Best Strange And Beautiful Book Club Podcasts (2024)

1
"The Quantum Thief" by Hannu Rajaniemi 1:39:17

9h ago1:39:17

1:39:17

Our delayed monthly book club episode where we discuss "The Quantum Thief" by Hannu Rajaniemi. Did we both love it? Is there a percentage of made up words that Rachel simply cannot tolerate? How many books did Rachel read while actively delaying reading this one? What is life anyways? Listen and find out? (Maybe not the life one) Riverside.fm is a …

1
We're having a Whale of a Time with Daniel Kraus (and Mary Roach) and Whalefall 1:03:05

4h ago1:03:05

1:03:05

Just imagine for a moment—you are swimming in the cold dark of the Pacific Ocean, trying to find the lost remains of your father. But you aren’t alone. There are shapes moving in the gloom, great, dark shapes. Shapes with mouths. That’s what happens to Jay Gardiner in the latest novel by award winning author (and collaborator with Guillermo del Tor…

1
Vacation Announcement - July 2024 - Please Listen! 1:01

4h ago1:01

1:01

Matt and Rachel are headed out on the road! Please listen for information on which shows will be on break until October! Strange and Beautiful Book Club - On break until October 2024 Feast, Sheath, and Shatter: A Book Chat Podcast - On break until October 2024 Ger Can Get It - Regular Episodes The Dead Do Not Podcast: A Lexx Rewatch - Regular Episo…

1
This episode will be a real Beauty with Zara Stone and Killer Looks 59:37

10h ago59:37

59:37

How much do looks really matter? In society, whether we like it or not, how we look affects how we are treated—and even what opportunities we might have in life. A one-time New York prison commissioner, Henry Solomon, once stated that “physical defects…might conduce to crime” because a man with a poor physical appearance would have an easier time s…

1
Come in 81 Kilo BONUS - Interview with John Kapelos - "Schanke" 55:53

21d ago55:53

55:53

Check out this Come in 81 Kilo bonus episode where we chat with John Kapelos who played Schanke on Forever Knight, Carl in the Breakfast Club and SO MUCH MORE. Riverside.fm is a video/audio recording platform built for podcasters. Check them out today for uncompressed audio and video recording, unlimited transcription services, AI Social Media clip…

1
Make sure to Scrub In for Anthony Chin-Quee and I Can't Save You 1:04:49

18d ago1:04:49

1:04:49

What happens when racism is not a bug in the system—but in fact IS the system? And the Health System, at that. Imagine being a high-achieving person of color, courted by prestigious medical institutions, but then denied the support you needed when you got there? Fighting through burnout and the grueling pace of residency, only to wind up a cog in a…

1
We are traveling the stars with 2001: A Space Odyssey (Peculiar Movie Club) 1:05:41

17d ago1:05:41

1:05:41

Welcome to the Peculiar Movie Club, a bonus podcast linked to our main show the Peculiar Book Club through common themes in media. This week, in honor of the book The Computer's Voice, we are discussing maybe the most iconic computer voice in cinema history with Hal 9000 and 2001: A Space Odyssey. Join Davey Berris and Darren Cross as we take a dee…

1
Come in 81 Kilo BONUS - Interview with Fred Mollin 48:04

23d ago48:04

48:04

The Podcast I reference at the end is Monsters, Madness, and Magic! Find them here: https://www.monstersmadnessandmagic.com/ According to Fred Mollin's Wikipedia article: Fred Mollin is an American and Canadian record producer, musician, film and TV composer, music director, music supervisor, and songwriter.[2] He has produced records for Jimmy Web…

1
Hey Siri, put on the Peculiar Book Club with Liz Faber (and Rebecca Gibson) and The Computer Voice 1:02:09

1M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

“Siri, what does it mean to have gender?” We have become very used to the dis-embodied voices that surround us, from the voice answering to ‘Siri’ to the one giving us directions on our GPS apps. But have you ever stopped to wonder why some of these voices are coded “male” and others “female?” The tech isn’t gendered, but the voices are—and it’s tr…

1
"Creatures of Light and Darkness" by Roger Zelazny 56:40

30d ago56:40

56:40

Our late book club episode for May about "Creatures of Light and Darkness" by Roger Zelazny. "Creatures of Light and Darkness" by Roger Zelazny is a science fiction/fantasy novel that blends elements of Egyptian mythology with a futuristic setting. AKA the origin of the sentiment that too many dicks spoil the soup. Did we love it? Was it readable? …

