Don't call it a book club.
270 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★ - 37 ratingsLuke and Dan discuss books and other media in the sci-fi/fantasy genre with unexpected theories and controversial opinions. Looking for a podcast that makes you smarter? Maybe keep looking.
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Episodes
Oathbringer: Part Two
January 07, 2022 03:56 - 1 hour - 149 MBNothing personal but I don't want to share food with you and I have something to say about it (8:05 to skip). Now that Jasnah is back she takes a spot in the hot seat. She's a little too ready to attack our parshmen friends! Dan has some words for the heralds, and we come up with some good alternative strategies. Plus don't sleep on the new theories we bring out in this one! Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Oathbringer: Part One
December 30, 2021 20:42 - 58 minutes - 52.5 MBApologies, but we have to talk about Lebron (8:15 to skip). Luke decides to start us off by pissing off thousands of readers everywhere and Dan goes after a world religion so a contentious start. Luke also proposes a revision to our understanding of toughness that is so needed right now. Finally, everybody get ready for the giant spaceship portion of Stormlight because it is for sure coming. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Edgedancer
December 23, 2021 23:18 - 54 minutes - 126 MBWe're starting with a warm-up that really gets Dan upset (7:20 to skip). So many details that we've got to figure out about our new settings. How do these communal ovens work? Are we really letting people watch the Prime all the time? While we've got you here make sure to weigh in on what makes the best ShardFork! Start Oathbringer for next week! Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Words of Radiance: Part Four
December 16, 2021 19:59 - 1 hour - 58.5 MBDan comes out swinging at these so called "geniuses". Luke is hesitant to give Dan props for called shots but we all know Dan is basically the book Nostradamus. We also should take a minute and just imagine the hype that has built up on this battlefield. Luke needs to know who has the coolest backstory, quick! Finally, what kinds of weapons are we requesting for our new magic weapons? We are continuing within the Stormlight Archive and reading Edgedancer next week! Special thanks to VOLO fo...
Words of Radiance: Part Three
December 10, 2021 04:32 - 53 minutes - 123 MBWe're getting warmed up with our first e-bike news segment, many more to come (7:30 to skip). Everybody share their experiences of the first time they read the arena fight scene, we've got some fun ones. Dan's got a big new theory about why the spren are bad and we try to remember why the desolations kept coming. Please remind us! Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Words of Radiance: Part Two
December 02, 2021 19:59 - 1 hour - 59.6 MBDan gets warmed up with a crisis and Luke talks him down (10:57 to skip). The boys talk theories of justice and we get a good analysis of the parallels between Kaladin and Shallan. Hold up, is this actually an insightful book discussion? Nah, now they are talking about spit balls so don't worry about it. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Words of Radiance: Part One
November 25, 2021 21:58 - 54 minutes - 124 MBHappy Thanksgiving everyone! We're getting warmed up with some holiday talk (8:40 to skip) and then talking the first quarter of Words of Radiance. Some good Bridge 4 tattoo discussion in this one, let us know if you agree with us or not! Plus who are you taking, Pattern or Syl? There's no wrong answer! Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Reaper: Part Two
November 11, 2021 23:50 - 55 minutes - 49.9 MBTurns out Reaper and The Fast And Furious movies have a lot in common: both are all about fam. Dan takes a victory lap and Luke wants to know how much Eithan really matters to the team. Also, is Cradle on easy mode? Taking a week off but back for a special Thanksgiving episode starting Words of Radiance. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Reaper: Part One
November 05, 2021 04:14 - 52 minutes - 120 MBAs is tradition we've got to do some Ozriel theories before really getting started. Another tradition we're sticking closely to is requesting some non-combat-related paths! Where are they guys?! Luke is embracing the problematic Sacred Valley mindset and Dan's got some notes on the Soul Forge. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Trick or Treat!
October 28, 2021 16:18 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MBThe boys present a very special Halloween episode. Enjoy the local neighborhood! Special thanks to crickets and owls for the intro and outro music.
