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 just Don’s fantasy. We also explore how the episode uses her family to sharpen that point. Her father resents Don for political and personal reasons. Her mother reads everyone in seconds and acts on it. And Don, for once, feels like a stranger in his own home.

Meanwhile, Peggy sees what success looks like when someone else gets it first. Then Roger treats spiritual enlightenment like a new sport coat. And Sally gets one of the show’s best storylines. She starts to see that adulthood does not mean sophistication. Instead, it means mess, compromise, and contamination.

Along the way, we dig into the Heinz beans pitch. We also talk about the sadness of professional validation. Then we get into Roger’s post-LSD self-regard and the comic horror of Glenn. Finally, we explain why this episode feels quieter than "Far Away Places" but hits just as hard. Every social ritual strips away a little more innocence.

Of course, because this is our show, we also wander into spaghetti, French accents, bean advertising, and Roger Sterling discourse.

If you’re new here, Mad Men Men covers Mad Men from three angles. First, we have a first-time watcher. Then, we have a first-time rewatcher. Finally, we have one man who turned Don Draper into a weekly podcast problem.

EXTRA CREDITS

Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is "Mad Men Men" by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme "A Beautiful Mine" by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).

We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 8, titled "Lady Lazarus." Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

On this week&rsquo;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 just Don&rsquo;s fantasy. We also explore how the episode uses her family to sharpen that point. Her father resents Don for political and personal reasons. Her mother reads everyone in seconds and acts on it. And Don, for once, feels like a stranger in his own home.
Meanwhile, Peggy sees what success looks like when someone else gets it first. Then Roger treats spiritual enlightenment like a new sport coat. And Sally gets one of the show&rsquo;s best storylines. She starts to see that adulthood does not mean sophistication. Instead, it means mess, compromise, and contamination.
Along the way, we dig into the Heinz beans pitch. We also talk about the sadness of professional validation. Then we get into Roger&rsquo;s post-LSD self-regard and the comic horror of Glenn. Finally, we explain why this episode feels quieter than "Far Away Places" but hits just as hard. Every social ritual strips away a little more innocence.
Of course, because this is our show, we also wander into spaghetti, French accents, bean advertising, and Roger Sterling discourse.
If you&rsquo;re new here, Mad Men Men covers Mad Men from three angles. First, we have a first-time watcher. Then, we have a first-time rewatcher. Finally, we have one man who turned Don Draper into a weekly podcast problem.
EXTRA CREDITS
Matthew Weiner created&nbsp;Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is "Mad Men Men" by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show&rsquo;s opening theme "A Beautiful Mine" by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>&nbsp;(Podcast Editor of&nbsp;InBetweenDrafts),&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/iamwillashton/">Will Ashton</a>&nbsp;(cohost of the&nbsp;Cinemaholics&nbsp;podcast), and&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/moverhulse/">Michael Overhulse</a>&nbsp;(a guy who&rsquo;s addicted to working at startups).
We&rsquo;ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 8, titled "Lady Lazarus." Subscribe to Mad Men Men&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mad-men-men/id1631961565">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fz9ohgwzqZDWS1PTDSI4F">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub21ueWNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2QvcGxheWxpc3QvNjJhOTUxMTAtMDQ5My00MDg2LWJmOGUtYTcwOTAxNmNmMDY1LzVhMGY2MTljLTY1NjktNGQwMS1iNDcxLWFlYzIwMDEzNTdmNC9iYTE0YmFkNS1hNmVmLTRkZDMtYTY2MS1hZWMyMDAxNjE1MjkvcG9kY2FzdC5yc3M%3d">Google Podcasts</a>, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

S5E7 – 'At the Codfish Ball'

“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 that feels unbearable.

Meanwhile, Peggy chases professional authority and confronts how lonely ambition can feel. Roger drops acid and stumbles into one of the series’ clearest emotional revelations. At the same time, Don takes a spontaneous trip with Megan. Yet again, he learns that fantasy is easy to build and nearly impossible to inhabit.

Along the way, we explore why this might be Mad Men at its most novelistic. We also talk about why the experimentation never feels gimmicky. Instead, it deepens everything. And likewise, the episode’s mirrors, doubling, and displacement turn three plots into variations on one theme.

There’s also room for what our show does best. Yes, we riff on orange sherbet, bad intros, and Howard Johnson’s as a site of psychic collapse. And then we talk about the strange relief of realizing your life has become untenable.

If you’re new here, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through three perspectives. First, we have our first-time viewer. Then there’s our first-time rewatcher. Finally, there’s the guy who has to podcast about everything instead of going to therapy.

EXTRA CREDITS

Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).

We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 7, titled “At the Codfish Ball.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

&ldquo;Far Away Places&rdquo; 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 that feels unbearable.
Meanwhile, Peggy chases professional authority and confronts how lonely ambition can feel. Roger drops acid and stumbles into one of the series&rsquo; clearest emotional revelations. At the same time, Don takes a spontaneous trip with Megan. Yet again, he learns that fantasy is easy to build and nearly impossible to inhabit.
Along the way, we explore why this might be Mad Men at its most novelistic. We also talk about why the experimentation never feels gimmicky. Instead, it deepens everything. And likewise, the episode&rsquo;s mirrors, doubling, and displacement turn three plots into variations on one theme.
There&rsquo;s also room for what our show does best. Yes, we riff on orange sherbet, bad intros, and Howard Johnson&rsquo;s as a site of psychic collapse. And then we talk about the strange relief of realizing your life has become untenable.
If you&rsquo;re new here, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through three perspectives. First, we have our first-time viewer. Then there&rsquo;s our first-time rewatcher. Finally, there&rsquo;s the guy who has to podcast about everything instead of going to therapy.
EXTRA CREDITS
Matthew Weiner created&nbsp;Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is &ldquo;Mad Men Men&rdquo; by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show&rsquo;s opening theme &ldquo;A Beautiful Mine&rdquo; by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>&nbsp;(Podcast Editor of&nbsp;InBetweenDrafts),&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/iamwillashton/">Will Ashton</a>&nbsp;(cohost of the&nbsp;Cinemaholics&nbsp;podcast), and&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/moverhulse/">Michael Overhulse</a>&nbsp;(a guy who&rsquo;s addicted to working at startups).
We&rsquo;ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 7, titled &ldquo;At the Codfish Ball.&rdquo; Subscribe to Mad Men Men&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mad-men-men/id1631961565">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fz9ohgwzqZDWS1PTDSI4F">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub21ueWNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2QvcGxheWxpc3QvNjJhOTUxMTAtMDQ5My00MDg2LWJmOGUtYTcwOTAxNmNmMDY1LzVhMGY2MTljLTY1NjktNGQwMS1iNDcxLWFlYzIwMDEzNTdmNC9iYTE0YmFkNS1hNmVmLTRkZDMtYTY2MS1hZWMyMDAxNjE1MjkvcG9kY2FzdC5yc3M%3d">Google Podcasts</a>, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

S5E6 – 'Far Away Places'

Pete Campbell takes the wheel and crashes straight into an existential pileup in one of Mad Men’s sharpest, saddest hours. On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse unpack Season 5, Episode 5, “Signal 30,” directed by John Slattery and co-written by Matthew Weiner and Frank Pierson (Dog Day Afternoon). We break down Pete’s slow-motion unraveling, the infamous office fight, and what Ken’s sci-fi side hustle really says about corporate life.

In case you’re new here, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through the perspectives of three different types of viewers: a first-timer, a first-time rewatcher, and someone who thought the best way to deal with their feelings about Don Draper was to start a podcast.

EXTRA CREDITS

Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).

We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 6, titled “Far Away Places.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

Pete Campbell takes the wheel and crashes straight into an existential pileup in one of Mad Men&rsquo;s sharpest, saddest hours. On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse unpack Season 5, Episode 5, &ldquo;Signal 30,&rdquo; directed by John Slattery and co-written by Matthew Weiner and Frank Pierson (Dog Day Afternoon). We break down Pete&rsquo;s slow-motion unraveling, the infamous office fight, and what Ken&rsquo;s sci-fi side hustle really says about corporate life.
In case you&rsquo;re new here, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through the perspectives of three different types of viewers: a first-timer, a first-time rewatcher, and someone who thought the best way to deal with their feelings about Don Draper was to start a podcast.
EXTRA CREDITS
Matthew Weiner created&nbsp;Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is &ldquo;Mad Men Men&rdquo; by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show&rsquo;s opening theme &ldquo;A Beautiful Mine&rdquo; by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>&nbsp;(Podcast Editor of&nbsp;InBetweenDrafts),&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/iamwillashton/">Will Ashton</a>&nbsp;(cohost of the&nbsp;Cinemaholics&nbsp;podcast), and&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/moverhulse/">Michael Overhulse</a>&nbsp;(a guy who&rsquo;s addicted to working at startups).
We&rsquo;ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 6, titled &ldquo;Far Away Places.&rdquo; Subscribe to Mad Men Men&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mad-men-men/id1631961565">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fz9ohgwzqZDWS1PTDSI4F">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub21ueWNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2QvcGxheWxpc3QvNjJhOTUxMTAtMDQ5My00MDg2LWJmOGUtYTcwOTAxNmNmMDY1LzVhMGY2MTljLTY1NjktNGQwMS1iNDcxLWFlYzIwMDEzNTdmNC9iYTE0YmFkNS1hNmVmLTRkZDMtYTY2MS1hZWMyMDAxNjE1MjkvcG9kY2FzdC5yc3M%3d">Google Podcasts</a>, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

S5E5 – 'Signal 30'

Don’s fever breaks, but not before Mad Men delivers one of its most surreal and polarizing hours to date. On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse react to Season 5, Episode 4, “Mystery Date,” directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision and Fantastic Four: First Steps) and co-written by Victor Levin and Matthew Weiner. We break down the episode’s Lynchian detour into Don’s subconscious, the true-crime parallels to the Richard Speck murders, and whether the Joan and Greg subplot belongs in this episode at all. Plus, we dive into Peggy’s fraught night with Dawn and Sally’s loss of innocence.

In case you’re new here, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through the perspectives of three different types of viewers: a first-timer, a first-time rewatcher, and someone who thought the best way to deal with their feelings about Don Draper was to start a podcast.

EXTRA CREDITS

Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).

We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 5, titled “Signal 30.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

Don&rsquo;s fever breaks, but not before Mad Men delivers one of its most surreal and polarizing hours to date. On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse react to Season 5, Episode 4, &ldquo;Mystery Date,&rdquo; directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision and Fantastic Four: First Steps) and co-written by Victor Levin and Matthew Weiner. We break down the episode&rsquo;s Lynchian detour into Don&rsquo;s subconscious, the true-crime parallels to the Richard Speck murders, and whether the Joan and Greg subplot belongs in this episode at all. Plus, we dive into Peggy&rsquo;s fraught night with Dawn and Sally&rsquo;s loss of innocence.
In case you&rsquo;re new here, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through the perspectives of three different types of viewers: a first-timer, a first-time rewatcher, and someone who thought the best way to deal with their feelings about Don Draper was to start a podcast.
EXTRA CREDITS
Matthew Weiner created&nbsp;Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is &ldquo;Mad Men Men&rdquo; by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show&rsquo;s opening theme &ldquo;A Beautiful Mine&rdquo; by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>&nbsp;(Podcast Editor of&nbsp;InBetweenDrafts),&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/iamwillashton/">Will Ashton</a>&nbsp;(cohost of the&nbsp;Cinemaholics&nbsp;podcast), and&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/moverhulse/">Michael Overhulse</a>&nbsp;(a guy who&rsquo;s addicted to working at startups).
We&rsquo;ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 5, titled &ldquo;Signal 30.&rdquo; Subscribe to Mad Men Men&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mad-men-men/id1631961565">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fz9ohgwzqZDWS1PTDSI4F">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub21ueWNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2QvcGxheWxpc3QvNjJhOTUxMTAtMDQ5My00MDg2LWJmOGUtYTcwOTAxNmNmMDY1LzVhMGY2MTljLTY1NjktNGQwMS1iNDcxLWFlYzIwMDEzNTdmNC9iYTE0YmFkNS1hNmVmLTRkZDMtYTY2MS1hZWMyMDAxNjE1MjkvcG9kY2FzdC5yc3M%3d">Google Podcasts</a>, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

S5E4 – 'Mystery Date'

Jon Hamm steps behind the camera for Mad Men Season 5, Episode 3, “Tea Leaves” and the results are…complicated! On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse react to Betty’s triumphant return. They also talk Peggy’s new hire Michael Ginsberg and Harry Crane continuing to be the worst man alive. We break down the real-life inspiration behind Betty’s storyline (and January Jones’ pregnancy), debate the effectiveness of Jon Hamm’s directorial debut, and explore how the show tackles themes of youth culture, generational anxiety, and desperate rebranding (looking at you, Roger).

In case you’re new here, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through the perspectives of three different types of viewers: a first-timer, a first-time rewatcher, and someone who thought the best way to deal with their feelings about Don Draper was to start a podcast.

EXTRA CREDITS

Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Jon Hamm directed “Tea Leaves” and Erin Levy and Matthew Weiner co-wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).

We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 4, titled “Mystery Date.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

Jon Hamm steps behind the camera for Mad Men Season 5, Episode 3, &ldquo;Tea Leaves&rdquo; and the results are&hellip;complicated! On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse react to Betty&rsquo;s triumphant return. They also talk Peggy&rsquo;s new hire Michael Ginsberg and Harry Crane continuing to be the worst man alive. We break down the real-life inspiration behind Betty&rsquo;s storyline (and January Jones&rsquo; pregnancy), debate the effectiveness of Jon Hamm&rsquo;s directorial debut, and explore how the show tackles themes of youth culture, generational anxiety, and desperate rebranding (looking at you, Roger).
In case you&rsquo;re new here, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through the perspectives of three different types of viewers: a first-timer, a first-time rewatcher, and someone who thought the best way to deal with their feelings about Don Draper was to start a podcast.
EXTRA CREDITS
Matthew Weiner created&nbsp;Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Jon Hamm directed &ldquo;Tea Leaves&rdquo; and Erin Levy and Matthew Weiner co-wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is &ldquo;Mad Men Men&rdquo; by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show&rsquo;s opening theme &ldquo;A Beautiful Mine&rdquo; by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>&nbsp;(Podcast Editor of&nbsp;InBetweenDrafts),&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/iamwillashton/">Will Ashton</a>&nbsp;(cohost of the&nbsp;Cinemaholics&nbsp;podcast), and&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/moverhulse/">Michael Overhulse</a>&nbsp;(a guy who&rsquo;s addicted to working at startups).
We&rsquo;ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 4, titled &ldquo;Mystery Date.&rdquo; Subscribe to Mad Men Men&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mad-men-men/id1631961565">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fz9ohgwzqZDWS1PTDSI4F">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub21ueWNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2QvcGxheWxpc3QvNjJhOTUxMTAtMDQ5My00MDg2LWJmOGUtYTcwOTAxNmNmMDY1LzVhMGY2MTljLTY1NjktNGQwMS1iNDcxLWFlYzIwMDEzNTdmNC9iYTE0YmFkNS1hNmVmLTRkZDMtYTY2MS1hZWMyMDAxNjE1MjkvcG9kY2FzdC5yc3M%3d">Google Podcasts</a>, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

S5E3 – 'Tea Leaves'

Don’s got shaving cream in the mirror, Megan’s got a mop and a plan, and Lane Pryce is one wallet away from going full American Psycho. It’s A Little Kiss Part 2! And on this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse are breaking down the second half of Mad Men’s bold, chaotic, and deeply handsy Season 5 premiere.

This episode also covers the real-world 1960s context behind the show’s uneasy depiction of civil rights “progress.” Plus some surprising behind-the-scenes trivia, including how production on this episode had to jump around thanks to January Jones’s real-life pregnancy. And yes, we finally address that Reddit theory about Masters of Sex.

In case you’re new here, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through the perspectives of three different types of viewers: a first-timer, a first-time rewatcher, and someone who thought the best way to deal with their feelings about Don Draper was to start a podcast.

EXTRA CREDITS

Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Matthew Weiner directed “A Little Kiss (Part 2)” and Jennifer Getzinger wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).

We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 3, titled “Tea Leaves.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

Don&rsquo;s got shaving cream in the mirror, Megan&rsquo;s got a mop and a plan, and Lane Pryce is one wallet away from going full American Psycho. It&rsquo;s A Little Kiss Part 2! And on this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse are breaking down the second half of Mad Men&rsquo;s bold, chaotic, and deeply handsy Season 5 premiere.
This episode also covers the real-world 1960s context behind the show&rsquo;s uneasy depiction of civil rights &ldquo;progress.&rdquo; Plus some surprising behind-the-scenes trivia, including how production on this episode had to jump around thanks to January Jones&rsquo;s real-life pregnancy. And yes, we finally address that Reddit theory about Masters of Sex.
In case you&rsquo;re new here, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through the perspectives of three different types of viewers: a first-timer, a first-time rewatcher, and someone who thought the best way to deal with their feelings about Don Draper was to start a podcast.
EXTRA CREDITS
Matthew Weiner created&nbsp;Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Matthew Weiner directed &ldquo;A Little Kiss (Part 2)&rdquo; and Jennifer Getzinger wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is &ldquo;Mad Men Men&rdquo; by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show&rsquo;s opening theme &ldquo;A Beautiful Mine&rdquo; by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>&nbsp;(Podcast Editor of&nbsp;InBetweenDrafts),&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/iamwillashton/">Will Ashton</a>&nbsp;(cohost of the&nbsp;Cinemaholics&nbsp;podcast), and&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/moverhulse/">Michael Overhulse</a>&nbsp;(a guy who&rsquo;s addicted to working at startups).
We&rsquo;ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 3, titled &ldquo;Tea Leaves.&rdquo; Subscribe to&nbsp;Mad Men Men&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mad-men-men/id1631961565">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fz9ohgwzqZDWS1PTDSI4F">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub21ueWNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2QvcGxheWxpc3QvNjJhOTUxMTAtMDQ5My00MDg2LWJmOGUtYTcwOTAxNmNmMDY1LzVhMGY2MTljLTY1NjktNGQwMS1iNDcxLWFlYzIwMDEzNTdmNC9iYTE0YmFkNS1hNmVmLTRkZDMtYTY2MS1hZWMyMDAxNjE1MjkvcG9kY2FzdC5yc3M%3d">Google Podcasts</a>, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

S5E2 – 'A Little Kiss Part 2'

It’s season five, baby! And we’re back with A Little Kiss Part 1, the two-part premiere that gave us a Zubi Zubi Zoom into Don Draper’s new life. And all the weird vibes that come with it. On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse reunite to talk about Megan’s infamous birthday serenade, why Pete Campbell continues to be the show’s most interesting character, and what Joan’s mom and a certain baby’s butt have in common. Oh, and the introduction of the most legendary character in the entire series...that's right, BOBBY 5.

We dive into the real-life inspiration behind the shocking protest scene, AMC’s behind-the-scenes budget drama, and how this premiere marks a turning point in the show’s tone, aesthetic, and yes, hairlines. Also: the debut of Mike’s new microphone. It’s a whole event.

In case this is your first time tuning in, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through the lens of three different viewers: a first-timer, a rewatcher, and someone who watches the show instead of forming healthy adult friendships. You know who you are.

So whether you’re Team Peggy, Team Megan, or just here for Bert Cooper’s party game energy, pour a stiff drink and join us. We may not be ready for part two, but at least we showed up with a gift.

Extra Credits:

Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Matthew Weiner directed “A Little Kiss (Part 1)” and Jennifer Getzinger wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).

We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 2, titled “A Little Kiss Part 2.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

It&rsquo;s season five, baby! And we&rsquo;re back with A Little Kiss Part 1, the two-part premiere that gave us a Zubi Zubi Zoom into Don Draper&rsquo;s new life. And all the weird vibes that come with it. On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse reunite to talk about Megan&rsquo;s infamous birthday serenade, why Pete Campbell continues to be the show&rsquo;s most interesting character, and what Joan&rsquo;s mom and a certain baby&rsquo;s butt have in common. Oh, and the introduction of the most legendary character in the entire series...that's right, BOBBY 5.
We dive into the real-life inspiration behind the shocking protest scene, AMC&rsquo;s behind-the-scenes budget drama, and how this premiere marks a turning point in the show&rsquo;s tone, aesthetic, and yes, hairlines. Also: the debut of Mike&rsquo;s new microphone. It&rsquo;s a whole event.
In case this is your first time tuning in, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through the lens of three different viewers: a first-timer, a rewatcher, and someone who watches the show instead of forming healthy adult friendships. You know who you are.
So whether you&rsquo;re Team Peggy, Team Megan, or just here for Bert Cooper&rsquo;s party game energy, pour a stiff drink and join us. We may not be ready for part two, but at least we showed up with a gift.
Extra Credits:
Matthew Weiner created&nbsp;Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Matthew Weiner directed &ldquo;A Little Kiss (Part 1)&rdquo; and Jennifer Getzinger wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is &ldquo;Mad Men Men&rdquo; by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show&rsquo;s opening theme &ldquo;A Beautiful Mine&rdquo; by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>&nbsp;(Podcast Editor of&nbsp;InBetweenDrafts),&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/iamwillashton/">Will Ashton</a>&nbsp;(cohost of the&nbsp;Cinemaholics&nbsp;podcast), and&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/moverhulse/">Michael Overhulse</a> (a guy who&rsquo;s addicted to working at startups).
We&rsquo;ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 2, titled &ldquo;A Little Kiss Part 2.&rdquo; Subscribe to Mad Men Men&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mad-men-men/id1631961565">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fz9ohgwzqZDWS1PTDSI4F">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub21ueWNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2QvcGxheWxpc3QvNjJhOTUxMTAtMDQ5My00MDg2LWJmOGUtYTcwOTAxNmNmMDY1LzVhMGY2MTljLTY1NjktNGQwMS1iNDcxLWFlYzIwMDEzNTdmNC9iYTE0YmFkNS1hNmVmLTRkZDMtYTY2MS1hZWMyMDAxNjE1MjkvcG9kY2FzdC5yc3M%3d">Google Podcasts</a>, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

S5E1 — 'A Little Kiss Part 1'

Why put off today when we can podcast about Tomorrowland? That's right, in the Season 4 finale of Mad Men (titled "Tomorrowland"), Don Draper faces a turning point both personally and professionally. Big surprise. As Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce struggles to secure its future, Don takes a bold step by taking his secretary Megan to a family trip to California. Meanwhile, Peggy tries to land a much-needed account, Joan grapples with unexpected news about her personal situation, and the Mad Men Men podcast faces our biggest struggle yet. Releasing a podcast episode on time!

In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life.

Extra Credits:

Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Matthew Weiner directed “Tomorrowland” and co-wrote the script with Jonathan Igla. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).

We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 1, titled “A Little Kiss Part 1.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

Why put off today when we can podcast about Tomorrowland? That's right, in the Season 4 finale of Mad Men (titled "Tomorrowland"), Don Draper faces a turning point both personally and professionally. Big surprise. As Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce struggles to secure its future, Don takes a bold step by taking his secretary Megan to a family trip to California. Meanwhile, Peggy tries to land a much-needed account, Joan grapples with unexpected news about her personal situation, and the Mad Men Men podcast faces our biggest struggle yet. Releasing a podcast episode on time!
In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life.
Extra Credits:
Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Matthew Weiner directed “Tomorrowland” and co-wrote the script with Jonathan Igla. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a> (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/iamwillashton/">Will Ashton</a> (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/moverhulse/">Michael Overhulse</a> (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).
We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 1, titled “A Little Kiss Part 1.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mad-men-men/id1631961565">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fz9ohgwzqZDWS1PTDSI4F">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub21ueWNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2QvcGxheWxpc3QvNjJhOTUxMTAtMDQ5My00MDg2LWJmOGUtYTcwOTAxNmNmMDY1LzVhMGY2MTljLTY1NjktNGQwMS1iNDcxLWFlYzIwMDEzNTdmNC9iYTE0YmFkNS1hNmVmLTRkZDMtYTY2MS1hZWMyMDAxNjE1MjkvcG9kY2FzdC5yc3M%3d">Google Podcasts</a>, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

S4E13 – 'Tomorrowland' 

We're not known for blowing smoke on Mad Men Men, but I guess we can make an exception for this penultimate episode of the season! That's right, we're back to discuss Season 4, Episode 12, titled "Blowing Smoke." Which finds the old gang at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce scrambling in the fog of losing Lucky Strike. As usual, we recap the episode, give our analysis, and reference the director/writer/actors’ commentaries as well as Mad Men Carousel by Matt Zoller Seitz. 

In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life.

“Blowing Smoke” Discussion Points: 
What can we make of the dynamic between Sally and Glen in this episode?
How can we connect Don's American Cancer pitch to the "kids" in "Blowing Smoke"?
Does this really feel like a penultimate episode?
Is the Midge subplot all that believable?
What is the current state of Don and Faye's relationship?

Extra credits:

Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. John Slattery directed “Blowing Smoke” and Andre Jacquemetton and Maria Jacquemetton wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).

We're not known for blowing smoke on Mad Men Men, but I guess we can make an exception for this penultimate episode of the season! That's right, we're back to discuss Season 4, Episode 12, titled "Blowing Smoke." Which finds the old gang at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce scrambling in the fog of losing Lucky Strike. As usual, we recap the episode, give our analysis, and reference the director/writer/actors’ commentaries as well as Mad Men Carousel by Matt Zoller Seitz. 
In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life.
“Blowing Smoke” Discussion Points: 
<ul>
<li>What can we make of the dynamic between Sally and Glen in this episode?</li>
<li>How can we connect Don's American Cancer pitch to the "kids" in "Blowing Smoke"?</li>
<li>Does this really feel like a penultimate episode?</li>
<li>Is the Midge subplot all that believable?</li>
<li>What is the current state of Don and Faye's relationship?</li>
</ul>
Extra credits:
Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. John Slattery directed “Blowing Smoke” and Andre Jacquemetton and Maria Jacquemetton wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a> (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/iamwillashton/">Will Ashton</a> (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/moverhulse/">Michael Overhulse</a> (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).

S4E12 – Blowing Smoke

The Chinese Walls are coming down for Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce this week as we dig into Season 4, Episode 11. That's right, Mad Men Men is back for another dive into how Don Draper is the absolute worst at balancing professional and personal relationships, plus how desperation truly drives all of us. As usual, we recap the episode, give our analysis, and reference the director/writer/actors’ commentaries as well as Mad Men Carousel by Matt Zoller Seitz.

In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life.

Discussion Points: 
What IS a Chinese Wall in the workplace?
Should we read Sterling's Gold?
Does the episode still work even when it's this on the nose?
How does SCDP come back from this major shakeup?
Can you relate to a workplace crisis like this?
What does Peggy's pitch remind you of?
How has Peggy grown as a character since Season 1?
What is really going on between Don and Megan?
Is this it for Joan and Roger?

Extra credits:

Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Phil Abraham directed “Chinese Wall” and Erin Levy wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).

The Chinese Walls are coming down for Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce this week as we dig into Season 4, Episode 11. That's right, Mad Men Men is back for another dive into how Don Draper is the absolute worst at balancing professional and personal relationships, plus how desperation truly drives all of us. As usual, we recap the episode, give our analysis, and reference the director/writer/actors’ commentaries as well as Mad Men Carousel by Matt Zoller Seitz.
In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life.
Discussion Points: 
<ul>
<li>What IS a Chinese Wall in the workplace?</li>
<li>Should we read Sterling's Gold?</li>
<li>Does the episode still work even when it's this on the nose?</li>
<li>How does SCDP come back from this major shakeup?</li>
<li>Can you relate to a workplace crisis like this?</li>
<li>What does Peggy's pitch remind you of?</li>
<li>How has Peggy grown as a character since Season 1?</li>
<li>What is really going on between Don and Megan?</li>
<li>Is this it for Joan and Roger?</li>
</ul>
Extra credits:
Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Phil Abraham directed “Chinese Wall” and Erin Levy wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a> (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/iamwillashton/">Will Ashton</a> (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/moverhulse/">Michael Overhulse</a> (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).

S4E11 – Chinese Wall

The weekly show where we discuss a show that used to come out weekly. On Mad Men Men, we take a close look at each episode of the AMC series "Mad Men," which ran from 2007 to 2015, gearing our conversation around the conversation the show is having about gender, the patriarchy, and other things that make us mad. Hosted by Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse.

The weekly show where we discuss a show that used to come out weekly. On Mad Men Men, we take a close look at each episode of the AMC series "Mad Men," which ran from 2007 to 2015, gearing our conversation around the conversation the show is having about gender, the patriarchy, and other things that make us mad. Hosted by Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse.

Mad Men Men

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 does Domi Reverse REALLY work?!
Why Rocks got got.
Sanji and Jinbe discourse (the good kind!)
Speculation on what happens next in the arc (Imu capturing and/or possessing Nidhöggr/Loki?!)

Catch up before Chapter 1177 drops, and don’t forget to join our spoiler-filled One Piece channel in the InBetweenDrafts Discord linked right here! You can also email your questions, corrections, and theories via email: rookiepirateradio@gmail.com.

We’ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to subscribe to Rookie Pirate Radio on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.

Our intro music is a remix version of “Overtaken” from the One Piece anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime & Manga editor of InBetweenDrafts, and Jon Negroni is the Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recaps are always based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn’t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of One Piece. Plus, we’re not just a One Piece podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you’d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

This week,&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/hymastravis/">Travis Hymas</a>&nbsp;discuss the latest chapter of the&nbsp;One Piece manga, titled &ldquo;With Pride.&rdquo; One Piece 1176&nbsp;is currently available to read for free on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.viz.com/shonenjump/chapters/one-piece?locale=en">Viz</a>.
Topics this week include:
<ul>
<li>Franky's new power upgrade!</li>
<li>Fun theory about "ambient energy" being the key to Devil Fruits.</li>
<li>How does Domi Reverse REALLY work?!</li>
<li>Why Rocks got&nbsp;got.</li>
<li>Sanji and Jinbe discourse (the good kind!)</li>
<li>Speculation on what happens next in the arc (Imu capturing and/or possessing Nidh&ouml;ggr/Loki?!)</li>
</ul>
Catch up before Chapter 1177 drops, and don&rsquo;t forget to join <a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">our spoiler-filled One Piece channel in the InBetweenDrafts Discord linked right here</a>! You can also email your questions, corrections, and theories via email: rookiepirateradio@gmail.com.
We&rsquo;ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/rookie-pirate-radio">subscribe</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/category/anime-manga/rookie-pirate-radio/">Rookie Pirate Radio</a> on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.
Our intro music is a remix version of &ldquo;Overtaken&rdquo; from the&nbsp;One Piece anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime &amp; Manga editor of InBetweenDrafts, and Jon Negroni is the Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recaps are always based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn&rsquo;t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of One Piece. Plus, we&rsquo;re not just a&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you&rsquo;d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

One Piece 1176 Manga Recap: 'With Pride'

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 theory!
We want to cover an anime soon, so write in your suggestions via the Discord! Or email us (address below).
Is there more to Zoro's plan? We have theories.
Also, Zoro flies now.
Shamrock needs to come back, right? This is getting too easy.
Travis thinks the arc will extend by us going higher up the tree soon.
Jon hopes Usopp figures out a way to reverse Domi Reversi without Conqueror's Haki.

Catch up before Chapter 1174 drops, and don’t forget to join our spoiler-filled One Piece channel in the InBetweenDrafts Discord linked right here! You can also email your questions, corrections, and theories via email: rookiepirateradio@gmail.com.

We’ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to subscribe to Rookie Pirate Radio on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.

Extra Credits:

Our intro music is a remix version of “Overtaken” from the One Piece anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime & Manga editor of InBetweenDrafts, and Jon Negroni is the Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recaps are always based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn’t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of One Piece. Plus, we’re not just a One Piece podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you’d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

This week on Rookie Pirate Radio, <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a> and <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/hymastravis/">Travis Hymas</a>&nbsp;discuss the latest chapter of the&nbsp;One Piece manga, titled &ldquo;Warrior Generation.&rdquo; One Piece 1173&nbsp;is currently available to read for free on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.viz.com/shonenjump/chapters/one-piece?locale=en">Viz</a>.
Topics this week include:
<ul>
<li>Brook and Gunko and Princess Shuri and Jon's wild Shuri-Vivi-Lily theory!</li>
<li>We want to cover an anime soon, so write in your suggestions via the Discord! Or email us (address below).</li>
<li>Is there more to Zoro's plan? We have theories.</li>
<li>Also, Zoro flies now.</li>
<li>Shamrock needs to come back, right? This is getting too easy.</li>
<li>Travis thinks the arc will extend by us going higher up the tree soon.</li>
<li>Jon hopes Usopp figures out a way to reverse Domi Reversi without Conqueror's Haki.</li>
</ul>
Catch up before Chapter 1174 drops, and don&rsquo;t forget to join <a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">our spoiler-filled One Piece channel in the InBetweenDrafts Discord linked right here</a>! You can also email your questions, corrections, and theories via email: rookiepirateradio@gmail.com.
We&rsquo;ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/rookie-pirate-radio">subscribe</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/category/anime-manga/rookie-pirate-radio/">Rookie Pirate Radio</a>&nbsp;on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.
Extra Credits:
Our intro music is a remix version of &ldquo;Overtaken&rdquo; from the&nbsp;One Piece anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime &amp; Manga editor of InBetweenDrafts, and Jon Negroni is the Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recaps are always based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn&rsquo;t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of One Piece. Plus, we&rsquo;re not just a&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you&rsquo;d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

One Piece 1173 Manga Recap: 'Warrior Generation'

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 since.
We finally got our tactical map of Elbaph.
What is Zoro's plan to free Dory and Brogy? Is he just going to ask them which is the strongest?
Brook has a plan too. We have theories about his connection to Gunko and how his music/soul powers can save the day.
We kinda want Shamrock to come back and raise the stakes.
We talk about the theory involving Imu's covenant system tying to royal allegiances and "kings."

Catch up before Chapter 1173 drops, and don’t forget to join our spoiler-filled One Piece channel in the InBetweenDrafts Discord linked right here! You can also email your questions, corrections, and theories via email: rookiepirateradio@gmail.com.

We’ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to subscribe to Rookie Pirate Radio on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.

Extra Credits:

Our intro music is a remix version of “Overtaken” from the One Piece anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime & Manga editor of InBetweenDrafts, and Jon Negroni is the Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recaps are always based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn’t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of One Piece. Plus, we’re not just a One Piece podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you’d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

Jon and TRavis discuss the latest chapter of the One Piece manga, titled "The Elbaph I Dreamed of.&rdquo; One Piece 1172&nbsp;is currently available to read for free on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.viz.com/shonenjump/chapters/one-piece?locale=en">Viz</a>.
Topics this week include:
<ul>
<li>The God Valley Flashback! We've been on hiatus since last April, so we catch up on most of what's happened since.</li>
<li>We finally got our tactical map of Elbaph.</li>
<li>What is Zoro's plan to free Dory and Brogy? Is he just going to ask them which is the strongest?</li>
<li>Brook has a plan too. We have theories about his connection to Gunko and how his music/soul powers can save the day.</li>
<li>We kinda want Shamrock to come back and raise the stakes.</li>
<li>We talk about the theory involving Imu's covenant system tying to royal allegiances and "kings."</li>
</ul>
Catch up before Chapter 1173 drops, and don&rsquo;t forget to join <a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">our spoiler-filled One Piece channel in the InBetweenDrafts Discord linked right here</a>! You can also email your questions, corrections, and theories via email: rookiepirateradio@gmail.com.
We&rsquo;ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/rookie-pirate-radio">subscribe</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/category/anime-manga/rookie-pirate-radio/">Rookie Pirate Radio</a>&nbsp;on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.
Extra Credits:
Our intro music is a remix version of &ldquo;Overtaken&rdquo; from the&nbsp;One Piece anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime &amp; Manga editor of InBetweenDrafts, and Jon Negroni is the Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recaps are always based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn&rsquo;t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of One Piece. Plus, we&rsquo;re not just a&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you&rsquo;d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

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

Hosts Jon Negroni and Travis Hymas reunite (finally!) to talk through the chaos, carnage, and character drama in One Piece Chapters 1145 “Wildfire in Forest Sector 2, Branch Route 8” and 1146 “Motion in Stillness.” After a month-long break, the duo break down Gunko’s shocking fight with the Straw Hats, Loki’s past encounter with Rocks D. Xebec, and why Elbaf may be headed toward all-out war.

Also on deck: is Dr. Hiriluk secretly Xebec?? Jon pitches the reddit theory. Travis pretends to like it.

Topics this week include:
Usopp and Nami step up against a full-on god (and pay the price).
Gunko’s creepy regeneration powers...do the Holy Knights have Gorosei buffs?
Loki’s backstory reveals…Rocks D. Xebec??
Jimbei being the MVP firefighter.
Brook possibly knowing more than he lets on about Holy Knights.
King Harald’s deal with the Celestials and the mystery of Elbaf’s true allegiance.
Why Robin and Chopper are in stealth mode.
Plus: Fan comments, wild theories, and the pressing question: are the Straw Hats about to get wrecked again?

Catch up before Chapter 1147 drops, and don’t forget to join our spoiler-filled One Piecechannel in the InBetweenDrafts Discord linked right here! You can also email your questions, corrections, and theories via email: rookiepirateradio@gmail.com.

We’ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to subscribe to Rookie Pirate Radio on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.

Extra Credits:

Our intro music is a remix version of “Overtaken” from the One Piece anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime & Manga editor of InBetweenDrafts, and Jon Negroni is the Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recap of One Piece 1145-1146 is based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn’t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of One Piece. Plus, we’re not just a One Piece podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you’d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

Hosts Jon Negroni and Travis Hymas reunite (finally!) to talk through the chaos, carnage, and character drama in One Piece Chapters 1145 &ldquo;Wildfire in Forest Sector 2, Branch Route 8&rdquo; and 1146 &ldquo;Motion in Stillness.&rdquo; After a month-long break, the duo break down Gunko&rsquo;s shocking fight with the Straw Hats, Loki&rsquo;s past encounter with Rocks D. Xebec, and why Elbaf may be headed toward all-out war.
Also on deck: is Dr. Hiriluk secretly Xebec?? Jon pitches the reddit theory. Travis pretends to like it.
Topics this week include:
<ul>
<li>Usopp and Nami step up against a full-on god (and pay the price).</li>
<li>Gunko&rsquo;s creepy regeneration powers...do the Holy Knights have Gorosei buffs?</li>
<li>Loki&rsquo;s backstory reveals&hellip;Rocks D. Xebec??</li>
<li>Jimbei being the MVP firefighter.</li>
<li>Brook possibly knowing more than he lets on about Holy Knights.</li>
<li>King Harald&rsquo;s deal with the Celestials and the mystery of Elbaf&rsquo;s true allegiance.</li>
<li>Why Robin and Chopper are in stealth mode.</li>
<li>Plus: Fan comments, wild theories, and the pressing question: are the Straw Hats about to get wrecked again?</li>
</ul>
Catch up before Chapter 1147 drops, and don&rsquo;t forget to join <a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">our spoiler-filled One Piecechannel in the InBetweenDrafts Discord linked right here</a>! You can also email your questions, corrections, and theories via email: rookiepirateradio@gmail.com.
We&rsquo;ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/rookie-pirate-radio">subscribe</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/category/anime-manga/rookie-pirate-radio/">Rookie Pirate Radio</a>&nbsp;on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.
Extra Credits:
Our intro music is a remix version of &ldquo;Overtaken&rdquo; from the&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime &amp; Manga editor of&nbsp;InBetweenDrafts, and Jon Negroni is the Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recap of One Piece 1145-1146&nbsp;is based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn&rsquo;t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of&nbsp;One Piece. Plus, we&rsquo;re not just a&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you&rsquo;d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

One Piece 1145-1146 Manga Recap: 'Wildfire in Forest Sector 2, Branch Route 8' and 'Motion in Stillness'

Host Jon Negroni (me) sails solo this week as he dives into two jam-packed One Piece chapters: 1143 “Holy Nights” and 1144 “A Time for Warriors.” With Travis off this week, Jon breaks down everything from mythical Zoan reveals and villain backstories to the re-arrival of Scopper Gaban and the Straw Hats finally getting in on the action. And after the recap, Jon goes through some comments!

Topics this week include:
The Holy Knights’ bizarre Devil Fruits (Thorn-Thorn and Dream-Dream).
 The terrifying mind control over Elbaf’s kids.
Loki’s last gasp and his mysterious past with King Harald.
Frankie and Vegapunk discovering ancient tech that could change everything!
Gaban, Dory, and Brogy joining the fight and what that means for the arc's escalation.
Gunko being a fan of Brook’s “New World”? (What??)
Plus, reader comments, theories, and the ongoing question: Is Elbaf really the next Wano… or just Punk Hazard 2.0?

Catch up before Chapter 1145 drops, and don’t forget to join our spoiler-filled One Piece channel in the InBetweenDrafts Discord linked right here! You can also email your questions, corrections, and theories via email: rookiepirateradio@gmail.com.

We’ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to subscribe to Rookie Pirate Radio on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.

Extra Credits:

Our intro music is a remix version of “Overtaken” from the One Piece anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime & Manga editor of InBetweenDrafts, and Jon Negroni is the Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recap of One Piece 1143-1144 is based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn’t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of One Piece. Plus, we’re not just a One Piece podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you’d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

Host Jon Negroni (me) sails solo this week as he dives into two jam-packed One Piece chapters: 1143 &ldquo;Holy Nights&rdquo; and 1144 &ldquo;A Time for Warriors.&rdquo; With Travis off this week, Jon breaks down everything from mythical Zoan reveals and villain backstories to the re-arrival of Scopper Gaban and the Straw Hats finally getting in on the action. And after the recap, Jon goes through some comments!
Topics this week include:
<ul>
<li>The Holy Knights&rsquo; bizarre Devil Fruits (Thorn-Thorn and Dream-Dream).</li>
<li>&nbsp;The terrifying mind control over Elbaf&rsquo;s kids.</li>
<li>Loki&rsquo;s last gasp and his mysterious past with King Harald.</li>
<li>Frankie and Vegapunk discovering ancient tech that could change everything!</li>
<li>Gaban, Dory, and Brogy joining the fight and what that means for the arc's escalation.</li>
<li>Gunko being a fan of Brook&rsquo;s &ldquo;New World&rdquo;? (What??)</li>
<li>Plus, reader comments, theories, and the ongoing question: Is Elbaf really the next Wano&hellip; or just Punk Hazard 2.0?</li>
</ul>
Catch up before Chapter 1145 drops, and don&rsquo;t forget to join <a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">our spoiler-filled One Piece channel in the InBetweenDrafts Discord linked right here</a>! You can also email your questions, corrections, and theories via email: rookiepirateradio@gmail.com.
We&rsquo;ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/rookie-pirate-radio">subscribe</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/category/anime-manga/rookie-pirate-radio/">Rookie Pirate Radio</a>&nbsp;on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.
Extra Credits:
Our intro music is a remix version of &ldquo;Overtaken&rdquo; from the&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime &amp; Manga editor of&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/our-origin-story/">InBetweenDrafts</a>, and Jon Negroni is the Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recap of One Piece 1143-1144&nbsp;is based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn&rsquo;t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of&nbsp;One Piece. Plus, we&rsquo;re not just a&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you&rsquo;d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

One Piece 1143-1144 Manga Recap: 'Holy Knights' and 'A Time For Warriors'

This week on Rookie Pirate Radio, Jon Negroni and Travis Hymas discuss the latest chapter of the One Piece manga, titled "What I'm Afraid Of.” One Piece 1141 is currently available to read for free on Viz.

We want your feedback! If you have any questions, corrections, or your own theories and speculation, you can either email us (rookiepirateradio@gmail.com) or join our Discord, where we have a special channel devoted to all things One Piece spoilers. We’ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to subscribe to Rookie Pirate Radio on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.

Extra Credits:

Our intro music is a remix version of “Overtaken” from the One Piece anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime & Manga editor of InBetweenDrafts, and Jon Negroni is the Film Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recap of One Piece 1142 is based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn’t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of One Piece. Plus, we’re not just a One Piece podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you’d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

This week on Rookie Pirate Radio, <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/hymastravis/">Travis Hymas</a>&nbsp;discuss the latest chapter of the&nbsp;One Piece manga, titled "What I'm Afraid Of.&rdquo; One Piece 1141&nbsp;is currently available to read for free on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.viz.com/shonenjump/chapters/one-piece?locale=en">Viz</a>.
We want your feedback! If you have any questions, corrections, or your own theories and speculation, you can either email us (rookiepirateradio@gmail.com) or&nbsp;<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">join our Discord</a>, where we have a special channel devoted to all things One Piece spoilers. We&rsquo;ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to&nbsp;<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/rookie-pirate-radio">subscribe</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/category/anime-manga/rookie-pirate-radio/">Rookie Pirate Radio</a>&nbsp;on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.
Extra Credits:
Our intro music is a remix version of &ldquo;Overtaken&rdquo; from the&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime &amp; Manga editor of&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/our-origin-story/">InBetweenDrafts</a>, and Jon Negroni is the Film Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recap of&nbsp;One Piece 1142&nbsp;is based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn&rsquo;t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of&nbsp;One Piece. Plus, we&rsquo;re not just a&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you&rsquo;d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

One Piece 1142 Manga Recap: 'What I'm Afraid Of'

This week on Rookie Pirate Radio, Jon Negroni and Travis Hymas discuss the latest chapter of the One Piece manga, titled "An Older Woman.” One Piece 1141 is currently available to read for free on Viz.

We want your feedback! If you have any questions, corrections, or your own theories and speculation, you can either email us (rookiepirateradio@gmail.com) or join our Discord, where we have a special channel devoted to all things One Piece spoilers. We’ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to subscribe to Rookie Pirate Radio on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.

Extra Credits:

Our intro music is a remix version of “Overtaken” from the One Piece anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime & Manga editor of InBetweenDrafts, and Jon Negroni is the Film Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recap of One Piece 1141 is based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn’t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of One Piece. Plus, we’re not just a One Piece podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you’d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

This week on Rookie Pirate Radio, <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/hymastravis/">Travis Hymas</a>&nbsp;discuss the latest chapter of the&nbsp;One Piece manga, titled "An Older Woman.&rdquo; One Piece 1141&nbsp;is currently available to read for free on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.viz.com/shonenjump/chapters/one-piece?locale=en">Viz</a>.
We want your feedback! If you have any questions, corrections, or your own theories and speculation, you can either email us (rookiepirateradio@gmail.com) or&nbsp;<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">join our Discord</a>, where we have a special channel devoted to all things One Piece spoilers. We&rsquo;ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to&nbsp;<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/rookie-pirate-radio">subscribe</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/category/anime-manga/rookie-pirate-radio/">Rookie Pirate Radio</a>&nbsp;on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.
Extra Credits:
Our intro music is a remix version of &ldquo;Overtaken&rdquo; from the&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime &amp; Manga editor of&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/our-origin-story/">InBetweenDrafts</a>, and Jon Negroni is the Film Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recap of&nbsp;One Piece 1141&nbsp;is based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn&rsquo;t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of&nbsp;One Piece. Plus, we&rsquo;re not just a&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you&rsquo;d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

One Piece 1141 Manga Recap: 'An Older Woman'

This week on Rookie Pirate Radio, Jon Negroni and Travis Hymas discuss the latest chapter of the One Piece manga, titled “Scopper Gaban.” One Piece 1140 is currently available to read for free on Viz.

We want your feedback! If you have any questions, corrections, or your own theories and speculation, you can either email us (rookiepirateradio@gmail.com) or join our Discord, where we have a special channel devoted to all things One Piece spoilers. We’ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to subscribe to Rookie Pirate Radio on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.

Extra Credits:

Our intro music is a remix version of “Overtaken” from the One Piece anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime & Manga editor of InBetweenDrafts, and Jon Negroni is the Film Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recap of One Piece 1140 is based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn’t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of One Piece. Plus, we’re not just a One Piece podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you’d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

This week on Rookie Pirate Radio, <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/hymastravis/">Travis Hymas</a>&nbsp;discuss the latest chapter of the&nbsp;One Piece manga, titled &ldquo;Scopper Gaban.&rdquo; One Piece 1140&nbsp;is currently available to read for free on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.viz.com/shonenjump/chapters/one-piece?locale=en">Viz</a>.
We want your feedback! If you have any questions, corrections, or your own theories and speculation, you can either email us (rookiepirateradio@gmail.com) or&nbsp;<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">join our Discord</a>, where we have a special channel devoted to all things One Piece spoilers. We&rsquo;ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to&nbsp;<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/rookie-pirate-radio">subscribe</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/category/anime-manga/rookie-pirate-radio/">Rookie Pirate Radio</a>&nbsp;on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.
Extra Credits:
Our intro music is a remix version of &ldquo;Overtaken&rdquo; from the&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime &amp; Manga editor of&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/our-origin-story/">InBetweenDrafts</a>, and Jon Negroni is the Film Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recap of&nbsp;One Piece 1140&nbsp;is based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn&rsquo;t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of&nbsp;One Piece. Plus, we&rsquo;re not just a&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you&rsquo;d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

One Piece 1140 Manga Recap:  'Scopper Gaban'

This week on the podcast, Jon Negroni and Travis Hymas discuss the three most recent chapters of the One Piece manga, titled “Introducing Shamrock,” “The Harley,” and “Mountain-Eater.” One Piece 1137-1139 are currently available to read for free on Viz. And you can also read an edited transcript of our conversation below!

We want your feedback! If you have any questions, corrections, or your own theories and speculation, you can either email us (rookiepirateradio@gmail.com) or join our Discord, where we have a special channel devoted to all things One Piece spoilers! We’ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to subscribe to Rookie Pirate Radio on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.

Extra Credits:

Our intro music is a remix version of “Overtaken” from the One Piece anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime & Manga editor of InBetweenDrafts, and Jon Negroni is the Film Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recap of One Piece 1137-1139 is based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn’t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of One Piece. Plus, we’re not just a One Piece podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you’d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

This week on the podcast, <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a> and <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/hymastravis/">Travis Hymas</a>&nbsp;discuss the three most recent chapters of the&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;manga, titled &ldquo;Introducing Shamrock,&rdquo; &ldquo;The Harley,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Mountain-Eater.&rdquo;&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;1137-1139&nbsp;are currently available to read for free on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.viz.com/shonenjump/chapters/one-piece?locale=en">Viz</a>. And you can also read an edited transcript of our conversation below!
We want your feedback! If you have any questions, corrections, or your own theories and speculation, you can either email us (rookiepirateradio@gmail.com) or&nbsp;<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">join our Discord</a>, where we have a special channel devoted to all things One Piece spoilers! We&rsquo;ll be back to discuss the next chapter after it comes out, but in the meantime, be sure to&nbsp;<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/rookie-pirate-radio">subscribe</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/category/anime-manga/rookie-pirate-radio/">Rookie Pirate Radio</a>&nbsp;on your favorite podcast app, so you can stay up to date on all our releases.
Extra Credits:
Our intro music is a remix version of &ldquo;Overtaken&rdquo; from the&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime &amp; Manga editor of&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/our-origin-story/">InBetweenDrafts</a>, and Jon Negroni is the Film Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recap of&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;1137-1139&nbsp;is based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn&rsquo;t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of&nbsp;One Piece. Plus, we&rsquo;re not just a&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you&rsquo;d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

One Piece 1137-1139 Manga Recap

This week on Rookie Pirate Radio, Jon Negroni and Travis Hymas discuss the latest chapter of the One Piece manga, titled “The Land that Awaits the Sun.” One Piece 1136 is currently available to read for free on Viz.

We want your feedback! If you have any questions, corrections, or your own theories and speculation, you can either email us (rookiepirateradio@gmail.com) or join our Discord, where we have a special channel devoted to all things One Piece spoilers.

Extra Credits:

Our intro music is a remix version of “Overtaken” from the One Piece anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime & Manga editor of InBetweenDrafts, and Jon Negroni is the Film Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recap of One Piece 1136 is based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn’t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of One Piece. Plus, we’re not just a One Piece podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you’d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

This week on Rookie Pirate Radio, <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a> and <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/hymastravis/">Travis Hymas</a>&nbsp;discuss the latest chapter of the&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;manga, titled &ldquo;The Land that Awaits the Sun.&rdquo;&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;1136&nbsp;is currently available to read for free on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.viz.com/shonenjump/chapters/one-piece?locale=en">Viz</a>. We want your feedback! If you have any questions, corrections, or your own theories and speculation, you can either email us (rookiepirateradio@gmail.com) or&nbsp;<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">join our Discord</a>, where we have a special channel devoted to all things One Piece spoilers.
Extra Credits:
Our intro music is a remix version of &ldquo;Overtaken&rdquo; from the&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;anime, cut together by Jon Negroni. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime &amp; Manga editor of&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/our-origin-story/">InBetweenDrafts</a>, and Jon Negroni is the Film Editor of InBetweenDrafts. Our recap of&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;1136&nbsp;is based on the English translation of the manga, courtesy of Viz. In case you didn&rsquo;t know already, Eiichiro Oda is the creator of&nbsp;One Piece. Plus, we&rsquo;re not just a&nbsp;One Piece&nbsp;podcast by the way! If you have a manga or anime you&rsquo;d like us to cover or mention on the show, definitely reach out.

One Piece 1136 Manga Recap: 'The Land that Awaits the Sun'

From InBetweenDrafts, Rookie Pirate Radio is a podcast dedicated to the world of anime and manga. We primarily do One Piece manga recaps, but also anime roundtables and seasonal previews.

From InBetweenDrafts, Rookie Pirate Radio is a podcast dedicated to the world of anime and manga. We primarily do One Piece manga recaps, but also anime roundtables and seasonal previews.

Rookie Pirate Radio – A One Piece Podcast

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 fall flat without momentum, stakes, or a clear scene engine. And how to avoid starting your novel with pages of nothing happening.

Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord (https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2) and let us know what's on your mind.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on Cetera Magazine. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we&rsquo;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 fall flat without momentum, stakes, or a clear scene engine. And how to avoid starting your novel with pages of nothing happening.
Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com&nbsp;or&nbsp;join our Discord (<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2)">https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2)</a> and let us know what's on your mind.
Fantasy Writing for Barbarians&lsquo; host is&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>, author of&nbsp;The Pixar Theory,&nbsp;Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on <a href="https://ceteramagazine.com">Cetera Magazine</a>. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/fantasy-writing-for-barbarians">here</a>.
Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>

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

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 than it actually is.

Check out my latest short story, out now in the anthology "If I Die Before I Wake Vol. 10: Tales of Cryptid Chaos" in hardcover and paperback (https://us.amazon.com/If-Die-Before-Wake-Cryptid-ebook/dp/B0G34VBT41)

Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord (https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2) and let us know what's on your mind.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on Cetera Magazine. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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 than it actually is.
Check out my latest short story, out now in the anthology "If I Die Before I Wake Vol. 10: Tales of Cryptid Chaos" in hardcover and paperback (<a href="https://us.amazon.com/If-Die-Before-Wake-Cryptid-ebook/dp/B0G34VBT41">https://us.amazon.com/If-Die-Before-Wake-Cryptid-ebook/dp/B0G34VBT41</a>)
Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com&nbsp;or&nbsp;join our Discord (<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2)">https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2)</a> and let us know what's on your mind.
Fantasy Writing for Barbarians&lsquo; host is&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>, author of&nbsp;The Pixar Theory,&nbsp;Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on <a href="https://ceteramagazine.com">Cetera Magazine</a>. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/fantasy-writing-for-barbarians">here</a>.
Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>

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

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re digging into a question a lot of fantasy writers are quietly wrestling with: has modern fantasy been reshaped by short attention spans? Using Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness as a jumping‑off point, Jon talks about why “hook them on page one” isn’t a universal law, how slow and challenging books earn their payoff, and why contemporary craft advice often confuses market pressures with actual storytelling quality.

Check out my latest short story, out now in the anthology "If I Die Before I Wake Vol. 10: Tales of Cryptid Chaos" in hardcover and paperback (https://us.amazon.com/If-Die-Before-Wake-Cryptid-ebook/dp/B0G34VBT41)

Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord (https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2) and let us know what's on your mind.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on Cetera Magazine. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we&rsquo;re digging into a question a lot of fantasy writers are quietly wrestling with: has modern fantasy been reshaped by short attention spans? Using Ursula K. Le Guin&rsquo;s The Left Hand of Darkness as a jumping‑off point, Jon talks about why &ldquo;hook them on page one&rdquo; isn&rsquo;t a universal law, how slow and challenging books earn their payoff, and why contemporary craft advice often confuses market pressures with actual storytelling quality.
Check out my latest short story, out now in the anthology "If I Die Before I Wake Vol. 10: Tales of Cryptid Chaos" in hardcover and paperback (<a href="https://us.amazon.com/If-Die-Before-Wake-Cryptid-ebook/dp/B0G34VBT41">https://us.amazon.com/If-Die-Before-Wake-Cryptid-ebook/dp/B0G34VBT41</a>)
Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com&nbsp;or&nbsp;join our Discord (<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2)">https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2)</a> and let us know what's on your mind.
Fantasy Writing for Barbarians&lsquo; host is&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>, author of&nbsp;The Pixar Theory,&nbsp;Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on <a href="https://ceteramagazine.com">Cetera Magazine</a>. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/fantasy-writing-for-barbarians">here</a>.
Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>

How to Write Fantasy in the Age of Short Attention Spans

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we're answering a pretty thorny question. When it comes to young adult and adult fantasy, what are the real differences? There are a lot of rules and exceptions to the rules, so it can be a little tricky figuring out how to market your book to the right readers, and plenty of writers are wondering about the ever-elusive "New Adult" category and whether or not it even exists.

Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord (https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2) and let us know what's on your mind.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on Cetera Magazine. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we're answering a pretty thorny question. When it comes to young adult and adult fantasy, what are the real differences? There are a lot of rules and exceptions to the rules, so it can be a little tricky figuring out how to market your book to the right readers, and plenty of writers are wondering about the ever-elusive "New Adult" category and whether or not it even exists.
Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com&nbsp;or&nbsp;join our Discord (<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2)">https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2)</a> and let us know what's on your mind.
Fantasy Writing for Barbarians&lsquo; host is&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>, author of&nbsp;The Pixar Theory,&nbsp;Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on <a href="https://ceteramagazine.com">Cetera Magazine</a>. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/fantasy-writing-for-barbarians">here</a>.
Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>

How to Know if Your Fantasy is Young Adult, Adult, or New Adult

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re answering a spooky-good question! Does horror count as fantasy? Jon dives into how genres overlap, why dark fantasy works best when it steals from horror’s toolset, and how to write sinister bargains, magical villains, and terrifying atmospheres that feel both otherworldly and grounded. Plus, we unpack a listener’s chilling prologue and explore what makes horror feel fantastical even without dragons or spells.

Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord (https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2) and let us know what's on your mind.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on Cetera Magazine. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we&rsquo;re answering a spooky-good question! Does horror count as fantasy? Jon dives into how genres overlap, why dark fantasy works best when it steals from horror&rsquo;s toolset, and how to write sinister bargains, magical villains, and terrifying atmospheres that feel both otherworldly and grounded. Plus, we unpack a listener&rsquo;s chilling prologue and explore what makes horror feel fantastical even without dragons or spells.
Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com&nbsp;or&nbsp;join our Discord (<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2)">https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2)</a> and let us know what's on your mind.
Fantasy Writing for Barbarians&lsquo; host is&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>, author of&nbsp;The Pixar Theory,&nbsp;Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on <a href="https://ceteramagazine.com">Cetera Magazine</a>. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/fantasy-writing-for-barbarians">here</a>.
Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>

How to Know When Horror Counts as Fantasy

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re answering a hot-button question from the fantasy writing subreddit: is it bad if most of your novel is just people talking? Jon digs into why dialogue-heavy scenes can tank your pacing, when they actually work, and how to build a more dynamic scene structure that doesn’t feel like filler between the “cool stuff.”

You can check out the r/fantasywriters prompt we referenced right here.

Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on Cetera Magazine. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we&rsquo;re answering a hot-button question from the fantasy writing subreddit: is it bad if most of your novel is just people talking? Jon digs into why dialogue-heavy scenes can tank your pacing, when they actually work, and how to build a more dynamic scene structure that doesn&rsquo;t feel like filler between the &ldquo;cool stuff.&rdquo;
You can check out the r/fantasywriters prompt we referenced right <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/fantasywriters/comments/1olywcy/a_massive_chunk_of_my_word_count_is_people_just/">here</a>.
Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">join our Discord</a> and let us know what's on your mind.
Fantasy Writing for Barbarians&lsquo; host is&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>, author of&nbsp;The Pixar Theory,&nbsp;Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on <a href="https://ceteramagazine.com">Cetera Magazine</a>. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/fantasy-writing-for-barbarians">here</a>.
Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>

How to Avoid Chapters Where Characters Just Talk

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re tackling a listener email about how writers can unfold a character’s past without overwhelming the reader. Jon breaks down when to use flashbacks effectively, plus how you can handle offscreen POVs. And we reference authors like Robin Hobb to engage with emotional revelations, George R.R. Martin’s approach to one-off POV chapters, and how to make sure the past is always interfering with the present.

Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on Cetera Magazine. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we&rsquo;re tackling a listener email about how writers can unfold a character&rsquo;s past without overwhelming the reader. Jon breaks down when to use flashbacks effectively, plus how you can handle offscreen POVs. And we reference authors like Robin Hobb to engage with emotional revelations, George R.R. Martin&rsquo;s approach to one-off POV chapters, and how to make sure the past is always interfering with the present.
Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">join our Discord</a> and let us know what's on your mind.
Fantasy Writing for Barbarians&lsquo; host is&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>, author of&nbsp;The Pixar Theory,&nbsp;Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on <a href="https://ceteramagazine.com">Cetera Magazine</a>. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/fantasy-writing-for-barbarians">here</a>.
Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>

How to Reveal Backstories without Boring Flashbacks

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re answering a listener email about one of the trickiest parts of writing epic fantasy: the dreaded travel montage. How do you keep the story moving when your characters are literally just…moving? Jon dives into the dos and don’ts of long journeys, how to use travel to reveal character, and when description on its own is actually a bad thing.

Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on Cetera. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we&rsquo;re answering a listener email about one of the trickiest parts of writing epic fantasy: the dreaded travel montage. How do you keep the story moving when your characters are literally just&hellip;moving?&nbsp;Jon dives into the dos and don&rsquo;ts of long journeys, how to use travel to reveal character, and when description on its own is actually a bad thing.
Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">join our Discord</a> and let us know what's on your mind.
Fantasy Writing for Barbarians&lsquo; host is&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>, author of&nbsp;The Pixar Theory,&nbsp;Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on <a href="https://cetera.substack.com">Cetera</a>. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/fantasy-writing-for-barbarians">here</a>.
Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>

How to Write Travel Montages

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re answering a heartfelt listener email about knowing when to walk away from a draft and when to double down. If you’ve ever felt stuck between revising an old novel that no longer excites you and chasing that shiny new story idea, then this episode can help you out.

Jon reflects on his own publishing history, including a beloved but unfinished trilogy and his long journey rewriting The Pixar Theory. We unpack the guilt that comes with “giving up,” the difference between quitting and redirecting, and how to tell if your reluctance is just new-idea fever…or a sign you’ve outgrown the story. Producer Bridget chimes in with sciencey brain stuff and Drawfee quotes, and we explore how outlining, reframing, and cannibalizing your own work (in a good way!) can help you stay excited about writing.

Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on Cetera. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we&rsquo;re answering a heartfelt listener email about knowing when to walk away from a draft and when to double down. If you&rsquo;ve ever felt stuck between revising an old novel that no longer excites you and chasing that shiny new story idea, then this episode can help you out.
Jon reflects on his own publishing history, including a beloved but unfinished trilogy and his long journey rewriting The Pixar Theory. We unpack the guilt that comes with &ldquo;giving up,&rdquo; the difference between quitting and redirecting, and how to tell if your reluctance is just new-idea fever&hellip;or a sign you&rsquo;ve outgrown the story. Producer Bridget chimes in with sciencey brain stuff and Drawfee quotes, and we explore how outlining, reframing, and cannibalizing your own work (in a good way!) can help you stay excited about writing.
Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">join our Discord</a> and let us know what's on your mind.
Fantasy Writing for Barbarians&lsquo; host is&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>, author of&nbsp;The Pixar Theory,&nbsp;Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on <a href="https://cetera.substack.com">Cetera</a>. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/fantasy-writing-for-barbarians">here</a>.
Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>

When to Give Up on Your Fantasy Novel and When to Start Over

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re looking at what fantasy writers can learn from James Gunn’s Superman. Yes, really. Turns out, this big-hearted, punch-heavy superhero flick has a lot to teach us about crafting godlike characters, writing vulnerability, and making your emotional arcs land harder than a Kryptonian haymaker.

In this episode, we break down 10 storytelling lessons hiding under the cape, like how to ground overpowered characters in real emotional stakes and why your worldbuilding should serve your story (not the other way around). Plus, how you can use humor to raise tension instead of killing it. So whether you’re writing a chosen-one saga or a magical kitchen sink drama, there’s something here for you, especially if your protagonist is a little too good at everything.

Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on Cetera. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we&rsquo;re looking at what fantasy writers can learn from James Gunn&rsquo;s Superman. Yes, really. Turns out, this big-hearted, punch-heavy superhero flick has a lot to teach us about crafting godlike characters, writing vulnerability, and making your emotional arcs land harder than a Kryptonian haymaker.
In this episode, we break down 10 storytelling lessons hiding under the cape, like how to ground overpowered characters in real emotional stakes and why your worldbuilding should serve your story (not the other way around). Plus, how you can use humor to raise tension instead of killing it. So whether you&rsquo;re writing a chosen-one saga or a magical kitchen sink drama, there&rsquo;s something here for you, especially if your protagonist is a little&nbsp;too good at everything.
Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at&nbsp;fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">join our Discord</a> and let us know what's on your mind.
Fantasy Writing for Barbarians&lsquo; host is&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>, author of&nbsp;The Pixar Theory,&nbsp;Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on <a href="https://cetera.substack.com">Cetera</a>. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/fantasy-writing-for-barbarians">here</a>.
Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>

10 Things Fantasy Writers Can Learn From James Gunn's 'Superman'

Whether you're a beginner fantasy writer or maybe even a barbarian, Fantasy Writing for Barbarians can help take your story to some exciting new worlds. Hosted by Jon Negroni and produced by Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock.

Whether you're a beginner fantasy writer or maybe even a barbarian, Fantasy Writing for Barbarians can help take your story to some exciting new worlds. Hosted by Jon Negroni and produced by Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians

InBetweenDrafts is a new destination for the endlessly curious. Founded by the former editors at The Young Folks, we cover the latest news and entertainment across film, books, television, games, music, and more.

InBetweenDrafts is a new destination for the endlessly curious. Founded by the former editors at The Young Folks, we cover the latest news and entertainment across film, books, television, games, music, and more.

InBetweenDrafts

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