Tipsy Nerds Book Club

In a special episode of Tipsy Nerds, Natalie welcomes co-host Robyn as her guest to discuss Robyn's new book, The Ascenditure (May 2024), a thrilling feminist mountain climbing fantasy story! Hear all about Robyn's new book, including what inspired her to create this fascinating world, badass mountain climbing characters, and more. Fans of TNBC don't want to miss this one!Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/ https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

The Nerds are dipping into an old-school hard sci-fi book—The Black Cloud by Fred Hoyle, a 1957 classic of British sci-fi. When a giant cloud of interstellar matter races toward the center of our solar system, the fate of humanity rests on the shoulders of an elite gathering of scientists. Join the Nerds in their discussion of this unusual sci-fi story, and hear a nerd trivia tidbit about the author.Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/ https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

In this episode, the Nerds welcome guest author Richard Sparks to discuss his new book, New Rock, New Role, a fantasy book described as “Ready Player One meets Lord of the Rings meets Discworld.” After a long quest, you need a tasty cocktail, and Robyn has created one for this episode. Natalie was happy to see bourbon in this cocktail recipe that Robyn calls “New  Quest, New Quencher.”Fans of comedic fantasy like Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy will want to listen to this episode and learn more about this new author in the fantasy genre.  And Nerds who love RPGs won't want to miss this conversation.Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/ https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

In this episode, the Nerds discuss the beloved cult classic book (and movie), The Princess Bride (©1973 by William Goldman). Billed as a “classic tale of True Love and High Adventure,” the Nerds chat about romance, adventure, swashbuckling pirates, loveable sidekicks, and of course famous quotes—“I am Inigo Montoya…”Listeners, we want to hear your thoughts on this one! After you listen, pop over to social and give us your comments on the various questions we posed in this episode.Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (while it's still a thing, lol), and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/https://twitter.com/TipsyNerdsBC https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

The Nerds welcome 2024 by reading Stardust by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Charles Vess. Subtitled "Being a Romance with the Realms of Faerie," the Nerds are sipping a lovely, glittering gin drink while they discuss little hairy men, unicorns, flying pirate ships, falling stars, and a man who becomes a doormouse. By the end of the episode, the Nerds may have more questions than answers about this Gaiman book, so they pose some questions to listeners.Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (while it's still a thing, lol), and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/https://twitter.com/TipsyNerdsBC https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

We're drinking the Nog of Christmas Yet to Come with our guest, author R.A. Busby, while we discuss the winter holiday classic, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. R.A. is a horror writer, so her perspective perfectly fits this spooky, ghostly holiday tale. So fill your nog cug and join the conversation as we chat Dickens' forever-relevant holiday masterpiece.Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (while it's still a thing, lol), and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/https://twitter.com/TipsyNerdsBC https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

The Nerds are excited to welcome Hugo and Nebula award-winning writer Martha Wells, author of the beloved Murderbot Diaries and now a new epic fantasy—Witch King. We hope you enjoy hearing our conversation with Martha as we dive into Witch King. Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (while it's still a thing, lol), and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/https://twitter.com/TipsyNerdsBC https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

We're sipping a San Diego Sunset while we explore the far reaches of space in this sci-fi episode with special guest, author Gareth L. Powell. Robyn and I have followed Gareth on social for a while now, so it was a real pleasure to chat with him about his latest book. And what a great read it is! Chock full of all the things we love about sci-fi—futuristic tech, relatable characters, exploration, and intelligent spaceships. We especially enjoyed our discussion with Gareth about his take on AI—we think he just coined a new term. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it.Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (while it's still a thing, lol), and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/https://twitter.com/TipsyNerdsBC https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

Welcome to Season 5 of the Tipsy Nerds Book Club! The Nerds are excited to open their new season with special guests, bestselling authors Tracy Wolff and Nina Croft, authors of the new sci-fi romance STAR BRINGER (2023). We're sipping purple space-inspired, purple cocktails and discussing the book described as Firefly meets the Breakfast Club. Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (while it's still a thing, lol), and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/https://twitter.com/TipsyNerdsBC https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

