Cover to Credits

This episode we take a look at the BBC/Hulu series Normal People and the novel it was based on by Sally Rooney. We discuss the many social pressures that effect Connell and Marianne in this story, the very sexy sex scenes, positive depictions of therapy, and whether we buy Paul Mescal as a high school senior (we don't, but thats okay).

Choose life. Choose a mortgage. Choose a podcast discussing the 1996 cult classic Trainspotting, directed by Danny Boyle, and the Irvine Welsh novel its based on! There's a lot to dive into this episode (besides the worst toilet in Scotland) including drug abuse, inventive filmmaking, and one of the most difficult to read books we've ever discussed on the podcast (for a number of reasons). 

In this episode we explore The Power of the Dog, the 2021 film by Jane Campion, based on the novel by Thomas Savage. This story of masculinity and sexual repression is full of memorable characters, complex morality, and surprising amounts of humor! But how does the novel compare to this acclaimed film?

In this episode we return for another helping of Shakespeare, this time with legendary director Joel Coen putting his own unique spin on The Tragedy of Macbeth. We discuss how this play is brought to life in a surreal black and white with a powerful cast and the many ways in which the film adds new context to the source material.

It's our first season in the ton as we discuss the  Netflix series Bridgerton, based on the novel The Duke and I by Julia Quinn! The novel focuses on the budding romance and tribulations of Daphne and Simon (delving into their backstories and questionable actions) while the series expands the world and explores its many side characters! But which is the diamond of the season?

The time has come, all ye Grail seekers, for our episode on Dan Brown's explosive novel, The Da Vinci Code, and it's 2006 adaptation by Ron Howard! We discuss Tom Hanks' tired performance and baffling villain twists, all while revealing the true-true  history of the Priory of Sion and the Holy Grail myth!

The very topical novel, Station Eleven, written by Emily St. John Mandel, has finally been adapted by Patrick Somerville for HBO Max and we are excited to discuss this long awaited series! We examine how both the book and series differ in their themes, the necessity of art in society, and the importance of stabbing with purpose!

This episode, we discuss the classic comedy Legally Blonde, directed by Robert Luketic and based on the novel by Amanda Brown. This story has a unique history and gives us plenty to discuss, from classic movie lines to its lasting impact and message. It also represents one of the widest quality gaps between book and film that we've talked about in a while!

As we enter a new year, we thought we'd take a look at Eat Pray Love (written by Elizabeth Gilbert and directed by Ryan Murphy) which tackles themes of resolutions and self reflection. We discuss shitty husbands, the author's life after the book, and whether we would rather eat, pray or love after reading this story.

We return to celebrated author, Nick Hornby, this episode with his novel About a Boy, and it's 2002 adaptation by Chris and Paul Weitz. We discuss the terrible haircuts, poignant messages, and unlikely friendship in this classic story.