Books Shows Tunes & Mad Acts

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Books Shows Tunes & Mad Acts Mostly books but also shows & music & stuff we like. With host Jennifer Crittenden and friends.
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 : Campus Protests and Free SpeechJoining us to talk about the recent campus protests and their ramifications for free s...
16/08/2024

: Campus Protests and Free Speech

Joining us to talk about the recent campus protests and their ramifications for free speech is Kristen Shahverdian of PEN America. Kristen discusses the various balls that campuses must keep in the air, considering the participants' right to free speech, safety on campus, and viewpoint-neutral policy decisions. She discusses the advice that PEN America offers to campus administrators about how to reasonably respond to protesters and what would constitute a disproportionate reaction. We dig into the history of campus protests, from the Free Speech movement to Kent State, as well as recent specific incidents at Columbia University and Indiana University. Kristen also tackles such complexities as repercussions for civil disobedience, draconian punishments, and how the protests have been represented in the media. All this, and more, for free! An important episode.

PEN America's Campus Free Speech Guide:
https://campusfreespeechguide.pen.org/

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
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PEN America
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-06-24T02_00_00-07_00

Joining us to talk about the recent campus protests and their ramifications for free speech is Kristen Shahverdian of PEN America. Kristen discusses the various balls that campuses must keep in the air, considering the participants' right to free speech, safety on campus, and viewpoint-neutral p...

 : How to Write Better About Drugs Join us as pharmacist Miffie Seideman talks about her new book from Indiana Universit...
20/06/2024

: How to Write Better About Drugs

Join us as pharmacist Miffie Seideman talks about her new book from Indiana University Press, "The Grim Reader: A Pharmacist's Guide to Putting Your Characters in Peril," a great resource for fiction writers who would like to bring a bit more accuracy to their drug-related scenes. Jennifer and Miffie talk about the most egregious errors that show up in books and movies (provoking eye rolls from experts) and how more accurate scenes would result in better and less clichéd writing. We also discuss some notable oddities, such as psychedelic parenting, body packing, belladonna, and the real dangers of alcohol-related games. A fascinating episode for writers and readers alike.

Miffie's excellent book:
https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/cart?domain=iupress.org

Miffie's website where she offers additional information about drugs, writing, and triathlons, and will even answer questions:
https://miffieseideman.com/

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-05-20T02_00_00-07_00
Miffie Seideman

Join us as pharmacist Miffie Seideman talks about her new book from Indiana University Press, "The Grim Reader: A Pharmacist's Guide to Putting Your Characters in Peril," a great resource for fiction writers who would like to bring a bit more accuracy to their drug-related scenes. Jenn...

AUTHORS! Join us for the Eastern Sierra Book Festival on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at the Mammoth Museum at the Hayden Cab...
13/06/2024

AUTHORS! Join us for the Eastern Sierra Book Festival on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at the Mammoth Museum at the Hayden Cabin in Mammoth Lakes, California. It's free! We'll promote you, sell your books, and provide table space for you to meet your adoring fans.
More info at
https://easternsierrabookfestival.com/

Welcome Welcome to the Eastern Sierra Book Festival webpage. We’re glad you’re here. The book festival is a one-day celebration of books, writing, reading, and publishing. It is held annually in July at the beautiful Mammoth Museum at Hayden Cabin in Mammoth Lakes, California, on the Eastside of...

 : Sam Hinton, Folk Singer, Scientist, and Amazing PersonThe Sam Hinton Folk Heritage Festival at Old Poway Park in San ...
28/05/2024

: Sam Hinton, Folk Singer, Scientist, and Amazing Person

The Sam Hinton Folk Heritage Festival at Old Poway Park in San Diego will be held June 1! We're delighted in this episode to share Sam's history through the eyes of his granddaughter Katrina Hinton-Cooper. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss Sam's music, his tremendous work for the Aquarium Museum of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, and his outlook on the world, as shown through his songs, humor, drawings, and observations. We also manage to talk about science fiction, hypnosis through storytelling, circular breathing, and the joys and foibles of our peculiar species. An uplifting episode with something for everyone.

Information about the Sam Hinton Festival:
https://sdfolkheritage.org/events/sam-hinton-fest/

Sam's website:
http://samhinton.org/

Katrina's blog:
https://somerandomchick.jouwweb.nl/the-blog

Some YouTube videos of Sam that we mention:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGArzUTCegg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcSLudnKFPA&list=PL3D66F0AE1034A321
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqTDHRau1lc

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-05-27T02_00_00-07_00

The Sam Hinton Folk Heritage Festival at Old Poway Park in San Diego will be held June 1! We're delighted in this episode to share Sam's history through the eyes of his granddaughter Katrina Hinton-Cooper. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss Sam's music, his tremendous work for...

