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On this episode of Self-Publishing with ALLi, Dan Holloway reports on a week dominated by good news for readers and indie authors alike. He covers new social reading partnerships — Kobo with StoryGraph, and Everand with Fable — that let readers track, share, and experience books together. He reports on the American Booksellers Association's announcement that indie bookstore membership has hit its highest level since the 1990s, driven largely by single-genre stores focused on romance, fantasy, and romantasy. And he ends with a personal highlight: a new romantasy bookstore called Bad Girl Books is opening in Oxford — in the former Albion Beatnik space — with a specific welcome for self-published authors. Sponsor Self-Publishing News is proudly sponsored by PublishMe—helping indie authors succeed globally with expert translation, tailored marketing, and publishing support. From first draft to international launch, PublishMe ensures your book reaches readers everywhere. Visit publishme.me. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. About the Host Dan Holloway is a novelist, poet, and spoken word artist. He is the MC of the performance arts show The New Libertines, He competed at the National Poetry Slam final at the Royal Albert Hall. His latest collection, The Transparency of Sutures, is available on Kindle.
Tune in as Pride Month advances onward with the focus that 2CC is giving to queer media! For this second episode of June, Joshua R. Pangborn (Sidekick Productions) re-collaborates with the podcast for a review and recap of Bit, the 2019 horror movie about an 18-year-old trans woman who moves to LA and encounters a lesbian vampire gang that's on a mission to hunt down predatory men. Subverting vampire tropes, subtly handling trans rep, and how interesting it is for a cishet man to helm this queer movie emerge as a few of the talking points for this episode.Written and directed by Brad Michael Elmore, Bit stars Nicole Maines, Diana Hopper, Zolee Griggs, Friday Chamberlain, Char Diaz, James Paxton, Greg Hill, Julia Voth, M.C. Gainey, Brent Chase, Zack Cosby, Riley Litman, Matt Pierce, James Jagger, Tiffany Milian, Dayton Sinkia, and Muneeb Rehman.Spoilers start at 28:15INTERVIEW: A Talk with Brad Michael Elmore, Director of OUTFEST's ‘Bit'Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastrHere's how you can learn more about Palestine and IsraelHere's how you can keep up-to-date on this genocideHere's how you can send eSIM cards to Palestinians in order to help them stay connected onlineGood Word:• Joshua: Hollow Lake• Arthur: Erase Me by Josh SilverReach out at email2centscritic@yahoo.com if you want to recommend things to watch and read, share anecdotes, or just say hello!Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes or any of your preferred podcasting platforms!Follow Arthur on Twitter, Goodpods, StoryGraph, Letterboxd, and TikTok: @arthur_ant18Follow Arthur on Bluesky: @arthur-ant18Follow the podcast on Twitter: @two_centscriticFollow the podcast on Instagram: @twocentscriticpodFollow Arthur on GoodreadsCheck out 2 Cents Critic Linktree
Cheryl talks to Caroline about Better Reading's new project, What Are You Reading? The App, an Australian, community-focused book tracker that lets readers log and follow their reading directly from their phone. Think of it as Goodreads and StoryGraph had a baby - but this one grew up Australian. Best of all, it's FREE. Download the app today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's time for one of those huge episodes. Well, it's a four parter anyways. 1978 was an killer year for horror movies, day dot for the modern slasher as well. But, what do I think was the very greatest horror movie that came out during 1978? Well, here we have the top 10. The worst 10. A slew of also rans. Some awesome mates. Some special guests. Several pints of beer and a 7+ hour running time split over 4 episodes. This is 1978, A Year In Horror. It's a pretty long journey this one, am going to give you the time codes below so if you don't want spoilers then, please, avert your eyes. You can now support A Year in Horror via the Patreon. Theme Music by Max Newton & Lucy Foster. Email the podcast at ayearinhorror@gmail.com Follow me on Instagram. Follow me on Letterboxd. Follow me on Storygraph. Below are the time codes for all the different segments and my guest links. Feel free to let me know where you think I got it wrong or right and of course be kind, rewind. 0.46 - Invasion of the Body Snatchers (w/ Kelly Mcneely) 47.34 - Halloween (w/ Kevin Lyons) 1.46.47 - Dawn of the Dead 1.53.49 - Outro
Tune in as the podcast dives into Pride Month and spends all of it covering queer media! For this first episode of June, Katrina (@katrinaslibrary) is jumping back onto 2CC to explore Light from Uncommon Stars, the 2021 speculative fiction book by Ryka Aoki that follows the interconnected stories of a trans girl who runs away from home and dreams of being a violinist, a music teacher who has sacrificed multiple students' souls to Hell in order to preserve her own, and a family of aliens who are managing a donut shop while taking refuge from a galactic war. Telling a tale in a way that's oddly cozy and heavy at the same time, using extraterrestrials from outer space to explore the theme of immigration, the gritty realism of what it's like to be trans in a transphobic world, and the ability that video game music and other forms of art have to move people comprise a few of the subjects for this episode.TW: death, transphobia, deadnaming, homophobia, racism, sexual content, rape, sexual coercion, sexual assault, self-harm, mention of suicide (in the past), domestic abuse, child abuse, pedophilia, murder, gun violence, suicidal ideation, alcoholism, and discussion of warSpoilers start at 21:10Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastrHere's how you can learn more about Palestine and IsraelHere's how you can keep up-to-date on this genocideHere's how you can send eSIM cards to Palestinians in order to help them stay connected onlineGood Word:• Katrina: Mermaids• Arthur: ObsessionReach out at email2centscritic@yahoo.com if you want to recommend things to watch and read, share anecdotes, or just say hello!Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes or any of your preferred podcasting platforms!Follow Arthur on Twitter, Goodpods, StoryGraph, Letterboxd, and TikTok: @arthur_ant18Follow Arthur on Bluesky: @arthur-ant18Follow the podcast on Twitter: @two_centscriticFollow the podcast on Instagram: @twocentscriticpodFollow Arthur on GoodreadsCheck out 2 Cents Critic Linktree
It's time for one of those huge episodes. Well, it's a four parter anyways. 1978 was an killer year for horror movies, day dot for the modern slasher as well. But, what do I think was the very greatest horror movie that came out during 1978? Well, here we have the top 10. The worst 10. A slew of also rans. Some awesome mates. Some special guests. Several pints of beer and a 7+ hour running time split over 4 episodes. This is 1978, A Year In Horror. It's a pretty long journey this one, am going to give you the time codes below so if you don't want spoilers then, please, avert your eyes. You can now support A Year in Horror via the Patreon. Theme Music by Max Newton & Lucy Foster. Email the podcast at ayearinhorror@gmail.com Follow me on Instagram. Follow me on Letterboxd. Follow me on Storygraph. Below are the time codes for all the different segments and my guest links. Feel free to let me know where you think I got it wrong or right and of course be kind, rewind. 00.46 - Long Weekend 05.04 - Also Rans (Part 2) 07.27 - The Omen II (w/ Eric Ellicock) 1.13.45 - Piranha 1.17.58 - The Mafu Cage
