Best The Book was Better than the Movie Podcasts (2025)

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Journey to the Center of the Earth By: Jules Verne 7:57:42

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7d ago7:57:42

7:57:42

Remember the thrill you felt watching Oscar-winner Brendan Fraser navigate impossible underground worlds on the big screen? Now experience the original adventure that started it all with Jules Verne's legendary masterpiece, Journey to the Center of the Earth. This isn't just any audiobook – it's your ticket to the ultimate blockbuster experience th…

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Ep. 542: Point to Your Ugliest Thing, Use Photos to Save Memories & Understand Obliger-Rebellion 28:20

1d ago28:20

28:20

We discuss why it’s useful to identify the "ugliest thing" in your life—i.e., what aspect needs the most attention? We also share an easy hack about enhancing family memories, and we explore a Four-Tendencies situation involving a young-adult son's surprising reaction to his father's lateness. We wrap up with listener suggestions for creative befor…

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Little Happier: "Love Is Unconditional, and Love is Demanding” & Other Secrets of Adulthood for Parents 5:18

3d ago5:18

5:18

With time and experience, we learn “Secrets of Adulthood,” and parenthood teaches us many of those lessons. Resources & links related to this episode: "Secrets of Adulthood" Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happ…

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More Happier: Talking Secrets of Adulthood with Shannon Watts 24:11

5d ago24:11

24:11

In a recent Secrets of Adulthood Substack Live conversation, I talked to the terrific Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action (the nation’s largest grassroots group fighting gun violence. We discuss insights from her latest book and how we've arrived at several of our own Secrets of Adulthood, including why it’s important to ask yourself wheth…

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Ep. 541: Try These Parenting Hacks from Listeners, Manage Your Own Worry & an Easy Packing Hack 33:25

8d ago33:25

33:25

We share a treasure trove of creative, easy parenting hacks from our listeners, as well as a happiness hack about creating a "prep station" bin to stay organized for trips and special events. In our "Know Yourself Better" segment, we explore how the desire to manage our own worry can lead us to burden or try to control others. Plus, we share some i…

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Robin Hood By: Howard Pyle 10:54:42

9d ago10:54:42

10:54:42

Long before the visionary director-actor duo behind Gladiator redefined cinematic heroism, Howard Pyle crafted the ultimate blueprint for legendary adventure in The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood. This timeless masterpiece delivers all the swashbuckling action, heroic nobility, and epic storytelling that made Robin Hood a blockbuster phenomenon on …

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Little Happier: Is it a Bug? Is it a Feature? It Depends on You 2:48

10d ago2:48

2:48

The familiar proverb “It’s not a bug, it’s a feature” is a reminder that one person may seek out a product, an experience, or a situation for the very reason that someone else avoids it. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, prod…

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More Happier: No “Guilty” Pleasures & Returning to the Treadmill Desk 25:03

12d ago25:03

25:03

We talk about why it can helpful to trust our interests and inclinations about what to read, watch, or listen to, without imposing a lot of judgment on our choices. Resources & links related to this episode: Elizabeth's treadmill desk Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books,…

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The Princess and the Goblin By: George MacDonald 5:04:06

13d ago5:04:06

5:04:06

Long before Patrick Doyle's soaring, Oscar-nominated musical scores elevated films like "Harry Potter" and "Thor" to cinematic greatness, and before he brought his magical compositional touch to "The Princess and the Goblin" animated film, George MacDonald penned the enchanting fairy tale that would inspire generations of fantasy storytellers. This…

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Ep. 540: Very Special Episode: Treasure Trove of Easy Ideas to Add Whimsy to Daily Life 30:15

15d ago30:15

30:15

In this Very Special Episode, we share dozens of ideas from listeners—and ourselves—about how to add an element of whimsy to everyday life, without needing to spend much time, energy, or money. Resources & links related to this episode: Order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood My article: Why Whimsy Is Having a Moment Elizabeth's newsletter: Happier…

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Crime & Punishment By: Fyodor Dostoevsky "The Punishment" 10:38:23

