Abbe from Sweden, Daniel from the Netherlands, and Softie from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 7. Very important bits include: the epic conclusion to the book at the Battle of the Bridge, Witch-dudes and Witch-lads, CD Projekt Red’s ‘Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales’, druidic time scales, framing narratives as foreshadowing, Vampiric tropes, identity and redemption, fantasy as satire, the meandering nature of the book (and what it provides to...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 104
Kitty from the US and Tracie aka Miss Magitek join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 6. Very important bits include: international ‘Baptism of Fire’ editions, Peter Kenny’s triumph, excitement for The Witcher 4, how Ciri fights for herself, the legend of Lara Dorren, our best Yzma impressions, perfect 10-year plans, parallels between the Lodge of Sorceresses and Dune’s Bene Gesserit, the mustache-twirling kind of evil, the absence of good, and Hannibal Lec...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 103
Bo from the US and Gaby from Guatemala join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 5, Part 2. Very important bits include: the classic fish soup scene, being bratty about who you share destinies with, Geralt’s motivations, togetherness and camaraderie, and Therapy with a Vampire. [0:00] Cold Open [1:30] Introduction [2:58] Guest Introductions [9:37] Chapter Recap [11:54] Overall Thoughts [16:53] Geralt’s Hesitancy to Kill [22:28] Ciri’s Cold-Blooded Killing [28...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 102
Nicola from Italy and Pauline from Germany join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 3. Very important bits include: the German and Italian translations, analyzing Sapkowski’s swordfighting through an experienced lens, his use of cutaways, the trustworthiness of Nilfgaardians, the ethics of violence and torture, first reactions to the Crossroads of Ravens teaser, the Everyman perspective in a supernatural world, contrasting views on executions, and killing wi...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 101
Christiaan from Canada and South Africa and Sophia from Australia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 4 (Part 2). Very important bits include: the trial by ordeal, the stupidest D&D group, the threshold that one needs to achieve to drop a hot horseshoe down a priest’s pants, the Nilfgaardian Cavalry workplace comedy we’ve been waiting for, The Filthy Pelican, morality's role in bravery, the definition of justice, and a bold assertion or a defense? Y...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 100
Christiaan from Canada and South Africa and Sophia from Australia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 4 (Part 1). Very important bits include: how character beliefs contribute to world building, the objectively worst 24 hours, Sapkowski’s favorite foreshadowing tactics, human susceptibility to superstition and the danger of contradicting it, the role of religion in this chapter, swanlike necks, southern hemisphere Christmases, Geralt’s voicemail, and a ...
Jan 30, 2025•59 min•Ep. 99
Charli from Austria, Gintare from the UK, and Gosia from Ronin of Rivia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 3. Very important bits include: Ronin of Rivia, the combined analysis of Japanese studies and the Witcher; the appearance of a fan-favorite character whose increasingly absurd qualities create tension that, ultimately, goes nowhere; the right time to wallow; the best drunk intentions; family lore; flipping Arthurian legends, ‘love eggplants’, and ...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 98
Bolo from Poland and Sophie from Morocco join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 2. Very important bits include: examining different aspects of war, judging Geralt’s actions as admirable or reckless, inverting circumstances for the next phase of life, Sapkowski’s masterful dialogue, doing specific good, an enjoyable parade of nothing really, and the big pile of poop jokes we missed. [0:00] Cold Open [0:47] Introduction [2:05] Guest Introductions [8:32] Chap...
Jan 02, 2025•54 min•Ep. 97
Elisabeth from Norway and Štěpán from the Czech Republic join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 1 (Part 2). Very important bits include: the rhythm of Sapkowski’s writing, translations and the application of foreign languages, wartime propaganda, the inclusion of Nilfgaard and the exclusion of men in the Lodge of Sorceresses. Dijkstra and Philippa’s Mean Girls Tea Time, and Sea Madam™. [0:00] Cold Open [1:16] Introduction [3:15] Guest Introductions [14:59]...
Dec 22, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 96
Tim and Val from Whiskey with Witcher join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 1 (Part 1). Very important bits include: the origins of Whiskey with Witcher, Sapkowski’s beloved framing narratives, odd things that become our whole personalities, book-inspired tattoos, baptisms of fire, catching up with Ciri and the Rats, and the introduction of a fan-favorite character, Milva. [0:00] Cold Open [0:52] Introduction [3:06] Guest Introductions [13:58] Chapter Rec...
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 95
Alyssa’s in the hot seat to reflect upon the last five years of Breakfast in Beauclair with Witcher Kitchen’s Anita Sarna and Karolina Krupecka. Very important bits include: the origins of the podcast, highlights from the last five years, and plans for the future of the show. [0:00] Cold Open [0:42] Discussion [17:49] End Theme This episode is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher ....
Aug 15, 2024•19 min•Ep. 94
Mitch Fey and Rob Pigott from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Episode 308 "The Cost of Chaos". Very important bits include: leadership in the face of uncertainty, pivotal moments in Ciri’s character development, Geralt’s change of heart, the right amount of shaky cam, a show-only perspective, and our takeaways from Netflix’s the Witcher Season 3. [0:00] Cold Open [1:02] Introduction [4:45] Guest Introductions [11:23] Episode Recap [13:18] Overall Thoughts [25:47] Y...
Aug 08, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 93
Danny and Kerri from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Episode 307 "Out of the Fire, Into the Frying Pan". Very important bits include: how to successfully adapt a solo storyline, breaking down the visual effects in the Korath desert, Ciri’s readiness and internal conflicts, her visions, Falka’s influence, and preposition soup. [0:00] Cold Open [0:45] Introduction [3:11] Guest Introductions and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes [10:16] Episode Recap [13:33] Overall T...
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 92
Lucie from London and Pauline from Germany join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Episode 306 "Everybody Has A Plan 'Til They Get Punched In The Face". Very important bits include: loyalty and betrayal, notes on character motivations and direction, inevitable confrontations, and comparisons to Andrzej Sapkowski’s Thanedd Coup in ‘Time of Contempt’. [0:00] Cold Open [1:42] Introduction [3:18] Guest Introductions [8:30] Episode Recap [12:02] Overall Thoughts [23:49] Easter Eggs [2...
Jul 11, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 91
This discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Season 3 was recorded in July 2023 prior to the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes. Michelle from the US and Oleg from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Episode 305 “The Art of Illusion". Very important bits include: the efficacy of non-linear storytelling, the morality of neutrality, the character’s and audience’s big red herring, and our thoughts on the mid-season finale. [0:00] Cold Open [1:25] Introduction [3:16] Guest...
Jun 27, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 90
This discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Season 3 was recorded in July 2023 prior to the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes. Bo from the US and Elora from the Netherlands join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Episode 304 “The Invitation". Very important bits include: Emperor Emhyr’s beliefs, Yennefer’s place within the Brotherhood of Sorcerers, a short return to ‘monster of the week’, the search for self-worth, and the heightening of conflict before the end of Season 3, Par...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 89
This discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Season 3 was recorded in July 2023 prior to the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes. Emma from the US and Tracie from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Episode 303 “Reunion". Very important bits include: new aspects of Jaskier’s character, Yennefer’s journey to motherhood, the difficult choices that parents make, and tests of allegiance and loyalty across the Continent. [0:00] Cold Open [0:52] Introduction [3:00] Guest Intr...
May 16, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 88
This discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Season 3 was recorded in June 2023 prior to the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes. Kyle from the US and Sam from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Episode 302 “Unbound". Very important bits include: Yennefer’s evolving relationship with Ciri, a debate on which Nilfgaardian has the short stick, a truly horrific monster of the week, and the things men will do instead of going to therapy. [0:00] Cold Open [1:11] Introduction...
May 02, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 87
This discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Season 3 was recorded in July 2023 prior to the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes. Gintare from the UK and Vang from Denmark join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Episode 301 “Shaerrawedd". Very important bits include: Yennefer and Geralt’s evolving relationship, the newly abstract nature of Dol Blathanna, the development of Ciri’s morals and ideals, and dead devils. [0:00] Cold Open [1:24] Introduction [3:05] Guest Introductions [7...
Apr 18, 2024•57 min•Ep. 86
This discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Season 3 was recorded in June 2023 and originally released in July prior to the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes. Elsa from the UK and James from the US join Alyssa for our pre-premiere discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Season 3. Very important bits include: our standout moments from Season 1 and 2, our characters to watch, and our wildest Season 3 predictions. [00:00] Cold Open [01:33] Introduction [04:48] Guest Introductions [09:34] S1 & S2 ...
Apr 04, 2024•58 min•Ep. 85
Anita Sarna and Karolina Krupecka from Witcher Kitchen join Alyssa to discuss their debut book, ‘The Witcher Official Cookbook: Provisions, Fare, and Culinary Tales from Travels Across the Continent’. Very important bits include: the origin of their new work, collaborating with CD Projeckt Red and their publisher, Ten Speed Press, the highs and lows of production, and a preview of what you can expect from this unique culinary take on the Witcher world. [0:00] Cold Open [0:44] Introduction [4:46]...
Dec 14, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 84
This chapter of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Time of Contempt and this episode of the podcast contain discussions of violence and sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised. Kade from the US and Matthew from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Time of Contempt, Chapter 7. Very important bits include: the ominous close of the novel, the risk of loneliness, harmful stereotypes, Times of Contempt, and critical conversations around assault. [0:00] Cold Open [1:32] Introduction [4...
Nov 30, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 83
Gabriela from Poland and Kája from the Czech Republic join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Time of Contempt, Chapter 6. Very important bits include: how Ciri’s trial in the desert transforms her, the importance of her loved ones, Little Horse, dialects in translations, and her Time of Contempt. [0:00] Cold Open [0:21] Introduction [3:07] Guest Introduction [8:37] Chapter 6 Recap [9:44] Overall Thoughts [19:38] Translations [26:05] The Desert for Ciri [35:49] Ihuarraquax’s (Littl...
Nov 16, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 82
Cyprian from Berlin and Štěpán from the Czech Republic join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Time of Contempt, Chapter 5. Very important bits include: new insight into the Czech translation of the Witcher, parallels between the second Nilfgaardian war and our modern military history, Geralt’s evolving perspective on neutrality, vignettes from the front, and someone throws down the gauntlet over the second best Witcher game. [0:00] Cold Open [3:16] Introduction [4:55] Guest Introd...
Nov 02, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 81
Nicola from Italy and Ruark from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Time of Contempt, Chapter 4. Very important bits include: using action to tell a story, the reasons behind an act of mercy, the role of prophecy in the Witcher, and Geralt’s Himbo Origin Story. [0:00] Cold Open [1:00] Introduction [2:11] Guest Introduction [5:09] Chapter 4 Recap [7:16] Overall Thoughts [15:28] Cahir v. Ciri [23:31] Geralt’s Act of Mercy [27:42] The Role of Prophecy [34:57] Sapkowski’s W...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 80
Alycia from France and Sarah A. from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Time of Contempt, Chapter 3. Very important bits include: Geralt and Yennefer’s atypical relationship, the role of sorcerers on the Continent, Sapkowski’s framing narratives, and Watership Down. [00:00] Cold Open [00:51] Introduction [1:59] Guest Introduction [5:32] Chapter 3 Recap [7:25] Overall Thoughts [22:44] Chapter Preface [26:27] About the Mages’ Class [39:14] Geralt and Yennefer [49:15] Sapk...
Oct 05, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 79
Allison from the US and Liv from Brazil join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Time of Contempt, Chapter 2. Very important bits include: Ciri’s coming of age, some of the most memorable excerpts from the series, shades of femininity in The Witcher, and “Dolish Ponuts”. [00:00] Cold Open [1:46] Introduction [3:38] Guest Introduction [3:22] Chapter 2 Recap [15:44] Overall Thoughts [22:20] The Chapter Preface [27:15] Our New Ciri [36:34] Ciri’s Rebellion & Yennefer’s Intentions [...
Sep 21, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 78
John aka Softie from the UK joins Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Time of Contempt, Chapter 1. Very important bits include: the life and times of a royal messenger, sly historical references, and the correct way to wear a squirrel’s tail. [00:00] Cold Open [01:23] Introduction [03:20] Guest Introduction [08:47] Chapter 1 Recap [11:53] Overall Thoughts [23:13] Transitioning between Books [28:26] On Aplegatt’s Role [41:39] On “Modern Witchers” [45:18] Codringer’s False Ciri [49:59...
Sep 07, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 77
Due to the emerging guidelines for creators and influencers about the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, I am making the decision to pause on any active promotion of the Netflix show on the podcast feed and social media channels until the strike is over. Breakfast in Beauclair will release episodes on Netflix's The Witcher Season 3 after the strike. In the meantime, the podcast will take a brief break for August and return on Thursday, September 7, 2023 with Andrzej Sapkowski's Time of Contempt or The H...
Jul 20, 2023•2 min
Elsa from the UK and James from the US join Alyssa for our pre-premiere discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Season 3. Very important bits include: our standout moments from Season 1 and 2, our characters to watch, and our wildest Season 3 predictions. [00:00] Cold Open [01:24] Introduction [04:37] Guest Introductions [10:40] Standout Moments from S1 & S2 [16:12] S3 of The Witcher [30:21] Characters to Watch [40:31] ‘Tidings from Toussaint’, Mid-Episode News Segment [44:41] ‘Dear Friend’, Lis...
Jul 06, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 76
