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John Coxon

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OctothorpeOctothorpe137: My Brain Automatically Goes to SandwichesJohn is well-read, Alison played a game, and Liz needs an Allen key. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Bluesky or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None One hour of Mon Mothma dancing Letters of comment Andreas Davour (Mastodon and Mastodon) Andy Openshaw Jez Lowe Ang Rosin David Bamford (Bluesky) Ed Morland (Bluesky) Farah Mendlesohn (Facebook) Jake Casella Brookins Nuala Fahey (Bluesky) Raj...2025-06-181h 01OctothorpeOctothorpe136: When Do You Not Want to Talk About Games?John is ambivalent, Alison is against, and Liz is hangry. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment Ali Baker Brooks (Facebook) Chris Garcia (email) 2008 Worldcon site selection Farah Mendlesohn (email) Dream Foundry The original announcement of the Carole Goldman Fund Con or Bust “If you are Palestinian, or identify as a...2025-06-051h 08OctothorpeOctothorpe134: In the Framework of Linear TimeJohn has shortlisted, Alison has worked in large organisations, and Liz has done a spot-the-difference. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: LLMs Letters of comment Chris Garcia Clarrie Maguire Colette Reap Roseanna Pendlebury Her Death of Stalin review Tobes Valois We also heard from Ali Baker Brooks, Ang Rosin, Brian Nisbet, Caroline Mullan...2025-05-1658 minOctothorpeOctothorpe133: I Understand That Alison Has Never Been PopeJohn, Alison, and Liz are live from the Belfast Eastercon! An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: It’s a live recording! Eastercon 2026: Iridescence in Birmingham Guests of Honour R J Barker Karen Lord Emma Newman John Wilson and Serena Culfeather Prices Adult: £80 Low income: £50 Child/teen: £20 Supporting: £40 Eastercon 2027: Unconfined in Glasgow Guests of Honour...2025-04-251h 02OctothorpeOctothorpe132: Almost Everything Is Not MacJohn, Alison and Liz discuss this year’s Hugo Awards finalists. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None A note from John: I’ve done my level best to find useful URLs and link them below. Please let me know if there are better links or things I’ve missed! Best Novel ...2025-04-0642 minOctothorpeOctothorpe131: We’re Performance Before We’re InterestJohn is moderating, Alison is auctioning, and Liz is lecturing. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: The situation in the USA Letters of comment Handwriting guesses! John, Alison, Liz: Ed Morland Alison, John, Liz: Chris Garcia Alison, Liz, John: Tammy Coxen Liz, John, Alison: Tammy has another go Liz, Alison, John: Ang Rosin...2025-03-2752 minOctothorpeOctothorpe130: I Am Scalison OttJohn is working, Alison is plugging and Liz is ghosting. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Capitalism, death (Chapter 8: Picks) Please remember that we have recused from consideration for the 2025 Hugo Awards Letters of comment Ali Baker Brooks (Facebook) Ang Rosin (Facebook) Christopher J Garcia Dave Langford Please do report issues in transcripts and we will...2025-03-1355 minOctothorpeOctothorpe129: Deep in Annex AJohn thought of something, Alison is educational, and Liz reads contracts. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Money (chapter 3) Please remember that we have recused from consideration for the 2025 Hugo Awards Letters of comment Chris Garcia DC On Blind Chance (skeet, requires sign-in) On picking books (skeet, requires sign-in) Doug Faunt Farah Mendlesohn (Facebook) Eastercon 2025: Reconnect...2025-02-2749 minOctothorpeOctothorpe128: A Minidisc Player Will Do You No GoodJohn picks too soon, Alison is fully paid-up, and Liz found the comment. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID (chapter 7) Letters of comment Andreas Davour (toot) Bridget Bradshaw (skeet) Chris Garcia David Bamford (skeet) DC (skeet, requires sign-in) Przypadek/Blind Chance Farah Mendlesohn (Facebook) Karen Schaffer Meg MacDonald (Facebook) Raj (toot) Short...2025-02-1343 minOctothorpeOctothorpe127: Hello BuoysJohn is incoherent, Alison is excited, and Liz is romantic. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment Abigail Nussbaum Ali Baker Brooks Andy Openshaw Chris Garcia Claire Brialey David Salter Ed Morland Farah Mendlesohn Irwin Hirsh Jonny Baddeley Neil Ottenstein Roseanna Pendlebury We also heard from: Fiona Moore, Ivan Sinha ...2025-01-3045 minOctothorpeOctothorpe126: I’ve Read Some NovelsJohn is a thief, Alison plays games, and Liz is bullied. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment Andreas Davour Bella Garcia Constanze Hoffman Farah Mendlesohn Jonathan Cowie June Young Mike Scott Neil Ottenstein Raj Tammy Coxen Zoe O’Connell We also heard from Bridget Bradshaw, Colin Harris, Meg MacDonald, an...2025-01-171h 00OctothorpeOctothorpe125: I’m Physically Present in This Hotel RoomJohn is travelling, Alison is coding, and Liz is faithful. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Death (chapter 6) Letters of comment Chris Garcia The Beef and Dairy Network Podcast Jt Raj Rotsler Award España Sheriff is this year’s winner Seattle 2025 Virtual Business Meeting announcement Reportage on File 770 Unofficial WSFS Business Meeting Dis...2024-12-2053 minOctothorpeOctothorpe124: The Third D Isn’t What You ThinkJohn is horrified, Alison is spelunking, and Liz is detecting. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Letters of comment Ali Baker Brooks Andrew Hogg 4D Golf Braid Archipelacon 2 Caroline Mullan Chris Garcia Some accusations against Ekpeki have been disproved Farah Mendlesohn Ivan Sinha Jonny Baddeley June Young Aurora Australis Alerts Aurora Now AuroraWatch...2024-12-0647 minOctothorpeOctothorpe123: Infinite Amount of Annual LeaveJohn is going to Seattle, Alison is going to the Åland Islands, and Liz is going to Belfast. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Money, grim darkness Belfast Eastercon Seattle 2025 Archipelacon 2 Back to Our Futures The Dark Room Liz’s Adrian Tchaikovsky scoop Edmonton Worldcon bid Picks John: Wrath and Glory Alison: Timestalker Liz...2024-11-2148 minOctothorpeOctothorpe122: Topical PumpkinJohn is on the periphery, Alison is carving, and Liz went to Japan. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: con artistry, privilege, racism Letters of comment Jake Casella Brookins Sankey diagrams on the Ancillary Review of Books Ali Baker Brooks I’m a Fan of That Christopher J Garcia Emily January Kat Kourbeti SH...2024-11-0759 minOctothorpeOctothorpe121: All About the VibesJohn, Alison and Liz read Grass by Sheri S Tepper. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Rape, consensual interspecies sex, murder, classism, plague/disease Adam Roberts’ review of Grass Credits Cover art: “Three Little Hippae” by Alison Scott Alt text: Three hippae stand on a landscape of alien grass and plants in blue, purple...2024-10-2442 minOctothorpeOctothorpe120: Activate LizJohn does a funny voice, Alison recoils, and Liz loves big stats and she cannot lie. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Death (chapter 5) Letters of comment Abigail Nussbaum Chris Garcia Alison closing a parenthesis Emily January España Sheriff Farah Mendlesohn Ivan Sinha Nicholas Whyte Upcoming eclipses Tammy Coxen 2024 Hugo Voting Statistics 2024 S...2024-10-1145 minOctothorpeOctothorpe119: Only One of Them Is My Bludgeoning Hand, JohnJohn is not assigning blame, Alison is someone, and Liz is bludgeoning. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky or on Instagram) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Sexual assault (Neil Gaiman allegations, at 39:28 to 42:02). Letters of comment Niall Harrison On our Hugo win/recusing Andy on Mastodon Chris Garcia Meg MacDonald Perianne Lurie Renay Sandra Bond’s poem On in...2024-09-261h 02OctothorpeOctothorpe118: Och Aye, Sci-FiJohn is savage, Alison hates paper, and Liz likes stationery. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: harsh criticism (Publications), racism (Picks) Glasgow wants your feedback on Facebook Worldcon photography Glasgow 2024 photographs on Flickr Andrew Hogg: Noted Fan Artist Andy Openshaw’s photo on BlueSky Halls 4 and 5 Staples WOOF In Memoriam Boris the Spider Jo...2024-09-121h 06OctothorpeOctothorpe117: You Made That Joke Last Time, JohnJohn liked the entertainment, Alison didn’t queue, and Liz wanted soup. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment Doug Faunt Renay We are recusing for at least the 2025 Hugos Renay is known for Lady Business and the Hugo Award Spreadsheet of Doom ULTIMAFAX on YouTube: “Allison [sic] looks exactly like...2024-08-2957 minOctothorpeOctothorpe116: I’m Not Absolutely Sure I VotedJohn, Alison and Liz have won Hugo Awards. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: It’s a live recording! Credits Cover art: “Octothorpe and Others” by Simon Bubb (CC BY-NC 2.0) Alt text: John, Liz and Alison (I know, listener, I know) are looking off to the right holding their Hugo Awards as people take p...2024-08-1649 minOctothorpeOctothorpe115: I Like the Way Glasgow Did ItJohn is a busy bee, something’s bugging Alison, and Liz meets a wasp. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Vote rigging and bureaucracy. Glasgow programme Saturday, 11:30: “Table talk: Octothorpe Podcast” Monday, 11:30: “Live Podcast: Octothorpe” John: Friday, 14:30: “Ahsoka: Fusing Clone Wars, Rebels and Heir to the Empire” Monday, 13:00: “Safety Tools for Tabletop Roleplaying Games” Alison...2024-08-011h 11OctothorpeOctothorpe114: Tastemaker BattyJohn, Alison, and Liz discuss what they’re voting for in the Hugo Awards. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Letters of comment Ali Baker Brooks Bridget Bradshaw Chris Garcia Colette Reap Duncan MacGregor Edward Morlund Farah Mendlesohn Mike Scott Raj Fantasy Book Swap Alison Scott, Marianne Dreams and Tamarind and the Star of...2024-07-181h 05OctothorpeOctothorpe113: I Realised Too Late What I Had DoneJohn is doing Discord, Liz is doing programme, and Alison isn’t working on the Worldcon. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment Karen Schaffer Peach and bourbon pie Chris Garcia Peter Sullivan Kat Kourbeti Facebook Farah Mendlesohn Mike Scott The Great Paladin Hunt by Mike Brunton Malcolm Hutchison Jonny Ba...2024-07-0453 minOctothorpeOctothorpe112: Ceilidhs I Have Been to Are Not, Generally Speaking, CompetitiveJohn was gaming, Alison was dancing, and Liz was batty. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, or tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Wealth privilege (chapter 3) Letters of comment Chris Garcia Curt Phillips Starter Villain review David Ian Salter Ersatz Culture Peter Sullivan Sandra Bond Levitation (Eastercon 2024) Post-convention report FunCon Alan Fleming’s report UK Games Expo Glasgow 2024 (Worldcon 2024) Site se...2024-06-2158 minOctothorpeOctothorpe111: Slightly Lower Tolerance for FeelingsJohn, Alison, and Liz read the 2024 Hugo Award finalists for Best Novel. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Rape and murder during a brief discussion of historically accurate piracy in Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, discussion of billionaires during Starter Villain John’s rankings: Some Desperate Glory Translation State Saint of Bright Doors Witch King Adventures of Amina al...2024-06-0659 minOctothorpeOctothorpe110: Tom Hanks Bloody Loves the MoonJohn is a professor, Alison doesn’t have a bucket list, and Liz is the country’s foremost fan historian. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: More wealth privilege (chapter 2) Letters of comment Bridget Bradshaw Christopher J Garcia Farah Mendlesohn Jonathan Cowie Jonny Baddeley Kin-Ming Looi Sandra Bond Tammy Coxen Awards Babel wins “Best Translated Work” at the 2024...2024-05-2459 minOctothorpeOctothorpe109: But Also a Worrying OneJohn is middle, Alison is even sadder, and Liz is sorry. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Discussion of access issues (chapter 2), wealth privilege (chapter 6) Letters of comment Abigail Nussbaum Ali Baker Brooks Andrew January The Eastercon members’ portal Caroline Mullan DC Farah Mendlesohn Critical Friends 8 Jacob Holder Mark Plummer Meg MacDonald Doc Weir award Dave Langford re...2024-05-091h 05OctothorpeOctothorpe108: Ramp is Not RampJohn is ignorant, Alison is first, and Liz is a trendsetter. An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID (chapter 8). Letters of comment Andy Openshaw Chris Garcia Maundy Thursday DC’s loc Meg MacDonald Nuala on Bluesky: sorry! Raj recommends pizza crunch Mono Raj on Mastodon Track Changes Eastercon 2024 Telford Telford International Centre KFC Catchup Members’ area Catchup will...2024-04-2659 minOctothorpeOctothorpe107: The Significance of the AcornJohn, Alison, and Nicholas are live from Levitation! A transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Thank you very much to our stunt Liz, Nicholas Whyte! Nicholas’ blog, From the Heart of Europe April Fool’s Day The rocket in all its glory! The Hugo Awards Hugo Award finalists The announcement video Thank you to everyone who nominated us! Cong...2024-04-1153 minOctothorpeOctothorpe106: Fitter Happier Healthier EasterconJohn used to be an undergraduate, Alison has been keeping a list, and can Liz be a stunt Liz? A transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Death (Deb Geisler, chapter 3) and gambling (Hugo Awards, chapter 7; Alison’s pick, chapter 8). Letters of comment Chris Garcia Mike Glyer Transcripts Bob Morrell Colin Murtagh We also heard from Jonny Baddeley, Alex Holden, Fa...2024-03-2846 minOctothorpeOctothorpe105: Scorching Hot Month-Old TakesJohn watches movies, Alison walks on the Moon, and Liz has special bonds. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Censorship, in the form of more Hugo Award controversy Letters of comment Ang Rosin Andy Openshaw Chris Garcia Zodiac Speaking ErsatzCulture and Raj España Sheriff Brighton 1987 Martin Easterbrook Tammy Coxen Sandra Bond Keep an eye out for Poetry Slum! Click here t...2024-03-1451 minOctothorpeOctothorpe104: Groundbreaking and GreatJohn, Alison and Liz discuss what SF they enjoyed from 2023. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Fanzine The Ancillary Review of Books IDEA Nerds of a Feather Fan Artist Alison Scott España Sheriff Fan Writer Camestros Felapton Paul Weimer Sandra Bond Fancast Going Rogue Game/Interactive Work Video games Baldur’s Gate 3 Chants of Sennaar Dredge The Legend of Zel...2024-02-2954 minOctothorpeOctothorpe103: Just This Guy, Y’know?John is a year behind, Alison is opening nominations, and Liz is Elizabeth (!). Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Israel/Palestine war (Montreal in 2027 segment), serial killers (John’s pick) Letters of comment Ali Baker Brooks Chris Garcia DC Kevin Anderson Mark Plummer Martin Easterbrook Mike Glyer Raj Alison’s fan art page BSFA longlist Fan funds TAFF Announcement Ballot EFF GUFF...2024-02-1552 minOctothorpeOctothorpe102: I Fully Comprehend the MysteriesJohn, Alison and Liz respond to a letter of comment from Tobes. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X, Mastodon or Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Chinese censorship (discussion of the Hugo Awards), Jim Crow Florida (Liz’s pick), general socioeconomic inequality (John’s pick) Glasgow 2024’s hotel bookings are open Letters of comment Alex Ingram Bill Higgins Chris Garcia Colin Murtagh Jersey Gryphon Karen Schaffer Raj Tobes Valois Hugo Awards controversy File 7...2024-02-011h 06OctothorpeOctothorpe101: John Has Developed Precognitive AbilitiesJohn is self-promoting, Alison ”doesn’t have COVID”, and Liz is distracting. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: large power and age differentials in sexual relationships (John’s pick) Letters of comment Chris Garcia Niall Harrison Adam Roberts on romantasy A website called “pudding.cool” Geri Sullivan Bridget Bradshaw TrishEM says congratulations Dave Mansfield Upcoming conventions which aren’t Worldcon Triple Time!, the 34t...2024-01-1852 minOctothorpeOctothorpe100: I Don’t Have Show Notes or AlcoholJohn, Alison and Liz receive a telegram. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment Chris Garcia Irwin Hirsh Raj on Mastodon (1, 2) Hugo voting stats Moon Knight Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey’s run Warren Ellis’ predatory behaviour Article at the time of the original story SoManyOfUs Article from the year after Jed MacKay and Alessandro Cappuccio’s run Moon K...2024-01-0443 minOctothorpeOctothorpe99: Keep Sending Ops Until They Fix ItJohn doesn’t study herpetology, Alison knows lots of words, and Liz goes first. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Games, SMOFs If I Ran the Zoo… Con PDF version Hard copy from NESFA Bidding Phase: 3401 Pre-Supporting Memberships by Leslie Turek 5501 Kill the Wabbit by Priscilla Olson, John Pomeranz, Leslie Turek, Mark Olson Planning Phase: 2201 The “Relationship” by Priscilla Olson, Mark Olson 5901 We’re in the Mon...2023-12-2156 minOctothorpeOctothorpe98: Finally, ManitobaJohn thinks it’s grandfathered in, Alison doesn’t think it’s SF, and Sandra is Liz. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment Chris Garcia Curt Phillips Where to buy Moon (USA, UK) If you know of websites that do this in other countries, let John know! Mark Plummer The full text of Mark Plummer’s and Leigh Ed...2023-12-0759 minOctothorpeOctothorpe97: The Future of LanguageJohn has played some games, Alison will play some games, and Liz is playing games RIGHT NOW Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: China, being burned alive, classism Letters of comment Chris Garcia España Sheriff Leigh Edmonds Lori Anderson Chengdu Chinese v foreign attendees An example We expect stats at the 90 day mark WSFS remote participation Current WSFS constitution and s...2023-11-2357 minOctothorpeOctothorpe96: A Less QR-Code-Using SocietyJohn didn’t, Alison would’ve done, and Liz tried. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: China Was Chengdu a shower? Nicholas Whyte signs autographs Chengdu Worldcon on YouTube WorldconEvents on YouTube Site selection meeting videos are going up here WSFS Business Meeting” group on Facebook File 770’s reporting on this year’s WSFS Picks John: Hallowe’en Alison: New Zealand Liz: Poker F...2023-11-0947 minOctothorpeOctothorpe95: Hugo, Girl!John is playing a game, Alison is in New Zealand, and Liz’s head is on fire. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Privilege (letters of comment), carbon emissions (GUFF), grant applications (picks) Letters of comment Dave Mansfield Esther MacCallum-Stewart Chris Garcia Abigail Nussbaum SJ Johnson Hugos Congratulations to Hugo, Girl! Thanks to Nicholas Whyte for Being our designated Hugo acceptor Li...2023-10-2757 minOctothorpeOctothorpe94: Satisfying MeatJohn is eating cinnamon rolls, Alison doesn’t think it’s funny, and Liz has two lists. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X, on Mastodon, or on Bluesky) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: colonialism (chapter 2), COVID (chapter 3), organised crime (chapter 5), privilege and capitalism (chapter 7). No letters of comment this week, normal service resumes next week! Books in the order they were discussed The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, by Silvia Moreno-Garcia The Kaiju Pres...2023-10-131h 13OctothorpeOctothorpe93: The Good Thing About the HugosJohn is husky, Alison is a dingo, and Liz is a ridgeback. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment Abigail Nussbaum Chris Garcia Ersatz Culture Chengdu is a shower Relevant Pixel Scrolls: Fanzine and Fan Writer added; videos of the construction Panoramic views of the convention site Arthur Liu’s post on Weibo Glasgow 2024 Glasgow 2024 Presents: The Media of Storytelling: Print v...2023-09-2842 minOctothorpeOctothorpe92: Shouting From Inside the RoomJohn went to Reno, Alison went to San Francisco, and Liz went to Chicago. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Murder and sexual violence (chapter 4) Letters of comment Chris Garcia Dave Mansfield Duncan MacGregor Ersatz Culture Irwin Hirsch Juan Sanmiguel Nick Hubble Peter Sullivan ConFrancisco Ansible 75 (October 1993) File 770’s Worldcon Wayback Machine: Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Chengdu is a shower The Hugo Voter Pa...2023-09-1747 minOctothorpeOctothorpe91: O— O— O—John is a journalist, Alison is fundraising, and Liz is approved. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment Abigail Nussbaum Ali Baker Brooks Chris Garcia David Curry Edward Morland Farah Mendlesohn Jonathan Baddeley Lori Anderson Not Laurie Anderson The Clarke Award Liz read them all! 🌟 Hugo Voter Packet Ersatz Culture’s report on what’s in the packet Site selection Voting has sta...2023-09-0154 minOctothorpeOctothorpe90: Resolutely Alison All the TimeJohn, Alison and Liz read Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Murder, death Other works we discussed: Station Eternity by Mur Lafferty Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee Rosewater by Tade Thompson This didn’t make the edit due to Liz’s audio being troublesome The 2018 Hugo Award ballot Credits Cover art: “Standard-Sized Cryochambers” by Alison Scott Alt text: Three cr...2023-08-1740 minOctothorpeOctothorpe89: The Winner Does Not Receive a PieJohn is sitting, Alison is watching, and Liz is typing. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, check out our subtitles/transcripts, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: AI (chapter 3), China (chapter 4), colonialism (chapter 5) Letters of comment Abigail Nussbaum Chris Garcia Duncan MacGregor Edward Morland Ersatz Culture Farah Mendlesohn Ash by Mary Gentle Raj Roman Orszanski Transcription We have uploaded transcripts and subtitles for Episodes 49, 62, and 72 as part of our Hugo Voter Packet submission What do...2023-08-0439 minOctothorpeOctothorpe88: Someone Somewhere Must Know What’s Going OnJohn is on brand, Alison wants to do Mark, and Liz had a few twinges. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID (chapter 2) Letters of comment Chris Garcia Duncan MacGregor Mark Plummer Niall Harrison Adam Roberts’ future books: The Death of Sir Martin Malprelate (2023) The Midas Rain (2023) Lake of Darkness (2024) Raj Various congratulations from our lovely lovely listeners Octothorpe COVID round-up Levitation are soliciting signups to their eventual COVID su...2023-07-2156 minOctothorpeOctothorpe87: We Didn’t Imagine the Third OptionJohn isn’t picky, Alison is in a field, and Liz is very hungry. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment Abigail Nussbaum Chris Garcia Karen Schaeffer Malcolm Hutchison Peter Sullivan Raj We might have Tweets of comment but who knows? Chengdu is a shower Moar Hugo award delays Now you see them, now you don’t This episode will go live when the Hugo finalists do ...2023-07-0649 minOctothorpeOctothorpe86: The Joy of HemispheresJohn can do one, Alison don’t like cricket, and Liz will never get to bed. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Poor working conditions (chapter 2), COVID (chapter 3) Letters of comment Abigail Nussbaum Chris Garcia Chengdu is a shower Hugo Award delay Venue under construction COVID Round-up New recommendation: 5 air changes per hour (ACH) The Lancet COVID-19 Commission Task Force on Safe Work, Safe School, and Safe Travel HSE ha...2023-06-2248 minThe EducAIte PodcastThe EducAIte PodcastEpisode #4: John Kelly, Founder, Colegio IkigaiJohn Kelly is the proud owner and general director of a boutique Kinder and Primary school in Mexico City, at the forefront of educational innovation. In addition to his role in the school, he also works as a Metaverse and VR consultant, collaborating with schools and educational companies worldwide. Colegio Ikigai has earned the distinction of being recognized as the first school in Mexico to embrace the Metaverse, and their teaching methodology draws inspiration from the Phenomenon Based Learning principles pioneered in Finland. Every day, John embarks on a passionate quest to explore new approaches to leadership, teaching, and...2023-06-111h 04OctothorpeOctothorpe85: Super Smart or Completely the OppositeJohn is at a convention, Alison is in a cottage, and Liz is not at a festival. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID (chapter 1) Letters of comment Tammy Coxen Alex Holden Dave Mansfield Chris Garcia Perrianne Lurie Abigail Nussbaum Chris Garcia Randy Smith Chris Garcia Cheese Satellite 8 Jim Shull Picks: John: All These Worlds: Reviews and Essays by Niall Harrison Alison: Shining Girls (Apple TV+) Liz: Striking Out ...2023-06-0851 minOctothorpeOctothorpe84: I Do Not Like to Be Delighted on Every PageJohn, Alison and Liz read A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Spoilers for the book Credits Cover art: “Little Baby Cheeses” by Alison Scott Alt text: Three cheeses sit on a shelf. The first cheese is thinking “FACE #1: CHEEZY GRIN”. The second is thinking “FACE #2: LONG SUFFERING ARTIST”. The third is thinking “FACE #3: FIVE EXPRESSIONS? YOU WERE LUCKY. YOU SHOULD TRY BEING CHEESE.” The w...2023-05-2532 minOctothorpeOctothorpe83: EfffffffffJohn would like more drawers, Alison uses the floor, and Liz is okay with shelves. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID (chapter 4) Letters of comment Chris Garcia España Sheriff Joe Manganiello’s D&D series Esther MacCallum-Stewart Farah Mendlesohn Fran Dowd James Shields Andrew January’s GitHub issue Jonny Baddeley Raj Chengdu is a shower Sunny spells this week Fan Funds TAFF: Congratulations to Sandra Bond, who will...2023-05-1153 minOctothorpeOctothorpe82: Metatextual DinosaursJohn, Alison and Liz talk about their Hugo Award nominations. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment will be coming next week! Giant Hugo spreadsheet Fancast Hugo, Girl! Fan Artist Iain J Clark España Sheriff Sue Mason Alison Scott Sara Felix Dramatic Presentation (Long Form): - The TV shows are in Episode 77’s show notes - Don’t Worry Darling - The Astral Pole - Every...2023-04-2758 minOctothorpeOctothorpe81: It Wasn’t an Interjection From the Room, It Was My FaceAlison, Liz, John and Alison are live from Conversation! Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID Eastercon 2025: Reconnect Funcon 1 Picks: John: Adrian Tchaikovsky Alison: Plague Liz: Nocebo (Netflix) Credits Cover art: “Conversation” by Sue Mason Alt text: The dragon and robot from Conversation’s logo, either side of a shield depicting two rockets with a moose head above it and a sleeping black cat below it. Text reads “Octothorpe 81: Live fro...2023-04-1337 minOctothorpeOctothorpe80: Four Constituent BlobsJohn is jetlagged, Alison is working, and Liz is under pressure. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Eating octopus (chapter 1), N*zism (chapter 8) Letters of comment Mark Plummer Nicholas Whyte Ian Hillman They Called Us Enemy (Forbidden Planet, Amazon) Gwen Frazer Briardene Books Karen Schaffer Chengdu is a shower Their website is back! Picks: John: Digger by Ursula Vernon (read online, Kickstarter) Alison: The Eastercon programme (not quite yet...2023-03-3044 minOctothorpeOctothorpe79: You Get to Be a Little CatJohn wants new gloves, Alison is foreshadowing, and Liz scrolls past spiders. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Spiders (chapter 6) Letters of comment Raj Bridget Bradshaw Chris Garcia Bigbug (Netflix) OSS 117 (Amazon) Brice de Nice (Hoopla) Lori Anderson Curt Phillips Chengdu is a shower (but not as bad as the BBC) They have opened Hugo nominations Conversions for Chinese language nominees: “A factor of 1.6 will be used when converting fr...2023-03-1637 minOctothorpeOctothorpe78: Sqrrl GrrlJohn is chuckling, Alison is conversing, and Liz is critical. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Immigration (chapter 2), COVID (chapter 3) Letters of comment Ang Rosin Dave Coxon Raj Chris Garcia Fempire by Honora Talbot Lost Beyond the Stars by Kayla Arend Bean Feasa by Daniel Butler AlieNation by Ray Raghavan I XXXX My Sex Doll by Fay Beck Chengdu is a shower PR1 The USA says “reconsider travel”, which is l...2023-03-0245 minOctothorpeOctothorpe77: Slightly Less Troglodyte-y Than YouJohn has trauma, Alison has poetry and Liz hasn’t got Paramount+. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on Mastodon) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment Raj on Mastodon Hugo, Girl! on Twitter Whisper.cpp Chris Garcia Chengdu is a shower Dave McCarty on Hugos Since we recorded, people are reporting seeing emails about Hugo voting – they seem to be landing in spam folders. John posted more info on Mastodon. Hugo handicapping The Hugo...2023-02-1751 minOctothorpeOctothorpe76: Does It Matter What We Think?John is watching movies, Alison is making games, and Liz isn’t picky. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on Twitter or on The Wandering Shop) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: China (chapter 2), death of a parent (chapter 4) Letters of comment Claire Brialey Tammy Coxen Chris Garcia Journey Planet on Chinese Science Fiction and Space Irwin Hirsh Chengdu is a shower Tip of the hat to File 770 for some sterling reporting on this Chengdu Worldcon changes dates, site Mockups ap...2023-02-0248 minOctothorpeOctothorpe75: Optimus Prime But for BooksJohn wants to play, Alison has met lots of authors, and Liz is a womble. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on wandering.shop) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Capitalism (chapter 3), China (chapter 4) Letters of comment Sandra Bond Lilian Edwards Chris “The Legend” Garcia Duncan MacGregor Dave Mansfield Curt Phillips Kevin Standlee Raj on Twitter Magazines The Locus fundraiser is well over target Amazon are stopping doing Kindle Periodical magazine subscriptions Interesting numbers on subscribers/supporters from Michael Damien Thom...2023-01-1953 minOctothorpeOctothorpe74: Great CthulhuJohn and Alison read a poem by Sandra Bond. Credits Cover art: The Great Cthulhu and John Coxon by Alison Scott Alt text: Liz and Alison (dressed in their Sunday best) take John (dressed in Star Wars cosplay but with short trousers) to see Cthulhu, depicted in a cage at the zoo. Theme music: “Fanfare for Space” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) 2023-01-0503 minOctothorpeOctothorpe73: A Magic Cave Full of GamesJohn is going to Sweden, Alison is going to Australia, and Liz isn’t moving back to Europe. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast (on wandering.shop) when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Capitalism (chapter 1) Letters of comment Phil Dyson Chris Garcia There Has Always Been Locus Perrianne Lurie Mike Scott Duncan MacGregor Raj on Twitter Graphs! European Fan Fund (EFF) European Fan Fund rules European Fan Fund announcement TAFF race in 2023 now open - GUFF stuff Smofcon goes to Pr...2022-12-2245 minOctothorpeOctothorpe72: I’m Not a Fan in the Way John IsJohn isn’t gambling, Alison isn’t reading, and Liz doesn’t care. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Capitalism (chapter 3) Letters of comment DC Mark Plummer Karen Schaffer Curt Phillips Christopher J Garcia Hugo, Girl! Duncan MacGregor Beneath Ceaseless Skies recuses from the Hugo Awards Locus is crowd funding Picks: John: Andor (Disney+) Alison: Andor (Disney+) Liz: Andor (Disney+) With a 70s-style intro sequence Credits Cover art: Ictithirpe by Alison Scott Alt text: The te...2022-12-0854 minOctothorpeOctothorpe71: Just Nearly Froze to DeathJohn is on the Holodeck, Alison is in the past, and Liz is at school. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID-19 (chapter 5) Letters of comment Chris Garcia Jonny Baddeley Farah Mendlesohn Peter Sullivan Raj Locus fundraiser Novacon Satellite 8 Picks: John: Star Wars Trek: The Next Generation Alison: Genre Fiction: The Roaring Years by Peter Nicholls Liz: The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik Credits Cover art: Cat Detectives by Alison Scott Alt text: John...2022-11-2441 minOctothorpeOctothorpe70: OhJohn is logging in, Alison is getting emails, and Liz is collecting Pokémon. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: War in Ukraine (chapter 5) Letters of comment Chris Garcia Esther MacCallum-Stewart Mark Plummer Nicholas Whyte Karen Schaffer Peter Sullivan Raj Arthur C Clarke Award winners First Nations Travel Fund World Fantasy Con will be in Birmingham in 2025 Chengdu Worldcon Picks: John: Moon Knight vol. 9 (Marvel Unlimited) and Werewolf By Night (Disney+) Alison: Swimming in t...2022-11-1044 minOctothorpeOctothorpe69: Hugo ThunderdomeJohn is Chris Garcia, Alison is Chris Garcia, and Liz is Chris Garcia. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Hugo statistics by Nicholas Whyte and Kat Jones E Pluribus Hugo It was up for reratification at Chicon 8 Nicholas Whyte wrote about EPH in 2015 Credits Cover art: What If…? by Alison Scott Alt text: Three figures with long brown hair and brown bears are central in the image. They look eerily like Chris Garcia. Th...2022-10-2751 minOctothorpeOctothorpe68: It Made John LaughJohn is clever, Alison has lost her composure, and Liz is confused by WSFS. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment Kev McVeigh (on Octothorpe 63) Burntcoat by Sarah Hall (epub, hardback, audiobook, Amazon) Congratulations to Raj for catching up! [Do not listen from the beginning – John] [It is also okay to skip episodes – Alison] Mark Plummer Chris Garcia Farah Mendlesohn British Fantasy Society Awards Maureen Kincaid Speller Tribute on Strange Horizons Glas...2022-10-1352 minOctothorpeOctothorpe67: Straight Back to Star WarsJohn has hairspray, Alison has a tiara, and Liz has a necklace. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Falling out of boats (chapter 8) Letters of comment Chris Garcia Facebook, Twitter, assorted other mentions Conventions Chicon 8 Dragon Con Pemmi-con Gen Con Chicago Morse Museum of American Art (not in Chicago) Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Art Institute of Chicago Hugo Award statistics Picks: Alison: Phantom Peak Liz: The Founders tr...2022-09-301h 11OctothorpeOctothorpe66: Thank You, StevenJohn is in the fanzine lounge, Alison is under a bison hat, and Liz is good, thank you. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None We talked to the following people! Fia Karlsson, TAFF delegate Lynelle Howell, Facilities Division Head for CoNZealand Chuck Serface, Hugo Award finalist for Journey Planet Ric Bretschneider, co-host of Fanboy Planet Perry Middlemiss, past Worldcon chair and co-host of Two Chairs Talking James Bacon, past Worldcon chair and Hugo...2022-09-1537 minOctothorpeOctothorpe65: Action Castle 2John is a computer; Alison and Liz are talking to him very slowly. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Buy the Parsely Games PDF Alison had an ear worm Credits Cover art: “Maps” by Alison Scott and Liz Batty Alt text: Two hand drawn maps of the world described by the game, in handwriting, one on an iPad and one on paper. They are atop a purple square which says “Octothorpe 65”. Theme music: “Fanfare for Space” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) 2022-09-0140 minOctothorpeOctothorpe64: Best Commemorative PlateJohn is crying, Alison is lounging, and Liz is crocheting. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: climate change, death, abuse (chapter 3) Letters of comment Ang Rosin Caroline Mullan Mark Plummer Galactic Journey Kev Smith’s TAFF report John’s TAFF report Bill Higgins Chris Garcia Raj Hotel eggs Our Hugo Award ballots The Brialey Competence Threshold The list of finalists (we’re not going to write them all out here!) Worldcon schedules The following are us...2022-08-1844 minOctothorpeOctothorpe63: Nonsense DivideJohn has a button, Alison has a venue, and Liz once saw a computer that had been in Chris’s car. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID (chapter 2), death at a young age (chapter 6). Letters of comment Chris Garcia Roman Orszanski Paul Weimer Bridget Bradshaw FantasyCon It was cancelled They had sold 200 memberships, but needed 400 and were £24k short It was uncancelled You can join the new iteration here Arthur C Clarke Awards The...2022-08-0443 minOctothorpeOctothorpe62: Do You Want to Talk About Lesbians?John has superpowers, Alison is an alien in a human suit, and Liz likes cats. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: being stranded in space (chapter 1); sexism (chapter 2); Hell and murder (chapter 5). No letters of comment this week, normal service resumes next week! Books in the order they were discussed Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir A Master of Djinn, by P. Djèlí Clark The Galaxy, and the Ground Within, by Becky Chambers Sh...2022-07-211h 26OctothorpeOctothorpe61: That Little Voice in Your HeadJohn has a hat on, Alison is taking the baton, and Liz twirls. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID-19 (chapter 2) Letters of comment Chris Garcia The Drink Tank Sci-Fi Short of the Week DUST Andrew January Roman Orszanski Duncan McGregor and cDave on Twitter Raj sent a nice message on Twitter as well Fran Dowd Celluloid Screams Fear2000 Sheffield DocFest The Festival of Fantastic Films Farah Mendlesohn Science Fiction Research Association Octothorpe COVID...2022-07-0746 minOctothorpeOctothorpe60: Different Types of TediumJohn is going to brunch, Alison watched a film, and Liz is critical. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment Kevin Standlee and Tammy Coxen Bridget Bradshaw Chris Garcia Unofficial Hugo Book Club on Twitter sent us a graph Catherine Crockett Transcripts on eFanzines Subtitles on Podbean - Jonathan Cowie asked “What special Hugo would we introduce if we were in charge at Glasgow?” Alison: Best Transcript Liz: Best Non-Fiction/Best Crit...2022-06-2347 minOctothorpeOctothorpe59: ChickensJohn is roast beef, Alison is pickled onion, and Liz is flamin’ hot. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID (chapter 3) Letters of comment Artwork: Dave Coxon Podcasts for tedium: Jonny Baddeley, Ali Baker Brooks, Virginia Preston Convention data: Chris Garcia, Lilian Edwards Worldcons: Malcolm Hutchison, Gillian Polack Picks: Raybearer is getting the Netflix treatment Abigail Nussbaum’s essay on Everything Everywhere All at Once Ali Baker Brooks: Athena Scalzi’s review of a Britis...2022-06-0946 minOctothorpeOctothorpe58: Oh No! Really? PancakesJohn has a paper cut, Alison feels seen, and Liz is cheating on her homework. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: racism and sexism (chapter 6) Letters of comment Phil Dyson Chris Garcia Bradley Harris “I listened to some of your Octothorpe podcast which was cool in general just because I like to hear the British styles of speech. Also I agree with John that Detroit-style pizza is very good. I too have some food re...2022-05-2659 minOctothorpeOctothorpe57: Back Bacon is BestJohn is a muppet bilby, Alison is actively drinking, and Liz MURDERS OWLS. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID (chapter 3), animal hunting (chapter 7) Letters of comment Malcolm Hutchison: ‘Listening to the sound John makes at start of this episode made me visualise John as a Muppet (in a good way)’ Chris Garcia Roman Orszanski Jersey Gryphon: ‘The Hello Internet podcast did a vinyl edition episode before jumping the shark and doing a 4–5 minute wax cyli...2022-05-1254 minOctothorpeOctothorpe56: Sorry, Am I Supposed to Be Recording ThisJohn, Alison, and Liz are live from Reclamation, the 2022 Eastercon! Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Conversation 2023 Levitation 2024 Nicholas Whyte’s blog, From the Heart of Europe No merchandise (yet) This Never Happened John’s Untappd check-in Taste of Mold Victoria Line moquette sofa Picks Liz: The Midnight Bargain by C. L. Polk (paperback, epub, audiobook, Amazon) John: A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger (hardback, epub, audiobook, Amazon) Credits Cover art...2022-04-2849 minOctothorpeOctothorpe55: Beatboxing ChampagneJohn is a Hugo Award finalist, Alison is a Hugo Award winner, and Liz’s mum got a folk award once. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: classism (chapter 2) Hugo Awards We are a finalist for Best Fancast We are SO EXCITED John and Alison are almost certainly going to Chicon 8 (Liz is a “maybe”) We will be thrilled to lose to any of the other finalists (especially Hugo, Girl!) Letters of comment: Ali Baker ...2022-04-1446 minOctothorpeOctothorpe54: Embrace the SweatJohn is dancing, Alison is listening, and Liz is Batman. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID (chapter 1), war and human rights (chapter 2) Letters of comment: Chris Garcia Everyone liked Sue’s art and everyone wants John to get better soon Liz saw a cat Jonny Baddeley is giving John his old Netrunner stuff Jonny Baddeley has questions about discos in COVID times Lori really liked Six Wakes and is going to try to co...2022-03-3151 minOctothorpeOctothorpe53: It Was John’s IdeaJohn has COVID, Alison wanted to do a podcast, and Liz had no better offers. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Find a text version of our answers to Cora’s questions here! Cover art: Sue Mason Theme music: Fanfare for Space by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) 2022-03-1713 minOctothorpeOctothorpe52: Who’s Robert Picardo?John, Alison and Liz have been nominated for a BSFA Award! (Also, Liz is on holiday, naturally.) Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: None Letters of comment Chris Garcia The Flying Fantastical Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore Peter Sullivan Chris for TAFF Kin-Ming Looi Duncan MacGregor Lori Anderson Hugo deadline is March 15th We recommended some things on Cora Buhlert’s blog Tears of the Anaren by C. W. Longbottom Eastercon: What do you wa...2022-03-0357 minOctothorpeOctothorpe51: Make TAFF a Four-Way TieJohn is a spoilsport, Alison is promoting and Liz might come to Eastercon. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID-19 (chapter 2), Spider-Man: No Way Home casting spoilers (chapter 6) Letters of comment Chris Garcia Ali Baker Mark Plummer TAFF ebooks Geri Sullivan TAFF administrators’ FAQ COVID-19 Reclamation are requiring vaccination for all attendees Hotel bookings are open, and the booking code has gone out to members Podcast corner: The Incomparable Gameshow The Incomparable #600 Become the Te...2022-02-1756 minOctothorpeOctothorpe50: This is How Boxing Championships WorkJohn is exchanging, Alison is rekindling her sensawunda, and Liz is watching the builders. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. We are fifty! That’s kind of unbelievable. Letters of comment Bill Burns Dave Coxon You can follow us on: BoardGameGeek (John, Alison) Goodreads (John, Alison, Liz) Letterboxd (John, Alison) Untappd (John, Alison, Liz) What’s our favourite beer style? Chris Garcia Peter Sullivan on Twitter Podcast corner: Liz has been listening to the Caribbean SF Podcast Brandon O’Brien Can Yo...2022-02-0359 minOctothorpeOctothorpe49: Not Sufficiently SassyJohn is demanding, Alison joined a Discord, and Liz knows a lot about the WSFS Constitution. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: Genocide and war (chapter 1), racism and capitalism (chapter 2), sexism (chapter 5) Letters of comment Liquid of comment from This Never Happens (Cornish branch) Jonathan Baddeley: “Tedious NPC” would make a great badge ribbon Ali Baker Dave Coxon Chris Garcia Kat Tanaka Okopnik says Nice is not bidding for 2026 Crying movies Fran Dowd: Platoon Farah...2022-01-2046 minOctothorpeOctothorpe48: The Things You Nominate Are All Extremely UnpopularJohn and Alison are watching cutting-edge TV, and Liz is hungry. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: genocide (chapter 2); war and defence contracting (chapter 4) Letters of comment Farah Mendlesohn asks “but what did you think of DisCon III?” Doug Faunt asks about the opening ceremony’s Christmas music Flick asks why we didn’t mention the Xinjiang region UK House of Commons motion Tahir Hamut Izgil writing at The Atlantic We’re sorry to Ira Alexan...2022-01-0646 minOctothorpeOctothorpe47: Authors Eating JohnJohn is sleepy, Alison is talking to Chinese fans, and Liz went to the Hugos. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID-19 (chapter 2); racism (chapter 3); foreign policy and sexism (chapter 4) Letters of comment Farah and Fran talking about masking at Novacon A big discussion about BSFA You can get by just NOT TELLING THE BSFA your address (DON’T TRY THAT WITH THE WORLDCON) Chris Garcia Site selection at DisCon III Chengdu in 2023 won Fi...2021-12-2348 minOctothorpeOctothorpe46: Is My Head Extremely Solid, Or WhatJohn is afraid, Alison is in Portugal, and Liz is an absolute unit. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID-19 (chapters 1 and 2, but particularly chapter 2) Thanks to Stow Shirts for sponsoring this week's episode! Use code OCTOTHORPE for a 10% discount. No letters of comment this week, we will do them next week! Smofcon Europe COVID round-up World Fantasy Convention The person who got COVID Tweeted Novacon Alan Bellingham Tony Cullen Dave Lally ...2021-12-0957 minOctothorpeOctothorpe45: A Fistful of DonglesJohn, Alison, and guest Marguerite Smith are live from Novacon 50! Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: women’s body shapes (we are very positive about all body shapes but we wanted to let y’all know we touch on it) Novacon Worldcon DisCon III Glasgow in 2024 Dublin in 2029 Picks John: Voting in the Hugo Awards because he’s insufferably smug about having done the reading Alison: Daangerous Visions: A Faanfiction Faanthology, 1939–2009 Marguerite: A book by Josep...2021-11-2551 minOctothorpeOctothorpe44: Quite a Lot of Big ButsJohn might hire a camper van, Alison might wee twice before bed, and Liz might not plot enough graphs. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID-19 (chapter 4), sexism (chapter 5) We’re doing Octothorpe Live at Novacon at 1pm on Sunday! Letters of comment Carved turnip Eastercon Reclamation has a hotel Tasha Suri is their new Guest of Honour Zen Cho has sadly had to step down Eastercon in a post-coronavirus world There was a th...2021-11-1159 minOctothorpeOctothorpe43: Clip That Out, JohnJohn is critically bereft, Alison made a mistake, and Liz is carving papayas. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID-19 (chapter 4) and problematic behaviour such as racism, sexism, and abuse (chapter 6). This episode is sponsored by Stow Shirts. Use promo code OCTOTHORPE for 10% off! We’re doing Octothorpe Live at Novacon at 1pm on Sunday! Letters of comment Facebook: Ali Baker, Dave Mansfield, Ang Rosin Bridget Bradshaw Chris Garcia Papaya carving COVID policy roundup Smofcon Eu...2021-10-2855 minOctothorpeOctothorpe42: I‘m Up for Running ControlconJohn used to have a different face, Alison is going to Smofcon, and Liz is in disguise. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID-19 discussion (chapter 2) We’re doing Octothorpe Live at Novacon on 1pm at Sunday! Letters of comment COVID: Jonathan Baddeley, Ali Baker, Bill Burns, Chris Garcia, Ang Rosin Dragonmeet’s COVID policy High-school movie round-up: people on Facebook, Bridget Bradshaw, Farah Mendlesohn Buffy the Vampire Slayer Election The Faculty Romy and Mich...2021-10-1456 minOctothorpeOctothorpe41: Leaves the Beans InJohn is going on holiday, Alison had a cold, and Liz is sleepy. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Letters of comment Bug Bradshaw Dave Coxon Fran Dowd (in the Octothorpe Facebook group) Chris Garcia Emily January Novacon has a COVID policy FantasyCon has two webpages FantasyCon 2021 on the FantasyCon 2022 website FantasyCon 2021 on the HWS events website (which has the programme with the karaoke on) Ignyte Award winners Picks John: Constelación #1 Liz: Nailed It! on Netflix Alison: Three Men i...2021-09-3041 minOctothorpeOctothorpe40: Very Exuberant and Very DangerousJohn is listening to podcasts, Alison is reading stories, and Liz is watching TV. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and use #OctothorpeCast or tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: COVID-19 discussion (chapters 3 and 7) Letters of comment Chris Garcia Roman Orszanski Heathers Mark Plummer Edge of the Earth Get your DisCon III virtual membership DisCon III was unopposed Convention COVID-19 policies John forgot to mention the NHS Covid Pass last week NHS page (for England and Wales) Scotland Northern Ireland Eastercon...2021-09-1650 minOctothorpeOctothorpe39: Bar CookiesJohn is at his usual podcasting setup, Alison is in a cauldron, and Liz is on Plague Island. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and use #OctothorpeCast or tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Content warnings this episode: death (chapter 3) and COVID-19 discussion (chapter 4). Coded messages appeared in This Here… #45 Letters of comment Ali Baker Alison appeared on episode 3 of Ali’s podcast Fran Dowd Chris Garcia (twice) American Vandal Brick Pat McMurray Caroline Mersey Recipe for fifteens Karen Schaffer Recipe for bar cookies Peter Sull...2021-09-0259 minOctothorpeOctothorpe38: How the Sausage is MadeJohn, Alison, and Liz are recording around a dining room table. Please email your letters of comment to octothorpecast@gmail.com and use #OctothorpeCast or tag @OctothorpeCast when you post about the show on social media. Letters of comment We didn’t discuss them again but we swear we will next week Apologies Sorry we don’t really have any topics Sorry for the bad sound quality Sorry for the interruptions Being in person Thank you very much to our hosts Steve and Giulia! We went to the Double-Barrelled taproom It does have a hyphen Alison and...2021-08-1922 min