No Returns

Kate Russell from Little Free Library (Bonus Ep/Interview)

BONUS EPISODE ALERT! We thought we were wrapped up for this season of No Returns until we met Kate Russell, Senior Director of Advancement for Little Free Library! This week Kate welcomes us to the Little Free Library offices in St Paul to discuss our meet cute, the best and worst things we've found in Little Free Libraries, and the work the Little Free Library organization is doing to provide access to more books for everyone, everywhere!
For more information about Little Free Library, please visit their website.
Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
Opening Credit Music:
“Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022.
Closing Credit Music:
“Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019.
Episode Music Credits:
“Open Book,” written by John McCrea and Greg Brown; performed by Cake. Fashion Nugget, Capricorn, 1996.
“Mexico,” written by John McCrea; performed by Cake. Prolonging The Magic, Capricorn, 1998. 
“Dreamdaddy,” written by Keith Ferguson; performed by World Leader Pretend. Punches, Warner Brothers, 2005. 
“Books About UFOs,” written by Grant Hart; performed by Husker Du. New Day Rising, SST, 1985.
“Reading Rainbow Theme Song,” written by Steve Horelick, Dennis Neil Kleinman, and Janet Weir; performed by Tina Fabrique. 1983
“I Love Reading Books,” written by Shawn Rosenblat ; performed by Blake Rules. Kids Trap, Netherfriends, 2017.
“Library Song,” written by Robby Merkin, Maria O’Meara, and Luis Santeiro. Sesame Street, 1995.
“Library Song,” written by Tom Chapin and Michael Mark; performed by Tom Chapin. Moonboat, Gadfly, 1989.
“Books, Check ‘Em Out,” performed by Sir Mix-A-Lot. 1990.
“Bookends Theme (Reprise),” written by Paul Simon; performed by Simon and Garfunkel. Bookends, Columbia, 1968.

Guinness Book of World Records - 1989

This week, Alyssa and Kevin crack open the 1989 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records! Which records have been broken in the last 35 years and which have been maintained? The No Returns duo discuss this most impressive compendium AND even try to beat some of its listed record holders. 
Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
Opening Credit Music:
“Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022.
Closing Credit Music:
“Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019.
Episode Music Credits:
"Alright," written by Pamela Valfer; performed by Kitty Craft. Beats and Breaks From The Flower Patch, Darla Records, 2024 (Reissue)
“Fight The Power,” written by Carlton Ridenhour, Eric Sadler, Hank Boxley, and Keith Boxley; performed by Public Enemy. Do The Right Thing: Original Motion PIcture Soundtrack, Motown, 1989.
“Wind Beneath My Wings,” written by Larry Henley and Jeff Silbar; performed by Bette Midler. Beaches: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, Atlantic, 1988.
“My Prerogative," written by Bobby Brown, Teddy Riley, Gene Griffin, Aaron Hall,  and Timmy Gatling; performed by Bobby Brown. Don’t Be Cruel, MCA, 1988.
“Straight Up,” written by Elliot Wolff; performed by Paula Abdul. Forever Your Girl, Virgin, 1988
“Like A Prayer,” written by Madonna Ciccone and Patrick Leonard; performed by Madonna. Like A Prayer, Sire/Warner, 1989.
“Love Shack,” written and performed by The B-52’s. Cosmic Thing, Reprise, 1989.
“What I Am,” written by Edie Brickell and Kenny Withrow; performed by Edie Brickell and New Bohemians. Shooting Rubberbands at The Stars, Geffen, 1988.
“Bust A Move,” written by Marvin Young, Matt Dike, and Michael Ross; performed by Young MC. Stone Cold Rhymin’, Delicious Vinyl/Island, 1989.
“Back to Life (However Do You Want Me),” written by Nellee Hooper, Caron Wheeler, Simon Law, and Trevor Romeo; performed by Soul II Soul. Club Classics Vol One, Virgin, 1989.
“Poison,” written by Vincent Furner, Desmond Child, and John McCurry; performed by Alice Cooper. Trash, Epic, 1989.
“Yesterday,” written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon; performed by The Beatles. Help!, Capitol, 1965.
“The End of The Innocence,” written by Don Henley and Bruce Hornsby; performed by Don Henley. The End of The Innocence, Geffen, 1989.
“Olympic Fanfare,” composed by John Williams. 1984.
 

