All Quiet on the Western Front," by Erich Maria Remarque (Episode 20.3) Part 3/3

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0500

We finish up our Listeners' Choice for 2022, "All Quiet on the Western Front," on a bright note as things are looking up for our German boys in the trenches... just kidding, this novel just gets unrelentingly bleak right up until the soul-voiding ending (probably one of the most memorable closing lines in literary history). Although it does say something about the nature of humanity that we have to nearly destroy ourselves before we can begin to understand the nuance of our condition. Ugh, even that thought depressed us. Friends, we need some more cheery fare to read! What's our final book of the year? Cormac McCarthy? ...crap.

"All Quiet on the Western Front," by Erich Maria Remarque (Episode 20.2) Part 2/3

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:00:00 -0500

What does it say about men that it took war, in many cases, for our emotional barriers to finally breakdown? Why did it take months in a foxhole being bombarded day and night before men could form true, meaningful friendships and even express platonic love for their fellow man?
Why are the men who brag the most about patriotism and personal bravery also the men who never served during war?
And what can we do to better understand the sacrifices of those who served?
We ask these questions and far less insightful ones as we continue to explore Erich Maria Remarque's all-time classic.

"All Quiet on the Western Front," by Erich Maria Remarque (Episode 20.1) Part 1/3

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Our listeners' choice for this season is one of the most famous novels of all time, the first true anti-war novel, the bleak, the unrelenting: All Quiet on the Western Front. Tune in for conversations about men in war -- a very different picture of masculinity than anything we've read before. Read along with us or watch the just released Netflix film. And if you pick up the e-reader version, you're in for a treat, as we discover mid-episode.

Bret Easton Ellis: American Genius (Episode 4: Collected Works and Comparison)

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 08:00:00 -0400

We wrap up our month-long look into the career of a distinctly American author. His collected works are further summarized. Natural comparisons to another Literary Guise favorite, Chuck Palahniuk, are made. Drinks are consumed; business cards are exchanged.

Bret Easton Ellis: American Genius (Part 3: "American Psycho")

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0400

“I was never much of a fan of Literary Guise, at least not until the 31st episode of their 2nd season, a hyper-pop EDM new disco fantasia entitled, “Bret Easton Ellis: American Genius (Part 3: ‘American Psycho’)” Before that I had always found their sound a little too niche, a touch too twee. But on Part 3 they really hit their mainstream sensibility stride. The rich, sonorous baritone of Zac Kellian blends exquisitely with Gordy Macallan’s delectable wordplay and the crisp timbre of Eric Bennett’s sound mixing really brings out the ebullience of the duo’s chemistry that had always been lurking, just beneath the surface. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go return some videotapes.” —Patrick Bateman*

*Yes, we’re doing a full episode on American Psycho. The novel. The movie. The Sequel: American Psycho 2: All American Girl. Yes, there are going to be in-jokes and easter eggs galore. This is the work that solidified our nascent friendship and one that continues to inspire debate on the nature of masculinity and the best way to secure reservations at Dorsia.

Bret Easton Ellis: American Genius (Part 2: "Less Than Zero")

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Disappear here. (Into our podcast talking about one of the seminal works of the 1980s, Bret Easton Ellis's disaffected debut novel about an LA populated by narcissists and drug-induced zombies.) We will also touch a little bit on its sequel, 2010's "Imperial Bedrooms," where we learn the characters' futures are all far sadder than we ever could have imagined. Is this a novel about vain privilege, or is it a novel slyly trying to dismantle privilege? Could it be both? Join us for this discussion and more in part 2/4 of our exploration on the career of Bret Easton Ellis.

Bret Easton Ellis: American Genius (Part 1: An Overview)

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 08:00:00 -0400

We are dedicating an entire month to Bret Easton Ellis's work! Join us live from the Stardust Lounge in Seattle, WA as we discuss the author, his influences, and the zeitgeist defining bibliography he's produced over five decades. In this episode we'll be providing some insight into why we chose Ellis for this deep dive, exploring the author's background, and teasing out some of the more prevalent themes from his body of work. We will also be making a half dozen snide references to American Psycho, because how can you not?

Special Episode: Las Vegas! (The History, The Literature, The Spectacle... featuring a podcast first: recorded LIVE mid-Bachelor party)

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Who records a podcast 48 hours into a limo-chauffeured, bachelor party-fueled, drinking tour of Las Vegas? We do. Join us at some of our favorite off-Strip bars and literary haunts as we talk about Las Vegas, its innate masculine themes, and our deep, heretofore undisclosed, love of Tiki. Excuse the word salad and the janky edits, we really are on a Bachelor party and we really did lose a member of the crew during the recording.

