Shows
The Book PileKellen's Favorite Books of 2025 So Far! (And three dumb ones)SUMMARY: I pretty much summarized it with the title. I've read/listened to 50+ books since January 1 and I'M DONE. No, but I am done with two authors for sure, listen to find out who!Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's America's Got Talent, and the Amazon Original Series Inside Jokes. He has garnered over 200 million views with his clips on Dry Bar Comedy. In 2018 he was selected to perform on the “New Faces” showcase at the Just...2025-06-0420 minThe Book PilePermission to Feel, by Marc BrackettSUMMARY: If you like James Bond, Hunger Games, Star Wars, or Lord of the Rings, you will LOVE this spy thriller! We know the cover looks like a therapy book, but it’s not! It has action and comedy and romance, not therapy that is good for you. Come listen to this gripping caper, which is not a therapy book. You don’t have to worry about your feelings in this fun popcorn book. It’s not a therapy book. Hit play.WATCH KELLEN'S NEW COMEDY SPECIAL ON YOUTUBE!https://www.youtube.com/watch...2025-04-2533 minThe Book PileA SECOND LOOK AT: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanSUMMARY: This episode has everything you could hope for. Conspiracy theories. Hermione exoneration. And a rat who turns out to be a murderer. (Who knew Harry Potter was a sequel to 1300s Europe?) (It’s funny because the most devastating event imaginable happened many years ago.) (Your subconscious sense of humor deems the past to be intrinsically less worthy of empathy.) We hope you enjoy!WATCH KELLEN'S NEW COMEDY SPECIAL ON YOUTUBE!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpBt0W1zrDU&t=1237sKELLEN ERSKINE IS IN ON TOUR!2025-03-2730 minThe Book PileFight Club by Chuck PalahniukSUMMARY: Fight Club is a story with one of the most famous twist endings in book and movie history (they find out violence is good...) But before it was a hit movie, did you know it was also a disgusting book? Join Kellen and Dave as they complain about this well-written book they both kind of hate.WATCH KELLEN'S NEW COMEDY SPECIAL ON YOUTUBE!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpBt0W1zrDU&t=1237sKELLEN ERSKINE IS IN ON TOUR!MAR 16 New Bremen, OHMAR 20 Pittsburgh2025-03-1327 minThe Book PileThe Body, by Bill BrysonSUMMARY: (A Dave and Kellen episode!) This book is full of incredible trivia about the human body, beautifully and hilariously written. For instance, did you know that every one of your organs is being played by a tiny little Phantom of the Opera? When your stomach is rumbling, that’s him telling Christine to “Sing, angel!” If you release gas as you sleep, that’s simply the music of the night! Fun.WATCH KELLEN'S NEW COMEDY SPECIAL ON YOUTUBE!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpBt0W1zrDU&t=1237sKELLEN ERSKINE...2025-02-2424 minThe Book PileRe-Issue: Excellent Advice for Living, by Kevin KellySUMMARY: Enjoy a digitally-remastered edit of one of our favorite episodes, where the author shares exactly what the book is called. Plus, Dave tells a story about being accidentally cool at a wedding, and Dave disagrees with a brilliant plan that Kellen has for safe combat with burglars...WATCH KELLEN'S NEW COMEDY SPECIAL ON YOUTUBE!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpBt0W1zrDU&t=1237sKELLEN ERSKINE IS IN ON TOUR!MAR 16 New Bremen, OHMAR 20 PittsburghMAR 28 Bakersfield, CAPR 4 Delray Beach...2025-02-1930 minThe Book PileJane Eyre by Charlotte BrontëSUMMARY: What if Pride and Prejudice were spooky? What if Mr. Darcy were less handsome, but also more abominable? What if instead of four sisters, Lizzie had no parents and a best friend who dies of tuberculosis? If you love Jane Austen, you’ll love this book, assuming you can get on board with some stuff. Today’s novel is the incomparable Jane Eyre. Though I guess it can be comparable to Pride and Prejudice.WATCH KELLEN'S NEW COMEDY SPECIAL ON YOUTUBE!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpBt0W1zrDU&t=1237s2025-02-1033 minThe Book PileFour Thousand Weeks by Oliver BurkemanSUMMARY: The typical human lifespan is in the neighborhood of 4,000 weeks. That is an extremely precious, finite, and dwindling amount of life. It gives all of us urgent reason to (while we still can) take advantage of the Taco Bell 5 Dollar Taco Discovery Box deal. How would you live differently if you knew this was your last day to spend time with loved ones, work on a passion project, or eat a Doritos Locos Taco with a medium fountain drink (including the Baja Blast)?On this episode hear Dave's beautiful cigarette analogy, plus Kellen wishes that we...2025-01-2826 minThe Book PileHow to Read 100 Books This YearSUMMARY: Whether you want to read 100 books this year, or even just 87, Kellen has some tips for how to succeed--and he's strategically waited 3 weeks into January so that he could get a head start before you.WATCH KELLEN'S NEW COMEDY SPECIAL "NEGATIVE COMMENTS" ON YOUTUBE!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpBt0W1zrDU&t=1237s-Get two free tickets to any of Kellen's live shows in 2024-2025 by joining The Book Pile's Patreon at:https://www.patreon.com/TheBookPile-Dave’s book / ga...2025-01-2116 minThe Book PileEverybody Lies, by Seth Stephens-DavidowitzSUMMARY: To celebrate this book about dishonesty, we’re gonna test how well you know Kellen and Dave with a game of two truths and a lie. You ready? See if you know us well enough to pass the quiz.1. Statement 2 is false.2. Statement 3 is true.3. Statement 1 is false.Alright, we’ll see which of you are superfans!WATCH KELLEN'S NEW COMEDY SPECIAL "NEGATIVE COMMENTS" ON YOUTUBE!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpBt0W1zrDU&t=1237s-Get two free tickets to any of K...2025-01-1524 minThe Book PileKellen Crams to Get His 100 Books Read by The End of The Year!SUMMARY: Kellen is behind on his reading, and he needs your help! (Sounds like a Saturday morning PBS cartoon...). Kellen gives a rundown of most of the books he's read so far this year; also he has an idea for a very classy author name; and at around the 15-minute mark he quits recording for a full day to recover from starting to lose his voice in real time (and--if you catch when it happens--it sounds like a miracle), and through the magic of editing, he picks it up right where he left off and you don't have...2024-12-1222 minThe Book PileA 2nd LOOK AT: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets!SUMMARY: It's been 3 years so we gave this book "another go" as they say in non-American English speaking countries, like Wizard Land. Today we cover the second Harry Potter, which managed to improve on the original, and is also – no offense – the only book you could get rid of without changing anything important. Don’t be mad, but if the series just went straight from Sorcerer’s Stone to Prisoner of Azkaban, you basically wouldn’t know any better. You’d just have to be like, “By the way, Hagrid has a new job, and here’s Ron’s sister.” Look, do...2024-12-0439 minThe Book PileRe-Issue: The Illustrated Man, by Ray BradburySUMMARY: When you hear a story, do you lose interest after like 5 minutes? Then you will LOVE short stories, a new thing we invented. Today’s book is a short story collection by Ray Bradbury, who realized that anything counts as sci-fi if you take a normal story and just put it on Mars. Plus, Kellen has planned out a very unexpected last day on Earth, and Dave uncovers a deceptive photograph.WATCH KELLEN'S NEW COMEDY SPECIAL ON YOUTUBE!