Is AI freaking you out? Well that just too damn bad because this weeks book is IROBOT!!!

Not the vacuum, not the movie, the original anthology by legendary sci-fi founding father Isaac Asimov! Robot babysitters face off with tractors, a Robot becomes mayor by punching a guy in the face, and a mind-reading robot becomes fatally insecure.

Hope you brought a raincoat cause the Phools are about to domo some serious arigato.

Two Olympics books back to back, are the Phools out of their minds!?! Always were baby.

This week's book is a deep dive into the stories behind the MIRACLE ON ICE!!! Often called the greatest upset in sports history, this is the legendary 1980 Olympic hockey game where a team of scrappy US college students defeated the unstoppable Russian jugggernauts.

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Episode Summary:

The Phools explore the inspiring story of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team, the Miracle on Ice, through the lens of author Wayne Coffey. They discuss leadership, team dynamics, and the historical significance of this sports upset, along with insights into Herb Brooks' coaching philosophy. They explore the legendary 1980 US Olympic hockey team's victory, coaching decisions, and the human stories behind the game. Delve into the strategic and emotional elements that made this event iconic.

It’s OLYMPICS season folks and you know what that means! TIME TO TALK ABOUT TRUE CRIME!!!

An Olympic Gold medal winning wrestler is murdered by his coach. His brother (also an Olympic Gold medal winning wrestler) wrote this book about their meteoric rise to athletic superiority, and the insane, egotistical, cocaine-fueled, megalomaniac millionaire who tore it all down.

Is being an olympian a mental illness? Do all roads lead to Provo Utah? Are geese casting spells on John Dupont?

The Phools are on a podium all their own this week!!!

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Episode Summary:

This conversation explores various themes, including cooking as a creative outlet, the humorous aspects of relationships, the historical significance of the Olympic Games, and the dark side of sports exemplified by the story of Mark and Dave Schultz and John DuPont. The discussion delves into the complexities of wealth, character, and brotherhood, ultimately leading to a tragic conclusion regarding the influence of power and control in sports. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the complexities of the wrestling world, focusing on the life of Mark Schultz and the tragic events surrounding John DuPont and the murder of Dave Schultz. They explore themes of artistic freedom, the burdens of mastery, cultural differences in sports, the dark realities of weight cutting, and the psychological impacts of trauma. The discussion also touches on the legacy of Foxcatcher and the bizarre life of John DuPont, highlighting the intersection of mental health and sports culture.

IT’S SPOOKY FISHING PART 2 of 2!!!

With Zombie Mom out of the way, it’s time now to travel to the black ocean where The Fisherman and his zombie fish minions toil endlessly to ensare a primordial evil and gain mastery over life and death. Re-read that sentence. You can’t make this stuff up! Unless you’re John Langan!!!

The Phools are made a deal with the devil this week!

Episode Summary:

The Phools engage in a humorous conversation about personal experiences, particularly focusing on COVID, before diving into a discussion of the cosmic horror novel 'The Fisherman.' They explore themes of grief, ambition, and the consequences of one's actions as the characters battle a Leviathan. The conversation blends light-hearted banter with serious literary analysis, culminating in a mysterious conclusion. In this engaging conversation, the Phools delve into the themes of family dynamics, magical realism, and the consequences of power as they explore the narrative of the novel. They discuss the balance of good and evil, the allure of the unknown, and the haunting truths that emerge from the characters' encounters with the supernatural. The conversation also touches on the art of cartography, the significance of grief and loss, and the motivations behind the characters' actions, culminating in a reflection on the book's real-life inspirations and its impact on the readers.

What do you get when you mix grief, fishing, and PRIMORDIAL EVIL!?!?

This freakin book that’s what. THE FISHERMAN is an award winning cosmic horror with all the fixins. Greiving widowers, a barkeeper’s spooky tale, black magic, zombie moms, and gargantuan monsters older than the earth itself!

