In which we enrich our minds. Join our host Phil and our friend Matt Clay, a banking man who lends us his voice and his wisdom, providing at least one moderately valuable insight into the Karamazov family feud over finances. They continue through a very deep and very drunk epistemological conversation between the Brothers Karamazov and their father regarding the existence of God and/or cognac, and Matt passionately throws an apocryphal "freakin'" into the prose. They meander on to discussions about whipping, birching, and bitching, and Phil treats us once again to his Alyosha Mickeymouseovich voicework. Invest some time with us today. We just might pay you back.

A family affair. This week our host Phil is joined by his friend, teacher, and mother, Mrs. Susan Malcom, as they continue our nice little book about a nice little family. Together they make a valiant attempt at Russian accents, and muse over topics like Tikki Tikki Tembo, brothmakers, and people who look like eunuchs but are not eunuchs. Phil shares a barely relevant but well-told bedbug anecdote, which will serve to amuse and concern sensitive listeners, and Mrs. Malcom clarifies that this bedbug incident did not occur in her house. Later in their conversation, the subject turns again to epilepsy, prompting us to wonder why Phil is so fascinated by people falling down unexpectedly. Some queries are answered, many quandaries remain, and some quarries are best left unexplored. It's The Brothers Karamazov and Family -- like Friends, except not.

In which we read on and on. Our host Phil and our friend Tom, a salty seaman and coffee connoisseur, sail boldly into darker and deeper waters in this vast Lake Baikal of a book. Phil exhibits a particular knack for drunken Russian voices, and Tom treats us to a suave, poetic, spirited, and ecstatic rendition of Dmitri Fyodorovich's suave, poetic, spirited, and ecstatic monologue. They also invite you, gentle and media-savvy listener, to join in friendship and conversation by tweeting and twittering with any and all of the following hashtags: #ithinkthisiswhattomstruestatementis, #thebrotherskaramazovandfriendsepisode7, #whatthehellisawattlefence, #sensualityisastormandmorethanastorm, #verilyverilyitburns, #manisbroadandeventoobroad, #flamesofmeekindignation, and, of course, #dostoevskyisnumberone2345678. Pour yourself a White Russian and enjoy listening to some dramatized drunken speeches by white Russians. It's the Brothers Karamazov and Friends, #reallygoodatinventinghashtags.

¡Episodio de diversificación! Nuestro presentador Phil y nuestro amigo Aaron Chambers nos invitan a compartir una experiencia multicultural, leyendo el podcast entero en Español, con un poquitín de Ruso y Francés. Sondan los límites de su capacidad para traducir con palabras como "cloud-berries", "shrieker-wives", y "dragon-babies", y se meten en el debate problemático de los méritos de la flagelación contra los de la flatulencia. Se destaca también que siguen una serie de notas a pie de página, y que luchan con valor pero sin resultado para contestar la pregunta de si el voto de silencio aplica a todos los orificios. Acompánenos para Los Hermanos Karamazov y Sus Amigos: una manera excelente de aprender el Español.

A tale of two Phils. Our host Phil Malcom and our friend Phil Hamilton confront seminarians, seductresses, and Schiller's Robbers in yet another hour of a very long Russian novel. All of that is well and good, but even more well and more good are the surprise visitors that pay a visit at the 13 minute mark. Yes, the Brothers Karamazov are joined by even more friends, and these friends bearing tasty confections! What a treat, what a literal treat. Other highlights include the introduction, in which the Phils collaborate on a delightful flute and piano duet, as well as a later conversation, in which one of the Phils shockingly reveals that he hasn't listened to any of the previous podcasts. Which Phil committed such a scandal? You might have to tune in to find out. Or you might not. One of those two things.

In which we introduce the podcast. Join our friend Aaron as he interviews our host Phil and digs deep into the mythological roots of TBKaF, asking hard-hitting questions like "Phil. Describe The Brothers Karamazov in ten words or less. Go." (To which Phil's answer was, SPOILER ALERT, "The Brothers Karamazov is a novel about greed, lust, and.") Their discussion, rich with thorough Wikipedia research, cites such scholars as Martin Heidegger, Richard Dawkins, and William Shatner, amongst others, and delves into topics like bad film adaptations, Russia's Golden Age of Crazy, and how to pronounce "Karamazov". In a surprise twist, we also learn why the subject of epilepsy has always resonated with Phil, which really explains just so many things. For those who love really long Russian novels, this episode may provide some mild laughter and a couple of insights. For those who hate really long Russian novels, what is wrong with you?

In which we even yet continue to continue the book. Our host Phil and our friend Chris confront Montanism and Ultra-Montanism but not Montana in yet another captivating chapter of Dostoevsky's greatest book. Tune in for some excellent voicework, as well as a terrifying moment in which Phil and Chris almost lose their place on the page. Delve deeper into TBKAF's hot-button issues as they grapple with the ever-raging debate about the precise meaning of our "no re-do's" rule, and consider joining forces with the hundreds, nay millions, of people who boycotted our Twitter and refused to submit punishment ideas. (Show your support for their cause by NOT tweeting #sobeit!sobeit!12345678!) Other highlights include Phil's wry anecdote regarding a bossy homeless man and a McDonald's every-flavor shake, as well as some insightful reflections about human soul connoisseurs, unicorn beekeepers, and severe self-castigation. It's The Brothers Karamazov and Friends. They do, and so should you.

In which we continue to continue the book. Our host Phil and our friend Tyler address some recent concerns regarding our three rules, and they recommend some potential punishments for rule-breaking. Unable to invent any truly inspired ideas themselves, they invite you, gentle reader, to submit your favorite methods for punishment and torture. (Tweet submissions with the hashtag #NoRedos.) Amongst many other profound and perturbing subjects, they go on to discuss pap-sucking, bestiality, and the Women of Faith Conference. But the real treat here comes around the 40 minute mark, when Phil interprets literally Dostoevsky's description of a character's "singsong voice", and Tyler follows suit by improvising a melodic interpretation of his own. You will not regret tuning in to the Brothers Karamazov and Friends! Unless, of course, you do.

In which we continue the book. Our host Phil and our friend Taylor blaze through the rest of Book One, delving into complex subjects like breastfeeding, purse necks, and "birds vs. lizards". They struggle again with a questionable tendency toward Fat Albert voices, experiment with honeyed lisps, and wait in suspense as Taylor thinks she might sneeze. In a not-so-surprising twist, Phil breaks not one, but two of his own rules. But the real treat in this episode is Taylor's inspired rendition of the famous "hooks in hell" monologue, performed with no less than four different dialects. There are probably better ways to spend an hour. On the other hand, maybe there aren't.

In which we begin the book.

Our host Phil and our friend Aaron read through the first four chapters of The Brothers Karamazov, learning valuable lessons about Russian accents and taking turns. They also read the Introduction, which is a real drag, and delve into dark and troubling questions about duels, Siberia, and Russian orgies.

There are better ways to spend an hour. And also there are worse ways.