 : An Appraisal of "Splinters"Okay, so the new memoir "Splinters" wasn't our favorite book ever, and sometimes it downri...
18/05/2024

: An Appraisal of "Splinters"

Okay, so the new memoir "Splinters" wasn't our favorite book ever, and sometimes it downright irritated us, but our investigation into what worked (and what didn't!) makes for a fascinating conversation about the nature of memoir and new trends in the genre, from "woe is me" themes to shameless self-exposure which apparently appeals to voyeuristic readers. John Julius Reel and Jennifer discuss the author, Leslie Jamison, the buzz surrounding this book, and their critiques and suggestions for what would have made this book better. Opinionated, passionate, and willing to be harsh, John and Jennifer defend their positions but acknowledge that their own perspective and age might color their view of this very contemporary memoir about being a single moter. A special episode for book lovers and critics.

John Julius Reel's YouTube Channel "Book Rants":
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCbY7cNG-XRBsJyfWYi0DJQ

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-05-13T02_00_00-07_00
BOOK RANTS

Okay, so the new memoir "Splinters" wasn't our favorite book ever, and sometimes it downright irritated us, but our investigation into what worked (and what didn't!) makes for a fascinating conversation about the nature of memoir and new trends in the genre, from "woe is me&qu...

 : The Use of A.I. in ScreenwritingJoin Craig Erpelding, Director of the BFA in Cinematic Arts at Indiana University, to...
29/04/2024

: The Use of A.I. in Screenwriting

Join Craig Erpelding, Director of the BFA in Cinematic Arts at Indiana University, to discuss the ways AI can be used effectively and ethically in the development of screenplays and the teaching of screenwriting. Craig bravely jumps into this fraught topic and clearly and logically explains his own research with the tool and what limitations and concerns he has uncovered. Knowing that students are going to use AI in the development of their work, he advises students and teachers alike about how AI can use a useful tool to assist in creative work. He argues that AI often produces C-level work, but that itself can be used as a teaching tool. Additionally, AI can be used to improve work by critiquing elements like story structure. Craig and Jennifer also talk about screenplays that fit the Hollywood formulas, as well as meeting audience expectations, and how the intention of the filmmaker influences their choices.

Craig's book "Filmmaking with Intention: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Engaging Motion Pictures":
https://www.amazon.com/Filmmaking-Intention-Comprehensive-Creating-Engaging/dp/1793521093

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-04-29T02_00_00-07_00

Join Craig Erpelding, Director of the BFA in Cinematic Arts at Indiana University, to discuss the ways AI can be used effectively and ethically in the development of screenplays and the teaching of screenwriting. Craig bravely jumps into this fraught topic and clearly and logically explains his own....

 : April 27 Is Indie Bookstore Day!Join us  as we talk with Teri Den Herder, longtime book seller at the UCSD Bookstore,...
22/04/2024

: April 27 Is Indie Bookstore Day!

Join us as we talk with Teri Den Herder, longtime book seller at the UCSD Bookstore, about Independent Bookstore Day, the annual celebration of indie bookstores, and the San Diego Book Crawl, the weekend when booklovers swarm the 13 participating bookstores in search of books, passport stamps, prizes, and surprises. We discuss the national day, how it got started, what's new this year (shuttle busses!), how the event has grown, what to expect, and how to have the most fun. We also discuss Teri's long career, the legacy she is creating with young booksellers, and the art of matching people and books, as performed by humans instead of algorithms. Also check out the participating San Diego bookstores from Diesel to Mysterious Galaxy, Joyride, La Playa, Verbatim, Bluestocking, and more. A super fun conversation about the events of this coming weekend that you don't want to miss!

How to find out more about the San Diego Book Crawl:
https://www.instagram.com/sdbookcrawl/

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

́lula

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-04-22T02_00_00-07_00

Join us as we talk with Teri Den Herder, longtime bookseller at the UCSD Bookstore, about Independent Bookstore Day, the annual celebration of indie bookstores, and the San Diego Book Crawl, the weekend when booklovers swarm the 13 participating bookstores in search of books, passport stamps, prizes...

12/04/2024

Trina Robbins was memorialized as the first of Joni Mitchell's Ladies of the Canyon with her sketches and second-hand clothes, but, don't be fooled, Trina is a serious archivist of feminist art history. She drew for underground newspapers during the Women's Lib movement of the sixties an...

