Michael & Ethan in a Room with Scotch
Michael and Ethan, both with advanced degrees in English literature, gather every other week to drink Scotch and discuss books, stories, plays, and poems. The podcast does not focus on Scotch itself, but rather on literary analysis. Listeners can jump into any episode that covers a work of interest without needing to follow a sequence.
Episodes
The Seven Strings of the Lyre, by George Sand, and Craigellachie 13yo - Part 1
Michael and Ethan discuss The Seven Strings of the Lyre, by George Sand (also known as A Woman’s Version of the Faust Legend), while drinking Craigellachie 13yo Speyside Single Malt..In this episode:The title of this play is annoying, not George Sand’s faultA lot about fan fictionGK Chesteron’s “A Defense of Penny Dreadfuls”Madame de Stael, by Maria FairweatherThe point is not to win the argument,
"The Little Mermaid," by Hans Christian Andersen, and Craigellachie 13yo
With special guests Kelsie, Hannah, and Jessica from the Reading Revisited podcast, Michael and Ethan discuss “The Little Mermaid” by Hans Christian Andersen, while drinking Craigellachie 13yo Speyside Single Malt..In this episode:First and most important: NO SNITCHINGThere’s no rule that says you can’t mock husbandsTalking about the end firstGetting what you want vs. getting something betterDevil
Faust (film) by F. W. Murnau, and Tamdhu 12yo
Michael and Ethan discuss the 1926 silent film Faust by F. W. Murnau, while drinking Tamdhu 12yo Single Malt.In this episode:Quintessential film bro stuffEverything is political with a small p, but some things are political with a capital P (especially in cinema of the Weimar Republic)Faust is saved (spoilers)Silent film may be the only genre less subtle than the musicalEthan absolutely garbles a
Jack Faust, by Michael Swanwick, and Tamdhu 12yo, Part 2
Michael and Ethan discuss Jack Faust, by Michael Swanwick, while drinking Tamdhu 12yo Single Malt..In this episode:Caliban and the Witch, by Sylvia FedericiJack Faust is Goethe’s Faust and Marlowe’s Faust and a little bit Gounod’s Faust (which is also Goethe’s Faust)Faust goes from a disciple to Pontius Pilate in one paragraphWhat’s behind the door?????? (it doesn’t matter)The Star Trek-ification
Jack Faust, by Michael Swanwick, and Tamdhu 12yo, Part 1
Michael and Ethan discuss Jack Faust, by Michael Swanwick, while drinking Tamdhu 12yo Single Malt..In this episode:The End of History and the Last Man (wiki page)A theory of threads and tattersSpoilers for Office Space and Fight Club, I guessThen We Came to the End… of history?Jack Faust was published in 1997, but it makes more sense as a 2026 novelTurns out, reducing other humans to instruments o
Johannes Cabal and the Blustery Day, by Jonathan L Howard, and Tamdhu 12yo
Michael and Ethan discuss the short story “Johannes Cabal and the Blustery Day,” by Jonathan Howard, while drinking Tamdhu 12yo Single Malt..In this episode:Shout-out to Jamie from the Chanhassen Total WineVery interesting Bluetooth headphone talkA short story is somewhere between a tweet and a novel, but closer to a tweetPutting the screws to MichaelFaust both is and is not a necromancerCabal bot
Things That Are Also Faust
What makes a Faust story? Michael, Ethan, and special guests Josiah & Jacob discuss this ontological question and all things Faust in this special episode.In this episode:Michael begins confrontationally.Is this episode Faust? Is this podcast Faust?Ethan is NOT in Law School.Is capitalism Faust?The Bible is inevitable.Josiah brought it up. Totally. It was Josiah. He's very smart. The Josian An
Opera de Lille's Gounod's Faust and Toki Suntory
Michael, Ethan, and special guest Josiah discuss Gounod’s opera Faust while drinking Suntory Toki Japanese whisky.In this episode:We watched Opera de Lille’s production of Gounod’s FaustThis is a two-intermission operaJosiah’s favorite ariaHow sincere is Faust? (not a Romeo and Juliet discussion)Also not The Age of Innocence podcastHowever, it MIGHT be the “Tragedy of Marguerite” podcastMisinterp
The Memory of Whiteness, by Kim Stanley Robinson, and Toki Suntory, Part 2
Michael, Ethan, and special guest Josiah discuss The Memory of Whiteness, by Kim Stanley Robinson while drinking Suntory Toki Japanese whisky.In this episode:The orchestra!Lots of tree stuff, also snake stuff and lizard stuffCuration vs collage vs other art stuffWe GOTTA talk about the metadramaVertumnus, by Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1591) (another trap for a date-pilled boy)At least two topological su
