Best Milk Book Club Podcasts (2025)

1
Kindred 50:50

18d ago50:50

50:50

Hey there! Welcome to Episode 28 of the HoloGraham Media Club Podcast. In this episode we're talking the harrowing Kindred by Octavia E. Butler. Got a book you want to discuss? Drop an email or get in touch, and get ready to talk geek! Next episode will be Sister, Maiden, Monster by Lucy A. Snyder.

1
Spooky Season Minisode: I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream 29:04

18d ago29:04

29:04

Welcome to a special spooky season minisode of the HoloGraham Media Club Podcast. Yes, Halloween has passed, but we assert that spooky season continues until Thanksgiving. In this episode we're talking about the disturbing classic, I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison. Got a book you want to discuss? Drop an email or get in touch, an…

1
I Am Legend 1:11:59

2M ago1:11:59

1:11:59

Welcome to Episode 35 of the HoloGraham Media Club Podcast! In this episode, we're talking about the seminal I Am Legend by Richard Matheson. Got a book you want to discuss? Drop an email to [email protected] or otherwise get in touch, and get ready to talk geek! Next time, we'll be discussing Lucifer's Hammer by Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle.…

1
The Left Hand of Darkness 1:06:26

3M ago1:06:26

1:06:26

Welcome to Episode 34 of the HoloGraham Media Club Podcast. In this episode, we're talking about the breathtaking The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin. Got a book you want to discuss? Drop an email to [email protected] or otherwise get in touch, and get ready to talk geek! Next time, we'll be discussing I Am Legend by Richard Matheson…

1
Starship Troopers with Angela Collier 1:16:03

4M ago1:16:03

1:16:03

Welcome to Episode 33 of the HoloGraham Media Club Podcast. In this episode, we're joined by theoretical physicist, YouTube science communicator, and verified book nerd Angela Collier (@acollierastro) to talk about Starship Troopers, both the 1959 novel by Robert Heinlein, and the 1997 movie directed by Paul Verhoeven. Got a book you want to discus…

1
The Wasp Factory with Andrea Subissati 1:32:06

5M ago1:32:06

1:32:06

Welcome to Episode 32 of the HoloGraham Media Club Podcast. In this episode, The Faculty of Horror's Andrea Subissati joins us to talk about the unhinged The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks. Got a book you want to discuss? Drop an email or get in touch, and get ready to talk geek! Next time, we'll be doing a book vs movie on Starship Troopers by Robert …

1
Jennifer Government 56:32

6M ago56:32

56:32

Welcome to Episode 31 of the HoloGraham Media Club Podcast. In this episode we're talking about the incisive Jennifer Government by Max Barry. Got a book you want to discuss? Drop an email or get in touch, and get ready to talk geek! Next time, a very special guest returns to talk The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks.…

1
The Great and Secret Show 1:18:06

6M ago1:18:06

1:18:06

Welcome to Episode 30 of the HoloGraham Media Club Podcast. In this episode we're taking on the monolithic The Great and Secret Show by Clive Barker. Got a book you want to discuss? Drop an email or get in touch, and get ready to talk geek! Next episode will be Jennifer Government by Max Barry.

1
Sister, Maiden, Monster 1:08:45

8M ago1:08:45

1:08:45

Welcome to Episode 29 of the HoloGraham Media Club Podcast. In this episode we're taking on the visceral Sister, Maiden, Monster by Lucy A. Snyder. Got a book you want to discuss? Drop an email or get in touch, and get ready to talk geek! Next episode will be The Great and Secret Show by Clive Barker.…

1
Ubik 1:08:54

10M ago1:08:54

1:08:54

Hey there! Welcome to Episode 27 of the HoloGraham Media Club Podcast. In this episode we're talking the mind-melting Ubik by Philip K. Dick. Got a book you want to discuss? Drop an email or get in touch, and get ready to talk geek! Next episode will be Kindred by Octavia Butler.

