Demythifying

Alexa play obsessed with me....In this episode Lauren and Charlotte talk to Ella McLeod about "Andromeda". Obviously a huge part of the episode focuses around embracing and celebrating her heritage and they dive into why she's been whitewashed so much. They also get very into how Ella took making everything gayer to the next level with her romance choices.Obligatory spoilers included with plot points.... the ending... and shag marry killTell us what you've been loving....

Lauren is joined this episode by Lindsey Byrd to dive into her duology "A Tale of Two Crowns". The whole episode is spoilery starting with last years book one The Sun Blessed Prince and finishing up with the recent release The Moon Blessed KingTell us what you've been loving....

Disclaimer: no vampires in this book sparkle.Charlotte Cross joins Lauren to demyth her debut. A feminist gothic horror retelling of the brides of Dracula "The Brides".They delve alot into Charlottes writing process with letters and journals and different timelines. Her writing journey and advice for authors. What makes a book feminist... and a dollop of vampires.Obligatory spoilers include what Lauren was SO WRONG about. The ending and the reveal of who Lady Lowell is.Tell us what you've been loving....

Call me Ishmail..... actually scratch that. Call our main character I as we delve into Hell's Heart with Lauren and author Alexis Hall. They delve into how closely the book mirrors Moby Dick. Queer reading of the original novel and how the book was adapted to make it scifiThere are the obligatory spoilers that go more into the AI choices of changing a racially stereotyped character and a change to the ending. Plus discussions about our unreliable narratorLauren also shares her frustrations with characters actions even if a different choice would have F'd up the plot completelyTell us what you've been loving....

This could well be Lauren's book of the year! Enter the world of The Last Starboon Seer. Lauren finds out all about Venetia's debut journey and Venetia offers her opinions on tropes on fantasy. Prespoilers they talk about world creation and decisions in that process.In spoilers Lauren gets INTO plot points with Venetia which will hopefully keep her going during the long wait for book 2 :(.Tell us what you've been loving....

Get your warm hunting gear ready for The Red Winter.Lauren deepdives with debut author Cameron Sullivan about his pansexual monster hunter novel "The Red Winter". They go into the piece of werewolf lore that came from the Beast of Gevaudan story. The technical challenges of writing multiple timelines and how you deal with rejection.In spoilers they go into the folklore in TRW, history and deepdiving plotpoints and possibly the most mentions of the word semen in any conversation either of them have hadTell us what you've been loving....

it's your typical love story woman meets bull... falls in lust and births the minotaur.but what if it wasn't? On this episode Lauren talks to Jane Dougherty about her twist on Pasiphae and the minotaur. Look out for the obilgatory spoiler section with more plot deep disections.Tell us what you've been loving....

Timna Devolpi joins Lauren and Charlotte in time for Valentine's to talk all things love and dating in the Ancient Greek myth world as they chat about her book The Goddess Dating Guide.From loved-up couples to familial heartbreak, with some very thought provoking questions in between, it all gets discussed, and listen to the end to hear Timna's reality TV castings of the Olympians!Follow Timna on Socials:Instagram and TikTok: @timnadevolpiInstagram: @authortimnadevolpiBuy Timna's book The Goddess Dating Guide from AmazonTell us what you've been loving....

In the last episode of the year Lauren gets into Made Things with Adrian Tchaikovsky to celebrate its UK release.Firstly they get into his degree... his writing process and a little bit into his back catalogue.They also deep dive into Made Things with plot points and spoilers. Including which of the homonculi types Adrian would like to beTell us what you've been loving....

Norse Mythology retellings or inspired fiction seem so thin on the ground compared to other mythologies so OBVIOUSLY Lauren was all over Rachel Van Dykens "Fallen Gods". Lauren finds out all about the inspiration behind it, background information needed and the US setting.In plot points they go more into runes, more into characters and discuss the ending.Tell us what you've been loving....

Lauren jumped at the opportunity to speak to romantasy great Carissa Broadbent about the first in a trilogy Daughter of No Worlds after it was picked up by traditional publishers.Talking about the inspiration behind the main characters. Carissa's feelings on booktok and transitioning to traditional publishing and those all obligatory plot spoilersTell us what you've been loving....