The Memory of Whiteness, by Kim Stanley Robinson, and Toki Suntory, Part 1
Michael, Ethan, and special guest Josiah discuss The Memory of Whiteness, by Kim Stanley Robinson while drinking Suntory Toki Japanese whisky.In this episode:Accusations of cuckoo-bird-eryIs this book Faust? Is this book Alastor? Is Alastor Faust?Having a stroke, falling into a singularity: pretty much the same thingThe Contexts of Percy Bysshe Shelley’s Faust Translations, by Mathelinda NabugodiD
The Devil and Daniel Webster, by Stephen Vincent Benet, and Suntory Toki
Michael, Ethan, and special guest Jacob discuss the short story “The Devil and Tom Walker,” by Washington Irving, while drinking Suntory Toki Japanese whisky.In this episode:Is Michael the devil?What gives Benet the right?Pedestrian deals with the devilFaust scoreboard so far: 2 damned, 2 saved, 1 (?????)Honesty and deeper honestyGod terms, devil terms, and Deadpool termsRules, rules, we want more
The Devil and Tom Walker, by Washington Irving, and Suntory Toki
Michael, Ethan, and special guest Jacob discuss the short story “The Devil and Tom Walker,” by Washington Irving, while drinking Suntory Toki Japanese (gasp!) whisky.In this episode:A not-too-presumptuous new ruleThe Devil belongs in AmericaAmerican mythology creating arbitrary exclusions and inclusions… who would have thought?Landscape as characterMaking up theories out of whole clothEveryone sho
Doctor Faustus, by Thomas Mann, and Jura 10yo, Part 4
Michael and Ethan discuss Doctor Faustus: The Life of the German Composer Adrian Leverkuhn as Told by a Friend, by Thomas Mann, while drinking Jura 10yo single malt.In this episode:We do start off this episode very, very similarly to how we started at least Part 3, if not also Part 2… sorryREALLY REALLY REALLY helpful: A Reader’s Guide to Thomas Mann’s Doctor Faustus, by Tobias BoesThe Devil Is in
Doctor Faustus, by Thomas Mann, and Jura 10yo, Part 3
Michael and Ethan discuss Doctor Faustus: The Life of the German Composer Adrian Leverkuhn as Told by a Friend, by Thomas Mann, while drinking Jura 10yo single malt.In this episode:REALLY REALLY REALLY helpful: A Reader’s Guide to Thomas Mann’s Doctor Faustus, by Tobias BoesThere are at least two ways to assassinate someone with a pianoMichael lies about his dogsNotes of realismThe Devil Is in the
Doctor Faustus, by Thomas Mann, and Jura 10yo, Part 2
Michael and Ethan discuss Doctor Faustus: The Life of the German Composer Adrian Leverkuhn as Told by a Friend, by Thomas Mann, while drinking Jura 10yo single malt.In this episode:REALLY REALLY REALLY helpful: A Reader’s Guide to Thomas Mann’s Doctor Faustus, by Tobias BoesLots of baffling passages in this one, sorryMusical forms in 1930s Germany were political (a thing that never happens today,
Doctor Faustus, by Thomas Mann, and Jura 10yo, Part 1
Michael and Ethan discuss Doctor Faustus: The Life of the German Composer Adrian Leverkuhn as Told by a Friend, by Thomas Mann, while drinking Jura 10yo single malt.In this episode:All digressions and fallings-apart are intentionally reflective of the novel under discussion and are not us doing a bad jobTalking about books by talking about other books (aka, this is actually us reading Tristram Sha
Kids Edition
This episode is kid-friendly, and recorded by kids! Wyatt, Samuel, and Isabell share two poems and a short spooky story to bring you some Halloween fun! In this episode:“The Witches’ Song,” from Macbeth by William Shakespeare - read by Wyatt (6)“Jack-o’-Lantern Song,” from The Topaz Story Book: Stories and Legends of Autumn, Hallowe’en, and Thanksgiving - read by Samuel (6)“Golden-Rod and Purple A
"The Mystery of the Semi-Detached," by Edith Nesbit, read by Sarah Lilienthal
Continuing the release of spooky stories and poems from classic literature, read by the hosts and friends, this episode:The story “The Mystery of the Semi-Detached,” by Edith Nesbit. A young man in love sees the worst thing he could ever imagine - but was it what it seemed? Can he save those who seem marked by death?We’re in the midst of our “Year of Faust”: Join the discussion! Go to the Contact
"The Kraken," by Alfred Lord Tennsyon, read by Michael G. Lilienthal