The Nerds are happy to once again discuss Hugh Howey's amazing worldbuilding in this episode discussing SILO, the Apple TV+ production of Howey's bestselling book, WOOL. Listeners may recall that the Nerds had Hugh Howey as a guest on the show in episode 4 of season 1 in 2019.  What a fun episode that was! Lots of bourbon and tequila involved (and a Texas windstorm that left Robyn with no internet for half of the show!). SILO does not disappoint. So pour a drink and catch up with the Nerds as they chat briefly about Silo, and about what's next for the show.Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (while it's still a thing, lol), and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/https://twitter.com/TipsyNerdsBC https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

The Tispy Nerds close out their Season 4 by discussing a listener recommendation JOHN DIES AT THE END, by Jason Pargin. The Nerds are sipping strong cocktails called The Sauce in honor of the trippy drug that leads to the adventure in the book.Billed as a comedy/horror novel, Natalie asks Robyn if the book was funny or scary, or both? Mix a drink and join this discussion of a "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure—meets—Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" romp.The Nerds also give a short preview of what's in store for Season 5 of Tipsy Nerds, and hints of a bonus episode that will release in the summer of 2023.Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (while it's still a thing, lol), and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/https://twitter.com/TipsyNerdsBC https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

The Nerds welcome guest Jason Rico from the Sh*t We've Read podcast to help us wrap our minds around the modern masterpiece of sci-fi, The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin. We're sipping boozy cocktails while we ponder the three-body problem, warfare in eleven dimensions, and whaleiens. A fun discussion about one of the most important and thought-provoking books the Nerds have ever featured. Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (while it's still a thing, lol), and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/https://twitter.com/TipsyNerdsBC https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

Robyn Dabney pilots this episode as we celebrate the release of Season of the Dragon, a new epic fantasy from our own Natalie Wright. Robyn created an amazing cocktail she's calling the Nixan Fig to get us in the mood for this epic new dragon story. Listen to find out what Robyn thought of the book and to hear Natalie's inspiration for the story. Hika!Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (while it's still a thing, lol), and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/https://twitter.com/TipsyNerdsBC https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

We poured a strong drink we're calling a Pyro Potable for this amazing but bleak book. Parable isn't a fun, light-hearted beachy read, but the kind of book that you feel like a better human being because you read it. We're peeling this onion and perhaps have more questions than answers in this episode—so listen in, then find us on social and help us out! What did you all think of this book? And if you have answers to our questions, we want to hear them! Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (while it's still a thing, lol), and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/https://twitter.com/TipsyNerdsBC https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

The Nerds are stepping into quantum conundrums with a bestselling sci-fi thriller, Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch. This 2016 book was optioned by Sony for the screen. Hear what the Tipsy Nerds and their guest, author CD Tavenor, thought of Crouch's treatment of the multiverse theory of quantum physics. The libations need to be strong to wrap our heads around this one, so pour yourself a strong one and strap in!Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (while it's still a thing, lol), and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/https://twitter.com/TipsyNerdsBC https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

The Nerds are sipping spiked hot cocoa and a drink inspired by the horror of The Utburd, a new story by our own Robyn Dabney, the first story in a new Gothic Horror anthology, Bleak Midwinter: The Darkest Night. Wrap yourself in a warm blanket, spike that coffee or cocoa with something to warm the cockles, and dive into a great new addition to midwinter reading lists.Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (while it's still a thing, lol), and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/https://twitter.com/TipsyNerdsBC https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

The Nerds invite you to the world of Dream as they discuss the graphic novel that put Gaiman on the map: The Sandman, first published by DC Comics in 1988. The Tipsy Nerds are sipping luscious, creamy cocktails, one with absinthe, the other with tequila. Shaken or stirred, mix it up and join the conversation about this enchanting story. Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (while it's still a thing, lol), and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/https://twitter.com/TipsyNerdsBC https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

