Water Margin Podcast: Outlaws of the Marsh

Announcement: 10 Years of Podcasting

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Marking a decade since I started doing this.

Announcement: ”Investiture of the Gods” Launched

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 04:30:00 -0400

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!

Water Margin 135: Next

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0400

Wrapping up the Water Margin Podcast and revealing my next project.

Water Margin 134: Epilogue

Mon, 23 May 2022 04:00:00 -0400

A number of our heroes are suddenly stricken by mysterious bouts of rheumatism, while others face something even worse.

Water Margin 133: Parting

Mon, 16 May 2022 04:00:00 -0400

Song Jiang continues his journey back to the capital, but how many of his brothers are coming with him?

Announcement: May 24 Live Interview

Sat, 14 May 2022 10:40:06 -0400

I will be part of a panel of Asian podcasters on Podbean’s Storytelling Podcast Week Live show on May 24 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. See outlawsofthemarsh.com for the registration link. See you there!

Water Margin 132: Tides

Mon, 02 May 2022 04:00:00 -0400

Fang La makes a desperate last stand against the Song forces.

Water Margin 131: Pincer

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0400

With the end of the campaign within reach, Song Jiang’s forces converge on the rebels’ palace.

Water Margin 130: Dragon

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0400

Eager to avenge more slain comrades, Song Jiang charges headlong into trouble.

Water Margin 129: Exposed

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0400

Song Jiang suffers setbacks on land and water, but his enemy isn't doing any better.

Water Margin 128: Possessed

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0400

Song Jiang gets a heaven-sent opportunity, while the rebel emperor gets some help of his own.

Announcement: End-of-Podcast Q&A

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 14:44:34 -0400

Hey everyone. We are rapidly approaching the end of the Water Margin Podcast, with just 7 episodes to go. It’s been an incredible journey and I am grateful for all your support along the way. Once we finish the narrative, I plan to do one last episode to wrap up the podcast, talk about future plans, and answer any questions you may have about the Water Margin. So if you have questions, go ahead and start sending them to me at john@chineselore.com. If you want to wait until the narrative is over and you know how it all turns out before sending in questions, that’s ok, too, as I will probably wait 2-3 weeks after the end of the narrative before posting the wrap-up episode. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks as always for all your support.

Water Margin 127: Losses

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0400

Song Jiang gets another mixed bag of heartbreaks and victories.

Water Margin 126: Lake

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0500

One of the naval chieftains undertakes a dangerous nighttime mission.

Water Margin 125: Outlaws

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 04:00:00 -0500

A few of our heroes run into some guys who remind them of how they used to be.

Water Margin 124: Grief

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 04:00:00 -0500

Song Jiang encounters more victories and more losses as his army pushes south.

Water Margin 123: Crossing

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 04:00:00 -0500

A fortuitous encounter on the river sets up a cunning plan by Song Jiang.

Water Margin 122: Rebels

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 04:00:00 -0500

To occupy his gang's minds with something other than rebellion, Song Jiang volunteers to go put down a rebellion.

Water Margin 121: Geese

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 04:00:00 -0500

Lu Zhishen revisits his old haunts, while Song Jiang waxes poetic about the most Confucian birds.

Water Margin 120: Peace

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 04:00:00 -0500

The Middle Kingdom overfloweth with Sinocentrism as Song Jiang and company bring to heel the barbarians who reside in the desolate desert outpost of [checks notes] Beijing.

Water Margin 119: Zodiac

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 04:00:00 -0500

On the brink of total victory, Song Jiang runs into a string of unexpected setbacks.

Water Margin 118: Formations

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 04:00:00 -0500

Song Jiang and the Liao commander's son engage in a battle of the nerds.

Water Margin Supplemental Episode 006: Travel

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 04:00:00 -0500

A look at the who, what, where, why, and how of Song Dynasty travel.

Water Margin 117: Canyon

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 04:00:00 -0500

Lu Junyi finds himself stuck between a rock and more rocks.

Water Margin 116: Defection

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 04:00:00 -0500

An envoy from the Liao tries to convince Song Jiang and his men to join the Great Resignation.

Water Margin 115: Conquest

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0500

Despite a few hiccups, our heroes stay on the offensive against the Liao.

Water Margin 114: Merit

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0500

After their untimely run-in with an embezzling government representative, Song Jiang and company are under pressure to deliver some quick results in their opening battle against the Liao.

Water Margin 113: Sale

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0500

The bandits begin their new life as law-abiding subjects by selling off their loot.

Water Margin 112: Amnesty

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0400

The imperial court hopes the third time is the charm when it comes to making nice with the bandits.

Water Margin 111: Audience

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Yan Qing offers a little eye candy to the emperor's mistress in exchange for her help.

Water Margin 110: VIP

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0400

The bandits roll out the red carpet, and you won't believe who's coming to dinner.

Water Margin 109: Deceit

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Prospects of peace ride on the all-important question: Is that a comma or a period?

Water Margin 108: Burned

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0400

YOU SUNK MY BATTLESHIP! (And torched my fleet and killed my generals and burned my camp and …)

Water Margin 107: Coverup

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0400

You just lost 60,000 men on your campaign? What are you going to tell the emperor? Wait ... not telling him is actually an option?

Water Margin 106: War

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0400

The hawks at court get their way, as a huge imperial force descends on Liangshan.

Water Margin Supplemental Episode 005: Monastery

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0400

A dive into the minutiae of monastic life.

Water Margin 105: Wine

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0400

We secretly replaced our heroes’ imperial wine with swamp water. Let’s see if they … oh crap they totally noticed!

Water Margin 104: Wrestling

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0400

After delivering justice on heaven's behalf in his usual manner at the fair, Li Kui dabbles in a more comical delivery of justice at a nearby county.

Water Margin 103: Heads

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Li Kui and Song Jiang wagered heads, and heads they shall have.

Water Margin 102: Ghosts

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0400

On his way home after spreading holiday cheers in the capital, Li Kui decides to do some good deeds for civilians.

Water Margin 101: Capital

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Song Jiang goes to the capital to partake in the holiday festivities, and a little extracurricular activity.

Water Margin 100: Prayer

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Our heroes pray to heaven for a sign, and heaven answers in the most literal way possible.

Water Margin 099: Stoned

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Liangshan sets its sights on another town that was just minding its own business, but a local general gives the bandits a literal bloody nose.

Water Margin 098: Spears

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0400

From attacking innocent towns to abducting women whose family you just slaughtered, it’s another honor-filled adventure for the heroes of Liangshan.

Announcement: Interview on Asian Fantasy Fiction Podcast

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 00:52:48 -0400

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

Water Margin 097: Truce

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0400

The bandits and their despised foes parley for peace.

Water Margin 096: Nemesis

Mon, 31 May 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Our heroes get back to settling some old scores and unfinished business.

Water Margin 095: Aftermath

Mon, 24 May 2021 03:00:00 -0400

The imperial court prepares a retaliatory strike against Liangshan, while Li Kui goes rogue.

Water Margin 094: Festival

Mon, 17 May 2021 03:00:00 -0400

The bandits try one more time to spring Lu Junyi from jail, aided by some galaxy-brain holiday planning from the authorities.

Water Margin 093: Healer

Mon, 03 May 2021 03:00:00 -0400

To have friends come from afar, is it not a joy? If your friend is here to recruit you to Liangshan, then no.

Water Margin 092: Snow

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Winter is coming again for Daming Prefecture.

Water Margin 091: Saber

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0400

The bandits find themselves in trouble when a descendant of the god of war comes knocking on their door.

Water Margin 090: Solo

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0400

A daring rescue runs into the obstacle of not having Google Maps.

Water Margin 089: Haggle

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Lu Junyi’s jailer discovers that there IS such a thing as having too much money shoved in your face.

Water Margin 088: Betrayal

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0400

Lu Junyi discovers that there IS such a thing as too much feasting.

Water Margin 087: Trap

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0500

Lu Junyi decides to take a road trip, and everyone’s got a bad feeling about it, except him.

Water Margin 086: Fate

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0500

Big changes are afoot on Liangshan.

Water Margin 085: Disrespect

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 03:00:00 -0500

No sooner had our heroes put down one group of upstarts did they discover another group that’s just asking for it.

Announcement: Roundtable on Translated Chinese Fiction Podcast

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 03:00:00 -0500

Hey everyone. This is a quick programming note to let you know that I recently participated in a roundtable on the Translated Chinese Fiction Podcast hosted by Angus Stewart. Angus assembled the hosts from several podcasts about Chinese literature and stories. We each shared a short story or book chapter that we like, and then we just had a good time chatting about them. Take a listen, and if you like what I'm doing, you might be interested in those other podcasts as well. So check it out. Take care.

Water Margin 084: Loan

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 03:00:00 -0500

Song Jiang flags down a passing court official and very nicely asks for a favor.

Water Margin 083: United

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 03:00:00 -0500

Huyan Zhuo gets another crack at the Liangshan bandits, and a whole gaggle of other outlaws.

Water Margin 082: Assemble

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 03:00:00 -0500

Huyan Zhuo's simple quest for revenge turns into three side quests against leveled-up enemies.

Water Margin 081: Search

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 03:00:00 -0500

Xu Ning chases after his lost property and actually catches up with the thief.

Water Margin 080: Armor

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 03:00:00 -0500

The outlaws run up against a formidable foe and decide they need to “recruit” some more help.

Water Margin 079: Well

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 03:00:00 -0500

After a successful siege, the bandits in search of the man they had come to save.

Water Margin Supplemental Episode 004: Food

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 03:00:00 -0500

A look at food and drinks during the Northern Song.

Water Margin 078: Sorcerers

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 03:00:00 -0500

Li Kui gets put in timeout and learns a lesson about messing with Daoist priests.

Water Margin 077: Magic

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 03:00:00 -0500

Li Kui finds himself up to his neck in Daoist shenanigans.

Water Margin 076: Immunity

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 03:00:00 -0500

As it turns out, iron-pledge guarantees from long-dead emperors do not count for as much as everyone thought.

Water Margin 075: Child

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 03:00:00 -0500

The outlaws return to their tried-and-true recruitment tactics, and take it maybe just a step too far.

Water Margin 074: Punished

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 03:00:00 -0500

In a shocking twist, the ancient Chinese legal system delivers some semblance of justice and punishes constable violence, and all it took was sleeping with the magistrate.

Water Margin 073: Sack

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 13:55:28 -0500

The Xie brothers' relatives mount their jail break, and then we rejoin the Liangshan outlaws outside the Zhu Family Manor.

Water Margin 072: Family

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Some relatives embarrass you at weddings, some get into political arguments at the holiday dinner table, and some threaten to fight you to the death if you don’t help them break some cousins out of jail.

Water Margin 071: Rematch

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 03:00:00 -0400

After getting a bloody nose in their initial attack, the Liangshan forces take another crack at razing the Zhu Family Manor.

Water Margin 070: Maze

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Our heroes storm to the gates of the Zhu Family Manor, intent on teaching the people inside a lesson.

Water Margin 069: Chicken

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 03:00:00 -0400

An act of petty theft quickly escalates into a grave insult against the Liangshan heroes, somehow.

Water Margin 068: Offal

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Yang Xiong has a little heart-to-heart with his adulterous wife.

Water Margin 067: Rendezvous

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Things heat up in Yang Xiong’s house, and on the dead-end street behind it.

Water Margin 066: Swine

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 03:00:00 -0400

In between carving up pig carcasses, Shi Xiu sniffs out some shenanigans in his new household.

Announcement: 2 Podcast Interviews

Sun, 23 Aug 2020 17:18:43 -0400

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.

Water Margin 065: Brothers

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 03:00:00 -0400

A street brawl turns two strangers into bosom buddies.

Water Margin 064: Rescue

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Don’t drink on this trip? I’ll drink as much as I please, damn the consequences. Oh, here come those consequences.

Water Margin 063: Imposter

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Li Kui runs the full gamut of emotions in one day as he goes home to fetch his mother.

Water Margin 062: Scrolls

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Song Jiang gets a little divine intervention in his flight from the law.

Water Margin 061: Starlord

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Song Jiang’s poor choices lead him to a strange, otherworldly encounter.

Water Margin 060: Slaughter

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Nothing says “honor” quite like killing dozens of people who had nothing to do with your predicament, taking their stuff, and burning their town.

Water Margin 059: Raid

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Things get even rowdier at Song Jiang and Dai Zong’s execution.

Water Margin 058: Fake

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 03:00:00 -0400

One day you are a respected craftsman making an honest living; the next day, some shady “deacon” shows up at your door with a lucrative gig for you …

Water Margin 057: Crazy

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 03:00:00 -0400

In trouble for his drunken poetry, Song Jiang is forced into a crappy scheme to save his life.

Water Margin 056: Poem

Mon, 25 May 2020 03:00:00 -0400

While touring historical sites and indulging in fine drink and food, Song Jiang is driven by his misfortunes to write a few words.

Water Margin 055: Ox

Mon, 18 May 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Dai Zong introduces Song Jiang to his good friend Li Kui. Well, friend. More of an acquaintance really. I mean, a colleague. Actually, I don't usually hang out with him. Really.

Water Margin 054: Name

Mon, 04 May 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Once again, we see how far money and reputation can carry a man, even when he's on his way to prison.

Water Margin 053: Ferry

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Like Uber, but for boats ... and the ferryman gives you a choice of meals, too.

Water Margin 052: Exile

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Caught at his home, Song Jiang is finally brought to justice ... such as it is.

Water Margin 051: Father

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Song Jiang's Liangshan-bound cohort keeps growing, until he gets an unexpected message.

Water Margin 050: Recruit

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 03:00:00 -0400

With admirers like these, who needs enemies?

Water Margin 049: Siege

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 03:00:00 -0400

Song Jiang’s bandit buddies run amok, and then give an enemy general the run-around.

Water Margin 048: Arrows

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 03:00:00 -0400

A local lantern festival ignites a feud between Hua Rong and his boss.

Water Margin 047: Kindness

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 03:00:00 -0500

Meet the heroes of Clear Winds Mountain, who turn unsuspecting passers-by into soup and abduct and defile women on their way to visit their parents' graves.

Water Margin 046: Trouble

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 03:00:00 -0500

Wu Song continues acting like the worst pretend monk ever and gets himself first into some cold water, and then into some hot water.

Water Margin 045: Religion

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 03:00:00 -0500

On the run from the law, Wu Song finds religion, and then quickly finds a way to break all of its tenets.

Water Margin 044: Revenge

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 03:00:00 -0500

Wu Song’s enemies just couldn’t leave well enough alone, and soon find themselves facing the consequences — pissed-off consequences.

Water Margin 043: Admire

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 03:00:00 -0500

After his beatdown of Jiang Menshen, Wu Song discovers he has a new fan.

Water Margin 042: Drunk

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 03:00:00 -0500

Wu Song finally finds out what Shi En wants his help with, and devises a way to turn a mob war into a drinking game.

Water Margin 041: Prison

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 03:00:00 -0500

Wu Song receives the best treatment the ancient Chinese legal system has to offer, despite his effort to invite the worst.

Water Margin 040: Meat

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 03:00:00 -0500

Wu Song stops in at a tavern and gets all nitpicky about the food, like the teeniest bit of pubic hair in the bun fillings.

Water Margin 039: Justice

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 03:00:00 -0500

Wu Song is determined to get to the bottom of his brother’s death, by any means necessary.

Water Margin 038: Skeletons

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 03:00:00 -0500

The murderers’ coverup goes off as planned … until a certain someone gets back in town.

Water Margin 037: Cuckold

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 03:00:00 -0500

Wu Dalang catches his unfaithful wife in the act, and pays for it.

Announcement: Ask Me Anything on Dec. 16

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 03:00:00 -0500

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.

Water Margin 036: Hookup

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 03:00:00 -0500

Armed with their 10-step plan, Ximen Qing and Mrs. Wang undertake Operation Seduction.

Water Margin 035: Plot

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 03:00:00 -0500

While Wu Song is away, someone keeps hovering around his brother's house, hoping to get a bit of something hot and steamy (no, not Wu Dalang's buns).

Water Margin 034: Wife

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 03:00:00 -0500

Wu Song's happy reunion with his brother hits a snag when his brother's wife is a bit too happy to see him.

Water Margin 033: Beast

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0400

Wu Song throws caution to the wind and goes big-game hunting with his fist.

Water Margin 032: Guests

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0400

Despite the best efforts of the Yuncheng County justice system, Song Jiang somehow slips through the hands of the law.

Water Margin 031: Crime

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0400

Does a multitude of wrongs make a right? We find out this week as an adulterer stands up to a crooked justice system as the authorities try to cover up for one of their own, who runs afoul of the law after being blackmailed by his cheating mistress.

Water Margin 030: Gold

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0400

An evening that starts with Song Jiang being offered a big bag of gold goes horribly awry.

Water Margin 029: Grateful

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0400

As our bandit friends herald the dawn of a new age of prosperity, we check in with their acquaintance back in Yuncheng County.

Water Margin 028: Fracas

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0400

The last time Lin Chong vented, he cut off three heads. How many will he chop off this time?

Water Margin 027: Swamp

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 04:00:00 -0400

Somebody forgot to explain to our heroes that "Lend me your ears" is only a figure of speech.

Water Margin 026: Leak

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 04:00:00 -0400

Which member of the Yuncheng County legal system is NOT trying to help Chao Gai escape? Raise your hand. Anyone? Anyone?

Water Margin 025: Search

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 04:00:00 -0400

A tip from his no-good brother puts a down-on-his-luck investigator on the scent of Chao Gai and company.

Water Margin 024: Refuge

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0400

If you can’t beat them, join them. Yang Zhi embarks on his life outside the law with a little dine-and-dash action.