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpBt0W1zrDU&t=1237sKELLEN ERSKINE IS IN...2024-11-2524 minThe Book PileTHE ROAST OF: The Spy Who Loved Me, by Ian FlemingSUMMARY: This is a James Bond book without James Bond, a love story without love, and a spy story without spying. The only person who’s unaware of all this is the author, Ian Fleming, AKA the only person feminists beg to please write fewer female characters. KELLEN ERSKINE IS IN CHICAGO THIS WEEK Nov 22-23! Go to KellenErskine.com for tickets-Get two free tickets to any of Kellen's live shows in 2024-2025 by joining The Book Pile's Patreon at:https://www.patreon.com/TheBookPile-D...2024-11-1825 minThe Book PileYes Please, by Amy PoehlerSUMMARY: Dave and Kellen take another dive into the great Amy Poehler's (SNL, Baby Momma, Parks and Recreation) memoir. Also Dave is terrible at comforting people and Kellen rants about actors' award speeches.KELLEN ERSKINE IS IN PROVO & SALT LAKE CITY THIS WEEK! Nov 7th (Provo) then 8-9 (SLC) go to KellenErskine.com for tickets-Get two free tickets to any of Kellen's live shows in 2024-2025 by joining The Book Pile's Patreon at:https://www.patreon.com/TheBookPile2024-11-0431 minThe Book PileRange, by David EpsteinSUMMARY: Do you ever make a books podcast, and start with your favorite books? But unfortunately, your first episodes are also when you’re the worst at podcasting? So years later you revisit those books to do a better job? That’s what this is! Today we cover a book about cultivating interests in a lot of different fields. It’s great.-If you want to read Range and support the podcast in a fun way, click here to buy the book!https://amzn.to/3Yi0V3i-Ge...2024-10-1127 minThe Book PileRe-Issue: The Art of War, by Sun TzuSUMMARY: Enjoy this throwback episode from September 2022 when we covered the oldest book on the podcast thus far (though the book with the oldest people is probably still Twilight...). Learn the value of surprise as Kellen startles Dave in real time, and bask in Dave's glory as he recounts winning at board games and also possibly saving someone's life (but he's still a nerd because of the board games...). -If you want to read or listen to The Art of War and support the podcast in a fun...2024-09-1624 minThe Book PileRe-Issue: THE ROAST OF The Da Vinci CodeWhat's better than uncovering the mysteries of history? MAKING UP history so that it fits into a clue-based adventure!-Listen to the audio album of Kellen's new 30-minute comedy special "Negative Comments"! Available by joining The Book Pile's Patreon at:https://www.patreon.com/TheBookPileOR WATCH his new special here for free with promo code KELLENERSKINEhttps://www.drybarcomedy.com/kellenerskineSee The Book Pile LIVE in Los Angeles (adjacent...) on Sep 6th! Tickets here! (OR Join the Patreon and get in...2024-08-2632 minThe Book PileTHE ROAST OF: The Secret, by Rhonda ByrneLook. It’s just possibly the worst book we’ve ever read. This is the maddest you’ll ever hear us.-Listen to the audio album of Kellen's new 30-minute comedy special "Negative Comments"! Available by joining The Book Pile's Patreon at:https://www.patreon.com/TheBookPileSee us LIVE in Los Angeles (adjacent...) on Sep 6th! Tickets here!https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kellen-erskine-stand-up-comedy-the-book-pile-podcast-tickets-952036465697?aff=Website-Dave’s book / game The Starlings is here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMBBLGXN...2024-08-2137 minThe Book PileRe-Issue: Enlightenment Now + NEWS about Kellen's newest comedy special!-Listen to the audio album of Kellen's new 30-minute comedy special "Negative Comments"! Available by joining The Book Pile's Patreon at:https://www.patreon.com/TheBookPileSUMMARY: The world is probably a better place than it ever has been to live in. Don't believe that? Are you calling Steven Pinker's 700 page book a liar?-If you want to read Enlightenment Now and support the podcast in a fun way, click here to buy the book! Free on Audible to first-time subscribers!https://amzn.to/3YGrYFU-Dave’s bo...2024-08-1327 minThe Book PileMisfit by Gary Gulman WITH GUEST GARY GULMAN!Buy Gary’s book, Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the '80s: https://www.amazon.com/Misfit-Growing-Up-Awkward-80s/dp/1250777062Gary’s standup special, Born on Third Base: https://www.max.com/movies/gary-gulman-born-on-3rd-base/3c80efb5-7891-463e-87b9-9e8ca7d8e6c7Gary’s standup special, The Great Depresh: https://www.max.com/movies/gary-gulman-the-great-depresh/6b6e6992-a485-42f7-b41e-ff11441da6abDave’s boo...2024-01-1237 minThe Book PileRe-issue: A Christmas Carol (now with a new introduction!)JOIN OUR PATREON FOR BoNuS EPISODES and to purchase a CAMEO-STYLE video greeting from Dave and Kellen! (Gift to a friend or family member!)https://www.patreon.com/TheBookPile*Dave’s graphic novel escape room: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMBBLGXN?ref=myi_title_dp*Rediscover A Christmas Carol with the wonderful Tim Curry narrating! Also rediscover this gem of a Book Pile episode (episode #114) that we dug up from 2022 (now with a new intro!). Listen to Dave whisper laugh! Hear Kellen dis...2023-12-2721 minThe Book PileStart Ugly, by David DuCheminFOR TICKETS TO OUR LIVE SHOWS ON NOVEMBER 11th!Click here!Tickets for 7pm show: The Roast of the novelization of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, by Alan Dean Fosterhttps://www.improvbroadway.com/events/7-pm-improv-comedy-special-live-taping-at-the-hive-collaborative-not-the-improvbroadway-theater-2-4Tickets for 9:30pm show: The Roast of Angels and Demons, by Dan Brownhttps://www.improvbroadway.com/events/9-30-pm-improv-comedy-special-live-taping-at-the-hive-collaborative-not-the-improvbroadway-theater-1-9*JOIN OUR NEW PATREON FOR BoNuS EPISODES!https://www.patreon.com/TheBookPile*2023-10-3115 minThe Book PileRANKED: The Top 7 Scariest Books (to Kellen...)JOIN OUR NEW PATREON FOR BoNuS EPISODES!https://www.patreon.com/TheBookPileToday Kellen lists the books that have scared him the most from the time he was a child up until this year (please don't make fun of him...). It's Halloween month! Or "pumpkin harvest month" or whatever it is you're most comfortable saying about October...At the very least, we can all agree that it's the tenth month of the year, so it's only fitting that we talk about ghosts.