Chatter on Books

Ted Genoways, an award-winning author known for his work on farming and food culture, dives into the rich and tumultuous story behind tequila in his latest book. He unpacks the unsung legacy of Jose Cuervo, revealing the historical and cultural significance of tequila amidst political upheaval in Mexico. The discussion touches on Genoways' personal journey and family ties to the industry, innovative marketing ideas for the brand, and the fascinating interplay between tradition and modernity in promoting tequila as a global spirit.

“So many firsts.“   Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, Jud, and Torie.  After discussing Kaitlyn/Colin nuptials and cars they shockingly move quickly to book topics.  Is “The Great Gatsby” the great American novel?  Is there really a great American novel?   COB alum and fave  Victoria Christopher Murray zooms in to share “Harlem Rhapsody,” the story of Jesse Redmon Fauset, the “literary midwife” of the Harlem Renaissance.  Victoria’s the perfect person to write about the woman at the heart of a cultural renaissance.

“Of a culture."      Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, Torie, and Jud Ashman.  Chatter on Sports kicks things off — Final Four, Ovi, and the Masters.  A hard turn to award winning author Jack Fairweather.  He zooms in to share “The Prosecutor.”  Meticuous research and beautiful writing make this true story about a Jewish lawyer prosecuting Nazi war crimes a book that can’t be put down once you start.   Sebastian Junger called it “..a tour de force of both historical research and absolutely terrific writing.  It reads like the best sort of cloak-and-dagger novel.” Yep.  And it’s hIghly relevant these days.

“Wild, luxurious, and absurd.”   Chatter rolls into March madness with David, Jamie, and Torie.  All eyes on David’s beloved American Eagles, but Jamie’s Gators look good.  Torie’s beloved CAPs are on a roll, and Ovi’s on the march to break Gretzky’s record.  The show gets back to books (sort of) with a review of reviews of the Moby Dick opera.  Best selling author and former librarian Kristen Arnett zooms in to share “Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One.”  As the Washington Post put it, it’s all kinds of funny.  Ostensibly about a retail employee turned clown, it’s a truly original way to look at art and creativity.

“Mice — whatever it means to you.“   Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, and Torie.  They break down the CAPs resurgence and a great 2018 moment — off the ice and in the water.  They debate what’s behind the  resurgence of brick and mortar book stores.   Award winning author Charlotte Wood zooms in from down under to share “Stone Yard Devotional.”  Released in Australia in 2023 and a Booker Prize finalist in ’24, Wood tells the story of a disillusioned conservationist who moves into a convent.  Beautifully spare, it’s “extraordinary” as WashPost critic Ron Charles said.  And it makes you work — a good thing!

“Seeking something.”   Chatter rolls with Lauren filling in for Claude, Jamie, and Torie.  They once again go down the memory lane of journalism. No contest in the Super Bowl but a good debate over Tom Brady.  Torie and Jamie try to tackle Ed Butt’s daughter’s sorority sister’s list by which to curate reading and epically fail.  N.L. Holmes zooms in to share her remarkable career paths and latest in the Hani’s Daughter Mystery series, “Melody of Evil.”  Set in the time of King Tutankhamun, the book weaves a page turning mystery in a mosaic of the politics, family dynamics, and culture of Ancient Egypt.

Chatter rolls with David, Jamie, and Torie.  They go deep on DeepSeek and AI more generally.  No Super Bowl for the Commanders but all rave about rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and a remarkable season.  The group goes dark on the current state of journalism (was there a golden age?) and its future.  Pulitzer Prize winner and best seller several times over David Maraniss zooms in to share work on his next book about Jack Johnson, boxer and inspiration for the Great White Hope.  Like much of his work, the book will examine important history through an athlete’s life.  

“Young people in Paris, 1948”   Chatter rolls into the new year with Claude, Jamie, and Torie. David’s off covering the Commanders’ big win over Tampa Bay.  Even without David, Claude and Jamie break down the big game (something about 4th downs).  Following “Chatter on Sports,” COB alum David Wright Falade zooms in to share his latest, “The New Internationals.”  Focused on an often over simplified chapter in history, “The New Internationals” explores the complex and intertwined lives of young people imagining a better world.  David goes “Going Local” with the Twin Oaks branch of the Austin Public Library system, down the street from where he lives and a terrific community hub.

“It’s a David Aldridge moment.” Chatter rolls Thanksgiving week with a very special show – live and in person:  Claude, David, Torie, Jamie, and Jud.  They shed a tear for Ovi’s injury, marvel (again) at Taylor Swift’s reach, and declare their picks for the Mt. Rushmore of sports books.  Award winning, hall of faming, and legacy leaving journalist David Aldridge takes the featured author chair.  He shares “The Basketball 100,” fascinating stories about the League’s legendary figures.  As Charles Barkley says, “Let the debate being.”

Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie, and Jamie.  They break down the Washington Capitals and answer listener email about favorite books beyond Chatter (who has time?).  Nobody wins the pop quiz on banned books but all agree none should be (banned, that is). According to PEN America, this year over 10,000 books were banned in public schools, nearly triple the number from 2023.   Author, historian, journalist, ghostwriter Tripp Whetsell zooms in to share “Norman Lear – His Life and Times.”  It’s an intense look at the depth and breadth of one of television’s most important figures.