1
Sneak Peek - "The Dead Do Not Podcast" - Lexx (Season 1 Ep 1) "I Worship His Shadow" 1:42:30

2M ago1:42:30

1:42:30

Special Sneak Peek of our newest series! - The Dead Do Not Podcast: A Lexx Rewatch! - Coming in June! We tackle the pilot episode of Lexx! We've got an eclectic cast of characters to assemble and Lexx wastes no time in throwing the audience in just what kind of body horror hi-jinx in space we can expect from the show! If you loved our Come in 81 Ki…

1
We are making contact with Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Peculiar Movie Club) 1:00:53

2M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

Welcome to the Peculiar Movie Club, a bonus podcast linked to our main show the Peculiar Book Club through common themes in media. This week, in honor of the book We Are Not Alone, we are discussing the legendary alien encounter movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind Join Davey Berris and Darren Cross as we take a deep dive into this classic Spie…

1
Spoiler Free Review and Interview! - "Curse of King Midas" by Colleen M. Story 38:38

2M ago38:38

38:38

Preorder the book here (Amazon Link, no we aren't affiliates we just liked the book) Preorder the ebook here (Non-Amazon Link) A quick spoiler free review of "The Curse of King Midas" and then our chat with Colleen HERSELF about this book and a little bit about writing and writing advice in general. From Colleen's website: THE CURSE OF KING MIDAS I…

1
We're following the Law with AJ Jacobs and The Year of Living Constitutionally 32:27

2M ago32:27

32:27

A.J. Jacobs learned the hard way that donning a tricorne hat and marching around Manhattan with a 1700s musket will earn you a lot of strange looks. In the wake of several controversial rulings by the Supreme Court and the on-going debate about how the Constitution should be interpreted, Jacobs set out to understand what it means to live by the Con…

1
Movie - "Planet of the Apes (1968)" 44:47

2M ago44:47

44:47

Matt and Rachel discuss the movie adaptation of Pierre Boulle's classic novel. What did they get right? What didn't they? Do we think this is a rare case of the movie being better than the book? Listen and find out! Riverside.fm is a video/audio recording platform built for podcasters. Check them out today for uncompressed audio and video recording…

1
We're Invading your Minds with Marc Hartzman and We Are Not Alone 1:05:32

2M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

Ever look up at the night sky and wonder what else is really out there? Or, like me, do you watch shows like Resident Alien with Alan Tudyk and realize you might actually be the extra-terrestrial (I mean, it would SO much sense). Seriously, though, do we just laugh off the X-files and move on? Note: we did have X-files producer Frank Spotnitz on ou…

1
Book - "Planet of the Apes" by Pierre Boulle 1:11:16

3M ago1:11:16

1:11:16

On this month's Book episode: "Planet of the Apes" by Pierre Boulle is a science fiction novel that tells the story of a group of astronauts who land on a distant planet where intelligent apes are the dominant species and humans are primitive and mute. The protagonist, Ulysse Mérou, along with two other astronauts, find themselves captured by the a…

1
You'll really Dig our conversation with Greg Melville and Over My Dead Body 1:04:04

3M ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Grave yard. Cemetery. These are some of my favorite things! But walking through graveyards isn’t just about getting your goth on. Cemeteries tell our human history—and they tell national history, too. Take central park for instance. In 1857, it was Seneca Village, a “rare haven of Black ownership” stretching from West 82nd to 89th Streets. NY took …

1
We are getting Microscopic with Innerspace (Peculiar Movie Club) 55:01

3M ago55:01

55:01

Welcome to the Peculiar Movie Club, a bonus podcast linked to our main show the Peculiar Book Club through common themes in media. This week, in honor of the book What's Gotten Into You, we are discussing the 80's science fiction comedy Innerspace. Join Davey Berris and Darren Cross as we take a deep dive into this silly yet action packed movie as …

1
You'll fall in love with Wendy Moore and Jack and Eve 27:06

3M ago27:06

27:06

In this bonus episode of the Peculiar Book Club we got a chance to sit down with author Wendy Moore for a preview conversation of her new book Jack and Eve. Jack and Eve: Two Women in Love and at War, is published by Atlantic Books in the UK. It tells thestory of Vera 'Jack' Holme and Evelina Haverfield, pioneering suffragettes who became lovers. J…