*If any of the books on this...2023-10-1019 minThe Book PileHappy Birthday Kellen! + Trailer for Patreon Mini-Episode #4: How many times has Dave read Harry Potter?JOIN OUR PATREON FOR BoNuS EPISODES!https://www.patreon.com/TheBookPile*Kellen wishes a happy birthday to himself and shares what his greatest desire is. Also, we've included half of our most recent Mini-Episode from the The Book Pile's Patreon! Enjoy it!*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's America's Got Talent, and the Amazon Original Series Inside Jokes. He has garnered over 100 million views with his clips on Dry Bar Comedy. In 2018 he was selected to perform on the “New Faces” show...2023-09-0909 minThe Book PileMurder on the Orient Express, PLUS Kellen & Dave celebrate their 149th episode!OUR PATREON IS LIVE! GET BONUS CONTENT FROM THE BOOK PILE WHILE SUPPORTING US! CLICK RIGHT BELOW THIS SENTENCE!https://patreon.com/TheBookPile*Exciting news today as we announce the launch of our Patreon! Also, today we cover one of Agatha Christie’s most famous whodunnits, as well as the magical parody, “Murder on the Hogwarts Express”, in which Neville is stabbed to death with a dozen knives and no one notices...Plus, Kellen announces a new special! And Dave tells you about his bad dreams.*To buy the book a...2023-08-2136 minThe Book PileTuesday, by David WiesnerIf you're scared of frogs, you're going to HATE this book! Because--to you--the only thing worse than a frog would be a FLYING FROG. On this mostly solo episode, Kellen discusses one of his favorite picture books, (but he calls them "illustrations" to feel more like an adult), which has 6 total words (but many beautiful illustrations). *To buy the book, Tuesday, and support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3Kgxk2P*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central...2023-07-1720 minThe Book PileThe Namesake by Jhumpa LahiriToday’s episode is about a beautiful book on the life of an immigrant Indian-American family, interspliced with Dave and Kellen’s thoughts on the classic film The Land Before Time. We discuss the role of literature in building empathy for experiences unlike your own, and we also sing the classic song If We Hold On Together from The Land Before Time. Plus, Dave still wants you to buy his book so that he can accumulate immeasurable wealth and Kellen finally gets a laugh for his first public joke.*To buy the book, The Name...2023-01-1826 minThe Book PileThe Starlings, Episode 1: Airborne, by David Vance, Fabián Cobos, and art teamToday we cover a book written by Dave! (You can currently buy it by searching Kickstarter for “The Starlings Adventure Box”, starting January 10! Or if you’re not the reading type, you can just come to Dave’s house and kill him. Either one solves his career problems.) Plus, Kellen reads the book to his two sons, who immediately outsmart Dave. Check it out!*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's America's Got Talent, and the Amazon Original Series Inside Jokes. He has garnered over 100...2023-01-0929 minThe Book PileContagious by Jonah BergerIf you have some kind of product you want to spread to the world, check out this podcast, unless your product is Nazis. In Contagious, Jonah Berger gives great tips for improving word-of-mouth. Plus, Kellen name drops the Today Show many times, and Dave has great news about Baby Shark.*To buy the book, Contagious, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3OA7b1u*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central...2022-06-2027 minThe Book PileLIVE! THE ROAST OF Twilight: Eclipse by Stephenie MeyerA live podcast! In which we make fun of the 3rd Twilight book! In a mean-spirited way! Come for the laughs, the drama, the sexism, the dull-eyed vapid characters. Stay for all the imprinting. Plus, Kellen tells a personal story about doing comedy in a cave, and Dave wants the fans to know that, like Edward, his lips are also “marble hard."*To buy the book, Eclipse, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/43Jx0jW*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.co...2022-06-1342 minThe Book PileThe Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy GallweyWant to get better at sports, music, dance, romance, or anything that involves the use of your body? (Except miming. You freak mimes, get out of here.) The Inner Game of Tennis describes an innovative approach to better, easier mastery of tennis and other activities. Plus, Kellen tries to never praise his kids, and Dave gets better at sports by focusing REALLY hard on relaxing.*To buy the book, The Inner Game of Tennis, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn...2022-06-0627 minThe Book PileThe Illustrated Man by Ray BradburyWhen you hear a story, do you lose interest after like 5 minutes? Then you will LOVE short stories, a new thing we invented. Today’s book is a short story collection by Ray Bradbury, who realized that anything counts as scifi if you take a normal story and just put it on Mars. Plus, Kellen has planned out a WILD last day on Earth, and Dave wants you to think more about death.*To buy the book, The illustrated Man, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the po...2022-05-3028 minThe Book PileThe Singularity is Near by Ray KurzweilWhen you think of the future, what do you imagine? Flying cars? Uh, swimming planes? Boats that go on land? Well Ray Kurzweil is here to tell you how wrong you are. The Singularity is Near is full of stunning predictions about the future, made with absolute confidence even when they turn out to not be that accurate. (Kinda like when people predict “for better or for worse, in sickness and in health.") It was written in 2004, so some of the book has to be read with a grain of the-iPod-was-barely-a-thing-yet salt. Speaking of wh...2022-05-2330 minThe Book PileGet in Trouble by Kelly LinkA short story is defined as a story that said it was taller on Tinder. Today’s book is a whole short story collection by magical realist Kelly Link. Plus, Dave is hiring an actor to play him on Instagram, and Kellen uses Latin so you know he’s intelligent.*To buy the book, Get in Trouble, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/43PQDXH*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimm...2022-05-1628 minThe Book PileThe Big Short by Michael LewisSometimes during a time of global disease and war, it’s nice to read a little escapism about the worst financial collapse of our lifetimes. Today’s book is The Big Short. It’s by Michael Lewis, who has a talent for writing about global tragedies (2008 market crash, COVID-19, baseball). Plus, Kellen becomes a communist (knew it!). And Dave learns what an air fryer is, completing his journey into manhood.