Better Than Reading

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The weekly ramblings of two people nobody should listen to. Hosted by Michael Darretta, champion of Texas and Adam Casalino, denizen of Gotham. Sometimes funny, never boring, this series will get you through some of your ride to work. Hey, it's better than reading a book.

Michael Darretta and Adam Casalino


    • Jan 1, 2019 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 35m AVG DURATION
    • 61 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Better Than Reading

    New Year, New You. Or Not.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2019 32:41


    It's a New Year and the boys are back with a brand new episode. They recap (a bit) about the holidays, complain about social media, and talk about other stuff. I dunno. I didn't listen to the whole thing. Does anyone actually read these descriptions? Hubba bubba, boo, boo.

    You've Got a Case of the Mike Darrettas!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2018 29:10


    Better Than Reading returns, despite our best efforts. Mike thinks he's got a serious mental disorder. People in Florida freak out over the cold weather. And, as usual, Mike questions Climate Change. Also, beware the Dollar General.

    Back From Oblivion!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2018 33:40


    After an unplanned interruption, Better than Reading is back with an all-new episode. Mike and Adam discuss the big changes that have happened to both of them. Mike returns with yet another dad rant. Adam complains about dumb parents.

    The Half-Smile

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2018 21:22


    This week, the boys are digging through their memories for what the heck they wrote in their show notes! Mike give a jerky smile to strangers. And they finally bring back music chat.

    Return of the Destin Hipster!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2018 31:40


    This week, Mike and Adam discuss the return of the one hipster in Destin, FL. What was he up to!? Also, Mike's dad discovered the only authentic New York Italians in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. For reals.

    Speaking of Walmart...

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2018 32:57


    This week, the boys are back together again. They discuss Hurricane Michael and Adam's harrowing escape to Bama. Michael got a new iPhone and disaster occurs.

    The Girl with all the Guy Friends

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2018 21:45


    No, we're not talking about that 90's sitcom, we're talking about the dreded girl with all the guy friends. You know the one I'm talking about. Adam is here this week with sage advice for all you heart-broken guys. Don't get stick in this person's web.

    Let's All go to the Liberry!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2018 35:49


    The boys discover a few more of their pet peeves. Mike is in rare form as he shares with us a variety of dad-related rants. Including complaints about license plates, Burger King, and commercials. Adam finds a music bio that doesn't drive him crazy.

    Hamburgers are not Sandwiches!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2018 32:00


    Mike describes a bizarre scam involving iPhones and gift cards. Adam had a wild night... at Walmart. And, of course, yet another dad rant.

    A Few Tips for Drinking Almond Milk

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2018 30:33


    The boys are back to discuss a few things that are vitally important to our life and culture. Adam complains like a little girl about almond milk. Mike goes on yet another dad rant about the 90's. Buckle in my babies.

    Tuppence a Bag!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2018 32:28


    The boys are back discussing more nonsense. Including talks about weird old kids movies, bridezillas, and another addition of Old Man Mike's rants. Don't you want to help the bird woman, you greedy bastard? Just give her your tuppence!

    Long Walks in the Rain

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2018 39:27


    Mike and Adam discuss the incredibly low bar Amazon Echo has for dads. Did you know dads can take care of children!?? Will wonders never cease!? Also an old man somehow gets on the podcast and complains about people getting upset about the rain. Seriously.

    80's Wrestling Isn't Cool Anymore

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2018 20:50


    Michael discovers a hard truth about his 1980's wrestling shirt. The boys also complain about one of the most popular songs on Spotify. This is a shorter episode. Let us know what you think about the length. Kisses!

    The Face of Fugly

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2018 27:29


    The boys reveal their agism as they complain about rude old people. Hey, just because you're north of 50 doesn't mean you can be a jerk! That's our stance. They also discuss the horrific time they entered a smelly Apple Store. Be afraid.

    Best Day Ever!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2018 37:43


    Mike and Adam have a free-wheeling convo about all things. Or better put, they complain like men much older than themselves. At least they still have their hair... for now. Texas is up for lampooning, as is the crazies from Florida. Also, we hear some stellar accents. Oh yes, this is the best day ever.

    The Ponytail Manager

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2018 42:55


    Mike and Adam are back handing out life lessons to all you scrubs online. They discuss the importance of pixie sticks. We also spend a few seconds talking about our Ancestry.com results. Then it's on to complaining about slow drivers and a rude manager with a ponytail.

    Hugs Not Drugs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2018 49:04


    The boys are back for another 40-ish minutes of mild hilarity. Mike tries to remember a shirt from the 80's about drugs. Adam complains about a lady just trying to walk her dog. And they both dish on their father's iconic accents. And there's something about a couple from Florida.