It's time for one of those huge episodes. Well, it's a four parter anyways. 1978 was an killer year for horror movies, day dot for the modern slasher as well. But, what do I think was the very greatest horror movie that came out during 1978? Well, here we have the top 10. The worst 10. A slew of also rans. Some awesome mates. Some special guests. Several pints of beer and a 7+ hour running time split over 4 episodes. This is 1978, A Year In Horror. It's a pretty long journey this one, am going to give you the time codes below so if you don't want spoilers then, please, avert your eyes. You can now support A Year in Horror via the Patreon. Theme Music by Max Newton & Lucy Foster. Email the podcast at ayearinhorror@gmail.com Follow me on Instagram. Follow me on Letterboxd. Follow me on Storygraph. Below are the time codes for all the different segments and my guest links. Feel free to let me know where you think I got it wrong or right and of course be kind, rewind. 0.46 - Jaws 2 (w/ Marc Canale) 53.22 - Slave of the Cannibal God 57.49 - The Toolbox Murders (w/ Ian Martineau) 1.19.53 - I Spit on Your Grave (w/ Miranda Corcoran)
It's time for one of those huge episodes. Well, it's a four parter anyways. 1978 was a killer year for horror movies, day dot for the modern slasher as well. But, what do I think was the very greatest horror movie that came out during 1978? Well, here we have the top 10. The worst 10. A slew of also rans. Some awesome mates. Some special guests. Several pints of beer and a 7+ hour running time split over 4 episodes. This is 1978, A Year In Horror. It's a pretty long journey this one, am going to give you the time codes below so if you don't want spoilers then, please, avert your eyes. You can now support A Year in Horror via the Patreon. Theme Music by Max Newton & Lucy Foster. Email the podcast at ayearinhorror@gmail.com Follow me on Instagram. Follow me on Letterboxd. Follow me on Storygraph. Below are the time codes for all the different segments and my guest links. Feel free to let me know where you think I got it wrong or right and of course be kind, rewind. 0.00 - Intro 18.53 - The worst horror films from 1978 23.49 - Faces of Death (w/ Brad Hanson) 44.44 - Also Rans (Part 1) 53.22 - Sci-Fi Corner 58.54 - Battlestar Galactica (w/ Father Malone) 1.34.07 - Superman (w/ Paul Chanter)
This year, Fantagraphics celebrates 50 years of publishing and Mike, Kara, and Brian dig comics from the publisher as part of May's Reading Challenge Theme of the Month! Join the IRCB Reading Challenge on Goodreads or on Storygraph: https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/25314-ircb-s-2026-reading-challenge https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/92bfe182-4dc9-47ae-ad55-0ecf18ccdba2 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Start/Our history with Fantagraphics 00:13:02 - Usagi Yojimbo: Book One: The Ronin 00:20:13 - Corto Maltese, the Fable of Venice 00:29:02 - Baby Blue 00:34:50 - The Return of Snow White 00:51:34 - Wrap Producer: Mike RapinPost Production & Social Media: Kait Lamphere, Daniel MartinezProoflistener: Kait LamphereEditor: Zander Riggs Music provided by Infinity Shred. Find them on Bandcamp.IRCB Avatars by @ICELEVELIRCB Logo by Kyle RoseSupport us on Patreon to get access to our Patreon-only series: IRCB Movie Club, Saga of Saga, Giant Days of Our Lives, A Better Batmobile, and more! patreon.com/ircbpodcastBuy a copy of our anniversary zine Totally Not A Cult: https://ircbpodcast.com/shop/p/totally-not-a-cult-zine-1Email: ircbpodcast@gmail.comTwitter: @ircbpodcastInstagram: @ircbpodcastDiscord: discordapp.com/invite/E8JUB9sReddit: ireadcomicbooks.reddit.comIRCB GoodreadsMerch: ircbpodcast.com/shop
Tune in as Rolo Tony (@PoorOldRoloTony and These Guys Got Juice) hops back onto the program for a review and recap of Dream Lover, the 1994 erotic thriller about a recent divorcee who jumps fast into another relationship with an alluring woman, only to find that there may be more to her than it seems at the outset. Comparing this to Gone Girl and You, James Spader being an expert at sleaziness, frustrations with how this thriller (and Tenet) portrays domestic abuse, and those goddamn carnival dream sequences stand out as some of the discussion material for this episode.Written and directed by Nicholas Kazan, Dream Lover stars James Spader, Mädchen Amick, Larry Miller, Fredric Lehne, Bess Armstrong, Kathleen York, Kate Williamson, Tom Lillard, William Shockley, Clyde Kusatsu, Alexander Folk, and Scott Coffey.Spoilers start at 35:30Dream Lover (1993), or, Probably the Single Most Misogynist Film I've Ever SeenCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastrHere's how you can learn more about Palestine and IsraelHere's how you can keep up-to-date on this genocideHere's how you can send eSIM cards to Palestinians in order to help them stay connected onlineGood Word:• Rolo Tony: The Shape of Things• Arthur: Headlights by CJ LeedeReach out at email2centscritic@yahoo.com if you want to recommend things to watch and read, share anecdotes, or just say hello!Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes or any of your preferred podcasting platforms!Follow Arthur on Twitter, Goodpods, StoryGraph, Letterboxd, and TikTok: @arthur_ant18Follow Arthur on Bluesky: @arthur-ant18Follow the podcast on Twitter: @two_centscriticFollow the podcast on Instagram: @twocentscriticpodFollow Arthur on GoodreadsCheck out 2 Cents Critic Linktree
Tune in as Vanessa Ondi (Best Week Ever Podcast) returns to 2CC for a dive into One of the Good Guys, the 2024 thriller novel by Araminta Hall that follows the secrets rising to the surface when a man searches for a fresh start in the wake of his broken marriage by moving to a tranquil place out on the coast, where he befriends an intriguing artist and then gets drawn into the mystery of two young women suddenly vanishing in the area. The insidiousness of Nice Guys, misogyny's ability to show up under the guise of well-intentioned benevolence, the impact that social media and news channels have on our view of women, and looking at this story through a racial lens land as a few of the talking points for this episode.TW: misogyny, gaslighting, emotional abuse, rape, pedophilia (in the past), child abuse (in the past), sexual harassment, sexual content, pregnancy, infertility, miscarriage, medical trauma, stalking (in the past), animal death, alcohol, alcoholism, and vomitSpoilers start at 17:30Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastrHere's how you can learn more about Palestine and IsraelHere's how you can keep up-to-date on this genocideHere's how you can send eSIM cards to Palestinians in order to help them stay connected onlineGood Word:• Vanessa: Like, Follow, Subscribe: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online by Fortesa Latifi• Arthur: The Devil She Knows by Alexandria BellefleurReach out at email2centscritic@yahoo.com if you want to recommend things to watch and read, share anecdotes, or just say hello!Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes or any of your preferred podcasting platforms!Follow Arthur on Twitter, Goodpods, StoryGraph, Letterboxd, and TikTok: @arthur_ant18Follow Arthur on Bluesky: @arthur-ant18Follow the podcast on Twitter: @two_centscriticFollow the podcast on Instagram: @twocentscriticpodFollow Arthur on GoodreadsCheck out 2 Cents Critic Linktree
Today we are talking about the prologue and chapter 1 of Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas, the sequel to the Sunbearer Trials.
