Turek Books Podcast

Comedian and writer Zach Pugh joins host Joshua Turek to discuss Moby Dick, Don Delillo, Denis Johnson, being attracted to grimey literatrue, The Fort Bragg Cartel and Chris Hedges, the need for pretentiousness to return to our society among other things. Get Joshua's new poetry book "Ugly Whimsy" out April 10th! Preorder first edition now! Originally recorded Jan 2026The Fort Bragg CartelMoby DickThe Failures of NonviolenceUnderworld by Don DelliloEmpire of Illusion by Chris HedgesEurope Central by William T VolmanRainbow Stories by William T VolmanJesus Son by Denis JohnsonDrag Your Plow Over the Bones of the DeadLong Live the Post Hornit by stephen king Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and Comedian Amy Silverberg joins host Joshua Turek to discuss the reasons why we live creative lives, her love of books including her debut novel First Time Long Time, and Josh's impending fatherhood. Originally recorded 1/12/2026 Books Talked About Include:The Correspondent by Virginia Evans100 years of solitude by marqueza visit from the goon squad by jennifer eganA Confederacy of Duncesdebt by david graebera peoples history of the united statesgrapes of wrathSo far gone by jess walterFlesh by David ZalayBeauty Land by BurtinoRock Hawk by Robinson JeffersHeadshot by Rita BullwinkleMiddlemarch by George Elliott Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author of "Beyond All Reasonable Doubt Jesus is Alive" Melissa Lozada-Oliva talks literary influences, books she's put down, and enjoying the act of reading before we're too old to see the pages anymore.Books Talked About Include:tana frenchLady Chatterly’s LoverDebt by David GraeberGrapes of WrathAutobiography of Macolm XSomebody Walks Over Your Grave by Marian EnriquezThe Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz ZafonThe Dispossessed by Ursula K Leguin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Filmmaker and actor David Hull (Crazy Ex) joins host Joshua Turek to discuss books about eels, wolves, the dust bowl, politics gone wrong and ketamine therapy.Recorded Dec 6, 2025Books Talked About Include:Slumberland, Sell Out, Tuff, White Boy Shuffle by Paul BeattyJames, Erasure, American Fiction, God’s Country by Percival EverettGrapes of Wrath, East of Eden by SteinbeckNotes From Underground - DostoevskyBook of Eels Patrick SphensonFrost Lines by Neil SheaThe CigaretteAmerican Dreamer by Henry WallaceA Kim Jong Il ProductionThe Wicker ManThe Day of the Locust Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Astrologer and Filmmaker Liz Vazquez joins host Joshua Turek to discuss books documenting our pressing issues and outer space and how they're all related. originally recorded January 26, 2026Books talked about includeTrickster makes the world by Lewis HydeShiver by Junji ItoWho I am and What I want by David ShimleyThe Problem with WorkCarceral CapitalismNechro Politics Achille MbembeA People’s History of the United States by Howard ZinnThe History of Forgetting by Norman KleinBecoming Human by Zakiyah Iman JacksonBlack shirts and reds by Michael ParentiInventing RealityAmerican Fascists by Chris HedgesLoaded by Roxanne Dunbar OrtizCosmos and Psyche by Richard TarnesAmerican Cosmic - Diana Walsh PasulkaThe Administration of Fear by Paul VerilioThe Information BombShambhala Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Lauren Lavin, of the upcoming essay collection "The Third Beat", joins host Joshua Turek to talk about books her friends and contemporaries have written, comics, zines, and the mutuality of creative relationships and how they've fostered her own journey as a writer.books talked about include:until it feels right - emily costagirl on girlHouse Next Door - Anne Rivers SiddonsComet Bus #57 by Aaron Comet BusI wish that there was something I could quitpopgun war - Ferrel DalrimpleGirl in the World - Caroline CashIt’s too late to say I’m sorry by Joey ComeauThe Girl Who Couldn’t Come - Joey ComeauStill Alive by LJ PempertonService by John TottenhamDouble Black Diamond by Miles Klee and Mads GobboLulu in Hollywood - Louise Brooks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Joshua Turek is joined by guest Brian Recker, author of the new book "Hell Bent" (How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love). They discuss the books Brian read while researching his own, which details redefining his own spirituality and Christian beliefs. Discussing masculinity and softening the world, the two detail their own unique paths toward similar conclusions.to sign up for Josh’s next Zoom weekend poetry workshop on Jan 18&19 check joshuaturek.comBooks Talked About Include:Debt by David GraeberHell Bent by Brian ReckerAdam’s Return by Richard RohrDietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the Wheel by Renate WindA Peoples History of the United States by Howard Zinnthe will to change bell hooks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political commentator Lily Eagla joins host Joshua Turek to discuss mutual aid, retraining the offline world back into your brain, and books that radicalized her.Sign up for Joshua's weekend Zoom Poetry workshop now for the Dec6&7 gathering!booksmutual aid by dean spadeAutobiography of Benvenuto CelliniThe Year of Living BiblicallyOur American Israel100 years was on palestine by rashid kalidithe autobiography of malcolm x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Larry Charles and host Joshua Turek talk SF and LA noir, science fiction grounded