What if you see a little something you can't quite explain but your brain tries to rationalise? Venture into Angel City for the first in the Red City series with Lauren and author Marie Lu. Lauren gets into the world building of the alternate Los Angeles (Angel City) and it's alchemy magic system. They discuss the challenges of YA vs Adult writing, Marie's reaction to the AI emotional support kangaroo PLUS meeting our MC's on page and their first experiences with seeing alchemy IRL and no awards are given for mother of the year.Spoilers are juicy with plot points being broken down, the escalation of the crime syndicates increasing and Lauren asks her burning "I know you did it for the plot but I don't have to like it but did you have to?"Tell us what you've been loving....

Head on a quest for family with Lauren and Maddie Martinez as they dive into The Maiden and Her Monster. They discuss how Maddies educational background shaped the novel and the history of the Jewish Golem myth. They also talk about the crafting of the love plot and obviously obligatory spoilersTell us what you've been loving....

Jane is back for a bumper episode about one of the first women of Rome.... Fulvia.They get into roles of women and the perfect Roman woman and what Rome was like in Fulvias time. They dig into certain events from Fulvias life (taxes), her choice to remarry and reremarry and of course THOSE bullets.They also play and invite you to play along with one of the stressiest Shag Marry Kills everTell us what you've been loving....

We all know the story of Anthony and Cleopatra. Have you ever thought about their daughter? No Lauren hadn't either until she discovered Dr Jane Draycotts book all about her. They get into the backstory of Cleopatra and Mark Anthony, iconography and retrospective romantacising. Then we get into the woman of the moment and her journey from Egyptian Princess to Roman Prisoner and then Finally African Queen. Prepare to learn more about crocodiles than you expected.Tell us what you've been loving....

Lauren is going full on lover girl for a summer of love with Phoenicia Rogerson and her second book Aphrodite. They cover thousands of years of mythology guided by a goddess? who admits straight away that she lies. They get into the two origin stories of her and fitting that into an already confusing timeline and theres obvious obligatory spoilersTell us what you've been loving....

Get ready to adventure down to the underworld.... Lauren hangs out with one of her earliest guests JJA Harwood for advice on how to get an undead vampire husband of her own ala FMC Irina. They discuss Jo's vampire reseach and real life weddings to the undead. Jo enthuses hard about her partly research and partly fun trips to Romania.In obligatory spoilers they get into Jo's underwordly inspirations, plot points and how she plotted an enemies to lovers/quest gothic romantasy. Both are on tenderhooks to know if YOU think the steaks are higher in this or in an office enemies to loves with Steve who isn't pulling his weight.Tell us what you've been loving....

Have you ever been obsessed with a book before you've even read it? Thats how Lauren felt about Liz's new book Sinners. Introducing us properly to Beatrice Cenci who you may remember from Disobedient. They go into her story, Liz teaches Lauren about convent dowries and what early Rome was like.In the obligatory spoilers they get into the events around a court case, a painting that for years was misidentified and the mythology of a woman who's story needed to be told.Tell us what you've been loving....

Lauren goes back to school with Shannon Mayer and her FMC Harlow -  a more age relatable morally grey heroine.They get into world building, staple fantasy building blocks like chosen family, why we love magic systems and school books and Shannons journey from indie published to traditional publishing.The spoilers are some of the hottest ever with a teaser for book 2 including the book two name and a juicy detail about the plot. Lauren goes into theories for book two betrayals and backtracks on one during the episode. Shannon also shares what you can expect from book two.In the goodbyes Lauren and Shannon also reveal their Neverthorn house as Lauren's doing the house sorting quiz during recording.Tell us what you've been loving....

Lauren meets a new Roman woman to the historical fiction space - Fulvia.Author Kaarina Parker teaches Lauren how not to get pregnant the ancient Roman way. They discuss which theory about the Bona Dea festival they want to bring back together and Kaarina makes her views on one Roman orator VERY clear.They discuss the obligatory spoilers as they demyth the first of Kaarinas duology about the life of one of the most important Roman women you may not know enough about.Lauren brings back shag marry kill but themes it for the roman pasttime of exiling to not cause Kaarina too much traumaTell us what you've been loving....

Lauren plays host to Leigh Radford this episode. They talk about femgore, zombies and which item frightened Leigh that she found in a flat more than a second hand zombie husband.The episode gets very raw as Leigh reveals her lack of science background and the inspiration behind the book leading to a raw and honest heart to heart between her and LaurenThey obviously discuss obligatory One Yellow Eye spoilers too.Tell us what you've been loving....