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

As the change of seasons approaches, Alyssa and Kevin gather to discuss Carley Fortune's Every Summer After. 
Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
Opening Credit Music:
“Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022.
Closing Credit Music:
“Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019
Episode Music Credits:
“Summer Girl,” written by Jessica Andrews, Marcel, Chagon, and James T. Slater; performed by Leighton Meester. Country Strong: More Music From The Motion Picture, RCA Nashville 2010.
“These Summer Nights,” written by Miranda Scott Johnson; performed by Mïrändä. Self-released, 2021.
“Lake By The Ocean,” written by Gerald Rivera and Hod David; performed by Maxwell. blackSUMMERS’night, Columbia, 2016.
“Nightswimming,” written by Mike Mills and Michael Stipe; performed by R.E.M. Automatic For The People, Warner Brothers, 1992.
“Modern Romance,” written by Karen Orzolek, Nick Zinner, and Brian Chase; performed by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Fever to Tell, Interscope, 2003.
“Feels Like Summer,” written by Rivers Cuomo, Patrick Morrissey, Jonny Coffer, J.R. Rotem, David Dahlquist, Dan Goldberger, and Taylor Upsahl; performed by Weezer. Pacific Daydream, Crush/Atlantic, 2017.
“Feels Like Summer,” written by Donald Glover and Ludwig Göransson; performed by Childish Gambino. Summer Pack, RCA, 2018.
“The Boys of Summer,” written by Don Henley and Mike Campbell; performed by Don Henley. Building The Perfect Beast, Geffen, 1984.
 

Animorphs by K.A. Applegate (with special guest Jarred Greenhalge)

This week the No Returns duo welcome Alyssa's spouse, Jarred, for a conversation about the hit 90s series, Animorphs.
 
Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
Opening Credit Music:
“Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022.
Closing Credit Music:
“Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019.
Additional Episode Music Credits:
“Cowboys,” written by Geoff Barrow and Beth Gibbons; performed by Portishead. Portishead, Go!/London, 1997.
"Alright," written by Pamela Valfer; performed by Kitty Craft. Beats and Breaks From The Flower Patch, Darla Records, 2024 (Reissue)
“Animal, written by Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Steve Clark, Rick Savage, and Robert John Lange; performed by Def Leppard. Hysteria, 1987, Mercury
“All In Your Hands,” written by Craig Hazen, Julie Danksy, and David Wolfert; performed by Norman Orenstein. Animorphs, 1998.
“Animal,” written by Kesha Sebert, Pebe Sebert, and Greg Kurstin; performed by Kesha. Animal, RCA, 2010.
“Animal,” written by Dave Abbruzzese, Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, and Edward Severson; performed by Pearl Jam. Vs, Epic, 1993.
“I’m Like A Bird,” written and performed by Nelly Furtado. Whoa, Nelly!, Dreamworks, 2000.
“I Wanna Be Your Dog,” written by Dave Alexander, Ron Asheton, Scott Asheton, and James Osterberg; performed by Iggy Pop. The Crow: City of Angels, Hollywood, 1996.
“Wolf Like Me,” written by Tunde Adebimpe, David Sitek, Kyp Malone, Jaleel Bunton, and Gerard Smith; performed by TV on The Radio. Return to Cookie Mountain, 4AD/Interscope, 2006.
“Sharks,” written by Mark Sandman; performed by Morphine. Yes, Rykodisc, 1995.

Scientology: An Overview

This week, Alyssa and Kevin watch "Scientology: An Overview," a DVD found in a Little Free Library. They also discuss Going Clear, the HBO documentary. And if you're a Scientologist reading this, they are just jokin about it all!
Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
Opening Credit Music:
“Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022.
Closing Credit Music:
“Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019
Episode Music Credits:
"Alright," written by Pamela Valfer; performed by Kitty Craft. Beats and Breaks From The Flower Patch, Darla Records, 2024 (Reissue)
“The New Pollution,” written by Beck Hansen, John King, and Michael Simpson; performed by Beck.Odelay, DGC, 1996
“Greased Lightnin’,” written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey; performed by John Travolta. Grease, RSO, 1978.
“Bohemian Rhapsody,” written by Freddy Mercury; performed by Queen. A Night At The Opera, EMI, 1975. 
“Theme From Mission: Impossible,” written by Lalo Schifrin; performed by Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton. Mission: Impossible - Music From and Inspired by The Motion Picture, Mother, 1996.
“Incurably Innocent,” written and performed by At The Drive In. In•ter a•li•a, Rise, 2017. 
“Hard Lovin Woman,” written by Juliette Lewis and Chris Watson; performed by Juliette Lewis. Terra Incognita, The End, 2009.
“Violet,” written by Courtney Love and Eric Erlandson; performed by Hole. Live Through This, DGC, 1994.
 