on Earth, Larry's new memoir Comedy Samurai . They talk personal growth, the transformative power of literature and how reading can serve as both a source of pleasure and a means of preserving sacred knowledge.for Josh's poetry books, they're on sale until the end of the year, signed copies available domestically at joshuaturek.comBooks Talked About Include:Jesus’ Son by Denis JohnsonCity of Night by John Reshycrime writers: edward bunker, jim thompson, david goodis, raymond chandler, dashiell hammetThe Woman Chase by Charles WIlifordThe Ripley Books by Patricia HighsmithIn a Lonely Place by Dorothy Hughes The Motel Life by Willy VlautenThe Stochastic Man by Robert SilverbergService by John TottenhamAblutions by Patrick DewittDays of the Locust by Nathaniel West  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Yasha Levine and Host Joshua Turek discuss everything from technofeudalism to pistachios.San Francisco! For tickets Nov 1 to see Yasha's new documentary at Roxie Theater with live Q&A hosted by Joshua Turek hereFor Josh's poetry books and his weekend Zoom workshop on Nov 8 & 9 visit his siteBooks Talked About IncludeSociety of the Spectacle - Guy DebordSurveillance Valley - Yasha LevineThe Image - Daniel BoorstijnNeil Postman - Amusing ourselves to deathRaven RockDead Cities - Mike DavisModeran - David BunchShadow of the torture - Gene WolfThe Dying Earth Series - Jack Vance sci fiCadillac DesertThe American GenocideThe End of th Myth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded remotely from Bad Animal Books in Santa Cruz, CA. Joshua Turek and Maddy Power Maddy shares her personal experience of losing her home and books in the Eaton Canyon Fire in Alta Dena and the two books she grabbed before evacuatingTo sign up to Joshua's Zoom Poetry Weekend Workshop visit joshuaturek.comBooks talked about include:Werener Herzog's Guide for the PerplexedAgnes Varda interviewsDavid Sedaris “Theft and Finding”bell hooks "The Will to Change" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a pit stop in Santa Cruz with family between dates on my comedy tour (Get your tickets to my San Diego show Friday and L.A., SF, Eureka, next week then Seattle and Portland) before heading up the west coast. I get into a little of what I'm reading, my favorite bookstores so far on this trip, and why I took this podcast off of Spotify (hint they're evil). Come to my shows if I'm in your city!All my shows7/11 San Diego7/16 L.A.7/18&19 SF7/20 Eureka7/25 Seattle8/15 Portland8/21-23 Boise8/27 Tulsa8/28 Kansas City8/29 New Orleans9/6 TucsonBooks Talked About:The Bell Jar - Sylvia PlathMeet Me in the BathroomPerfect Victims - Mohammed El KurdOur American Israel - Amy KaplanOne Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This - Omar El AkkadBlue Desert - Charles Bowden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Officially on my comedy tour across the United States during particularly distressing times. It took six nights and five days but the morning after my first headlining show at Rodney's in Manhattan I managed some time to visit the staple bookstore of NYC "The Strand". CHICAGO my show at Zanies is tonight! Tickets are getting low. You can use discout code TUREK10 for $15.75 tickets here. The rest of my tour is here with more dates and cities to come so follow my bandsintown to get notified for when I come to yours. Tour dates below.6/24 CHICAGO6/27 PHILADELPHIA6/29 DALLAS 7/11 SAN DIEGO7/16 L.A.7/18&19 SF7/20 EUREKA7/25 SEATTLE8/15 PORTLAND8/21-23 BOISE8/27 TULSA8/28 KANSAS CITY8/29 NEW ORLEANS9/6 TUCSON9/18 TAMPA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian Cam George of Talking Talk Tuah now Talking Talk podcast discusses being mystified by Infinite Jest and encountering this red flag memed book with new eyes.Joshua's U.S. comedy tour starts this Saturday in New York City. That's Saturday night June 21 at Rodney's on the Upper Eastside. Followed by Chicago on Tuesday June 24 at Zanies. Philadelphia June 27. Dallas June 29 and more. Get tickets now! For all things Joshua Turek go to joshuaturek.comBooks Talked About Include:Infinite jestsound and the furyall the pretty horsesblood meridianlonesome doveconfederacy of dunceshunger gamesgirl with the dragon tattoo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catch Joshua on tour! New York City show is in two weeks at Rodney's on 6/21! Chicago at Zainies 6/24! Philly at Next in Line Comedy 6/27! And More....Just added New Orleans! Boise! Coming soon with more dates. Follow my Bandsintown to be notified! And order signed copies of my poetry bookEMT and Political Creator Hugo of Seize the Means Shirts talks reading 70 books a year with host Joshua Turek. Hard to stomach nonfiction and breezy science fiction.Books talked about includeautobiography of malcom xhow to hide an empirejakarta methodassadaThe word for world is forestthe poppy fieldsparable of the sowerparable of the talentsnaomi klein shock doctrineWashington BulletsKing Leopolds ghostCobalt Redthe rediscovery of americathe indigenous peoples history of the united statesblack against empiremanufacturing consentinventing realityfight like helluprising by haddixBraiding sweetgrass Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catch Joshua Turek on comedy tour this summer of 2025. To get notified of cities and dates follow his bandsintown and to buy signed copies of his new poetry book "Of Dumb Importance" on joshuaturek.comWriter and filmmaker Evgenia Kovda goes in depth with host Joshua Turek on sci-fi writer Philip K. Dick. Did this troubled man predict the future we are living in now or was he the architect of it for bad actors? Evgenia and Joshua discuss the writings of Dick as well as their own serendipitous interactions with each other in changing neighborhoods over the years as well as Josh's visit to her podcast with Yasha Levine "In Bed with the Russians". Check out Evgenia and Yasha's Substack it's a favorite of Turek Books! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh's sister musician and author Britt Warner brings books that make her miss L.A. and her own novella "Swimming with Horses".For tickets to Josh's Summer of Discontent Comedy Tour 2025 click here and to get a signed copy of the new poetry book "Of Dumb Importance" click here international friends who want to pay normal shipping for the book can get it hereBooks talked about include:Swimming with horses: Britt WarnerSlow Days and Fast Company : Eve BabitzDidion vs Babitz bookOf Dumb Importance by Joshua TurekJames Gandolfini Bio : Jason Bailey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian and producer of Chatterbox comedy, Steve Hernandez, talks books about rich men seducing young women, polyamory, his own experiences with fatherhood, open relationships, comedy, and navigating his passions toward the shrinking prizes of industry. For even more on Steve check him out hereJoshua Turek is going on a 2025 summer comedy tour! New York City is first on June 21! Chicago, Philly, Dallas, San Diego, L.A., Eureka, Portland, Seattle, Tulsa, Kansas City, with more dates soon! Follow for tickets and new dates on his bandsintown or to buy tickets directly on his web site where his new poetry book "Of Dumb Importance" should be out any second now and is available for pre-order!Books Talked About Include:Careless People by Sarah Wynn Williams fb tell all book My Life in Heavy Metal by Steve AlmondWild by Cheryl StrayedThe Ethical Slut by Dossie Easton and Janet HardyOpen by Rachel KrantzMore by Molly Roden WinterWriters and Lovers by Lily KingColumbine by Dave CullenZealot by Reza AslanThe Bible the book of James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catch Joshua Turek on his comedy tour this summer! Tickets are up for shows in NYC, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Diego, L.A., Eureka, Seattle, Portland, Kansas City with more dates and cities coming soon at joshuaturek.com . First 3 in each city to send proof of tickets to [email protected] get a free copy of Josh's new poetry book after the corresponding show!Musician and sign language interpreter Dominique Matelson joins host Joshua Turek to discuss the pleasures and pitfalls of fantasy and how books from I Spy to Clarice Lespecter have helped her integrate her well being and creativity. Check out Dominique here https://www.instagram.com/dominiquematelson/ also wait until the very end to hear the song of hers "When I Told a Lie" they reference at the beginning of the conversation (music video on YouTube).Books Talked About Include:Books talked about includeI SPY Fantasy/MysteryClarice lespecter’s Complete StoriesNo One Belongs Here More Than You Miranda JulyAll Fours Miranda JulyCrime and PunishmentConfederacy of DuncesDunce Mary RuefleAlex’s journal Alex Cleo Rouboud Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catch Joshua Turek on comedy tour this summer! Tickets are up for shows in NYC, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Diego, L.A., Seattle, Portland, Kansas City with more dates and cities coming soon at joshuaturek.comAuthor of "The Body is a Doorway", Sophie Strand talks with host Joshua Turek about her memoir, mycellial networks, books as guides to our psychic lives, and how both of them want to open bookstores. Check out Sophie's work here https://sophiestrand.com/Books talked about include:Plants in the imaginale realmUrsula Leguin The Language of the NightA Distant Mirror by Barbara TuchmanJoan of Arc by herself and her witnessesRed Rising Series by Pierce BrownLonesome Dove Larry McMurtryBooks by Larry Mcmurtrythe One Inside Sam ShepherdJoseph Campbell myth booksConfederacy of Dunces Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Film Director Joe Carnahan (The Grey, Narc, RIP -new movie starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) and host Joshua Turek discuss a wide range of topics from the LA wildfires to never meeting your heroes. Joe brings a Noam Chomsky book and tells of why he can't read James Ellroy books anymore. They get into Trump and Biden and the U.S. imperial apparatus but also have a good time.Want to see Joshua Turek performing live? Visit joshuaturek.com for summer comedy tour dates! So far, San Diego, Seattle, Kansas City tickets are available with L.A., New York and more coming soon!Check out Joe Carnahan's new movie "Shadow Force" and upcoming after that "RIP" starring Matt Damon and Ben AffleckBooks Talked About Include:The Myth of American Idealism noam chomskyMartyr Kaveh AkbarJonathan Franzen The Corrections and FreedomAll The Shahs Men Stephen KinzerBooks by Larry McMurtrySome New Kind of Kick by Kid Congo PowersWerner Herzog Every Man For Himself and God Against AllGod Is Not Great Christophr Hitchens Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Joshua Turek sits down with Desert Scientist and Reptile Expert, Robert Villa, who is also in Community Outreach at the University of Arizona Desert Labs at Tumamoc Hill in Tucson. Their conversation spans, Sonoran Desert