15d ago10:38:23

10:38:23

Long before Scarlett Johansson mesmerized audiences in the brilliant modern retelling of Crime and Punishment, and before Hollywood transformed the story into "Crime and Punishment in Suburbia" - a gripping high school drama where a teenage girl's world spirals into guilt and psychological torment after a violent act - Dostoevsky crafted the ultima…

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Crime & Punishment By: Fyodor Dostoevsky "The Crime" 11:15:07

15d ago11:15:07

11:15:07

Long before Patrick Dempsey captured hearts as the beloved McDreamy on Grey's Anatomy and Ben Kingsley earned Academy Award acclaim for his powerful performance in Gandhi, both actors brought their dramatic talents to the haunting TV adaptation of one of literature's greatest psychological thrillers. This gripping audiobook delivers Part 1: "The Cr…

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Little Happier: “New Yorker” Covers and My Peculiar Yearning for a City I Already Have 2:20

17d ago2:20

2:20

New Yorker magazine covers capture something both true and elusive about the city, by distilling New York in single images, so that the place feels simultaneously familiar and out of reach. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collecti…

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More Happier: Bestselling Novel "The Ministry of Time" Audiobook Preview 39:53

19d ago39:53

39:53

In honor of our upcoming Read 25 Day, we are excited to share an audiobook preview of bestselling novel "The Ministry of Time" from Lemonada's own "Your Next Listen" podcast. More about the book: This genre-bending time-travel sci-fi slash romance slash mystery slash spy thriller was a breakout hit for debut author Kaliane Bradley. It’s been recomm…

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The Picture of Dorian Gray By: Oscar Wilde 9:20:30

20d ago9:20:30

9:20:30

Long before Colin Firth captivated audiences as the brooding Mr. Darcy and later brought his sophisticated acting prowess to the haunting film adaptation of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde penned the mesmerizing psychological thriller that would become one of literature's most filmed stories. This spellbinding audiobook delivers the complete, unabridged m…

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Ep. 539: Don't Disparage What Matters, Funny Travel Trends & Handling Hurtful "Jokes" 28:17

22d ago28:17

28:17

We discuss why we shouldn't downplay things that are actually important to us (such as saying “I don’t care about my birthday” if you do care). We also review some fun new travel terms, such as "townsizing" and "JOMO travel," and we address the problem of waiting until we're ready to make big decisions. Plus, we tackle a listener's question about d…

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The Phantom of the Opera By: Gaston Leroux 8:38:54

22d ago8:38:54

8:38:54

Long before Gerard Butler brought his powerful voice and commanding presence to the iconic role of the Phantom, captivating audiences with his tortured romanticism and dramatic intensity, Gaston Leroux crafted the spine-tingling original that would captivate Hollywood for over a century. This mesmerizing audiobook delivers the complete, unabridged …

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My Man Jeeves By: P. G. Wodehouse 5:10:11

22d ago5:10:11

5:10:11

Remember when "Ask Jeeves" ruled the internet? That iconic search engine butler who could answer anything didn't just appear from nowhere - he was born from P.G. Wodehouse's brilliant comedy writing that predicted our digital obsession with having the perfect assistant. This laugh-out-loud audiobook collection reveals the original stories behind th…

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The Inimitable Jeeves By: P. G. Wodehouse 6:54:23

22d ago6:54:23

6:54:23

Long before "Ask Jeeves" became the internet's most beloved butler helping millions search for answers online, P.G. Wodehouse created the original gentleman's gentleman whose wit and wisdom would become a pop culture phenomenon. This delightfully entertaining audiobook delivers the complete collection of stories that inspired not just a search engi…

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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer By: Mark Twain 7:51:42

22d ago7:51:42

7:51:42

Long before Jonathan Taylor Thomas brought his boyish charm to the role of Tom Sawyer and Val Kilmer captivated audiences as Mark Twain himself, the legendary author created the quintessential American boy whose escapades would captivate Hollywood for generations. This enchanting audiobook delivers the complete, unabridged masterpiece that inspired…

