The Importance of Being Earnest
Oscar Wilde
Mentioned 1 week ago
"Olivia Wilde"
"SmartLess" with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett is a podcast that connects and unites people from all walks of life to learn about shared experiences through thoughtful dialogue and organic hilarity. A nice surprise: in each episode of SmartLess, one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest...
Recently mentioned
Dune, Dune Messiah, and Children of Dune
Andy Samberg discussed the title in two episodes, noting that he loved the movie and was drawn to explore the book because of its richer, more descriptive storytelling. He highlighted the audiobook version as especially appealing, with different narrators voicing each character, which he found cool and immersive. Overall, he expressed strong enthusiasm for the book as a complement to the film.
It was described as more descriptive than the movie, even though the movie is fantastic.
I've been listening to Dune why because I love it. I love the movie so much I was like, I actually want to go back and I've never read the book. I've never heard the book I should say and so it's really cool. They have all these people narrating it different different characters It's really cool and if you're a fan of Dune and Arrakis and learning about Arrakis and and and Frank Herbert who wrote it is like It's it's much more descriptive than the movie even though the movies fantastic But to hear all the words and how he describes everything and you go. Oh, yeah. I remember that It's really really cool
The book was described as being more descriptive than the movie. It was also described as being a cool audiobook because the different characters were narrated by different people.
I've been listening to Dune why because I love it. I love the movie so much I was like, I actually want to go back and I've never read the book. I've never heard the book I should say and so it's really cool. They have all these people narrating it different different characters It's really cool.
and if you're a fan of Dune and Arrakis and learning about Arrakis and and and Frank Herbert who wrote it is like It's it's much more descriptive than the movie even though the movies fantastic
But to hear all the words and how he describes everything and you go. Oh, yeah. I remember that It's really really cool
They discussed the impact of Dune, noting its relevance and how the film's themes felt prophetic, with one host calling it an incredible film.
I know, I love that. It's so good. ... Dune. Yeah. And there's a pretty bleak look into our future. I know. Yeah. ... Alex Garland is, I mean, this guy. ... It's crazy. ... Dune was incredible.
I just saw it like 10 times. I love it. It's incredible. The relevance it has today is wild.
Villeneuve said the Dune books had deep roots in his mind from his teenage years and that adapting them into two films allowed the story to be split across the first and second parts.
Like the Dune books, the books that I read when I was a teenager. And those books have deep roots in my mind and in my soul. And those books have been with me through the years.
Now, with Dune, fortunately, you were able to break it up into two parts. And the second one was the second half of the book.
A Comic's Life
Sean Hayes (and Jason) repeatedly praised Steve Martin’s memoir, saying they had read it years earlier and found the Audible version, narrated by Martin himself, even better than the print. They highlighted the clever title and called it one of the best books about comedy, noting its insight into a comic’s life. Mike Birbiglia also referred to it as one of the great books on comedy, reflecting a strong endorsement from the hosts.
It was mentioned as a good book that was read years ago and then listened to on Audible, the speaker enjoyed hearing Steve Martin read it, and it was said to be better than reading it. The speaker also liked the title.
And I read his book years ago called Born Standing Up.
And then when I saw it on Audible, I was like, oh my God, I have to hear Steve read it.
And it's fantastic.
And it's even better than reading it.
You get to listen to the guy, one of your idols actually read his book that you love.
It's such a good book and such a fantastic, clever title.
Born Standing Up, I love that.
Sean Hayes said he read Steve Martin's book 'Born Standing Up' years ago and then heard Steve Martin read it on Audible, and it was even better than reading it.
I read his book years ago called Born Standing Up and then when I saw it on Audible I was like oh my god, I have to hear Steve read it and it's fantastic and it's even better than reading it.
It's such a good book and such a fantastic, clever title. Born Standing Up, I love that.
It was mentioned as a book that Jason had read years ago and that he relistened to on Audible. He found it fantastic and even better than reading it.
And I read his book years ago called Born Standing Up.
And it's even better than reading it.
It's such a good book and such a fantastic, clever title.
Born Standing Up, I love that.
Sean mentioned that he read Steve Martin's book 'Born Standing Up' years ago, and that he was excited to hear Steve Martin read it on Audible, saying it was even better than reading it.
You get to listen to the guy, one of your idols actually read his book that you love.
It's such a good book and such a fantastic, clever title.
Born Standing Up, I love that.
