Best Ligaya Podcasts (2026)

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The Third Force: A Novel Of Gadget by Marc Laidlaw Patron's Choice - Episode 234 1:30:08

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4h ago1:30:08

1:30:08

Thank you to our Patron One In A Thousand who requested this week's book! They wrote in to us earlier this year, saying: "...At some point in your lives, you've probably experienced media that you felt was ALMOST really good, but for whatever reason it just wasn't, and media that was almost really good can be just as frustrating as outright bad med…

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Back on the Menu: Adrienne & Joe on Food TV, Tofu Tales, & Real-Life Friendship (First Episode Re-Release) 55:34

2h ago55:34

55:34

🎙️ We’re throwing it back to our first ever episode of The Chef’s Cut, as Adrienne and Joe dive into everything from food industry headlines to hilarious kitchen horror stories, including: 🍽️ Gregory Gourdet’s bold return to NYC’s dining scene 📺 Padma Lakshmi’s new cooking show—and how much the winner actually takes home 😂 Review Review: People who…

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Chef Battle Scars, Eggnog Judgment Day, and the One Question Every Chef Hates!! 46:51

3d ago46:51

46:51

It’s the holiday season so Adrienne and Joe are debating the most important questions: Is it time to give up on eggnog? Where does prime rib rank among Christmas meats? And what does Joe serve for Feast of the Seven Fishes. Plus, we discuss: The physical perils of being a chef, including real stories about burns and battle scars One question you sh…

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Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May - Episode 233 1:26:31

9d ago1:26:31

1:26:31

It's winter up here in the northern hemisphere, so why not explore a fluffy memoir that flirts with self-help specifically for the season? Get a nice blanket and a stuffed creature, a hot beverage, maybe light a candle or incense or perhaps even a fire, and snuggle in. Take care of yourselves out there - make that doctor, dentist, therapist, etc. a…

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Jamila Robinson on Leading Bon Appétit, Picking 50 Best, and the Case Against Anonymous Critics 48:06

10d ago48:06

48:06

This week on The Chef’s Cut, Adrienne and Joe are joined by one of the most important figures in American food media: Jamila Robinson, editor-in-chief of Bon Appétit and Epicurious. Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at food criticism. What does it take to get noticed by a major publication like Bon Appétit? How much testing goes into th…

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The Ultimate Steak Cuts, Viral Fishy-Marshmallow Treats, and Buying Silence to Save your Job!! 36:29

17d ago36:29

36:29

With Joe’s latest restaurant opening in Chicago, Adrienne gets all the secrets on how he sources ingredients for his kitchens. How do you balance getting local ingredients with sourcing from major suppliers? Plus, we discuss: Fork It or Forget It: Goldfish Cracker Rice Krispie Treats Ice Cream Debates: Ranking the best flavors (including mint chip …

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Maneet Chauhan Talks Chef Life, TV Fame, and the Universal Language of Food! 50:20

23d ago50:20

50:20

Adrienne and Joe are joined by Food Network star and decorated chef Maneet Chauhan to talk about how she chose the chef life, the universal language of food, and how she attempts to balance TV with running her own restaurants. Plus, we discuss: Fork It or Forget It: Ketchup on hot dogs (never in Chicago, of course) Maneet’s culinary breakthrough mo…

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Temple of the Winds (Sword of Truth #4) by Terry Goodkind - Episode 232 2:12:15

23d ago2:12:15

2:12:15

Terry has been dead for a few years now, but it's clear that he controls Chris from beyond the grave with a Rada'Han because Chris begged Paris to read yet another Sword of Truth novel this year. The suffering is turned up to 11 as we're both crushed beneath a block of fantasy plot swiss cheese. Even though it's more holes than cheese-plot, it stil…

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Thanksgiving Special: Ultimate Fast Food Orders, Butter Dipped Ice Cream?, and Thanksgiving Favorites 49:44

1M ago49:44

49:44

Thanksgiving is finally upon us, so Adrienne and Joe share some of their favorite holiday memories from the kitchen and at home. Even when you become a professional chef, can you ever escape the scrutiny of grandma’s kitchen? They offer up some of their favorite Thanksgiving staples (which cranberries are best?) and some deep cuts that only family …

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A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR #1) by Sarah J. Maas Special Guest Emily - Episode 231 2:14:31

1M ago2:14:31

2:14:31

The time has come. It was inevitable; at last, we submitted to the will of Terriblo, listeners, and fate to bring down the evil monarch and find our destined mate - I mean, bring you our review of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, popularly known by its acronym of ACOTAR. To ease us through this experience, I've brought my emotional sup…