"Of Mice and Men," by John Steinbeck (Episode 18.3) Part 3/3

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0400

We wrap up one of our most listened to book discussions of the season with a bleak examination of the death of the American dream and a needless 2020-lensed exploration of a character's sexuality. Is this novella "pro-George" or "anti-Lenny," and other drunken debates to follow...

"Of Mice and Men," by John Steinbeck (Episode 18.2) Part 2/3

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Get ready to coat the inside of your glove with vaseline, because we're going deep into... wait... let us rephrase. When it comes to this Steinbeck classic, we are going so far inside... nope. Okay, real talk, no one is 100% sure why Curly's glove is filled with petroleum jelly, but that's not going to stop us from speculating nor discussing it ad nauseam. We'll also touch on the tragic falsehood of the American Dream as it pertains to working class men and we finally give "Curly's wife" some due, even if she's never given a name in the narrative.

"Of Mice and Men," by John Steinbeck (Episode 18.1) Part 1/3

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0400

We're going back to school this month! Specifically back to our collective High School curriculum as we explore some of the novels of our student days through the lens of adulthood. Up this season: Of Mice and Men, one of the all-time American classics. We'll analyze what it meant in the 1930s, and what it means today, all while unraveling its male characters' complicated masculinity. No mice, rabbits, or ranch hand's wives were harmed in the making of this episode.

Mid-Season Recap: A Three Martini Lunch

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0400

We get blitzed on martinis and talk about our favorite books from this year so far... and we re-write the high school comparative literature curriculum while we're at it. Tune-in for a preview of what's to come this season and marvel at how fast our bartender delivers those martinis to us.

"Lolita," by Vladimir Nabokov (Episode 17.3) Part 3/3

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0400

A little sympathy for the devil in this one as we try to get into the core mechanics of this novel's horrible protagonist. What does this narrative have to say about our society as a whole and what impression did Nabokov really wish to leave us.
We promise we'll have some lighter episodes from here on out, but we're grateful to all of you for joining us on this exploration of one of the great works of the English language.

"Lolita," by Vladimir Nabokov (Episode 17.2) Part 2/3

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0400

We get more entangled in the uncomfortable themes of Lolita, while also uncovering more of the brilliant wordplay baked-in by Nabokov... which is, exactly what the author intended. We also stopped drinking "Pins" altogether because while we okay tackling challenging subject matter on this podcast, drinking terrible drinks is just not something we are willing to do.

"Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov (Episode 17.1) Part 1/3

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0400

We take on one of the most controversial novels ever put to print this month, Nabokov's "Lolita." It's the novel you've always thought you should read, but for understandable reasons you've avoided it until now.

In this episode we go into detail on the author (who he was and why he wrote this) and touch on some of the literary craft on display. A work of genius or a troubling tale of immorality? Perhaps both.
We also answer the age old question: What do Snoop Dogg and Humbert Humbert have in common? (A: they love gin and juice)

Special Episode: A Trip to the Used Bookstore

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Your co-hosts travel to a neighborhood used bookstore to supermarket sweep three must reads for the other person. This is our chance to get out of the dim, boozy, somehow still smokey (?) confines of the Stardust Lounge and share some books that fall outside of the typical Literary Guise fare. Join us for this experimental romp through bibilichor and organized chaos that is: the neighborhood bookstore!

"Confessions of a Mask" by Yukio Mishima (Episode 16.3)

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0400

A sad ending to a sad novel, we talk about the way inaction and not living authentically can misshape the soul. How sometimes the greatest tragedy in a man's life, can be the truths left unspoken; the glory never sought. Yukio Mishima is one of the best authors of all-time, and his resounding effect on the co-hosts of this podcast is a testament to that.
Oh, also, there's a kamikaze porn star story, so stick around for that.

"Confessions of a Mask" by Yukio Mishima (Episode 16.2)

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Over cocktails we go deep into psychoanalyzing our own sexuality (same old, same old with this podcast) all the while exploring in more detail some of the dynamic prose that has made Confessions of a Mask a timeless classic. Oh, and we talk about that time the author randomly tried to overthrow the Japanese government.

