Best Juan Machado Podcasts (2025)

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How To Indirectly Pick Up Girls | Day Bang (Roosh V) BOOK REVIEW 47:22

5d ago47:22

47:22

We're hitting the streets and looking for pet shops! 'Day Bang' by Roosh V is a how to guide on meeting girls during the day. In particular he advocates for starting casual chats (where the girl doesn't initially realise you're hitting on her) in cafe's, book stores, retail outlets and on the street. He lays out his strategy for the elderly opener,…

1
Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities: Lessons from Ryan Holiday 33:09

9d ago33:09

33:09

I explore insights from "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday, highlighting key lessons on persistence, action, and overcoming challenges. The discussion delves into Stoic philosophy, personal growth strategies, and actionable advice for navigating obstacles with a positive mindset. (00:00) - Introduction: Persistence Defined (00:33) - Book Lea…

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Abuse, Heartbreak & Healing | Unlovable (Darren Hayes) BOOK REVIEW 37:43

12d ago37:43

37:43

What's a rather poor therapeutic strategy to heal trauma/abuse ..... become a global superstar! 'Unlovable' by Darren Hayes is an autobiography of the solo musical artist and former front man of Savage Garden. It details his childhood growing up in Brisbane, turbulent home/school life due to an alcoholic/violent father, musical ups & downs, struggl…

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Speculation Across The Ages | Devil Take The Hindmost (Edward Chancellor) BOOK REVIEW 33:29

19d ago33:29

33:29

All of the fun of gambling without any of the boring math! 'Devil Take The Hindmost' by Edward Chancellor is a series of snapshots across history of financial speculation (so called bubbles). Presents not only the instances of craziness but also the feeling of the time (notable periods being The Tulip Mania, South Sea Bubble and The Gilded Age amon…

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A Brazilian Classic To Die For | The Posthumous Memoirs Of Brás Cubas (Machado De Assis) BOOK REVIEW 26:32

26d ago26:32

26:32

If you're already melancholic, try dying first and then see how you feel! 'The Posthumous Memoirs Of Brás Cubas' by Machado De Assis is a reflection of memories from a man who has died but lived in Rio de Janeiro during the 19th century. Bras Cubas narrates his life in a melancholic style, jumping back in time after we learn of his demise. We see h…

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Elon Musk’s Reality Distortion: 8 Lessons from a Life of Obsession 18:34

1M ago18:34

18:34

I dive into Walter Isaacson's biography of Elon Musk, highlighting eight powerful learnings about Elon’s work ethic, team structure, reality distortion, and the maniacal sense of urgency that shaped his ventures. From OpenAI’s origins to "X" continuity, the insights offer an inspiring yet extreme look into innovation and grit. (00:00) - Welcome & I…

1
A Sacrifice For The Greater Good | Ender's Game (Orson Scott Card) BOOK REVIEW 23:46

1M ago23:46

23:46

Is it moral to trick a willing participant in a deadly game? 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is a sci-fi war scenario between humanity and hive mind insect aliens. Humanity survived two space battles but must prepare for the all important third. They recruit gifted children & train them mercilessly to be strategic commanders in the International…

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Inside the Mind of Elon Musk | Elon Musk BOOK REVIEW 11:22

1M ago11:22

11:22

Dive into Walter Isaacson's latest biography, Elon Musk, an in-depth exploration of the visionary entrepreneur's life, challenges, and unrelenting drive for innovation. This detailed review highlights the meticulous research and storytelling that captures Musk's complexity, motivations, and impact on industries ranging from space exploration to soc…

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Cautionary Tales For Youngsters | The Fables Of Aesop (Aesop) BOOK REVIEW 23:33

1M ago23:33

23:33

Why do poor wolves and foxes get picked on? 'The Fables Of Aesop' by Aesop are a series of extremely small stories (aka fables) with usually a proverb to sum them up. They are mostly told via animals interacting in various contexts, with certain animal species used to highlight human traits. Often times they are contradictory and require nuance to …

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Networks Of Secret Societies | The Square & The Tower (Niall Ferguson) BOOK REVIEW 27:47

2M ago27:47

27:47

Can hierarchies exist in a world of networks? 'The Square & The Tower' by Niall Ferguson examines a selection of networks across history. In particular it focuses upon hierarchies & how they operate compared to decentralised/distributed collections of people. You'll learn about nodes & hubs, geopolitics of WW1/2, secret societies of Freemasons & Il…

