Poets At War

Welcome to Poets at War, a podcast documenting the brood of writers, where art, theology, philosophy, and fun beckon your ears.Today on the program, we gather the troops for the monthly Broodcast! The writers assemble in the barracks to share their latest dispatches from the creative front lines. The episode kicks off with Carrie sharing his frustrations over a lost 150-pound rogue hog in the Louisiana brush, while John (Jonathan Schleprock) gives an update on his permanent VA benefits and his successful Paladin series on Royal Road.The conversation quickly grapples its way into hand-to-hand combat, where the boys debate the tactical differences between Catch Wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu, the importance of neck conditioning, and why you shouldn't rely on a triangle choke in a real fight. Joshua then dives into the "Theology of Fashion," explaining his disdain for the homogenous corporate suit and why he chooses to wear a kilt and Hawaiian shirt as a ministry of art and personal expression.In the second half, the Brood reviews some fresh thumbnail art and laments the tragic intellectual property hoarding of franchises like Zorro and Narnia. Finally, the squad lands on a brilliant literary theory: why Tolkien’s Palantiri might be the perfect historical blueprint for understanding the dangers and utilities of Artificial Intelligence. The episode wraps up with a heavy metal Dwarven hymn and a tactical review of Joshua's latest audio drama casting calls.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Intro & Broodcast Roll Call00:06:03 - Carrie’s Rogue Hog Hunt in Louisiana00:18:11 - Catch Wrestling vs. Jiu-Jitsu & Hand-to-Hand Combat00:33:29 - Social Media Skirmishes: Baptizing Babies on Threads00:44:09 - The Theology of Fashion: Kilts, Suits, & Zena Larr00:57:23 - Male vs. Female Fashion & Conflict Resolution01:01:24 - Thumbnail Art Critiques & Channel Updates01:07:24 - IP Hoarding: The Tragedy of Zorro & Narnia01:11:42 - Tolkien’s Palantiri as an Analogy for AI01:17:46 - Movie Aragorn vs. Book Aragorn & The Rankin Bass Hobbit01:24:52 - Dwarven Hymns: The Song of Durin01:41:46 - Audio Drama Updates, The Prophecy, & Casting CallsYou too can be a part of the brood of writers and Poets at War. Just visit https://JoshuaDavidLing.com/Discord to join. If you're a true poetry patriot, you can support us on Substack and Patreon and get the recordings of all of our encouraging and strategic meetings, along with much more. Once again, all links can be found at joshuadavidling.com. Over and out.

Welcome to Poets at War, a podcast documenting the brood of writers, where art, theology, philosophy, and fun beckon your ears. Today on the program, we gather the troops for the monthly Broodcast! The writers assemble in the barracks to share their latest dispatches from the creative front lines.First, Ian Wilson reads Chapter 4 of his sci-fi/fantasy novel, Heart of the Stars, where Eddie faces his fears in an entomology lab and later confronts bullies in the woods. Next, Brendan shares a visceral flash fiction piece titled "The Umbral Forces of Trag," exploring the dark, undead magic of Caltifas and his hounds. Abigail Falonga then pitches a complex Beauty and the Beast retelling featuring plant-based magic, ice walls, and thorny barriers, sparking a collaborative brainstorming session with the Brood. General Joshua David Ling steps up to the mic to read the next installment of his wrestling narrative poetry, where Jessica and Joshua finally turn the tables on the corrupt William Rothschild. Finally, Joshua reads a sci-fi chapter from Joel Stanley, diving into the telepathic nanite connections of the Astari and the emotional weight of being a "handler" for traumatized soldiers. The episode wraps up with Jesse Marsalis showing off a stunning gold-leaf masquerade mask and sharing a hilarious Hobby Lobby anecdote.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Intro & Broodcast Roll Call00:07:45 - Ian Wilson's Story: Heart of the Stars (Chapter 4)00:22:14 - Feedback on Ian's Story00:32:16 - Brendan's Story: The Umbral Forces of Trag00:37:46 - Feedback on Brendan's Story00:42:49 - Abigail Falonga's Story Pitch: Beauty and the Beast Retelling00:46:12 - Brainstorming & Feedback for Abigail00:56:20 - Joshua David Ling's Poetry: Wrestling Ribs & Sweethearts01:07:25 - Feedback on Joshua's Poetry01:19:20 - Joel Stanley's Story (Read by Joshua): Astari Nanites & Handlers01:30:29 - Feedback on Joel's Story01:36:30 - Jesse Marsalis's Art: Golden Masquerade Mask01:39:50 - Outro & Sign-offYou too can be a part of the brood of writers and Poets at War. Just visit https://JoshuaDavidLing.com/Discord to join. If you're a true poetry patriot, you can support us on Substack and Patreon and get the recordings of all of our encouraging and strategic meetings, along with much more. Once again, all links can be found at joshuadavidling.com. Over and out.