"Confessions of a Mask" by Yukio Mishima (Episode 16.1)

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Co-host Zachary Kellian introduces one of his favorite authors to Gordon Macallan who in turn lends even more personal insight into the text... just what book clubs are all about! Join us for a frank exploration of closeted sexuality in post-war Japan and learn a little bit about one of the world's most enigmatic, outrageous, and talented writers to ever put pen to paper.

A Reading: "Dagon" by H.P. Lovecraft

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Was this podcast just a long and needlessly complex excuse to eventually discuss H.P. Lovecraft? Maybe... we're big fans of the grandfather of horror's cosmic approach to terror (even if we cringe at some of his more heinous personal beliefs). Join us for a dramatic reading followed by an in-depth discussion of the story.

"The Body (Stand By Me)," by Stephen King (Episode 15.3)

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 08:00:00 -0400

We wrap up this season's foray into the world of Stephen King with an in-depth discussion on "the coming of age tale" and the unique rites of passage (or lack thereof) within American culture past, present, and future. Or at least that's what we thought we were talking about... full disclosure, we discovered a very real liquor brand called "Redrum" and it was too perfect for a Stephen King podcast to not down a whole bottle. *Listener Warning: this episode contains offensively bad Maine accents*

"The Body (Stand By Me)" by Stephen King (Episode 15.2)

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 08:00:00 -0400

We continue to drink some corpse revivers as we read one of the master of horror's non-horror novellas, "The Body." In this episode we share some tips about how to talk your twelve-year-old friends into seeing a dead body and explore the reason why boys (and men) so often play "at war."

"The Body (Stand By Me)" by Stephen King (Episode 15.1)

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 08:00:00 -0400

We're drinking Corpse Revivers and reading Stephen King all month! What's a literary podcast doing examining the master of horror? If you're asking yourself that, you've not read enough King. The Body is his exploration of 12 -year-old boys, a subject he approaches with enough humanity and empathy to rank among the best of literary fiction. We hope you'll join us, King-aficionados and new-comers alike! (Don't worry, we'll get plenty nerdy when it comes to the King-metaverse, too). So grab your best friends, pack an overnight bag, make up some B.S. excuse to your folks, and let's go on an adventure!

Special Episode: The White Horse Tavern in NYC... a legendary literary locale!

Mon, 23 May 2022 08:00:00 -0400

We take a field trip for our second remote recording session, this time to New York City, NY! We sip some drinks just barstools away from where Dylan Thomas drank his last pint and marvel at the building's plumbing mishap that put Jack Kerouac in jail. There's Bob Dylan graffiti in the bathroom and an overall air of bohemian artistic freedom to be had at The White Horse Tavern, one of the most legendary literary locations in all of the United States. Join us for this journey into history and marvel at the patience of the staff who let us record well past 4am.

"The Andromeda Strain" by Michael Crichton Part 3/3 (Episode 14.3)

Mon, 16 May 2022 14:00:00 -0400

Lasers! Poison darts! Miss Gladys Stephens of Omaha, Nebraska! We talk about the climax of The Andromeda Strain as well as get a glimpse behind the scenes of the movie it later inspired. Thanks for joining us on this journey back to our collective bookworm adolescence!

"The Andromeda Strain" by Michael Crichton Part 2/3 (14.2)

Mon, 09 May 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Our love of ASCII art graphs reaches its zenith with this novel. Today we're talking about Crichton's famous "Odd Man Hypothesis" wherein only unmarried men are deemed capable of making key decisions. Do we agree? As two (at least as of this recording) single men ourselves, we speak to our own decision-making acumen, albeit over many, many cocktails. We also question the "beard science" behind this novel.

"The Andromeda Strain" by Michael Crichton Part 1/3 (Episode 14.1)

Mon, 02 May 2022 08:00:00 -0400

After two years of a global pandemic, who's ready to read the all-time classic virus scare story?! We revisit one of our childhood favorites to see how the author of Jurassic Park's first novel has aged. Q: How has the "cutting edge" 1960s science held up? A: About as well as Bell Bottoms and Segregation.

"The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood Part 4/4 (Episode 13.4)

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 08:00:00 -0400

What conversation about The Republic Gilead would be complete without a thorough discussion of "Salvaging?" We also give the Aunts their due, especially as it relates to the masculine archetypes they appropriate to hold onto power in this patriarchal society. And we ask the age old question: how close is Boston to actually becoming a biblical dystopia?

"The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood Part 3/4 (Episode 13.3)

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Today we pick apart the sad sack that is Commander Fred and ponder what is it about the Commanders that the NFL found worthy enough to honor with a team name. We'll also take a virtual trip to Jezebel's and have an honest conversation around some of the myths of male sexuality. Just your average, light-hearted podcast conversations, brought to you by Gilead.