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Little Happier: Paris, Rose, a Fortune Cookie—an Anniversary Toast to My Husband Jamie 4:39

24d ago4:39

4:39

A double anniversary (of a wedding and of a life-saving medical cure) inspired this toast—with allusion to Gertrude Stein, Wendell Berry, and “The Office.” Resources & links related to this episode: The most purely happy day of my life Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books…

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More Happier: Gretchen on Totally Booked with Zibby Owens 32:22

26d ago32:22

32:22

We bring you a conversation with my friend Zibby Owens on her podcast Totally Booked. Taped in front of a life studio audience, we discuss my new book, Secrets of Adulthood, the beauty of frameworks, and why you should label your next email "confidential." Resources & links related to this episode: Zibby Owens Totally Booked Get in touch: podcast@g…

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Ep. 538: Set a Tripwire, Decide If You Need the Storage Unit & Do You Use that Gizmo? 31:16

29d ago31:16

31:16

We talk about why it can be helpful to set a tripwire for making a decision or moving forward. We also discuss a Secret of Adulthood that’s very relevant to the practice of keeping a storage unit (even one that’s not really needed), and a know-yourself-better question related to the use of gadgets and gizmos. Resources & links related to this episo…

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An Ideal Husband By: Oscar Wilde 3:18:15

1M ago3:18:15

3:18:15

Long before Cate Blanchett brought her commanding presence and elegant sophistication to the film adaptation, Oscar Wilde penned the brilliantly witty masterpiece that would prove irresistible to filmmakers seeking the perfect blend of scandal, romance, and razor-sharp dialogue. This captivating audiobook delivers the complete theatrical gem that i…

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Little Happier: Four Helpful “Secrets of Adulthood” for Parents 5:46

1M ago5:46

5:46

Becoming a parent can be one of the most transformative, and instructive, experiences of our lives. These four “Secrets of Adulthood” examine some of the most important lessons parenthood can teach us. Resources & links related to this episode: Open-door stage Secrets of Adulthood A version of this piece was originally published on the CNBC site. G…

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The Legend of Sleepy Hollow By: Washington Irving 1:12:00

1M ago1:12:00

1:12:00

Long before Tim Burton's dark cinematic vision brought the Headless Horseman to life and Johnny Depp mesmerized audiences as the eccentric Ichabod Crane, Washington Irving crafted the spine-tingling American classic that would become one of Hollywood's most atmospheric horror adaptations. This haunting audiobook delivers the complete original story…

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More Happier: James Taylor, Unrealistic Expectations & Do You Love to Provision? 26:07

1M ago26:07

26:07

James Taylor and a new puppy are making us happier. We also explore the question of whether it’s common these days to have perhaps unrealistically high expectations from the people and organizations in our lives, from marriage to work to friendship. Plus we discuss an intriguing question: Do you love to "provision,” to stock up on essential items? …

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Gulliver's Travels By: Jonathan Swift 11:12:26

1M ago11:12:26

11:12:26

Long before Jack Black brought his comedic energy to the modern film adaptation, Jonathan Swift created the extraordinary adventure that would captivate Hollywood for centuries. This captivating audiobook delivers the complete, unabridged masterpiece that inspired multiple film versions and proved that imagination knows no bounds. Experience the in…

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Ep. 537: Create a Family “Familect,” Organize Your Apps & Listeners’ Great Secrets of Adulthood 30:36

1M ago30:36

30:36

We discuss the idea of the “familect” and why it might be fun to create a dictionary for our own familect. We also talk about a hack that makes it easier to use a smartphone, and we share dozens of listeners’ thought-provoking “Secrets of Adulthood.” Resources & links related to this episode: Order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood Join Secrets of …

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Little Happier: Some Words from Winston Churchill—Among Other Things, He Was a Terrific Writer 8:36

1M ago8:36

8:36

Winston Churchill was an extraordinary presence on the world stage, and among his strengths, he had a tremendous gift with words. Here are just a few of the powerful, insightful, or hilarious observations he made. Resources & links related to this episode: Secrets of Adulthood Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchill Episode of “A Little Happier on …

