Shows
The Skeptic ZoneThe Skeptic Zone #876 - 20.July.2025 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:02:16 Dr Eugenie Scott - Scopes Monkey Trial 100th Anniversary - #1 We chat to the one and only Dr Eugenie Scott who reflects on the 100 anniversary of the famous Scopes Monkey Trial. This is part one of a two part interview. The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, commonly known as the Scopes trial or Scopes Monkey Trial, was an American legal case from July 10 to July 21, 1925, in which a high school teacher, John T. Scopes, was accused of violating the Butler Act, a Tennessee state law which outlawed the teaching of...
2025-07-191h 03
Five and Nine: Tarot, Work and Economic Justice🌚 Retro: Magic in the Everyday, with Helen Shewolfe Tseng (2.02)This is Five and Nine, a podcast and newsletter at the crossroads of magic, work and economic justice. We’re in the midst of Season 5, on the theme of Generation, but we wanted to take a brief look back at Season 2 with a “retro” episode originally published September 2022.SummaryHow can everyday magic helps us navigate change?Five and Nine talks with artist, designer, and witch Helen Shewolfe Tseng. They share their work on growth spells, drawings made over an extended period of time for personal healing and transformation, and their Coyote Portals series...
2025-01-0429 min
Up Close with Carlos TsengDaniel Monks: Acting and Activism in London TheatreSend us a textAfter arriving onto the London theatre scene. Daniel Monks has established himself as one of the most exciting actors around. He is now currently back at the Donmar Warehouse in Benedict Andrews' adaptation of The Cherry Orchard. He was last seen on stage in Jamie Lloyd's acclaimed production of The Seagull where he played the iconic role of Konstantin opposite Emilia Clarke and Indira Varma. Now as Pyotr Trofimov, he is once again demonstrating his prowess as an actor to audiences, and it is likely we'll see more spellbinding performances from him in...
2024-06-0233 min
Up Close with Carlos TsengAnna Francolini: 30 Years in Show BusinessSend us a textSince her debut in Godspell on tour in 1994, Anna Francolini has cemented herself as one of the most respected actresses on the UK stage. In a remarkable career now spanning 3 decades, she has since earned a TMA Award for Best Actress for playing the title role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and worked on landmark productions of both plays and musicals. Some of her most notable credits include working on acclaimed productions of Stephen Sondheim's musicals such as Sam Mendes' Company, Michael Grandage's Merrily We Rolle Along, both at the Donmar...
2024-05-0525 min
Up Close with Carlos TsengJack Bardoe: His Breakthrough PerformancesSend us a textAfter starring in Translations and Othello at the National Theatre, Jack Bardoe is currently touring in Richard Eyre's acclaimed revival of A Voyage Round My Father. The production opened in Theatre Royal, Bath and is currently making its way around the UK, bringing John Mortimer's much loved piece to audiences throughout the country. In an exclusive interview, Jack Bardoe opens up about his experiences working with some of our most esteemed directors such as Sir Richard Eyre and Ian Rickson. After leaving RADA, Jack also been seen in shows such as...
2023-11-0627 min
Up Close with Carlos TsengCelinde Schoenmaker: Ten Years on the West EndSend us a textOver the last decade, Celinde Schoenmaker has cemented herself as the West End's favourite soprano taking on roles like Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, Fantine in Les Miserables and Franca in The Light in the Piazza. Now, Celinde is taking on the role of Sarah Brown in the Bridge Theatre's new immersive production of Guys & Dolls. Since the show premiered on Broadway, the show has experienced numerous revivals, a film adaptation and this latest production has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. Celinde will also soon be returning to...
2023-03-3118 min
Five and Nine: Tarot, Work and Economic Justice🌚 2.02. Magic in the Everyday, with Helen Shewolfe TsengThis is Five and Nine, a podcast and newsletter at the crossroads of magic, work and economic justice. Welcome to Season 2, Episode 2. We are now on Instagram! You can also find us on Apple, Spotify and Google. Enjoying the show? Consider buying us a virtual cup of coffee. Subscribe now for just $6 per month. This podcast is always free, but paid subscribers will get access to special content, including how-to's, journaling exercises, tarot suggestions and more.SummaryHow can everyday magic helps us navigate change? Five and Nine talks with artist...
2022-09-2229 min
Up Close with Carlos TsengAimie Atkinson & Rachael Wooding: Leading Ladies of 'Pretty Woman'Send us a textOne of the biggest hits on London's West End is Jim Vallance and Bryan Adams' adaptation of 'Pretty Woman', currently running at the Savoy Theatre. We were very fortunate to be joined by two of the show's stars: Aimie Atkinson who plays Vivian Ward and Rachael Wooding who plays Kit De Luca. The musical is based on the 1990 Gary Marshall film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Prior to starring in the show, Aimie and Rachael had already experienced great success in other popular West End shows. It has been a great delight...