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Chef Eric Ripert on the Evolution of Fine Dining, What Defines Le Bernardin’s Success, and How He Maintains Balance 51:12

1M ago51:12

51:12

Adrienne and Joe sit down inside the walls of the iconic Le Bernardin in New York City for an intimate chat with chef Eric Ripert. He tells them the secrets behind his ascent to helming one of the best restaurants in the world, including what it takes to maintain a level of excellence worthy of becoming (and remaining) a three-Michelin-starred rest…

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Paris Pastry Pairings, Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Tips, and Behind the Scenes of Joe’s New Restaurant Opening 53:06

1M ago53:06

53:06

Joe is set to open his newest restaurant, Bar Tutto, and Adrienne asks him all about what it takes to go from concept to reality with a new establishment. He takes us behind the scenes to share all the things you don’t hear about when a restaurant gets started. Plus, we discuss: The great Paris pastry debate: which French treat do you pair with you…

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Co-Chief NYT Restaurant Critic Ligaya Mishan on Succeeding Pete Wells, Her Most Controversial Reviews, and Branching Out from NYC 58:35

2M ago58:35

58:35

In a Chef’s Cut first, Adrienne and Joe sit down with co-chief restaurant critic for the New York Times, Ligaya Mishan. They ask her all about taking over for Pete Wells and what goes into writing her reviews every week. Plus, we discuss: The controversial Alinea review everyone is talking about Whether or not a one-star review should be considered…

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The Paleontologist by Luke Dumas - Episode 230 1:43:44

2M ago1:43:44

1:43:44

Happy Halloween! This episode was supposed to air on 11/4, but we figured you'd all appreciate hearing this one a week early in the spirit of the season. The next episode will air on schedule on 11/18, so make sure you check out some older spooky season TBC episodes while you wait: The Hog from Carnacki, the Ghost Finder by William Hope Hodgson *Sp…

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The Perfect Steakhouse Order, Golden Diner Pancake Mania, and an All-Access Pass into the World of Cookbooks 50:13

2M ago50:13

50:13

This week, Adrienne and Joe are back and giving us their reaction to the viral Golden Diner pancakes everyone is talking about. Joe prepared a batch at home and shares his honest opinion on whether they’re worthy of the hype. Plus, we discuss: What’s your go-to steakhouse order? Adrienne’s controversial opinion on A1 steak sauce Cookbooks: All the …

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Other Misfortunes (The Enchantment and You'll Find It's Like That All Over) by Eric LaRocca - Episode 229 1:13:18

2M ago1:13:18

1:13:18

For this year's Spooky Season, we headed over to reddit to see what r/horrorlit thought were the worst horror books they read in 2024. It seemed that Eric LaRocca's novella Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke was widely hated by the sub, but since the Antiques Freaks already reviewed that back in October 2023, Paris chose to instead read t…

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Chef Dan Barber on the Farm-to-Table Movement, Making Our Food Supply More Delicious, and Faking Rare Lamb in an Emergency 57:21

2M ago57:21

57:21

Adrienne and Joe are joined by one of the most celebrated chefs in the world, Dan Barber of the legendary Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Family Meal at Blue Hill. He tells us all about his innovative approach to cooking and sustainable agriculture, including how he runs his own kitchen at Blue Hill. Plus, we discuss: Farm to Table: Has the word lost …

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The Big Breakfast Debate, ChatGPT on the Menu, and the First 50 Best Restaurant List for N. America 45:17

3M ago45:17

45:17

This week, Adrienne and Joe are back to chat about the newest list everyone is talking about: North America's 50 Best Restaurants. They tell us what they love about the list, how it actually gets made, and what it means to restaurants who make the list. Plus, we discuss: Diner classics: Adrienne and Joe pick their favorite breakfast foods Fork It o…

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From Fan To Family: Embracing Jason Momoa's World by Ligaya "Aying" Espina Cerny - Episode 228 1:23:48

3M ago1:23:48

1:23:48

Today's book was suggested to us by a fan on Instagram who said, "Your schedule is probably still full but I have the book to end all terrible books. [Redacted] wrote this about her love (obsession) for Jason Mamoa and it is a mess; it's absolutely terrible." This extremely personal book of poetry rotates around the axis of Jason Momoa and takes us…

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Private Chef Life (Part 3): Chef Sam Kass on Cooking for the Obamas, the Future of Food, and when Oprah Saved the Day 1:04:36

3M ago1:04:36

1:04:36

By Level Media

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Private Chef Life (Part 2): Chef Olivia Tiedemann on Going Private, Breaking Pasta in an Emergency, and Her Worst Restaurant Job Ever 50:31

