Best Boiling Pt Podcasts (2026)

1
Build a Medieval Fantasy Village: A Guide for Worldbuilding 1:13:41

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9h ago1:13:41

1:13:41

This episode, Zoe and Mac begin a new series diving into life in medieval villages. This guide for world builders, writers, and game masters will introduce you to how life in medieval villages operated, from terminology to geography, laws and customs, and daily life -- and how to build one for your TTRPG or story. Join our discord community! Suppor…

1
Smoglandia Pt 6: FUTURE ELECTRIC, FUTURE TROUBLE 45:13

27d ago45:13

45:13

Decades ago, some unhappy Angeleno wondered why cars couldn’t just run on nice, clean … water? Not for want of trying – cleaner power has created lots of engine experiments, most dramatically Caltech versus MIT in the great electric car race of 1968, a story you’ll hear from the winner. Not all is fresh air and plug-ins: smog has been especially de…

1
Smoglandia Pt 5: SMOG CHECK AND DOUBLE CHECK 38:17

1M ago38:17

38:17

Whaddya know – the federal government sees the wisdom of working with California and its “queen of green” for cleaner air – up to a point. The Golden State gets its own “secret recipe” gas, but new partners mean new frictions over the smog check program familiar to every behind-the-wheel Californian.…

1
Medieval Friendship Test & Other Tales: Gesta Romanorum 1:14:26

1M ago1:14:26

1:14:26

This week, we adapt three more medieval "morality" tales from the Gesta Romanorum, adapting them into unique puzzles, adventures, and scenarios for your tabletop campaign. Would YOUR party help you hide a body? Join our discord community! Support us on patreon! Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a deck of 50 magic items pulled directly from medieval…

1
Smoglandia Pt 4: SCIENCE AND GOVERNMENT, BESTIES? 35:45

2M ago35:45

35:45

Well, it took long enough. We finally realized that smog didn’t stop at some city limits line … that burning the family trash in the backyard incinerator wasn’t a good idea … and California started putting muscle into getting the air clean. Governor Ronald Reagan made the Caltech “father of smog” the head of the new state air resources board, TV st…

1
Smoglandia Pt 3: COUGH COUGH 34:26

2M ago34:26

34:26

Living with smog was like living with an obnoxious neighbor. Angelenos tried protesting at city hall. They kept their coughing kids inside. A couple of actors manufactured joke cans of “genuine smog” and sold them to tourists. A few came up with earnest but crackpot solutions, like drilling a smog tunnel in the mountains. But serious pollution cost…

1
A Tale of Two Tellings: Eric & Enide Pt 2 1:14:48

2M ago1:14:48

1:14:48

While we may think of genre trends as a modern thing in fantasy literature, the chivalric romance of Eric & Enide paints another picture. We examine two versions of this tale: one gritty and grim dark, and the other an idealistic romantasy, and examine how we can use these story techniques in our own campaigns to tell the type of story we want to t…

1
Smoglandia Pt 2: SCIENCE TO THE RESCUE 33:16

2M ago33:16

33:16

By the late 1940's, Los Angeles had experienced several extreme smog days -- or "gas attacks" as they were called back then. Everyone had their eyes on wartime factories that had sprung up and were shooting black plumes into the air, but someone had a feeling that the cause might be something else. Arie Haagen-Smit, a Dutch professor at Caltech who…

1
Smoglandia Pt 1: L.A. SMOG – VERY OLD-SCHOOL 24:37

2M ago24:37

24:37

Don’t blame us – blame our geography! Modern LA earned its first smoggy nickname 450 years ago, as the “bay of smokes.” At the La Brea tar pits, we take a short walk through a long history with curator Regan Dunn, who explains how and why the first Angelenos, 130 centuries ago, would have set fires that filled the broad bowl of LA and foretold the …