1
Snow Crash 1:07:21

11M ago1:07:21

1:07:21

Hey there. Welcome to episode 26 of the HoloGraham Media Club Podcast. In today's episode we discuss the Hackers delight "Snow Crash" by Neal Stephenson. You could be on the show too! Just email or get in touch, with or without a book suggestion, and be prepared to talk geek! The next episode will be - 'Ubik' by Philip K. Dick. Hope you'll join us …

1
The Namesake: " Remember that you and I made this journey together to a place where there was nowhere left to go." 41:29

11M ago41:29

41:29

Penn and Joy discuss Jhumpa Lahiri's ground-breaking novel "The Namesake," a coming of age story of an Indian-American kid growing up 1st generation. Watch Nikhil/Gogol as he grows up outside of Boston to discovering himself in New York City. Gogol's experience resonates with first generation kids across America, especially the Indian ones!…

1
The Face on the Milk Carton: "She was a mind floating in an ocean of confusion." 49:39

1y ago49:39

49:39

Penn and Joy discuss this cut classic by Caroline B. Cooney, which riveted the imaginations of teens across the country. After all, don't all kids wonder if they're secretly adopted? Whether you watched the Lifetime movie or read the novel as a teen, travel back and see if it was as good as you remember it.…

1
Monster: "They're strangers but they still find reasons to hurt each other." 56:00

1y ago56:00

56:00

Penn and Joy talk "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers. A story unique in that it is a first time read for both ladies, it is a highly acclaimed and highly banned book in America. When Black teenager Steve is falsely accused of participating in a murder of a shopkeeper in his neighborhood, the reader follows his journey through the criminal justice syste…

1
The Joy Luck Club: "Then you must teach my daughter this same lesson. How to lose your innocence but not your hope. How to laugh forever." 49:42

1y ago49:42

49:42

Penn and Joy discuss the classic "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan. The complicated relationship between mother and daughter transcends any culture. From tales of the mothers in China, to their adaptation to America, and to the struggle of their Chinese-American daughters, it is a riveting read.By Penn & Friends

1
Flowers for Algernon: "There are so many doors to open. I am impatient to begin." 55:48

1+ y ago55:48

55:48

Cry with Joy and Penn as they discuss Daniel Keyes classic work "Flowers for Algernon." Can you imagine science making you smarter, changing your life, and to lose it all? That is the heartbreak of this short story turned novel.By Penn & Friends

1
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: "We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams." 43:43

1+ y ago43:43

43:43

Happy 2024! What better way to kick off the year than with reading Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?" Grab your favorite piece of chocolate and listen in as Penn and Joy discuss their favorite parts, movie adaptation, and Wona-isms!By Penn & Friends

1
A Christmas Story: "I had woven a tapestry of obscenity that as far as I know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan." 44:16

1+ y ago44:16

44:16

Want to extend that Christmas feeling? Recap "A Christmas Story," by Jean Shepherd with Penn and Joy as they delve into the book that inspired the classic movie. Grab a smooth cup of Ovaltine and listen in; just don't shoot your eye out!By Penn & Friends

1
The Polar Express: "...the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe." 51:49

1+ y ago51:49

51:49

Travel to the North Pole with Penn and Joy via "The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg. While the movie may be a holiday favorite, it truly all started with a beautifully illustrated children's book. Join us as we discuss!

1
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!: "And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore." 30:24

1+ y ago30:24

30:24

Joy and Penn revisit "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" by Dr. Seuss. Was the book better than the movie? Where did the song come from? And WHO is the Grinch based on? All this and more in today's episode!By Penn & Friends

1
A Christmas Carol: "God bless us every one!" 46:45

1+ y ago46:45

46:45

Joy and Penn get into the Christmas spirit by cracking open "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. With a classic crank like Ebenezer Scrooge hating Christmas, all it takes is a haunting and a couple ghosts to turn him around. Find out how in this episode!By Penn & Friends

1
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing: "I thought how great it would be if we could trade in Fudge for a nice cocker spaniel." 48:14

1+ y ago48:14

48:14

Joy and Penn discuss Peter and Fudge, brothers with a lot of differences in Judy Blume's "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing." Fudge has done a lot of naughty deeds, but fortunately Peter is there as a big brother to help clean things up!

1
How to Eat Fried Worms: "You're a bastard." 37:25

1+ y ago37:25

37:25

Penn and Joy revisit the classic "How to Eat Fried Worms" by Thomas Rockwell. Is there any amount of money that would get you to eat worms or even 15 worms in 15 days? For Billy, its worth at least $50. Join us as we discuss how good (bad) of a deal that is.

1
The Fantastic Mr. Fox: "I understand what you're saying, and your comments are valuable, but I'm gonna ignore your advice." 50:24

1+ y ago50:24

50:24

Joy and Penn discuss "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" by Roald Dahl. While we have never had to dig tunnels to get to our food, we can empathize with the poor Foxes and cheer when they figure out an answer. While the movie did well commercially, it was different from the book and was more of an adaptation.

