Best Jay Russo and Sean McGurr Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 176 The Dark Half, Chapters 15-21 43:30

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2d ago43:30

43:30

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore The Dark Half, Section 2: Stark Takes Charge, chapters 15-21. Introduction (00:00) Twins (01:30) The role of the writer (14:32) Dark Tower Thinnies (23:39) Yuck-King it Up (27:26) Fun Stuff (30:11) Other Worlds than These (37:25) Jay: My Cousin Vinny (1992) Sean: Richard Stark’s Grofiel…

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Ep. 175 The Dark Half, Chapters 01-14 40:55

15d ago40:55

40:55

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore The Dark Half, Section 1: Fool’s Stuffing, chapters 1-14. Introduction (00:00) Publication history (01:38) King’s writing style for this book (04:53) A fiction by a fiction (15:24) Dark Tower Thinnies (23:18) Yuck-King it Up (24:29) Fun Stuff (27:01) Freak-A-Zoid, by Midnight Star Midni…

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Ep. 174 Blaze, Chapters 18-24 42:13

1M ago42:13

42:13

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore Blaze, chapters 18-24. Introduction (00:00) Does Blaze have the shine (01:06) The tragedy of Blaze (08:52) Final thoughts (16:29) Dark Tower Thinnies (22:05) Yuck-King it Up (24:21) Fun Stuff (26:01) Other Worlds than These (35:35) Sean: The Sandman, season 2 (Netflix) Jay: Deep Cover (…

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Ep. 173 Blaze, Chapters 11-17 37:47

2M ago37:47

37:47

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore Blaze, chapters 11-17. Introduction (00:13) Is this a ghost story? (01:49) Alone is bad (11:28) Dark Tower Thinnies (18:49) Yuck-King it Up (25:25) Fun Stuff (27:04) Other Worlds than These (32:05) Jay: Predator: Killer of Killers, Directed by Dan Trachtenberg Sean: Song of Spider-Man b…

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Ep. 172 Blaze, Chapters 1-10 45:42

2M ago45:42

45:42

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore Blaze, chapters 1-10. Introduction (0:00) Publication history (1:28) Throwback type of book (9:42) Blaze’s morality (17:20) Dark Tower Thinnies (30:12) Yuck-King it Up (32:58) Fun Stuff (33:57) Other Worlds than These (40:07) Jay: Spaceballs (1987, dir. Mel Brooks) Trailer Sean: Poker F…

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Bonus Episode: Uncle Otto’s Truck (Skeleton Crew) (December 2022) 36:05

3M ago36:05

36:05

In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore “Uncle Otto’s Truck,” found in Skeleton Crew. Introduction (00:00) Publication history (01:32) Nostalgia (04:32) Connections (09:44) Small-town gossip (13:22) Unreliable narrator? (19:17) Dark Tower Thinnies (25:08) Yuck-King It Up (27:28) Fun Stuff (30:25) Outro (35:09) Leave us …

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Bonus Episode: “Chinga” The X-Files 30:57

3M ago30:57

30:57

In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the X-Files episode, “Chinga,” written by Stephen King. Introduction (00:00) Background (01:15) Stephen King and the episode (06:53) Weird facts about the episode (15:11) Yuck-King It Up (22:23) Fun Stuff (26:03) Outro (29:18) Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or on your favorit…

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Bonus Episode: Thinner Adaptation 36:30

3M ago36:30

36:30

In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the 1996 film adaptation of Thinner. Introduction (00:00) Background (01:16) Comparing the book and movie (03:48) Overall thoughts (13:46) Our ratings (19:21) Dark Tower Thinnies (21:20) Yuck-King It Up (22:24) Fun Stuff (29:15) SNL Digital Short: The Curse Pennywise blood stain? …

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Ep. 171 Thinner, Chapters 20-27 46:45

4M ago46:45

46:45

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore and finish Thinner, chapters 20-27. Introduction (00:00) Taking responsibility/Everybody pays (01:11) Ginelli (10:06) The ending (20:58) Final thoughts (29:15) Dark Tower Thinnies (30:29) Yuck-King it Up (33:00) Fun Stuff (35:27) Other Worlds than These (41:37) Jay: Paris, Texas (1984),…

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Ep. 170 Thinner, Chapter 12-19 43:20

4M ago43:20

43:20

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore Thinner, chapters 12-19. Introduction (00:00) In-groups versus others (02:01) Justice and shades of gray (11:08) Dark Tower Thinnies (24:16) Yuck-King it Up (26:45) Fun Stuff (31:13) Other Worlds than These (35:56) Jay: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) Sean: Andor Season Two (2…

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Ep. 169 Thinner, Chapters 1-11 41:01

5M ago41:01

41:01

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore Thinner, chapters 1-11. Introduction (0:00) New season: Alter egos (01:43) Publication history (06:02) Class warfare (12:23) Dark Tower Thinnies (20:25) Yuck-King it Up (26:00) Fun Stuff (27:42) Other Worlds than These (32:55) Jay: The Residence (Netflix) is a murder mystery set in … Co…

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Ep. 168 The Fifth Quarter 34:55

5M ago34:55

34:55

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the short story “The Fifth Quarter” found in Nightmares & Dreamscapes. Introduction (00:00) Publication history (01:05) The essence of the story (05:18) All for Barney (11:08) Dark Tower Thinnies (18:32) Yuck-King it Up (20:53) Fun Stuff (24:00) Other Worlds than These (28:05) … Continu…

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Ep. 167 The Doctor’s Case 31:34

6M ago31:34

31:34

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the short story “The Doctor’s Case” from Nightmares & Dreamscapes. Introduction (00:13) Publication history (01:10) Pastiche (05:06) Writerly details (09:15) Dark Tower Thinnies (18:09) Yuck-King it Up (19:26) Fun Stuff (20:50) Other Worlds than These (27:13) Jay: Wolf Hall: The Mirror …

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Ep. 166 Umney’s Last Case 47:38

6M ago47:38

47:38

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore “Umney’s Last Case” from Nightmares & Dreamscapes. Introduction (00:00) Publication history (01:21) Metalepsis (07:46) Relationship to Nightmares & Dreamscapes introduction (18:40) TNT Adaptation (25:21) Dark Tower Thinnies (31:16) Yuck-King it Up (35:53) Fun Stuff (37:30) Other Worlds …

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Ep. 165 Later, Chapters 34-69 32:45

7M ago32:45

32:45

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore Later, chapters 34-69. Introduction (00:13) Missed opportunities (01:09) Siloing of the story (13:23) Final thoughts (16:52) Dark Tower Thinnies (18:09) Yuck-King it Up (21:11) Fun Stuff (23:51) Other Worlds than These (27:08) Jay: Reacher, S3, starring Alan Ritchson and Anthony Michael…

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Ep. 164 Later, Chapters 1-33 39:24

7M ago39:24

39:24

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore Later, chapters 01 – 33. Introduction (00:00) Publication history (01:38) Is it a crime story (02:39) Are the characters well constructed (08:48) Authorial adjacent (15:11) Dark Tower Thinnies (20:15) Yuck-King it Up (21:42) Fun Stuff (23:48) Other Worlds than These (30:00) Sean: … Cont…

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Ep. 163 Joyland, third third 34:51

8M ago34:51

34:51

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the final third of Joyland. Introduction (00:13) Masks (01:08) A look back (07:04) Our final thoughts (11:15) The end of the story (12:21) Dark Tower Thinnies (18:19) Yuck-King it Up (20:14) Fun Stuff (23:41) Other Worlds than These (28:46) Outro (33:35) Leave … Continue reading Ep. 163…

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Ep. 162 Joyland, second third 42:19

8M ago42:19

42:19

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the second third of Joyland. Introduction (00:00) Superpowers (01:40) Breezy contemplations (10:09) Dark Tower Thinnies (23:03) Yuck-King it Up (25:03) Fun Stuff (28:35) Other Worlds than These (32:33) Jay: Silo (Apple TV) Sean: Cunk on Earth (Netflix) Outro (41:15) Leave us a … Continu…

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Ep. 161 Joyland, first third 38:19

8M ago38:19

38:19

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the first third of Joyland. Introduction (00:13) Recap (00:51) Publication history (01:16) It’s all about a vibe (02:15) The mystery (11:23) Dark Tower Thinnies (19:46) “The Sick Rose” by William Blake (22:08) Yuck-King it Up (23:13) Fun Stuff (26:03) Middle Aged Dad … Continue reading …

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Ep. 160 The Colorado Kid, Chapters 13-18 and the Afterword 46:39

9M ago46:39

46:39

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore The Colorado Kid, Chapters 13-18 and the afterword. Introduction (00:00) What are our theories (02:32) Becoming part of a community (13:38) Did the story work? (20:52) Dark Tower Thinnies (27:42) Yuck-King It Up (31:07) Fun Stuff (31:35) Other Worlds Than These (35:35) … Continue readin…

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Ep. 159 The Colorado Kid, Chapters 5-12 31:20

9M ago31:20

31:20

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore The Colorado Kid, chapters 5 - 12.By Jay Russo and Sean McGurr

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Ep. 158 The Colorado Kid, Chapters 1-4 48:16

10M ago48:16

48:16

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore The Colorado Kid, chapters 1 – 4. Introduction (00:00) Publication History (01:20) Maine island communities (09:38) Relationship between the three main characters (14:35) Dark Tower Thinnies (23:55) Yuck-King it Up (24:41) Fun Stuff (28:45) Other Worlds than These (33:23) L.A. Law (1986…

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We’re Back! 1:46

10M ago1:46

1:46

We’ve been on a break, but we are excited to get back into discussing Stephen King books. We are going to start off with a season focusing on King’s crime novels, specifically, the three books he wrote for the Hard Case Crime imprint. In our first episode back, we’ll cover The Colorado Kid, Chapters 1-4. … Continue reading We’re Back!…

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Bonus Episode: Lunch at the Gotham Cafe (Everything’s Eventual) (November 2022) 31:01

10M ago31:01

31:01

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from November 2022. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the short story “Lunch at the Gotham Cafe” from the short story collection Everything’s Eventual. Introduction (00:00) Publication history…

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Bonus Episode: The Cat from Hell (Just After Sunset) (May 2023) 33:20

11M ago33:20

33:20

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from May 2023. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore “The Cat from Hell” found in Just After Sunset. Introduction (00:00) Publication history (01:21) What do we think of … Continue reading Bonus E…

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Bonus Episode: Harvey’s Dream (Just After Sunset) (February 2023) 21:39

11M ago21:39

21:39

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from February 2023. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the short story “Harvey’s Dream” found in the Just After Sunset collection. Introduction (00:13) Publication history (01:11) Ghost story ……

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Bonus Episode: Carrie (1976) 49:20

11M ago49:20

49:20

In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the 1976 movie adaptation, Carrie. Introduction (00:14) Facts and Figures (01:29) Adaptation (09:39) Themes (29:11) Our thoughts on the movie (33:51) Dark Tower Thinnies (35:16) Yuck-King it Up (36:17) Fun Stuff (38:41) Outro (47:07) Original trailer: CARRIE (1976) | Official Trai…

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Bonus Episode: The Road Virus Heads North (Everything’s Eventual) (September 2022) 33:52

11M ago33:52

33:52

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from September 2022. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the short story “The Road Virus Heads North” from the collection Everything’s Eventual. Introduction (00:00) Publication history (01:27) …

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Bonus Episode: The Lawnmower Man (Night Shift) (April 2021) 20:48

12M ago20:48

20:48

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from April 2021. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the short story “The Lawnmower Man” found in the collection Night Shift. Introduction (00:00) Publication History (01:15) Cavalier Magazine ……

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Bonus Episode: All That You Love Will Be Carried Away (Everything’s Eventual) (August 2022) 28:37

12M ago28:37

28:37

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from August 2022. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the short story “All That You Love Will Be Carried Away” from the Everything’s Eventual collection. Introduction (00:00) Publication … Conti…

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Bonus Episode: L.T.’s Theory of Pets (Skeleton Crew) (May 2022) 28:56

12M ago28:56

28:56

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from May 2022. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the short story “L.T.’s Theory of Pets” from the collection Everything’s Eventual. Introduction (00:00) Publication history (01:16) Structure a…

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Bonus Episode: 1408 (Everything’s Eventual) (June 2022) 42:59

1y ago42:59

42:59

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from June 2022. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the short story “1408” found in Everything’s Eventual. Introduction (00:00) Background (01:32) Related to The Shining (11:01) Enslin, the … Co…

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Bonus Episode: Survivor Type (Skeleton Crew) (November 2021) 30:03

1y ago30:03

30:03

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from November 2021. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore “Survivor Type” found in Skeleton Crew. Introduction (00:00) Publication History (01:26) Richard Pine is an asshole (05:03) But is … Conti…

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Bonus Episode: ‘Salem’s Lot (2024)

1y ago

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In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the 2024 adaptation of Salem’s Lot, directed by Gary Dauberman. Introduction (00:13) Recap (00:52) Podcast coverage (01:53) Cast and crew (04:03) Lewis Pullman (Ben Mears) Jordan Preston Carter (Mark Petrie) Makenzie Leigh (Susan Norton) Alfre Woodard (Dr. Cody) Bill Camp (Matt … …

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Bonus Episode: The Ledge (Night Shift) (March 2021) 23:00

1y ago23:00

23:00

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from March 2021. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore “The Ledge” found in Night Shift. Introduction (00:00) Publication History (01:47) The Story (04:38) Dark Tower Thinnies (12:08) Yuck-King … …

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Bonus Episode: The Mangler (Night Shift) (February 2021) 26:15

1y ago26:15

26:15

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from February 2021. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore “The Mangler” from Night Shift. Introduction (00:16) Publication History (01:46) Hits and misses (05:02) Dark Tower Thinnies (18:10) Yuck-…

