Best Required Reading Dr Nic Hoffmann Michael Carroll And Mike Burns Podcasts (2024)

1
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain 54:18

5d ago54:18

54:18

This week we dive into the Culinary Underbelly with Anthony Bourdain as we talk about his masterpiece Kitchen Confidential. Host: Dr. Nic Hoffmann Co-host: Mike Burns and Mike Carroll From the Ecco back cover: "An updated and revised edition of Anthony Bourdain's mega-bestselling Kitchen Confidential, with new material from the original edition Alm…

1
A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean 55:23

2M ago55:23

55:23

This week on Required Reading, we all called our brothers and fathers. We read A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean, one of the greatest American parables ever written. Make your brothers, fathers, husbands, etc read it, also while you are at it, whoever you are, READ IT. Host: Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Mike Burns, and Mike Carroll. Book summary from …

1
Redwall by Brian Jacques 1:02:49

3M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

This week, Mike Carroll raps poetic about the role a mouse book played in his literary life. We talked about Redwall by Brian Jacques, volume 1 of 22; them mice sure get up to mischief! How does Redwall by Brian Jacques hold up? Co-hosted: Nic Hoffmann and Mike Carroll "One of TIME Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time The book that inspire…

1
Tintin and the Blue Lotus by Hergé 50:37

3M ago50:37

50:37

We are back, baby! Sorry about the delay, life got in the way, but we are back with a graphic novel, this time the Franco-Belgian super star Tintin with Tintin and the Blue Lotus by Hergé. The world's most famous boy(?) detective helps predict World War II and is highly critical of the Europeans in Asia. Also, comedy! Join us next episode for Redwa…

1
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien. 1:05:37

6M ago1:05:37

1:05:37

This week we complete the saga and talk The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien. Since the first season, we have had a guest episode with the great Robert von Hagen, but now, in season four we have completed the Tolkien series. "What about the Silmarillion?" You may asked. "WE HAVE COMPLETED THE SERIES." I reply. Enjoy thi…

1
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck 1:11:56

6M ago1:11:56

1:11:56

This week on Required Reading, we talk race, mental illness, and the Incredible Hulk. We read Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, but just want to talk about the rabbits. Host: Dr. Nic Hoffmann Co-hosts: Mike Burns and Mike Carroll From the Penguin Classics back cover: "They are an unlikely pair: George is "small and quick and dark of face"; Lennie,…

1
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams 52:51

7M ago52:51

52:51

This week we return to the universe of the Hitchhiker’s Guide as we discuss the sequel The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams. Host: Dr. Nic Hoffmann Panel: Mike Burns and Mike Carroll "Now celebrating the 42nd anniversary of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy," “Douglas Adams is a terrific satirist.”—The Washington Post Book …

1
Just Kids by Patti Smith 49:30

8M ago49:30

49:30

This week, for our 50th episode, we talk memoirs, the art scene of the 1970s, the late Robert Mapplethorpe, and the incomparable Patti Smith. We talked Just Kids by Patti Smith. "WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD “Reading rocker Smith’s account of her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, it’s hard not to believe in fate. How else to …

1
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel 59:26

9M ago59:26

59:26

This week we deal with an airborne plague that kills everyone to get our mind off of current events. We read Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Back of the book from Vintage: "NATIONAL BESTSELLER • NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST • A PEN/FAULKNER AWARD FINALIST • Set in the eerie days of civilization’s collapse—the spellbinding story of a Hollyw…

1
World War Z by Max Brooks 1:06:56

10M ago1:06:56

1:06:56

This week we get alllll spooky and cinematic! We talk Zombie apocalypse with World War Z by Max Brooks (also, this one has an incredible audiobook)! Thanks for reading along with us! Our next book will be Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, because we just can't get optimistic. Host: Nic Co-host: Mike Burns and Mike Carroll "We survived the zo…

1
The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum 54:54

10M ago54:54

54:54

We start this season in earnest with a classic Cold War espionage thriller, but I can't remember which one. We read The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum. From the Bantam summary: "His memory is a blank. His bullet-ridden body was fished from the Mediterranean Sea. His face has been altered by plastic surgery. A frame of microfilm has been surgicall…

1
A Wrong Cruelly Done by Michael Carroll 32:00

11M ago32:00

32:00

Hey readers! This summer has been a mess and I promise we will soon return with a regular episode. In the meantime, here is a short story, soon to be published, by panelist Mike Carroll. A Wrong Cruelly Done. Enjoy, NicBy Required Reading, Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Mike Burns, and Mike Carroll