Welcome to Poets at War, a podcast documenting the brood of writers, where art, theology, philosophy, and fun beckon your ears.This massive, wide-ranging transmission of the Poets at War podcast kicks off with Joshua David Ling and the "brood" discussing the intricacies of musical adaptations and the enduring legacy of audio dramas like Adventures in Odyssey. The conversation takes a wild, rural turn as Carrie shares stories of hunting and cooking exotic game, including pot roast beaver, skunk, and literally eating crow. This leads to a fascinating historical deep-dive with Mr. Wade, who schools the group on the surprising realities of Old West gun control, the complex origins of American slavery with figures like Anthony Johnson and John Rolfe, and the massive scale of the Islamic slave trade. In the second half, the tone shifts as Joshua addresses the rising tensions within the Christian creative community over the use of AI, issuing a heartfelt plea for unity and grace among artists. The group then flexes their theological muscles, debating the confusing "Baptism for the Dead" passage in 1 Corinthians and the nuances between Federal Vision and Classical Calvinism. Finally, they play a game of "theological triangulation," mapping their spiritual identities using historical giants like St. Patrick, John Knox, and Jonathan Edwards, before wrapping up with a poignant discussion on J.R.R. Tolkien's deep-seated hatred for the assembly line and industrialization.You too can be a part of the brood of writers and Poets at War. Just visit https://JoshuaDavidLing.com/Discord to join. If you're a true poetry patriot, you can support us on Substack and Patreon and get the recordings of all of our encouraging and strategic meetings, along with much more. Once again, all links can be found at joshuadavidling.com. Over and out.

Welcome to Poets at War, a podcast documenting the brood of writers, where art, theology, philosophy, and fun beckon your ears.Today on the program, we're bringing you a chronological double feature! We kick things off in the tactical trenches of tabletop game design as Brendan breaks down the "minimum viable product" and his unique faction mechanics. From there, we pivot to the modern media landscape to discuss the mysterious lack of mainstream audio dramas, before uncovering a startling revelation from the tech front: poetry is actively jailbreaking AI. The squad debates the philosophical implications of algorithmic censorship and the vital difference between safety and ethics.Then, we intercept the brood as they pivot to tackle a wild array of topics. Jesse shares his recent encounters debating eschatology and annihilationism with Jehovah's Witnesses at a local coffee shop. Ian steps up to introduce his fascinating theory of "Middle-Earth Creationism" and the ongoing apocalypse. Finally, the conversation lights up with the history of Christian pipe smoking (featuring a legendary historic exchange between Charles Spurgeon and D.L. Moody), a hilarious breakdown of the crew's Lord of the Rings counterparts, and a fiery rant about the cinematic sins of upcoming Narnia adaptations.Chapters:00:00:00 - Intro & Welcome00:00:56 - Tabletop Game Design & The Minimum Viable Product00:18:31 - The Mysterious Lack of Mainstream Audio Dramas00:33:05 - Adversarial Poetry: How Verse is Jailbreaking AI00:40:44 - AI Safety vs. AI Ethics00:47:24 - Debating Jehovah's Witnesses & Annihilationism01:04:00 - Postmillennialism & The "Ianverse"01:08:45 - Middle-Earth Creationism & The Age of the Earth01:16:00 - The Theology of Christian Pipe Smoking01:24:28 - Spurgeon's Legendary Burn on D.L. Moody01:30:00 - Assigning Lord of the Rings Counterparts01:44:25 - Greta Gerwig's Narnia & 90s Cinematic Sins01:51:53 - OutroYou too can be a part of the brood of writers and Poets at War. Just visit https://JoshuaDavidLing.com/Discord to join. If you're a true poetry patriot, you can support us on Substack and Patreon and get the recordings of all of our encouraging and strategic meetings, along with much more. Once again, all links can be found at joshuadavidling.com. Over and out.

Joshua David Ling sits down to celebrate the 250th episode of Poets At War, coinciding with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. In this heartfelt solo update, Joshua shows off a rare, vintage two-volume set of The Chronicles of Narnia—the exact American edition his father read to him as a child—and shares the joy of passing down The Horse and His Boy to the next generation of the Brood. He also gives a joyful family update on the upcoming arrival of his newest daughter, Jane!But it’s not all show-and-tell. Joshua issues a serious, rallying challenge to the Brood: it’s time to stop complaining. Addressing the creative burnout, the "Eeyore" mindset, and the modern angst surrounding AI and global events, the General calls for a return to radical gratitude. Whether you're facing creative block or life's heavy burdens, it's time to get on your knees, thank God for both the good and the bad, and fall back into ranks with a jolly attitude. Plus, hear about Joshua's new van and his upcoming travel plans to Oklahoma!Keep your heads down, grab your plotting boards, and keep your Bibles open! Join the Brood of writers and poets at war! Visit https://joshuadavidling.com/discord to join the community. If you're a true poetry patriot, you can support us on Substack and Patreon and get the recordings of all of our encouraging and strategic meetings, along with much more. Once again, all links can be found at joshuadavidling.com. Over and out!

Where is everybody for the Broodcast!? (This was actually filmed 11/28/2025. I messed up saying the date in the episode.)First, the crew dives into the trenches of storytelling as Joshua lays out a massive, 64-character sci-fi space battle. Brendan shares a masterclass on how to write a blockbuster action sequence, utilizing the "but/therefore" method, leveraging the environment, and explaining why your villains always need a proper distraction.Then, the sci-fi blasters are traded for theological artillery. What starts as a joke about "Oatmeal Stout" brews into a deep, trench-level debate on Federal Vision, church authority, apostolic succession, and the true definition of a teacher. Plus, the guys catch up on Thanksgiving, Skillet's new metal album, organizing commentaries, and the culinary merits of eating raccoon.Keep your heads down, grab your plotting boards, and keep your Bibles open!Join the Brood of writers and poets at war!Visit https://joshuadavidling.com/discord to join the community.If you're a true poetry patriot, you can support us on Substack and Patreon and get the recordings of all of our encouraging and strategic meetings, along with much more.Once again, all links can be found at joshuadavidling.com. Over and out!

