

Megyn Kelly: Special Mother’s Day episode of "Dedicated with Doug Brunt"
May 11, 2024
In a special Mother's Day celebration, the hosts recommend three must-read books, blending heartfelt stories with witty anecdotes. They hilariously recount a mix-up with a celebrity at an Oscars party and share their love for audiobooks and shows like 'Dateline' and 'Real Housewives.' There's also humor in gift-giving and parenting advice, drawing parallels between training dogs and raising kids. Plus, playful discussions on family dynamics and the emotional weight behind storytelling make this a charming tribute to mothers everywhere.
57:46
Megyn Kelly's Howard Stern Interview Prep
- Megyn Kelly extensively prepared for her Howard Stern interview years ago, with "murder boards" at Fox News.
- She aimed to balance openness with her usual image.
Doug's Cocktail Conquest
- Doug Brunt once successfully made a complex cocktail from an online recipe, despite expressing uncertainty.
- Megyn Kelly humorously recalls the exchange with low expectations.
Mother's Day Book Recommendation: Decades
- Consider gifting "Decades" by Joseph Massey for Mother's Day; his poetry evokes a peaceful winter morning feeling.
- Support Massey, a self-made poet navigating the aftermath of being "me-too'd."
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Celebrating Mothers: Stories and Cocktails
01:34 • 15min
Navigating Books and Family Moments
16:56 • 8min
Reflections on Gifts and Relationships
24:37 • 2min
The Value of Thoughtful Gifts and Seasonal Promotions
26:27 • 2min
Audiobook Adventures and Celebrity Encounters
28:17 • 8min
TV Favorites and Family Dynamics
36:43 • 11min
Adventures in Paris and the Art of Interviewing
47:23 • 10min
Insights on Parenting with a Humorous Twist
57:30 • 4min

Fool Me Once
Harlan Coben
In 'Fool Me Once', Harlan Coben tells the story of Maya Stern Burkett, a former special operations pilot haunted by the violent deaths of her husband Joe and her sister Claire.
After witnessing her husband's murder, Maya is shocked to see him on her nanny cam playing with their two-year-old daughter.
This discovery sets off a chain of events as Maya delves into a twisted story of power, corruption, and murder.
She uncovers deep secrets and deceit in her own past and her husband's family, leading to a shocking and unexpected conclusion.
The novel is filled with Coben's trademark edge-of-your-seat suspense and gut-wrenching emotion, keeping readers engaged until the very end.

Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak
In this iconic children's book, Max, dressed in his wolf suit, causes chaos at home and is sent to bed without supper.
His bedroom transforms into a jungle, and he sails to an island where he encounters the Wild Things.
Max tames the creatures and becomes their king, but eventually returns home, missing his mother's love.
The book is praised for its honest treatment of children's emotions, particularly anger and the need for parental love.
It has been adapted into a movie and an opera and remains a beloved classic in children's literature.

In the Garden of Beasts
Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin
Erik Larson
In the Garden of Beasts tells the story of William E. Dodd, the U.S.
Ambassador to Germany from 1933 to 1937, and his family's experiences in Berlin as they witness the rise of Nazi Germany.
The book explores the political and social climate of the time, highlighting the Dodds' initial naivety and eventual horror at the unfolding events.
Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Erik Larson provides a vivid picture of this pivotal period in history.

Dead Wake
Erik Larson
Dead Wake recounts the tragedy of the sinking of the passenger ocean liner Lusitania by a German submarine.
The book sets the stage for the tragedy, recreating the tension of the chase, the horror of the attack, and the tragic aftermath.
Larson masterfully weaves together the stories of the passengers, crew, and the German U-boat crew, using a wealth of sources including telegrams, wireless messages, survivor depositions, and secret intelligence ledgers.
The sinking of the Lusitania had a significant impact on history, mobilizing American public opinion in favor of entering World War I and casting Germany as the villain in the eyes of the international community.

Settle for more
Megyn Kelly
In *Settle for More*, Megyn Kelly shares her personal story, from her childhood to her career in journalism, including her time at Fox News and her interactions with figures like Donald Trump and Roger Ailes.
The book offers insights into her professional journey and personal growth, emphasizing themes of perseverance and determination.

The Devil in the White City
Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America
Erik Larson
The book tells the dual stories of Daniel H. Burnham, who led the construction of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and H.H.
Holmes, a serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims.
Burnham faced numerous challenges in building the 'White City', while Holmes constructed his 'Murder Castle', a hotel with secret rooms, torture chambers, and other sinister features.
The narrative explores the contrast between the grandeur of the fair and the dark deeds of Holmes, set against the backdrop of late 19th-century America.

Bad Therapy
Abigail Shrier
Abigail Shrier's "Bad Therapy" delves into the increasing trend of pathologizing normal childhood behaviors.
The book examines how the therapeutic landscape has shifted, leading to the overdiagnosis and treatment of children for conditions that may simply be part of typical development.
Shrier critiques certain therapeutic approaches and their potential negative consequences, sparking debate about the appropriate use of therapy for children.
The book challenges readers to reconsider the boundaries between normal childhood experiences and diagnosable conditions, prompting a critical examination of current therapeutic practices.
It encourages a more nuanced understanding of child development and the potential pitfalls of overmedicalization.