For the month of October, we’ll occasionally release some spooky stories and poems of classic literature, read by the hosts and friends. This episode:The poem “The Kraken,” by Alfred Lord Tennyson. Drawing on imagery of the Leviathan from Scripture and other legends and mysteries, Tennyson draws a picture of the mythical Kraken which will sleep at the ocean floor until the world ends in fire.We’re
Faust Parts 1 & 2, by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, and Balvenie 12yo, Part 2
Michael and Ethan discuss Faust, by Goethe, both part 1 and 2, while drinking Balvenie Doublewood 12yo single malt.In this episode:Dynamic in a pastoral wayBaffling talk of forms, mothers, material, and reality (and keys?)The Apocalypse has been happening since 1789This is roughly what Ethan is talking about regarding courtly loveIn case the references to “Walpurgis Night” are confusing, this prob
Faust Parts 1 & 2, by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, and Balvenie 12yo, Part 1
Michael and Ethan discuss Faust, by Goethe, both part 1 and 2, while drinking Balvenie Doublewood 12yo single malt.In this episode:Self-flagellationTranslationAbridgementBets vs bargainsLost in the weeds vs taking the scenic routeStriving vs GretchenThis podcast (Michael) casually speaks German, nbdGoethe wasn’t JUST a creepy old manExcellent lecture by Dr Michael Sugrue on Goethe’s FaustInevitabl
Doctor Faustus, by Christopher Marlowe, and Balvenie 12yo and Oban and Lagavulin 11, Part 2
Michael and Ethan, along with special guests Maren Boucher and Benji Inniger, discuss The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus, by Christopher Marlowe. Michael and Ethan are drinking Balvenie Doublewood 12yo single malt; Benji is drinking Oban Little Bay; Maren is drinking Lagavulin 11. What a mess.In this episode:Bethany Lutheran College Production of Doctor Faustus! (Director
Doctor Faustus, by Christopher Marlowe, and Balvenie 12yo and Oban and Lagavulin 11, Part 1
Michael and Ethan, along with special guests Maren Boucher and Benji Inniger discuss The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus, by Christopher Marlowe. Michael and Ethan are drinking Balvenie Doublewood 12yo single malt; Benji is drinking Oban Little Bay; Maren is drinking Lagavulin 11. What a mess.In this episode:Bethany Lutheran College Production of Doctor Faustus!Good Kronk
James, by Percival Everett and Glenfiddich 12, Part 2
Michael and Ethan discuss James, by Percival Everett, while drinking Glenfiddich 12.In this episode:Discourse on decade-old BBC show “Rev”Duels/debates (aka, Nat tease)If we didn’t already know, which we did, now we would knowThe Cross and the Lynching Tree, by James H. ConeJames as atheist/agnostic Biblical prophetThe fragility of power, or, shotgun = virility???TarnationFor reference: the charac
James, by Percival Everett and Glenfiddich 12, Part 1
Michael and Ethan discuss James, by Percival Everett, while drinking Glenfiddich 12.In this episode:Yanking the timeline 30 years into the futureIt’s really hard to make a bookJames’ style is either noirish, or journalistic, or bothWe do give away the one real spoiler in the bookPrognosticating Twain’s reactions, ahistoricallyMake sure to take Michael’s many manifold meaningsExcellent Electic Lit
Way Station, by Clifford Simak, and Glenlivet 12, Part 2
Michael, Ethan, and special guest Jacob discuss Way Station, by Clifford D. Simak, while drinking Glenlivet 12.In this episode:It’s nice to be at the point in civilization where we know how all the letters should soundFirst pages, first paragraphs, first lines: seems like a trap for EthanPay attention to soundObligatory references to The Dying Earth (one) and Star Trek (many)Michael is almost gott
Way Station, by Clifford Simak, and Glenlivet 12, Part 1
Michael, Ethan, and special guest Jacob discuss Way Station, by Clifford D. Simak, while drinking Glenlivet 12.In this episode:The witness is treated as hostileFinding the Hodag where the Way Station is in the Driftless regionThe dispelling of illusionsThe CIA defeated by a conversationBible as metaphor for technology vs. technology as metaphor for BibleScience fiction basllica!Rat assassin! (Rats
Half Pint with Pints with Jack
We made some new friends with the Pints with Jack podcast! Listen in to our interview on their Half-pint special!
