Episodes

  • 028 — DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation, with Dr. Eric Sprankle

    028 — DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation, with Dr. Eric Sprankle
    Feb 19 2024
    Today, we welcome Dr. Eric Sprankle to discuss his forthcoming book, DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation while trying the infamous 1980s cocktail, the Screaming Orgasm, and some refreshing One-Man-Mosh Pit IPA from the always-outstanding Surly Brewing Company.

    For anyone with a delicate constitution, weak intellect, and/or a low threshold for moral outrage who hasn’t figured out that an episode on a book about masturbation probably has some explicit content, a warning isn’t likely to be much help, but here it is anyway. ***EXPLICIT CONTENT WARNING***
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    59 mins
  • Episode 027 — Modernist Pizza

    Episode 027 — Modernist Pizza
    Feb 12 2024
    Just in time to be late for National Pizza Day, we're taking a look at a few books on the world's favorite food while eating Chicago Deep Dish and polishing off more than a few cans of Two Brothers Prairie Path Golden Ale. Dig in and enjoy!
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    29 mins
  • Episode 026 — HollowEarth

    Episode 026 — HollowEarth
    Jan 18 2024
    This episode looks at Hollow Earth history and mythology, its role in maritime lore, the cumulative effects of The Little Ice Age and The Year Without A Summer, and their impact on the search for a Northwest Passage — all while sipping La Fin Du Monde Belgian Triple. Proost!
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    32 mins
  • 025 — Funk & Wagnalls New Standard Dictionary 1932

    025 — Funk & Wagnalls New Standard Dictionary 1932
    Dec 27 2023
    The 1932 edition of the Funk and Wagnalls New Standard Dictionary is a fine example of form and function coalesced into one marvelous tome. Join us as we examine it while sipping a few fingers of Writer's Tears Irish Whiskey. Sláinte is táinte!
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    27 mins
  • 024 — Why Did the Chicken Cross the World?

    024 — Why Did the Chicken Cross the World?
    Dec 12 2023
    It's Episode 24 and the crew is giving everybody the bird. Chicken — I say, chicken, that is! Today, we look at the history, comedy, tragedy, and commoditization of what has become the world's most versatile and necessary animal — including its legendary role in Italian winemaking — all while sipping the 2015 Nizzole Chianti Classico. Cin cin e alla tua salute!
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    26 mins
  • 023 — The Giving Tree

    023 — The Giving Tree
    Nov 6 2023
    We're back! Our first show after a year-and-a-half looks at the children's book classic, The Giving Tree, while diving into the Daou Brothers' bold California red blend, Pessimist. Cheers!
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    21 mins
  • 022 — Eggasaurus with author Jennifer Wagh

    022 — Eggasaurus with author Jennifer Wagh
    Apr 25 2022
    Talking with author Jennifer Wagh about the writing craft, the importance of a good writers' group, and the publication of her first picture book, Eggasaurus! Jenny's celebrating with Veuve Clicquot Champagne while I'm polishing of a four-pack of Tooth & Claw lager by Chicago's own Off Color Brewing. Also, stay tuned in to learn how to enter to win a signed copy of Jenny's new book! Cheers!
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    43 mins
  • 021 — The Great Airship Mystery of 1897

    021 — The Great Airship Mystery of 1897
    Apr 2 2022
    Time for another episode of far-fetched facts lashed together with wine and wit. This time, it's a bottle of 2012 Le Cigar Volant by California's Bonny Doon Winery, medieval popes in the South of France, and Victorian-era UFOs zipping around the North American skies. Don't worry—thirty minutes from now, it'll all make perfect sense. Just another day's work for the Of Books and Booze crew. Need more? How about intro music by Brave Comb?
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    31 mins