Recorded Neutral Territory - A Dresden Files Podcast - podcast cover

Recorded Neutral Territory - A Dresden Files Podcast

Adam Ruzzo and Brian O'Reillywww.rnt.fm
Recorded Neutral Territory is a chapter-by-chapter re-read podcast for The Dresden Files book series. Each episode, we examine one or two chapters with a deep dive on the writing, characters, and worldbuilding within this fantastic series. These episodes contain spoilers for all DF related material released at the time of recording. New episodes drop on Fridays (~3 per month).
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Episodes

FM-04 | Who Killed Harry's Parents?

In Chapters 11, 12, and 13 of Fool Moon, Harry calls up a demon for information, examines Kim Delaney's murder scene, and barely avoids getting arrested with the help of Tara West. (00:00) - Intro (02:05) - Ch. 11 - Summoning Chauncy (22:40) - Ch. 12 - Kim Delaney's Body (45:40) - Ch. 13 - Escape From The Feds with Tera's Help (53:59) - QfB: Who Killed Harry's Parents and Why? Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discussing QfB: https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/1m3clsm...

Jul 25, 20251 hr 19 minSeason 2Ep. 4

FM-03 | What mortal magic is the most unusual?

In chapters 8, 9, and 10: Harry will pass off his werewolf report to Agent Denton, and receive a wild goose chase in return. Upon reaching the Fool Moon garage, Harry bumbles the interrogation and instead of leaving with answers, he leaves with more enemies. Finally, Marcone confronts Harry and offers him a deal, but is forced, instead, to accept Harry's counter-offer. This is how Harry learns of MacFinn and the Northwest Passage project. Click here to view the episode transcript. Reddit Discuss...

Jul 18, 20251 hr 8 minSeason 2Ep. 3

FM-02 | What's the dumbest thing anyone's done?

Harry continues to fumble his relationship with Murphy in this set of chapters (5, 6, & 7). We also meet the Alphas for the first time, and learn about all the different types of werewolves while Bob helps Harry make two potions that definitely won't backfire later in the book. (00:00) - Intro (00:52) - Ch. 5 - Meeting the Alphas (17:18) - Ch. 6 - Murphy and Harry; cut from the same cloth (33:39) - Ch. 7 - Potions and Werewolves (51:51) - QfB: What is the dumbest thing anyone has done in TDF...

Jul 11, 20251 hr 35 minSeason 2Ep. 2

Fool Moon - 01 | What if Kim Told The Truth?

We're off to a quick start in our analysis of Fool Moon. This episode discusses the first 4 chapters of the second book, consisting of Harry's inauspicious meeting with Kim Delaney, Murphy dragging him to the Crime scene, a tense standoff with FBI Agents, and a reconciliation between Harry and Murphy. Finally, our Question for Bob discusses how things might have gone differently if Kim had told Harry the truth in Chapter 1. (00:00) - Intro (02:11) - Ch. 1 - Making a mistake with Kim Delaney (12:...

Jul 04, 20251 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 1

SF-12 | Assessing Storm Front

We've finished our chapter by chapter re-read of Storm Front, but we're not done yet. This episode dives into the unresolved questions around this book. We start with an additional analysis of the book's major beats and best scenes. We then examine Harry's use of Magic and Gadgets within this book, and we then rank his relationships with other characters at the end of this book. We intend to examine these stats for each book, putting them into context within the larger series as we go. We also d...

Jun 27, 20251 hr 49 minSeason 1Ep. 12

SF-11 | What Could Harry Have Done Differently?

This week we're discussing the final 3 chapters of Storm Front (25, 26, and 27). Harry finally confronts the Shadowman, decides to sacrifice himself to stop him, and then gets rescued anyway. The story concludes Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: What Could Harry Have Done Differently*? (00:00) - Intro (00:49) - Ch. 25 Harry Enters the Lake House (19:20) - Ch. 26 - The Showdown With Shadowman (40:53) - Ch. 27 - Nothing but Epilogue (01:04:45) - Allusions to "The Second Coming"...

Jun 13, 20251 hr 31 minSeason 1Ep. 11

SF-10 | How Does Air Magic Work?

This week we're delving into chapters 22-24 of Storm Front. This includes Harry fighting against the Scorpion, his confrontation with Morgan at Macs, and his confrontation against his own darker nature outside the lake house. Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: How does Air Magic Work with Physics? (00:00) - Intro (01:49) - Ch. 22 - Murphy's been poisoned (15:49) - So a scorpion walks on to an elevator... (30:35) - Ch. 23 - Sitting down with Morgan (43:44) - Ch. 24 - Two Paths ...

Jun 06, 20251 hr 24 minSeason 1Ep. 10

SF-09 | What's the Enemy's Plan?