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Miyamoto Musashi’s Lessons from the Samurai Era | The Book of Five Rings BOOK REVIEW 19:01

2M ago19:01

19:01

Value 4 Value Support: Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals: Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/…

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Any Man's Death Diminishes Me | For Whom The Bell Tolls (Ernest Hemingway) BOOK REVIEW 31:38

2M ago31:38

31:38

Are they killing others or really killing themselves? 'For Whom The Bell Tolls' by Ernest Hemingway is a fictional account of an American dynamiter behind fascist lines during the 1936 Spanish Civil War. He must blow up a bridge and enlists the help of a Republican guerilla group living in the mountains. He falls in love with a girl, encounters dif…

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Daily Thoughts To Nourish The Soul | A Calendar Of Wisdom (Leo Tolstoy) BOOK REVIEW 26:09

2M ago26:09

26:09

Inspiring quotes can get rather tiresome. 'A Calendar Of Wisdom' by Leo Tolstoy is a compilation of modified quotes that follow the days of the year. Each day will have 4-6 snippets related to a subject he cares about. Common occurrences are on religion, love, good/evil, morals, vegetarianism & self-improvement. The quotes are sourced widely from n…

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A Monotonous Dystopia Without Pleasure | The Handmaid's Tale (Margaret Atwood) BOOK REVIEW 34:14

2M ago34:14

34:14

The ultimate male fantasy is rather flat & boring. 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood is told from the point of view of an unnamed narrator. It takes place in a USA where there has been an overthrown government and everything is now dystopian. Our girl is 33 yrs old & a handmaid, whose only purpose is to give birth. Life is very different: fa…

1
A Fashion Icon’s Story Told in Snippets | The Little Book of Versace BOOK REVIEW 9:36

2M ago9:36

9:36

This review delves into "The Little Book of Versace," evaluating its limited depth and focus on visuals over meaningful insights. While the book covers Versace’s designs and runway moments, it lacks a cohesive narrative, leaving the reader to seek additional context elsewhere. Overall, it's deemed more of a coffee table accessory than an informativ…

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Characters To Die For | East Of Eden (John Steinbeck) BOOK REVIEW 31:54

3M ago31:54

31:54

Are people more cruel or simply the passing of time itself? 'East Of Eden' by John Steinbeck is straight up one of the best books I've ever read. We follow various families across the generations as they live & die in 19/20th century America. It's uplifting in some sections and then will follow up with a brutality that brings you to your knees. Eas…

1
Don't Read Everything | Reasons To Stop Midway Through A Book 35:04

3M ago35:04

35:04

I'm begging you, please don't make this mistake! Today is a special episode where I am diving into some of the reasons why I have stopped reading many books. I'm also giving a list of these books so that you don't have to waste your time on them (assuming you trust my judgement). Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish …

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Outliving the Odds: Lessons on Longevity | Outlive (Peter Attia) BOOK LEARNINGS 14:40

3M ago14:40

14:40

In this podcast, I dive into Peter Attia's Outlive, discussing key lessons from the book on longevity and modern medicine. I highlight the surprising flaws in current medical guidelines, explore how centenarians' genetic traits can be mimicked through lifestyle changes, and busts myths about dietary habits like egg consumption. It’s an insightful c…

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Disappointingly Non-Sensual | The Kama Sutra (Vātsyāyana) BOOK REVIEW 24:33

3M ago24:33

24:33

Why is everyone so mistaken about this book? 'The Kama Sutra' by Vātsyāyana is a how-to guide on courtship & sexual pleasure, as opposed to a graphic explanation of sexual positions. All of this comes from an Indian context from that era (so more addressed to the educated man/woman). Split into 7 parts and is about things like sexual union, class &…

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Outlive Review: Living Better, Not Just Longer | Outlive (Peter Attia) BOOK REVIEW 13:50

3M ago13:50

13:50

In this episode, we dive into "Outlive: The Science of Longevity" by Dr. Peter Attia. The review explores key themes like emotional health, the importance of living better rather than just longer, and practical tips for increasing both lifespan and health span. The review highlights Attia's structured breakdown of science-based tactics to improve l…

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Ghost Stories & Adventure | The Sketchbook Of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent (Washington Irving) BOOK REVIEW 20:38