2022-03-1325 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 92: Who's harder to control, a runaway rhino or a pillaging army?The epic conclusion of Wukong's war with the sacrifice-demanding, oil-stealing, Buddha-impersonating rhino fiends. Dragon kings, divine forces, and all the brothers get in on the action. But after they've won, can the victors control their forces? Perhaps the most realistic portrayal of cosmic war yet, this week!
2021-07-0234 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 91: The lantern festival with the three oily Buddhas.This week the crew attend an annual lantern festival that's so expensive that the townsfolk must starve to afford it. We wonder about what happens to old religious traditions and whether they ever really go away.
2021-06-2557 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 90: Did somebody lose a nine-headed lion?The exciting conclusion to Monkey and friends' fight with the lion kingdom! What started as a dispute over some stolen weapons has turned into an all-out war as the Yellow Lion gets his grandpappy, nine-headed lion and self-proclaimed, "Nine-fold Numina Primal Sage" involved. Will Tripitaka survive being a POW? And where did this lion come from? Find out this week!
2021-06-1851 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 89: The yellow lion-spirit in vain gives the Muckrake Feast; Gold, Wood, and Earth disturb with a scheme Mount Leopard’s-Head.Wukong, Eight Rules, and Sha Monk discover the stealer of their weapons is none other than the Yellow Lion spirit! Are there other kinds of lions? Apparently so! When the smoke clears, the thief escapes, and returns with more felines than the cast of Cats!
2021-06-1136 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 88: Wanna be my disciple? Here, hold my weapon!Wukong and the gang show their martial magic to three princely challengers who immediately ask to become their disciples. Crisis averted, right? But just because they didn't use violence, doesn't mean they're free from bad karma. More this week!
2021-06-041h 07
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 87: This one's for all the bureaucracy-lovers out there!Having finally arrived in India, the pilgrims must make it rain, literally. After a fight with his wife, the local prefect knocked over some sacrificial offerings and fed them to his dogs. It hasn't rained ever since. Can Wukong navigate heaven's various departments and proper protocols or will everybody starve? Find out this week!
2021-05-2156 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 86: Monkey King Sun Wukong, Head InspectorThe evil Great King of South Mountain is prepping Tripitaka for dinner and he's got a plan to get rid of the elder's disciples: convince them that he's already eaten the Tang Monk! Can the Great King outwit the Monkey King? Find out this week!
2021-05-1451 min
First Impressions: Thinking Aloud About FilmHou Hsiao-hsien 4 - The Sandwich Man 1983https://notesonfilm1.com/2021/05/07/thinking-aloud-about-film-hou-hsiao-hsien-4-the-sandwich-man-1983/
A discussion of The Sandwich Man, an omnibus film with episodes from Hou Hsiao-hsien, Wan Jeng, Tseng Shuan-hsiang, that is said to have helped launch New Taiwanese Cinema. We talk about the three different episodes, how so many New Waves incorporated omnibus or portmanteau films as a form of self advertisement, the relationship to The Bicycle Thief, the way it allegorises and comments on conflicts and changes in Taiwanese cinema and society....and much more.
2021-05-0733 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 85: That time the Monkey King "helped" his brother by almost getting him killed.This week, we find out what happens when you shave the heads of everyone in a kingdom that's vowed to kill monks, Wukong decides to fight fair by tricking Wuneng into doing it for him, and Tripitaka meets a fellow menu item in the demon's lair. Don't miss it!
2021-05-0759 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 84: “Priests are hard to destroy” completes great awakening; The Dharma-king attains the right, his body’s naturalized.Our pilgrims find themselves outside a kingdom that's vowed to kill 10,000 monks and just needs 4 more to complete the mission. Monkey steals some merchants' clothes and even convinces the innkeeper's wife to let them sleep in their wardrobe. Just then, bandits! How much worse can the monks' luck get? Find out this week!
2021-04-3054 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 83: She tried to take my master's virginity, so Monkey is suing her father!The Fair Girl steals Tripitaka and tries to marry him, again! Monkey's had enough so he takes the Fair Dad, Devaraja Li, to court. The father's response? "I am NOT the father, now die!" Somebody's lying, but who? Find out this week!
2021-04-2358 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 82: The fair girl seeks the yang; Primal spirit guards the Way.Tripitaka's getting married! Or, at least he would be if the Fair Girl had her way. This week's over-sexed fiend seeks to take the Tang Monk's virginity, and it's up to Monkey to, ah, explore her bottomless cave and sneak his fruit into her garden. Another innuendo-and-action-packed episode that you won't wanna miss!
2021-04-1638 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 81: At Sea-Pacifying Monastery Mind Monkey knows the fiend; In the black pine forest three pupils search for their master.What did Tripitaka think would happen when he brings a gorgeous demoness into a monastery? After six young monks are found "bone-dry", Monkey pulls a bait and switch. The fiend grabs hold of more than she bargained for this week!
