Elton Reads A Book A Week

Elton Edgar
  • 4.6 (10)
  • COMEDY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

A random book, a different subject, Elton wades into each one sharing the best of what he discovers, and uncovers in each volume. Ludicrously sardonic, dark, funny, irreverent, and witty, the subjects range from UFOs, time travel, and the science behind "evil", to the lives of rock stars, and Hollywood. There's never a dull moment! It's time to enter this endless library, and see where it takes you...

  1. "Let's Tattoo Mars!" The Unhinged History of Cosmic Chat: From Martian Lasers to the Dark Forest Theory - Short-isode

    3D AGO

    "Let's Tattoo Mars!" The Unhinged History of Cosmic Chat: From Martian Lasers to the Dark Forest Theory - Short-isode

    Are we alone? In this short-isode, Elton traces the bizarre, hilarious, and occasionally unhinged history of humanity's quest for alien communication. From Frank Drake’s Equation in 1961, a mathematical roadmap for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), to the times before radio, when our ideas were pure fantasy: he dives into the wild ideas and scams. Like, the 19th-century scheme to burn massive geometric messages onto the surface of Mars using a gargantuan, laser-focused mirror. For real.From those ambitious, largely insane, early visual signals to the iconic messages we've strapped to spaceships—we've spent centuries leaving a very expensive voicemail for an unknown recipient.We also explore the cosmic artifacts and phenomena that made us stop and whisper, "Is someone calling us?" Learn the true story behind the Black Knight Satellite (spoiler: it's an escaped blanket), the enduring mystery of the Wow! Signal, and the strange case of 'Oumuamua, the cigar-shaped interstellar visitor.Finally, we confront the ultimate cosmic buzzkill: the Fermi Paradox. If the galaxy should be crowded, "Where is everybody?" We discuss the terrifying ethical debate over intentional messaging (METI) and the chilling logic of the Dark Forest Theory. Tune in to find out why, even in crushing silence, we simply cannot stop shouting "Hello?" into the dark. GET THE BOOK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠From Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠From an Indie Book Seller⁠⁠⁠⁠ BECOME AN Elton Reads A Book A Week CONTRIBUTOR HERE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elton Reads A Book A Week Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SOCIAL MEDIA!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This is the LINK TREE!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord server!⁠⁠⁠ EMAIL: eltonreadsabookaweek@gmail.com The following section is reserved for the people, places, things, and more that Elton probably offended in this episode-- THE APOLOGIES SECTION: Martians, New Yorkers...again, TalkToAliens.com users, UFO conspiracy theorists, etc. A special thanks to Diedrich Bader and Jenna Fischer for all their inspiration. Tags: Drake Equation, Fermi Paradox, SETI, METI, Extraterrestrial Intelligence, Frank Drake, Cosmic Silence, Voyager Golden Records, Pioneer Plaques, Arecibo Message, Alien Communication, Interstellar Communication, Charles Cros, Wow! Signal, Black Knight Satellite, 'Oumuamua, Dark Forest Theory, UFO, Space Mystery, Long Delayed Echoes (LDEs), Baltic, Martian Lasers, Nikola Tesla, Cosmic Chat, Alien Conspiracies, Commercialization of Space, Space Hoaxes, Science Podcast, Short-isode, Elton Reads a Book a Week, Books and Reading, Infotainment, learning, fun, comedy, history