1
We are Positively Charged to talk with Dan Levitt and What's Gotten Into You 1:05:25

3M ago1:05:25

1:05:25

You know those amazing science document-aries you love so much? National Geo-graphic, Discover, Science, and History Channels? Yeah, you need to thank Dan Levitt—responsible for producing such shows as Unsolved History (2002), Great Transitions: The Origin of Birds (2015) and Naked Science (2004). That one sounds right up our street. Well, now Dan …

1
Monthly Book Club - "Godkiller" by Hanah Kaner 1:15:31

4M ago1:15:31

1:15:31

Matt and Rachel discuss the short(ish) but awesome fantasy epic, "Godkiller" by Hanah Kaner. Refreshing change from 900 page mega-epics that are half filler with a novel that packs 900 pages of story into a third the size. With ten times as much representation as any other book we've read. Get it, read it. You'll love it. Riverside.fm is a video/au…

1
"Anguish (1987)" - There's mommy issues and then there's MOMMY ISSUES 48:06

4M ago48:06

48:06

"Anguish" is a 1987 horror film directed by Bigas Luna. The movie revolves around a mentally unstable mother, who hypnotizes her son John to commit murder and harvest eyes for her collection. The mother is portrayed as a controlling and manipulative figure, and John becomes increasingly disturbed as he struggles with his mother's influence. The fil…

1
We're on a Collision Course with Don't Look Up (Peculiar Movie Club) 1:07:03

4M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

Welcome to the Peculiar Movie Club, a bonus podcast linked to our main show the Peculiar Book Club through common themes in media. This week, in honor of the book Unscientific America, we are discussing the recent dark comedy Don't Look Up. Join Davey Berris and Darren Cross as we take a deep dive into this funny yet terrifying look at a possible n…

1
You won't be able to Deny what you learn from Sheril Kirshenbaum and Unscientific America 1:00:20

4M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

The earth is not flat. Vaccines work and they don’t make you magnetic. Global warming is real. Covid is airborne. But you will hear a great deal to the contrary, too, from vaccine and climate deniers, flat-earthers, and plenty of conspiracy theorists willing to die on the hill of their chosen belief. Why? What happened? I thought it might be intere…

1
Spoiler Free Book Review - "The Day Tripper (2024)" - Character growth done to perfection 39:24

5M ago39:24

39:24

I absolutely adored this book. I thought the concept was interesting, the execution was flawless, and the journey that Alex goes on was heart-breaking, inspiring, and believable. The conceit of time-travel is not new but the way that James Goodhand shapes it in this novel made it feel seamlessly fresh and integral to the story rather than a plot de…

1
"Solaris (2002)" - George Clooney shows off his acting and his ass-ets 1:15:11

5M ago1:15:11

1:15:11

The 2002 film "Solaris" is a psychological science fiction drama directed by Steven Soderbergh, based on the novel of the same name by Stanisław Lem. The movie stars George Clooney as Dr. Chris Kelvin, a psychologist sent to a space station orbiting the mysterious planet Solaris. Upon arrival, Kelvin encounters strange phenomena, including the appe…

1
"Dune: Part 2 (2024)" - Out of the theater reaction. 43:32

5M ago43:32

43:32

*Contains Spoilers for the content discussed and the wider Dune Universe* We finally did it. After over a dozen episodes of Dune content, we made it to the epic release of Denis's Dune: Part 2! What did we think? Did we like it? Was it worth all the time and hype? Is one of Tim's legs shorter than the other? Trust Strange and Beautiful to ask the t…

1
Dune DEEP CUT - "Dune: Part 2 (2024)" - Out of the theater reaction 43:32

5M ago43:32

43:32

We finally did it. After over a dozen episodes of Dune content, we made it to the epic release of Denis's Dune: Part 2! What did we think? Did we like it? Was it worth all the time and hype? Is one of Tim's legs shorter than the other? Trust Strange and Beautiful to ask the truly important questions around here. Riverside.fm is a video/audio record…

1
"Solaris (1972)" - Less about the planet, more about the hot wife. 1:05:47

5M ago1:05:47

1:05:47

"Solaris" is a 1972 Soviet science fiction film directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, based on the novel of the same name by Stanisław Lem. The film follows psychologist Kris Kelvin, played by Donatas Banionis, who travels to a space station orbiting the mysterious planet Solaris. There, he encounters strange phenomena that seem to be manifestations of his…