2021-04-0950 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 80: When damsels become demons: save them anyway?Tripitaka's got a bad feeling about the dense pine forest they're stuck in. But when they find a beautiful maiden tied to a tree, it's Monkey who calls for caution. Will they save the damsel, even though she's a demoness? Tune in to find out!
2021-04-0256 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 79: Searching the cave for the fiend he meets Long Life; The proper lord of the court sees the babies.When a befuddled king under the influence of an evil Daoist asks to devour your heart, who are the pilgrims to say no? Monkey's only got one question: which one? Two can play at the magical deception game, but when the dust settles only one will be left standing!
2021-03-261h 02
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 78: Child sacrifices, honeypots, and shadowy demonic conspiracies... what's QAnon doing in my Monkey story?This week's chapter has all the elements of a cracking Monkey King caper, folks! A kingdom just like China but for this VERY WRONG THING they do, a heretical Daoist who may be a demon, monkey magic, and Tripitaka scared out of his wits. Plus, we discuss Ken Wilber's take on Jesus and Buddha. Don't miss it!
2021-03-1950 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 77: Everything Goes With Vinegar and Minced Garlic!The exciting conclusion to our arc sees the three demon brothers try to steam our poor monks, Dim Sum style. Wukong falls for a fiendish prank, and Gautama Buddha himself makes an appearance!
2021-03-1254 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 76: Never cut a deal with three demon brothersWhen Sun Wukong the Monkey King makes the eldest brother promise to give the pilgrims safe passage to the west, his fiendish elephant brother kidnaps Eight Rules. And he's not even the worst brother. Ever heard a monkey poke an elephant in the nostrils? You will this week!
2021-03-0533 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 75: Monkey King Tastes Like a Real Bad TimeWukong gets devoured by a demon, drinks too much, does calisthenics from inside his foe, and considers making chop suey out of demon guts. So, a typical Friday night for ol' Monkey that you won't find in any of his videogames.
2021-02-2657 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 74: Sympathy for the Little DevilsPilgrim develops a conscience! After clubbing some fiends to death, he takes a less-violent path and convinces the next bunch of fiends to desert rather than suffer death by golden-staff. Sign of compassion or strategy of war? You decide this week!
2021-02-1952 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 73: Monkey gets the thousand-eyed stare!Just when the party thinks they've seen the last of the 7 Spider Women, they arrive at a Daoist Abbey and discover that their host is none other than a fellow student of the dark arts! A real villain, he serves them poisoned tea and even manages to ensnare Wukong with his powerful magic! How will they overcome this thousand-eyed fiend? Find out this week!
2021-02-1249 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 72: Wuneng Goes Swimming with the Spider-WomenWhen Tripitaka tells his disciples to hang back so he can beg for a meal from some seemingly harmless young maidens, he gets a harrowing reminder of why he was given guardian women. Also, would you rather shoot webs from your wrist or your navel?
2021-02-0537 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 71: Teaching An Old Wolf New Tricks with the Ol' SwitcherooWhy are wolves always horny no matter which culture they appear in? How is Monkey gonna wangle his bells this time? The answers and more this week. Plus, special guest and divine goddess Guan Yin returns!
2021-01-2959 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 70: The Evil King Gets His Bell RungHaving cured the king, Wukong and pals must heal the kingdom. The Monkey King once more drops his doctor's coat and picks up the golden staff to rescue the king's kidnapped wives. But ancient definitions of heroism maybe a little less... heroic for modern tastes!
2021-01-2242 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 69: Paging Dr. Monkey, Your Horse Piss is Ready!Wukong's got just the cure for our ailing king, and it involves every type of medicine in the city, the ashes below an old cooking pot, and their long-suffering horse... will he cure or kill? Tune in to find out!
2021-01-1557 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 68: Sympathy for the EunuchsThis week Pilgrim and Wuneng are called upon to heal the emperor. Also, we defend the much-maligned eunuch, a class of people who are no longer around to speak for themselves!
2021-01-081h 08
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 67: Don't let your persimmons become pythons!It's a slimy, smelly episode as Tripitaka's disciples arrive at a valley filled with rotten persimmons. Worse yet, an evil wind sweeps through the village, swallowing livestock and villagers whole! Everyone's scared, but not Wukong, as he and Wuneng get ready for a deep clean.
2021-01-0148 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 66: A belly like Santa's and a mission like Jesus', it's the Buddhist Messiah!While we celebrate a certain Christian savior's birthday, Wukong gets a little help from Budai, aka Maitreya Buddha, the prophesied future redeemer of humanity who may have already come before. Turns out he's an even bigger prankster than Monkey!
2020-12-2556 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 65: The False Buddha with the Thunderclap Trap!Tripitaka's sworn to visit every monastery he passes on his way to the west, even the one that Sun Wukong is convinced is a demonic snare. What's a monkey guardian to do? Find out this week!
