Broads and Books

One amazing listener (with the amazing name of Amy) suggested the theme of "sports." The Broads, as uncoordinated and afraid of competition as we are, went real loosey goosey on this theme. And this glorious episode was born.  We've got picks that are about rivalries and head-to-head combat. Plus, we talk about our own sports misadventures and dreams, debate the merits of baking com...

"Cocaine's a helluva drug," said Rick James . We, as klutzy control freaks who have never tried the hard stuff for obvious reasons, will assume he's right.  We're featuring picks this week that have all sorts of drug hijinks. Along the way, we talk about our ideal drugs, how Erin's cartel will be run, and check in on Huey Lewis .  Plus, listen close for the sound of P...

This week, we're looking at books from smaller publishing companies that specialize in pushing boundaries and telling amazing stories.  Along the way, we talk about how Amy equates turning an ankle with the apocalypse, the drawbacks of having hologram friends, and how we should all use the term "ragamuffin" more.  Fun fact: starting a podcast with a friend is the best way to learn a...

It's time. So Erin and Amy recommend some picks that are all about adolescence and learning.  But we couldn't miss the opportunity to talk about our love of school supplies, terrible run-ins with bulimic class salamanders and concussed hamsters, and how our adolescent dreams of adulthood have proven quite wrong. Plus, Erin comes in HOT with a few people and things in her burn book.  Free...

Peek behind the scenes with this week's picks, featuring traveling performers, fictional bands, true tour stories, feuding ladies, and much more.  Also this week, we reveal our theme songs, Amy talks about her dream jobs on a David Bowie tour, we plan our pitches for new Ryan Murphy shows, and we completely lose any semblance of control over our guffaws. Prepare yourselves: you may pee a litt...

Family is great... until it's not. This week, we're talking family gatherings that go terribly awry. Whether it's death predictions, organized dances, interstellar conflict, or family reunions, these picks are all about that most dramatic of drama: family drama .  Also in this episode, we talk TV and movie families we want to watch, horrifying family traditions, and old-fashioned in...

This week, we're scaring ourselves silly. Whether it's the monstrous things we make, the terrors of our inner demons, or a bit of old-school fairy tale fright, our picks are all about the things that will haunt you.  Also in this episode, we talk about movies that scarred us for life, why horror and terror fascinate us, and the joys of campy gore. Plus, we dive into a truly important top...

Need a good cry?  Step 1: Listen to this episode to hear our stories of crying fits in movie theaters, city buses, and at the hands of Podcat.  Step 2: Read our picks from this episode!  Also in this episode, we make plans for our Broads and Books museum, discuss Podcat's delusional overlord-ness, and threaten a David Bowie masterclass. You'll be in a tear cage of joy by the end.  ______...

This week, we're tackling another listener-suggested theme: crime. From Pablo Escobar's Columbia to the IRA's Belfast, from a white Bronco to the Silk Road, our picks are all about criminals doing their thing, and how it impacts the little guy.  Also in this episode, Erin talks Geo Metro crime, Amy reveals her criminal syndicate motto, and we tell the story of the cop who got bit.  ...

This week, we're talking women in charge. Women leading. Women DOING THE DAMN THING. Our books and pop culture picks celebrate what happens when women take over.  Also in this episode, Erin reveals her plans for a massive company takeover (with Amy leading the corporate espionage), how emotional intelligence gets a bad rap, why work-life balance is a stupid myth, and the power of mistakes and...

This week, our picks will have you laughing and crying. Maybe even peeing. Like church giggles, these books and pop culture glories celebrate the inappropriate, the mistimed, and the DGAF reactions.  Also in this episode, Amy and Erin celebrate their own talent for inappropriate reactions, toss around ideas for a theme song, and reveal their plans for becoming besties with the authors we've c...

This week, our picks are from formidable multi-talents. Whether they're lawyers, psychiatrists, economists, musicians, or actors in their day jobs, these over-achievers decided to add "author" or "director" to their accolades. The results are glorious. And also make us feel inadequate.  Also in this episode, Amy and Erin reveal their side talents (and failings), wonder how...

It's summer time, which means it's road trip time. And road trips mean sibling fights, meltdowns over sweaty knees, and driving towards doom (or Disney). This week, we've got picks with vacations, travel, and murder houses, perfect for reading on your own trips. Plus, updates on Podcat's nefarious plans, and a proposal for Keith Morrison. Because, why not. BONUS! Check out the...