We are sad to learn of the passing of writer and cartoonist   this morning. Here is the   we recorded with her in 2022. ...
12/04/2024

We are sad to learn of the passing of writer and cartoonist this morning. Here is the we recorded with her in 2022. We think it shows her great spirit and diverse talents. RIP, Trina.



Trina Robbins was memorialized as the first of Joni Mitchell's Ladies of the Canyon with her sketches and second-hand clothes, but, don't be fooled, Trina is a serious archivist of feminist art history. She drew for underground newspapers during the Women's Lib movement of the sixties an...

 : The Magic of Debi DerryberryJoin the charming Debi Derryberry as we explore her long career as a voice-over artist, i...
02/04/2024

: The Magic of Debi Derryberry

Join the charming Debi Derryberry as we explore her long career as a voice-over artist, including voicing Jimmy Neutron, as well as her various projects, such as the recent release of her fourth CD of children's music, Gotta Go Green. Here she generously shares her experiences, growing up with a "little voice," her foray to Nashville, and returning to California to settle into a successful acting and voice career in Hollywood which has resulted in over 400 IMDb credits (so far!). Debi also works as a voice-over teacher and coach, and she provides advice here about different types of voice-over work, and what it takes to be successful in the field. We also manage to talk about Honey Pig, heated vests, riding a killer whale, and how to make your own recording booth. Lastly, she entertains us with her "If I had a magic wand" wishes, and don't miss her new song "Earth Day Is My Birthday" at the end. A fun episode!

Debi's website where you can find the "Gotta Go Green" CD and the "Voice-Over 101" book:
https://www.debiderryberry.com/

Debi Derryberry Kids YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAM6ZbvWAFQNRchmhO1GvXg

Debi Derryberry socials:

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-04-01T02_00_00-07_00
DDebi Derryberry

Join the charming Debi Derryberry as we explore her long career as a voice-over artist, including voicing Jimmy Neutron, as well as her various projects, such as the recent release of her fourth CD of children's music, Gotta Go Green. Here she generously shares her experiences, growing up with a...

 : Plea Bargains with Prof. DrippsUniversity of San Diego law professor Donald Dripps joins us to educate us on the plea...
29/03/2024

: Plea Bargains with Prof. Dripps

University of San Diego law professor Donald Dripps joins us to educate us on the plea bargain system which has essentially replaced what we think of as our criminal justice system. Prof. Dripps explains why defendants waive their right to a jury trial by pleading guilty, why defense attorneys recommend taking a plea, why prosecutors offer up "deals" for alleged criminals, and the ramifications of "self-conviction." He discusses which cases tend to get pled out, in what jurisdictions, and if folks who have pled guilty are ever exonerated. He explains how mandatory sentencing minimums increase the pressure to take a plea, along with trial delays, the "trial penalty," and overburdened public defenders. Despite some of its injustices, the plea option acts like a pressure valve on our bloated criminal justice system. Prof. Dripps describes some improvements that could be made and warns us that, in its current state, the system is vulnerable to certain strategies which could bring about its collapse. A fascinating view into a complex legal network.

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:

https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-03-18T02_00_00-07_00

University of San Diego law professor Donald Dripps joins us to educate us on the plea bargain system which has essentially replaced what we think of as our criminal justice system. Prof. Dripps explains why defendants waive their right to a jury trial by pleading guilty, why defense attorneys recom...

11/03/2024

San Diego's own wild & crazy guy, Billy Galewood, recounts his quest for fun from Cleveland to Bushwalla and beyond. An original showman from the Java Joe days, he entertains through improv, song, rap, storytelling, and making people laugh. Here he tells the tales of musical theatre, the...

"Billy Galewood FKA Bushwalla"San Diego's own wild & crazy guy, Billy Galewood, recounts his quest for fun from Clevelan...
11/03/2024

"Billy Galewood FKA Bushwalla"

San Diego's own wild & crazy guy, Billy Galewood, recounts his quest for fun from Cleveland to Bushwalla and beyond. An original showman from the Java Joe days, he entertains through improv, song, rap, storytelling, and making people laugh. Here he tells the tales of musical theatre, the Cleveland Opera, early days with Jason Mraz, how meditation led to the demise of Bushwalla, his LA/SD split personality, and his reincarnation as a comic and celebrity host. He also shares the SECRET TO LIFE. Don't miss this utterly charming episode with Jennifer and Bill.