    I'm an Old Man!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2018 52:38


    Mikey D and Adam "The Latin Lover" are back with a brand new episode of Better Than Reading. The boys are rusty, but they cobble together enough content to riff on swimming pools, toilet bowls, technology, and of course wedding photos. Plus, Mike is old and scares little children at the pool.

    On Fleek!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2016 31:43


    The boys are back for another round of pop culture discussion, complaints against normal life, and some random nonsense. It's a show so good, we're totally on fleek. Radical man. Tubular.   "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel

    Look out for the Starbucks Webcam!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2016 37:58


    The boys are back, bringing their usual brand of hilarious nonsense. This week they tackle big issues like visit Starbucks too often, product placement in music videos, and the dreaded beard tax. Also so good TV recommendations and follow up. Now we've got webcams at Starbucks? Geez!   "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel

    Technical Difficulties

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2016 43:10


    Despite Skype's best efforts we manage to circumvent our difficulties and record a show! The boys talk about the latest food truck craze, hipster parenting, and corn dog innovations. Also some super sweet music recommendations and TV shows. "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel

    She's Just Thirsty!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2016 30:49


    The boys tell horror stories from the world of retail. Look out for the hyper-spitter, the rolly polly insurance guy, and new slang.  Is she thirsty?  Are you thirsty?  What are we talking about?  Also some music and movie discussion.

    Underneath the Mango Tree!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2016 34:01


    The guys discuss a strange mango based song.  Mike opens up about his tragic cookie binge.  If he had only knew.  Adam discusses the friendly weirdos of Florida.  Also some new music recommendations and pop culture wahooey.   "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod

    One-Hit Wonders

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2016 30:01


    The guys take a trip back in time, discussing their favorite one hit wonders from the 90's and 2000's.  They spend a lot of time on this.  But they do get to music recommendations and some talk about movies.   "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel

    Robot Scarlett Johansson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2016 38:07


    It's late again and they boys are barricaded in.  Mike and Adam discuss recent television events, including the Walking Dead finale and Wrestlemania.  Also some super cool music recommendations you just have to check out. Be afraid of the bank-robbing Robot Scar Jo.  Be very afraid.   "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel

    Astronaut Sandwiches

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2016 28:47


    We discuss names for a new comic and come up with some amazing inventions.  How do astronauts eat in space?  I think we have a solution.  Also a lively discussion about our favorite fast food joints. And our website's back: betterthanreading.com. Mike looks good in Spandex.   "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel

    Have Some Sloppy Joe, Sweetheart

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2016 29:39


    The boys go way off the reservation on this one, channeling Bob Ross and his rarely mentioned partners. They also discuss the latest Pee-Wee Herman movie.  Also, gravelly waitresses, sloppy joes, and strange clients.  At some point they get to the latest iPhone news.   "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel

    Live! Well, Sort Of

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2016 31:47


    Mike and Adam meet up for a podcast to end all podcasts!  Not really.  They talk about Disney World, crooks on Facebook, and the dangers of Craigslist.  Plus some new TV and music recommendations.   "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel

    Brought To You By Toper's Gym

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2016 24:27


    The boys discuss their favorite recent TV shows, Macbooks and hipsters, and our thoughts on R-rated superhero movies.   Intro music: "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod Outro music: "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. 2016 @BVanDonsel

    BTR Animated: "Cross Eyed Waiter"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2016 1:40


    In this "animated" tale, Mike discusses his encounter with a sinister waiter. Taken from our classic "Better Than Reading" Podcast. Check out full episodes on iTunes: http://apple.co/1V4r2Bi

    After Hours!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2016 28:56


    In our whopping 30th episode, Mike and Adam are chatting after hours.  They divulge deep, dark secrets, dish about some actual good new music, and touch upon Deadpool.   Opening: "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod Outro: "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. 2016 @BVanDonsel

    The Texan Beaver

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2016 30:41


    The boys are back and are delving into the spooky world of unsolved mysteries.  Also on the docket are Texan drivers, movie news, Kayne West, and a mystery texter.  Also, Mike is fat.   Opening: "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod Outro: "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. 2016 @BVanDonsel

    New Year, Same Crap

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2016 28:20


    Holy Moley, it's a new episode!  The guys are back to talk about their favorite things: Mike Tyson and hipsters.  They also go over New Years Resolutions, the plight of modern music, and defend Cam Newton's honor.

