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. MAY 11

    Choke by Chuck Palahniuk

    The No Returns crew is joined by local musician and educator, Jessie Buns(!!), to slog through Chuck Palahniuk's 2001 novel, Choke! 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: “I Just Want My Vibrator Back,” written and performed by Prick. Self released, 2026 “Reckoner,” written and performed by Radiohead. In Rainbows, Self-released 2007. “There’s Been An Accident,” written by Greg Dulli; performed by The Twilight Singers. Powder Burns, One Little Independent, 2006. “Closer,” written by Trent Reznor; performed by Nine Inch Nails. The Downward Spiral, Interscope, 1994. “Touch Me, I’m Going to Scream Pt. 1,” written by Jim James; performed by My Morning Jacket. Evil Urges, ATO, 2008. “Orgasm Addict,” written by Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto; performed by Buzzcocks. New Hormones, 1977. “If You Feel It,” performed by Ms. Tyree “Sugar” Jones. Eccentric Soul: The Big Mack Label, Numero, 2006. “Corporate World,” and “Stealing Fat,” written and performed by Michael Simpson and John King. Fight Club, Restless 1999. "Chef’s Kiss,” written by Meghan Trainor, Grant Boutin, Brittany Amaradio, Caroline Ailin, and Mark Shick; performed by Meghan Trainor. Toy With Me, Epic, 2026 “Nightcall,” written by Vincent Belorgey and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo; performed by Kavinsky featuring Lovefoxxx. OutRun, Record Makers, 2013. “F**k With Myself,” written by Alexander Shuckburgh, Tim Anderson, and Jillian Banks; performed by Banks. The Altar, Harvest, 2016. “Obsession,” written by Holly Knight and Michael Barres; performed by Animotion. Animotion, Mercury, 1984.

    1h 7m

  2. APR 27

    The Magic of Jelly: 100 New and Favorite Recipes

    WE'RE BACK IN THE KITCHEN THIS TIME, trying out some recipes from this episode's featured title—The Magic of Jelly: 100 New and Favorite Recipes by Welch's. We're scooping jam, quarreling at the grocery store, and finally revealing Kevin's veganism journey!! 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: “Bootylicious,” written by Falonte Moore, Beyoncé Knowles, and Rob Fusari; performed by Destiny’s Child. Survivor, Columbia, 2001. “Sugar,” written by Mike Posner, Adam Levine, Joshua Coleman, Lukasz Gottwald, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, and Henry Walter; performed by Maroon Five. V, Interscope, 2014. “Peanut Butter and Jelly,” performed by Buckwheat Boyz. Koch, 2001 “Peanut Butter Sandwich,” written and performed by Raffi Cavourkian. Singable Songs For The Very Young, Troubadour, 1976. “Jellybelly,” written by Billy Corgan; performed by Smashing Pumpkins. Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness, Virgin, 1995. “Strawberry Crush,” written by Evan Cline, Sam Ashworth, Tanner Adell; performed by Tanner Adell. Buckle Bunny, Columbia, 2023. “Straw Buh-buh-buh-buh-berry Shortcake,” written by Andy Street and Judy Rothman Rofe; performed by Sandy Howell. Strawberry Shortcake, 2003.  “Sugar, Sugar,” written by Jeffy Barry and Andy Kim; performed by The Archies. Everything’s Archie, Calendar, 1969. “Straweberry Kisses,” written by Jeff Franzel, Andy Marvel, and Marjorie Maye; performed by Nikki Webster. Follow Your Heart, Gotham, 2001 “Fruit Salad,” written by Greg Page; performed by The Wiggles. Yummy Yummy, ABC, 1994.

    45 min

  3. APR 13

    Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

    The No Returns duo is joined by RETURN GUEST, Lauren Neumann, to talk about Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House in the Big Woods!! 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: “Little House on The Prairie Opening Theme,” “Little House On The Prairie Closing Theme,” “Shine On Harvest Moon,” “Blue Autumn,” "California Melodies,” and “The Christmas Tree,” composed by David Rose.  “Little House (Trixie Remix),” performed by Trixie Mattel, self released. “Music Box Dancer,” written and performed by Frank Mills. Music Box Dancer, Polydor, 1979 “Ocean Avenue,” written by Ryan Key, Ben Harper, Pete Mosely, Longineu W. Parsons III, and Sean Mackin; performed by Yellowcard. Ocean Avenue, Capitol, 2003. “Our Love,” performed by Percy Faith. The Love Goddesses, Columbia, 1964 “Over The Rainbow,” composed by Harold Arlen; performed by Liberace. The Best of Liberace, Geffen, 1972 “Arkansas Traveler,” performed by Pa’s Fiddle Band. Happy Land: Musical Tributes to Laura Ingalls Wilder, Pa’s Fiddle, 2005. “Irish Washerwoman,” performed by Pa’s Fiddle Band. The Arkansas Traveler: Music From Little House on The Prairie, Pa’s Fiddle, 2007.

