Best Monte Cook Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 151: Transversal: Wyrfall 38:16

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3d ago38:16

38:16

Leaving their temporary life of piracy behind, our party finds themselves in Wyrfall. Known for its tiered levels surrounding a massive waterfall, the city provides some very unique goods and services. Given that their initial plan has been thrown out the window, this seems like the perfect place for everyone to regroup and find a new path home. Ba…

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Series Review: The Suitable 'Verse by R. Cooper 15:07

6h ago15:07

15:07

Greetings and welcome to Reviews That Burn: Series Reviews, part of Books That Burn. Series Reviews discuss at least three books in a series and cover the overarching themes and development of the story across several books. Full Text Here Powerful noble families known as the beat-of-fours, answerable only to a ruler and the mysterious, godlike fae…

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Episode 150: Uncomfortable Waiting 26:49

9d ago26:49

26:49

Now very unnerved, the party members met below deck to hear about Nehemiah's discovery concerning the doppelgangers. Given the tense situation onboard, they all decide to disembark at Wyrfall to avoid any further risks than necessary. So the group hunkers down until dawn and makes any final preparations the need before leaving the Red Wake in their…

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Episode 149: Transversal: Divergent Evolution 31:52

23d ago31:52

31:52

Nehemiah is staring down a man that by all rights should not exist. But the identical person looking back at him clearly thinks the exact same thing. As they try to figure out what in the Ninth World is happening, tensions continue to rise in the rest of the crew. Histories are compared, theories are crafted, and deals are struck. Join us and Nehem…

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Series: The Orc Prince Trilogy by Lionel Hart 11:18

27d ago11:18

11:18

Greetings and welcome to Reviews That Burn: Series Reviews, part of Books That Burn. Series Reviews discuss at least three books in a series and cover the overarching themes and development of the story across several books. I'd like to thank longtime Patron Case Aiken, who receives a monthly shoutout. Full Text Here This series is sexually explici…

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Episode 148: Transversal: The Bonfire King 35:45

1M ago35:45

35:45

It was only a matter of time before the choice to sail with a pirate crew turned violent. The crew of the Red Wake, eager to get a better payout than their last endeavor, has set their sights on a merchant barge heading their way along the river.But what they thought would be a quick and easy target turns out to be anything but. Markings are recogn…

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New Microphone! (and other updates) 5:56

2M ago5:56

5:56

Greetings and welcome to a Reviews That Burn blog post by Robin, part of Books That Burn. I'd like to thank longtime Patron Case Aiken, who receives a monthly shoutout. Full Text Here I have a few updates for everyone! They're all good things and have been a long time coming. ----- Reviews That Burn is a review blog which accompanies the Books That…

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Episode 147: Transversal: Friendship Bread 39:45

2M ago39:45

39:45

A few days on the water has done almost everyone a bit of good. Even though poor Haddock is a tad sea-sick, everyone else seems to have taken to some part of ship-living fairly well. The crew is an interesting sort and there are plenty of places to poke around. Rigging is utilized, the ship is examined, and friendship is attempted. Join us and Nehe…

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I've Joined The Creator Accountability Network 5:51

2M ago5:51

5:51

Greetings and welcome to a Reviews That Burn blog post by Robin, part of Books That Burn. I'd like to thank longtime Patron Case Aiken, who receives a monthly shoutout. I've joined the Creator Accountability Network (CAN) as a provisionally credentialed creator! The provisional period is three months long, and at the end of that time I'll be fully …

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Series Review: The Kingston Cycle by C.L. Polk 16:20

2M ago16:20

16:20

Greetings and welcome to Reviews That Burn: Series Reviews, part of Books That Burn. Series Reviews discuss at least three books in a series and cover the overarching themes and development of the story across several books. I'd like to thank longtime Patron Case Aiken, who receives a monthly shoutout. This episode discusses The Kingston Cycle by C…

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Episode 146: Transversal: Set Sail 33:25

2M ago33:25

33:25

Please be aware that Zann's audio is a little odd sounding in this episode due to some recording issues. It's still listenable but it'll sound different than usual. Passage aboard the Red Wake has been granted by Captain Ironthroat. The party settles in as the crew get the vessel ready for voyage. While choosing a ‘boat of ill-repute’ was a good ch…

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Episode 145: Transversal: Passage Procurement 41:29

3M ago41:29

41:29

Split up between different tasks, our concerned adventurers take steps to get out of Qi as fast as possible. While Jhori goes to retrieve their belongings, she realizes she left something very important behind. And as Smalren and Nehemiah search for safe transport up river, they realize that their passage might not coast what they originally antici…

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Episode 144: Transversal: Goodbye Qi 44:08

3M ago44:08

44:08

Everyone has escaped the pressure that had been building in one of Qi’s most exclusive night clubs, but that doesn’t mean they are out of trouble yet. In fact, leaving the city as soon as possible has become the utmost priority. While Jhori and Nehemiah are generally on edge given the night’s events, Smalren is troubled with the realization that so…

