Books, Booze, and BS

In this episode of the Books, Booze, and BS podcast the hosts—Brendan, Lynn, Sarah, and Mike—discuss Night Road by Kristin Hannah, sharing their reactions to the book’s characters, plot twists, and themes of grief and class. Along the way they swap drink picks, debate lemon-raspberry cookie outcomes, reminisce about high school music and memories, and recommend other reads to try. Listeners get a candid roundtable full of emotional takeaways, casting ideas, and whether the hosts will read more from Kristin Hannah.

Mike, Sarah, Celeste, and Katie discuss Jean Hanff Korelitz’s The Plot, debating the characters, twists, and whether the ending lands. They also talk spring — favorite activities, Easter candy, and spring cleaning — and share food highlights, recent reads, and upcoming trips. The episode closes with a fast-paced rapid-response segment full of quirky favorites and hot takes. Happy listening!

On this episode of Books, Booze, and B.S., the hosts discuss Jennifer Niven’s Meet the Newmans, sharing favorite quotes, character reactions, and whether the ending satisfies. They also swap drink recipes (including a Lucky Charms espresso martini), recap treats and best bites, debate favorite and least favorite sitcoms, recommend current reads, and end with a rapid-fire round of fun takes.

On this week's episode of the Books, Booze, and BS podcast, host Mike Jakubowski is joined by Janene, Shar Bear, and Kimberly to discuss All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whittaker. They chat about the book's twists, characters, and structure, then move on to music, drinks, best bites, side hustles, and the nine-to-five grind. Happy listening.

In this week’s episode of Books, Booze, and B.S., we discuss C.G. Drews’ YA thriller Don’t Let the Forest In, sharing reactions to its twist ending, characters, and haunting artwork. They also chat about drinks, bougie Rice Krispie treats, standout bites from recent meals, the Oscars, favorite movies and actors, and plans for upcoming vacations. Listen in for candid takes, favorite quotes, and lively banter about books, food, and life.

On this episode of the Books, Booze, and BS podcast, the hosts discuss Emily Henry’s Book Lovers, sharing favorite quotes, character takes, casting ideas, and what worked for them in the enemies-to-lovers rom-com. The group also talks Super Bowl halftime shows — top performances, worst moments, and who should headline next — and their favorite (and least favorite) foods. Plus: drinks of the night, recipe attempts, vacation food highlights, and a few laughs.

On this episode of Books, Booze, and B.S., Mike is joined by Sarah, Janene, and new guest Julie to discuss Lucy Gilmore’s The Lonely Hearts Book Club. The group shares impressions of the novel — its multi-perspective storytelling and themes of loneliness, friendship, and community — and highlight favorite passages and characters. The conversation then turns to the public library system: library cards, Libby and Hoopla apps, programs and museum passes, book sales, and ideas for more adult-focused library events. Finally, the group previews the Winter Olympics, naming favorite events and speculate about which events they’d try. Along the way they swap drink picks, cookie recipes, and casting ideas for the characters. Happy listening.

On this episode of the Books, Booze, and B.S. podcast, host Mike and guests Brendan, Kimberly, and Lynn discuss Madeline Miller's The Song of Achilles. Drinks will be shared and travel plans discussed, but also talk favorite passages, the book's themes of fate and loyalty, uncomfortable scenes, and whether the ending lands. The group also explores toxic reading habits, Roman Empire obsessions, and rapid-fire opinions on food and vacations.

Season two premieres with host Mike and guests Sarah, Karina and Katie. The episode centers on Anthony Doerr’s Cloud Cuckoo Land — favorite characters, memorable quotes, casting ideas and whether the ending satisfies. Plus, quick tangents about drink choices, the treat of the week, and best bites of the week. The conversation also covers New Year’s resolutions vs “unresolutions,” trends that should die in 2026 (from Dry January to overused TikTok formats and QR code overload), and rapid-fire reactions to pop culture and snacks. A lively, hopeful, and opinionated discussion for book lovers and podcast listeners alike.

On this episode of Books, Booze, and BS, hosts Mike, Sarah, and Kimberly discuss Kristen Hannah's Comfort and Joy, sharing mixed reactions to the plot, favorite quotes, casting ideas, and whether the ending satisfies. They dig into the novel's magical elements, family drama, and how it fits into Hannah's wider work. The conversation also covers holiday treats and drinks, nostalgic store talk, favorite Christmas movies, New Year plans and resolutions, and reading goals for 2026. The episode closes with rapid responses, upcoming podcast schedule changes, and plans for new voices and bonus interviews next year.

On this episode of Books, Booze & BS Mike, Shar Bear, Nicole, and new guest Crystal unpack Jean Meltzer’s The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah, sharing honest takes on characters, plot choices, and emotional beats. They also swap baking war stories (sufganiyot  mishaps), reveal today’s drinks, celebrate cozy winter rituals, and trade favorite musicians and holiday memories.

On this episode of Books, Booze and BS, host Mike Jakubowski with Sarah, Lynn and debut guest Janine unpack Alexandra Benedict's The Christmas Murder Game — its twists, characters and controversial reveals.   They also share holiday traditions, favorite drinks and snacks, book-shopping tips, and rapid-fire seasonal favorites. Part cozy cheer, part critical takes.

This episode of Books, Booze, and Bullshit features host Mike Jakubowski with Sarah, Nicole, and new (to the podcast) guest Kimberly. They discuss Ashley Poston’s A Novel Love Story (with spoilers), share Thanksgiving side and pie favorites, and talk about building home libraries and book-collecting habits. Expect bookish banter, drink picks, and lots of cheesecake talk.

This episode of Books, Booze, and Bullshit dives into Like Real People Do by E.L. Massey. Host Mike, and guests Celeste, Danielle, and Karina, share honest takes on the characters, audiobook narration, and the book’s cliffhanger ending. The gang also debate Thanksgiving pie favorites, if turkey is a legit main dish, and finish out the episode talking book to TV/movie adaptations.

On this episode of the Books, Booze and BS podcast we chat about The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore — sharing cozy vibes, cringe passages, and whether the book lives up to its Hallmark energy. We also debate People’s Sexiest Man Alive, discuss Goodreads rating habits and etiquette, and swap favorite fall foods and drinks while enjoying lively banter and drink picks.

On this week's episode of Books, Booze, and BS, we'll be discussing You Are Here by David Nichols. We'll also discuss what genres of books we don't like, books that we will and will not recommend to others, and restaurants that left us all too soon. Happy listening.

This episode of Books, Booze, and Bullshit dives into The Ritual by Adam Nevill as we discuss the book's atmosphere, characters, and divisive ending. Mike is joined this episode by friends SharBear, Celeste, and Danielle. ***Book discussion portion will contain spoilers*** Alongside the deep-dive into The Ritual, the conversation covers favorite authors, drink choices (from apple-cider margaritas to debates on bourbon), McDonald’s cravings, and plenty of personal stories and laughs.

On this episode of Books, Booze, and Bullshit we discuss Jennifer Niven’s When We Were Monsters, unpacking its dual narrators, character choices, and our thoughts on the ending. Hosts share favorite quotes, casting ideas, and reactions to the book’s dark academia vibe. Plus: what we’re drinking, this week’s baked treat review, audiobook recommendations and narrators, and a heated conversation about Chili’s menu cuts — including a mournful goodbye to the skillet queso.