
The Book Pile
A podcast where comedians tell you about books so you never have to read! (Now including fiction!) Kellen does standup; Dave writes ads; together they highlight lessons from the world’s best books--and some of the worst. New episode every Monday!
Latest episodes

Apr 25, 2025 • 34min
Permission to Feel, by Marc Brackett
SUMMARY: If you like James Bond, Hunger Games, Star Wars, or Lord of the Rings, you will LOVE this spy thriller! We know the cover looks like a therapy book, but it’s not! It has action and comedy and romance, not therapy that is good for you. Come listen to this gripping caper, which is not a therapy book. You don’t have to worry about your feelings in this fun popcorn book. It’s not a therapy book. Hit play.WATCH KELLEN'S NEW COMEDY SPECIAL ON YOUTUBE!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpBt0W1zrDU&t=1237sKELLEN ERSKINE IS IN ON TOUR!APR 25-26 IndianaMAY 9-10 DallasMAY 17 St Charles, ILFor tickets go to KellenErskine.com-Get two free tickets to any of Kellen's live shows in 2025 by joining The Book Pile's Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/TheBookPile-Dave’s book / game The Starlings is here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMBBLGXN?ref=myi_title_dpTHE HOSTS!-Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's America's Got Talent, and the Amazon Original Series Inside Jokes. He has garnered over 200 million views with his clips on Dry Bar Comedy. In 2018 he was selected to perform on the “New Faces” showcase at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. He currently tours the country www.KellenErskine.com-David Vance's videos have garnered over 1 billion views. He has written viral ads for companies like Squatty Potty, Chatbooks, and Lumē, and sketches for the comedy show Studio C. His work has received two Webby Awards, and appeared on Conan.

18 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 34min
Chesterton's Gateway, by Ethan Nicolle WITH GUEST Ethan Nicolle!
Have you heard of GK Chesterton? (No he's not that cheese-puff cat).WATCH KELLEN'S NEW COMEDY SPECIAL ON YOUTUBE!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpBt0W1zrDU&t=1237sKELLEN ERSKINE IS IN ON TOUR!APR 25-26 IndianaMAY 9-10 DallasMAY 17 St Charles, ILFor tickets go to KellenErskine.com-Get two free tickets to any of Kellen's live shows in 2025 by joining The Book Pile's Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/TheBookPile

Mar 27, 2025 • 31min
A SECOND LOOK AT: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
SUMMARY: This episode has everything you could hope for. Conspiracy theories. Hermione exoneration. And a rat who turns out to be a murderer. (Who knew Harry Potter was a sequel to 1300s Europe?) (It’s funny because the most devastating event imaginable happened many years ago.) (Your subconscious sense of humor deems the past to be intrinsically less worthy of empathy.) We hope you enjoy!WATCH KELLEN'S NEW COMEDY SPECIAL ON YOUTUBE!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpBt0W1zrDU&t=1237sKELLEN ERSKINE IS IN ON TOUR!MAR 28 Bakersfield, CAAPR 2-4 St Pete, Clearwater, & Delray Beach, FLAPR 25-26 IndianaMAY 9-10 DallasMAY 17 St Charles, ILFor tickets go to KellenErskine.com-Get two free tickets to any of Kellen's live shows in 2025 by joining The Book Pile's Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/TheBookPile-Dave’s book / game The Starlings is here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMBBLGXN?ref=myi_title_dpTHE HOSTS!-Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's America's Got Talent, and the Amazon Original Series Inside Jokes. He has garnered over 200 million views with his clips on Dry Bar Comedy. In 2018 he was selected to perform on the “New Faces” showcase at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. He currently tours the country www.KellenErskine.com-David Vance's videos have garnered over 1 billion views. He has written viral ads for companies like Squatty Potty, Chatbooks, and Lumē, and sketches for the comedy show Studio C. His work has received two Webby Awards, and appeared on Conan.

Mar 13, 2025 • 28min
Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
Dive into a lighthearted debate on absurd fighting techniques inspired by a well-known story! The hosts express their mixed feelings about the book while tackling its deeper themes of masculinity and violence. They explore how the narrative critiques modern society but may unintentionally glamorize its troubling protagonist. A fascinating comparison with another popular film uncovers differing interpretations and character motivations. Lastly, they reflect on the complex relationship between trauma and the appreciation of life's small joys.

Mar 10, 2025 • 30min
THE ROAST OF Star Wars: The Force Awakens (the novelization of the movie), by Alan Dean Foster
JOIN OUR PATREON FOR BoNuS EpiSoDEs!https://patreon.com/TheBookPile*The king returns. Alan Dean is back, and he’s more Alan Dean than ever. Break out the thesauruses as we do a live roast of his novelization of The Force Awakens. Plus, Kellen teaches you some vocab words and Dave has a guessing game.*To buy the book and support the podcast, click HERE!https://amzn.to/3IJIhsx*Dave’s book / game The Starlings is here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMBBLGXN?ref=myi_title_dp*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's America's Got Talent, and the Amazon Original Series Inside Jokes. He has garnered over 100 million views with his clips on Dry Bar Comedy. In 2018 he was selected to perform on the “New Faces” showcase at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. He currently tours the country www.KellenErskine.com*David Vance's videos have garnered over 1 billion views. He has written viral ads for companies like Squatty Potty, Chatbooks, and Lumē, and sketches for the comedy show Studio C. His work has received two Webby Awards, and appeared on Conan. He currently works as a writer on the sitcom Freelancers.

Feb 24, 2025 • 25min
The Body, by Bill Bryson
Dive into a whimsical exploration of the human body, where every organ plays a comedic role, like a tiny Phantom of the Opera. Discover the quirky consequences of antibiotic overuse through a fictional zombie scenario. The hosts hilariously tackle health superstitions and critiquing absurd cultural beliefs around pregnancy. They also connect everyday curiosities—like jet skis—to fascinating aspects of biology, sharing laughs on topics like childbirth and baldness. This blend of humor and science makes for an entertaining ride!

Feb 19, 2025 • 31min
Re-Issue: Excellent Advice for Living, by Kevin Kelly
SUMMARY: Enjoy a digitally-remastered edit of one of our favorite episodes, where the author shares exactly what the book is called. Plus, Dave tells a story about being accidentally cool at a wedding, and Dave disagrees with a brilliant plan that Kellen has for safe combat with burglars...WATCH KELLEN'S NEW COMEDY SPECIAL ON YOUTUBE!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpBt0W1zrDU&t=1237sKELLEN ERSKINE IS IN ON TOUR!MAR 16 New Bremen, OHMAR 20 PittsburghMAR 28 Bakersfield, CAPR 4 Delray Beach, FLAPR 25-26 IndianaMAY 9-10 DallasMAY 17 St Charles, ILFor tickets go to KellenErskine.com-Get two free tickets to any of Kellen's live shows in 2025 by joining The Book Pile's Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/TheBookPile-Dave’s book / game The Starlings is here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMBBLGXN?ref=myi_title_dpTHE HOSTS!-Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's America's Got Talent, and the Amazon Original Series Inside Jokes. He has garnered over 200 million views with his clips on Dry Bar Comedy. In 2018 he was selected to perform on the “New Faces” showcase at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. He currently tours the country www.KellenErskine.com-David Vance's videos have garnered over 1 billion views. He has written viral ads for companies like Squatty Potty, Chatbooks, and Lumē, and sketches for the comedy show Studio C. His work has received two Webby Awards, and appeared on Conan. He currently works as a writer on the sitcom Freelancers.

Feb 10, 2025 • 34min
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
What if classic romance took a spooky twist? The hosts humorously envision therapy sessions for famous literary couples, framing the discussion around 'Jane Eyre.' They explore the novel's depth, Jane's witty retorts, and unconventional romance with Rochester. The balance of beauty and darkness reflects real-life relationship dynamics. Trust, deception, and empowerment take center stage as they examine Jane's fight for equality and worth, inviting listeners to reflect on love, agency, and psychological realism.

8 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 26min
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
Life is finite, making each of our 4,000 weeks incredibly valuable. The hosts humorously explore how our perceptions of time shape our priorities, from enjoying tacos to embracing chaos. They challenge traditional productivity, advocating for meaningful engagement over endless busyness. Personal anecdotes reveal the struggle against societal expectations and the longing for joy amid mundane routines. A refreshing take on time management emphasizes what truly matters in a world filled with distractions.

Jan 21, 2025 • 16min
How to Read 100 Books This Year
Learn how to tackle the impressive goal of reading 100 books in just one year! Discover practical tips for managing book lists and effectively using audiobooks. The host shares entertaining stories that highlight the joy of reading. Plus, get inspired with strategies that make reading a fun and achievable challenge.
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