1
Halloween Special: Demonic Accounts, the Law of the Circle 1:37:16

2M ago1:37:16

1:37:16

Happy Halloween! The demon has become a fantastic villain (or patron) in many TTRPGs, but their legalistic nature can sometimes feel overused. Join us this week as we analyze real accounts of medieval demons, how they behave, and how to get rid of them so that you can spice up your TTRPG this Halloween. MOONSHOT NETWORK CHARITY STREAM: Streaming No…

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Boiling Point Presents: Smoglandia 2:14

3M ago2:14

2:14

For decades, the city’s air was so thick and gross with smog that it hid the mountains from view, shut down Hollywood film shoots and sent children home from school with burning lungs and stinging eyes. What was in the air and where was it coming from? No one knew for sure. L.A. Times Studios presents a special season of Boiling Point: Smoglandia. …

1
ICYMI: “Breaking Down Plastic” 39:56

3M ago39:56

39:56

Los Angeles Times journalist Susanne Rust shares her eye-opening experience documenting her daily interactions with plastic. Despite being an expert on the topic, she was stunned by the sheer volume of plastic in her life, from single-use items to everyday essentials. Susanne and Sammy also discuss the current state of plastic regulation in Califor…

1
A Court of Bleeding and Boiling: Medieval & Modern Courtly Romance 2:02:38

3M ago2:02:38

2:02:38

In this episode, we finish off the Lais of Marie de France and ask - what makes a medieval romance, and how can we apply that to our games and stories in fresh ways? How does medieval romance compare to modern fantasy romance? Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon! Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a de…

1
ICYMI: “Baseball, Brought to you by Oil and Gas” 24:09

3M ago24:09

24:09

Bill McKibben is an acclaimed environmental activist and journalist, and the co-founder of 350.org. As spring training gets underway, Sammy and Bill discuss fossil fuel advertising at Dodger Stadium, and how oil and gas industry “sportswashing” is taking advantage of America’s national pastime.By L.A. Times Studios

1
L.A. Is Finally Ditching Coal 46:03

3M ago46:03

46:03

Sammy Roth talks with Jason Rondou, an assistant general manager at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, about the city’s shift from coal to clean energy. Believe it or not, L.A. still operates a giant coal-fired power plant, more than 500 miles away in rural Utah. In November, DWP is finally closing it — and replacing it with a combinati…

1
Danse Macabre: Adapting the Medieval Mediterranean with Stillfleet Studio 1:36:40

3M ago1:36:40

1:36:40

In this episode, we're joined by Chris and Wythe, the creators of Danse Macabre, to discuss their medieval horror TTRPG and how to create historical settings that feel both real and reasonable to a modern gamer. We discuss the concept of the "novum" in worldbuilding, medievalism, and why TTRPGs feel so set upon the Medieval Fantasy in this fantasti…

1
Trump’s Environmental Rollbacks Explained 41:44

4M ago41:44

41:44

Sammy Roth talks with Los Angeles Times environment reporter Hayley Smith about the Trump administration’s regulatory rollbacks, the misinformation driving them, and what they mean for the future of climate action.Project 2025 Tracker: https://www.project2025.observer/en Read Sammy’s latest column: https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/202…

1
Electric Bills Are Too High. Here's What California Is Doing About It 42:47

4M ago42:47

42:47

Sammy Roth talks with Matt Freedman, staff attorney at the Utility Reform Network, about what California lawmakers are doing to rein in soaring electricity costs, and why it’s crucial for the state’s climate goals. Read Sammy’s latest column: https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-09-18/california-legislative-session-climate-issues…

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The Hunt is On: Medieval Romantasy in the Mabinogion 1:50:55

4M ago1:50:55

1:50:55

When sovereignty myth declares that anyone who kills the White Stag can be king, stakes are high in King Arthur's Court. We're exploring the Welsh origins of Eric and Enide in the Mabinogion, and how two different versions of a text can bring to light important context in mythmaking and worldbuilding. Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr…