Who would think time travel could mix with crime and Jane Austen... none other than this episodes guest Amelia Blackwell.She and Lauren get into the ridiculousness of weaving these three ideas together. Why Austen is still important today and how hard it actually is to find a guy in finance who's 6' 5" with blue eyes. There's obligatory spoilers into the plot and Lauren brings back shag, marry, kill for some of Austens best or worst F BoysTell us what you've been loving....

This episode Lauren delves into all things dragon with L R Lam. Building of magic systems, gender fluidity and making dragons sexy.This episode rather than a spoiler section the episode splits to delve into book one and book twoTell us what you've been loving....

Lauren welcomes back Emily for the second part of deep diving into Mythica and this episode Lauren cherry picks women from The Odyssey. They talk about the importance of new translations. More on what the Linear B tablets can tell us and go into Lauren's favourite topic weaving. They agree on coming back as a sexually charged magic female goddess as being life goals and why certain women should be reconsidered with historical facts.And thank god Lauren didn't make Emily do a shot every time she bad mouths TelemachusTell us what you've been loving....

This episode is the first of a two-parter with Emily Hauser. Today we look into some of the women in the Illiad and dive into chapters in Emily's new book MythicaTell us what you've been loving....

Way back last year Lauren caught wind that an author was finally doing a retelling about Ipheginia. Fastforward to now.... Lauren gets into sources, character choices and things that seem totally implausible with Jenny around this pivotal moment that leads up to the Trojan War. The Death and Life of Ipheginia also turns her story from a fullstop into a semi-colon.... what if her story didn't end at Aulis?They also touch on Jennys short story about Aerope and learn where the curse of the House of Atreus came from.Find Jenny online: instagram - @jsusannewilson Tell us what you've been loving....

Todays book is written for all the people who need Dionysus in their life. Lauren gets full on bacchic frenzy with Natasha Pulley as they explore The Hymn to Dionysus. Natasha hops into the Greek Myth space for the first time to share a sort of retelling of The Bacchae. She shares her views on why the legacy of Dionysus is so widespread and why people are loving him now. We dive into plot points and of course get full on spoilery in the spoiler section.Follow Natasha on the socials:https://natashapulley.co.uk/Insta @natasha_pulleyTell us what you've been loving....

Happy Fantasy Friday. What happens if you take inspiration from a historical prince with an evil to good arc and flip it on it's head? Enter The Prince Without Sorrow. Lauren was so thilled to talk to Maithree about her debut novel which could be Lauren's book of the year. They delve in deep to the infusion of Buddist philosophy into the Mayakari (witches)... talk family infighting and Maithree shows much restraint in not giving book 2 and 3 spoilers.Follow Maithree onlinehttps://www.maithreewijesekara.com/https://www.instagram.com/maithree_wijesekara/?next=%2FTell us what you've been loving....

This conversation is what happens when 1000 years of mythology is condensed down into just over an hour. Kim Curran introduces Lauren to the Morrigan as she brings Irish Mythology mainstream. They get distracted talking about Saint Patrick getting rid of the snakes from Ireland as well as discussing translations, feminism and various big events in the Morrigans lifeFollow Kim on Insta @kimecurranTell us what you've been loving....

Lauren NEEDED to talk to Grace Curtis again as she does a genre shift from Sci-Fi to full on fantasy.Find out which historical periods influenced the novel and what Grace and Lauren both find sexy about the Roman Empire. Listen to them not get too political as they break down power and nostalgia in Idolfire and in our own reality and find out Lauren's favourite character as they deep dive into the plot with obligatory spoilersFollow Grace on the socials:Tell us what you've been loving....

We all know the Greeks and Romans... but how many other Ancient Cultures and Civilisations are you unaware even existed?This episode Lauren is joined by Raven Todd DaSilva aka @digitwithraven to scrape the surface of a few of the ones in her amazing book "The Other Ancient Civilisations - Decoding Archaeology's less celebrated cultures".Find Raven on the socials:insta @digitwithraven https://www.digitwithraven.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6P0a1_YLM0i2LoLmP9jCRwTell us what you've been loving....

Lauren is rejoined by Lauren J A Bear to talk about her ressurection of Rhea Silva. This a new character to welcome into the incredible world of the feminist retelling and Lauren was so here for her. They discuss how Lauren used artistic license in her story and about her sourcesTell us what you've been loving....