From the moment I began working with the New Books Network, my vision was bigger than author interviews. I envisioned my platform one where people could connect what they were hearing about the past to their own lives in the present and, in that way, perhaps see themselves as an important part of a continually-evolving community. Through this work, I have been fortunate to connect, not only authors, but also with readers and thinkers who, like me, are committed to the preservation and expansion of our collective archive. Raymond Williams is one such person. Raymond has a PhD in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park. He was an executive board member of Black Readers Con, and is currently an administrator of the Black Men Read Book Club sponsored by Resist Booksellers. I was thrilled to have Raymond on the podcast to talk about the creation of literary community around reading challenges, including those centering Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin, and, for 2026, what Raymond calls, “The 12 Lives Challenge.” Listen in as we discuss the work he is doing to cultivate an intellectually curious community of real-life readers in the virtual world. You can find Raymond on Instagram, and the 12 Lives Challenge on StoryGraph. Subscribe, like, follow, and rate Additions to the Archive with Sullivan Summer on Instagram, Substack, and wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literary-studies
From the moment I began working with the New Books Network, my vision was bigger than author interviews. I envisioned my platform one where people could connect what they were hearing about the past to their own lives in the present and, in that way, perhaps see themselves as an important part of a continually-evolving community. Through this work, I have been fortunate to connect, not only authors, but also with readers and thinkers who, like me, are committed to the preservation and expansion of our collective archive. Raymond Williams is one such person. Raymond has a PhD in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park. He was an executive board member of Black Readers Con, and is currently an administrator of the Black Men Read Book Club sponsored by Resist Booksellers. I was thrilled to have Raymond on the podcast to talk about the creation of literary community around reading challenges, including those centering Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin, and, for 2026, what Raymond calls, “The 12 Lives Challenge.” Listen in as we discuss the work he is doing to cultivate an intellectually curious community of real-life readers in the virtual world. You can find Raymond on Instagram, and the 12 Lives Challenge on StoryGraph. Subscribe, like, follow, and rate Additions to the Archive with Sullivan Summer on Instagram, Substack, and wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography
On this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Kaytee are discussing: Bookish Moments: Project Hail Mary and a bookish guest bedroom Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we've been reading lately Deep Dive: all about our book budgets Before We Go: our new segment featuring bookish friend posts and a something Kaytee is curious about Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site). . . . :10 - Bite Size Intro 1:50 - Currently Reading Patreon 2:42 - Fabled Bookshop 2:44 - Book Lover Weekend 4:43 - Bookish Moments of the Week 5:01 - Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir 6:13 - @sciencewhizliz on Instagram 9:33 - "You've Been Poisoned" teacup 10:35 - Your Guide To Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village by Maureen Johnson 11:52 - Current Reads 12:03 - Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson (Kaytee) 12:40 - White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson 12:41 - Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson 16:22 - The Deep by Nick Cutter (Meredith) 19:38 - Sphere by Michael Crichton 20:35 - The Troop by Nick Cutter 21:06 - Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant 21:26 - In the Shadow of the Mountain by Sylvia Vasquez-Lovado (Kaytee) 21:57 - CR Season 6: Episode 48 25:16 - The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie (Meredith) 29:56 - North is the Night by Emily Rath (Kaytee) 34:24 - Good People by Patmeena Sabit (Meredith) 35:49 - An Unlikely Story 42:03 - Deep Dive: Our Book Budgets 43:01 - @deadendbooks_rva 50:12 - Book of the Month 50:20 - Goldsboro Book Subscriptions 51:17 - Libro.fm 51:25 - Storygraph 51:47 - Sarah's Bookshelves Live Patreon 51:58 - Shelf Respect by the Popcast 52:30 - Aardvark Book Club 52:33 - Satisfiction 52:35 - Fairyloot 53:19 - Sleuth Box w/Fabled 55:48 - Before We Go Meredith highlights a bookish friend post 56:22 - Fairyloot Epic Fantasy subscription Kaytee brings something she is curious about 57:33 - Inside Literary Prize 57:58 - Canada Reads 58:20 - South to America by Imani Perry 58:27 - Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah 58:39 - 2026 Inside Literary Prize Shortlist Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. April's IPL is brought to us from a new to us bookstore, Two Friends Books in Bentonville, Arkansas Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor's Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads | Substack | Youtube The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Kaytee | Mary | Roxanna Production and Editing: Megan Phouthavong Evans Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!
In Episode 195, we're officially wrapping up our 2025 reading goals and chatting about what we've been up to the last three months. (Surviving, mostly!) Lots of books are being read and writing plans are cooking! The real new year starts in spring anyway.Show NotesJette is absolutely crushing her reading goals! And we both may need to update some of our Storygraph goals for 2026 because we're way ahead already.We visited Hopeless Romantic and the Hopeless Romantic/Little Ghosts crossover store at Union Station in the last few months. If you're in Toronto, we definitely recommend checking them out! It turns out horror and romance are a perfect pair.Since we have a Romance episode coming up at the end of May, we tried to curb our romance talk, but we will be doing a deep dive soon enough!In our next episode, we'll be talking about Slewfoot by Brom as part of our #BookstagramMadeMeDoIt series, since we've been seing it everywhere!After that, we're attempting to tackle our TBRs and reading M Train by Patti Smith, which we both have physical copies of. That episode will be out April 29.And don't forget to read along with our current book club, Orwell's Roses by Rebecca Solnit.Books & Authors MentionedThe Windy City Series by Liz TomfordeElsie SilverA Five Letter Word for Love by Amy JamesHalf His Age by Jennette McCurdyA Box Full of Darkness by Simone St. JamesThis Is a Safe Space by Lucinda BerryCrushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age by Sophie Ansari, Nava Kavelin, and Penn BadgleyRebel Blue Ranch Series by Lyla SageSoul Searching by Lyla SagePlaying for Keeps series by Becka MackWhen We Spoke to the Dead: How Ghosts Gave American Women Their Voice by Ilise S. CarterWells Ranch Series by Bailey HannahSilver Pines Ranch Series by Paisley HopeAll the Missing Pieces by Catherine CowlesAnderson in Bloom by Jennifer DuganPassing by Nella LarsonThe Creative Act by Rick Rubin The Fountain by Casey ScieszkaSpoiled Milk by Avery CurranThe Changeling by Victor LaValleThe Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham JonesThis is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max GladstoneGame Changers Series by Rachel ReidProject Hail Mary by Andy WeirThe Lottery by Shirley JacksonThe Haunting of Hill House by Shirley JacksonWylding Hall by Elizabeth HandMy Heart Is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones
February who?! Don't worry about it. Happy Spring! We're talking about bugs and mud and all kinds of springy nature books, in addition to what we've read since January. Books Mentioned During This EpisodeGibson's Merch on our Bonfire Shop!2026 Reading Challenge on Storygraph!OTHER LINKSGibson's Bookstore Website Donate to the Bookstore! Check out our Events Calendar! Buy Gibson's Merch Gibson's InstagramThe Laydown InstagramFacebookTikTokLibro.fm Use the code LAYDOWN for 2 audiobooks for the price of 1! Jack of All Graves Book ClubEmail us at thelaydownpodcast@gmail.com