Gather 'round for a massive episode of the Broodcast! In this Inkling-style Discord chat, our general Joshua David Ling is joined by a full house of creative comrades: Alexander Robertson, Daniel Reed, Joel Stanley, Ian, Brendan Sunshine, and Jesse. Together, they share their latest works in progress, offer sharp critiques, and dive deep into the philosophy of storytelling and worldbuilding.In this episode, the Brood covers a staggering amount of creative ground:Daniel Reed shares an atmospheric and cozy opening scene for his fantasy piece, A Maiden's Child.Ian Wilson brings the arachnophobia with a creepy prologue and an epic outline for his sci-fi adventure, Heart of the Stars.Joshua David Ling performs a heavy, emotional Civil War scene from Marty Francom's book, and shares the newest poetic installment of his own epic series, World of Wrestling.Joel Stanley delivers high-stakes sci-fi drama with mechs, aliens, and an incredibly annoying news reporter.Brendan Sunshine reads the opening to his script Sylvan Knight, a brilliant mashup of Isekai and Alice in Wonderland featuring a cat-boy named Chesh.Alexander Robertson brings the heat with a fiery, two-part book review of Arthur C. Brooks' The Conservative Heart.Jesse Marsalis pitches an incredible geopolitical fantasy world—complete with shoguns, ironclads, and a dark valley—that was entirely inspired by a Minecraft roleplay server!Along the way, the crew discusses the historical philosophy behind the Gatling gun, the nuances of traumatic brain injuries in wrestling, and the potential of using AI as a tool for traditional animation workflows.This ain't your grandmother's dusty old poetry book! Fall in, bookworm maggots! This is the Broodcast, happening the last Friday of every month on The Poets At War Creative Network!You too can be a part of Poets at War and the Brood. We want you, soldier, to be part of the family!For more epic poetry, audiobooks, and to join the community, visit: https://joshuadavidling.com

Welcome to Poets at War, a podcast documenting the brood of writers, where art, theology, philosophy, and fun beckon your ears.Today on the program, The Brood digs into the sands of Arrakis to debate literary style. Is Frank Herbert's Dune a masterpiece of philosophy, or just a dry reed compared to the lush prose of J.R.R. Tolkien? The squad debates the merits of the "filtered" narration of Herbert versus the "pulp energy" of Robert E. Howard.Then, the ink spills as Ian steps up to the mic with a retelling of a giant-slaying classic, attempting to inject some Conan-style barbarism into Jack and the Beanstalk.Finally, we head to the war room. Brendan unrolls the blueprints for a new tabletop conquest, "Shattered World," while Michael Bush runs a tactical analysis on every rule. From D6s vs. D8s to the ethics of "attrition tokens" and deck-building mechanics, the poets break down what makes a war game actually fun to play.You too can be a part of the brood of writers and Poets at War. Just visit https://joshuadavidling.com/discord to join.If you're a true poetry patriot, you can support us on Substack and Patreon and get recordings of all our encouraging and strategic meetings, along with much more!Be Your Family's Bard!

Welcome to Poets at War, a podcast documenting the brood of writers, where art, theology, philosophy, and fun beckon your ears.Today on the program, we enter the tactical warroom. The Chief Bard sits down with his production tacticians to map out the future invasion plans for the poetic serial, Idiot's Guide to Illegal Tech Repair. We are discussing the transformation of poetry into space opera, the philosophy of audio-first storytelling, and the weaponization of melody against the modern noise.In this episode, The Brood discusses:The "Druthers" Scenario: If time and money were no object, how does one turn a poetic serial into a cultural phenomenon?Audio-First Warfare: Jesse proposes a radical shift toward the musical, arguing that to win the hearts of the people, we must first win their ears.Vaporwave Theology: Defining the aesthetic of Idiot's Guide—where 80s pop meets Stranger Things instrumentation—and how to use AI tools like Suno to draft the architecture of a song.Guerrilla Marketing: From unlisted YouTube videos to scattering floppy disks across college campuses, we explore "boutique" distribution methods that force the audience to hunt for the art.The Chief Artist: A look at the future hierarchy of the Brood and the role of production leadership.Fight the good fight. You too can be a part of the brood of writers and Poets at War. Just visit https://JoshuaDavidLing.com/Discord to join.If you're a true poetry patriot, you can support us on Substack and Patreon and get the recordings of all of our encouraging and strategic meetings, along with much more! Troops, be your family's bard. [1] Do not turn to the right or to the left, and the Lord will be with you wherever you go!Over and out.