It was described as one of the best books about comedy, and the speaker had read it while starting out and listening to Steve Martin's albums.
One of the best, I read it. Yeah, one of the two books I read. It's one of the great books about comedy.
A Novel
Across four episodes, the hosts repeatedly highlighted Survive the Night by Riley Sager as a fast‑paced thriller that kept them turning pages. Jason Bateman and Will Arnett both noted they were about to listen to it and praised it as "really, really good" without giving away any details. Their comments conveyed a clear endorsement of the novel as an engaging, must‑read thriller.
A thriller that was described as a page turner.
Right now, I am about to listen to Survive the Night by Riley Sager.
It's a thriller that's a real page turner.
It was a thriller that was a real page turner.
Right now, I am about to listen to Survive the Night by Riley Sager.
It's a thriller that's a real page turner.
That's all I want to say about it. I don't want to give anything away, but it's really, really good.
It's a thriller that's a real page turner.
Right now, I am about to listen to Survive the Night by Riley Sager.
It's a thriller that's a real page turner. That's all I want to say about it. I don't want to give anything away, but it's really, really good.
A thriller that's a real page turner.
Right now, I am about to listen to Survive the Night by Riley Sager.
It's a thriller that's a real page turner. That's all I want to say about it. I don't want to give anything away, but it's really, really good.
The hosts highlighted The Lord of the Rings Illustrated as a beloved series, with Jason Bateman repeatedly calling it one of his favorite books and noting its relevance to guests like James McAvoy and Cate Blanchett, who appeared in the film adaptations. They linked Andy Serkis’s Gollum performance to the books and expressed excitement about discussing the illustrated edition with the actors.
It was described as one of the hosts' favourite book series and they were very excited to have Cate Blanchett on the podcast as she was in the movie adaptations.
Oh my God, Lord of the Rings is one of my favorite books, series I'm so glad you were in it.
Jason expressed his love for the book series, mentioning it as one of his favorites and being glad that Cate Blanchett was in the movie adaptations.
Oh my God, Lord of the Rings is one of my favorite books, series.
A Novel (Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)
Will Arnett highlighted The Sympathizer as an incredible, Pulitzer‑winning novel that offers a vivid, complex portrait of the Vietnam War from the perspective of a Vietnamese‑American author. He praised its unbelievable story of a man leading a double life and expressed that he couldn't have loved it more. The discussion positioned the book as a standout recommendation for listeners.
Will Arnett mentioned reading this book recently, describing it as an incredible story about the Vietnam War written by a Vietnamese American author. It won the Pulitzer Prize, and he was particularly impressed by certain passages.
And then I read this, The Sympathizer. Have you guys read that? No. What is that? I feel like I wrote it.
It's written by Vietnamese American author, Viet Thanh Nguyen.
Is it about the Vietnam war? And it's about the Vietnam war and he himself is of Vietnamese origin, descent and origin.
And he came here when he was young. And so it just talks about the experience of a God, I honestly, I couldn't have loved it more. But it's not just about that. It's just about such a unbelievable story of, of, of, I don't know, just a guy who led a complex life.
The Sympathizer won the Pulitzer Prize.
It was described as an unbelievable story of a man who led a complex life, centered around the Vietnam War, and was highly praised by the speaker.
And then I read this, The Sympathizer. Have you guys read that? No. What is that? I feel like I wrote it.
It's written by Vietnamese American author, Viet Thanh Nguyen. Is it about the Vietnam war?
And it's about the Vietnam war and he himself is of Vietnamese origin, descent and origin. And he came here when he was young. And so it just talks about the experience of a God, I honestly, I couldn't have loved it more.
But it's not just about that. It's just about such a unbelievable story of, of, of, I don't know, just a guy who led a complex life.
The Sympathizer won the Pulitzer Prize.
They praised the novel as an unforgettable story about the Vietnam War, noting its powerful passages and that it won the Pulitzer Prize.
I read The Sympathizer, which is written by VietnameseAmerican author Viet Thanh Nguyen. It's about the Vietnam War and his own experience, and I couldn't have loved it more; there were so many incredible passages in the book that just blew me away. The Sympathizer won the Pulitzer Prize.
Across three episodes, Lars Ulrich noted Dalton Trumbo's novel Johnny Got His Gun as the source of inspiration for Metallica's song "One," highlighting its depiction of a completely paralyzed yet conscious state. The book was referenced to illustrate the themes of sensory deprivation and consciousness explored in the song.
