Demythifying

Send us a textThis episode Lauren delves into all things dragon with L R Lam. Building of magic systems, gender fluidity and making dragons sexy.This episode rather than a spoiler section the episode splits to delve into book one and book two

Send us a textLauren welcomes back Emily for the second part of deep diving into Mythica and this episode Lauren cherry picks women from The Odyssey. They talk about the importance of new translations. More on what the Linear B tablets can tell us and go into Lauren's favourite topic weaving. They agree on coming back as a sexually charged magic female goddess as being life goals and why certain women should be reconsidered with historical facts.And thank god Lauren didn't make Emily do a shot every time she bad mouths Telemachus

Send us a textThis episode is the first of a two-parter with Emily Hauser. Today we look into some of the women in the Illiad and dive into chapters in Emily's new book Mythica

Send us a textWay back last year Lauren caught wind that an author was finally doing a retelling about Ipheginia. Fastforward to now.... Lauren gets into sources, character choices and things that seem totally implausible with Jenny around this pivotal moment that leads up to the Trojan War. The Death and Life of Ipheginia also turns her story from a fullstop into a semi-colon.... what if her story didn't end at Aulis?They also touch on Jennys short story about Aerope and learn where the curse of the House of Atreus came from.Find Jenny online: instagram - @jsusannewilson 

Send us a textTodays book is written for all the people who need Dionysus in their life. Lauren gets full on bacchic frenzy with Natasha Pulley as they explore The Hymn to Dionysus. Natasha hops into the Greek Myth space for the first time to share a sort of retelling of The Bacchae. She shares her views on why the legacy of Dionysus is so widespread and why people are loving him now. We dive into plot points and of course get full on spoilery in the spoiler section.Follow Natasha on the socials:https://natashapulley.co.uk/Insta @natasha_pulley

Send us a textHappy Fantasy Friday. What happens if you take inspiration from a historical prince with an evil to good arc and flip it on it's head? Enter The Prince Without Sorrow. Lauren was so thilled to talk to Maithree about her debut novel which could be Lauren's book of the year. They delve in deep to the infusion of Buddist philosophy into the Mayakari (witches)... talk family infighting and Maithree shows much restraint in not giving book 2 and 3 spoilers.Follow Maithree onlinehttps://www.maithreewijesekara.com/https://www.instagram.com/maithree_wijesekara/?next=%2F

Send us a textThis conversation is what happens when 1000 years of mythology is condensed down into just over an hour. Kim Curran introduces Lauren to the Morrigan as she brings Irish Mythology mainstream. They get distracted talking about Saint Patrick getting rid of the snakes from Ireland as well as discussing translations, feminism and various big events in the Morrigans lifeFollow Kim on Insta @kimecurran

Send us a textLauren NEEDED to talk to Grace Curtis again as she does a genre shift from Sci-Fi to full on fantasy.Find out which historical periods influenced the novel and what Grace and Lauren both find sexy about the Roman Empire. Listen to them not get too political as they break down power and nostalgia in Idolfire and in our own reality and find out Lauren's favourite character as they deep dive into the plot with obligatory spoilersFollow Grace on the socials:

Send us a textWe all know the Greeks and Romans... but how many other Ancient Cultures and Civilisations are you unaware even existed?This episode Lauren is joined by Raven Todd DaSilva aka @digitwithraven to scrape the surface of a few of the ones in her amazing book "The Other Ancient Civilisations - Decoding Archaeology's less celebrated cultures".Find Raven on the socials:insta @digitwithraven https://www.digitwithraven.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6P0a1_YLM0i2LoLmP9jCRw

Send us a textLauren is rejoined by Lauren J A Bear to talk about her ressurection of Rhea Silva. This a new character to welcome into the incredible world of the feminist retelling and Lauren was so here for her. They discuss how Lauren used artistic license in her story and about her sources