The Magic World of The Amazing Randi by James Randi

This week, the No Returns pair attempt to bamboozle and charm their book club with tricks learned from this episode's text, The Magic World of The Amazing Randi by James Randi. 
Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
Opening Credit Music:
“Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022.
Closing Credit Music:
“Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019.
Additional Music Credits:
“Cowboys,” written by Geoff Barrow and Beth Gibbons; performed by Portishead. Portishead, Go!/London, 1997.
"Alright," written by Pamela Valfer; performed by Kitty Craft. Beats and Breaks From The Flower Patch, Darla Records, 2024 (Reissue)
“Strange Magic,” written by Jeff Lynne; performed by Electric Light Orchestra. Face The Music, United Artists, 1975.
“Do You Believe in Magic,” written by John Sebastian; performed by Aly and AJ. Into The Rush, EMI, 2005. 
“Magic,” written by Ric Ocasek; performed by The Cars. Heartbeat City, Elektra, 1984.
“Houdini,” written by Dua Lipa, Kevin Parker, Danny L Harle, Caroline Ailin,  and Tobias Jesso Jr.; performed by Dua Lipa. Radical Optimism, Warner Brothers, 2024.
“Abracadabra,” written by Stefani Germanotta, Andrew Watt, Henry Walter, Susan Ballion, Peter Edward Clarke, John McGeoch, and Steven Severin; performed by Lady Gaga. Mayhem, Interscope, 2025.
“Abracadabra,” written by Steve Miller; performed by The Steve Miller Band. Abracadabra, Capitol, 1982
“Mindfreak,” written by Scott Albert, Mickey James, and Christopher Sarantakos; performed by Criss Angel. Mindfreak - The Official Soundtrack, Angel Productions, 2006.
“Magic,” written and performed by Nick Drake. Made to Love Magic, Island, 2004.
 

My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

IS BLOOD THICKER THAN WATER!?? Alyssa and Kevin will get to the bottom of it in this week's episode about My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.
Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
 
Opening Credit Music:
“Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022.
Closing Credit Music:
“Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019.
Episode Music Credits:
“We Are Family,” written by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards; performed by Sister Sledge. We Are Family, Cotillion, 1979
“Lady Marmalade,” written by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan; performed by Lil Kim, Christina Aguilera, Pink, and Mya. Moulin Rouge!, Interscope, 2001
“The First Cut is The Deepest,” written by Steven Demetre Georgiou; performed by Sheryl Crow. The Very Best of Sheryl Crow, A&M, 2003.
“Sympathy Is A Knife (featuring Ariana Grande),” written by Charlotte Achison, Ariana Grande, Finn Keane, and Jonathan Shave; performed by Charli XCX and Ariana Grande. Brat And It’s Completely Different But Also Still Brat, Atlantic, 2024
“Sisters,” written by Irving Berlin; performed by Rosemary Clooney and Trudy Stevens. White Christmas, Columbia, 1954.
“Theme from ‘Sister, Sister,’” written by Tim Heintz, Randy Petersen, and Kevin Quinn; performed by Carmen Carter.