*To buy the book, The Big Short, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!ht...2022-05-0924 minThe Book PileGone Girl by Gillian FlynnDo you like murder mysteries? Romance? Revenge? Gone girls? The police? Treasure hunts? Sociopaths? Mysterious pregnancies? If you answered yes to everything, it’s kind of weird that you like ALL those things, but boy is this episode for you! Plus, Dave doesn’t think we always have to be special, and Kellen has some thoughts on red flags.*To buy the book, Gone Girl, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/45aiSRM*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has...2022-05-0228 minThe Book PileGreenlights by Matthew McConaugheySucceeding in Hollywood takes lots of practice, and that’s why Matthew McConaughey has put in 10,000 hours of being handsome. Today’s book is about how hard McConaughey’s career wasn’t. Plus, Kellen has some questions about Magic Mike and Dave has some aphorisms that were probably written by a human.*To buy the book, Greenlights, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/44J6CIe*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central...2022-04-2527 minThe Book PileDEBATE: The Grapes of Wrath by John SteinbeckToday we cover The Grapes of Wrath, which Kellen loved and Dave hated. ‘Cause we think the best art happens when the two creators have COMPLETELY different visions. (Remember in Star Wars how J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson just undid every creative decision the other one made, like two guys doing bad improv where they do NOT listen to each other at all? It was glorious.) Dave gives a good argument for why The Grapes of Wrath is boring, and Kellen just likes books about dirt I guess. (This description was written by anonymous...)*2022-04-1833 minThe Book PileHelgoland by Carlo RovelliHelgoland is a spy thriller with lots of romance, great comedy, and hilarious, entertaining characters. You will love it as… okay, it’s actually about quantum mechanics, but if we told the truth, you would skip this episode. Plus, Kellen doesn’t think quantum physics actually changes your life, and Dave teaches physics via his favorite method – talking down to you.*To buy the book, Helgoland, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3rU0JcQ*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*2022-04-1126 minThe Book PileThe Calvin and Hobbes 10th Anniversary Book by Bill WattersonA wonderful book with rare commentary from a reclusive author. As you know, Calvin and Hobbes was a Trojan horse comic strip, written by a pastor to get kids interested in the teachings of John Calvin. . . Also, Dave hates on Garfield and Kellen hates on Garfield. What, I’m sorry, we hate Garfield. How did it get so big? Who is reading this.*To buy the book, The Calvin and Hobbes, AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3KmJRSl*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Er...2022-04-0431 minThe Book PileThe Silk Roads by Peter FrankopanDid history stress you out in high school? Not really your favorite subject? Well today we break down history in a fun, comedic way, and then at the end we test you and give you a grade that decides your whole future! Plus, Kellen wants you to know that not all of California is covered in feces, and Dave introduces his new best friend, Prester John.(Also, stick around for the end song for a final correction of a vegetable fact.)*To buy the book, The Silk Roads, or listen to...2022-03-2832 minThe Book PileHALF-ROAST: The Skeleton Crew by Stephen KingStephen King knows that a short story collection is like an album – as long as you have a few hits, the rest can be crap. Today is our half-roast of Skeleton Crew! Plus, Dave has some fun ideas about the nature of suffering and Kellen thinks Stephen King’s endings need work. (What do you bet Stephen eventually dies in some random, uninteresting way?)*To buy the book, The Skeleton Crew, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/455hC2r*TheB...2022-03-2134 minThe Book PileThe Storyteller by Dave GrohlDave Grohl has lived a fascinating creative life that includes being part of Nirvana and Foo Fighters, collaborating with Paul McCartney and Tom Petty, and being the most featured musical artist on SNL. But in a billion years, he’ll be just as forgotten as the rest of us, so why try? (Today’s episode brought to you by nihilism!) Plus, Kellen wants your kids to drop out of high school and Dave wants you to get good at the drums by ruining your teeth!*To buy the book, The Storyteller, or list...2022-03-1436 minThe Book PileTHE ROAST OF: Goldfinger by Ian FlemingLong before The Sopranos or Breaking Bad, Ian Fleming accidentally created the first anti-hero! James Bond is what Reddit calls “a man of his time” (meaning “a bad person”). Today we roast his worst book, Goldfinger. Also, Kellen continues his love of coincidences in literature and Dave wishes his enemies would paint him in gold.*To buy the book, Goldfinger, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3q5Pduq*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan...2022-03-0727 minThe Book PileThis Is How They Tell Me the World Ends by Nicole PerlrothThis Is How They Tell Me the World Ends is a chilling book about the danger hackers pose to all of us. It is also a title with a super unclear pronoun. What is “this” referring to? The cause of the world ending? Or the way she’s being told? Until we get answers, we unfortunately cannot recommend this book...Also, Dave has some cybersecurity tips that will only take you 10 minutes, and that you still will not do. And Kellen loved the Stuxnet virus.*To buy the book, This is How They T...2022-02-2830 minThe Book PileTimeline by Michael CrichtonTimeline is an excellent Michael Crichton book about using a time machine to visit the Middle Ages. But, we just wanna point out – you could also use a time machine to get some dinosaurs. That’s why here at The Book Pile we believe every Michael Crichton book should just be Jurassic Park. The nanobots in Prey could have formed a giant dinosaur. The park in Westworld coulda been robot dinosaurs. What’s inside the sphere in Sphere? Dinosaur. Also in this episode Kellen and Dave revive a HEATED debate about sports: Are they silly?*To buy th...2022-02-2135 minThe Book PileCreativity by John CleeseIn the 60s, a group of creative guys in the UK formed a cheeky but charismatic group that gained popularity in Britain before becoming a sensation in America, pushing the boundaries of genre before finally breaking up, and also two of them are now dead. And that group is the Beatles. You thought we were gonna be tricky and say it’s Monty Python, right? You dumb imbecile.Okay, all that stuff is true of Monty Python too. Please enjoy John Cleese’s excellent, excellent tips on creativity. Also, Dave has a great idea for a new Mile...2022-02-1433 minThe Book PileThe Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsToday’s episode is a children’s book about a society that loves watching game shows (fun!). 