We see your unachievable body standards. And this week we've got picks that deliver a big FU to all of it. Plus, we talk about the magic mirrors we wish we had, our adolescent beauty disasters, and advice for all the young women who think all this stuff matters. ____________ Fiction: Amy : Dietland , Sarai Walker Erin :   13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl , Mona Awad Other Books: Amy: The Fuck...

Graphic novels. Illustrated memoirs. Instagram wonders. This week, we're all about picks that have pictures. You'll also hear about the B. Dalton guy that haunts Erin's dreams, the terror of geese gangs, the horror of student artists with one name, and how we are erasing SnoCaps from existence. Plus: two of our picks are listener-recommended! __________ Fiction: Amy : Bitch Planet ,...

The Broads were issued a challenge this week from one special listener: find classic books that don't suck. Challenge. Accepted. So this week we're giving you picks that are classic in every way, but are also damn good. Along the way we talk about the Broads' classic falls, revisit the great "do you the break the binding" debate, and dissect Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle cre...

We're broads, and we like books. Sometimes better than the movie. And sometimes, we like the movie better. We're crazy that way. So this week we're looking at books better than the movie, and for our pop culture picks, movies/shows better than the books. Along the way, we dissect the worst of movie annoyances, our favorite Batmans, and a bunch of other delightful nonsense. ------ Fi...

Sometimes a sequel is actually BETTER than the original! This week's picks are about the magic that can sometimes happen when you revisit a good thing. Plus, the broads talk fashion trends that could stand to be revisited , and that creepy Doublemint commercial from back in the day. And Erin evades Podcat's attempt at murder. AGAIN. ----- Fiction: Amy : Invasion of the Tearling , Erika J...

Yes, those words are all horrible. And they reveal this week's theme: The horrors of the workplace.  These picks will have you nodding along in cringing solidarity. Plus, the broads talk their own personal work horrors, ideal workplaces, and our newest business venture involving gladiator matches.  _______________ Fiction: Amy : Severance , Ling Ma Erin : Company , Max Barry Other Books: Amy:...

This week, our picks will have you asking: what the actual what?! These picks are genre-bending, category-defying, and all-around delightfully different. Plus, the broads talk animal hybrids, bread pudding restaurants, and jury foreman-ing, and Amy finally nerds out over her favorite chameleonic performer.  ___________ Fiction: Amy : Eleanor, or, the Rejection of the Progress of Love , Anna Moscho...

This week, we've got weddings. We've got marriages. We've got hamsters in tuxes, Podcat's own show, and a gaggle of sister wives. This episode has it all, just in time for summer wedding season.  _____ Fiction: Amy : Fates and Furies , Lauren Groff Erin : Seating Arrangements , Maggie Shipstead Other Books: Amy: Safekeeping , Abigail Thomas Erin: We are Never Meeting in Real Li...

This week we're recommending picks for when you just want to wallow. These books and other picks won't make you feel better in any way, but sure do entertain.  Along the way, the Broads talk about label-makers, weird phrases involving sticks and body parts, and made-up words. Despite the theme, it's a delight.  ___ Fiction: Amy : The Bell Jar , Sylvia Plath Erin : I Married You for...

This week we're recommending picks with scandals, exposes, or other good dirt.  Along the way, the Broads tell stories about champion horses, fingernails in jars, J Lo rapping, and, of course, the nightmare of the school drop-off line. Can you handle this truth?? ________ Fiction: Amy : Those Who Knew , Idra Novey Erin : In a Dark Dark Wood , Ruth Ware Other Books: Amy: American Pharoah: Mayo...

This week we're talking strange character connections and crazy-small worlds. Along the way? The Broads get weird, name-checking Keith Morrison , some Trent Reznor , and even Papa Roach . It all makes perfect sense.   ________________________ This week:  Fiction: Amy : A Visit from the Goon Squad , Jennifer Egan  Erin : Anatomy of a Scandal , Sarah Vaughan Other Books: Amy: Sour Heart , Jenny...

Our picks this week are filled with the best-est of best friends. We're talking strong female friendships, the kind that will truly ride or die for each other. ________________________ This week's picks: Fiction: Amy: Stray City , Chelsey Johnson Erin: Little Fires Everywhere , Celeste Ng Other Books: Amy: Girls to the Front , by Sara Marcus Erin: The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo , Am...