Books, Booze, and BS

Come hang out with host (and author) Mike Jakubowski as he brings on a rotating group of friends to talk books, booze, and bull$hit. Each week on his podcast, he and guests will discuss the read of the week, have a couple of drinks, and discuss some current topics and mostly other nonsense. This podcast is meant to be the book club you’ve been dying to join, that will hopefully make you laugh along the way. And, occasionally, feature authors as guests after their book’s episode airs. 

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Episodes

Wednesday Apr 01, 2026

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.

Two Hundred. Sixty-One. Chapters.

Wednesday Mar 18, 2026

Wednesday Mar 18, 2026

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.

I Nibbled On My Pocket Biscuit

Wednesday Mar 04, 2026

Wednesday Mar 04, 2026

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.

Wednesday Feb 18, 2026

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.

Do You Own a Library Card? Duh!

Wednesday Feb 04, 2026

Wednesday Feb 04, 2026

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.

Wednesday Jan 21, 2026

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.

Wednesday Jan 07, 2026

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.

Wednesday Dec 24, 2025

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.

Wednesday Dec 17, 2025

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.

Wednesday Dec 03, 2025

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.

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