Things get super-nerdy—and even more middle-aged—on this episode of the show as Andrew Osenga joins us for a great conversation about science fiction, westerns, and being cat or dog people. Listen in as we discuss:

• Why Star Trek: The Next Generation looked like a Holiday Inn circa 1994
• How we really feel about John Steinbeck
• Why westerns are great to read, and what makes a great western
• If mindless violence really has a place in books
• The parallels between westerns and sci-fi
• The sci-fi storytelling trope Andrew hates
• The book Amy Grant told Andrew he had to read

Andrew Osenga is a musician, songwriter, producer, and host of The Pivot, where he sits down with artists, authors, and non-profit leaders to talk about moving from one career or passion to another.

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A few of the books we mention on this episode

Travels with Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

Three-Ten to Yuma and Other Stories by Elmore Leonard

The Trail Driver by Zane Grey

Appaloosa by Robert B. Parker

The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt

The Son by Philipp Meyer

Deadwood by Pete Dexter

The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson

True Grit by Charles Portis

A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers

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