2020-12-1850 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 64: Crafting Knotty Poetry at the Tea PartyTripitaka gets whisked away to a poetry jam with some dirty old geezers by moonlight. While Monkey and his disciples search for him through the brambles, an evil temptress and her maidens arrive to tempt the poor monk. Will they find him in time to save his virtue? Find out this week!
2020-12-1158 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 63: Never Let Your Daughter Marry an InsectThe conclusion to the mystery of who robbed the Golden Light Monastery of its relics! Not only do Monkey and pals take on the thief, but an entire family of dragons in their lair too. Will they emerge as dragonslayers or dragon-slain? Find out this week!
2020-12-0452 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 62: The Life-Changing Magic of Pagoda SweepingMonkey and friends arrive at a kingdom where all the Buddhist monks are being punished for a crime they didn't commit! Somebody stole the land's big holy attraction and with it the respect of its neighbors. Will they find the true culprit? Find out this week!
2020-11-2741 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 61: Taking the Bull By the FanIt's the epic conclusion to the Bull Demon King saga! Will Monkey and friends finally extinguish the flames that block their path? And what will become of the Bull Demon King's marriage? The answer to this and more this week!
2020-11-201h 12
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 60: That Crab Stole My Ride!Monkey finally catches up with his old blood brother, the Bull Demon King! But a lot's happened between them in the 500 years since they last saw each other. Can they patch things up and can Wukong borrow his wife's fan? Find out this week!
2020-11-1354 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 59: You Look Like You Swallowed A Monkey King!This week, everyone's favorite Buddhists find their path blocked by a flaming mountain. The only way to put out the fire is with a legendary Palm Leaf fan that just so happens to belong to Princess Iron Fan, wife of Wukong's estranged blood brother, the Bull Demon King! What's the Monkey King to do? Find out this week!
2020-11-0633 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastCan Buddha Cure Multiple Monkey Disorder?The world reels as two identical Monkey Kings fight for dominance, and no Bodhisattva, Heavenly Emperor, or minion of hell can tell them apart! Can Buddha solve this dual-kong conundrum? Find out this week!
2020-10-3053 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastWujing and the Tale of Two Monkey Kings!With Sun Wukong banished, we briefly consider what the tale would be like had Wujing, the most sensible of Tripitaka's disciples, been the one to lead the party west. But we can't ruminate for long as it appears that another Monkey King has taken the first one's place! Monkey hijinks ensue this week!
2020-10-2344 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 56: The Monkey's Business Goes Too FarMonkey's always been great at turning demons into meat patties, but when he starts braining bandits, Tripataka is absolutely horrified. Is Sun Wukong beyond redemption or is Tripitaka too much of an idealist? Find out this week!
2020-10-1639 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapters 54 - 55 with Katherine Alexander: Woman's World--Tripitaka accepts a queen's proposal, Pilgrim is poisoned!This week we are joined by Katherine Alexander, Assistant Professor of Chinese at University of Colorado, Boulder for a fresh take on the book's infamous kingdom of women. Why does Tripitaka abandon a queen at the altar? Who poisoned Sun Wukong? Find out this week!
2020-10-021h 17
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 53: The Baby-Making River and Tripitaka's TrimestersThere really is something in the water of the Women State of Western Liang and nobody bothered to tell our poor pilgrims! After quenching their thirsts, Wuneng and Tripitaka find themselves pregnant. Will Sun Wukong and Sha Monk find a cure, or will the party be joined by a piglet and monk baby (monklet?) Find out this week!
2020-09-2547 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastHow the Buffalo Got Its Nose Ring & Why You Should Lock Away Your Medicine!The exciting conclusion to the Buffalo Demon saga this week as Monkey and the hosts of heaven finally figure out the origin story of the evil king who's been preparing Tripitaka and the other disciples for his next meal!
2020-09-1838 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 51: Meet Behind Gold Helmet Cave for Schoolyard Fisticuffs!With his golden rod gone, Wukong the Monkey King tries everything to get his master back, including challenging the Water Buffalo Demon to an old-fashioned boxing match. Don't miss the fight of the 15th century in this week's episode!
2020-09-1144 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 50: Breaking and Entering a Haunted House for a SnackWhen the gang comes upon an impossible mountain, Pilgrim has Tripitaka stand inside a magic circle while he goes begging for food. But the master is hungry and there's al mansion up ahead! Is it really a house, or a snare for humans? Find out this week!
2020-09-0439 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastWater Wars with the Great King and The Origin of the Fish Basket Guanyin!This week's chapter is an undersea extravaganza as Wukong, Wuneng, and Wujing all descend into the depths to battle the Great King in his "Sea Turtle House". Why is it called the Sea Turtle House? And Why is Guanyin weaving a fish basket while barely clothed? All will be revealed!
2020-08-2846 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastSpecial Guest: John Zu of the Chinese Lore Podcasts!This week, fellow lover of Chinese classics, and storyteller extraordinaire, John Zhu, shares his experience with our favorite pilgrims and helps shed some light on the world's most epic road trip. Subscribe and listen to John Zhu's expert retellings of Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin: Outlaws of the Marsh at ChineseLore.com!
