Of Books and Booze

Feb 18 2024
Of Books and Booze Podcast artwork

Welcome to Of Books and Booze — the premiere podcast examining the intersection of alcoholic refreshment and the written word. Our fully-scripted episodes are packed with analysis of the beverage in hand and the book(s) on the desk; interviews are focused on the guest and full of insights, thereby making the most of the listener's time. Cheers!


Any copy-written, trademarked, or service-marked products on the website, or are mentioned in copy or recordings appear for educational purposes only and remain the property of their producers and registrees. Thank you.

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028 — DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation, with Dr. Eric Sprankle

Feb 18 2024 59 mins  
Today, we welcome Dr. Eric Sprankle to discuss his forthcoming book, DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation while trying the infamous 1980s cocktail, the Screaming Orgasm, and some refreshing One-Man-Mosh Pit IPA from the always-outstanding Surly Brewing Company.For anyone with a delicate constitution, weak intellect, and/or a low threshold for moral outrage

Episode 027 — Modernist Pizza

Feb 12 2024 29 mins  
Just in time to be late for National Pizza Day, we're taking a look at a few books on the world's favorite food while eating Chicago Deep Dish and polishing off more than a few cans of Two Brothers Prairie Path Golden Ale. Dig in and enjoy!

Episode 026 — HollowEarth

Jan 18 2024 31 mins  
This episode looks at Hollow Earth history and mythology, its role in maritime lore, the cumulative effects of The Little Ice Age and The Year Without A Summer, and their impact on the search for a Northwest Passage — all while sipping La Fin Du Monde Belgian Triple. Proost!

025 — Funk & Wagnalls New Standard Dictionary 1932

Dec 27 2023 27 mins  
The 1932 edition of the Funk and Wagnalls New Standard Dictionary is a fine example of form and function coalesced into one marvelous tome. Join us as we examine it while sipping a few fingers of Writer's Tears Irish Whiskey. Sláinte is táinte!

024 — Why Did the Chicken Cross the World?

Dec 12 2023 26 mins  
It's Episode 24 and the crew is giving everybody the bird. Chicken — I say, chicken, that is! Today, we look at the history, comedy, tragedy, and commoditization of what has become the world's most versatile and necessary animal — including its legendary role in Italian winemaking — all while sipping the 2015 Nizzole Chianti Classico. Cin cin e alla tua salute!

023 — The Giving Tree

Nov 06 2023 21 mins  
We're back! Our first show after a year-and-a-half looks at the children's book classic, The Giving Tree, while diving into the Daou Brothers' bold California red blend, Pessimist. Cheers!

022 — Eggasaurus with author Jennifer Wagh

Apr 24 2022 42 mins  
Talking with author Jennifer Wagh about the writing craft, the importance of a good writers' group, and the publication of her first picture book, Eggasaurus! Jenny's celebrating with Veuve Clicquot Champagne while I'm polishing of a four-pack of Tooth & Claw lager by Chicago's own Off Color Brewing. Also, stay tuned in to learn how to enter to win a signed copy of Jenny's new book

021 — The Great Airship Mystery of 1897

Apr 02 2022 30 mins  
Time for another episode of far-fetched facts lashed together with wine and wit. This time, it's a bottle of 2012 Le Cigar Volant by California's Bonny Doon Winery, medieval popes in the South of France, and Victorian-era UFOs zipping around the North American skies. Don't worry—thirty minutes from now, it'll all make perfect sense. Just another day's work for the Of Books and Bo

020 — African American Comic Book Artists, Social Protest, and the Medium of Blackness

Mar 13 2022 30 mins  
Wrapping up African–American History Month by looking at five books on the contributions to comics and sequential art narrative by Black creators, as well as the growing scholarship around the topic, while sipping another custom cocktail made with Chicago's own PlayPen Vodka. Cheers!

019 — African American Authors with Kathleen March

Feb 12 2022 42 mins  
hat explore the African-American experience beyond slavery and civil rights. Drinks on hand include Moor's Session Ale and Chaos Theory Proprietary Red Blend from Brown Estate — Napa Valley's only Black-Owned winery!