Welcome to Poets at War, a podcast documenting the brood of writers, where art, theology, philosophy, and fun beckon your ears.Today on the program, the Brood gathers to welcome new recruits to the ranks—specifically the naming of Joshua's newest daughter, Jane Anduin—and discuss the theology of naming children as an act of spiritual warfare. We strategize on the digital front lines, debating the effectiveness of "Medieval Scholar" aesthetics for short-form video and the use of AI imagery versus human intent.Later, we turn our receiver to the Night Watch, where Aaron Reed reports in on the difficulties of maintaining creative discipline while working the graveyard shift. The Brood offers counsel on serializing fiction under a pseudonym and the value of "getting your reps in." Finally, Ian Wilson debriefs us on a gritty, Sword and Sorcery retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk involving Lovecraftian giants.From the naming of children to the slaying of giants, the ink is flowing freely tonight!Recorded November 20th, 2025.LINKS:Join the Brood: https://joshuadavidling.com/discord

This is The Broodcast! An Inkling-style Discord Chat in the vein of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, recorded the last Friday of every month.In this episode, the Brood explores the edges of the galaxy and the code behind the curtain. Ian kicks things off with a space opera outline featuring "The Heart of the Stars," giant spiders, and a Space Princess with a Cthulhu-esque twist. Daniel discusses the art of the procedural drama and reads a new, happier opening for The Maiden’s Child.The Host becomes the Hacker as Joshua reveals "Epic PageMaster" and Thumby Web Builder, some custom-coded writing apps complete with a hidden terminals and text-to-speech features. Later, we dive into the trenches with Joel’s high-octane Mech story and Brendan breaks down the party dynamics of his new Pathfinder-inspired cast.In this Episode:Ian: Heart of the Stars (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)Daniel: The Maiden’s Child (Fantasy) & Procedural DramasJoshua: Thumby Web Builder (Tech/Coding) & Beauty and the Big Dog (Wrestling Fiction)Joel: 37 Sci-Fi/Mech storyBrendan: Yoshi & Bleys (Character Concepts)To join our ranks of writers and artists, please visit: https://joshuadavidling.com

Joshua David Ling and Alexander Robertson engage in a skirmish over the soul of art in the age of the machine. But first, a briefing on new hardware and expanding the universe of the Guardians of Atlanta.In this tactical briefing, the brood discusses Valve's surprise hardware drop and the return of the legendary Steam Controller. The conversation then shifts to the frontlines of The Guardians of Alana and The Idiot's Guide to Illegal Tech Repair, debating whether a sequel season should focus on the beloved crew or the wider world.Finally, the battle lines are drawn regarding Artificial Intelligence. Is AI a tool for the conductor to realize a vision beyond their budget, or is it a cheap replacement for the human musician? From "Celtic Blues" to the "Steve Jobs" approach to creativity, Ling and Robertson wrestle with the ethics and aesthetics of the future.Topics Covered:Valve’s new Steam Machine and VR HeadsetWorldbuilding: Character-driven vs. World-driven narrativesThe "Celtic Blues" aestheticAI: The Studio Musician vs. The Live PerformanceThe philosophy of "Audio First" mediaJoin the ranks of writers and artists: https://joshuadavidling.com/discord

Welcome to Poets at War, a podcast documenting the brood of writers, where art, theology, philosophy, and fun beckon your ears.Today on the program, our troops gather in the barracks to discuss the tactical importance of singing all the verses of a hymn—and why leaving out the third verse is a strategic error. We also take a deep dive into the personnel files of a new sci-fi universe, examining the origins of the Magnus Canis, the Gentleman's Highline, and the Knights of Adonai.Finally, we end with a heavy theological skirmish regarding the waters of baptism. Does the King's decree outweigh the soldier's understanding? The brood engages in a high-level discussion on justification, sanctification, and the means of grace.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro & The Tactical Hymn21:16 - The Map & Sci-Fi Personnel Files1:08:16 - The Baptism SkirmishYou too can be a part of the brood of writers and Poets at War. Just visit https://JoshuaDavidLing.com/Discord to join.If you're a true poetry patriot, you can support us on Substack and Patreon and get the recordings of all of our encouraging and strategic meetings, along with much more!Troops, be your family's bard. Do not turn to the right or to the left, and the Lord will be with you wherever you go!

Welcome to Poets of War, a podcast documenting the brood of writers, where art, theology, philosophy, and fun beckon your ears.Today on the program, Joshua and Abbi discuss the serendipity of fixing plot holes, the lost art of internet cartoons, and a deep dive into the theology of the stars—from C.S. Lewis's Planet Narnia to the man who changed the zodiac.For practical tools of creation, the conversation shifts from philosophy to the artist. The brood discusses the death of Hollywood, the necessity of Christian storytelling, and Joshua demos a new song generated to inspire fathers to be the bards of their own homes.But leaving the digital studio behind, we wade into the deep waters of theology and economics. The trio debates eschatology, the concept of duty as the foundation of theonomy, and whether a return to the guild system could save the free market from crony capitalism. To close out the transmission, then the men brainstorm a revolutionary new business model for wedding videography: the Mockumentary.Topics Covered:00:00 - Intro & The Serendipity of Editing02:18 - Reading "Guardians of Atlanta" with the Brood07:20 - The 1922 Stradivarius & Musical Improvisation16:38 - The Absurdist Humor of Homestar Runner & Dexter's Lab34:00 - Machete Order Star Wars & Lord of the Rings41:20 - Edgar Allan Poe & The Cozy Goth Aesthetic46:20 - Deep Dive: C.S. Lewis, The Seven Heavens, & The Zodiac ShiftFight the good fight.You too can be a part of the brood of writers and Poets at War. Just visit https://JoshuaDavidLing.com/Discord to join.If you're a true poetry patriot, you can support us on Substack and Patreon and get the recordings of all of our encouraging and strategic meetings, along with much more!Troops, be your family's bard. Do not turn to the right or to the left, and the Lord will be with you wherever you go!