Cooking Collectables

This week Alyssa and Kevin gather ingredients and prepare dishes from a 1979 church cookbook, Cooking Collectibles. Many things have changed in the kitchen, but fun cooking with friends is everlasting.
Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
Opening Credit Music:
“Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022.
Closing Credit Music:
“Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019.
Additional Music Credits:
“Cowboys,” written by Geoff Barrow and Beth Gibbons; performed by Portishead. Portishead, Go!/London, 1997.
"Alright," written by Pamela Valfer; performed by Kitty Craft. Beats and Breaks From The Flower Patch, Darla Records, 2024 (Reissue)
“Kitchen,” written by Solana Rowe, Cody Faye, Rudolph Isley, O'Kelly Isley Jr., Ronald Isley, Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley, and Chris Jasper; performed by SZA. Lana: SOS Deluxe, Top Dawg/RCA, 2024..
“Flicka Da Wrist,” written by Courtney Millburn; performed by Chedda da Connect. Chedda World: The Album, eOne, 2015.
“Pineapple Slice,” written by Tove Nilsson and Samuel George Lewis; performed by Tove Lo. Dirt Femme, Pretty Swede, 2022.
“French Fries With Pepper,” written by Mark Sandman; performed by Morphine. Like Swimming, Dreamworks, 1997.
“Slurf Song,” written and performed by Michael Hurley. Have Moicy!, Rounder, 1976.

Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham

This week Alyssa and Kevin discuss Lena Dunham's book of essays, Not That Kind of Girl. They also touch on the overlap between this book and Dunham’s HBO series, Girls, and Kevin takes another quiz! 
Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
Opening and Closing Music Credits:
“Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022.
“Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019.
“Cowboys,” written by Geoff Barrow and Beth Gibbons; performed by Portishead. Portishead, Go!/London, 1997.
Episode Music Credits:
“Dancing On My Own,” written by Robin Carlsson and Patrik Berger; performed by Robyn. Body Talk Pt 1, Konichiwa, 2010.
“Heartbeats,” written by Karin Dreijer and Olof Dreijer; performed by The Knife. Deep Cuts, Rabid, 2002.
“I Love It,” written by Charlotte Aitchison, Patrik Berger, and Linus Eklöw; performed by Icona Pop featuring Charli XCX. Icona Pop, TEN, 2012. 
“With You,” written by Billy Mann, Andy Marvel, and Jessica Simpson; performed by Waxahatchee. Girls - Music From The HBO Original Series, Vol 3, Interscope, 2016.
“Kind of Girl,” written by Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi, McPherson; performed by Muna. Muna, Saddest Factory, 2022.
“I Do That,” written by Shan Poo, Jason Scott, and MTN; performed by Boy/Friend and The New Deal. Self-released, 2014.
“Barely Breathing,” written and performed by Duncan Sheik. Duncan Sheik, Atlantic, 1996.
“Same Mistakes,” written by Jake Rabinbach and Shannon Esper; performed by The Echo Friendly. Girls - Music From The HBO Original Series, Vol. 1, Fueled by Ramen, 2013. 
“Fool for Love,” written by Ben Schneider; performed by Lord Huron. Strange Tails, IAMSOUND, 2015.
“Problem,” written by Natalia Sinclair, Jeff Bhasker, Guillaume Doubet, and Sky Montique; performed by Natalia Kills. Trouble, Interscope, 2013

People Magazine - I Do! The Great Celebrity Weddings

This week Alyssa and Kevin crack open a celebrity wedding special edition of People Magazine from 2005 that likely spent years in someone’s basement, but made its way to them blessedly via Little Free Library. They discuss the fate of many of the couples featured, the extravagance of celebrity weddings, and even 2005 teeth trends versus teeth trends of today.
Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
Opening Credit Music:
“Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022.
“Cowboys,” written by Geoff Barrow and Beth Gibbons; performed by Portishead. Portishead, Go!/London, 1997.
Closing Credit Music:
“Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019.
Episode Music Credits: 
“Cannonball,” written and performed by Damien Rice. O, Vector, 2002
“By Your Side,” written by Sade Adu,  Andrew Hale, Stuart Matthewman, and Paul S. Denman; performed by Sade. Lovers Rock, Epic, 2000
“Lights,” written by Steve Perry and Neal Schon; performed by Journey. Infinity, 1978, Columbia
“Open Arms, written by Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain; performed by Journey. Escape, Columbia, 1981.
“Rexall,” written and performed by Dave Navarro. Trust No One, Capitol, 2001.
“God Only Knows,” written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher; performed by The Beach Boys. Pet Sounds, Capitol, 1966. 
“Unchained Melody,” written by Alex North and Hy Zaret; performed by The Righteous Brothers. Just Once In My Life, Phillies, 1965.
“Only Wanna Be With You,” written by Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, Darius Rucker and Jim Sonefeld; performed by Hootie and The Blowfish. Cracked Rear View, Atlantic, 1994.