No Returns

No Returns
  • 4.6 (10)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Formerly known as A Reasonable Day, No Returns finds hosts Alyssa Savino and Kevin Krein discussing books that they find in Little Free Libraries.

  1. 12/01/2025

    Babes in Toyland (1986)

    This holiday season, Kevin's VHS player is put to good use as the No Returns co-hosts watch and discuss the 1986 made-for-TV movie, Babes in Toyland.   Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Kevin Krein was the host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. You can read the things he has written about contemporary popular music, his poor mental health, and where those things intersect, on his website, and you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The podcast's original theme music was written and performed by Blake Gardner. He performs as Blake Rules—listen on Spotify or follow him on Instagram.    Closing Credit Music: “Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019. Episode Music Credits: “C-I-N-C-I-N-N-A-T-I,” “Toyland,” Monsterpiece,” and  “It’s The Feeling,” written by Leslie Bricusse; performed by the cast of Babes in Toyland. 1986. “Realeyes,” written by Kat Bjelland; performed by Babes in Toyland. Fontanelle, Reprise, 1992. “A Long December,” written by Adam Duritz; performed by Counting Crows. Recovering The Satellites, DGC 1996.  "Alright," written by Pamela Valfer; performed by Kitty Craft. Beats and Breaks From The Flower Patch, Darla Records, 2024 (Reissue)

    53 min

  2. 11/17/2025

    A Walk in The Woods by Bill Bryson

    Take ANOTHER walk with co-hosts, Alyssa and Kevin—but this time, in the woods!! This week they're discussing Bill Bryson's 1998 “humorous travel book,” A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail.   Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Kevin Krein was the host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. You can read the things he has written about contemporary popular music, his poor mental health, and where those things intersect, on his website, and you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The podcast's original theme music was written and performed by Blake Gardner. He performs as Blake Rules—listen on Spotify or follow him on Instagram.  Closing Credit Music: “Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019. Episode Music Credits: “A Walk,” written by Greg Graffin; performed by Bad Religion. The Gray Race, Atlantic, 1996. “Deep in The Woods,” written by Chloe George, Hayley Kiyoko, Nikki Flores, Pat Morrissey, and Dave Dahlquist; performed by Hayley Kiyoko. Panorama, Atlantic, 2022. “Society,” written by Jerry Hannan; performed by Eddie Vedder. Into The Wild,J Records, 2007. “Coyotes,” written by Bob McDill; performed by Don Edwards. Goin’ Back to Texas, Warner Western, 1993. “Treadwell No More,” written and performed by Richard Thompson. Grizzly Man, Cooking Vinyl, 2004. “Homeward Bound,” written by Paul Simon; performed by Simon and Garfunkel. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme, Columbia, 1966. “Go Find Yourself or Whatever,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen and Rostam Batmanglij; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022. “Walk of Life,” written by Mark Knopfler; performed by Dire Straits. Brothers in Arms, Warner, 1985.  “Send Me On My Way,” lyrics by Michael Glabicki; performed by Rusted Root. When I Woke, Mercury, 1994.

    55 min

  3. 11/03/2025

    Walking Twin Cities by Holly Day and Sherman Wick

    In the season premiere, accompany the No Returns duo on a couple of jaunts inspired by the book, Walking Twin Cities by Holly Day and Sherman Wick.     Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on his website, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Opening Credit Music: “Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022. Closing Credit Music: “Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019. Additional Music Credits: "Alright," written by Pamela Valfer; performed by Kitty Craft. Beats and Breaks From The Flower Patch, Darla Records, 2024 (Reissue) “Skyway,” written by Paul Westerberg; performed by The Replacements. Pleased to Meet Me, Sire, 1987. “St. Paul,” written by Karen McCullough Peris; performed by The Innocence Mission. The Raindrop Cars, Therese Records, 2025. “In The City,” written by Paul Weller; performed by The Jam. In The City, Polydor, 1977. “Sleepwalk,” written by Santo Farina, Johnny Farina, and Anna Farina; performed by Santo and Johnny. Santo and Johnny, Canadian-American Records, 1959. “Carnival,” written and performed by Natalie Merchant. Tigerlily, Elektra, 1995. “Bim Bom,” written and performed by João Gilberto. 1958 “Sleepwalk,” written by Santo Farina, Johnny Farina, Anna Farina, and Betsy Brye; performed by Betsy Brye. Canadian-American Records, 1959 “Downtown,” written by Tony Hatch; performed by Petula Clark. Warner Brothers, 1964. “Galileo,” written by Emily Sailers; performed by Indigo Girls. Rite of Passage, Epic, 1992. “I Want to Come Over,” written and performed by Melissa Etheridge. Your Little Secret, Island, 1995. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” written by Charlie and Craig Reid; performed by The Proclaimers. Sunshine on Leith, Chrysalis, 1988 “Autumn Sweater,” written and performed by Yo La Tengo. I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One, Matador, 1997. “Cathedrals,” written by Jay Clifford; performed by Jump Little Children. Magazine, Atlantic, 1998. “Walkin,” written by Richard Carpenter; performed by MIles Davis. Miles Davis All Star Sextet, Prestige, 1954. “Mariners Apartment Complex,” written by Elizabeth Grant and Jack Antonoff; performed by Lana Del Rey. Norman Fucking Rockwell, Interscope, 2019.

