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The Wayward Dragons

Beyond the Headlines: Exploring Literary Realms and Cinematic Visions Amidst News of Loss

Hello and welcome! This week, we're thrilled to launch our Discworld book club with Terry Pratchett's 'Equal Rites.' We're also exploring the captivating worlds of Elise Kova's 'Loom Saga' and Sylvie Cathrall's 'A Letter to the Luminous Deep.' On the film front, we're delving into the gripping 'To Catch a Killer,' the mind-bending 'A Scanner Darkly,' and the visually stunning 'Annihilation.'

Alongside our entertainment discussion, we'll be covering some significant news, including the Pope's hospitalization, the loss experienced by Gene Hackman's family, the passing of Dolly Parton's husband, and addressing the recent rumors about Michelle Trachtenberg. Our tarot reading features the 5 of Swords and the Tower Reversed, providing a thought-provoking perspective.

Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram! We value your feedback and recommendations at thewaywarddragons@gmail.com. And please remember to rate, review, subscribe, and share our podcast with your friends!

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  • RIP Sam Neill, Summer Santas, & Netflix’s Monopoly

    01:11:35|
    Hello and welcome everyone to this episode of the Wayward Dragons! This is what we cover in this episode!In Memoriam: Farewell to Sam NeillWe open the show on a heavy note as we say goodbye to acting legend Sam Neill, who has passed away at age 78. Best known as the iconic, raptor-evading paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, Neill's warmth and quiet intensity left an indelible mark on cinema. We look back at his incredible career, his battle with lymphoma, and the legacy he leaves behind.Headlines, Mergers & Pop Culture ShakeupsA New March on Washington: Organizers are planning a massive March for Democracy, set to take place on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic 1963 march. We discuss the significance of holding this demonstration today.WGA vs. The Media Giants: The Writers Guild of America is stepping up to block Paramount’s proposed buyout of Warner Bros. Discovery. Is this the tipping point for Hollywood media consolidation?Daylight Saving Time—For Good?: The House has passed a bill that would finally make Daylight Saving Time permanent. We break down what this means for your sleep schedule.Apple's CSAM Lawsuit Dismissed: Apple has won a dismissal in a major lawsuit involving how it handles child sexual abuse material on iCloud.Netflix Plays Monopoly: Netflix is turning the classic, friendship-ruining board game Monopoly into a live-action, high-stakes competition reality series.Tom Segura & Christina P Split: Comedy power couple Tom Segura and Christina Pazsitzky have announced their divorce after 18 years of marriage. We look at how this might affect their massive Your Mom's House podcast empire.Summer Santas: The World Santa Congress brings holiday cheer to the scorching height of summer.Tragedy in Mexico: We honor the life of Benjamín Medrano, Mexico’s groundbreaking first openly gay mayor, who was tragically killed in an armed attack.Oregon Park Terror: The terrifying details of an incident where a naked man allegedly tried to kidnap a 7-year-old girl from an Oregon park.Dorothea Puente TV Series: HBO is officially developing a true-crime series about Sacramento’s infamous boarding house serial killer, Dorothea Puente.Today's Media RecommendationsWitch of the Wolves by Kaylee ArcherEvery Breath You Take by Ann RuleMurder, She Wrote: Fit for MurderWaiting for GuffmanAileen: Queen of the Serial KillersUnknown Number: The High School CatfishPlease rate, review and subscribe! Don’t forget to tell a friend!You can join us on Facebook and Instagram!If you have a topic/book recommendation or if you need someone to talk too, you can email us at thewaywarddragons@gmail.com
  • Secret Weddings, AI Scandals, and Severe Diarrhea

    59:11|
    On today’s episode, we are tearing through a wild news cycle that spans secret celebrity nuptials, horrifying legal battles in the tech world, and bizarre international ultimatums. Grab a drink—you’re going to need it for this one.The Big HeadlinesSpaceXAI Sued in Shocking Class Action: Elon Musk’s xAI is facing an expanding class-action lawsuit originally brought by three teens, now grown to five. The suit alleges that the Grok AI chatbot generated over 7,000 explicit images from photos of children. Furthermore, the plaintiffs claim the company ignored federal reporting mandates regarding child exploitation and failed to hand perpetrator data over to law enforcement, fueling intense new demands for AI regulation. Taylor Got Married! In much lighter news, Taylor [Swift/Travis Kelce] officially tied the knot at Madison Square Garden. The couple dropped roughly $160,000 on city permits and police presence alone. It was a lockdown event—NDAs were everywhere and phones were strictly banned. While no one knows what went down inside, they were spotted unwinding with family in Montana, and Dior's Creative Director, Jonathan Anderson, confirmed he designed the wedding outfits. Photos are expected to drop soon.Diarrhea & Disturbing Local Crime: On the health front, a severe explosive diarrhea outbreak has officially spread across 31 states, though the CDC has bizarrely stopped tracking it. Meanwhile, out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, a truly horrific local report involves a man who severed his own penis in a case tied to child pornography.Around the World & In the CourtsMike Rowe Sues Discovery: The Dirty Jobs host is taking Discovery to court, demanding at least $2.04 million in unpaid narration fees for Deadliest Catch, claiming a breach of their 2020 pay-or-play agreement. General Muhoozi’s Beyoncé Threat: Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, sparked international bewilderment by demanding rapper Jay-Z hand over his wife, Beyoncé. The general went so far as to challenge Jay-Z to a physical fight and threatened to take the marital dispute to the United Nations. No Charges for Air Force Major: Federal prosecutors have declined to press criminal charges against Major Jason Watson, who was arrested after protesting on the Capitol steps in full uniform to call for executive impeachment. While he cleared criminal hurdles and raised $139,000 for his defense, he still faces potential internal military discipline under the UCMJ.The "Sunlight Diet" Tragedy: Russian influencer Maxim Lyutyi has been sentenced to eight years in prison. Lyutyi, who publicly advocated that humans can live purely on "prana" (sunlight) without food, caused the tragic death of his one-month-old son from severe malnutrition and pneumonia. Ironically, reports surfaced that Lyutyi was eating normal food while in custody.Medical & Political Battles: Planned Parenthood secured a major victory against a GOP defunding scheme, with Medicaid funding officially restored. Concurrently, Utah has launched a highly controversial, automated AI prescription-refill pilot program through a startup called Doctronic, sparking pushback from doctors and regulatory warnings from the FDA. Quick Hits & True CrimeWe wrap up the news block with a tragic investigation out of New York, where a grandmother is suspected in the deaths of her daughter and four grandchildren, and the news that Scottish comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli is officially heading to trial to face rape and sexual offense chargesPop Culture & RecommendationsBook of the Week: Witch of the Wolves by Kaylee ArcherWhat We're Watching: The sci-fi event Disclosure Day, true-crime docuseries Ted Bundy: Dialogue with the Devil, and the investigative special Beyond the Headlines: The Watts Family TragedyPlease rate, review and subscribe! Don’t forget to tell a friend!You can join us on Facebook and Instagram!If you have a topic/book recommendation, if you need someone to talk too, you can email us at thewaywarddragons@gmail.com
  • Corporate Shockers, Antique Laws, and Bizarre True Crime

    01:13:21|
    Hello and welcome everyone to this episode of The Wayward Dragons! This is what we talked about in this episode. Kroger Gobbles Up Giant EagleIn a massive shakeup for the grocery industry, Kroger has officially announced a $1.65 billion deal to acquire regional supermarket giant Giant Eagle. This marks Kroger’s first massive play since its Albertsons merger fell apart last year. The deal will expand Kroger's footprint significantly into Pennsylvania and mid-Atlantic markets.The "Stitching Witch" vs. Pennsylvania's 1861 Fortune-Telling BanMetaphysical shop owner Beck Ravenswood (Instagram: @the_stitching_witch) is taking the State of Pennsylvania to federal court over an archaic 1861 law. The statute technically outlaws reading tarot cards, astrology, or predicting the future for "gain or lucre". After local police threatened her with jail time and fines just for opening her shop, Ravenswood filed a lawsuit arguing the state is violating her 1st Amendment rights. Her highly anticipated next court date is set for July 22nd.High-Profile Lawsuits & Justice ServedKylie Jenner Sued by Former Private Chef: A former chef has filed a bombshell lawsuit against Kylie Jenner and her management team, alleging that extreme 11-to-12-hour shifts and intense physical demands—including being forced to carry heavy food uphill while high-risk pregnant—directly led to her suffering a tragic miscarriage.Fugitive Rapist Nicholas Rossi Dies in Prison: Nicholas Rossi, the convicted American rapist who infamously faked his own death from non-Hodgkin lymphoma and fled to Scotland (where he posed as an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight), has died at age 38 in a Utah hospital after choosing to discontinue medical treatment.Crime, Courts, & Prison BreaksInmate Uprising in North Carolina: Inmates briefly seized total control of the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center in Windsor, NC, early Monday morning after successfully overpowering correctional officers.Instant Karma Heart Attack: In a bizarre twist of fate, a man suffered a fatal heart attack and died mid-act while actively dumping the body of his girlfriend, whom he had just strangled to death.Guilty Plea in Transgender Man's Murder: The accused "ringleader" behind the horrific torture and slaying of a transgender man has officially pleaded guilty to all charges in court.40 Years for Fire Attack: The man who shockingly set a Virginia city council member on fire has been sentenced to 40 years behind bars.Funeral Home Horrors in Colorado: Two brothers are facing serious criminal charges after being accused of severely mishandling and neglecting the remains of at least two dozen people at a Colorado funeral home. Politics & Policy988 LGBTQ+ Crisis Line Fight: The Trump Administration is moving to restore the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth crisis lifeline, but massive controversy is brewing as hints drop that The Trevor Project might be completely excluded from operating it.Massachusetts Fights Book Bans: Moving to protect local libraries, the Massachusetts House has successfully passed a critical bill designed to safeguard public and school libraries from politically motivated book bans. Wild & Bizarre NewsThe Search for Gracie the Giraffe: Texas authorities and local searchers are still completely empty-handed nearly two weeks after a giraffe named Gracie escaped her enclosure.Millions of Bees Unleashed: Drivers faced a stinging nightmare after a semi-truck hauling beehives overturned on a major highway, releasing millions of angry bees into the surrounding area."No-Kill" Shelter Tragedy: A horrific investigation is underway in California after 117 dogs were found dead inside a facility operating under a "no-kill" shelter designation.Please rate, review and subscribe! Don’t forget to tell a friend!You can join us on Facebook and Instagram!If you have a topic/book recommendation or if you need someone to talk too, you can email us at thewaywarddragons@gmail.com
  • The Gas Station Dad Trap & Netflix's Latest Betrayal

    01:32:08|
    In this packed episode, we navigate the razor-thin line between modern parenting and public paranoia, diving into a viral gas station incident that has every parent talking. From there, we are tracking the biggest waves in pop culture and Hollywood: from the nostalgia-fueled chaos of the Shrek 5 and Toy Story 5 announcements to Anne Hathaway’s massive family milestone. Finally, we break down the bizarre "Shirtgate" controversy that led to a brutal stage fall for Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, a multi-million dollar federal plumbing disaster involving a former Olympian, and a literal feline show-stealer in the world of high art.The Big Conversation: The Gas Station DilemmaThe Incident: A father trying to do right by his young daughters found himself facing the police after a gas station worker recorded him and called the cops.The Catch: He simply refused to take his young girls into the men's restroom, choosing a different logistical route that public paranoia turned into a criminal suspicion. We unpack the impossible tightrope modern dads have to walk in public spaces.The Hollywood & Celebrity WireAnne Hathaway’s Big News: The 43-year-old Oscar winner took to Instagram to announce her third pregnancy with a beautiful video, shining a refreshing public spotlight on the growing reality and nuances of midlife pregnancies. Netflix Faceplants: Fans are absolutely furious and calling for a boycott after Netflix abruptly axed the sci-fi horror series The Boroughs—executive produced by the Duffer Brothers and starring Geena Davis—despite it sitting comfortably in the Top 10 with a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score. Blues Supergroup: Morgan Freeman is trading the narration mic for the studio, teaming up with blues legends Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, and Shemekia Copeland for a massive new record.Pop Culture & "Shirtgate"Kirk Hammett vs. The Swifties: Metallica's lead guitarist walked onstage in Budapest wearing a shirt reading "Taylor Swift is a CIA Psyop." Naturally, the Swiftie army mobilized. The universe apparently took notice, because days later in Dublin, Hammett suffered a hilarious, spectacular wipeout onstage during "Seek and Destroy" (affectionately dubbed Slip and Destroy). Trailer Drop: The highly anticipated first look at Shrek 5 is officially out, teasing our return to the swamp.Hard News & Box Office BoomsToy Story 5 Cleans Up: Woody and Buzz still have it. The sequel raked in a massive, franchise-best $160 million opening weekend, securing the biggest box office debut of the year.The $16M Reflecting Pool Disaster: Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn was arrested by US Park Police for "destruction of government property" at the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The crime? Reaching into the water to touch the freshly painted blue floor, which is already peeling into massive sheets. Corporate Shifts: A new survey reveals retail giants like Target, Walmart, and Amazon are seeing a measurable drop in LGBTQ+ consumer spending as brand loyalty fragments.The Dark & The Bizarre: We cover a devastating weekend wave of gun violence in Chicago that left 7 dead, a shocking discovery of 3 bodies inside an "as-is" auctioned home, and a tragedy where a family dog was fatally shot by police during New York Knicks celebrations.Bizarre Science & The ArtsThe Age/Weed Curve: New research suggests that the older you get, the more beneficial cannabis consumption might be for cognitive health and longevity. Smoke 'em if you got 'em (especially if you're a senior).Ballerina Cat: A rogue feline completely stole the spotlight by casually wandering onto the stage smack in the middle of a live performance of the Romeo and Juliet ballet.What We're WatchingMaternal InstinctEverything Everywhere All At Once Please rate, review and subscribe! Don’t forget to tell a friend!You can join us on Facebook and Instagram!If you have a topic/book recommendation or if you need someone to talk too, you can email us at thewaywarddragons@gmail.com
  • From TikTok Drama to Remaking Zelda: The Ultimate Catch-Up

    01:35:33|
    Hello and welcome to this episode of the Wayward Dragons!Influencer Relationship UpdatesJen Hamilton & Brian Separate: Following a brief, tearful video that sparked heavy internet speculation, TikTok creator and Birth Vibes author Jen Hamilton released an official statement confirming her separation from her husband of 14 years.Jelly Roll & Bunnie XO Divorce: Country rock star Jelly Roll has officially filed for divorce from his wife of nearly a decade, Bunnie XO.Viral News & TragediesThe Ridgway Family's Difficult Choice: YouTubers Jesse and Ashley Ridgway shared that they terminated a pregnancy after their baby tested positive for Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome).TikTok Nomad Michael Ridge Sued: Horseback nomad, leather tanner, and content creator Michael Ridge is facing a government lawsuit. The issue? His efforts to plant native flowers and aggressively restore native grasslands across his travels.Celsius Caffeine Investigation: The tragic death of a Texas teenager has prompted a formal investigation into the high caffeine content of Celsius energy drinks.United Flight Security Breach: A man in Texas was arrested after successfully using a fake boarding pass to sneak onto a United Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles.Judge's Misconduct Scandal: A judge facing disciplinary action for having sex in chambers and lying to investigators has issued a formal public apology for their "offensive conduct."Science, Tech, & Global PoliciesTech Under FireOpenAI Wrongful Death Lawsuit: A New Brunswick woman is suing OpenAI, alleging that interactions with ChatGPT directly led to her daughter's tragic death.Google Sues Cybercrime Ring: Google has launched a lawsuit against a Chinese cybercrime network that was utilizing their Gemini AI model to automate large-scale phishing and scams.Amazon vs. Anthropic: A new report indicates Amazon voiced internal concerns about Anthropic’s AI models just before the US government launched a regulatory crackdown.Data Center Backlash: A massive wave of public and environmental backlash against data centers successfully blocked over $130 billion in US infrastructure projects during Q1 2026.Health & ScienceA Brand New Biological Clock: Scientists have discovered a completely unprecedented biological clock mechanism unlike anything ever seen before in nature.Sweden's Smartphone Ban Recommendation: The Swedish Public Health Agency has officially recommended zero smartphone usage for children under the age of 13.NHS "Never" Event Errors: The UK's National Health Service reported 403 "never mistakes" last year—including horrifying medical errors like leaving surgical gloves inside patients and accidental organ removals.Culture & ReligionSouthern Baptist Convention: The SBC is debating whether to implement a much stricter, absolute ban on churches that employ women pastors.Presbyterian Church (USA) Votes on Monogamy: As polyamory and ethical non-monogamy gain broader visibility, the Presbyterian Church is facing an internal vote regarding its formal stance on monogamy.Books & GamingMedia Spotlight: Reading ListShot in the Dark by Mary Dublin and Anne KendsleyThis Is My Body by Lindsay King-MillerThe Long Game by Rachel Reid (From the Game Changer series)Fit for Murder by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Morgan (A Murder, She Wrote mystery)Huge Video Game AnnouncementsSpyro: A Realm Beyond: Officially announced by Toys for Bob and Xbox for a Spring 2027 release.The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time RemakeKingdom Hearts 4 TrailerHayden’s TV Pop Culture Round-UpMaternal InstinctAmerica’s Sweethearts: The Dallas Cowboys CheerleadersReality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model“Wuthering Heights”Please rate, review and subscribe! Don’t forget to tell a friend!You can join us on Facebook and Instagram!If you have a topic/book recommendation or if you need someone to talk too, you can email us at thewaywarddragons@gmail.com
  • No Pussy, No Opinion & Other Hot Takes

    01:35:26|
    In this episode of the Wayward Dragons podcast, Personal Updates Hayden’s Symphony Life: Hayden works for a professional symphony orchestra and is celebrating the end of their intense regular season, giving him his weekends and evenings back. He shares a story and jokes about famously "tuna-canning" a 26-foot box truck in a small townMusic & Fandoms: The host eagerly anticipates the midnight release of Shinedown’s new album, highlighting tracks like "Dance, Kid, Dance," "365," and "Searchlight"The News BreakdownThe Gold-Digging CIA Agent: Former CIA officer David Rush was arrested after federal agencies found roughly 300 stolen gold bars (worth over $40 million), $2 million in cash, and 35 luxury watches hidden in his home. He allegedly embezzled the assets and falsified multiple degrees to gain employmentBig Tech vs. Canadian Surveillance: Apple and Google are pushing the Canadian Parliament to amend Bill C-22. They are seeking judicial oversight to prevent the government from forcing them to create encryption backdoors, while the app Signal has threatened to leave the country entirelyUK Youth Unemployment Crisis: The UK is facing a projection of 1.25 million unemployed youth by 2031. The hosts discuss a 30% drop in trade school apprenticeships and emphasize that college isn't the only path to successThree Legal Parents in Italy: An Italian court finalized a ruling recognizing two gay fathers and one surrogate mother as the three legal parents of a four-year-old childLouisiana Abortion Pill Battle: Louisiana is urging the Supreme Court to uphold a blockade against mailing abortion pills via telehealth, sparking a passionate pro-choice discussion from the hostsNewborn Trust Funds: An app is launching to facilitate a government initiative granting $1,000 in seed money to children born between 2025 and 2028, though the hosts express skepticism about its management by BNY Mellon and RobinhoodDOGE & ChatGPT Grant Terminations: A district judge struck down a mass termination of NCAA grants that had targeted LGBT funding and medical researchWashington Paper Mill Implosion: A ruptured tank at a Washington State paper mill spilled 500,000 gallons of destructive chemicals, prompting hazmat warnings and environmental concerns near the Columbia RiverR.I.P. Happy the Elephant: Happy, a famously self-aware elephant at the Bronx Zoo who was once the subject of a legal battle to be declared a person, was sadly euthanized at age 57What They're Consuming: Books & TelevisionHayden's:Hayden has dived deep into Rachel Reid’s Game Changers queer hockey romance series. He praises Game Changer, Heated Rivalry, and Role Model—admitting that Role Model actually made him cry. He strongly critiques TJ Klune's fantasy romance Wolfsong, criticizing its slow pacing, logical fallacies, and what he felt was a poor execution of werewolf loreKelsey's:A Ruin of Roses by KF Breene (mistakenly noted as Brene Brown in dialogue), a spice-heavy dragon-shifter romance This Is My Body, a book detailing queer religious traumaShot in the Dark and Hunted in the Shadows, a trilogy series recommended for fans of the show Supernatural The Great Supernatural Debate: The host and Hayden go on a passionate tangent about the television show Supernatural, strongly advising listeners to watch the beautiful ending of Season 15, Episode 19, but to completely skip the rushed, undignified series finale in Episode 20. TV BingingThe duo has also been rotating through reality TV and classics, including America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on Netflix, original CSI marathons (featuring a dated John Mayer cameo), and introducing Hayden's partner to the wonders of Downton Abbey. Tarot Card Wrap-UpAce of WandsNine of CupsEight of CupsPlease rate, review and subscribe! Don’t forget to tell a friend!You can join us on Facebook and Instagram!If you have a topic/book recommendation or if you need someone to talk too, you can email us at thewaywarddragons@gmail.com
  • Pasta Legos, Ohio Bigfoots, and a White House Salad Bystander

    55:29|
    In this episode of The Wayward Dragons podcast, hosts Kelsey and Johnny catch up on personal updates, dive into an extensive news segment, share their recent book reads, and close out with a tarot card reading. 1. Life Updates & Personal BanterApollo the Cat: Kelsey shares an update on her orange cat, Apollo, who is the face of their logo. He recently had his annual blood draw for diabetes management and has been extra clingy after losing a couple of pounds. Kickball Victory: Johnny celebrates his local queer kickball league team, which finished in the top four and voted her for the team spirit trophy. Birthday Celebrations: For her birthday, Kelsey visited Otherworld, an interactive sensory art installation located in an old mall, followed by an independent bookstore crawl. Her husband also gifted her a highly anticipated new cast iron pan. Housing & Economy: Kelsey discusses living with her dad while navigating a 90-day government countdown to begin building a family compound. She compares her journey to TikToker Lacey Evans, who is doing a similar project in Ohio. 2. The News Segment White House Incident: A discussion on a highly suspicious White House shooting attempt involving a suspect's manifesto and a bizarrely calm bystander eating a salad. Cruise Ship Outbreak: Reports of a Hantavirus variant outbreak on a cruise ship that resulted in two deaths, sparking online political conspiracy theories. NYC Rent Freeze: The upcoming implementation of a rent freeze in New York City to address outrageous housing costs. Congressional Age Caps: A discussion on how 80% of Americans favor setting age limits and term limits for Congress. First Amendment Clashes: ABC and Disney's pushback against the FCC over scrutiny of political candidates appearing on The View. Sudden Airline Shutdown: Chaos surrounding a budget airline that abruptly went out of business, leaving passengers stranded without refunds. UFO & Bigfoot Sightings: The Pentagon's release of unresolved aerial footage and a massive surge in March 2026 Bigfoot sightings across Ohio. The Lego Swindler: A Target shoplifter who cost the company $34,000 by swapping Lego sets with dry pasta before returning them. Medical Malpractice: A Florida surgeon indicted for manslaughter after mistakenly removing a patient's liver instead of their spleen. Other Briefs: The Postal Service considering allowing handgun shipments , the cancellation of a Black Hills drilling project due to tribal backlash , skyrocketing World Cup ticket prices reaching up to $32,000 , California's free diaper program , and the Social Security Administration's release of the top baby names of 2025. 3. Goodreads & Book ReviewsTrouble Island by Sharon Short: A historical fiction audiobook that Kelsey disliked due to a whiny narrator and a flat execution. The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst: Book two of the Spell Shop YA romance series featuring sentient talking plants, which Kelsey thoroughly enjoyed. Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher: A brief Beauty and the Beast/Maleficent fairytale retelling that ultimately felt rushed and fell flat. Current Reads: She is currently working through This Is My Body by Lindsay King Miller (exploring queer religious trauma) and A Ruin of Roses by K.F. Breene (a dark, spicy fairytale retelling ending on a cliffhanger). 4. Tarot Card ReadingTo wrap up the episode, the hosts draw cards to map out their upcoming paths: The Hierophant (Kelsey): Represents tradition, conformity, morals, and ethics, signaling a time of study or sticking to tried-and-true paths. Three of Wands (Johnny): Represents forward planning, expanding horizons, and capitalizing on current strategies to reach ultimate goals.Please rate, review and subscribe! Don’t forget to tell a friend!You can join us on Facebook and Instagram!If you have a topic/book recommendation or if you need someone to talk too, you can email us at thewaywarddragons@gmail.com
  • The Waffle House 50-Mile Dash, Missing Scientists, and Magic Secrets

    01:01:39|
    This episode hosts Kelsey and Johnny diving into an eclectic mix of strange news, socio-political commentary, media reviews, and a concluding tarot reading.Current Events & "Weird News"Bizarre Claims: They discuss Greg Phillips, a FEMA official who claimed on a podcast and Truth Social to have been involuntarily teleported 50 miles to a Waffle House.Legal & Systemic Issues: The conversation touches on Tennessee's easing of voting hurdles for felons , FBI misconduct in cases involving Navajo elders , and the perceived prioritization of corporations over people by the police and the elite.Consumer & Travel Updates: Warnings are issued regarding Spirit Airlines' potential liquidation , flight reductions at Chicago O'Hare for safety , and a call to boycott Amazon in favor of alternatives like Ulta or local shops due to poor treatment of employees.Scientific & Environmental News: They note the measurement of a black hole's jet power and the spread of invasive "jumping worms" across 38 states.Conspiracy Corner: John debunks a viral report about ten "missing" scientists, noting the data is misleading and the individuals' deaths or disappearances occurred over a much longer timeframe than reported.Media Reviews & Personal InterestsMagic: The Gathering: Johnny reviews the Secrets of the Table set and its accompanying novel, praising its positive LGBT representation and lighthearted, whimsical story.TV & Animation: Johnny highly recommends the animated series Invincible, particularly the recent season finale, despite its graphic nature.Literature:Kelsey discusses Disco Witches of Fire Island by Blair Fell, a heavy yet meaningful exploration of the AIDS crisis and queer identity.She is also reading The Enchanted Greenhouse, a sequel to Spell Shop featuring a sentient spider plant with anxiety.Service Swaps: The hosts suggest moving from Audible to Everand to get more value for the same subscription price.Tarot Outlook: Soft Eras and TransformationThe episode wraps up with a dual tarot pull that suggests a period of significant personal change:Queen of Cups: Kelsey pulls this card, representing empathy, compassion, and mature emotional sensitivity.Death: John pulls the Death card, which the hosts emphasize is a positive card representing renewal, transformation, and "closing one door to open another".The Interpretation: Together, they interpret these cards as a sign to step away from a "hardened exterior" and embrace a "soft era," being more gentle and compassionate with both others and oneself.Please rate, review and subscribe! Don’t forget to tell a friend!You can join us on Facebook and Instagram!If you have a topic/book recommendation or if you need someone to talk too, you can email us at thewaywarddragons@gmail.com
  • Space Toilets, Stolen Kit Kats, and the Cornhole Killer

    54:13|
    This episode marks a return for hosts Kelsey and Johnny after a brief hiatus caused by Johnny's battle with bronchitis. The duo dives into a wide-ranging discussion that jumps from heavy international news and space mishaps to bizarre criminal cases and media reviews, ultimately closing with a collaborative tarot reading for their listeners.Current Events & Bizarre NewsGlobal & Political Issues: They discuss the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the domestic impact of rising gas prices. They also touch upon a court ruling in Texas that maintains the ban on churches endorsing political candidates to keep their tax-exempt status.Space & Tech: A recent lunar mission is highlighted—not for its scientific breakthroughs, but for its malfunctioning "entire toilet system".Oddities in the News:The 14-Year-Old Candidate: Ethan Roy, a freshman from Vermont, is running for governor, sparking a debate between the hosts about age and term limits in politics.Kit Kat Heist: The theft of 12 tons of Kit Kat bars in Europe just before Easter.AI Error: The case of Angela Lips, a Tennessee woman wrongly jailed for five months due to a facial recognition error.The Quadruple Amputee Case: The shocking arrest of a professional cornhole player and quadruple amputee for allegedly shooting a friend during an argument.Nature & Science: Research found sharks in Bermuda testing positive for caffeine and cocaine , and scientists have genetically engineered tobacco plants to produce psychedelic compounds like DMT.Media Reviews & RecommendationsBooks"How to Become a Dark Lord and Die Trying" by D’Angelo Wexler: Kelsey enjoyed the "RPG vibes" and humor but felt the climax was weak and the "closed door" scenes were repetitive."The Blackburn Files" by Heather Graham: A paranormal romance trilogy set in a "murder castle" hotel"The Disco Witches of Fire Island" by Blair Fell: A heavy read focused on the AIDS crisis of the late 80s and early 90s, dealing with community grief and PTSD.Film & Television"Falling Skies" (Netflix): The hosts discuss this alien invasion series, noting its interesting concept but potentially messy ending due to a late-stage cancellation."Good Luck": Johnny recommends this movie about a man from the future attempting to "save the world" from a dependency on technology.Tarot Outlook: Hard Work & RewardsThe episode concludes with a tarot pull that suggests a period of stability and reaping rewards:"You’ve worked hard. Life is shit. But be sure to take time to enjoy what you have and what you’ve earned." Four of Pentacles: Represents holding tight to earned resources and achieving a strong foundation of security.Nine of Pentacles: Signifies independent effort paying off, leading to a "good life" of luxury, leisure, and material comfort.We are also happy to announce that we will be beginning our book club! We will be starting The DiscWorld Series by Terry Pratchett! We are moving to book 5, Sourcery (we are reading in publication order). Please be patient with Kelsey, she never reads a series start to finish without reading things inbetween!Please rate, review and subscribe! Don’t forget to tell a friend!You can join us on Facebook and Instagram!If you have a topic/book recommendation or if you need someone to talk too, you can email us at thewaywarddragons@gmail.com