Podcasts about Twain

Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again.......In this episode, Charlie Higson examines a reign that could be filed under 'Not Very Successful', lasting only 3 years and being ended by his daughter and son-in-law.Helping Charlie understand our last catholic king is 'proper' historian Rebecca Rideal, author of 1666 Plague War and Hellfire Also don't forget that Charlie's book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is now available in Paperback, with illustrations by Jim Moir, or Vic Reeves as you may know him.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Willie-Harry-Stee-brand-new-hilarious/dp/0008741050 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we take a look at two novels that were on last year's reading list. Why are we revisiting them? Because we only read a couple of chapters of each one, and that wasn't enough!First up, Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I shared last year that this was one I only had bad memories of from high school, but rediscovering it as an adult was a real treat. In particular, we talk about:The centrality of Huck's relationship with Jim, and how Huck grows and changesTwain's remarkable use of vernacularThe vivid locations and their relationship to Twain's earlier writingFinally, we get into the details of the ending—it's fairly controversial. Did Twain rush the ending or did he mean it as a warning on the nature of change?Then we move on to Gabriel Garcia-Marquez' One Hundred Years of Solitude. This is a beautiful book, not for everyone but certainly a great book. We discuss:Generational novels, and how the structure cyclical patterns and repeated names creates a dreamlike mood for this novelHow the magical realism here emerges as a natural part of the environment and not through any apparent supernatural activityVarious tensions, like isolation and connection, or ephemerality and stability, that are at work both in the family and the town of Macondo.Whether the town of Macondo is itself the main character of the novel.Finally, we end with a couple of things I've learned lately that are improving my reading. First, I've started to recognize that writing a little about each book helps me to resolve what I think about that book. Second, great (and even good) books tend to illuminate each other, making your world bigger, while less worthy books tend to run together. Another argument for great books!LINKThe complete list of Crack the Book Episodes: https://cheryldrury.substack.com/p/crack-the-book-start-here?r=u3t2rCONNECTTo read more of my writing, visit my Substack - https://www.cheryldrury.substack.com.Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/Like what you heard? Buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/crackthebookLISTENSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bdApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crack-the-book/id1749793321Captivate - https://crackthebook.captivate.fmAll links to Amazon are affiliate links.

"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" introduced readers to characters inspired by the childhood of its author Mark Twain. June 9 is the 150th anniversary of the book's publication in 1876. Multiple events are planned in Twain's hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, marking the book's real-life setting and literary impact. Mark Schneider, development and marketing manager at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in Hannibal, talks about the history of Twain's book, its unique place in American culture and history, and why its language, characters and lessons remain relevant today – and hotly debated.

Walsh talks D-backs, hitting, pitching, and Ketel Marte.

The Mechbay talks about their initial impressions and thoughts on Hot Spot: Draconis Reach for BattleTech.Buy a Mechbay Shirt HereTalk with the Mechbay and other BattleTech fans on their DiscordArchonsJeremy "Splash" Johnson piloting Starslayer 3CCataphract 40 piloting Nightstar NSR-9JJohn "Kill 5000 Crab-Backs" WeitzelAron "Skyfox" SergeantAndrew WeisnerJacob HassSam "DesertDream2" BurlingDanny "Kyro" Loss piloting Flashman FLS-8KWill DontaJolly Tall GuyAshpinMechwarriorsDuncan RhodesBob piloting Chimera CMA-2KMagnum Danger piloting Aquagladius AQS-3Byzantine FalconDouglas McAuliffeChad "Storm" Evans piloting Hatchetman HCT-8SRex "Redneck" Rawhide piloting Sarath-OBEric SmailysJordan CooperAnthony EmmelPaul DennisScot PickeringNic SarnaOreio8991Gustavo ArchilaJohn SchmidtDave RombergerAaron CahallGrimnarKeith DennardChris CannonMike AshkeweTom UnanimousDouglas TriggsEd "Ironmag" Magilton  Highlander WHM-7AVhaelunDouglas TriggsNate PalmerJack the JaqattackDJ SkinnyEric SmailysJeff CampbellSteakWilson McBurns (Certified Mech Foot Actuator Inspector)Matt "Cross Electric Designs"Masonic BoomKyle NelsonWargaming WanderlustGeoffrey CampitielloHanse DavionEric MaderDoug OrrGM PhilEugene GonzalesGrilled SneezeCadetsChris "Jesty" Pribanick HammerheadThomas Klinkhammer piloting a Longbow 13CJohn HaynesStewart HughesTravis GistUncrezamatic "Whizard"Bob ArensMatt LeBaronDonald LookerMitch "Minotaur" Grant piloting Thunderbolt 5SEHarris "Ramshackle"  piloting Cataphract CTF-4LMetalEdJohn GarnierRichardKZDavidZach Torrence "Metalzarak" piloting Black Hawk HLawrence FranchiniTom BoveeJanine NicholsTim KleinschrotScott BoehmerDavid RaynesDan ACarl ZacharyDavid SeletynSteve MaiselPiotrJ. Allen HammerChris "Twain" Dasher" MontgomeryBen JumperBlunder DomeChad A LynemaArthur GarlickAaron Rasalhague ForeverTravis CallanHonicScot PickeringPhil "Phaz" AbramowitzMage "12th Veygan" "Nightstar NSR-9J" RangerThe Goose Whisperer - Thunderbolt TDR-5Seth - Whitefox - Executioner GZemerCarlos AnguizolaSteakDominic BuloneJames ElliotMichael BryantChris BuryAndrew HodgesConnor KirchhofEric DacusPete NoveriniLance DavisJacob HassLotspeechJoshua FranklinJacob IrbyAndrew HeyZeus Jahnke piloting MON-66bMatthew BradyRobot ParkingAn Actual RobotAdam MacMichael LepchenskeCory FooteWilliam RPeter Kahlejafr86KaiserFalklurski LispersPromethious7William BeckEric MaderDoug Orr

AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports the Kennedy Center has unveiled both its new branding and the speakers who will help honor Bill Maher, who has feuded with President Trump.

Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie.....And so, after an 11 year gap, Britain goes from puritan republic to the land of randy rakes, headed up by Charles II.Charlie Higson regales us with the story of a man who loved ladies, laziness and.....well, that was about it really.And, to make it a triplet of Charles', Lord Charles Spencer author of 'Blenheim' and 'To Catch A King' joins as this episodes 'Proper' Historian.Speaking of books, Charlie's book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is available NOW in all book shops. Big ones, small ones, even those that online ones! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Twain was America's first literary celebrity, a master of his craft whose legacy hangs over our literary tradition. Twain's words captured the nation's imagination because the life he led touched on so many aspects of the American experience. He wrote about racism, war, and the country's western frontier as well as its growing urban centers because he witnessed firsthand the growth and turmoil of the United States in the 19th century. Acclaimed biographer Ron Chernow sits down with David Rubenstein to discuss the complex life of the American literary giant.Recorded on May 27, 2025