2020-08-211h 06
Journey to the West: The PodcastJourney to the West... On Ice!This week sees Monkey and his brother try the old, "change into someone the evil guy wants" trap, but before they can settle business, the villain escapes! That's when strange things start happening, like a river freezing over in summer. Is this a Medieval Ice Age or the "Great King" monster's doing? Find out this week!
2020-08-1445 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 47: Monkey and Pigsy on the Kids' MenuMonkey and pals come across a village whose monstrous "Great King" demands child sacrifices! Good thing Wukong and Wuneng know some transformations and can take the kids' place... except Wuneng's been eating too much and can't hide his belly. What will they do? Find out this week!
2020-08-0754 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 46: Meditation Death Match!Proof that the evil immortals of Cart Slow Kingdom aren't true Daoists? They just won't let a loss go. This week Tripitaka must meditate to the death, and go head to head in a guessing game that's anything but fun. Meanwhile, Pilgrim loses his head, gazes behind his navel, and takes a deep-fried bath. Don't miss it!
2020-07-3151 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 45: Tripitaka making it rain OR "With a little help from my dragons"After a piss-poor first encounter with the Buddhist-enslaving evil Daoist Immortals, Tripitaka is commanded by the king of Cart Slow Kingdom to a weather-summoning showdown! Will the monk's sutras succeed where the Buddhists before him have failed? Tune in to find out!
2020-07-2451 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 44: Sending Darned Daoists to the Bureau of Five Grain TransmigrationWhat's the Ancient Chinese Buddhist's vision of a dystopian world? One where the Daoists have taken over! Tripitaka's party encounter just that this week when they come across a kingdom where all Buddhists are Daoist slaves! How did this happen? What's Monkey going to do about it? Find out this week!
2020-07-171h 05
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 43: Black River Blues, an iguana plans a birthday party fit for a dragon kingThis week an iguana plans a birthday party for a dragon king, why you shouldn't stay for dinner if your host is a demon, and whatever happened to the Red Boy. Plus we get to meet a dragon prince! Don't miss this week's action-packed one-off!
2020-07-1044 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 42: Thou Shalt Not Have False Guanyins Before Her!This week Wukong finally gets through to Guanyin and we're all set for the match of the 15th century between the Bodhisattva and the Red Boy. How does a pacifist beat a fire-breathing, spear wielder? Find out this week with Richard & James!
2020-07-0346 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 41: Goodness Gracious, Great Boy of Fire!Invincible warrior with no respect for authority and a rebel attitude... sound familiar? This week the battle with the Red Boy continues and Monkey calls on an old friend from the Eastern depths. But will it be enough to douse the Samadhi fires that spew from Red Boy's mouth? Find out this week!
2020-06-261h 02
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 40: Son of a Bull Demon King!Spooky sightings abound this week as the gang encounter a strange red light floating through the air and a naked boy hanging upside down from a tree! Turns out he's the son of Monkey's blood brother the Bull Demon King. Is his nephew nice or naughty? Tune in to find out!
2020-06-1952 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastMonkey King: Hero is Back with Special Guest: Jim McClanahanJourney to the West Research blogger Jim McClanahan returns this week to provide commentary for the 2015 animated film, "Monkey King: Hero is Back". With gorgeously drawn characters and breathtaking backdrops, the film's production values are on par with Pixar. But does it actually tell the story of Journey to the West? Queue up your Amazon Prime, grab some popcorn, and find out!
2020-06-121h 54
Journey to the West: The PodcastThe Lion, The Monk, and The SorcerorWukong uses some tricky negotiation tactics to get the Golden Elixir from Lao Tzu and bring the dead king back. But the Taoist imposter has a trick that will have him seeing double! Then, Richard and James go deep on the role of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism in Chinese society, and speculate on the nature of "jin". It's a weird one!
2020-06-0554 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastMom, I Think Dad Might Be An Evil Daoist In Disguise!This week the prince learns more than anybody wants to know about their parents, and uncovers the truth that his father has been replaced! How will he unmask the impostor? As usual, Monkey has an idea, and his pig brother ain't gonna like it. Hog hijinks ensue this week!
2020-05-2947 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastFrom Rain Maker to King Replacer: A Taoist Wreaks Havoc in Black Rooster KingdomTripitaka gets a special visit from the dead king of Black Rooster Kingdom and is tasked with unmasking his murderous usurper--a treacherous Taoist with the power to change the weather! Good thing Wukong has a plan... that somehow involves him getting into a tiny box and insulting the prince. On second thought, maybe don't do everything monkey say. Hijinks ensue this week with Richard and James!
2020-05-2248 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 36: How Do Monks Ask to Spend the Night?This week finds Tripitaka a little low in spirits when he finds out how far they still have to go. Coming upon a monastery, the monk and the monkey must contend with the question of how to get a good night's sleep: Trip wants to ask nicely, while Wukong... well you know how royal simians are. Don't miss the monkey madness!