A Gentleman in Moscow
Amor Towles
The book follows Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, who narrowly escapes execution during the Russian Revolution due to a revolutionary poem he wrote.
Instead, he is sentenced to house arrest at the Hotel Metropol in Moscow.
Over the next thirty-two years, the Count adjusts to his new life, forming friendships with the hotel's staff and guests, and navigating the changing political landscape of the Soviet Union.
The novel explores themes of parental duty, friendship, romance, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Wrong Place, Wrong Time
David Perlmutter
Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a true-life account of David P. Perlmutter's journey to Marbella, Spain, where he faced unimaginable challenges after losing everything in London.
The book is a thrilling narrative of his experiences, which have captivated readers worldwide.
It has become a bestseller in several countries and is currently being adapted into a movie.

Because of Winn-Dixie
Kate DiCamillo
The story follows India Opal Buloni, a 10-year-old girl who moves to Naomi, Florida, with her father, a preacher.
Opal adopts a stray dog she names Winn-Dixie after finding him in a Winn-Dixie supermarket.
Through Winn-Dixie, Opal meets various characters in the town, including Miss Franny Block, Gloria Dump, and Otis, and learns about friendship, forgiveness, and the importance of community.
The book explores themes of loneliness, family, and the healing power of relationships and stories.

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
Judy Blume
The book follows Margaret Simon, who moves from New York City to Farbrook, New Jersey, and struggles to fit in with her new friends.
Margaret is part of a secret club where the girls discuss boys, bras, and getting their periods.
Born to a Jewish father and a Christian mother, Margaret is trying to figure out her own religious identity and has a personal relationship with God, whom she talks to about her thoughts, fears, and desires.
The story addresses themes of puberty, peer pressure, social acceptance, and religious identity in a relatable and humorous way.

Little Blue Truck
Alice Schertle
In this picture book, a little blue truck drives through the countryside, greeting various farm animals.
When a big dump truck gets stuck in the mud, the little blue truck tries to help but also gets stuck.
The farm animals then come together to rescue both trucks, demonstrating the power of teamwork and the importance of helping others.
The story is enhanced by Jill McElmurry's vibrant illustrations and Alice Schertle's rhythmic text.

Chrysanthemum
Kevin Henkes
Chrysanthemum is a children's picture book that explores themes of self-esteem, acceptance, and individuality.
The story follows a young mouse who initially loves her name but faces ridicule at school.
Her confidence is restored when a charismatic music teacher, named Delphinium, praises her name and decides to name her own child Chrysanthemum.
The book is celebrated for its engaging storyline and illustrations, making it a classic for early readers.

The Day the Crayons Quit
Drew Daywalt
Oliver Jeffers
In 'The Day the Crayons Quit', Duncan discovers that his crayons have written him letters explaining why they are quitting.
Each crayon has a unique complaint, from being overused to feeling underappreciated.
Duncan must find a way to address their concerns and get them coloring again.
The book is a colorful exploration of creativity and problem-solving, featuring engaging illustrations by Oliver Jeffers.

Blubber
Judy Blume
Blubber, written by Judy Blume, is a powerful exploration of bullying and its consequences.
The story follows Jill Brenner, a fifth-grader who participates in the bullying of Linda, a classmate nicknamed 'Blubber' after a presentation on whales.
The novel delves into the dynamics of bullying and encourages readers to stand up against such behavior.
It is based on a real-life incident from Blume's daughter's classroom and serves as a warning about the devastating effects of bullying.

My Name Is Barbra
Barbra Streisand
In 'My Name Is Barbra,' Barbra Streisand details her life from her humble beginnings in a Brooklyn housing project to her rise as a Hollywood star.
The 970-page memoir includes candid accounts of her love affairs, on-set dramas, and her struggles with fame.
It also delves into her Jewish identity, her relationships, and her career milestones, including her work on films like 'Funny Girl,' 'Hello Dolly,' and 'Yentl.
' The book is praised for its honesty and detailed storytelling, offering a deep look into the life of a legendary entertainer.

Decades
What to Expect in Each Decade of Life
Bobb Biehl
In this work, Bobb Biehl shares his insights on the various stages of life, organizing them by decades.
He believes that each decade brings unique challenges and opportunities.
For example, the 20s are for discovering what you don't want to do, the 40s are about survival, and the 60s are the most impactful decade.
Biehl emphasizes that the most productive decades of life are often the 60s and 70s, providing relief to those who feel overwhelmed by earlier expectations.

Apples Never Fall
Liane Moriarty
The book follows the Delaney family after Joy Delaney, a retired tennis coach and mother, goes missing.
Her husband, Stan, becomes the prime suspect, and their four adult children must navigate their own relationships and issues while trying to uncover what happened to their mother.
The story involves a young woman named Savannah, who is connected to a former star student of the Delaneys' tennis school, and her presence triggers a series of revelations about the family's past and present.
Ultimately, Joy returns after a three-week off-the-grid retreat, and the family begins to work through their complicated emotions and marital issues.

Big Pumpkin
Erica Silverman
In 'Big Pumpkin', a witch struggles to harvest her oversized pumpkin for Halloween.
Despite the efforts of a ghost, vampire, and mummy, it's a small bat who suggests they all work together to succeed.
This story teaches children about cooperation and sharing, making it a delightful addition to Halloween reading lists.
Wolf Hollow
Wolf Hollow
George Orwell

Home
Warsan Shire
Enjoy this special bonus episode of "Dedicated with Doug Brunt" featuring Megyn Kelly, and follow the show here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dedicated-with-doug-brunt/id1650390838
Or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DedicatedwithDoug
Megyn recommends three books for Mother’s Day and why she chose each, discusses her love for Dateline and the Real Housewives shows, reveals the identity of the famous actor at a Hollywood Oscars party that Doug mistook for a homeless person, reviews the Barbra Streisand memoir, and offers a piece of Mother’s Day advice.