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.

Intro (0:00-2:10)
Stock Up/Down (2:11-22:19)
Favorite Scene (22:20-27:03)
Lingering Questions (27:04-32:13)
History/Scene Setting w/D-man aka Dan Carlin 2.0 (32:14-41:21)
Conclusion (45:04-43:16)

NEXT BOOK: Shōgun (Part 2 & 3) by James Clavell

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. 

Intro + Book Report (0:00-3:55)
Stock Up/Down (3:56-25:25)
Favorite Character (25:26-28:13)
About the Book (28:14-30:36)
Love/Hate (30:37-36:33)
Lingering Questions (36:34-40:20)
Conclusion (40:21-41:57)

NEXT BOOK: Shōgun by James Clavell

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.

Intro + Book Report (0:00-2:17)
Stock Up/Down (2:18-28:41)
Favorite Scene (28:42-30:11)
About the Book (30:12-32:07)
Love/Hate (32:08-37:06)
Lingering Questions (37:07-45:03)
Conclusion (45:04-46:53)

Next Book: AIRBORNE by KENNETH OPPEL 

The Buddies were honored to have Marschall Runge, M.D. on the podcast so they could chat about his debut medical thriller, Coded to Kill. Despite being severely outmatched in the IQ and credential department, the Buddies dug into Coded to Kill, discussing EHRs, what inspired the novel, and actors Dr. Runge would cast in the movie. They also were able to settle a few longstanding debates, namely: Texas vs Carolina BBQ, Jordan vs Lebron, and who will win the Michigan vs Washington national championship. So head to your local book store or e-retailer and pick up Coded to Kill, and join us and author Marschall Runge, M.D. for the first episode of 2024.

Intro: (0:00-1:20)
Interview w/ Marschall Runge, M.D. (1:21-26:16)
Stock Up/Down (26:17-45:53)
Love/Hate (45:54-55:30)
Conclusion (55:31-57:24)

Next Book: MATILDA by ROALD DAHL

The Buddies close out the year with a true book club book in Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. Many said that the Buddies wouldn’t be able to comprehend this book, but many also said the Buddies would never get to 80 episodes, so it appears the haters were wrong (at least for the second one). The Buddies had some spicey topics this week chatting about being attracted to fish, sympathizing with terrorists, and animal deaths in stories. So, join us for the last pod of the year and take in the new years with our buddies Omeir, Anna, Zeno, and Konstance (Seymore can kick rocks).

Intro: (0:00-2:30)
Stock Up/Down (2:31-31:52)
Favorite Story Line (31:53-36:55)
Love/Hate (36:56-42:54)
Listener Mail (42:55-45:01)
Conclusion (45:02-48:00)

Next Book: CODED to KILL by MARSCHALL RUNGE, M.D.

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.

Intro: (0:00-2:32)
Stock Up/Down (2:33-29:04)
Favorite Scene (29:05-31:14)
Love/Hate (31:15-39:22)
Conclusion (39:23-42:13)

Next Book: CLOUD CUCKOO LAND by ANTHONY DOERR 

We’re getting into winter time, and there is nothing like cozying up by the fire with a good book. Especially if that book is by Vince Flynn. Vinny Flynn as we like to refer to him, is the Buddy Book Club's go to comfort read. This is our 3rd journey with lead character, Mitch Rapp, this time reading Separation of Power. The Buddies got to discussing some interesting topics this week including: Public speaking advice, government audits, and the definition of edging and why it isn’t all its cracked up to be. So join your three favorite Buddies: D-man, Keith, and Mitch Rapp , as we discuss Separation of Power by Vince Flynn.

Intro: (0:00-2:32) 
Stock Up/Down (2:33-29:04)
Favorite Scene (29:05-31:14)
Love/Hate (31:15-39:22)
Conclusion (39:23-42:13)

Next Book: CLOUD CUCKOO LAND by ANTHONY DOERR

The Buddies were back in the kids section, this time selecting a childhood favorite, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. Who doesn’t like them some Roald Dahl? He’s like The Beatles of kids books, just hit after hit, after hit. The Buddies thoroughly enjoyed this one, not just because they found a book that matched their reading levels, but it also got them chatting about some important topics. Namely: The actual length of the Gettysburg Adress, the meaning of ‘double entendre’, and the candy invention they  would most like to see brought to life by Willy Wonka. So pull out your favorite chocolate bar, bring your pure imagination (or not so pure in the Buddies case), and join us for this blast from the past! 

Intro: (0:00-2:45)
Stock Up/Down (2:46-21:49)
Favorite Scene (21:50-24:31)
Love/Hate (24:32-33:41)
Listener Email (33:42-39:00)
Conclusion (39:01-40:43)

Next Book: SEPERATION of POWER by VINCE FLYNN

The Buddies stayed up late and visited the Midnight Library by Matt Haig. The book was surprisingly philosophical and dealt with darker real-life subjects. So who better to chat about it than two immature barely literate buddies? The Buddies delved into the power of correcting people, the benefits of being in a coma, and once again explain the quantum mechanical theory of Schrödinger's cat perfectly. Choose a life where you listen to this podcast and become a life long Buddy, press play on this episode, that is what Mrs. Elm would want you to do.

Intro: (0:00-1:43)
Stock Up/Down (1:44-29:20)
Favorite Character/Life Choice (29:21-32:22)
Love/Hate (32:23-41:58)
Casting the Movie (41:59-42:49)
Conclusion (42:50-47:17)

Next Book: CHARLIE and the CHOCOLATE FACTORY by ROALD DAHL

The Buddies revisited a child hood favorite for Halloween, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Shwartz. The horror filled book meant for kids, is still scary to this day in large part due to Stephen Gammell drawings. The Buddies got to reminiscing about childhood fears, and chatting about when negging goes too far, Halloween Games, and how to properly cook your big toes. So don’t walk, but run to your nearest podcast player and throw this episode on… if you dare.

Intro: (0:00-2:35)
Stock Up/Down (2:36-27:10)
Love Hate (27:11-33:21)
Movie Notes  (33:22-35:01)
Conclusion (35:02-37:02)

Next Book: THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by MATT HAIG