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PODCAST · comedy

Better Than Reading

by Adam Casalino & Michael Darretta

The weekly ramblings of two people nobody should listen to. Hosted by Michael Darretta, champion of Texas and Adam Casalino, denizen of Gotham. Sometimes funny, never boring, this series will get you through some of your ride to work. Hey, it's better than reading a book.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Sep 5, 2025 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. New Year, New You. Or Not.

    It's a New Year and the boys are back with a brand new episode. They recap (a bit) about the holidays, complain about social media, and talk about other stuff. I dunno. I didn't listen to the whole thing. Does anyone actually read these descriptions? Hubba bubba, boo, boo.

  2. You've Got a Case of the Mike Darrettas!

    Better Than Reading returns, despite our best efforts. Mike thinks he's got a serious mental disorder. People in Florida freak out over the cold weather. And, as usual, Mike questions Climate Change. Also, beware the Dollar General.

  3. Back From Oblivion!

    After an unplanned interruption, Better than Reading is back with an all-new episode. Mike and Adam discuss the big changes that have happened to both of them. Mike returns with yet another dad rant. Adam complains about dumb parents.

  4. The Half-Smile

    This week, the boys are digging through their memories for what the heck they wrote in their show notes! Mike give a jerky smile to strangers. And they finally bring back music chat.

  5. Return of the Destin Hipster!

    This week, Mike and Adam discuss the return of the one hipster in Destin, FL. What was he up to!? Also, Mike's dad discovered the only authentic New York Italians in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. For reals.

  6. Speaking of Walmart...

    This week, the boys are back together again. They discuss Hurricane Michael and Adam's harrowing escape to Bama. Michael got a new iPhone and disaster occurs.

  7. The Girl with all the Guy Friends

    No, we're not talking about that 90's sitcom, we're talking about the dreded girl with all the guy friends. You know the one I'm talking about. Adam is here this week with sage advice for all you heart-broken guys. Don't get stick in this person's web.

  8. Let's All go to the Liberry!

    The boys discover a few more of their pet peeves. Mike is in rare form as he shares with us a variety of dad-related rants. Including complaints about license plates, Burger King, and commercials. Adam finds a music bio that doesn't drive him crazy.

  9. Hamburgers are not Sandwiches!

    Mike describes a bizarre scam involving iPhones and gift cards. Adam had a wild night... at Walmart. And, of course, yet another dad rant.

  10. A Few Tips for Drinking Almond Milk

    The boys are back to discuss a few things that are vitally important to our life and culture. Adam complains like a little girl about almond milk. Mike goes on yet another dad rant about the 90's. Buckle in my babies.

  11. Tuppence a Bag!

    The boys are back discussing more nonsense. Including talks about weird old kids movies, bridezillas, and another addition of Old Man Mike's rants. Don't you want to help the bird woman, you greedy bastard? Just give her your tuppence!

  12. Long Walks in the Rain

    Mike and Adam discuss the incredibly low bar Amazon Echo has for dads. Did you know dads can take care of children!?? Will wonders never cease!? Also an old man somehow gets on the podcast and complains about people getting upset about the rain. Seriously.

  13. 80's Wrestling Isn't Cool Anymore

    Michael discovers a hard truth about his 1980's wrestling shirt. The boys also complain about one of the most popular songs on Spotify. This is a shorter episode. Let us know what you think about the length. Kisses!

  14. The Face of Fugly

    The boys reveal their agism as they complain about rude old people. Hey, just because you're north of 50 doesn't mean you can be a jerk! That's our stance. They also discuss the horrific time they entered a smelly Apple Store. Be afraid.

  15. Best Day Ever!

    Mike and Adam have a free-wheeling convo about all things. Or better put, they complain like men much older than themselves. At least they still have their hair... for now. Texas is up for lampooning, as is the crazies from Florida. Also, we hear some stellar accents. Oh yes, this is the best day...

  16. The Ponytail Manager

    Mike and Adam are back handing out life lessons to all you scrubs online. They discuss the importance of pixie sticks. We also spend a few seconds talking about our Ancestry.com results. Then it's on to complaining about slow drivers and a rude manager with a ponytail.

  17. Hugs Not Drugs

    The boys are back for another 40-ish minutes of mild hilarity. Mike tries to remember a shirt from the 80's about drugs. Adam complains about a lady just trying to walk her dog. And they both dish on their father's iconic accents. And there's something about a couple from Florida.