The Phools are gone fishin, and may never be back…

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Episode Summary:

The Phools delve into the cosmic horror novel 'The Fisherman' by John Langan. They explore themes of grief, friendship, and the dual narratives that intertwine the present with the past. The conversation highlights personal relationships with horror literature, the significance of the setting, and the characters' struggles with loss. The hosts also discuss the writing style of Langan and the impact of horror storytelling on readers. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore a variety of themes ranging from the complexities of relationships and humor to the deeper implications of returning from the dead. They delve into the nature of zombies as a reflection of societal issues, the challenges of honesty, and the intersection of fantasy and reality. The discussion also touches on the temptations of dark thoughts and the quest for knowledge, culminating in a narrative that intertwines personal grief with larger cosmic themes.

BOATS AGAIN!?! They said it couldn't be done...

Berg moves to a coastal town to get clean from drugs, and takes a job with old boatbuilder to build boats to smuggle drugs. Sort of a full-circle, coming of age, "Eat-Pray-Love" situation.

The Phools are on a journey of self discovery this week!!!

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Episode Summary:

The Phools delve into the themes of addiction, redemption, and the craft of boat building as depicted in the book 'The Boat Builder' by Daniel Gumbiner. They explore the character of Berg, his struggles with mental health and addiction, and the wisdom imparted by his mentor, Alejandro Vega. The setting of Talinas adds a unique charm to the narrative, while the author's background and personal experiences enrich the story. The discussion highlights the importance of self-discovery and the impact of relationships on one's journey towards healing. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the themes of addiction, recovery, and the importance of positive role models. They explore the impact of concussions on behavior, the cyclical nature of addiction, and the role of mentors in guiding individuals through their struggles. The discussion highlights the reality of life's unresolved challenges and the significance of community and shared experiences in the healing process. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the importance of facing reality, seeking help, and finding strength in vulnerability.

Piracy, Shipwreck, MUTINY!!!!

The Phools are shivering their timbers this week!

On the way to steal some treasure for England, the Wager is shipwrecked in Patagonia! They get rescued but they get too horny and ruin it, a poet abandons his captain but changes his mind, against all odds they somehow still get the treasure, and the best part, NOBODY KNOWS WHAT REALLY HAPPENED!!!

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Episode Summary:

The Phools dive into the harrowing tale of 'The Wager' by David Grann, a gripping nonfiction account of a British warship's disastrous journey in 1740. The conversation begins with light banter about notifications and games, quickly transitioning into the dire circumstances faced by the crew of the Wager as they navigate treacherous waters and the harsh realities of survival. The hosts explore themes of leadership, desperation, and the human condition as they recount the ship's wreck, the ensuing chaos, and the moral dilemmas faced by the crew as they struggle for survival on a desolate island. In this episode, the hosts delve into the gripping narrative of 'The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder' by David Grann. They explore the harrowing experiences of sailors who faced mutiny and survival against the backdrop of imperial greed and the harsh realities of life at sea in the 1700s. The conversation highlights the contrasting leadership styles of Captain Cheap and Bulkley, the moral dilemmas faced by the crew, and the broader implications of their actions within the context of colonialism. The hosts reflect on the complexities of heroism and villainy, questioning the narratives shaped by those who write history, and how personal biases influence storytelling.

This has nothing to do with Capitan America. And for the record, that movie had nothing to do with this book.

It's a Utopian nightmare!!! In a future where everyone is happy, why does it feel so wrong? Why do they grow babies in labs? Where did all these twins come from? What is the best Jason Statham movie?

The Phools are questioning everything!!!

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, the phools delve into Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World', exploring themes of identity, societal structure, and the concept of a perfect society. They discuss the dystopian elements of the novel, the characters' roles, and the implications of a world engineered for stability and happiness. The conversation raises critical questions about freedom, individuality, and the cost of comfort in a controlled society. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the themes presented in Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World', exploring the societal implications of aging, morality, and the pursuit of happiness. They discuss the character of John, his struggles with desire and societal norms, and the tragic fate of his mother, Linda. The conversation culminates in a critique of the societal structures that prioritize comfort over meaning, leading to a thought-provoking discussion on the nature of happiness and the human experience.