S5E10 – 'Christmas Waltz'

On this week’s Mad Men Men, we dig into “Christmas Waltz.” That's right, it's a holiday episode about money trouble, emotional drift, and people looking for comfort in all the wrong places. But also, it’s one of Season 5’s strangest and saddest turning points. Because let's just say it gives severa…

S5E9 – 'Dark Shadows'

On this week’s Mad Men Men, we dig into “Dark Shadows.” That's right, it's the episode where envious smog spreads through the office, the suburbs, and even Thanksgiving dinner! But also, Don starts to feel the elevator walls closing in from every direction. And everyone around him seems newly aware…

S5E8 – 'Lady Lazarus'

On this week’s Mad Men Men, we dig into "Lady Lazarus." The Season 5 midpoint where Don starts to realize the world is moving faster than he can follow. But also, Megan finally reveals what she truly wants. And Pete mistakes desire for destiny in the most Pete Campbell way possible. If you’re new …

S5E7 – 'At the Codfish Ball'

On this week’s Mad Men Men, we unpack "At the Codfish Ball." The episode centers on dinners, children, in-laws, and professional wins. More importantly, it asks what growing up really means. Usually, it means learning how badly adults can disappoint you. We talk about Megan as her own person, not …

One Piece 1176 Manga Recap: 'With Pride'

This week, Jon Negroni and Travis Hymas discuss the latest chapter of the One Piece manga, titled “With Pride.” One Piece 1176 is currently available to read for free on Viz. Topics this week include: Franky's new power upgrade! Fun theory about "ambient energy" being the key to Devil Fruits. How …

S5E6 – 'Far Away Places'

“Far Away Places” is one of those Mad Men episodes where the show quietly changes shape. This week on Mad Men Men, we dig into that Season 5 standout. First, the episode fractures a single day into three interlocking stories. Then, it follows Peggy, Roger, and Don as each tries to escape a life tha…

One Piece 1173 Manga Recap: 'Warrior Generation'

This week on Rookie Pirate Radio, Jon Negroni and Travis Hymas discuss the latest chapter of the One Piece manga, titled “Warrior Generation.” One Piece 1173 is currently available to read for free on Viz. Topics this week include: Brook and Gunko and Princess Shuri and Jon's wild Shuri-Vivi-Lily …

One Piece 1172 Manga Recap: 'The Elbaph I Dreamed of'

Jon and TRavis discuss the latest chapter of the One Piece manga, titled "The Elbaph I Dreamed of.” One Piece 1172 is currently available to read for free on Viz. Topics this week include: The God Valley Flashback! We've been on hiatus since last April, so we catch up on most of what's happened si…

How to Hook Readers in the First Page of Your Fantasy Novel

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re breaking down a first‑page excerpt from the fantasy writing subreddit and asking a deceptively simple question: what actually makes an opening work? Jon reacts in real time to a dark fantasy opening, unpacking why beautifully written prose can still fa…

How to Write Humorous Dark Fantasy (Like Terry Pratchett!)

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we're responding to an email from a listener who wants to know how they can incorporate humor and levity in their dark fantasy novel. They specifically reference Terry Pratchett, so I take a close look at how this works and why it seems far more effortless t…