The movie about Jack Tempchin by Gregory Page:
https://www.midnightjackthemovie.com/

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide
Diego

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-03-11T02_00_00-07_00

San Diego's own wild & crazy guy, Billy Galewood, recounts his quest for fun from Cleveland to Bushwalla and beyond. An original showman from the Java Joe days, he entertains through improv, song, rap, storytelling, and making people laugh. Here he tells the tales of musical theatre, the...

Rafi Kohan's new book, "Trash Talk: The Only Book About Destroying Your Rivals That Isn't Total Garbage," covers sh*t ta...
04/03/2024

Rafi Kohan's new book, "Trash Talk: The Only Book About Destroying Your Rivals That Isn't Total Garbage," covers sh*t talking and its relatives: bench jockeying, the dozens, and sledging; as well as its variants from ancient times (think Odysseus and hubris). Rafi discusses the complexity of trash talk in its levels of teasing, threat, trust, and going "too far," but delves further into its effectiveness in competition, or lack thereof. He goes on to explore the research about these psychological tactics, their use in coaching, and the training used to build up mental toughness in the Special Forces. We also have a good laugh about the rivalries between siblings and between the Padres and the Dodgers. A wide-ranging fun episode with something for everyone.

The book:
https://www.amazon.com/Trash-Talk-Destroying-Rivals-Garbage/dp/1541788915

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-03-04T02_00_00-08_00

Rafi Kohan's new book, "Trash Talk: The Only Book About Destroying Your Rivals That Isn't Total Garbage," covers sh*t talking and its relatives: bench jockeying, the dozens, and sledging; as well as its variants from ancient times (think Odysseus and hubris). Rafi discusses the com...

27/02/2024

Join Steve Denyes, of Hullabaloo, the best kids' music band in these parts (and maybe the universe!), as he chats about songwriting, kids and parents, and what has changed in the twenty years that Hullabaloo has been performing. Hullabaloo's first live album, their 15th album overall, came o...

27/02/2024

Dr. Helveston's new book tells the history of the Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that was discovered and researched as a poison and how it came to be Botox, with multiple medical applications and a household word in the beauty industry. As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Helveston worked with Alan S...

The Story of Botox with Dr. Eugene HelvestonDr. Helveston's new book tells the history of the Clostridium botulinum, a b...
27/02/2024

The Story of Botox with Dr. Eugene Helveston

Dr. Helveston's new book tells the history of the Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that was discovered and researched as a poison and how it came to be Botox, with multiple medical applications and a household word in the beauty industry. As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Helveston worked with Alan Scott who is credited with developing and manufacturing Botox although, as you'll hear in the episode, his rewards were more advancing science and having fun rather than making money. It's a fascinating tale of a remarkable person and his dedication to a useful toxin.

Eugene Helveson's website:
https://eugenehelveston.com/

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

strabismus

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-02-19T02_00_00-08_00

Dr. Helveston's new book tells the history of the Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that was discovered and researched as a poison and how it came to be Botox, with multiple medical applications and a household word in the beauty industry. As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Helveston worked with Alan S...

HAVING A BALL WITH HULLABALOO  Join Steve Denyes, of Hullabaloo, the best kids' music band in these parts (and maybe the...
27/02/2024

HAVING A BALL WITH HULLABALOO

Join Steve Denyes, of Hullabaloo, the best kids' music band in these parts (and maybe the universe!), as he chats about songwriting, kids and parents, and what has changed in the twenty years that Hullabaloo has been performing. Hullabaloo's first live album, their 15th album overall, came out this month. It was recorded live in Sun Studio, and Steve talks about what it was like to be in Memphis, learning about its history and living some of it too. We also get to talk about word play, folk songs, Feeding San Diego, and the community that has grown up around the band. An insightful episode with a thoughtful and funny musician.

Hullabaloo's website:
https://hullabalooband.com/

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide


https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-02-26T02_00_00-08_00

Join Steve Denyes, of Hullabaloo, the best kids' music band in these parts (and maybe the universe!), as he chats about songwriting, kids and parents, and what has changed in the twenty years that Hullabaloo has been performing. Hullabaloo's first live album, their 15th album overall, came o...

12/02/2024

Welcome Welcome to the Eastern Sierra Book Festival webpage. We’re glad you’re here. The book festival is a one-day celebration of books, writing, reading, and publishing. It is held annually in July at the beautiful Mammoth Museum at Hayden Cabin in Mammoth Lakes, California, on the Eastside of...

