Journey to the West: The Podcast

Welcome to our first episode! Join us each week as we take listeners through one of China's most beloved novels. Over 500 years old, this tale of four pilgrims' journey to India to acquire invaluable Buddhist scriptures has delighted billions of Asian children yet is relatively unknown here in the west.  Well, this podcast aims to change that! Join childhood friends Richard Tseng and James Young as we embark on an adventure to read and review every single chapter of the Anthony C Yu translation of Wu Chen'en's epic book. Along the way, we'll bust myths (did the Sun Wukong really burst out of stone?) examine its impact (Which world-famous animes did this legend inspire?) and learn more about Asian culture and its myths overall (which Indian monkey god inspired our monkey king?)  So quit monkeying around, support our podcast, and let's hit the silk road!

Now that ol' Sun Wukong has a teacher, he's well on his way to getting his masters in immortality. But who is this mysterious Patriarch that gave him his name? And what tests will his simian student have to pass to gain these secret instructions? Meanwhile, how are his simian subjects holding up without their king to rule over Flower Fruit Mountain? Cup a paw to your ears and listen up--the adventure continues in Journey to the West: The Podcast!

This week Richard and James follow the Monkey King's rise to earthly power--and beyond! Having overcome the Monstrous King of Havoc, ol' Sun Wukong begins causing some havoc of his own.   Realizing that the growing might of his primate forces are bound to attract attention from predators, Wukong knows he needs weapons faster than his opposable thumb-challenged compatriots can learn to make them.   What's a monkey monarch to do? Will the newly-immortalized Monkey King ask nicely, or will the book's hero become a villain--just as the Patriarch predicted? The answer to this, how Sun Wukong gets his magic rod and more!   Keep an eye on your valuables and an ear on this podcast, because this week's going to be a Simian shakedown!

After the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, literally sent Deus Ex Machina packing last week by thrashing the two minor gods sent to take his soul, we're introduced to heaven's favorite civil servant, the wily Gold Star of Venus.   Who is this divine bureaucrat and will his plan to tame Wukong with a job working for the kingdom above work? What exactly is a BanHorse and what does he do?    This week, Richard and James explore the heavenly kingdoms of ancient China, discover the nature of its ruler the Jade Emperor's power, and watch as the world's most powerful monkey throws a tantrum worthy of any self-entitled millennial, even getting his bosses to give him a job title of his own making! (Thankfully, the words "ninja", "rockstar" or "guru" aren't in it.)   Tune in this week to find out how Monkey gets himself a promotion!

After getting caught red-handed for stealing the Queen Mother's peaches, harassment and drinking on the job (but mainly for stealing those peaches), heaven’s forces give the Monkey King a choice: surrender, or war? Naturally, newly-fired peach guardian the Monkey King chooses open rebellion instead of accepting punishment. Is there nobody in the universe strong enough to bring ol’ Monkey to justice?   While the Jade Emperor sends for a monster-subduing specialist, heaven’s ‘John Wick’, the god Erlang, the Boddhisattva of Mercy, Guanyin got her own staff-swinging disciple, Moksa! Can he succeed where his brother, Nata, failed?   This week, Richard and James meet The Little Sage and witness more transformations than a Michael Bay blockbuster—don’t miss it!

With his forces finally defeated and the rebellious Sun Wukong himself brought to heel, one question remains: How do you punish an immortal when he’s made himself impossible to kill?   Everyone from the executioner to the fire department will try to end this monkey’s life. Even history’s most famous Taoist, Lao Tzu tries out his Brazier for an old-fashioned Monkey King smoke out!   But if public executions aren’t your thing—have no fear! This week’s episode promises more action, more simian hijinks, and a bitch slap felt 'round the universe because the embodiment of Nirvana himself is in the house. That’s right, Buddha’s here now, and he’s sure to entertain us!

