Podcasts about required reading

Brea and Mallory name their summer reading essentials! Plus, they give tips on getting through required reading and recommend weird space books. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com! Reading Glasses Merch Recommendations Store The Reading Glasses Book! Links - Reading Glasses Facebook Group Reading Glasses Goodreads Group Wish List Newsletter Libro.fm To join our Discord channel, email us proof of your Reading-Glasses-supporting Maximum Fun membership! Join us here!   Books Mentioned - Teddy Bears Never Die by Cho Yeeun, translated by Sung Ryu Turn Off the Light by Jacquie Walters   Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove The Sixth Nik by Daniel Kraus The Girl with a Thousand Faces by Sunyi Dean Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinglasses

The Texas State Board of Education, controlled by Republicans, has approved a statewide required reading list that mixes Bible passages with works by authors like E.B. White, Shel Silverstein, and Elie Wiesel, reflecting a push to re‑center Judeo‑Christian values in public schools

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Rational Black Thought. I am your host, Neo Griot.This is Episode 289, released on July 4, 2026, and the title comes from “Kites” by N.E.R.D., Kendrick Lamar & M.I.A.:“Tuggin' on a string that's connected to a dream - Head-bussa, hittin' nothing, even if I gotta bleed.”That lyric is about commitment. It is about holding onto a vision even when the struggle is exhausting, even when the people standing in your way have more money, more influence, more institutions, and more weapons for distorting reality.Every generation has to decide whether the promises made in this country belong to everybody or only to the people powerful enough to define them.The Fourth of July is supposed to represent independence, self-government, and the refusal to submit to arbitrary power. But those ideals have never arrived automatically. They have always had to be fought for, expanded, defended, and dragged into reality by people the country initially tried to ignore.That is the work in front of us now.We are living through a period when facts are treated as optional, cruelty is marketed as strength, and people who want power without limits demand loyalty as though obedience were patriotism. But democracy does not belong to one party, one race, one religion, one court, or one man with a microphone.It belongs to the people willing to defend it.And sometimes defending it means holding onto a dream with blood on your hands, refusing to let go because the alternative is allowing people who do not believe in freedom to define it for the rest of us.Intro: Quote of the Week: Malcolm X Unmasking the News: Special 4th of July Story: What Is the Fourth of July to the Oppressed? Democracy Watch: A Federal Judge Slaps Trump's Hand in Mail-Voting Power Grab JD Vance, Mike Johnson, and the Fraud That Magically Disappears When Republicans Win Texas and Christian Nationalism: Bible Passages as Required Reading in School Good News: Harris-Stowe and the Infrastructure of Black Power Bible Study with an Atheist:  Did Jesus Fulfill the Old Testament, or Contradict It? Reflections and Call to Action:Closing/Outro: Power Concedes Nothing without a Demand...

The Texas State Board of Education, controlled by Republicans, has approved a statewide required reading list that mixes Bible passages with works by authors like E.B. White, Shel Silverstein, and Elie Wiesel, reflecting a push to re‑center Judeo‑Christian values in public schools

Play High On Life 2 NOW on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, with a DEMO newly available on all 3 platforms. High On Life 2 hits Nintendo Switch 2 THIS WEDNESDAY, July 1st, and catch it on discount for the FIRST TIME as part of the Steam Summer Sale.https://store.steampowered.com/app/2069250/High_On_Life_2/Head to http://factormeals.com/kindafunny50off and use code kindafunny50off to get 50 percent off and free daily greens per box, with new subscription only, while supplies last until 09/27/2026. (See website for more details). Is PlayStation 6 coming in 2027? Is the GTA 6 Physical Disc is NEVER Coming?! And Is Xbox pausing Third-Party Game Pass deals?! Required Reading: https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ram-manufacturers-have-been-sued-for-allegedly-fixing-prices-and-supply-leading-to-increased-costs/ Thank you for the support! Run of Show - 00:00:00 - Start00:08:26 - Sony Says it Won't Sell Hardware ‘at Significant Losses' as PS6 Costing $1000 Rumors Continue00:27:30 - Ad00:29:21 - PlayStation CEO says company wants to "revitalise" live-service games00:35:13 - No, There Is No GTA 6 Physical Disc Coming Out at Launch or the Months After00:42:23 - Xbox reportedly pausing new third-party Game Pass deals, developers say00:54:06 - RAM manufacturers have been sued for allegedly fixing prices and supply, leading to increased costs: https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ram-manufacturers-have-been-sued-for-allegedly-fixing-prices-and-supply-leading-to-increased-costs/ 00:57:42 - Wee News! 01:05:46 - SuperChats & You‘re Wrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

Summer School Series

For decades, Warren Buffett's annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders was the ultimate textbook for value investing. Packed with folksy wisdom, sharp market critiques, and fundamental business truths, it was considered mandatory reading for anyone serious about finance.But with Greg Abel officially taking the helm as CEO, the landscape has shifted. Is the letter still worth your time?This week Ross and Dan break down Greg Abel's first letter and whether it still deserves a spot on your reading pile.Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyourbalances on Instagram