The Hollow Places: Part Two
October 21, 2021 23:45 - 54 minutes - 126 MBWe're getting warmed up by reminiscing about what brought us back into fantasy (6:00 to skip), let us know what books rejuvenated your fantasy career! Luke wants to take over financial management duties for the museum and Dan breaks down the themes for us. Lastly, we've got some words for our museum benefactor. Next week we're doing a special trick or treat episode, and then the new Cradle book after that! Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
The Hollow Places: Part One
October 14, 2021 21:10 - 51 minutes - 45.2 MBDan has a nightmare and is sort of hyped. This episode celebrates great innovations in prank history and cursed item storage. Dan appreciates Simon's style and Luke spots an opportunity for the museum. Also, Luke has the most absurd idea for scary dimension graffiti. At the halfway mark Dan is seriously wondering, what is even going to happen in the second half of this story? Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Foundation: Part Two
September 30, 2021 21:14 - 1 hour - 139 MBIs the Foundation TV show living up to our expectations? It's complicated and we have a lot of thoughts (skip to 19:40 if you haven't watched the show). The book may repetitive but we are not! Although we're talking themes a LOT in this episode. Finally, how are we keeping the Foundation citizens from being terrible?? It doesn't seem like we are! No episode next week, but give us suggestions for spooky books to read in October! Special thanks for VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Foundation: Part One
September 23, 2021 18:47 - 52 minutes - 48.9 MBLuke is making fantastic latte art on the Twitter (@DCitaBC) and Dan has some hot hands he apparently needs to talk about (6:09 to skip). The boys will be watching the Foundation show tomorrow and talking about it next episode so if you can steal someone's Apple TV password, give it a watch. This episode starts off a little backwards but don't worry things quickly move to talking about this big crazy galaxy. The podcast takes a brief sojourn into a propaganda how-to guide and Dan shows his i...
Nice Dragons Finish Last: Part Two
September 16, 2021 22:57 - 57 minutes - 132 MBVery long intro today, we're learning all about RenFest and why Dan can't wait to go back (13:10 to skip). As we finish the book we're covering some big topics like Dragon Capitalism and beauty standards for beings with multiple forms. I know, very relatable and topical. We're also learning the benefits of a modern messenger pigeon. For next week, start reading Foundation by Isaac Asimov! Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Nice Dragons Finish Last: Part One
September 09, 2021 16:04 - 53 minutes - 49.6 MBThe boys give a sci-fi/fantasy news update and they are hyped. Skip to 9:05 if you have already heard of the new Foundation TV series. Big tone shift from Malazan Book of the Summer here and Luke and Dan love it. Luke gives simultaneously great and terrible advice about dragon snacks and Dan is team Bethesda (the dragon obviously). Send us your meanest dragon tweets and finish the book for next week! Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Malazan Books 1-3 (ft. Ten Very Big Books Podcast)
August 26, 2021 22:31 - 1 hour - 158 MBMalazan Book of the Summer ends on a high note as Pete and AJ from the Ten Very Big Books Podcast join to talk about the series. Some fun games, hot takes, and even a few deep comments; we do it all in this one! Check out the Ten Very Big Books Podcast if you want more Malazan content and if you're continuing on without us! Stay tuned for our next book that we'll announce on Twitter and our subreddit. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Memories of Ice: Part Four
August 19, 2021 18:49 - 1 hour - 76 MBIn the penultimate episode of Malazan Book of the Summer, Luke gives a much needed perspective shift. Dan finds his limit for quitting army, and the boys throw a little shade on some of our main characters. Next week Pete and AJ from the Ten Very Big Books podcast will be on the pod, so send anything you want us to talk about! Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Memories of Ice: Part Three
August 12, 2021 17:17 - 1 hour - 151 MBWe cover a lot of ground in this one, from Jamba Juice employees to archaeologists, there's something for everyone. The boys continue the critique of the Tlan Imass mission statement and throw out some hot takes about Itkovian and Caladan Brood. Finally, what would you do at this second gathering? It feels like a lot of options are being ignored. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Memories of Ice: Part Two
August 05, 2021 19:47 - 1 hour - 57.3 MBDan and Luke warm up by doing movie/tv/game executives' jobs for them (7:33 to skip). The boys talk etiquette for turning down human flesh at a BBQ and ask important questions about the effectiveness of the Malazan army. We also need innovation among morticians and magical trading caravans, we are open to suggestions. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Memories of Ice: Part One
July 29, 2021 19:10 - 59 minutes - 136 MBOpening with our conflicting thoughts on Bo Burnham's new special today (10:50 to skip to the book). Elder gods are back baby and we've got that deep analysis on their downfalls. The olympics are here and you know we gotta talk sports. How much better would this world be if we had some sports to fall back on? Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Deadhouse Gates: Part Three