1
Crash: "Did you know your son's a Quaker? 1:11:12

1+ y ago1:11:12

1:11:12

Penn and Joy discuss "Crash" by Jerry Spinelli which Penn's 5th grade teacher read to her! The nature of bullying, masculinity, and laughter are perfectly blended book!By Penn & Friends

1
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: "He was, in fact, an odd mixture of small shrewdness and simple credulity." 1:05:36

1+ y ago1:05:36

1:05:36

Penn and Joy discuss Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." The timing could not be more perfect than to drop this episode on Halloween. A spooky, legendary, and mysterious story that's perfect to listen to on a cold dark fall night...listen in, if you dare!By Penn & Friends

1
The Haunting of Hill House Pt 2: "To learn what we fear is to learn who we are." 47:05

1+ y ago47:05

47:05

Penn and Joy wrap up Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting of Hill House" by discussing the recent Netflix series retelling as well as exploring other stories that feature a haunted house. Ultimately the question arises, would you stay in a haunted house?By Penn & Friends

1
The Haunting of Hill House Pt 1: "Am I walking toward something I should be running away from?" 59:09

1+ y ago59:09

59:09

Penn and Joy are at it again, covering Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting of Hill House." Interestingly, the book is very different from the Netflix series but still creepy in a forboding sort of way. Give it a listen and tell us what you think!By Penn & Friends

1
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Pt. 2 50:54

1+ y ago50:54

50:54

If part 1 didn't scare you, then part 2 definitely will! Penn and Joy finish up the 2nd half of the book and BOTH get creeped out by the too real, too possible story. Listen in to find out which story sent them both over the edge!By Penn & Friends

1
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Pt. 1 55:30

1+ y ago55:30

55:30

Are you ready for things to get scary? Or at the very least, weird? Penn and Joy revisit a childhood scary classic: "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" by Alvin Schwartz. Would you make a soup out of a toe you found outside? If your family turned into alligators, would you follow or get left behind? Find these answers and more in today's episode.…

1
The Tell-Tale Heart: "I smiled,—for what had I to fear?" 37:17

1+ y ago37:17

37:17

What was that? It's the thump-thump that prompted this classic Edgar Allen Poe story! Joy and Penn discuss this classic and the many turns this story took.By Penn & Friends

1
A Rose for Emily: "All the past is not a diminishing road but, instead, a huge meadow which no winter ever quite touches." 43:24

1+ y ago43:24

43:24

Penn and Joy get gothic creepy with this short story by William Faulkner. If you haven't read it yet, get ready for a jolt of the surreal.By Penn & Friends

1
The Most Dangerous Game: "There is no greater bore than perfection." 49:32

1+ y ago49:32

49:32

Joy and Penn discuss the short story "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell. The story was written in 1924 but its themes echo even through modern story-telling with themes resonating through TV classics like "Law and Order: SVU," "Criminal Minds," and "Game of Thrones. If you've never read this story, you can find it free on the Internet!…

1
The Lottery: "It isn't fair, it isn't right!" 51:48

1+ y ago51:48

51:48

Guess who's back (back again)?! Joy and Penn, discussing the famed short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson. While everyone has dreamed of winning those Mega Millions, this is one lottery you definitely don't want to win. Join us to find out why.

1
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest: "Man, when you lose your laugh you lose your footing." 1:10:22

2y ago1:10:22

1:10:22

Penn and Rusty travel to a Washington mental hospital and discuss a famous antihero Randall McMurphy and his psychopathic nemesis Nurse Ratchet. They discuss story and themes but also compare to their own experiences on the psych unit. Take a listen to hear more! 53By Penn & Friends

1
Breaking Dawn: "Life sucks, and then you die" 1:07:20

2y ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Joy and Penn wrap up book 4 of the Twilight series "Breaking Dawn" by Stephenie Meyer. They discuss possible celebrity vampires, the band Incubus, and of course the plot and inspirations of the book. Join us as we discuss!By Penn & Friends

1
Eclipse: "The clouds I can handle. But I can't fight with an eclipse" 1:04:51

2y ago1:04:51

1:04:51

Penn and Joy are back at it again; this time discussing "Eclipse" by Stephenie Meyer. Did you know Penn went to a book signing and met Stephenie? They discuss the plot but also the Quileute tribe, a real Native American nation, whose legends are not exactly correct in the novel. Join us to help parse it all out!…

1
New Moon: "They call her my singer--because her blood sings for me." 1:11:18

2y ago1:11:18

1:11:18

Join Penn and Joy as they discuss their least favorite in the series: "New Moon" by Stephenie Meyer. What makes us dislike it so--the lack of Edward, the severe depression, or the fact that it was all so unnecessary? Listen in to see if you agree or even if you disagree. After all, it's not like we can call the Volturi on you.…

1
Twilight: "And so the lion fell in love with the lamb." 1:21:21

2y ago1:21:21

1:21:21

Meet Joy, our newest cohost, who joins Penn to discuss "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer. While the pair were huge fans on their first read of the book 10 years ago, a second read has opened their eyes to some red flags. Take a listen to find out what they are!