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Episode 143: Transversal: Lockdown 28:45

4M ago28:45

28:45

The entirety of The Nest is locked down. The death and likely assassination of a wealthy merchant’s son has given everyone whiplash from the joy and relaxation they had been feeling just moments previously. As groups around the club are questioned, our party of pleasure seekers have to take careful stock of their predicament. Investigations are kic…

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For All Time and Eternity: ROLEX with Pierre-Yves Donzé 43:24

4M ago43:24

43:24

Whether you are a collector, hopeful first-time buyer, or simply curious wishing to crack the mystery of ROLEX's success open, you have an ally. Prolific author and business historian Pierre-Yves Donzé released his latest book titled, The Making of a Status Symbol: A Business History of Rolex, published in June 2025 by Manchester University Press. …

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Episode 142: Transversal: Murder on the Dance Floor 41:29

4M ago41:29

41:29

Finding themselves at an exclusive, elevated club aptly called the Nest, the reunited friends take time for a night of letting loose a little bit. There’s a little something for everyone here. Dancing for Jhori, drinks for Nehemiah, eavesdropping for Smalren, and plenty to keep the attention of their current companions. After everything they’ve end…

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Episode 141: Transversal: Meta 49:41

5M ago49:41

49:41

Everyone has gotten their shopping needs out of the way so it’s time to figure out the rest of the evening. Havi suggests going to the Whispering Posts to see what establishments come recommended by the Qi locals. Suffice to say, the posts do not disappoint. Whispers are heard, fine dining is decided, and memories are experienced differently. Join …

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Series Review - Teeth: The Complete Meal by Chele Cooke 11:32

5M ago11:32

11:32

Greetings and welcome to Reviews That Burn: Series Reviews, part of Books That Burn. Series Reviews discuss at least three books in a series and cover the overarching themes and development of the story across several books. I'd like to thank longtime Patron Case Aiken, who receives a monthly shoutout, as well as returning patron Chris Alvarado. Fu…

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Episode 140: Transversal: Shins Burning a Hole in Your Pocket 35:28

5M ago35:28

35:28

After meeting up with Havi and making plans for the evening, everyone decides to do a little shopping. They are assured that almost anything they could imagine wanting can be found in Qi’s markets and shops. Everyone is looking for something different but everyone finds something they want. Animal boarding is arranged, styles are considered, and fr…

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Episode 139: Transversal: We’re New in Town 36:33

6M ago36:33

36:33

Qi is a massive city so starting near the markets for a place to stay seems like as good an idea as any. As the small group makes their way into the city proper they learn a little more about the city that calls itself the center of the world. There’s a calm excitement that seems to have taken hold of all of them. Lodging is acquired, rumors are pi…

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Series Review - Queen's Thief: A Series by Megan Whalen Turner 9:47

6M ago9:47

9:47

Series Reviews discuss at least three books in a series and cover the overarching themes and development of the story across several books. Thank you to Patron Case Aiken who receives a monthly shoutout. Full Text Here Eugenides, the queen’s thief, can steal anything—or so he says. When his boasting lands him in prison and the king’s magus invites …

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Episode 138: Transveral: A New Journey 37:29

6M ago37:29

37:29

After taking a little time to recalibrate from everything involving Dremlin, our explorers have decided it time to go back home. But given the events they’ve left in their wake, it seems a wise idea to not take the same route back to Legam. They decide to make a stop in Qi, the largest and most advanced city in the Steadfast. This decision is mostl…

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Two Essays on The Count of Monte Cristo 9:41

8M ago9:41

9:41

I love The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. I have read the unabridged version more than once, and my most recent reread was in 2023. At that time, I wrote a couple of brief essays which I posted on Tumblr, one of which was about a canonically queer character and the other discussed a character who is often left out of the various adaptati…

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Made of Dreams with James Ferragamo 39:42

9M ago39:42

39:42

Every legacy brand has an ideology, James Ferragamo tells us. He is talking of course about his family business, the legendary luxury brand started by his grandfather, Salvatore Ferragamo, the shoemaker. Or was it dream maker? That ideology keeps the brand in place so that nothing ever changes--and yet, James makes sure that everything changes. As …

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Empyrean Rising 3 - Enter the Deep 1:37:35

10M ago1:37:35

1:37:35

As the group ventures into Deepview District, one of their own wanders off to tend to private matters, and the rest are left to discover changes and concerns amid the denizens of the area.By Altered Echo Archives

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Episode 137: Anamnesis: Recollection 42:16

10M ago42:16

42:16

Sometimes recovery is just as hard as the fight and this is no exception. Even with Drumlin defeated, standing in the wake of his actions is devastating. Returning the memories held hostage is a prime concern but so is figuring out how to help those that the warlord had abused in captivity. Not to mention the thought of how the journey home will be…

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Episode 136: Anamnesis: Aftermath 34:32