"The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood Part 2/4 (Episode 13.2)

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 08:00:00 -0400

We're drinking "Blessed be the Fruit" cocktails courtesy of the Stardust's wonderful bartender (and suspected Eye) Crystal. Our exploration of the men within the society of The Handmaid's Tale continues with discussions about Nick, the guardians, and the fertility doctors. So, the conversation isn't getting any less grim, but we at least take a few cheap shots at religion once the booze kicks in.

"The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood Part 1/4 (Episode 13.1)

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 08:00:00 -0400

The Handmaid's Tale, from the perspective no one wants to tackle: The Men of Gilead! But seriously, even those supporting and defending this nightmarish patriarchy seem miserable. If the men aren't enjoying this dystopia created to solely benefit them, who is it for?! In this episode we talk about the mechanics of Atwood's brilliant writing-- how she creates this masterpiece of sci-fi/horror. And we'll also be looking into what makes Luke and some of the Angels tick. And as always, we'll be drinking enough to try to ignore just how much this novel gets right about our society as a whole. Under his eye!

A Reading: "Three Million Yen" by Yukio Mishima

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

This week we're doing another dramatic reading by previewing our featured author for July, Yukio Mishima, with this shocking short story set in post-war Japan. Not only are there strong themes about fragile masculinity and the role of men as societal provider, but there are also rich under currents of anti-consumerism and a yearning for Imperial restoration. It's a short story that packs a punch and one you won't soon forget. Join us as we read the story in its entirety and join us afterward as we sit down at the Stardust Lounge and discuss its many layers over a cocktail or two.

"Kitchen Confidential" by Anthony Bourdain Part 3/3 (12.3)

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

The gloves of off on this one! We must've still be harboring some St. Patrick's Day binge-drinking vigor because we come out of the gate hot and heavy on the antiquated masculinity Bourdain likes to champion in this book. But worry not, we make sure to give Anthony his due, as all men who desire to change and better themselves should be accorded. The later half of the episode features some frank discussion on Bourdain's choice to end his own life, so be aware as you listen if those kinds of conversations trouble you. We started this podcast to tackle the heavy issues as it relates to modern masculinity, but that doesn't mean our listeners need to put themselves through every dire situation we discuss. Anthony Bourdain was a talent who left his mark on the world and whose legacy lives on with an entire generation of restaurateurs and culinary artists and we're grateful for the opportunity to share his memoir with you all.

"Kitchen Confidential" by Anthony Bourdain Part 2/3 (Episode 12.2)

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

We're back in studio (a darkly lit booth at the back of the Stardust Lounge) with our special guest, Chef David, to discuss more of Anthony Bourdain's pseudo-non-fiction memoir, "Kitchen Confidential." In this episode we peel back the layers of masculinity (both toxic and puerile) described in Bourdain's kitchens and David gives us an insight into how the #MeToo movement has changed the restaurant industry. We also are three negronis deep into the evening, so expect several random references to obscure Saturday Night Live sketches and the occasional bleeped curse word.

"Kitchen Confidential" by Anthony Bourdain (Episode 12.1)

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Season 2 kicks off with a three-part discussion of Anthony Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential." This week's episode also features our first special guest, master chef and loyal listener, David. He's here will give us an additional glimpse behind the butler doors and help put into perspective what this nonfiction work has meant for the industry it exposes.

So, light up your grill with cooking sherry and shield yourself in false male bravado, because we're pulling no punches with the classic restaurant industry "tell-all." While Bourdain's tome hasn't aged well, it's clear from his legacy with "No Reservations" and "Part Unknown" that men can grow and evolve and that's what we're all about here at Literary Guise. As we kick off our second season, we thrilled to have you along for the journey to learn and grow with us.

Season 1 Recap / Season 2 Preview

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 04:00:00 -0500

Mix up your favorite cocktail and join us on a trip down memory lane as we discuss the inaugural season of Literary Guise: the highs, the lows, and the lessons we learned through the great (and not so great) works of literature we explored.

Then stick around for our announcement of the FULL Season 2 selection of books. Head out to your favorite independent bookstore and show them some love by scooping up an entire year's worth of great reads!

Literary Guise: Season 2... coming March 7th!

