Crack The Book: A Beginner's Guide to Reading the Great Books

Latest Episodes:

Crack The Book Trailer Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

A NEW ADVENTURE.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of diving into those classic books you feel like you should have read by now, but don’t know where to start, Crack The Book is for you.

I’m your host, Cheryl. I stumbled upon a list of classic books and realized how much I’d missed. I wanted to understand these stories and ideas and didn’t know where to start. But I was tired of feeling out of the loop and told myself - I can do this.

And you can too.

In each episode, we unpack an all-time classic book - Plato, Confucius, Dante, and more - exploring their stories, their lessons, and how we can apply them to our lives today.

We’re going to take a walk through the humanities, starting from the earliest epics ever written through to the 21st century modern classics.

So come along with me - I’ll break down the big ideas, share my honest take on what’s worth your time, and show you how these classics can connect to your life.

I’m by no means an expert on these works, but I’m excited for you to join me on this adventure of curiosity and discovery.

Whether you’re new to these books or revisiting them with fresh eyes, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe to Crack The Book now on your favorite podcast platform.

The first episode launches March 18th.

CONNECT

Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

How To Buy A Boat (And Why You Need A Broker) [REPLAY] Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

While we take a little break, enjoy this episode from last year. We interviewed our boat broker Michal Bach and learned a lot. If you enjoyed this interview, check out some of our other guests: JB Turner on August 6, 2024, Kate Seremeth on September 10, 2024, and Ali Hasell on November 26, 2024.

Buying a boat is easier said than done. And finding the right one isn’t that simple either. Thankfully, we had Michael Bach on our side when we bought our sailboat, Abide.

Michael joins me in this episode to share his story of becoming a broker which started out working in shipyards and racing. We then uncover the process we went through together of finding the right boat and arranging the purchase and works.

This episode is packed with surprising stories, professional expertise, and practical advice for anyone interested in sailing!

Highlights from this episode:

Our broker Michael’s journey from boat racing to finding Abide.
How Michael sniffs out the duds when looking for boats for his clients.
Who is the typical boat owner?
How the boat buying process works.
How COVID prompted us (and many others) to sail more.

Stay subscribed so you don't miss our new podcast adventure!

CONNECT

Michael Bach - mbach@bycyacht.com.

Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

The Secrets of Cooking on a Private Yacht with Vanessa Verster [REPLAY] Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

While we take a little break, enjoy this episode from last year with our chef Vanessa! And if you enjoyed this episode, she also shares life at a charter yacht show. Check out that episode from November 19, 2024.

Are you feeling hungry? You will be after listening to this episode!

Vanessa Verster, our chef on board our sailboat, Abide (and Roland’s wife), joins me on this episode to give us a behind the scenes look into life as a private chef on the sea.

We discover Vanessa’s story of how she got involved in chartering, despite having no initial sailing experience. Vanessa is now part of our crew where she uses her culinary mastery to feed us breakfast, lunch and dinner in a space smaller than most home kitchens!

Highlights from this episode:

Vanessa’s journey to chartering, from South Africa to the USA.
The challenges of cooking for up to ten people in a tiny galley kitchen.
Life on mixed charters and handling diverse groups of guests.
The differences between restaurant and private cheffing.
The process of crafting a menu and why guests don’t get to see it before boarding.
Nightmare guest stories!
The no-go topics of conversation for mixed family charters…

Stay subscribed so you don't miss our new podcast adventure!

CONNECT

Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

Our Intrepid Captain’s Story: Part 1 [REPLAY] Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

While we take a little break, enjoy this episode from last year. And to continue to part 2, check out the episode from July 2, 2024.

We love a challenge. And this story is all about jumping in head first. In episode one I uncovered the story of how our adventure began, from the first time Bill and I went sailing, to coming to own a 136-foot sailboat. If you haven’t listened to episode one already, start there!

In this episode, I’m joined by our intrepid captain Roland, who without him, our adventure might not have been possible. We pick up where we left off with Abide arriving at Belfast's Front Street Shipyard, before winding back time to introduce Roland and how he became our captain.

Highlights from this episode:

How our captain’s journey took him from cleaning the bottoms of boats to joining our crew.
How chartering works, and what it’s like to live on board with people you’ve only just met!
How Hurricane Irma tore through our plans.
Learning about the process from delivery to sailing the world.
How our journey made us see America from a completely new perspective.

Stay subscribed so you don't miss our new podcast adventure!

CONNECT

Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

A New Adventure - What’s Next For The Podcast… Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

I’m making some changes to Adventure On Deck.

Over the past year, this podcast has been a space to share stories of adventure, discovery, and our life aboard Abide. And I thank you so much for being a part of this with me. But as all great stories must, this chapter has come to a natural close, now that we’ve told the refit story.

During our adventures, I’ve discovered how much I love how stories pop up in our own lives and how we can get to know the world as a progression of stories

I’ve also discovered how much I love podcasting and connecting with you!

That’s why, although this story has come to a close, the podcast will live on, but it’s time to steer the course into something new.

In this episode, I talk about what’s coming next in this new chapter.

CONNECT

Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

5 Lessons From The Odyssey For Modern-Day Adventurers Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever read a book that feels like it was written for the exact moment you’re living?

