19 FEB 2024 · Today, we welcome Dr. Eric Sprankle to discuss his forthcoming book, DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation while trying the infamous 1980s cocktail, the Screaming Orgasm, and some refreshing One-Man-Mosh Pit IPA from the always-outstanding Surly Brewing Company. For anyone with a delicate constitution, weak intellect, and/or a low threshold for moral outrage who hasn’t figured out that an episode on a book about masturbation probably has some explicit content, a warning isn’t likely to be much help, but here it is anyway. ***EXPLICIT CONTENT WARNING***

12 FEB 2024 · Just in time to be late for National Pizza Day, we're taking a look at a few books on the world's favorite food while eating Chicago Deep Dish and polishing off more than a few cans of Two Brothers Prairie Path Golden Ale. Dig in and enjoy!

18 JAN 2024 · This episode looks at Hollow Earth history and mythology, its role in maritime lore, the cumulative effects of The Little Ice Age and The Year Without A Summer, and their impact on the search for a Northwest Passage — all while sipping La Fin Du Monde Belgian Triple. Proost!

27 DEC 2023 · The 1932 edition of the Funk and Wagnalls New Standard Dictionary is a fine example of form and function coalesced into one marvelous tome. Join us as we examine it while sipping a few fingers of Writer's Tears Irish Whiskey. Sláinte is táinte!

12 DEC 2023 · It's Episode 24 and the crew is giving everybody the bird. Chicken — I say, chicken, that is! Today, we look at the history, comedy, tragedy, and commoditization of what has become the world's most versatile and necessary animal — including its legendary role in Italian winemaking — all while sipping the 2015 Nizzole Chianti Classico. Cin cin e alla tua salute!

6 NOV 2023 · We're back! Our first show after a year-and-a-half looks at the children's book classic, The Giving Tree, while diving into the Daou Brothers' bold California red blend, Pessimist. Cheers!

25 APR 2022 · Talking with author Jennifer Wagh about the writing craft, the importance of a good writers' group, and the publication of her first picture book, Eggasaurus! Jenny's celebrating with Veuve Clicquot Champagne while I'm polishing of a four-pack of Tooth & Claw lager by Chicago's own Off Color Brewing. Also, stay tuned in to learn how to enter to win a signed copy of Jenny's new book! Cheers!

2 APR 2022 · Time for another episode of far-fetched facts lashed together with wine and wit. This time, it's a bottle of 2012 Le Cigar Volant by California's Bonny Doon Winery, medieval popes in the South of France, and Victorian-era UFOs zipping around the North American skies. Don't worry—thirty minutes from now, it'll all make perfect sense. Just another day's work for the Of Books and Booze crew. Need more? How about intro music by Brave Comb?

13 MAR 2022 · Wrapping up African–American History Month by looking at five books on the contributions to comics and sequential art narrative by Black creators, as well as the growing scholarship around the topic, while sipping another custom cocktail made with Chicago's own PlayPen Vodka. Cheers!

13 FEB 2022 · hat explore the African-American experience beyond slavery and civil rights. Drinks on hand include Moor's Session Ale and Chaos Theory Proprietary Red Blend from Brown Estate — Napa Valley's only Black-Owned winery!