July 22, 2021 23:13 - 1 hour - 68.5 MBThe boys start with some obligatory Space Jam II predictions (9:28 to skip). Wuff, wuff this Chain of Dogs is barking and it has a pretty emo vibe if we are being honest. Dan gives credit to a great insult which leads into an actually somewhat serious discussion about authority. Also, what even is death anymore? Next week we are reading up to Part 2 in Memories of Ice, stay tuned for Malazan book of the Summer! Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Deadhouse Gates: Part Two
July 15, 2021 17:51 - 1 hour - 138 MBWe're getting all of our foodie takes out for the warmup this time (6:00 to skip). Shouts out to Coltaine and the Wickans, great vibes and flexes all around (minus the whole sharpened teeth thing). Big debate in this episode about shapeshifting, is the spicy cologne good or bad? Also we may have jumped the gun on Apsalar in this one... Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Deadhouse Gates: Part One
July 08, 2021 18:48 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBThe boys return with a hot take about the most beautiful game out there (8:53 to skip). The Malazan empire grows pretty dark in this book but the boys are holding out hope for some cotton candy bugs or something to come out. Dan and Luke argue about the merits of Redblade innovations and neither of them know how long it took for humans to develop iPhone 1. Also just be prepared for a good amount of horse talk this episode. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Gardens of the Moon: Part Three
June 17, 2021 16:29 - 1 hour - 59.8 MBLuke and Dan decide it's time to get hype again (7:15 to skip). Dan loves Oponn's style and Luke reminds us that in fact, dogs are the best people. The boys talk about complicated romances and absurd dueling regulations. Turns out Luke is on the side of Big Tumor and Dan has a huge change of heart. Reminder that we are taking two weeks off and will be back July 8th. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Gardens of the Moon: Part Two
June 10, 2021 16:49 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBDan comes up with a profound observation about the nature of good and evil to start us off (7:09 to skip). Murillio has got the V I B E S and Crokus is thinking with his downstairs brain a little much. Luke wants to give a little career advice to Paran and Dan calls b.s. on the Moranth. This could be the most awkward dinner party of all time. Lastly, how is the renewable energy production going on Moon Spawn? Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Gardens of the Moon: Part One
June 03, 2021 16:43 - 1 hour - 147 MBToday we're talking about all the important bits from the first 6 chapters, like how much you should spend on candles and how regular long hair turns into a mane. Paran is the big winner from our first episode, and we've fixed Darujhistan. You're welcome. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
The Lost War: Part Three
May 27, 2021 16:37 - 1 hour - 56.8 MBLuke and Dan check out the first 3 episodes of the new Netflix show, Shadow and Bone (skip to 13:55 to avoid spoilers). Aranock starts this section off with a pretty shitty decision that Dan can't let slide and Samily needs to make a guest appearance on the show. The boys come up with some cool uses for the magic in the world and plan the heist of the century. Also in a twist, Dan comes up with another wild theory that is big if true. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
The Lost War: Part Two
May 20, 2021 21:56 - 1 hour - 142 MBAnother classic segment of Dan explains it to Luke, what are we doing with Mynygogg you guys? Time for Rasa to ask for a raise cause she has MVP potential for sure. Also we're critiquing a lot of the characters in this section, check out who we think needs to be taken down a peg. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
The Lost War: Part One
May 13, 2021 20:31 - 58 minutes - 51.8 MBTo warm up Dan makes a quick retraction and Luke become a wedding registry innovator. Seriously, though why has no one done this yet? (11:17 to skip). Dan asks some important questions about the future of bed, and Luke takes us on a journey back to high school. Murders and scams abound and the boys are loving it. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
The Obelisk Gate: Part Two
May 06, 2021 19:38 - 53 minutes - 122 MBDan's bringing us back to our roots with a super-specific rant about mundane life events (10:20 to skip). We finished the book for this episode so make sure you've read the whole thing before starting. Ok, now you can dive in and discuss with us who is allowed to initiate the cannibalism and who has to sit out that conversation. Next week we're starting The Lost War by Justin Lee Anderson! Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
The Obelisk Gate: Part One
April 29, 2021 15:09 - 52 minutes - 46.6 MBLuke and Dan are not very excited about one of these characters coming back, can you guess which one it is? Finally we get a name for a new segment on the show; introducing Creative Solutions with Luke and Dan. Luke also reigns in Dan before he tries to claim that all plants should have teeth (tbh they should tho). In a twist we are going to finish the book next week, so get reading! Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Bloodline
April 22, 2021 17:22 - 1 hour - 139 MBWill Wight continues to impress with his ability to make the power scale in his stories absolutely absurd. In our return to Sacred Valley, we've got a lot of feelings and spend some time sifting through them. Are we hyped? Frustrated? Proud? Let us know how you felt when reading this book by checking out our subreddit or Twitter page. And there's no way we could let you go without a ridiculous Elder Whisper theory. Next week we'll be starting The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin! Special thank...