    1 hr
  2. “Captain’s Handy How Are Ya” - 'Heat 2' by Michael Mann & Meg Gardiner

    APR 26

    “Captain’s Handy How Are Ya” - 'Heat 2' by Michael Mann & Meg Gardiner

    Get ready to dive back into the neon-soaked streets of L.A. and beyond! In this episode of Elton Reads A Book A Week, Elton takes on the ambitious crime epic Heat 2—the novel that somehow manages to be both a prequel and a sequel to Michael Mann’s legendary 1995 film. Ever wondered what made Neil McCauley so cold or how Vincent Hanna became a "hyper-caffeinated" detective with a failing personal life? This episode breaks down the twelve-year arc that takes these iconic characters from the shadows of Chicago to the heat of Paraguay and Mexico. Elton also digs into the fascinating true story that inspired the original film, involving a real-life high-stakes meeting in a Chicago deli between a meticulous detective and a professional thief who lived by a 30-second rule. Expect plenty of Elton’s signature "cinephile" rants, some very questionable theories about whether Chicago actually exists, and a recurring battle with his producer, [BLEEP], over whether the show needs more machine-gun sound effects. It’s a deep dive into world-traveling heists, burning wreckage, and the "urban opera" of Michael Mann’s universe. Listen in for: The Real Heat: The gritty 1960s true crime origins of the McCauley/Hanna rivalry. A Master at Work: A look at director Michael Mann’s journey from driving cabs to "engineering" cinematic masterpieces. Behind the Pages: How a film director and a thriller novelist teamed up to expand a world millions already loved. Just... maybe don't take any actual life advice from the heist parts. GET THE BOOK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠From Amazon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠From an Indie Book Seller⁠⁠⁠ BECOME AN Elton Reads A Book A Week CONTRIBUTOR HERE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elton Reads A Book A Week Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tips!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SOCIAL MEDIA!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠This is the LINK TREE!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join the Discord server!⁠⁠ EMAIL: eltonreadsabookaweek@gmail.com The following section is reserved for the people, places, things, and more that Elton probably offended in this episode-- THE APOLOGIES SECTION: Clowns...again, flatulence, New York...again, those that get easily tricked, Penthouse Forum, and much, much more. A special thanks to Diedrich Bader and Jenna Fischer for all their inspiration. "Expanding on the lives of characters like Vincent Hanna, Neil McCauley, and Chris Shiherlis before and after the movie's events. The book follows the formative years of the main characters and continues the story with new heists and characters, exploring their lives in the years leading up to and following the film's iconic bank robbery. It's known for its cinematic action, rich characterization, and fast-paced, hard-boiled style, becoming a #1 New York Times bestseller. " Heat 2, Michael Mann, Meg Gardiner, Heat Movie Sequel, Vincent Hanna, Neil McCauley, Chris Shiherlis, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Crime Fiction, Heist Novel, North Hollywood Shootout, Chuck Adamson, Chicago Crime History, Belden’s Deli, Urban Opera, Heat 1995, Movie Trivia, Literary Analysis, Book Review, Comedy Podcast, Elton Reads A Book A Week, Pop Culture Commentary, GTA V Inspiration, The Dark Knight Influence, Miami Vice, Crime Thriller Books, Cinema History, Hard-Boiled Fiction.#Heat2 #MichaelMann #Heist #BookReview #ComedyPodcast #Podcast #Cinema #TrueCrime #NeilMcCauley #VincentHanna #Literature #CrimeFiction #ActionMovies #EltonReadsABookAWeek #MovieHistory #Sequel Review #books #reading #booktok #comedy #Heat #movie

    1h 51m
  3. [PATREON PREVIEW] "Internet Riot Master"

    APR 10

    [PATREON PREVIEW] "Internet Riot Master"

    [A PREVIEW EPISODE OF THE PATREON EXCLUSIVE PODCAST "Internet Riot Master"] Join me as I venture into a story of online instigation, riotous nonsense, and a lot of lifting of things. Yeah, it doesn't make a lot of sense, but what written by A.I. does? My wife gave me the gift of an A.I. book written for me? Or about me? By me? I'm not really sure, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to read it anyway, right? Come listen to me make my way through the slop, and help create a weird world all our own. What are you waiting for? BECOME AN Elton Reads A Book A Week CONTRIBUTOR HERE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elton Reads A Book A Week Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tips!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SOCIAL MEDIA!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This is the LINK TREE!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord server!⁠⁠⁠⁠ EMAIL: eltonreadsabookaweek@gmail.com

    26 min
  4. Short-isode: "Dumb Myths About Sleep"

    APR 3

    Short-isode: "Dumb Myths About Sleep"

