Shows
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismCoralineHappy Halloween! Through listener vote, we are finishing off spooky season with the Neil Gaiman classic, Coraline. We talk about Fairy, bravery, and why the scariest parts might not be what you think they are.patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-10-311h 12
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismBerserkWhat do Bernini, Nietzsche, and Hellraiser have in common? They are all influences on the darkest fantasy we have ever (or may ever) cover: Berserk. This story of power, fate, and astronomical violence provided us with possibly our most intellectual conversation to date. Listen to us talk with special guest Brendan of @tsarpowerpod about the man too angry to die. Content warning: quite a bit of intense sexual violence.https://tsarpowerpod.weebly.com/patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swo...
2022-10-232h 21
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismThe Black Company*CONTENT WARNING* There are a few mentions of rape and sexual assault in this episode, one including a minor. Please be aware of this if it's upsetting to you. It's very generalized with no specific details, but is mentioned.Dark Fantasy Month begins with a dive into The Black Company by Glen Cook. A group of morally questionable mercenaries get hired by the epitome of evil, giving us a chance to talk about the relativity of evil, some dynamics of sex & gender, and why you shouldn't write fanfic about murderous overlords.patreon.com/swordsandsocialism E...
2022-10-091h 45
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismStarship Stormtroopers: Fascism in FictionWe had an (in-person!) conversation about Michael Moorcock's 1977 essay about the prevalence of reactionary politics in science fiction and fantasy. We work through his arguments, examples, and get annoyed that he's calling us out, specifically. The lesson: be more critical of the media you valorize.patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-10-021h 46
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismThe Tombs of AtuanThe 2nd of the Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin. This is a wonderful story about a young woman learning how to cope with systems of oppression, hope, and how to free yourself. Please read this book if you haven't.patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-09-251h 19
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismJurassic ParkIt's the first book of season 2! We talked about one of the most famous scifi books of all time, Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park. Capitalism, Chaos Theory, climate change, and just a tiny hint of racism all mixed together to (somehow) make a really good novel.patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-09-181h 15
Swords, Sorcery, and Socialism1 Year Anniversary Q&AIt's a big one! To celebrate our 1 year anniversary and 5,000 downloads, we brought Nicole and Trevor back to talk authors, tropes, and a surprising amount about The Last Airbender. Thank you all so much for listening and sticking with us!patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-09-112h 23
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismThe Light FantasticThrough popular demand we're back in Pratchett land! It's the 2nd Discworld novel, and our first sequel. More intricately constructed nonsense, luggage high jinks, and why wizards are so murderous.patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-08-161h 16
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismNews From NowhereWe're back with a "scifi" story by an old school anarchist named William Morris; the 3rd in our series about utopias. The plot is thin, but the politics are heavy in his description of a post-revolution anarchist England. We talk youth liberation, family abolition, and of course, work abolition. Sorry Darius is inside a tin can again, it'll be fixed for the next one!patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com T...
2022-07-251h 12
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismThe Shire: Cottagecore Utopia?We are officially diving in to the Lord of the Rings and continuing our discussions about utopia. Is Tolkien's Shire as idyllic as it seems, or is even his best imagined society still plagued by the greatest of pests, landlords?patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-06-241h 15
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismStarship TroopersWe're finally back, and we discussed the scifi "classic" Starship Troopers, by Robert A. Heinlein. Plot is non-existent and abuse is ever-present. Ketho breaks down the worst description of the labor theory of value ever put in fiction while Darius loses his mind from the bottom of the tin can he was recording in. We're back! It's great!patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo...
2022-05-221h 44
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismThe History of FictionDarius and Ketho are joined by Elias (@aPebbleInTheSky) to talk about the origins of fiction as a genre. We talk about the intertwined nature of Fantasy, Scifi, and Horror, the development of each, and the scientific disenchantment of our world.patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-04-171h 45
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismJK Rowling SucksAs a writer and a person, JK Rowling sucks. Today Darius is joined by Nicole and Trevor to talk about a few of the reasons why, and what we should do with her legacy. We also talk about jacked toddlers.Follow Trevor @HistoryofPersia, and Nicole @gi66le_tits (if she ever unlocks again).patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_A...
2022-04-121h 43
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismRobert Jordan: Trans Ally & Wife GuyPart 2 of our talk about Wheel of Time. We discuss the gender binary of magic, consensual harems, and the Amazon adaption.Please consider supporting Alex's gay bakery/book shop here: https://humva.dev/2022/03/15/books-baking-and-queer-things/Or listening to Roberto's podcast here: https://historyofsaqartvelo.com/patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-03-271h 37
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismThe Wheel of Time: Dualism & Free WillWe dip our toes for the first time into Robert Jordan's extensive world. Special guests Alex and Roberto join Darius to talk about a dualist world and Jordan's take on the existence of free will. (If you're a Ketho fan, too bad. He's not here.)Please consider supporting Alex's gay bakery/book shop here: https://humva.dev/2022/03/15/books-baking-and-queer-things/Or listening to Roberto's podcast here: https://historyofsaqartvelo.com/patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 pa...
2022-03-201h 07
Swords, Sorcery, and Socialism*UNLOCKED* Bonus Episode 1: Star WarsTo tide everyone over until our next series, we decided to unlock our first bonus episode. This one's about why the new Star Wars properties feel soulless, why copyright laws are bullshit, and how every fantasy story can be solved with a gun. If you enjoy these non-book episodes, you can subscribe to our patreon for $3 and get 1 to 2 bonus episodes a month. Thanks for listening!patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.c...
2022-03-131h 11
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismDo Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?Our first dive into the works of Philip K Dick. We talk about emptiness, empathy, and how it all comes down to simulacrums of real life. Also, Darius remembers the name of a philosopher.patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-03-051h 39
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismWatership Down: Mythology & AlienationThe 2nd half of our talk about Watership Down! We discuss rabbit mythology, alienation, and why Hazel is a better Odysseus.patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-02-2051 min
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismWatership Down: Leadership & Existential DreadTime for another classic! Here in part one of our conversation about Richard Adam's "Watership Down" we talk about leadership styles, thinking outside the box, and the existential dread of living while surrounded by the threat of death.patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-02-151h 02
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismOn Fairy StoriesPart 2 of our episodes on the foundations of the podcast; we talked about J. R. R. Tolkien's essay "On Fairy Stories". We discuss his definition of what a fairy story is, why fantasy isn't just for children, and why Darius hates Joss Whedon so much.patreon.com/swordsandsocialismFollow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-02-081h 23
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismThe Ones Who Walk Away From OmelasWe're back with a foundational text from the legendary Ursula K. Le Guin. This is one of the most important short stories in the history of scifi, and we talk utopia, anarchism, and waking up to the suffering our world is built on. We were firing on all cylinders for this one.Follow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-01-311h 18
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismThe Colour of MagicOur first dive into the works of Sir Terry Pratchett with The Colour of Magic! A pessimist bum and an eternally optimistic tourist stumble their way past the destiny Fate is so desperately trying to lay out for them. We talk satire, fate, and the unstoppable power of luggage. Follow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-01-221h 39
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismThe Witcher: Ecology & Side CharactersThis is our final discussion with Trevor on The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski. We talk about the ecology of monsters, side characters, and how to problem solve using words. Thank you all for sticking with us through this series!Follow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comTrevor: @HistoryofPersiaDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-01-091h 17
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismThe Witcher: Real Weird About SexThe 2nd part of our conservation with Trevor about The Witcher series. We talk about sex and the upsetting way the author decided to base the whole 2nd half of the series on it.*Content Warning*: contains an unfortunately necessary discussion about sexual assault of a minor from about minute 25-38 Follow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comTrevor: @HistoryofPersiaDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2022-01-011h 21
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismThe Witcher: Racism, Fate, & UnicornsThis is part 1 of our conversation about The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski. In this one we talk about racism, fate, and the power of being ludicrously hot. Special thanks to our guest Trevor for suggesting this series and talking to us about it.Follow the show @SwordsNSocPodEmail us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comTrevor: @HistoryofPersiaDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2021-12-251h 25
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismDune: Hard PowerIn our third episode about Dune we talk hard power: The Emperor, the Landsraad, CHOAM, and the Spacing Guild. We talk about how these four things encompass the political economy of the Dune universe, how they keep each other in check, and how they eventually become unbalanced.Follow the show @SwordsNSocPod or email us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2021-12-121h 04
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismDune: Bene Gesserit Part 2 Part 2 of our discussion about Frank Herbert's scifi classic Dune. We focus on the Bene Gesserit and whether Dune is a reactionary story. We talk about shared cultural myths, eugenics, and how trans women are real life Bene Gesserit. Returning champion Nicole is our guest again. Follow the show @SwordsNSocPod or email us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 Nicole: @gi66le_tits patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2021-12-051h 07
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismDune: Bene Gesserit Part 1Part 1 of our discussion about Frank Herbert's scifi classic Dune. We focus on the Bene Gesserit and whether Dune is a reactionary story. We learn the best way to gain power is to take the long term view of history and how the Sisters are women taking some control back for themselves. Returning champion Nicole is our guest again. Follow the show @SwordsNSocPod or email us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 Nicole: @gi66le_titspatreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPod
2021-11-2859 min
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismInterim 1Our first non-book episode in which we talk about our experience with analyzing themes, other interim topics, and how we're all little pain pigs for Todd Howard. Follow the show @SwordsNSocPod or email us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2021-11-161h 15
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismA Wrinkle In TimeToday we covered the 1962 scifi classic by Madeleine L'Engle. We talked about the beauty of the individual overcoming oppressive systems, why God seems to show up in every novel, and the power of hot moms. Follow the show @SwordsNSocPod or email us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2021-11-031h 33
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismA Canticle for Leibowitz: Part 2The 2nd half of our discussion of the Walter M. Miller sci-fi classic. We talk about how this would be a perfect story for the Coen Brothers, Catholic symbology, and how governments will inevitably kill us all. Damn the writing is good though. Follow the show @SwordsNSocPod or email us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69 patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2021-10-251h 05
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismA Canticle for Leibowitz: Part 1Part one of our discussion of the 50s science fiction story where we discuss cyclical history, the danger of technological advancement, and a poor dumb guy named Frances. Follow the show @SwordsNSocPod or email us at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.comDarius: @Himbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2021-10-181h 02
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismRedwall: Episode 2Part 2 of our discussion on Brian Jacques' Redwall series. Here we discuss communal parenting, the morals of killing, and the achievement of perfect communism.Follow the show on twitter @SwordsNSocPod, Darius @Himbo_Anarchist, Ketho @StupidPuma69, and our special guest Nicole @gi66le_titsEmail the show at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.compatreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2021-09-061h 49
Swords, Sorcery, and SocialismRedwall: Episode 1This is the first half of our conversation on Brian Jacques' Redwall series. We talk about Great Man Theory, self reinforcing hierarchy, stranger-kings, and the importance of dreams. Follow the show on twitter @SwordsNSocPod, Darius @Himbo_Anarchist, Ketho @StupidPuma69, and our special guest Nicole @gi66le_titsEmail the show at SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com patreon.com/swordsandsocialismEmail: SwordsAndSocialismPod@protonmail.com The Show: @SwordsNSocPodAurora: @Herbo_AnarchistKetho: @StupidPuma69
2021-09-041h 24