Episode 11.2: "Brokeback Mountain" by Annie Proulx

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 17:00:00 -0500

We finish off our first full season of Literary Guise with another conversation exploring the themes of Brokeback Mountain. Far from just "that gay cowboy story," it's one of the best explorations of masculinity in modern literature. We talk about the love between Ennis and Jack, but we also explore the powerful female characters existing in the fringes of these men's lives. A special thanks to our favorite drinking locale on earth: The Stardust for allowing us to occupy a booth for hours every week and talk about challenging issues. Stay tuned in early 2022 for a new season of Literary Guise!

Episode 11.1: "Brokeback Mountain" by Annie Proulx

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

We finish up the first season of Literary Guise with one of author Zachary Kellian's favorite works of fiction. Will co-host Gordon Macallan like it too (yes, yes he will. This is Annie Proulx we're talking about. A living legend in American literature.)

You definitely want to read this piece. It's much more than that "gay cowboy story." It's a masterpiece about masculinity in its coarsest form. And it's one of the most heartfelt and accurate portrayals of love ever put to the page.

A Reading: "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" by Ernest Hemingway

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Through a special arrangement with the Ernest Hemingway Foundation, we present a dramatic reading of one of the greatest short stories of all-time: "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place," by Papa himself.

Stay tuned for a discussion of its themes (at 8min 33 sec) with author Zachary Kellian and noted bibliophile, Dr. Gordon MacAllan.

Literary legend, James Joyce, had this to say about this month's reading:
"[Hemingway] has reduced the veil between literature and life, which is what every writer strives to do. Have you read 'A Clean Well-Lighted Place'?...It is masterly. Indeed, it is one of the best short stories ever written..."

Special Episode: Frank Herbert's "Dune" and a trip to his hometown!

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

We take Literary Guise on the road for the first time, visiting the Dune Peninsula in author Frank Herbert's hometown of Tacoma, Washington. We'll talk a bit about the themes in Dune, examine its commentary on masculinity, and review some great blue collar cocktail lounges along the way. Let us know what you think of this special format! We've already got some future trips planned, so let us know if there's a literary locale in your hometown (along with at least two decent cocktail bars) and we might be coming to your neck of the woods soon!

Episode 10.3: DIE HARD! The Podcast! (But really it's the awful book that inspired it and we hated every moment of reading it)

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

We've finished the novel that inspired "Die Hard," (Nothing Lasts Forever by Roderick Thorp) and we're more confused than when we started. Who is the hero of this novel? What was the plot? Why are the John McClane/ Officer Al Powell characters total sociopaths? Has the author ever met a real person in his life or even had a human-level thought of his own? HOW DID SUCH A GREAT MOVIE GET MADE FROM SUCH A TERRIBLE BOOK?!?!? While we don't have answers, we do have an expensive ad from an oil company featuring the vocal talents of our audio engineer, Eric Bennett, to share with you. And our contempt for this novel... we've got plenty of that to share, too.

Episode 10.2: DIE HARD! THE PODCAST! (Except we're reading the novel on which its based and the book is like a terrible, drunk, racist uncle relaying the plot of the movie to you)

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 03:00:00 -0500

If you're still not sold on skipping "Nothing Lasts Forever" in favor of rewatching the much better movie adaptation, "Die Hard," the direct quote from the novel with which we open this episode with will dissuade you for sure. We also touch on the characters who didn't make it into the movie ("Taco" Bill, anyone?), use this novel as a literal textbook to identify toxic masculinity, and we challenge ourselves to say anything nice about the novel.

Episode 10.1: DIE HARD! The Podcast! (Except it's the novel that inspired the movie, "Nothing Lasts Forever," and it's not nearly as good or nuanced)

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In honor of the holiday season, we are reading and discussing the novel that inspired the action move/ Christmas classic: "Die Hard." Roderick Thorp's grisly and unpleasant, "Nothing Lasts Forever." Look at it this way: we read this book so you don't have to. In this episode we'll discuss the key differences between the book and the novel, share which of the shallow female or one-note minority characters made us feel the most uncomfortable, and then just reminisce about the comparatively nuanced and deeply character-driven plotting of the 80s action movie.

*Bonus at home drinking game: How often will co-host Zachary Kellian confuse the novel's protagonist, "Joe Leeland" with former Detroit Tiger's manager, "Jim Leyland?" Take a shot every time he does.

Episode 9.4: "The Nickel Boys" by Colson Whitehead

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0400

*SPOILER ALERTS* abound in our final episode of this new American classic. We talk about the amazing "twist" ending, its ramifications on the plot and its startling re-contextualization of the story we thought we were being told. We also grapple with themes about living for others/ living to honor others and the expectations society often places on men to do so. And we try to define the soul of America... you know, just casual conversation over whiskies.