It was mentioned in the context of the inspiration behind Metallica's song 'One', which explored a state of complete paralysis and consciousness.
And then we found out about Dalton Trumbo's story of Johnny Got His Gun.
It was mentioned as the basis for the song 'One', where the band explored themes of a person's state of consciousness if they were unable to see, hear, or speak, or have limbs.
And then we found out about Dalton Trumbo's story of Johnny Got His Gun.
It was discussed as the inspiration for the song 'One' after Metallica members imagined what it would be like to be a living, conscious being with no sensory input or physical abilities.
And then we found out about Dalton Trumbo's story of Johnny Got His Gun.
Five Decades of Stories from the Legendary Director of Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and More
The book "Directed by James Burrows: Five Decades of Stories from the Legendary Director of Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and More" was highlighted across three episodes, with the hosts noting its recent release and a planned book party. Will Arnett described it as a fantastic book he regretted missing, and Sean Hayes emphasized its gigantic size and the wealth of behind‑the‑scenes stories from Burrows' five‑decade career. The discussion conveyed strong endorsement of the book as a must‑read for TV fans.
Will Arnett mentioned that Jimmy Burrows, a friend and past guest, had a book party, and he wished he could've attended to meet Mary Lou Henner, who was also present.
And he wanted me, he always wanted me to meet Mary Lou Henner who was there, but I had to be back in New York for a wedding that weekend so I couldn't do that.
It was mentioned as a fantastic book that Will Arnett was unable to attend the book party for due to a prior engagement.
You guys had him on to promote his book, fantastic book.
It was mentioned as a book that contained stories of James Burrows' career as a TV director and was described as gigantic in size.
We're going to read a gigantic book that's out now that's called Directed by James Perrault's five decades of stories from the legendary director of Taxi, Cheers, Frazier, Friends, Will & Grace, and tons more.
The Fonz . . . and Beyond
The hosts highlighted Henry Winkler's memoir Being Henry, noting that it had spent 11 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list and reached number one on the Australian charts before launching a tour in Ireland, Scotland and England. Jason Bateman expressed his enthusiasm, saying he loved the book. The discussion emphasized the memoir's strong sales and wide-reaching tour, presenting it as a notable and well‑received work.
Henry Winkler's memoir was on the New York Times Best Seller list for 11 weeks. It was also number one on the Australian book charts and he is going on a tour for it in Ireland, Scotland and England.
I wrote a memoir last October called Being Henry.
Being Henry, I love that.
And it was on the New York Times Best Seller list.
It was a New York Times Best Seller for 11 weeks.
Then I went to Australia to tour with the book and it became number one and now they're taking me to Ireland, Scotland and England on a book tour.
Henry Winkler's memoir, released last October, was on the New York Times Best Seller list for 11 weeks. He did a book tour in Australia, where the book reached #1. It's currently on tour in Ireland, Scotland, and England.
Being Henry, I love that.
It was a New York Times Best Seller for 11 weeks.
The Case of the Strange Splash (Detective Duck #1)
The second book in the Detective Duck series is coming out in October. There are going to be four in total.
I can't forget, we have to mention Detective Duck because the new one is coming out in October.
— Episode: "Henry Winkler"
The second book in the Detective Duck series is coming out in October. There are going to be four in total.
I can't forget, we have to mention Detective Duck because the new one is coming out in October.
The second one.
The children's book.
There are going to be four.
A children's book series, the second book is coming out in October. There will be a total of four books in this series.
Detective Duck because the new one is coming out in October
The second one. The children's book. There are going to be four.
The hosts highlighted the children's series about a dyslexic boy, noting that there were 28 titles in total and that they had sold around 7 million copies. They referenced the impressive sales figures to illustrate the series' popularity and impact. No explicit recommendation was given, but the discussion underscored its wide readership.
There are 28 Hank Zipzer books in total. 7 million copies have been sold.
No, Hank Zipzer was 28 in total.
28 books, 7 million copies sold.
28 individual novels.
A series of 28 children's books, 7 million copies sold, about a boy with dyslexia. The series was written by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver.
No, Hank Zipzer was 28 in total.
28 books, 7 million copies sold.