Tune in as Kate Hergott (Bookwild) circles back around to the program in order to explore The Paradox Hotel, the 2022 sci-fi mystery-thriller novel by Rob Hart that follows an ill and grief-stricken head of security for a luxury time-travel hotel, which becomes the site for a bloody corpse that's present and yet isn't at the same time. The cheerful sort of nihilism, sympathizing with January in all of her complicated facets, and the capitalistic evils of corporate and government forces provide some of the talking points for this episode.TW: death, murder, chronic illness, grief, drug use/drug abuse, violence, gun violence, animal death, racism, suicide attempt (in the past), suicidal ideation, self-harm, child neglect (in the past), homophobia, transphobia, vomit, and alcoholSpoilers start at 13:00Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastrHere's how you can learn more about Palestine and IsraelHere's how you can keep up-to-date on this genocideHere's how you can send eSIM cards to Palestinians in order to help them stay connected onlineGood Word:• Kate: The Hospital at the End of the World by Justin C. Key• Arthur: BoJack HorsemanReach out at email2centscritic@yahoo.com if you want to recommend things to watch and read, share anecdotes, or just say hello!Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes or any of your preferred podcasting platforms!Follow Arthur on Twitter, Goodpods, StoryGraph, Letterboxd, and TikTok: @arthur_ant18Follow Arthur on Bluesky: @arthur-ant18Follow the podcast on Twitter: @two_centscriticFollow the podcast on Instagram: @twocentscriticpodFollow Arthur on GoodreadsCheck out 2 Cents Critic Linktree
Today we are talking about chapter 26 of the Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas.EsGAYpe From Reality is officially moving to Patreon! We want to make it possible for everyone to keep listening, so you can use the code EFR33 to get 33% off your first month OR your first year! The Patreon version of this episode contains ~12 minutes of bonus content about the olympics, Bad Bunny, themed snacks, darning and mending, and goat milk baths. Timestamps for our real-world conversation: 00:37:23 to 00:42:01.If Jessie convinced you to use tarot instead of ChatGPT, here's Lark's tarot deck
Tune in as Gizmo (@basedgizmo) joins in for a plunge right into Last Night in Soho, the 2021 horror film about a fashion design student who's just moved to present-day London and gets all wrapped up in what appear to be initially glamorous and increasingly terrifying visions revolving around a young woman in the Swinging Sixties. The heavy inspiration that this draws from giallo, how this portrays men and their misogyny, and wishing Jocasta could have been fleshed out beyond her bully stereotype stand out as a few of the topics for this episode.Directed by Edgar Wright, Last Night in Soho stars Thomasin McKenzie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Michael Ajao, Synnøve Karlsen, Diana Rigg, Terence Stamp, Rita Tushingham, Pauline McLynn, Aimée Cassettari, Jessie Mei Li, Kassius Nelson, and Rebecca Harrod.Spoilers start at 22:55"Man Bad" Horror: A Feminist Autopsy from Infinite Snow Productions (beware full spoilers for the media featured in this video essay)Extras: Wide Angle Witness Cam - Last Night in SohoCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastrHere's how you can learn more about Palestine and IsraelHere's how you can keep up-to-date on this genocideHere's how you can send eSIM cards to Palestinians in order to help them stay connected onlineGood Word:• Gizmo: Peeping Tom• Arthur: Dead CalmReach out at email2centscritic@yahoo.com if you want to recommend things to watch and read, share anecdotes, or just say hello!Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes or any of your preferred podcasting platforms!Follow Arthur on Twitter, Goodpods, StoryGraph, Letterboxd, and TikTok: @arthur_ant18Follow Arthur on Bluesky: @arthur-ant18Follow the podcast on Twitter: @two_centscriticFollow the podcast on Instagram: @twocentscriticpodFollow Arthur on GoodreadsCheck out 2 Cents Critic Linktree
Once again I am sorry this episode is so late! I am really struggling to concentrate right now due to ~the horrors~ and I'm not sure what to do about that :(Today we are talking about chapters 24 & 25 of the Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas.The Patreon version of this episode contains ~11 minutes of bonus content about cryptids, Pope Rave, Heated Rivalry, and cozy food. Here are all the deets on the zine! If you're already signed up, the first round will go out on Tuesday! If you're a sticker club member yours will arrive with your sticker a bit later in the month.
Tune in as Jessica Hart (Opinionated Lushes) jumps back onto the show for a breakdown of Despicable Me, the 2010 animated movie about a super-villain who pursues a dastardly mission to prove that he's the best bad guy around by stealing the moon, all while having to deal with taking care of three orphaned girls. Gru standing out as a subversive antihero, dysfunctional family baggage, trying to lend some nuanced sympathy towards Miss Hattie, and longing for Agnes's innocence land as a few of the talking points for this episode.Directed by Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin, Despicable Me stars Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, Elsie Fisher, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud, Jemaine Clement, Jack McBrayer, Danny McBride, Mindy Kaling, and Rob Huebel.Spoilers start at 27:40Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastrHere's how you can learn more about Palestine and IsraelHere's how you can keep up-to-date on this genocideHere's how you can send eSIM cards to Palestinians in order to help them stay connected onlineGood Word:• Jessica: the Life Is Strange series, particularly Life Is Strange 2• Arthur: She-Ra and the Princesses of PowerReach out at email2centscritic@yahoo.com if you want to recommend things to watch and read, share anecdotes, or just say hello!Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes or any of your preferred podcasting platforms!Follow Arthur on Twitter, Goodpods, StoryGraph, Letterboxd, and TikTok: @arthur_ant18Follow Arthur on Bluesky: @arthur-ant18Follow the podcast on Twitter: @two_centscriticFollow the podcast on Instagram: @twocentscriticpodFollow Arthur on GoodreadsCheck out 2 Cents Critic Linktree
Tune in as Rolo Tony (@PoorOldRoloTony), who's a Vegas-Residency cohost on These Guys Got Juice, rejoins the podcast in order to navigate Predestination, the 2014 timey-wimey thriller about a time-traveling operative's efforts to defeat a terrorist and the repercussions that this mission ends up having in its own intricate fashion. Drawing connections from this film to Looper and Tenet, the ways in which a certain major aspect of the story have poorly aged, effective ways to borrow from Inception (like Trance) and unsuccessful ways to do the same thing (like Transcendence), and Sarah Snook's top-notch performance turn out to be some of the topics for this episode.Written and directed by Peter and Michael Spierig, Predestination stars Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook, Noah Taylor, Cate Wolfe, Christopher Kirby, Christopher Sommers, Christopher Stollery, Freya Stafford, Tyler Coppin, Madeleine West, and Christopher Bunworth.Spoilers start at 29:55How Predesination‘s Sarah Snook Tackled The Weirdest Love Story EverCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastrHere's how you can learn more about Palestine and IsraelHere's how you can keep up-to-date on this genocideHere's how you can send eSIM cards to Palestinians in order to help them stay connected onlineGood Word:• Rolo Tony: Timecrimes• Arthur: Cape Fear (1991)Reach out at email2centscritic@yahoo.com if you want to recommend things to watch and read, share anecdotes, or just say hello!Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes or any of your preferred podcasting platforms!Follow Arthur on Twitter, Goodpods, StoryGraph, Letterboxd, and TikTok: @arthur_ant18Follow Arthur on Bluesky: @arthur-ant18Follow the podcast on Twitter: @two_centscriticFollow the podcast on Instagram: @twocentscriticpodFollow Arthur on GoodreadsCheck out 2 Cents Critic Linktree