Episode 9.3: "The Nickel Boys" by Colson Whitehead

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

We go even deeper into what this novel has to say about our country and about the time in which we live. Elwood is one of our favorite literary characters: how can we learn from him and how can we continued to be inspired by him? Not every Literary Guise episode needs to be a boozy snark-fest, sometimes we can get real and talk about real issues. That's something we all need to do more of in American and we hope you'll join us.

Episode 9.2: "The Nickel Boys" by Colson Whitehead

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 02:00:00 -0400

We tried to go deep with this episode, but it's such a serious topic with such hefty moral implications that, frankly, we bailed ship and talked a lot about boxing and Stephen A. Smith's radio show. Don't worry, they're tangentially related, but we wanted to be upfront with what this episode was providing. This book is a masterpiece but also really hard to discuss in an entertaining way.

Episode 9.1: "The Nickel Boys" by Colson Whitehead

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

One of our more serious ventures, this month we're discussing the recent Pulitzer-Prize winner: The Nickel Boys. Heartbreaking, important, and wonderfully written. We will use this novel as a jumping off point to explore what society has done to young men over the years and we will not shy away from having frank conversations about race in American. This novel is a must read, but if that all sounds too heavy for your 2021 reading, stay tuned next month when we'll be reading the novel that inspired "Die Hard." (We like to mix it up at Literary Guise)

Episode 8.4: "I Am Legend" by Richard Matheson

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

We wrap up Richard Matheson's masterpiece with deep dives into vampire scientists, the insidious nature of Manifest Destiny indoctrination in public schools, and the 80s cartoon classic Pound Puppies. (Yes, it was a late night at the Stardust Lounge and yes, they cut us off).

Episode 8.3: "I Am Legend" by Richard Matheson

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Let's talk about dogs: doggos, puppers, and vampire-bacteria-infected-canines. Robert Neville gets a dog in these chapters and it's a heart-breaker. We also do a deep dive into male stoicism and the under-lying societal causes. So it's a light-hearted easy-breezy one, is what we're promising.

Episode 8.2: "I Am Legend" by Richard Matheson

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Just like Robert Neville pumping shotgun shells into the undead, we unload right away on white male privilege, proportional biases during a pandemic, and whether or not sport peppers could stave off a zombie horde as well as garlic. Tackling the really profound topics this week on Literary Guise!

Episode 8.1: "I Am Legend" by Richard Matheson

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0400

We kick off our first Listeners' Choice! (Thanks, David). "I Am Legend" by the great and woefully underrated Richard Matheson. Q: What does a man do when the world around him is totally beyond his control? A: He Drinks! He drinks and fires guns.

A Reading: "The Outcasts of Poker Flat" by Bret Harte

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

A full reading of the pioneering work of American Naturalism that kicked off the Old West literary craze: "The Outcasts of Poker Flat" by Bret Harte. Followed by a discussion of its themes and an examination of its main character.

Episode 7.4: "The Talented Mr. Ripley"

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Will Tom get away with it all? (Spoiler, he will, because the Italian Police are inept AF... but not for the reason you may think). Stick with the episode until the end to hear one of the best dog flatulence anecdotes ever told!

Episode 7.3: The Talented Mr. Ripley

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Tu vuo' fa' l'americano cocktail:
2oz Gin
.75oz Cocchi Americano
0.5oz Bruto Americano
0.5oz Grand Marinier
1oz fresh squeezed orange juice
spoon of Pedro Ximenez Sherry

When the episode description starts with a drink recipe, you know it's going to be a doozy of a podcast. We continue to talk all things Tom Ripley, casually confusing the novel and the film along the way.

Episode 7.2: The Talented Mr. Ripley

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

We follow Tom to Italy and deconstruct his true relationship with Dickie Greenleaf... and ice boxes... and a weird Johnny Walker Blue Label tie-in commercial series that came out a half-century after the novel. What role does attraction play in male relationships: gay or straight, romantic or platonic?Just one of the many questions we'll try our best to answer, but will still fall short of the homoerotic fantasia that is the "Gentleman's Wager" commercial series by Johnny Walker.*

*Not a paid sponsorship, we just need other people to explain to us what is really going on with that ad!