10M ago34:32

34:32

Thank you for joining today! As always we hope you’re all staying safe and healthy. Dremlin is dead, as are many from his company. The worst is over but now that the dust has settled, the aftermath is clear. The price was with it, but still needs to be paid. Emotions are dealt with, wounds are seen to, and clarity is sought. Join us as Nehemiah, Sm…

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October Daye / Inheritance - Essay Series Part Five: Long Series and How to Read Them 15:11

10M ago15:11

15:11

Hello Patrons and general audience members! Welcome to another Books That Burn essay by Robin. Thank you to Case Aiken, who receives a monthly Patron shoutout. [Full Transcript Available Here] This is the fifth and final entry in a five-part essay series discussing two long-running book series by queer authors: October Daye by Seanan McGuire, and I…

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Empyrean Rising 2 - Cursed Odds 1:28:11

10M ago1:28:11

1:28:11

Having successful infiltrated the Academy research center to look into the strange tree and growths, the group encounter those actively assigned by the city to investigate the occurrence and uncover increasing concerns as to what may have caused it, and just how dangerous it may be to the city and its population... or the rats. Never forget the rat…

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Episode 135: Anamnesis: For Jhori 41:37

11M ago41:37

41:37

The fight with Dreamlin and his company is brutal to say the least. All the stops are pulled out to try and end this with as few casualties as possible. Blackmail is uncovered, allies take a beating, and victory is within reach. Join us as Nehemiah, Smalren, and Jhori struggle to stay on top. Music and SFX Credits: Intro - “Whispers of the Ancients…

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Empyrean Rising 1 - As They Bloom 1:40:04

11M ago1:40:04

1:40:04

Four characters, alike in dignity, in fair Isonbridge, where we lay our scene. From ancient powers unfolding, find introduction to each other and conspiracy... or rather, less Shakespeare and more four somewhat chaotic characters find themselves gathered through circumstance or coincidence, and in seeking news - or possible entertainment - stumble …

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Rick's Romance with Urban Life and a Colombo V12 with Rick Cook 40:49

10M ago40:49

40:49

Founding partner of CookFox, Rick Cook visited Populuxe recently to share his "object of desire" with our listeners. As it happens, Rick's training, practice as well as his own curious and empathic constitution create the perfect backdrop against which a nuanced discussion about luxury unfolded. From a Ferrari V12 engine to a sunlit café in Florenc…

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A Little Bit From Here A Little Bit From There with Monte Packham 53:53

11M ago53:53

53:53

Writing in verses comes easily to Monte Packham, author of children's books, who started his career as an art critic. His work evolved into the deliciously playful rhymes that he puts together for young audiences after first having taken a detour into art historical writing. Whether documents of art or illustrated childrens' books, Monte's work is …

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Episode 134: Anamnesis: Crystalline Combat 30:33

11M ago30:33

30:33

There isn’t much more to say once a fight begins. Although currently separated everyone steels themselves for a brutal combat against Dremlin and the ruthless retinue he keeps. Memories are manipulated, creatures are controlled, and the line is held. Join us as Nehemiah, Smalren, and Jhori fight for theirs and others lives. Music and SFX Credits: I…

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Two Essays on Generative AI 13:53

11M ago13:53

13:53

Hello Patrons and general audience members! Welcome to a two-part reading of some Books That Burn essays by Robin. Thank you to Case Aiken, who receives a monthly Patron shoutout. These two essays are both about my thoughts on generative AI, but neither was long enough to be an episode on its own. As a reviewer of books, I'm very concerned with the…

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Episode 133: Anamnesis: The First Stone 36:05

11M ago36:05

36:05

Though Dremlin is happy to talk, the wool is not easily pulled over his eyes. While Nehemiah desperately stalls for time and tries to keep handle off Bree, Smalren and Jhori do their utmost to get Hadick out of the clearing before everything breaks into chaos. Cruelty is endured, rescues are mounted, and negotiations turn violent. Join us as Nehemi…

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Episode 132: Anamnesis: Dremlin 39:48

12M ago39:48

39:48

Somehow simultaneously, everyone takes a breath and takes a step forward. So many steps have been taken to get here and yet somehow these are the most important. A plan in place and hopes held high. Will the plan survive contact with the enemy? Or will these steps forward, be steps backward? Reunions are attempted, tense conversations are navigated…

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Episode 131: Anamnesis: The Approach 30:27

1y ago30:27

30:27

With distractions now out of the way, everyone buckles down to actually consider how they are going to approach this scenario ahead. Dremlin is so close by, it’s going to be important to plan their steps carefully and thoroughly. Strange dreams are experienced, reconnaissance is collected, and careful pans are made. Join us as Nehemiah, Smalren, an…

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October Daye / Inheritance - Essay Series Part Four: When a Villain Lives 27:06

1y ago27:06

27:06

Hello Patrons and general audience members! Welcome to another Books That Burn essay by Robin. Thank you to Case Aiken, who receives a monthly Patron shoutout. [Full Text Available Here] This is the fourth in a five-part essay series discussing two long-running book series by queer authors: October Daye by Seanan McGuire, and Inheritance by A.K. Fa…