What’s Buddha going to do now that the monkey madness is over? Finish his magnum opus on how to get enlightened, that’s what. And how does an ancient ascended all-knowing awakened one launch a book series before social media and Amazon? By getting Guanyin (see episode 6) to find a worthy monk from the East capable of making the perilous journey to India to get them, that’s how.   Now the trip to China’s capital, Chang’an, is no walk in the park even for immortals. So a human monk carrying priceless scriptures is going to need protection. Watch Guanyin’s masterful recruiting skills at work as she uses her mercy and compassion (and inspirational words of wisdom) to convert every monster she meets along the way. Plus, her disciple Moksa’s got a big stick. So when the carrots fail, thrilling combat is bound to ensue!   Join Richard and James as we catch up with old Monkey under the mountain and help Guanyin pave the way for some new disciples to Buddha’s cause.

Guanyin’s ready to meet the monk who will retrieve Buddha’s scriptures, and so are we! If you thought Batman’s origin was sad, just wait until you read Xuanzhang’s. It’s got echoes of Moses and Bruce Wayne, with plenty of tragedy and divine intervention to boot.   Plus, want an Ancient Chinese government job? Well, get your time machine ready because we’re about to tell you how! Just watch out for bandits and evil ferrymen because the relocation is fraught with peril.    On a more serious note, we also take a brief look at how Ancient Chinese cultures viewed suicide and why it would pop up in an otherwise happy ending to this week’s story.   Not exactly a “very special episode” but one you won’t want to miss nonetheless.

We had a really great time sitting down with Jim McClanahan whose blog, Journey to the West Research is a wealth of information on all things Monkey King and his pals. Whether you’re just starting the book with us or you’ve spent more time ruminating on the book than Wukong has spent under Five Phase Mountain, there’s something new for everybody.

We go from commoners and lords to emperors and gods in this week's chapter of Journey to the West. Starting with an Ancient Chinese rap battle and ending with one of China's greatest emperors passing away into the great beyond. A dragon head will roll in this week's episode. Don't miss it!

It's like Dante's Inferno meets a Christmas Carol in this week's Journey to the West podcast. One of the greatest emperors who's ever lived confronts the ghosts of political intrigue's past when he's forced to stand trial for failing to save the Dragon King and then confront his brothers who he killed to get to the throne. Talk about a mortifying family reunion! Join Richard and James in this very spooky Halloween episode!

In which the emperor's attempts to keep all the promises he made in the afterlife leads to the building of a grand temple and the commencement--once and for all--of the Journey to the West. If you were wondering what the hell was going on (pun intended) with this extended detour involving a Dragon King, royal brothers, that loan made out in the afterlife, this chapter gives you all the answers. It all had to happen so that Guan Yin could find the right disciple to get the scriptures. Join Richard & James this week to see how it all went down!

This week the venerable Xuanzang, aka Tripitaka, begins his quest for the scriptures! And it goes... about as well as you'd expect from a few naive monks with no fighting or sorcery abilities. But just when all hope is lost, our old friend the Planet Venus makes a cameo, as does a friendly woodcutter and his family in the woods. So stop in for some game and find out why James and Richard call this the "Tom Bombadil" chapter.

The Monkey King meets the king of monks in an encounter that's been a long time coming. And the Journey to the West is officially, finally, underway! Only, the two almost immediately get into a fight and Sun Wukong runs off to have tea with an old friend. How will Xuanzang keep his disciple loyal? Tune in to find out!

This week, Xuanzang and Monkey King are forced to take a long walk, as a dragon eats the chosen monk's horse! And don't think the Monkey King's forgotten about that whole headache-inducing-hat trick that Guanyin pulled off in the last chapter! This episode's all about confrontations. You won't want to miss it!

This week, the monk Tripitaka and his disciple, the Monkey King Sun Pilgrim, arrive at a temple and encounter an old abbot who's got a thing for fancy things. While the monk wants to stay humble, old Sun Wukong can't help but show off their stuff. As a result, the old abbot gets jealous and calamity befalls everyone! Will our two heroes survive? Tune in this week to find out!

If this week's chapter was a Marvel comic, it would be a top-seller and totally worthy of being part 2. With the cassock gone and Monkey King unable to overcome the bear monster who took it with brute force alone, he gets help from the Bodhisattva of Mercy, Guanyin! But not before she drops some pearls of wisdom that makes Wukong see himself in a different light. Tune in this week for an eye-opening episode with Richard and James!

Who do you call when your son-in-law turns out to be a literal pig, a divorce attorney or an exterminator? That's the dilemma facing old man Gao when Wukong and his master, Tripitaka, come across their village. What follows is like Little Red Riding Hood in reverse as Monkey not only rescues Gao's daughter but pranks her monstrous husband by taking on her appearance. It's an UN-romantic comedy you won't want to miss!

This week we get the exciting conclusion to Sun Wukong's fight with Zhu the pig monster and the Gao family's ordeal. In the process, Zhu gets a new name, Tripitaka gains a new disciple, and we all learn the Heart Sutra to level up in our journey. It's an essential episode that's not to be missed! 

This week we meet an old man who thought he'd seen it all. Then the Tang emperor's top monk shows up for dinner with a talking monkey and a hungry pig monster! Then Tripitaka gets kidnapped by a demon in tiger's clothing and some real gory hijinks ensue! Don't miss the bloody mess that is Chapter 21 with Richard and James!

Pilgrim and his pig brother, "Zhu Eight Rules", face off against some world-shatteringly bad breath! Not only is the Yellow Wind monster the Monkey King's equal in combat, but he can blow a wind that almost splits the universe apart, and causes Wukong's eyes to water non-stop! Will Tripitaka's two disciples ever get him back, or will the Tang monk become a Tang-talizing main course for Yellow Wind? Find out this week!

This week is really Zhu Eight Rules' time to shine! The piggish younger brother gets his fill of fighting against a man-eating water monster while Sun Wukong is left to guard the baggage. But when the two fail to capture the monster in whom lies the key to Tripitaka's passage across the Yellow Sand River, a familiar face must intervene. Will Tripitaka get to continue his journey? Find out this week with Richard and James!

Last week, Eight Rules got the glory as he dealt with the Yellow Sand River demon and even helped convert him into one of master Tripitaka's disciples. This week, Eight Rules faces his toughest challenge as one rich milf widow and her three hot daughters offer their hands in marriage. Will the monks give up their pilgrimage and settle down? Find out this week with Richard and James!

This week, Tripitaka gets a gift from a friend from a past life in the form of the ultimate super fruit. One sniff and you'll live hundreds of years. One bite and you'll live thousands! But what the Great Zhengyuan Immortal doesn't know, is that the Tang Monk's disciple is none other than the universe's most notorious fruit thief, Sun Wukong! Has the former Peach Pilferer truly reformed? Find out this exciting episode!

Old Monkey just couldn't leave that ginseng fruit tree alone, and now they're going to get it! Luckily, the Zhengyuan Immortal is a lenient guy. Problem is, his most lenient punishments are still too brutal for any mortal to survive! What will our heroes do? Tune in to find out!

Just when you think all hope is lost, Sun Wukong hatches a plan to revive the tree he knocked over in exchange for their freedom. But if none of his friends from his Great Sage days know of a cure, then it'll be less a plan and more of a stay of execution! Find out if Monkey's magical buddies have an answer this week.

Every one of our travelers seems grouchy this week as we meet the deviously horrifying Cadaver Demon, 白骨精. But what really sent chills down our spine is how Monkey is able to see through her tricks because 'game recognize game'. Seems the immortal trickster ape's done way worse than stealing fruit and fighting gods! Things get horrifyingly Lovecraftian this week, and you don't wanna miss it!

This week, we catch up with our band of monks and one ex-monk equal to heaven after Wukong's banishment by his master. If you thought human-eating monsters were cruel, you won't want to know what the humans have been doing to his poor monkey subjects! Also, Zhu Wuneng learns how hard it is to do his elder brother's work, Tripitaka gets captured by yet another hungry demon and even Sha monk gets some page-time. Don't miss it!

Tripitaka is freed by the Yellow Robe demon's wife, the princess of Precious Image Kingdom, and given a letter to deliver to her father. Just when you think the three pilgrims are in the clear, the letter leads to a challenge! Are they up for it? Zhu Eight Rules thinks so, but Sha Monk begs to differ. Find out who's right this week!

This week, the Yellow Robe gets his revenge! We've seen what a clever monkey with transformative powers can do, now just imagine what horrors a gentleman monster might commit! Heads won't roll, but they will get munched. Don't miss this week's exciting episode!

How does a lazy pig convince a Monkey King to give up his kingdom once more to take up a life of austerity and don the monkly robe? With as little effort as possible! And how does a professional monster-catcher exercise his craft while saving his master? Find out in this week's epic conclusion to the Yellow Robe arc!

Last time Tripitaka banished his monkey disciple. Now, with demons over yonder hill, he's put all his trust in Sun Wukong to get them through. But is this any wiser than banishing him? Now he's got Zhu Eight Rules doing all the dirty work, and the pig is not amused. Plus, who are these mysterious demons Gold Horn and Silver Horn and why are they hungering for Tang Monk meat? Find out this week with Richard & James!

Just when Sun Wukong the monkey mind thought he had things under control, Tripitaka and Wujin get kidnapped, and he ends himself under a mountain range again! What could this all mean? This week we deep-dive into some potential metaphysical explanations for who Golden Horn and Silver Horn are and more. Don't miss it!

It's a series of escapes and recaptures this week as the party's only hope, Sun Wukong, takes on Golden Horn, Silver Horn, their mother, and their whole fiendish army. How will our Monkey King fair against the horned brothers and their miraculous weapons? Find out this week!

This week we rest our weary cloud-trodding feet and take a deep dive with Scott Park Phillips into the Tao of Journey to the West. Learn how classic Chinese stories were used in theatre, war, and religious rituals. Uncover some of the martial arts' greatest secrets. If you thought you understood the Monkey King and his travel buddies, think again! Be sure to check out Scott's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NorthStarMartialArtsUSA Find out more about the common origins of Chinese martial arts, religion and theatre in Scott's book, Tai Chi, Baguazhang and The Golden Elixir: https://amzn.to/35hikMb

It's the exciting conclusion to the Golden Horn, Silver Horn saga! What exactly are all five of their treasures and how will monkey fare against their mysterious power? And just who are these two horny demons and their demon family anyway? All will be revealed so don't miss a moment with Richard & James!

This week finds Tripitaka a little low in spirits when he finds out how far they still have to go. Coming upon a monastery, the monk and the monkey must contend with the question of how to get a good night's sleep: Trip wants to ask nicely, while Wukong... well you know how royal simians are. Don't miss the monkey madness!

Tripitaka gets a special visit from the dead king of Black Rooster Kingdom and is tasked with unmasking his murderous usurper--a treacherous Taoist with the power to change the weather! Good thing Wukong has a plan... that somehow involves him getting into a tiny box and insulting the prince. On second thought, maybe don't do everything monkey say. Hijinks ensue this week with Richard and James! 

This week the prince learns more than anybody wants to know about their parents, and uncovers the truth that his father has been replaced! How will he unmask the impostor? As usual, Monkey has an idea, and his pig brother ain't gonna like it. Hog hijinks ensue this week!

Wukong uses some tricky negotiation tactics to get the Golden Elixir from Lao Tzu and bring the dead king back. But the Taoist imposter has a trick that will have him seeing double! Then, Richard and James go deep on the role of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism in Chinese society, and speculate on the nature of "jin". It's a weird one!

Journey to the West Research blogger Jim McClanahan returns this week to provide commentary for the 2015 animated film, "Monkey King: Hero is Back". With gorgeously drawn characters and breathtaking backdrops, the film's production values are on par with Pixar. But does it actually tell the story of Journey to the West? Queue up your Amazon Prime, grab some popcorn, and find out!

Spooky sightings abound this week as the gang encounter a strange red light floating through the air and a naked boy hanging upside down from a tree! Turns out he's the son of Monkey's blood brother the Bull Demon King. Is his nephew nice or naughty? Tune in to find out!

This week Wukong finally gets through to Guanyin and we're all set for the match of the 15th century between the Bodhisattva and the Red Boy. How does a pacifist beat a fire-breathing, spear wielder? Find out this week with Richard & James!

This week an iguana plans a birthday party for a dragon king, why you shouldn't stay for dinner if your host is a demon, and whatever happened to the Red Boy. Plus we get to meet a dragon prince! Don't miss this week's action-packed one-off!

What's the Ancient Chinese Buddhist's vision of a dystopian world? One where the Daoists have taken over! Tripitaka's party encounter just that this week when they come across a kingdom where all Buddhists are Daoist slaves! How did this happen? What's Monkey going to do about it? Find out this week!

After a piss-poor first encounter with the Buddhist-enslaving evil Daoist Immortals, Tripitaka is commanded by the king of Cart Slow Kingdom to a weather-summoning showdown! Will the monk's sutras succeed where the Buddhists before him have failed? Tune in to find out!

Proof that the evil immortals of Cart Slow Kingdom aren't true Daoists? They just won't let a loss go. This week Tripitaka must meditate to the death, and go head to head in a guessing game that's anything but fun. Meanwhile, Pilgrim loses his head, gazes behind his navel, and takes a deep-fried bath. Don't miss it!

Monkey and pals come across a village whose monstrous "Great King" demands child sacrifices! Good thing Wukong and Wuneng know some transformations and can take the kids' place... except Wuneng's been eating too much and can't hide his belly. What will they do? Find out this week!

This week sees Monkey and his brother try the old, "change into someone the evil guy wants" trap, but before they can settle business, the villain escapes! That's when strange things start happening, like a river freezing over in summer. Is this a Medieval Ice Age or the "Great King" monster's doing? Find out this week!

This week, fellow lover of Chinese classics, and storyteller extraordinaire, John Zhu, shares his experience with our favorite pilgrims and helps shed some light on the world's most epic road trip. Subscribe and listen to John Zhu's expert retellings of Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin: Outlaws of the Marsh at ChineseLore.com!

This week's chapter is an undersea extravaganza as Wukong, Wuneng, and Wujing all descend into the depths to battle the Great King in his "Sea Turtle House". Why is it called the Sea Turtle House? And Why is Guanyin weaving a fish basket while barely clothed? All will be revealed!

When the gang comes upon an impossible mountain, Pilgrim has Tripitaka stand inside a magic circle while he goes begging for food. But the master is hungry and there's al mansion up ahead! Is it really a house, or a snare for humans? Find out this week!

With his golden rod gone, Wukong the Monkey King tries everything to get his master back, including challenging the Water Buffalo Demon to an old-fashioned boxing match. Don't miss the fight of the 15th century in this week's episode!

The exciting conclusion to the Buffalo Demon saga this week as Monkey and the hosts of heaven finally figure out the origin story of the evil king who's been preparing Tripitaka and the other disciples for his next meal! 

There really is something in the water of the Women State of Western Liang and nobody bothered to tell our poor pilgrims! After quenching their thirsts, Wuneng and Tripitaka find themselves pregnant. Will Sun Wukong and Sha Monk find a cure, or will the party be joined by a piglet and monk baby (monklet?) Find out this week!

