Open vintage book titled "Books of some Substancce," with other colorful books stacked to the right.

Who’s the B.O.S.S.?

Books of Some Substance (B.O.S.S.) is a literary podcast exploring classic and contemporary literature through deep, thoughtful conversation. Hosted by Nathan Sharp and David Southard, we discuss novels that challenge how we think and live—books that deal with philosophy, family dynamics, moral questions, and what it means to be human.

What We Do

We create long-form discussions (typically 2+ hours) about books that matter. Our episodes analyze literary techniques, uncover underlying themes, and explore how great works of literature shape our understanding of the world. We’re currently exploring family as a theme across literature, from Russian classics like Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov to contemporary fiction.

Our conversations cover:

  • Classic literature and philosophical novels

  • Russian literature and 19th-century works

  • Contemporary literary fiction

  • Philosophy in fiction

  • Moral and ethical themes

  • How books challenge our beliefs and perspectives

Who This Podcast Is For

  • Readers seeking deep literary discussion and analysis

  • Book clubs looking for thoughtful episode companions

  • Anyone intimidated by classics who wants guidance

  • Philosophy students interested in fiction

  • Seasoned book lovers and those just starting their reading journey

  • People who want to expand their understanding through literature

Our Story

Nick and Nathan co-founded B.O.S.S. as a book club in 2014. The original purpose? Goad Nathan into reading more literature and fewer self-help books. For years, we met regularly with a group of friends on the patio of El Rio in the Mission District in San Francisco.

When David joined the book club, he suggested we start a podcast to spread the B.O.S.S. mission to a broader audience. By sharing diverse perspectives, analyzing literary techniques, and uncovering the underlying messages of great works, we aim to spark curiosity, foster critical thinking, and promote a lifelong love of learning.

Our Mission

At Books of Some Substance, our mission is to inspire listeners to deepen their love of reading and expand their understanding of the world through engaging conversations about books that matter—books of some substance.

Whether you’re a seasoned book lover or just starting your reading journey, we invite you to join us in exploring the power of literature.

  • Digital illustration of a man with glasses and a red beard, smiling, against a dark background.

    David Southard

    CO-HOST, PRODUCTION

    David is the craftsman. His rich understanding of the writing craft is a stabilizing voice on the podcast. He is also the audio wizard behind the scenes, snipping out all the ‘ummms’ and awkward pauses. David is the author of the novella, K at Liberation. His favorite book is Collected Fictions by Jorge Luis Borges’.

  • A digital illustration of a man with glasses, a beard, and short hair, smiling against a dark purple background.

    Nick Scandy

    CO-FOUNDER

    Nick is the collector. His love of reading has taken him far beyond the outer reaches of the literary canon. His vision got B.O.S.S. off the ground and for years he kept the machine ticking. In 2023, he took a break from the podcast to focus on other pursuits. He is the author of two novellas on the absurdity of office work. His favorite book is the next one.

  • Illustration of a man with glasses and red hair, sporting a beard, wearing a beige shirt with a black-bordered neckline, against a textured dark background.

    Nathan Sharp

    CO-HOST, DESIGN

    Nathan is the seeker. He reads to uncover universal truths and connect philosophies. He is the creator of much of the artwork that B.O.S.S. releases. He has not authored a book, but blogs occasionally about motorcycling. His favorite book is Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse.

Support the podcast by purchasing your books through our affiliate bookstore or by making a donation.

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