Book and Bourbon

The Road has been known to mess with a reader's mind, and this time is no exception. Join Chris as he talks through the thoughts left behind by the book and seeks salvation in a bottle from the bottom shelf. Cheers.

Light tends to go where it wants. We can try to hide from it, maybe even lose our accents in an attempt to avoid it, but good luck with that. Let's talk about feeling trapped, coming up for air and, in turn, being the air for those who need it. Also, Early Times BiB is legit. Cheers.

Do we care about too much or do we care too much about the wrong things? It's time to talk about those possibilities, going to work angry, being part of the problem, finding a personal solution, and bourbon. Always bourbon. Enjoy.

The court of public opinion, nostalgia, and changing hearts and minds. Join Chris to discuss all those things in this episode of Book and Bourbon as he takes a fresh look at To Kill a Mockingbird. Grab your bottle of Blanton’s, too. If you can find it, that is.

What does the phrase "making a living" mean to you? On this episode of the Book and Bourbon podcast, Chris wonders aloud about that saying, the slippery slope of expectations, and his favorite fictional Kentucky town. Time to open that bottle of Stagg Jr. if you have it.

1984 might have recently become a fashionable read, but this episode of Book and Bourbon suggests that it never went out of style. Join Chris to talk about escapes, language, love and hope, and find out why standing in line for a bourbon turned out to be a good idea.

The ability to tell a short story, whether it’s written or spoken, might be one of the most difficult skills to develop over time. John Steinbeck was a master. Join Chris on this episode to talk about brevity, moments, spam comments, a whiskey from somewhere other than Kentucky, and to find out how you can enter a special giveaway.

There's journalism, and then there's Gonzo journalism. Hunter S. Thompson hit the campaign trail in 1972 to cover our nation's great election and shared it in a way that remains relevant to this day. Join Chris for some fear, loathing, and Wild Turkey to discuss how Gonzo might be less frightening than our new normal.

The places we call home might be smaller than you think, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Wendell Berry has a wonderful way of reminding us of that in A Place on Earth. Kick back in your own little place on Earth with a pour (or two) and listen as Chris examines what might be worth writing home about.

We are living in the age of adolescence, an age in which we might be perpetually stuck. At least, that’s what it feels like after reading Skippy Dies, one of the most boldly titled books ever. So grab your bourbon, kick back, and get ready to laugh (and cry) at childish things. No matter how old you think you are.

To read the book first or watch the movie first? That is the question. Whichever you choose, there’s no denying that No Country for Old Men is a battle between good and evil, both externally and internally. And while we discuss it during this episode of Book and Bourbon, we might as well do it over a very, very good bourbon.

When a book sparks emotion, you have to take notice; no matter the book. Alas, Babylon is a reminder of the threat, both past and present, of nuclear war. And, it’s a reminder that faith and hope are not easily lost. Grab your bourbon (or Knob Creek if you’re playing at home), and settle in for a Gen-Xer’s rant.

There are few writers who paint a picture like Steinbeck. From his stories to his characters to his settings to his descriptions, you can't help but be immersed. That's why we're going to start slow with him and pay a visit to Cannery Row. Grab your bourbon.

Are we all just accidents waiting to happen? Maybe. In this episode of the Book and Bourbon podcast, Chris takes a look at All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai, tastes a delicious bourbon, and wonders how humbling it might be to take a trip back in time.

We are literally surrounded by our own personal primers, but do we spend enough time thinking about the experiences they provide? In this episode of Book and Bourbon, Chris takes a look at the lessons learned in The Diamond Age and whether or not fiction holds more truth than the present. Pour some Michter’s, sit back, and relax.

Don’t panic. That’s good advice in any situation, especially when you have a towel within arm’s reach. In this episode of Book and Bourbon, Chris takes a ride on The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy to see if it’s science fiction, satire, or comedy. Or maybe it’s all three of those things; applicability doesn’t exactly follow the rules, you know. And as for bourbon, we’ll be sipping on Yellowstone. Need a lift?

If you're keeping a list of the best books you've never heard of, add Stoner to that list. It isn't often that you get an honest look behind the curtain of any given obituary but, when you do, it makes you consider what will be said about you. Pour yourself a generous amount of Four Roses, get comfortable, and join Chris on this journey through William Stoner's life.

Can a novel that’s set in the future leave you feeling nostalgic? You better believe it. This episode of Book and Bourbon takes a look at that connection and why words are the ties that bind … without making you TIMATOV. Also, we'll sip on some Noah’s Mill and announce a change to the podcast. Enjoy.

If you haven't read any of Wendell Berry's novels, Jayber Crow is where you should begin. This episode of Book and Bourbon takes a look at the places we call home and where they fit into this oversized world. So, if the world has you in an emergency to relax, grab your favorite bourbon, kick back, and have a listen.

Music, misery, and mixtapes. In this episode of the Book and Bourbon podcast, Chris discusses one of his favorites—High Fidelity—and how that applies to "nothing," new year's resolutions, and his desert island, all-time, top five favorite bourbons.

Despite its title, there's no reason to be afraid of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Join Chris as he takes a walk down the strip to uncover the gems in this book and pays homage to Hunter S. Thompson with the man's go-to bourbon.

It doesn't get much better than The Great Gatsby. In this episode of the Book and Bourbon podcast, find out why this classic is like a big party, why we need to keep rowing toward life's earthquakes, and why the last line is tattooed on Chris' arm.

What's a podcast without an introduction? In this first episode of the Book and Bourbon podcast, Chris explains the reasons behind its name, its purpose, and shares the five most influential books of his life ... as well as the bourbon he's drinking.