2020-05-1546 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 35: Lao Tzu's BoyZIt's the exciting conclusion to the Golden Horn, Silver Horn saga! What exactly are all five of their treasures and how will monkey fare against their mysterious power? And just who are these two horny demons and their demon family anyway? All will be revealed so don't miss a moment with Richard & James!
2020-05-081h 01
Journey to the West: The PodcastSpecial Guest: Scott Park Phillips, Master Martial Artist and Dancer!This week we rest our weary cloud-trodding feet and take a deep dive with Scott Park Phillips into the Tao of Journey to the West. Learn how classic Chinese stories were used in theatre, war, and religious rituals. Uncover some of the martial arts' greatest secrets. If you thought you understood the Monkey King and his travel buddies, think again! Be sure to check out Scott's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NorthStarMartialArtsUSA Find out more about the common origins of Chinese martial arts, religion and theatre in Scott's book, Tai Chi, Baguazhang and...
2020-05-011h 15
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 34: The Amazing Great Sage, Escape Artist!It's a series of escapes and recaptures this week as the party's only hope, Sun Wukong, takes on Golden Horn, Silver Horn, their mother, and their whole fiendish army. How will our Monkey King fair against the horned brothers and their miraculous weapons? Find out this week!
2020-04-2434 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 33: Monkey ShruggedJust when Sun Wukong the monkey mind thought he had things under control, Tripitaka and Wujin get kidnapped, and he ends himself under a mountain range again! What could this all mean? This week we deep-dive into some potential metaphysical explanations for who Golden Horn and Silver Horn are and more. Don't miss it!
2020-04-1749 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 32: What the Pig SawLast time Tripitaka banished his monkey disciple. Now, with demons over yonder hill, he's put all his trust in Sun Wukong to get them through. But is this any wiser than banishing him? Now he's got Zhu Eight Rules doing all the dirty work, and the pig is not amused. Plus, who are these mysterious demons Gold Horn and Silver Horn and why are they hungering for Tang Monk meat? Find out this week with Richard & James!
2020-04-1039 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 31: The Prodigal Monkey Returns!How does a lazy pig convince a Monkey King to give up his kingdom once more to take up a life of austerity and don the monkly robe? With as little effort as possible! And how does a professional monster-catcher exercise his craft while saving his master? Find out in this week's epic conclusion to the Yellow Robe arc!
2020-04-0344 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 30: Yellow Robe, Handsome Devil!This week, the Yellow Robe gets his revenge! We've seen what a clever monkey with transformative powers can do, now just imagine what horrors a gentleman monster might commit! Heads won't roll, but they will get munched. Don't miss this week's exciting episode!
2020-03-2746 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 29: Pride Cometh Before the Porker or Tripitaka the UPS Monk!Tripitaka is freed by the Yellow Robe demon's wife, the princess of Precious Image Kingdom, and given a letter to deliver to her father. Just when you think the three pilgrims are in the clear, the letter leads to a challenge! Are they up for it? Zhu Eight Rules thinks so, but Sha Monk begs to differ. Find out who's right this week!
2020-03-2047 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 28: Monkey King for PETA President, Tripitaka for DinnerThis week, we catch up with our band of monks and one ex-monk equal to heaven after Wukong's banishment by his master. If you thought human-eating monsters were cruel, you won't want to know what the humans have been doing to his poor monkey subjects! Also, Zhu Wuneng learns how hard it is to do his elder brother's work, Tripitaka gets captured by yet another hungry demon and even Sha monk gets some page-time. Don't miss it!
2020-03-1351 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastLady White Bone The Cadaver Demon or What do Wukong and Cthulu Have in Common?Every one of our travelers seems grouchy this week as we meet the deviously horrifying Cadaver Demon, 白骨精. But what really sent chills down our spine is how Monkey is able to see through her tricks because 'game recognize game'. Seems the immortal trickster ape's done way worse than stealing fruit and fighting gods! Things get horrifyingly Lovecraftian this week, and you don't wanna miss it!
2020-03-061h 01
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 26: Monkey's Quest and Guan Yin's Green ThumbJust when you think all hope is lost, Sun Wukong hatches a plan to revive the tree he knocked over in exchange for their freedom. But if none of his friends from his Great Sage days know of a cure, then it'll be less a plan and more of a stay of execution! Find out if Monkey's magical buddies have an answer this week.
2020-02-2845 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 25: Punish The Pilgrims!Old Monkey just couldn't leave that ginseng fruit tree alone, and now they're going to get it! Luckily, the Zhengyuan Immortal is a lenient guy. Problem is, his most lenient punishments are still too brutal for any mortal to survive! What will our heroes do? Tune in to find out!