You all know Robyn is a LotR super fan, so of course, we've got to have a chat about Amazon Original's production of Rings of Power. What did the Nerds think of it? Does Robyn think the show does Tolkien proud? Natalie doesn't know a harfoot from a hippie, so what were her thoughts of the production?You have to stick around for the 35+ minute mark to hear what Natalie said about Jeff Bezos that Robyn still regrets hearing due to the image it left in her mind! Grab a beverage and join the conversation. Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (while it's still a thing, lol), and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/https://twitter.com/TipsyNerdsBC https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsbookclub

Welcome to Season 4 of TNBC! We begin the new season with a literary haunted house tale that's short but hits the sweet spot. Join Robyn and Natalie as they sip cocktails and dig deep into the layers of this seductive tale of lost souls.

We're back! In this trailer, the Nerds preview the books and shows they'll feature in the upcoming Season 4 of the Tipsy Nerds Book Club podcast. 

The Nerds are ready for a whimsical read, and who does modern fables, myth, and magic better than Neil Gaiman? Join the Nerds as they discuss Gaimain's first novel, Neverwhere, released in 1996. Robyn has lots of questions for listeners in this episode, and is on the hunt for any information you have about a particular line in the book and how it may—or may not—relate to Neuromancer, the 1984 book by William Gibson. Are you nerdy enough to answer her questions? Listen to find out.

Sipping drinks called Knight's Honor and Green Death, Robyn and Natalie discuss the 2021 release, Green Knight, starring Dev Patel. Unsure whether the movie is a mess or a masterpiece, the Tipsy Nerds break it down. Naked giants, a talking fox, and a "violated green sash"? The Nerds are tackling a movie unlike anything else in the fantasy film genre. Is it too big a detour from the 14th-century source material, or is it a brilliant commentary on the modern-day? Listen to the episode then join us on social to share your thoughts on the Green Knight.

This week the Nerds are excited to discuss a fascinating new epic fantasy story while they sip cocktails inspired by the book. Join the Nerds as they chat about Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse. Robyn says the novel has one of the best opening chapters she's ever read, and both Natalie and Robyn thought the last third of the book was unputdownable. Like so many authors and stories, though, this one isn't without some controversy and/or detractors, and the Nerds discuss that as well. What are your thoughts on Black Sun?

Is Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, anyone's favorite Avenger? Well he wasn't the favorite for either Natalie or Robyn, but they may be changing their minds after watching the newest addition to the rich Marvel cinematic universe: Hawkeye, starring Jeremy Renner.

In this episode, the Tipsy Nerds tackle the massive book, Dune by Frank Herbert. Second time was the charm for Robyn who attempted a read of this tome a few years back but set it aside. This time she enjoyed the ride, and in this episode shares what she loved about Dune. While Natalie appreciated the world-building and respects the book's legacy, she had some issues. Join the conversation and pop over to social to share your thoughts on this classic epic.

Join the Tipsy Nerds for a fun holiday episode discussing one of their new favorite holiday stories, Krampus, the Yule Lord by Brom (©2012). Left to rot in a cave for over 800 years, Krampus is back and intends to get revenge against Santa Claus. Natalie was surprised that the story never veered into campiness, and Robyn enjoyed the overall message of the story. The Nerds share a few Santa stories of their own, and invite listeners to share their holiday stories—comic, tragic, or sublime! This is a fun holiday episode you won't want to miss. And Krampus may just become one of your new holiday must-reads.

The Tipsy Nerds tackle this big movie while sipping a libation they call Spice. The Nerds have some mixed feelings about this one, and the "Spice" inspires some giggle-worthy tangents. 

The Tipsy Nerds share their excitement for the newest addition to the Marvel Universe of films, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The Nerds discuss what makes this movie work and how it builds anticipation for the next installment. The Nerds thought the Marvel experience was feeling flat, but this movie renews excitement for the  Marvel experience. The Nerds end the episode with questions for listeners—and stay to the end for their first-ever blooper reel. 