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Bonus Episode: Gray Matter (Night Shift) (January 2021) 23:44

1y ago23:44

23:44

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from November 2021. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore “Gray Matter” from Night Shift. Introduction (00:00) Publication History (01:13) A Great Little Story (02:48) The Language in the … Contin…

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Bonus Episode: I Am the Doorway (Night Shift) (October 2020) 29:11

1y ago29:11

29:11

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from October 2020. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the short story “I Am the Doorway” found in Night Shift. Introduction (00:11) Publication history (01:13) Structure: Lots of … Continue rea…

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Bonus Episode: Ballad of the Flexible Bullet (Skeleton Crew) (October 2021) 33:28

1y ago33:28

33:28

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from October 2021. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the short story “The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet” found in Skeleton Crew. Introduction (00:00) Publication History (1:18) Madness … Conti…

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Bonus Episode: The Reach (Skeleton Crew) (September 2021) 21:45

1y ago21:45

21:45

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from September 2021. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore “The Reach” found in Skeleton Crew. Introduction (00:13) Publication history (01:08) Exemplar of a (gothic) short story (03:37) Too … Con…

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Bonus Episode: Word Processor of the Gods (Skeleton Crew) (August 2021) 24:55

1y ago24:55

24:55

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from August 2021. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the short story “Word Processor of the Gods” found in Skeleton Crew. Introduction (00:00) Publication history (01:20) Monkey’s paw … Continu…

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Bonus Episode: The Raft (Skeleton Crew) (July 2021) 30:55

1y ago30:55

30:55

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from July 2021. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the short story “The Raft” from Skeleton Crew. Introduction (00:00) Publication history (01:54) Influences and connections (06:29) Weird relat…

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Bonus Episode: Here There Be Tygers (Skeleton Crew) (June 2021) 23:21

1y ago23:21

23:21

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from June 2021. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the short story “Here There Be Tygers” from Skeleton Crew. Introduction (00:13) Publication history (01:23) Shame and dread (03:40) … Continue…

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Bonus Episode: The Last Rung on the Ladder (Night Shift) (June 2020) 24:48

1y ago24:48

24:48

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from June 2020. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore “The Last Rung on the Ladder” found in Night Shift. Introduction (00:09) Recap (00:40) John D. MacDonald intro (01:14) … Continue reading Bonu…

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Bonus Episode: Night Surf (Night Shift) (May 2020) 36:49

1+ y ago36:49

36:49

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from May, 2020. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore the story “Night Surf” found in Night Shift. Introduction (00:00) Publication History (01:22) Not if you were the last … Continue reading Bonu…

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Bonus Episode: Mrs. Todd’s Shortcut (Night Shift) (April 2020) 34:14

1+ y ago34:14

34:14

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from April 2020. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore “Mrs. Todd’s Shortcut,” found in Night Shift. Introduction (00:13) Recap (00:41) Publication history (01:07) Homer’s decision (08:05) The tit…

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Bonus Episode: Nona (Skeleton Crew) (February 2020) 33:01

1+ y ago33:01

33:01

Note: We are publishing short story bonus podcasts that were previously only available via Patreon. This episode is from February 2020. Enjoy! In this bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore Stephen King’s short story, Nona, found in Skeleton Crew. Introduction (00:11) Counter-culture (00:57) An unreliable narrator (04:59) Thin…

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Ep. 157 The Talisman, Part 4, chapters 34-47 47:30

1+ y ago47:30

47:30

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we finish The Talisman, Part 4, Chapters 34-47. Introduction (00:00) On the subject of twinners (01:40) What is the talisman (10:30) Dark Tower Thinnies (16:47) Yuck-King It Up (24:57) Fun Stuff (27:44) Wrapping up The Talisman (34:50) Other Worlds Than These (42:09) Sean: Black … Continue reading…

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Ep. 156 The Talisman, Part 3, chapters 27-33 and Interlude 45:34

1+ y ago45:34

45:34

In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore The Talisman, Part 3, “A Collision of Worlds,” chapters 27-33, and Interlude. Introduction (00:00) The power of storytelling (01:31) A collision of worlds (11:37) Late world building (22:41) Dark Tower Thinnies (28:58) Yuck-King It Up (30:07) Fun Stuff (34:13) Other Worlds Than … Contin…

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Bonus Episode 45 – “The Cat From Hell” (Patreon Clip) 0:56

2y ago0:56

0:56

A new bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came is live for all of our Patrons. What follows is an excerpt of our discussion of the 1977 short story “The Cat from Hell.” To get the whole episode and support our show, become a patron at patreon.com/twoguysdarktower. Buy merch at store.twoguystothedarktowercame.com. Send your questions, commen…

Jay Russo And Sean McGurr Podcasts