    Do you ever feel like you’re doing everything "right" for your sleep, yet you’re still waking up exhausted? We spend a third of our lives unconscious, but most of what we think we know about those hours is a mix of old wives' tales and misunderstood science. In this episode, we’re peeling back the covers on the most persistent sleep myths that are sabotaging your rest. We start with the big one: the terrifying warning that waking a sleepwalker could be fatal. We’ll dive into why this myth exists, what actually happens to a sleepwalking brain, and the real dangers you should be worried about instead. Then, we tackle the "Sleep Debt" delusion. Can you really "catch up" on sleep over the weekend, or are you just digging a deeper hole for your circadian rhythm? We’re breaking down the biological reality of REM cycles and why your brain isn't a bank account you can just balance on Sunday morning. In this episode, we also explore: The 8-Hour Rule: Why this "magic number" might actually be a modern invention of the Industrial Revolution rather than a biological necessity. The Nightcap Trap: Why that glass of wine might help you fall asleep faster but is actually a chemical "wrecking ball" for your sleep quality. Blue Light & Sleep Hygiene: the TikTok "hacks" from the peer-reviewed science of getting a better night's rest. Whether you’re a lifelong insomniac, a chronic snoozer, or just curious about what happens when the lights go out, this deep dive will change the way you look at your mattress. We’re separating the science of rest from the stories we tell ourselves in the dark. Stop counting sheep and start counting facts. GET THE BOOK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠From Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠From an Indie Book Seller⁠⁠⁠⁠ BECOME AN Elton Reads A Book A Week CONTRIBUTOR HERE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elton Reads A Book A Week Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tips!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SOCIAL MEDIA!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This is the LINK TREE!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord server!⁠⁠⁠ EMAIL: eltonreadsabookaweek@gmail.com The following section is reserved for the people, places, things, and more that Elton probably offended in this episode-- THE APOLOGIES SECTION: Medical professionals, people having wet dreams, people with insomnia, and the "you know who you are" people. A special thanks to Diedrich Bader and Jenna Fischer for all their inspiration.

    42 min
  5. Short-isode: State's Nicknames (“You just caught a palm strike to yo baby batter bag, bitch!”)

    MAR 25

    Short-isode: State's Nicknames (“You just caught a palm strike to yo baby batter bag, bitch!”)

    So, this week I decided to take a break from the heavy lifting of a full novel to look at something equally weird: why the places we live have such bizarre "official" handles. Honestly, if you actually look into where state nicknames come from, it’s rarely a group of dignified founders sitting around a table. It’s usually just a bunch of 19th-century dudes making fun of each other until someone decided to put the insult on a license plate. What we're getting into: The Original Trolls: We talk about how a place like Missouri ended up with the "Show-Me" label. Spoiler: It wasn’t a compliment. It was basically a way of calling people from the Ozarks a little too "slow on the uptake" to understand a joke. The Nutmeg Scam: Connecticut is out here calling itself the "Constitution State" now, but back in the day, they were the "Nutmeg State" because their traders were legendary for selling fake, wooden spices to unsuspecting tourists. It’s basically the 1800s version of a crypto rug-pull. The Gopher Pivot: You’ve got Minnesota, which somehow turned a mean-spirited political cartoon about corrupt politicians into a cute mascot. It’s like if we started calling a state "The Dumpster Fire State" and then fifty years later everyone was wearing Dumpster Fire hats at football games. Bird Identity Politics: Why is Alabama obsessed with a "Yellowhammer"? And since when is a "Blue Hen" the peak of toughness in Delaware? We’re looking at the weirdly specific wildlife obsession that defines half the South. Silver vs. Dirt: Nevada’s constant struggle between wanting to sound like a treasure chest and admitting it’s mostly just covered in sagebrush. From the "Dark and Bloody Ground" of Kentucky to the "Sunshine" branding that hides a lot of corporate secrets, we’re digging into the labels we inherited. It’s a messy, hilarious, and totally nonsensical look at American self-branding. Give it a listen, stop yelling at traffic for ten minutes, and then go read a book. Seriously. Keep the brain cells firing, folks. GET THE BOOK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠From Amazon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠From an Indie Book Seller⁠⁠⁠ BECOME AN Elton Reads A Book A Week CONTRIBUTOR HERE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elton Reads A Book A Week Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tips!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SOCIAL MEDIA!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠This is the LINK TREE!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join the Discord server!⁠⁠ EMAIL: eltonreadsabookaweek@gmail.com The following section is reserved for the people, places, things, and more that Elton probably offended in this episode-- THE APOLOGIES SECTION: Asian Blaxploitation actors, characters, etc., Alaska, Nebraska, well, all the states mentioned, if I'm being honest. A special thanks to Diedrich Bader and Jenna Fischer for all their inspiration. SHOW NOTES: Content TypeSoloPrimary GoalEducationalSummaryThis episode explores the quirky, controversial, and often disturbing origins of U.S. state nicknames, revealing their historical, cultural, and political significance.Keywordsstate nicknames, American history, U.S. states, cultural symbols, political history, folklore, racism, land rush, Native American historyKey Topics Origins of state nicknames in the 1800sRacism and political slogans in nicknamesLand rushes and land theft in OklahomaNative American history and treatiesCultural and political symbolism in nicknamesThe Hidden Histories Behind U.S. State NicknamesHow Racism and Land Theft Shaped American State Names"Tar Heel was an insult turned state pride""Gopher nickname from political cartoon in 1858""Yellow Hammer is a woodpecker, not a kung fu hero"Guest NametitlesSound BitesChapters00:00Introduction to State Nicknames 03:09The Origins of State Nicknames 06:16Missouri: The Show Me State 08:47North Carolina: The Tar Heel State 12:00Connecticut: The Nutmeg State14:48Indiana: The Hoosier State 18:11Minnesota: The Gopher State 21:12Delaware: The Diamond State 24:06Alabama: The Yellow Hammer State 27:03Nevada: The Silver State 30:00Kentucky: The Bluegrass State 33:12Oklahoma: The Sooner State 36:05Reflections on State Nicknames