    Over the Top

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2014 33:27


    The boys confabulate about Oscar worthy actors and movies, including in-depth analysis of the artform and its influence on mankind. And stuff about wrestling.

    Why We're Not Allowed in Japan

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2014 29:28


    Mike and Adam reveal the depth's of their cross-cultural sensitivity. Plus, insightful analysis of the Ukraine crisis. They even recommend some TV options for y'all.

    Jony Ive!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2013 60:14


    We're back! Hallelujah. Sit back and relax another hour of inanity from your two  friends Mike and Adam. And to know what the heck is going on, click this link  http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ao-_nOTzq2Y/UWb05QCoH_I/AAAAAAAAOcQ/cM- H2UJ6SH8/s1600/Babugeri,+Bulgarie_WILDER+MANN_+Charles+FREGER+2010+2011.jpg

    Walk Rage

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2013 31:20


    Mike confesses to a deep-seeded evil. Plus some in-depth sport commentary. Not really. Also some new music recommendations! Who love's ya, baby!?

    Robot Dogs!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2013 32:03


    Settle in for a bi-tri-whatever annual technology episode! Adam and Mike discuss the new Xbox and Playstation consoles that were announced at E3, the pros and cons of the new technology, and whether or not you should buy one. But don't worry, they also talk about robot dogs.

    Episode 21: "Don't go jogging without listening to this podcast!"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2013 40:57


    Mike and Adam discuss their plans for kidnapping the new Pope while enjoying fresh squeezed lemonade. This week's podcast is brought to you by Ford. Buy a Ford: why bother getting a good car?

    Off the Cuff

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2013 40:59


    It's a new season! Or a new chapter. Or whatever, the boys are back with a brand new episode. Ironically, they talk about mostly the same stuff as usual. Facebook gets bashed, music is recommended  and Mike gets a colonoscopy live on the air!

    Episode 20: "Daylight Savings? More like gimme a break, Grandma!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2013 40:14


    Our circadian rhythms are all janked up thanks to the evil American farmers. But at least we manage to record our errant ramblings for your listening pleasure. It beats listening to that Interpol album for the umpteenth time, right?

    Episode 19: "Ryan Seacrest"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2013 46:24


    It's our Ryan Seacrest episode! We talk all about Ryan, why we love him, and what's next for the amazing man. No, not really. We talk about old movies, Disneyland, and something Mike said about cell phones. Visit our website for links to the music recommendations!

    Episode 18: "Hold onto Your Butts!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2013 49:11


    Mike keeps interrupting the episode with bouts of pant-peeing and Adam is rocking out with Mixr© by beats© by Dr. Dre©. Fabulous©. Be sure to visit the site for links to our recommendations! 

    Episode 17: "Diaper Man"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2013 46:42


    Mike derails the show several times with terrible topics. Fortunately  Adam saves the day with riveting thoughts about reddit, superheroes and internet criticism.  All this and some music recommendations.

    Episode 16: "Lady Riding Big Tricycle"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2012 45:12


    It's a new year and Mike and Adam are back in action.  Join them as they reminisce the holidays, dig on New York and Texas, and generally waste everyone's time.  Enjoy, for this will be out last year on Earth.

    Episode 15: "Flip the Ribs!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2012 49:31


    It's a melange of tasty goodness as Adam and Mike run the gamet of emotion.  Strap yourselves in for podcast gold, my babies. Check out the website for links to the stuff we talk about.

    Episode 14: "Are you thirsty, Angus?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2012 33:28


    Mike and Adam discuss whether or not Josh Groban has a sultry voice.  Oh and they even have some music to recommend!

    Episode 13: "The BLACK FRIDAY Episode"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2012 34:19


    Enjoy your Thanksgiving, eat some turkey, and listen to Adam and Mike complain about shopping malls, dead musicians and the joy of the holidays.  Shiba Inu is my friend.

    Episode 12: "Layered Pants"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2012 40:08


    Adam is fianlly dry from the hurricane and he and Mike are back with a new episode! Join them as they explore the wonders of James Bond, many-layered pants, and rap commericals.  Be sure to check out the website for links to the music we recommend.

    Episode 11: "Bare Down on This"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2012 39:18


    In this episode, Mike and Adam discuss the trials of tiny undershirts, waiting at a doctor's office, and probe the world of tech business.  Be sure to check out the website for links to the music/shows we recommend.

    Episode 10: "Android Woes"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2012 45:14


    Michael related his trying experience when switching to a new smartphone and Adam feigns interest.  Also, more exciting tales of friendly New Yorkers and intelligent Texans.  Be sure to check below for links to the music and shows we recommend.

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