3M ago20:38

20:38

Do your prefer old Dutch horror stories or refined English gentry? 'The Sketchbook Of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent' by Washington Irving is a mix of short stories (mostly about English observations from an American). It alternates between nonfiction & fiction, mostly told from the POV of the author. It's most famous for the two Dutch inspired stories of R…

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Making Tech Mainstream | Crossing The Chasm (Geoffrey A. Moore) BOOK REVIEW 22:43

3M ago22:43

22:43

What does it take to market & sell new technology? 'Crossing The Chasm' by Geoffrey A. Moore is a how-to book for entrepreneurs & small businesses to get their product to a larger market. He defines & addresses this problem of the chasm and his suggestions for solving it. Inside you'll find lots of jargon, tech speak and industry specific framing s…

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Dreamlike Childhoods Must Come To An End | Capitães Da Areia (Jorge Amado) BOOK REVIEW 26:43

4M ago26:43

26:43

A Bahian trance reflecting the best & worse of Brazilian childhood. 'Capitães Da Areia' by Jorge Amado ('Captains Of The Sands' in English) is a coming of age story set in a 1930's Brazilian beach town. We follow a group orphaned adolescents who live without care under a pier. They know the streets better than anyone and are a menace to the city au…

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Tragedy Without Consequences | Mao's Great Famine (Frank Dikötter) BOOK REVIEW 39:39

4M ago39:39

39:39

Who is to blame if the leader can never be wrong? 'Tragedy Without Consequences' by Frank Dikötter is a historical book looking at the famine that was caused during China's 'Great Leap Forward'. It showcases the period from 1958-62 and why a series of decisions stemming from Chairman Mao resulted in the death of 30-45 million people. A reoccurring …

1
Is It Helpful To Question Everything? | The Problems Of Philosophy (Bertrand Russell) BOOK REVIEW 25:12

5M ago25:12

25:12

Praise be to the philosophers for the hard sciences! 'The Problems Of Philosophy' by Bertrand Russell is his attempt at explaining basic philosophy as well as giving a brief history of philosophical thought. He starts with questions about reality before expanding out with more and more questions. He covers the writings of some famous philosophers (…

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A Weird & Sexy Kidnapping | The Woman In The Dunes (Kobo Abe) BOOK REVIEW 23:04

5M ago23:04

23:04

Mr. Sandman, bring me some freedom. 'The Woman In The Dunes' by Kobo Abe is a rather simple story of a Japanese man who becomes trapped in the sand dunes. He is led into a large hole where a woman lives and is forced to help her keep sand from encroaching onto the nearby village. We witness his escape attempts and gradual process of getting accusto…

1
Learnings from the Stoic King | Meditations (Marcus Aurelius) BOOK REVIEW 9:42

5M ago9:42

9:42

Welcome back to Mere Mortals book reviews! Today, we dive into the timeless wisdom of Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations." I'll share key learnings from the Penguin Classics edition. Join me as we explore profound Stoic insights that are just as relevant today as they were in ancient Rome. Don't miss out on these gems! (00:00) - Introduction and Overvie…

1
Stoicism from the Top | Meditations (Marcus Aurelius) BOOK REVIEW 13:56

6M ago13:56

13:56

Welcome back to Mere Mortals book reviews! Today, we're diving into Stoicism from the top with Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations." I'll share my thoughts and some interesting insights from the Penguin Classics edition. If you're new to Stoicism or curious about the Roman Emperor's personal reflections, this one's for you! (00:00) - Introduction and Ove…

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What can we learn from a kids book? | The Little Prince (Anotine de Saint-Exupery) BOOK LEARNINGS 13:50

6M ago13:50

13:50

In this learnings episode, I delve deeper into the lessons and philosophical insights from 'The Little Prince,' sharing my experience of reading it in French. Join me for a thoughtful exploration of this timeless classic. Timeline: 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Reading Experience 02:00 - Key Learnings 03:00 - Reflections and Advice Value 4 Value Sup…

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Whimsical Wisdom | The Little Prince (Anotine de Saint-Exupery) BOOK REVIEW 7:14

6M ago7:14

7:14

In this review, I delve into the enchanting world of 'The Little Prince,' uncovering its profound lessons wrapped in a whimsical, childlike narrative. Join me as I explore its timeless themes and delightful illustrations. Timeline: 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Plot Summary 02:00 - Themes and Insights 03:00 - Personal Reflections Value 4 Value Suppo…

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Metaphysics On A Boat | Lila: An Inquiry Into Morals (Robert M. Pirsig) BOOK REVIEW 30:02