Welcome to Poets of War, a podcast documenting the brood of writers, where art, theology, philosophy, and fun beckon your ears.Today on the program, Joshua David Ling, Benjamin Curlee, and Jesse Marsalis gather to discuss the intersection of cutting-edge AI technology and the ancient role of the bard. We begin with a look at new tools for world-building—specifically MarbleWorld Labs and Gaussian splats—and a recap of the Fight Laugh Feast conference from 2025 (featuring the legendary "Fast" pens).For practical tools of creation, the conversation shifts from philosophy to the artist. The brood discusses the death of Hollywood, the necessity of Christian storytelling, and Joshua demos a new song generated to inspire fathers to be the bards of their own homes.But leaving the digital studio behind, we wade into the deep waters of theology and economics. The trio debates eschatology, the concept of duty as the foundation of theonomy, and whether a return to the guild system could save the free market from crony capitalism. To close out the transmission, then the men brainstorm a revolutionary new business model for wedding videography: the Mockumentary.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro & The "Fast" Pen06:45 - AI World Building & Gaussian Splats27:39 - The Death of Hollywood & The Father as Bard47:46 - Theology, Duty, & The Guild System1:12:32 - The Wedding MockumentaryJoin The Brood!Visit JoshuaDavidLing.com for more.Over and out.

Reports are coming in regarding the ethics of storytelling, the tactical deployment of Substack, and new intelligence on 3D visualization technology.First, the Brood analyzes the narrative styles of internet critics and the interconnected storytelling of creators like the Nostalgia Critic. Then, the battlefront shifts to the physical realm as Brendan arrives with harrowing tales of home renovation and his war against metal window trim.Finally, the squad engages in a fierce debate on the nature of Artificial Intelligence. Is AI "penicillin for the mind" or a poison to the soul of animation? From "Marble Worlds" technology to the "Be Your Family's Bard" hair metal anthem, the poets clash over whether we are facing a new prohibition or a new frontier.Topics Covered:The narrative ethics of internet critics3D Visualization: Gaussian Splats and Marble WorldsThe "Be Your Family's Bard" AnthemThe Great AI Debate: Tool for Masters or Trap for Novices?Tactical advice for conferences and creative stewardshipFight the good fight.You too can be a part of the brood of writers and Poets at War. Just visit https://JoshuaDavidLing.com/Discord to join.If you're a true poetry patriot, you can support us on Substack and Patreon and get recordings of all our encouraging and strategic meetings, along with much more!Troops, be your family's bard. Do not turn to the right or to the left, and the Lord will be with you wherever you go.We'll see you next time in the trenches on Poets at War. Over and out.

Welcome to Poets at War, the podcast documenting the brood of writers, where art, theology, philosophy, and fun beckon your ears.Today on the program, we are intercepting signals from two separate evenings on the front lines of culture. First, The General Joshua David Ling and Officer Brendan Sunshine dig into the digital trenches to discuss Artificial Intelligence. Is AI just "singing to rocks"? They cover the spiritual implications of silicon, the struggle of the creative mind to find motivation in the machine, and the argument that the American Experiment may have ended in 1865.Later, the barracks are full as new recruits and old veterans join the show. To settle the troops, the General pulls out a field manual—specifically the prologue to The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson—to demonstrate the perfect execution of literary whimsy. The unit then plays a round of musical roulette involving their birth years before laying out the map for "Operation Oklahoma": the strategic plan to secure a physical headquarters and establish The Brood as a multi-generational institution.In this episode:Why AI will never be God (or Man).The People-Pleaser’s struggle with creative perfectionism.The hope for a re-Christianized West coming from the Global South.A reading of The Wingfeather Saga prologue.The vision for a physical base of operations and the future of the Brood.Join the Brood Today!https://joshuadavidling.com

Welcome to Poets at War, a podcast documenting the brood of writers, where art, theology, philosophy, and fun beckon your ears.In this transmission, the Brood oscillates between the mechanics of medieval romance and the absurdity of 80s nostalgia. Joshua opens the comms channel with a debate on the ethics of Intellectual Property: Is Zorro public domain? Should all stories eventually belong to the people? And what does Jurassic Park have to do with the moral decline of copyright law?Later, we switch feeds to intelligence from the recent Fight Laugh Feast offensive, where Jesse Marsalis recounts tales of street singing and the perils of "Fight Laugh Fasting." The squad then pivots to a theological breakdown of Masters of the Universe, as Ian argues that He-Man is actually a Christian allegory. Finally, we wind down with a look at the most ridiculous wrestling merchandise of the 1980s and a heated debate on the logical headaches of time travel in Bill & Ted versus Tenet.Topics Covered:Crusader Romances: A new story set in 1177 involving pirates and relics.The IP Wars: Zorro, Mickey Mouse, and the case for Public Domain.Jurassic Park: Why the book contains things the movie wouldn't dare touch.Theology of Pop Culture: Skeletor as Death and He-Man as the Christ-figure.The Art of the Con: Theories on the French Crown Jewels.Stand by for the final word.Join the Brood Today!https://joshuadavidling.com

