The Bookley Podcast

Podcast Guest - Olivia Blackley FIRST HALF - "All the Lonely People" by Mike Gayle is a poignant novel that explores the complexities of modern relationships and the profound impact of loneliness. The story revolves around Hubert Bird, a man in his twilight years who invents a web of white lies to conceal the solitude in his life. When his daughter discovers the truth, she takes matters...

"12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos" by Jordan Peterson is a self-help book that combines psychology, philosophy, and personal anecdotes to provide practical advice for navigating the complexities of life. Drawing on his experiences as a clinical psychologist and his deep knowledge of mythology and literature, Peterson offers twelve insightful principles to help individuals find pur...

Podcast Guest - Quinn Blackley "The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown is a captivating narrative that tells the true story of the University of Washington's rowing team and their journey to the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The book follows the underdog team, particularly focusing on Joe Rantz, a young man overcoming personal hardship, as they overcome immense odds to compete on the in...

Podcast Guest - Adam Blackley "The Case Against Sugar" by Gary Taubes is a provocative exploration of the impact of sugar consumption on health and its potential role in the global obesity epidemic. Taubes meticulously examines historical records, scientific studies, and nutritional research to build a compelling argument against the excessive consumption of sugar. He delves into the way...

Podcast Guest - Dylan Fullmer "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight is a compelling memoir that chronicles the journey of Nike, one of the world's most iconic and successful companies. Knight, the co-founder and former CEO, takes readers through the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned as he built the company from a small startup to a global athletic brand. The narrative explores the risks,...

Podcast Guest- Ben Theurer "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell is a captivating exploration into the factors that contribute to high levels of success. Gladwell challenges the traditional notions of individual achievement, arguing that hidden advantages, cultural legacies, and unique opportunities significantly shape outliers—people who stand out from the norm. Through engaging stories and th...

Podcast Guest - Claire Zollinger "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch is a poignant and inspiring memoir that originated from Pausch's final lecture at Carnegie Mellon University. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Pausch shares life lessons and reflections on achieving childhood dreams. The book encapsulates his wisdom on embracing challenges, fostering creativity, and living a meaningfu...

Podcast Guest - Leanne Vomocil "Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery is an exploration into the mysterious and intelligent world of octopuses. Through vivid storytelling and personal experiences, Montgomery takes readers into the depths of the ocean and the depths of understanding the complex and enigmatic octopus. The book delves into the emotional and intellectual lives of these fascin...

Podcast Guest - Rob Vomocil "Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties" by Tom O'Neill is a meticulously researched investigative work that delves into the Charles Manson murders and the official narrative that has surrounded them for decades. O'Neill's book challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding the Manson Family and the motives behind the...

Podcast Guest - Julie Blackley "Running with Sherman" by Christopher McDougall is a heartwarming and captivating narrative that tells the true story of a rescue donkey named Sherman. McDougall, known for "Born to Run," weaves a tale of unlikely athleticism, companionship, and the power of resilience. The book follows McDougall's journey of rehabilitating Sherman through tra...

This month I read 6 Stephen King novels for a Halloween episode - The Mist Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption The Green Mile Misery The Shining The Stand In this spine-tingling episode, we journey into the eerie and captivating worlds created by the master of horror himself, Stephen King. We delve deep into a handful of his iconic works. We explore the lasting impact and influence of these...

Podcast Guest - Olivia Blackley "Frankenstein," penned by Mary Shelley and published in 1818, is a seminal work in the realm of Gothic literature and science fiction. The novel narrates the tragic tale of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who, driven by hubris and ambition, succeeds in creating a sentient, but grotesque, creature through a series of radical experiments. As the narra...

Podcast Guest - Nicole Elison "Old Country" by Matt Query and Harrison Query is a gripping novel that seamlessly blends elements of horror, suspense, and folklore. Set in the eerie backdrop of a small, isolated town in Idaho. The story follows the protagonist, a journalist investigating a series of mysterious and unsettling events. As the narrative unfolds, the authors skillfully weave t...