books, Pablo Neruda poems, and the interdependence of all life on Earth. Joshua is going on comedy tour this summer! Check dates on his site joshuaturek.com so far tickets are already available for San Diego and Seattle. Bestiary-Pablo NerudaThe Desert -John Van DyckeBlue Desert - Charles BowdenKilling the Hidden Waters - Charles Bowden-ofelia ZepedaDebt - David Graeber Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Joshua Turek returns with a solo episode of Turek Books after a few months hiatus and his relocation to Tucson. He discusses the very timely book, "Technofeudalism" at length as it was the first pick for a book club on his Turek Books IG live. He also gets into what else he's reading. "Debt" by David Graeber, "The Bible" by whoever wrote it, "All the Shahs Men" a book on U.S. interference in Iran, and "Lonesome Dove" by Larry McMurtry whom Joshua pines away about for awhile. Also mentioned are McMurtry's books "All My Friends Are Going to Be Strangers" and "Moving On" and the next book club pick "The Death and Life of the Great American Cities" by Jane Jacobs. Joshua is touring comedy this summer and releasing a new poetry book. Be sure to let him know which cities he should visit, follow his Substack @joshuaturek and be sure to check joshuaturek.com for tour dates and signed copies of his debut poetry book. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

$5 from every poetry book sold on my website this week going to wildfire relief in la www.joshuaturek.com I sit in a park in Tucson and discuss this week’s events and my own strange unmoored evacuation and plans for the show. Thank you for listening and stay safebooks talked about includeSam Shepardlarry mcmurtryJane Jacobsmy poetry book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Used bookseller, musician, and writer, Tim Conrad Horner joins Joshua to talk paranoid books, books without faces on the covers, and a project he is building with objects he has found inside of old books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Burden of Joy" author Lexi Kent-Monning joins host Joshua Turek to discuss her novel that Joshua loved. She talks about coming from a long line of book readers and writers and her Esalen hot springs adventures growing up in Central California. Lexi shares a wide ranging selection of books from the Divorce novel "Liars" to a YA novel that she hopes will make Josh fall in love with Los Angeles again. She also baked delicious coconut chocolate chip cookies.For all things Lexi Kent-Monning visit https://www.lexikentmonning.com/ and her ig https://www.instagram.com/lexicola/?hl=enFor Joshua Turek's tour dates and poetry book check out joshuaturek.com but also for more of his writing its free on his new Substack https://joshuaturek.substack.com/Books Talked About Include:Liars by Sarah MangusoAll Fours by Miranda JulyBruha wendy c ortizThe Burden of JoyThe Passion According to GH by Clarice LespecterA Fortune for Your Disaster by Hanif AbdurraqibRichard BrautiganHis daughters book about himDan Fante’s memoirDangerous Angels by Francesca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poet Laureate of Pomona, CA, Ceasar K. Avelar joins Joshua to talk about reading poems on your lunch break and finding moments to be creative even when the world is encouraging the opposite. He and Joshua speak to the revolutionary act of reading and how the nerd stigma is only there to oppress the working class. Bozeman, Montana! Joshua is headlining two shows this friday 11/22/2024 at the Last Best Comedy Club tix here https://www.lastbestcomedy.com/events/friday-night-stand-up-with-joshua-turekFor all things Ceasar K. Avelar visit here: https://www.instagram.com/ceasarkavelar/ and for his book: https://www.elmartillopress.com/product-page/god-of-the-air-hose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hollywood Talent Manager at Mosaic Entertainment and local journalist (@officialplayadelrey), Drew Shenfield talks with Joshua about becoming better men through reading books whose passages they can't remember, navigating a day and age ripe with conspiracy, and westerns. They discuss bell hooks "The Will to Change", the early 2000's book "Them" by Jon Ronson, and Adam Curtis documentaries. Also mentioned is their mutual love of public transit in Los Angeles and how they met playing beach volleyball.for all things Joshua visit his site joshuaturek.com and check out his new substack for longer form thoughts and fragments https://substack.com/@joshuaturek its free!Books talked about include:The Will to Change by bell hooksThem by Jon RonsonAdam Curtis Documentaries “Bitter Lake”Hate inc by Matt TaibiEmpire of Illusion by Chris HedgesSociety of the Spectacle by Guy Welcome to Hard TimesIslands of Abandonment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author of new book "Country Fail" Irish comedian, Killian Sundermann joins Joshua to talk about Irish authors, how he learned parents are people too, In-N-Out Burger, his time living in New York City and the process of writing his first book for a legendary publisher.To find Killian's work visit his instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/killersundy/?hl=enHosted by Joshua TurekBooks Talked About Include:Country Fail by Killian SundermannIntermezzo by Sally RooneyA Moveable Feast - HemmingwayA Swim Two Birds - Flan O'BrienA Tired Policeman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danielle Henderson, author of the memoir "The Ugly Cry" and tv writer on shows like "Maniac" starring Emma Stone, joins host Joshua Turek to talk about living on a farm in upstate New York to keep her grandmother company. She revisits the toxic time capsule that was the 80's by reading the Motley Crue tell-all and how she found an awakening in intersectional feminism after going back to school at 30 and reading bell hooks. Josh talks about how the new Miranda July divorce novel upset him more than the dystopian books he's been reading it.CHICAGO come see Joshua perform stand up comedy at The Comedy Bar 11/8/24 and 11/9/24 https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/november-8-9-joshua-turek-3613879 and catch his poetry book at joshuaturek.com and new free Substack here https://substack.com/@joshuaturekFor more on Danielle Henderson check her out here http://daniellehenderson.net/Books talked about include:Shuggie Bain - Douglas StuartBad Pharma - Ben GoldacreAll Fours - Miranda JulyThe Dirt - Motley CrueThe Road - Cormac MccarthyFeminist Theory from margin to center - bell hooksKilling the Black Body - Dorothy RobertsAngela Davis Books - All of them, Abolition Democracy, Freedom is a Constant StruggleAmelia Gray - Museum of the WeirdThe Sellout - Paul BeattyRunning with Scissors - Augusten BurroughsVillette - Charlotte Bronte Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poet Darby Hudson joins host, Joshua Turek one day in the future from Melbourne, Australia to discuss giving into books that are like "ice cream for the mind." He speaks of how he was raised by divorced parents, one who indulged the low brow while the other sought more challenging reads. The two poets and instagram video dudes discuss their remote friendship and get into everything from David Lynch to the Neverending Story.Seattle and Chicago! Joshua is going to be headlining comedy shows in your cities soon!SEATTLE Oct. 25 at the Here-After tickets here: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/joshua-turek-here-after-tickets/13607144CHICAGO Nov. 8 & 9 he will be headlining at The Comedy Bar tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/november-8-9-joshua-turek-3613879for signed copies of Joshua's poetry book his site joshuaturek.com and if you want him to perform in your city sign up to his email list on there and suggest a cityFor Darby Hudson's work check out https://www.darbyhudsonart.com/ and his instagram https://www.instagram.com/darby_hudson/?hl=enBooks Talked About Include:Earth Abides - JoshThe Road - CormacRed Dragon - Thomas HarrisThe Housemaid Freida McfaddenThe Broom of the System DFW - JoshThe Neverending Story by Michael EndeThe Bedtime Leunig by Michael LeunigBukowskiCeline Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seinfeld writer and Curb director Larry Charles who also directed Borat, Bruno, and Dangerous World of Comedy, sits down with host Joshua Turek to discuss growing up in Brooklyn and how the books he read in his younger years expanded his sense of the world. Larry talks working with Bob Dylan and Larry David and the similarities between the two men. Larry discusses how through career successes he managed to find his way back to knowing the price of a loaf of bread. He also talks the Library Cop episode of Seinfeld which he wrote!Chicago and Seattle! Joshua is going to be headlining comedy shows in your cities soon!SEATTLE Oct. 25 at the Here-After tickets here: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/joshua-turek-here-after-tickets/13607144CHICAGO Nov. 8 & 9 he will be headlining at The Comedy Bar tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/november-8-9-joshua-turek-3613879for signed copies of Joshua's poetry book his site joshuaturek.comFor Larry Charles check out his YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPH7P8UM2_uXsRhpp3Z4UQA and IG: https://www.instagram.com/larrycharles/Books Talked About Include:Manchild in the Promised Land by Claude BrownConfessions of a Cultist by Andrew SarrisCatch 22Last Exit to BrooklynnAll Fours by Miranda July (Josh) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sundance Award Winning Screenwriter, Ruby Caster joins Joshua to talk Miranda July's new book "All Fours" and the quest for mutual understanding. The two find an agreed upon reality as they discuss how one goes about that.Books Talked About Include:All Fours Miranda JulyThe Ego Tunnel by Thomas MetzingerBluets by Maggie NelsonStar ChildJoshua Turek Stand up Tour Updates: SEATTLE on 10/25 Joshua will be headlining at the Here-After. Tickets available: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/joshua-turek-here-after-tickets/13607144CHICAGO to see Joshua Turek headlining four shows on 11/8 & 9 at The Comedy Bar tickets:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friday-november-8-joshua-turek-tickets-1005397851037?aff=odcleoeventsincollectionfor Josh's poetry book etc visit: joshuaturek.comFor updates on Ruby Caster's work check out her ig: https://www.instagram.com/rubycaster/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Wilson is the lead singer of Semisonic and writer of hit songs like Closing Time, Someone Like You (with Adele), Not Ready to Make Nice (with the Chicks) and also a prolific reader. He and host Joshua Turek discuss how Dan revisits "Lord of the Rings" and discovers new meanings according to where his own life is at the moment. He talks of reading voraciously as a child and the books that were most impactful along the way. Dan also gets into a few of the science fiction books that have