1
Bonus - "The Unknown Best: Book 1" by Matt Wilkening 25:04

5M ago25:04

25:04

A book recommendation from Rachel and Matt! The Unknown Best: Book 1 by Matt Wilkening! Get it here! Do you have problems? Good. Michael Malbon doesn’t, and he hates it. His supernatural synesthesia confuses smell with normative information, so Mike always knows what to do to produce the best outcome despite not even knowing what the best outcome i…

1
Monthly Book Club: "Solaris" by Stanisław Lem 1:13:32

5M ago1:13:32

1:13:32

Rachel and Matt discuss the novel "Solaris" by Stanislaw Lem which has been adapted into film twice (episodes incoming!) was it an easier read than Star Maker? Did we think this author was also on some really good hallucinogens? You'll find out! Riverside.fm is a video/audio recording platform built for podcasters. Check them out today for uncompre…

1
ASK US ANYTHING! Our first open show! 1:06:47

5M ago1:06:47

1:06:47

Surely you have questions… Weird, pressing questions. Tonight, we host our first ever AMA! You can try to stump Davey! You can inquire about my weirder exploits… we can talk movies and books and cocktails! We can talk about who we might want to join us in future! Free to all!

1
"Radius (2017)" - Neat Sweet Indie Suspense Thriller 1:02:39

5M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

Rachel and Matt mostly talk about "Radius" from 2017 but also sort of talk about a lot of unrelated stuff too. From Wikipedia: Radius is a 2017 Canadian science fiction thriller film directed and written by Caroline Labrèche and Steeve Léonard. It stars Diego Klattenhoff, Charlotte Sullivan, and Brett Donahue. Klattenhoff and Sullivan play two surv…

1
We're showing off our flair bartending with Cocktail (Peculiar Movie Club) 1:02:20

5M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

Welcome to the Peculiar Movie Club, a bonus podcast linked to our main show the Peculiar Book Club through common themes in media. This week, in honor of the book Doctors and Distillers, we are discussing the 80's Tom Cruise "classic" Cocktail. Join Davey Berris and Darren Cross as we take a deep dive into this fun movie as we discuss the mindset o…

1
Dune DEEP CUT - "Denis Villeneuve's Dune - Part 1 (2021)" - When you finally have money! 1:31:45

5M ago1:31:45

1:31:45

"Dune - Part 1" directed by Denis Villeneuve is an epic science fiction film based on the novel of the same name by Frank Herbert. Set in a distant future where noble houses control planets and a valuable resource called "spice" is mined on the desert planet Arrakis, the story follows Paul Atreides, the young heir of House Atreides, as his family a…

1
"Denis Villeneuve's Dune - Part 1 (2021)" - When you finally have money! 1:30:35

5M ago1:30:35

1:30:35

*Contains Spoilers for the content discussed and the wider Dune Universe* "Dune - Part 1" directed by Denis Villeneuve is an epic science fiction film based on the novel of the same name by Frank Herbert. Set in a distant future where noble houses control planets and a valuable resource called "spice" is mined on the desert planet Arrakis, the stor…

1
Glam up for revolution with GLITTER AND CONCRETE - A Cultural History of Drag in New York by Elyssa Max Goodman. 38:15

6M ago38:15

38:15

From journalist and drag historian Elyssa Maxx Goodman, an intimate, evocative history of drag in New York City exploring its dynamic role, from the Jazz Age to Drag Race, in queer liberation and urban life. Follow us on Twitter (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@peculiarBC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠), Facebook (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/peculiarbooksclub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

1
You're Guaranteed to get Tipsy with Camper English and Doctors and Distillers 1:00:12

6M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Ever read The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart? I have. Several times, actually. Well, guess what book SHE is reading? “At last,” she writes, “a definitive guide to the medicinal origins of every bottle behind the bar! This is the cocktail book of the year, if not the decade.” What hallowed tome is she referring to? Folks, it’s a book so perfect for…

1
"Warm Bodies (2013)" - Unabashedly Romantic Zombies 1:00:27

6M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

The first in our informally themed February episodes where we talk about love and monsters and how sometimes, enjoying a movie that isn't afraid to be wholly romantic (even with the zombies) is exactly what you need. We watched and loved this Zombie movie with heart, Warm Bodies, which was originally released in 2013 and stares Nicholas Hoult and T…