    52 min

  4. 07/14/2025

    Kate Russell from Little Free Library (Bonus Ep/Interview)

    BONUS EPISODE ALERT! We thought we were wrapped up for this season of No Returns until we met Kate Russell, Senior Director of Advancement for Little Free Library! This week Kate welcomes us to the Little Free Library offices in St Paul to discuss our meet cute, the best and worst things we've found in Little Free Libraries, and the work the Little Free Library organization is doing to provide access to more books for everyone, everywhere! For more information about Little Free Library, please visit their website. Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Opening Credit Music: “Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022. Closing Credit Music: “Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019. Episode Music Credits: “Open Book,” written by John McCrea and Greg Brown; performed by Cake. Fashion Nugget, Capricorn, 1996. “Mexico,” written by John McCrea; performed by Cake. Prolonging The Magic, Capricorn, 1998.  “Dreamdaddy,” written by Keith Ferguson; performed by World Leader Pretend. Punches, Warner Brothers, 2005.  “Books About UFOs,” written by Grant Hart; performed by Husker Du. New Day Rising, SST, 1985. “Reading Rainbow Theme Song,” written by Steve Horelick, Dennis Neil Kleinman, and Janet Weir; performed by Tina Fabrique. 1983 “I Love Reading Books,” written by Shawn Rosenblat ; performed by Blake Rules. Kids Trap, Netherfriends, 2017. “Library Song,” written by Robby Merkin, Maria O’Meara, and Luis Santeiro. Sesame Street, 1995. “Library Song,” written by Tom Chapin and Michael Mark; performed by Tom Chapin. Moonboat, Gadfly, 1989. “Books, Check ‘Em Out,” performed by Sir Mix-A-Lot. 1990. “Bookends Theme (Reprise),” written by Paul Simon; performed by Simon and Garfunkel. Bookends, Columbia, 1968.

    48 min

  5. 06/30/2025

    Guinness Book of World Records - 1989

    This week, Alyssa and Kevin crack open the 1989 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records! Which records have been broken in the last 35 years and which have been maintained? The No Returns duo discuss this most impressive compendium AND even try to beat some of its listed record holders.  Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Opening Credit Music: “Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022. Closing Credit Music: “Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019. Episode Music Credits: "Alright," written by Pamela Valfer; performed by Kitty Craft. Beats and Breaks From The Flower Patch, Darla Records, 2024 (Reissue) “Fight The Power,” written by Carlton Ridenhour, Eric Sadler, Hank Boxley, and Keith Boxley; performed by Public Enemy. Do The Right Thing: Original Motion PIcture Soundtrack, Motown, 1989. “Wind Beneath My Wings,” written by Larry Henley and Jeff Silbar; performed by Bette Midler. Beaches: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, Atlantic, 1988. “My Prerogative," written by Bobby Brown, Teddy Riley, Gene Griffin, Aaron Hall,  and Timmy Gatling; performed by Bobby Brown. Don’t Be Cruel, MCA, 1988. “Straight Up,” written by Elliot Wolff; performed by Paula Abdul. Forever Your Girl, Virgin, 1988 “Like A Prayer,” written by Madonna Ciccone and Patrick Leonard; performed by Madonna. Like A Prayer, Sire/Warner, 1989. “Love Shack,” written and performed by The B-52’s. Cosmic Thing, Reprise, 1989. “What I Am,” written by Edie Brickell and Kenny Withrow; performed by Edie Brickell and New Bohemians. Shooting Rubberbands at The Stars, Geffen, 1988. “Bust A Move,” written by Marvin Young, Matt Dike, and Michael Ross; performed by Young MC. Stone Cold Rhymin’, Delicious Vinyl/Island, 1989. “Back to Life (However Do You Want Me),” written by Nellee Hooper, Caron Wheeler, Simon Law, and Trevor Romeo; performed by Soul II Soul. Club Classics Vol One, Virgin, 1989. “Poison,” written by Vincent Furner, Desmond Child, and John McCurry; performed by Alice Cooper. Trash, Epic, 1989. “Yesterday,” written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon; performed by The Beatles. Help!, Capitol, 1965. “The End of The Innocence,” written by Don Henley and Bruce Hornsby; performed by Don Henley. The End of The Innocence, Geffen, 1989. “Olympic Fanfare,” composed by John Williams. 1984.

