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Page Chewing

Looking for a place to discuss your favorite books and hear more about the book industry? We're here to help. When we're not reading a book together and discussing each week with friends, we're having casual, fun and informative conversations with other readers, authors, and content creators in the book sphere. 


While we mostly read fantasy books, we venture out into other genres often. Love comic books? Our Panel Chewing series has you covered! Mike, Jarrod and Steve discuss their favorite weekly books on the Pick of the Week and discuss other series with their own dedicated episodes.


On the Friday Conversation we often invite guests to discuss certain topics or meet with a group of friends from the Page Chewing forums to have a talk about anything type of discussion. We invite you to start your weekend the right way with us. So grab a drink, relax and unwind with us.

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Episodes

Discussing House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5: Regent

Join Steve, Jared, and Layla as they delve into the rich and tumultuous world of "House of the Dragon" in this detailed analysis of season two, episode six. In this episode, our hosts explore the intricate dynamics within the Targaryen family, examining the complex relationships and the ripple effects of their actions on the common folk. The discussion navigates through the intense power struggles and political maneuvers between Aemond and Aegon, providing insights into the motives driving each ...

Jul 17, 20241 hr 2 min

The Great Ordeal Chapters 8 - 11: Madness, Prophecy, and Determinism

In this episode, we delve deep into R. Scott Bakker's captivating novel, 'The Great Ordeal' . Join us as we explore the intricate editing and point-of-view changes that define the latter part of the series, and discuss the overwhelming use of terminology and the challenges it presents to readers. We unpack the significant theme of the non-men's descent into madness and analyze the symbolic importance of the staircase in the narrative. Our conversation also speculates on the enigmatic Sorrow's ma...

Jul 16, 20241 hr 47 min

Friday Conversation | Ep 123: Neil Laird - From TV Producer to Novelist - A Journey Through Time Travel, History, and Storytelling

Join us in this captivating episode as we sit down with Neil Laird, a TV producer turned novelist, to discuss his unique career journey and the creation of his comedic time travel novels like Prime Time Travelers . Neil shares how his background in the TV industry and his passion for ancient history and mythology inspired his writing. We dive into the challenges of transitioning from TV to writing, the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, and the critical role of marke...

Jul 12, 20241 hr 18 min

The Great Ordeal Chapters 4 - 7: The Symbolism of the Head on the Pole

In this episode, we dive deep into chapters four through seven of The Great Ordeal by R. Scott Bakker. Join us as we unravel the complex conversations between Kellhus and a mysterious voice, speculate on the significance of the head on the pole, and ponder its connection to the enigmatic No-God. We explore Proyas' haunting visions and his intricate relationship with Saubon, delve into the symbolic tree imagery and the soldiers' unsettling obsession with meat, and confront the brutal inhumanity o...

Jul 11, 20242 hr 1 min

Discussing House of the Dragon S2 Episode 4: The Red Dragon And The Gold

In this episode, Steve, Layla, and Jared discuss the events of House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4. They highlight the payoffs from earlier scenes and incidents, the use of lore and callbacks, and the intense dragon battle. They also analyze the contrasting leadership styles of Rhaenyra and Alicent, the significance of the Song of Ice and Fire, and the potential showdown between Aemond and Daemon. The hosts speculate on the repercussions of the battle and the future of the Targaryen family. F...

Jul 10, 202456 min

Friday Conversation | Ep 122: June Reading Round-Up: Exploring Themes in Fantasy Literature

In this episode, Steve, Chris, and Varsha share their June reading experiences, delving into a diverse selection of books and the themes they explore. We begin with each host discussing the books they read in June, offering their insights and impressions. Find Chris: https://www.youtube.com/@TheChronicleofChris or https://www.youtube.com/@chrismohan Find Varsha: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain Send us a message Support the show Film Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/...

Jul 05, 20241 hr 33 min

Discussing House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 3: The Burning Mill

In this episode of Page Chewing, hosts Steve, Jared, and Layla dive deep into the latest installment of House of the Dragons, Season 2, Episode 3, titled "The Burning Mill." Join them as they explore the aftermath of the epic battle and its far-reaching consequences on the characters and the realm. The trio discusses Christian Cole's challenging role as the Hand, the chaos within the king's council, and the alarming lack of security in King's Landing that allows for enemy infiltration. They also...

Jul 03, 202459 min

The Great Ordeal Chapters 1-3: Exploring Fate and the Dunyain

Join us in this episode as we dive into the intricate worlds of The Great Ordeal and The White Luck Warrior . We kick off with our initial impressions of The Great Ordeal , highlighting its evolved writing style, intense and vivid scenes, and the presence of a dragon that adds a new layer of excitement to the narrative. Our discussion then shifts to the heart-wrenching conclusion of The White Luck Warrior , where we reflect on the significant character deaths and their profound impact. We delve ...

Jul 03, 20241 hr 58 min

Exploring Cormac McCarthy's Child of God: Themes, Style, and Southern Stereotypes

In this episode, hosts Steve, Varsha, and Jarrod dive deep into Cormac McCarthy's novel Child of God . Join us as we explore the repetitive nature of McCarthy's writing style and his notable lack of internal monologuing. We'll compare Child of God with McCarthy's other works like The Road and Blood Meridian , examining the thematic similarities and differences. We delve into the novel's exploration of human nature and Southern stereotypes, focusing on the complex portrayal of Ballard, the main c...

Jul 01, 20241 hr 8 min

Friday Conversation | Ep 121: David Weill's Journey from Medicine to Writing

In this episode of The Page Chewing Friday Conversation, we sit down with David Weill, a former transplant doctor turned author, to explore his fascinating transition from the world of medicine to the realm of writing. Weil shares how his extensive medical experience inspired the characters and themes in his novel, offering a unique perspective on the interplay between life, work, and creativity. Join us as Weill discusses the challenges of writing both a memoir and a novel, and how each form of...

Jun 29, 202426 min

Discussing House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2: Rhaenyra the Cruel

In this episode, we dive into the second installment of House of the Dragon Season 2. Join us as we discuss the unchanged intro sequence, the shocking events from the premiere, and the intricate character developments that keep us on the edge of our seats. We explore Aegon's transformation following a pivotal moment and delve into Otto Hightower's multifaceted role as Hand of the King. Our conversation also touches on the complicated dynamics between key players like Rhaenyra and Daemon, and how...

Jun 26, 202454 min

Discussing House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 1: A Son for a Son

In this episode, Steve and Jared discuss the first episode of House of the Dragon season two. Find Jarrod: https://www.youtube.com/@thefantasythinker Send us a message Support the show Film Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/follow Lens Chewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lenschewing Speculative Speculations: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations Support the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E Join Riverside.fm: https://riv...

Jun 25, 202450 min

Spotlight Chewing with H.L. Tinsley & Alex S. Bradshaw | Episode 1

In this episode, Holly Tinsley and Alex Bradshaw discuss their new podcast and their mission to spotlight underappreciated projects, books, TV shows, and YouTubers. They share their experiences with Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and recommend beginner-friendly resources. The conversation also covers their upcoming writing and book event, which will feature panels on magic systems, litRPG, and discovering new books. Holly and Alex offer advice to aspiring writers, discuss different writing met...

Jun 22, 20241 hr 18 min

Friday Conversation | Ep 120: Marj Charlier - The Challenges of Writing Historical Fiction

Marj Charlier discusses her career journey from journalism to writing novels and self-publishing. She shares her experiences and challenges in the publishing industry, emphasizing the importance of patience and learning to take oneself seriously as a writer. Marj also discusses the rise in popularity of medieval fiction and the difficulties of researching and writing in that time period. She highlights the fascinating women of the early medieval period who defied societal norms and fought for th...

Jun 21, 20241 hr 22 min

The White-Luck Warrior Chapters 14, 15 & Interlude: The Fallibility of the Dunyain The Enigma of the Nonmen

Find the episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1793148/15255719 In this part of the discussion, the group discusses the ending of The White Luck Warrior and focuses on the character of Esmenet. They appreciate the depth of Esmenet's character and her growth throughout the series. They also discuss the relationship between Esmenet and Maithanet and how it resolves quickly. The group reflects on the fallibility of the Dunyain and the fragility of power. They also discuss the character of Kelmom...

Jun 15, 20241 hr 54 min

The White-Luck Warrior Chapters 12 & 13: Exploring the Historical Timeline Manipulation and Ulterior Motives

The discussion covers various topics related to the chapters 12 and 13 of The White Luck Warrior. It includes speculations about the characters, their dreams, and the significance of certain events. The conversation also delves into the nature of skin spies, the impact of the Great Ordeal, and the timeline of historical events within the story. The conversation delves into the historical timeline, the interpretation of the tusk, the revelation of characters' motives, and the complex relationship...

Jun 11, 20241 hr 52 min

Friday Conversation | Ep 119: Jane Marie Auret - The Power of Genuine Human Connection

Jane-Marie Auret discusses her background in literature and Arabic studies, her experience with mental health, and the impact of Freud's work. She also explores the concept of healing and the influence of social media on mental health. The conversation delves into the detrimental effects of social media addiction, the impact of online interactions on mental health, the concept of human insignificance in the vastness of space and time, and the importance of genuine human connection. It also explo...

Jun 11, 202455 min

Friday Conversation | Ep 118: w/ Cara Lopez Lee & Layla Goushey - The Power of Cultural Lenses in Storytelling

The conversation with Cara Lopez Lee and Layla Goushey explores the themes of multiculturalism, identity, trauma, and the power of storytelling. Cara discusses her upcoming novel, Candlelight Bridge, which is inspired by her Mexican Chinese grandmother's stories and her own mixed-race heritage. She shares how she combined the backgrounds of her characters to create a compelling narrative and explores the cultural lenses through which they interact. The conversation also delves into the challenge...

Jun 07, 20241 hr 16 min

The Judging Eye Chapters 1-4: Character Development and Moral Dilemmas

Note: I realized I forgot to upload this one at the time of recording so I'm uploading it now. This will be out of order on the podcast list. My apologies. Our reading group discusses the first four chapters of The Judging Eye, exploring themes of prophecy, lineage, and character development. They delve into the complex nature of the characters, the impact of dreams and visions, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. The conversation also touches on the concept of divine lineage and the...

Jun 03, 20241 hr 43 min

Friday Conversation | Ep 117: Kirsten Weiss - Creating an Interactive Reading Experience

In this conversation, Kirsten Weiss, a writer of mystery novels, discusses her journey as a writer and her latest book, 'Legacy of the Witch.' She talks about how her experiences working overseas influenced her storytelling and the inspiration she drew from folklore and the people she met. Kirsten also explains the concept of paranormal women's fiction and how she combined it with mystery elements in her new book. She shares her thoughts on middle-aged women in literature and the importance of r...

May 31, 202457 min

The White-Luck Warrior Chapters 10 & 11: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Gods and Damnation

In this discussion of chapters 10 and 11 of The White Luck Warrior, the participants explore various themes and character developments. They discuss the relationship between Sorwheel and Serwa, questioning whether she is intentionally manipulating him. They also delve into Kellhus' conversations with Proyas, pondering whether he is being sincere or manipulating him. The participants analyze the maturity of Sorwheel's thoughts and the influence of genetics and beliefs on the Dunyain. They also di...

May 28, 20241 hr 53 min

Friday Conversation | Ep 116: J.V. Hilliard - The Importance of Realism in Fantasy Novels

JV Hilliard is an epic fantasy and dark fantasy author, known for his series called The Warminster Saga. He explores themes of struggle, redemption, unrequited love, and the hero's journey in his work. He draws inspiration from comics like The Dark Knight Batman series and the realistic approach of Game of Thrones. Hilliard emphasizes the importance of realism in fantasy novels, where bad things can happen to good people and the scars of battle remain even after victory. He also discusses the ch...

May 24, 20241 hr 9 min

The White-Luck Warrior Chapters 7 - 9 by R. Scott Bakker: Epic Battle Scenes and the Sranc

Join us on an immersive journey into the heart of R. Scott Bakker's epic fantasy world as we delve deep into the latest installment, "The White Luck Warrior." In this riveting episode, our hosts Carl and Varsha lead a captivating discussion on the awe-inspiring battle scenes of chapters 7-9, marveling at the scale and vivid descriptions that bring the shrank battle to life. As the conversation unfolds, the spotlight turns to the enigmatic non-men and their control over the shrank, sparking specu...

May 19, 20241 hr 17 min

Friday Conversation | Ep 115: Elka Ray - Crafting a Mysterious Story

Join us in this captivating episode as author Elka Ray takes us on a journey through the creative process behind her latest book, "A Friend Indeed." From the initial spark of inspiration to the exhilarating yet nerve-wracking experience of a book release, Elka shares the highs and lows of writing and publishing. Discover the delicate balance between preserving your artistic vision and embracing constructive feedback, as Elka reflects on her evolution as a writer, rooted in her childhood passion ...

May 17, 202449 min

Unraveling Westeros: Exploring Theories and Speculations in A Song of Ice and Fire

Join us on a journey through the intricate web of theories and speculations surrounding George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire. In this episode, our panelists delve deep into the mysteries of Westeros, dissecting popular theories and unraveling the enigmatic threads woven throughout the narrative. From the widely accepted R+L=J theory to the tantalizing mystery of the lemon trees in Daenerys' childhood memories, we leave no stone unturned in our exploration. Dive into d...

May 15, 20242 hr 15 min

Friday Conversation | Ep 114: Judith Starkston - Magic and History: A Journey into Historical Fantasy

Join us for an enchanting exploration into the world of historical fantasy as we sit down with author Judith Starkston. From the mystical realms of the Bronze Age Hittite Empire to the complexities of weaving magic into historical narratives, Starkston shares her insights into crafting immersive stories that blend the fantastical with the historical. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of historical fantasy crafting, discussing Starkston's meticulous research process and her quest for...

May 10, 20241 hr 28 min

Dissecting Blood Meridian: Themes of Violence, Humanity, and History

Join us as we dissect the intricacies of McCarthy's writing style, from its absence of punctuation to its biblical undertones, and uncover how these elements shape the narrative's profound impact. In our discussion, we unravel the complexities of the characters, particularly the enigmatic figure of the judge, and explore how violence intertwines with their development. From the haunting deserts of the American Southwest to the depths of the human psyche, we delve into the book's exploration of t...

May 08, 20241 hr 30 min

Discussing The White Luck Warrior Chapters 4 - 6 by R. Scott Bakker

In this conversation, the group discusses chapters four through six of The White Luck Warrior. They explore various themes, including the character development of Sorweel, the moral dilemma of torturing the Sranc, the concept of humanity and its limitations, and the introduction of the character Indrilatas. They also speculate on the future of the story and the potential conflicts between characters. Overall, the conversation delves into the complex and thought-provoking aspects of the book. In ...

May 04, 20241 hr 42 min

Friday Conversation | Ep 113: Solo Episode - Weekly Update

Solo episode this week! In this episode, Steve provides an update on what he has been reading and discusses his thoughts on various books. He talks about his experience reading Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy and shares his disappointment with the repetitive nature of the book. Steve also discusses his thoughts on the Southern Reach trilogy, the Second Apocalypse series, and the manga series Blame. He mentions upcoming episodes and guests for the Friday Conversation podcast, as well as his oth...

May 03, 202431 min

Unraveling the Mysteries of "The White Luck Warrior" by R. Scott Bakker Chapters 1 - 3

Join us on a journey through the labyrinthine world of R. Scott Bakker's "The White Luck Warrior" in this captivating episode. Delving into the first three chapters of the book, we embark on a quest to unravel its deepest mysteries and explore the intricate themes woven into its narrative tapestry. In our discussion, we dissect the cryptic 'What Has Come Before' section, deciphering its hidden clues and unraveling its connections to the broader series. From the philosophical musings to the enigm...

Apr 30, 20241 hr 53 min
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