24 contestants enter a fun franchise called the Hunger Games and, in the spirit of The Biggest Loser, 23 of them lose weight! (The person who doesn’t lose weight gets to go back to the games later and try again!) Read this book with your young kids who love game shows! Also, Dave has theories about Peeta’s real job and Kellen has a critique of Peeta’s frosting skills.*To buy the book, The Hunger Games, or lis...2022-02-0734 minThe Book PileThe Space Between Worlds by Micaiah JohnsonFirst the good news about this book — one of us really liked it! You’ll have to listen to the episode for the bad news. (This is called clickbait. We clickbaited you.) The Space Between Worlds is a scifi story that stretches across multiple universes, and is also about love. Plus, Dave and Kellen says something CRAZY about Nazis. (As we wrote that last clickbait, we chuckled and muttered to ourselves, “We have you now…”)*To buy the book, The Space Between Worlds, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcas...2022-01-3123 minThe Book PileEinstein by Walter IsaacsonHere at The Book Pile, we connect deeply with Einstein, since all 3 of us are creative and none of us graduated from an American high school. Today we cover Isaacson’s excellent biography of Einstein — a man we would go so far as to call a genius! Plus, Kellen uses relativity to win at laser tag, and Dave once again brings Al-Qaeda into this.*To buy the book, Einstein, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3OjqN8A*TheB...2022-01-2427 minThe Book PileSomething Wicked This Way Comes by Ray BradburyAmong all the classic horror books dealing with horrifying supernatural terrors preying upon small children, this is the one with the prettiest poetry. Plus, Dave dumbs things way down, and Kellen tries to save the Berlin Wall.*To buy the book, Something Wicked This Way Comes, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/43TPRsy*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's America's...2021-12-2734 minThe Book PileTo Kill a Mockingbird by Harper LeeTo Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel grappling with bigotry and other issues facing America, and also it’s way better when you’re not being forced to read it for a grade. Plus Kellen has a great idea for long lines at Disneyland, and Dave wants to someday be as lazy as Harper Lee.*To buy the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3YmKLnK*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Ersk...2021-12-2029 minThe Book PileThe Sociopath Next Door by Martha StoutIn today’s Netflix society, full of rampant paranoia about the dangers of sociopaths, it’s important to remember… they could be anyone! Today Kellen and Dave show off their psychology credentials (none) in this discussion of antisocial personality disorder. Plus, Kellen has serious doubts about quadruplets and Dave stands up for sociopaths almost to a suspicious degree.*To buy the book, The Sociopath Next Door, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3OhG6yF*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*2021-12-1327 minThe Book PileBig Little Lies by Liane MoriartyToday’s episode is a thrilling murder mystery, an engaging character drama, and a profound examination of heavy topics, all written by Sherlock’s nemesis. Plus, Kellen misbehaves at a zoo and Dave comes up with a nightmare factory.*To buy the book, Big Little Lies, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3KjPBML*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's America's Got...2021-12-0628 minThe Book PileThe Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth by Rachel IgnotofskyRachel Ignotofsky is a phenomenal writer, illustrator, and designer, and in today’s book she introduces us to her magnificent fictional planet of “Earth.” Come experience her excellent worldbuilding as she introduces creatures called “animals” that live in mystical “ecosystems." Plus, Dave gets shamed for visiting Machu Picchu and Kellen pitches an excellent new protein supplement.*To buy the book, The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3DB5k67*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Ke...2021-11-2930 minThe Book PileDune by Frank HerbertToday’s episode on Dune is just like the movie: we both wore enormous fat suits, and failed to warn you this is only Part 1 of 2. Today we cover the scifi classic that inspired the blockbuster movie. Plus, Kellen launches a great new diaper line, and Dave gives a warning about madmen.*To buy the book, Dune, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3YhZTTg*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Co...2021-11-2228 minThe Book PileThe Big Picture by Ben FritzIn 2014, Sony was hacked in a massive crime that leaked terabytes of data, causing immense suffering to the Sony team – and helped us learn about movies! This book goes behind the scenes on what it’s like to run a movie studio. Also, Kellen begins his rap career and Dave leans into his German origins.*To buy the book, The Big Picture, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/477yo2V*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on 2021-11-1534 minThe Book PileTHE ROAST OF: The Twilight Saga: NEW MOON by Stephenie MeyerHave you ever read a book and just known the author’s marriage is terrible? Today’s roast is New Moon -- about a love triangle where the protagonist does NOT love one of the boys, so it’s a janky triangle with a leg that’s way shorter -- the first isosceles love triangle! Plus, Kellen moves on from his Twilight-loving past, and Dave does not move on from his Twilight-hating present.***NOTE***This episode was originally taped in front of a live audience, but the venue's audio software "crashed" and was lost. We apologize to all w...2021-11-0836 minThe Book PileJurassic Park by Michael CrichtonJurassic Park helped launch a classic American genre -- a park that seems fun but is actually trying to kill you (Westworld, Something Wicked This Way Comes, Disneyland). Plus, Kellen has a fun description of an ankylosaurus, and Dave thinks there should be a scene in Jurassic Park where a velociraptor is on a beach and sees an ancient velociraptor Statue of Liberty, and is like, “You animals!!!”*To buy the book, Jurassic Park, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3...2021-11-0127 minThe Book PileThe Prehistory of The Far Side by Gary LarsonThe Far Side proves what Kellen’s mocking of Dave proves – good comedy can come from the suffering of others. Today we discuss a book that discusses one of the greatest comic strips of all time. Also, Dave promotes his college band, and Kellen says there are no rules to comedy, but we’ll see if that holds up in court.*To buy the book, The Prehistory of the Far Side, AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3rMobbH*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskin...2021-10-2531 minThe Book PileAtomic Habits by James ClearAtomic Habits shares tips on developing habits so that you can reach any goal, be it neurosurgeon, nuclear physicist, unpaid comedic podcaster in his 30s, or President. Plus, Dave turns his family members into hostages and Kellen takes a cheat day, on his diet and taxes.