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

Book Club Podcast: Fiber art veterans Susan Bateman and Melissa Parsons compare notes with host Anne Merrow about the books every weaver, spinner, knitter, and crocheter should have on the bookshelf—plus big news about a classic weaving directory. They're the first books you reach for, the ones you'll never part with, and the first thing you recommend to every new crafter. If you have only one book on weaving, spinning, knitting, and crochet, make it one of these. In this episode of the Long Thread Podcast, three book lovers talk about what reading material we'd never be without. Multishaft Weavers Technique Books Learning to Weave by Deborah Chandler The classic book on four-harness weaving, this updated edition includes clear and approachable explanations, illustrations, and instructions for warping both from front to back and back to front. Weaving for Beginners, Revised and Updated by Peggy Osterkamp Another look at weaving fundamentals, Osterkamp's thorough book is especially strong in back-to-front warping. Pattern Directories Big news for “The Green Book”—A Handweaver's Pattern Book by Marguerite Porter Davison The first version of Davison's four-harness pattern directory was published in 1944, and weavers have been hunting for used copies since it went out of print decades later. A group of weavers has been quietly working on a major new edition, with new samples woven in color and contemporary drafts, which Schiffer Publishing will release in 2027! Handwoven and Yarn Barn of Kansas join the crowd of weavers eager to add the new book to our shelves. A Weaver's Book of 8-Shaft Patterns from the Friends of Handwoven, edited by Carol Strickler Organized by structure and endlessly browsable, this is the book 8-shaft weavers keep within reach when dreaming up a new project. Rigid-Heddle Weavers Ashford Book of Rigid Heddle Weaving by Rowena Hart A thorough guide to the fundamentals, this is unbeatable for its step-by-step warping and threading photography. Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom by Syne Mitchell This creative and ambitious book shows you ways of weaving that you never thought possible on a rigid-heddle loom. The useful "tech support" section offers troubleshooting suggestions for common mistakes. Knitters Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book Clear, well organized, and full of photos and illustrations, this book has taken more knitters from scarves to sweaters than any other, with basics on everything from individual stitches to garment design. Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt For the knitter who wants to understand the mechanics behind every technique, this reference book dives deeply into the hows and whys of every knitting topic. Crocheters How to Crochet by Sara Delaney Small, affordable, and exactly right for getting started. The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop by Dora Ohrenstein Once you're past the basic stitches, this book teaches you construction, shaping, texture, and other intermediate and advanced topics. Spinners The Spinner's Book of Yarn Designs by Sarah Anderson Friendly, comprehensive instructions for yarns from simple plied yarns to complex layers of twist and grist. Don't be fooled by the textured yarns on the cover—this is not just for art-yarn spinners; Anderson's studies on durability and suggestions for use make this a must-have for any spinner. The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook by Deborah Robson and Carol Ekarius The Field Guide to Fleece by Deborah Robson and Carol Ekarius Not just for spinners, these fiber resources—the one always on your bookshelf and the smaller version you take to a festival—include details about the sources, traits, and uses of more animal fibers than you ever knew existed. Listen to our chat and tell us: Do you agree? What craft books make your must-have list? This episode is sponsored by: Learning how to weave but need the right shuttle? Hooked on knitting and in search of a lofty yarn? Yarn Barn of Kansas has been your partner in fiber since 1971. Whether you are around the corner from the Yarn Barn of Kansas, or around the country, they are truly your “local yarn store” with an experienced staff to answer all your fiber questions. Visit yarnbarn-ks.com to shop, learn, and explore.

The Dean's List with Host Dean Bowen – Texas education officials advance a controversial required reading list that includes the Bible and classic works, sparking debate among teachers and policymakers. Supporters cite cultural literacy and historical context, while critics warn of impractical workloads and legal risks, as the State Board of Education prepares for a final vote in June...