 : The Guest Book with Sarah BlakePlease join us for a wonderful conversation with novelist Sarah Blake about her latest...
12/02/2024

: The Guest Book with Sarah Blake

Please join us for a wonderful conversation with novelist Sarah Blake about her latest novel, The Guest Book, a book described by the Washington Post as "monumental," a sweeping family drama of secrets and silence that crosses three generations but anchored by a private island off the coast of Maine. With periods set in the thirties, just before World War II, in the late fifties, just before the Civil Rights Movement, and in present day, it is very much of our time as it dares to approach the issues of racism and anti-Semitism and asks us to consider our own role in history. Sarah also talks about her challenges and rewards in writing this weighty novel. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode with a glorious writer.

Sarah Blake's website:
https://www.sarahblakewrites.com/

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

-Semitism
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-02-12T02_00_00-08_00

Please join us for a wonderful conversation with novelist Sarah Blake about her latest novel, The Guest Book, a book described by the Washington Post as "monumental," a sweeping family drama of secrets and silence that crosses three generations but anchored by a private island off the coas...

Podcast: Book Bans and the PEN America LawsuitNearly 6,000 instances of book banning have been recorded since 2021, and ...
06/02/2024

Podcast: Book Bans and the PEN America Lawsuit

Nearly 6,000 instances of book banning have been recorded since 2021, and the book censorship movement is growing, accelerated by new laws in some states. PEN America has joined Penguin Random House, authors, and students in a lawsuit against Escambia County school district, challenging unlawful censorship. PEN America program director, Kasey Meehan, joins us to talk about the numbers, what is being banned, who is driving the movement, and what actions, both legal and grassroots, are underway to push back against this fundamental challenge to freedom of expression and our democracy. Kasey explains in layman's terms what topics are being censored, how book ban lists are copied from state to state, and how state laws are creating a chilling effect on teachers and librarians who err on the side of "caution," by removing books or not buying them. We discuss the principles behind freedom of expression and open discourse, as well as specifics of the book ban movement, such as Moms for Liberty and their website, booklooks.org, which provides "slick sheets," excerpts used to support book bans. Don't miss this essential episode.

The PEN America Call to Action webpage:
https://pen.org/issue/free-the-books/

Thoughts? Comments? Potshots? Contact the show at:
https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

Sponsored by Discreet Guide Training:
https://training.discreetguide.com/

Follow or like us on podomatic.com (it raises our visibility :)
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts

Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/discreetguide

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-02-05T02_00_00-08_00

Nearly 6,000 instances of book banning have been recorded since 2021, and the book censorship movement is growing, accelerated by new laws in some states. PEN America has joined Penguin Random House, authors, and students in a lawsuit against Escambia County school district, challenging unlawful cen...

 : Siskel and Ebert: Opposable ThumbsMatt Singer, author of Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel and Ebert Changed Movies Foreve...
30/01/2024

: Siskel and Ebert: Opposable Thumbs

Matt Singer, author of Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel and Ebert Changed Movies Forever, joins us to discuss two TV guys who argued passionately about movies for over twenty years, during a period when American Cinema was in its heyday, and film criticism rose to the challenge. Matt's book covers the history of S&E's successful collaboration, somewhat surprising since they were first longform movie critics from competing Chicago newspapers, before they joined thumbs and their Two Thumbs Up! became a household movie endorsement. Matt describes the relationship, respect, and competition between the two, as well as his own relationship with Roger Ebert, and the history of S&E's work, how it evolved, what they did well, and maybe some places they missed the boat. Our conversation runs the gamut from fun stuff like skunks on the show to deeper questions about film criticism today. Matt's extraordinary knowledge about the history of S&E, as well as his enthusiasm for Siskel and Ebert as people and critics, for their show, and for movies in general bubbles forth in this episode. Whether you remember Siskel and Ebert or not, don't miss this episode about an extraordinary period in American Film.

Matt's website:
https://www.matt-singer.net/

Matt's day job (read his articles here):
https://screencrush.com/

Matt on Letterboxd:
https://letterboxd.com/superpulse/

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https://booksshowstunes.discreetguide.com/contact/

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https://training.discreetguide.com/

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https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/books-shows-tunes-mad-acts/episodes/2024-01-29T02_00_00-08_00

Matt Singer, author of Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel and Ebert Changed Movies Forever, joins us to discuss two TV guys who argued passionately about movies for over twenty years, during a period when American Cinema was in its heyday, and film criticism rose to the challenge. Matt's book covers t...

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