Best Plot Device Podcasts (2025)

1
In Love With Eddie? (Plot Device Part 2) 1:31:13

Play Pause

1d ago1:31:13

1:31:13

This week, Han, Cil, and Rachel are revisiting our Plot Device episode with an addendum focused entirely around Tommy’s return in Season 8 Episode 11 of 9-1-1, “Holy Mother of God.” In our original special (listen here!) we discussed how Tommy’s role is to showcase Buck's journey of self-discovery and his coming to terms with his bisexuality. Well,…

1
Episode 463: A Season of Giving - Gifts as Plot Devices in Speculative Fiction 1:02:27

13d ago1:02:27

1:02:27

Sliding towards the festive season, Jules and Madeleine take a look at gifts. Everyone loves a present, right? But what does a present actually signify? Are they always good things or can they be sinister or manipulative? From fae gifts to mystical burdens, the dragons take a deep dive into the sort of present you can't exchange for something else …

1
Episode 465: Tinsel and Time Loops - Temporal Chaos at Christmas 57:18

2h ago57:18

57:18

On the surface, you probably wouldn't immediately think of time travel when you think of Christmas stories, and yet there is a distinct connection which is hard to deny. Nor does it date to when Dr Who regularly began to deliver Christmas special episodes - it goes far further back than that. For the final episode in this year's festive selection, …

1
Episode 464: Krampus The Grinch and Holiday Mischief - Why Christmas Needs Villains 59:21

7d ago59:21

59:21

Every enduring Christmas story has a villain woven in somewhere - whether that's King Herod in the nativity or Ebenezer Scrooge, the Grinch of Hans Gruber in Die Hard. Whether the audience is rooting for huge redemption arc or waiting for the bad guy to take a nosedive off the Nakatomi Plaza, there's something about a festive story that uniquely le…

1
Goodbye to Yesterday (4x03: Future Tense) 2:08:42

7d ago2:08:42

2:08:42

“Here's to my future Here's to my yesterday Here's to change” This week Han, Cil, and Rachel check our privacy settings as we tackle Season 4 Episode 3 of 9-1-1, “Future Tense.” Eddie outs himself as a technophobe in the face of HILDY, Buck reveals his “new girlfriend” is actually just a new interest in taking care of his mental health, and Hen has…

1
Landslide (4x02: Alone Together) 1:30:30

16d ago1:30:30

1:30:30

“Can I sail through the changin' ocean tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life?” This week Han, Cil, and Rachel do their best Stevie Nick’s impression as the Hollywood sign comes tumbling down, down, down in Season 4 Episode 2 of 9-1-1, “Alone Together.” Buck and Chimney get in some extra brother-in-law bonding time (because living together wasn…

1
Episode 462: Beauty is a Beast - the Problem with Ugly Characters in Speculative Fiction 1:50:18

21d ago1:50:18

1:50:18

'Ugly' is a subjective term, of course. Tastes vary and opinions are heavily influenced by how we perceive someone or how much we like them. However, there are plenty of characters in speculative fiction who even on the page do not fit the parameters of being conventionally physically attractive. When those books are translated to the screen, often…

1
When the Levee Breaks (4x01: The New Abnormal) 1:34:25

23d ago1:34:25

1:34:25

“When the levee breaks, mama, you got to move” Keep your feet on solid ground as Han, Cil, and Rachel slide right into Season 4 Episode 1 of 9-1-1, “The New Abnormal.” We dive into how the real world changes at that time affected filming and the story including some overarching and recurring themes, then roll right into character analysis. Athena a…

1
Episode 461: The Girl with a Sword - strong female characters and the death of nuance 1:19:59

28d ago1:19:59

1:19:59

Moving slightly away from spooky season and weird folklore, the dragons are clocking in with a writing episode. At the moment, Romantasy is the biggest whale splashing around in the sea of fantasy, partially drowning out other subgenres (at least temporarily). While romantasy is a lot of fun, it's caused further changes in the 'strong female charac…