Join the Tipsy Nerds along with a special guest, author Jenn Czep, in this voyage through the Florida swamps as they discuss the Pulitzer nominated book Swamplandia!, by Karen Russell. The Tipsy Nerds are torn about whether to relegate this novel to the rubbish bin or pronounce it brilliant. It strays from the Nerds' usual fare but gave the ladies lots to discuss in this raucous and certainly tipsy episode.

Curious about what the Nerds were up to during their hiatus? Robyn packed a lot into 18 months and in this episode, she shares the details. Plus the Tipsy Nerds chat about their favorite Netflix/HBO binges, movies, and books that filled the days of lockdowns and pandemic quarantines. From Godzilla to Black Mirror and lots of great stuff in between.

The Tipsy Nerds are back! Season 3 of the show begins with a knock-out of a book: The Fifth Season by NK Jemisin.  The Nerds are sipping red wine and getting back into the podcast groove. Pour a glass and join them in geeking out over this amazing, Hugo award-winning book.Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

What do Tipsy Nerds do during a pandemic and social distancing? Binge-watch Netflix, drink cheap wine and vodka and grow increasingly concerned about how accurate dystopian fiction is to our present situation. Join us for a special episode about Corona.Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

The Tipsy Nerds welcome guest PL Tavormina, author of the book Aeorvoyant, as we discuss another book from the NPR Top 100 Sci-Fi and Fantasy books: Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson. For this episode, we're sipping a misty-looking drink that's a fresh take on an Aviator. If you love epic fantasy, this is a must-listen episode!Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

In this episode, the Tipsy Nerds welcome guest L.L. McKinney, author of A Blade So Black and A Dream so Dark, part of the Nightmare-verse series. If you like love Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Alice in Wonderland, you'll love McKinney's books. And our fruity rum cocktail meant a fun time with this author we'd love to hang out with in person. A must not miss episode!Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

In this episode, the Tipsy Nerds welcome guest Terence Hawkins, author of American Neolithic, to the show to discuss the seminal dystopian book, 1984 by George Orwell. Robyn has found us an authentic take on Victory Gin. Will any listeners be brave enough to try it?Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

The Tipsy Nerds welcome Heli Kennedy, one of the writers from Orphan Black: The Next Chapter to chat about the amazing show, Orphan Black, and the SerialBox continuation, a serialized audiobook. We're drinking the "Clone Club Martini", a black drink fitting for this grim-dark thriller audiobook. We had a fascinating conversation with Heli, both a writer and fan of the Orphan Black universe. If you're a fan of the show, this is a can't miss episode of Tipsy Nerds. If you aren't yet a fan of the show, come listen and you soon will be!Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

The Tipsy Nerds welcome guest J Todd Scott, author of The Far Empty and other books, to discuss the gritty fantasy novel The Black Company by Glen Cook. Listen to the episode to learn why Todd picked this dark fantasy novel that centers around a band of mercenaries. Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

The Tipsy Nerds welcome a new year with a look back at the year 2019, the year TNBC was born, and a look ahead at what 2020 has in store. New books, movies and more stories! And Robyn reveals her celebrity crush—a very special Tipsy Nerd moment not to be missed by fans of the show.Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

Celebrating the holiday season Tipsy Nerds style, TNBC welcomes author D.A. Xiaolin Spires to the show to sip eggnog and discuss her short story, Marshmallows, a story that first appeared in Clarkesworld magazine in December 2018. The story features a dystopian world that people can conveniently "unsee" via augmented reality. We created two cocktails for this episode, a sweet and delicious Marshmallow-tini and a smooth, not-too-sweet, eggnog with a hint of ginger. Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

