Episodes

The Art Thief

The Art Thief – Michael Finkel – Episode 91

The Buddies found themselves in an unfamiliar section of the book store this week, as they wandered into the the non-fiction arena. A fellow Buddy/listener recommended The Art Thief by Michael Finkel, and the Buddies had to oblige. The book follows the crazy and somehow true story of Stéphane Breitwieser & Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus, and their torrid stealing spree across Europe. The Buddies got to discussing the pros and cons of stealing 2 billion dollars’ worth of art, why having extra vacation time is bad, and why living by a code like Omar from the Wire is so important. So get your Swiss Army Knife ready, read up on the European legal system, and join us as we take on The Art Thief.

The Three Body Problem

The Three-Body Problem – Liu Cixin – Episode 90

The Buddies are jumping deep into the science fiction world again this week reading, The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin (also a new series on Netflix)! Emphasis must be placed on the science part of this science fiction novel as the Buddies struggled to grasp everything that went on in this one. They had 99 problems and the Three-Body Problem was one of them… Anyway, they got to talking about the benefits of leaving your family in favor of drinking and playing video games, and why Superman (shouts to the Lois & Clark tv show), had it right all-along. So, get your physics textbook ready, learn to love ‘sophons’, and join us as we navigate our way through the Three-Body Problem.

The Blade itself

The Blade Itself – Joe Abercrombie – Episode 89

The Buddies re-enter the world of sword and sorcery with the first book in Joe Abercrombie’s First Law Trilogy: The Blade Itself. The Buddies were left wanting more time with the characters in this darker fantasy novel, so there is a good chance they’ll be reading book two in the future. The Blade Itself follows a number of malcontents and dissentients, much like the Buddies and it got them talking about varying topics like: Caleb Williams, nicknames and would you rathers when it comes to morning routines. So gather your ‘named men’, start speaking to the spirits, and join us as we start in on The Blade Itself adventure.

slaughterhouse 5

Slaughterhouse-Five – Kurt Vonnegut – Episode 88

The Buddies are going back to school reading popular high school novel, Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. Things haven’t changed much since high school for the Buddies as they struggled to interpret the true meaning of the novel. The satirical anti-war book did provide the buddies some good talking points,  namely: how being negative is a good thing, how life is easier when you’re hung like a horse, and the benefits of being a POW. So re-visit your high school reading assignments, pick up Slaughterhouse-Five and tell us what you think of the novel (or tell us what we were supposed to think).

Shogun

Shōgun (Chapters 47-End) – James Clavell – Episode 87

The Buddies take their 3rd and final crack at the ‘epic’ Shōgun by James Clavell. It’s been a long journey reading this 1,000+ page book, but if you followed along you’re now ready to dive into the new FX show. In their final installment the Buddies topics were very militaristic: ninjas, sacrificing pawns, pitched battles, and the dangers of pillow talk.  So join us for the last Banzai and our last time with our friends Toranaga, Mariko, Anjin, Omi, and Rodrigues.

Shogun book

Shōgun (Chapters 10-46) – James Clavell – Episode 86

The Buddies are back! After a bit of a hiatus (someone selfishly decided to travel), the Buddies are back at in covering books 2 & 3 of Shōgun (chapters 10-46). A lot to cover on this one as the Buddies got into the meat (or the rice and fish if you’re Japanese) of the James Clavell’s epic novel. The Buddies got to talking about scholarly things like: Karma, Religions, relieving yourself outside, and why Star Wars Episode 8 was awful. We hope you’ve followed us on this spiritual journey, jump on in and join us for chapters 10-46, because next week we’ll finish Shōgun and achieve full nirvana.

Dune Movie

Dune – MOVIE – Episode 85

The Buddies are still reading through Shōgun (it’s 50+ hours so give us a break), so they decided to jump into a different epic story based on a book. On this weeks episode they tackle 2021 Blockbuster, Dune. They are joined once again by their buddy Mikko (@BuddyHive) to talk things over. They got to talking about spices, drugs, Pearl Harbor, and why you can assume anyone from Sweden is a bad guy. So take a little break from Japan (we assume you’re reading Shōgun along with us), and join us in a much dryer scenery as we worm our way through Dune.

Shogun book

Shōgun (Chapters 1-9) – James Clavell – Episode 84

The Buddies start in on the epic historical fiction novel, Shōgun by James Clavell. They start with part 1 (prologue – chapter 9) on their 1,000+ page voyage. With a new tv show coming out on FX in February, the Buddies couldn’t put off D-mans favorite book any longer. The Buddies got to chatting about full sends, baths, and the importance of peeing on things to show dominance. We are even treated to a historical scene setting portion by D-man aka Dan Carlin 2.0. So bring your katana and wakizashi swords, some bubble soap (for the bath), as we soak in everything Shōgun has to offer.

airborn kenneth opel

Airborn – Kenneth Oppel – Episode 83

The Buddies are (Matt) Crusing through books so far this year checking off Airborn by Kenneth Oppel from their list. Airborn had a little bit of everything, an alternate world, airships, and pirates. Combine those things with the fact that it is written for younger adults and it adds up to the perfect mix for the Buddies. It got them discussing the love for inanimate objects, big Zepplin, and the advantages of being stranded on a desert island. So check your career ambitions at the door, pack yourself some hydrium, and maybe a weapon or two, and join us as we take-off into Airborn. 

matilda book

Matilda – Roald Dahl – Episode 82

The Buddies read their second Roald Dahl book in as many months, this time diving into fan favorite, Matilda. Dahl’s books have proven to be fun, quick reads, with the perfect reading level for the Buddies. To most, Matilda is the hero in this book, but the Buddies saw things differently. They discussed that, plus the intricacies of decorum, psychological warfare, and author rivalries. The Buddies were dishing up a full course of topics on this weeks podcast, and a chocolate cake for dessert. So, bring your appetite as we dig into Matilda by Roald Dahl.

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