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

Chapter 1 is the best temple prep book ever. I sat down with Jonathan Stapley, an award-winning historian to discuss his newest book, Holiness to the Lord: Latter Day Saint Temple Worship. During the show, Stapley was even surprised he won the “Best Temple Book of 2025” award! I thi https://youtu.be/1bBMcqgKKdY 0:00 Award Winning Author on LDS Temple Worship 3:20 Is Temple Worship Taboo? 10:14 Required Reading for Temple Prep 17:52 Kirtland Temple Period Demystifying the Temple Experience/Temple Prep For many, the LDS temple can feel like a secretive or taboo topic, but Stapley's new book aims to change that. He designed his first chapter to be a transparent walkthrough for anyone preparing for the temple. It covers the practical, step-by-step process of going to the temple, from talking to a local bishop and purchasing garments to making an appointment and participating in the ceremonies. Stapley explains that this level of openness is highly beneficial. Not only does it help outsiders understand the faith’s practices, but it also gives practicing Latter-day Saints a much-needed framework for discussing the temple constructively, helping them avoid being unhelpfully “cagey” or silent about their worship. Furthermore, Stapley pushes back against critics who use the private nature of the temple as a “dig” against the church, noting that the creation of sacred, “insider/outsider” boundary-maintaining spaces is a common practice across many world religions and ancient Christianity. The Myth of the “OG” Endowment When it comes to the temple’s core ceremony—the endowment—Stapley makes a striking historical observation: there is no such thing as an “OG” (original) endowment. Before temples, bishops, or apostles were even fully established in the church, Joseph Smith taught that the saints would be “endowed with power from on high,” a concept pulled directly from the biblical books of Luke and Acts. Originally, this endowment was a charismatic experience rather than a set ritual. Over time, these biblical concepts were ritualized and performed, constantly adapting to the needs of the church. Because the ceremony was initially transmitted orally, Stapley notes that the ritual has continually changed and adapted throughout its entire history. He directly challenges fundamentalist attempts to reconstruct a supposedly “original” 8-hour endowment, stating that such a platonic ideal never actually existed, and that procedural changes are a historical reality, not proof of apostasy as fundamentalists allege. A “Golden Era” for Latter-day Saint History Stapley shared that we are currently living in a “golden era” of Latter-day Saint historical research. Compared to a couple of decades ago when archive access felt like the “wild west,” there is now sustained openness and transparency, with massive resources like the Brigham Young papers available freely online. While the church still naturally redacts specific details about the temple ceremonies from third-party historical documents, Stapley isn’t bothered by this. Instead of getting bogged down in reconstructing “ticky tack” changes to the ceremonies, he is far more interested in the bigger picture: understanding what these sacred rituals actually do in the lives, minds, and communities of the believers who participate in them. Have you read his book? What are your impressions?

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

00:00:00 - Intro 00:03:56 - AI: The Somnium Files - Nirvana Initiative (Chris) 00:18:14 - Citizen Sleeper (Heath) 00:28:44 - Stardew Valley (Heath) 00:31:14 - Subnautica (Chris/Heath) 00:46:10 - Reacting to Samantha's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Thoughts 00:54:58 - The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy (Chris) 01:01:20 - Slay the Spire 2 is Out in Early Access 01:02:43 - Surprising News Roundup (Bluepoint Shutdown, Phil Spencer Retires, PS5 Exclusivity Comeback, Project Helix Plays PC Games) 01:15:24 - Mobius Tubes Required Reading List 2026 01:47:13 - Closing Statements Send us an email at mobiustubespodcast@gmail.com Original release date: March 22nd, 2026 Mobius Tubes Required Reading List (2026) Hades Deltarune Inscryption Outer Wilds Prey (2017) Nier: Automata Into the Breach Red Dead Redemption 2 Return of the Obra Dinn Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