3M ago50:31

50:31

We’re back for part two of our three-part series on private chef work, this time with guest Olivia Tiedemann. She tells us how she went from the fine dining world of New York City, to working as a private chef, to Instagram stardom. Plus, we discuss: The “kitchen habits” from restaurants that we just can’t kick Fork It or Forget It: Breaking pasta …

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After Dinner Conversation Magazine: Sample Issue - Episode 227 1:23:02

3M ago1:23:02

1:23:02

This week, Paris discusses her experience reading the sample issue of a magazine called After Dinner Conversation from the non-profit philosophy and ethics short fiction publisher of the same name. They DM'ed us on Twitter saying they wanted us to try their free sample issue, so we actually took them up on this offer because we've never reviewed a …

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Private Chef Life (Part 1): How Adrienne Went from Le Bernardin to Kitchen Burnout to Racing Helicopters in the South of France 44:59

3M ago44:59

44:59

In part one of our three-part series on private chef work, Adrienne comes clean to Joe about what she really does for a living and pulls back the curtain on what it’s like to work as a private chef. Plus, we discuss: Global Condiment Cup: Mayo takes the crown Whisk Takers: Adrienne’s story of going from fine dining to private work The longest Adrie…

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Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja on Kitchen Pet Peeves, NYC Reservation Hype, and Becoming the Newest Food Network Titan 54:20

4M ago54:20

54:20

This week Adrienne and Joe are joined by Ayesha Nurdjaja, Executive Chef of Shuka and Shukette in New York City. She tells us all about her recent debut as the newest Titan on Bobby's Triple Threat. Plus, we discuss: Kitchen Pet Peeves: Dirty floors, painted nails, and not saying hello Fork It or Forget It: Zesting lemons… the right way? Review Rev…

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I Am Not Starfire by Mariko Tamaki / Illustrated by Yoshi Yoshitani Patron's Choice - Episode 226 1:12:18

4M ago1:12:18

1:12:18

Our patron rootbeercutie recommended I Am Not Starfire and since we had somehow not done a graphic novel in the 10 years of this podcast, Chris stepped up to tackle this Teen Titans spinoff. Today's episode features a whole lot of superhero tropes and parent/child strife; even good art and a lesbian protagonist who gets a happy ending couldn't save…

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Summer Farmers Markets, Fine Dining Pop-Ups, and Mission Impossible: US Open Edition 53:49

4M ago53:49

53:49

As summer slowly comes to a close, Adrienne and Joe share some of their favorite flavor combinations that signal fall is just around the corner. Farmer’s market, here we come! Plus, we discuss: Fork It or Forget It: Whipped Honey Coffee Review Review: Joe had the audacity to take his birthday off from work! Line Check: Major fine dining restaurants…

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Chef Buddha Lo on Great Food in Tiny Kitchens, the Best Knives and Top Chef Topped with Caviar 51:38

4M ago51:38

51:38

Adrienne and Joe are back with another guest, and this week they’re joined by two-time Top Chef champion Buddha Lo. He fills them in on his latest culinary ambitions following the move of his home restaurant Huso into a bigger space (Michelin star incoming?). Plus, we discuss: Fork It or Forget It: Caviar on Fried Chicken (and the latest in condime…

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Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives by Gretchen Rubin - Episode 225 1:01:06

4M ago1:01:06

1:01:06

We haven't done any self-help lately, so Paris braved Oprah's Book Club list to pull the recently published Secrets of Adulthood straight from its maw. Though it attempted to take her, she fought her way out to bring you this episode about the science of happiness and the pop cultural grift which swirls around it. References & Resources: Dr. Robert…

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The Mother of All Condiments, French Dip Mania and a Travel Diva Chef Exposed 48:16

4M ago48:16

48:16

The World Condiment Cup has officially begun so Adrienne and Joe kick things off with the results from the first round. Which will move on to the next round: may, mustard, tzatziki, or hoisin sauce? Plus, we debate how 'mother sauces' play into condiment rankings. On this episode we also discuss: Fork It or Forget It: French Dip Mania Review Review…

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Chef Fariyal Abdullahi on Crack Burgers, Kitchen Fires and Ethiopian Food 101 42:15

5M ago42:15

42:15

Adrienne and Joe are joined by special guest and friend of the show, chef Fariyal Abdullahi. She fills us in on what it’s like to be the executive chef at one of the most sought-after restaurant reservations in New York City, Hav & Mar. Plus, we discuss: Fork It or Forget It: Crack Burgers (yes this is a real trend) LA vs. New York: Who holds the E…

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TBC Plays DragonRaid by Dick Wulf Special Guests Phoebe & Kami - Episode 224 2:11:55