  18. I'm an Old Man!

    Mikey D and Adam "The Latin Lover" are back with a brand new episode of Better Than Reading. The boys are rusty, but they cobble together enough content to riff on swimming pools, toilet bowls, technology, and of course wedding photos. Plus, Mike is old and scares little children at the pool.

  19. On Fleek!

    The boys are back for another round of pop culture discussion, complaints against normal life, and some random nonsense. It's a show so good, we're totally on fleek. Radical man. Tubular. "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel

  20. Look out for the Starbucks Webcam!

    The boys are back, bringing their usual brand of hilarious nonsense. This week they tackle big issues like visit Starbucks too often, product placement in music videos, and the dreaded beard tax. Also so good TV recommendations and follow up. Now we've got webcams at Starbucks? Geez! "Wagon…

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  21. Technical Difficulties

    Despite Skype's best efforts we manage to circumvent our difficulties and record a show! The boys talk about the latest food truck craze, hipster parenting, and corn dog innovations. Also some super sweet music recommendations and TV shows. "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod "Gypsy Jazz In Paris…

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  22. She's Just Thirsty!

    The boys tell horror stories from the world of retail. Look out for the hyper-spitter, the rolly polly insurance guy, and new slang. Is she thirsty? Are you thirsty? What are we talking about? Also some music and movie discussion.

  23. Underneath the Mango Tree!

    The guys discuss a strange mango based song. Mike opens up about his tragic cookie binge. If he had only knew. Adam discusses the friendly weirdos of Florida. Also some new music recommendations and pop culture wahooey. "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod

  24. One-Hit Wonders

    The guys take a trip back in time, discussing their favorite one hit wonders from the 90's and 2000's. They spend a lot of time on this. But they do get to music recommendations and some talk about movies. "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel

  25. Robot Scarlett Johansson

    It's late again and they boys are barricaded in. Mike and Adam discuss recent television events, including the Walking Dead finale and Wrestlemania. Also some super cool music recommendations you just have to check out. Be afraid of the bank-robbing Robot Scar Jo. Be very afraid. "Wagon Wheel" by...

  26. Astronaut Sandwiches

    We discuss names for a new comic and come up with some amazing inventions. How do astronauts eat in space? I think we have a solution. Also a lively discussion about our favorite fast food joints. And our website's back: betterthanreading.com. Mike looks good in Spandex. "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin...

  27. Have Some Sloppy Joe, Sweetheart

    The boys go way off the reservation on this one, channeling Bob Ross and his rarely mentioned partners. They also discuss the latest Pee-Wee Herman movie. Also, gravelly waitresses, sloppy joes, and strange clients. At some point they get to the latest iPhone news. "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod...

  28. Live! Well, Sort Of

    Mike and Adam meet up for a podcast to end all podcasts! Not really. They talk about Disney World, crooks on Facebook, and the dangers of Craigslist. Plus some new TV and music recommendations. "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel

  29. Brought To You By Toper's Gym

    The boys discuss their favorite recent TV shows, Macbooks and hipsters, and our thoughts on R-rated superhero movies. Intro music: "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod Outro music: "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. 2016 @BVanDonsel

  30. BTR Animated: "Cross Eyed Waiter"

    In this "animated" tale, Mike discusses his encounter with a sinister waiter. Taken from our classic "Better Than Reading" Podcast. Check out full episodes on iTunes: http://apple.co/1V4r2Bi

  31. After Hours!

    In our whopping 30th episode, Mike and Adam are chatting after hours. They divulge deep, dark secrets, dish about some actual good new music, and touch upon Deadpool. Opening: "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod Outro: "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. 2016 @BVanDonsel

  32. The Texan Beaver

    The boys are back and are delving into the spooky world of unsolved mysteries. Also on the docket are Texan drivers, movie news, Kayne West, and a mystery texter. Also, Mike is fat. Opening: "Wagon Wheel" by Kevin MacLeod Outro: "Gypsy Jazz In Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. 2016 @BVanDonsel

  33. New Year, Same Crap

    Holy Moley, it's a new episode! The guys are back to talk about their favorite things: Mike Tyson and hipsters. They also go over New Years Resolutions, the plight of modern music, and defend Cam Newton's honor.

  34. Over the Top

    The boys confabulate about Oscar worthy actors and movies, including in-depth analysis of the artform and its influence on mankind. And stuff about wrestling.

  35. Why We're Not Allowed in Japan

    Mike and Adam reveal the depth's of their cross-cultural sensitivity. Plus, insightful analysis of the Ukraine crisis. They even recommend some TV options for y'all.

