Search a title or topic

Over 20 million podcasts, powered by 

Player FM logo

Yew Media Podcasts

show episodes
 
Artwork
 
Join Divina De Campo and Ricky Williams as they catch up with drag kings and queens from across the globe, whilst delving deeper into the obstacles life has thrown at them in the journey of becoming fabulous. Hosted by Divina De Campo & Ricky Williams Produced by Connor James
  continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Mere Mortals Book Reviews

Kyrin Down & Juan Granados

icon
Unsubscribe
icon
icon
Unsubscribe
icon
Weekly
 
Hey we are the Mere Mortals and we review books of all genres/styles but with an emphasis on those that have stood the test of time (the 'classics' if you will). Join us on Weekly live episode on Thurs 11am AEST (Thurs 1am UTC+0) plus bonus episodes from my cohost Juan.
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
Scorpia isn’t just another Alex Rider adventure, it’s the book where everything shifts. Darker, grittier, and more morally complex, this is where Alex discovers the terrifying legacy of his father, the manipulative power of Scorpia, and the harsh truth that both MI6 and his enemies will use him as a pawn. In this review, I explore how Scorpia raise…
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd talk about Stab 100 finale, Bobby Martinez, DIY backyard wavepool, Jack Johnson tours Encinitas, Solento Surf Film Fest, drug boat shootout at Pavones, boat drives through Lowers lineup, Chippa Wilson’s new part and new sponsor, the Red Bull Building Drop, women ripping i…
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd talk about the Surf City ISA World Surfing Games, Leonardo gets married, Levitation Fest, 2025 Big Wave Challenge winners, Joel Tudor gets jammed up by Hawaiian Airlines, Kai Lenny is the switch lord, Joslin nails the tre-flip down El Toro gets the Thrasher cover, Surfer …
  continue reading
 
In this review, we dive into Eagle Strike, the fourth Alex Rider book by Anthony Horowitz. Alex finds himself on his own against the billionaire villain Damian Cray, with MI6 refusing to back him. Packed with action, foreshadowing of Scorpia, and a surprising philosophical twist, this book marks the bridge between the light beginnings of the series…
  continue reading
 
There will always be someone selling BS, but you can learn how to spot it. 'Bad Science' by Ben Goldacre is an expose of sorts showcasing instances of media (individuals & as a whole) distorting statistics & scientific data. He explains the various errors they commit while examining the various reasons as to why they occurred. There are 16 chapters…
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd talk about the the greatest action sports weekend ever! Including, a deep match-by-match breakdown of the 2025WSL World Champions, Dime Glory Challenge madness, Burning Man change of heart, Carissa Moore’s baby’s first wave, Who Is J.O.B. baby in belly session, skiers wan…
  continue reading
 
The future of Asia is interesting but even more so is the man who created it! 'Lee Kuan Yew' by Allison & Blackwill is a compiled selection of speeches & quotes from Lee Kuan Yew bundled together to come across as a single interview. The focus is on his opinions over the years on what he imagines the future will look like. It's split into 10 chapte…
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd talk about Hurricane Erin, WSL Final 5’s, Samantha Panda the G-string bandit, Ella McCaffrey and Owen Moss won the Virginia Beach Pro, STAB E.A.S.T. pro blowout at Palm Springs Surf Club, Jesse Mendes and Tatiana Weston Webb are preggers, ISA World Surfing Games up next f…
  continue reading
 
Tolkien doesn’t write chapters; he builds civilisations. The Fellowship of the Ring is a slow, deliberate march through languages, histories and the lived feel of time, a marathon of meaning more than a sprint of action. I respect the scope, loved the journey, but prefer punchier reads. (00:00) “You shall not pass.” (00:09) Welcome & why review Fel…
  continue reading
 
A world changing industry that kind of happened by coincidence. 'Chip War' by Chris Miller is a detailed history of the semiconductor industry from its origins in the 1950's to the present day. Important individuals/companies rise and fall as it goes from a new emerging technology created by theorists/tinkers to the global powerhouse companies infl…
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd talk about the Lexus Tahiti Pro, crazy wipeouts, the WSL Final 5, John McGuire art, Marco Mignot and Erin Brooks win ROTY, Griff’s incredible interviews, Spite Prices, interviews, Levi Slawson is now the most famous surfer from Encinitas, we almost Lost Aquaman, Dale Webs…
  continue reading
 
In this Mere Mortals book review, we revisit Skeleton Key, the third Alex Rider novel, blending teenage espionage with lessons on stoicism, discipline, and composure. Beyond the action-packed spy drama, I explore how the book’s villain, the General, embodies a powerful, minimalistic strength that shaped my early understanding of discipline and quie…
  continue reading
 
Not only is history written by the victors, but it's altered by the academics! 'The Lessons Of History' by Will & Ariel Durant is a small book that attempts to sum-up the history of humanity across several categories of human activity. They use examples from ancient civilisations but also add their own personal opinions into the mix. 13 chapters on…
  continue reading
 
Move aside Sparta, there's a new power in town! 'Lords of the Sea: The Epic Story of the Athenian Navy and the Birth of Democracy' by John R. Hale is a historical book that recounts the period from 483-322 BC of Ancient Greece and in particular the navy armada of Athens. We witness the rise and fall of Athenian power via not only sea battles with o…
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd talk about the Lexus US Open Of Surf, Taro Watanabe, Snapt5, Tya Zebrowski, the Challenger Series rankings, Tahiti forecast looks harrowing, Alien Vs. Predator, King Kong Vs. Godzilla, The Padang Cup, WKND “Boardwatch”, Andrew Cannon on The Nine Club, Todd rants about sta…
  continue reading
 
In this Mere Mortals book review, we dive into Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz, a fast-paced youth fiction novel that sparks deeper questions about cloning, perfectionism and identity. Using the wild plot as a springboard, the episode unpacks modern obsessions with filtered personas and asks: what do we lose when we trade uniqueness for conformity?…
  continue reading
 
Be wary of association with the Wizard Of Wall St .... unless you are family or friends! 'The Wizard Of Wall Street & His Wealth' by Trumbull White is a biography detailing the life of Jay Gould, at one point one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. It starts from his childhood and shows how he rose from poverty in the 1800's to become one o…
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd attempt to do a decent podcast over the phone and it actually turned out okay. The audio quality isn’t great, but the content sure is. The boys talk about the Lexus US Open Of Surfing, Tahiti, the Mayhem Vs Gaga saga, Joe Turpel’s Emmy Win, How Surfers Get Paid, the Lind …
  continue reading
 
In this episode, we dive into The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, the timeless tale that launched the modern fantasy genre. You'll hear why Bilbo Baggins’ unlikely hero’s journey still resonates today, what Tolkien nailed in his storytelling, and how this short adventure carries deep philosophical punch. From dragons to dwarves to life-changing quotes, t…
  continue reading
 
The fun side of rather questionable behaviour. 'Reminiscences Of A Stock Operator' by Edwin Lefevre is a fictional 1st person account of a Wall St trader in the early 1900's, but largely based on the real life operator of Jesse Lauriston Livermore. He describes his early life trading in bucket shops before moving into more high leverage trading and…
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd talk about the case of the fantasy surfing spy, Keep-A-Breast party, Connor O’Leary wins his first CT, Corona Cero J Bay recap, WSL rule changes for the final five, US Open is looming, Thomas Campbell’s new movie, Hollywood’s Top Five most famous surf characters, Zero Ska…
  continue reading
 
In this Mere Mortals Learnings episode, I unpack the raw insights from Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday. This book, focused on the Stoic virtue of justice, might not be his most thrilling but it’s undoubtedly the one that digs the deepest. From power and personal responsibility to kindness and selfishness, these lessons challenge you to live …
  continue reading
 
We're back from travelling, wiser & thankfully not sad about it. In this special episode we are covering 3 books of essays/philosophical investigations by written by 3 authors in the 20th century. The books themselves are 'What Does It All Mean?' by Thomas Nagel, 'What Is Man & Other Essays' by Mark Twain & 'The Foundation Pit' by Andrey Platonov. …
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd talk about Jackalope Fest in Toronto, the J Bay championship tour event, Yago Dora going Yago-Mode, Cheetah Print wetsuits, “Dunno” Rip Curl flick rips, 5 most expensive waves, clickbait got me again, big old Brazilian double podium blowout at SLS Brasilia, "Front salad, …
  continue reading
 