Join the Tipsy Nerds and their guest and Star Wars expert, CD Tavenor, as they let their fan flags fly over Star Wars and partake in wild speculation about the long-awaited final episode of the saga, the Rise of Skywalker. Each of the Nerds sips a different cocktail this week, from coffee drinks that will soothe the soul to the General, Natalie's ode to General Leia Organa. *No ewoks were harmed in this episode ;-)Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

Celebrating the holidays Tipsy Nerds style, in this episode, the Nerds discuss Doomsday Book by Connie Willis. In the future, an Oxford history student time travels to merry old plague-infested England during the Christmas holidays. The Nerds are cooking up a seasonal drink with a rich history. Gather round the wassail bowl and get your medieval on with the Tipsy Nerds.Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

This week the Nerds are back to the NPR Top 100 list with a seminal and controversial military Sci-Fi read: Starship Troopers by Robert A. Henlein (1959). The Nerds thought a manly cocktail was essential for this manly book about futuristic paratroopers that get jettisoned from a spaceship instead of a plane. Robyn has cooked up a “Citizen's Sazerac”, a lovely blend of cognac, rye whiskey, and bitters, and author guest KJ Kabza joins the nerds for a lively discussion.Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

November is National Novel Writing Month (also known as NaNoWriMo). In support of all the writers tapping the keys this month, the Nerds share their list of favorite books on writing—ones that teach as well as ones that inspire. Write on!Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

The Tipsy Nerds are sipping wine and a deliciously Halloweeny drink for this episode as they discuss one of the best thrillers ever written, Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris. Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

Welcome to Season 2 of the Tipsy Nerds Book Club podcast! The Nerds are starting it out with a fan favorite and Robyn's as well, The Fellowship of the Ring from the Lord of the Rings series. Tune in to hear about the special drink for this episode as well as what makes this Robyn's all-time favorite book.Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

Tipsy Nerds have completed their season 1 so it's time to relive the fun! The Tipsy Nerds welcome back guest co-host CD Tavenor to chat about the best books, drinks and episodes of Season 1, as well as behind-the-scenes goofs listeners haven't heard about, and look forward to Season 2.Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

The Tipsy Nerds welcome NYT Bestselling author Darynda Jones to the pod as they sip coffee martinis inspired by Darynda's book, First Grave on the Right, the first in a thirteen book series. The Nerds took a departure from the NPR Top 100 Sci-Fi & Fantasy list for this one, and happily devoured Jones' smart, funny and sexy story.Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

The Tipsy Nerds happily veer off of the NPR Top 100 list for this episode as they welcome author guest, Alexander Yates, to discuss his new release, How We Became Wicked. The Nerds are drinking Tang Mimosas and chatting with the author about his fascinating life living abroad, and the inspiration for his new book with a twist even the jaded reader book nerds didn't see coming.Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

The Tipsy Nerds chat about upcoming book to screen adaptations while drinking some wine and bourbon. Getting psyched for new shows such as HBO show based on the Watchmen, and new stories set in the Game of Thrones universe; other offerings from Amazon, Netflix and more such as The Witcher, Chronicles of Narnia and more. Nerd out over these upcoming shows and let us know what you're pumped to see.Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

The Tipsy Nerds follow up their episode 12 in which they discussed the book, Good Omens, by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, with a very tipsy chat about the Amazon Prime series by the same name. The Nerds are cosplaying the angels in this one and having a very good time talking about one of their favorite shows to hit the small screen this year.Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)

The Tipsy Nerds continue to nibble their way through the NPR Top 100 Sci-Fi & Fantasy books and this week they feature a book that they both wish they had read sooner—The Left Hand of Darknesss, by Ursula K. LeGuin. The story takes place on a planet called Winter, and the Nerds are sipping tasty, cold Guiness this week while they fan girl over their new favorite author. And this week, additional notes and a cool, rare interview with Ursula K. Le Guin can be found on the blog page of the Tipsy Nerds website: TipsyNerdsBookClub.com.Support the show (http://www.Patreon.com/tipsynerdsbookclub)