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The Wayward Dragons

Jack the Ripper, Elon Musk & the Discworld: A Wild Ride

In this episode, we cover a range of captivating topics. We'll begin with breaking news, including the alleged identification of Jack the Ripper, the Super Bowl halftime show, and Elon Musk's involvement with the Treasury. Our book segment features Terry Pratchett's 'The Light Fantastic,' as we launch our Discworld book club, and Greg Melville's 'Over My Dead Body.' We'll also discuss the television series 'Resident Alien' and explore the meanings of the Ace and Two of Swords in our tarot reading. Tune in for a comprehensive look at these diverse subjects.


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If you have a topic/book recommendation or if we messed up in any way you can email us at thewaywarddragons@gmail.com



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  • Live-Birth Snails, a Gold Toilet Heist, Prince Edward's Stripping, and 22 Tons of Cheese

    01:02:16|
    Hello and Welcome everyone to this episode of The Wayward Dragons! This is what the hosts will be covering in this episode: Current Events & Politics:Government Standoff: The hosts express frustration over the ongoing government shutdown, discussing the political battles over health benefits and the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare").Royal Family Scandal: They cover the news of Prince Edward being stripped of all his titles, which they link to the Epstein files. One host gives the opinion that royal titles should no longer exist as they serve "no purpose" in the modern age.Midterm Elections: They celebrate the US midterm election results where a Democrat won every material race, with the majority of winners being women, calling it a "big victory".Age of Politicians: They debate the idea that there should be a maximum age (e.g., 65 or 70) for politicians to retire, arguing that "young blood" is needed in politics. They mention a politician named "Madani" as a good example of a grassroots candidate who engaged with the public by showing up at a gay nightclub to encourage voting.Science & Nerd Culture:Prehistoric Snails: The science segment covers research on a 1 million-year-old fossil snail suggesting that prehistoric snails gave birth to live young instead of laying eggs. The information was sourced from IFL Science (I Fucking Love Science).K-Pop Expectations: They discuss the psychological toll and expectations placed on K-Pop musicians, comparing them unfavorably to the restrictive life of royalty.Books: Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan The Lost Tomb: And Other Real-Life Stories of Bones, Burials and Murder by Douglas Preston Little Bookshop of Murder by Maggie BlackburnTv Shows: Mayfair Witches Interview With a Vampire Gen V Person of InterestTarot Cards: Queen of pentacles 9 of pentacles 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
  • Shutdown Stress & Strength: The Moon is Cheese and the Gov't is Closed

    56:01|
    Hello and Welcome!The News:Government Shutdown and Benefits: The main focus of the news section was the ongoing government shutdown. If a conclusion isn't reached, many people will lose food stamps and other benefits starting November 1st. Food banks will also be affected by losing funding. The Senate rejected a bill to pay federal workers.Healthcare Funding: A Californian union, the Service Employees International Union, proposed a one-time 5% tax on billionaires' net worth in the state to offset federal reductions in Medicaid funding. Supporters argue it's an obligation to help and that a small portion could also fund public schools. The federal reductions could lead to the state losing $30 billion annually and up to 3.4 million people losing coverage.Immigration and Accountability: The Governor of Illinois signed an executive order creating the Illinois Accountability Commission to investigate alleged civil rights abuses tied to federal immigration enforcement, in response to Trump's Chicago raids. The commission's core missions are to build a public record of abuses, document impacts on families, and recommend actions to prevent further harm.D.C. Protest: A man was detained by D.C. police for protesting the National Guard patrol while dressed as Darth Vader and playing the "Imperial Death March" song. Another protest incident involved a 61-year-old woman who was arrested for "lewd and inappropriate behavior" for holding a sign and wearing an inflatable penis costume.Quebec Religious Symbols Ban: Quebec's government is planning on banning religious symbols from being worn in government-subsidized daycares and child care centers. There would be a grandfather clause to exempt current employees.French Rape Law: France's Assembly Nationale approved a bill defining rape as any non-consensual sexual act. The bill was supported by a vote of 155 to 31, with only far-right lawmakers opposing. Consent is defined as "free and informed. Specific. Prior". This reform shifts the burden to the alleged offender.Golf Course on Slave Graves: The city of Tallahassee is planning to sell a golf course built on top of slave graves for $1.25 million. A condition of the sale is placing a commemorative plaque.A woman in Michigan won $100,000 in Powerball after ChatGPT helped her pick her lottery numbers.ChatGPT is reportedly changing its policies to allow the creation of "lewd or possibly offensive material" for users 18 and older, which the hosts predict will lead to a flood of AI-generated "smut books".Baker and Taylor Closure: The abrupt closure of Baker and Taylor, a major supplier for many US libraries, will cause supply and demand issues, resulting in longer hold times for library patrons.New Reading Rainbow Host: The announcement of the new host for Reading RainbowBooks:Johnny:The Ink and Sigil trilogy by Kevin Hearne. The Emaneska series by Ben Galley. The Legend of UH by Aaron N Hall.Kelsey: Dreadful by Kaitlin Rozakis. When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Kanzaki. The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore.TV Show Recommendation:Johnny recommended the Netflix show Wayward.Tarot Card Reading:The Sun and StrengthWe 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 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
  • 1,200 lb. Bear, Gatlinburg Car Chaos, and the Fungus-Infected Utopia

    53:17|
    Welcome to the show!!US Political and Social IssuesGovernment Shutdown and Civil War Allegation: They state the US government is currently shut down , which is causing severe problems for federal employees, including one anecdote about a military family struggling to get medication for their childrenProtests and ICE Agents: They discuss videos of protests in Oregon, including humorous instances of a person in an inflatable frog costume , as well as more serious accounts of ICE agents using rubber bullets on a priest and ramming a woman's carAntifa and Ideology: The hosts debate the nature of Antifa, asserting it is an ideology rather than an organization, and note the irony of those speaking against it refusing to say the word "fascist"RFK Jr.'s Claim: They mock an alleged claim by RFK Jr. that linked circumcision to an increased likelihood of autism due to Tylenol useTrump and Other News: They mention Trump being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize and the confusing headline about a Canadian provincial leader, "Alberta says Prime speaks from love". They also express interest in how outside-US listeners perceive the US, asking them to email the podcastNational Parks: The hosts discuss the effects of the government shutdown on National Parks, including reports of vandalism. Great Smoky Mountains and Car Rally: They recount an unpleasant experience in Gatlinburg during a car rally, where participants were driving recklessly and vandalizing businesses, leading to gridlock that prevented emergency services from getting through. They note that the Great Smoky National Park is largely handled by Great Smokies Organization and Native American/residential communities, allowing most of it to stay open despite the federal shutdownFat Bear Contest: One host shares that the winner of the annual "fattest bear contest" is Bear 32, "Chunk," whose estimated weight is over 1,200 poundsBook ReviewsThe Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton: The first host found it confusing initially but praised the unique narrative structure, which is told from the shared point of view of a character named Abby, who is revealed to be a fungus injected into non-human, plant-based villagers. The plot involves a scientist's murder that triggers the plant-people to take control and build a utopia. Dragon Rider by Taran Matharu: The second host discusses this book, which deals with themes of rape. The plot follows a man named Jai, who is a servant/handyman, as he escapes a massacre at a rehearsal dinner and sets out to avenge his brother. He finds and hatches a dragon egg and attempts to return to his homeland with a foreign princess, all while navigating a magical system that involves linking one's "mana"Tarot Reading and Conclusion The episode concludes with a two-card tarot reading: the Four of Pentacles (examining one's relationship with money/financial security) and the Seven of Pentacles (hard work and persevering toward a better harvest). They thank the audience and encourage them to rate, subscribe, and email the show.We are also happy to announce that we Have a book club! We are reading The DiscWorld Series! We are moving to book 5, SourceryPlease 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
  • Stroke Lawsuits, Terrorist Squirrels, and Tylenol Claims

    01:00:11|
    Welcome to the show! News Topics:American Airlines Lawsuit: A federal jury ordered American Airlines to pay $11 million for neglecting a 67-year-old California chef who suffered two strokes—one while the plane was at the gate and another mid-flight—during a 2021 Miami-to-Madrid flight. The crew failed to notify medical personnel or divert the flightPanama Alien Hoax: The hosts talk about a viral story of a man in Panama who allegedly found an egg sack from a meteorite that contained a growing "life form," which scientific experts have debunked as a hoaxAlex Murdaugh's Banker: Russell Laffitte pleaded guilty to state bank fraud charges in South Carolina for helping Alex Murdaugh move stolen funds. The hosts reference the Netflix documentary on Alex Murdaugh, who was sentenced for killing his wife and son.Voter Data/Trump Administration: Discussion on the DOJ suing six states, including Minnesota, New York, and California, for refusing to turn over voter rolls, and the hosts' belief that voting should be private. They also mention the Trump administration's efforts to restrict the asylum systemTylenol and Autism Claim: Obama rebuked the claim that Tylenol causes autism. Johnny links the discredited research to Doctor Oz and his financial interest in a rival pain relieverRFK Jr. Impeachment: House Democrat Representative Haley Stevens has begun drafting articles of impeachment against RFK Jr. for efforts that "jeopardize public health," primarily referencing his views on food additives and seed oilsUS Tariffs: The US plans to impose new tariffs, including a 100% duty on imported branded drugs, 25% on heavy duty trucks, and 50% on kitchen cabinetsJames Comey: Ex-FBI Director James Comey was charged with making a false statement and obstruction following President Trump's call for the prosecution of perceived political enemiesMean Squirrel: A vicious squirrel in a Californian neighborhood has attacked at least five people, sending two to the emergency roomBooks:Fetishized by Kaila Yu: Rated five stars for its powerful, re-evaluative content on yellow fever, feminism, and beauty, with trigger warnings for addiction, suicide, and sexual assaultInk and Sigil and Paper and Blood How to Sell a Haunted House: Disliked the author's writing style and the plot, which involved a possessed puppetOn the Sundown Sea: Reads more like a diary than a fiction novel; not much plotMort: Enjoyed the funny, alternative motive for DeathMedia:Unknown Number : A "fucked up" story about a girl who was catfished and harassed by her own motherKaiju Number 8: Described as Attack on Titan meets My Hero AcademiaWeapons: Enjoyed the film for its surprisingly accurate research into magical systems and the occultAlive: A "Blue's Clues for adults," with episodes covering topics like death and what it means to be an authentic human.Tarot Cards:Johnny: Ten of Wands Kelsey: King of CupsWe are also happy to announce that we have a our book club! We are reading The DiscWorld Series! We are on book 5, Sourcery.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 World is on Fire: Embracing Inevitable Change

    01:04:10|
    Hello and Welcome! Thank you for joining us!Personal Updates and AnecdotesPersonal Life: Johnny talks about how they were unable to attend DragonCon this year due to various unexpected reasons, including finances, but hopes to go next year. Kelsey mentioned their brother totaled his car, but is fine.New Job Experience: Kelsey started a new job as a dietary aide in a nursing home, describing the training as "baptism by fire".Sports: Kelsey briefly mention college football season starting, with Johnny having very strong opinions on professional athletic organizations.News and Current EventsCharlie Kirk Discussion:He was shot in the neck at the first stop of his "Prove Me Wrong" tour.The host strongly condemns Kirk, calling him a "piece of shit" and a "fucking Nazi".Queer people should be killed "like they were in the Bible".Questioning the qualifications of Black pilots or Black people in jobs.Dismissing police violence and saying Black people assaulted by police "deserve it".Stating women should not be in the workplace, only be at home, and that those who go to college are "just there to find a husband".Stating that women who are raped "deserve it" and should be forced to carry the child to term, even if it was his 10-year-old daughter.They also mention that Donald Trump prematurely announced Kirk's death and later suggested giving him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.Other News:A Colorado school shooting at Evergreen High School left two students in critical condition; the suspected 15-year-old shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.There was an active shooter situation at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.Historically black colleges and universities were facing threats after the Kirk shooting.Multiple judges have blocked Trump administration efforts, including removing unaccompanied minors from Honduras in shelters , restricting federal funding for immigrant services like Headstart , and subpoenaing trans kids' medical records from a Boston hospital.White supremacists were taking to the streets, chanting "white men fight back".North Korea stated they would "take action" if Israel does not cease actions with Gaza and the West Bank.Book Reviews:Assistant to the Villain by Anna Nicole MayerToxic Empathy by Allie Beth StuckeyOn a Sundown Sea by Jill HallInk and Sigil series by Kevin HearneTV Show Review:Alien Earth TV Series (on Hulu/FX)The hosts conclude with a card reading.Ace of Hearts: New feelings for a change, with the potential for great emotional and spiritual awareness. It suggests trusting intuition to lead to new horizons.Ten of Swords (Reversed): Indicates combating an inevitable change or ending. It's time to "rip off the bandage" and embrace the change for personal growth and regeneration.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. 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
  • Cracker Barrel Logo Lies and Legal Fights

    59:59|
    In this episode hosts Kelsey and Johnny catch up on their lives and discuss a variety of topics, including recent news, personal stories, and book reviews.In the NewsWe dive into a mix of news stories, sharing their strong opinions and reactions. Topics include:The recent controversy surrounding Cracker Barrel's logo redesign, which the hosts find silly. They also touch on the blandness of Cracker Barrel's food and Midwestern cooking in general. A Pennsylvania bus crash involving a junior high football team, which sent over 20 people to the hospital. Trump's proposed reclassification of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. The hosts argue that it's a political stunt, and they discuss the hypocrisy of legalizing alcohol while restricting marijuana. We also discuss Trump's threat to send the military to Baltimore to "clean up crime". They argue that crime rates in Baltimore are already down and that his proposal is a form of "militarized police force". A federal judge's decision to strike down a Minnesota law that aimed to protect LGBTQ+ students from discrimination by Christian colleges. The hosts express frustration with the ruling, arguing that these private institutions should not receive government funding or tax breaks. The denial of parole for the Menendez brothers, leading to a discussion on abuse and the justice system, comparing their case to "battered wife syndrome". A British Airways flight from Italy that had to remove 20 passengers due to extreme heat affecting the plane's ability to take off. Other news items include great white sharks moving north due to warming oceans , new discoveries by the James Webb Space Telescope , and a hoax stabbing by a Colorado park ranger.Book and TV ReviewsKelsey and Johnny share their latest media consumption:Johnny continues to enjoy the Warriors Cat book series and recommends it to listeners. Kelsey also received an advanced copy of a new book, On a Sundown Sea, which they plan to review together. Kelsey is reading the Iron Druid Chronicles and talks about the characters and plot. Kelsey also watched Fit for TV. A documentary on the dark side of The Biggest Loser, noting the unhealthy practices and lasting harm done to contestants. Johnny watched the first season of Channel Zero, an anthology series based on creepypastas, and recommends it.Tarot Cards:The Moon8 of Wands/Temporance 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 4, Mort (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
  • Law, Lore & Pop Culture

    59:07|
    On this episode, we're diving into the week's biggest headlines. We'll break down court decisions, from federal judges striking down parts of Florida's book removal law and a Trump-era diversity program, to the Supreme Court's decision on a new social media age-check law in Mississippi. Plus, we'll cover the latest in pop culture with a new Taylor Swift album and new food news from Mars. We'll also take a look at some of the weirdest stories making the rounds, including a new toothpaste made from hair and the mysterious horned rabbits of Colorado. Finally, we'll share our current recommendations, including the book Spook Show #10 and the movie K-pop Demon Hunter.Tarot Cards:Ace of pentacles 8 of swordsWe 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 4, Mort (we are reading in publication order). Please be patient with Kelsey, she never reads a series start to finish without reading things in-between!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
  • A World in Turmoil: From Political Raids to Celebrity Farewells

    58:17|
    News:Politics and Policy: The hosts discuss a number of major political developments, including a recent judge's order against the Trump administration's cancellation of humanity's grants and the controversy surrounding his demand that the Washington NFL team revert to its previous name. They also cover debates over the renaming of military bases with Confederate ties, and the potential impact of immigration raids on the U.S. food supply. The hosts also touch on a bill being considered to prevent the loss of foreign-born clergy serving in U.S. communities.Media and Culture: The cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and the South Park episode that followed are topics of discussion, along with a significant data breach affecting the app "Tea." A lighter note is struck with the mention of a new Magic: The Gathering space set and a convention that raised money for a girl with a birthmark to meet the voice actor of her favorite anime character.Controversies and Conspiracy: The episode dives into several controversies, including the re-emergence of the Epstein files and a tweet from MLK's daughter after the release of MLK's assassination files. The hosts also bring up a video that surfaced appearing to show Trump cheating at golf and the news of NASA losing funding.International and Election News: The podcast touches on how U.S. politics could complicate Canada's co-hosting of the 2026 World Cup and the speculation surrounding who the Democrats might be considering for their next presidential candidate.Losses: The death of legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne is discussed, along with other recent celebrity deaths.Books:The Perfect Marriage by Jenena RoseHow To Sell A Haunted House by Grady HendrixMovies/Shows:The Fantastic 4 MovieShinedown ConcertTarot Cards:10 of cupsPrince/knight of swords 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 4, Mort (we are reading in publication order).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 Big Bill, Cyborg Bees, and Dragon Bones: A Whirlwind of News & Culture

    01:00:49|
    Join us for an exciting episode packed with the latest headlines and our top entertainment picks! In the news, we're dissecting the "One Big Beautiful Bill" and the EU's decision to delay retaliatory tariffs on US goods. We'll also cover some truly unique stories, from Donald Trump's plans to host a UFC fight at the White House to celebrate 250 years of independence, to Barbie's new Type 1 Diabetic doll, and even Chinese scientists creating the first cyborg bee with the world's lightest brain controller!Prepare to be amazed as we discuss the incredible discovery of a 70-million-year-old dinosaur fossil unearthed beneath the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. We'll also dive into the latest in celebrity news with Kelly Osbourne's response to rumors about Ozzy Osbourne, and a significant update from the DOJ and FBI regarding Jeffrey Epstein's alleged "client list." Plus, we'll examine the concerning impact of US aid cuts on HIV vaccine research in South Africa, Donald Trump's controversial suggestion to strip Rosie O'Donnell of her US citizenship, and the tragic news of a plague-related death in Arizona.For our book lovers, we'll be highlighting "He Who Fights with Monsters" by Shitaloon, and diving into two thrilling reads by Simone St. James: "Murder Road" and "The Other Side Of Midnight." Finally, in our shows segment, get ready for our thoughts on Part 1 of Season 2 of "Sandman." Tune in for all this and more!Tarot Cards:8 of cups 10 of wandsWe 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 4, Mort (we are reading in publication order).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