  36. Jony Ive!

    We're back! Hallelujah. Sit back and relax another hour of inanity from your two friends Mike and Adam. And to know what the heck is going on, click this link http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ao-_nOTzq2Y/UWb05QCoH_I/AAAAAAAAOcQ/cM- H2UJ6SH8/s1600/Babugeri,+Bulgarie_WILDER+MANN_+Charles+FREGER+2010+2011.jpg

  37. Walk Rage

    Mike confesses to a deep-seeded evil. Plus some in-depth sport commentary. Not really. Also some new music recommendations! Who love's ya, baby!?

  38. Robot Dogs!

    Settle in for a bi-tri-whatever annual technology episode! Adam and Mike discuss the new Xbox and Playstation consoles that were announced at E3, the pros and cons of the new technology, and whether or not you should buy one. But don't worry, they also talk about robot dogs.

  39. Episode 21: "Don't go jogging without listening to this podcast!"

    Mike and Adam discuss their plans for kidnapping the new Pope while enjoying fresh squeezed lemonade. This week's podcast is brought to you by Ford. Buy a Ford: why bother getting a good car?

  40. Off the Cuff

    It's a new season! Or a new chapter. Or whatever, the boys are back with a brand new episode. Ironically, they talk about mostly the same stuff as usual. Facebook gets bashed, music is recommended and Mike gets a colonoscopy live on the air!

  41. Episode 20: "Daylight Savings? More like gimme a break, Grandma!"

    Our circadian rhythms are all janked up thanks to the evil American farmers. But at least we manage to record our errant ramblings for your listening pleasure. It beats listening to that Interpol album for the umpteenth time, right?

  42. Episode 19: "Ryan Seacrest"

    It's our Ryan Seacrest episode! We talk all about Ryan, why we love him, and what's next for the amazing man. No, not really. We talk about old movies, Disneyland, and something Mike said about cell phones. Visit our website for links to the music recommendations!

  43. Episode 18: "Hold onto Your Butts!"

    Mike keeps interrupting the episode with bouts of pant-peeing and Adam is rocking out with Mixr© by beats© by Dr. Dre©. Fabulous©. Be sure to visit the site for links to our recommendations!

  44. Episode 17: "Diaper Man"

    Mike derails the show several times with terrible topics. Fortunately Adam saves the day with riveting thoughts about reddit, superheroes and internet criticism. All this and some music recommendations.

  45. Episode 16: "Lady Riding Big Tricycle"

    It's a new year and Mike and Adam are back in action. Join them as they reminisce the holidays, dig on New York and Texas, and generally waste everyone's time. Enjoy, for this will be out last year on Earth.

  46. Episode 15: "Flip the Ribs!"

    It's a melange of tasty goodness as Adam and Mike run the gamet of emotion. Strap yourselves in for podcast gold, my babies. Check out the website for links to the stuff we talk about.

  47. Episode 14: "Are you thirsty, Angus?"

    Mike and Adam discuss whether or not Josh Groban has a sultry voice. Oh and they even have some music to recommend!

  48. Episode 13: "The BLACK FRIDAY Episode"

    Enjoy your Thanksgiving, eat some turkey, and listen to Adam and Mike complain about shopping malls, dead musicians and the joy of the holidays. Shiba Inu is my friend.

  49. Episode 12: "Layered Pants"

    Adam is fianlly dry from the hurricane and he and Mike are back with a new episode! Join them as they explore the wonders of James Bond, many-layered pants, and rap commericals. Be sure to check out the website for links to the music we recommend.

  50. Episode 11: "Bare Down on This"

    In this episode, Mike and Adam discuss the trials of tiny undershirts, waiting at a doctor's office, and probe the world of tech business. Be sure to check out the website for links to the music/shows we recommend.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The weekly ramblings of two people nobody should listen to. Hosted by Michael Darretta, champion of Texas and Adam Casalino, denizen of Gotham. Sometimes funny, never boring, this series will get you through some of your ride to work. Hey, it's better than reading a book.

HOSTED BY

Adam Casalino & Michael Darretta

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Better Than Reading have?

Better Than Reading currently has 61 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Better Than Reading about?

The weekly ramblings of two people nobody should listen to. Hosted by Michael Darretta, champion of Texas and Adam Casalino, denizen of Gotham. Sometimes funny, never boring, this series will get you through some of your ride to work. Hey, it's better than reading a book.

How often does Better Than Reading release new episodes?

Better Than Reading has 61 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Better Than Reading?

You can listen to Better Than Reading on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Better Than Reading?

Better Than Reading is created and hosted by Adam Casalino & Michael Darretta.
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