The Brook Reading Podcast

Welcome, Brookworms, to Part TWO of our coverage of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” where we finally tackle the PLAY! Ali teaches us what a changeling is, there’s more sexy Oberon talk, and we share with you the merging of Shakespeare and the Beatles! We also discuss how the cast of “Half Baked” would be perfect to play the rude mechanicals! Thank you so much for checking out this special episode, and...

This weekend is the start of Brook Reading’s coverage of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare. My fairy queen guest, Alison, and I talk about the multiple movies and theater adaptations, how we love a sexy Oberon, Czechoslovakian puppets, when we “figured it out” in high school, and the importance of a good leather bookmark. This is also the first time since Brook Reading’s inception...

This week’s episode is the beginning of a month long love letter to Britain’s Own, William Shakespeare! Before I invite some very special guests to the Brook to review some of Shakespeare’s works, I want to introduce you to some of the Bard’s most notable adaptations and the actors that made them famous. I had a chance to look back at some memorable films from my youth, and discovered some new ada...

Who knew that, after 3 years of hosting the Brook Reading Podcast, my show would be hijacked!? After I pay the ransom to my girlfriend, Shera, and jump back in front of the mic, we provide you with 42 minutes of laughs, news, updates, the inventor of WiFi, AND the history of Passover! Enjoy the special episode this weekend as we gear up for our April Shakespeare Extravaganza! Thanks for listening,...

On this week’s episode of Brook Reading, I am again joined by Nick from Nikoli’s Kitchen! We continue our review of the timeless play by Eugene O’Neill, Long Day’s Journey Into Night. Our conversation centers around the circuitous nature of the characters, stabbing each other in the back, the destructive nature of alcoholism and addiction, and the DAMN light bulbs!!! God, Gaspard, chill out! Now t...

This week’s episode of Brook Reading is quite unique. Along with my fellow bookworm, Nick from Nikoli’s Kitchen, we review the timeless play by Eugene O’Neill, Long Day’s Journey Into Night. We have a great conversation about the themes, our own connection to the characters and their personal struggles, and YOU can learn all about the new podcast, Nikoli’s Kitchen, and where to listen. This week,...

Unfortunately, this weekend is the FINAL section of the FINAL volume of Eleanor Roosevelt’s biography. But, I DO promise you lots of fun, because I have included a special extended intro, a few new notable women that I learned about, and some inspirational words from OTHER women with whom you will be familiar. It has been such a pleasure taking this journey with you. I have learned SO much and I h...

I know, I know…. This weekend’s episode is NOT the one you expected. Instead of completing the Blanche Wiesen Cook biography of Eleanor Roosevelt, as intended, I am offering you ANOTHER Presidential themed episode. Almost 3 years ago, I reviewed the humorous, yet enlightening, book “Party Like A President” by Brian Abrams. For your listening pleasure, I have revamped, reedited, and reissued Episod...

This weekend, I jump into chapters 7 through 13 of our FINAL volume, “Eleanor Roosevelt: The War Years and After (Volume 3: 1939 - 1962)”. I continue to be the most forgetful podcaster in all the land, as I can’t even name an actor from one of my favorite movies (P.S. It was Sam Shepard), or the group American Student Union, OR the fact that Martha Gellhorn is a COLUMNIST, NOT a Communist! (I mean...

This weekend, I jump into the first 6 chapters of our FINAL volume, “Eleanor Roosevelt: The War Years and After (Volume 3: 1939 - 1962)”. Laugh with me while I literally forget how to speak, recall important events, and rage against the snow. Happy reading! Promo: Super Movie Bros Intro Theme Song Provided By: Sean Faust Outro Theme Song Provided By: Victoria Timpanaro

Episode 119 is a housekeeping episode with lots to cover, so hold onto your hats! Tonight, I shout out lots of good pals who have left me lovely comments, promote a brand new writer, Sam Hurley, and his debut novel, “Compliance”, share my (somewhat) embarrassing moment of Karen-hood, and answer some of, well, my own historical questions! I also delve into an interesting true crime case literally r...

In this (late) episode of Brook Reading, I STILL learn about the trials and tribulations of Eleanor as she fights for African-American citizens, women, and those who have no voice. Also, don’t forget to visit the website, where I’ve added lots of extras for you to peruse! Happy listening! Promo: Reel Feels Podcast Intro Theme Song Provided By: Sean Faust Outro Theme Song Provided By: Victoria Timp...