Send us a textNo Zeus Boys!Lauren is joined by Alex aka A S Webb to talk about Daughter of Chaos - the first in a Greek Myth inspired fantasy trilogy.They deep dive into the plot, talk about positive benefits to modern retellings and which item in Greek mythology is a fashion accessory they would both like to have.Alex gets super juicy in the spoiler section about creative choices she made that had Lauren's jaw hitting the floor and a little teaser of what can be expected in book 2.To follow Alex on socials:https://webbandpen.com/insta - @webbandpen

Travel to the spooky town of Sorrow Spring with Lauren as she talks to author Olivia Isaac-Henry to prolong spooky season into November. Lauren learns all about Saint Kenelm and discusses themes of isolation, mistrust and the blend of religion and customs. Also including the obligatory spoilers.Find Olivia online:Insta - oliviaissachenryauthor

Jennifer Saint becomes the first guest to appear on the podcast a whopping THREE TIMES.Always a beautifully insightful and charming guest, we discuss her latest offering, HERA. As with her previous novels, we are sure you will love this as much as we did. Adding nuance to a problematic behaviour pattern? Check. Complex familial relationships? Check. Heart and soul in a main character? Check.This book has it all, enjoy the episode!Follow Jennifer on socials:@jennifer.saint.author

Lauren and Charlotte leave Orca Cove and travel to the Enchanted Vale with this weeks special guests... sister writing duo Helen Elizabeth. Getting into book one of the Beasts of the Briar series they learn about the experience of going from indie to traditionally published, find out why Helen and Elizabeth think romantasy girlies love Fae men and how they crafted their Beauty and the Beast inspired series.They also go into spoilers with plot choices, breaking down characters actions and personalities and find out what there is to look forward to with the rest of the series. Plus all four talk about which prince they would want to marry.Follow Helen Elizabeth on the socials:https://www.authorelizabethhelen.com/tiktok/ Instagram @authorelizabethhelen

In the second of our back to back two parter, Lauren talks to Hannah Lynn about her novel Daughters of Olympus, to celebrate it's release last week.They discuss taking shots with Helios to get all the good gossip, why Poseidon is the actual worst and why female rage is still a taboo subject.Listen over two weeks, or binge both in one go, but make sure to check both parts out, you won't be disappointed! 

This week is a Demyth FIRST. The first of a back to back two parter conversation that Lauren has with Hannah Lynn.Lauren discusses three of Hannah's first books with her, Athena's Child, A Spartan's Sorrow and Queens of Themiscyra. This is all in a build up for next week's episode about Hannah's latest release Daughters of Olympus.Check this and next week out separately, or binge the two in one go, but don't miss them!

Our friend Costanza Casati joins us in today's episode to chat all about her latest book Babylonia, which is out today!Semiramis is a fierce woman not to be underestimated in this thrilling tale of a woman clawing her way to power. We discuss eunuchs, reliefs and love triangles, with lots of laughs thrown into the conversation too.  And of course, we make Costanza answer another 'Shag. Marry. Kill'Follow Costanza on Instagram: @Costanzacasati

Lauren and Charlotte live their childhood Indiana Jones dreams talking to Professor Michael Scott in today's episode. Discussing his latest publication 'X Marks the Spot' as well as the payment systems in place for the Oracle at Delphi. Follow Michael on socials:X: @profmcscottInstagram: @profmcscottFacebook: Prof Michael ScottEmail: Michaelscottacademic@gmail.comWebsite: Michaelscottweb.comBuy his books from Amazon and all good book retailers!

Join Lauren in this week's episode as she discusses 1930s Shanghai glamour with Rosalie M. Lin and her book Daughter of Calamity.  Delving into Chinese mythology, the important meaning of names and whether or not all hobbies need to have a productive output, this is a conversation not to be missed!Follow Rosalie on Instagram: @linrosily

Join Lauren as she speaks to Fantasy writer Sarah A Parker about her book When The Moon Hatched. To say Lauren enjoyed this book is an understatement. A high fantasy with romance, a quest and DRAGONS? Sign her up!Follow Sarah on socials:Instagram @sarah.a.parker.authorTikTok @sarah.a.parkerJoin Sarah A Parker's reading group on Facebook!

Happy Furry Friday!Lauren's been itching to get Laura Purcell on the podcast for ages so when she and Charlotte were able to get their teeth into her new book Moonstone they were absolutely howling with joy.Get your moonstone necklace at the ready as they dive into all things lycanthropic, talk about Laura's first experience with Twilight (more than once) and other wolfish popculture with obligatory deepdiving into the big plot points and the spoilers everyone loves.Find and Follow Laurahttps://www.laurapurcell.com/https://www.instagram.com/spookypurcell/twitter - @spookypurcell

This episode Charlotte and Lauren talk to Sophus Helle about his Epic of Gilgamesh translation. They shout out his girlfriend Aya for inspiring some ideas in him about masculinity in Gilgamesh, they talk about if Gilgamesh is actually an epic and about Disneyfication and Supermanification.They also get down into some of the lines in the translation and things about Gilgamesh that surprised them.Find and Follow SophusSophus Hellehttps://twitter.com/SophusHelleSophus Helle (@sophushelle) • Instagram photos and videos

Lauren and Charlotte delve into Hercules the diary of a sort of hero with author Tom Vaughan. This book was Waterstones childrens book of the month for March 2024 (so well done Tom). They tangent about a group love for Adrian Mole and why the diary format is so good, the worlds most trigger happy vet and what Tom thinks would make him the "coolest of the cool"Tom also talks about how he translated some of the labours into book one (spoiler alert there is a sequel!), setting up the comedy in the book and which of his books got his sons approval.Follow Tom on the socialshttps://www.tomvaughan.net/https://www.instagram.com/tomvaughan_88/https://twitter.com/tvaughan88

Charlotte and Lauren get Uncivilized with Subhadra Das... the writer of Uncivilized, ten lies that shaped the west. We get into race science, which book to read if you want to look cool in public, Shakespeare actually wrote Shakespeare, art and zombies.The book made the girls feel so smart... especially when reading it in public.Find Subhadra OnlineSubhadra DasSubhadra Das (@littlegaudy) / X (twitter.com)Subhadra Das (@sub_das) • Instagram photos and videos

Julia Kindt, Professor at University of Sydney, joins Charlotte to talk all things Delphi and her new book The Trojan Horse. In The Trojan Horse, Julia delves into what makes us human and what sets us apart from creatures. The two discuss oracles, animals and how bees practise direct democracy, plus Julia helps Charlotte prove that she is right and Lauren is wrong, because Charlotte is petty.  Julia's books can be found on Amazon, Waterstones and Blackwells. Julia's article on the Oracle of Delphi: https://greekreporter.com/2023/05/01/priestess-pythia-delphi-oracle/Find Julia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julia.kindt.92

The delightful Rosie Hewlett joins the Demyth ladies to discuss one of their faves, Medea. Rosie's book starts with Medea's childhood and carries us through her life. Jason makes an appearance or two and Rosie makes Lauren and Charlotte chuckle by calling a spade a spade. If you agree with us that Jason is actually quite beige, you're in for a treat!Follow Rosie on socials;Instagram: @RosieHewlett.authorTiktok: @RosieHewlettAuthor

For the first episode since the turn of 2024, Charlotte meets with content creator and actor Zairambles to discuss African mythology inspired books you must read, K-dramas and not being able to binge the new Percy Jackson episodes.The two of them are manifesting Zai being cast in The Children of Blood and Bone adaptation and their future cosy libraries where they can slow read.Follow Zai on socials;Instagram: @ZairamblesYoutube: ZairamblesTiktok: @Zai_RamblesDon't forget to join Zai's bookclub!!

We sat down with friend to the podcast Stacey Thomas to discuss her book The Revels. A perfect mix of historical and magic, grab a warm drink and cuddle up this spooky season to read Nicolas Pearce and Judge Percival catch some witches.Obvs we needed a Shag, Marry, Kill but we also ask Stacey who would be in her coven. Let us know if you agree with our choices.Follow Stacey on socials;Instagram: @StaceythomaswritesTwitter/X: @Staceyv_thomasTiktok@ @staceythomaswrites

Here at Demyth HQ we were SO EXCITED for this book. Nikki Marmery joins us to talk all things Lilith, one of our favourite characters in myth and popular culture. This feminist retelling is a must read, involving all your favourite biblical characters in a way you've never seen them before!Follow Nikki on socials;Twitter/X: @nikkimarmeryInstagram: @marmerynikki

Charlotte and Lauren travel back to the Golden Age of Athens with Yvonne Korshak to Demythify Aspasia in honour of Yvonne's book Pericles and Aspasia. They learn about what we actually know about the woman herself, why the comic playwrites and Plato give us such opposing views about her and learn some of the context to the play Antigone.https://yvonnekorshak.com/https://www.amazon.com/Pericles-Aspasia-Story-Ancient-Greece/dp/1959182218https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pericles-Aspasia-Story-Ancient-Greece/dp/1959182226/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=1187474262520558&hvadid=74217341944407&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=41471&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-74217384909406%3Aloc-188&hydadcr=24400_2219301&keywords=yvonne+korshak&qid=1697655031&sr=8-1https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/eascfa/dinner_party/place_settings/aspasia

Happy Medusa Monday... except this episode Lauren and Charlotte are setting up the "Not Medusa" whatsapp group and talking to Lauren J A Bear about her debut novel Medusa's sisters. Lauren talks about how she created the characters, how she weaved the gorgon's story into early Greek Mythology. Charlotte reshares her views on Athena and we discuss the reframining of one of the most well known women in mythology.Find Lauren on the socials - insta/twitter - @laurenjabear

For this years Black History Month, here at Demyth HQ we wanted to continue on the story from last year. We are also curious with the inclusion of flood myths throughout mythology.This myth continues the Yoruba story of Obatala's adventures with humans and Olokun's revenge. 

Despite both having Irish heritage, neither Lauren nor Charlotte have the foggiest when it comes to Irish mythology and folklore! Sinead O'Hart was on hard to help us out and chat about it with us, answering all the questions we know you want answers to. The Silver Road is a fab book, a gripping adventure of  a journey featuring The Frost Giant, mean school girls and friendship from unlikely sources.Follow Sinead on socials:Wordpress: sjohart.wordpress.comTwitter/X: @sjohartInstagram: @sinead.ohartEmail: sjohart@sjohart.com

Emily Hauser joins us to talk all things ancient and romantic! Her book is full of glorious illustrations that bring to life the couples from history and all over the world. We cherry picked a few couples to dive in deeper on and of course, could not let Emily leave without discussing our girl Sappho.Emily has no socials, but can be reached via her website www.emilyhauser.com

Dr. Emma Southon joins us to talk about her non-fiction book A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women (or the US title A Rome of One's own - which is quite frankly a genius title). We chat about women in general, how important the Romans considered the bloodline above all else and we spot pick two women do do a little deeper of a dive into. Funny, charming and educational, this book is a must read this autumn!Follow Emma on socials;Instagram/Bluesky: @nuclearteethWebsite: www.emmasouthon.comPodcast: Historyissexy.com

Phoenicia Rogerson joins us in this episode to discuss all things HERC. From the loves of his life, to the twelve labours, to his reception in each place he visits, we get INTO IT. This is not the Disney version you are used to! It is a queer, feminist retelling and it does not disappoint. Plus, listen to the end to see us reprise the classic Shag, Marry, Kill. Follow Phoenicia on the socials:Instagram/X: @thatphoeniciaWebsite: www.phoeniciarogerson.com(Yes, I did die a little inside to type X instead of Twitter)

Today's episode sees Dr. Lucy Jackson  teach things about Greek Tragedy to Lauren and Charlotte. We love some theatre at Demyth HQ and all things a little bit dramatic. As well as discussing general theatre and social context, we asked Lucy specifics on Medea, The Agamemnon and Antigone.Watch Lucy in 'In Search of Greek Theatre' in conjunction with the Nationa lTheatre https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTCo7LKc-vU&list=PLJgBmjHpqgs5cGSRmLUZEseSougpELZ_0

If you love Greek Myths and you're all over Insta you've probably seen the work of todays guest. Charlotte and Lauren were thrilled to welcome on Tyler Miles Lockett to geek out about Greek Mythology, deep dive into some particular pieces that they liked, hear his advice for artists and creators and he shares details of his upcoming kickstarter book.Find Tyler online, buy his art and geek out over his stunning work: TYLER MILES LOCKETT Insta - Tyler Miles Lockett | Artist (@tylermileslockett) • Instagram photos and videos Kickstarter notification page -  Lockett Illustrated: Greek Gods and Heroes by Tyler Miles Lockett — Kickstarter Etsy Store -  TylerMilesLockett - Etsy UK 

Lauren and Charlotte travel back to ancient Sumer with Emily H Wilson in her debut novel "Inanna".  A retelling about the first literary hero from the Epic of Gilgamesh who just happens to be a woman. In a civilisation that borders prehistory and history Lauren and Charlotte learn all about weird temple sex rites, how old the Epic of Gilgamesh actually is, whats happening right now to discover more of the story and get into their obligatary spoilers. They're already excited for book two of the trilogy and invite you all to join them in the wild romp walking with gods, exploring ancient Sumer and travelling to the underworld.Find Emily online and read her articles about Inanna https://www.emilyhwilson.com/

Lauren and Charlotte get Disobedient with Elizabeth Fremantle and AG . This retelling of one of the most important female painters possibly ever was one of their most anticipated reads and it DID NOT disappoint. Trigger Warning: the book is based on a real life person, and in their life, they were raped. They were then tortured when giving evidence and we discuss both of these points with Liz. Follow Liz on socials:Instagram: @lizfremantleThreads: @lizfremantleTwitter: @lizfremantleWebsite: www.elizabethfremantle.com

This episode sees Nicki Pau Preto join us to talk all about her new novel Bonesmith. Follow Wren on a mission to rescue the -male- damsel in distress, with pitfalls, challenges and flirtation along the way! Lauren loved the world building and the magic system so much, she couldn't stop gushing. Charlotte is convinced she knows the plot twist of the next book, Nicki quite rightly is keeping shtum!Follow Nicki on socials;Instagram: @nickipaupretoWebsite: www.nickipaupreto

Royal wedding? Check. Problematic women? Check. Super sexy love interest? Check. Megan Barnard's Jezebel ticks all our historical fiction boxes. Does Jezebel deserve her reputation as a slut, whore or witch? Megan discusses with us whether Jezebel was an ambitious victim of her time, or deluded in thinking everyone wants what she had. Follow Megan on Socials;Instagram: @meganwbarnardSubstack: OrdinaryExtraodinaryTiktok: @meganwbarnardVote for us for the Listener's Choice award: www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting and searching 'Demythifying'

This is going to be one hell of a podcast!Imagine a world where Persephone wasn't kidnapped... she jumped. Then imagine it's combined with a softboy Hades, kind of enemies to friends to lovers with marriage of convenience packaged in the most Barbie pink cover. Thanks to Bea they don't have to imagine. Getting into the real mythological inspirations behind your new favourite Hades and Persephone retelling..... getting into why this Hades feeds into Lauren's death character kink and the fastest Shag Marry Kill we've ever played.Find Bea on the socials:Insta/tiktok - @chaosonolympusTo vote for us search Demythifying https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting

Join us today as we welcome back Katharine and Elizabeth Corr. Picking up where we left off from Daughter of Darkness, we head on a second adventure with Deina in the sequel, Queen of Gods. We discuss hiding things in plain sight, feeling excluded from your friend group and who we think should be a love interest or not. For lovers of Greek Myths and for those just starting out on their journey, this book is a must read for you!Follow the sisters!https://corrsisters.com/Twitter: @katharinecorr @lizcorr_writesInstagram: @katharinecorrwrites @lizcorrwritesVote for us for the Listener's Choice award: www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting and searching 'Demythifying'