Bonus Episode: Anticipation for Bloodline
April 21, 2021 20:06 - 10 minutes - 24.8 MBCheck out this short bonus episode to get ready for our full Bloodline episode coming out tomorrow! This one is all about our big expectations for the newest Cradle book.
Seveneves: Part Three
April 15, 2021 15:23 - 1 hour - 60.8 MBDan has the number one podcast rant of all time this week (3:45 to skip). A lot of learning about space stuff in this book so hope y'all are ready for the pop quiz! Credit is finally given where it is due but no forgiveness is forthcoming. Luke and Dan fix this wack society; it turns out two idiots and an hour of joking around solves a lot of problems so maybe take a little more time to make some key decisions. Dan pitches a new product and Luke takes training montages to the next level. Sp...
Seveneves: Part Two
April 08, 2021 20:51 - 1 hour - 165 MBWe're once again warming up with TV about high school, too much cringe! (8:30 to skip). Oh look, your supervisor is trying to turn your workplace into a military dictatorship. It happens. But not always a good idea! And yeah, we know why you're here and we're just as angry about Julia as you are. We'll rant about her so you don't have to. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Seveneves: Part One
April 01, 2021 20:18 - 50 minutes - 45.7 MBLuke and Dan finally weigh in on the Potato Head controversy. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Before They Are Hanged: Part Three
March 25, 2021 16:52 - 1 hour - 141 MBAny First Law conversation is amiss without some good Glokta analysis, buddy you know there are other jobs, right? Big shoutout to Joe for explaining the Shanka's eating habits, but now we gotta dig deeper to figure out where my microbes at. Colonel West has some strange preferences, and building a boat at the end of the world seems too easy. Next week we're starting Seveneves by Neal Stephenson! Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Before They Are Hanged: Part Two
March 18, 2021 16:26 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBY'all have heard of snow mirages right? Huge problem up in north Angland, trust us. Luke and Dan can't decide if Glokta has done a good job or a bad job, but Dan is still team Glokta and hoping that isn't going to come back to bite him. Luke provides great analysis about Jezal and Dan decides to hate him anyway. Lastly, the boys ponder the dietary requirements of Shanka. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
Before They Are Hanged: Part One
March 11, 2021 22:57 - 1 hour - 146 MBVery long but important intro, learn something about dogs in this one guys (skip to 16:15 to get to the book). Forgive us if we forget or repeat things from the first book, but y'all, how great is Glokta?! And also maybe Prince Ladisla is good? Finally, shoutout to Euz for being the worst father of all time. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
The Traitor Baru Cormorant: Part Three
March 04, 2021 22:21 - 59 minutes - 52.9 MBDan recounts his tale of woe in Old School Runescape (follow us on Twitch for the upcoming stream or skip 5:57 if you are a noob). Luke teaches Dan how to properly scare horses while Dan reminds Luke what happened in the plot of the book he supposedly just finished. Luke and Dan discuss what kind of reforms Baru is working towards and this is our first episode that has started and ended with potty humor! Since this book was such a dark trip we decided to read something more upbeat next: Befo...