In this transmission, the Brood oscillates between the mechanics of high fantasy and the absurdity of corporate bureaucracy. Joshua breaks down how "Legends" function as enchantments in his world, while the squad develops a groundbreaking scientific theory regarding wizards, wool socks, and the static electricity stored in beards.Later, the conversation shifts to the "SHAPE" superhero team, the campy genius of 1960s Batman, and the nightmare fuel of 90s cereal mascots. Finally, the group dives into deep theological waters, speculating on the Harrowing of Hell, the fate of Valhalla, and how Christ fulfills the "Chosen One" myth across all cultures.Topics Covered:The Mechanics of Legends: Enchanted objects and spirit possession.Wizard Beard Science: Harnessing static electricity for magic.Corporate Heroes: The bureaucratic absurdity of the "SHAPE" team.Pop Culture: Eartha Kitt’s Catwoman, The Munsters, and AI Wrestling.Theology: Did the Harrowing of Hell extend to Valhalla?Evangelism: Campus preaching plans and engaging with Hinduism.The Chosen One: How Jesus fulfills the universal myth.Join the Brood:Visit https://joshuadavidling.com for links to our Discord, Substack, and Patreon.Be your family's bard. Do not turn to the right or to the left, And The Lord will be with you wherever you go. Over and out!

Welcome back to the trenches! On this episode of Poets at War, the Brood gathers to discuss the chaotic life of the modern bard, the intersection of fast food and illicit activities, and how the absurdities of reality fuel our fiction.We kick things off with life updates, including Joshua’s foray into "vibe coding" to build his own project management suite and Daniel’s busy schedule working in a group home. The conversation takes a hilarious turn as the group swaps stories about accidental encounters with drug dealers—including a sandwich shop called "Fat Sam's" and a very confusing offer involving a Wendy's bag in a Publix parking lot.Later, we dive into the craft of writing. How do banana peels, urban sprawl, and fever dreams about sneezing elephants make their way into our stories? We wrap up the hour with tactical mechanics, brainstorming rule changes for Daniel’s card game (involving celebrity impressions), and nerding out over Stream Decks, A/V automation, and the struggle between digital tools and physical notebooks.In This Episode:00:00 – Intro & The Life of a Modern Bard: Job updates, eBay flipping, and "Vibe Coding."21:25 – "Is that a sandwich or...?" Funny stories about drug deals, Fat Sam, and the Wendy's bag incident.34:27 – From Reality to Fiction: How banana peel physics and construction sites inspire narrative.49:20 – The Fever Dream: A terrified principal, a choir, and a sneezing elephant.57:11 – Tactical Mechanics: Developing Daniel's card game & brainstorming rule changes.1:16:00 – Gear & Gadgets: Obsessing over Stream Decks, A/V automation, and the notebook debate.Join the Brood:Visit https://joshuadavidling.com for links to our Discord, Substack, and Patreon.Be your family's bard. Do not turn to the right or to the left, And The Lord will be with you wherever you go. Over and out!

In this episode of Poets At War, Joshua David Ling, Alexander Robertson, and Michael Bush take a trip into the swampy waters of Burnt Marshwiggle!Why are modern buildings so often ugly, and why do traditional structures feel more human? This question ignites a feature-length discussion on the battle between beauty and utility. The poets argue that the choice between traditional and modern architecture reveals a deeper spiritual conflict: one that values timeless quality, human scale, and adaptability versus one that worships mass production and disposability.Along the way, the conversation touches on everything from Stream Deck automation and the theology of AI to a chilling story of government surveillance, all tied together by the central question: In the things we make, where do we place our soul?

In this episode of "Poets At War," Joshua embarks on a solo research journey to answer a pressing question: Where did all the Calvinist poets go? Why did a theological tradition that once produced giants like John Milton seem to retreat from the high arts and poetry?Join us as we search for the last significant movement of "near-Calvinist" poets. Our investigation leads us to the fascinating story of the Fugitive Poets and Southern Agrarians of the 1920s and '30s. We'll read and analyze works by key figure Robert Penn Warren and explore the literary theory he co-founded, "New Criticism" — including a powerful, AI-generated explanation of it from the perspective of J.R.R. Tolkien.The investigation deepens as we ask why this cultural shift happened. We explore critical concepts such as:The Fundamentalist-Modernist controversy and the "Great Reversal."The creation of a separate Christian subculture focused on utility over beauty.The clash between a theological identity (in Christ) and modern, identity-based art forms.Finally, we challenge the AI's initial conclusions, arguing that core Reformed theology (grounded in Creation, the Incarnation, and Common Grace) is profoundly pro-art. The conversation culminates in a strategic blueprint for how the church and its artists can work to widen this artistic application and re-engage the culture today.Topics covered in this episode:Calvinist Poetry & Reformed TheologyThe Fugitive Poets & Southern AgrariansRobert Penn Warren, John Crowe Ransom, Alan TateNew Criticism & Literary TheoryJ.R.R. Tolkien's view on art and sub-creationThe Great Reversal & Christian FundamentalismAbraham Kuyper, Francis Schaeffer, and Common GraceThe future of Art, Culture, and the ChurchThis is a deep dive into history, theology, and the future of Christian art.