5M ago2:11:55

2:11:55

One dark day in the TBC Patreon chat dungeons, our Patron Austin scrawled the following message to us: "...[D]uring the 80s there was a guy literally named Dick Wulf (Not to be confused with law and order producer and writer Dick Wolf) who made a Christian version of D&D called Dragonraid. There's very little documentation online about what the gam…

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The Great Condiment Showdown, Joe’s Big Restaurant Gamble, and Major Food Influencer Controversy 54:11

5M ago54:11

54:11

This week of The Chef’s Cut kicks off with an important debate: which condiment in your fridge would come out on top in a battle of the bottles? They tell us which condiment ranks atop their own favorites, and throw it to the listeners to help build a bracket of champions. Plus, we discuss: Fork It or Forget It: Dining al fresco Whisk Takers: Joe t…

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Erick Williams on His Chef Journey, Making Great Food and the Business of Restaurants 36:24

5M ago36:24

36:24

Adrienne and Joe are back for another episode of The Chef’s Cut, and this time they’re joined by longtime friend and James Beard award winning chef Erick Williams. They find out how he came to be one of the most respected chefs in Chicago, including what brought him to the kitchen at Virtue Restaurant in Hyde Park. Plus, we discuss: Review Review: …

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Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff by Sean Penn Patron's Choice - Episode 223 1:13:46

5M ago1:13:46

1:13:46

Paris must conquer her fear and loathing to survive this gonzo, idiocratic adventure from the mind of Sean Penn (yes, the actor). Our Patron George submitted this as his Patron's request this season saying, "I've been listening to you guys for a long time and this is the first time I've ever found anything that you folks might be interested [in]. I…

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Missy Robbins on Michelin Stars, Salt v Sugar, and Her Billions Cameo 46:38

5M ago46:38

46:38

Hosts Adrienne Cheatham and Joe Flamm are joined by Missy Robbins (Lilia, Missi) to talk about her ascent into becoming a Michelin star chef and James Beard Award winner. Plus, we cover: The importance of a caring mentor and impact of Tony Manuano (Spiaggia, Top Chef Masters) on Missy and Joe’s careers Fork It or Forget It: Seafood and cheese Missy…

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Adrienne and Joe on Culinary Travel, One-Star Diner Drama, and the Raw Milk Debate 42:30

5M ago42:30

42:30

We’re back with another episode of The Chef’s Cut featuring hosts Adrienne Cheatham and Joe Flamm, who tell us exactly how chefs plan their trips around food, including their favorite dining spots and the importance of leaving room for spontaneous culinary adventures. Plus, we discuss: Fork It or Forget It: Raw Milk edition (featuring some unpasteu…

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Icebreaker by Hannah Grace Patron's Choice - Episode 222 1:30:09

6M ago1:30:09

1:30:09

In this second half of our accidental TBC of Ice & Fire recording session, Chris tackles a book left on his doorstep by a minion of Terriblo themselves with a note: "Dear Paris and Chris, I, the Dark God of horrid literature, appreciate your work in spreading the word of terrible books with your podcast. As such I've tasked one of my cultists, your…

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Chef Eric Adjepong on Food TV, Skipping The Bear and His Wildest Kitchen Mistake 47:41

6M ago47:41

47:41

Celebrity chef Eric Adjepong joins hosts Adrienne Cheatham and Joe Flamm to dive deep into the realities of food television, leadership in the kitchen, and the secrets behind surviving the restaurant world. 🔥 In this episode: The mentors who shaped Eric’s culinary journey Lessons from working with Bobby Flay Why top chefs struggle to cook at home N…

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Culinary Beginnings & Kitchen Confessions: Rhubarb, Raw Salmon, and Real Talk with Adrienne Cheatham & Joe Flamm 41:04

6M ago41:04

41:04

In the latest episode of The Chef's Cut, hosts Adrienne Cheatham and Joe Flamm share how they got their start as chefs — and the paths that brought them to New York and Chicago. They dive into: Big debate: Is rhubarb ever worth the trouble? Why they both love Le Creuset (how could you not?) The challenges of transitioning from culinary school to a …

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Points of Origin by John L. Orr Patron's Choice - Episode 221 1:35:42

6M ago1:35:42

1:35:42

Paris is on the case again this week! Our Patron Patrick requested that we read and review Points of Origin saying, "This book was written as a fictional story about a fictional investigator trying to catch a serial arsonist who was terrorizing California in the 1980s. The author was a[n] actual fire investigator at the time and this [was] based of…

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Live from the 2025 James Beard Awards: Stephanie Izard on Winning, Top Chef, and Chicago’s Culinary Scene 51:25