No Zeus Boys!Lauren is joined by Alex aka A S Webb to talk about Daughter of Chaos - the first in a Greek Myth inspired fantasy trilogy.They deep dive into the plot, talk about positive benefits to modern retellings and which item in Greek mythology is a fashion accessory they would both like to have.Alex gets super juicy in the spoiler section about creative choices she made that had Lauren's jaw hitting the floor and a little teaser of what can be expected in book 2.To follow Alex on socials:https://webbandpen.com/insta - @webbandpenTell us what you've been loving....

Travel to the spooky town of Sorrow Spring with Lauren as she talks to author Olivia Isaac-Henry to prolong spooky season into November. Lauren learns all about Saint Kenelm and discusses themes of isolation, mistrust and the blend of religion and customs. Also including the obligatory spoilers.Find Olivia online:Insta - oliviaissachenryauthorTell us what you've been loving....

Jennifer Saint becomes the first guest to appear on the podcast a whopping THREE TIMES.Always a beautifully insightful and charming guest, we discuss her latest offering, HERA. As with her previous novels, we are sure you will love this as much as we did. Adding nuance to a problematic behaviour pattern? Check. Complex familial relationships? Check. Heart and soul in a main character? Check.This book has it all, enjoy the episode!Follow Jennifer on socials:@jennifer.saint.authorTell us what you've been loving....

Lauren and Charlotte leave Orca Cove and travel to the Enchanted Vale with this weeks special guests... sister writing duo Helen Elizabeth. Getting into book one of the Beasts of the Briar series they learn about the experience of going from indie to traditionally published, find out why Helen and Elizabeth think romantasy girlies love Fae men and how they crafted their Beauty and the Beast inspired series.They also go into spoilers with plot choices, breaking down characters actions and personalities and find out what there is to look forward to with the rest of the series. Plus all four talk about which prince they would want to marry.Follow Helen Elizabeth on the socials:https://www.authorelizabethhelen.com/tiktok/ Instagram @authorelizabethhelenTell us what you've been loving....

In the second of our back to back two parter, Lauren talks to Hannah Lynn about her novel Daughters of Olympus, to celebrate it's release last week.They discuss taking shots with Helios to get all the good gossip, why Poseidon is the actual worst and why female rage is still a taboo subject.Listen over two weeks, or binge both in one go, but make sure to check both parts out, you won't be disappointed! Tell us what you've been loving....

This week is a Demyth FIRST. The first of a back to back two parter conversation that Lauren has with Hannah Lynn.Lauren discusses three of Hannah's first books with her, Athena's Child, A Spartan's Sorrow and Queens of Themiscyra. This is all in a build up for next week's episode about Hannah's latest release Daughters of Olympus.Check this and next week out separately, or binge the two in one go, but don't miss them!Tell us what you've been loving....

Our friend Costanza Casati joins us in today's episode to chat all about her latest book Babylonia, which is out today!Semiramis is a fierce woman not to be underestimated in this thrilling tale of a woman clawing her way to power. We discuss eunuchs, reliefs and love triangles, with lots of laughs thrown into the conversation too.  And of course, we make Costanza answer another 'Shag. Marry. Kill'Follow Costanza on Instagram: @CostanzacasatiTell us what you've been loving....

Lauren and Charlotte live their childhood Indiana Jones dreams talking to Professor Michael Scott in today's episode. Discussing his latest publication 'X Marks the Spot' as well as the payment systems in place for the Oracle at Delphi. Follow Michael on socials:X: @profmcscottInstagram: @profmcscottFacebook: Prof Michael ScottEmail: [email protected]: Michaelscottweb.comBuy his books from Amazon and all good book retailers!Tell us what you've been loving....

Join Lauren in this week's episode as she discusses 1930s Shanghai glamour with Rosalie M. Lin and her book Daughter of Calamity.  Delving into Chinese mythology, the important meaning of names and whether or not all hobbies need to have a productive output, this is a conversation not to be missed!Follow Rosalie on Instagram: @linrosilyTell us what you've been loving....

Join Lauren as she speaks to Fantasy writer Sarah A Parker about her book When The Moon Hatched. To say Lauren enjoyed this book is an understatement. A high fantasy with romance, a quest and DRAGONS? Sign her up!Follow Sarah on socials:Instagram @sarah.a.parker.authorTikTok @sarah.a.parkerJoin Sarah A Parker's reading group on Facebook!Tell us what you've been loving....