2020-02-1440 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 24: Fraudulent Fruit - Pigsy Learns a Lesson, and Monkey Forgets OneThis week, Tripitaka gets a gift from a friend from a past life in the form of the ultimate super fruit. One sniff and you'll live hundreds of years. One bite and you'll live thousands! But what the Great Zhengyuan Immortal doesn't know, is that the Tang Monk's disciple is none other than the universe's most notorious fruit thief, Sun Wukong! Has the former Peach Pilferer truly reformed? Find out this exciting episode!
2020-02-0738 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 23: Pigsy's Choice, or, a Most Indecent ProposalLast week, Eight Rules got the glory as he dealt with the Yellow Sand River demon and even helped convert him into one of master Tripitaka's disciples. This week, Eight Rules faces his toughest challenge as one rich milf widow and her three hot daughters offer their hands in marriage. Will the monks give up their pilgrimage and settle down? Find out this week with Richard and James!
2020-01-311h 06
Journey to the West: The PodcastMoksa's Back! OR How Much Damage Can One Pig Do?This week is really Zhu Eight Rules' time to shine! The piggish younger brother gets his fill of fighting against a man-eating water monster while Sun Wukong is left to guard the baggage. But when the two fail to capture the monster in whom lies the key to Tripitaka's passage across the Yellow Sand River, a familiar face must intervene. Will Tripitaka get to continue his journey? Find out this week with Richard and James!
2020-01-2439 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 21: I'll huff, and I'll puff, and I'll blow your eyes out!Pilgrim and his pig brother, "Zhu Eight Rules", face off against some world-shatteringly bad breath! Not only is the Yellow Wind monster the Monkey King's equal in combat, but he can blow a wind that almost splits the universe apart, and causes Wukong's eyes to water non-stop! Will Tripitaka's two disciples ever get him back, or will the Tang monk become a Tang-talizing main course for Yellow Wind? Find out this week!
2020-01-1758 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 20: The Ol' Cicada Casting Its Shell Trick!This week we meet an old man who thought he'd seen it all. Then the Tang emperor's top monk shows up for dinner with a talking monkey and a hungry pig monster! Then Tripitaka gets kidnapped by a demon in tiger's clothing and some real gory hijinks ensue! Don't miss the bloody mess that is Chapter 21 with Richard and James!
2020-01-101h 01
Journey to the West: The PodcastA New Word For Pig Monster and A Power Up for TripatakaThis week we get the exciting conclusion to Sun Wukong's fight with Zhu the pig monster and the Gao family's ordeal. In the process, Zhu gets a new name, Tripitaka gains a new disciple, and we all learn the Heart Sutra to level up in our journey. It's an essential episode that's not to be missed!
2019-12-261h 02
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 18: Help! My Daughter Married a Pig!Who do you call when your son-in-law turns out to be a literal pig, a divorce attorney or an exterminator? That's the dilemma facing old man Gao when Wukong and his master, Tripitaka, come across their village. What follows is like Little Red Riding Hood in reverse as Monkey not only rescues Gao's daughter but pranks her monstrous husband by taking on her appearance. It's an UN-romantic comedy you won't want to miss!
2019-12-2049 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 17: Mercy Monkey Team Up Time!If this week's chapter was a Marvel comic, it would be a top-seller and totally worthy of being part 2. With the cassock gone and Monkey King unable to overcome the bear monster who took it with brute force alone, he gets help from the Bodhisattva of Mercy, Guanyin! But not before she drops some pearls of wisdom that makes Wukong see himself in a different light. Tune in this week for an eye-opening episode with Richard and James!
2019-12-131h 02
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 16: The Case of the Stolen Cassock!This week, the monk Tripitaka and his disciple, the Monkey King Sun Pilgrim, arrive at a temple and encounter an old abbot who's got a thing for fancy things. While the monk wants to stay humble, old Sun Wukong can't help but show off their stuff. As a result, the old abbot gets jealous and calamity befalls everyone! Will our two heroes survive? Tune in this week to find out!
2019-12-0643 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 15: Monk's on a Horse!This week, Xuanzang and Monkey King are forced to take a long walk, as a dragon eats the chosen monk's horse! And don't think the Monkey King's forgotten about that whole headache-inducing-hat trick that Guanyin pulled off in the last chapter! This episode's all about confrontations. You won't want to miss it!
2019-11-2948 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 14: Xuanzang and Wukong's First FightThe Monkey King meets the king of monks in an encounter that's been a long time coming. And the Journey to the West is officially, finally, underway! Only, the two almost immediately get into a fight and Sun Wukong runs off to have tea with an old friend. How will Xuanzang keep his disciple loyal? Tune in to find out!
2019-11-2256 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 13: Some Monsters Invite Xuanzang for DinnerThis week the venerable Xuanzang, aka Tripitaka, begins his quest for the scriptures! And it goes... about as well as you'd expect from a few naive monks with no fighting or sorcery abilities. But just when all hope is lost, our old friend the Planet Venus makes a cameo, as does a friendly woodcutter and his family in the woods. So stop in for some game and find out why James and Richard call this the "Tom Bombadil" chapter.