Scott Pearson.      It takes more than just an author to produce a book. In fact, there's a whole team of people that bring any given book to fruition. It's no different in tie-in fiction like Star Trek. We don't often branch out to talk to anyone but the authors of the new books, and that's an oversight we intend to remedy. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk with editor Scott Pearson, who recently took on a more hands-on role after the passing of beloved editor, Margaret Clarke. They discuss Scott's work as both an author and an editor, what the editing process looks like, the enjoyable challenge of producing a Star Trek book while a show is still running and much, much more! In the news segment, we talk about Robb Pearlman's new book of fairy tales from the final frontier.  Find out more about Scott at scott-pearson.com          News New Book from Robb Pearlman (4:01) Feature: Scott Pearson Lifelong Rabid Star Trek Fan (7:02) Never Wanted to Be an Editor (10:01) An Author and an Editor (12:47) A Hands-On Position (13:59) There the Entire Time (15:29) A High Bar (19:56) Publishing is a Crazy Business (22:13) I Would Like More Books (25:46) New Authors (27:00) I Don't Want to Get in Trouble (28:39) An Enjoyable Challenge (29:28) Required Reading (33:26) Editing Different Genres (41:01) Character Motivation (44:02) Check the Quote (47:31) I Have Ideas (51:50) Scott, the Writer (55:20) Closing (1:00:58)      Hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt  Guest Scott Pearson Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Scott Pearson. It takes more than just an author to produce a book. In fact, there's a whole team of people that bring any given book to fruition. It's no different in tie-in fiction like Star Trek. We don't often branch out to talk to anyone but the authors of the new books, and that's an oversight we intend to remedy.In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk with editor Scott Pearson, who recently took on a more hands-on role after the passing of beloved editor, Margaret Clarke. They discuss Scott's work as both an author and an editor, what the editing process looks like, the enjoyable challenge of producing a Star Trek book while a show is still running and much, much more!In the news segment, we talk about Robb Pearlman's new book of fairy tales from the final frontier. Find out more about Scott at scott-pearson.com NewsNew Book from Robb Pearlman (4:01)Feature: Scott PearsonLifelong Rabid Star Trek Fan (7:02)Never Wanted to Be an Editor (10:01)An Author and an Editor (12:47)A Hands-On Position (13:59)There the Entire Time (15:29)A High Bar (19:56)Publishing is a Crazy Business (22:13)I Would Like More Books (25:46)New Authors (27:00)I Don't Want to Get in Trouble (28:39)An Enjoyable Challenge (29:28)Required Reading (33:26)Editing Different Genres (41:01)Character Motivation (44:02)Check the Quote (47:31)I Have Ideas (51:50)Scott, the Writer (55:20)Closing (1:00:58) HostsJonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt GuestScott PearsonProductionMatthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Scott Pearson. It takes more than just an author to produce a book. In fact, there's a whole team of people that bring any given book to fruition. It's no different in tie-in fiction like Star Trek. We don't often branch out to talk to anyone but the authors of the new books, and that's an oversight we intend to remedy. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk with editor Scott Pearson, who recently took on a more hands-on role after the passing of beloved editor, Margaret Clarke. They discuss Scott's work as both an author and an editor, what the editing process looks like, the enjoyable challenge of producing a Star Trek book while a show is still running and much, much more! In the news segment, we talk about Robb Pearlman's new book of fairy tales from the final frontier. Find out more about Scott at scott-pearson.com News New Book from Robb Pearlman (4:01) Feature: Scott Pearson Lifelong Rabid Star Trek Fan (7:02) Never Wanted to Be an Editor (10:01) An Author and an Editor (12:47) A Hands-On Position (13:59) There the Entire Time (15:29) A High Bar (19:56) Publishing is a Crazy Business (22:13) I Would Like More Books (25:46) New Authors (27:00) I Don't Want to Get in Trouble (28:39) An Enjoyable Challenge (29:28) Required Reading (33:26) Editing Different Genres (41:01) Character Motivation (44:02) Check the Quote (47:31) I Have Ideas (51:50) Scott, the Writer (55:20) Closing (1:00:58) Hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt Guest Scott Pearson Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Hello, Lovelies! With Winter Olympic prep and coverage taking over my work week, this week is a great time to drop a free look at Required Reading, our Patreon-exclusive series all about conversations in media, particularly pro wrestling and cinema. Every episode, I pick a wrestling match and my close friend and collaborator Hollis picks a film for discussion with one another, with both fitting our personal definition of the show's title.This one is an all Brian selection special as they present a media relationship that has been bouncing around their head for years: historic pro wrestler Sandy Parker and Cheryl Dunye's groundbreaking feature film debut, The Watermelon Woman. We discuss Sandy Parker & Paulla Kaye vs. Chiyo Obata & Terumi Sakura from 1974 and Parker's trailblazing career as a Black lesbian in pro wrestling alongside Dunye's 1996 film focused on discovering Black lesbian history in film, preservation of culture and how the power structures that have been historically in charge of said preservation forget about marginalized people and their stories.As always, spoliers aplenty in our discussion.Follow Brian Bell on Twitter, Instagram & Bluesky: @WonderboyOTMFollow LGBT In The Ring on Twitter, Instagram & Bluesky: @LGBTRingPod Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/lgbtringpodGrab LGBT In The Ring merch on Brainbuster TeesBig thank you to Edith Surreal (@edithsurreal) for the LGBT In The Ring logoHuge thanks to Sarah & The Safe Word for the show's theme, Formula 666 from the album Red, Hot and Holy. Find them on Twitter, @STSWBand, and check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp.Check out IndependentWrestling.tv for the best in current and classic independent pro wrestling, including live events from top independent promotions worldwide. Use promo code “LGBTRingPod” or visit tinyurl.com/IWTVLGBTThank you to Irving West for our "Required Reading" logo and Reverend Rabies for the show's theme song.

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

On Writing isn't a horror novel—but it is one of the most honest books ever written about the act of writing. In this episode of Required Reading, we dive into Stephen King's hybrid memoir-and-manual to explore what it really means to become a writer. King strips away the mystique surrounding creativity and replaces it with discipline, reading, revision, and a willingness to fail publicly. From his childhood and early rejections to his battles with addiction and his near-fatal accident, On Writing argues that good writing isn't about talent or inspiration—it's about showing up, telling the truth, and cutting what doesn't belong. We discuss King's famous “toolbox,” his hatred of adverbs, the brutal beauty of revision, and why reading constantly might matter more than any writing rule. Along the way, we ask a bigger question: is writing a special gift, or is it a craft available to anyone willing to do the work? Whether you love Stephen King, hate horror, or think you “aren't a writer,” this episode makes the case that writing is less about genius—and more about persistence. Hosted by Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Mike Carroll, and Mike Burns