In this Mere Mortals book review, I tackle Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday, the third in his Stoic Virtue series. It’s a slower, deeper, more reflective book centred on justice, the virtue that’s hardest to sell and hardest to live by. I share why this wasn’t my favourite read, but why it might be the most meaningful one for the long game of…
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd get back on the horse and catch up on the last two weeks of happenings in the action sports world, as well as lots of nerd news, movie news and some new beefs. The boys talk about the Vivo Rio Pro, give you a Corona Cero J Bay Open preview, recap Swatch Nines, talk STAB 1…
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Todd goes solo because Chris is in Rio, Brazil commentating at the WSL Vivo Rio Pro. Todd talks about X games, 900s, Tom Schaar, Vert at the Olympics, Chris chimes in with a weak attempt at surf news, and basically Todd rants for 40 minutes so everybody wins. Presented By: Sun Bum @sunb…
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd talk about Lexus Trestles Pro, Yago Dora, Kelly Slater, the return of Vans Warped Tour, the Steve Boysen X Christian Fletcher Limited Reissue, Reese Witherspoon brings back “Surf Girls” on Amazon, Bustin Down The Door and the other greatest surf docs ever made, Paul Zitze…
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd team up with Dave Prodan of The Lineup Podcast as well as the Chief Strategy and Brand Officer at the World Surf League, a collab podcast, amazing. These three take a bunch of your questions, talk about the Lexus Lowers Pro, Kelly Slater, Jeremy Flores brain tumor, Kelly …
  continue reading
 
A 14-year-old is thrust into the shadow world of espionage, where every move is a fight to survive—and grow up fast. My book review on an oldie but a goodie, Stormbreaker by Anthony Horrowitz (00:00) – You're Never Too Young to Die (00:47) – First Encounter at 14 (02:15) – Spy Fantasy Meets Realism (03:38) – Plot Recap & Absurd Action (05:41) – Phi…
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd talk about the Challenger Series, Shredophilia, Italo is having a baby, Oregon, The Goonies house visit, Subaru State, Jackalope Fest, Kelly Slater is doing Stab In The Dark, Skateboarding Hall Of Fame 2025, indoor snow park in Phoenix, Middle Of Nowhere online board art …
  continue reading
 
In this episode, I explore the concrete takeaways from The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett. These aren’t abstract ideals—they're raw, lived-in lessons. From why your mind and body are your first foundation, to how meaningful questions shape behaviour, this reflection dives deep into the book’s most impactful ideas and challenges conventional wisd…
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd talk about West Oz, The WSL mid season cut, the drama, the tears, the ripping, Jordy Smith, Gabby, Griff’s wild air and barrel roll, STAB High’s and Lows, San Clemente cyber bullying, Lexus Trestles Pro. Kelly Slater wildcard, 50-somethings having a moment, Virginia Beach…
  continue reading
 
In this Mere Mortals book review, we dive into The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett—an energetic, story-driven guide to business and life. This isn’t your typical theory-heavy read; it’s a tactical, quote-filled journey through 33 digestible laws forged from real experience. From mastering your skill set to navigating reputation and network, this …
  continue reading
 
The best example of human madness is found across the ages. 'Extraordinary Popular Delusions & The Madness Of Crowds' by Charles Mackay is a mammoth examination of the most ridiculous crazes across history, whether they be funny, bad or horrendous. Charles details some of the more well known financial bubbles (South Sea, Mississippi, Tulip Mania) b…
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd talk about The Burleigh Heads Pro, Julian Wilson flipping off the crowd, Betty Lou’s first big win, Tony Hawk’s birthday, Todd loves Tariff Talk, stabbing at The Hook, Medina’s coming back, CARV trade show San Diego, West Oz Cut Is Coming, the origin story to the game of …
  continue reading
 
Why don't I read recently published books? Today is a special episode where I am going over how I find new books, ways I actively try to avoid wasting my time & some little tricks & tips to get the most out of your reading. Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :) Timeline: (00:00:00) Intro (00:01:11) Finding …
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd talk about the huge news that dropped about the 2026 WSL Championship Tour reboot/return to form, tariffs in the surf skate and snow world, STAB High voting, Zeke and friends score in Indo then fight bros on the boardwalk, Gabriel Medina gets saved from a terrorist attack…
  continue reading
 
What was I reviewing again? 'A Primer For Forgetting' by Lewis Hyde is a collection of intimate thoughts, stories, poems, mythological tales & quips. The primary theme is around forgetting & how this can be beneficial for an individual or groups, particularly when it relates to trauma. It's split into 4 parts (that he calls notebooks) about myth, s…
  continue reading
 
On this episode of the World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd talk about Hell’s Bells, Shark infested waters, Reggae Star Wars, Kings Of The Concrete went off in Venice beach, World Quarter Pipe Champs at Mammoth, WSL CT rankings update, Dylan Graves scores hard in Japan, Silver Surfer Poser news, train stop at Lower Trestles for th…
  continue reading
 
Loading …
Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright
Listen to this show while you explore
Play