Moby Dick (Chartwell Classics) Cover
Podcast Mentions

Moby Dick (Chartwell Classics)

Herman Melville

Journey to the heart of the sea with this larger-than-life classic. Regarded as the Great American Novel,

Podcasts 46
Quotes 133
The Ben Shapiro Show

The book was highlighted repeatedly as the selection for Ben Shapiro’s Third Thursday Book Club, with Shapiro announcing it as a classic he considered a favorite and promising his own notes and analysis. Listeners were encouraged to obtain a copy for upcoming discussions and Q&A sessions, and Shapiro described it as one of the greatest works in Western literature. The overall tone was an enthusiastic endorsement.

Highly Recommended

Episode: Ep. 1498 - The Short-Lived Biden Ministry Of Truth...

The book was featured in the Third Thursday Book Club, where notes and analysis were shared for members.

"

This week and this month, we've been taking you through Moby Dick by Herman Melville. We're going through the classics. I will share my notes and analysis, take some of your questions as well.

These are the greatest books in the history of Western literature.

Episode: Ep. 1497 - Joe Biden Wants To Heal Your Soul

The book was mentioned in relation to the 'Third Thursday Book Club' hosted by the speaker. The speaker considered it perhaps his favorite book and planned to discuss his analysis and notes on the classic novel.

"

Tune in tomorrow evening, 8 p.m. Eastern for my third Thursday book club. We'll be discussing the classic novel Moby Dick by Herman Melville, maybe my favorite book.

If you haven't read Moby Dick and you just want to sound like you have, you should listen tomorrow.

Episode: Ep. 1495 - Everyone I Don’t Like Is Responsible Fo...

The book was mentioned in relation to joining a Third Thursday Book Club where listeners could get notes for it and participate in a Q&A session.

"

Join Third Thursday Book Club now to get my notes for Moby Dick by Herman Melville and be a part of this month's Q&A:

Episode: Ep. 1483 - Joe Biden's Crashing Economy

This was announced as the book selection for the following month's book club meeting.

"

make sure you pick up your copy of Moby Dick by Herman Melville for next month's book club.

Episode: Ep. 1482 - Elon Musk Wants Free Speech, So He Must...

This book was announced as the selection for the following month's Third Thursday Book Club discussion.

"

Make sure you pick up Moby Dick by Herman Melville. That is next month's book club.

And again for next month, it is Moby Dick by Herman Melville.

Episode: Ep. 1479 - F**k Around And Find Out

This book was announced as the selection for the book club in the following month after The Once and Future King.

"

next month we are reading Moby Dick by Herman Melville. We only do the greats over here.

and for next month, Moby Dick by Herman Melville.

How I Built This with Guy Raz

It was mentioned in passing as a reference to the navigator Starbuck, whose name was used for the coffee shop chain Starbucks.

"

90% of your listeners probably don't know who Starbuck was. He was the navigator on the ship of Herb and Melville's Moby Dick.

— Episode: Bluemercury: Marla and Barry Beck

Episode: Bluemercury: Marla and Barry Beck

It was mentioned in passing as a reference to the navigator Starbuck, whose name was used for the coffee shop chain Starbucks.

"

90% of your listeners probably don't know who Starbuck was. He was the navigator on the ship of Herb and Melville's Moby Dick.

The Matt Walsh Show

The host announced that Ben would guide listeners through Herman Melville's classic Moby Dick, offering notes and analysis during the Third Thursday Book Club.

"

Ben's going to take you through Herman Melville's classic Moby Dick you can go over his notes and analysis.

— Episode: Ep. 955 - Biden Visits Buffalo. Still Ha...

Episode: Ep. 955 - Biden Visits Buffalo. Still Has No Time...

The host announced that Ben would guide listeners through Herman Melville's classic Moby Dick, offering notes and analysis during the Third Thursday Book Club.

"

Ben's going to take you through Herman Melville's classic Moby Dick you can go over his notes and analysis.

Episode: Ep. 939 - Amazon Employees Are Traumatized By My C...

Listeners were urged to pick up the classic novel for the upcoming month's book club discussion.

"

make sure you pick up Moby Dick by Herman Melville for next month's book club.