Podcast Guest - Julie Blackley "The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman is a delightful and witty mystery novel that follows a group of retirees living in a posh retirement village. Bringing their diverse skills to the table, the Thursday Murder Club members find themselves entangled in a real-life murder investigation. Led by the charming and sharp Elizabeth, this eccentric club unra...

Podcast Guest - Olivia Blackley "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie is a classic mystery novel that weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue. Ten strangers with dark secrets are lured to an isolated island under different pretexts, only to find themselves accused of crimes by a mysterious voice. As the characters face their past sins and paranoia intensifies, a series of murders...

Podcast Guest - Jacob Whitehead "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir is a thrilling and scientifically grounded science fiction novel that takes readers on an interstellar journey. The story follows Ryland Grace, a brilliant scientist who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or how he got there. His mission: to save humanity from an extinction-level threat by traveling t...

Podcast Guest - Adam Blackley "Breathe" by Rickson Gracie is a seminal work in the world of martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This book offers profound insights into the philosophy, techniques, and mindset behind Gracie's approach to combat and life. Rickson Gracie, a legendary figure in the martial arts world, shares his experiences and wisdom, providing a comprehensive guide to...

Podcast Guest - Matthew Blackley "Dune" by Frank Herbert is a seminal science fiction novel that transports readers to the desert planet of Arrakis, a harsh and unforgiving world known for its prized resource, spice melange. The story follows young Paul Atreides, whose family assumes control of Arrakis, setting off a web of political intrigue, ecological mysticism, and epic conflict. Pau...

Podcast Guest - Joshua Blackhurst "The Only Plane in the Sky" by Garrett M. Graff is a powerful and deeply moving oral history of the events of September 11, 2001. Through a collection of firsthand accounts, Graff weaves together a vivid and emotional narrative of that fateful day, from the perspective of survivors, first responders, witnesses, and others who experienced the 9/11 attacks...

Podcast Guest - Olivia Blackley "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides is a gripping psychological thriller that unravels a mysterious and chilling tale. The story revolves around Alicia Berenson, a successful painter who, seemingly without motive, shoots her husband and then never speaks another word. Confined to a secure psychiatric facility, she becomes a silent enigma. The impact o...

Podcast Guest - Olivia Blackley "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak is a haunting and beautifully written novel set in Nazi Germany. Narrated by Death, the story revolves around Liesel Meminger, a young girl living with a foster family, who finds solace and strength in stealing books and sharing stories during a time of darkness. Through her eyes, the reader witnesses the power of words to...

Podcast Guest - Adam Blackley Alaska Current Seafoods GoFundMe "American Catch" by Paul Greenberg is a thought-provoking exploration of the state of American seafood and its impact on both our diets and ecosystems. Through captivating storytelling and investigative research, Greenberg examines the decline of locally-sourced, diverse seafood in favor of a few dominant species. He delves i...

Podcast Guest - Matthew Blackley "How to Lie With Statistics" by Darrell Huff is a classic and accessible guide that exposes the art of manipulating numbers and data to mislead, persuade, or confuse. Through illustrative examples and straightforward explanations, Huff unveils the common techniques used to distort statistics, from skewed graphs to cherry-picked data points. This book equi...

"The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" by William L. Shirer is a monumental historical work that chronicles the rise of Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler's leadership and its ultimate downfall during World War II. Drawing on meticulous research and Shirer's firsthand experiences as a journalist in Nazi Germany, the book offers a comprehensive and gripping account of the dark and tu...

Podcast Guest - Joshua Blackhurst "1984" by George Orwell is a classic dystopian novel that paints a chilling picture of a totalitarian society. Set in the year 1984, the story follows Winston Smith, a disillusioned Party member, as he navigates a world dominated by the all-seeing and manipulative figure of Big Brother. In this grim future, individuality is crushed, history is rewritten,...