I just don't want to look for my validation or for my happiness at the hands of strangers,

because they're a fickle bunch, they'll turn against you as quick as they lift you up, right?

Hello, everybody, and welcome to another episode of Books Closed. I'm your host, Andrew Stortz.

And before we get started, I need to do two very lame things. That first lame thing

is to point out that whether this is your first or your 50th time with me here, make sure you're

subscribed, make sure you're liking, thumbs-upping, five-star reviews, sharing, all that stuff.

Because it helps new people find the show. And it also helps to ensure that you don't miss

future episodes of the show yourself and I thank you for doing that. Now my second lame thing

because you know we're coming into the holiday season everyone's trying to sell you stuff and I am no

better. Okay. I'm going to be honest. Booksclosedpodcast.com. I've got some merch up there.

What better way to show that you support this show?

Go check it out.

Booksclosedpodcast.com.

Oh, okay.

We got that out of the way.

And it's a good thing because this is going to be a fantastic episode because it is part

two of my conversation with Philip Liu. Last week, I put out part one, and I've been getting an insane amount of positive feedback since then.

And I want to thank you all, everyone who reached out and shared, and even if you just enjoyed the episode quietly to yourself.

And I am so happy that you all enjoyed the episode as much as I hoped you would.

The second part, it's just as good.

We talk about the old days, about the new days, and everything in between.

The only way that these episodes have been possible are because of my fantastic sponsors,

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