    55 min

  6. 06/16/2025

    Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

    As the change of seasons approaches, Alyssa and Kevin gather to discuss Carley Fortune's Every Summer After.  Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Opening Credit Music: “Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022. Closing Credit Music: “Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019 Episode Music Credits: “Summer Girl,” written by Jessica Andrews, Marcel, Chagon, and James T. Slater; performed by Leighton Meester. Country Strong: More Music From The Motion Picture, RCA Nashville 2010. “These Summer Nights,” written by Miranda Scott Johnson; performed by Mïrändä. Self-released, 2021. “Lake By The Ocean,” written by Gerald Rivera and Hod David; performed by Maxwell. blackSUMMERS’night, Columbia, 2016. “Nightswimming,” written by Mike Mills and Michael Stipe; performed by R.E.M. Automatic For The People, Warner Brothers, 1992. “Modern Romance,” written by Karen Orzolek, Nick Zinner, and Brian Chase; performed by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Fever to Tell, Interscope, 2003. “Feels Like Summer,” written by Rivers Cuomo, Patrick Morrissey, Jonny Coffer, J.R. Rotem, David Dahlquist, Dan Goldberger, and Taylor Upsahl; performed by Weezer. Pacific Daydream, Crush/Atlantic, 2017. “Feels Like Summer,” written by Donald Glover and Ludwig Göransson; performed by Childish Gambino. Summer Pack, RCA, 2018. “The Boys of Summer,” written by Don Henley and Mike Campbell; performed by Don Henley. Building The Perfect Beast, Geffen, 1984.

    1h 2m

  7. 06/02/2025

    Animorphs by K.A. Applegate (with special guest Jarred Greenhalge)

    This week the No Returns duo welcome Alyssa's spouse, Jarred, for a conversation about the hit 90s series, Animorphs.   Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Opening Credit Music: “Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022. Closing Credit Music: “Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019. Additional Episode Music Credits: “Cowboys,” written by Geoff Barrow and Beth Gibbons; performed by Portishead. Portishead, Go!/London, 1997. "Alright," written by Pamela Valfer; performed by Kitty Craft. Beats and Breaks From The Flower Patch, Darla Records, 2024 (Reissue) “Animal, written by Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Steve Clark, Rick Savage, and Robert John Lange; performed by Def Leppard. Hysteria, 1987, Mercury “All In Your Hands,” written by Craig Hazen, Julie Danksy, and David Wolfert; performed by Norman Orenstein. Animorphs, 1998. “Animal,” written by Kesha Sebert, Pebe Sebert, and Greg Kurstin; performed by Kesha. Animal, RCA, 2010. “Animal,” written by Dave Abbruzzese, Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, and Edward Severson; performed by Pearl Jam. Vs, Epic, 1993. “I’m Like A Bird,” written and performed by Nelly Furtado. Whoa, Nelly!, Dreamworks, 2000. “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” written by Dave Alexander, Ron Asheton, Scott Asheton, and James Osterberg; performed by Iggy Pop. The Crow: City of Angels, Hollywood, 1996. “Wolf Like Me,” written by Tunde Adebimpe, David Sitek, Kyp Malone, Jaleel Bunton, and Gerard Smith; performed by TV on The Radio. Return to Cookie Mountain, 4AD/Interscope, 2006. “Sharks,” written by Mark Sandman; performed by Morphine. Yes, Rykodisc, 1995.

    1h 2m

  8. 05/19/2025

    Scientology: An Overview

    This week, Alyssa and Kevin watch "Scientology: An Overview," a DVD found in a Little Free Library. They also discuss Going Clear, the HBO documentary. And if you're a Scientologist reading this, they are just jokin about it all! Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Opening Credit Music: “Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022. Closing Credit Music: “Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019 Episode Music Credits: "Alright," written by Pamela Valfer; performed by Kitty Craft. Beats and Breaks From The Flower Patch, Darla Records, 2024 (Reissue) “The New Pollution,” written by Beck Hansen, John King, and Michael Simpson; performed by Beck.Odelay, DGC, 1996 “Greased Lightnin’,” written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey; performed by John Travolta. Grease, RSO, 1978. “Bohemian Rhapsody,” written by Freddy Mercury; performed by Queen. A Night At The Opera, EMI, 1975.  “Theme From Mission: Impossible,” written by Lalo Schifrin; performed by Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton. Mission: Impossible - Music From and Inspired by The Motion Picture, Mother, 1996. “Incurably Innocent,” written and performed by At The Drive In. In•ter a•li•a, Rise, 2017.  “Hard Lovin Woman,” written by Juliette Lewis and Chris Watson; performed by Juliette Lewis. Terra Incognita, The End, 2009. “Violet,” written by Courtney Love and Eric Erlandson; performed by Hole. Live Through This, DGC, 1994.

    1h 6m
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4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Formerly known as A Reasonable Day, No Returns finds hosts Alyssa Savino and Kevin Krein discussing books that they find in Little Free Libraries.

Information

  • Creator
    No Returns
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    No Returns