Episode: Ep. 939 - Amazon Employees Are Traumatized By My C...

Walsh mentioned the novel as the next month's pick for the Third Thursday Book Club.

"

Make sure you pick up Moby Dick by Herman Melville for next month's book club.

Fresh Air

Podcast

Fresh Air

The book was cited as a staple of classic literature, appearing in a list of works read from a father's library, noted as a favorite novel for a text‑generation experiment, and referenced as part of the literary canon in a discussion of race. Guillermo del Toro, Vahini Vara, and Maureen Corrigan each highlighted it, emphasizing its status among enduring classics. The overall tone was appreciative and affirming.

Highly Recommended

Episode: Guillermo Del Toro Finally Makes His Own 'Frankens...

Del Toro listed Moby Dick among the classic books he read from his father's library.

"

Moby Dick, Tom Huckleberry Finn, Edgar Allan Poe, Oscar Wilde.

Episode: A Chatbot Reacts To A Book About Tech

Vara described typing the opening of the classic novel into an early AI model to see how it would continue the text.

"

I would just like I put in the beginning of Moby Dick, which is my favorite novel, and hit the button just to see what would happen.

Episode: The 'Fog Of Delusion' In Biden's Inner Circle

Moby Dick was mentioned alongside other classic novels as part of the literary canon compared to The Great Gatsby.

"

All the other major contenders, and I'm thinking of books like Huckleberry Finn, Moby Dick, Beloved, foreground the issue of race.

Episode: Best Of: Werner Herzog / Greta Lee

Herzog referenced the novel as an example of a literary white whale while discussing metaphorical extremes.

"

In literature, you have it, for example, the white whale, Moby Dick, and the hunt for it.

Episode: Werner Herzog

Herzog used Moby Dick as an example of a literary metaphor about the white whale during the conversation.

"

there is a big metaphor like in literature you have it, for example, the white whale, Moby Dick, and the hunt for it or Don Quixote attacking the windmills with his lance.

Episode: Guillermo Del Toro would ‘rather die’ than use gen...

Del Toro listed MobyDick among the classic novels he had read from his father's library.

"

He read them all. And that's where I read the Encyclopedia of Anatomy and Health. And that's where I read all my classics, you know, Moby Dick, Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, Edgar Allan Poe, Oscar Wilde.

Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

It was mentioned that the podcast guest lived by a maxim from Moby Dick since his experience in Venice. The book's author, Herman Melville, was also referenced.

"

I lived by that since Venice and now a few other maxims and idioms along the way

— Episode: Brendan Fraser

Episode: Brendan Fraser

It was mentioned that the podcast guest lived by a maxim from Moby Dick since his experience in Venice. The book's author, Herman Melville, was also referenced.

"

I lived by that since Venice and now a few other maxims and idioms along the way

The Rewatchables

The hosts discussed the book while noting that Herman Melville died poor and was misnamed in his obituary, highlighting his overlooked legacy. They also referenced the title being played on a Walkman to set the atmosphere in a movie scene. Both episodes treated it as a cultural touchstone rather than a direct recommendation.

Episode: ‘Adventureland’ With Bill Simmons and Juliet Litma...

The hosts noted that Herman Melville wrote the novel, but he died poor and largely forgotten, with his obituary misnaming him.

"

What's the point of being a writer or an artist anyway? Herman Melville wrote fucking Moby Dick and he was so poor and forgotten by the time he died that in his obituary, they called him Henry Melville.

Episode: ‘Warrior’ With Bill Simmons and Ryen Russillo

They mentioned the character listening to Moby Dick on a Walkman, noting the book as part of the movie's atmosphere.

"

the Walkman with the Moby Dick

Moby Dick on a Walkman

Handsome

Podcast

Handsome

In the episode, the hosts visited a whaling museum and noted that the historic ship Essex had inspired the title, describing the book as a harrowing whale tale. They referenced it briefly while discussing their morning routine topics.

Episode: Rhett & Link ask about morning routines

They visited the whaling museum, noted that the ship Essex inspired Moby Dick, and called it a harrowing whale tale.

"

I went to the whaling museum. It's the Essex, the ship that sank hundreds of years ago, and Moby Dick was based on it. And it's a harrowing tale. I won't get into it, but this whale.