1
Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk 1:12:46

1y ago1:12:46

1:12:46

This month in Required Reading we talk about Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. The book that coined the term 'snowflake,' gave us the rules, and made you question fancy soap. From a philosophical work that came out before 9/11, clearly, join us as we meet Tyler Durden. Host: Dr. Nic Hoffmann Co-Hosted: Mike Burns and Mike Carroll From the W. W. Norton…

1
The Plague by Albert Camus 55:00

1y ago55:00

55:00

This week we revisit 2020, I mean the Vichy/Nazi occupation of the south of France. We were infected with The Plague, Camus' longer, somehow, more depressing work. Host: Dr. Nic Hoffmann Panel: Mike Burns and Mike Carroll "The townspeople of Oran are in the grip of a deadly plague, which condemns its victims to a swift and horrifying death. Fear, i…

1
Billy Budd by Herman Melville 48:44

1y ago48:44

48:44

This month we start with Mike Burns' choice for the high school book he hated, the not subtly homoerotic Billy Budd by Herman Melville. "Billy Budd, Sailor has been called the best short novel ever written. In his brilliantly condensed prose, Herman Melville fashions a legal parable in which reason and intellect prove incapable of preserving innoce…

1
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte 1:05:50

1y ago1:05:50

1:05:50

This week we revisit the Gothic Horror, Bildungsroman, potential black comedy, Victorian Middle Class novel that is Jane Eyre. This was Nic's selection for the book he read in high school and hated, but will a reread make it better? It certainly won't make it shorter! From the back of the Penguin Classics Edition (where the cover art comes from as …

1
Smile by Raina Telgemeier 38:58

1+ y ago38:58

38:58

This week on Required Reading we revisit dental trauma as we talk Smile by Raina Telgemeier. From the jacket: "Raina Telgemeier's #1 New York Times bestselling, Eisner Award-winning graphic memoir based on her childhood! Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two fron…

1
Beloved by Toni Morrison 1:04:11

1+ y ago1:04:11

1:04:11

This episode of Required Reading, we dive into the haunting masterpiece Beloved by Toni Morrison. This complex narrative is an incredible piece of American Fiction, African American literature, and magical realism; truly a remarkable novel. Host: Nic Hoffmann Co-host: Mike Burns Panel: Chase Thompson…

1
Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather 54:34

1+ y ago54:34

54:34

This episode of Required Reading we talk about the western classic, Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather. This classic of the 1920s is an American novel highlighting the creation of a southwestern diocese, involving interesting characters, good discussions and a crisis of faith. Also, a book we almost couldn't record on we struggled so mu…

1
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole 1:19:39

1+ y ago1:19:39

1:19:39

This week on Required Reading we talk about A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole, so gird your valves and stay out of the French Quarter! Thanks for indulging in our little Holiday Break! We are back with two episodes a month for the foreseeable future! Thanks for all you do to make us the success we are! Host: Nic Hoffmann Co-host: Mike C…

1
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 1:31:04

1+ y ago1:31:04

1:31:04

This week we read the Christmas Classic that you have been expecting since the beginning, we talk A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The traditional Christmas tale made famous by the likes of Michael Caine, Bill Murray, Patrick Stewart, Alistair Slim, and Mr. Magoo. We talk the ins and outs of poultry factory farming, hauntings, and Nic resists …

1
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers by J. R. R. Tolkien 1:02:16

1+ y ago1:02:16

1:02:16

This episode we talk The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers by J. R. R. Tolkien. We battle, we make friends, and talk orcs, rings, and talking trees. Robert von Hagen returns to help me in this complex world. Can we get to the bottom of the towers? Gollum? In honor of the 20th anniversary of the film, we revisit Middle Earth and get into Beowulf, th…

1
All Quiet on the Western Front by Enrich Maria Remarque 1:05:37

1+ y ago1:05:37

1:05:37

In honor of Veterans Day and the end of World War I, this episode we get depressed and read All Quiet on the Western Front by Enrich Maria Remarque, the only book I know of titled after the final line of the novel. The book is a classic of war literature set in World War I and narrated by a German soldier. Good enough to get banned and burned by Hi…

1
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton 1:02:25

1+ y ago1:02:25

1:02:25

This week we follow up Frankenstein: the Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley with a Modern retelling! In honor of the abysmal end to a franchise that was Jurassic World Dominion, we talk about the book that started it all Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton; the reason I know anything about Cray Supercomputers. We, of course talk about the book and com…