Today we are talking about chapter 23 of the Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas.The Patreon version of this episode contains ~10 minutes of bonus content about Teo's poor, tired wings, Jessie's newfound love of dates (the fruit), our love of Vietnamese food, Our Flag Means Death, and irl piracy.Here are all the deets on the zine! Here's the Storygraph readalong for The Sunbearer TrialsAnd here's the one for Celestial Monsters!Please consider joining our Patreon and/or sticker club! You can now give subscriptions as gifts as well!Find your hosts upon the internet:Check out Lark's art, his website, and his instagramFollow Jessie on instagram and BlueskyFollow the pod on Instagram and Bluesky!Send us your Cozy Corner content here
Paul, Kait, and Danny discuss some of their favorite “feel good” comics for the Reading Challenge Theme of the Month. They touch on newspaper classics, a film comic, and a newer release!Timestamps:00:00:00 - Start/Last Week in Comics00:01:51 - Youth Group00:09:52 - My Neighbor Totoro00:20:09 - Nancy00:33:17 - Carnet de Voyage00:37:20 - Universal Monsters: The Phantom of the Opera #100:41:55 - Discord Picks00:42:30 - A Drifting Life00:44:21 - WrapProducer: Kait Lamphere & Danny MartinezProoflistener: Nick WhiteEditor: Zander Riggs Music provided by Infinity Shred. Find them on Bandcamp.IRCB Avatars by @ICELEVELIRCB Logo by Kyle RoseSupport us on Patreon to get access to our Patreon-only series: IRCB Movie Club, Saga of Saga, Giant Days of Our Lives, A Better Batmobile, and more! patreon.com/ircbpodcastBuy a copy of our anniversary zine Totally Not A Cult: https://ircbpodcast.com/shop/p/totally-not-a-cult-zine-1Email: ircbpodcast@gmail.comTwitter: @ircbpodcastInstagram: @ircbpodcastDiscord: discordapp.com/invite/E8JUB9sReddit: ireadcomicbooks.reddit.comIRCB GoodreadsMerch: ircbpodcast.com/shop
Tune in as Cory McCullough, AKA Gory Cory (gorycory.net), re-collaborates with the program to review You're Next, the 2011 horror movie about a family reunion that seems like it will simply be a regular old gathering for this dysfunctional bunch… until a few homicidal home invaders wearing animal masks suddenly ambush the place. Comparing this flick to Ready or Not and Companion, filmmakers working with the same actors over and over, admiration for Erin, and the confusing logic behind why these home invaders would keep writing YOU'RE NEXT everywhere in blood emerge as some of the discussion matter on this episode.Directed by Adam Wingard, You're Next stars Sharni Vinson, Nicholas Tucci, AJ Bowen, Joe Swanberg, Wendy Glenn, Margaret Laney, Amy Seimetz, Rob Moran, Barbara Crampton, Ti West, L.C. Holt, Simon Barrett, Lane Hughes, Larry Fessenden, Kate Lyn Sheil, and Calvin Lee Reeder.Spoilers start at 27:35Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastrHere's how you can learn more about Palestine and IsraelHere's how you can keep up-to-date on this genocideHere's how you can send eSIM cards to Palestinians in order to help them stay connected onlineGood Word:• Cory: Queens of the Dead• Arthur: Bone LakeReach out at email2centscritic@yahoo.com if you want to recommend things to watch and read, share anecdotes, or just say hello!Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes or any of your preferred podcasting platforms!Follow Arthur on Twitter, Goodpods, StoryGraph, Letterboxd, and TikTok: @arthur_ant18Follow Arthur on Bluesky: @arthur-ant18Follow the podcast on Twitter: @two_centscriticFollow the podcast on Instagram: @twocentscriticpodFollow Arthur on GoodreadsCheck out 2 Cents Critic Linktree
In this reflective and refreshingly honest episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa is joined by well-known book influencer and paramedic Jules Swain for a conversation that goes far beyond algorithms, star ratings, and reading targets.What begins as a discussion about social media platforms — from X and Instagram to BookTok — quickly becomes a deeper exploration of burnout, pressure, and reclaiming reading as a joy rather than a performance.Together, Philippa and Jules talk about:Stepping back from social media and why it can be healthyThe pressure to post, review, and read “enough” booksWhy it's okay to DNF a book — and stop feeling guiltyStar ratings, negative reviews, and whether every book needs an opinionBookTok hype, genre oversaturation, and discovering fantasy unexpectedlyPhysical books vs e-readers vs audiobooksBuilding real-life book communities and local book clubsReading as escapism after emotionally demanding workJules also shares her most-loved books, her perfect reading day, thoughts on Goodreads vs StoryGraph, and settles the all-important biscuit debate (custard creams, for the record).A calming, thoughtful episode for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by bookish noise — and a reminder that reading is allowed to be slow, personal, and joyful.Follow Quick Book Reviews for book recommendations, author interviews, and weekly podcast episodes.
Tune in as Katrina (@katrinaslibrary) circles back around to 2CC so that she and Arthur can roll out their top ten books of 2025. Hoping that the growing subgenre of romantasy moves away from the likes of Rebecca Yarros and Sarah J. Maas, the importance of supporting armed resistance (including that which comes from Palestine), the deep flaws of Western liberalism, and the pervasive bigotry of anti-Asian racism and misogyny stand out as a few of the subjects on this episode.Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastrHere's how you can learn more about Palestine and IsraelHere's how you can keep up-to-date on this genocideHere's how you can send eSIM cards to Palestinians in order to help them stay connected onlineGood Word:• Katrina: Micro Rainbow• Arthur: The Third Rule of Time Travel by Philip Fracassi and Coffin Moon by Keith RossonReach out at email2centscritic@yahoo.com if you want to recommend things to watch and read, share anecdotes, or just say hello!Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes or any of your preferred podcasting platforms!Follow Arthur on Twitter, Goodpods, StoryGraph, Letterboxd, and TikTok: @arthur_ant18Follow Arthur on Bluesky: @arthur-ant18Follow the podcast on Twitter: @two_centscriticFollow the podcast on Instagram: @twocentscriticpodFollow Arthur on GoodreadsCheck out 2 Cents Critic Linktree
Today we are talking about chapter 22 of the Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas.The Patreon version of this episode contains ~8 minutes of bonus content about irl sidequests, autistic characters, and our “what nice things have you done lately” segment, featuring some cool foods we've made. Here are all the deets on the zine!Here's the Patreon membership giveaway!Here's the Storygraph readalong for The Sunbearer TrialsAnd here's the one for Celestial Monsters!Please consider joining our Patreon and/or sticker club! You can now give subscriptions as gifts as well!Find your hosts upon the internet:Check out Lark's art, his website, and his instagramFollow Jessie on instagram and BlueskyFollow the pod on Instagram and Bluesky!Send us your Cozy Corner content here
Jumping onboard the program today is Katherine Wela Bogen, who has just become a debut author by publishing Queering Him, a novel that takes you through the intense and messy relationship between Avra and Kieran. In addition, Katie is a clinical psychology PhD student and cohost of the political podcast SuperHumanizer, concentrating her energy on queerness, sexuality, sexual trauma, supporting Palestine, and more—all from her own bisexual and Jewish perspective. Biphobic attitudes, laying out the definitions of BDSM and kink, queer people having to operate outside of a traditional script for sex, appreciation for one of the best TV shows of 2025 (yes, it's Heated Rivalry), and what Katie has planned for Avra and Kieran's story in their future books comprise quite a bit of the conversation for this episode.Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastrHere's how you can learn more about Palestine and IsraelHere's how you can keep up-to-date on this genocideHere's how you can send eSIM cards to Palestinians in order to help them stay connected onlineKatie's Good Word: Delta of Venus by Anaïs NinReach out at email2centscritic@yahoo.com if you want to recommend things to watch and read, share anecdotes, or just say hello!Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes or any of your preferred podcasting platforms!Follow Arthur on Twitter, Goodpods, StoryGraph, Letterboxd, and TikTok: @arthur_ant18Follow Arthur on Bluesky: @arthur-ant18Follow the podcast on Twitter: @two_centscriticFollow the podcast on Instagram: @twocentscriticpodFollow Arthur on GoodreadsCheck out 2 Cents Critic Linktree