Episode 117 brings us back to the tumultuous era of the 1930s in America, specifically Washington, D.C., where Franklin Delano Roosevelt sits in the Oval Office and his wife, Eleanor, continues to run the country. Oooh, burn!! But, seriously, join me as I return to the trials and tribulations of Eleanor as she fights for African-American citizens, women, and those who have no voice. Also, don’t fo...

Episode 116 is special for multiple reasons - one, it is the first episode of Brook Reading for 2021, and TWO, I have the distinct pleasure of interviewing Sophie Queen, a debut author whose first book is one of my new favorites! I will also review ALMOST all of her novel, Riley’s Excellent and not-at-all Fake Exorcism Service. I have NOT spoiled it, and I highly recommend you pick yourself up a c...

This weekend’s episode of Brook Reading is the second in a long series about the fascinating, adventurous, and inspirational life of Eleanor Roosevelt. I have reviewed for you “Eleanor Roosevelt, Volume 1: The Early Years, 1884 - 1933” by Blanche Wiesen Cook in two parts. In these last ten chapters, we look at Eleanor’s journey through activism, feminism, teaching, and her stint in the Governor’s...

This weekend’s episode of Brook Reading is the first in a long series about the fascinating, adventurous, and inspirational life of Eleanor Roosevelt. I have reviewed for you “Eleanor Roosevelt, Volume 1: The Early Years, 1884 - 1933” by Blanche Wiesen Cook in two parts. Join me tonight for Part One, and next week, for Part Two. Also, check out my friend, Dan, and the Assorted Goods Podcast, featu...

The newest episode of Brook Reading has been a long time coming, and I am very excited about it. I had the honor to interview Jennifer Valenti, author of The Maverick, and review her debut novel. Give this episode a listen and don’t forget to visit the blog to find all of the ways you can grab a copy of The Maverick for yourself! Intro Theme Song Provided By: Sean Faust Outro Theme Song Provided B...

This week’s episode of Brook Reading is a rerelease of episode 52, the 20th anniversary of BUST magazine, featuring a special interview with one of my heroes, Courtney Love. Please visit the website for the remaining episode schedule of 2020, as well as a message from me. Thanks! Intro Theme Song Provided By: Sean Faust Outro Theme Song Provided By: Victoria Timpanaro

Tonight on Episode 111, I review the Fall 2020 issue of BUST magazine featuring Stacey Abrams. I also catch up on some special shoutouts, including a promo for a new podcast that you need to check out. Don’t forget to check out the website for all of the links and info listed in the episode. Happy listening! Promos: Mr. Nikoli’s Kitchen Intro Theme Song Provided By: Sean Faust Outro Theme Song Pro...

This week’s episode is one we’ve all been waiting for - the culmination of the BUST anthology, Great Dames, Vol. II! Thank you for your patience, and enjoy the episode! “What better person to do BUST Magazine than me?” - Dolly Parton Promos: Feminists Without Mystique Intro Theme Song Provided By: Sean Faust Outro Theme Song Provided By: Victoria Timpanaro

It is the last night of October, Brookworms, and you know what that means - Stephen King! Also, Halloween!! This week’s Halloween special episode starts G-rated with my special guest and lovely girlfriend, Shera, and our Spooky Jokes Hour, then I dive into some of my favorite moments and characters from the Stephen King universe. I also want to remind you all to please join my friends Tricia and S...

Episode 108 is my last foray into the “Nightmare on Elm Street” series during All the Horror Month featuring my good pal and podcast host, Vic from the Horror Academic on YouTube. We talked a lot about quality editing, the role of literature in horror movies, poor, screechy Dylan, and the fact that this was a love story to future movie makers from the father of modern horror cinema himself. Intro...

Tonight, on a special episode of Brook Reading, I sit down (virtually) with Sam from the Invasion of the Remake Podcast. Sam is the organizer of our annual media and podcast event, All the Horror. Sam and I discuss his passion for individuality, creativity, and family within the podcasting universe, as well as the origin and history of All the Horror. All of the links that we mention during the in...

It’s ALL THE HORROR!!!!! Vic, The Horror Academic, and I get together for Year 2 to discuss ANOTHER iconic horror film, Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street. We pick apart this movie to its bone AND revel in its importance. This installation in our annual event, All the Horror, is only the first in our discussion of the Nightmare series, in fact, you can go to Pocket Change Productions on YouTub...

Episode 105 includes my review of a new book, a real eye-opener, especially if you are struggling in your professional or personal life. Hope, Loss, enCourage by Ann Collins was such a life-changing read, and it was my honor to interview Ms. Collins and share that conversation with you today! Thank you again to Ann for virtually visiting the Brook and talking with me, and a special thanks to Pashm...