The best in Science Fiction and Fantasy—with a twist. Whether you prefer dragons or aliens, your drinks shaken or stirred, Tipsy Nerds Book Club delivers lively and fun nerdy conversation every month. The first season focused on the NPR Best 100 Sci-Fi & Fantasy, but the Nerds now focus on more recent titles, movies, and streaming shows. The show also features author guests (past guests include bestselling authors such as Hugh Howey, J Todd Scott, and Darynda Jones). For fans of SFF genre, T ...
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In a special episode of Tipsy Nerds, Natalie welcomes co-host Robyn as her guest to discuss Robyn's new book, The Ascenditure (May 2024), a thrilling feminist mountain climbing fantasy story! Hear all about Robyn's new book, including what inspired her to create this fascinating world, badass mountain climbing characters, and more. Fans of TNBC don…
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The Nerds are dipping into an old-school hard sci-fi book—The Black Cloud by Fred Hoyle, a 1957 classic of British sci-fi. When a giant cloud of interstellar matter races toward the center of our solar system, the fate of humanity rests on the shoulders of an elite gathering of scientists. Join the Nerds in their discussion of this unusual sci-fi s…
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New Rock New Role with Guest Richard Sparks
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In this episode, the Nerds welcome guest author Richard Sparks to discuss his new book, New Rock, New Role, a fantasy book described as “Ready Player One meets Lord of the Rings meets Discworld.” After a long quest, you need a tasty cocktail, and Robyn has created one for this episode. Natalie was happy to see bourbon in this cocktail recipe that R…
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The Princess Bride by William Goldman
1:11:24
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In this episode, the Nerds discuss the beloved cult classic book (and movie), The Princess Bride (©1973 by William Goldman). Billed as a “classic tale of True Love and High Adventure,” the Nerds chat about romance, adventure, swashbuckling pirates, loveable sidekicks, and of course famous quotes—“I am Inigo Montoya…” Listeners, we want to hear your…
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The Nerds welcome 2024 by reading Stardust by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Charles Vess. Subtitled "Being a Romance with the Realms of Faerie," the Nerds are sipping a lovely, glittering gin drink while they discuss little hairy men, unicorns, flying pirate ships, falling stars, and a man who becomes a doormouse. By the end of the episode, the Nerds…
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A Christmas Carol by Dickens, with guest R.A. Busby
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We’re drinking the Nog of Christmas Yet to Come with our guest, author R.A. Busby, while we discuss the winter holiday classic, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. R.A. is a horror writer, so her perspective perfectly fits this spooky, ghostly holiday tale. So fill your nog cug and join the conversation as we chat Dickens' forever-relevant holida…
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Witch King, with author guest Martha Wells
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The Nerds are excited to welcome Hugo and Nebula award-winning writer Martha Wells, author of the beloved Murderbot Diaries and now a new epic fantasy—Witch King. We hope you enjoy hearing our conversation with Martha as we dive into Witch King. Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentio…
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We're sipping a San Diego Sunset while we explore the far reaches of space in this sci-fi episode with special guest, author Gareth L. Powell. Robyn and I have followed Gareth on social for a while now, so it was a real pleasure to chat with him about his latest book. And what a great read it is! Chock full of all the things we love about sci-fi—fu…
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Star Bringer—With Special Guests Tracy Wolff & Nina Croft
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Welcome to Season 5 of the Tipsy Nerds Book Club! The Nerds are excited to open their new season with special guests, bestselling authors Tracy Wolff and Nina Croft, authors of the new sci-fi romance STAR BRINGER (2023). We're sipping purple space-inspired, purple cocktails and discussing the book described as Firefly meets the Breakfast Club. Join…
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SILO, the Apple TV+ show based on Hugh Howey's bestselling novel, WOOL
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The Nerds are happy to once again discuss Hugh Howey's amazing worldbuilding in this episode discussing SILO, the Apple TV+ production of Howey's bestselling book, WOOL. Listeners may recall that the Nerds had Hugh Howey as a guest on the show in episode 4 of season 1 in 2019. What a fun episode that was! Lots of bourbon and tequila involved (and a…
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The Tispy Nerds close out their Season 4 by discussing a listener recommendation JOHN DIES AT THE END, by Jason Pargin. The Nerds are sipping strong cocktails called The Sauce in honor of the trippy drug that leads to the adventure in the book. Billed as a comedy/horror novel, Natalie asks Robyn if the book was funny or scary, or both? Mix a drink …
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The Three-Body Problem and Three Boozy Cocktails
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The Nerds welcome guest Jason Rico from the Sh*t We've Read podcast to help us wrap our minds around the modern masterpiece of sci-fi, The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin. We're sipping boozy cocktails while we ponder the three-body problem, warfare in eleven dimensions, and whaleiens. A fun discussion about one of the most important and thought-pr…
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Season of the Dragon with guest Natalie Wright
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Robyn Dabney pilots this episode as we celebrate the release of Season of the Dragon, a new epic fantasy from our own Natalie Wright. Robyn created an amazing cocktail she's calling the Nixan Fig to get us in the mood for this epic new dragon story. Listen to find out what Robyn thought of the book and to hear Natalie's inspiration for the story. H…
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We poured a strong drink we're calling a Pyro Potable for this amazing but bleak book. Parable isn't a fun, light-hearted beachy read, but the kind of book that you feel like a better human being because you read it. We're peeling this onion and perhaps have more questions than answers in this episode—so listen in, then find us on social and help u…