The hosts discussed the title as part of a series of romance novels that a deputy district attorney was using to extract details for a murder investigation. They noted that the books followed a formulaic plot about a former Navy SEAL rescuing a woman from a dangerous husband and described it as an odd choice for honeymoon reading. Overall, the series was mentioned mainly for its relevance to the case rather than as a recommendation.
It was an odd choice of reading for a honeymoon. Every book was more or less the same. Burleigh, former Navy SEAL, comes to the rescue of beautiful young woman on the run from her dangerous husband.
She was already on book number two in the Wrong Never Felt So Right series.
Every book was more or less the same.
Burleigh, former Navy SEAL, comes to the rescue of beautiful young woman on the run from her dangerous husband.
It was an odd choice of reading for a honeymoon.
This series of romance novels, written by the deceased husband's wife, was the unlikely lead that the deputy district attorney used to try and solve the murder. The novels included details about the victim's life as a Portland chef and the wife's life as a romance novelist. The books were very similar, all including a former Navy SEAL rescuing a beautiful woman from her dangerous husband. The novels contained details that were borrowed from their own lives, which the DAs had no other way to access. The deputy district attorney was determined to get through all five books by the end of her honeymoon.
She was already on book number two in the Wrong Never Felt So Right series.
And she was determined to get through all five books by the end of her trip.
Every book was more or less the same.
Burleigh, former Navy SEAL, comes to the rescue of beautiful young woman on the run from her dangerous husband.
It was an odd choice of reading for a honeymoon.
A series of romance novels written by the dead man's wife.
Her books were packed with details borrowed from their own lives as a local Portland chef and a romance novelist.
Details that the DAs had no other way to get their hands on.
I wasn't so sure there would truly be anything, but it was sort of in the back of my mind, what if something similar to this has played out in one of her novels and it's all written right there for us to find.
Stories from a South African Childhood
The book was brought up in two episodes featuring Trevor Noah, where the hosts asked him about the memoir he wrote about growing up in South Africa and noted its multi‑million copy sales. Trevor confirmed he authored it, but the conversation focused on his background rather than offering a detailed endorsement. The discussion highlighted the book's commercial success without a strong recommendation.
Trevor Noah wrote a book about his experiences in South Africa. It was mentioned to have sold 3 million copies.
You actually wrote a book about it too, right?
Yeah, yeah I did.
Which became a...
What did it sell, like 3 million copies?
I don't know.
Trevor Noah wrote a book about his experiences growing up in South Africa during apartheid.
But you actually wrote a book about it too, right?
Yeah, yeah I did.
Which became a...
What did it sell, like 3 million copies?
I don't know.
Fallon Book Club Pick (A Novel)
Steve Martin's book was mentioned as being two years old.
Steve's new book is...
— Episode: "Steve Martin & Martin Short"
Steve Martin's book was mentioned as being two years old.
Steve's new book is...
For Tracy, that's what they call...
It's two years old.
You know, Wikipedia is just not what it used to be.
The book is two years old, according to Wikipedia.
Steve's new book is... For Tracy, that's what they call...
It's two years old. Is it? Why do they say new?
You know, Wikipedia is just not what it used to be.
How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
The book was about kids with smartphones and the super increased rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicide in this young generation.
Jonathan Haid wrote that book, Anxious Generation.
— Episode: "Sarah Paulson"
The book was about kids with smartphones and the super increased rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicide in this young generation.
Jonathan Haid wrote that book, Anxious Generation.
And it's like, It's really bummed me out.
The hosts noted that they had read the book and mentioned it while discussing policies on social media for children.
Australia is now trying to pass a set of rules. You know, there's a book by Jonathan Haidt called The Anxious Generation. Yeah, we've read it. I've read it.
DEVIL'S GARDEN the Holy Grail of Big Wave Surfing
It was a book about Garrett McNamara, the big wave surfer. McNamara's mother had been a hippie, but she had put him in a cult where they renounced all their possessions, had to wear bed sheets, and beg for things. McNamara and his brother had to wear bed sheets, they had to beg for everything and couldn't buy anything.
He learned about his child. It's bonkers.
— Episode: SmartLess Media Presents: Pretty Sure I...
It was a book about Garrett McNamara, the big wave surfer. McNamara's mother had been a hippie, but she had put him in a cult where they renounced all their possessions, had to wear bed sheets, and beg for things. McNamara and his brother had to wear bed sheets, they had to beg for everything and couldn't buy anything.
He learned about his child. It's bonkers.
At one point, his mother was this hippie but she put him in this cult.
