In this highly anticipated episode, the book club welcomes a very special guest: Jeannie Richards, the author of the novel Tarnation!. The conversation mainly focuses on the creative process behind Tarnation!:

• Inspiration and Origins: Richards discusses how the characters and storylines developed in her mind over more than a decade before she began writing in 2018
• Parallels to Real Life: The author reveals that the character of Rebel is loosely based on her own mother's early life growing up in Mississippi
• Military Research: Richards explains how her fascination with military history and conversations with various veterans helped her craft the intense war scenes featured in the book.
• Themes and Beliefs: The author shares her belief that people are rarely as good or as bad as they may seem and expresses her hope that the book encourages readers to pause and consider different perspectives.
• A Look Ahead: To the excitement of the group, Richards confirms she is working on a sequel and provides a cryptic teaser regarding the fate of the characters and the theme of life continuing beyond the physical body.

This episode concludes the first book in the series, as the hosts dive into the final chapters, 42 and 43. The conversation explores the profound emotional growth of Con, who moves from wanting her mother dead to reluctantly seeking a "parlay" to establish boundaries and explore a path toward forgiveness. As the duo concludes their leave—with Con enjoying pizza and sightseeing in New York while Rebel visits family—the discussion shifts to their third tour in the Middle East. The hosts analyze the high-tension dynamics with a new SEAL team that lacks respect for "Hammer Time," leading to a disastrous mission where the team is ambushed and seemingly abandoned. The episode reflects on the supernatural elements of the finale, including Rebel's desperate attempt to carry a gut-shot Con to safety guided by a divine or telepathic message from "Mr. Sam". As the book ends on a dark cliffhanger with both characters potentially wounded or unconscious, the hosts weigh the likelihood of their survival and the significance of the word "tarnation" in the final moments. Looking ahead, the hosts preview an upcoming special guest appearance by the book's author to answer burning questions and provide insights into the inner workings of the story.

This episode covers chapters 39 through 41, as Rebel and Con—famously known as "Hammer Time"—deal with the aftermath of their harrowing service and find themselves on an unexpected journey to Israel. The hosts discuss the somber beginning of chapter 39, marked by the death of Gunny Sergeant Greg Rankin Frost and the disgraceful exit of Dresser, who is declared unfit for service due to PTSD and a "chemical lobotomy". The conversation highlights the leadership of Colonel Rose Brown, who challenges the duo to choose forgiveness over revenge to maintain their focus for the missions ahead—and for their eventual return to civilian life. As the partners embark on a 30-day leave funded by their generous "gay uncles," the discussion explores their different paths to finding peace; Rebel seeks spiritual connection in Bethlehem, while Con remains skeptical and wrestles with past trauma. The hosts delve into the deep spiritual experiences of the characters, including Rebel's "godsmacked" moment of divine communication and Con's surprising act of praying for her partner's well-being despite her own unbelief. The episode concludes with a look at the shocking twist in chapter 41: a serendipitous meeting in Israel between Rebel and Con’s long-lost mother, Caroline Gabrielson. The discussion analyzes the high-stakes reunion as Con confronts her mother's past failures and alcoholism, leading to a "nut-cracking" moment of accountability and raw emotion. The hosts reflect on whether Con's harsh reaction was justified and look forward to the final chapters of the book, which promise even more unexpected turns.