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More Happier: Parenting Roundtable with Dr. Becky and Samantha Bee 42:16

1M ago42:16

42:16

The Roundtable Series tackles the subject of parenthood. With parenting expert Dr. Becky Kennedy and comedian Samantha Bee, we discuss the most helpful lessons we’ve learned, big challenges we’ve faced, the anxieties that we sometimes feel as parents, and more. Resources & links related to this episode: Dr. Becky Kennedy Samantha Bee Get in touch: …

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The Importance of Being Earnest By: Oscar Wilde 2:17:36

1M ago2:17:36

2:17:36

Long before Reese Witherspoon brought her charm to the big screen adaptation, Oscar Wilde penned the wickedly funny masterpiece that would become a beloved Hollywood comedy. This brilliant audiobook delivers the complete theatrical gem that inspired multiple film adaptations and proved that Victorian wit never goes out of style. Experience the razo…

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Bambi By: Felix Salten 4:52:38

1M ago4:52:38

4:52:38

Before Disney's animated classic melted hearts worldwide, Felix Salten crafted the original story that would become one of cinema's most beloved films. This captivating audiobook brings you the complete, unabridged tale that inspired the iconic movie that defined childhood for generations. Discover the deeper, richer story behind the Disney magic. …

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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz By: L. Frank Baum 4:00:53

1M ago4:00:53

4:00:53

With Wicked captivating audiences worldwide, now is the perfect time to rediscover the original tale that started it all. Before Elphaba's untold story, before the emerald spectacle of Broadway and Hollywood, there was Dorothy's timeless adventure that launched a thousand dreams. Step into the authentic Land of Oz through L. Frank Baum's beloved or…

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The Age of Innocence By: Edith Wharton 11:10:23

1M ago11:10:23

11:10:23

Step into the opulent world of 1870s New York high society that Martin Scorsese brought to breathtaking cinematic life, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder in one of Hollywood's most acclaimed period dramas. Experience Edith Wharton's Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece through our luxurious audiobook that delivers every n…

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Sense and Sensibility By: Jane Austen 13:00:53

1M ago13:00:53

13:00:53

The Jane Austen Classic That Launched a Hollywood Renaissance You know the iconic scene: Emma Thompson's Elinor finally breaking down in tears as she whispers "He is not married to Lucy Steele." You've swooned over Hugh Grant's stammering Edward Ferrars and Alan Rickman's brooding Colonel Brandon. You've been swept away by Kate Winslet's passionate…

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Persuasion By: Jane Austen 8:22:05

1M ago8:22:05

8:22:05

You've swooned over the passionate romance in Keira Knightley's Pride and Prejudice. You've been captivated by the period drama perfection of Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. You've fallen for Dakota Johnson's modern take in Netflix's 2022 Persuasion. Now discover why this Jane Austen masterpiece has become Hollywood's fav…

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The Practice of the Presence of God By: Brother Lawrence 1:08:07

1M ago1:08:07

1:08:07

The Hidden Life That Inspired Hollywood's Greatest Faith Films "On retreat, you enter into your imagination to accompany Jesus through his life from his conception to his crucifixion and resurrection. You are walking, talking, praying with Jesus, suffering with him. And it's devastating to see someone who has been your friend, whom you love, be so …

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Little Women By: Louisa May Alcott 17:25:19

1M ago17:25:19

17:25:19

You've been mesmerized by the stunning cinematography of Greta Gerwig's Oscar-nominated masterpiece. You've fallen for Timothée Chalamet's brooding Laurie and cheered for Saoirse Ronan's fierce Jo March. Now discover the literary treasure that launched a thousand Hollywood adaptations and continues to inspire filmmakers over a century later. This i…

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Ep. 536: Make a Before-&-After Book, Enter the Library, and How to Deal with a Questioner Spouse 35:27

1M ago35:27

35:27

We discuss how creating before-and-after photo books of renovations or improvements can bring satisfaction and preserve memories. Our happiness hack suggests visiting your local library (or museum) for the first time; that first visit can be surprising to make. We also share listeners’ strategies for handling a spouse who asks too many questions at…