Some would say a whale of a tale. It's a whale of a tale.

Monday Morning Podcast

It was mentioned as an example of a book that could be enhanced with interactive elements, possibly incorporating water squirts upon page turns, to compete with the immersive nature of iPads and iMax movies.

"

Is there a way that when they read I don't know, Moby Dick is their way, can there be like they turn the page and water squirts at them?

— Episode: Monday Morning Podcast 8-20-18

Episode: Monday Morning Podcast 8-20-18

It was mentioned as an example of a book that could be enhanced with interactive elements, possibly incorporating water squirts upon page turns, to compete with the immersive nature of iPads and iMax movies.

"

Is there a way that when they read I don't know, Moby Dick is their way, can there be like they turn the page and water squirts at them?

Episode: Thursday Afternoon Monday Morning Podcast 4-26-18

It was mentioned briefly as an example of a book that Bill Burr does not like to read, due to his dislike of books that take a long time to get to the point.

"

Moby dick get to the fucking whale

Episode: Monday Morning Podcast 9-26-16

Bill Burr shared his inability to finish this book, expressing boredom with its content and the lack of entertainment options at the time it was written.

"

Moby Dick I couldn't get through the fucking thing because they kept breaking down wailing like I had nothing better to do right

Episode: Thursday Afternoon Monday Morning Podcast 8-6-15

The podcast host briefly mentioned the book 'Moby Dick' while describing a situation where he was showing a toddler a Led Zeppelin drum solo, which he described as similar to the Moby Dick drum solo.

"

I'm fucking sitting there with my iPhone and I'm showing a Moby Dick the fucking that didn't sound good a toddler and then dick in the same sentence. No, it didn't this song the Led Zeppelin song the Moby Dick the drum solo and the one from Royal Albert Hall when he's on that maple kit and I showed it

Episode: Monday Morning Podcast 8-20-18

It was discussed as a possible book that could be enhanced with iMax-style features to keep children engaged, implying that reading engagement among young people may be declining.

"

Is there a way that when they read I don't know, Moby dick is their way, can there be like they turn the page and water squirts at them?

Episode: Thursday Afternoon Monday Morning Podcast 4-26-18

It was mentioned briefly as an example of a book that Bill Burr does not read, as he was criticizing a text about heritage pigs that went into too much historical detail.

"

Moby dick get to the fucking whale

Episode: Monday Morning Podcast 8-20-18

It was mentioned as an example of a book that could be made more engaging for children with interactive elements, like spraying water when a page is turned.

"

Is there a way that when they read, I don't know, Moby Dick, is their way, can there be like they turn the page and water squirts at them?

Episode: Thursday Afternoon Monday Morning Podcast 4-26-18

It was mentioned briefly while Bill Burr was discussing the history of pigs in America, and he jokingly expressed his dislike for having to read such long books.

"

Moby dick get to the fucking whale

Episode: Monday Morning Podcast 9-26-16

Bill Burr was unable to finish reading this book due to the constant descriptions of whales and finding the book boring in the context of modern entertainment options.

"

Moby Dick I couldn't get through the fucking thing because they kept breaking down wailing like I had nothing better to do right, like there was no TV and internet and all that shit in my life like

Episode: Thursday Afternoon Monday Morning Podcast 9-26-24

The podcast host mentioned reading "Moby Dick" but being unable to finish it due to the frequent descriptions of whale hunting. He attributed this to having ADD and compared the book's pacing to the lack of distractions in earlier eras.

"

Moby Dick I couldn't get through the fucking thing because they kept breaking down wailing Like I had nothing better to do right like there was no TV and internet and all that shit in my life like Back the books from back then if you get like the original like copy of it like how it was actually written you understand The astounding level of fucking boredom

How Did This Get Made?

The title was brought up twice as a comedic reference: in one episode it was noted as Will Smith's favorite book during a joke about a suggestive line, and in another it was used as a loose analogy for a show that resembled a Sims‑style version of the classic sea tale. The hosts mentioned it in passing rather than endorsing it, focusing on its cultural recognizability for humor.