Happy Furry Friday!Lauren's been itching to get Laura Purcell on the podcast for ages so when she and Charlotte were able to get their teeth into her new book Moonstone they were absolutely howling with joy.Get your moonstone necklace at the ready as they dive into all things lycanthropic, talk about Laura's first experience with Twilight (more than once) and other wolfish popculture with obligatory deepdiving into the big plot points and the spoilers everyone loves.Find and Follow Laurahttps://www.laurapurcell.com/https://www.instagram.com/spookypurcell/twitter - @spookypurcellTell us what you've been loving....

This episode Charlotte and Lauren talk to Sophus Helle about his Epic of Gilgamesh translation. They shout out his girlfriend Aya for inspiring some ideas in him about masculinity in Gilgamesh, they talk about if Gilgamesh is actually an epic and about Disneyfication and Supermanification.They also get down into some of the lines in the translation and things about Gilgamesh that surprised them.Find and Follow SophusSophus Hellehttps://twitter.com/SophusHelleSophus Helle (@sophushelle) • Instagram photos and videosTell us what you've been loving....

Lauren and Charlotte delve into Hercules the diary of a sort of hero with author Tom Vaughan. This book was Waterstones childrens book of the month for March 2024 (so well done Tom). They tangent about a group love for Adrian Mole and why the diary format is so good, the worlds most trigger happy vet and what Tom thinks would make him the "coolest of the cool"Tom also talks about how he translated some of the labours into book one (spoiler alert there is a sequel!), setting up the comedy in the book and which of his books got his sons approval.Follow Tom on the socialshttps://www.tomvaughan.net/https://www.instagram.com/tomvaughan_88/https://twitter.com/tvaughan88Tell us what you've been loving....

Charlotte and Lauren get Uncivilized with Subhadra Das... the writer of Uncivilized, ten lies that shaped the west. We get into race science, which book to read if you want to look cool in public, Shakespeare actually wrote Shakespeare, art and zombies.The book made the girls feel so smart... especially when reading it in public.Find Subhadra OnlineSubhadra DasSubhadra Das (@littlegaudy) / X (twitter.com)Subhadra Das (@sub_das) • Instagram photos and videosTell us what you've been loving....

Julia Kindt, Professor at University of Sydney, joins Charlotte to talk all things Delphi and her new book The Trojan Horse. In The Trojan Horse, Julia delves into what makes us human and what sets us apart from creatures. The two discuss oracles, animals and how bees practise direct democracy, plus Julia helps Charlotte prove that she is right and Lauren is wrong, because Charlotte is petty.  Julia's books can be found on Amazon, Waterstones and Blackwells. Julia's article on the Oracle of Delphi: https://greekreporter.com/2023/05/01/priestess-pythia-delphi-oracle/Find Julia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julia.kindt.92Tell us what you've been loving....

The delightful Rosie Hewlett joins the Demyth ladies to discuss one of their faves, Medea. Rosie's book starts with Medea's childhood and carries us through her life. Jason makes an appearance or two and Rosie makes Lauren and Charlotte chuckle by calling a spade a spade. If you agree with us that Jason is actually quite beige, you're in for a treat!Follow Rosie on socials;Instagram: @RosieHewlett.authorTiktok: @RosieHewlettAuthorTell us what you've been loving....

For the first episode since the turn of 2024, Charlotte meets with content creator and actor Zairambles to discuss African mythology inspired books you must read, K-dramas and not being able to binge the new Percy Jackson episodes.The two of them are manifesting Zai being cast in The Children of Blood and Bone adaptation and their future cosy libraries where they can slow read.Follow Zai on socials;Instagram: @ZairamblesYoutube: ZairamblesTiktok: @Zai_RamblesDon't forget to join Zai's bookclub!!Tell us what you've been loving....

We sat down with friend to the podcast Stacey Thomas to discuss her book The Revels. A perfect mix of historical and magic, grab a warm drink and cuddle up this spooky season to read Nicolas Pearce and Judge Percival catch some witches.Obvs we needed a Shag, Marry, Kill but we also ask Stacey who would be in her coven. Let us know if you agree with our choices.Follow Stacey on socials;Instagram: @StaceythomaswritesTwitter/X: @Staceyv_thomasTiktok@ @staceythomaswritesTell us what you've been loving....