Rivermouth, by Alejandra Oliva, and Smokehead Twisted, Part 2
Michael and Ethan finish their discussion of Rivermouth, by Alejandra Oliva, while drinking Smokehead Twisted.In this episode:Language, Migration, Faith, Treachery, Faith, and the Great River: a Star Trek analogy that only Michael caused to happenEnglish as a “grabby” languageLots of talk about God and faith and vulnerability, a lot of it not very fun to be sassy about in a bullet point (thanks gu
Rivermouth, by Alejandra Oliva, and Smokehead Twisted, Part 1
Michael and Ethan discuss Rivermouth, by Alejandra Oliva, while drinking Smokehead Twisted.In this episode:Interrogating Michael, linguistically and in other waysThe Michael’s Translation Soapbox Podcast: a temptationBlindly table-settingBook baggageCrowds as statistics vs crowds as groups of actual humansThe hermenutical principle of honesty, honestlyCantankerous faithThe paradox of lack of descr
The Last Murder at the End of the World, by Stuart Turton, and Smokehead Twisted, Part 2
Michael and Ethan and special guest Nick conclude their discussion of Stuart Turton’s third novel, The Last Murder at the End of the World.In this episode:The ten commandments of detective fictionTopics in TurtonologySchrodinger’s locked room mysteryIf you bend any genre too far, horror leaks outPixar Extended Universe teasingThinking about thinking about The TempestDO THE WORKDetective fiction li
The Last Murder at the End of the World, by Stuart Turton, and Smokehead Twisted, Part 1
Michael and Ethan and special guest Nick begin their discussion of Stuart Turton’s third novel, The Last Murder at the End of the World.In this episode:Thanks to JaredThe ten commandments of detective fictionMurder plots versus murder mysteriesBut like, what even is human, anyway, right?And what is supernatural, even?Clarke’s Third Law: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable fr
Nobber, by Oisin Fagan, and various Irish whiskeys, part 2
Michael and Ethan continue discussing Nobber, by Oisin Fagan, while drinking The Midnight Silkie (Michael) and Red Locks (Ethan) Irish whiskeys.In this episode:Michael forgets, for the second time in four episodes, to call for Karen to read the rules. Rude. Good thing Karen just came in and started reading themA real SCAREcrow, or, a murdered murderWho is the greater fool, the fool or the fool who
Nobber, by Oisin Fagan, and various Irish whiskeys, part 1
Michael and Ethan begin their discussion of Nobber, by Oisin Fagan, while drinking The Midnight Silkie (Michael) and Red Locks (Ethan) Irish whiskeys.In this episode:The question and the answer is “WTF?”Bafflement loves companyNihilism (question mark?)Plague booksMichael says “plague-ground” and Ethan completely fails to call him on itVery relevant and very pointedAcquisitiveness so strong it brea
Glorious Exploits, by Ferdia Lennon, and various Irish whiskeys, part 2
Michael and Ethan continue discussing Glorious Exploits, by Ferdia Lennon, while drinking The Midnight Silkie (Michael) and Red Locks (Ethan) Irish whiskeys.In this episode:Jokes (get better the more you tell them)Spoilers for Downton Abbey series 3 (2012)If you haven’t watched every example of German Expressionist silent cinema, do you even lift?Nostalgia for a time when plays could induce riotsS
Glorious Exploits, by Ferdia Lennon, and various Irish whiskeys, part 1
Michael and Ethan begin discussing Glorious Exploits, by Ferdia Lennon, while drinking The Midnight Silkie (Michael) and Red Locks (Ethan) Irish whiskeys.In this episode:Don’t worry about why Karen reading the rules happens so suddenlyThis book is The Producers, the Great Escape, AND the Gift of the MagiSometimes the real story is the anachronisms we met along the way“Version” is fineObligatory Sh
Persuasion, Part 4, and Laphroaig Select (Michael and Ethan ALONE)
Michael and Ethan, finally alone, finish the discussion of their Mondo Book for the year: Persuasion, by Jane Austen.In this episode:Finally alone except for a dog and catPersuasion Chapter 53Persuasion is either Much Ado About Nothing or Parks and Rec or bothOur highest aim on this podcast is “possible legitimacy”Jane Austen can’t have anybody naked, even in the 1990sPeople have been really gross
Persuasion, Part 3, and Laphroaig Select, AND Sarah and Karen
Michael and Ethan, with special wife guests Karen and Sarah, discuss their (somewhat slimmer than usual) Mondo Book for the year: Persuasion, by Jane Austen.In this episode:Again making use of our intern-generated, wonderful, thoughtful, very serious discussion guideKaren definitely makes multiple references to to Mrs Jennings, a character from Sense and Sensibility and NOT this novelA block of wo
Smooch/Marry/Kill... but for books?