*To buy the book, Atomic Habits, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/45aC7L0*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!2021-10-1824 minThe Book PileHit Makers by Derek ThompsonHow do things become popular? In Hit Makers, Derek Thompson examines the qualities of massively successful products and people, including iPhones, ESPN, Adele, The Lion King, The Book Pile, and Star Wars. Plus, Kellen tries to trick you by rhyming, and Dave wants to sell you cigarettes.*To buy the book, Hit Makers, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3Ydfmnz*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel...2021-10-1124 minThe Book PilePhysics of the Impossible by Michio KakuAs Niels Bohr once said, the best way to learn complex physics is by listening to two comedians who are VERY confident they understand it. Physics of the Impossible discusses technologies like teleportation, phasers, and invisibility that may be possible in the future, and boy is it exciting and terrifying! Plus, Dave is one of those dumb UFO crazies and Kellen is one of those lame UFO skeptics.*To buy the book, Physics of the Impossible, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!...2021-10-0431 minThe Book PileThe Two Towers by J. R. R. TolkienThe Two Towers is the book where Viggo Mortenson breaks his toe. It is also the second book in Tolkien’s sprawling Lord of the Rings saga, and unlike Return of the King, it doesn’t have the biggest spoiler right in the title. Plus, Kellen has more critiques of Tolkien’s songwriting, and Dave says Gollum can teach you how to be popular.*To buy the book, The Two Towers, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3rUj75m*2021-09-2724 minThe Book PileHarry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by JK RowlingHarry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is Rowling’s sixth… okay look, this episode description isn’t going to make any difference, right? Either you’re a Harry Potter fan and you’re going to listen to this episode, or you’re not. Do you think any cute book description here will get you to take the bait? Forget it. Let’s not kid ourselves. This was predestined long before today. Plus, Kellen has more thoughts about how Ron sucks.And as always with our Harry Potter episodes, SPOILERS AHEAD.*To buy the book, H...2021-09-1328 minThe Book PileSense and Sensibility by Jane AustenJane Austen began writing Sense and Sensibility as a 20-year-old first-time author, in a time when women had incredible difficulty being published at all and, uh... boy do we have notes! Plus, Dave wants the Dashwood sisters to be exactly the same (in a feminist way!), and Kellen finally shows us his Snape/Colonel Brandon impression.*To buy the book, Sense and Sensibility, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3QeGqRs*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine...2021-09-0626 minThe Book PileSapiens by Yuval Noah HarariIf you ever feel depressed that your job isn’t inherently meaningful, read this book so the author can tell you that NOTHING is meaningful! Really puts things in perspective. But seriously, Sapiens is a short and interesting history of humankind. Plus, Kellen believes money can make you happy and Dave has a new idea for what to put on Bitcoin.P.S. We apologize for Kellen's subpar audio quality on this episode, he was in a hotel room in St. Louis (by choice) during this recording session because his stand-up career is finally picking back up....2021-08-3029 minThe Book PileA Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony SnicketEver notice how every single Count is obsessed with killing people? Olaf, Dracula, Dooku, Monte Cristo....Today’s book is A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. Listen to it while eating some Count Chocula, which will also kill you. Plus, Dave wants you to write a will and Kellen hates the Berenstain Bears. (Yeah, it’s spelled Berenstain, isn’t that embarrassing?)*To buy the book, A Series of Unfortunate Event, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/44PICDd2021-08-2324 minThe Book PileGood Economics for Hard Times by Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther DufloSometimes after slogging through some technical, academic books like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, we like to kick back with a real thriller like Good Economics for Hard Times. We both really liked it, except Kellen. Plus, Dave has a great idea for a factory and Kellen isn’t scared of robots, so you know they’re gonna kill him first.*To buy the book, Good Economics for Hard Times, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/47cavaa*TheB...2021-08-1627 minThe Book PileTHE ROAST OF: Twilight by Stephenie MeyerIn 2004, feminist author Stephenie Meyer critiqued the romance genre with her parody book, Twilight, featuring a man so abusive and a woman so dull that no one could ever admire either character. Today we give her masterpiece the academic analysis it deserves. Just kidding, we’re roasting this one. Plus, Kellen is keeping this book away from his 17-year-old daughter and Dave places a bounty on Edward’s head.*To buy the book, Twilight, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3DDuGQW...2021-08-0935 minThe Book PileWe Don’t Need Roads: The Making of Back to the Future by Caseen GainesBack to the Future is a story of a 17-year-old high-schooler hanging out with a super, super old man, much like our upcoming episode on Twilight. We Don’t Need Roads tells the story behind this groundbreaking sci-fi series. Plus, Kellen harasses DeLorean drivers, and Dave has an apology for Rebecca Black.*To buy the book, We Don't Need Roads, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3OCOtWU*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Con...2021-08-0237 minThe Book PileHarry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by JK RowlingThe longest Harry Potter book, and the only one that is named after a city in Arizona. We explore how the emotions of this book resonate so forcefully, why it pays off so effectively, and why Professor Umbridge is basically worse than Voldemort (fun fact, Stephen King called her, "...the greatest make-believe villain to come along since Hannibal Lecter"). Plus, Dave thinks the prophecy changes nothing, and Kellen barely makes it through discussing the most bonkers section of the Department of Mysteries.*To buy the book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix2021-07-2630 minThe Book PileWhy We Sleep by Matthew WalkerIn Why We Sleep, Matthew Walker delivers an important message (“Get enough sleep!”) using a fascinating, innovative method (lying). Seriously, we were surprised to learn how thoroughly this book has been fact-checked. But we still think sleep is important! Plus, Kellen is tired of being harassed for being a night owl, and Dave wants you to help him be harder to trick.