6M ago30:02

30:02

Philosophy that is actually fun to read & contemplate! 'Lila: An Inquiry Into Morals' by Robert M. Pirsig is a sequel to his very popular 'Zen & The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance'. We follow Phaedrus this time sailing to New York and Florida. He meets an interesting lady called Lila who joins him on his adventure but causes him trouble. He's an int…

1
A Violent Socialist Dystopia | The Iron Heel (Jack London) BOOK REVIEW 23:57

6M ago23:57

23:57

Future predictions that have NOT come true ..... kind of. 'The Iron Heel' by Jack London is a dystopian novel with a heavy political undertone (maybe even overtone) that wrongly might be called science fiction. Starts in 1900 America and told from the point of view of Avis who is seduced from her privileged upper class world by Ernest Everhard and …

1
The Network Is Supreme | New Rules For The New Economy (Kevin Kelly) BOOK REVIEW 16:23

7M ago16:23

16:23

Future predictions that have come true ..... kind of. 'New Rules For The New Economy' by Kevin Kelly are 10 rules that he predicted would change the world just as the internet was coming of age. Most of these are related to networks, increasing adoption of technology and the ability for information to spread cheaply. He makes a lot of generalities …

1
Let Software Run Free | The Cathedral & The Bazaar (Eric S. Raymond) BOOK REVIEW 27:56

7M ago27:56

27:56

What is Open Source and why is it changing the world? 'The Cathedral & The Bazaar' by Eric S. Raymond is a collection of essays describing the ethics, philosophy, history and implementation of the Open Source movement. As computer hardware became available to larger groups many wanted to play & tinker with their devices. Closed Source software (own…

1
Uncovering Stoic Learnigs | Lives of the stoics (Ryan Holiday) BOOK REVIEW 9:42

7M ago9:42

9:42

As I revisited "Lives of the Stoics" by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman, I discovered a wealth of insights and practical philosophies that deeply resonated with me. From understanding the importance of being a willing participant in life to the power of endurance and self-restraint, the book offers timeless wisdom for personal growth. Each philo…

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Uncovering Stoic Wisdom: Zeno to Marcus Aurelius | Lives of the stoics (Ryan Holiday) BOOK REVIEW 13:50

7M ago13:50

13:50

As I delved into "Lives of the Stoics" by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman, I was taken on a journey through the lives of Stoicism's greatest philosophers. From the foundational teachings of Zeno to the meditations of Marcus Aurelius, this book offers a practical guide to applying Stoic philosophy in everyday life. The chronological structure, de…

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A Study In Semantics | The Tyranny Of Words (Stuart Chase) BOOK REVIEW 24:05

8M ago24:05

24:05

We must blah blah the blah in order to blah the blah from blah. 'The Tyranny Of Words' by Stuart Chase is his attempt at furthering the field of semantics to the general public. He takes us through the general theory, how language is used compared to cats or primitive people, areas of human conversation that contain more precise meaning and plenty …

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Life, Liberty & Property | The Law (Frédéric Bastiat) BOOK REVIEW 25:47

8M ago25:47

25:47

To quote the great philosopher Judge Dredd .... "I am the law". 'The Law' by Frédéric Bastiat is a philosophical treatise that might get confused as political writing due to the subtitle. Bastiat argues that the law should be limited to a narrow subset of protection of natural rights, not to be philanthropic & interfere in people's lives. Mini sect…

1
Let's Break The Bank | More Money Than God (Sebastian Mallaby) BOOK REVIEW 20:06

8M ago20:06

20:06

Who is to blame for all the financial turmoil? 'More Money Than God' by Sebastian Mallaby is a history of US hedge funds. It details how they were created, notable people who worked in them and some of the legendary trades that occurred. It also goes over some of the larger financial bubbles (and subsequent crashes) that happened and contributions …

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Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger | Mere Mortals Learnings 9:42

9M ago9:42

9:42

Be Useful extends beyond mere autobiography to offer a blueprint for practical action and personal success. "Be Useful" is structured around pivotal themes like having a clear vision, the power of persistence, and the importance of community and support networks. Join us as we take a look at the memorable, key takeaways from the book tody! Timeline…

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Be Useful, Goddammit | Be Useful (Arnold Schwarzenegger) BOOK REVIEW 13:56

