Turek Books Podcast

Guest Larry Charles and host Joshua Turek talk SF and LA noir, science fiction grounded on Earth, Larry's new memoir Comedy Samurai . They talk personal growth, the transformative power of literature and how reading can serve as both a source of pleasure and a means of preserving sacred knowledge.for Josh's poetry books, they're on sale until the end of the year, signed copies available domestically at joshuaturek.comBooks Talked About Include:Jesus’ Son by Denis JohnsonCity of Night by John Reshycrime writers: edward bunker, jim thompson, david goodis, raymond chandler, dashiell hammetThe Woman Chase by Charles WIlifordThe Ripley Books by Patricia HighsmithIn a Lonely Place by Dorothy Hughes The Motel Life by Willy VlautenThe Stochastic Man by Robert SilverbergService by John TottenhamAblutions by Patrick DewittDays of the Locust by Nathaniel West 

Guest Yasha Levine and Host Joshua Turek discuss the complexities of California's agricultural landscape, the impact of media and technology on society, and the challenges of political engagement in a world overwhelmed by information, pseudo events and how they shape our understanding of reality, the struggle for meaningful engagement in a distracted world. They also get into literature that reflects dark themes and humor, discussing how these narratives resonate with the realities of contemporary life, the intersection of technology and society, emphasizing the paranoia and control that stem from historical events. Turek and Levine go on to explore the intricate history of California's water infrastructure, the myth of the rugged individual in American history, the centralization of power through technology, and the challenges of genuine political engagement in today's society. They discuss the influence of billionaires on public parks like Central Park, the dark side of philanthropy, and the ongoing legacy of genocide against Native Americans. The dialogue explores the myths shaping settler colonialism and how it influences contemporary society and its denial.San Francisco! For tickets Nov 1 to see Yasha's new documentary at Roxie Theater with live Q&A hosted by Joshua Turek hereFor Josh's poetry books and his weekend Zoom workshop on Nov 8 & 9 visit his siteBooks Talked About IncludeSociety of the Spectacle - Guy DebordSurveillance Valley - Yasha LevineThe Image - Daniel BoorstijnNeil Postman - Amusing ourselves to deathRaven RockDead Cities - Mike DavisModeran - David BunchShadow of the torture - Gene WolfThe Dying Earth Series - Jack Vance sci fiCadillac DesertThe American GenocideThe End of th Myth

Recorded remotely from Bad Animal Books in Santa Cruz, CA. Joshua Turek and Maddy Power explore the impact of literature on identity, the challenges of modern communication, and the importance of curiosity in a technology-driven world. Maddy shares her personal experience of losing her home and books in the Eaton Canyon Fire in Alta Dena and the two books she grabbed before evacuating, prompting a deep reflection on the role of physical objects in shaping one's identity. They discuss the complexities of feminism, the power of language, and the necessity of being open to the world around us. The conversation emphasizes the value of walking, observing, and finding meaning in the mundane, while also addressing the societal pressures of performance and the impact of technology on human connection.To sign up to Joshua's Zoom Poetry Weekend Workshop visit joshuaturek.comBooks talked about include:Werener Herzog's Guide for the PerplexedAgnes Varda interviewsDavid Sedaris “Theft and Finding”bell hooks "The Will to Change"

On a pit stop in Santa Cruz with family between dates on my comedy tour (Get your tickets to my San Diego show Friday and L.A., SF, Eureka, next week then Seattle and Portland) before heading up the west coast. I get into a little of what I'm reading, my favorite bookstores so far on this trip, and why I took this podcast off of Spotify (hint they're evil). Come to my shows if I'm in your city!All my shows7/11 San Diego7/16 L.A.7/18&19 SF7/20 Eureka7/25 Seattle8/15 Portland8/21-23 Boise8/27 Tulsa8/28 Kansas City8/29 New Orleans9/6 TucsonBooks Talked About:The Bell Jar - Sylvia PlathMeet Me in the BathroomPerfect Victims - Mohammed El KurdOur American Israel - Amy KaplanOne Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This - Omar El AkkadBlue Desert - Charles Bowden

Officially on my comedy tour across the United States during particularly distressing times. It took six nights and five days but the morning after my first headlining show at Rodney's in Manhattan I managed some time to visit the staple bookstore of NYC "The Strand". CHICAGO my show at Zanies is tonight! Tickets are getting low. You can use discout code TUREK10 for $15.75 tickets here. The rest of my tour is here with more dates and cities to come so follow my bandsintown to get notified for when I come to yours. Tour dates below.6/24 CHICAGO6/27 PHILADELPHIA6/29 DALLAS 7/11 SAN DIEGO7/16 L.A.7/18&19 SF7/20 EUREKA7/25 SEATTLE8/15 PORTLAND8/21-23 BOISE8/27 TULSA8/28 KANSAS CITY8/29 NEW ORLEANS9/6 TUCSON9/18 TAMPA

Comedian Cam George of Talking Talk Tuah now Talking Talk podcast discusses being mystified by Infinite Jest and encountering this red flag memed book with new eyes.Joshua's U.S. comedy tour starts this Saturday in New York City. That's Saturday night June 21 at Rodney's on the Upper Eastside. Followed by Chicago on Tuesday June 24 at Zanies. Philadelphia June 27. Dallas June 29 and more. Get tickets now! For all things Joshua Turek go to joshuaturek.comBooks Talked About Include:Infinite jestsound and the furyall the pretty horsesblood meridianlonesome doveconfederacy of dunceshunger gamesgirl with the dragon tattoo