    47 min
  6. "Cranky Goes to Boom Boom Town" - "The Arrest" by Jonathan Lethem

    MAR 13

    "Cranky Goes to Boom Boom Town" - "The Arrest" by Jonathan Lethem

    "Under the watchful eyes of Bob's Stratos and Apollo..." This week Elton is asking the big questions: What do you do when the world ends, not with a bang, but with a sudden, awkward silence? In this special crossover event, Elton is joined by the one and only Glen Nuzzle from the Nuzzle House podcast to unpack Jonathan Lethem’s post-technological fever dream, The Arrest. Imagine the "Off" switch for the entire world was flipped. No internet, no cars, no planes—just a sudden, quiet return to a pastoral life. This is the world of Sandy “Journeyman” Duplessis, a former Hollywood script doctor now living a humble life in rural Maine, delivering organic rutabagas and trying to forget his past. But the past has a way of showing up in a nuclear-powered, drill-nosed super-machine. When Sandy’s old frenemy, the legendary (and legendarily ego-maniacal) producer Peter Todbaum, rolls into town in the "Blue Streak," he brings more than just forbidden technology—he brings the toxic baggage of Hollywood storytelling to a world that was finally learning to live without it. The Ultimate Rivalry: We dive into the petty, hilarious tension between a man who just wants to garden and a man who refuses to stop being the protagonist. Post-Apocalypse... with Vibes: Is it a dystopia, or just a really long camping trip? Lethem flips the script on traditional "end of the world" tropes. A "Nuzzle" Worthy Discussion: Glen Nuzzle brings his signature style to the table, helping Elton navigate the surreal landscapes and meta-commentary that only Lethem can provide. "It’s a story about the stories we tell ourselves to survive, and what happens when those stories are delivered by a man in a giant metal mole-car." Whether you’re a fan of high-concept literary sci-fi or you just enjoy hearing two guys talk about the absurdity of a nuclear-powered drill in a potato field, this episode is for you. GET THE BOOK: ⁠⁠⁠From Amazon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠From an Indie Book Seller⁠⁠ BECOME AN Elton Reads A Book A Week CONTRIBUTOR HERE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Elton Reads A Book A Week Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tips!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠SOCIAL MEDIA!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠This is the LINK TREE!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Join the Discord server!⁠ EMAIL: eltonreadsabookaweek@gmail.com The following section is reserved for the people, places, things, and more that Elton probably offended in this episode-- THE APOLOGIES SECTION: Clowns...again, flatulence, New York...again, those that get easily tricked, Penthouse Forum, and much, much more. A special thanks to Diedrich Bader and Jenna Fischer for all their inspiration.

    2h 6m
  7. "Ain't the death of capitalism great!" Zoom: Surprising Ways to Supercharge Your Career by Daniel Roberts

    11/19/2025

    "Ain't the death of capitalism great!" Zoom: Surprising Ways to Supercharge Your Career by Daniel Roberts