This week we are joined by Katherine Alexander, Assistant Professor of Chinese at University of Colorado, Boulder for a fresh take on the book's infamous kingdom of women. Why does Tripitaka abandon a queen at the altar? Who poisoned Sun Wukong? Find out this week!

Monkey's always been great at turning demons into meat patties, but when he starts braining bandits, Tripataka is absolutely horrified. Is Sun Wukong beyond redemption or is Tripitaka too much of an idealist? Find out this week!

With Sun Wukong banished, we briefly consider what the tale would be like had Wujing, the most sensible of Tripitaka's disciples, been the one to lead the party west. But we can't ruminate for long as it appears that another Monkey King has taken the first one's place! Monkey hijinks ensue this week!

The world reels as two identical Monkey Kings fight for dominance, and no Bodhisattva, Heavenly Emperor, or minion of hell can tell them apart! Can Buddha solve this dual-kong conundrum? Find out this week!

This week, everyone's favorite Buddhists find their path blocked by a flaming mountain. The only way to put out the fire is with a legendary Palm Leaf fan that just so happens to belong to Princess Iron Fan, wife of Wukong's estranged blood brother, the Bull Demon King! What's the Monkey King to do? Find out this week!

Monkey finally catches up with his old blood brother, the Bull Demon King! But a lot's happened between them in the 500 years since they last saw each other. Can they patch things up and can Wukong borrow his wife's fan? Find out this week! 

It's the epic conclusion to the Bull Demon King saga! Will Monkey and friends finally extinguish the flames that block their path? And what will become of the Bull Demon King's marriage? The answer to this and more this week!

Monkey and friends arrive at a kingdom where all the Buddhist monks are being punished for a crime they didn't commit! Somebody stole the land's big holy attraction and with it the respect of its neighbors. Will they find the true culprit? Find out this week!

The conclusion to the mystery of who robbed the Golden Light Monastery of its relics! Not only do Monkey and pals take on the thief, but an entire family of dragons in their lair too. Will they emerge as dragonslayers or dragon-slain? Find out this week!

Tripitaka gets whisked away to a poetry jam with some dirty old geezers by moonlight. While Monkey and his disciples search for him through the brambles, an evil temptress and her maidens arrive to tempt the poor monk. Will they find him in time to save his virtue? Find out this week!

Tripitaka's sworn to visit every monastery he passes on his way to the west, even the one that Sun Wukong is convinced is a demonic snare. What's a monkey guardian to do? Find out this week!

While we celebrate a certain Christian savior's birthday, Wukong gets a little help from Budai, aka Maitreya Buddha, the prophesied future redeemer of humanity who may have already come before. Turns out he's an even bigger prankster than Monkey!

It's a slimy, smelly episode as Tripitaka's disciples arrive at a valley filled with rotten persimmons. Worse yet, an evil wind sweeps through the village, swallowing livestock and villagers whole! Everyone's scared, but not Wukong, as he and Wuneng get ready for a deep clean.

This week Pilgrim and Wuneng are called upon to heal the emperor. Also, we defend the much-maligned eunuch, a class of people who are no longer around to speak for themselves!

Wukong's got just the cure for our ailing king, and it involves every type of medicine in the city, the ashes below an old cooking pot, and their long-suffering horse... will he cure or kill? Tune in to find out!

Having cured the king, Wukong and pals must heal the kingdom. The Monkey King once more drops his doctor's coat and picks up the golden staff to rescue the king's kidnapped wives. But ancient definitions of heroism maybe a little less... heroic for modern tastes!

Why are wolves always horny no matter which culture they appear in? How is Monkey gonna wangle his bells this time? The answers and more this week. Plus, special guest and divine goddess Guan Yin returns!

When Tripitaka tells his disciples to hang back so he can beg for a meal from some seemingly harmless young maidens, he gets a harrowing reminder of why he was given guardian women. Also, would you rather shoot webs from your wrist or your navel?

Just when the party thinks they've seen the last of the 7 Spider Women, they arrive at a Daoist Abbey and discover that their host is none other than a fellow student of the dark arts! A real villain, he serves them poisoned tea and even manages to ensnare Wukong with his powerful magic! How will they overcome this thousand-eyed fiend? Find out this week!

Pilgrim develops a conscience! After clubbing some fiends to death, he takes a less-violent path and convinces the next bunch of fiends to desert rather than suffer death by golden-staff. Sign of compassion or strategy of war? You decide this week!

Wukong gets devoured by a demon, drinks too much, does calisthenics from inside his foe, and considers making chop suey out of demon guts. So, a typical Friday night for ol' Monkey that you won't find in any of his videogames.

When Sun Wukong the Monkey King makes the eldest brother promise to give the pilgrims safe passage to the west, his fiendish elephant brother kidnaps Eight Rules. And he's not even the worst brother. Ever heard a monkey poke an elephant in the nostrils? You will this week!

The exciting conclusion to our arc sees the three demon brothers try to steam our poor monks, Dim Sum style. Wukong falls for a fiendish prank, and Gautama Buddha himself makes an appearance!

This week's chapter has all the elements of a cracking Monkey King caper, folks! A kingdom just like China but for this VERY WRONG THING they do, a heretical Daoist who may be a demon, monkey magic, and Tripitaka scared out of his wits. Plus, we discuss Ken Wilber's take on Jesus and Buddha. Don't miss it!

When a befuddled king under the influence of an evil Daoist asks to devour your heart, who are the pilgrims to say no? Monkey's only got one question: which one? Two can play at the magical deception game, but when the dust settles only one will be left standing!

Tripitaka's got a bad feeling about the dense pine forest they're stuck in. But when they find a beautiful maiden tied to a tree, it's Monkey who calls for caution. Will they save the damsel, even though she's a demoness? Tune in to find out!

What did Tripitaka think would happen when he brings a gorgeous demoness into a monastery? After six young monks are found "bone-dry", Monkey pulls a bait and switch. The fiend grabs hold of more than she bargained for this week!

Tripitaka's getting married! Or, at least he would be if the Fair Girl had her way. This week's over-sexed fiend seeks to take the Tang Monk's virginity, and it's up to Monkey to, ah, explore her bottomless cave and sneak his fruit into her garden. Another innuendo-and-action-packed episode that you won't wanna miss!

The Fair Girl steals Tripitaka and tries to marry him, again! Monkey's had enough so he takes the Fair Dad, Devaraja Li, to court. The father's response? "I am NOT the father, now die!" Somebody's lying, but who? Find out this week!

Our pilgrims find themselves outside a kingdom that's vowed to kill 10,000 monks and just needs 4 more to complete the mission. Monkey steals some merchants' clothes and even convinces the innkeeper's wife to let them sleep in their wardrobe. Just then, bandits! How much worse can the monks' luck get? Find out this week!

This week, we find out what happens when you shave the heads of everyone in a kingdom that's vowed to kill monks, Wukong decides to fight fair by tricking Wuneng into doing it for him, and Tripitaka meets a fellow menu item in the demon's lair. Don't miss it!

The evil Great King of South Mountain is prepping Tripitaka for dinner and he's got a plan to get rid of the elder's disciples: convince them that he's already eaten the Tang Monk! Can the Great King outwit the Monkey King? Find out this week!

Having finally arrived in India, the pilgrims must make it rain, literally. After a fight with his wife, the local prefect knocked over some sacrificial offerings and fed them to his dogs. It hasn't rained ever since. Can Wukong navigate heaven's various departments and proper protocols or will everybody starve? Find out this week!

Wukong and the gang show their martial magic to three princely challengers who immediately ask to become their disciples. Crisis averted, right? But just because they didn't use violence, doesn't mean they're free from bad karma. More this week!

Wukong, Eight Rules, and Sha Monk discover the stealer of their weapons is none other than the Yellow Lion spirit! Are there other kinds of lions? Apparently so! When the smoke clears, the thief escapes, and returns with more felines than the cast of Cats!

The exciting conclusion to Monkey and friends' fight with the lion kingdom! What started as a dispute over some stolen weapons has turned into an all-out war as the Yellow Lion gets his grandpappy, nine-headed lion and self-proclaimed, "Nine-fold Numina Primal Sage" involved. Will Tripitaka survive being a POW? And where did this lion come from? Find out this week! 

This week the crew attend an annual lantern festival that's so expensive that the townsfolk must starve to afford it. We wonder about what happens to old religious traditions and whether they ever really go away.

The epic conclusion of Wukong's war with the sacrifice-demanding, oil-stealing, Buddha-impersonating rhino fiends. Dragon kings, divine forces, and all the brothers get in on the action. But after they've won, can the victors control their forces? Perhaps the most realistic portrayal of cosmic war yet, this week!

This week Wukong the Monkey King and the gang hear about a princess who mysteriously turns up at the monastery they're staying in. Later, Tripitaka visits the capital where he's marked for marriage by her doppelganger. What's going on? Find out this week!

With the wedding of Tripitaka to the fiendish princess arranged, the feasting begins! Wuneng's having the time of his life with daily banquets, despite Wujing's disapproving jibes. Tripitaka's composing poetry to deal with his anxiety. But all is not lost, for Monkey's got a plan. Find out what it is this week!

Tripitaka's bride-to-be is unmasked as the Jade Hare, her divine owners come calling, and we get a heartfelt reunion between the royal family with the real princess. Plus, we discuss gender dynamics and catcalling during Monkey King's time. Don't miss it!

When you're the last 4 monks to be fed by a philanthropist who's vowed to feed 10,000 monks, some partying is bound to ensue. But when everyone but pig Wuneng is tired of all the feasting and try to hit the scripture trail, they offend their host's wife. Ruin a party or scrap the holy mission? Find out this week!

This week we are excited to welcome back one of our favorite guests, Scott Park Phillips. In addition to enlightening us on many more fascinating aspects of Journey to the West, Scott is also launching a new course and newsletter. Sign up for fascinating insights at ScottParkPhillips.substack.com 

After the pilgrims' awkward parting last chapter, a group of bandits descend on their hosts' home and kill Squire Kou! Kou's wife blames Wukong and the gang in her grief and everyone gets arrested. No demons and no fighting, yet this is the favorite chapter of JourneyToTheWestResearch.com Find out why this week!

The Monkey King has arrived! But first, Tripitaka must cast off his earthly body and cross the river that lies before Thunderclap Mountain, and then just before they get their scriptures, the librarians want a bribe. Could this journey get any harder? Find out this week!

Guanyin does some quick math and realizes that the pilgrims, including Monkey King and his master, are one ordeal short of the set needed to achieve enlightenment. So they get dumped on a turtle who reminds Tripitaka of a promise he once made...

This week marks the conclusion of our Journey to the West! Monkey King and friends become buddhas, bodhisattvas, and arhats. But Tathagata has a special surprise waiting for Wuneng the pig... Thank you all for joining us on this trek, may you all know the root of happiness and be free of suffering!

This week we take you behind the scenes of the Journey of the Monkey King Podcast. If you're not quite ready to go full enlightened after our last chapter, then listen to Caoimhe and Emjay give you the Chinese classic from a whole new angle.  Follow them on social at: https://twitter.com/monkeykingpod https://twitter.com/oakreef https://twitter.com/taoiseachotrash https://instagram.com/emjaystokes/

Invincible warrior with no respect for authority and a rebel attitude... sound familiar? This week the battle with the Red Boy continues and Monkey calls on an old friend from the Eastern depths. But will it be enough to douse the Samadhi fires that spew from Red Boy's mouth? Find out this week!