Tune in as Andy (Fat Dude Digs Flicks Movie Podcasts) regains his comfy old guest seat in order to unpack Dead Again, the 1991 neo-noir romantic thriller about a private investigator's mission to help an amnesiac and nonverbal woman recover her memories—a path that ends up uncovering a strange connection between her and a murder from several decades ago. Thoughts on Kenneth Branagh as a director, Robin Williams being talented enough to distract us from the exposition-dumping of his side role, showing love for the tropes of amnesia and hypnotism, and nostalgia for older thrillers from the 90s or so that were willing to go places (including Kiss the Girls and What Lies Beneath) arise as a few of the topics for this episode.Directed by Kenneth Branagh, Dead Again stars Branagh, Emma Thompson, Derek Jacobi, Wayne Knight, Andy Garcia, Robin Williams, Richard Easton, Jo Anderson, Hanna Schygulla, Campbell Scott, and Miriam Margolyes.Spoilers for What Lies Beneath start at 33:00 and end at 33:50Spoilers for Dead Again start at 34:40Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastrHere's how you can learn more about Palestine and IsraelHere's how you can keep up-to-date on this genocideHere's how you can send eSIM cards to Palestinians in order to help them stay connected onlineGood Word:• Andy: Candy Cain Kills and Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying by Brian McAuley• Arthur: Dinner in AmericaReach out at email2centscritic@yahoo.com if you want to recommend things to watch and read, share anecdotes, or just say hello!Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes or any of your preferred podcasting platforms!Follow Arthur on Twitter, Goodpods, StoryGraph, Letterboxd, and TikTok: @arthur_ant18Follow Arthur on Bluesky: @arthur-ant18Follow the podcast on Twitter: @two_centscriticFollow the podcast on Instagram: @twocentscriticpodFollow Arthur on GoodreadsCheck out 2 Cents Critic Linktree
It's 2026 and January has been a real year of a month. Take a break with us while we talk about what we've read so far, our favorite faves of last year, and this year's reading challenge! Books Mentioned During This Episode Ryan's Favorites of 2025Cait's Favorites of 2025Ashley's Favorites of 2025Gibson's Merch on our Bonfire Shop!2026 Reading Challenge on Storygraph!OTHER LINKSGibson's Bookstore Website Purchase Gift Certificates! Browse our Website by Category! Donate to the Bookstore! Check out our Events Calendar! Buy Gibson's Merch Gibson's InstagramThe Laydown InstagramFacebookBlueSkyTikTokLibro.fm Use the code LAYDOWN for 2 audiobooks for the price of 1! Jack of All Graves Book ClubEmail us at thelaydownpodcast@gmail.com
Tune in as Anna (@banananna024/@formergleek) jumps back into their guest seat so that she and Arthur can lay out their rankings of the top ten TV shows of 2025. Hollywood's campaign to blacklist Melissa Barrera, the relatability of Carol Sturka, defending Trinity Santos, and rejecting the incorrect opinion that Heated Rivalry is merely “yaoi slop” land as some of the discussion matter for this episode.Spoilers for The Studio: 00:41:10 to 00:41:20Spoilers for Severance, Season 2: 01:12:10 to 01:12:35Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastrHere's how you can learn more about Palestine and IsraelHere's how you can keep up-to-date on this genocideHere's how you can send eSIM cards to Palestinians in order to help them stay connected onlineGood Word:• Anna: My Lady Jane• Arthur: Charlie's Angels (2000)Reach out at email2centscritic@yahoo.com if you want to recommend things to watch and read, share anecdotes, or just say hello!Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes or any of your preferred podcasting platforms!Follow Arthur on Twitter, Goodpods, StoryGraph, Letterboxd, and TikTok: @arthur_ant18Follow Arthur on Bluesky: @arthur-ant18Follow the podcast on Twitter: @two_centscriticFollow the podcast on Instagram: @twocentscriticpodFollow Arthur on GoodreadsCheck out 2 Cents Critic Linktree
Episode 181 January 15, 2026 On the Needles ALL KNITTING LINKS GO TO RAVELRY UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. Please visit our Instagram page @craftcookreadrepeat for non-Rav photos and info Succulents 2025 Blanket CAL by Mallory Krall, Hue Loco DK in Hens & Chicks– DONE!! And started joining! Tentacula Cowl by Jenny Noto, Jems Luxe Fibers Monstrous Minis in Scylla –DONE! Gnandad's Grand Adventure by Sarah Schira, Little Squirrel Yarn Oak Sock in Gnandad's Adventure (skis!)-- DONE!! Gnot Just Another Gnome by Sarah Schira, KnitPicks Stroll Fingering in Hollyberry, KnitCircus Opulence in Badger Tracks Stripes, Sanguine Gryphon Skinny Bugga in Blue Emperor Dragonfly– DONE X2! Avena by Jennifer Steingass, Yarnaceous Fibers Brontosaurus DK in Starbies and Cup of Cheer minis Clapotis ‘24 by Kate Davies, Three Irish Girls Adorn Sock in Ainsley (original 23.8K, sharon mcmahon 3IG) On the Easel 12:16 Art travel kit–kit for the chaos. 100-Day composition studies Daily Joys Calendar mailing snafu?! On the Table 23:54 Simon Seared Sweet Potatoes With Chermoula Recipe Luxurious Pomodoro in a flash from Simple Pasta by Odette Williams Charred gai lan with black eyed peas and chile crisp vinaigrette from Linger Baechu Doenjang Guk (Cabbage and Doenjang Soup) from WaPo/Korean Vegan Key lime pie FIASCO (use the NYT recipe for frozen key lime pie, BUT bake for 15 minutes at 350F before refrigerating). Hot Honey tofu for rice bowls, etc. Chicken Meatballs from Smitten Kitchen–subbed out pancetta for MUSHROOM bouillon!! On the Nightstand 37:29 We are now a Bookshop.org affiliate! You can visit our shop to find books we've talked about or click on the links below. The books are supplied by local independent bookstores and a percentage goes to us at no cost to you! Noel Nook: Christmas People by Iva-Marie Palmer The Nightmare Before Kissmass by Sarah Raasch Christmas is All Around by Martha Waters The Isle in the Silver Sea by Tasha Suri Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall The Geographer's Map to Romance by India Holton Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman Nine Goblins by T. Kingfisher Welcome to Murder Week by Karen Dukess And Still I Rise by Maya Angelou Train Dreams by Denis Johnson (audio) Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett (audio) On the Calculation of Volume III by Solvej Balle trans by Sophia Hersi Smith and Jennifer Russell Flashlight by Susan Choi When Elodie grinned like that, shenanigans were almost certainly to ensue… The Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman The Art Thief by Michael Finkel The Book of I by David Grieg On the Horizon 57:37 2025 Needles: 10,608 yards in 33 projects ✔Succulents blanket CAL, ✔Colorwork cuff club Table: Great British bake off bakes Read: 181 books Repeat Read the World and Tacoma Extreme! Australia: ✔ Everyone in my family has killed someone Belgium ✔ War & Turpentine China ✔ Half a Lifelong Romance Egypt ✔ If an Egyptian cannot speak English Iceland: ✔? the Night Guest Kenya Malaysia Mexico ✔You Dreamed of Empires The Netherlands ✔The Discomfort of Evening The Philippines 2026 Needles: charity hats? Use yarn/patterns already have. Use stash patterns in general . year of dishcloths! Table: use stash cookbooks Nightstand: read stash books? Storygraph reads the world, genre, 52 books Afghanistan Albania Bulgaria Croatia France Iraq Morocco Senegal Sweden Thailand A short story collection in translation A nonfiction book about Indigenous history A queer historical romance novel A translated classic A young adult novel by a Latinx author A biography about a Black historical figure A crime novel set outside of the US, UK, or Canada A nonfiction book about philosophy A literary or contemporary debut published in 2026 The first book in a fantasy series Cortney's 2026: SEEK JOY theme Easel, etc. Paint my curiosities + stickers + paper newsletter?? Sewing: “museum outfits Table: joyful recipes, healthy, colorful, textural. Nightstand: more JOYFUL reads, maybe one a month, and plan ahead?