A live crossover podcasting event with the This Guy Sucked podcast, hosted at the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut. The question is not only whether and how much Mark Twain might have sucked, but also the potential for Twain's complex legacy to be altered by politics, propaganda, education, and scholarship. Cast (in order of appearance): Matt Seybold, Claire Aubin, Erin Bartram Date Recorded: May 6, 2026 Music: Danny Weiss Quartet For more about this episode, please visit ThisGuySucked.com or TheAmericanVandal.substack.com

Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie......Charles The 1st, a king so bad he got himself executed and almost finished the Monarchy off for good.But, of course, the story isn't that simple. Luckily for us, Charlie Higson unpicks his life with the help of Leanda De Lisle, historian and author of Henrietta Maria, Conspirator, Warrior, Phoenix Queen. Also don't forget that Charlie's book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now, with illustrations by Jim Moir, or Vic Reeves as you may know him.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Willie-Harry-Stee-brand-new-hilarious/dp/0008741050 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mechbay talks about the Boogey men of BattleTech, Battle Armor. UK Games Expo LinkBuy a Mechbay Shirt HereTalk with the Mechbay and other BattleTech fans on their DiscordArchonsJeremy "Splash" Johnson piloting Starslayer 3CCataphract 40 piloting Nightstar NSR-9JJohn "Kill 5000 Crab-Backs" WeitzelAron "Skyfox" SergeantAndrew WeisnerJacob HassSam "DesertDream2" BurlingDanny "Kyro" Loss piloting Flashman FLS-8KWill DontaJolly Tall GuyAshpinMechwarriorsDuncan RhodesBob piloting Chimera CMA-2KMagnum Danger piloting Aquagladius AQS-3Byzantine FalconDouglas McAuliffeChad "Storm" Evans piloting Hatchetman HCT-8SRex "Redneck" Rawhide piloting Sarath-OBEric SmailysJordan CooperAnthony EmmelPaul DennisScot PickeringNic SarnaOreio8991Gustavo ArchilaJohn SchmidtDave RombergerAaron CahallGrimnarKeith DennardChris CannonMike AshkeweTom UnanimousDouglas TriggsEd "Ironmag" Magilton  Highlander WHM-7AVhaelunDouglas TriggsNate PalmerJack the JaqattackDJ SkinnyEric SmailysJeff CampbellSteakWilson McBurns (Certified Mech Foot Actuator Inspector)Matt "Cross Electric Designs"Masonic BoomKyle NelsonWargaming WanderlustGeoffrey CampitielloHanse DavionEric MaderDoug OrrGM PhilEugene GonzalesGrilled SneezeCadetsChris "Jesty" Pribanick HammerheadThomas Klinkhammer piloting a Longbow 13CJohn HaynesStewart HughesTravis GistUncrezamatic "Whizard"Bob ArensMatt LeBaronDonald LookerMitch "Minotaur" Grant piloting Thunderbolt 5SEHarris "Ramshackle"  piloting Cataphract CTF-4LMetalEdJohn GarnierRichardKZDavidZach Torrence "Metalzarak" piloting Black Hawk HLawrence FranchiniTom BoveeJanine NicholsTim KleinschrotScott BoehmerDavid RaynesDan ACarl ZacharyDavid SeletynSteve MaiselPiotrJ. Allen HammerChris "Twain" Dasher" MontgomeryBen JumperBlunder DomeChad A LynemaArthur GarlickAaron Rasalhague ForeverTravis CallanHonicScot PickeringPhil "Phaz" AbramowitzMage "12th Veygan" "Nightstar NSR-9J" RangerThe Goose Whisperer - Thunderbolt TDR-5Seth - Whitefox - Executioner GZemerCarlos AnguizolaSteakDominic BuloneJames ElliotMichael BryantChris BuryAndrew HodgesConnor KirchhofEric DacusPete NoveriniLance DavisJacob HassLotspeechJoshua FranklinJacob IrbyAndrew HeyZeus Jahnke piloting MON-66bMatthew BradyRobot ParkingAn Actual RobotAdam MacMichael LepchenskeCory FooteWilliam RPeter Kahlejafr86KaiserFalklurski LispersPromethious7William BeckEric MaderDoug Orr

Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain.......As we wave goodbye to the Tudors, we usher in the Stuarts for an episode of plotting, gunpowder or otherwise.In the 'proper historians' chair this week, we welcome Clare Jackson, author of Devil-land - England Under Siege - 1588 to 1688 and who is currently writing a book on James VI & I Also don't forget that Charlie's book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now, with illustrations by Jim Moir, or Vic Reeves as you may know him.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Willie-Harry-Stee-brand-new-hilarious/dp/0008741050 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Walsh talks about the Diamondbacks' struggling offense, Zac Gallen, and more.

Send us Fan MailToday on The Prather Point LIVE at 2 pm ET on:https://rumble.com/v79j29y-aliens-are-already-here-20000000-of-em.htmlTODAY IS AMERICA'S NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER — PRAY!AS ZIONISM SCAM FAILS PASTORS PROMO ALIENS!TWAIN'S CAPT STORMFIELD'S HEAVEN TRIP!COULD WE EVEN RECOGNIZE TRUE ALIENS?ALIENS VS ANGELS, TOMAYTOE, TOMATO!TRULY TRANS -DIMENSIONAL BEINGS!

Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie......It's part 2 of the story of Good Queen Bess, Elizabeth I and there's a lot to fit in. Plots, suitors, even an Armada and she survives them all.Joining Charlie Higson as he navigates her life is Tracy Borman, self confessed Elizabeth I super-fan and author of Elizabeth's Women: The Hidden Story of the Virgin QueenSpeaking of books, Charlie's book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is available NOW in all book shops. Big ones, small ones, even those that online ones! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie......Yes, in this episode, Charlie Higson uncovers the life of one of the best known of all the Monarchs, Queen Elizabeth I. And it's a long life, so long in fact that it requires 2 episodes to fit it all in.In Part 1, Charlie takes us from her birth through to taking the throne, helped along by the welcome return of Tracy Borman author of Elizabeth's Women: The Hidden Story of the Virgin Queen and do remember that Charlie's book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is available NOW in all book shops. Yes! All of them! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the summer of 1985 a military family moved onto a hundred-acre farm in Dent County, Missouri, deep in the Ozarks, backed up against thousands of acres of national forest. Their twelve-year-old son spent the first weeks exploring the property and felt completely at home in the woods until the day something changed.A heavy sense of being watched. Massive canine tracks along the creek that dwarfed anything he'd ever seen. Vocalizations at night that carried across the valley and sounded like nothing he could identify. His father dismissed it at first, but when the family's goats started disappearing and the evidence pointed to a large, aggressive predator tearing through fencing and dragging animals into the timber, he couldn't ignore it anymore.The situation escalated through the summer until one September night, under the glare of floodlights, the entire family stood at their living room window and watched something step out of the tree line that none of them have ever been able to explain.This is Kevin's story, told for the first time in forty years.Have you experienced a Bigfoot sighting, Sasquatch encounter, Dogman experience, UFO sighting, or any unexplained cryptid or paranormal event deep in the woods? We want to hear your story.Email your encounter to brian@paranormalworldproductions.com for a chance to be featured on a future episode of Backwoods Bigfoot Stories.Backwoods Bigfoot Stories is a paranormal storytelling podcast featuring real Bigfoot encounters, Sasquatch sightings, Dogman reports, cryptid experiences, and true scary stories from the backwoods.Follow the show and turn on automatic downloads so you never miss a chilling encounter from the forest. Listen with the lights off… if you dare.