2019-11-1550 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 12: Imperial PaybackIn which the emperor's attempts to keep all the promises he made in the afterlife leads to the building of a grand temple and the commencement--once and for all--of the Journey to the West. If you were wondering what the hell was going on (pun intended) with this extended detour involving a Dragon King, royal brothers, that loan made out in the afterlife, this chapter gives you all the answers. It all had to happen so that Guan Yin could find the right disciple to get the scriptures. Join Richard & James this week to see...
2019-11-0845 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 11: The Emperor Goes to HellIt's like Dante's Inferno meets a Christmas Carol in this week's Journey to the West podcast. One of the greatest emperors who's ever lived confronts the ghosts of political intrigue's past when he's forced to stand trial for failing to save the Dragon King and then confront his brothers who he killed to get to the throne. Talk about a mortifying family reunion! Join Richard and James in this very spooky Halloween episode!
2019-11-0154 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 10: Dragon King's LamentWe go from commoners and lords to emperors and gods in this week's chapter of Journey to the West. Starting with an Ancient Chinese rap battle and ending with one of China's greatest emperors passing away into the great beyond. A dragon head will roll in this week's episode. Don't miss it!
2019-10-2553 min
Journey to the West: The PodcastEpisode 10: Journey to the West Research's Jim McClanahanWe had a really great time sitting down with Jim McClanahan whose blog, Journey to the West Research is a wealth of information on all things Monkey King and his pals. Whether you’re just starting the book with us or you’ve spent more time ruminating on the book than Wukong has spent under Five Phase Mountain, there’s something new for everybody.
2019-10-181h 26
Journey to the West: The PodcastA Sadder Origin Than Batman and Moses Combined Guanyin’s ready to meet the monk who will retrieve Buddha’s scriptures, and so are we! If you thought Batman’s origin was sad, just wait until you read Xuanzhang’s. It’s got echoes of Moses and Bruce Wayne, with plenty of tragedy and divine intervention to boot. Plus, want an Ancient Chinese government job? Well, get your time machine ready because we’re about to tell you how! Just watch out for bandits and evil ferrymen because the relocation is fraught with peril. On a more serious note, we also take a brief look at how Ancient Chinese culture...
2019-10-111h 03
Journey to the West: The PodcastEpisode 8: Guanyin's QuestWhat’s Buddha going to do now that the monkey madness is over? Finish his magnum opus on how to get enlightened, that’s what. And how does an ancient ascended all-knowing awakened one launch a book series before social media and Amazon? By getting Guanyin (see episode 6) to find a worthy monk from the East capable of making the perilous journey to India to get them, that’s how. Now the trip to China’s capital, Chang’an, is no walk in the park even for immortals. So a human monk carrying priceless scriptures is going to need protection. Watch Guany...
2019-10-041h 00
Journey to the West: The PodcastEpisode 7: Buddha's WagerWith his forces finally defeated and the rebellious Sun Wukong himself brought to heel, one question remains: How do you punish an immortal when he’s made himself impossible to kill? Everyone from the executioner to the fire department will try to end this monkey’s life. Even history’s most famous Taoist, Lao Tzu tries out his Brazier for an old-fashioned Monkey King smoke out! But if public executions aren’t your thing—have no fear! This week’s episode promises more action, more simian hijinks, and a bitch slap felt 'round the universe because the embodiment of Nirvana himself is in...
2019-09-271h 01
Journey to the West: The PodcastChapter 6: Monkey King Meets the John Wick of the Great BeyondAfter getting caught red-handed for stealing the Queen Mother's peaches, harassment and drinking on the job (but mainly for stealing those peaches), heaven’s forces give the Monkey King a choice: surrender, or war? Naturally, newly-fired peach guardian the Monkey King chooses open rebellion instead of accepting punishment. Is there nobody in the universe strong enough to bring ol’ Monkey to justice? While the Jade Emperor sends for a monster-subduing specialist, heaven’s ‘John Wick’, the god Erlang, the Boddhisattva of Mercy, Guanyin got her own staff-swinging disciple, Moksa! Can he succeed where his brother, Nata, failed? This week, Richard and James me...
2019-09-2044 min
Ed TsengPPP 006 RICHARD BERNSTEIN, BLIND ATTORNEY, MARATHON RUNNER, IRONMAN ATHLETEIn Episode #6, I interview my newest hero, Richard Bernstein, a blind attorney, marathon runner, and ironman athlete. In this exclusive interview, I unearthed: What it is like for a blind person to compete in an Ironman competition The challenges of a blind person in law school How Richard overcomes adversity Feel free to share […]
The post PPP 006 RICHARD BERNSTEIN, BLIND ATTORNEY, MARATHON RUNNER, IRONMAN ATHLETE appeared first on Ed Tseng.
2013-08-0400 min