Today we are talking about chapter 21 of the Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas.The Patreon version of this episode contains ~6 minutes of bonus content about confusing terms of endearment and our “what nice things have you done lately” segment featuring birthday adventures (both Jessie's and Inigo Montoya's!)Here's the info about our new zine!Here's the Rufio sticker
Tune in as Kate Hergott (Bookwild) jumps onboard the program for a breakdown of Ace of Spades, the 2021 YA mystery-thriller book by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé that follows two Black students at a private school as they endure dogged harassment from an anonymous threat who's looking to expose their secrets and sabotage all the hard work they've put into creating a good life for themselves. Chiamaka being a Blair Waldorf type, the racialized element of Black people's hair, drawing connections between this novel and One Battle After Another, and a recommendation for the Peter Jackson film Heavenly Creatures turn out to be a few of the talking points on this episode.TW: racism, misogynoir, homophobia, outing of queer characters, death, murder, violence, car accident (in the past), gaslighting, emotional abuse, infidelity, implication of sexual assault (in the past), parental death (in the past), suicide attempt (in the past), suicidal ideation, drug use and abuse, alcohol, fire, vomit, and gun violenceSpoilers start at 19:25Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastrHere's how you can learn more about Palestine and IsraelHere's how you can keep up-to-date on this genocideHere's how you can send eSIM cards to Palestinians in order to help them stay connected onlineGood Word:• Kate: Heated Rivalry• Arthur: Anna and the ApocalypseReach out at email2centscritic@yahoo.com if you want to recommend things to watch and read, share anecdotes, or just say hello!Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes or any of your preferred podcasting platforms!Follow Arthur on Twitter, Goodpods, StoryGraph, Letterboxd, and TikTok: @arthur_ant18Follow Arthur on Bluesky: @arthur-ant18Follow the podcast on Twitter: @two_centscriticFollow the podcast on Instagram: @twocentscriticpodFollow Arthur on GoodreadsCheck out 2 Cents Critic Linktree
This week, Mike, Paloma, and Paul discuss some of their latest bargain bin picks in an episode commissioned by one of the show's listeners, Avocado Kenobi, aka Shane. Links:https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/92bfe182-4dc9-47ae-ad55-0ecf18ccdba2https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/25314-ircb-s-2026-reading-challengehttps://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/profile/eckospider/lists/145084/i-read-comic-books-podcast-2026-reading-challengeTimestamps:00:00:00 - Start/Last Week in Comics00:03:39 - What If #37 The Beast and The Thing Continued to Mutate?00:11:47 - Eddie Brock: Carnage #100:19:06 - 1963 #1-600:28:44 - Marvel Team Up #96 Spider-Man and Howard the Duck00:36:44 - Am I Actually The Strongest? Vol 100:49:06 - Discord Picks00:49:36 - DROME00:50:40 - Orange: The Complete Collection 100:53:44 - Tokyo Alien Bros VOL 0300:58:10 - WrapProducer: Mike Rapin & Kait LamphereProoflistener: Nick WhiteEditor: Zander Riggs Music provided by Infinity Shred. Find them on Bandcamp.IRCB Avatars by @ICELEVELIRCB Logo by Kyle RoseSupport us on Patreon to get access to our Patreon-only series: IRCB Movie Club, Saga of Saga, Giant Days of Our Lives, A Better Batmobile, and more! patreon.com/ircbpodcastBuy a copy of our anniversary zine Totally Not A Cult: https://ircbpodcast.com/shop/p/totally-not-a-cult-zine-1Email: ircbpodcast@gmail.comTwitter: @ircbpodcastInstagram: @ircbpodcastDiscord: discordapp.com/invite/E8JUB9sReddit: ireadcomicbooks.reddit.comIRCB GoodreadsMerch: ircbpodcast.com/shop
Tune in as Rolo Tony (@PoorOldRoloTony) hops back into his guest seat so that he and Arthur can dish out their rankings of the top ten movies of 2025. The hosts' honorable mentions, encouraging audiences to listen to Black people and Black women's perspectives on One Battle After Another, the punk rock nature of kindness and hope, and comparing If I Had Legs I'd Kick You to The Babadook and Nightbitch stand out as some of the talking points for this episode.Spoilers for The Long Walk: 23:00 to 23:10Spoilers for If I Had Legs I'd Kick You: 02:07:30 to 02:07:45Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastrHere's how you can learn more about Palestine and IsraelHere's how you can keep up-to-date on this genocideHere's how you can send eSIM cards to Palestinians in order to help them stay connected onlineGood Word:• Rolo Tony: Sister Midnight• Arthur: Wandance and Scatman (ski-ba-bop-ba-dop-bop) Official Video HD - Scatman JohnReach out at email2centscritic@yahoo.com if you want to recommend things to watch and read, share anecdotes, or just say hello!Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes or any of your preferred podcasting platforms!Follow Arthur on Twitter, Goodpods, StoryGraph, Letterboxd, and TikTok: @arthur_ant18Follow Arthur on Bluesky: @arthur-ant18Follow the podcast on Twitter: @two_centscriticFollow the podcast on Instagram: @twocentscriticpodFollow Arthur on GoodreadsCheck out 2 Cents Critic Linktree
Today we are talking about chapter 20 of the Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas.The Patreon version of this episode contains ~11 minutes of bonus content about Rufio, board games, shower thoughts about colors, and our “what nice things have you done lately” segment, featuring weird museums, art heists, and samosas.Here's the Rufio sticker, if you're interestedHere's the Storygraph readalong for The Sunbearer TrialsAnd here's the one for Celestial Monsters!Please consider joining our Patreon and/or sticker club! You can now give subscriptions as gifts as well!Find your hosts upon the internet:Check out Lark's art, his website, and his instagramFollow Jessie on instagram and BlueskyFollow the pod on Instagram and Bluesky!Send us your Cozy Corner content here
Today we are talking about chapter 19 of the Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas.The Patreon version of this episode contains ~7 minutes of bonus content about fun fall activities and an adorable spider moment (which was indeed the inspiration for this sticker!)We finally have the “Pit Bull Energy” sticker we've been promising! It's holographic and everything
The House of #EdTech SmackDown is back — and episode 265 delivers the 12th annual celebration of educator-shared tools, ideas, and inspiration. This fan-favorite episode brings together contributions from teachers, coaches, podcasters, and edtech leaders who share what made a real impact in classrooms and schools throughout 2025. From AI-powered writing feedback and study tools to creative multimedia platforms, productivity apps, and wellness tech, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can use right away. #EdTech Thought: Integration Isn't Seasonal I focused on a common trap in education: waiting for the "right time" to change practice. New semesters, new marking periods, or new years often feel like the natural moment to reset. But great technology integration doesn't follow a calendar. It happens incrementally, through reflection, experimentation, and iteration, even when the school year feels messy and unfinished. The takeaway is simple but powerful: You don't need permission from the calendar to teach differently tomorrow than you did today. The 2025 EdTech SmackDown Recommendations This year's SmackDown features a wide range of tools and ideas, spanning AI, creativity, productivity, assessment, and wellness. Chris's Recommendations Raina AI introduces creative ways to support studying and student engagement, including the concept of "Brain Rot" videos. Genially for interactive and gamified learning experiences. 123Apps as an all-in-one media creation toolkit. Chronicling America from the Library of Congress for primary source research. ICE - https://icemenubar.app/ Latest - https://max.codes/latest/ Rocket - https://matthewpalmer.net/rocket/ AI & Writing Support Beat the Computer (shared by Stephanie Howell) helps students improve writing by focusing on feedback and revision rather than replacement. Gemini is highlighted as a tools for educators, including writing Google Apps Scripts to automate workflows (Dan Gallagher). AI, Engagement & Study Tools Brisk Teaching and custom GPTs (shared by Dr. Dan Kreiness) demonstrate how AI can support instruction without removing teacher agency. Brainfreeze AI (Matt Miller) allows educators to build their own AI agents for classroom use. Creativity, Media & Design Canva Code and ongoing innovation within Microsoft 365 (Martin Byford). QuickTales (Batsheva Frankel), which blends audio storytelling with formative assessment. Adobe Express animations and digital signage workflows (Brian Carpenter). Content, Research & Instruction Wayground (Quizizz) for video-based instruction and AI-supported grading (Rebecca Autry). Desmos / Amplify phonics review tools (Linda Hummer). Derek Larson's Annual SmackDown Deep Dive No SmackDown episode would be complete without Derek Larson, who once again delivers a rapid-fire breakdown of tools and ideas educators should know about. This year's highlights include: Google Keep for organization and workflow StoryGraph for reading and reflection Instapaper for managing long-form content Teaching AI across multiple content areas Health and wellness apps like Capsule, Easy Fast, and Sleep++ Derek's segment reinforces an important theme of the episode: productivity and wellness tools matter just as much as classroom tools. You can explore Derek's curated archive of recommendations at https://appsmackdown.com House of #EdTech VIP: You The episode closes with the House of #EdTech VIP segment — and once again, the VIP is YOU the listener. I reflect on the fact that this podcast exists because educators are willing to share, contribute, and support one another. The SmackDown isn't just an episode; it's a snapshot of a professional community learning together.