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

In this episode of Required Reading, we dive into Edgar Allan Poe's haunting short story, The Tell-Tale Heart. Through the fevered confession of an unreliable narrator, Poe explores the thin line between sanity and madness, guilt and obsession. We discuss how Poe uses rhythm, repetition, and symbolism to capture the relentless beat of a guilty conscience — and why this tale still makes hearts race nearly two centuries later. Co-hosted with Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Mike Burns, and Mike Carroll Check us out!  Shifting My Thinking about AI in the Classroom by Mike Burns Women, Reform, and War by Nic Hoffmann Comedy on the Arabian Peninsula by Nic Hoffmann The Last Time I Rewound: VHS, Star Wars, and the Freedom to Remember by Nic Hoffmann Follow the ongoing publication process with Mike Carroll

This week's episode is a live recording of Wisdom of Crowds, where we celebrated a very special occasion: the publication of Shadi Hamid's new book, The Case for American Power. The book is a soul-searching study about American power as a force for good in the world, and it combines memoir and foreign policy analysis. Shadi's thesis is that if we want to make the world “more just and more moral, more democratic and more respectful of human rights,” then backing the United States is both the “last best hope and the least-bad option.”Joining Shadi Hamid and Damir Marusic is special guest Matt Duss, former foreign policy advisor to Bernie Sanders, executive vice president of the Center for International Policy, and co-host of the Undiplomatic Podcast. “I am certainly not against the idea of American power,” says Matt. But his question is: “Which America?” Duss is less optimistic that US power can be put to good use because, he says, we are currently having a national debate about “what is the nature of the American project.” It's unclear how that debate will end.Nevertheless, Shadi argues, American democracy, however imperfect, is still superior to the regimes in the other global hegemons, Russia and China. We should not fear our own home — oikophobia is a real issue, Shadi says, using the term for “fear of one's home,” the opposite of xenophobia. Duss partially agrees, but says that being a democracy does not necessarily imbue American foreign policy with moral authority. “International law does that.” The topic of international law prompts Damir to steer the conversation towards the topic of Gaza. Does American collaboration with Israeli war crimes disprove Shadi's thesis? Or does it paradoxically strengthen the argument that the world needs morally-guided American power? At this point, Shadi utters one of the best lines of the night: “To be seen as hypocritical is the cost of trying to being better than you actually are.”We are making this episode completely free for all subscribers, including the Q and A section, which covers topics like: hypocrisy in foreign policy; why working with China is preferable to the US for some nations; how Gaza will change the Democratic Party; the crisis in the MAGA coalition; and more! Required Reading and Listening:* Shadi Hamid, The Case for American Power (Amazon).* Shadi, “A Genocide is Happening in Gaza. We Should Say So” (Washington Post).* Shadi, “Everyone says the Libya intervention was a failure. They're wrong.” (Vox). * Our 2024 podcast with Matt Duss (WoC). * Rod Dreher, “What I Saw and Heard in Washington” (Substack). * Roger Scruton, “Oikophobia” (Journal of Education). Wisdom of Crowds is a platform challenging premises and understanding first principles on politics and culture. Join us! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wisdomofcrowds.live/subscribe

With Shadi out promoting his new book, Damir sat down with WoC friend Jamie Kirchick to debate the influence of media figures like Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes on conservatism on America. Anti-semitism may be the oldest hatred, something different feels afoot today. Generational shifts in attitudes on Israel, partly fueled by the Gaza war, have given unscrupulous charlatans an opening into the mainstream. But why are mainstream conservative institutions not fighting back? And what does this say about the future of the Republican Party once Donald Trump eventually leaves the scene?Required Reading and listening:* Tucker Carlson interviews Nick Fuentes (YouTube).* Ben Shapiro's Nick Fuentes Supercut (YouTube).* “Visa Applicants Don't Have First Amendment Rights,” by Jamie Kirchick (Politico).Wisdom of Crowds is a platform challenging premises and understanding first principles on politics and culture. Join us! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wisdomofcrowds.live/subscribe

In this episode of Required Reading, we explore Edgar Allan Poe's chilling masterpiece, The Cask of Amontillado. Set in the eerie catacombs beneath an Italian palazzo, the story follows Montresor's calculated revenge against Fortunato—an act cloaked in deception, wine, and madness. The episode unpacks themes of pride, guilt, and psychological horror, showing how Poe turns a simple act of vengeance into a timeless study of the human mind's darkest corners. This includes a reading of the audiobook from flansburgh38 from Librivox.  Co-hosted with Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Mike Burns, and Mike Carroll Check us out!  Shifting My Thinking about AI in the Classroom by Mike Burns Women, Reform, and War by Nic Hoffmann Comedy on the Arabian Peninsula by Nic Hoffmann The Last Time I Rewound: VHS, Star Wars, and the Freedom to Remember by Nic Hoffmann Follow the ongoing publication process with Mike Carroll