1
Dune DEEP CUT - "Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (2003) - Part 3 of 3" - Syfy Miniseries 1:31:43

6M ago1:31:43

1:31:43

Another installment in our Dune Deep Dive series. We chat about the third episode of the 2003 Children of Dune miniseries which covers the events of Dune Messiah and Children of Dune. Fanning out about Alec Newman (Truly the superior Paul Atreides from all the adaptations) and the music which is basically the soundtrack of my high school years. Fin…

1
Monthly Book Club: "Star Maker" by Olaf Stapledon 1:30:35

6M ago1:30:35

1:30:35

May we all one day experience whatever chemically induced metaphysical journey Olaf went on in preparation for writing this book. Possibly while writing this book (as we surmise in the episode). Truly a unique, completely wild work of scientific speculation that must have been an absolute revolution in it's day. This is no pulp "Damsel in Space" dr…

1
"Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (2003)" - Part 3 of 3 - Syfy Miniseries 1:31:43

6M ago1:31:43

1:31:43

*Contains Spoilers for the content discussed and the wider Dune Universe* The "Children of Dune" miniseries, released in 2003, is a television adaptation of the second and third novels in Frank Herbert's "Dune" series: "Dune Messiah" and "Children of Dune." Directed by Greg Yaitanes, and written by John Harrison (who directed the 2000 miniseries). …

1
"Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (2003)" - Part 2 of 3 - Syfy Miniseries 1:14:28

6M ago1:14:28

1:14:28

*Contains Spoilers for the content discussed and the wider Dune Universe* The "Children of Dune" miniseries, released in 2003, is a television adaptation of the second and third novels in Frank Herbert's "Dune" series: "Dune Messiah" and "Children of Dune." Directed by Greg Yaitanes, and written by John Harrison (who directed the 2000 miniseries). …

1
"Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (2003)" - Part 1 of 3 - Syfy Miniseries 1:30:20

6M ago1:30:20

1:30:20

*Contains Spoilers for the content discussed and the wider Dune Universe* The "Children of Dune" miniseries, released in 2003, is a television adaptation of the second and third novels in Frank Herbert's "Dune" series: "Dune Messiah" and "Children of Dune." Directed by Greg Yaitanes, and written by John Harrison (who directed the 2000 miniseries). …

1
"Dune: Children of Dune (1976)" by Frank Herbert 1:40:05

6M ago1:40:05

1:40:05

*Contains Spoilers for the content discussed and the wider Dune Universe* "Children of Dune" is known for its philosophical depth, intricate political intrigue, and the exploration of ecological and environmental themes. The novel weaves a complex narrative that combines political maneuvering, familial drama, and the mystical elements that define t…

1
"Dune: Messiah (1969)" by Frank Herbert 1:57:15

6M ago1:57:15

1:57:15

*Contains Spoilers for the content discussed and the wider Dune Universe* *Contains spoilers for Dune universe* Originally published in serial format - Dune: Messiah is the second novel in Frank Herbert's "Dune" series, and it continues the complex narrative set in the expansive and intricate universe of Arrakis. The story unfolds several years aft…

1
"Frank Herbert's Dune (2000)" - Part 3 of 3 - Syfy Miniseries 1:11:08

6M ago1:11:08

1:11:08

*Contains Spoilers for the content discussed and the wider Dune Universe* *Contains spoilers for the Dune universe* The "Dune" miniseries, released in 2000, is a 3 part television adaptation of Frank Herbert's iconic science fiction novel. Directed by John Harrison, the miniseries presents our FAVORITE adaptation of the novel both in scope and shee…

1
"Frank Herbert's Dune (2000)" - Part 2 of 3 - Syfy Miniseries 1:27:54

6M ago1:27:54

1:27:54

*Contains Spoilers for the content discussed and the wider Dune Universe* *Contains spoilers for the Dune universe* The "Dune" miniseries, released in 2000, is a 3 part television adaptation of Frank Herbert's iconic science fiction novel. Directed by John Harrison, the miniseries presents our FAVORITE adaptation of the novel both in scope and shee…

1
"Frank Herbert's Dune (2000)" - Part 1 of 3 - Syfy Miniseries 1:00:49

6M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

*Contains Spoilers for the content discussed and the wider Dune Universe* *Contains spoilers for the Dune universe* The "Dune" miniseries, released in 2000, is a 3 part television adaptation of Frank Herbert's iconic science fiction novel. Directed by John Harrison, the miniseries presents our FAVORITE adaptation of the novel both in scope and shee…

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