This week, Josh and Dietrich look at the books that perk them up when they're having a bad day. Josh talks about the satisfying mayhem of Joe Lansdale, Dietrich discusses the pure joy pouring from every page of Terry Pratchett's novels, and they both agree that Calvin and Hobbes should be part of everyone's collection for pure mental health support. They look at what makes a book work for them as comfort food, and how that can range from humor to horror, and still manage to generate a smile. In addition, Dietrich raves about a book that combines George Romero with a presidential campaign, Josh finally reads one of the icons of modern fantasy, and they look at a book fusing time travel and horror. Finally, they wrap up with an excellent movie, a somewhat disappointing movie, and the only podcast they'd recommend over theirs. You can send questions or comments to [email protected].

This week, Josh and Dietrich examine how authors craft believable romantic relationships, and the potential pitfalls. They look at the idea of crafting a relationship in service to the story, instead of the other way around. They look at how authors develop characters before bringing them together, making sure that they exist as distinct, three-dimensional individuals rather than just relationship fodder. Josh talks about some of the more remarkable examples of romance in some unexpected places, while Dietrich discusses the art of developing a relationship over a multi-book series. In addition, Josh reads the surprisingly dark conclusion to one of the most insane and surrealistic book series he's ever found, and Dietrich raves about a fantasy series inspired by the history of the Chinese. Finally, they debate the finale of The Good Place, trying to decide if it was great or really, REALLY great. You can send questions or comments to [email protected].

This week, Josh and Dietrich explore the pitfalls and challenges of opening up those old classics, particularly when those books delve into issues that are far more uncomfortable now. Does the excuse that a book is simply a product of its time excuse racism, sexism, homophobia, and more? Do people have the right to dismiss a book because of the subject matter, or should we give these classics the benefit of the doubt? In addition, they look at the challenge faced by modern authors writing historical characters, and whether those authors bear the responsibility of distancing themselves from their character's reprehensible and offensive behaviors. It's not an easy topic, with few simple answers. In addition, Dietrich decides to give audio books a fair shake this year, Josh wraps up the beautiful and brilliant trilogy by Katherine Arden, and they bring the week to a close by discussing one of the best comedies on television, a film that highlights the various talents and styles of the legendary Coen Brothers, and Dietrich's adventures at Hogwarts. You can send questions or comments to [email protected].

This week, Josh and Dietrich take a long look at how they've changed as readers, going all the way back to the first books that sparked their love of the written word. They look at Hardy Boys, Piers Anthony, and other books from their childhood, and how those starting points informed which books they explored next. Josh talks about sitting in his school library and picking up his first Stephen King, while Dietrich discusses challenging himself during long patrols in the Navy with books recommended by his future co-host. Finally, they look at how their views of various books have changed, from realizing old favorites aren't quite as good as they hoped, to seeing books first read decades ago in a new light. In addition, Dietrich raves about a retelling of The Iliad, Josh falls in love with a nearly century-old noir novel, and they talk about a Russian science fiction novel. Finally, they wrap up with two films, an old favorite of a television show, and the absolute joy that is The Good Place. You can send questions or comments to [email protected].

This week, Josh and Dietrich dive into the run of Black Bolt by author Saladin Ahmed. This obscure comic book character is not one that either Josh or Dietrich had heard of before, but this series blew them both away, combining vivid storytelling with a surprisingly nuanced view of comic book villains, the nature of being a hero, and the prison system. Dietrich talks about the sharp reversal in his opinion of the art due to the app he read this on, Josh raves about the incredible portrayal of a third-tier character that brings him to life, and, despite a slightly disappointing third act, they both agree this is one of the essential comic runs. The pair also receive a pair of emails, one raving about the state of bookstores in London, and the other questioning the practice of applying today's political correctness to yesterday's books. Finally, they wrap up with a discussion of a (possibly too late) redemption of Netflix's Marvel series, the passing of a remarkable storyteller, and the most recent season of a now-legendary podcast. You can send questions or comments to [email protected].