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Dark Matter by Blake Crouch with special guest CD Tavenor
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The Nerds are stepping into quantum conundrums with a bestselling sci-fi thriller, Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch. This 2016 book was optioned by Sony for the screen. Hear what the Tipsy Nerds and their guest, author CD Tavenor, thought of Crouch's treatment of the multiverse theory of quantum physics. The libations need to be strong to wrap our head…
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Enjoying the Bleak Midwinter, the Darkest Night with Robyn Dabney and The Utburd
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The Nerds are sipping spiked hot cocoa and a drink inspired by the horror of The Utburd, a new story by our own Robyn Dabney, the first story in a new Gothic Horror anthology, Bleak Midwinter: The Darkest Night. Wrap yourself in a warm blanket, spike that coffee or cocoa with something to warm the cockles, and dive into a great new addition to midw…
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Dream of the Endless: The Sandman by Neil Gaiman
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The Nerds invite you to the world of Dream as they discuss the graphic novel that put Gaiman on the map: The Sandman, first published by DC Comics in 1988. The Tipsy Nerds are sipping luscious, creamy cocktails, one with absinthe, the other with tequila. Shaken or stirred, mix it up and join the conversation about this enchanting story. Join the co…
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Rings of Power: Doing Tolkien Proud or a Billion Dollar Bomb?
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You all know Robyn is a LotR super fan, so of course, we've got to have a chat about Amazon Original's production of Rings of Power. What did the Nerds think of it? Does Robyn think the show does Tolkien proud? Natalie doesn't know a harfoot from a hippie, so what were her thoughts of the production? You have to stick around for the 35+ minute mark…
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Sipping Banjax and Bitter: Slade House by David Mitchell
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Welcome to Season 4 of TNBC! We begin the new season with a literary haunted house tale that's short but hits the sweet spot. Join Robyn and Natalie as they sip cocktails and dig deep into the layers of this seductive tale of lost souls. Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in o…
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We’re back! In this trailer, the Nerds preview the books and shows they'll feature in the upcoming Season 4 of the Tipsy Nerds Book Club podcast. Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/ https://www.facebook.com/tipsynerdsb…
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The Nerds are ready for a whimsical read, and who does modern fables, myth, and magic better than Neil Gaiman? Join the Nerds as they discuss Gaimain's first novel, Neverwhere, released in 1996. Robyn has lots of questions for listeners in this episode, and is on the hunt for any information you have about a particular line in the book and how it m…
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Sipping drinks called Knight's Honor and Green Death, Robyn and Natalie discuss the 2021 release, Green Knight, starring Dev Patel. Unsure whether the movie is a mess or a masterpiece, the Tipsy Nerds break it down. Naked giants, a talking fox, and a "violated green sash"? The Nerds are tackling a movie unlike anything else in the fantasy film genr…
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The Convergence is Nigh: Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
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This week the Nerds are excited to discuss a fascinating new epic fantasy story while they sip cocktails inspired by the book. Join the Nerds as they chat about Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse. Robyn says the novel has one of the best opening chapters she's ever read, and both Natalie and Robyn thought the last third of the book was unputdownable. L…
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Marvel’s Newest Arrow in its Hits Quiver: Hawkeye
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24:22
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Is Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, anyone’s favorite Avenger? Well he wasn’t the favorite for either Natalie or Robyn, but they may be changing their minds after watching the newest addition to the rich Marvel cinematic universe: Hawkeye, starring Jeremy Renner. Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on any of the …
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In this episode, the Tipsy Nerds tackle the massive book, Dune by Frank Herbert. Second time was the charm for Robyn who attempted a read of this tome a few years back but set it aside. This time she enjoyed the ride, and in this episode shares what she loved about Dune. While Natalie appreciated the world-building and respects the book's legacy, s…
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Krampus the Yule Lord & Santa Memories with the Tipsy Nerds
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Join the Tipsy Nerds for a fun holiday episode discussing one of their new favorite holiday stories, Krampus, the Yule Lord by Brom (©2012). Left to rot in a cave for over 800 years, Krampus is back and intends to get revenge against Santa Claus. Natalie was surprised that the story never veered into campiness, and Robyn enjoyed the overall message…
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Sipping Spice in the Desert: DUNE, the Movie
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The Tipsy Nerds tackle this big movie while sipping a libation they call Spice. The Nerds have some mixed feelings about this one, and the "Spice" inspires some giggle-worthy tangents. Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclu…
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Play Hotel California and Sing Along: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
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The Tipsy Nerds share their excitement for the newest addition to the Marvel Universe of films, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The Nerds discuss what makes this movie work and how it builds anticipation for the next installment. The Nerds thought the Marvel experience was feeling flat, but this movie renews excitement for the Marvel exp…
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Swilling Swamp Water and Wrestling Gators in Swamplandia!
