In a book club spanning over a decade, Joe, Kevin, Wes, and Scott actually discuss the books- and now, it's a podcast! With a focus on serious fiction, the four explore context, interpretation, and criticism while enjoying a few drinks and lively banter.
There will be spoilers- so, if you haven’t read the novel, and would prefer not to hear plot points, pause this now, go read the book, and then press play.
Publisher
Scott Talmage, Joe Hecker, Kevin McCarthy, and Wes Allen
In this episode, Joe, Wes, Scott, and Kevin dig into Min Jin Lee’s acclaimed novel Pachinko. We discuss the novel’s exploration of Korean identity and the experience of the Zainichi in Japan, as well as the roles of family, duty, shame, honor, and patriarchy across generations. We also consider the significance of pachinko as one of the few economic opportunities available to many Koreans in Japan, Noa’s complicated relationship with his identity, and whether literature can truly provide a window into cultures outside our own. The episode also features original music by Sam Muccio. And, as always, if you’re a fan of the podcast, you might enjoy Joe’s novel, I Ain’t a Girl, available on Amazon.
18 Aug 2026
On Eleanor Catton"s Birnam Wood
In this episode, Joe, Wes, Scott, and Kevin dig into Eleanor Catton’s 2023 novel Birnam Wood. We discuss how effectively this literary thriller mixes environmentalism, politics, technology, and dark satire; our thoughts on Catton’s style; and whether her satire succeeds in taking aim at the powerful forces shaping our modern world. The episode also features original music by Sam Muccio. And, as always, if you’re a fan of the podcast, you might enjoy Joe’s novel, I Ain’t a Girl, available on Amazon.
16 Jul 2026
On László Krasznahorkai's War and War
On this episode, Joe, Scott, Wes, and Kevin tackle the 1999 novelWar and War by László Krasznahorkai. They discuss Krasznahorkai’s distinctive style, the novel’s obsessive protagonist, and they wrestle with one of the book’s central questions: How do we decide what is worth preserving, and how do we preserve it against the forces of time, technology, and human frailty?
As always, the podcast features original music by Sam Muccio, along with a mention of Joe’s novel, I Ain't a Girl, available in paperback and e-book formats through Amazon.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
9 ratings
Spotify
4.9 / 5
18 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
30
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
71
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Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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