This week we're tackling chapters 18, 19, 20, and most of 21. We explore the information presented about Harry's father, Malcom Dresden. Next, we discuss Harry's confrontations with the Photographer and Monica Sells until ultimately, Monica cracks the case wide open for him. Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: What was the Enemy's Plan? (00:00) - Intro (01:25) - Ch. 18 - Malcom Dresden and Harry's Coping Mechanism (12:58) - Ch. 19 - Confronting The Photographer (22:27) - Ch. 20...

May 30, 20251 hr 20 minSeason 1Ep. 9

SF-08 | Why isn't Thaumaturgy Weaponized More Often?

This week we're exploring chapters 15, 16, and 17. Harry is at his lowest point, blaming himself for Linda's death, lying to Murphy, and then, having his hair stolen by one of Marcone's thugs! The final chapter of this episode examines the first time we see a wizard going 'all out', as Harry blasts his way into the Varsity to confront Marcone. Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: Why don't we see Thaumaturgy used more against Dresden? (00:00) - Intro (02:56) - Ch. 15 - From Murp...

May 23, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 8

SF-07 | What makes a great fight scene?

This week we tackle Chapters 13 and 14, which contains the first fight scene in the series, along with the first use of combat magic! Adam discuses the setup of the fight, while Brian discusses the conjugations of Latin nouns. Of course, we also find some time to discuss the fight with the Toad Demon, itself. Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: What makes for a great fight scene in The Dresden Files? (00:00) - Intro (03:12) - Ch. 13 - How much has he changed? (09:52) - Setting ...

May 09, 20251 hr 18 minSeason 1Ep. 7

SF-06 | What Changes When Rampires Turn?

This week we're covering Storm Front chapters 10, 11, and 12. In these chapters, Harry follows up on some leads, gets a concussion, ruminates on the case with Murphy, and passes out. Brian and Adam dig in to the interesting questions these chapters present. Why did Linda Randall change her mind about talking to Dresden? Why was the Three-Eye junkie able to see the Walkers? When and why did Victor decide to kill Linda and Harry? Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: What changes (...

Apr 30, 202557 minSeason 1Ep. 6

SF-05 | Is The "Doom" the Best Option?

This week we explore chapters 8 and 9 of Storm Front; asking questions like: "Why do potions get phased out of the series?" and "What limitations does Bob have with regard to Harry's control?" We also spend some time exploring Murphy's flaw in this early book before moving on to one of the most impactful scenes in the series: Harry's first confrontation with Bianca. (00:00) - Intro (05:27) - Chapter 8: Why No More Potions? (09:56) - Meeting Bob (19:09) - Bob is an "Artifact" Tier Magic Item (25:...

Apr 16, 20251 hr 20 minSeason 1Ep. 5

SF-04 | Is Monica Morally Culpable?

In this episode, Adam and Brian delve into chapters six and seven of Storm Front. They explore the intricacies of Dresden's investigations, the introduction of magic, and the moral implications of character actions, particularly focusing on Monica Sells. The discussion also touches on the fourth law of magic and the concept of the Doom of Damocles, providing insights into character motivations and ethical dilemmas within the narrative. (00:00) - Intro (01:04) - Chapter Six - Victor's Lake House ...

Apr 02, 20251 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 4

SF-03 | How Noir Is Dresden?

During the chapter discussion, we examine Monica Sells and her case, followed by our introduction to McAnally's and Susan Rodriguez. This conversation delves into the themes of noir literature and its influence on the Dresden Files series. We then explore the distinctions between noir and hard-boiled tropes, analyze the character of Harry Dresden, and discuss the evolution of the series over time. We also consider how the noir elements are balanced within the long-form storytelling of the series...

Mar 19, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 3

SF-02 | Is Marcone Actually Preferable?

In this episode, Adam and Brian delve into chapters two and three of 'Stormfront' from the Dresden Files series. The discussion highlights Harry's observational skills, his interactions with law enforcement, and the moral complexities surrounding his interactions with characters like Marcon. The episode also touches on themes of sexism, leadership, and the implications of crime in a supernatural context. (00:00) - Intro (00:45) - Arriving at the Madison (11:03) - Arriving in the Room (16:46) - H...

Mar 06, 20251 hr 21 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Storm Front - 01 | Why Doesn't Harry Prove It?

Storm Front - Chapter 1 In this episode of Recorded Neutral Territory, we explore the characterization of Harry Dresden, the noir tone of the narrative, and the public perception of the supernatural. The discussion highlights Harry's unique identity as a wizard, his relationship with technology, and his moral compass. The episode concludes with a thought-provoking question about Harry's wizardry and the implications of proving his abilities to others. (00:00) - Intro (00:40) - Exploring Harry's ...

Feb 19, 20251 hrSeason 1Ep. 1
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