This week, it's all about operatic violence and questionable dining choices, and the duo put together a reading playlist based on Bryan Fuller's masterpiece television series Hannibal. It's a daunting task, as Fuller maintains his reputation for uniquely dazzling visuals and over-the-top plotting. Josh looks at authors like Clive Barker and Robert Pobi, who took horror to levels never seen before with writing that dazzled as much as it generated nightmares. Dietrich discusses the spectacular villains of the Charlie Parker series that woke him in the middle of the night, and the stark beauty and eerie bloodshed of From Hell. In addition, Dietrich is impressed at author Dennis E Taylor's shift from lighter fare to a dark dystopian novel, Josh raves about a novel involving body switching, and they discuss the joy of the newest fantasy novel to capture their attention. Finally, they wrap up with two good shows and two spectacular ones. You can send questions or comments to [email protected].

This week, Josh and Dietrich put together a list of mini-primers, giving quick starting points on half a dozen authors. Where should you start your exploration of Philip K Dick? Why is David Mitchell's best book the worst place to start? How is it possible that one book can be an amazing starting point for two different authors on this list? It's a quick look at how to get into some of the finest authors available. In addition, Josh raves about a one-shot story from one of their favorite fantasy authors that pays tribute to one of the most legendary Westerns of all time, Dietrich revisits several of the pulpiest of Stephen King pulp, and Josh discusses a book that can be compared in the best way to Cloud Atlas. Finally, they wrap up with penis graffiti, a brilliant but depressing look at our broken justice system, and Bob Odenkirk. It's an odd off the bookshelves section. You can send questions or comments to [email protected].

This week, Josh and Dietrich tackle a host of minitopics provided by our listeners. The pair discuss which books will accompany them to their future desert island prison, which Kindle should be your first, and their favorite new genre authors of the last few years. They talk about the difference between single narrators or a cast of narrators in audio books, their favorite heroes outside DC and Marvel, and those authors that have mastered the surprisingly challenging task of crafting an action sequence. In addition, Josh talks about the best John Hodgman book in his already impressive career, Dietrich looks at a disappointing self-published book that falls into the cliche trap, and the pair discuss some classic Stephen King. They wrap up with the new horror series from Hulu, the return of Better Call Saul, and the most spectacular action film of the year.  You can send questions or comments to [email protected].

This week, Josh and Dietrich look at some of their favorite books that succeed despite some very blatant flaws. They discuss the absurd premise of The Guns of the South, the despicable protagonist of Point of Impact, the stumbles of Raylan, and more, discussing what it is that these books do to overcome, and even embrace their flaws. The two talk about the difference between these books that work for them, and those books unable to overcome similar flaws. In addition, Josh raves about a book by a tragically lost true crime master and a collection of lurid pulp covers that celebrate the best in this forgotten genre. Dietrich finishes out the NK Jesimin trilogy with the best of the three, and discusses the graphic novel adaptation of their favorite podcast, a book that rocketed to the top of the NY Times Bestseller list. Finally, they wrap up with a disappointing sophomore series to Hulu's flagship show The Handmaid's Tale, and a pair of surrealistic movies, one horrifying, and one as relevant as it is insane. You can send questions or comments to [email protected].

This week, Josh and Dietrich sit down to discuss the impact of our expectations on the media we consume, and what we're owed on the part of those who create that media. They talk about how expecting a book to be terrible can actually help our impressions, while describing a book as "one of the greats" can often create an impossible hurdle. Josh talks about how expectations engendered rage at Lady in the Water and a surprised enjoyment of Solo, and Dietrich explains why he's more forgiving of the flaws in Palo Alto than he is with White Noise. The pair then discuss the sense of entitlement that social media has helped foster, and the ways that the relationship between creator and consumer has evolved in the last few decades. In addition, Josh discovers a Krakauer book that stumbles badly in the ending, Dietrich raves about a book by one of the best American humorists alive, and Josh looks at a Lovecraft-inspired book that isn't a horror novel. Finally, they wrap up with a disappointing entry in Netflix's Marvel canon, a tear-jerker of a documentary about one of the more fundamentally decent human beings in history, and finish with a Pixar movie that succeeded despite a few stumbling blocks. You can send questions or comments to [email protected].