Books, Booze, and BS

You Could Stick, Like, Thirty Cats Up Your Pant Leg

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.

The Fable of Thom and His Dumb H”

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.

Enough With The Nipples Russell Brand!

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.

Now Featuring: Toxic Families and Christmas Chaos!

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.

Like a Serial Killer Displaying Her Trophies

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.

I Have Not Had A Pie I Didn’t Like

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.

Scritchy Scratchy, Clangy Bangy

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.

Finger Prawns and the Joy of a Cancelled Plan

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.

Fluffernutters, Bourbon Missions & Forest Monsters

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.

The Resurgence of a Chili’s Triple Dipper

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.