9M ago13:56

13:56

Be Useful extends beyond mere autobiography to offer a blueprint for practical action and personal success. "Be Useful" is structured around pivotal themes like having a clear vision, the power of persistence, and the importance of community and support networks. At 260 pages, the book is an engaging read filled with actionable advice, personal ane…

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Unlocking Life's Lessons from 'Endure' by Cameron Hanes | Mere Mortals Key Takeaways 9:42

9M ago9:42

9:42

Dive into the core lessons extracted from Cameron Hanes's "Endure" in this special edition of Mere Mortals. From embracing the grind to finding strength in suffering, we explore six pivotal takeaways that resonate beyond the realms of ultra-running and bow hunting. Whether it's the power of action over words, the unforeseen teachings of life's dark…

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Beyond Bow Hunting and Ultra-Running | Endure (Cameron Hanes) BOOK REVIEW 13:56

9M ago13:56

13:56

Join us in this episode of Mere Mortals Book Reviews as we dive into "Endure" by Cameron Haines, with a foreword by Joe Rogan. Discover the unique blend of memoir, motivational manifesto, and a deep dive into the world of bow hunting and ultra-running. Despite its motivational peaks and intriguing insights into Cameron Hanes's life, the book's stru…

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The Spirit Of The Japanese Poem | Japanese Death Poems (Yoel Hoffmann) LEARNINGS 13:12

9M ago13:12

13:12

I explore the themes and insights from the book 'Japanese Death Poems' by Yoel Hoffman. I discussed the spirit of the Japanese people, their ability to embrace opposing ideas, and the complexity and simplicity of reality. I share selected death poems and provides analysis on their meaning. Reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and the importanc…

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Unravel The Soul's Final Whisper | Japanese Death Poems (Yoel Hoffmann) BOOK REVIEW 8:54

10M ago8:54

8:54

Japanese Death Poems by Yoel Hoffmann is a compelling anthology that explores the Japanese tradition of Jisei, or death poems. The book provides a deep dive into the cultural and historical significance of these poems, reflecting on the life, death, and impermanence of existence through the lens of Zen Buddhism. It is divided into three main sectio…

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Chivalry At It's Finest | Sir Gawain And The Green Knight (Unknown Poet) BOOK REVIEW 29:47

10M ago29:47

29:47

Would you have the fortitude to stick to your principles, even in the face of certain death? 'Sir Gawain And The Green Knight' by an unknown poet is a story from a 14th/15th century manuscript. It tells of Sir Gawain, a knight at Arthur's round table who accepts a challenge from a mysterious & magical being. This requires him to willingly offer up …

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A Different Type Of Travel | The Innocents Abroad (Mark Twain) BOOK REVIEW 26:54

10M ago26:54

26:54

Let's travel back to the days when people didn't take offense so easily ...... or did they? 'The Innocents Abroad' by Mark Twain is a compendium of his adventures whilst travelling for 5 months across Europe & The Middle East. It is told in his usual humorous style of witty anecdotes and droll sarcastic one-liners. The bulk of it relates to visitin…

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Classic Feminist Literature | A Room Of One's Own (Virginia Woolf) BOOK REVIEW 27:03

10M ago27:03

27:03

Righteous anger can be useful .... if applied to the right people. 'A Room Of One's Own' by Virginia Woolf is an essay critiquing woman's literature and female authors. Her core argument is that the lack of financial means, privacy and strict social norms has resulted in the inability for females to write great books. And that it is not due inheren…

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Overthinking Love, Death & Sex | Confessions Of A Mask (Yukio Mishima) BOOK REVIEW 18:39

11M ago18:39

18:39

Can you think yourself to death? 'Confessions Of A Mask' by Yukio Mishima follows a young rather frail boy called Kochan in the 1920-40's period in Tokyo set against the backdrop of WW2. We see his homosexual desires for another boy Omi emerge as well as a morbid fascination with blood, death and love. He tries to force himself to fall in love with…

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Tiresome Edwardian Etiquette | A Room With A View (E. M. Forster) BOOK REVIEW 28:46

11M ago28:46

28:46

Manners, decorum, morals, tact, niceties, propriety. Doesn't this all sound fun! 'A Room With A View' by E. M. Forster is the tale of a young woman who is constrained by the conventions of her time. Lucy Honeychurch lives in 1900's England and meets the strange George Emerson whilst travelling to Italy. After a brief but intense contact she returns…

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Juan Machado Podcasts

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