1
Wuthering Heights: "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." 1:09:58

2+ y ago1:09:58

1:09:58

Penn and new cohost Dr. Nikki to discuss the classic "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte. Is it romance when the dasterdly Heathcliff plagues Catherine and her loved ones with revenge? Well, maybe our telling of it is a little biased...listen to see if we got it wrong.By Penn & Friends

1
The Great Gatsby: "It takes two to make an accident." 1:36:45

2+ y ago1:36:45

1:36:45

Katya and Penn, immigrants who also sought the American Dream, discuss the great American novel, "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. They talk about the plot, they talk about the real life influences and they talk about which movie version was the best. Travel back with us to the Roaring Twenties!…

1
Flowers for Algernon 1:13:55

2+ y ago1:13:55

1:13:55

Hey there. Welcome to episode 24 of the HoloGraham Media Club Podcast. In today's episode we discuss everyone's High School English Class favorite "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes. You could be on the show too! Just email or get in touch, with or without a book suggestion, and be prepared to talk geek! The next episode will be - 'Neuromancer'…

1
Romeo and Juliet: "These violent delights have violent ends." 1:34:17

2+ y ago1:34:17

1:34:17

Happy Valentine's Day! Scrapple takes a maiden voyage cohosting with Quinn as they travel back to Verona (by way of 8th grade English class). There they hear a tale of woe about poor Juliet and Romeo. The cultural reach that this play by William Shakespeare has is vast and well-recognized. Join us as we fall in love and fall into tears.…

1
111. Lindsay Lohan's Pepsi Milk 1:01:38

2+ y ago1:01:38

1:01:38

Here's that good content you crave only a few days late! For real though, we very much appreciate your patience and understanding in this tough time that Meg and I are going through. Getting together and talking about dumb old Archie always helps, so get ready for another segment of the Married Life, plus some grass-roots Archie civics! Segments: A…

1
Prince Caspian: "Things never happen the same way twice.” 1:04:07

2+ y ago1:04:07

1:04:07

James from the Netflix hit "Love on the Spectrum" joins Penn and Scrapple to discuss "Prince Caspian" by CS Lewis. Sure there are some tangents that go into football, Game of Thones, and (of course) Renaissance fairs but it's all in good fun!

1
The Da Vinci Code: "Everyone loves a conspiracy." 1:00:58

2+ y ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Join Penn and Scrapple as they roast "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown. Whether it is the insanely improbable plot twists or the verbose, clunky writing style, the girls delve into what made this one so bad.

1
110. This One's for Shoe, Laces 55:35

2+ y ago55:35

55:35

Well, howdy there, folks! Didn't see 'ya come in there. Mosey on over to the bar and I'll pour you a sarsaparilla and you can listen to the RHS AV Club! Tonight they're crackin' plenty of jokes about that rascally red-head and his bevvy of babes, and you can bet that his pal Jughead makes an appearance! Segments: Those Meddlin' Kids! x3 Digests: Re…

1
The Fault in Our Stars: "I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once." 1:30:00

2+ y ago1:30:00

1:30:00

Penn and a new cohost Aza, a hardcore Nerdfighter and John Green expert, discuss "The Fault in Our Stars." Typically controversial for people who have never read the book, it is touching, eye-opening, and even slightly hilarious. Cancer touches so many lives and this book demonstrates the quantity of its victims.…

1
The Amber Spyglass: "People are too complicated to have simple labels." 1:09:15

2+ y ago1:09:15

1:09:15

Penn and Scrapple reunite to discuss the last book of His Dark Materials, "The Amber Spyglass" by Phillip Pullman. While there are some tangents regarding Prince Harry, penises, and Philadelphia restaurants, the pair manage to discuss Lyra and Will and their adventures.By Penn & Friends

1
Project Hail Mary 59:45

2+ y ago59:45

59:45

Hey there. Welcome to episode 23 of the HoloGraham Media Club Podcast. In today's episode we discuss the Sci-Fi epic "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir. You could be on the show too! Just email or get in touch, with or without a book suggestion, and be prepared to talk geek! The next episode will be - 'Flowers For Algernon' by Daniel Keyes. Hope you'…

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