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56:52
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Join the Tipsy Nerds along with a special guest, author Jenn Czep, in this voyage through the Florida swamps as they discuss the Pulitzer nominated book Swamplandia!, by Karen Russell. The Tipsy Nerds are torn about whether to relegate this novel to the rubbish bin or pronounce it brilliant. It strays from the Nerds' usual fare but gave the ladies …
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Lockdowns and Nowhere to Go—Tipsy Nerd Style! (aka Pandemic Media Binge)
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35:38
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35:38
Curious about what the Nerds were up to during their hiatus? Robyn packed a lot into 18 months and in this episode, she shares the details. Plus the Tipsy Nerds chat about their favorite Netflix/HBO binges, movies, and books that filled the days of lockdowns and pandemic quarantines. From Godzilla to Black Mirror and lots of great stuff in between.…
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Red Wine & A Great Book: The Fifth Season by NK Jemisin
37:13
37:13
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The Tipsy Nerds are back! Season 3 of the show begins with a knock-out of a book: The Fifth Season by NK Jemisin. The Nerds are sipping red wine and getting back into the podcast groove. Pour a glass and join them in geeking out over this amazing, Hugo award-winning book. Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know your thoughts…
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Vodka, Toilet Paper & Cheap Wine: Corona 2020 Special
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What do Tipsy Nerds do during a pandemic and social distancing? Binge-watch Netflix, drink cheap wine and vodka and grow increasingly concerned about how accurate dystopian fiction is to our present situation. Join us for a special episode about Corona. Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on any of the medi…
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Allomancing the Stone: Mistborn, with guest PL Tavormina
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The Tipsy Nerds welcome guest PL Tavormina, author of the book Aeorvoyant, as we discuss another book from the NPR Top 100 Sci-Fi and Fantasy books: Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson. For this episode, we're sipping a misty-looking drink that's a fresh take on an Aviator. If you love epic fantasy, this is a must-listen episode! Join the conversation on…
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In this episode, the Tipsy Nerds welcome guest L.L. McKinney, author of A Blade So Black and A Dream so Dark, part of the Nightmare-verse series. If you like love Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Alice in Wonderland, you'll love McKinney's books. And our fruity rum cocktail meant a fun time with this author we'd love to hang out with in person. A must …
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Big Brother's Watching! Sipping Victory Gin with Terence Hawkins: 1984
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In this episode, the Tipsy Nerds welcome guest Terence Hawkins, author of American Neolithic, to the show to discuss the seminal dystopian book, 1984 by George Orwell. Robyn has found us an authentic take on Victory Gin. Will any listeners be brave enough to try it? Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on an…
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Clone Club: Orphan Black, The Next Chapter with Heli Kennedy
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44:23
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The Tipsy Nerds welcome Heli Kennedy, one of the writers from Orphan Black: The Next Chapter to chat about the amazing show, Orphan Black, and the SerialBox continuation, a serialized audiobook. We're drinking the "Clone Club Martini", a black drink fitting for this grim-dark thriller audiobook. We had a fascinating conversation with Heli, both a w…
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The Black Company with Guest J Todd Scott
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56:05
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The Tipsy Nerds welcome guest J Todd Scott, author of The Far Empty and other books, to discuss the gritty fantasy novel The Black Company by Glen Cook. Listen to the episode to learn why Todd picked this dark fantasy novel that centers around a band of mercenaries. Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on an…
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Tipsy Nerds Welcome 2020—New Year Special
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The Tipsy Nerds welcome a new year with a look back at the year 2019, the year TNBC was born, and a look ahead at what 2020 has in store. New books, movies and more stories! And Robyn reveals her celebrity crush—a very special Tipsy Nerd moment not to be missed by fans of the show. Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know you…
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It’s a Marshmallow World with Special Guest D.A. Xiaolin Spires
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37:12
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Celebrating the holiday season Tipsy Nerds style, TNBC welcomes author D.A. Xiaolin Spires to the show to sip eggnog and discuss her short story, Marshmallows, a story that first appeared in Clarkesworld magazine in December 2018. The story features a dystopian world that people can conveniently "unsee" via augmented reality. We created two cocktai…
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Speculation, Fandom & Kicking Ewoks: Star Wars, The Rise of Skywalker
