Four Friends and a Book

Patchouli Podcast Network
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

Dr. Teresa Starrett, Dr. David Smith, Diane Boeglin Mayes, and Smokey Joe Mayes start with a discussion of one book...then follow the discussion wherever it goes!

  1. May 6

    E25: Two Teresas, Elyse, and 99 Dumb Ways to Die

    Four Friends hits the 25th episode milestone! And what would the 'cast be without technical problems? Teresa loses her hearing for a spell, but the group recovers strongly to talk about Teresa's chosen genre, non-political non-fiction! Chaos ensues when Teresa's audio fails but she powers through to share how she never realized a book about Tuberculosis was missing from her life. Diane shares her love of Elyse Meyers' bestseller, prompting Joe to dig up the classic Elyse taco date video. Teresa then bounces back with yet another banger, 99 Ways to Die, prompting Joe to dig up the Tangerine Kitty classic, "Dumb Ways to Die." Joe brings things home with Simon Winchester's 1998 classic, The Professor and the Madman, about the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary and the unlikely friendship that developed between the two men -- Professor James Murray and Dr. W.C. Minor -- who did much of the heavy lifting. A super fun episode with fun little side trips, following Joe's ADD down amusing rabbit holes! This week's books: Teresa: Everything is Tuberculosis by John GreenDiane: That’s a Great Question I’d Love to Tell You by Elyse MeyersTeresa: 99 Ways to Die: And How to Avoid Them by Ashely Alker MDJoe: The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester (aka The Surgeon of Crowthorne)David: Trapped in end-of-semester grading hell, but next up on his list is Everything is Tuberculosis

    1h 6m

  2. Apr 22

    E24: Four Friends and a Graphic Novel

    David leads Diane, Teresa, and Joe into a genre none of the three had ever explored: Graphic Novels. The Friends explore how well traditional books translate to the graphic novel form, whether the graphic novel medium scratches the same reading itch that traditional books do, and the value and power of any format that encourages children to read. David: Watchmen by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons (Illustrator/Letterer), John Higgins (Colorist)Joe: The Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler, Damian Duffy and John JenningsDiane: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (Author), Renee Nault (Illustrator)Teresa: Donut the Destroyer by Sarah Graley, Stef PureninsOther: A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel Series by Daniel Abraham

    1h 6m

  3. Apr 15

    E23: Strong Women Characters

    This episode's topic: Strong women characters Diane's pick kicked of a dynamite discussion of books featuring strong, memorable women characters. Conversation included discussion of the Bechdel test as applied to books, what makes a memorable woman character, unforgettable villainous women characters, and whether or not men can write strong, independent, and memorable women characters well. We visit with such memorable and lovable characters as Loretta Thurwar and Hurricane Staxxx, Frankie McGrath, Lauren Olamina, Lisey Landon, Avalon Dale and Primrose Meath, Elphaba and Glinda, Elizabeth Zott, and the inimitable, unforgettable Annie Wilkes. Check out some of the titles discussed in this episode: Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-BrenyahThe Women by Kristin HannahThe Great Alone by Kristin HannahParable of the Sower by Octavia E. ButlerLisey's Story by Stephen KingEducated by Tara WestoverHarmless Women by Rebecca SharpeWicked by Jennifer L. ArmentroutFinding Chika by Mitch Albom (not available from Patchouli Joe's)The Dead Detective by J.R. Rain and Rod Kierkegaard Jr.After Oz by Gordon McAlpineGirl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg LarssonLessons in Chemistry by Bonnie GarmusThe Red Tent by Anita DiamantMisery by Stephen King

    1 hr

  4. Mar 25

    E22: Social Criticism, Pigs, and and Merging Capital Blah

    The four friends -- still without a proper podcast name -- take on Political Satire. For the first time in recorded human history, Teresa agrees with Joe, both declaring that non-fiction cannot be satire. Then Joe started waffling and chaos returned. As the discussion unfolded, the breadth of Political Satire was surprising, bringing in discussions of everything from The Bonfire of the Vanities, Yellowface, Our Missing Hearts, America (The Book), and a book David mentioned, Something-something Merchant blah something-something. Bonus points for working the late, great Hunter S. Thompson into the discussion. Can near-future dystopian be political satire? Can non-fiction be satire? Can the group ever land on a podcast name that hasn't already been chosen? Next week: Diane discusses books with strong women characters Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom WolfeFear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72 by Hunter S. ThompsonAmerican Hero (aka Wag the Dog) by Larry Beinhart (Wag the Dog)Yellowface by R.F. KuangOur Missing Hearts by Celeste NgSlaughterhouse-Five by Kurt VonnegutAmerica (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction by Jon Stewart (not available from Patchouli Joe's)I Am America (And So Can You!) by Stephen Colbert (not available from Patchouli Joe's)The Stand by Stephen KingAnimal Farm by George Orwell1984 by George Orwell

    1h 3m

  5. Mar 14

    E21: Magical Realism

    Teresa shares her favorite selections from her favorite genre: Magical Realism. The Four Bookish Friends discuss the distinction between fantasy and magical realism, different ways authors slip magical realism elements into other genres, and their overall love for the genre. Teresa:Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck Diane: The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman Joe: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold The Husbands: A Read with Jenna Pick: A Novel by Holly Gramazio David:Curse of the Phoenix (The Arcane Irregulars Book 1) by Dan Willis (not available at Patchouli Joe's)

    1 hr

  6. Feb 24

    E20: Classics/Sci-Fi Mashups

    David brings the twistiest of genres to the Four Friends, with Henry VIII: Wolfman, and genre-bending retelling of the story of Henry VIII...if he were a werewolf. The conversation was interesting and insightful, tracing the thematic elements -- the "connective tissue" -- of the original with the retelling. Austen Affair by Madeline Bell11/22/63 by Stephen KingPride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls by Steve HockensmithIt's a Wonderful Death by E. N. McMahonHenry VIII: Wolfman by A. E. Moorat (not available at Patchouli Joe's)Next up: Magical Realism from Teresa!

    59 min

  7. Feb 17

    E19: Must Reads from Black Authors

    The Four Friends discuss the new name for the 'cast Joe's taste in movies, and six incredible books from four momentous black voices. The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Wes MooreParable of the Sower by Octavia E. ButlerJames by Percival EverettErasure by Percival EverettDeacon King Kong by James McBrideThe Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

    1h 16m

  8. Feb 13

    E18: Tinker Tailor Soldier Reader

    Joe shares his love for military/espionage/political thrillers and his favorite authors from that genre -- John le Carré, W.E.B. Griffin, Tom Clancy, and Dan Brown. Surprisingly, it's not the action that he finds so fascinating; it's the ethical challenges faced by the protagonists. From the Cold War to the Drug Wars and beyond, the Four Friends talk about their favorites in the genre...and why they love them. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le CarréThe Lieutenants (Brotherhood of War series) by W.E.B. GriffinRed Storm Rising by Tom ClancyThe Da Vinci Code by Dan BrownThe Women by Kristin HannahArtificial Wisdom by Thomas R. WeaverThe Lions of Lucerne by Brad ThorThe List by Steve Berry

    1h 12m
See All (25)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Dr. Teresa Starrett, Dr. David Smith, Diane Boeglin Mayes, and Smokey Joe Mayes start with a discussion of one book...then follow the discussion wherever it goes!

Information

  • Creator
    Patchouli Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Patchouli Podcast Network
  • Show Website
    Four Friends and a Book

You Might Also Like