rekindled his love for the genre and his thoughts on the role of AI in art and the future.Chicago and Seattle! Joshua is going to be headlining comedy shows in your cities! SEATTLE Oct. 25 at the Here-After tickets here: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/joshua-turek-here-after-tickets/13607144CHICAGO Nov. 8 & 9 he will be headlining at The Comedy Bar tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/november-8-9-joshua-turek-3613879for Joshua's poetry book hit up his site joshuaturek.com For Dan Wilson's work please check out his instagram https://www.instagram.com/danwilsonmusic/?hl=en and links to all his sites here https://linktr.ee/danwilson_musicBooks Talked About Include:The Real BookParable of the Sower Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer Aubrey Bellamy joins host Joshua Turek to discuss books about grief, growing up in L.A., and how Buy Nothing groups on Facebook might be the only hope for humanity. Aubrey and Josh are longtime friends on Twitter who meet for the first time.Chicago and Seattle! Joshua is going to be headlining comedy shows in your cities CHICAGO Nov. 8 & 9 he will be headlining at The Comedy Bar tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/november-8-9-joshua-turek-3613879 and SEATTLE Oct. 25 at the Here-After tickets here: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/joshua-turek-here-after-tickets/13607144 for Joshua's poetry book hit up his site joshuaturek.comFor Aubrey Bellamy's work please check out her twitter https://x.com/aubreybellBooks talked about include:Overdue by Amanda OliverParable of the Sower by Octavia ButlerGolden Days by Carolyn SeeU Up? by Catie Disabato Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dress Up Gang Member (TBS, Cute House) and Molly Bro comedian, Cory Loykasek joins host Joshua Turek to talk Shawshank Redemption, Cormac McCarthy, Sapiens, and an ill-titled self help book called "The Way of the Superior Man". The longtime friends get deeper into books than they ever have in all their professed long conversations. Cory rightfully gives Josh crap for his terrible intro, Joshua tells Cory he loves him and reveals he was a fan of Cory before they were friends Cory might also take another stab at the Brothers Karamazov..Chicago and Seattle! Joshua Turek's going to be doing comedy in your cities CHICAGO Nov. 7 & 8 he will be headlining at The Comedy Bar tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/november-8-9-joshua-turek-3613879 and SEATTLE Oct. 25 at the Here-After tickets here: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/joshua-turek-here-after-tickets/13607144 for Joshua's poetry book hit up his site joshuaturek.comFor Cory Loykasek's work please check him out on ig https://www.instagram.com/coryloykasek/?hl=en and Molly Bro https://www.instagram.com/officialmollybro/ plus Dress Up Gang https://www.instagram.com/dressupgang/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, Venice Surfer, Bar Owner, Chris Gorbos starts with Anton Chekhov short stories and ends with Jack Reacher headbutting his way through cheap paperbacks. He and Joshua talk the passive joys of public transportation and how being in a good place in life helps with their reading. The two friends exchange ride sharing experiences they felt were unexpectedly profound and how they relate them to the story of a horse and buggy driver that Chris reads every year. Chris holds Josh's feet to the fire over how the idealist expects to build a better world and they both agree that reading shouldn't be a pretentious experience.TOUR UPDATES: Joshua will be in Richmond, California September 16 & 18th doing stand up at the Factory Bar and in Chicago November 7 and 8 at the Comedy Bar downtown. Information and tickets available here: joshuaturek.comChris Gorbos can be found on instagram here https://www.instagram.com/chrisgorbos/?hl=en and his comedy theater in Santa Monica is here https://www.westsidecomedy.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Editor of erotic fine art books for Taschen, Dian Hanson has shepherded works from legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ren Hang along with numerous adult photo books of high repute. She brings a few books from her esoteric collection of adult oddities and attempted encylopedias. Dian and Joshua discuss everything from Gen Z to sexual dysfunctions of the 1800's. TW: Adult Content and possible graphic disturbing imagery Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teen Vogue journalist Lisa Kwon joins Joshua to talk about her contempt for summer and the joys of winter as represented by her book choices. She tells of one novel about a Red Lobster closing (timely) while another one “The Guest” by Emma Cline follows one woman’s purgatory through a summer in the Hamptons. Lisa and Joshua talk about both growing up on the periphery of L.A. and their feelings about palm trees.check out Josh’s comedy tour dates (Bay Area and Chicago coming up!) and signed copies of his poetry book at joshuaturek.comLisa’s writing can be found first at https://www.instagram.com/lisaskwon?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==books talked about include:”The Guest” by Emma ClineLast Night at the Lobster by Stewart O’NanThe Image by Daniel J Boorstin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian and TV writer for "Dave" on FX, Biniam Bizuneh visits the podcast to talk about time travel, the power of the mind and placebo effect, coping with an unnatural world, the book "Fourth Wing" which he describes as "Harry Potter" meets "Game of Thrones" and starting an ayuhuasca smoothie bowl cafe.For Josh's poetry book and tour dates visit joshuaturek.com he'll be in Portland Oregon on August 24th, 2024!To check out Biniam's work go to his instagram https://www.instagram.com/biniambiz/?hl=enBooks talked about includeFourth Wing by Rebecca YarhosSapiensThe Holographic Universe by Michael TalbotThe Love Affairs of Nathaniel P by Adelle WaldmanReplay by Ken GrimwoodEmpire of Illusions by Chris HedgesBetween the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi CoatesBig Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian Simon Gibson has been seen on Amazon and NBC's Canonball, he joins Joshua to talk about the show they are co-headlining in Portland Oregon on Saturday night August 24th, 2024 so tell your Portland friends tickets are available here: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/85326006/simon-gibson-joshua-turek-portland-mississippi-studios . They also discuss books, Simon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles graphic novels he has had since he was 5 years old and might not be worth the millions he thought? A memoir on stand up comedy he wishes he had read twice at different moments in his career. While Simon also explains how on of Josh's poems in his new debut poetry book reminds him of his time selling outdoor trailer campers during lockdown. Simon passionately opines about the Jurassic Park book by Michael Crichton that last week's guest Noah also talked about. Josh shares how a poet on instagram sent him his book and it was so good he almost cried on the bus ride over.Simon Gibson can be found here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simeygibson/?hl=enWeb Site: https://simongibsonisfunny.com/Signed copies of Josh's debut poetry book and tour dates are here:joshuaturek.comBooks talked about include:Jurassic Park by Michael CrichtonHow to Succeed Without Really Crying by Carol LeiferGod of the Air Hose by Cesar AvelarL.A. Confidential by Elmore LeonardKurt Vonnegut's first book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer on the Seth Rogen television series "Platonic", Noah Findling stops by to talk about how he rekindled his love affair with reading by bringing "Jurrassic Park" on his honeymoon. He and Joshua get into their anxieties over the future, doomsday prepping, and how 401k plans might not be necessary in 30 years. Joshua talks starting the famous sci fi L.A. dystopian novel "Parable of the Sower" and Noah tells of how Philip Roth's bodily obsessions aligned with his own upbringing. We also read recommendations from listeners!Portland Oregon and Richmond California get tickets to Joshua's upcoming comedy shows and for signed copies of his debut poetry book on JoshuaTurek.comCheck out Noah on instagram @noahbuilttheark and noahfindlingcomedy.comBooks talks bout include:Jurassic Park by Michael CrichtonThe Sphere by Michael CrichtonPortnoy's Compaint by Philip RothParable of the Sower by Octavia Butler Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Co-host of the Tea Time podcast, comedian Harper-Rose Drummond joins Joshua Turek to talk about crying over books and finding security in having three of them on your bed at all times. She describes falling in love with reading again during the pandemic and doing acid with her dad at a Grateful Dead concert right before that. Joshua brings a couple of downer books about the decay of the American empire while Harper sings the praises of a fantasy series called "The Assassins Blade". They also discuss the ethics of reading the popular erotic novel "A Court of Thorns and Roses" on a train.Harper Rose-Drummond's instagram and podcast can be found here:ig: https://www.instagram.com/harperrosed/?hl=enpodcast yt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HhYu0Ui4ioSigned copies of Joshua's debut poetry book and a list of his comedy tour dates can be found at joshuaturek.com PORTLAND, OREGON get tickets to his show August 24th at Mississippi Studios Theater here: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/85326006/simon-gibson-joshua-turek-portland-mississippi-studiosPlease remember to rate this podcast and click that follow button if you enjoy it!Books talked about include:The Assassin's Blade by Sara J. MaasA Court of Thorn and Roses by Sara J. MaasThe Song of Achilles by Madeline MillerWalk Two Moons by Sharon CreechThe Image by Daniel J BoorstinEmpire of Illusion by Chris HedgesJumping the Nail by Eve Bunting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rolling Stone journalist Miles Klee brings a selection of French melancholia, Jamaica Kincaid, and tells how Mark Twain inspired Wil E. Coyote and Looney Tunes. He and Joshua briefly bond over riding the bus in L.A. to get to the podcast recording and delve into the joy of an Irish Goodbye. After listening to Miles tell of a story where the protagonist hates being at a party in one of his books, Joshua even wonders if the entire pleasure for introverts at a party isn't building up enough tension to feel the relief of leaving.Remember to rate the podcast! (if you like it)(if you don't go rate someone elses podcast who you do like bc it helps us) and subscribe if you haven't!Hosted by Joshua Turekfor touring dates and his debut poetry book visit joshuaturek.comBooks Talked About Include:"True False" and "Ivyland" by Miles Klee"Lucy" by Jamaica Kincaid"Roughing It" by Mark Twain"Downstream" by