Archive - Ryan’s Boring Book Club

🏳️‍🌈With allies like these, who needs adversaries?

Abandoning Christianity, drag shows in church, appearing to cheer political violence, dismissing dissent and other ways to set the cause of same-sex…

Jun 7 •

May 2025

Lorne Michaels thought SNL writers "lost their minds" in 2016.

Tina Fey and Mike Myers built characters around him. Conan felt abandoned by him. And other highlights from the authorized biography, "Lorne: The man…

May 17 •

April 2025

I got another phone call from the fraternity president

This time it was very healing. Plus reflections on Easter, my alma mater and the Churches of Christ.

Apr 26 •

What happens when you’re out of harmony with the chorus?

Part two in a series detailing my experiences pledging/depledging a Christian fraternity.

Apr 12 •

When we sing of Christian brotherhood, who gets to join the chorus?

What I saw while pledging and depledging a Christian fraternity in 2008.

Apr 5 •

March 2025

Like bathroom door locks, government should just work

Reflections on Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson's "Abundance," with some anecdotes from my time working at Austin City Hall.

Mar 29 •

The tragic toll of unquestioned traditions

Reflections on traditions, the Aggie Bonfire collapse and Brad Land's memoir, "Goat."

Mar 22 •

What I saw at The Free Press/FIRE debate: "Does the West need a religious revival?"

Scenes from the debate plus the VIP afterparty with Ross Douthat, Bari Weiss, Adam Corolla, Greg Lukianoff and more.

Mar 8 •

"I always tell people they should read 'The Art of the Deal.'"

Independent journalist Chris Cillizza (formerly of CNN and The Washington Post) spoke with me about book recommendations to understand our current…

Mar 1 •

February 2025

Why did SNL pull its punches on Biden?

The past decade has been a low point for political comedy, especially in light of the two decades that came before.

Feb 16 •

John Belushi, Jane Curtin, Bill Murray and Will Ferrell all hated Chevy Chase. Everyone did.

Highlights from "Live from New York: The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live as Told by Its Stars, Writers, and Guests." Part 1…

Feb 8 •

Ryan's Boring Book Club turns one!

My top 5 posts, how I respond to feedback, my favorite post and more reflections on one year on Substack

Feb 1 •

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