*To buy the book, Why We Sleep, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3QlbDCp*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com...2021-07-1934 minThe Book Pile1984 by George OrwellGeorge Orwell wrote 1984 while slowly dying of tuberculosis on a miserably cold island, and boy does it show! Today we cover his classic take on totalitarianism. Plus, Kellen finds his new home decor -- pneumatic tubes! -- and Dave talks about Orwell’s sad, painful life.*To buy the book, 1984, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/45cJbXy*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's ...2021-07-0525 minThe Book PileThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen CoveyIn 7 Habits, Stephen Covey tries to trick you into being a better person by showing how it makes you better at business. No thanks! We prefer the Dale Carnegie method of sucking up to the powerful so we can drain them of resources like ravenous, insatiable tapeworms. (We’re only interested in 7 Habits if one of those habits is “grifting”.) Plus, Dave has a story about a dumb optometrist, and Kellen has a brush with a bow and arrow. But seriously, this is a good book.*To buy the book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People...2021-06-2827 minThe Book PileEmma by Jane AustenToday on The Book Pile, we’re pleased to launch the career of promising new author Jane Austen, whose novel Emma tells the story of a girl named Emma. (You can support Jane at her Patreon or via PayPal!) Plus, Kellen believes arguments make stories more interesting. (Counter-argument: no.) And Dave gives tips for breaking up your friend’s engagement.*To buy the book, Emma, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3q8UwJATheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has...2021-06-2130 minThe Book PileThe Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. TolkienTolkien is the first person to invent both a new genre (high fantasy) and a new type of person (the nerd). Before Tolkien, thousands of young geeks could only engage in their classic hobbies, like being sickly or dying of consumption. Plus, Dave has sympathy for orcs, and Kellen wishes Tolkien left in more details...*To buy the book, The Fellowship of the Ring, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3Kmx4iI*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine...2021-06-1429 minThe Book PileYes Please by Amy PoehlerYes Please is the memoir of comedian Amy Poehler, which inspired us to write our own memoirs with similar titles. (Excuse Me by Kellen; Can you Pass the Salt? by Dave.) Plus, Kellen REALLY wants you to send him your movie script. And Dave is inspired by Conan O’Brien’s unrelenting self-cruelty. (He’s just like us!)*To buy the book, Yes Please, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3rZHn5Q*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has ap...2021-06-0726 minThe Book PileThe Martian by Andy WeirThe Martian tells the story of an astronaut trying to survive alone on Mars, so why isn’t it called The Earthling? Huge let down! We thought there would be aliens! If you write a non-alien book, make that clear from the top and stop wasting our time. Plus, Kellen talks about how the author uses jokes to smuggle in information (instead of including aliens) and Dave is the one writing this description and he is LIVID that this was marketed as “The Martian”! Can you imagine reading a book called “The Italian," but it’s just some dude from...2021-05-3128 minThe Book PileThe Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan HeathWant to create moments so memorable that you and loved ones remember them the rest of your lives (and you’ve already seen Kellen’s standup)? The Power of Moments teaches you how! Plus, Dave has a story about his Mom, and Kellen’s family has a new and potentially dangerous holiday tradition.*To buy the book, The Power of Moments, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3YnzFP9*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Cona...2021-05-2427 minThe Book PileThe Checklist Manifesto by Atul GawandeA simple checklist can change your life. Don’t believe us? Then explain “Live Laugh Love”. Plus, Kellen makes fun of Johns Hopkins and Dave has an idea for police lineups.*To buy the book, The Checklist Manifesto, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3qolT26*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's America's Got Talent, and the Amazon Original Series Insi...2021-05-1724 minThe Book PileEssentialism by Greg McKeownEssentialism is a book all about focus, so we gave it the one thing it was missing -- more tangents. Plus, Dave has a dark recurring dream, and Kellen finds a way to bring up his favorite topic -- his hatred of Ron Weasley.*To buy the book, Essentialism, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3QqEMwg*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's 2021-05-1032 minThe Book PileInvisible Women by Caroline Criado PerezIn Invisible Women, Caroline Criado Perez talks about all the ways women are ignored by society. So we had an idea -- take the same message, but have it come from two men. Plus, Dave has thoughts on a Viking skeleton, and Kellen explores the world’s worst mascot.*To buy the book, Invisible Women, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/45cYVdi*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Co...2021-04-2625 minThe Book PileHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. RowlingHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire raises the crucial question -- does Voldemort ever get embarrassed that he’s constantly beaten by a literal child? Like, imagine you had a reputation for being good at your job, and yet you keep getting beaten by an eighth-grader. You would be humiliated. Also, Kellen hates Ron Weasley, and Dave gets mushy.*To buy the book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/459FCS2*TheBookPilePodcast@gm...2021-04-1930 minThe Book PileThe Elements of Style by William Strunk and E. B. White The Elements of Style is one of the most popular writing books of all time, so it seemed a natural fit for this, the most popular podcast of all time. Plus, Kellen believes “alright” is two words (he is technically right, but morally wrong). And Dave makes an Oprah quote worse.*To buy the book, The Elements of Style, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3rQ1djX*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appea...2021-04-1229 minThe Book PileDeep Work by Cal NewportIn Deep Work, Cal Newport tells you how to get more work done (start with lip fillers or Botox). Plus, Kellen has a story about the world’s coolest juggler (not a competitive category), and Dave talks about the person he’s most ashamed to have hated.