1
I Have Been Changed For Good (Season 3 Wrap) 2:14:17

1M ago2:14:17

2:14:17

“Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good” Put on your best pink or green because it’s time for our Season 3 Wrap! Han, Cil, and Rachel look back at Season 3 of 9-1-1 as a whole and discuss our favorite episodes and moments, new fears, overarching themes, ‘what-if’ scenarios, and more! We…

1
Episode 460: Folklore of the Forgotten - Mythic Creatures Born From Obsolete Jobs 1:21:39

1M ago1:21:39

1:21:39

How many jobs and professions have existed over the centuries which we now no longer know anything about? Who thinks about warreners and coopers? Fowlers and knocker-ups? And yet this now unnecessary work lingers in surname origins and in the strange tales that grow up around these jobs. This week, still feeling semi spooky and continuing their rec…

1
I Won't Back Down (Season 9 Episode 6) 2:09:32

1M ago2:09:32

2:09:32

“No, I'll stand my ground Won't be turned around” This week Han, Cil, and Rachel welcome the return of Clipboard Buck as we discuss Season 9 Episode 6 of 9-1-1, “Family History.” Check out our review of the episode, the first half of the season as a whole, and why we think this was a necessary closing of the Bobby Grief Chapter that started all the…

1
Episode 459: The Ghost in the Machine - Folklore Meets Firmware in Speculative Fiction 1:24:38

1M ago1:24:38

1:24:38

Still in the spooky zone, this week Jules and Madeleine take a look at the fascinating phenomenon of folklore being created in real time. There have always been parallels between technology and superstition, magic and science. As technology moves further into the non tangible realm of digital space, ghosts and other entities have begun to echo this…

1
The Old Religion (Season 9 Episode 5) 2:28:27

1M ago2:28:27

2:28:27

“And the old religion humming in your veins Some animal instinct starting up again” This week Han, Cil, and Rachel wade through our tears to discuss Season 9 Episode 5 of 9-1-1, “Día de los Muertos.” We start the episode off with our own review and some thoughts from our Mexican and Mexican-American listeners then we dive right into our favorite ch…

1
Episode 458: The Mummy Unwrapped - Bandaged Horror to Unlikely Romantic Hero 1:08:28

2M ago1:08:28

1:08:28

As far as the dragons are concerned it's still spooky season and this week, they are featuring one of the most beloved 'universal monsters' - the Mummy. From Ancient Egypt to Victorian obsession to post war film era, the Mummy has been a symbol for secrets and forbidden knowledge, often reflecting discomforting truths back at us. Jules and Madelein…

1
Chasing a Starlight (Season 9 Episodes 3-4) 2:40:15

2M ago2:40:15

2:40:15

“I will be chasing a starlight Until the end of my life I don't know if it's worth it anymore” This week Han, Cil, and Rachel really let go as we discuss two episodes of 9-1-1: Season 9 Episode 3 “The Sky is Falling” and Episode 4, “Reentry.” Check out our review of both episodes to hear the long list of things they got right then dive into the cha…

1
Episode 457: The Graveyard Shift - Nightmares Sleep Paralysis & Dreamscapes in Folklore and Modern Horror 1:18:50

2M ago1:18:50

1:18:50

Sleep - something so mundane we do it around eight hours out of every twenty-four - makes a great vehicle for horror. Judging by folkloric record and cross cultural points of similarity, it's been part of horror for millennia. From old hag syndrome to nightmares to the simple but essential necessity of being unaware and vulnerable for blocks of tim…

1
Train in Vain (3x18: What's Next?) 2:35:58

2M ago2:35:58

2:35:58

“You said you love me, and that's a fact And then you left me, said you felt trapped Well, some things you can explain away But the heartache's in me 'til this day” This week Han, Cil, and Rachel go off the rails while we explore Season 3 Episode 18, the Season Finale of 9-1-1, “What’s Next?” where everyone but Buck gets a happy ending. Josh confro…

1
Monster Party - Halloween 1:12:52

2M ago1:12:52

1:12:52

Treat: our episode on having a howlin' good Halloween party. Trick: It's from this time last year. Back before the world itself was the real horror. Step back in time and come party with us for ever and ever and everBy Leila, Geoff, & Ira

1
You Might Also Like: David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann on Chicago Fire) - One Chicago Podcast 40:45

2M ago40:45

40:45

Host Brian Luce sits down with David Eigenberg to talk about his unexpected path to playing Christopher Herrmann, the behind-the-scenes camaraderie on Chicago Fire, and the time he singed his eyebrows on set. The episode also features the LeFevours, the legendary father-son stunt team, who share how they pull off some of the most unforgettable stun…

1
Episode 456: Haunted Attics & Cursed Kitchens - the Paradoxical Terror of the Mundane 1:17:30

2M ago1:17:30

1:17:30

This week's spooky season offering dives past the whole haunted house experience to go deeper. What if the haunting was more specific? An attic or cellar is well known trope, but what about a playground? A nursery? A clock or a mirror? What do those things say about the state of the main character's mind in storytelling? And what exactly is the qui…

1
Rocket Man (Season 9 Episodes 1-2) 2:06:21

2M ago2:06:21

2:06:21

“And I think it's gonna be a long, long time 'til touchdown brings me 'round again to find I'm not the man they think I am at home. Oh, no, no, no I'm a rocket man.” This week Han, Cil, and Rachel brace for impact as we discuss two episodes of 9-1-1: Season 9 Episode 1, “Eat the Rich” and Episode 2, “Spiraling.” Check out our review of both episode…

1
Episode 455: Tangle Bottles & Bone Charms - Everyday Magic in Folklore & Fiction 1:21:56

2M ago1:21:56

1:21:56

It's time for episode three of the dragons' spooky season extravaganza and don't be deceived by the title. Folk Magic can go to some pretty dark places... This week, Jules and Madeleine take a look at a magic system that relies on mundane objects and folk knowledge. In fact this type of magic is, on the surface, so mundane that many people would ar…

1
One Way Or Another (3x17: Powerless) 1:47:28

2M ago1:47:28

1:47:28

One way or another, I wanna get ya, I’ll get ya! This week Han, Cil, and Rachel discuss Season 3 Episode 17 of 9-1-1, “Powerless.” Karen is suspicious of Hen, Athena is tracking down the realtor rapist, and Josh is debating whether to make his statement in court. Super lighthearted stuff, amirite? Maddie lends an ear and advice to Josh who’s strugg…

1
Episode 544: The Uninvited Guest - Unseen Entities and Invisible Fear in Myth and Modern Horror 1:14:11

3M ago1:14:11

1:14:11

Continuing their spooky season, this week the dragons pose a question: what's more frightening? The object of terror can see or the entity you can't? A fear of non tangible threats is baked into the essential human make up - we would hardly have survived to evolve as we have if our ancestors had not had the capability to 'what if' about predators c…

1
Way Too Good At Goodbyes (3x16: The One That Got Away) 3:04:25

3M ago3:04:25

3:04:25

It's sad but it's true, Buck’s way too good at goodbyes. This week Han, Cil, and Rachel enter the emotional rollercoaster of Season 3 Episode 16 of 9-1-1, “The One That Got Away.” Buck is grappling with what he thinks is the Ghost of Christmases Yet to Come, while Hen decides to take the survival rate of her patients into her own hands — literally!…

1
Episode 453: The Outsider - When the Gothic meets the Contemporary 1:25:28

3M ago1:25:28

1:25:28

The dragons are back just in time for spooky season. They are naturally kicking off their favourite season with a new slant on and old favourite subject - the Gothic. But what exactly do 'outsiders' have to do with Gothic literature? As it turns out, quite a lot. Jules and Madeleine take a joyful autumn romp through this little mentioned but essent…

1
I See Right Through Me (3x15: Eddie Begins) 5:10:35

3M ago5:10:35

5:10:35

Combat, Eddie’s ready for combat. It’s finally time for Han, Cil, and Rachel to discuss an episode they know All Too Well, Season 3 Episode 15 of 9-1-1, “Eddie Begins.” So grab your poncho, hardhats, and oxygen tanks, because we’re going spelunking in Eddie’s psyche! We dive deep (40 feet, to be exact!) into one of the best episodes of the show wit…

1
Commencing Countdown, Engines On! (Season 9 Preview) 1:29:22

3M ago1:29:22

1:29:22

Ground Control to Major Tom! Fasten your seatbelts as Han, Cil, and Rachel takeoff into orbit with our Season 9 Preview of 9-1-1! We talk about what we know going into the season, what we’ve deduced to be likely from behind-the-scenes footage, and our own hopes for the Dia de Muertos episode. Brace for impact with us for a brand new season of 9-1-1…

1
Ain't No Rest for the Wicked (3x14: The Taking of Dispatch 9-1-1) 1:46:50

3M ago1:46:50

1:46:50

“Money don't grow on trees I got bills to pay, I got mouths to feed There ain't nothing in this world for free” Grab your best disguise and join Han, Cil, and Rachel as we jump into the getaway car exploring Season 3 Episode 14 of 9-1-1, “The Taking of Dispatch 9-1-1.” This week the men and women in the chairs become their own heroes! We discuss th…

1
So High School (3x13: Pinned) 1:56:09

4M ago1:56:09

1:56:09

It's true, swear, scout's honor. Chimney knew what he wanted and, boy, he got her! This week Han, Cil, and Rachel feel so high school as we discuss the Madney of it all in Season 3 Episode 13 of 9-1-1, “St—” we mean “Pinned.” Michael’s brain tumor looms large over the Grant-Nash household, dampening what should be a celebratory college acceptance f…

1
It Was All a Fake Out (3x12: Fools) 2:05:47

4M ago2:05:47

2:05:47

Josh: Do you laugh about me whenever I leave? Eddie: Or do I just need more therapy? This week Han, Cil, and Rachel are your jesters as we juggle the solemn solos in Season 3 Episode 12 of 9-1-1, “Fools.” Josh is single, and after a dinner as a co-third-wheel with Buck, Maddie, and Chimney, he decides he’s ready to mingle again. What should have be…

1
More Than Your Father's Son (3x11: Seize the Day) 2:25:53

4M ago2:25:53

2:25:53

“You try your hardest to leave the past alone This crooked posture is all you've ever known It is the consequence of living in between The weight of family and the pull of gravity” This week Han, Cil, and Rachel wade into the tumultuous daddy issues in Season 3 Episode 11 of 9-1-1, “Seize the Day,” where Chimney really “Bucks up” meeting his younge…

1
I Wish I Had A River (3x10: Christmas Spirit) 2:03:36

4M ago2:03:36

2:03:36

But it don’t snow here, it stays pretty green… This week Han, Cil, and Rachel put on our buddie elf hats to chat about Season 3 Episode 10 of 9-1-1, “Christmas Spirit,” where everyone is having a very blue holiday. Maddie goes over the river and through the woods to revisit the ghost of her Christmas past: Doug. We discuss how Frank’s prescription …

1
Wanna Go For The Title? (3x09: Fallout) 2:22:09

5M ago2:22:09

2:22:09

“You can’t save someone from themselves, not of they don’t want it.” This week Han, Cil, and Rachel step into the ring fence to take a swing at Season 3 Episode 9 of 9-1-1, “Fallout,” which starts and ends with therapy, we love to see it! Hen comes out the other end healed, Maddie finally opens up about wanting to heal, and Eddie is… calling flirti…

1
Episode 452: A Bull on the Tongue - 10 years of Writing 1:26:38

5M ago1:26:38

1:26:38

Approximately ten years ago, both dragons signed their first publishing contracts. Since then it's been a riotous series of highs and lows and new adventures - including the creation of this podcast. This week, Jules and Madeleine look back over the last decade. Would they have written their first books the same way if they'd been writing them now?…