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Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ By: Lew Wallace 23:05:30

1M ago23:05:30

23:05:30

Before Morgan Freeman brought his commanding presence to the 2016 remake as the wise Ilderim, before Charlton Heston's legendary chariot race became cinema history, and before Ben-Hur became one of Hollywood's most spectacular epics, there was Lew Wallace's monumental 1880 novel that captivated the world and inspired over a century of film adaptati…

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Little Happier: The Surprising Origin of One of My Favorite Book Titles 4:19

2M ago4:19

4:19

I love book titles, and when I finally tracked down the book attached to one of my favorite titles, I was astonished to learn where I heard about it. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transc…

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Aladdin & The Magic Lamp By: Unknown 34:50

2M ago34:50

34:50

Before Will Smith brought his charismatic energy and show-stopping musical numbers to Disney's 2019 live-action spectacle, before Robin Williams immortalized the Genie in Disney's beloved animated classic, there was the original tale from "One Thousand and One Nights" that sparked centuries of magical storytelling. Experience the authentic "Aladdin…

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More Happier: Our Longest-Lasting Relationships, a New Way to Think About Our Past & a Fun Quiz 23:50

2M ago23:50

23:50

We discuss why it’s interesting to consider our longest continuous non-family relationships. We spotlight a tool for spring: the Five-Senses Quiz that helps you discover which of our senses might be neglected. Plus, we explore how authors like Stephen King shape their creative landscapes from personal memories, and how viewing the own past through …

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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn By: Mark Twain 11:43:35

2M ago11:43:35

11:43:35

Before Elijah Wood became the beloved Frodo Baggins, he brought Mark Twain's unforgettable Huckleberry Finn to life on the silver screen in the 1993 film adaptation. Now experience the complete, unabridged masterpiece that inspired that memorable performance and countless other film and television adaptations throughout Hollywood history. Journey d…

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The Sign of Four (Sherlock Holmes) By: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 4:04:02

2M ago4:04:02

4:04:02

After the legendary introduction in "A Study in Scarlet," Sir Arthur Conan Doyle crafted his most action-packed Sherlock Holmes adventure—one that has captivated filmmakers from classic Hollywood to modern British television adaptations. "The Sign of Four" delivers everything movie audiences love: exotic treasures, deadly pursuits, mysterious pacts…

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Ep. 535: Create Your “Summer of __,” Some Reading Recommendations & Listeners’ Favorite Words 36:39

2M ago36:39

36:39

We discuss a fun summer challenge of focusing on a specific theme or goal. We also include a few helpful, fun hacks, and we share some of listeners’ favorite words—a delightful collection of language. Resources & links related to this episode: Order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood Read 25 in 25 Design Your Summer Reading List in the Happier app E…

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A Study in Scarlet (Sherlock Holmes) By: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 4:45:27

2M ago4:45:27

4:45:27

Experience "A Study in Scarlet," the very first Sherlock Holmes adventure, in its pure, unfiltered brilliance through our captivating audiobook. Step into 221B Baker Street where Dr. John Watson first meets the enigmatic consulting detective whose methods would forever change crime fiction and inspire countless films, television series, and adaptat…

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The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: By Conan Doyle 9:43:25

2M ago9:43:25

9:43:25

Before Robert Downey Jr. threw punches in Guy Ritchie's action-packed films, before Benedict Cumberbatch brought the detective into the modern era, before Basil Rathbone donned the deerstalker cap—there was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's literary mastermind who started it all. Step into the foggy streets of Victorian London with our complete audiobook of…

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The Pilgrim's Progress By: John Bunyan 9:44:22

2M ago9:44:22

9:44:22

Before CGI battles between good and evil, before quest narratives dominated the box office, there was John Bunyan's revolutionary masterpiece—the original spiritual adventure that has captivated filmmakers' imaginations for generations. Experience "The Pilgrim's Progress" as it was first conceived in 1678—a vivid allegorical journey brought to life…

The Book Was Better Than The Movie Podcasts