Steve reacted to these classic essays with "meh," throwing Kelly into a Jesus-like rage that resulted in an upset table and a smashed iPhone 16 Pro. Just kidding about the last part but Kelly is audibly annoyed and spends the episode trying to shame everyman Steve, who fails to be ashamed. Is this the best podcast episode ever? No. Will you learn something you didn't already know about Orwell, the absurdity of colonialism, and the strange shame and appeal of capital punishment? Unlikely. Will the voices keep you company as you walk the dog, fold your laundry, drive across town, or use the elliptical at the gym? Hell yeah.

Thanks to the Orwell Foundation for making these essays free and accessible. Check out their website for a wealth of content.

https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-foundation/orwell/essays-and-other-works/a-hanging/

https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-foundation/orwell/essays-and-other-works/shooting-an-elephant/

Superstar friend of the pod, Sarah, meets the fellers in Ciudad Mexico (a bar in downtown LA), for some more hijinks. Agenda: Bukowski's Barfly and a couple of beers.

https://www.sarahkaingutowski.com/

Episode two from La Cita de los Angeles features novelist, story writer, professor, and Substacker Christine Sneed, who met the fellas at a coffee joint slash wine bar for some Shirley Jackson action. Subject: "The Lottery," a story about small town values. Other topics include LA, Chicago, Christine's many books, and her forthcoming writer's retreat in Bordeaux. An excellent time was had by all, and will be had even more by you, dear listener.

https://www.christinesneed.com/