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Join the Tipsy Nerds and their guest and Star Wars expert, CD Tavenor, as they let their fan flags fly over Star Wars and partake in wild speculation about the long-awaited final episode of the saga, the Rise of Skywalker. Each of the Nerds sips a different cocktail this week, from coffee drinks that will soothe the soul to the General, Natalie's o…
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Plagues, Pestilence and Wassail: Doomsday Book
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47:53
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Celebrating the holidays Tipsy Nerds style, in this episode, the Nerds discuss Doomsday Book by Connie Willis. In the future, an Oxford history student time travels to merry old plague-infested England during the Christmas holidays. The Nerds are cooking up a seasonal drink with a rich history. Gather round the wassail bowl and get your medieval on…
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Whiskey, Arachnids and War: Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein
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This week the Nerds are back to the NPR Top 100 list with a seminal and controversial military Sci-Fi read: Starship Troopers by Robert A. Henlein (1959). The Nerds thought a manly cocktail was essential for this manly book about futuristic paratroopers that get jettisoned from a spaceship instead of a plane. Robyn has cooked up a “Citizen's Sazera…
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Writers, Books and Booze: Our Favorite Books for Keyboard Monkeys
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41:15
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November is National Novel Writing Month (also known as NaNoWriMo). In support of all the writers tapping the keys this month, the Nerds share their list of favorite books on writing—ones that teach as well as ones that inspire. Write on! Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in …
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Sipping Chianti with Hannibal: Silence of the Lambs
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45:35
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The Tipsy Nerds are sipping wine and a deliciously Halloweeny drink for this episode as they discuss one of the best thrillers ever written, Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris. Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on any of the media mentioned in our shows. https://www.instagram.com/tipsynerdsbookclub/ ht…
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Season 2 Begins Big: Lord of the Rings
1:03:37
1:03:37
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Welcome to Season 2 of the Tipsy Nerds Book Club podcast! The Nerds are starting it out with a fan favorite and Robyn's as well, The Fellowship of the Ring from the Lord of the Rings series. Tune in to hear about the special drink for this episode as well as what makes this Robyn's all-time favorite book. Join the conversation on Instagram or Faceb…
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Tipsy Nerds have completed their season 1 so it's time to relive the fun! The Tipsy Nerds welcome back guest co-host CD Tavenor to chat about the best books, drinks and episodes of Season 1, as well as behind-the-scenes goofs listeners haven't heard about, and look forward to Season 2. Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know…
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Bestselling Author Darynda Jones, A Coffee Martini and Talking to the Dead: First Grave on the Right
37:27
37:27
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The Tipsy Nerds welcome NYT Bestselling author Darynda Jones to the pod as they sip coffee martinis inspired by Darynda's book, First Grave on the Right, the first in a thirteen book series. The Nerds took a departure from the NPR Top 100 Sci-Fi & Fantasy list for this one, and happily devoured Jones' smart, funny and sexy story. Join the conversat…
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New Dystopian Fiction: How We Became Wicked by Alexander Yates
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38:35
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The Tipsy Nerds happily veer off of the NPR Top 100 list for this episode as they welcome author guest, Alexander Yates, to discuss his new release, How We Became Wicked. The Nerds are drinking Tang Mimosas and chatting with the author about his fascinating life living abroad, and the inspiration for his new book with a twist even the jaded reader …
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Tipsy Nerds Love Book to Screen Adaptations: Getting Psyched for the Witcher, Watchmen & More
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The Tipsy Nerds chat about upcoming book to screen adaptations while drinking some wine and bourbon. Getting psyched for new shows such as HBO show based on the Watchmen, and new stories set in the Game of Thrones universe; other offerings from Amazon, Netflix and more such as The Witcher, Chronicles of Narnia and more. Nerd out over these upcoming…
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Snake Tattoos, Epic Bookstores and Wine: Good Omens Series
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24:10
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The Tipsy Nerds follow up their episode 12 in which they discussed the book, Good Omens, by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, with a very tipsy chat about the Amazon Prime series by the same name. The Nerds are cosplaying the angels in this one and having a very good time talking about one of their favorite shows to hit the small screen this year. J…
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