Water Margin 023: Heist

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0400

Yang Zhi's approach to convoy duty: Try to rest before I tell you? That's a whipping. Try to get on the road before I tell you? That's a whipping. Look at me funny? That's a whipping. Complain about the excessive whippings? That's definitely a whipping.

Water Margin 022: Lure

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0400

Wu Yong reels in some eager helpers for Chao Gai's planned heist.

Water Margin 021: Fish

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0400

Chao Gai sends a confidant to a fishing village in search of a few good men with no compunctions about theft.

Water Margin 020: Gift

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0400

Our story shifts to rural village life, which apparently includes receiving uninvited visitors from near and far, some of whom hit you up for food and wine in the middle of the night while others come bearing presents, of a sort.

Water Margin Supplemental Episode 003: Money

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0400

A quick look at currencies, income, and living expenses during the Northern Song.

Water Margin 019: Knife

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0400

It slices. It dices. It probably shouldn't be sold on a busy street in the capital. But wait, there's more!

Water Margin 018: Pledge

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0400

Lin Chong really wants to join the bandits on Liangshan, but the initiation is murder.

Water Margin 017: Water

Mon, 27 May 2019 04:00:00 -0400

Meet the new Lin Chong, stabber of hearts, remover of heads, and burner of old men’s beards.

Water Margin Supplemental Episode 002: Buddhism

Wed, 22 May 2019 04:00:00 -0400

A look at the growth of Buddhism during the Northern Song and the religion's relationship with the imperial government.

Water Margin 016: Fire

Mon, 20 May 2019 04:00:00 -0400

Just as Lin Chong starts to settle into his new life at the penal colony, his past pays him a visit.

Water Margin 015: C.R.E.A.M.

Mon, 06 May 2019 04:00:00 -0400

Lin Chong finds out first-hand that cash really does rule everything around you, especially when you’re caught up in the ancient Chinese legal system.

Water Margin 014: Forest

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 05:00:00 -0400

Shady backroom deals, morally flexible guards, and a stretch of dodgy woods: Things are not looking good for Lin Chong.

Water Margin 013: Stabbed

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 05:00:00 -0400

Lin Chong buys a shiny new toy, and then discovers he got sold out.

Water Margin 012: Sh*t

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 05:00:00 -0400

We see how the "throw Lu Zhishen into a fecal pond" plan turns out, and then watch as he turns pest removal into a Strongest Man event.

Water Margin 011: Sins

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 05:00:00 -0400

A couple duels, a few corpses, and a big fire. Just another day on Lu Zhishen’s trip to the capital.

Water Margin 010: Journey

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 05:00:00 -0400

Lu Zhishen unexpectedly runs into an old friend. Well, a friend. More of a passing acquaintance, really. What do you call someone you don't mind stealing from?

Water Margin 009: Berserk

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 05:00:00 -0400

Lu Zhishen meets an old man in need and offers to use his monk training to help the guy out. Wait, what monk training?

Water Margin 008: Monk

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 04:00:00 -0500

Lu Zhishen's new monastic family comes to the sobering realization that they just accepted a hard-drinking, mean-punching, latrine-spurning public-health menace into their midst.

Water Margin 007: Buddha

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 04:00:00 -0500

On the lam after committing murder, Lu Da first runs into an old friend, and then runs into religion.

Water Margin 006: Minced

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 08:11:51 -0500

Shi Jin makes a new friend, and we explore the question on everyone’s mind: Exactly what DO you do with minced pork fat?

Water Margin 005: Party

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 04:00:00 -0500

Shi Jin and the bandits from the nearby mountains make it a Mid-Autumn Festival to remember.

Water Margin Supplemental Episode 001: Cuju

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 03:00:00 -0500

A quick look at the ancient Chinese game of football that allowed Gao Qiu to break into government service.

Water Margin 004: Pupil

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 04:00:00 -0500

Wang Jin turns a one-night farm stay into a nice little gig by knocking his host’s son on his butt.

Water Margin 003: Ball

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 04:00:00 -0500

How do you rise up to be the future ruler's right-hand man? Certainly not through brilliance or hard work.

Water Margin 002: Demons

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 06:00:00 -0500

The capital is facing a crisis, and the only hope is basically the 12th-century Chinese equivalent of Anakin Skywalker from "The Phantom Menace." Ugh.

Water Margin 001: Introduction

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 01:24:44 -0500

An overview of the podcast and an introduction to the Water Margin, aka Outlaws of the Marsh, one of China’s great classic literary works.