6M ago51:25

51:25

In this episode of The Chef’s Cut, recorded live from the 2025 James Beard Awards launch party at BLVD Steakhouse in Chicago, hosts Adrienne Cheatham and Joe Flam sit down with celebrity chef Stephanie Izard (Top Chef, Girl and the Goat) to talk about what it’s really like to win a James Beard Award. 🎙️ Topics covered in this episode include: Is it…

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Kristen Kish Dishes It All: Top Chef Memories, Kitchen Confessions & Foie Gras Fails 53:12

6M ago53:12

53:12

Award-winning chef Kristen Kish joins hosts Adrienne Cheatham and Joe Flamm for a deep, fun, and unfiltered conversation about her Top Chef memories, Chicago food roots, and the biggest lessons from the kitchen. In this episode, they dive into: The power of kitchen mentorship, featuring the San Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Kristen, Adrienne, and J…

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Just Call Me Orville: The Story Of Orville Redenbacher by Robert Topping Patron's Choice - Episode 220 1:28:19

6M ago1:28:19

1:28:19

Get out your corn kernels and hot oil, today, folks, 'cause we're goin' poppin'! Today's book comes to us from our longtime Patron Arrant who said, "I read [something] that might be fascinating for you guys rather than simple bad: "Just Call Me Orville" by Robert Topping, which is about the life and rise of Orville Redenbacher. Yes, the Popcorn guy…

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Top Chef Reunion Podcast: Adrienne Cheatham & Joe Flamm on Food TV, Tofu Tales & Real-Life Friendship 59:05

7M ago59:05

59:05

Chefs Adrienne Cheatham and Joe Flamm reunite as former Top Chef finalists and launch their brand new podcast with a behind-the-scenes look at their journey—from competing in the kitchen to becoming co-hosts and close real-life friends. 🎙️ In this debut episode of The Chef’s Cut, Adrienne and Joe dive into everything from food industry headlines to…

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Introducing: The Chef's Cut 1:00

7M ago1:00

1:00

Each week, Top Chef alums Adrienne Cheatham and Joe Flamm give you a seat at their table as they have hilarious, vulnerable, and oftentimes messy conversations with other chefs, restaurateurs, celebrities and friends about what it means to build something bigger than yourself. New episodes out every Tuesday…

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Fanny Hill (Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure) by John Cleland Special Guest Mary Parker - Episode 219 1:37:14

7M ago1:37:14

1:37:14

Chris was called away on a years-long shipping voyage by a conniving relative, so he can't be with us today. In his stead, Mary returns! You may remember her from such episodes as this past October's The Phantom of Manhattan, 2021's Die Hamletmachine, and our now beloved E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in His Adventure on Earth episode from 2023. We dis…

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The You You Are: A Spiritual Biography of You by Dr. Ricken Lazlo Hale, PhD (the book from the AppleTV Show Severance) - Episode 218 1:25:02

7M ago1:25:02

1:25:02

We revert to our previous format this week with both Chris and Paris reviewing today's book. The You You Are: A Spiritual Biography of You was published in the last week of January of 2025 by Apple Books and immediately caught our attention since Paris has been obsessed with Severance since it debuted and Chris was recruited into the madness this y…

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Who Killed the Fonz? By James Boice Patron's Choice - Episode 217 58:08

8M ago58:08

58:08

This week, Paris turns up the Perturbator records, dons some aviators and a trenchcoat, and heads out into the rainy nights of 1980s Milwaukee to help our Patron Fred. Fred wrote to us saying, "...the sheer notion of a murder mystery with Happy Days characters that is apparently officially sanctioned by whoever owns the rights is enough to give me …

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In The Ravenous Dark by A.M. Strickland Patron's Choice - Episode 216 1:26:17

8M ago1:26:17

1:26:17

Chris has to travel to another reality again today - this time, it's a Grecian fantasy world that isn't actually Greek! Speaking of Greece, thank you to The Metal Classicist Dr. Jeremy Swist for pronunciation help on today's episode. Our Patron Austin sent Chris on this voyage through the world of In the Ravenous Dark by A.M. Strickland for his Pat…

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A Live Reading of The Horse of the Invisible from Carnacki, the Ghost Finder by William Hope Hodgson Special Guests D & Ken of Antiques Freaks - Episode 215 1:19:04

9M ago1:19:04

1:19:04

Nearly 5 years ago to the day, we reviewed The Horse of the Invisible with our very best podfriends the Antiques Freaks. Years later, we realized that we had never actually read the story aloud as we had promised you, as we've done with all the other Carnacki stories. Once again, we were wrong - there is yet one more 'nack to Carn, so the Terrible …