Poets At War Episode 232#PAW232Broodcast Episode 32#BC32(00:00:00) - Intro & Casual BanterThe group catches up, discussing holidays, concert memories, exotic foods, and the new Broodcast background art created by Ian.(00:15:26) - Ian's Thriller: "Delivery of Doom"Ian shares a new story set in his Walter Ulrich universe, introducing Mike McGee, a pizza delivery driver in Maine who stumbles into a terrifying situation. On his last delivery of the night, he arrives at a creepy, dilapidated house and comes face-to-face with a monstrous, otherworldly being.Feedback Focus: Ian asks for help building more suspense and eeriness in the lead-up to the monster's appearance. The group suggests using the five senses to build atmosphere, adding a fake-out scare, and leaning into the established religious elements for the story's climax.(00:35:52) - Abby's Fantasy: "Rael'thil in the Red"Abby presents a piece from her high-fantasy world, "Asunder." The story follows Rael'thil, a red-coated centaur embittered by the slaughter of his kin. While hunting, he encounters a massive, monstrous troll, only for a wounded fairy warrior to suddenly appear and engage the beast. Rael'thil must decide whether to flee or help the fairy.Feedback Focus: The group praises the classic fantasy feel and the unique world-building, including the metaphysics of "the veil" that separates the mundane and magical realms.(00:52:49) - Joshua's Epic Poem: The Aftermath of TragedyJoshua continues his wrestling epic. After learning about wrestler Joshua Slater's tragic past from his former trainer, his manager Jessica finds him in the arena parking lot. She confronts him with compassion, offering her unwavering friendship. Overwhelmed, Joshua responds not with words, but by playing his guitar, and the two share a moment of connection under the moonlight.Feedback Focus: The consensus is that the pivotal conversation needs more back-and-forth dialogue to feel more satisfying and to give Joshua Slater more agency in the scene.(01:03:30) - Brendan's Fantasy: A Song of StarsBrendan shares a quiet, character-focused scene. Ternon, a warrior-bard from a nomadic people, is on watch and sings a melancholic song of his homeland, its legends written in the stars. Eleanor, the young woman his group is escorting, overhears him. They share a heartfelt conversation about the constellations, his culture, and his reasons for leaving home to find his own story.Feedback Focus: The piece is praised for its introspective beauty, strong sense of place, and the effective use of song to convey world-building and character.(01:19:36) - Joel's Sci-Fi: "Champion Down" (Read by Joshua)The group critiques a chapter from Joel's action-packed sci-fi story. When the heroic soldier Fox goes down in a hostile city, his entire team scrambles to save him, defying orders and protocol. The chapter rapidly shifts perspectives between the captain launching a rescue mission, a multi-armed alien tech expert risking her own life by "over-temping" her brain implants to provide support, and other soldiers racing to an extraction point.Feedback Focus: The chapter is lauded for its intense, chaotic energy and its effective use of multiple perspectives to show the high stakes and the team's unwavering loyalty to their fallen leader.(01:37:25) - Outro"Be your family's bard. Do not turn to the right or to the left and the Lord will be with you wherever you go. We'll see you next time in the trenches on Poets at War."

Poets At War Episode 231#PAW223Broodcast Episode 31#BC31Joshua: The host, a writer of narrative poetry.Joel: A writer of sci-fi/fantasy prose.Ian: A writer of an epic fantasy series.Alex: A writer and RPG game master.Kyrith: A writer of fantasy prose.Abby: A writer of fantasy prose.Brendan: A writer who joins later in the meeting.The meeting features several members sharing their works-in-progress, receiving feedback, and discussing various creative and personal topics.Joel reads a chapter from his sci-fi novel, Nanite Wars.Ian reads Chapter 3 of his fantasy novel, a story with a classic, C.S. Lewis-inspired tone.Alex pitches his idea for a tabletop RPG campaign set in the Fallout universe.Weekly Challenge: Brendan proposes a new weekly art and writing challenge for the group. Each week, a prompt will be given (based on a song, a pose, or a member's story), and participants will have the week to create a finished piece. The goal is to foster accountability, practice, and collaborative learning.Kerith's Story Pitch: Kerith shares the concept for a story she is struggling to write. It is set in a world where children are enslaved by unicorn-like beings. Joshua reads two narrative poems from his wrestling story, "Beauty and the Big Dog."