On this “special” episode, Michael forces Ethan to play his weird game, smooch/marry/kill, but with books. If it’s a bad episode, it should be emphasized, it IS Michael’s fault.In this episode:It almost turns into the Dune/Lawrence of Arabia show ALMOST IMMEDIATELY and that’s Michael’s faultMichael references a “summer evening” which is relevant to when we recorded this episode but not to when it’
Persuasion, Part 2, and Laphroaig Select, AND Stiners and Lydia
Michael and Ethan, with special guests Lydia and Christina (aka Stiners), discuss their (somewhat slimmer than usual) Mondo Book for the year: Persuasion, by Jane Austen.In this episode:Our intern wrote us this very thorough, very thoughtful, and overall excellent discussion guideA sort of DamoclesTrue gnosis will lead you to a binary choiceChristina’s Walter Elliot thoughtsCaptain Wentworth: a ho
Persuasion, Part 1, and Laphroaig Select, AND Erin and Risha
Michael and Ethan, with special guests Erin and Risha, inaugurate their discussion of their (somewhat slimmer than usual) Mondo Book for the year: Persuasion, by Jane Austen.In this episode:What an excellent rule (sorry, Risha)An unpopular opinion that captures several important thingsAusten as a writer who maybe should be listened to at least as much as read?Reading novels was basically the 19th-
Stella Maris, by Cormac McCarthy, and Bunnahabhain 12, Part 2
CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of suicide.Michael and Ethan continue their discussion of Stella Maris, by Cormac McCarthy, while drinking Bunnahabhain 12yo single malt.In this episode:Michael is meanAs Likely to End the World as to Save it: Knowledge and Science in Cormac McCarthy, by Philip Bunn (this bullet point happened a few eps ago, but it deserves repeating)Unconscious/subconscious, and what t
Stella Maris, by Cormac McCarthy, and Bunnahabhain 12, Part 1
CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of suicide.Michael and Ethan begin their discussion of Stella Maris, by Cormac McCarthy, while drinking Bunnahabhain 12yo single malt.In this episode:We’re sleeping together on the couch/futon tonightCover blurbs, or, the marketing materials are contributing to the discussion of what these books areHot takes on Pynchon cover blurbs, with a side-route into conspiracyIs S
The Passenger, by Cormac McCarthy, and Bunnahabhain 12, Part 2
CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of suicide.Michael and Ethan continue their discussion of The Passenger, by Cormac McCarthy, while drinking Bunnahabhain 12yo single malt.In this episode:Concise answers, reining it in, etcIs this book JD Salinger’s (incest) Franny and Zooey?Is McCarthy’s body of work just him taking previous works and adding greater shock value?Are these books Catcher in the Rye? If so
The Passenger, by Cormac McCarthy, and Bunnahabhain 12, Part 1
CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of suicide.Michael and Ethan begin their discussion of The Passenger, by Cormac McCarthy, while drinking Bunnahabhain 12yo single malt.In this episode:Some hot takes on The Road to start us offA reading group guideIt takes a really long time to answer the extremely simple question of who the title character isHeisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle in a work of fiction (also
Beloved, by Toni Morrison, and Jura 12, Part 2
Michael and Ethan continue their discussion of Beloved, by Toni Morrison, while drinking Jura 12yo single malt.In this episode:The essay under discussion at the beginning is “Literary Conjure Woman,” by Stanley Crouch, which still doesn’t seem to be online, but is maybe in one or more of his essay collections?Definitely see American Fiction if you’re like, at all interested in the things on this p
Beloved, by Toni Morrison, and Jura 12, Part 1
Michael and Ethan begin their discussion of Beloved, by Toni Morrison, while drinking Jura 12yo single malt.In this episode:Immediately the ghosts/vampires thing again, we promise we’re not Vamps and MersMichael said “The ghosts have business to do” and Ethan didn’t even chortle—the boys are growing upThe seeds of vampires (but not like that)Main characfter vs central character—a potentially not v
The Sentence, by Louise Erdrich, and Jura 12, Part 2
Michael and Ethan continue their discussion of The Sentence, by Louise Erdrich, while drinking Jura 12yo single malt.In this episode:Who is the real fool: the fool or the fool who edits him?A bespoke toast, or, the most work anyone has ever done to prep for this podcastDoes the adjective “ghost” actually indicate simply the inclusion of a ghost, or does it mean something more?Is a ghost actually a
The Sentence, by Louise Erdrich, and Jura 12, Part 1
Michael and Ethan begin their discussion of The Sentence, by Louise Erdrich, while drinking Jura 12yo single malt.In this episode:This podcast is a hauntingOther covid novels:Sea of TranquilityAmerica FantasticaSentence Sentencing SentencesEthan is unprepared to answer a basic question about the text, but he affirms that there IS an answerThe grace of babiesPlease tell us that Ethan is wrongMichae
'Salem's Lot, by Stephen King, and Auchentoshan 12, Part 2
Ethan and special guests Risha and Erin of the Vampires and Mermaids podcast, and also Michael, discuss ‘Salem’s Lot, by Stephen King, while drinking Auchentoshan 12.In this episode:Sometimes sharp places are filled with dark objects (shoutout to Gillian Flynn)Also, bamboozlementAt some point the plot is discussed, eventuallyA deep and very important dive into ranking the scariness of bugsThis boo
'Salem's Lot, by Stephen King, and Auchentoshan 12, Part 1
Ethan and special guests Risha and Erin of the Vampires and Mermaids podcast, and also Michael, discuss ‘Salem’s Lot, by Stephen King, while drinking Auchentoshan 12.In this episode:Special guests! Who have a show! That involves vampires and mermaids OR mermaids and vampires!The introduction of what proves to be possibly the most chaotic rule in the history of the podcastFollowed by THE FASTEST LO
Convenience Store Woman, by Sayaka Murata, and Auchentoshan 12, Part 2
Michael and Ethan conclude their discussion of the first book of the new season, Sayaka Murata’s Convenience Store Woman.In this episode:You know how deeply uncomfortable experiences can be deeply uncomfortable?A human is someone who looks other humans in the eyesA Krispy Kreme donut dunked in a cup of teaThe Underdark: A Modified Craftalk, by Brandon TaylorGlib pull-quotes often assert an incredi
Convenience Store Woman, by Sayaka Murata, and Auchentoshan 12, Part 1
Michael and Ethan begin their discussion of the first book of the new season, Sayaka Murata’s Convenience Store Woman.In this episode:The finest woodSherlock Holmes, or, coffee shop brags from Ethan, or, amusement park brags from MichaelA paean to Japanese convenience storesIrasshaimase!Ethan invents a new segment: doing background research during the showWhat is normal? What is the purpose of hum
War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy, and Creag Isle 12yo, Part 4
Michael and Ethan conclude their discussion of this year’s extra-mondo mondo book, Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace.In this episode:Ethan is surprise-attacked about his love of NatashaThe Thackery T. Lambshead Pocket Guide to Eccentric and Discredited DiseasesConventions of marriage, or, everyone loves Natasha (not just Ethan)Romanticism! The zeitgeist of the 19th century! Other topics the hosts are so
War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy, and Creag Isle 12yo, Part 3
Michael and Ethan continue their discussion of this year’s extra-mondo mondo book, Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace.In this episode:Remember a couple notes ago when we apologized for all of our French pronunciation? cf. Ethan’s pronunciation of “Dubonnet”Some real in-depth stuff about chance, fate, free will, and faith—not super good material for sassy or funny footnotesThe infinite sky (also not funny
War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy, and Creag Isle 12yo, Part 2
Michael and Ethan continue their discussion of this year’s extra-mondo mondo book, Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace.In this episode:Tolstoyan complimentsThings Tolstoy thinks are impossible to knowWar and Peace is funny, we promiseTolstoy’s biography is WILDANARCHISM YUSSSSNatasha, Pierre, and a Bunch of Distracting Side PlotsIn Tolstoy, no two horses are the sameTolstoy does us dirtyWe will duel himNe
War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy, and Creag Isle 12yo, Part 1
SORRY FOR OUR ABSENCE, LEO TOLSTOY ALMOST KILLED US. ALMOST.Today, FINALLY, Michael and Ethan have finished reading and begin discussing this year’s extra-mondo mondo book, Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace.In this episode:Controversial Audrey Hepburn hot-takesButt comparisonsTranslation comparisons, everyone try to contain your excitementWe would like to formally apologize for all the French pronounced
Special: The Seagull, by Anton Chekhov (Part 2)
In this special episode, Michael and Ethan work their way in to Russian literature by discussing The Seagull, by Anton Chekhov. It was supposed to be a one-episode special, but there was too much! Chekhov was too good! So stay tuned for part 2.CONTENT WARNING: The Seagull deals explicitly with the topic of suicide. If that’s not something you want to hear discussed, it might be best to skip these
Special: The Seagull, by Anton Chekhov (Accidentally Part 1)
In this special episode, Michael and Ethan work their way in to Russian literature by discussing The Seagull, by Anton Chekhov. It was supposed to be a one-episode special, but there was too much! Chekhov was too good! So stay tuned for part 2.CONTENT WARNING: The Seagull deals explicitly with the topic of suicide. If that’s not something you want to hear discussed, it might be best to skip these
Special: Books not from the Podcast!