    1h 6m

  4. MAR 9

    Raw Food/Real World by Matthew Kenney and Sarma Melngailis

    Alyssa and Kevin get FRESH in this episode, and prepare food from the recipe book, Raw Food/Real World. Written by Sarma Melngailis (as seen in Netflix's Bad Vegan) and Matthew Kenney (known for his dicey business and financial practices), this book aims to convince its audience that raw veganism is accessible. And decidedly not for ugs!! No Returns resident vegan, Kevin, has thoughts. And Alyssa is here for the smoothie.   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: “The Juice,” written and performed by Hero. VHS Pop, 2016. “Orange Crush,” written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe; performed by REM. Green, 1988, Warner Brothers. “Hungry Eyes,” written by John DeNicola and Franke Previte; performed by Eric Carmen. Dirty Dancing: Original Soundtrack, RCA, 1987. “Another Brick in The Wall Pt. 2,” written by Roger Waters; performed by Pink Floyd. THe Wall, Columbia, 1979. “Music For A Sushi Restaurant,” written by Thomas Hull, Harry Styles, Tyler Johnson, and Mitch Rowland; performed by Harry Styles. Harry’s House, Columbia, 2022. “Juice,” written by Jason Evigan, Sean Douglas, David Macklovitch, and Patrick Gemayel; performed by Chromeo. Head Over Heels, Big Beat, 2017. “I Got The Juice,” written by Janelle Monáe, Pharrell Williams, Nate “Rocket” Wonder, Roman GianArthur, Nana Kwabena, Joshua Dean, and Tayla Parx; performed by Janelle Monáe. Dirty Computer, Bad Boy, 2018. “Juice,” written by Melissa Jefferson, Eric Frederic, Theron Thomas, Sam Sumser, and Sean Small; performed by Lizzo. Cuz I Love You, Atlantic, 2019.  “I’m Healthy” and “Salad Time,” written by Blake Gardner; performed by Blake Rules. Kids Trap and Kids Trap 11, self-released. “Healthy Foods,” written by Christopher Cerf; performed by Frank Oz. Sesame Street, 1988. “Shimmy Shimmy Ya,” written by Russell Jones and Robert Diggs; performed by Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Return to The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, Elektra, 1995.

    1h 14m

  5. FEB 10

    The Girls by Emma Cline

    This week Alyssa and Kevin return and discuss the book Emma Cline wrote while dwelling in a backyard shed—The Girls! 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: “Little Flame,” written and performed by Carsie Blanton. The Red Album Vol 2, self-released, 2026 “This One’s For The Girls,” written by Chris Lindsey, Hillary Lindsey, and Aimee Mayo; performed by Martina McBride. Martina, RCA Nashville, 2003. “Helter Skelter,” written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; performed by The Beatles. The Beatles, Apple, 1968. “Never Learn Not to Love,” written by Dennis Wilson; performed by The Beach Boys. 20/20, Capitol, 1969. “Girl, So Confusing,” written by Charlotte Aitchison and Alexander Guy Cook; performed by Charli XCX. Brat, Atlantic, 2024 “What It Feels Like For A Girl,” written by Madonna Ciccone, Guy SIgsworth, and David Torn; performed by Maddonna. Music, Maverick, 2000. “Bad Girls,” written by Maya Arulpragasam, Nate Hills, and Marcella Araica; performed by MIA. Matangi, Interscope, 2013. “Love Land, “written by Charles Wright and Don Trotter; performed by Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band. In The Jungle, Babe, Warner, 1970.  “Whole Lotta Love,” written by John Bonham, Willie Dixon, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant; performed by Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin II, Atlantic, 1969 “Nightcall,” written by Vincent Belorgey and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo; performed by Kavinsky and Lovefoxx. Outrun, Record Makers, 2010. “Leash,” written by Sky Ferreira and Jorge Elbrecht; performed by Sky Ferreira. Babygirl Original Motion PIcture Soundtrack, A24, 2024. “Dignity,” written by Erin McCarley and Evan Hutchings; performed by Erin McCarley. Yu Yi, self-released, 2017.

    1h 16m

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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 F*****g Rockwell, Interscope, 2019.

    52 min
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    No Returns

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