*To buy the book, Bears Want to Kill You, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/47g9E8w*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on 2021-04-0528 minThe Book PileWorld War Z by Max BrooksIn World War Z, Max Brooks paints a well-researched picture of a zombie apocalypse, something we at The Book Pile take very seriously. Plus, Kellen talks about why this book doesn’t adapt well into a movie (just into a podcast!). And Dave says we should be nicer to preppers (because they have guns).*To buy the book, World War Z , or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3YkWdAb*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine ha...2021-03-2933 minThe Book PileCreativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull and Amy WallaceIn Creativity, Inc. the cofounder of Pixar teaches lessons about creativity -- such as, every animated movie should emotionally devastate a child. Plus, Kellen knows a shocking amount about box office numbers, and Dave has a sad story about almost meeting Ed Catmull.*To buy the book, Creativity, Inc, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3DEBVIf*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!2021-03-2234 minThe Book PileBorn Standing Up by Steve Martin -- with guest Matthew Broussard!In Born Standing Up, special guest Matthew Broussard discusses Steve Martin’s memoir and the many lessons from standup comedy. (Steve, Matthew, and Kellen have over 43 years of standup experience between them.) (Dave has 0 but he is a very nice boy.) Plus, Kellen talks about the worst time he made fun of an audience, and Dave tells a story about horse-racing, just to let you know his life is troubled.*To buy the book, Born Standing Up, or listen to it free on Audible AND support th...2021-03-1529 minThe Book PileTHE ROAST OF: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieIn How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie teaches you how to view other humans as objects you can manipulate to get what you want. (We aren't fans.) Come hear us roast it! Plus, Kellen talks about sneaking past a talkative neighbor, and Dave has some news about Charles Manson and the Nazis.*To buy the book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3Ok9Mv1*TheBookPilePodcast...2021-03-0826 minThe Book PileQuiet by Susan CainIn Quiet, Susan Cain discusses the ways in which society undervalues and stigmatizes introverts. (Don’t tell them they’re quiet, they hate that.) Plus, Kellen tells about life as an introverted comedian, and Dave just sorta remains his loud, extrovert self.*To buy the book, Quiet, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/44TCwlk*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's 2021-03-0132 minThe Book PileHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban--with guest Natalie Madsen!Special guest Natalie Madsen joins to talk about the third Harry Potter book, and how to make your third creation just as successful as the first two (Nat has three kids). Plus Kellen airs his grievances with time travel, and Dave tells a sad story about Krispy Kreme.*To buy the book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3rZIdQ2*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!2021-02-2233 minThe Book PileFreakonomics by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven LevittIn Freakonomics, we learn how economics can improve your daily life and help you achieve your goals. (Like Kellen’s goal of a good financial future for his kids, and Dave’s goal of joining the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors.) Plus, Kellen talks about the things that will and won’t kill you, and Dave tells stories about comedians attacking dictators.*To buy the book, Freakonomics, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/45bslID*Kellen E...2021-02-1536 minThe Book PilePride and Prejudice by Jane AustenIn Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen explores the challenge of finding love in a time when you weren't allowed to touch people. Plus, Kellen has strong feelings about the stakes in rom coms, and Dave loves Mrs. Bennet.*To buy the book, Pride and Prejudice, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3DKSt1a*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's America's Got Talent, and the Amazon Original Series "Inside Jokes."...2021-02-0828 minThe Book PileOutliers by Malcolm GladwellIn Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell asks, what does it take to become the master of your field? His answer: thousands of hours of practice--plus being born in the right place at the right time to the right family. Plus, Dave knows stuff about hockey despite having all his teeth. And Kellen gets insulted by a taxi driver despite being in Canada.*To buy the book, Outliers, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3qg1qwx*Kellen Erskine...2021-02-0127 minThe Book PileHarry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. RowlingKellen and Dave share their favorite creative lessons from Joanne Kathleen Rowling’s unbelievably well-crafted debut novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Plus, Kellen tells a story about meeting Robin Williams for the first time. Also, Dave knows way too much about Harry Potter, and Kellen lets him know several times.*To buy the book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3Yhc82s*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com2020-12-2127 minThe Book PilePeak by Anders Ericsson and Robert PoolWhat if you could get good at any skill? (Except for being a DJ, that's not a skill.) In Peak, Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool share the secrets of skill development. Plus Kellen talks about one of his first comedy open-mics, and Dave gets insulted by Kellen.*To buy the book, Peak, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3Yi1ecy*TheBookPilePodcast@gmail.com*Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, C...2020-12-1417 minThe Book PileRange by David Epstein (no relation)Why are there child-prodigy golfers, but no child-prodigy family therapists? We answer these questions with the book Range, where David Epstein writes about the virtue of having broad interests in an increasingly specialized world. Plus Kellen gives a glaring example of how he definitely does not specialize in playing basketball, and Dave recounts the time he went skydiving for a dumb reason.*To buy the book, Range, or listen to it free on Audible AND support the podcast, click here!https://amzn.to/3KrDFbQ*2020-12-0124 minThe Book PileHow the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. SeussJOIN OUR PATREON FOR BoNuS EPISODES and to purchase a CAMEO-STYLE video greeting from Dave and Kellen! (Gift to a friend or family member!)https://www.patreon.com/TheBookPile*Dave’s graphic novel escape room: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMBBLGXN?ref=myi_title_dp*Would you like to read the Grinch?Would you read it in a cinch?Listen to our podcastinch!Rhyming is so easyinch!Plus, Dave and Ke...2020-11-0731 min