Episode 7.1 "The Talented Mr. Ripley"

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 13:00:00 -0400

We tackle one of the most interesting fictional men ever written about. (Just ask Tom Ripley himself, he'd agree). This episode has it all: deep discussions on sexuality (both human and icebox), deconstructing over-elaborate / under-productive IRS schemes, and we take a look at the margin notes of a used copy of Ripley we once found; wherein a very confused individual tries to make sense of all this "man-fun."

Episode 6.4: Middlesex

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

We wrap up the epic that is Middlesex. Our favorite bartender is back and serving us drinks that may include... salamander venom? We talk about all things Milton and debate if Cal's journey is ultimately a satisfactory one. In addition, we engage in a not at all fun but always necessary conversation about toxic male behavior, particularly when it comes to sexual assault in both the straight and gay community.

Episode 6.3: Middlesex

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

What would a series discussion of the intersex narrative in this Pulitzer Prize winning novel be without some divergence into early Genesis albums and inappropriate High School plays? In this episode: we talk to some experts, explore the problematic (and reoccurring) fictional character of Dr. Luce, and really get to the heart of our reason for this podcast/bookclub-- what does it mean to identify as a man?

Episode 6.2: Middlesex

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

We celebrate Motown in this episode and explore Eugenides's love letter to the Motor City. We also get really deep into the coming out experience, race relations, and "white rage." You know-- light, casual cocktail conversation! Stick with all the soul-bearing and challenging debate to hear our pick for "best Detroit athlete." Men can talk about their feelings AND still obsess over meaningless sports stats!

Episode 6.1: Middlesex

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Deep breath. We're diving into our longest novel yet and dipping our toe in the waters of gender theory. Yes, it's a lot; this is a Pulitzer Prize winning novel so there's a lot to unpack. Join us with our favorite Detroit cocktail (The Last Word: equal parts Gin, Green Chartreuse, Luxardo Liqueur, and Lime Juice) and be sure to participate in the lively discussion online.

Episode 5.4: Fight Club

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Is this the end of a (very brief) era? The last Literary Guise brunch is at hand and we're wrapping up our discussion of the themes explored in Chuck Palahniuk's Fight Club. We acknowledge the movie's existence at last and get brutally honest about the roots of homophobia in our society. So, a little bit of bro talk, and a little bit of real talk. It's what we do best.

Episode 5.3: Fight Club

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Happy Father's Day! We start off the episode sharing some stories about our Dads (and speculate if, as adults, we could finally take them in a fight). We then move beyond fight club and enter the strange world of Project Mayhem. We touch on everything from the "men's rights" movement to the intricacies of artisanal soap; masculine self-actualization to Stephen Sondheim's lesser known works. Join us as we celebrate our dads and this, one of the masculine or works.

Episode 5.2: Fight Club

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

It's a month of brunch at The Stardust Lounge and we're talking Fight Club. This week we discuss the mystery of Marla, death wishes (not the Bronson movie series... although we really should at some point) and the rise of anti-commercialism and the male psyche. We also hear some stories of Gordon's flag football glory and Zac shares a misguided anecdote of his time spent at morning strip clubs.

Episode 5.1: Fight Club

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

We're breaking the first and second rule: we're talking about Fight Club! Specifically the debut novel from author Chuck Palahniuk and the inspiration for the movie that woo'd frat bros everywhere: Fight Club. In this episode we talk about therapy groups, men coping with emotions in unorthodox ways, and of course: getting punched in the face. So mix up a Bloody Mary, pop off your shirt, and let's mix it up.

A Reading: "Indian Camp" by Ernest Hemingway

Mon, 31 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

A special bonus episode to celebrate our incredible listeners and all the support they've given us to get Literary Guise off the ground. A dramatic reading, in full, of one of Ernest Hemingway's earliest stories, followed by a brief discussion of its weighty themes by the literary guys of Literary Guise.

*Some of the material read this episode will contain remarks insensitive to both race and gender. We do not condone these beliefs, nor do we believe in censorship . Hemingway wrote a piece that was, for 1924-25, extremely progressive and the work should be read by anyone looking to build a foundation of great English language works.

Episode 4.4: From Russia with Love

Mon, 24 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

We give the amazing chapter titles within "From Russia with Love" their due homage.
We rank the movie Bonds.
We finish our Martinis.
We do just about everything BUT talk about the plot. Because, well... Bond got homophobic. But at least homosexuality is being addressed in the 1950s? Maybe that's progress??

This concludes our 4 episode series on James Bond...

But...

Literary Guise Will Return.