Better call Helen with the good hair. Join us for part two of our Helen trilogy. Following off from where we left her in our International Women's Day special, we discuss if Helen got to choose her husband, the oath of Tyndareus, Her appearance in Sappho and her marriage after Paris. No Emily Wilson translations were harmed during the making of this podcast. Discussions of paintings by;RossettiFrederick Sandys-WalkerEdward Burne-JonesEvelyn de Morgan

Lauren and Charlotte LOVE how good YA Thrillers are now. They also love an escape room so who better to talk to about their new book than Kathryn Foxfield? Saffron overshares with the AI at her work placement at a new high tech escape room facility which encourages the AI to set up the ultimate test. Which stereotype in her online gaming group would survive a real life Battle Royale? Talking to Kathryn about all the horror tropes Lauren loves and Charlotte is afraid of they find out who really is 'Getting Away With Murder'Find Kathryn on the socialsInsta/Twitter - @kathrynfoxfieldhttps://www.kfoxfield.com/

In this episode we fully judge books by their covers, with cover artist Tom Roberts joining us. To name a few books Tom has drawn for; Godkiller by Hannah Kaner, The Immortal Games by Annaliese Avery, Lore by Alex Bracken and The Book That Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence. Tom was charming, discussing his route into his career and let us take him off on conversational tangents, which makes for an amusing listen. Follow Tom on socials;Facebook and Instagram: @tomrobertsillustrationTwitter: @illustratom

What do you get if you take a lost princess story... and make it Sapphic?Lauren and Charlotte celebrate Pride with Brenna Nation asking all the questions about her Sapphic fantasy "The Shattered Lands". Find out all about Brenna's Taylor Swift influences which the girls are so down with! Where the elemental magic system came from and learn what had Lauren in a literal puddle over this book. And mainly fall in love with a flawed anxious heroine who still gives all the badass energy we want from our female lead!Find Brenna on the socials:Tiktok - BrennawritesnowInstagram - Brennanation

When Luna McNamara gushed over the help she got from Dr. Regine May, we HAD to contact her and invite her on to talk to us.The conversation mainly centres around Cupid and Psyche, but also magic gemstones, love spells and what benefit we would get from learning Latin in 2023. For fans of Apuleius and his influences, this one is an episode not to be missed!Twitter: @ReginemayAmazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apuleius-Story-Psyche-Regine-May-ebook/dp/B07N6WPV7X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=regine+may+cupid+psyche&qid=1687128728&sprefix=regine+ma%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-1 

Joining Charlotte in today's episode is Dr. Aven McMaster. In a conversation that could have carried on for HOURS, they talk about sexual and gender politics in Rome. From Ovid to Catullus. Aven tells the story of the woman she believes everyone should know about and mentions a few sources by the end, for anyone who enjoys a rabbit hole;Suetonius "Lives of the Caesars", Cicero "Philippics", Catullus, and Juvenal "Satires"."Exploring Gender Diversity" edited by Allison Surtees and Jennifer Dyer, from Edinburgh University Press, and "Performing the Kinaidos: Unmanly Men in Ancient Mediterranean Culture" by Tom Sapsford, from Oxford University Press."The Scholars" https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?contentId=13330"Pandora", by Susan McMaster (http://web.ncf.ca/smcmaster/), originally from "Dark Galaxies", Ouroboros Press 1986, and also in "Paper Affair: Poems Selected and New" published in 2010 by Black Moss Books https://a.co/d/eIjYU5RFollow Aven on socialsWebsite: www.alliterative.net Twitter: @AvenSarah

Kritika H Rao talks to Lauren and Charlotte about her novel The Surviving Sky. Protagonists in their 30s? Grey characters that may be right but also wrong? Adult themes in a fantasy /sci fi setting? Sign. Us. Up.Steeped in Hindu philosophy, Kritika creates a world like no other. Where privilege comes to those who are Architects and the earth rages. Website: www.kritikahrao.comInstagram and Twitter: @Kritikahrao