Episode: Matinee Monday: After Earth (w/ Paul F. Tompkins)

The book Moby Dick was mentioned during a flashback scene of Will Smith FaceTiming his daughter, where she is holding a copy of the book. It was said to be Will Smith's favourite book, and the scene was described as a 'dick joke' by the podcast hosts due to the daughter's suggestive line "He said I could hold onto it."

"

And she holds up a book, the Moby Dick book.

And it's a real book.

And it's a real book.

He said I could hold it or touch it.

He said I could hold onto it.

Episode: Matinee Monday: Serenity LIVE! (w/ Nick Kroll)

Serenity was described as similar to Moby Dick, but with a Sims-like twist, and involved a man on a boat and a large fish named Justice.

"

Serenity is kind of like Moby Dick with Sims.

But it's just a tuna fish, right? Yes. It's not like a special fish. It just seems like a large tuna fish.

Like Ahab does to Moby Dick or whatever.

Young and Profiting with Hala Taha

In the episode, the host referenced the classic novel as a metaphor for a highly sought-after goal, comparing Supreme to his personal quest. The mention was brief and used to illustrate ambition rather than to evaluate the work itself.

Episode: The Creator’s Playbook: How Top Entrepreneurs Mone...

The host likened Supreme to his personal "Moby Dick," using the classic novel as a metaphor for a coveted goal.

"

Supreme, which is one of my, like my Moby Dick was Supreme.

Proven Podcast

Howard referenced the classic novel Moby Dick while discussing historical context, indicating it as part of a broader narrative.

"

Moby Dick, we keep that part of the history behind it.

— Episode: Authentic Branding: This Changes Everyth...

Episode: Authentic Branding: This Changes Everything

Howard referenced the classic novel Moby Dick while discussing historical context, indicating it as part of a broader narrative.

"

Moby Dick, we keep that part of the history behind it.

Timcast IRL

The podcast discussed how the book Moby Dick was based on a real-life whaling ship called the Essex, and that out of 19 crew members, only 3 survived, the rest were eaten.

"

Yeah, so the wailing ship, the Essex that Moby Dick was based on from the other.

— Episode: Timcast IRL #637 Pelosi Said SHE WANTED...

Episode: Timcast IRL #637 Pelosi Said SHE WANTED Jan 6th In...

The podcast discussed how the book Moby Dick was based on a real-life whaling ship called the Essex, and that out of 19 crew members, only 3 survived, the rest were eaten.

"

Yeah, so the wailing ship, the Essex that Moby Dick was based on from the other.

The MeatEater Podcast

The book *Moby Dick* was mentioned in relation to the similarities between the character Quint from *Jaws* and Captain Ahab from *Moby Dick*, including their obsessive personalities and sea-faring enemies. The original *Jaws* screenplay even included a scene of Quint watching *Moby Dick* in a movie theater, but it was cut due to copyright issues.

"

It's believed that Quint was based on Captain Ahab from Moby Dick.

— Episode: Ep. 462: Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Tri...

Episode: Ep. 462: Game On, Suckers! MeatEater Trivia LXX

The book *Moby Dick* was mentioned in relation to the similarities between the character Quint from *Jaws* and Captain Ahab from *Moby Dick*, including their obsessive personalities and sea-faring enemies. The original *Jaws* screenplay even included a scene of Quint watching *Moby Dick* in a movie theater, but it was cut due to copyright issues.

"

It's believed that Quint was based on Captain Ahab from Moby Dick.

Some of the similarities include that they're both obsessive captains with enemies that live in the sea and they both die after getting pulled under water.

Spielberg's original screenplay actually included Quint watching Moby Dick in a movie theater, but they couldn't use the scene because of copyright laws.

Episode: Ep. 455: The Wager with David Grann

An audible recording of this book was listened to during a boat trip, although it was noted as being unsoothing during a rough sea voyage.

"

so i had my phone with me and i had an audible recording of moby dick so i put on moby dick which really in retrospect was the stupidest thing to do because it's completely unsoothing you know so they have

Morning Brew Daily

Moby Dick was one of the books recommended by MetaAI when Toby asked for a list of great American novels.

"

So many recommendations like Great Gatsby, Moby Dick, Catcher in the Rye.