That’s how I felt when I read Homer’s Odyssey during our last trip to St. Thomas this year. The story of the epic, 20-year journey home has stuck with me, and I couldn’t help but see the parallels to our adventures aboard Abide.

That’s why in this episode, I’m sharing 5 of these parallels that we’ve learnt from. If you haven’t read The Odyssey - don’t worry, I’ll give you some context. And either way, if you’re planning an adventure of your own, there’s something to learn here.

We may not have ended up getting on Poseidon’s bad side - but there have definitely been some unexpected challenges!

In this episode, I share:

5 ways our adventure mirrors Homer’s Odyssey.
How the realities of our trip differed from our expectations.
The sirens (or distractions) we’ve had to resist along the way.
Why “home” looks so different after spending time at sea.
Lessons that you can bring to your own adventures.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.

LEARN MORE

For more about Abide - https://svabide.com/

CONNECT

Abide on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sail_abide

Cheryl Drury on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryldruryphotographer/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

Our Best and Worst Moments of 2024 - And Goal Setting for 2025 Jan 07, 2025

Show notes

Happy New Year, Adventurers! What went well in 2024 for you and what went not so well?

This week, I’m joined by my husband, Bill, as we reflect on the highs and lows of 2024 and look ahead to what’s in store for 2025.

We’re playing a little game of ‘Good Thing, Bad Thing’ - a game we loved to play with our kids around the dinner table to get everyone talking about their day. We’re reminiscing about some incredible moments from this past year - and a few not-so-great moments that we can learn from. From launching this podcast to our favorite trips aboard Abide, 2024 has been super busy and full of surprises and lessons.

Highlights from this episode:

A look back at our year with Abide.
Some of the best - and worst - moments of 2024.
Our hopes, goals, and plans for 2025 aboard Abide and personally.
Chartering a boat and why we’re doing more of it in 2025.
And more!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the adventure in 2025.

LEARN MORE

For more about Abide - https://svabide.com/

CONNECT

Abide on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sail_abide

Cheryl Drury on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryldruryphotographer/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

'Twas The Day After Christmas On The High Seas… Dec 24, 2024

Show notes

In this special holiday episode, I’ve put something together for you that will surely get you in the Christmas spirit!

I’m putting my own spin on Clement Moore’s classic, ‘The Night Before Christmas’, inspired by life aboard Abide with our family and crew (and a familiar face that shows up).

Curl up with a cup of hot chocolate (or your favorite holiday drink from last week’s episode!) and set sail with us.

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to follow Adventure On Deck on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.

Thanks so much for listening to Adventure On Deck in 2024, and see you in the New Year!

LEARN MORE

For more about Abide - https://svabide.com/

CONNECT

Abide on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sail_abide

Cheryl Drury on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryldruryphotographer/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

Our 3 Must-Try Holiday Drinks to Impress Your Guests Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

When we host guests aboard Adibe, one thing we love to do is prepare cocktails. And now that the holiday season is upon us, what better way to celebrate than by sharing our top three drinks we love to share?

If you’re planning on hosting a party, or looking for some inspiration, this episode will make it a little easier for you to make things memorable.

This week, I’m joined by our daughters, Paige and Darcy, to share three beverages we love to serve aboard Abide.

We’ve got two alcoholic cocktails to share with you and one for the designated drivers. And each drink comes with some garnish suggestions to impress your guests. Plus, we’re throwing in a couple of bonus recipes that hold a special place in our family.

Highlights from this episode:

The must-try holiday drinks we love serving aboard Abide.
Alcoholic, non-alcoholic, hot and cold - something for everyone.
How making these drinks create a key part of creating a welcoming atmosphere on Abide.
And more…

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to follow Adventure On Deck on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.

LEARN MORE

For more about Abide - https://svabide.com/

CONNECT

Abide on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sail_abide

Cheryl Drury on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryldruryphotographer/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

The 2 Best Ways to Unlock the Secrets of Your Next Destination Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

When you're planning a trip, how do you make sure you see everything you want to without missing out on the best-kept secrets a destination has to offer?

Whether you’re traveling by boat or not, when planning your next vacation, you want to try to fit everything in. But it’s not always that easy, and can be overwhelming when you’re visiting a new place.

On this week’s episode, Bill (my husband!), joins me aboard Abide. We’re in Antigua as we record this one, after a week of sailing the Caribbean, and we have a strategy to share with you around getting the most out of visiting somewhere new - particularly an island destination.

These are the two things that we do every time we visit an island that allows us to uncover its secrets without getting overwhelmed.

Oh, and we’ll share a few stories with you on some of the incredible sights and near-death experiences we’ve collected from our voyages to Gran Canaria, Saba and more…

Highlights from this episode:

How to prevent overwhelm when everything is new.
The two things we do when visiting a new island to uncover its best bits.
Some of the most gorgeous sights we’ve spotted that might have you planning your next trip.
Lessons from our biggest travel mistakes!
What you should always find out before exploring a new destination.
And more!

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to follow Adventure On Deck on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.

LEARN MORE

For more about Abide - https://svabide.com/

CONNECT

Abide on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sail_abide

Cheryl Drury on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryldruryphotographer/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm