Alzabo Soup is a literary analysis podcast where we literally become our favorite authors by devouring portions of their brains. We do chapter-by-chapter analysis of our favorite speculative fiction, researching the details and discussing the implications. We are currently working our way through "…
Philip Armstrong and Andrew Metzroth
Listeners of Alzabo Soup that love the show mention: gene wolfe, metz, wolfe's, close reading, speculative fiction, time reader, often hilarious, sun, soup, phil, interpretations, book club, huh, readers, don't always, exploration, text, literary, literature, sci fi.
The Alzabo Soup podcast is a delightful and informative listen for fans of Gene Wolfe and his works. I was initially skeptical that a podcast about Wolfe's literature would be dry and overly academic, but I was pleasantly surprised by the engaging and entertaining nature of the hosts, Phil and Metz. Their passion for Wolfe's writing shines through in each episode, making it an enjoyable experience from start to finish.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the insightful analysis provided by Phil and Metz. They offer deep dives into Wolfe's intricate narratives, unraveling hidden meanings and symbolism that might have been missed upon a first reading. Their attention to detail is commendable, as they bring attention to small nuances and details that enhance the overall reading experience. Additionally, their ability to connect different elements across multiple novels within Wolfe's Solar Cycle is impressive, allowing listeners to gain a greater understanding of the overarching themes and ideas throughout the series.
Another great aspect of Alzabo Soup is the balance between serious analysis and light-hearted banter. While they tackle complex literary concepts, Phil and Metz do so with a sense of humor that keeps the podcast engaging and approachable. This combination makes it accessible to both longtime fans of Gene Wolfe and those who may be new to his works.
While there aren't many negative aspects to highlight, one minor criticism is that there are occasional disagreements between the hosts regarding interpretations or theories. While this can lead to interesting discussion, at times it can feel repetitive or drawn out. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall quality of the podcast.
In conclusion, The Alzabo Soup podcast is an excellent companion for readers delving into Gene Wolfe's novels. The hosts' passion for Wolfe's writing, insightful analysis, and enjoyable banter make it a must-listen for fans of speculative fiction or anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Wolfe's complex narratives. Whether you're embarking on your first journey through the Solar Cycle or revisiting familiar favorites, Alzabo Soup will enhance your reading experience and provide ample food for thought.
Intro - Phil updates Metz on new Palworld developments Content (6:59) - Discussion of Part 1 of Chapter 22 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Neuromancer, by William Gibson Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil tells Metz about some prominent Star Wars litigation. Content (6:58) - Discussion of Chapter 21 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Neuromancer, by William Gibson Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil discuss the productivity game Ithya Magic Studies Content (11:19) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 20 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Neuromancer, by William Gibson Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil introduces Metz to the world of LitRPGs Content (10:04) - Discussion of Part 1 of Chapter 20 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Neuromancer, by William Gibson Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz talk about The Day the Earth Blew Up Content (8:18) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 19 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Suldrun's Garden, by Jack Vance. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil discuss the virtues of soup and salad. Content (9:32) - Discussion of Part 1 of Chapter 19 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Suldrun's Garden, by Jack Vance. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz announce the stories we'll be reading between In Green's Jungles and Return to the Whorl. Content (5:49) - Discussion of Chapter 18 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Suldrun's Garden, by Jack Vance. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz introduce the read-along of the month, Suldrun's Garden Content (12:02) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 17 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Suldrun's Garden, by Jack Vance. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz describes his experience with Madagascar Jr. to Phil. Content (10:14) - Discussion of Part 1 of Chapter 17 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Stations of the Tide, by Michael Swanwick. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil asks Metz how he liked the Stardust Crusaders arc of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Content (12:12) - Discussion of Chapter 16 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Stations of the Tide, by Michael Swanwick. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil talk about solo journaling games. Content (9:24) - Discussion of Chapter 15 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Stations of the Tide, by Michael Swanwick. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil asks Metz how he liked the Stardust Crusaders arc of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Content (10:15) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 14 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Stations of the Tide, by Michael Swanwick. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil listen to MD Foodie Boyz Content (7:56) - Discussion of Part 1 of Chapter 14 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Sirius, by Olaf Stapledon Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz discuss "A Solitare Mystery." Content (11:29) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 13 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Sirius, by Olaf Stapledon Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz discuss "A Solitare Mystery." Content (7:00) - Discussion of Part 1 of Chapter 13 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Sirius, by Olaf Stapledon Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz talks about his daughter's obsession with Murder, She Wrote. Content (9:01) - Discussion of Chapter 12 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Sirius, by Olaf Stapledon Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil tells Metz about his experience reading Dickens, and the idea of a serial read. Content (9:20) - Discussion of Chapter 11 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Riddley Walker, by Russell Hoban Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil tells Metz about an amazing spice-dispensing invention. Content (8:40) - Discussion of Part 2 Chapter 10 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Riddley Walker, by Russell Hoban Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil talk about the practice of buying toys as an adult. Content (8:48) - Discussion of Part 1 of Chapter 10 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Riddley Walker, by Russell Hoban Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil marvel at Progresso Soup Drops. Content (8:53) - Discussion of Part 2 Chapter 9 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Riddley Walker, by Russell Hoban Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz remember David Lynch Content (11:00) - Discussion of Part 1 Chapter 9 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Player of Games, by Iain M. Banks. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil tells Metz about some of the top toys of 2024. Content (5:05) - Discussion of Chapter 8 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Player of Games, by Iain M. Banks. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil asks Metz to describe a perfect board game. Content (8:23) - Discussion of Chapter 7 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Player of Games, by Iain M. Banks. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz discuss Hundreds of Beavers. Content (8:53) - Discussion of Chapter 6 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Player of Games, by Iain M. Banks. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz asks Phil how Sonic got a 3-movie franchise. Content (8:33) - Discussion of Part 3 of Chapter 5 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Player of Games, by Iain M. Banks. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil informs Metz about new developments surrounding the game Palworld. Content (8:42) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 5 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - The Alchemist, by Ben Jonson Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil makes Metz try some Japanese candy. Content (11:26) - Discussion of Part 1 Chapter 5 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - The Tempest, by William Shakespeare Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz discuss the complexities of novelty popcorn buckets. Content (5:49) - Discussion of Chapter 4 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - The Witch of Edmonton, by John Ford, Thomas Dekker, and William Rowley Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - We announce our 2025 read-along list of 12 titles picked by our patrons. Content (9:35) - Discussion of Chapter 3 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - Hamlet, by William Shakespeare Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and his family return to a bankrupt Red Lobster. Content (9:02) - Discussion of Chapter 2 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - The Winter's Tale, by William Shakespeare Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz are disturbed that they can summon the spirit of Samuel Adams. Content (5:50) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 1 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - Much Ado About Nothing, by William Shakespeare Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil explains why he's trying to read 100 books this year Content (8:03) - Discussion of Part 1 of Chapter 1 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - The Duchess of Malfi, by John Webster. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil talks about the UFO 50 series of games. Content (11:14) - Discussion of the Character list and Letter in In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - The Taming of the Shrew, by William Shakespeare. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz taste Coke Oreos and Oreo Coke. Content (5:13) - Discussion of part 2 of The Dragon Masters by Jack Vance This Week's Play - The Spanish Tragedy, by Thomas Kyd Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz talks about his daughter's latest obsession. Content (7:55) - Discussion of part 3 of The Dragon Masters by Jack Vance This Week's Play - Othello, by William Shakespeare Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - We announce our 2025 book club plans for patron read-alongs. Content (5:13) - Discussion of part 2 of The Dragon Masters by Jack Vance This Week's Play - The Puritan, or the Widow of Watling Street, by Anonymous Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz asks Phil about his favorite Dinosaur toylines Content (8:06) - Discussion of part 1 of The Dragon Masters by Jack Vance This Week's Play - The Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz talk about seeing Elizabethan plays live this summer. Content (14:31) - Discussion of How the Whip Came Back by Gene Wolfe and Camels and Dromedaries, Clem by R. A. Lafferty. This Week's Play - The Jew of Malta, by Christopher Marlowe. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz discuss the challenge of avoiding spoilers while podcasting. Content (9:09) - General discussion of chapter 16 of On Blue's Waters, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - Measure for Measure, by William Shakespeare. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil extol the virtues of Skelly the giant skeleton. Content (13:15) - Discussion of chapter 16 of On Blue's Waters, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - The Witch, by Thomas Middleton Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz discuss the New York Times list of the 100 best books of the 21st century. Content (10:43) - Discussion of chapter 15 of On Blue's Waters, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - Pericles, Prince of Tyre Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil take a look at the Emmy Awards Content (13:15) - Discussion of part 2 of chapter 14 of On Blue's Waters, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - Love's Labour's Lost, by William Shakespeare Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz celebrate their eigth anniversary. Content (3:44) - Discussion of part 1 of chapter 14 of On Blue's Waters, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - Antony and Cleopatra, by William Shakespeare Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz are fascinated by Funko Fusion. Content (7:57) - Discussion of part 3 of chapter 13 of On Blue's Waters, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - The Blind Beggar of Alexandria, by George Chapman Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil tries to explain the value of Elden Ring DLC to Metz. Content (8:21) - Discussion of part 2 of chapter 13 of On Blue's Waters, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - The Two Noble Kinsmen by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - After finishing all of Shakespeare's histories in chronological order, Metz and Phil discuss the overaching experience. Content (16:29) - Discussion of part 1 of chapter 13 of On Blue's Waters, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - Arden of Faversham by Anonymous Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil tells Metz about seeing the musical Company. Content (8:46) - Discussion of part 3 of chapter 12 of On Blue's Waters, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - All's Well that Ends Well by William Shakespeare Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil talk about Lorelei and the Laser Eyes. Content (9:24) - Discussion of part 2 of chapter 12 of On Blue's Waters, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil discuss the Pharrel Williams Lego biopic trailer. Content (7:50) - Discussion of part 1 of chapter 12 of On Blue's Waters, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - The Shoemaker's Holiday by Thomas Dekker Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - We announce the books and stories we'll be reading between On Blue's Waters and In Green's Jungles Content (5:11) - Discussion of part 3 of chapter 11 of On Blue's Waters, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil explains to Metz the wonder of Another Crab's Treasure Content (5:55) - Discussion of part 2 of chapter 11 of On Blue's Waters, by Gene Wolfe. This Week's Play - Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
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