Alastair Stephens - Podcast Details

Shows

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Silmarillion 10: Here Comes The SunThis week, we continue our discussion of The Silmarillion with Chapters XI and XII, including the creation of the sun and the moon, the securing of Valinor, and the awakening of Men. How do we understand moral philosophy in a world of eucatastrophe? How do we judge the action (and inaction) of the Valar? To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we continue our journey with Chapters XIII and XIV of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, March 27th at 8PM Central.

2025-03-191h 49

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Silmarillion 9: DoomThis week, we continue our discussion of The Silmarillion with the end of Chapter IX and all of Chapter X, including the Doom of the Noldor, a quick recap of three thousand years of the elves back in Beleriand, and some cosmic renovation. Is Mandos really a Theatre Kid? What’s so special about Lúthien Tinúviel anyway? Is it time for the dwarves to reclaim the word “cumbrous”?To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we continue our journey with Chapters XI and XII...

2025-03-102h 01

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Silmarillion 8: Kin And KingThis week, we continue our discussion of The Silmarillion with the end of Chapter VIII and all of Chapter IX, including the the darkening of Valinor, the theft of the Silmarils, and the violence and tragedy which follows. Are any of Fëanor’s decisions defensible? How do we understand acts of creation which can’t be repeated? Is Tulkas still the MVP of the Valar?To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we continue our journey with chapters ten and eleven of the Quent...

2025-03-032h 06

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Silmarillion 7: The DarkeningThis week, we continue our discussion of The Silmarillion with the the forging of the Silmarils, domestic discord in the House of Finwë, and the secret origins of Tolkien’s most terrifying creation. Does anyone make a good choice in Valinor? Are the Valar living up to their responsibilities? What is Ungoliant, and where does she come from?To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we continue our journey with chapter nine of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, February 27th at 7PM...

2025-02-211h 59

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Silmarillion 6: Spirit Of FireThis week, we continue our discussion of The Silmarillion with the logistics of crossing the Great Sea, our introduction to Fëanor and the family of Finwë, and the subtlety of Melkor. What’s the most desirable property in Eldamar? Is Fëanor a hero, a villain, or both? What qualifies Manwë to judge Melkor?To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we continue our journey with chapters seven and eight of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, February 20th at 8PM Centra...

2025-02-142h 08

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Silmarillion Q&A: The Idea Of FightingIn this bonus episode, we discuss the location of the Far Heaven, the nature of the Ainur, the absence of dwarves and a vision of medieval utopia. We’ll continue our journey with chapters six and seven of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, February 13th at 8PM Central.Footnotes:The SilmarillionStars And Swords on YouTubeThe Silmarillion Unit Production ScheduleThe Tolkien ProfessorExploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit (Corey Olsen)The Lord of the Rings LorecastThe Prancing Pony PodcastJ.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century (Tom Shippey)To join me for...

2025-02-1129 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Silmarillion 5: The Elves, ThemselvesThis week, we continue our discussion of The Silmarillion with the secret origins of dwarves and ents, the battle against Melkor and the Sundering of the Elves across Middle-Earth. What distinguishes good creativity from bad? Who (and what) has a soul? How many names can we possibly remember?To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we continue our journey with chapters five and six of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, February 13th at 8PM Central.Footnotes:The SilmarillionStars...

2025-02-072h 01

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Silmarillion 4: Arda MarredThis week, we continue our unit on The Silmarillion and discuss the Days Before Days, time and space (and calendars and maps), and the paradox of free will. How do we understand the geography of Middle-Earth? How are elves and men different, according to the elves? What instruments do each of the Valar play, and what do their mansions looks like?To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we begin the main events with chapters three, four and five of the Quenta Silmarillion, live...

2025-02-011h 33

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Silmarillion Pop Quiz: The ValaquentaIn this special bonus episode, test your knowledge of the Valar and the Maiar, the relationships between them, and a few other things besides! It’s all for fun and the points don’t matter, but let me know how you did. To see the video version of this episode, click here!I’ll be back on Thursday with chapters one and two of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, January 30th at 8PM Central.Footnotes:The SilmarillionStars And Swords on YouTubeStars And Swords on BlueskyThe Silmarillion Unit Production ScheduleTo joi...

2025-01-2607 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Silmarillion 3: Acquainted With GriefThis week, we continue our unit on The Silmarillion and discuss the Valaquenta, spheres of authority, intertexting already and The Diagram. What do the Valar tell us about what Tolkien thought important? How is this pantheon connected to the those of the classical world, and how is it unique? What do sibling and spousal relationships mean for the Valar?To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we begin the main events with chapters one and two of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on...

2025-01-241h 40

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Silmarillion 2: Void And FlameThis week, we continue our unit on The Silmarillion and discuss the Ainulindalë, aesthetics and philosophy, the subcreative process and the Secret Origins of Melkor. How do we understand the different perspectives enfolded in this creation myth? Does Tolkien convincingly resolve the paradox of free will? Why don’t the Valar talk about their battles?To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we continue with the second part of The Silmarillion, the Valaquenta, live on YouTube on Thursday, January 23rd at 8PM Central.F...

2025-01-191h 55

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Silmarillion 1: From The Shores Of FaeryThis week, we begin our unit on J.R.R. Tolkien’s posthumous work of mythology and history, and discuss reading strategies, layers of narrative and the creative impulse. Is the Professor the best letter writer in history? Did Christopher Tolkien really intend this book to be definitive? How is Middle-Earth different from Star Trek?To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we dive into the text with the first part of The Silmarillion, the Ainulindalë, live on YouTube on Thursday, January 16th at 8PM...

2025-01-1254 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Prince Caspian 3: Making Good On MacbethThis week, we overcome treachery to win the war in chapters ten to fifteen of C.S. Lewis’ Prince Caspian and discuss the Narnian timeline, fear as an alienating force, and the worst of Susan. Why is Aslan larger now? Could Nikabrik and his allies resurrect the White Witch? Is evil always self-defeating? To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we begin our discussion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion with an introductory lecture, live on YouTube on Thursday, January 9th at 8PM Ce...

2025-01-032h 00

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Prince Caspian 2: The Return of the King(s and Queens)This week, we assemble our forces and call for help in chapters five to ten of C.S. Lewis’ Prince Caspian and discuss the medieval perspective on past and future, the oracular power of centaurs, and the difference between beasts. What is represented by each of Caspian’s companions? Who raised Aslan’s How? How did Edmund learn so much 21st century slang?To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we conclude our unit on Prince Caspian with chapters ten through fifteen, live on YouTub...

2024-12-281h 47

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Prince Caspian 1: Do You Remember?This week, we return to Narnia with the first five chapters of C.S. Lewis’ Prince Caspian and discuss politics and persecution, fairytale and fantasy, and Edmund’s 2024 slang. How has Narnia changed, both as a place and as a story? What is the turning point between fairy tale and fantasy? Where did Peter’s sword get its name?To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we continue our unit on Prince Caspian with chapters six through ten, live on YouTube on Thursday, December 26th at...

2024-12-201h 37

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Dracula 8: And Also With BloodThis week, we conclude our horror unit and our discussion of Bram Stoker’s Dracula with logical fallacies and the limits of rationality, Dracula as a feminist text and Bram Stoker’s Best Joke. How does the tone change in the last act of the novel? How do we contrast Lucy and Mina? What does Van Helsing have to say to the Author’s Note?To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we begin our unit on Prince Caspian with chapters one through five, live o...

2024-12-131h 49

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Dracula 7: The Bloofer LadyThis week, we continue our unit on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula and discuss the overlooked Van Helsing, the second death of Lucy Westenra, and the compilation of the novel by the characters in the novel. What is the significance of the gold crucifix on Lucy’s lips? What restores Jonathan Harker’s sanity? How did the reporter for the Gazette get to the word “Bloofer“?To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we finish the book, live on YouTube on Thursday, December 12th at 8PM Cen...

2024-12-061h 38

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Dracula 6: All The Devils At OnceThis week, we continue our unit on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula and discuss Dracula’s character sheet, how much wolves are better than dogs, and the fate of Lucy Westenra. What will it take for Seward to connect the dots? What is the spectrum from the noble-man to the commoner? Who really poisons the sherry? To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we cover chapters thirteen through nineteen, live on YouTube on Thursday, December 5th at 8PM Central.Footnotes:Dracula (Bram...

2024-11-271h 20

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Dracula 5: The Master Is At HandThis week, we continue our unit on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula and discuss the wreck of the Demeter, the limits of Dracula’s power, and the insidious assault on Lucy Westenra. What really happens aboard the ship from Varna? How is mysticism seeping into our rational view of the world? Has our attention to the timeline finally paid off?To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we cover chapters eleven through fourteen, live on YouTube on Tuesday November 26th at 8PM Central.Fo...

2024-11-221h 31

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Dracula 4: Boh-Ghosts, Barguests, BoglesThis week, we overcome ill fortune to continue our unit on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. How do we listen to intuition in an age of rationality? Does the supporting cast describe the boundaries of (acceptable) Victorian society? Is work the universal cure?To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we cover chapters seven through twelve, live on YouTube on Monday November 18th, 8PM Central.Footnotes:Dracula (Bram Stoker)Stars And Swords on YouTubeWhitby AbbeyTo join me for the li...

2024-11-131h 05

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Dracula 3: Tonight Is MineThis week, we continue our unit on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. What are we to make of a man who lays his own table? How does the Count turn the tools of the Victorian world against English society? Does a queer reading of Dracula falter on the threshold of the gender binary? To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we cover the first seven chapters of the book, live on YouTube on Monday November 11th, 8PM Central.Footnotes:Dracula (Bram Sto...

2024-11-061h 03

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Dracula 2: To Care Not ForThis week, we finally resume our seasonal horror unit with the beginning of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. How are we to understand Stoker’s introduction to the novel? Is Harker too stupid to live? What’s worse: dragons or devils?To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we cover the first seven chapters of the book, live on YouTube on Monday November 4th, 8PM Central.Footnotes:Dracula (Bram Stoker)Stars And Swords on YouTubeTo join me for the live Y...

2024-11-011h 03

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Dracula 1: Long ShadowsThis week, we begin our super-spooky horror unit with an all-time classic: Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. Is it possible for a book as well-known and influential as this one to be under-appreciated? How did Dracula enter the public domain? Do we prefer Transylvania or Ultrasylvania? To see the live video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!Next week, we cover the first seven chapters of the book, live on YouTube on Monday October 7th, 8PM Central.Footnotes:Dracula (Bram Stoker)Something in the Blood: The Unt...

2024-10-0125 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Ultimate Spider-Man 2: Man Vs. SocietyThis week, we conclude our discussion of Ultimate Spider-Man, and discuss the second volume, Learning Curve. How does Peter Parker navigate the boundaries of society? How can a book stay continuity-light but bind itself to the original comic text? Is MJ or JJJ the best character in Spider-Man’s supporting cast?To see the slides for this week’s episode, click here!Next week: something spooky! Stay tuned, or head over to the Patreon page to cast your vote!Footnotes:Ultimate Spider-Man: Learning Curve (Bendis)Peter Parker: Spectacular Spider-Man (Chip Zdarsky)Patsy Walk...

2024-09-2451 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Ultimate Spider-Man 1: Man Vs. HimselfThis week, we begin our discussion of Ultimate Spider-Man, and discuss the first volume, Power And Responsibility. How 2000s can a book possibly be? How does decompression change the way we interact with the text? Is Peter Parker the single best character of the last fifty years?To see the slides for this week’s episode, click here!Next week: we continue our live-show format and discuss the second volume of Brian Michael Bendis’ Ultimate Spider-Man: Learning Curve. Join me live on the Next Word Discord server at 8PM Central Time on Monday, September 23!Fo...

2024-09-1746 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Binti 4: Not Not The ForceThis week, we conclude our discussion of Nnedi Okorafor’s Binti: The Complete Trilogy, and discuss the short story Sacred Fire. Why is it important to read according to the chronology of production? What’s the deal with the Saturnian aliens? What, in the end, is harmony?Next week: in a new live-show format, we’re going to discuss the first volume of Brian Michael Bendis’ Ultimate Spider-Man: Power & Responsibility. Join me live on the Next Word Discord server at 8PM Central Time on Monday, September 16!Footnotes:Binti: The Complete TrilogyNnedi OkoraforDistrict 9Guy Gavriel KayBefor...

2024-09-0638 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Binti 3: Deep CultureThis week, we continue Nnedi Okorafor’s Binti: The Complete Trilogy, and discuss the third novella, The Night Masquerade. What is the dividing line between science fiction and fantasy? Is identity reducible? Is Mwinyi an Edward or a Jacob?Next week: a wrap-up episode on Binti, including discussion of the short story Sacred Fire. Footnotes:Binti: The Complete TrilogyNnedi OkoraforFireflyStar TrekStar WarsDistrict 9To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!Stars and Swords: Footnoting Gen...

2024-08-1250 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Binti 2: The Gods Are Many ThingsThis week, we continue Nnedi Okorafor’s Binti: The Complete Trilogy, and discuss the second novella. What is philosophical dualism? Is Binti a Frodo or a Sam? How are universities exactly like Survivor?Next week: Binti: The Night Masquerade, the third novella in Binti: The Complete Trilogy!Footnotes:Binti: The Complete TrilogyNnedi OkoraforList of Films Produced Back-To-Back (Wikipedia)The Hero’s Journey (Joseph Campbell)SurvivorDistrict 9To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!Stars and S...

2024-07-2954 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Binti 1: Everything Is ConnectedThis week, we begin Nnedi Okorafor’s Binti: The Complete Trilogy, and discuss the first novella. What is africanfuturism? How do books teach you to read them? Sure, drugs are cool, but have you ever gotten high on math?Next week: Binti: Home, the second novella in Binti: The Complete Trilogy!Footnotes:Binti: The Complete TrilogyNnedi Okorafor“Africanfuturism Defined““Sci-fi stories that imagine a future Africa” (TED)Flame Wars: The Discourse Of CybercultureThe Last Star In HollywoodSilt Striders (Morrowind)To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus epis...

2024-07-1536 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Great Expectations 4: One-Man Class WarThis week, we discuss chapters thirty-six to fifty of Great Expectations with twists! So many twists! Which is the least plausible? How is Dickens handling the pathetic fallacy? Is Pip redeemed?Next week, chapter 51 to the end of Great Expectations!Footnotes:Great ExpectationsCharles DickensGone Girl (Gillian Flynn)Frankenstein (Mary Shelley)Of The Pathetic Fallacy (John Ruskin)Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier (Mark Frost)The Original Ending of Great Expectations (Unpublished)Great Expectations (1998)Great Expectations (2012)To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com...

2024-06-1059 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Great Expectations 3: The Declarative QuestionThis week, we continue our discussion of Great Expectations by looking at different kinds of life in London, the death of Pip’s sister, and the ease of making choices when you have no choice at all.Next week, chapters 36 to 50 of Great Expectations!Footnotes:Great ExpectationsCharles DickensThe Dying GaulSemayne’s CaseCastle DoctrineSeveranceThe Factory ActsThe Life Of Charles Dickens (John Forster)“A Word, Please: What, exactly, is a declarative question?”Great Expectations (1998)Great Expectations (2012)To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWor...

2024-05-2756 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Bonus: Hunting GollumAndy Serkis is directing a new movie based on The Lord of the Rings! In this excerpt from the recent live Patreon Q&A, I discuss my thoughts on the announcement, what the story could be, and why now might be the time.To hear the rest of the show, and to help support Next Word and Stars and Swords, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord!Footnotes:Warner Bros. to Release New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movie ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ in 2026, Peter Jackson to Produce and Andy Serkis to Direct (Variety)To support the podc...

2024-05-1414 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Great Expectations 2: Fancy Lad Fight ClubThis week, we continue our discussion of Great Expectations by discussing goblin mode, Pip’s increasing awfulness, and the transition to London.Next week, chapters 23 to 35 of Great Expectations!Footnotes:Great ExpectationsCharles DickensOliver!“When I went to Lunnon town sirs”: Transformation and the Threshold in the Dickensian City (Ben Moore)Paradise LostAstrophel and Stella The London MerchantKnight of the Burning PestleGreat Expectations (1998)Great Expectations (2012)To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!Stars and Swords: Fo...

2024-05-121h 01

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Great Expectations 1: Told No LiesThis week, we begin our discussion of Great Expectations by discussing the gothic, coming of age, and the traumas of childhood. Next week, chapters 11 to 22 of Great Expectations!Footnotes:Great ExpectationsCharles DickensThe Castle Of Otranto (Horace Wallpole)The Philosophy Of Composition (Edgar Allen Poe)BildungsromanEnd-WeightGreat Expectations (1998)Great Expectations (2012)To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens. ...

2024-05-0152 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Great Expectations Introduction: Better Than Bulwer-LyttonThis week, a brief introduction to Dickens, the Victorian Era, what makes Great Expectations the perfect book for this series, and Dickens’ most notorious peer. Next week, chapters 1 to 10 of Great Expectations!Footnotes:Great ExpectationsCharles DickensGreat Ormond Street HospitalGreat Expectations (1998)Great Expectations (2012)To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens. Copyright © 2024 Stars and Swords. All Right...

2024-04-1710 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Daggerspell 3: Live and LearnThis week, we conclude Katharine Kerr’s Daggerspell, learn the secret of Rhodry’s parentage, unpick (some of) the ties that bind, and ride off on the long road!Next week, an introduction to Charles Dickens!Content Warnings: incest, suicidal ideation, violence, misogynyFootnotes:DaggerspellKatharine KerrRuth UrquhartMallorn: The Journal of the Tolkien Society“Where do Elves go to? Tolkien and a Fantasy Tradition“The Black CauldronThe Chronicles of PrydainTo support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge y...

2024-04-1251 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Daggerspell 2: Dark SidesIn the second part of our adventure through Katharine Kerr’s Daggerspell, we read to the middle of Chapter Five, meet our main cast (again), tie tight the knots of destiny, and move into our oddly independent main plot.Next week, we finish the book!Content Warnings: incest, rape, suicide, suicidal ideation, violence, sexual violence, misogyny, racism, discussion of homophobiaFootnotes:DaggerspellKatharine KerrRuth UrquhartThe Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and FolkloreEuhemerusI’ve Got A Bad Feeling About ThisTo support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonu...

2024-04-0248 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Daggerspell 1: Despair And DesperationIn our first real episode studying Katharine Kerr’s Daggerspell, we cover the first two chapters, meet our main cast, meet our main cast again under very different circumstances, and begin to unpick the knots of fate and destiny that bind them together.Next week, we cover chapters three, four and the first half of chapter five; stop when Nevyn and Jill meet for the first time!Content Warnings: incest, rape, suicide, suicidal ideation, violence, sexual violence, misogynyFootnotes:DaggerspellKatharine KerrRuth UrquhartDruidBeltaneTo support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord an...

2024-03-2756 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Daggerspell Introduction: Deverry In DeverryIn this brief bonus episode, we set the stage for Katharine Kerr’s 1986 Celtic fantasy Daggerspell with some discussion of the fantasy landscape in the ’80s, and the pronunciation of the Deverrian language.Next week, we get underway with the prologue and the first two chapters!Footnotes:DaggerspellKatharine KerrRuth UrquhartTo support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Step...

2024-03-1813 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue 5: TeethIn this episode, we discuss Parts Six and Seven of V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. How do we navigate so many late reveals? What comes next for Addie? If this book is a fairytale, what kind of fairytale is it? Next week, we begin our fourth book: Katherine Kerr’s Daggerspell. Unanswered Questions:Is the thirty year/forty year contradiction simply a mistake?Is The Last Word a part of Luc’s plan?For how long has Luc been present in Henry’s life?Footnotes:The Invisible Life of Ad...

2024-03-1052 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue 4: One Big PencilIn this episode, we discuss Parts Four and Five of V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Does Addie really explain it all? Do we have the perfect fan-casting for Henry? What kind of deal did Beethoven make, anyway? Next week, we conclude our reading with Parts Six and Seven.Unanswered Questions:Is Luc connected with all the storms we’ve seen?How do we resolve the questions of consent in Addie and Henry’s manipulation of others?In what ways are Luc and Addie alike? In what ways are the differe...

2024-03-041h 03

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue 3: I’ll Make You A Mix TapeIn this episode, we discuss Part Three of V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, get deep into the text, discuss red flags on first dates, wonder about drives Addie back to Villon, and consider again the dreams that feed defiance.Next week, we continue our reading with Parts Four and Five.Unanswered Questions:How deliberate is the overlapping of art and dreams in Addie’s experience?To what degree are Remy and Henry attractive because they are reflective of Addie’s sense of herself?Is there a symbolic meaning to the un...

2024-02-2651 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue 2: Oh, HenryIn this episode, we discuss Part Two of V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, delve deeper into the fairy tale, consider capitalism and the origins of modern France, and talk about our love triangle. Next week, we continue our reading with Part Three.Unanswered Questions:How is Addie reborn after her near-death experience (in terms of proximity if not mortality) in Paris?Is Henry’s study of theology significant, or significantly insignificant?How, exactly, do names have purpose?What’s going on with Henry’s siblings?Footnotes:The Invisible...

2024-02-1945 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue 1: Dreamers and WanderersIn this episode, we discuss Part One of V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, discuss its genre and its style, defend the flexibility of third-person present-tense narration, and start to follow breadcrumbs into the past. Next week, we continue our reading with Part Two.Unanswered Questions:Who or what is the darkness with whom Addie makes her pact?If ideas and art and belief are the same — or at least similar — then what are memories?What’s so special about Henry, anyway?Footnotes:The Invisible Life of Addie LaRueV.E...

2024-02-1252 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Rabbits 5: EmilyspositionIn this episode, we discuss the last three chapters of Terry Miles’ Rabbits, discuss how it sticks the landing, question authority, and finally figure out what happened with K. Next week, we begin our reading of VE Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, and discuss part one. Unanswered Questions:Is Scarpio trustworthy?Is Worricker’s AI real? If so, how does it manipulate the players of the game?Are we glad K and Chloe end up together, or would we have preferred K and Emily?Footnotes:Rabbits: A Novel (Terry Miles)Rab...

2024-02-0548 min

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction Rabbits 4: A Confluence Of HaroldsIn this episode, we discuss chapters thirty to forty-one of Terry Miles’ Rabbits, consider the fin de siècle pastiche of American culture, muse on the nature of the hollow protagonist, and touch on the genius of Italo Calvino. Next week, we end the book with chapters forty-two to forty-five.Unanswered Questions:Is Rabbits a second-generation pastiche on pre-Millennial American culture?To what degree is K unreliable as a narrator?What happened to Chloe?Footnotes:Rabbits: A Novel (Terry Miles)Rabbits PodcastThe Death of Elisa LamA Theory of Parody (Linda Hutcheon)“Why more wome...

2024-01-2945 min

The Last Star In Hollywood 5: Risky BusinessThis week, Tom Cruise becomes a star in Paul Brickman’s tale of capitalist ennui and sock-slides, Risky Business. Is it all a dream? What happened to the original cut of the ending? Has Alastair already peaked at the trailer game? Content Warnings: misogyny, sexually explicit language, sex work Unanswered Questions: Was it all a dream? But… was it? How does the film work as a teen empowerment fantasy? How much of Cruise’s on-screen persona is already evident? Which elements are still missing? Further reading: Our bonus discussion of the director’s cut of...

2023-11-011h 27

There And Back Again There And Back Again 71: The Road Goes Ever On And On In this week’s session, we return to Rivendell and say some fond farewells in chapters six and seven of Book Six of The Lord of the Rings. Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, lik...

2018-07-2800 min

There And Back Again There And Back Again 70: The Return Of The King In this week’s session, we crown King Elessar and begin our long farewells in chapters five and six of Book Six of The Lord of the Rings. Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. There An...

2018-07-2000 min

There And Back Again There And Back Again 69: The Steward And The King In this week’s session, we welcome Frodo and Sam back to the land of the living, and discuss the greatest romance in Middle-earth in chapters four and five of Book Six of The Lord of the Rings. Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on...

2018-07-1300 min

There And Back Again There And Back Again 68: For Good Or Ill In this week’s session, the eagles are coming and the Ring is destroyed in chapters three and four of Book Six of The Lord of the Rings. Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. There An...

2018-07-0600 min

There And Back Again There And Back Again 67: The End Of All Things In this week’s session, we approach the final fate of the ring with a discussion of heroism, strength and fortitude in the shadow of Mount Doom in chapter three of book six of The Lord of the Rings. Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, li...

2018-06-2300 min

Story and Star Wars Story And Star Wars 15: Force, Finn, Family In this session, some further thoughts and listener feedback on The Last Jedi! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe on iTunes, on Stitcher, to the RSS feed or via YouTube. Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. Story And Star Wars is a Point North Media production by Alastair Stephens, and is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Sharealike license.

2018-06-0900 min

There And Back Again There And Back Again 66: The Cracks Of Doom In this week’s session, we continue book six of The Lord of the Rings with more discussion of hope and despair, greatness and grace, and strong masculine relationships. Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. Th...

2018-06-0900 min

There And Back Again There And Back Again 65: Beyond All Towers Strong And High In this week’s session, we begin book six of The Lord of the Rings with the return to Samwise Gamgee, the influence of the ring, and spontaneous poetry. Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. Th...

2018-06-0100 min

Story and Star Wars Story And Star Wars 14: First Response To Solo This week, we have a brief, spoiler-filled but surprisingly timely overview of Solo: A Star Wars Story! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe on iTunes, on Stitcher, to the RSS feed or via YouTube. Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. Story And Star Wars is a Point North Media production by Alastair Stephens, and is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Sharealike license.

2018-05-2600 min

There And Back Again There And Back Again 64: Back To The Black Gate In this week’s session, we conclude book five of The Lord of the Rings with the march to Morannon, Aragorn’s mercy, and Pippin’s last stand. Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. There And Ba...

2018-05-2500 min

There And Back Again There And Back Again 63: The Mouth Of Sauron In this week’s session, we approach the end of book five of The Lord of the Rings with healing, debate and discussion, and the importance of gulls. Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. There An...

2018-05-1800 min

Story and Star Wars Story And Star Wars 13: The Last Jedi It’s been a long time — a long time — but Story And Star Wars is back with a whole new season of discussion. This week, The Last Jedi! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe on iTunes, on Stitcher, to the RSS feed or via YouTube. Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! Star Wars: The Last Jedi Star Wars: The Complete Saga If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating and review on iTunes! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Fac...

2018-05-1200 min

There And Back Again There And Back Again 62: The Hands Of A Healer In this week’s session, we discuss hope and despair at Denethor’s pyre, and then bring athelas to the Houses of Healing. Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. There And Back Again is a Poin...

2018-05-1100 min

There And Back Again There And Back Again 61: Out Of Doubt, Out Of Dark In this week’s session, we conclude the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, and discuss eucatastrophe, magical winds, and try not to weep openly. Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. There And Back Again is a...

2018-05-0400 min

There And Back Again There And Back Again 60: No Living Man Am I In this week’s session, we ride with the Rohirrim to Minas Tirith and begin the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. There And Back Again is a Point North Me...

2018-04-2800 min

There And Back Again There And Back Again 59: A Sword-Day, A Red Day In this week’s session, we discuss hope and despair, the siege of Gondor, and the clash of Gandalf and the Witch-King of Angmar. Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. There And Back Again is a...

2018-04-2000 min

There And Back Again There And Back Again 58: Comfort Me Not With Wizards In this week’s session, we discuss the new The Fall Of Gondolin book, the muster of the Rohirrim, and the beginning of the Siege of Gondor. Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. There And Ba...

2018-04-1300 min

There And Back Again There And Back Again 57: Where Will Wants Not In this unexpectedly abbreviated session, we discuss the role of women in Tolkien’s world, and the conversation between Aragorn and Éowyn! Apologies for the inelegant dismount from the show — we’ll pick up with an extra-length episode on Thursday! Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter...

2018-04-0900 min

There And Back Again There And Back Again 56: The King Of The Dead In this session, we make it to the second chapter of The Return Of The King with discussions of oaths and oathbreaking! Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. There And Back Again is a Point...

2018-04-0100 min

There And Back Again There And Back Again 55: Tree And Tower In this session, we begin The Return Of The King with discussions of the White Tree of Gondor, high style and the nobility of hobbits. Download the mp3 here, subscribe on iTunes, on YouTube or via RSS! Show notes: See the slides for this session There And Back Again: Production Schedule Support Point North on Patreon! Keep Point North caffeinated by buying me a coffee! Pledge your support directly via PayPal! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. There And Back Again...

2018-03-2400 min

Point North One-Shots One-Shot: The Princess Bride Movie In this long-awaited One Shot discussion, we’ll most likely kill you in the morning with the 1987 movie adaptation of The Princess Bride! If you’d like to choose the next subject, support Point North! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe to Point North One-Shots on iTunes, Google Play Music, YouTube or via RSS. Show notes: The Princess Bride Support Point North on Patreon! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmai...

2018-03-1600 min

Point North One-Shots One-Shot: The Princess Bride In this long-awaited One Shot discussion, we dive into the inconceivable brilliance of William Goldman’s 1973 novel, The Princess Bride! If you’d like to choose the next subject, support Point North! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe to Point North One-Shots on iTunes, Google Play Music, YouTube or via RSS. Show notes: The Princess Bride Support Point North on Patreon! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. Po...

2018-03-1100 min

Point North One-Shots One-Shot: My Neighbor Totoro In this session, we explore childhood, the magic of the natural world, and authenticity in Studio Ghibli’s 1988 movie My Neighbor Totoro! If you’d like to choose the next subject, support Point North! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe via iTunes! Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. Point North One-Shots is a Point North Media production by Alastair Step...

2018-02-0100 min

Point North One-Shots One-Shot: A Christmas Carol In this session, we explore Victorian ideas about Christmas and the supernatural in Charles Dickens’ immortal A Christmas Carol! If you’d like to choose the next subject, support Point North! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe via iTunes! Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. Point North One-Shots is a Point North Media production by Alastair Stephens, and is rele...

2017-12-2100 min

Story and Star Wars Story And Star Wars 12: The Force Awakens Live Commentary In anticipation of The Last Jedi, we rewatch The Force Awakens with this live Story and Star Wars commentary! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe on iTunes, on Stitcher, to the RSS feed or via YouTube. Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! Star Wars: The Force Awakens Star Wars: The Complete Saga If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating and review on iTunes! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com.

2017-12-1400 min

Point North One-Shots One-Shot: The Mummy (1999) In this session, we dust off our revolvers and archaeology tools, and race through pulp adventure in The Mummy! If you’d like to choose the next subject, support Point North! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe via iTunes! Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. Point North One-Shots is a Point North Media production by Alastair Stephens, and is re...

2017-11-1600 min

Point North One-Shots One-Shot: Galaxy Quest In this session, by Grabthar’s hammer, we discuss the 1999 sci-fi parody — or do we mean pastiche? — Galaxy Quest! If you’d like to choose the next subject, support Point North! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe via iTunes! Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. Point North One-Shots is a Point North Media production by Alastair Stephens, and is released...

2017-09-2100 min

Point North One-Shots One-Shot: Ready Player One In this session, we discuss Ernest Cline’s 2011 geek-culture handbook, Ready Player One! If you’d like to choose the next subject, support Point North! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe via iTunes! Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. Point North One-Shots is a Point North Media production by Alastair Stephens, and is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Sharealike lice...

2017-09-0100 min

Point North One-Shots One-Shot: The NeverEnding Story (1984) In this session, we discuss the power of stories, the differences between fantasy and magical realism, Artax and Falcor, and hope and hopelessness. If you’d like to choose the next subject, support Point North! Download the mp3 here! Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. Point North One-Shots is a Point North Media production by Alastair Stephens, and is released under a...

2017-06-2200 min

Point North One-Shots One-Shot: High Noon (1952) In this session, we discuss westerns which aren’t really westerns, the march of civilization, exceptional editing and the weight of small town life. Thanks to Leslie for choosing High Noon as a One-Shot topic! If you’d like to choose the next subject, support Point North! Download the mp3 here! Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. Point North One-Shots is a Po...

2017-06-0100 min

Point North One-Shots One-Shot: Casablanca (1942) In this session, we discuss noir and noir heroes, the frontier of Casablanca, and the importance of craft. Download the mp3 here! Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. Point North One-Shots is a Point North Media production by Alastair Stephens, and is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Sharealike license.

2017-05-0700 min

Point North One-Shots One-Shot: Labyrinth (1986) In this session, we discuss fairy tales and goblins, the importance of the right words, and the many, many things that Labyrinth has to say about sex and sexuality. Download the mp3 here! Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. Point North One-Shots is a Point North Media production by Alastair Stephens, and is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Sharealike license.

2017-04-2200 min

Story and Star Wars Story And Star Wars 11: Rogue One In the return of Story And Star Wars, Alastair Stephens discusses the structure, plot and themes and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Download the mp3 here, or subscribe on iTunes, on Stitcher, to the RSS feed or via YouTube. Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! Star Wars: The Force Awakens Star Wars: The Complete Saga On Criticism (CS Lewis) If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating and review on iTunes! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on...

2017-04-1400 min

Point North One-Shots One-Shot: Midnight In Paris (2011) In this one-shot discussion, we visit the golden age of Paris in Woody Allen’s magical-realist story of art and nostalgia. Download the mp3 here! Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. Point North One-Shots is a Point North Media production by Alastair Stephens, and is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Sharealike license.

2017-04-0900 min

Point North One-Shots One-Shot: Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010) In this special — and long-awaited — one-shot, I discuss the 2010 cult classic Scott Pilgrim Vs The World. How does the story work when adapted from Bryan Lee O’Malley’s seminal graphic novel series? What are we to make of the evil exes? Is this secretly one of the most progressive films of recent years? Join me for a boisterous discussion, and some promises of future Scott Pilgrim coverage! Download the mp3 here! Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on...

2017-04-0900 min

Point North One-Shots One-Shot: Willow (1988) For my very first Point North One-Shot discussion, I turned my attention to the 1988 fantasy movie Willow. Join me for a discussion of the mechanics of magic, fairies and elves, what drives a hero, and worldbuilding that extends beyond the edge of the frame! Download the mp3 here! Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. Point North One-Shots is a Point North Media production...

2017-04-0900 min

Alastair Stephens | Common Room Radio Porch Club 19: We Need Splashback ScientistsElizabeth and Sarah take a week off as Vinton and Alastair take over the porch to discuss masculinity, male role models, being physical, the intersection of gender and sexuality, how good Elizabeth's Old Fashioneds are, and what they love most about Porch Club!

2017-04-071h 42

Fathoms Deep - A Black Sails Podcast FD 41: “Daphne Was Right” with Alastair StephensSpecial Episode, in which we reward Alastair Stephens for his successful pirate binge with his very own seat on our ship and he admits that Daphne was right all along about Black Sails.Support us on Patreon for Black Sails commentary tracks, bonus episodes, and our undying love.Buy Elizabeth's Book and see Daphne's JewelryGet your Ask Me About Black Sails shirts here!Introducing Fathoms Deep T-shirts!You can buy Fathoms Deep jewelry! www.daphneolive.com/fathomsdeepLeave us a message! 405-67FLINT (yes, we said Flint)Follow us o...

2017-02-171h 41

Porch Club A Rescue Mission (Kinda)This week, Liz and Sarah are joined by special guests Vinton Bayne and Alastair Stephens.

2017-01-2700 min

Story and Star Wars Story And Star Wars 10: Q&A From The Cantina How do we parse the critical response to The Force Awakens? What’s right with Finn, wrong with Kylo Ren, and paradoxical about Darth Jar Jar? Find out in a better-late-than-never Story And Star Wars! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe on iTunes, on Stitcher, to the RSS feed or via YouTube. Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! Star Wars: The Force Awakens Star Wars: The Complete Saga On Criticism (CS Lewis) If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating and review on iTunes! If you have thoughts on th...

2016-08-1900 min

Story and Star Wars Story And Star Wars 9: The Force Awakens It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here, and it’s spoiler-filled: Star Wars: The Force Awakens! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe on iTunes, on Stitcher, to the RSS feed or via YouTube. Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! Star Wars: The Force Awakens Star Wars: The Complete Saga If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating and review on iTunes! If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail...

2015-12-2900 min

Story and Star Wars Story And Star Wars 8: The Prequel Trilogy At last, we come to the end of the Story and Star Wars series, and discuss the prequel trilogy, the saga as a whole, and what we’ve learned along the way. Stay tuned for a lecture and discussion on The Force Awakens, sometime in December! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe on iTunes, on Stitcher, to the RSS feed or via YouTube. Show notes: Support us on Patreon! Ring Theory Star Wars: The Complete Saga If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating and review on iTunes! If...

2015-11-2400 min

Story and Star Wars Story And Star Wars 7: Revenge Of The Sith This week, we close out the prequel trilogy and bring our story full-circle with Revenge Of The Sith, the last Star Wars movie — for now! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe on iTunes, on Stitcher, to the RSS feed or via YouTube. Show notes: Support Point North on Patreon! Star Wars: The Complete Saga If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating and review on iTunes! If you have thoughts on this episode, we’d love to hear them! Visit the StoryWonk forum, come follow us on Twitter, call our voic...

2015-11-1400 min

Story and Star Wars Story And Star Wars 6: Attack Of The Clones Anakin is all grown-up and it’s time to begin the Clone War with Attack Of The Clones, a change of direction for the Star Wars series. Support Point North on Patreon! Star Wars: The Complete Saga If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating and review on iTunes! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe on iTunes, on Stitcher, to the RSS feed or via YouTube. If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to pointnorthmedia@gmail.com. ...

2015-11-0800 min

Story and Star Wars Story And Star Wars 5: The Phantom Menace We turn our attention to the prequel trilogy this week, with some thoughts on The Phantom Menace, and the ways in which it shifts our understanding of what Star Wars is. Support Point North on Patreon! Star Wars: The Complete Saga If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating and review on iTunes! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe on iTunes, on Stitcher, to the RSS feed or via YouTube. If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to...

2015-10-3000 min

Story and Star Wars Story And Star Wars 4: The Original Trilogy A little later than originally planned, it’s time for our live discussion of the original trilogy of Star Wars! For the slides which accompany the live discussion, click here; for the special StarWonks offer on our Sufficiently Advanced Magic sci-fi and fantasy class, click here! Support Point North on Patreon! Star Wars: The Complete Saga If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating and review on iTunes! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe on iTunes, on Stitcher, to the RSS feed or via YouTube. If you have thoughts on th...

2015-10-2300 min

CC015: Character Power Curve With Alistair StephensIn this episode we talk with Alistair Stephens of Story Wonk. Listen in as we pick Alastair's brain on how to peel back the layers of character and story to reveal the raw essence of what lies beneath. Listen in as Alastair talks about how genre's equate to our different, and complex, emotions.

2015-10-1601 min

Story and Star Wars Story And Star Wars 3: Return Of The Jedi In our third Star Wars lecture, we close out the original trilogy with some thoughts on Ewoks, fairy tales and the zig-zagging story of Return Of The Jedi. Join us as we live-tweet Return Of The Jedi on Tuesday, October 13th at 9PM Eastern, using the hashtag #starwonks! Support Point North on Patreon! Star Wars: The Complete Saga The Secret History of Star Wars If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating and review on iTunes! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe on iTunes, on Stitcher, to the RSS feed or via...

2015-10-0900 min

Story and Star Wars Story And Star Wars 2: The Empire Strikes Back In our second Star Wars lecture, we look at the dark middle chapter of the original trilogy, The Empire Strikes Back. Join us as we live-tweet The Empire Strikes Back on Tuesday, October 6th at 9PM Eastern, using the hashtag #starwonks! Support Point North on Patreon! Star Wars: The Complete Saga The Secret History of Star Wars If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating and review on iTunes! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe on iTunes, on Stitcher, to the RSS feed or via YouTube. If you have thoughts...

2015-10-0200 min

Story and Star Wars Story And Star Wars 1: A New Hope In our first Star Wars lecture, we discuss what Star Wars is and isn’t, and try to answer a deceptively difficult question: what is the story of A New Hope? Join us as we live-tweet A New Hope on Tuesday, September 29th at 9PM Eastern, using the hashtag #starwonks! Support Point North on Patreon! Star Wars: The Complete Saga If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating and review on iTunes! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe on iTunes, on Stitcher, to the RSS feed or via YouTube. If yo...

2015-09-2500 min

Story and Star Wars Story And Star Wars: Introduction This fall, we’re journeying to a galaxy far, far away to study one of the most important pop culture phenomena in history — Star Wars! Support Point North on Patreon! Machete Order Star Wars Ring Theory Star Wars: The Complete Saga If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating and review on iTunes! Download the mp3 here, or subscribe on iTunes, on Stitcher, to the RSS feed or via YouTube. If you have thoughts on this episode, get in touch! Follow Point North on Twitter, like on Facebook, or send email to poin...

2015-09-1800 min