In this special episode, Michael and Ethan check in about what books they’ve read for reasons other than the podcast, like work and fun!In this episode:Being very wrong and owning itIt’s Crazy to Stay Chinese in Minnesota, by Eleanor Wong TelemaqueWhat blogs areLavie Tidhar is actually a collective cultTim Powers is master of the Strange MiddleKaye Gibbons is the ruler of the first line, and (it b
Where the Light Fell, by Philip Yancey, and Shieldaig 12yo, Part 2
Michael and Ethan conclude their discussion of Where the Light Fell, by Philip Yancey, while drinking Shieldaig 12.In this episode:Letting problematic be neutralDo we contradict ourselves?Mountains out of molehills, one way or anotherFractals again (and again and…)Throwing spaghetti at MichaelThankfully no one criesNext time Michael and Ethan will begin their giant mondo book for the year: Tolsto
Where the Light Fell, by Philip Yancey, and Shieldaig 12yo, Part 1
Michael and Ethan begin their discussion of Where the Light Fell, by Philip Yancey, while drinking Shieldaig 12.In this episode:Family drama and family traumaLeaning into the darknessA very boring debate we could haveA long edition of a non-segmentWe Are Too Many, by Hannah PittardPeople don’t die when they’re supposed toWhere the light fell but with a question markEthan’s dad says “where the lig
Much Ado About Nothing: A Shakespeare Crossover Special
In this episode, Michael and Ethan are joined by two very special guests: Risha Lilienthal, host of Tapestry’s newest addition, Shakespeare in the Village, and Lydia Grabau, friend of the show and Shakespeare afficianado!In this episode:Cut Medieval BrianThis play slapsAbandonment issues vs. intelligence issuesA short digressionDon John: interestingly uninterestingBeatrice slapsHero is a rock, per
Nobody's Angel, by Thomas McGuane, and Shieldaig 12yo, Part 2
Michael and Ethan continue their discussion of Nobody’s Angel, by Thomas McGuane, while drinking Shieldaig 12.In this episode:Michael says “gentle” multiple timesTattoo reveal!Ethan says “Madonna-virgin” complex when he obviously means “Madonna-whore” complexProse! Including some exciting phrases like “3rd person limited” and “omniscient narrator” and “close reading”Inferences from Kevin’s Dad“MFA
Nobody's Angel, by Thomas McGuane, and Shieldaig 12yo, Part 1
Michael and Ethan begin their discussion of Nobody’s Angel, by Thomas McGuane, while drinking Shieldaig 12.In this episode:Introducing our new mascot, Bobblehead PoloniusHuck Finn manages to come up, of courseWe define what a classic is, it’s easy!Michael and Ethan refuse to answer each other’s questionsWhat we know about Patrick’s father, or, the inevitable The Empire Strikes Back comparisonCatho
Homework Special: Lord of the Flies
In this special, Michael and Ethan do a very serious job (without jokes or sarcasm) of analyzing Lord of the Flies, a commonly assigned AP English/college intro-level text, so that if you are assigned it, but don’t want to read it, you can just go ahead and use our very good analyses!In this episode:Some pretty good discussion of The Count of Monte Cristo, you’re welcomeNew whiskey toysTurns out,
The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson, and Glenmorangie 10yo, Part 2
Michael and Ethan continue their discussion of The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson, while drinking Glenmorangie 10.In this episode:Gaslighting EleanorPresent-tense mothers who are deadThe real journey is the puzzle boxes we met along the waySO MANY ATMOSPHERESSecret fan fiction segmentSudden Shakespeare, almost as a matter of chanceLove triangle arrowsNext time Michael and Ethan will di
The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson, and Glenmorangie 10yo, Part 1
Michael and Ethan begin their discussion of The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson, while drinking Glenmorangie 10.In this episode:SPOOKY TIMESA girl can be a red herringA house can be a characterSubjective genitive, objective genitive, or plenary genitive? The debate is definitely scintillatingEthan talks about the Ghormengast trilogy for some reasonIs someone/who is gaslighting Eleanor?A
The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig, and Glenmorangie 10yo, Part 2
Michael and Ethan continue their discussion of The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig, while drinking Glenmorangie 10.In this episode:Ethan leads with some very specific bragsMichael follows a ruleUnofficially taboo topics that are nebulous, endless, and very importantThe word Ethan was looking for around 16:00 was “counterfactual”So much table-setting, but for a purpose?IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE IS AN AD
The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig, and Glenmorangie 10yo, Part 1
CONTENT WARNING: this episode contains brief discussion of suicide. The discussion begins a little past the 45:30 mark, and concludes by the 50:00 mark.If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org anytime, 24/7.—Michael and Ethan begin their discussion of The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig, while drinking Glenmorangie 10.In this
Multiverse Special(s)!
To prepare for their episodes discussing The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig, Michael and Ethan spend a very special episode discussing the idea of multiverses and going over some (SOME) examples of the idea in fiction.In this episode:The book Ethan can’t remember is The Waldorf-Astoria Bar BookLaunches into a discussion of quantum physics in which this podcast is deeply unqualified to engage“Entan
The Sheriff of Babylon, by Tom King, and Glenlivet Nadurra, Part 2
Michael and Ethan begin their discussion of the graphic novel The Sherriff of Babylon, by Tom King, while drinking the Glenlivet Nadurra cask-strength bottling.In this episode:The August referenced in the opening is a friend of Michael and Ethan’s. This is not properly set up because Ethan didn’t know he was telling this anecdote for an audience (ie, it’s Michael’s fault).Spoilers for Tom King’s g
The Sheriff of Babylon, by Tom King, and Glenlivet Nadurra, Part 1
Michael and Ethan begin their discussion of the graphic novel The Sherriff of Babylon, by Tom King, while drinking the Glenlivet Nadurra cask-strength bottling.In this episode:The August referenced in the opening is a friend of Michael and Ethan’s. This is not properly set up because Ethan didn’t know he was telling this anecdote for an audience (ie, it’s Michael’s fault).Spoilers for Tom King’s g
The House on Vesper Sands, by Paraic O'Donnell, and Glenlivet Nadurra, Part 2
Michael and Ethan conclude their discussion of The House on Vesper Sands, by Paraic O’Donnell, while drinking the Glenlivet Nadurra cask-strength bottling.In this episode:There must be no changeEthan loses! Michael fails to notice, or at least to call it out. Will Ethan confess in the future?Good thing Ethan avoids sounding pedantic, now or everThe unmooring of the bookGood thing Michael avoids so
The House on Vesper Sands, by Paraic O'Donnell, and Glenlivet Nadurra, Part 1
Michael and Ethan begin their discussion of The House on Vesper Sands, by Paraic O’Donnell, while drinking the Glenlivet Nadurra cask-strength bottling.In this episode:A fearful ScotchSome deeply inside jokesThe Gothic Genre: A TEDm&e TalkThe term “sensibility” is used a lot of times for a podcast not discussing Jane AustenThe term “vibes” is used a lot of times for a podcast run by two millen
Gargantua and Pantagruel, by Francois Rabelais, and Benriach the Smoky 12, Part 4
Michael and Ethan conclude their discussion of Gargantua and Pantagruel, by Francois Rabelais, as translated in one case by Thomas Urquhart and Peter Motteaux and in the other by M.A. Screech, while drinking Benriach distilliery’s The Smoky Twelve.In this episode:Ethan tried to research “here’s mud in your eye” while writing these notes but the internet is full of obvious nonsense on the subject a
Gargantua and Pantagruel, by Francois Rabelais, and Benriach the Smoky 12, Part 3
Michael and Ethan continue their discussion of Gargantua and Pantagruel, by Francois Rabelais, as translated in one case by Thomas Urquhart and Peter Motteaux and in the other by M.A. Screech, while drinking Benriach distilliery’s The Smoky Twelve.In this episode:Yes, we implied Rachel Barrie was a demi-god last time, so godmother may seem like a demotion, but consider this: we love her.Three hour
Gargantua and Pantagruel, by Francois Rabelais, and Benriach the Smoky 12, Part 2
Michael and Ethan continue their discussion of Gargantua and Pantagruel, by Francois Rabelais, as translated in one case by Thomas Urquhart and Peter Motteaux and in the other by M.A. Screech, while drinking Benriach distilliery’s The Smoky Twelve.In this episode:If you don’t understand something, don’t get upset about itJust accept it and find the humor in what you do understand(These are not bum
Gargantua and Pantagruel, by Francois Rabelais, and Benriach the Smoky 12, Part 1
Michael and Ethan begin their discussion of Gargantua and Pantagruel, by Francois Rabelais, as translated in one case by Thomas Urquhart and Peter Motteaux and in the other by M.A. Screech, while drinking Benriach distilliery’s The Smoky Twelve.In this episode:Now listen. This episode starts with some pretty esoteric humor, even for us, but:To our Calvinist listeners: sorry.To everyone else: also
Special: Gargantuan/Pantagruelian Place-Setting (Copy)
Another special, in which Michael and Ethan set the table for the discussion of one of the books in literature which itself has perhaps some of the most tables set within it: this is the world of Francois Rabelais, and his Great (dirty) Book, Gargantua and Pantagruel.In this episode:Rabelais as Dirty BookEthan has one page of notesMichael gets put on a Diet of WormsMichael’s wife is the main chara
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