Episode 4.3: From Russia with Love

Mon, 17 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Trigger Warning! (No, not the name of the next Bond movie) It was bound to happen, but this novel from the 1950s gets racist and sexist, who knew? We tackle some of the problematic sections of Fleming's novel head-on and examine what our responsibility as men in 2021 is to combat these toxic behaviors and mentalities. But we promise it won't be a drag. Literary Guise is a place for good discourse and drinks, after all. Every novel has to be put in context with the time and place in which it was written.

Episode 4.2: From Russia with Love

Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Full Moon Killers! Asexual Soviet Torture Experts! Chess Champions! What won't this Bond novel throw at us?

We continue to dissect JFK's favorite novel, Ian Fleming's "From Russia with Love." We discuss the improbability of a sex scandal really bringing down the United Kingdom (spoiler, it won't... also maybe a clue why Kennedy loved it so much?) The difference between the literary and the film Bond is explored and we delve into what it means to be a war instrument without a war to fight.

Will Bond's MeToo comeuppance take place 70 years early? Tune-in to find out!

Episode 4.1: From Russia with Love

Mon, 03 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Bond... James Bond! We're exploring one of the Western world's premier archetypes for masculinity in Ian Fleming's "From Russia with Love." We talk about how to properly massage an assassin, what makes a good Vesper Martini in the modern-era, and what Ian Fleming was going through when he wrote this gem.

Did you know this was intended to be the last Bond novel? (Thank goodness it wasn't). This was also intended to be the last episode of Literary Guise, but then we realized we had to finish the book and that we actually have a full season already produced, so I guess we will keep going, just as *spoiler* James Bond will return.

Episode 3.4: A Gentleman in Moscow

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode we wrap up Amor Towles' epic and over-indulge on drinks: which may explain the Gremlins and Flintstone's references... but doesn't nearly go far enough to explain the highly questionable Hulk Hogan impression.
We also answer the age-old question: In which Las Vegas Hotel would you want to raise your surrogate daughter?

Episode 3.3: A Gentleman in Moscow

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Does The Count suck? Or does Zac just not understand the gentlemanly "rules of civility?" (Amor Towles call-back!) In this episode *spoiler* we're still in the hotel, but there's another relationship with a young girl that honestly isn't weird, but by now people in the Metropol are for sure talking. Also there's a gun fight, but it's told in backstory.

Episode 3.2: A Gentleman in Moscow

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This episode we talk about male agency... and caviar. Gordon talks a lot about caviar.
Convenient plot devices! Random hook-ups! Potentially problematic relationships with young girls! Part 2 of Amor Towles modern classic has it all.

Episode 3.1: A Gentleman in Moscow

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Stock up on your vodka, because for the next two months we're going to Russia!
For the month of April, we're reading Amor Towles's 2016 best-seller: "A Gentleman in Moscow." In this episode we introduce the novel and talk of great mustaches, caviar, and the Russian Revolution.
But mostly, mustaches.

Episode 2.3: The Bridges at Toko-Ri

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 20:00:00 -0400

"Air." We finish our exploration into the Korean War with the heartbreaking final section of James Michener's "The Bridges at Toko-Ri." We also get really excited about one scene in particular. Two Words: Catapult Room. You know we're going to talk a lot about a scene with that much razor-sharp machismo. We also discuss the feasibility of constructing a catapult room in one's own home, for the DIY man.

Episode 2.2: The Bridges at Toko-Ri

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

"Land." We continue with our discussion of Michener's "The Bridges at Toko-Ri," tackling some serious subjects: misogyny, racism, hetero-normative thinking, the sacrifice men have been asked to make over the centuries, etc. We also talk about a bar with a flying cocktail cart and an elevator band. This episode/chapter has it all.

Episode 2.1: The Bridges at Toko-Ri

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

"Sea." We tackle James Michener's sophomore debut, "The Bridges at Toko-Ri." Men at War... what could be a better topic for our second episode? In this episode we wax rhapsodic about the man, the myth, the legend, "Beer Barrel."

Episode 1: The Old Man and the Sea

Sat, 27 Feb 2021 21:00:00 -0500

Our first episode!
(Skip past our intros to the 14min mark to hear the discussion of this week's book)
The novella that solidified Ernest Hemingway's reputation as an American Master, The Old Man and the Sea, was his definitive take on masculinity. It won him the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize for Literature and remains a classic to this day. Listen in as we drink rum cocktails and talk about religious imagery and shark oil. Place your bets on how long it takes one of us to derail the conversation with legendary Hemingway drinking anecdotes.