1
Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley 1:04:00

1+ y ago1:04:00

1:04:00

This week on Required Reading we delve into Gothic Horror and read Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley (possibly revised by Percy Shelley). Not only does this fill our horror quota for October, but allows us to segue into a modern retelling as next week we discuss the highly topical Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. Please contin…

1
The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell 1:20:08

1+ y ago1:20:08

1:20:08

This week, we visit the stars above! We read The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell this episode of Required Reading. In a remarkable piece of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Anthropology and Catholicism, the Sparrow is a story of triumphs and trials and it is all the more incredible for doing so. As we have done all season, I will be sharing the next book. In October…

1
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Foer 1:09:05

2y ago1:09:05

1:09:05

This week we read the most recent piece of fiction yet! With the plot hinging on 9/11, we read Jonathan Foer's Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. We cover this non-traditional narrative and get to the bottom of a key in a vase. We thank you for following us! In an effort to keep you reading, next week we will cover The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russe…

1
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams 1:08:15

2y ago1:08:15

1:08:15

This week on Required Reading, we learn the answer to life, the universe, and everything. We read The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Join us, won't you? And don't forget to bring a towel. If you want to read along with us, consider purchasing the book through our link The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Also, a…

1
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 1:28:53

2y ago1:28:53

1:28:53

As we return, in triumph, to season three, we begin with an American Classic, and my vote for the greatest American Novel. We talk To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and shoot all the bluejays we want. Something new this year! First, we will be telling you about the books in advance, so you can read with us! The first book is To Kill a Mockingbir…

1
My Friend Dahmer 27:33

2y ago27:33

27:33

Hello! Time for something a bit more unsettling. Every term three, we cover a graphic novel where students in group pick and discuss. For the past two years, one of our most popular is My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf, a cartoonist who went to school with Jeffery Dahmer. Since the students chose it, I let them talk about it on the show. Enjoy. Pan…

1
The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring: Book 2 54:02

2y ago54:02

54:02

After promising months ago, issues with hackers, and AP Exams, I have returned, battered, but not beaten with The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring: Book 2. Mike, Mike, and Robert are back with me as Gandalf and Boromir die and a Hobbit shows incredible bravery. I read a selection from the chapter "the Bridge of Khazad Dum." If you are…

1
The Things They Carried 1:26:46

2y ago1:26:46

1:26:46

This week, we follow Tim O'Brien into the dark of Vietnam. I have included a reading from the chapter "How to Tell a War Story," and hope you appreciate the first guest spot filled by David Negus, the person who taught me parts of the book as a student. Enjoy. Also, I apologize for the lateness of the release. Our previous hosting was hacked and we…

1
The Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller 1:06:18

2y ago1:06:18

1:06:18

This week we get mildly depressed talking about The Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. A book about having all the wrong dreams, insurance, and how to handle produce. Panel: Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Mike Burns, and Principal Kevin Mullaly. If you want to hear Nic talk about this on another excellent podcast, listen hereRead More…

1
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy 49:09

2y ago49:09

49:09

This week on Required Reading, we encounter pure evil and fix-to-make a stupid decision. We talk No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy with Matt Romano. Since it is Academy Awards Month, we beg the question, is there a hero here and is this one of the best book adaptation ever?By Required Reading, Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Michael Carroll and Mike Burns.

1
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy (Sample) 4:59

2+ y ago4:59

4:59

This week on Required Reading, in honor of the upcoming Academy Awards, we are covering another book! Well, this one was adapted into a movie that won Best Picture and was a fairly accurate version of the text, so there! The full episode will drop on the 15th, but to get you in the mood,Read MoreBy Required Reading, Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Michael Carroll and Mike Burns.

1
The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien 56:53

2+ y ago56:53

56:53

This week, we attempt to grasp The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien, but spend so much time with book 1, we decide to come back next week for book 2! So, come with us as we extol the virtues of scaring your relatives, going to taverns, andRead MoreBy Required Reading, Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Michael Carroll and Mike Burns.

1
The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien (sample) 9:58

2+ y ago9:58

9:58

k, in order to prepare for the The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring, Lucas Farach will read a section of Book 1, Chapter 2, for you. Please enjoy and join us next week for The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring.By Required Reading, Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Michael Carroll and Mike Burns.

