Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is a whimsical children’s novel about Charlie Bucket, a kind, poor boy who wins a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the mysterious Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Since so many know this story, Matthew and I were able to have a conversation about the book’s history and Dahl’s legacy, and about how art and our views of it change over time.

Matthew Stern is an award-winning public speaker and writer with over 40 years of professional experience. His works include the novels Amiga and The Remainders, as well as the best-selling public speaking book Mastering Table Topics. A lifelong resident of Southern California, he grew up in Reseda, graduated from California State University, Northridge, and now lives in Lake Forest. When he’s not rooting for the Dodgers and Rams, he enjoys exercising and spending time with his wife, adult children, and granddaughter. You can find him on social media platforms @MASwriter

Our drink this week is a Greek Cheek Beer, a favorite of Matthew’s from his home in California, and a reference to the gum-smacking habits of Violet Beauregaard. If you are in California definite check it out. For those of us outside of the Golden State, Sam Adams Chocolate Bock would have be a great pairing for this book.

In this Episode

Roald Dahl Revision Controversy

Wonka vs Wonka The problem with overly likable characters - Matthew Stern

This week’s book is Libby Lost & Found, by Stephanie Booth, about Libby Weeks, the reclusive author of the hit fantasy series “The Falling Children”, who faces a crisis when she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's and struggles to complete her overdue manuscript. In desperation, she enlists the help of eleven-year-old superfan Peanut Bixton, who knows the series inside and out but has her own hidden troubles. As Libby grapples with her diagnosis, Peanut and her family work to protect and help her save herself and the series.

My guest this week is Kendall Concini-Moore. Kendall‘s greatest adventure began not on the page, but at home, as a mother. Her book Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure was inspired by her own family and her struggles with depression, or her “cloud.” With empathy and playful hearts, her family encourages her to rest, reminding her that it’s okay to not be okay, because clouds don’t last forever. Complete with discussion questions and resources, this picture book gives children ages 4-8 the language to understand when someone they love is struggling, while celebrating that sometimes, simply being together is the most caring thing. You can find out more about her and her book on her website, https://cloudydaychronicles.org/, through her Substack where she shares resources: cloudydaychronicles.substack.com/ and on social media @cloudydaychronicles.

Kendall curated our drink this week: A Black Manhattan with a coffee twist, listen to the episode to learn how this was inspired by the book and what author Stephanie Booth thought Libby’s favorite drink would be!

Ingredients

2 oz rye whiskey (or bourbon if you want it softer)

1 oz Amaro

¼ oz coffee liqueur (just a pinch—enough to deepen, not dominate)

2-3 dashes orange bitters (optional but rounds it out)

Luxardo cherry or orange twist for garnish

Directions

Add rye (or bourbon), amaro, coffee liqueur, and bitters to a mixing glass.

Fill with ice and stir vigorously for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

Strain into a chilled coupe (for up) or an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube (for on the rocks).

Garnish with a Luxardo cherry or a long orange twist.

In this episode

Chuck Palahniuk

Laurie Notaro

Patrick Roth

Brandon Sanderson

Every Heart a Doorway Episode

Tweetsie Railroad

Drop Dead Generous

A Doubters Almanac Episode

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger revolves around identical twins, Elspeth and Edie, who have a deep but complicated bond that is tested when Elspeth, a reclusive woman living in London, dies and leaves her apartment to her American nieces, Julia and Valentina. As the twins settle into Elspeth's home, they become entangled in the mysteries of her past and the supernatural presence that lingers in the apartment, particularly the ghost of Elspeth herself.

My guest this week is Valerie Adachi. Valerie is a self-proclaimed bookworm who even enjoyed reading cereal boxes 🥣as a kid, she reminisces over the tactile joy of spreading the New York Times 📰 across her kitchen table.

Adventure always seems to be around the corner for her, often appearing spontaneous but rooted in long-percolating ideas—like the decision to add a new puppy 🐶 to her already bustling pack, turning her quiet life topsy-turvy.

Beyond her love for dogs 🐕 , she thrives on live music, good food and drink shared with family and friends, and the thrill of knowing that adventure is always nearby, maybe we a cozy reading spot 📖

SPOILER ALERT! For the first episode ever, we do discuss the ending, so heads up if you plan to read the book. I do give you a heads up in the episode so you know when to stop, but if you have read it already or want to hear the ending, listen all the way through!

In This Episode

Mirror Twins

Highgate Cemetery

Earl Grey Hot Toddy

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 Earl Grey tea bag

1-2 tablespoons honey (to taste)

1-2 ounces whiskey (such as bourbon or rye)

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Lemon slice (for garnish)

Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish

Directions

1. Boil the water in a small saucepan or kettle.

2. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the Earl Grey tea bag. Steep for about 3-5 minutes, depending on your preference for strength.

3. Remove the tea bag and stir in the honey until fully dissolved.

4. Add the whiskey and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the tea mixture, stirring gently to combine.

5. Pour the hot toddy into a mug or heatproof glass.

6. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick, if desired.

7. Serve warm and enjoy your soothing hot toddy!