Lockdown Diaries

This is a pilot episode for a podcast discussing modern science fiction novels, originally recorded in August 2022. We were hoping to record and release more of these, but life, as it does, got in the way a little bit.The release of the trailer for the Netflix adaptation of 3 Body Problem prompted us to dig this out and share it with the world. If you like what you hear and want more, email [email protected] or [email protected] this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some reflections on the first few weeks of fatherhood, plus mini reviews of:The Burning by Laura BatesSmash Bros. UltimateAladdinKnives OutCommunitySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our baby is here! I tell you about what that is like!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I talk about our incoming baby, some criticisms of Keir Starmer and the return of football. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CW: Racism, human experimentation, slaveryIn this episode, I speak to my friend Nils about his home country of Sweden's approach to Covid-19. We also discuss Black Lives Matter, statues and racism in science.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Content warning: Racism, murder, slaveryIn this episode, I talk to my friends Kyah and Mishka about what white people can do in order to be a good ally to black people and other people of colour.I was inspired to record this conversation after reading Kyah's excellent Facebook post, which you can read here: https://www.facebook.com/kyah.mm/posts/10101388897167964Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A very chilled entry, I'm just chuntering to myself whilst pottering in the greenhouse. Perhaps this is good background noise? If anyone wants to put some ambient sounds on this, that would be dope. I also try some AMSR whispered counting at some point, if you're into that xSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this longer than usual update, I talk aboutOur latest baby scanDriving in LondonBlack Lives Matter and the protests vs Covidiots going to the beachOur virtual baby shower!Ludo the dog's weeing habitHow to Argue With a RacistSpace ForceThe Andrew Marr Show and the pernicious march of the war on truth. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Doom and gloom. I talk about how depressing the news is at the moment, with the ongoing fallout from Cummings Gate, the murder of George Floyd and John Boyega being criticised for being ant-racist. On the bright side, I've been trying yoga and veganism.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which Mat and I talk at length about Star Wars in general and the sequel trilogy in particular. Spoilers for all the films. CAUTION: contains very nerdy content. Do not listen if you have no interest in Star Wars (though to be fair, we do talk a bit about jigsaws near the start). Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A general update including:More on Dominic CummingsHorror FilmsBirds and the Bird Curious podcastHow to Argue with a Racist by Adam RutherfordDIYYogaThis podcast is now available on Spotify and probably iTunes shortly too!Get in touch with me on Twitter @JackKirby. Thanks for listening!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A little chat about stressful work situations and Dominic Cummings' family outings. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A conversation with my good buddy Ed, who talks about being on furlough, his dad's experience catching coronavirus and running (quite at lot about running, tbf). Episode gets a little bit real when discussing his dad's hospitalisation (he is fine now) so proceed with caution if you might find that upsetting. We also learn I know nothing about economics. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I talk about Boris Johnson's speech regarding the easing of lockdown, plus provide piping hot takes on The Exorcist and Jojo Rabbit.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A long chat with my buddy Ben, about how the pandemic is affecting things Stateside! That's right, Ben lives in America (Maryland). We rambled about the restrictions in his state, American politics, Ben's menagerie of animals, the economy vs. people's lives, rejected baby names and the Lockdown Diaries Fanclub. We also shared some promotional messages!(please be aware that I am in no way sponsored by anyone and can't get you discount off an audio-book subscription, mattress or website). Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nowt much happening tbh, so just some general updates. Worrying (but not judging!) about people in the park, making pasta and playing games with pals. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I talk about finishing Building Worlds, the new comic by Mat Barnett and I and from about 9 minutes in, I review Cixin Liu's The Supernova Era. Spoiler heavy!Contact me @JackKirbyDownload Building Worlds on a pay-what-you-like basis here. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CW: Mental Health, Anxiety, Panic AttackI had a panic attack on Tuesday morning which I wanted to talk about and mental health in general. I hope this entry finds you safe and well. I am feeling completely fine now! xSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A patchwork of updates includingShaving my HeadGiant DaysSlay the Spire Eating too much ice creamPasta Bake And an unfocused rant about Donald Trump in which I use the word 'bizarre' too frequently. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this dog walking episode, I talk about the naughtiest dog in the world, the Risk app and more pertinently, Comics Youth and Animorphs Anonymous. Comics Youth is a CIC doing fantastic work with young people in Liverpool via comic art. Twitter InstagramAnimorphs Anonymous is a podcast about the Animorphs book series. InstagramFacebookI also talk at length about my love for the Animorphs series, why it's so great and why it's more relevant and adult than its kid-friendly infotainment packaging might suggest. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate 40 years since the release of their debut album, I ramble for over 1 hour about one of my favourite bands, Iron Maiden, how I got into them and a potted history of their career. If you have zero interest in your dad's favourite metal band, this might not be for you. Also a quick update on Spurs' Covid-19 response. Best love, Jack Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I share my round of the Smith family Easter quiz (on foxes). I also talk about my veggie roast, concerns about pregnancy and I recommend The Darkness of Robins stand up show on Netflix. Very audible owl around the 12 minute mark!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I talk about the dog, my family's odd Easter tradition and marvel at the moon. Again, a bit windy for a stretch here, but I've worked out it's when I'm walking down a particular road. I will use this knowledge. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We chat about Mark's lockdown situation, volunteering in the community, Phantom Thread (again) and Paul Thomas Anderson in general. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a lesson about the Atlantic Ocean for children! Feat. my niece and Notorious M.A.M. (AKA Grandma).We cover some general facts about the ocean using familiar reference points some creatures that live there and attempt to cover tectonic plate theory. The Powerpoint I made to show her whilst doing this (via Skype) is here, if you would like to use this for your own kids.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I talk about Matt Hancock's suggestion to further curtail exercise privileges, Metal Hammer Magazine, Elis James and John Robins and the return of poo bags #poobagsSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I chat about the Labour leadership election and my thoughts about leaders outgoing and incoming. I also talk you through my collection of trade paperback comic books. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I talk about my relationship with Tottenham Hotspur, in light of their recent decision to furlough staff. I also talk about losing a bit of love for the team for other recent decisions and how I, a guy from Yorkshire, came to support a London team in the first place. It's a talk about the nature of support and the role of football clubs within a community. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A conversation with my good pal and artistic collaborator, Mat Barnett. We talk about his lockdown situation, the socio-political hellscape, The Simpsons, our comic book projects and monkey hanging.Please be aware the audio quality isn't brilliant, I'm working on it for future chats.You can download our suitable for all ages comic book, Alien in the Outfield here.You can follow Mat on Twitter here.Contains 1 swear.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pleased to report I'm back home! In this episode, I take the dog for a walk, prompting largely unnecessary discussion of poo bags. I also chat about the Nightingale Hospital and other nuggets. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Very little to report on, apart from a GP phone appointment, watching Batwoman and going home tomorrow. Oh, I didn't mention this, but I also played piano for a bit, which was nice. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I talk about making a lesson for my niece and reading The Supernova Era by Liu Cixin (with references to Seveneves by Neal Stephenson and Station Eleven by Emily St John-Mandel too). Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I talk about my weird habits and routines through the lens of the Saturday Guardian, which I go on about how much I enjoy it at some length.I also talk about cooking a chilli and dreaming of making my own guitar.Articles/features I highlighted:Tim DowlingStephen CollinsMeera SodhaBarney RonayFrancesca MelandriMarina HydeTobias JonesSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I discuss my ongoing comic project, A Link to the Past, Houseparty and Boris Johnson catching the 'rona.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I chat about running in the post-covid-19 society, recovering from injury, the NHS clap and government hypocrisy and new music I'll be listening to this week.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I talk about Curb Your Enthusiasm, Phantom Thread, Netflix Party and my personal theory as to why imperfect films are best.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I talk about starting an audio diary and my particular lockdown situation.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lockdown-diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.