This year's App Store Awards are shaking things up, spotlighting indie apps and clever tools for neurodivergent users, rather than corporate giants. Mikah and Rosemary break down which surprising winners deserve a spot on your home screen. • Timo: Neurodivergent-friendly AI planner wins iPhone App of the Year • Detail: Auto-editing video app takes iPad App of the Year • Essayist: Citation-powered writing app honored for Mac • Explore POV: Immersive video app wins Apple Vision Pro App of the Year • Strava: Fitness tracking app crowned Apple Watch App of the Year • HBO Max: Redesigned streaming app lands Apple TV App of the Year • Cultural Impact Awards: Be My Eyes, Focus Friend, Storygraph recognized • News: Apple leadership shakeups as key execs retire and Apple Fitness+ expands to 28 new markets • Shortcuts Corner: Automating HomeKit switch notifications and safety cutoffs Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
This year's App Store Awards are shaking things up, spotlighting indie apps and clever tools for neurodivergent users, rather than corporate giants. Mikah and Rosemary break down which surprising winners deserve a spot on your home screen. • Timo: Neurodivergent-friendly AI planner wins iPhone App of the Year • Detail: Auto-editing video app takes iPad App of the Year • Essayist: Citation-powered writing app honored for Mac • Explore POV: Immersive video app wins Apple Vision Pro App of the Year • Strava: Fitness tracking app crowned Apple Watch App of the Year • HBO Max: Redesigned streaming app lands Apple TV App of the Year • Cultural Impact Awards: Be My Eyes, Focus Friend, Storygraph recognized • News: Apple leadership shakeups as key execs retire and Apple Fitness+ expands to 28 new markets • Shortcuts Corner: Automating HomeKit switch notifications and safety cutoffs Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
This year's App Store Awards are shaking things up, spotlighting indie apps and clever tools for neurodivergent users, rather than corporate giants. Mikah and Rosemary break down which surprising winners deserve a spot on your home screen. • Timo: Neurodivergent-friendly AI planner wins iPhone App of the Year • Detail: Auto-editing video app takes iPad App of the Year • Essayist: Citation-powered writing app honored for Mac • Explore POV: Immersive video app wins Apple Vision Pro App of the Year • Strava: Fitness tracking app crowned Apple Watch App of the Year • HBO Max: Redesigned streaming app lands Apple TV App of the Year • Cultural Impact Awards: Be My Eyes, Focus Friend, Storygraph recognized • News: Apple leadership shakeups as key execs retire and Apple Fitness+ expands to 28 new markets • Shortcuts Corner: Automating HomeKit switch notifications and safety cutoffs Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
This year's App Store Awards are shaking things up, spotlighting indie apps and clever tools for neurodivergent users, rather than corporate giants. Mikah and Rosemary break down which surprising winners deserve a spot on your home screen. • Timo: Neurodivergent-friendly AI planner wins iPhone App of the Year • Detail: Auto-editing video app takes iPad App of the Year • Essayist: Citation-powered writing app honored for Mac • Explore POV: Immersive video app wins Apple Vision Pro App of the Year • Strava: Fitness tracking app crowned Apple Watch App of the Year • HBO Max: Redesigned streaming app lands Apple TV App of the Year • Cultural Impact Awards: Be My Eyes, Focus Friend, Storygraph recognized • News: Apple leadership shakeups as key execs retire and Apple Fitness+ expands to 28 new markets • Shortcuts Corner: Automating HomeKit switch notifications and safety cutoffs Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
It's the last episode of the year, and Ryan and Ashley are going through the 2025 Reading Challenge! Books Mentioned During This Episode (Full List Coming Soon!) Gibson's Merch on our Bonfire Shop! 2025 Reading Challenge on Storygraph! OTHER LINKS Gibson's Bookstore Website Purchase Gift Certificates! Browse our Website by Category! Donate to the Bookstore! Check out our Events Calendar! Buy Gibson's Merch Gibson's Instagram The Laydown Instagram Facebook BlueSky TikTok Libro.fm Use the code LAYDOWN for 2 audiobooks for the price of 1! Jack of All Graves Book Club Email us at thelaydownpodcast@gmail.com
On this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Kaytee are discussing: Bookish Moments: overwhelming feelings when reading and finding book twins Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we've been reading lately Deep Dive: how to organize all the book recommendation sources we come across The Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading lives Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site). . . . 2:09 - Our Bookish Moments of the Week 4:25 - The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow 8:40 - @kaitlynmlilly on instagram 8:41 - @klill01 on TikTok 9:22 - God of the Woods by Liz Moore 10:43 - Our Current Reads 10:49 - The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin (Kaytee) 11:15 - The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin 15:25 - Life, and Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo (Meredith) 16:35 - Katabasis by R.F. Kuang 20:06 - Of Boys and Men by Richard Reeves (Kaytee) 20:13 - The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 26:30 - Forensics by Val McDermid (Meredith) 27:46 - Foyles 32:53 - I, Medusa by Ayana Gray (Kaytee) 33:03 - Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes 35:04 - Beast of Prey by Ayana Gray 36:40 - The Creeping Hand Murder by Maureen Johnson and Jay Cooper (Meredith) 38:11 - Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson 38:17 - Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village by Maureen Johnson and Jay Cooper 41:09 - Murdle by G.T. Karber 42:34 - Organizing Recommendation Sources 43:56 - Currently Reading Patreon 47:21 - @kaitlynmlilly on instagram 48:18 - Fabled Bookshop 51:44 - Literally, A Bookshop 52:37 - Goodreads 52:38 - The Storygraph 57:44 - Meet Us At The Fountain 57:49 - I wish we gave ourselves grace to start small in our reading lives. (Kaytee) 59:04 - I wish you all knew that you can sort podcasts from oldest to newest in Apple Podcasts. (Meredith) 1:01:27 - Crime Time FM podcast Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. December's IPL is a recap of the year with Kaytee and Meredith. Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business. All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor's Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Kaytee | Mary | Roxanna Production and Editing: Megan Phouthavong Evans Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!
Today we are talking about chapter 18 of the Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas.The Patreon version of this episode contains ~7 minutes of bonus content about ceramics class and a tree that helped restore our faith in humanity a bit.Use the code GAYYULETIDE to get 15% off annual patreon/sticker club memberships - this applies to upgrades to current memberships too (I think)!Check out all of our new merch hereRead our Punk Guides here, or download them hereThis is the Jaguar instrument Jessie talked about in the episode.Follow the pod on Instagram and BlueskyHere's the Storygraph readalong for The Sunbearer TrialsAnd here's the one for Celestial Monsters!Find your hosts upon the internet:Check out Lark's art, his website, and his instagramFollow Jessie on instagram and BlueskySend us your Cozy Corner content here
Content warning straight off the top for this one! Both for the actual content, in which Becca recommends a terrible tv show and for the book, which is described as being erotic, and then also a big warning for us being disorganized and confused. We are getting our groove back, please be patient. If you're still listening to us, we love you, and we are in love with you. Next episode will be our Year in Review. If you want to read along with The Bookstore Challenge 2024, you can join us on The StoryGraph to see what others are reading for each month and get ideas for your TBR: The Bookstore Challenge 2025. Get two audiobook credits for the price of one at Libro.fm when you sign up using the code BOOKSTOREPOD. Website | Patreon
Today we are talking about chapter 17 of the Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas.The Patreon version of this episode contains ~9 minutes of bonus content about many kinds of delicious food and an epic trip to the zoo. Here's the Storygraph readalong for The Sunbearer TrialsAnd here's the one for Celestial Monsters!Please consider joining our Patreon and/or sticker club! You can now give subscriptions as gifts as well!Find your hosts upon the internet:Check out Lark's art, his website, and his instagramFollow Jessie on instagram and BlueskyFollow the pod on Instagram and Bluesky!Send us your Cozy Corner content here