1
Putting the Chutzpah Into Climate Action 29:39

4M ago29:39

29:39

Rabbi Jennie Rosenn started Dayenu to provide a much-needed space for the Jewish community to discuss and address climate change. Now, amid the Trump administration’s hostility to environmental regulations and climate solutions, Dayenu is bringing a new kind of urgency to the work ahead. Sammy sits down with Rabbi Rosenn to discuss the state of fai…

1
Boiling Point introduces: Rebuilding L.A. 44:46

4M ago44:46

44:46

This week we’re sharing an episode of another L.A. Times Studios podcast, Rebuilding Los Angeles. Hosted by Kate Cagle, this episode discusses post-fires Los Angeles and what our city can do to live smarter in the face of climate-fueled fires.By L.A. Times Studios

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Medieval Heists for D&D: An Interview with Author M.T. Anderson 1:43:16

4M ago1:43:16

1:43:16

This week, we're joined by author M.T. Anderson as we dive into the thrilling tale of Nicked, the true story of a medieval heist to steal the holy body of Saint Nicholas and save Bari from plague. We take a step-by step approach to the heist and use it as an example for how you can adapt real relic thieves and heists into your TTRPGS & stories. Che…

1
A New Look at L.A.’s War on Smog 25:40

5M ago25:40

25:40

Los Angeles has long been famous for its smog — and while things are better today, the fight isn’t finished. Sammy Roth talks with L.A. Times columnist Patt Morrison about her new podcast on the city’s smog history, and what it will take to build a future with truly clean air.By L.A. Times Studios

1
Taking a Hack at Climate Change 38:07

5M ago38:07

38:07

Sammy Roth welcomes award-winning actor Hannah Einbinder to the show. You may know her for her role as Ava Daniels on HBO Max’s “Hacks.” Or maybe you’re familiar with her climate advocacy — including a new campaign for fossil fuel divestment in Hollywood. She and Sammy discuss the intersection between climate and creativity, and why she thinks mush…

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Astrology & Necromancy for D&D: A Practical Guide 1:34:25

5M ago1:34:25

1:34:25

We're getting into astrology this week! In part two of our final episode of necromancy, we explore the finer points of astrology and its importance in spell casting - so that you know exactly what moon phase is best to curse your enemies, conjure birds, or rout an army. Open Question to the Listeners: What should the metaphysically-significant inse…

1
The Colorado Plateau at a Crossroads 39:16

5M ago39:16

39:16

Environmental journalist Jonathan P. Thompson joins Sammy Roth to discuss the future of the Colorado River, the state of America’s public lands, and the myths surrounding the West’s natural resources. Read Sammy’s latest column about the Colorado River: https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-08-14/river-rafting-in-colorado-offers-clima…

1
The Future of the Colorado River 33:33

5M ago33:33

33:33

The Colorado River is shrinking, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for California. Sammy Roth talks with JB Hamby, the state’s lead Colorado River negotiator, about his vision for one of the West’s most important — and most threatened — water sources.By L.A. Times Studios

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Medieval Necromancy for D&D: The Demon Alignment Chart 1:08:27

5M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

The stars have aligned, but are you ready to conjure? In part one of our final episode of necromancy, we explore the nature of magic circles and how to ensure you're drawing the correct type for the demon you want to conjure. Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon! Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a dec…

1
Abundance, Part 2: What’s Slowing Down Solar? 39:58

5M ago39:58

39:58

Sammy Roth talks with a California solar industry leader and a conservation advocate about where big solar farms should go — and where they shouldn’t. They discuss wildlife habitat, the urgency of the climate crisis and how to build renewables without destroying nature.By L.A. Times Studios

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Abundance, Part 1: Are Environmental Protections Blocking Housing? 38:30

6M ago38:30

38:30

In the first of a two-part series on “abundance,” Sammy Roth talks with L.A. Times housing reporter Liam Dillon about California’s controversial move to roll back environmental protections in hopes of building more homes, and what that means for climate change.By L.A. Times Studios

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The Original Romantasy: The Medieval Romance of Erec & Enide 1:40:51

6M ago1:40:51

1:40:51

Romantasy has been all the rage of late, but its roots go further back than a TikTok trend. Join us this week as we dive into Eric and Enide, a medieval fantasy romance adventure perfect for those who love the genre, or who just want a new idea for their story or TTRPG campaign. Welcome to our summer series! Join our discord community! Check out ou…

1
Cows, Carbon and Fixing Our Food 42:00

6M ago42:00

42:00

Sammy Roth talks with journalist Michael Grunwald about his new book, “We Are Eating the Earth,” which began as a story about food and became a story about land. They explore how agriculture — especially the way we raise livestock and grow crops — has become one of the biggest drivers of climate change. They also unpack realistic solutions, and thi…

1
Just How Bad Is the Beautiful Bill for Clean Energy? 37:35

6M ago37:35

37:35

President Trump’s new budget law guts federal support for solar and wind power, while boosting fossil fuels. Sammy Roth talks with Princeton researcher Jesse Jenkins about how the “One Big Beautiful Bill” could increase climate pollution and make energy more expensive. Read Sammy’s recent column: https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-…

1
Dungeons & Puzzles for D&D: A Selection from Medieval Texts 1:31:50

6M ago1:31:50

1:31:50

Looking to craft your next dungeon delve for your campaign? Want a few puzzles your player have never seen before? We've found a few medieval tales with tantalizing puzzles and twisting dungeons, ready to be used in your next TTRPG. Sit back as we do the work to show you how to adapt these dungeons into your game. Join our discord community! Check …

1
Boiling Point Introduces: A Matter of Degrees 36:11

7M ago36:11

36:11

This week, we're sharing an episode of A Matter of Degrees. Hosted by Dr. Leah Stokes and Dr. Katharine Wilkinson, this award-winning series tells stories about the powerful forces behind climate change. This episode discusses how insurance companies are failing to accommodate for the impacts of climate change.…

1
The Medieval Prisoner's Dilemma: Old French Tales 1:35:22

7M ago1:35:22

1:35:22

What does a goodly knight do when he's taken prisoner and asked to collect his own ransom? Comply, of course! Join us on another dive into medieval literature and pull out a few puzzles and dilemmas for your next TTRPG! Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon! Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a deck of 5…

1
The Lithium Dilemma at Rhyolite Ridge, Part 2 43:10

7M ago43:10

43:10

Sammy Roth returns to Esmeralda County, Nevada, to tour the proposed Rhyolite Ridge mine with Bernard Rowe, managing director of Ioneer. Rowe explains why he believes the mine can operate without harming an endangered wildflower, and lays out his company’s vision for responsible extraction of lithium and boron.…

1
The Lithium Dilemma at Rhyolite Ridge, Part 1 36:20

7M ago36:20

36:20

Sammy Roth travels to Esmeralda County, Nevada, to meet Naomi Fraga, a botany professor at Claremont Graduate University, and see the endangered Tiehm’s buckwheat up close. The wildflower stands in the way of one of the country’s biggest proposed lithium mines — a project supporters say is crucial to the clean energy transition. This is Part 1 of a…

1
Fact & Fiction: Crafting Medieval Werewolf Tales for Fun and Profit 1:38:24

7M ago1:38:24

1:38:24

In our final episode about Irish werewolves, we compare medieval Arthurian romance tales to this Irish Arthurian tale from the 1700s. How has the genre changed, and what werewolf adventures can you bring to your table? Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon!Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a deck of 50…

1
Fighting Climate Change in an Authoritarian Age 29:18

7M ago29:18

29:18

What’s a greater threat to humanity: climate change, or the potential collapse of democracy? In this episode, Sammy Roth speaks with Clark University geography professor James McCarthy, who’s studied how authoritarianism and environmental destruction can be deeply intertwined.By Sammy Roth

1
As Trump Slashes Renewable Energy, Is Nuclear the Future? 36:35

8M ago36:35

36:35

Sammy Roth visits America’s second-largest nuclear plant, Arizona’s Palo Verde Generating Station, and sits down with three experts to explore the pros and cons of atomic energy. It’s one of the few climate solutions with bipartisan support — but it’s also plagued by high costs and pollution concerns from uranium mining. Read Sammy’s recent column …

1
Hot Takes About Climate Journalism 35:08

8M ago35:08

35:08

NPR climate editor Sadie Babits talks about why the media has long overlooked the climate crisis, and how that’s starting to change. Her new book, “Hot Takes: Every Journalist's Guide to Covering Climate Change,” is essential reading — not just for journalists, but for anyone who cares about how the climate story gets told. Pre-order the book here:…

1
Fact & Fiction: Real Irish Werewolf Tales 2:22:43

8M ago2:22:43

2:22:43

This week, we dive into two examples of Irish werewolf tales that you can adapt into your TTRPG! Learn a different story about the werewolf than the 21st century beast, and bring a few new traditions - and twists - to your table. Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon!Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a…

1
Boiling Point Introduces: Living Planet 31:05

8M ago31:05

31:05

This week, we're sharing an episode of Living Planet, a podcast by the German broadcaster DW. It explores the idea of 15-minute cities — and why the climate-friendly concept is drawing backlash. Read more about Living Planet: https://www.dw.com/en/living-planet/program-19028671By L.A. Times Studios

1
Post-Fires, the L.A. Times Is Digging Up Dirt 31:29

8M ago31:29

31:29

After the Eaton and Palisades fires, federal agencies skipped standard testing for toxic metals in the soil of burned homes. A team of L.A. Times reporters, led by Tony Briscoe, stepped in to collect samples and investigate what was left behind. What they found was alarming. Read their investigation: https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-0…

1
Old News Nonsense Vol. 14 – Bats, UFOs & Boiled Meatballs 58:16

8M ago58:16

58:16

Send us a text Hold onto your spaghetti, folks. J and Kai are back with another chaotic crawl through the weirdest corners of old newspaper archives. We kick things off with a headline that makes Kai’s smile vanish in real time: A Bat in Her Stomach. Yes, you read that right. A woman allegedly carried a bat in her belly for seven years before emitt…

1
Necromancy Against Cheats and Other Stories: Gesta Romanorum 1:31:07

8M ago1:31:07

1:31:07

A cheating wife plots with a her lover, a necromancer, to kill her husband, a knight on pilgrimage... what could possibly happen when another necromancer decides to protect the knight? We're breaking down tales in the Gesta Romanorum to learn more about medieval law and necromancy! Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr for even more!Suppo…

1
Taking Stock at 101 Days 35:42

9M ago35:42

35:42

In this panel discussion, some of the American West’s leading climate activists, scientists and policymakers share their thoughts on the first few months of the Trump administration – and why they’re still hopeful about holding the fossil fuel industry accountable. Our guests are climate scientist Emily Fischer, California State Sen. Lena Gonzalez,…

1
Xanax, Wine, and Whispers: The Death of Tamla Horsford 1:08:06

8M ago1:08:06

1:08:06

Send us a text This week on Chambers of the Occult, we’re joined by special guests Brent and Talia from Chillworthy for a crossover unlike any other where they take the wheel and guide us through one of the most chilling and controversial cases in recent true crime history: the death of Tamla Horsford. What was meant to be a casual adult slumber pa…

1
Inside L.A.’s Solar Megaproject 30:44

9M ago30:44

30:44

Sammy Roth tours the largest solar and battery storage facility ever built for Los Angeles. He also sits down with the L.A. Department of Water and Power’s CEO to learn what it’ll take to get to 100% clean electricity by 2035. https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2024-12-05/column-l-a-s-massive-new-solar-farm-is-cheap-and-impressive-more-…