In another exciting Required Reading episode, Chris and Matt offer their penetrating, high IQ thoughts on the latest book by journalist and podcast quizmaster, Helen Lewis. Titled 'The Genius Myth: The Dangerous Allure of Rebels, Monsters, and Rule Breakers', the book tears into some of the long-enduring myths surrounding historical and contemporary geniuses from Picasso to Elon Musk. It's a critical dissection of gurus and devoted fans, so very on topic! And yes, it is better than Cod...Full episode is available to Patreons on the Revolutionary Genius tier! (1hr 13 mins).Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurusLinksThe Genius Myth: A Curious History of a Dangerous Idea by Helen LewisSnippy Review at The Philosophers MagazineLess snippy review at the ObserverRequired Reading: The Genius Myth00:00 Book Review: Genius Myth04:11 The Genius Myth: Book Thoughts!07:02 Exploring the Concept of Genius08:49 IQ Tests and High IQ Societies10:55 Social Perception of Intelligence12:20 Elon Musk and Modern Genius16:08 Historical Perspectives on Genius18:42 The people behind the Geniuses25:15 The Role of Context and Luck27:44 Mythmaking and Cultural Icons45:01 The Flawed Genius Stereotype50:50 What about Tim Robinson?52:51 The deranging impact of attention01:03:33 Overall Thoughts01:12:44 Better than Cod

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

This week on Required Reading, we dust off our middle school readers and learn about high schoolers in love. We read Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, the passionate and mature love of a 13 and 15 year old. It's basically Elizabethan Degrassi.  Co-Hosts: Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Mike Burns, Mike Carroll   "n Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare creates a violent world, in which two young people fall in love. It is not simply that their families disapprove; the Montagues and the Capulets are engaged in a blood feud. In this death-filled setting, the movement from love at first sight to the lovers' final union in death seems almost inevitable. And yet, this play set in an extraordinary world has become the quintessential story of young love. In part because of its exquisite language, it is easy to respond as if it were about all young lovers." From the Folger Edition back cover. 

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit wisdomofcrowds.liveToday's guest is Geoff Shullenberger, the managing editor of Compact and a writer whose articles and reviews have appeared in American Affairs, The Chronicle of Higher Education, The New Atlantis, UnHerd, and more. Last week, after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Geoff wrote an incisive piece titled, “The Return of the Assassin.” In it, he observes that the nature of violence has shifted in recent years, away from the mass shooting and towards the targeted political assassination. Why this is the case, and what it bodes for the future, is the subject of this week's podcast.The conversation provides historical perspective by comparing contemporary political (or quasi-political) violence to radical groups from the 1960s and 1970s like the Baader Meinhof group, the Red Brigades, the Black Panthers, and figures like Huey Newton and Eldridge Cleaver. Shadi Hamid distinguishes between left-wing violence (utopian, seeking new systems) and right-wing violence (preservationist, maintaining hierarchies). Geoff challenges this framework, noting that recent shooter profiles don't fit neatly into these categories. Damir Marusic notes that human beings always want events to “mean” something, but it may very well be that all this violence is essentially senseless.In our bonus section for paid subscribers, the guys discusses Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver; Geoff explains why he doesn't think we are on the brink of civil war; was the Charlie Kirk assassination an “honor killing”?; was January 6 a “mobilization”?; what Trump does next; were we living under a liberal dictatorship in 2020?; Damir on “the rotten Democratic Party”; Shadi says: “Nobody is blameless, but that doesn't mean everyone is equally to blame”; and more!Required Reading and Viewing:* Geoff Shullenberger, “The Return of the Assassin" (Compact).* Geoff Shullenberger, “Popular Justice” (The Point).* Tom Wolfe, “Radical Chic” (New York).* Michel Foucault, Discipline and Punish (Amazon).* Martin Scorsese, Taxi Driver (IMDB). * Oliver Stone, JFK (IMDB).* Oliver Stone, Talk Radio (IMDB).* Eric Bogosian, Talk Radio (Amazon).* La Verkin City, Utah, United Nations-Free Zone Ordinance.* Punk rock picture of Oswald and Ruby.Free Preview Video:Full video for paid subscribers below:

Our episode this week is more on the serious and somber side. Shadi Hamid and Damir Marusic discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk and speculate about its consequences. What are we learning about America and American politics in the wake of that horrible shooting? Is America heading toward low-grade civil war—like the Years of Lead in Italy during the 1970s? Does the Right control the culture and the media—and will it use this event to expand its political power? Does the Left have a problem with violence? Do we even have an opposition party?In light of how Trump has reacted to the Kirk shooting, Shadi begins with a mea culpa for having criticized the Left for its illiberalism in the past: it looks like the Right is worse. But Damir disagrees: what we are seeing now is an “inversion of what we had a few years ago,” though perhaps a bit worse. Shadi thinks out loud: “you'd think that having power would make you more magnanimous,” while instead, both sides “when they're winning, they act like they're losing.”So what is the prognosis? Shadi thinks the Right is an existential threat to American democracy. Damir says, “we are a turd spiraling down a toilet,” and we are currently on the Right side of the spiral — but “the spiral began before.”We are making this episode free for all subscribers — the issues discussed touch at the core of our mission at Wisdom of Crowds. As Shadi put it, Charlie Kirk, however different his ideology was from our own, was “someone I could've known, who could've been at my house.” The episode concludes with discussions of possible civil war, whether political categories make sense with regard to assassinations, and why the Years of Lead might be an apt analogy for what is developing in America right now.Required Reading and Viewing:* Donald Trump's appearance on Fox & Friends (YouTube). * The Years of Lead in Italy (Wikipedia). * Shadi, “My Faith in America is Being Sorely Tested” (WoC). * Ukrainian woman stabbed (ABC). * Shadi, “Think you're above conspiracy theories? Don't be so sure” (Washington Post). Full video below:Wisdom of Crowds is a platform challenging premises and understanding first principles on politics and culture. Join us! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wisdomofcrowds.live/subscribe

Required Reading With Tom and Stella

It's a Spotlight episode of JSA in the 90s covering TED GRANT WILDCAT! Stella and The Irredeemable Shag discuss Wildcat's significant appearances across the 1990s - with special focus on BATMAN/WILDCAT #1-3 (1997) and CATWOMAN/WILDCAT #1-4 (1998) by Chuck Dixon, Beau Smith, and Sergio Cariello! Finally, we wrap up with YOUR listener feedback! Have a question or comment? Looking for more great content? Leave comments on our website: http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/podcast/jsa90s-08b Images from this episode: http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/podcast/jsa90s-08b-gallery/ Email the show at: justicesocietypresents@gmail.com Follow Stella: Dear Reader: https://fireandwaterpodcast.com/show/dear-reader/ Batgirl to Oracle: A Barbara Gordon Podcast: https://thebatmanuniverse.net/category/podcast/bto/ Required Reading with Tom and Stella: https://requiredreadingwithtomandstella.com/ Subscribe to JSA IN THE 90s as part of the JUSTICE SOCIETY PRESENTS Podcast: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/justice-society-presents/id1549429702 Don't use Apple Podcasts? Use this link for your podcast catcher: https://feeds.feedburner.com/jsapresents Also available on Spotify, Audible, and Amazon Music Follow JSA PRESENTS on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jsapresents Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jsapresents.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsapresents/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/jsapresents Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jsapresents This podcast is a proud member of the FIRE AND WATER PODCAST NETWORK: Visit the Fire & Water WEBSITE: https://fireandwaterpodcast.com Like our Fire & Water Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FWPodcastNetwork Follow Fire & Water on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fwpodcasts.bsky.social Support The Fire & Water Podcast Network on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fwpodcasts Thanks for listening! Join the fight… for Justice!

It's a Spotlight episode of JSA in the 90s covering TED GRANT WILDCAT! Stella and The Irredeemable Shag discuss Wildcat's significant appearances across the 1990s - with special focus on BATMAN/WILDCAT #1-3 (1997) and CATWOMAN/WILDCAT #1-4 (1998) by Chuck Dixon, Beau Smith, and Sergio Cariello! Finally, we wrap up with YOUR listener feedback! Have a question or comment? Looking for more great content? Leave comments on our website: http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/podcast/jsa90s-08b Images from this episode: http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/podcast/jsa90s-08b-gallery/ Email the show at: justicesocietypresents@gmail.com Follow Stella: Dear Reader: https://fireandwaterpodcast.com/show/dear-reader/ Batgirl to Oracle: A Barbara Gordon Podcast: https://thebatmanuniverse.net/category/podcast/bto/ Required Reading with Tom and Stella: https://requiredreadingwithtomandstella.com/ Subscribe to JSA IN THE 90s as part of the JUSTICE SOCIETY PRESENTS Podcast: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/justice-society-presents/id1549429702 Don't use Apple Podcasts? Use this link for your podcast catcher: https://feeds.feedburner.com/jsapresents Also available on Spotify, Audible, and Amazon Music Follow JSA PRESENTS on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jsapresents Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jsapresents.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsapresents/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/jsapresents Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jsapresents This podcast is a proud member of the FIRE AND WATER PODCAST NETWORK: Visit the Fire & Water WEBSITE: https://fireandwaterpodcast.com Like our Fire & Water Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FWPodcastNetwork Follow Fire & Water on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fwpodcasts.bsky.social Support The Fire & Water Podcast Network on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fwpodcasts Thanks for listening! Join the fight… for Justice!

It's a Spotlight episode of JSA in the 90s covering TED GRANT WILDCAT! Stella and The Irredeemable Shag discuss Wildcat's significant appearances across the 1990s - with special focus on BATMAN/WILDCAT #1-3 (1997) and CATWOMAN/WILDCAT #1-4 (1998) by Chuck Dixon, Beau Smith, and Sergio Cariello! Finally, we wrap up with YOUR listener feedback! Have a question or comment? Looking for more great content? Leave comments on our website: http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/podcast/jsa90s-08b Images from this episode: http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/podcast/jsa90s-08b-gallery/ Email the show at: justicesocietypresents@gmail.com Follow Stella: Dear Reader: https://fireandwaterpodcast.com/show/dear-reader/ Batgirl to Oracle: A Barbara Gordon Podcast: https://thebatmanuniverse.net/category/podcast/bto/ Required Reading with Tom and Stella: https://requiredreadingwithtomandstella.com/ Subscribe to JSA IN THE 90s as part of the JUSTICE SOCIETY PRESENTS Podcast: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/justice-society-presents/id1549429702 Don't use Apple Podcasts? Use this link for your podcast catcher: https://feeds.feedburner.com/jsapresents Also available on Spotify, Audible, and Amazon Music Follow JSA PRESENTS on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jsapresents Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jsapresents.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsapresents/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/jsapresents Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jsapresents This podcast is a proud member of the FIRE AND WATER PODCAST NETWORK: Visit the Fire & Water WEBSITE: https://fireandwaterpodcast.com Like our Fire & Water Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FWPodcastNetwork Follow Fire & Water on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fwpodcasts.bsky.social Support The Fire & Water Podcast Network on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fwpodcasts Thanks for listening! Join the fight… for Justice!

It's a Spotlight episode of JSA in the 90s covering TED GRANT WILDCAT! Stella and The Irredeemable Shag discuss Wildcat's significant appearances across the 1990s - with special focus on BATMAN/WILDCAT #1-3 (1997) and CATWOMAN/WILDCAT #1-4 (1998) by Chuck Dixon, Beau Smith, and Sergio Cariello! Finally, we wrap up with YOUR listener feedback! Have a question or comment? Looking for more great content? Leave comments on our website: http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/podcast/jsa90s-08b Images from this episode: http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/podcast/jsa90s-08b-gallery/ Email the show at: justicesocietypresents@gmail.com Follow Stella: Dear Reader: https://fireandwaterpodcast.com/show/dear-reader/ Batgirl to Oracle: A Barbara Gordon Podcast: https://thebatmanuniverse.net/category/podcast/bto/ Required Reading with Tom and Stella: https://requiredreadingwithtomandstella.com/ Subscribe to JSA IN THE 90s as part of the JUSTICE SOCIETY PRESENTS Podcast: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/justice-society-presents/id1549429702 Don't use Apple Podcasts? Use this link for your podcast catcher: https://feeds.feedburner.com/jsapresents Also available on Spotify, Audible, and Amazon Music Follow JSA PRESENTS on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jsapresents Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jsapresents.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsapresents/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/jsapresents Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jsapresents This podcast is a proud member of the FIRE AND WATER PODCAST NETWORK: Visit the Fire & Water WEBSITE: https://fireandwaterpodcast.com Like our Fire & Water Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FWPodcastNetwork Follow Fire & Water on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fwpodcasts.bsky.social Support The Fire & Water Podcast Network on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fwpodcasts Thanks for listening! Join the fight… for Justice!

This week the boys talk about their delicate mental health and Family Guy headstones. Then they read one of the worst posts ever to grace reddit. Then they help a caller with tips for a good d*ick pic, and another caller who got an ick-pick after a guy came on way too strong on a first date. If you want to hear more bonus content please go to patreon.com/midnightsnacktv and support the boys there!

Go to http://shadyrays.com and use code FUNNY to get 35% off polarized sunglasses. Go to http://meundies.com/kindafunny and use code kindafunny to get 20% off your first order, plus free shipping on orders of $75 or more. Go to http://factormeals.com/factorpodcast and use code FACTORPODCAST to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Thank you for the support! Run of Show - 00:00:00 - Start 00:13:19 - Metal Eden 00:15:14 - Housekeeping GAMESCAST just happened and it was Greg and Rog talking to Remedy about Control 2 and FBC Firebreak. Today after, KFGD, you'll get: Game Showdown with some fun special guests After that is AVP: Alien Vs. Predator In Review Then the STREAM is Pokemon Nuzlocke If you're a Kinda Funny Member: Today's Gregway is 18 minutes about FBC: Firebreak's Game Pass and PlayStation Plus deal. The Roper Report  - 00:16:37 - Is Steam coming to Xbox? 00:27:25 - A ‘Split Fiction' Movie is in the Works: A Bidding War Begins for the Rights 00:37:56 - Ad 00:41:05 - SuperChats 00:44:50 - Atomfall Review Round-Up 00:52:53 - Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation Are Teaming Up For Accessible Games Initiative 00:56:10 - Wee News! - REQUIRED READING: https://aftermath.site/valnet-report-freelance 01:00:52 - SuperChats 01:02:35 - You‘re Wrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices