Shows
If The Shoebill Fits119: Widespread AdoptionIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Dawn Trail lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at adoption trauma as it's presented in Final Fantasy, and how media in general fails us compared to a goofy game about horsebirds and ifrit. Other topics include, oh look, it's Syriana again! But also some musical theater and the Black Wolf of the 14th Legion.https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Join Citizen, the Shoebill Knights deserve your allegiance!
2024-10-081h 04If The Shoebill Fits118: ErenVigilanceIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Dawn Trail lore podcast, Sean and Chadd dive DEEP in subtext in videogame narrative. Also, the perfection of Erenville. Other topics include submarine games and UI-indexing games, the narrative valence of silence, and gender in the Shetona vs. Viera/Viis. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Join Now! Harvest the Mighty Map Bounty! Or just have someone drive you to all the aether currents you've procrastinated on!
2024-09-241h 11If The Shoebill Fits117: Isle of CarbunclesIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Dawn Trail lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the Southern Isles, the home of Arcanima and the temporary home of one of the most important shards of Azem. Other topics include Estinien's debate with Gaius, a terrible reddit post, and the Great Serpent of Ronka. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod has what you require: Maps, an absolute ton of maps!
2024-09-031h 02If The Shoebill Fits116: The Wuk LeNationIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Dawn Trail lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at nationhood, international politics, and the political disaster that is Alexandria. Other topics include Syriana, the F15, and the one Ur Political Position. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Click here for MAP DAY! Too many maps, this weekend!
2024-08-211h 12If The Shoebill Fits115: Wuk LamaniaIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Dawn Trail lore podcast, Chadd and Sean brave the Arcadion's Light-Heavyweight tier. Other topics include us theorycrafting like, five additional raid tiers on top of this one from pure wrestling principle, as well as a variety of other wrestling-related subjects. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod I've got three maps mined with your name on them, next Sunday! On Malboro!
2024-08-131h 05If The Shoebill Fits114: End of the DawnIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Dawn Trail lore podcast, Chadd and Sean go through Act 6, the Finale of Dawn Trail. Other topics include us having a two-minute hate on reddit and twitter, the lack of Ships of Theseus, and Heinrich Ja Ja. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod I actually did finish crafting some gear after we recorded, trust.
2024-08-061h 41If The Shoebill Fits113: ElectrotheliomaIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Dawn Trail lore podcast, Chadd and Sean go through Act 5 of the new expansion, from the death of Namikka to the Everkeep trial. Other topics include the nature of cyberpunk, Dawn Trail's exceptional voice acting, and 3/4 time signatures. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod The Link! Where I Am Literally Harvesting Peppermint!
2024-07-311h 27If The Shoebill Fits112: Estinien's Sharshatter MoseyIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Dawn Trail lore podcast, Chadd and Sean go through either Act 4, or the Intermezzo and first half of Act 4, depending on whether or not Link went back in time. Other topics include [Redacted], King Lear, and the surprising Nationalism of Dawn Trail.https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Link! Fisher and Miner at 100!
2024-07-231h 37If The Shoebill Fits111: The CoronationIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Dawn Trail lore podcast, Chadd and Sean go through Act III, from the end of the Feat of Ice to the Coronation of the Dawnservant! https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the link, but I might not answer DM's if I'm on the Boat. The Boat is sacred.
2024-07-161h 25If The Shoebill Fits110: Drill, Shoebill, DrillIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Dawn Trail lore podcast, Chadd and Sean go through Act II of the expansion, from the Feat of Pots to the Feat of Ice. Other topics include adialectical storytelling, protagonisthood, and the worst commentator on the internet. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Is the link where I am literally currently levelling miner and alchemist.
2024-07-091h 23
If The Shoebill Fits109: Shoebill Crosses the SaltIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Dawn Trail lore podcast, Chadd and Sean blast through the background and first act of the new expansion! Other topics include Syriana, Sean's Drinking Game, and DPS dying to trash AOE's. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Join us, child of Tural, and we shall lead you into the City of Gold
2024-07-021h 54If The Shoebill Fits107: Elden RingIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean cross the mists into the lands of Elden Ring, just as Yoshi-P instructed. Other topics include CLASSICAL ENGLISH LIT, FEATURING TRASH-GOBLIN MERLIN.https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod We've got the healers, we've got the tanks!
2024-06-041h 09If The Shoebill Fits106: Amauronty Hall ProblemIn this episode of the Premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at how FFXIV presents mythic history, and what it means for Dawn Trail. Other topics include the gameshows, Applebee's, and the Star Wars Expanded Universe. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the link you need for Superior Queue Times! Click it!
2024-05-281h 00If The Shoebill Fits105: Lent BeaversIn this episode of the Premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at Lent Beavers, but also a ton of dawntrail information, Godzilla, and Mountain Dew. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod link! To ask for horrible comics and/or argue with Sean about Godzilla!
2024-05-211h 07If The Shoebill Fits104: Dragoons Actually Got Off Their Horses To FightIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the history of warfare, weaponry, and, above all else, Horses and Steeds. Other topics include the origin of Knighthood, a bunch of vulgar Marxism, and the fuzziest sashimi in God's creation. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Click the link!
2024-05-071h 05If The Shoebill Fits103: They Tried to Match the Machinist With the Big Ceruleum on their HipIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean talk about Fallout, Terra Nullius, and the conceit of adventure without society. Other topics include nuclear bombs, TV Adaptations, and the pre-agrarian condition of the Pokemon World. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Is the Link
2024-04-231h 07If The Shoebill Fits102: Dominant of Lighting EnginesIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantast XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the crossover event with Final Fantasy XVI, as well as potential engine upgrades from the future! Other topics include the invention of Rivers, the inescapable power of Vietnam, and the pervasive supply chain issues of the 2020's. SEND YOUR FLICKERING WARRIOR OF LIGHTS HERE: https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2024-04-091h 05If The Shoebill Fits100: Don't Fear The ReaperIn this, the ONE HUNDERETH EPISODE of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV Lore Podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the Reaper Class quests, and their implications for the Viper in Dawntrail. Other topics include G'Bush Tia, Ceruleum for Food schemes, and the Cosa Nostra.If you're reading this, we're incredibly grateful that you've taken the time to listen to us for these last two years! Thank you so much, and we're aiming for 100 more!https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is where you belong, dear listener.
2024-03-051h 03If The Shoebill Fits099: Conflict ResolutionIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean and Chadd look at dice, critical hits, and sources of randomness. Other topics include Alphinaud and Alisae slander, d20 Modern, and Baldur's Gate 3. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod If you want to #teachthecontroversy about d20's, here is the place to do it!
2024-02-271h 03If The Shoebill Fits098: DockbuildingIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the worldbuilding intrinsic to Limsa Lominsa. Other topics include deepwater ports, the IRS's attention to medical practices, and the profound weakness of the human eye. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Get your insurance payments on your airships current!
2024-02-201h 06If The Shoebill Fits097: Disco EtheirysIn this HARDCORE episode of the MEGA Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean and Chadd look at Disco Elysium, one of everyone's favorite games. Other topics include propaganda, Trots, and the worst FFXIV player we ever raided with. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Hey, tell us: How Hardcore *was* this episode?
2024-02-131h 06If The Shoebill Fits094: HeavenstrailIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean and Chadd look at the Dawntrail announcements, and the now-concluded Heavensturn event. Other topics include -Ignorance, Sean Simulating Sean, and the practical inconveniences of a Lingua Franca. Link for to play the game! https://linktr.ee/shoebillpodLink for that other thing we mentioned! https://www.buzzsprout.com/1927123/10399810
2024-01-161h 02If The Shoebill Fits093: Kill James ManderbondIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at espionage, spycraft, and early-modern adventures in intelligence gathering as it relates to Eorzea. Other topics include a spicy red phone, missing harbors, and the the Castro-LBJ connection. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Link! With people in it!
2024-01-041h 09If The Shoebill Fits092: Game of ThemesIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the varied levels of content in MMO's, as well as the concept of verisimilitude. Other topics include the Dungeons and Dragons film, papal underestimation of the Khan, and the ongoing project of uplifting Mussel writers. Oh right, that link! https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2023-12-201h 09If The Shoebill Fits091: An Unexpected FantasyIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the recently-dropped story and the greater arc of Hylthodeaus. Other topics include L'Gore Tia and W'Bush Nunh, a made-for-TV David movie, and the correct pluralization of my second favorite cephalopod. Link! Activate! https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2023-12-121h 12If The Shoebill Fits090: Vritra Enemy of IndraIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the Great Wyrm Vritra, his mythological backing and the curious way gender operates among immortals. Other topics include Star Wars, Loki being Horsepregnant, and Midgardsommnr being the worst single dad in the setting. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod has the community you might be looking for, or just points about how they should do an Utena expansion.
2023-12-051h 12If The Shoebill Fits089: I Was Trying To Record a Podcast, but I Accidentally Sold The Wreck of the Agrius and now Emet-Selch is My Boss!In this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV Lore Podcast, Chadd and Sean look at a fluffier topic: Isekai Eorzea. Other topics include Garlean Red October, Todd Howard, and the probability of getting Jimmy Hoffa'd in Ul'Dah. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Want some island sanctuary tips/notes on scams? We're more than happy to provide.
2023-11-211h 02If The Shoebill Fits088: The City & The CityIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean take a deep dive into how FFXIV uses cities in particular ways to tell stories. Other topics include Respawn/Creative Assembly, progression servers, and the secret origin of a pretty average type of cake. Want some people to run variant dungeons with? https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod has everyone you need.
2023-11-141h 13If The Shoebill Fits087: What's Scarier Than Ghosts? DemonsIn this HORRIFYING episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean launch into a historical, literary, and social exploration of the concept of Voidsent, aka demons. Other topics include Aladdin, the divine right of kings, and Audre Lorde. Want to find a 'ard bitten crew to run the criterion savage with? https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Okay, we're not running it yet, but we're working on it! Jeremey is grinding for it right now, but Sean is busy with work until next week.
2023-10-311h 02If The Shoebill Fits085: Myths of the Realm - Oschon Marries EveryoneIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chad and Sean look at their favorite part of 6.5: the finale of the Myths of the Realm alliance raid series. Other topics include delving DEEP into Greek and Roman myth, and the surprising political tendencies of Rhalgr. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Join here! The first one to approach Sean's warrior of light who isn't already on his friend's list gets 1M gil, if you mention this episode.
2023-10-171h 33If The Shoebill Fits083: Limsan Betas and FFXIV ERPIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the Eorzean financial systems, and where the game's economy is going from here. Other topics include Sam Bankman-Fried, Even More Catholic Ishgardians, and the difference between rulership and governance. Interested in joining an FFXIV tabletop game? https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod has the resources to sign up.
2023-10-041h 04If The Shoebill Fits082: Top Twelve Most Evil FFXIV Characters (Part II)In this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, we give away two months of game time! We also go over the five (technically 6, but who's counting?) most heinous figures in the cosmos, with a number 1 and number 5 that are guaranteed to astonish! Other topics include the endless blood war unleashed by Captain Kirk, Sean and Chadd's alternative theories of evil minds, and Gendo Ikari. Oh look, would you like some game time too? Click the link to be eligible to enter future contests! https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2023-09-261h 28If The Shoebill Fits081: Top Twelve Most Evil FFXIV Characters (Part I)In this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean bubblesort evil and evaluate the unevaluable by clearing twelve through six of the most evil Final Fantasy XIV villains. Other topics include some surprise entries from other games, Having Guilt For Killing Your Wife is Good, and the narrative imbalances between different genres of game. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Is where you can sign up for future contests, even if this one is already closed!
2023-09-191h 04If The Shoebill Fits080: Jelly-Filled Are My Favorite!In this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the continuing short fiction from The Rising, and an unlikely crossover that's driving both of them insane. Other topics include the historicity of Gladiator, the real price of Gacha games, and the internal storytelling of Stormblood. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the link you seek, dear listener.
2023-09-121h 10If The Shoebill Fits079: Some Good Moons Rising, For A ChangeIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean close-read the Rising event, as well as the two short stories posted as of the date of release. Other topics include the narrative elegance of Thanos, the future possibilities of the Pirate class, and Klaus Kinski. Oh right, the other episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1920063/episodes/10333901Oh left, the link to everything else: https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2023-09-051h 05If The Shoebill Fits078: Full Ceruleum Jacket - Warfare and Eorzea (Part 2)In this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean and Chadd wrap up their discussion of war crimes in Eorzea, with specific examples from nations you probably didn't expect. Other topics include Mr. Beast's recognition of Palestine, the eternal nightmare that is Spain, and the eccentricities of Roman months. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the link you require, if you want to discuss why Mario cannot, in fact, do war crimes, because he is neither a signatory to the Geneva Convention nor a warring nation.
2023-08-221h 07If The Shoebill Fits077: Full Ceruleum Jacket - Warfare and Eorzea (Part 1)In this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at warfare, warcrimes, and the military of Eorzea and Garlemald. Other topics include the Fantasy Cavalry Charge, Dark Ages Doesn't Real, and the spectacular incompetence of the French catholic church as an intelligence organization. If you're looking for some supporting historical materials for the content mentioned herein, https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is a good place to start looking.
2023-08-151h 02If The Shoebill Fits075: The Solipsistic Nightmare of Fan FestsIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean and Chadd break down the Dawntrail trailer, fan fest as a whole, but mostly the Endwalker Annotated discussion panel. Other topics include a MASSIVE quantity of shop talk about making games, especially in an MMO setting. Oh boy, I bet you're looking for a link? https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2023-08-011h 16If The Shoebill Fits074: Barben-selchIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look back at Shadowbringers with the benefit of the 6.X patch cycle and another complete playthrough. Other topics include Movies About America, the true Academia, and the capacity of stories to still surprise us. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the link where you can post your own Oppenheimer review, should it disagree with mine.
2023-07-251h 03If The Shoebill Fits073: If the Loftwing FitsIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd, Sean, and returning superstar guest Riko look at the Legends of Zelda, and their implications for Eorzea and the gaming narrative space at large. Other topics include Broken MacDonalds Nintendo 64's, which Link is a Paladin, and the fallibility of timelines, Zelda and Otherwise. It's dangerous to go alone, take this! https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2023-07-131h 03If The Shoebill Fits072: Monochromatic Writing and the Warrior of LightIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV Lore Podcast, Chadd and Sean (with headcrab sound produced from Jeremey's strange chameleonic throat) go over media parallel to FFXIV and their use of a varied emotional palette. Other topics include My House.WAD, Bioware is ON NOTICE, and Hauntology. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the link with all the weird supplemental materials, including that video on Newtype Ideology, if you don't want to go to youtube yourself.
2023-07-041h 02If The Shoebill Fits070: Welcome to Greatest NightsvaleIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the loporrit class quests, as well as their intense allusions to Welcome to Nightvale. Other topics include Dragonslaying, the ongoing monstrosity that is Blizzard, and Chadd's inability to talk about apolitical topics. Content Warning: the Blizzard section includes discussion of sexual assault and gendered violence, including outside of fiction. A timestamp is included to skip that section. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Is the link you seek, ere the other side you see!
2023-06-201h 04If The Shoebill Fits069: She Brought Pandemonium (Part 2)In this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at Pandemonium as a whole, and the literary implications of the conclusion. Other topics include Three Body Problem (you knew it was coming), Titanic, and a workable theory for the next expansion/set of patches. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Linktree, Go!
2023-06-131h 04If The Shoebill Fits068: She Brought Pandemonium (Part 1)In this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean and Chadd take apart what actually happened in the final four fights of Pandemonium, and their substantial lore implications. Other topics include endangered ursine martial artists, Diablo 3 (not 4!), and a few calls we nailed, right on the head. If you're looking for the link, https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod might be it!
2023-06-0658 minIf The Shoebill Fits067: Throne So Dark, We Have To Wear ShadesIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean and Chadd look at the Main Story Quest of Patch 6.4, and its lore implications. Other topics include Hermesloathing, Golbez-Lyse, and Vtra's final informational declarations of which Brood he is a member of. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the secret link of doom: My patcher is working again!
2023-05-301h 16If The Shoebill Fits066: 6.4+0.6In this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at 6.4, 6.55, and the looming specter of 7.0, with a focus on Lahabrea, Tataru, and the function of the patch cycle. Other topics include Frog and their Festivals, Frostmourne(s), and player retention vs. player acquisition concepts. If you're looking for a link to the burger king, https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod here it is!
2023-05-231h 06If The Shoebill Fits065: The Eorzean Alliance Pacer TestIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at pacing and the different narrative architectures available to writers through the lens of TV and Gaming. Other topics include X Files, Sopranos, and Alphinaud's many death flags. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the link in which the notifications shall appear.
2023-05-081h 02If The Shoebill Fits064: No, Said The Bird in the DynamisIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the Egopolis, the person-city, in video games and reality, and how it constructs Amaurot, as well as a few other institutions you may be surprised about. Other topics include the trajectory of storytelling in videogames, Popeye the Sailor Man, and a lot of really good Xbox 360 games. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the link you must follow to get the hinted-at secret knowledge.
2023-05-021h 03If The Shoebill Fits063: Emet-Selch's AdvocateIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the bad part of games: firings, bugs, and evil itself. Other topics include the Miltonian Simile, the Portrait of Dorian Grey, and the principles of audience expectation versus legality. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the link you are perhaps seeking?
2023-04-181h 04If The Shoebill Fits062: Final Fantasy XIV Minus IX - Everything, Enkidu, All At OnceIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the forgotten Final Fantasy: FFV. Other topics include Rambo 1, 2, and 3; the publication order of Final Fantasy, and the true nature of the omniversal Greg. Want to talk Bartz not drawing first blood? https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is where you need to go.
2023-04-111h 03If The Shoebill Fits061: Disability and the GCDIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean and Chadd look at the live letter, spaghetti code, and the disability implications of bad design. Other topics include Total War, 2023, and goodbad dragoons. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the link you're looking for!
2023-04-0400 minIf The Shoebill Fits060: Lootbox of TopicsIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean has audio problems! No, really, but Sean and Chadd also discuss Taxation, Odin, and the start of his Lominsan adventure. Other topics include Rommelino, ancient Rome, and the crushing pressure of the libertarian ideology.Want to join the cause? https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the link you're looking for.
2023-03-201h 06If The Shoebill Fits059: ABBABIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean and Chadd look at level one through ten of the Ul'Dahn MSQ (yes, the three cities have different MSQ's). Other topics include Chadd's alt, the structure of society, Ul'Dahn ethnic cleansing, and, of course, All Brass Blades Are Bastards. Want to join the Hyur and Bunny as they slowly build up their Caards? https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the link you're looking for.
2023-03-131h 03If The Shoebill Fits058: Character GenesisIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean and Chadd make a character, and discuss how character creation informs and is informed by lore. Other topics include the worst kind of species backstory, the most hideous periodical ever found on general shelves, and being paid in spell knowledge for gravedigging. Want to join the bunny adventure? https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the link
2023-03-061h 03If The Shoebill Fits057: *Sniff* Pure GameplayIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean and Chadd look at dual concepts that are the basis for the player experience in games: Qualia and Ideology. Other subjects include our upcoming series, the worst of all possible gamers, and Sean waxing melancholic for like ten minutes. TELL US YOUR IDEOLOGY OF CONSUMPTION, DO IT, THIS IS A CALL TO ACTION DIRECTED AT YOU. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2023-03-011h 02If The Shoebill Fits056: Themes a Lot Like Message To MeIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the per-expansion themes of the game, and how they differ across other media. Other topics include Whether or Not Chadd is a Weeb, The Elder Scroll Says You Need to Die, and the most impactful scene in Disney's The Fox and the Hound. Here's our linktree: https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod and here's the sister pod, with even more game writing: https://linktr.ee/onriting
2023-02-211h 06If The Shoebill Fits055: The Biggest Game of AllIn this week's episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean and Chadd look at sports and games of Eorzea, their real-world counterparts, and the ontology of Sport. Other topics include The Oldest and Most Profound Culture, Bass Perfidy, and the machine ghost of Roger Ebert. Want to join our fishing team? We're making jerseys: https://linktr.ee/shoebillpodWant to know about that Garfield ride? https://youtu.be/KK3Yr80lPOY
2023-02-131h 03If The Shoebill Fits054: Unfortunate News About GaiusIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker lore podcast, Chadd and Sean talk about narrative excellence as it relates to good and evil in Eorzea. Other topics include Alexander the Pretty Bad Actually, when dead characters are bad writing, and our sister podcast. Want to be first in line for a Shoebill FC? https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is where you belong.
2023-01-301h 03If The Shoebill Fits053: On the Divinity of MoonsIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the second Alliance Raid of the expansion, and the narrative implications for the history of Eorzea and the game. Other topics include Preachingway, the ubiquity of references to the Deck of Sixty, and the surprisingly anarchist tendencies of the Almighty. Want to run this raid with Sean when he finally gets his laptop cooler back? https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the link you're looking for .
2023-01-231h 04If The Shoebill Fits052: Six/Three NightThe premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast is back! We're talking about 6.3, where the story hit, where it didn't, and the patch's lore implications through the lenses of earlier FF games. Other topics include the Hell known as the AV, Hegelian Dialectics, and the return of the liminal space that exists beyond the Applebee's Dumpsters. Want to join Chadd's many reclears of the new alliance raid? https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is where you want to be.
2023-01-161h 01If The Shoebill Fits049: Debate Me, QuintusIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV Lore Podcast, Chadd and Sean look at Paratext, Fascism, and Close Reading. Other topics include the dangers of Moon Nazi's, Pop Team Epic, and how Warcraft and the San Diego Chargers have a lot in common. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Has the discord you want, if you want to make your case!
2022-12-051h 05If The Shoebill Fits048: Launch Me To The MoonIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker lore podcast, Sean and Chadd descend into the depths of the Inspectorial Rift to the heights of the moon: It's Manderville time {and then he Mandered all over them}. Other topics include the secret name of Laconic Loporrit, the strange anime confluence of referrentiality, and best-looking relic weapon of the patch. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the link you're looking for!
2022-11-281h 02If The Shoebill Fits047: A Realm RevistedIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker lore podcast, Chadd describes the phenomenology of being a spectator to FFXIV, rather than a subject. Other topics include the manner in which Alphinaud is like Sam Bankman-Fried, bannisters being In right now, and the inexorable power of the theory that the canonical warrior of light began their journey in Ul'Dah. Looking for somewhere to go to keep up with FF news in the Final Days of twitter? https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod has everything you need.
2022-11-211h 00If The Shoebill Fits046: A Final Fantasy Theme ParkIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean and Chadd hack into how Final Fantasy designs space and incentives to move players around, and the contrasting incentives that pull players together and apart. Other topics include the Grand Tour, atypical gameplay behaviors, and the Dark Mystery, Majesty, and Mastery of Fools' Falls. https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod Is the link you are looking for, but BEWARE! What becomes known can never be forgot.
2022-11-1400 minIf The Shoebill Fits045: Yoshi-P's AnswersIn this, the hardest episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean and Chadd try to take an extremely broad look at the IGN interview that has dominated Final Fantasy news for the past three days. This is, by definition, an evolving and sensitive situation, so don't be surprised if this episode ends up with a couple dozen addenda by the end of next week. Other topics include COLORISM IN NEGOTIATED REALITY, the ability to self-criticize through media, and like four invocations to go read Club Dumas, totally unconnected to the subject matter. https://linktr.ee/s...
2022-11-071h 36If The Shoebill Fits038: Kingdom Hearts... Is MoneyIn this episode of the premiere FFXIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean go into one of the biggest questions in the history of the game: did Nomura's powerful imagination directly result in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn getting the money it needed to become the game we spend so much time on? Other topic include Firing All The QA (Again), Belt Cocoons, and the furious future of both Kingdom Hearts IV and Final Fantasy XVI. Want to get in touch with us about which factory settings the FFXIII: Versus trailer knocked you back to? https://linktr.ee...
2022-09-191h 04If The Shoebill Fits037: Amnesia is a Healthy Response to MeteorIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at a huge question of the turnover to 2.0: did Phoenix resurrect people? Other topics include the most 9/11 movie imaginable, the anime precedent for Louisoix, and the scalability of mass casualty events to early modern populations. Want someone to run you through The Binding Coils again so you can get a selfie with Phoenix? https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is the place to go.
2022-09-121h 04If The Shoebill Fits036: We're All Wrong About The Time BubbleIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker lore podcast, Sean and Chadd attack the most-recognizable point of the inside-baseball of A Realm Reborn's lore: the Time Bubble. Other topics include the similarity of English children and sea turtled, the applicability of design principles to narrative, and the diegesis of time. This episode also features Chadd going Ultra Instinct against a game: you're not going to want to miss it! Also, one thousand downloads! Love that for us, thank you so much for listening this far! Here's that link with all the socials and the se...
2022-09-051h 07If The Shoebill Fits035: Six Point Two - Inside You Are Two Goth GirlsIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker lore podcast, Chadd and Sean recap and analyze the narrative content added to the game in patch 6.2: Buried Memory. Other topics including hunting season, the powerful Dads of Endwalker, and the slippery slope to out-and-out colorism that games like Final Fantasy struggle with. Looking for a team to run Abyssos with? Maybe some coaching through the new trial's extreme variant? Join the discord: https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2022-08-291h 54If The Shoebill Fits034: If You Can't Stand the Lore, Get Out of the KitchenIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean and Chadd look not only at the lore references of the FFXIV cookbook, but also at the lore implications, including a confirmation of a fact long suspected, but not confirmed by the community about a particularly ubiquitous character. Other topics include Game of Thrones' failed historicity, the average level of Gamer Cookbooks, and Sean's bougie-ass tastes in alcohol. Interested in trying some of these recipes? Join our discord or follow on socials: https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2022-08-221h 09If The Shoebill Fits033: Emet-Selch Is Smarter Than You ThoughtIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker lore podcast, Sean and Chadd look at the narrative of Emet-Selch in Shadowbringers in dialogue with with works of Susan Sontag. Along the way, they talk about disease, Camp, and the inexorable replacement and preservation of memory, and come to a surprisingly concrete conclusion about the nature of the text of FFXIV: Shadowbringers. Want to get in touch with us, maybe for some paid-for copies of the theory citied in the episode? https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod is where you want to go.On Photography - Susan Sontag, 1973
2022-08-151h 03If The Shoebill Fits032: Wild Speculation RebornIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean write down nearly their entire wishlist/speculation sheet for the next few expansions, including Seeking the Dao, And They Shall Know No Fear, and "Turn Back, %name, you ruined your lands and will do the same to ours!" Other topics include Chadd's anime preferences, the least likely cartoon network show to appear in Final Fantasy XIV, and the potential of a huge bio-technological army appearing out of deep space when you have no other ideas for a plot. Join our discord for map runs...
2022-08-081h 07If The Shoebill Fits031: People's War, in an Ishgardian ContextIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at one of the least-examined pieces of content in the entire Final Fantasy XIV saga: the story of the Count Charlemend de Durendaire, and the game development origins of his narrative. Other topics include Twink Emperor Palpatine (Dark Empire Edition), Anti-Chameleon Spray, and more Theory that you can throw a cancelled Lockheed employee at. Do you find yourself in need of a mapgroup who also kvetches about lore? Seek no further, warrior of light: https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2022-08-011h 08If The Shoebill Fits030: TwistwalkerIn this episode of the premiere FFXIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at one of the big questions of narrative design: what makes twists good? Other topics include roughly tousling Gaius van Baelsar's hair, Disney's underreliance on The Clone Wars, and the extremely common and understudied Ontological Twist.Do you want to talk to us about twists you think are coming up? Join the discord here:https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2022-07-251h 03If The Shoebill Fits029: Such HildevastationIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the single largest concept in long-format games: Player Equity. Other topics include surprisingly garbage subplots in the Godfather, the great flaw of Web 3.0 gaming, and the role of the passage of time, both in-game and out, in MMO storytelling. You know what it is, link, with discord and socials! https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2022-07-1959 minIf The Shoebill Fits028: Catch These Manderville HandsIn this episode of the premiere (and self-correcting) Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Sean and Chadd look at the fundamentals and implications of the Hildibrand questline. Other topics include the invention of cutscenes in MMO's, the enduring influence of James Bond, and the nature of the relationship between a game's fandom and itself.Want to join a group to crush some relic quest content when it comes out? Join us https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2022-07-111h 07If The Shoebill Fits027: Three There AreIn this episode of the premiere FF XIV: Endwalker lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the Warring Triad and their successor trial series: what their implications are for future endwalker content, their narrative stakes as separate from the main story, and what the design decisions of this space say about the game and story as a whole. Other topics include "It's behind the warring triad," a quick rundown of Hegelian dialectics, and Probably More Hildibrand Than You're Expecting, Greg. Want to try Sophia synced with seven blue mages? Join our discord https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod for that a...
2022-07-051h 11If The Shoebill Fits026: Bunny and Squirrel EngineeringIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the engineering problems endemic to the MMO's of the past and present, and how they create mechanical problems for players and designers. Other topics include being really territorial around your gathering nodes, scope versus scale of MMO maps, and other topics that you %listenername:t /fix this shit later,, will enjoy.
2022-06-271h 06If The Shoebill Fits025: Wild and Pure and Forever FreeIn this episode of the premiere Final Fantasy XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at primals, psuedo-primals, demiprimals, and culture heroes in dialogue with our favorite party animal, Susanoo. Other topics include combat-chicken JENOVA, the existential dread of being eaten by a Basilosaurus, and which Blue Mage spell is the very best. Want to see the sweet mini's we've made of various primals? Join up at https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2022-06-201h 06If The Shoebill Fits024: House of the Rising SaucerIn this episode of the primiere Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker lore podcast, Chadd and Sean (With Gamingway!) break down the social and material economics of the Manderville Gold Saucer, bringing the HEAT with some of the crunchiest and most mind-blowing numbers you've ever heard. Other topics include the Little Mandervilles Orphan Engineers, "So, how much do you love fashion?", and how deadly a killer Sean is at Triple Triad. (Editor's note: Sean Still Doesn't Have a Sabotender Emperador) Want to talk about how to consistently win at triple triad? Get in touch with us: https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2022-06-131h 05If The Shoebill Fits023: A Tourist's Guide to NorvrandtIn this episode of the premier FFXIV: A Realm Reborn lore podcast, Sean and Chadd look at the cities of Shadowbringers, and what it means that they are 'lost'. Other topics include Vergil, Plato, and Walt Disney, taking the long view on the Mountains and Waters, and, we can't stress this enough, A Lot of Disney. Want to tell us *Accalon* is the Knight of the Round Morgan seduced to try to overthrow Arthur, and Ascalon is the sword of St. George? Let us know in the discord: https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2022-06-061h 03If The Shoebill Fits022: Tia? I Hardly Nunh Her!In this episode, Chadd and Sean look at Miqo'te Seeker of the Sun society, sexuality, and the construction of family, clan, tribe, and nation in fiction. Other topics include Twi'lek, Myths About Wolf Socialization, and the pernicious value judgements lurking behind language (especially from anyone wearing a pith helmet). Want to talk to us about your Nunh? Get in touch here: https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2022-05-301h 02If The Shoebill Fits021: Disciples of a Realm RebornIn this episode of the premier FFXIV Podcast, Chadd and Sean look at some of the most overlooked content in A Realm Reborn: the Disciple of the Land class quests. Nationalism, Capitalism, Responsibility, and the futility of both war and opposing it are on immediate display, as well as some incredible nuance around personhood in Ul'Dah and Gridania. Other topics include the rarely-discussed F'lhaminn, medieval agriculture, and alienation from the abstract bars of metal hurled out of the blast furnaces. Want to tell us that scatter farming has only been anecdotally proven in europe as a result of r...
2022-05-231h 10If The Shoebill Fits020: Hugo Award-Winning FictionIn this episode, Chadd and Sean head down to Archive Of Our Own to peruse the best, brightest, and newest Final Fantasy XIV fanfics, and what they mean for FFXIV as a property, and the kind of community this game has cultivated. Other topics include Dianetics, the Onceler, First Sergeant Gyoarrest, and Chadd's idea for a Mass Effect Ending That Will Make Everyone Upset. Want to read some of the fics we talked about liking? https://archiveofourown.org/works/24187300/chapters/58258099 https://archiveofourown.org/works/19814008/chapters/46914325 Want to tell us we missed your great Puddingway/Krile fic? Get...
2022-05-161h 08If The Shoebill Fits019: The Living Dead IIIn this, the conclusion to our epic two-part look at the Dark Knight class-quests, Sean and Chadd break down the story beats of the back half of the saga, including moments widely despised that you might think better of on a second viewing, and deeper cuts than Sidurgu gave Ystride. Other topics include Ishikawa's golf etiquette, M'Jaques Tia'rrida, and Ludonarrative dissonance. Want to see the Podmadness set in after the fourth hour of Dark Knight quests? https://linktr.ee/shoebillpod
2022-05-091h 32If The Shoebill Fits018: The Living Dead IIn this episode, Sean and Chadd take a look at the very apex of FFXIV storytelling, the story that made Heavensward head and shoulders above not just A Realm Reborn, but also competing MMO's, and the story that redefined who your Warrior of Light will become: the Dark Knight Class Quests. Even if you're wearing the Garo tank armor with a claymore and bemoaning everyone else getting a Blackest Night equivalent in Endwalker, trust me, this episode is going to have some stuff for you. Want to get in touch with some geared Dark Knights for your static? C...
2022-05-021h 21If The Shoebill Fits017: A Smile Better Suits a HeroI'M NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING. In this episode of the premiere FFXIV: Sadwalker lore podcast, Sean and Chadd work through the tears to give you their three saddest moments in the award-winning MMO. The ones we leave off might surprise you, but, again, that's just because we are conclusively not crying. Other topics include the crossover between Steven Universe and Three-Body Problem, Susano's voice actor, and the Warrior of Light misassembling their model Leviathan after they got the Midgardsommr sprue mixed up in it. (Don't worry, WoL: once you paint it, nobody will be able to tell). Get i...
2022-04-251h 02If The Shoebill Fits016: Newfound AdventureIn this DOUBLE-LENGTH episode of the premiere FFXIV Endwalker lore podcast, Chadd and Sean go completely bananas on all the lore and storytelling of 6.1-Newfound Adventure, breaking down not just the implications of the Alliance raid and dungeon, but the countless small changes to the 1-50 main story quest and systems. Other topics include Sean being unable to pronounce Meracydia or Byregot, G'raha's enthusiasm for killing the gods, and why Estinien (and all Smarks) are still Marks. Want to participate in the podcast? Want to tell us we're wrong about the Four Lords' transformations in comparison to those o...
2022-04-182h 03If The Shoebill Fits014: Strangers in 6.1Riko's back, with all the ups and downs, highs and lows, f-words and bullshits from Nomura's second best work (the first being the Kingdom Hearts 1 Trailer aired during Toonami), Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. Sean and Chadd (featuring Riko from Devil May Cry!) also cover the ashes of 6.0, Zenos shipping, and conclude a heap of calls about Pandemonium, Myths of the Realm, and the future of Final Fantasy XIV, including advice on gearing if you've never gone through a X.05 patch cycle before. Want to point out that the relationship between primals and Dynamis has been illuminated i...
2022-04-051h 14If The Shoebill Fits013: You Remind Us So Much Of HerIn this episode of the premiere FFXIV Lore Podcast, Chadd and Sean pick apart the three faces of WoL, and the nature of reincarnation in storytelling. Other topics include Castlevania, Old Yeller, and Azem's terrible D&D game. Also, our first correction, so that's cool. We have a discord! https://discord.gg/x6paJyTx Want to get a mention on the show correcting us? Email us at shoebillcast@gmail.com
2022-03-281h 06If The Shoebill Fits012: G-g-g-ghostsIn this episode of the HORRIFYING FFXIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean look at the unquiet dead of FFXIV, and the heady concepts they bring to the occult table. Topics include Hauntology and a handful of things that aren't Hauntology, but we promise, FFXIV has about as many ghosts as a Fatal Frame game. Wait a second, Fatal Frame: XIV? Quick, we've got to get a spiritualist in here to see if any Specters have shown up in GPose! We have a discord! https://discord.gg/x6paJyTx Want to tell us Avere wasn't a Gladiator? shoebillcast@gm...
2022-03-211h 16If The Shoebill Fits011: Garlemilitary Pt. IIIn this episode of the premiere FFXIV Lore podcast, Chadd and Sean take a look at the specifics of how the Garlean military relates to itself, ideas of imperial power, and the increased use of weapons of mass destruction by an increasingly desperate Garlemald. Don't worry, if you haven't heard the previous one, this will still make sense, assuming you're a huge FFXIV dork. We have a discord! https://discord.gg/dtmydTFV We have an email address! If there's something you'd like us to talk about, shoot us an email at shoebillcast@gmail.com
2022-03-1459 minIf The Shoebill Fits010 Garlemilitary Pt. IIn this episode, Chadd and Sean flex their terrible Latin throat muscles to convey enough Roman historical and archeological information to inform you, dear listener, on what Romanness is doing in the context of Final Fantasy XIV. Other topics include Imperialism, Postcolonialism, and the simulated nature of of popular depictions of Ah! Rome! We have a discord! https://discord.gg/dtmydTFV We have an email address! It's the prefect place to tell us we can't pronounce Aquilifier! shoebillcast@gmail.com
2022-03-081h 05If The Shoebill Fits009: I Promise, It's Not A Sage SpellIn this episode, Chadd and Sean break down 'Diegesis,' a squirrelly and academic concept in media that plays a huge role in Final Fantasy XIV's narrative. Other topics include inside baseball on MMO writing, why Hades loses to a Plant, and how often to feed your writing staff. We have a discord! Join https://discord.gg/KX7KnnyR We have an email address! Send complaints to shoebillcast@gmail.com
2022-03-011h 12If The Shoebill Fits008: Unleashing UltimateIn this episode, Sean and Chadd invite Riko (Triple Legend) to explain to them the narrative and mechanical conventions of FF XIV's hardest content: Ultimate Raids. Topics include cool enrages, mechanical abstractions, and the experience of attacking content way after the production date, as well as secrets you'll only hear from people who've actually cleared (not Sean and Chadd).Interested in the podcast? We have a discord! https://discord.gg/3jq8DmquInterested in telling us why we were wrong to ban you from the discord? Contact us at shoebillcast@gmail.com
2022-02-221h 20If The Shoebill Fits007: Pointy Ears, Hats, and CitiesIn this episode, Sean and Chadd look at the most Catholic city in the history of fantasy: Ishgard. Topics include Paladins, Lutheranism, and Tarot Cards. This episode also gets kinda specific about a certain other MMO and what it does badly, so if you'd like some shittalk with your Jesus, we got that too. Want to explain to us why we're wrong about infidels, heretics, and the excommunicated? Email us at shoebillcast@gmail.com
2022-02-141h 08If The Shoebill Fits006: Final Fantasy XIV Minus XIn this episode, Chadd charges his way through all of the flawed masterpiece, Final Fantasy IV, replete with hovercrafts, airships, and lunar expeditions, with occasional interruptions by Sean. Who could have guessed that Endwalker was fifty percent Harvey by volume? Namingway: Hey There, Would You Like To Change Your Name? If Not, You Can Contact Us At shoebillcast@gmail.com
2022-02-071h 30If The Shoebill Fits005: Merlwyb BloefhiswynIn this episode, Sean and Chadd express their appreciation for not only the writers of FFXIV, but also the irreplicable admiral, and her powerful grasp on both economics and human organization. We also discus how Alphinaud is The Police, and how Garuda is really oversold compared to Leviathan, who may or may not be our favorite primal that doesn't hit us with swords.Confused? Email us at shoebillcast@gmail.com
2022-02-011h 05If The Shoebill Fits004: All's Well That EndwalkerIn this, the 4th episode of the premiere FF XIV lore podcast, Chadd and Sean talk about Endwalker as a complete experience from top to bottom, from Emet-Selch to Hythlodaeus. Wait--Nevermind. It is two hours long though, so be warned!Complaints and Accusations? Direct them to shoebillcast@gmail.com
2022-01-242h 07
If The Shoebill Fits001: LahabreaIn this, the pilot episode of the premiere Final Fantasy 14 Lore Podcast, Sean and Chadd talk about everyone's least favorite unleasher of Ultima: Lahabrea.Contact us at shoebillcast@gmail.com
2022-01-021h 03