1
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson 48:07

2+ y ago48:07

48:07

This month we complete the book exchange with my selection for Mike Burns, the classic of Gonzo journalism Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and we learn seven things: “1) Never trust a cop in a raincoat.2) Beware of enthusiasm and of love, both are temporary and quick to sway.3) If asked if you careRead More…

1
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson (audio sample) 4:16

2+ y ago4:16

4:16

In honor of the upcoming episode on Fear in Loathing in Las Vegas, we have a selection from chapter one being read by our very own Olivia Kincaid. The music is “Actionable” by Bensound used under the creative commons license. Find all his music on https://www.bensound.com/By Required Reading, Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Michael Carroll and Mike Burns.

1
Clip from the Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare 1:38

2+ y ago1:38

1:38

To get everyone in the mood for the episode on the play and the new Coen movie, the Tragedy of Macbeth, we have Denzel Washington performing the “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” soliloquy. Enjoy, NicBy Required Reading, Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Michael Carroll and Mike Burns.

1
The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare 1:00:41

2+ y ago1:00:41

1:00:41

In honor of the new movie by Joel Coen and starring Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, and Kathryn Hunter, we are covering the Tragedy of Macbeth. This is a crossover with the Myopia Movies podcast. Panel: Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Mike Carroll, and Betsy HolcombBy Required Reading, Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Michael Carroll and Mike Burns.

1
Kindred by Octavia Butler 50:56

2+ y ago50:56

50:56

This week we unwrap the first of our gift exchange books, the Mike Burns select Kindred by Octavia Butler. Time travel? History? Fantastic! Enjoy this back to form episode after Hoffmann’s parental leave! Panel: Dr. Nic Hoffmann and Mike BurnsBy Required Reading, Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Michael Carroll and Mike Burns.

1
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath 1:03:45

2+ y ago1:03:45

1:03:45

Happy New Year from Required Reading! This week we dive into one of the classics of feminist literature. The Bell Jar is dark and funny. It is about feminism, depression, and a woman making her way in the world. It is an incredible work needing to be picked up and read again. Compassionate and complexRead More…

1
Kids Books! Olivia by Ian Falconer, The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, and Poems by Jack Prelutsky 1:01:34

2+ y ago1:01:34

1:01:34

Hello everyone! This week on Required Reading, we visit some childhood classics as I have become a new father and family stuff is always nice during the holidays! Host: Nic Panel: Mike B and Mike CBy Required Reading, Dr. Nic Hoffmann, Michael Carroll and Mike Burns.

1
Wise Blood by Flannery O’Connor 56:39

2+ y ago56:39

56:39

Welcome to Required Reading, this episode we dive into southern literature with Wise Blood by Flannery O’Connor. The story of a vet, a bible, a gorilla suit, and black hat. One of the class comedy novels of past century. Mike and I welcome our colleague Betsy Holcomb, presenter at the Flannery O’Connor and Families 2021Read More…

1
Beowulf (Seamus Heaney Translation) 1:12:57

2+ y ago1:12:57

1:12:57

This episode, we have flashbacks to reading aloud in 9th grade over the pronounciation of Hrothgar or Geat, Geet, Ge-at, or whatever….Grundle. Sigh, dude kills a monster, his mother, and a dragon. Enjoy the discussion with Mike Carroll, enjoy the book! Great read! Please rate us where ever you read it and thanks!…

1
White Flight by Kevin Kruse 41:48

2+ y ago41:48

41:48

First off, let me explain the episode. When I was in graduate school, I worked on a show called Doomed to Repeat with my co-host Dr. Alex Cummings, which was in conjunction with the blog Tropics of Meta, which they were the editor of. The podcast will sound different and much more produced, with additional clips. In an era where Critical Race Theor…

1
A Selection of Edgar Allen Poe’s (The Raven and Fall of the House of Usher) Writings 43:17

2+ y ago43:17

43:17

In honor of the approaching spookiness, we thought we would delve into America’s most Victorian Macabre. Edgar Allen Poe led a troubled life and died a tragic death. We discuss possibly the most known and read American horror poem, The Raven along with his unsettling short story The Fall of the House of Usher. KnowRead More…

1
Maus by Art Spiegelman 37:43

2+ y ago37:43

37:43

This episode we start season 2 with the biographical graphic novel Maus by Art Spiegelman. This incredible work is about his father Vladek’s time as a Jew in Nazi Europe and ultimately his time in the Concentration Camps. Overlayed in this are the stories and relationship of Vladek with the author and his wife, andRead More…

1
Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger 48:24

3y ago48:24

48:24

This week, we end season one and talk Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger and literally reconsider our curricula! Also, with the end of season one, stay tuned here! I will continue dropping stuff all summer and in this I announce a contest! Prove to us you get people to listen and subscribeRead More…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Required Reading Dr Nic Hoffmann Michael Carroll And Mike Burns Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide