Romance of the Three Kingdoms Podcast

Announcement: 10 Years of Podcasting

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0300

Announcement: ”Investiture of the Gods” Launched

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 04:30:00 -0300

Hi everyone. I want to let you know that I have posted the first episodes of Investiture of the Gods on the Chinese Lore Podcast. If you are not yet subscribed to that show, go to chineselore.com. You will find links to the show on various podcast platforms and on YouTube, as well as links to find me on social media and to review and support the show. If you like the podcast, a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts would be much appreciated. As always, thanks for listening!

Announcement: May 24 Live Interview

Sat, 14 May 2022 11:45:30 -0300

Hi everyone. I want to let you know that on May 24, I will be part of a panel of Asian podcasters on Podbean’s Storytelling Podcast Week Live show. It’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and this live show will be highlighting AAPI podcasters. We will be discussing our podcasts, the stories behind our stories, and our experiences as podcasters. I’m looking forward to it, and I hope you will tune in as well. The show will be live on May 24 at 3 p.m. eastern time. I have included the registration link with this announcement on my podcasts’ websites, outlawsofthemarsh.com and 3kingdomspodcast.com. See you there!

Announcement: Interview on Asian Fantasy Fiction Podcast

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 01:58:53 -0300

Check out my recent conversation with Jeremy Bai, a translator and writer focusing on Chinese fantasy genres.

Announcement: 2 Podcast Interviews

Sun, 23 Aug 2020 18:37:30 -0300

I recently did two interviews on other podcasts. The first is the Mandarin Slang Guide podcast, where we talked about some common Chinese expressions that had their roots in the characters and stories of the Three Kingdoms era. The second one is Journey to the West: The Podcast, where we had a long chat about classic Chinese novels and their cultural significance, including the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the Water Margin, and of course, Journey to the West. Have a listen, and also check out the other episodes on those podcasts, too. If you like what I'm doing, you might be interested in those shows as well.

Announcement: Ask Me Anything on Dec. 16

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 00:25:52 -0400

If you have questions about the how's and why's of this podcast, or my thoughts on podcasting in general, post them at the Ask Me Anything hosted by WhatPods on December 16 at https://whatpods.com/show-development/ama/john-zhu.

Update: Videos on Three Kingdoms Warlords

Sun, 19 May 2019 22:02:14 -0300

I recently collaborated with the YouTube channel Invicta History on three videos about Three Kingdoms warlords. The videos were sponsored by Creative Assembly as part of the promotion for its new game Total War: Three Kingdoms. My role in the project was to provide research and record the narration for the videos. We covered Dong Zhuo, Cao Cao, and Liu Bei. It was a fun project. All three videos are out now, so have a look.

Update: Appearance on "Total War" Podcast

Wed, 01 May 2019 22:22:41 -0300

Back in February, I took part in a podcast conversation on the Invicta History YouTube channel with the host, Julien, and Peter Stewart, a writer from the team producing the coming “Total War: Three Kingdoms” game. We chatted for more than an hour, geeking out over the history of the Three Kingdoms period, the novel based on it, and how all of that is handled in the game. It was a fun conversation, and it was interesting for me to hear how the team worked to capture the essence of the story in the game. Have a listen.

Update: Water Margin Podcast Launch; Three Kingdoms Miscellany

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 06:00:00 -0400

An announcement about my new podcast project, and an update on a couple things I've been doing with the Three Kingdoms Podcast.

3 Kingdoms 154: Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Mon, 14 May 2018 07:00:00 -0300

A reflection on this four-year ride, and a glimpse of things to come.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 020: Carousel of Characters

Wed, 09 May 2018 07:00:00 -0300

A rapid-fire look at a bunch of supporting players in the novel.

3 Kingdoms 153: Podcasts Under Heaven …

Mon, 07 May 2018 07:00:00 -0300

One hundred and fifty-three episodes later, we have finally reached the “long divided, must unite” part of the novel.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 019: Food

Wed, 02 May 2018 07:00:00 -0300

A look at what they ate and drank during the Three Kingdoms era.

3 Kingdoms 152: Mutual Loathing and Admiration

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 07:00:00 -0300

While their respective states are sizing each other up for conquest, the Jin and Wu commanders at the borders are getting along famously.

3 Kingdoms 151: How Quickly They Forget

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 07:00:00 -0300

Sure I just lost my kingdom, but look at all the fun stuff they have in the Wei capital!

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 018: Sima Yi, Fact and Fiction

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 07:00:00 -0300

We look at the architect of the Sima clan's rise to power.

3 Kingdoms 150: Ulterior Motives

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 07:00:00 -0300

Everyone has a hidden agenda, except maybe for the guy suspected of hatching an insurrection. (Note: Special guest narrator this week)

3 Kingdoms 149: We Ain't No Fortunate Sons

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 07:00:00 -0300

A Shu commander tries to live up to his father's legacy, while a Shu prince refuses to follow his father's example.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 017: Sun Quan, Fact and Fiction

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 07:00:00 -0300

A dive into the real life of the guy who ran the family business for 50-plus years.

3 Kingdoms 148: Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 07:00:00 -0300

While Jiang Wei scrambles to mount a last-ditch defense, his old nemesis searches for a way to go around his roadblock.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 016: Learning to Delegate

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 07:00:00 -0300

Meet two statesmen who really mastered the art of saying, "That's not in my job description."

3 Kingdoms 147: The Empire Strikes Back

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 07:00:00 -0300

Tired of Shu's perpetual encroachment on its borders, Wei decides to take the fight to its nemesis.

3 Kingdoms 146: Pyrrhic Victory

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 06:00:00 -0400

Jiang Wei finally gets the better of Deng Ai, but even that ends up backfiring.

3 Kingdoms 145: Even More Chaos at Court

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 06:00:00 -0400

Discord between lord and vassal simmers in the court of Shu, while things boil over in the court of Wei.

3 Kingdoms 144: Chaos at Court

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 06:00:00 -0400

While the Shu and Wei continue to slug it out in the West, the kingdom of Wu deals with internal unrest at the highest level.

3 Kingdoms 143: How the Southeast Was Won, Again

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 06:00:00 -0400

Sima Zhao takes the emperor on a buddy road trip to put down another insurgence in a particularly troublesome part of the kingdom.

3 Kingdoms 142: Mildly Wild West

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 06:00:00 -0400

Oh look: Another Northern campaign by the kingdom of Shu. Yawn.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 015: Zhuge Liang, Fact and Fiction

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 06:00:00 -0400

We say so long to the novel's pivotal player and wonder if he was really the genius the book made him out to be.

3 Kingdoms 141: I Would Give My Left Eye for Google Maps!

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 06:00:00 -0400

A couple generals down South stir up trouble for Sima Shi. Now if only their forces knew the way to his camp ....

3 Kingdoms 140: A Familiar Script

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 06:00:00 -0400

Jiang Wei's Northern invasion meets the same fate as Zhuge Liang's, while Sima Shi borrows a few pages from Cao Cao's playbook for how to deal with imperial puppets who don't know their place.

3 Kingdoms 139: Chaos in the South

Mon, 25 Dec 2017 06:00:00 -0400

Things go well for the kingdom of Wu and its political leader ... until they bite off more than they can chew.

3 Kingdoms 138: North by Northwest

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 06:00:00 -0400

Aided by an unexpected defection, Jiang Wei restarts the Northern campaigns by setting his sights first on the Northwest.

3 Kingdoms 137: Coups Are Back in Vogue

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 06:00:00 -0400

It's been a while since someone made a play to seize power from within. That changes this week.

3 Kingdoms 136: King in the North

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 06:00:00 -0400

A new threat emerges on Wei's northeastern borders, and he is just as bad at battle strategy as Jon Snow.

3 Kingdoms 135: Pursuit of Immortality

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 06:00:00 -0400

While Zhuge Liang sails off into eternal fame, the Wei emperor Cao Rui goes in search of eternal youth.

3 Kingdoms 134: The Shu Hits the Fan

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 06:00:00 -0400

The death of its indispensable man is just the start of the Riverlands' troubles.

3 Kingdoms 133: When It Rains ...

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 07:00:00 -0300

A stunning turn of events in the showdown between Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi.

3 Kingdoms 132: Intellectual Property Theft Does Not Pay

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 07:00:00 -0300

Again and again, Sima Yi is made to rue the day he stole Zhuge Liang's invention.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 014: It's Just A Flesh Wound

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 07:00:00 -0300

We delve into the story of the one-armed assassin and the guy who kicked his butt AFTER being assassinated.

3 Kingdoms 131: Wooden Oxens, Gliding Horses, and Copycats

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 07:00:00 -0300

Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi match wits over the latest in wheelbarro

3 Kingdoms 130: Goin' Down the Only Road I've Ever Known

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 07:00:00 -0300

After another promising Northern campaign gets short-circuited, Zhuge Liang prays to his former lord for the strength to carry on, because he's made up his mind and he ain't wasting no more time.

3 Kingdoms 129: You Called Me Back for This?!!

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 07:00:00 -0300

Just as he was getting into a groove, Zhuge Liang is rudely interrupted in the field by an urgent dispatch from his emperor.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 013: Getting Sneaky

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 07:00:00 -0300

A brief explanation of the story behind the most famous secret crossing in Chinese history.

3 Kingdoms 128: Smackdowns and Smack Talk

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 07:00:00 -0300

You've seen Zhuge Liang kill someone with just his tongue. Now watch him kill someone with the written word.

3 Kingdoms 127: A Familiar Script

Mon, 04 Sep 2017 07:00:00 -0300

Zhuge Liang's third Northern expedition gets off to a promising start, but what else is new?

3 Kingdoms 126: Putting the "Three" in Three Kingdoms

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 07:00:00 -0300

Did you know that we had actually been rolling with just two official kingdoms all this time? Well, Sun Quan will fix that this week.

3 Kingdoms 125: Smoke and Mirrors

Mon, 21 Aug 2017 07:00:00 -0300

Zhuge Liang toys with Cao Zhen time and again on his second Northern expedition.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 012: Liu Bei, Fact and Fiction

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 07:00:00 -0300

We delve into the life and career of the real Liu Bei to see if he is really as virtuous as the novel made him out to be (spoiler alert: No one can be as virtuous as the novel made Liu Bei out to be).

3 Kingdoms 124: Losing An Arm and A Pillar

Mon, 07 Aug 2017 07:00:00 -0300

Zhuge Liang prepares to take another shot at Wei, but one old friend will not be joining him.

3 Kingdoms 123: The Price of Ignoring Good Advice

Mon, 31 Jul 2017 07:00:00 -0300

While Zhuge Liang picks up the pieces after his aborted Northern campaign, a Wei commander falls for a trick from the South.

3 Kingdoms 122: If You Know that I Know that You Know that I'm Bluffing ...

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 07:00:00 -0300

When his campaign takes a drastic turn for the worse, Zhuge Liang is forced to resort to a desperate gamble.

3 Kingdoms 121: The Worst-Kept Secret

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 07:00:00 -0300

Meng Da totally misses the point of a SECRET rebellion. Can Zhuge Liang's advice help him pull it off anyway?

3 Kingdoms 120: The Enemy Within

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 07:00:00 -0300

While the Wei forces have their hands full with Zhuge Liang along the border, a new threat lurks deep inside their territory

3 Kingdoms 119: Gluttons for Punishment

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 07:00:00 -0300

Wei forces sent to stop Zhuge Liang first try to out-talk him, and then try again to outsmart him.

3 Kingdoms 118: Yes, Let's Try to Outsmart Zhuge Liang

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 07:00:00 -0300

Matching wits with Zhuge Liang sounds like a horrible idea, but that won't stop multiple Wei officers from trying.

3 Kingdoms 117: Go North, Old Man

Mon, 05 Jun 2017 07:00:00 -0300

Zhuge Liang sends a 70-something general and a tax collector to lead the way for his Northern expedition.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 011: Zhang Fei, Fact and Fiction

Wed, 31 May 2017 07:00:00 -0300

We dive into the differences between the fictional and real-life Zhang Fei and ask, "Who really whipped that corrupt bribe-seeking government official?"

3 Kingdoms 116: Haute Cuisine with Zhuge Liang

Mon, 29 May 2017 07:00:00 -0300

How do you appease the angry souls of the damned? Feed them buns that look like human heads and tell them death is no escape from imperial subjugation, apparently.

3 Kingdoms 115: Stop ... Being ... So ... Nice!

Mon, 15 May 2017 07:00:00 -0300

After a couple more displays of over-the-top kindness, imperial subjugation is starting to look kind of decent after all for Meng Huo.

3 Kingdoms 114: Homewreckers

Mon, 08 May 2017 07:00:00 -0300

Zhuge Liang strolls into Meng Huo's house and makes himself at home.

3 Kingdoms 113: So What Doesn't Kill You Around Here?

Mon, 01 May 2017 07:00:00 -0300

Zhuge Liang's army marches deeper into the heart of darkness and forgets to read the part in the travel guide about bringing bottled water.

3 Kingdoms 112: Gift-Wrapped Victories

Mon, 17 Apr 2017 07:00:00 -0300

Zhuge Liang catches Meng Huo twice more with hardly any effort.

3 Kingdoms 111: Catch and Release

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 07:00:00 -0300

Zhuge Liang continues his campaign to win not only battles, but also barbarian hearts and minds.

3 Kingdoms 110: That Was Easy

Mon, 03 Apr 2017 07:00:00 -0300

Zhuge Liang barely breaks a sweat while cruising through level 1 of his Southwestern quest.

3 Kingdoms 109: Troublesome Neighbors

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:00:00 -0300

While Shu and Wu become best buds again, trouble pops up from the North and the Southwest.

3 Kingdoms 108: Battle of the Nerds

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 07:00:00 -0300

An episode that starts with five armies bearing down on Shu somehow ends with nothing more than a showdown between pedants at a banquet.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 010: Cao Cao, Fact and Fiction

Wed, 08 Mar 2017 06:00:00 -0400

A huge episode where we bid farewell to our favorite villain by delving into his real-life counterpart's life, career, and legacy.

3 Kingdoms 107: Doleful, Doh-ful, and Du Fu

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 06:00:00 -0400

Liu Bei gets sad, Cao Pi botches an invasion, and we read a poem by one of China's greatest poets.

3 Kingdoms 106: Do I Smell Smoke?

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 06:00:00 -0400

The tide of battle -- and history -- turns in the span of one night.

3 Kingdoms 105: Can't Get No Respect

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 06:00:00 -0400

In his most desperate hour, Sun Quan puts his faith in Lu Xun, but will his officers obey orders from a man they see as a pedant and a coward?

3 Kingdoms 104: Out with the Old, In with the New

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 06:00:00 -0400

Liu Bei's team of old warhorses takes another hit, but two young stallions are waiting in the wings. This episode is brought to you by special guest Kaiser Kuo, host of the Sinica Podcast.

3 Kingdoms 103: See, What Happened Was ...

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 06:00:00 -0400

With Liu Bei bearing down on them, the Southlands try to tell him that they didn't really mean to kill Guan Yu; it was all a simple misunderstanding. We swear!

3 Kingdoms 102: Oh Great, Who Died Now?

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 06:00:00 -0400

No, not him, too!! Another major character bites the dust.

3 Kingdoms 101: The Most Boring Episode

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 06:00:00 -0400

You would think the end of a 400-year dynasty would have more action than this, but it's all just decrees, counter-decrees, speeches, humble brags, and an unusually strong gust of wind.

3 Kingdoms 100: Cao Zhi and the Beanstalk

Mon, 26 Dec 2016 06:00:00 -0400

Cao Cao's third son finds out what passes for brotherly love in his family.

3 Kingdoms 099: Tears for a Villain

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 06:00:00 -0400

Cao Cao grapples with mortality and legacy.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 009: Guan Yu, Fact and Fiction

Wed, 14 Dec 2016 06:00:00 -0400

We bid farewell to the Lord of the Beautiful Beard and talk about that time when Cao Cao stole the woman Guan Yu was going to steal from someone else.

3 Kingdoms 098: Back from the Dead

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 06:00:00 -0400

Guan Yu's ghost finds inner peace ... and then starts killing and spooking people.

3 Kingdoms 097: War of Attrition

Mon, 28 Nov 2016 06:00:00 -0400

Defeated and leaking troops by the minute, Guan Yu makes a desperate dash for safety.

3 Kingdoms 096: Sneak Attacks

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 06:00:00 -0400

While Guan Yu is busy fighting Cao Cao's forces, Lü Meng and Dongwu try to catch him unawares.

3 Kingdoms 095: Anesthesia Is for Wusses

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 06:00:00 -0400

After an arrow causes a festering wound, Guan Yu signs up for a bleeding-edge surgical operation.

3 Kingdoms 094: Bringing a Coffin to a Knife Fight

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 07:00:00 -0300

With Guan Yu bearing down on a couple of his key cities, Cao Cao dispatches a general who pledges his life to victory and shows he means it.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 008: Hands Off My Shortbread

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 07:00:00 -0300

We delve into the relationship between Cao Cao and his secretary Yang Xiu, a man with a keen understanding of his boss's mind ... and a death wish.

3 Kingdoms 093: The Man Who Didn't Want to Be King

Mon, 24 Oct 2016 07:00:00 -0300

After punching Cao Cao in the mouth, Liu Bei tries his best to keep his men from declaring him king, to no avail.

3 Kingdoms 100th Episode Q&A

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 07:00:00 -0300

We've made it to 100 episodes! So let's throw it open to some questions.

3 Kingdoms 092: Cao Cao's River of Woe

Mon, 03 Oct 2016 07:00:00 -0300

Cao Cao can't even get a good night's sleep as he tries to dislodge Liu Bei from the banks of the Han River.

3 Kingdoms 091: Mighty Man of Power

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 07:00:00 -0300

Huang Zhong performs more heroic deeds, then Zhao Yun says to Cao Cao, "Hey, remember me?"

3 Kingdoms 090: Take That, Young Punks!

Mon, 19 Sep 2016 07:00:00 -0300

With the battle for Hanzhong in full swing, Liu Bei sends a senior citizen to chase off some rowdy kids.

3 Kingdoms 089: They Chose ... Poorly

Mon, 05 Sep 2016 07:00:00 -0300

You are a court official. Cao Cao just put down a coup, and now he's asking whether you helped put out the fire started by the rebels or just stayed home. What would you say?

3 Kingdoms 088: Digression and Prognostications

Mon, 29 Aug 2016 07:00:00 -0300

We make virtually no progress in the narrative this week as we get tangled up in mysticism, superstition, and oh yeah, another conspiracy to overthrow Cao Cao.

3 Kingdoms 087: Cuts Like A Knife ... and Many Other Weapons

Mon, 22 Aug 2016 07:00:00 -0300

After a general risks life and limb to save him, Sun Quan makes sure everyone appreciates the sacrifice.

3 Kingdoms 086: You Killed My Father, Prepare to ... Deal with My Butthurt Tantrums

Mon, 08 Aug 2016 07:00:00 -0300

Sun Quan tries to wrestle some territory away from Cao Cao, while at the same time playing peacemaker between two of his own officers.

3 Kingdoms 085: Another One Bites the Dust

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 07:00:00 -0300

Another foe bows to Cao Cao's might.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental Episode 007: Zhou Yu, Fact and Fiction

Wed, 27 Jul 2016 07:00:00 -0300

A long overdue farewell to Dongwu's military genius, who had the misfortune of being alive in the time of Zhuge Liang. Or at least, that's how the novel tells it.

3 Kingdoms 084: On A Knife's Edge

Mon, 25 Jul 2016 07:00:00 -0300

Guan Yu brings a really big knife to a land dispute.

3 Kingdoms 083: I.O.U.; I.O.U. Not

Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:00:00 -0300

Liu Bei comes into some new possessions, and then tries to wiggle out of having to pay back his creditors in Dongwu.

3 Kingdoms 082: Dueling Tigers

Mon, 04 Jul 2016 07:00:00 -0300

Zhang Fei and Ma Chao collide in a battle for the ages.

Announcement 2016-06-29: 100th Episode

Wed, 29 Jun 2016 10:00:00 -0300

I'm planning to make the 100th episode a Q&A session, so send in your questions to 3kingdomspodcast@gmail.com by September 30, 2016.

3 Kingdoms 081: Honorable Men Slaughtering Women and Children

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 10:00:00 -0300

Liu Zhang looks for outside help to deal with the last outside help he brought in, while we hit pause to catch up with Ma Chao and his misadventures.

3 Kingdoms 080: Never Surrender! ... Until They Ask Nicely

Mon, 13 Jun 2016 10:00:00 -0300

Zhang Fei discovers that all you need to do to get the Riverlands' finest to switch sides is to say please.

3 Kingdoms 079: Should've Heeded the Warning Signs

Mon, 06 Jun 2016 10:00:00 -0300

Just as numerous omens portended, disaster strikes Liu Bei's campaign in the Riverlands.

3 Kingdoms 078: The Die Is Cast

Mon, 30 May 2016 16:44:31 -0300

Having passed the point of no return, Liu Bei goes a-conquerin' in the Riverlands.

3 Kingdoms 077: Land of the Rising Sun

Mon, 16 May 2016 10:00:00 -0300

Cao Cao gets a promotion, nine very nice pieces of swag, and a hint about Sun Quan's imperial destiny.

3 Kingdoms 076: Thanks Bro

Mon, 09 May 2016 10:00:00 -0300

This week, overflowing brotherly affection is expressed through deception in the East and sword dances in the West.

3 Kingdoms 075: Treason: It’s the Honorable Thing to Do

Mon, 02 May 2016 23:22:55 -0300

Zhang Song and his friend decide that honor and ethics demand that they betray their master and give his land to Liu Bei.

3 Kingdoms 074: Going West

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 23:22:00 -0300

Cao Cao’s latest victory triggers a chain reaction in the western reaches of empire.

3 Kingdoms 073: The Brush Is Mightier Than the Sword

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 23:21:00 -0300

With a few strokes of his brush, Cao Cao sows dissent in Ma Chao’s inner circle.

3 Kingdoms 072: A Close Shave for Cao Cao

Mon, 04 Apr 2016 23:21:00 -0300

Cao Cao’s opening rounds against Ma Chao get a little hairy.

3 Kingdoms 071: Loose Lips and Loose Women

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 23:21:00 -0300

Another week, another conspiracy against Cao Cao, and another evil-woman trope.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental Episode 006: Red Cliff, Fact and Fiction

Thu, 17 Mar 2016 23:20:00 -0300

A look at the most legendary battle of the novel and how the fictional account differs from the real showdown.

3 Kingdoms 070: Weeping Dragon, Drunken Phoenix

Mon, 14 Mar 2016 23:19:00 -0300

Zhuge Liang delivers a heartfelt eulogy for a dearly departed friend, while Pang Tong shows how to advance your career by not doing your job.

3 Kingdoms 069: Try, Try, and Try Again

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 22:19:00 -0400

Zhou Yu devises yet again scheme to take Jing Province, because he’s a glutton for punishment.

3 Kingdoms 068: Escape from Dongwu

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 22:18:00 -0400

Liu Bei and his new wife try to flee from the murderously angry clutches of Sun Quan and Zhou Yu.

3 Kingdoms 067: Welcome to the Family

Mon, 15 Feb 2016 22:18:00 -0400

Sun Quan and Liu Bei are now brothers-in-law as the fake wedding becomes real.

3 Kingdoms 066: One Wedding and Three Funerals

Mon, 08 Feb 2016 22:17:00 -0400

ROTK goes in search of higher TV ratings: Several role players get killed off, and we have a surprise marriage proposal.

3 Kingdoms 065: Oldie but Goodie

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 22:17:00 -0400

After seeing his colleagues each conquer a county, Guan Yu wants in on the action, but an “old pawn” stands in his way.

3 Kingdoms 064: Liu Bei Builds His Base

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 22:16:00 -0400

While Dongwu and Cao Cao are busy fighting each other, Liu Bei expands his sphere of influence.

3 Kingdoms 063: Circle of Lies

Mon, 11 Jan 2016 22:16:00 -0400

Zhou Yu fools Cao Ren; Cao Ren fools Zhou Yu; Zhou Yu fools Cao Ren again; Zhuge Liang fools everyone; Zhou Yu bursts a blood vessel.

3 Kingdoms 062: Close Encounters of the Guan Yu Kind

Mon, 28 Dec 2015 22:15:00 -0400

Routed and trapped, Cao Cao and his haggard troops throw themselves at the mercy of the man blocking their path.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental Episode 005: Legendary Advisers

Fri, 25 Dec 2015 22:15:00 -0400

A little Christmas morning stocking stuffer: A look at some of the guys that Zhuge Liang keeps getting compared to.

3 Kingdoms 061: Who’s Laughing Now?

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 22:14:00 -0400

The Battle of Red Cliffs goes badly for Cao Cao, but he still finds reasons to feel smug, much to his men’s chagrin.

3 Kingdoms 060: Blowin’ in the Wind

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 22:14:00 -0400

After Zhuge Liang moves heaven and earth, Zhou Yu and Liu Bei move their troops into position for the coming battle.

3 Kingdoms 059: Cao Cao the Poet

Mon, 30 Nov 2015 22:12:00 -0400

Delighted by his invincible fleet and moved by the scenery, Cao Cao shows off his literary chops … until someone decided to play critic.

3 Kingdoms 058: Defections and Deceptions

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 22:12:00 -0400

Zhou Yu and a couple other wise men of Dongwu spin an elaborate ruse for Cao Cao to faceplant into.

3 Kingdoms 057: Strawman Solution

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 22:11:00 -0400

Zhou Yu presents Zhuge Liang with an invented problem. Zhuge Liang delivers an outside-the-box answer.

3 Kingdoms 056: To Have Friends Coming In from Afar, How Delightful

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 22:11:00 -0400

Zhou Yu gets visits from Liu Bei and an old school chum, and he cannot not be happier to see them.

3 Kingdoms 055: The Best of Frenemies

Mon, 26 Oct 2015 23:10:00 -0300

Sun Quan formally declares war on Cao Cao, while his commander Zhou Yu secretly declares war on their supposed allies.

3 Kingdoms 054: A Bridge Too Far

Mon, 19 Oct 2015 23:10:00 -0300

Zhuge Liang has a little homonymical fun with Zhou Yu as they discuss whether the Southlands should fight or submit to Cao Cao.

3 Kingdoms 053: I Find Your Argument Illogical!

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 23:09:00 -0300

When Zhuge Liang finds himself in the same room as the Southlands’ foremost academics, the gloves come off and jabs fly. Verbal jabs, of course.

3 Kingdoms 052: Zhang Fei’s Killer Bluff

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 23:09:00 -0300

Zhang Fei’s cunning is the only things standing between Liu Bei and Cao Cao’s army. Well, that and his really loud, really deadly voice.

3 Kingdoms 051: Zhao Yun Kicks Butt

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 23:08:00 -0300

All hell breaks loose as Cao Cao’s troops catch up to Liu Bei. Out of this hell rides his general Zhao Yun, with a precious package strapped to his chest.

3 Kingdoms 050: It’s Just A Flesh Wound

Mon, 07 Sep 2015 22:56:00 -0300

Zhuge Liang burns another detachment of Cao Cao’s troops, but there are plenty more where that came from.

3 Kingdoms 049: Is It Getting Hot in Here?

Mon, 31 Aug 2015 22:56:00 -0300

Zhuge Liang blazes to victory in his first battle, but Cao Cao turns up the heat on Jing Province.

3 Kingdoms 048: Prelude to Wars

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 22:54:00 -0300

While Sun Quan prepares for a retaliatory strike from Liu Biao, Liu Biao and Liu Bei brace for an invasion by Cao Cao.

3 Kingdoms 047: Meanwhile, In the Southlands

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 22:54:00 -0300

We leave Liu Bei with his new sage and check in on what the Sun clan has been up to.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental Episode 004: Yuan Shao and Yu Rang

Wed, 05 Aug 2015 22:53:00 -0300

We bid goodbye to the once-mighty warlord of the North and delve into the story of a determined assassin.

3 Kingdoms 046: Elusive Recluse

Mon, 03 Aug 2015 22:53:00 -0300

Liu Bei’s strategy for finding Zhuge Liang: Go up to anyone in Nanyang who can rub two words together and ask, “Are you Sleeping Dragon?”

3 Kingdoms 045: Parting Is Such Sweet Sor … Wait, Zhuge Who?

Mon, 27 Jul 2015 22:52:00 -0300

Liu Bei gets really broken up about Xu Shu’s departure, until he learns there’s someone much smarter.

3 Kingdoms 044: How to Get A Job with Liu Bei Inc.

Mon, 13 Jul 2015 22:51:00 -0300

Approach Liu Bei on the street, sing a song, get invited to his office, advise him to give his horse to an enemy, get C-suite job.

3 Kingdoms 043: Party Foul

Fri, 03 Jul 2015 22:50:00 -0300

Liu Bei gets invited to a feast, but Lady Cai and her brother ruin the fun when they try to kill him.

3 Kingdoms 042: Breaches in Etiquette

Mon, 29 Jun 2015 22:49:00 -0300

The surviving Yuan brothers get a cold reception from their host up north, and Liu Bei commits a dinner-table faux pas down south.

3 Kingdoms 041: How the North Was Won

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 21:32:00 -0300

Riding a wave of inevitability, Cao Cao sweeps the Yuan brothers out of their territories.

3 Kingdoms 040: With Brothers Like These, Who Needs Enemies?

Mon, 08 Jun 2015 09:20:00 -0300

The eldest and youngest sons of Yuan Shao take on their most hated foe — each other.

3 Kingdoms 039: My Three No-Good Sons

Mon, 01 Jun 2015 09:20:00 -0300

Yuan Shao finally has enough of Cao Cao, and now it’s his sons’ turn to get stomped.

3 Kingdoms 038: Cao Cao Triumphant

Mon, 18 May 2015 09:19:00 -0300

Cao Cao puts a couple more smackdowns on Yuan Shao, but then gets distracted by a pesky old foe.

3 Kingdoms 037: Battles of Guandu

Mon, 11 May 2015 09:18:00 -0300

Night raids, catapults, tunnels, fires. All these and more in a CG-packed episode and one of the most important clashes in the novel.

3 Kingdoms 036: An Unhealthy Obsession

Mon, 04 May 2015 09:17:00 -0300

Sun Ce starts seeing his favorite Daoist priest here, there, and everywhere.

3 Kingdoms 035: Getting the Band Back Together

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 09:16:00 -0300

Liu Bei and his gang of loyal followers meet up for a reunion tour, with a few new faces in the mix.

3 Kingdoms 034: O Brother, There Thou Art!

Sun, 12 Apr 2015 09:15:00 -0300

Guan Yu unexpectedly discovers a lost brother, who gives him a surprising welcome.

3 Kingdoms 033: Organizational Communication Problems

Sun, 05 Apr 2015 09:14:00 -0300

Guan Yu leaves Xuchang with Cao Cao’s blessings. If only Cao Cao had bothered to tell the men guarding the checkpoints along the way ….

3 Kingdoms 032: O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 08:01:00 -0300

Guan Yu does a couple huge favors for Cao Cao and then discovers Liu Bei’s whereabouts.

3 Kingdoms 031: Three Is the Number Thou Shalt Count

Mon, 16 Mar 2015 08:01:00 -0300

As Guan Yu prepares to fight to the death against Cao Cao, an old friend gives him three reasons why that is a bad idea and three reasons for surrendering instead. Guan Yu responds with three conditions.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental Episode 003: The Deal with the Seal

Mon, 09 Mar 2015 08:00:00 -0300

We take a look at the history of the more-trouble-than-it’s-worth imperial hereditary seal that everyone wants and everyone seems to regret getting.

3 Kingdoms 030: Forgetting the First Rule of Fight Club

Sun, 22 Feb 2015 01:03:00 -0400

Dong Cheng and company demonstrate how not to run a conspiracy.

3 Kingdoms 029: Cao Cao’s Nemesis

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 01:02:00 -0400

While one of Cao Cao’s old enemies submit, he gets trolled by a new thorn in his side who just won’t shut up.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental Episode 002: Lü Bu, Fact and Fiction

Mon, 02 Feb 2015 01:01:00 -0400

We saw Lü Bu exit stage left a couple episodes back. In this supplemental episode, we take a look at the historical Lü Bu versus his fictional counterpart.

3 Kingdoms 028: So Long, Sucker!

Mon, 02 Feb 2015 00:58:00 -0400

Liu Bei gets out of the capital and does not look back. Yuan Shu becomes distraught after discovering the scarcity of honey.

3 Kingdoms 027: Defining “Hero”

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 00:58:00 -0400

Liu Bei develops a sudden interest in horticulture, while Cao Cao wonders out loud, “Who’s a hero?”

3 Kingdoms 026: The Emperor’s Brother-in-Law’s New Clothes

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 00:57:00 -0400

With Cao Cao baring his imperial ambitions for all to see, the emperor does the only thing he can — give his brother-in-law a spiffy outfit.

3 Kingdoms 025: Keeping Up with the Chens

Mon, 05 Jan 2015 00:56:00 -0400

While Chen Gong tries to help Lü Bu hold off Cao Cao, Chen Deng and Chen Gui run circles around them.

3 Kingdoms Announcement 2014-12-17: Holidays, Thank-Yous, and a Challenge

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:56:00 -0400

No new episodes until the new year, but listen to this brief announcement for some important info and holiday wishes.

3 Kingdoms 024: How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways

Mon, 08 Dec 2014 00:50:00 -0400

Cao Cao’s awesomeness draws much fawning from his adviser Guo Jia, while the people of Xu Province express their love for Liu Bei through cannibalism.

3 Kingdoms 023: Dangerous Jobs

Mon, 01 Dec 2014 00:49:00 -0400

Who’s more likely to lose his head in this episode: impostor emperor or granary officer? The answer may surprise you.

3 Kingdoms 022: Strange Bedfellows

Mon, 24 Nov 2014 00:49:00 -0400

Cao Cao decides that he hates Lü Bu more than he hates Liu Bei, so “Liu Bei and I are like brothers.”

3 Kingdoms 021: Arrow of Diplomacy

Mon, 17 Nov 2014 00:48:00 -0400

Sun Ce lifts off, Lü Bu shows off, and Yuan Shu gets ticked off.

3 Kingdoms 020: How the South Was Won

Mon, 03 Nov 2014 00:47:00 -0400

Priceless imperial heirloom as collateral? Check. An old pal as your strategist? Check. Ability to kill by the mere sound of your voice? Check, check, and check.

3 Kingdoms 019: When Tigers and Wolves Share a Den

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 01:47:00 -0300

Cao Cao deploys animal-themed schemes to sow discord between Liu Bei and Lü Bu.

3 Kingdoms 018: Cao Cao’s Big Break

Mon, 13 Oct 2014 01:46:00 -0300

The Han court hits rock bottom, at which point Cao Cao is all too happy to ride in and … umm … defend the honor and dignity of the throne. Yeah, that’s it.

3 Kingdoms 017: Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Not Scorned

Mon, 06 Oct 2014 01:45:00 -0300

Someone’s wife gets the wrong impression that her husband is cheating on her, and the next thing you know, we’re poisoning household pets, ingesting waste, burning palaces, and abducting everybody who’s anybody.