    Is your career in a tailspin? Have you been wandering blindly from one dead-end job to the next, hoping the universe will throw you a bone? Well, great news—wealthy CEOs are here to tell you how to fix your life! In this week’s episode of Elton Reads A Book A Week, Elton dives into Fortune Zoom: Surprising Ways to Supercharge Your Career—a book where Fortune Magazine corrals its “40 Under 40” wunderkinds to dispense what they believe passes for practical career advice. Is it useful? Maybe. Is it relatable? Absolutely not. But does Elton’s brain snap in increasingly entertaining ways as he tries to make sense of it? Oh, very much so. From Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh’s crusade for “company culture,” to closets full of costumes for adults, to Marissa Mayer yeeting herself from Google into Yahoo’s hot seat—you’ll hear what these innovators supposedly did to “supercharge” their careers, and how you (a normal human with bills) are supposedly meant to do the same. Packed with maniacal rants, sharp satire, and the occasional inspirational nugget buried under layers of skepticism, this episode explores the realities of hard work, risk-taking, and the glossy mythmaking behind success stories. Plus, Elton tries to decide whether this advice is motivational, delusional, or just really good comedy fodder. Come listen to Elton’s brain break. It’s educational… in its own way. GET THE BOOK: ⁠⁠⁠From Amazon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠From an Indie Book Seller⁠⁠ - Sorry, no listing for the indies. Damn. BECOME AN Elton Reads A Book A Week CONTRIBUTOR HERE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Elton Reads A Book A Week Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy me a coffee here!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠SOCIAL MEDIA!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠This is the LINK TREE!⁠⁠⁠ The Elton Reads A Book A Week Substack! ⁠Join the Discord server!⁠ Other podcasts Elton is in: Two Books, One Cup! EMAIL: eltonreadsabookaweek@gmail.com The following section is reserved for the people, places, things, and more that Elton probably offended in this episode-- THE APOLOGIES SECTION: People wanting actual career advice, the people of The Great Depression, concert goers, mental patients, ramen, careers... A special thanks to Diedrich Bader and Jenna Fischer for all their inspiration. #EltonReadsABookAWeek #BookPodcast #ComedyPodcast #FunnyBookReview #BookDiscussion #BookTalk #CareerSuccess #SuperchargeYourCareer #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalGrowth #LeadershipTips #BusinessTips #CareerDevelopment #WorkplaceWisdom #YoungEntrepreneurs #BusinessLeaders #Innovators #40Under40 #StartupStories #EntrepreneurLife #TakeRisks #ThinkDifferently #HardWorkPaysOff #CompanyCulture #BusinessMindset #SuccessStrategies #InspirationDaily #AspiringEntrepreneurs #FutureLeaders #BusinessBook #CareerMotivation #SelfImprovement #GrowthMindset #Zappos #UnderArmour #MarissaMayer #TonyHsieh #KevinPlank

    1h 27m
  8. Short-isode: "The Worst Business Deal In American History"

    09/21/2025

    Short-isode: "The Worst Business Deal In American History"

    Imagine you're the person that could have bought Amazon stock for $18.00 per share or maybe Microsoft at $21 per share, better still, Facebook, Coca-Cola, and Apple at their initial public offerings. Now, imagine you could have bought into any of those kinds of PHENOMENALLY profitable companies BEFORE they went public. Finally, imagine you did just that, got in on the ground floor, and still...somehow...managed to come out on the losing end. This is that story. GET THE BOOK FROM AMAZON: ⁠The Best of The Best of Uncle John's Bathroom Reader GET THE BOOK FROM AN INDEPENDENT BOOK SELLER: The Best of The Best of Uncle John's Bathroom Reader⁠ BECOME AN Elton Reads A Book A Week CONTRIBUTOR HERE: ⁠⁠Elton Reads A Book A Week Patreon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Tips!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠SOCIAL MEDIA!⁠⁠ ⁠This is the LINK TREE!⁠ EMAIL: eltonreadsabookaweek@gmail.com The following section is reserved for the people, places, things, and more that Elton probably offended in this episode-- THE APOLOGIES SECTION: Uncle John, patient people, people that like longer episodes, and listeners like you. THANKS: Thank you for listening and sharing this podcast with others. It means a lot. I appreciate it, sincerely. A special thanks to Diedrich Bader, Jenna Fischer, and Steve Guttenburg for all their inspiration. [business, worst deal, American history, history, comedy, podcast, funny, company, corporations, corporate history, Ford, Model T, Daisy, bb gun, Henry Ford, business deal, near miss, hindsight]

    35 min
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4.6
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About

A random book, a different subject, Elton wades into each one sharing the best of what he discovers, and uncovers in each volume. Ludicrously sardonic, dark, funny, irreverent, and witty, the subjects range from UFOs, time travel, and the science behind "evil", to the lives of rock stars, and Hollywood. There's never a dull moment! It's time to enter this endless library, and see where it takes you...

Information

  • Creator
    Elton Edgar
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Elton Edgar
  • Show Website
    Elton Reads A Book A Week