Joris-Karl Huysmans"1984" "Down and Out in Paris and London" "Animal Farm" by George Orwell"Any Person is the Only Self" by Elisa Gabbert"The Voice Imitator" by Thomas Bernhard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedy Central Half Hour Comedian and Finding My Audience podcast host, Allen Strickland Williams joins Joshua to discuss books written by his friends including one he calls the best book about comedy since Steve Martin's "Born Standing Up". They get into the best French Dip sandwich in downtown Los Angeles, a little Mike Davis per usual for Joshua, and how Allen's favorite Kurt Vonnegut book seems to be no one elses.Books talked about include:Running the Light by Sam TallentDriven to Distraction by Edward Hallowell and John RateyCall Me By Your Name by Andre AcimanSlapstick by Kurt VonnegutDead Cities by Mike DavisBorn Standing Up by Steve MartinYou can find all things Allen Strickland WIlliams here https://www.allenstricklandwilliams.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Dear White People" writer/director Justin Simien joins Joshua Turek to discuss the book "Hollywood Black" which was the source material for his new docu-series of the same name. At the top of the Hollywood ladder but still dissatisfied, it was the books of Hollywood historian, Donald Bogle, specifically his Black history pieces which inspired Justin to become conduit of untold contributions to cinema by Black filmmakers by making a documentary telling their stories. He also discusses the book "The War of Art" and its heavy influence on breaking through his own creative resistances to getting the work done and finally completing his Sundance film "Dear White People" which also later became a show on Netflix. Lastly, he shares "Inner Gold" by Robert A Johnson, a Jungian self help book made simple for the people, dealing heavily in how to understand your own power in a world constantly asking you to give it away. All these books form a tapestry for how Justin approaches his art and life, his conversation is lively and illuminating. Enjoy! And be share to rate the podcast if you are enjoying it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reservation Dogs and Fallout's, Dallas Goldtooth joins Joshua to discuss North American Indigenous history and his love of sci-fi. How his decades working as an organizer and activist taught him that a powerful story is a necessity to instigate change in the world. Dallas talks how books are a therapeutic escape but also a way for him to comb stories for morsels of imagining a more vibrant way of living. He and Joshua examine how story can exist in a compelling but non-violent way in a more ideal world and Dallas lends an example through a myth of his people involving a snow giant and a trickster as allegory for the very real dangers of the winter cold. This is the first remote episode of the podcast, Joshua records from inside a study room at the library and Dallas from his son's room. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BoJack Horseman's, Aparna Nancherla joins Joshua to talk about her favorite formative books "A House on Mango Street" and "The Phantom Tollbooth". The comedian, author, and actor delves into the struggles she faced with Imposter Syndrome while writing her memoir "Unreliable Narrator" about the very trials of that very Imposter Syndrome. She and Joshua explore how the end result to a story about yourself is not an end at all, and how an honest conclusion can be an open one. They share their mutual love of libraries and the prolific comedian pulls out a wide array of contemporary fiction and nonfiction from the tote bag she was given at the Miami Beach Book Fair, an unlikely festival for such a beach forward city. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV writer Jamie Lynn Harris joins Joshua to reminisce over the last time someone read erotica written by a radio DJ to her on a beach in Spain. She and Joshua bond over their shared love of "Anna Karenina" and Paul Beatty's "The Sellout". She goes into lush detail about the sapphic novel of race and identity in the late 1920's "Passing" by Nella Larsen. And tells of how she is catching up on the canonical authors whose names she heard thrown around in grad school like Clarice Lispecter. Jamie also goes against the grain by speaking fondly over the books she had to read in high school and mourns how students these days are being required to read less and less. Josh also talks about a Rumi book specifically a poem about dogs being gateways into the eternal. PLEASE be sure to rate this podcast (If you like it) and Subscribe and Follow!!!Books Talked About IncludeAn Apprenticeship or the Book of Pleasures by Clarice LispecterPassing by Nella LarsenThe Sellout by Paul BeattyAnna Karenina by TolstoySay I Am You by Rumi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, writer and co-host of the Grifthorse Podcast, Megan Koester joins Joshua Turek to discuss her favorite books about magazines and how to harvest the California state flower into opium. The two frequent collaborators recount climbing around the Hollywood Hills a couple months into the pandemic with a fruit picker to gather neglected avocados off rich people's trees and while making a video about it. They get into self publishing zines and talk Josh's new self published poetry book which sold out of its first edition! Also included are two book recommendations from listeners! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.