The Mechbay recaps their Battles at the Brawl in The Bluegrass Tournament in Lexington KY.Buy a Mechbay Shirt HereTalk with the Mechbay and other BattleTech fans on their DiscordArchonsJeremy "Splash" Johnson piloting Starslayer 3CCataphract 40 piloting Nightstar NSR-9JJohn "Kill 5000 Crab-Backs" WeitzelAron "Skyfox" SergeantAndrew WeisnerJacob HassSam "DesertDream2" BurlingDanny "Kyro" Loss piloting Flashman FLS-8KWill DontaJolly Tall GuyAshpinMechwarriorsDuncan RhodesBob piloting Chimera CMA-2KMagnum Danger piloting Aquagladius AQS-3Byzantine FalconDouglas McAuliffeChad "Storm" Evans piloting Hatchetman HCT-8SRex "Redneck" Rawhide piloting Sarath-OBEric SmailysJordan CooperAnthony EmmelPaul DennisScot PickeringNic SarnaOreio8991Gustavo ArchilaJohn SchmidtDave RombergerAaron CahallGrimnarKeith DennardChris CannonMike AshkeweTom UnanimousDouglas TriggsEd "Ironmag" Magilton  Highlander WHM-7AVhaelunDouglas TriggsNate PalmerJack the JaqattackDJ SkinnyEric SmailysJeff CampbellSteakWilson McBurns (Certified Mech Foot Actuator Inspector)Matt "Cross Electric Designs"Masonic BoomKyle NelsonWargaming WanderlustGeoffrey CampitielloHanse DavionEric MaderDoug OrrGM PhilEugene GonzalesGrilled SneezeCadetsChris "Jesty" Pribanick HammerheadThomas Klinkhammer piloting a Longbow 13CJohn HaynesStewart HughesTravis GistUncrezamatic "Whizard"Bob ArensMatt LeBaronDonald LookerMitch "Minotaur" Grant piloting Thunderbolt 5SEHarris "Ramshackle"  piloting Cataphract CTF-4LMetalEdJohn GarnierRichardKZDavidZach Torrence "Metalzarak" piloting Black Hawk HLawrence FranchiniTom BoveeJanine NicholsTim KleinschrotScott BoehmerDavid RaynesDan ACarl ZacharyDavid SeletynSteve MaiselPiotrJ. Allen HammerChris "Twain" Dasher" MontgomeryBen JumperBlunder DomeChad A LynemaArthur GarlickAaron Rasalhague ForeverTravis CallanHonicScot PickeringPhil "Phaz" AbramowitzMage "12th Veygan" "Nightstar NSR-9J" RangerThe Goose Whisperer - Thunderbolt TDR-5Seth - Whitefox - Executioner GZemerCarlos AnguizolaSteakDominic BuloneJames ElliotMichael BryantChris BuryAndrew HodgesConnor KirchhofEric DacusPete NoveriniLance DavisJacob HassLotspeechJoshua FranklinJacob IrbyAndrew HeyZeus Jahnke piloting MON-66bMatthew BradyRobot ParkingAn Actual RobotAdam MacMichael LepchenskeCory FooteWilliam RPeter Kahlejafr86KaiserFalklurski LispersPromethious7William BeckEric MaderDoug Orr

Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary.......Welcome to our first official Queen as Charlie Higson uncovers the life of Mary I, who, as we saw last episode, quickly saw off Lady Jane Grey before equally quickly seeing off the protestant reformation......for a while at least.But was she really that 'bloody'? To help Charlie find out is his 'proper historian', Alexander Samson, author of Mary & Philip - The Marriage Of Tudor England & Hapsburg Spain Also don't forget that Charlie's book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now, with illustrations by Jim Moir, or Vic Reeves as you may know him.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Willie-Harry-Stee-brand-new-hilarious/dp/0008741050 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Double Barrelled Detective Story is a novel by Mark Twain, in which Sherlock Holmes finds himself in the American west. At a mining camp in California, Fetlock Jones, a nephew of Sherlock Holmes, kills his master, a silver-miner, by blowing up his cabin. Since this occurs when Holmes happens to be visiting, he brings his skills to bear upon the case and arrives at logically worked conclusions that are proved to be abysmally wrong by an amateur detective with an extremely keen sense of smell, which he employs in solving the case. This could be seen as yet another piece where Twain tries to prove that life does not quite follow logic. (From Wikipedia.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A Double Barrelled Detective Story is a novel by Mark Twain, in which Sherlock Holmes finds himself in the American west. At a mining camp in California, Fetlock Jones, a nephew of Sherlock Holmes, kills his master, a silver-miner, by blowing up his cabin. Since this occurs when Holmes happens to be visiting, he brings his skills to bear upon the case and arrives at logically worked conclusions that are proved to be abysmally wrong by an amateur detective with an extremely keen sense of smell, which he employs in solving the case. This could be seen as yet another piece where Twain tries to prove that life does not quite follow logic. (From Wikipedia.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Send us Fan MailWhich of these historical deaths do you find the most bizarre? Let us know in the comments! If you enjoyed this deep dive into history's strangest moments, make sure to hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications for more episodes of The Days.Welcome to a "thrilling" new episode of The Days with your hosts Brian Michael Day and Cory Day. This month, we are diving into "April Absurdities," a countdown of famous and significant figures who met their end in the month of April in some of the weirdest or most tragic ways imaginable.We kick things off with the heartbreaking and ironic death of soul legend Marvin Gaye, who was tragically shot by his father on April 1, 1984—just one day before his 45th birthday. We explore the family conflict and the chilling fact that the weapon used was a gift from Marvin himself.Next, we look at the literary legend Mark Twain, who famously predicted his own departure. Born during the appearance of Halley's Comet in 1835, Twain insisted he would "go out with it" when it returned in 1910. His prediction was eerily accurate, passing away just one day after the comet's closest approach to the sun.The absurdity continues with King Charles VIII of France, a "short king" who met his demise at age 27 after a violent run-in with a low doorway (a lintel) at the Royal Chateau of Amboise. Was it a brain hemorrhage or, as some thought at the time, the work of the devil?.Finally, we discuss Francis Bacon, the "father of empiricism," whose commitment to science may have led to his fatal case of pneumonia in April 1626.Whether it's ironic timing, eerie predictions, or literal architectural hazards, these stories remind us that history is often stranger than fiction. Stick around until the end as we rank these deaths from "avoidable" to "downright spooky."TIMELINE: 00:00 - Introduction to April Absurdities 02:51 - Death #1: The Tragic Irony of Marvin Gaye 07:52 - Death #2: Mark Twain's Comet Prediction 14:58 - Death #3: King Charles VIII and the Low Doorway 20:48 - Death #4: Francis Bacon and the Cost of Science [The Days Grimm Podcast Links]- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDaysGrimm- Our link tree: linktr.ee/Thedaysgrimm- GoFundMe account for The Days Grimm: https://gofund.me/02527e7c [The Days Grimm is brought to you by]Sadness & ADHD (non-medicated)

From 2010 - We speak with one of the editors of "Autobiography of Mark Twain: the Complete and Authoritative Edition." Twain stipulated in his will that the work he had done on his autobiography could not be released to the public in complete form until 100 years after his death. 2010 marked the release of the first of the three volumes that comprise the autobiography. It yields remarkable insights into the life of one of the most unique and creative figures in American history.