3 Kingdoms 016: Respite, Restoration, Recap

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 01:44:00 -0300

After spending his down time picking off some ragtag rebels, Cao Cao moves to reclaim his territory, which brings us to a good point to look back at what we have covered so far.

3 Kingdoms 015: Battle of Brain and Brawn

Mon, 15 Sep 2014 01:44:00 -0300

Cao Cao and Lü Bu face off for control of Yan Province in a back-and-forth attempt to out-trick and outfight each other. And then the locusts came ….

3 Kingdoms 014: Much Ado About Nothing

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 01:43:00 -0300

Everyone gears up for a fight with Cao Cao over Xu Province, and then all of a sudden it’s the province nobody wants.

3 Kingdoms 013: How to Get A Job with Cao Cao Inc.

Mon, 18 Aug 2014 01:42:00 -0300

Our old friend Cao Cao is expanding his operation. Want to join? You just need to either be a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend of someone who already works there, or be a man-beast who kills dozens of coworkers with your bare hands over a disagreement.

3 Kingdoms 012: But You Said They Were GOOD Omens

Mon, 11 Aug 2014 01:41:00 -0300

Dong Zhuo learns that broken chariots, wild horses, and melancholy songs are, in fact, not auspicious signs.

3 Kingdoms 011: The Face That Launched A Thousand Halberds

Mon, 28 Jul 2014 01:39:00 -0300

Expertly manipulated by Diao Chan, Lü Bu and Dong Zhuo come to blows over who gets to go to bed with a 16-year-old.

3 Kingdoms 010: Thanks A Lot, Dad!

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 01:38:00 -0300

Sun Jian leaves his son in charge, while Dong Zhuo leaves his son out in the cold for a pretty face.

3 Kingdoms 009: Everywhere is War

Sat, 05 Jul 2014 01:36:00 -0300

Now that they are not fighting Dong Zhuo anymore, the former coalition leaders have to do something to occupy their time. What better way is there to avoid idleness than waging war against each other?

3 Kingdoms 008: So That’s Where I Put That Seal

Wed, 25 Jun 2014 01:35:00 -0300

Dong Zhuo moves the capital and turns the journey into a traveling horror show as only Dong Zhuo can, while the coalition becomes distracted when it discovers the one thing of value that Dong Zhuo left behind.

3 Kingdoms 007: A Brawl for the Ages

Fri, 13 Jun 2014 01:33:00 -0300

The coalition forces are marching for the capital, but first, they will have to get past Dong Zhuo’s top generals. The result is two of the most famous battlefield encounters in Chinese lore.

3 Kingdoms 006: Ethics Lessons from Cao Cao

Thu, 05 Jun 2014 01:32:00 -0300

It’s a busy episode for Cao Cao. He gets out of a sticky situation, screws himself out of a delicious pork dinner, drops some life wisdom on his traveling companion, and then stirs up a whole lot of trouble for Dong Zhuo.

3 Kingdoms 005: Dude, Check Out This Cool Knife I Got You

Mon, 26 May 2014 01:30:00 -0300

As Dong Zhuo rises to power, he bestows endless kindness on all mankind. He’s doing such a great job, in fact, that someone decides to give him a beautiful, bejeweled knife with a razor-sharp edge while he was lying down with his back turned.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental Episode 001: Yi Yin, Chef and Kingmaker

Mon, 19 May 2014 01:28:00 -0300

“Only with Yi Yin’s talent can you act like Yi Yin.” So who is this Yi Yin? We dive into the story behind one line of dialogue from episode 4.

3 Kingdoms 004: Enter the Fat Man; AKA the Novel Really Starts

Mon, 12 May 2014 01:26:00 -0300

We’ve had rebellions, palace intrigue, a deadly power struggle, and a bloodbath at the imperial residence. But all of that was just the warm-up act. We are finally getting into the meat of the story, starting with ascension of Dong Zhuo, who’s like Santa Claus, just less jolly and more stabby.

3 Kingdoms 003: Oh C’mon! Kill Them Already!

Mon, 05 May 2014 01:25:00 -0300

He Jin makes his officers bang their heads against walls with his pathological inability to dispose of the eunuchs. Meanwhile, a bit character from episode 1, Dong Zhuo, drops by the capital with 200,000 of his best friends, just to say hi and see what’s up.

3 Kingdoms 002: Trials and Tribulations of Chinese Officialdom

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 01:17:00 -0300

Liu Bei discovers that landing a government job in the Han court takes connections, patience, and a lot of dead rebels. And that’s BEFORE the leeches start ransoming you for a bribe. Fortunately, Zhang Fei resolves the matter diplomatically.

3 Kingdoms 001: Bromance of the Three Warriors

Fri, 11 Apr 2014 02:09:00 -0300

The first episode finds the empire in turmoil and three men of valor vowing to do something about it.

3 Kingdoms 000: Who Are You? What Are You Doing Here?

Wed, 09 Apr 2014 01:07:00 -0300

A quick overview of what I’ll attempt to do with this podcast. You can also read this explanation instead.