A lot of cults.
A lot of cults, but the most memorable.
He was in many cults?
Many cults, but the one they had to renounce all their possessions.
He and his brother had to wear bed sheets.
They just walked around.
They had to beg for everything.
They couldn't buy anything.
And it was just so humiliating to be walking the streets in Berkeley in these outfits begging for things.
That's amazing.
These back stories are like what get them to do these things.
Yeah, it's incredible.
Hey Sean, have you seen 100-foot wave by the way?
No.
You have to watch this.
And it's by that guy, Garrett McNamara.
I definitely told you about it.
And watching what these big wave surfers do, not just Garrett, but all those guys, when I see those guys, when they're like, man, there's a storm coming to Portugal, to Nazareg.
We got to get there.
We've got 48 hours.
We need to get there because there's a fucking crazy storm.
And I need to get on a surfboard and have a dude tow me in behind a ski-doo so I can get on the storm waves.
I'm looking for the closest restaurant that's got a happy hour.
I want to make sure.
What do they have on draft?
I'm looking for the next Harry Potter movie.
Yeah, man.
Crazy.
But yeah, that's insane.
It was mentioned that Paul Thomas Anderson had a copy of the Monty Python and the Holy Grail script as a book when he was younger, and used it as a guide for formatting when he started writing.
I had the script for Holy Grail.
Oh money Python Monty Python Monty Python
It was published as a little book and and I loved that movie so much.
This is like probably 878 or 79 whenever by the way, they're both like Monty Python.
No the actual Holy Grail you We're helping Tracy, okay
The Art of Winning an Unfair Game
The host recalled reading Moneyball when it was released in 2003 and praised Michael Lewis, noting they had read all of his books.
I remember reading Moneyball that was 2003 when the book came out. The great Michael Lewis. The great Michael Lewis. I've read all his books.
— Episode: "Pam Abdy & Mike De Luca"
The host recalled reading Moneyball when it was released in 2003 and praised Michael Lewis, noting they had read all of his books.
I remember reading Moneyball that was 2003 when the book came out. The great Michael Lewis. The great Michael Lewis. I've read all his books.
The hosts praised the book as a great source material that was turned into an impressive film, noting its impact and their personal connection to it.
Moneyball was unbelievable. Oh, yeah, of course. Like, Moneyball was such a trip because like my... I remember my dad was a fan of that book and he's like, how are they going to make this?
Michael Lewis.
Inside the Doomsday Machine
The hosts highlighted The Big Short as one of Michael Lewis' books that had been turned into a popular film, noting its cultural impact. Adam McKay recalled that reading the book gave him a clear vision for how the story should be adapted to the screen, praising its compelling narrative. Both mentions conveyed strong endorsement of the book’s relevance and storytelling.
It was discussed among the hosts, and was mentioned as one of Michael Lewis' books that became a popular film.
Some of his books have even become some of our favorite movies such as The Blind Side, Moneyball and The Big Short.
It was mentioned as the book that inspired Adam McKay's film of the same name, and he recalled a moment of clarity when he read it, knowing how it would be adapted for the screen.
It was The Big Short when I read that book. I had one of those weird moments where I just knew how it should look.
A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz
Will Arnett noted that he had just begun reading the book during a vacation, describing it as a large, well‑known title that many people have read. No further commentary on its content or merits was offered, and the mention served mainly as a casual update rather than a recommendation. The hosts treated it as a passing reference.
Will Arnett mentioned recently starting this book, but did not provide any details about the content, other than it being a big book.
I'm now reading this Splendid in the Vial, which a lot of people have read. These are big books.
It was mentioned as a book that the speaker had recently started to read, and was reading while on vacation.
I'm now reading this Splendid in the Vial, which a lot of people have read.
Stories
John Krasinski highlighted the title as the source material for his directorial debut, noting that it had been adapted into a film starring Will Arnett. He mentioned the adaptation in passing while discussing his own involvement, without offering a detailed endorsement of the book itself.
John Krasinski adapted this book into a film for his directorial debut, and Will Arnett had a small part in it.
It was an adaptation of a David Foster Wallace book called Life Interviews with Hideous Men. And Will was in it.
Kara Swisher noted that Walter Isaacson was preparing a biography of Elon Musk that would explore his early life, including a harsh father and childhood bullying. The mention was brief and informational, without a strong endorsement.
Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.
Podcast Name