The Traitor Baru Cormorant: Part Two
February 25, 2021 21:04 - 57 minutes - 131 MBDan's latest Star Wars rant is all about calling BS on Obi Wan, c'mon Obi Cruise you're better than that (6:55 to skip). Two questions for you after reading this section: Is it worth getting scurvy if you can feel like a wolf for the winter? And are you coming to our fire focaccia party? We're playing RuneScape live on Twitch this Saturday! Follow us on Twitch and put it in your calendar. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
The Traitor Baru Cormorant: Part One
February 18, 2021 23:14 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBBlackbird182 wants to remind everyone about a certain game before we get into the book (9:57 to skip). Dan gives everyone a pass to come back to these episodes when things in "real world" are less depressing. That said, Luke and Dan are morbidly curious about how this empire functions. These peasants have got to be worried about some kind of scam going on and Luke is gonna dig it up. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water: Part 2
February 10, 2021 17:30 - 40 minutes - 93.7 MBTravis from The Fantasy Inn Podcast joins us to finish our discussion on The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water. Check out Part 1 on their website! The story is short so you know we've got time to speculate. What's your role in a bandit group and is getting teleportation powers worth the effort? Thanks again to Travis for joining us, make sure to keep up with his podcast and follow @TheFantasyInn and @tctippens to hear what they're up to. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and out...
The True Bastards: Part Three
February 05, 2021 01:38 - 1 hour - 53.2 MBAlright keeping it a buck here, no one will blame you for skipping the intro this week (6:27). Luke and Dan rethink their ranking of the warriors from the Lot Lands and get into some serious statistics. Dan pushes back against Luke's criticism of Tine leadership and Luke decides we have a hot new reality show on our hands. Luke and Dan have a few parenting tips and of course Dan comes up with a few wild theories. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro.
The True Bastards: Part Two
January 28, 2021 18:16 - 55 minutes - 126 MBToday's warmup focuses on our complacency in menu innovation (skip to 7:30 if you'll hear no criticisms of fast food). Big apologies to Fetch and Oats are due, turns out they did get pretty creative with fundraising. No one is asking but we've got some constructive criticism for the Pits of Homage and have developed a pretty good ranking system for our lot landers. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
The True Bastards: Part One
January 21, 2021 21:27 - 59 minutes - 53 MBThings are ROUGH for these half-orcs y'all so it's a good thing they are all optimistic and encouraging! Dan thinks we need some new priorities in Winsome, while Luke proves to be a much more discerning reader than Dan. Who is this skinny turd boy and why is he the key to everything? Lastly, for a brief moment in your day, picture milking a horse. Ha I tricked you; now you can't stop thinking about milking a horse. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
The Way of Kings: Part Four
January 14, 2021 17:13 - 1 hour - 141 MBLooks like Dan's plan for sneaking spheres is out, but never give up folks. Research funding must be way down in Alethi society right now because we don't know anything about these Parshendi and it's wild! Also Dan finally convinces Luke not to wear frillies on the plains. Brandon never disappoints with finales so stick around for the highlight reel. Next week we are starting The True Bastards by Jonathan French! This is book two of the series so go read the Grey Bastards if you haven't al...
The Way of Kings: Part Three
January 07, 2021 18:01 - 1 hour - 58 MBLuke hits us with a blast from the past (6:20 to skip). Dan suggests a silver lining to chasm duty and Luke is *emotional*. We also find out why Luke isn't a regular blood donor or a member of the Heralds. Also, Dan actually provides some real life knowledge in this episode. Finally, the best laid plans of mice and men...really need some work apparently. You know what, maybe they weren't the best laid plans. Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.
The Way of Kings: Part Two
December 31, 2020 16:35 - 1 hour - 144 MBTo get us warmed up Dan wants to reframe our generational nerd terminology (skip to 7:30 for book discussion). Bring Luke some frilly laces to throw on under his jacket, it honestly looks great and Dalinar needs to refine his arguments a little. Dan is sick and tired of us exploiting our limited natural resources. Sustainable living y'all. Also what's your SPM? Special thanks to VOLO for the intro and outro music.