— Episode: Trump VP's Ties to Silicon Valley & Goog...

Episode: Trump VP's Ties to Silicon Valley & Google’s $23B...

Moby Dick was one of the books recommended by MetaAI when Toby asked for a list of great American novels.

"

So many recommendations like Great Gatsby, Moby Dick, Catcher in the Rye.

The Bald and the Beautiful with Trixie and Katya

The host compared the length of their new book to "Moby Dick", suggesting it was significantly shorter. They joked about how their book would have been a pamphlet in comparison.

"

And that's unfortunate. Moby Dick was just to be a turnout to be a pamphlet.

— Episode: I Left My HVAC Heart in Florida with Tri...

Episode: I Left My HVAC Heart in Florida with Trixie and Ka...

The host compared the length of their new book to "Moby Dick", suggesting it was significantly shorter. They joked about how their book would have been a pamphlet in comparison.

"

And that's unfortunate. Moby Dick was just to be a turnout to be a pamphlet.

KSR

Podcast

KSR

The hosts compared the shipwreck story to HermanMelville's classic novel, noting its title and the author's reputation.

"

If you read this book, you would think it's like Herman Melville. He wrote Moby Dick.

— Episode: 2025-02-13- KSR - Hour 1

Episode: 2025-02-13- KSR - Hour 1

The hosts compared the shipwreck story to HermanMelville's classic novel, noting its title and the author's reputation.

"

If you read this book, you would think it's like Herman Melville. He wrote Moby Dick.

Lovett or Leave It

It was mentioned as a book that the fictional children of John Lovett were reading aloud to him, as a humorous contrast to the idea of children accidentally ingesting marijuana edibles.

"

Cirrus and Cordelia are reading Moby Dick to us.

— Episode: Lunch It or Leave It: Best of Food

Episode: Lunch It or Leave It: Best of Food

It was mentioned as a book that the fictional children of John Lovett were reading aloud to him, as a humorous contrast to the idea of children accidentally ingesting marijuana edibles.

"

Cirrus and Cordelia are reading Moby Dick to us.

Episode: Meta or Worse

It was mentioned as a book that the fictional children of John Lovett were reading, which he used to deflect a suggestion that his children were not intelligent.

"

Cirrus and Cordelia are reading Moby Dick to us.

What A Day

Podcast

What A Day

Suggested as another suitable candidate for a Muppet adaptation, given its seafaring theme and potential for humorous portrayal of characters.

"

So maybe something like Moby Dick, which is also an adventure on the high seas. Yeah. Kermit, you know, could be a vengeful sea captain who is trying to kill a whale.

— Episode: Glory Be To Georgia

Episode: Glory Be To Georgia

Suggested as another suitable candidate for a Muppet adaptation, given its seafaring theme and potential for humorous portrayal of characters.

"

So maybe something like Moby Dick, which is also an adventure on the high seas. Yeah. Kermit, you know, could be a vengeful sea captain who is trying to kill a whale.

Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

The hosts briefly discussed Ishmael's letter, and it was mentioned that it may have been a reference to the classic novel Moby Dick, but it wasn't explicitly confirmed.

"

We're going to talk with Ishmael, maybe a Moby Dick reference, maybe not.

— Episode: Listener Mail: The Psychedelic Devil's B...

Episode: Listener Mail: The Psychedelic Devil's Bread, Inva...

The hosts briefly discussed Ishmael's letter, and it was mentioned that it may have been a reference to the classic novel Moby Dick, but it wasn't explicitly confirmed.

"

We're going to talk with Ishmael, maybe a Moby Dick reference, maybe not.

The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds

It was inspired by the Essex story and was published in 1852. It received mixed reviews and was not initially successful.

"

He came that month to Nantucket And he met his last night there. He met George Pollard jr. And They talked and Melville wrote that George was the quote most impressive man though Holy unassuming even...

— Episode: 496 - The Essex

Episode: 496 - The Essex

It was inspired by the Essex story and was published in 1852. It received mixed reviews and was not initially successful.

"

He came that month to Nantucket And he met his last night there. He met George Pollard jr. And They talked and Melville wrote that George was the quote most impressive man though Holy unassuming even humble that I ever encountered

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.