As you heard last week on April 1st, the focus was on quotes about April Fool's Day. Then on Friday, I decided I would do some more quotes about fools. However, I got so into talking about the first quote that I only did that one quote in Friday's episode. Therefore, I decided to do the rest of the quotes I have on fools this week. Today, we finish up this little series with three more quotes about fools and foolishness from three heavy hitters. As always, I am so grateful to all of you who support the podcast! I do this show because of you. While I enjoy the quotes myself, I do this podcast because many of you who are looking for inspiration and impact from these quotes come back and listen to it on a consistent basis. Thanks to all of you for being a huge part of this journey! In order to help me keep this journey going, please consider becoming a supporter of the show. You can donate to the show by clicking on the link below.Support the showFor more information to help you on your road to becoming your best, check us out at SlamDunkSuccess.com or email me at scott@slamdunksuccess.com.Our new background music, starting with Episode 300, is "Pulse of Time - Corporate Rock" by TunePocket.Our background music for the first 5 years of the podcast was "Dance in the Sun" by Krisztian Vass.

This episode got a little off the rails. But I have to say my opinion. The whiskey world is changing, and in some aspects not for the better. Anyway you just gotta listen along. Hope you enjoy.Patreon.com/offtopicwhiskeyBadmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw=="Why are we still doing this? Why are grown adults camping in lawn chairs for 48 hours just to snag a bottle of Weller Special Reserve that used to be a $20 rail pour? Welcome to the podcast that refuses to 'tater.' We're over the unopened 'trophy' bottles, the $500 secondary markups on $60 juice, and the 'lap photos' from the liquor store parking lot. If you're ready to actually open your bottles and stop chasing stickers, you've found your home.""Bourbon used to be the people's drink. Now, it's a speculative asset class. We're ranted out on Non-Age Stated (NAS) releases that cost more than my first car and 'sourced' bottles with a fancy label but zero transparency. On this show, we're calling out the $200 'limited releases' that are really just collecting dust on shelves because the bubble is finally bursting. We're here for the honest pours—the bottled-in-bond classics and the shelf-staples that don't require a lottery win to taste.""If one more person tells me they're getting 'hints of new tennis ball' or 'sun-dried goat cheese' in their bourbon, I'm pouring their glass down the drain. Bourbon is corn, rye, and oak—it's not a chemistry set. We're tired of the gatekeepers who make you feel like a 'jerk' for not tasting 'caramelized angel farts' or for—God forbid—putting a single cube of ice in your glass. This is a podcast for people who love bourbon, hate the snobbery, and just want to know what actually tastes good."A rant is a long, angry, or passionate speech or piece of writing. It often involves complaining loudly and at length about something, sometimes in a way that is seen as uncontrolled, exaggerated, or even nonsensical.Key CharacteristicsTone: Typically angry, vehement, or emotionally charged.Length: Usually long-winded and detailed.Purpose: To vent frustration, express a strong opinion, or criticize something—often a specific person, policy, or situation.Common UsageVerb: "He was ranting about the price of gas for the entire meal".Noun: "She launched into a ten-minute rant against the government".Idiom: To "rant and rave" means to talk loudly and angrily in a very uncontrolled or excessive way.SynonymsIf you're looking for similar words, you might use:Tirade: A long, angry speech of criticism or accusation.Diatribe: A forceful and bitter verbal attack.Harangue: A lengthy and aggressive speech.While a rant is often seen as negative or annoying to the listener, it can also be a way for someone to express deep-seated passion or frustration about a topic they care about.In both literature and social media, rants serve as a powerful tool for venting frustration, though they differ in their structure and delivery.Rants in LiteratureIn literature, rants are often used to define a character's deep-seated values or to highlight a societal flaw. They are typically structured and high-stakes.Jane Eyre (Jane Eyre): Jane's famous "Do you think I am an automaton?" speech to Mr. Rochester is a powerful feminist rant against being treated as a machine without feelings.Holden Caulfield (The Catcher in the Rye): The novel is filled with "virtuoso rants" about everything from "phonies" to the Lunts.Mark Twain (Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences): This entire essay is essentially a literary rant where Twain meticulously skewers James Fenimore Cooper's writing, famously noting he scored 114 offenses out of a possible 115.King Lear (Shakespeare): Lear's "Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks!" is a classic example of a character's descent into an emotional, uncontrolled rant against the world.

Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The LadHenry VIII's only legitimate son is crowned King at 9 years old and as Charlie Higson discovers, his should have been the perfect reign, but it will come as no surprise to find out that things didn't go according to plan.Helping Charlie is this episodes proper historian, Stephen Alford who wrote about Edward for Penguin Books 'Monarch' series as well as authoring his highly acclaimed book 'The Watchers: A Secret History of the Reign of Elizabeth' And of course, if you like books, remember to get your copy of 'Willie WIllie Harry Stee' by Charlie, available now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Bryan Banker to unpack the literary and historical weight of James by Percival Everett, a bold revisiting of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn that challenges how we understand freedom, language, and power. Together, we explore how language becomes both a tool of survival and resistance within systems of oppression, and why, in the context of American slavery, the path to freedom ultimately required violent upheaval. The conversation also confronts the lingering distortions in how we remember this history, revealing how deeply embedded narratives still shape modern perspectives. We examine the sharp contrast between Mark Twain's use of humor and satire and Everett's relentless pacing, where every moment carries the tension of life or death. James by Percival Everett is a bold literary reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, but told from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man who, in Twain's version, exists largely on the margins of the story. Everett centers Jim as the intellectual and moral core of the narrative, revealing a deeply perceptive, strategic, and linguistically adept character whose survival depends on carefully navigating the expectations of a white-dominated society. One of the novel's most striking elements is its focus on language as both a mask and a weapon. Jim consciously shifts between different modes of speech, performing ignorance when necessary while internally maintaining a sharp, articulate voice. This duality exposes how language was used to enforce hierarchy, while also showing how it could be subverted as a means of resistance and self-preservation. Set slightly closer to the American Civil War, the novel carries a heightened sense of urgency, where the threat of violence is constant and escape is not just a hopeful journey, but a perilous necessity. Everett strips away much of the romanticism and humor found in Twain's work and replaces it with a sharper, more immediate tension, forcing readers to confront the brutal realities of slavery more directly. If you're interested in literature that forces you to rethink the past, and its impact on today, this episode delivers both intellectual depth and real insight. Also, read James by Percival Everett!

Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain.......Henry VIII gets a second episode in which Charlie Higson tells the story of Katherine, Anne, Jane, Anne, Catherine and Katherine. The Six Wives of Henry VIII. Assisting him on this tumultuous voyage is the husband and wife historical tag-team of Julia Fox & John Guy, authors of Hunting the Falcon: Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Marriage that Shook Europe. The book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now, the perfect feast for your eyes as this podcast is a feast for your ears.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Willie-Harry-Stee-brand-new-hilarious/dp/0008741050 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mechbay kidnaps Aaron Cahall and Keith Hann from Catalyst and interrogates them about the upcoming Core Rule Set for BattleTech.Buy a Mechbay Shirt HereTalk with the Mechbay and other BattleTech fans on their DiscordBattleTech Core Rules ChangesArchonsJeremy "Splash" Johnson piloting Starslayer 3CCataphract 40 piloting Nightstar NSR-9JJohn "Kill 5000 Crab-Backs" WeitzelAron "Skyfox" SergeantAndrew WeisnerJacob HassSam "DesertDream2" BurlingDanny "Kyro" Loss piloting Flashman FLS-8KWill DontaJolly Tall GuyAshpinMechwarriorsDuncan RhodesBob piloting Chimera CMA-2KMagnum Danger piloting Aquagladius AQS-3Byzantine FalconDouglas McAuliffeChad "Storm" Evans piloting Hatchetman HCT-8SRex "Redneck" Rawhide piloting Sarath-OBEric SmailysJordan CooperAnthony EmmelPaul DennisScot PickeringNic SarnaOreio8991Gustavo ArchilaJohn SchmidtDave RombergerAaron CahallGrimnarKeith DennardChris CannonMike AshkeweTom UnanimousDouglas TriggsEd "Ironmag" Magilton  Highlander WHM-7AVhaelunDouglas TriggsNate PalmerJack the JaqattackDJ SkinnyEric SmailysJeff CampbellSteakWilson McBurns (Certified Mech Foot Actuator Inspector)Matt "Cross Electric Designs"Masonic BoomKyle NelsonWargaming WanderlustGeoffrey CampitielloHanse DavionEric MaderDoug OrrGM PhilEugene GonzalesCadetsChris "Jesty" Pribanick HammerheadThomas Klinkhammer piloting a Longbow 13CJohn HaynesStewart HughesTravis GistUncrezamatic "Whizard"Bob ArensMatt LeBaronDonald LookerMitch "Minotaur" Grant piloting Thunderbolt 5SEHarris "Ramshackle"  piloting Cataphract CTF-4LMetalEdJohn GarnierRichardKZDavidZach Torrence "Metalzarak" piloting Black Hawk HLawrence FranchiniTom BoveeJanine NicholsTim KleinschrotScott BoehmerDavid RaynesDan ACarl ZacharyDavid SeletynSteve MaiselPiotrJ. Allen HammerChris "Twain" Dasher" MontgomeryBen JumperBlunder DomeChad A LynemaArthur GarlickAaron Rasalhague ForeverTravis CallanHonicScot PickeringPhil "Phaz" AbramowitzMage "12th Veygan" "Nightstar NSR-9J" RangerThe Goose Whisperer - Thunderbolt TDR-5Seth - Whitefox - Executioner GZemerCarlos AnguizolaSteakDominic BuloneJames ElliotMichael BryantChris BuryAndrew HodgesConnor KirchhofEric DacusPete NoveriniLance DavisJacob HassLotspeechJoshua FranklinJacob IrbyAndrew HeyZeus Jahnke piloting MON-66bMatthew BradyRobot ParkingAn Actual RobotAdam MacMichael LepchenskeCory FooteWilliam RPeter Kahlejafr86KaiserFalklurski LispersPromethious7William Beck

"The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" is an 1865 short story by Mark Twain. It was also published as "The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" and "Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog." In it, the narrator retells a story he heard from a bartender, Simon Wheeler, at the Angels Hotel in Angels Camp, California, about the gambler Jim Smiley. Upon discovering a French translation of this story, Twain re-translated the story, word for word and keeping the French grammar structure, back into English. He then published all three versions under the title "The Jumping Frog: In English, Then in French, and Then Clawed Back Into A Civilized Language Once More by Patient, Unremunerated Toil." (From Wikipedia.)This is a collaborative reading.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" is an 1865 short story by Mark Twain. It was also published as "The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" and "Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog." In it, the narrator retells a story he heard from a bartender, Simon Wheeler, at the Angels Hotel in Angels Camp, California, about the gambler Jim Smiley. Upon discovering a French translation of this story, Twain re-translated the story, word for word and keeping the French grammar structure, back into English. He then published all three versions under the title "The Jumping Frog: In English, Then in French, and Then Clawed Back Into A Civilized Language Once More by Patient, Unremunerated Toil." (From Wikipedia.)This is a collaborative reading.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Walsh talks about the Diamondbacks' bullpen, lineup, and UA basketball.

The Mechbay talks about how they run their personal campaigns and offer advice to anyone else wanting to start their own.Buy a Mechbay Shirt HereTalk with the Mechbay and other BattleTech fans on their DiscordDenham's Campaign DocumentsArchonsJeremy "Splash" Johnson piloting Starslayer 3CCataphract 40 piloting Nightstar NSR-9JJohn "Kill 5000 Crab-Backs" WeitzelAron "Skyfox" SergeantAndrew WeisnerJacob HassSam "DesertDream2" BurlingDanny "Kyro" Loss piloting Flashman FLS-8KWill DontaJolly Tall GuyAshpinMechwarriorsDuncan RhodesBob piloting Chimera CMA-2KMagnum Danger piloting Aquagladius AQS-3Byzantine FalconDouglas McAuliffeChad "Storm" Evans piloting Hatchetman HCT-8SRex "Redneck" Rawhide piloting Sarath-OBEric SmailysJordan CooperAnthony EmmelPaul DennisScot PickeringNic SarnaOreio8991Gustavo ArchilaJohn SchmidtDave RombergerAaron CahallGrimnarKeith DennardChris CannonMike AshkeweTom UnanimousDouglas TriggsEd "Ironmag" Magilton  Highlander WHM-7AVhaelunDouglas TriggsNate PalmerJack the JaqattackDJ SkinnyEric SmailysJeff CampbellSteakWilson McBurns (Certified Mech Foot Actuator Inspector)Matt "Cross Electric Designs"Masonic BoomKyle NelsonWargaming WanderlustGeoffrey CampitielloHanse DavionEric MaderDoug OrrGM PhilEugene GonzalesCadetsChris "Jesty" Pribanick HammerheadThomas Klinkhammer piloting a Longbow 13CJohn HaynesStewart HughesTravis GistUncrezamatic "Whizard"Bob ArensMatt LeBaronDonald LookerMitch "Minotaur" Grant piloting Thunderbolt 5SEHarris "Ramshackle"  piloting Cataphract CTF-4LMetalEdJohn GarnierRichardKZDavidZach Torrence "Metalzarak" piloting Black Hawk HLawrence FranchiniTom BoveeJanine NicholsTim KleinschrotScott BoehmerDavid RaynesDan ACarl ZacharyDavid SeletynSteve MaiselPiotrJ. Allen HammerChris "Twain" Dasher" MontgomeryBen JumperBlunder DomeChad A LynemaArthur GarlickAaron Rasalhague ForeverTravis CallanHonicScot PickeringPhil "Phaz" AbramowitzMage "12th Veygan" "Nightstar NSR-9J" RangerThe Goose Whisperer - Thunderbolt TDR-5Seth - Whitefox - Executioner GZemerCarlos AnguizolaSteakDominic BuloneJames ElliotMichael BryantChris BuryAndrew HodgesConnor KirchhofEric DacusPete NoveriniLance DavisJacob HassLotspeechJoshua FranklinJacob IrbyAndrew HeyZeus Jahnke piloting MON-66bMatthew BradyRobot ParkingAn Actual RobotAdam MacMichael LepchenskeCory FooteWilliam RPeter Kahlejafr86KaiserFalklurski LispersPromethious7William Becker with a PHX-3PLSean Maste

Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain.......Yes, we usher in Henry VIII.He ate a lot. He spent a lot. He married a lot.If that's all you know about the most famous of all our Kings, then listen on as Charlie Higson uncovers Henry's life in the first part of a story that is so epic, it requires.....well......two parts!Such is Henry's magnitude, one guest is not enough either. In this episode we have two, the formidable husband and wife team of John Guy & Julia Fox, authors of many books on this Monarch including Hunting The Falcon, Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Marriage that Shook Europe. Also don't forget that Charlie's book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now, with illustrations by Jim Moir, or Vic Reeves as you may know him.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Willie-Harry-Stee-brand-new-hilarious/dp/0008741050 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special treat for our listeners this Monday as Jane Mangan is in Ballydoyle today catching up with supremo Aidan O'Brien. If you want to know how his leading lights are getting on and what their likely targets will be, you're in the right place. From older horses, to the Classic generation and a two-year-old to watch including: Minnie Hauk, Albert Einstein, Scandinavia, Diamond Necklace, Precise, Gstaad, Twain, Pierre Bonnard etc.

A special treat for our listeners this Monday as Jane Mangan is in Ballydoyle today catching up with supremo Aidan O'Brien. If you want to know how his leading lights are getting on and what their likely targets will be, you're in the right place. From older horses, to the Classic generation and a two-year-old to watch including: Minnie Hauk, Albert Einstein, Scandinavia, Diamond Necklace, Precise, Gstaad, Twain, Pierre Bonnard etc.

Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain.......Yes, Charlie Higson's personal history of the Monarchy lands on Henry VII, the victor at the Battle Of Bosworth and our first Tudor King, and it turns out he was a pretty good one!Joining Charlie is this episodes 'Proper Historian', is Nathen Amin, author of Tudor Wales, The House of Beaufort, and Henry VII and the Tudor Pretenders: Simnel, Warbeck and Warwick The book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now, the perfect feast for your eyes as this podcast is a feast for your ears.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Willie-Harry-Stee-brand-new-hilarious/dp/0008741050 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the late 1850s, a young man named Samuel Clemens started out piloting steamboats on the Mississippi River. Within a few years, he embarked on a writing career, adopting the pen name that became famous: Mark Twain. Armed with a wry sense of humor and a natural flair for storytelling, Twain gained wide acclaim for his short stories, travel sketches, and novels.In 1885, he published The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a story of two runaways on a quest for freedom. It would become one of the most celebrated, and controversial, books in American literature. But at the height of his popularity, his risky business ventures and his critiques of American policy abroad threatened to ruin his legacy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark Twain authored some of the most beloved stories in American literature and he lived an amazing life. This was a life of literary genius, but it was also one of financial ruin and immense pain when it came to his family life. He lived in many places and owned several homes with his home in Hartford, Connecticut being his favorite and he said of it that those years were the happiest of his life. Perhaps that is why he seems to have returned there as a spirit. Twain claimed that he didn't believe in all this nonsense about ghosts, but he joined the Society for Psychical Research and read all of their journals. We wonder if he perhaps, may believe in ghosts now. Join us as we explore the life and afterlife of Mark Twain. Check out the website: http://historygoesbump.com Music used in this episode: Main Theme: Creepy Carnival Theme  Created and produced by History Goes Bump Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Other music in this episode: Music: Silent Movie 44 by Sascha Ende Link: https://ende.app/en/song/12462-silent-movie-44

Welcome to our deep dive into Mark Twain's literary masterpiece, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In this discussion, we unravel the layers of comedy, satire, and profound social commentary that make this novel not only a cornerstone of American literature but also an enduring tale that resonates with readers today. We are joined by Dr Kerry Soper, a professor at Brigham Young University, who writes a humor column for Utah Life magazine, and has a deep appreciation for comedy in all kinds of art forms.  We reference the introduction to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the Penguin Random House UK printing edition, which was written by Peter Coveney in 1966. 1. Understanding Mark Twain:   Mark Twain, born Samuel LANGhorne Clemens (not Longhorne), was a complex figure who blended humor with serious social issues. His early life in Hannibal, Missouri, filled with adventure and mischief, heavily influenced his writing. Twain's pen name, meaning "two fathoms deep," reflects his ability to delve into deeper societal issues beneath a humorous exterior.   2. The Setting of Huckleberry Finn:   The novel is set along the Mississippi River, a backdrop that symbolizes freedom and adventure. Huck Finn, the protagonist, is an outsider, shaped by a turbulent family life, especially with his father being the town drunk. His decision to fake his own death to escape this life is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for his adventures with Jim, a runaway slave.   3. The Journey of Huck and Jim:   Huck and Jim's journey down the river is filled with comedic and dramatic encounters. Their friendship evolves through various trials, highlighting themes of friendship, loyalty, and the moral complexities surrounding slavery. The humor in their adventures often contrasts sharply with the serious issues they face, showcasing Twain's unique ability to blend comedy with critical social commentary.   4. The Role of Comedy and Satire:   Professor Kerry Soper emphasizes how Twain uses humor not just for entertainment but as a vehicle for satire. The comedic escapades of Huck and Jim serve to critique societal norms and racism. This stealth satire engages readers, making them laugh while prompting them to reflect on deeper moral truths.   5. Contrasting Characters:   The contrasting characters of Huck and Tom Sawyer further illustrate Twain's commentary on morality and heroism. While Tom embodies a romanticized view of adventure, Huck represents genuine moral integrity, often prioritizing Jim's humanity over societal expectations. This contrast enriches the narrative and invites readers to question the nature of heroism.   Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is more than just a story about a boy's adventures. It is a profound exploration of friendship, freedom, and the moral dilemmas that define humanity. The blend of humor and serious themes makes it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers. As we reflect on Huck's journey, we are reminded of the importance of empathy and moral courage in our own lives. Key Takeaways:   1. The novel showcases Twain's mastery of blending humor with serious social issues.   2. Huck's character highlights the importance of personal integrity over societal norms.   3. The journey down the Mississippi River serves as a metaphor for freedom and self-discovery.  4. Twain's use of satire prompts readers to reflect on moral complexities in society. Tags: #HuckleberryFinn #MarkTwain #AmericanLiterature #LiteraryAnalysis #ComedyAndSatire #Friendship #MoralDilemmas #ClassicNovels

Western: Have Gun Will Travel “The Gunsmith” 4/26/59 CBS, Fort Laramie “Never the Twain” 5/6/56 CBS.

