Dad Lit

The guys discuss Chris' favorite Jack Reacher novel, 'Bad Luck and Trouble.' Part 1 of this 2 part series provides a plot summary of the book and a discussion of Jack Reacher's method for illegally purchasing handguns in blue states (you just steal them from shady characters).

It's been a whole year since the boys began their in-depth exploration of Dad Lit. Chris and Connor reflect on the dad literature they've read so far, discuss their favorites books and characters, and talk about future plans for the podcast.

A very special April 1 episode wherein the boys review a Dad Lit classic.

Part 1 of 1 of part 2 (titled Part 3) of our 2 part series on Tom Clancy's 'The Hunt For Red October' explores the origins of Clancy's landmark novel. Chris recounts the real life story of Valery Sablin and his defection from the Soviet navy aboard the frigate Storozhevoy. The guys also discuss Project Azorian - a secret CIA project to recover a sunken Soviet sub in the early 70s.

Works cited: 'The Last Sentry: The True Story that Inspired The Hunt for Red October'by Gregory Young and Nate Braden

Connor and Chris summarize the climax of Tom Clancy's 'The Hunt for Red October,' discuss the emotional gravitas of the film 'E.T.,' then compare and contrast the command styles of the Soviet Navy and the US Navy. Finally, the guys go over the Dad Lit checklist and each describe their dream cast for a 'Red October' film adaptation.

Chris and Connor give their initial impressions of 'The Hunt for Red October' and discuss how much technological exposition is too much technological exposition. They begin their plot summary and cover most of the book. Plot summary to conclude in part 2.

Intro music is "Enemies" by Serge Quadrado.

Outro music is "Russian Dance" by Yair Yona.

Chris and Connor recap the Dad Lit Checklist, clarifying and refining the Dad Lit indicators before setting them in stone. A game of Dad Lit This or That follows.

In this very spooky Halloween special, Chris and Connor examine the intersection of Horror and Dad Lit, looking at the works of Michael Crichton, Dan Simmons, and Nick Cutter. The boys do a deep dive on a few Stephen King short stories, including "Lawn Mower Man" and "Cain Rose Up," and talk about their favorite Halloween season movies.

Chris and Connor return to Clive Cussler's 'The Chase' and discuss how they would cast a film adaptation. The boys also examine S. Paul O'Hara's non-fiction book 'Inventing the Pinkertons; or, Spies, Sleuths, Mercenaries, and Thugs,' and see how the fictional Van Dorn Detective Agency compares with the real-life Pinkertons.

Chris and Connor review the first book in Clive Cussler's Isaac Bell series: 'The Chase.' Lots of train talk. The boys discuss the history of the Gentleman Detective in literature, as well as Jack London's role in the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. Big question: Did he do it?