The Mookse and the Gripes Podcast
1) Episode 125: Flannery O'Connor
In this author-focused episode, we dive into the strange, funny, violent, and unsettling world of Flannery O’Connor. We talk about what surprised us most in her stories and novels, why her work still ...Show More
2) Episode 124: Books We Wish We Could Read for the First Time Again
We’ve all said it: “I wish I could read that again for the first time.” But what do we really mean when we say it? In this episode, Trevor and Paul explore the magic of first encounters with books. Is...Show More
3) Episode 123: Our 2026 No-Pressure Reading Plans
In this episode, we look ahead to 2026, not with resolutions or reading quotas, but with curiosity about what we’re drawn to next. We talk about a handful of upcoming releases we’re excited for, and t...Show More
4) Episode 122: Our Favorite Books We Read in 2025, Part II
On Christmas Day, we bring our year-end tradition to a close by counting down our top five books of 2025. From beloved classics to unexpected discoveries, these final picks reflect a reading year shap...Show More
5) Episode 121: Our Favorite Books We Read in 2025, Part I
In this first installment of our annual year-end wrap-up, we dive into the opening half of our top ten reads of 2025, counting down numbers ten through six and revisiting the books that surprised us, ...Show More
6) Episode 120: Gratitude and Holiday Reading
In this Thanksgiving episode, we start by reflecting on the bookish communities that make the solitary act of reading feel richer and more connected. Then we turn to the season ahead, chatting through...Show More
7) Episode 119: The Art (and Agony) of Book Culling
This week, Trevor and Paul are joined by Dorian Stuber of One Bright Book to talk about the difficult, liberating art of culling books. What does it mean to let go of the stories we’ve carried with us...Show More
8) Episode 118: Whole Body Reading: Reading, Walking and Well-Being
In this special on-the-go episode, Trevor and Paul take the podcast out for a walk. As they wander, Trevor reflects on how he’s lost 40 pounds over the past few months and discovered ways to bring boo...Show More
9) Episode 117: Losing the Plot: On Reading Slumps and How We Find Our Way Back
We’ve all been there: the books are piled high, but nothing calls out. In this episode, Trevor and Paul talk about reading slumps—what they look like, what brings them on, and how to find the spark ag...Show More
Episode 117: Losing the Plot: On Reading Slumps and How We Find Our Way Back
1:25:08 | Oct 16th, 2025
10) Episode 116: A World Brimming Over: Abundant Literature and The Portrait of a Lady
Some books are long, some are short, but certain works feel abundant—overflowing with rhythm, atmosphere, and depth that can’t be exhausted in a single reading. In this episode we are joined by Lori F...Show More
Episode 116: A World Brimming Over: Abundant Literature and The Portrait of a Lady
1:38:08 | Oct 2nd, 2025