Walsh talks about Team USA's gold medal win and the Diamondbacks.

Following the Equator (American English title) or More Tramps Abroad (English title) is a non-fiction travelogue published by American author Mark Twain in 1897.Twain was practically bankrupt in 1894 due to a failed investment into a "revolutionary" typesetting machine. In an attempt to extricate himself from debt of $100,000 (equivalent of about $2 million in 2005) he undertook a tour of the British Empire in 1895, a route chosen to provide numerous opportunities for lectures in the English language.In Following the Equator, an account of that travel published in 1897, the author unmasks and criticizes imperialism and missionary zeal in observations woven into the narrative with classical Twain wit.Of particular interest, historically, are Twain's references to Cecil Rhodes in Australia and South Africa, the in-depth description of "Thugs" and "Thuggee" in India and the Boer War period and diamonds in South Africa. (Adapted from Wikipedia.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Following the Equator (American English title) or More Tramps Abroad (English title) is a non-fiction travelogue published by American author Mark Twain in 1897.Twain was practically bankrupt in 1894 due to a failed investment into a "revolutionary" typesetting machine. In an attempt to extricate himself from debt of $100,000 (equivalent of about $2 million in 2005) he undertook a tour of the British Empire in 1895, a route chosen to provide numerous opportunities for lectures in the English language.In Following the Equator, an account of that travel published in 1897, the author unmasks and criticizes imperialism and missionary zeal in observations woven into the narrative with classical Twain wit.Of particular interest, historically, are Twain's references to Cecil Rhodes in Australia and South Africa, the in-depth description of "Thugs" and "Thuggee" in India and the Boer War period and diamonds in South Africa. (Adapted from Wikipedia.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Following the Equator (American English title) or More Tramps Abroad (English title) is a non-fiction travelogue published by American author Mark Twain in 1897.Twain was practically bankrupt in 1894 due to a failed investment into a "revolutionary" typesetting machine. In an attempt to extricate himself from debt of $100,000 (equivalent of about $2 million in 2005) he undertook a tour of the British Empire in 1895, a route chosen to provide numerous opportunities for lectures in the English language.In Following the Equator, an account of that travel published in 1897, the author unmasks and criticizes imperialism and missionary zeal in observations woven into the narrative with classical Twain wit.Of particular interest, historically, are Twain's references to Cecil Rhodes in Australia and South Africa, the in-depth description of "Thugs" and "Thuggee" in India and the Boer War period and diamonds in South Africa. (Adapted from Wikipedia.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Following the Equator (American English title) or More Tramps Abroad (English title) is a non-fiction travelogue published by American author Mark Twain in 1897.Twain was practically bankrupt in 1894 due to a failed investment into a "revolutionary" typesetting machine. In an attempt to extricate himself from debt of $100,000 (equivalent of about $2 million in 2005) he undertook a tour of the British Empire in 1895, a route chosen to provide numerous opportunities for lectures in the English language.In Following the Equator, an account of that travel published in 1897, the author unmasks and criticizes imperialism and missionary zeal in observations woven into the narrative with classical Twain wit.Of particular interest, historically, are Twain's references to Cecil Rhodes in Australia and South Africa, the in-depth description of "Thugs" and "Thuggee" in India and the Boer War period and diamonds in South Africa. (Adapted from Wikipedia.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Following the Equator (American English title) or More Tramps Abroad (English title) is a non-fiction travelogue published by American author Mark Twain in 1897.Twain was practically bankrupt in 1894 due to a failed investment into a "revolutionary" typesetting machine. In an attempt to extricate himself from debt of $100,000 (equivalent of about $2 million in 2005) he undertook a tour of the British Empire in 1895, a route chosen to provide numerous opportunities for lectures in the English language.In Following the Equator, an account of that travel published in 1897, the author unmasks and criticizes imperialism and missionary zeal in observations woven into the narrative with classical Twain wit.Of particular interest, historically, are Twain's references to Cecil Rhodes in Australia and South Africa, the in-depth description of "Thugs" and "Thuggee" in India and the Boer War period and diamonds in South Africa. (Adapted from Wikipedia.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Following the Equator (American English title) or More Tramps Abroad (English title) is a non-fiction travelogue published by American author Mark Twain in 1897.Twain was practically bankrupt in 1894 due to a failed investment into a "revolutionary" typesetting machine. In an attempt to extricate himself from debt of $100,000 (equivalent of about $2 million in 2005) he undertook a tour of the British Empire in 1895, a route chosen to provide numerous opportunities for lectures in the English language.In Following the Equator, an account of that travel published in 1897, the author unmasks and criticizes imperialism and missionary zeal in observations woven into the narrative with classical Twain wit.Of particular interest, historically, are Twain's references to Cecil Rhodes in Australia and South Africa, the in-depth description of "Thugs" and "Thuggee" in India and the Boer War period and diamonds in South Africa. (Adapted from Wikipedia.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is our annual book episode! Angie and Trevor discuss the books they enjoyed in 2025, top picks for both fiction and nonfiction. Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach. MetPro.co -For the first time ever, MetPro is offering MTA listeners a full 30-day experience for just $95 with absolutely no strings attached! See what it's like working with your own metabolic coach. Limited to the first 30 people. Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of feet with room for your toes, for comfort, balance, and strength. So you focus on what really matters:  Getting out there. AG1 Next Gen has new flavors: Citrus, Tropical, and Berry. Get a free Welcome Kit with your first order which includes 5 AG1 Travel Packs, a shaker bottle, metal canister, and a bottle of AG Vitamin D3+K2. The Book Episode: Our Top Reads in 2025 Angie got through a total of 241 books in 2025 (95 fiction and 146 nonfiction)(audio=144, hardcopy=94, ebook=3). Authors We Interviewed on the Podcast Here are the books we featured on the podcast this year. See links to the author interviews. Think Like a Runner by Jeff Horowitz How to Run the Perfect Race by Matt Fitzgerald The Norwegian Method by Brad Culp The Explorer's Gene by Alex Hutchinson Ballistic by Henry Abbott Extreme Balance by Joe DeSena The Runaway Housewives of the Appalachian Trail by Kitty Robinson Fuel for Thought by Renee McGregor Don't Call it a Comeback by Keira D'Amato Lootie's World Run by Marie Leautey The Running Ground by Nicolas Thompson Angie's Top 10 Non-Fiction Reads: The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr Memoir is one of my favorite genres and this book takes a peak behind the scenes on writing an engaging memoir. In fact, Mary Karr weaves in so many personal antidotes that it doesn't feel like a how-to book at all. Some of the core principles she talks about have to do with dealing with the truth as you remember it, turning vulnerability into art, and finding your unique story. Everyone from the causal reader to someone who wants to write a memoir will enjoy this book. Awake by Jen Hatmaker I've followed Jen Hatmakes on Instagram for a number of years and she has a very funny and relatable way of sharing her life. Her latest book is a memoir and talks about the dissolution of her 25 year marriage and how she had to come awake to many important areas in her life as a result. Bad Therapy- Why The Kids aren't Growing Up by Abigail Shrier The author is an investigative journalist who argues that aspects of the mental health industry is harming American children, not helping them but over-diagnosing and over-treating normal struggles. It's important to get children the mental health help that they need but Shrier warns that normal development challenges and emotions are sometimes mislabeled as mental disorders which can lead children to adopt an “illness identity.” It Didn't Start With You -How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn This book talks about how trauma and epigenetic are linked. Trauma can change how our genes work and influence stress responses, health, and mood and these alterations can be passed down to future generations, which can help explain intergenerational trauma. This was a very eye opening book and helpful for anyone processing struggles linked to family history. The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs by Joel Salatin Since reading Michael Pollan's book, The Omnivore's Dilemma, I've been working on getting the meat our family eats from ethically sustainable sources. Joel Salatin, owner and operator of Polyface Farms, makes the case for how farming and ranching practices need to change (for the good of the environment, the animals, the farmer, and society in general). Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy This is a book that was first published back in 2009 and was updated in 2020. It has been used by many professional athletes and high achievers to develop a stronger mental and emotional game. NFL player, A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles, was filmed reading this book on the sidelines of a January 2025 playoff game and the book started selling thousands of copies. Some of the principles in the book that resonated with me were detaching self-worth from outcomes so that your identity isn't tied to results or achievements. Instead of asking, “How did I do?” Ask, “What did I learn.” Another important take-away was learning to gain control over my inner world. We don't have to believe everything our mind tells us. Yes, we should recognize emotions and thoughts but come back to our core values to develop self-mastery. Estrogen Matters -Why Taking Hormones in Menopause Can Improve Women's Well-Being and Lengthen Their Lives- Without Raising the Risk of Breast Cancer (Revised and Updated) by Avrum Bluming and Carol Tavris As a woman in perimenopause I've been educating myself on how to make this transition in life work for me. As a result I started using HRT two years ago and it has improved my life physically, mentally, and emotionally. Thankfully the FDA removed the black box warning on HRT in 2025 after years of misinformation. This book is a must read for women in their mid-30's and up, those who have experienced surgical menopause, or anyone who wants to understand the role of estrogen more completely. From Strength to Strength– Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Arthur C. Brooks Brooks is a Harvard professor and happiness columnist for The Atlantic. He draws on philosophy, social science, biography, and spirituality to offer a helpful roadmap for aging well in the second half of life. In order to embrace, and not fight, the inevitable decline we need to redefine success (moving away from being primarily validated by money or job titles) and look to internal measures like a deeper sense of purpose, wisdom, strong relationships, and service to others. Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobson Annie Jacobson is one of those authors from which I will read anything she writes. In the rather bleak (but fascinating) book she lays out the history of nuclear programs throughout the world and presents a scenario in which nuclear weapons are used. Spoiler alert- there are no good outcomes. Breath- The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor I've struggled with allergies since childhood, dealing with a lot of nasal congestion. As a result I was a mouth breather and this book challenged me to take a look at my breathing patterns and make some changes. Over the course of a year I trained myself to breathe through my nose during the day (but nighttime was a bigger challenge). A few months ago I started using mouth tape at night (and an airflow clip nasal dilator called Snore Less Now to open up my airway). I've experienced better mouth hygiene and deeper sleep as a result. Honorable Mentions (nonfiction) Hidden Potential by Adam Grant All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert Slow Productivity by Cal Newport Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose Revenge of The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher Angie's Top 10 Fiction Reads: The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny (#19 in the Armand Gamache series) If you enjoy mysteries and thrillers this series is excellent. I've particularly enjoyed listening to them on audiobook since I'm not a French speaker and would probably mispronounce many names and places otherwise. The Life Impossible by Matt Haig I've enjoyed every book that author Matt Haig has written and this one was no exception. The Life Impossible follows a retired math teacher named Grace who is grieving the loss of her husband and son. She receives an unexpected inheritance which forces her outside her comfort zone, helping her to deal with her past and find new purpose for the future. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver This book is a modern retelling of Charles Dicken's David Coperfield. It follows a boy named Damon Fields who is born into poverty in modern rural Appalachia. He has a very tumultuous life particularly because of the weakness of the foster care system. The book deals with some very heavy subjects but it's ultimately a story of resilience and the power of finding hope in community and through art. The Burning White by Brent Weeks This is the fifth and final book in the Lightbringer Series, a modern fantasy set in a world governed by light and the magic of Chromaturgy. In this world, some people called drafters have the ability to harness light to create a physical substance called “luxin.” Each color has unique powers and identity and the drafter is changed over time. Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown My teens had read this series a few years ago so I was a bit late to the game. But once I finished the first book, Red Rising, I devoured the other five in this fantasy/sci-fi series and am eagerly waiting for the final book to be released next summer. The series centers on class warfare because of a rigid caste system and the main character gets involved in an attempted revolution. This fast paced series is full of action, violence and is set in space. The Measure by Nikki Erlick In this book everyone who reaches a specific age receives a box revealing their lifespan. The story follows eight people who wrestle with the decision whether to open their boxes or not and what to do with the information they get. Ultimately it's an uplifting book that encourages us to live life to the fullest. Twice by Mitch Albom This is a magical realism novel about a boy named Alfie who discovers that he gets two chances at everything in his life. It's a very engaging storyline (which kept me guessing until the end). It really made me see even more value in imperfection and that growth comes from learning. Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz This mystery follows freelance editor Susan Ryleland who finds herself unwillingly entangled in the death of an author whose book she is working on. I enjoy a mystery that keeps me guessing. The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai I enjoyed the audiobook version of this book which follows the story of Sonia and Sunny who are both Indian immigrants to the United States who are navigating love, family, country, class, and race. Trevor's Top Reads in 2025: Trevor managed to finish 41 books last year. These ones rose to the top: How the Irish Saved Civilization -The Untold Story of Ireland’s Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe by Thomas Cahill. Basically, the Irish saved civilization because their monasteries preserved classical texts, learning, and book making after the fall of the Roman Empire. Irish monks later established monasteries on continental Europe which became centers of learning. American Nations -A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America by Colin Woodard. This was a paradigm shaping book, it provides the best explanation for regional differences in the USA. As You Wish -Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride (1987) by Cary Elwes. If you love the movie, listen to the audio book to Cary Elwes and other cast members share behind-the-scenes stories. The Shortest History of Ancient Rome -A Millennium of Western Civilization, from Kingdom to Republic to Empire: A Retelling for Our Times by Ross King. Trevor is a big fan of the Shortest History series because they provide a short overviews without getting too myopic or tedious. Mark Twain by Ron Chernow. This is a 1,200 page tome or 45 hours on audio book. Fun fact! Twain smoked between 22-40 cigars per day. Let’s end with some Mark Twain quotes: “The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd druther not.” “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”. “Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.”  “The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them”.