Cubbie Chats Podcast

Texas is banning thousands of books, and now AI is helping decide which ones get removed. In this episode of Cubbie Reads, Cubbie dives into the growing book-ban crisis in Texas, the use of AI to evaluate books under Texas legislation, and why literary censorship is becoming such an urgent issue.

Then we switch gears and talk books! Cubbie reviews three wildly different reads: The Art Thief by Michael Finkel, Rookie by Joshua Bassett, and The Unknown by Riley Sager — from an unbelievable true-crime art heist to Hollywood, addiction, faith, and one of the twistiest thrillers Cubbie has read yet.

Which book should you add to your TBR?

Listen, let Cubbie know what you're reading, and join the conversation.

Follow @cubbiechats and visit www.cubbiechats.com for more film, television, and literary conversations.

For more info on the book bans visit - https://pen.org

#CubbieReads #BookPodcast #BookRecommendations #BookReviews #BannedBooks #BookBans #Texas #RileySager #JoshuaBassett #TheArtThief

Cubbie is back with another film and TV episode! We’re talking Lanterns as the DC series finally starts picking up steam, John’s complicated path toward becoming Green Lantern, Hal Jordan’s increasingly difficult-to-love personality, and what could be coming next. Then we head back to American Horror Story: Season 13, where the story is finally starting to come together—but only after a LOT of slow episodes, questionable choices, and fan service. Plus, Cubbie reviews Veritystarring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett and explains why going into the movie without reading the book may have actually worked in his favor.

Plus: the return of the Coven witches, Evan Peters in the rubber suit, Alex Cooper and Sean Evans showing up in Verity, the return of physical media, and what Cubbie is watching and reading next!

September may have been a slow reading month, but the books I picked up were anything but ordinary! This week on Cubbie Reads, I'm talking about three books I finished and one nonfiction read that has me completely fascinated.

We’re diving into Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo, a beautiful coming-of-age story exploring queer identity, community, and what it meant to be an Asian American lesbian in 1950s San Francisco. We’re also talking about grief and healing in Dustin Thao’s You’ve Reached Sam, before getting into the unbelievable true story behind Michael Finkel’s The Art Thief.

But the star of the show? Josh Silver’s Fruit Fly, my potential book of the year and an absolutely twisty story about two deeply flawed writers, exploitation, obsession, and the stories we tell about other people.

Plus, we have a few opening rants, some reading updates, and plenty of reasons to add more books to your TBR. Have you read any of these? Let’s talk about it!

📚 Follow me on Substack and @cubbiechats on social media, leave a five-star rating, and tell me what you're reading!

This week on Cubbie Chats, we're talking Brad Pitt's Heart of the Beast,  a film I wanted to love but ultimately found pretty average and, more importantly, the real star of the movie: Odin the combat dog. We break down the film's pacing, action, suspense, CGI bears, and why watching Odin go through hell may have been the hardest part for this dog lover.

Then, we're going back to Heroes as I rewatch one of my favorite television shows following Hayden Panettiere's death. From Claire Bennett and Peter Petrelli to Sylar, Hiro Nakamura, and the Battle of New York, we're revisiting why this series was so magical and why some of these characters still resonate years later.

And finally, we're diving into American Horror Story Season 13 — and honestly, I'm LOST. With characters from across the series returning, the witches coming back, and more mysteries piling up, I'm trying to figure out exactly what Ryan Murphy has planned.

Three shows, three very different conversations, and plenty of theories. What are you watching?

Practical Magic 2 has arrived, and Cubbie has plenty to say about Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman’s return, the new generation of Owens witches, and why this might be the best sequel of the year. Then we dive into some of the best witchy movies to revisit for spooky season, from Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown to The Craft and The Skeleton Key.

Plus, Cubbie reviews Ethan Hawke’s The Weight and Alan Ritchson’s Runner, talks action stars, movie expectations, and why we need to stop judging films before we’ve even seen them.

What are you watching this spooky season? And what movies should Cubbie add to the witchy watchlist?

Do audiobooks actually count as reading? Apparently, more people than you’d think say no—and Cubbie is diving headfirst into the debate.

This week on Cubbie Reads, we're talking about the science behind audiobooks, why they might be just as beneficial as reading a physical book, and why Cubbie is realizing his personal bias against them might be getting in the way.

Plus, he shares his struggles with a highly regarded author he refuses to name (because what if they want to come on the podcast someday?), and gives an early reaction to Josh Silver's wildly addictive new novel, Fruit Fly.

So, what do you think: does listening to an audiobook count as reading?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, leave Cubbie Chats a five-star review, and let us know what you're reading!

This week on Cubbie Chats, we're talking about two very different kinds of horror.

First up, Onslaught, Adam Wingard's bloody, campy throwback to '80s B-movie action and slasher films. Super soldiers, revenge, ridiculous moments, gore, and plenty of fun—even if it doesn't always make its heroine the badass she deserves to be.

Then, we shift to American Doctor, a devastating documentary following American physicians working in Gaza under unimaginable conditions. It's graphic, heartbreaking, and impossible to watch without feeling angry, emotional, and changed by what you're seeing.

One film is entertainment. The other is a horrifying reality.

Plus, please leave Cubbie Chats a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review—it helps the podcast grow and helps me bring you even more conversations about the movies, books, and artists we love.

Dolly Parton’s legacy goes far beyond music. In this episode of Cubbie Reads, I’m talking about Dolly’s love of books, the incredible impact of her Imagination Library, and some of her favorite reads—including Oral History, The Little Engine That Could, The Grapes of Wrath, and Big Stone Gap.

Then, we’re heading to Texas to talk about the state’s growing book-ban controversy, a banned-book lending library in Bastrop, and why access to books and literacy still matter so much. I’m also diving into the questions behind what gets challenged, who gets to decide what kids can read, and why stories—especially queer and marginalized stories—continue to be targeted.

Plus, I’m sharing what’s currently on my TBR and asking: What banned book should I read next?

Come chat books with me—and don’t forget to leave a five-star rating and tell me what you’re reading!

This week on Cubbie Chats, Cubbie is blown away by Coyote vs. Acme, a movie he thinks might be nearly perfect. From its smart comedy and nostalgic Easter eggs to its gorgeous 2D animation and the bizarre story of Warner Bros. shelving the film, Cubbie breaks down why this movie deserves to be seen.

Then, Cubbie goes against the crowd on Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars. Despite its rough reviews and complaints about the slow pacing, Cubbie argues that the film’s deliberate first half is essential to understanding its characters, themes, and post-apocalyptic world — and explains why the second half proves Ridley Scott still knows how to deliver.

Plus: John Cena’s surprisingly great performance, the death of color in modern movies, The Dog Stars book, and what Cubbie is watching next.

Listen, subscribe, and leave a five-star review!

Cubbie is pissed this week.

First up: AI-generated books at Barnes & Noble?! Cubbie breaks down Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt’s comments about potentially selling AI-generated books and why the idea of AI replacing human creativity has him seriously concerned.

Then we’re heading to Texas, where Cubbie goes OFF about the latest push to remove books from school libraries. From The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Hate U Give to Maya Angelou and Slaughterhouse-Five, Cubbie questions who gets to decide what young people can read—and argues that parents should be having conversations with their kids rather than simply banning books.

And finally, Cubbie Reads The Palm House by Gwendoline Riley. Was it worthy of the Booker Prize longlist? Cubbie has some thoughts—and let's just say this one did not leave a lasting impression.

Plus, a quick check-in on The Haunting of Hill House, the next books on Cubbie’s TBR, and the beginning of a new mission to read more banned books.

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