(NOTE: This recording was from 9/20/2025)Poets at War is a monthly podcast following The Brood, a community of Christian creators who craft narrative art to glorify God. Episodes feature author interviews, story presentations, media discussions, and workshop sessions. Host Joshua David Ling fosters a supportive Christian fellowship where artists encourage one another and pursue excellence in storytelling that points toward truth, goodness, and beauty.Join The Brood:https://joshuadavidling.com/discordPhishing, malware, deepfakes, AI scams... The digital world can feel like a minefield. Many Christians respond with fear, either hiding from technology in "digital monasticism" or becoming passively enslaved by the "dopamine casino" in their pockets. But is there a third way? A path of faithful action and stewardship?In this special episode of Poets at War, Joshua David Ling presents a live talk he delivered on the crucial topic of Technological Stewardship. He lays a robust theological foundation, arguing that technology, from its binary core of zeros and ones, is rooted in the very Logos of God. Using the Christian innovator Samuel Morse as a guiding example, Joshua rejects the false dichotomy of "Luddite vs. Tech-Slave" and issues a powerful call to action for God's people to become creators, not just consumers.This episode transitions from the "why" to the "how," offering practical, battle-tested strategies for families and individuals. You will learn:How to reframe your thinking about technology as a gift to be stewarded.Practical ways to fight "doom scrolling" by redeeming the time for God's glory.How to identify and avoid common threats like phishing, malware, and various online scams.Wisdom for parents on how to train their children to navigate the internet safely and creatively.Actionable advice on passwords, public Wi-Fi, data breaches, and accountability software.Whether you're a parent guiding your children, an artist creating in the digital space, or a Christian seeking to be wise as a serpent in a technological age, this episode provides both the framework and the tools to move from fear to faithful action. Join us to learn how to practice digital dominion and wield the tools of our age for the glory of God.

(NOTE: These recordings were from 9/2/2025 NOT 9/3/2025 like I say in the video.)Poets at War is a monthly podcast following The Brood, a community of Christian creators who craft narrative art to glorify God. Episodes feature author interviews, story presentations, media discussions, and workshop sessions. Host Joshua David Ling fosters a supportive Christian fellowship where artists encourage one another and pursue excellence in storytelling that points toward truth, goodness, and beauty.Join The Brood: https://joshuadavidling.com/discordChapters for #PAW229:00:00:31 - #CC61 - Creators & Crusaders 61 with Jesse Marsalis - (9/2/2025)Jesse and Joshua discuss podcast thumbnails and creative workflows before turning to Jesse's goal of recording an album by year's end. They spend considerable time exploring baby names for Joshua's third child, leading to a historical discussion about Cædmon, the earliest known English poet.00:23:03 - #PB10 - Going Monthly with Daniel Reed - (9/2/2025)Daniel shares his struggle to write "The Maiden's Child" while working full-time. He workshops a tense birth scene where his protagonist Katira, a midwife, loses a patient. Joshua helps refine the narrative, suggesting ways to convey the death powerfully and explore Katira's conflict between grief and duty.

Poets at War is a monthly podcast documenting The Brood Community of Christian creators as they actively forge narrative art to the Glory of God, serving as a digital Inklings group where artists gather to encourage and edify one another through their craft. Each expansive episode captures the ongoing creative journeys of The Brood, featuring rotating segments including author interviews, fully-produced story presentations, deep media discussions, and workshop sessions where members share works-in-progress ranging from epic poetry to fantasy novels. Host Joshua David Ling champions the mission of creating stories that encourage hearts for generations to come, building a supportive fellowship where Christian artists sharpen one another through constructive critique, mutual accountability, and shared dedication to excellence in storytelling. Like the Inklings of old, The Brood gathers monthly to document their progress, celebrate victories, work through challenges, and pursue the calling of creating narrative art that points toward truth, goodness, beauty, and the Kingdom of God.Join The Brood:https://discord.gg/kwkNEzQcDRChapters for #PAW228:00:00:00 - #OA1 - Ollie's Announcements 1 - (9/9/2025)Sergeant Ollie and his newly arrived squad take command of the trenches, announcing Poets at War's shift to a monthly format. The colorful crew of soldiers promises more segments and chaos in future episodes.00:02:46 - #GR101 - Going Monthly - (9/9/2025)Joshua explains the transition to monthly episodes to allow more time for creating Brood Tales content. He emphasizes the new focus on Christian creators documenting their artistic journeys.00:04:55 - #CC60 - Creators and Crusaders Episode 60 With Ian Wilson (6) - (8/20/2025)Ian Wilson discusses selling books, finding therapy, and the challenge of monetizing creative skills. Joshua and Ian explore personal branding, social media's role in art, and the board game renaissance.00:35:24 - #BT3 - Brood Tales Episode 3 (Ghost Trucker S1E1: Stragglers) - (8/30/2025)Mike Kraft encounters a mysterious girl on Route 50 and supernatural forces that bend reality around his truck. Government agents close in as the cargo he's hauling holds dark secrets.00:56:55 - #BM47 - Kpop Demon Hunters (Joshua, Alex, Brendan) - (8/28/2025)The crew analyzes K-pop Demon Hunters, debating its themes of shame, redemption, and whether demons can be saved. They discuss the film's stunning animation choices and compare and contrast its message to Disney's Frozen.01:42:07 - #BC30 - Broodcast August 2025 (Joshua, Joel, Ian, Kerith, Brendan) - (8/29/2025)Ian shares his great-grandfather's 1936 journal discovering dinosaurs and the Heart of the Stars in a forbidden Himalayan valley. Joel continues Nanite Wars with Hope's rescue, Joshua presents wrestling poetry revealing The Big Dog's past, and Brendan's throne room scene explores a young baron's crushing doubts about leadership.

Poets At War Episode 227#PAW227General's Report Episode 100#GR100Joshua celebrates the 100th General's Report with a deep dive into predestination and its importance for artists, exploring Romans 9-11. The brood recording features Kerry Credeur, Daniel Reed, and Aaron Reed discussing storytelling techniques, the modular approach to narrative construction, AI's role in art and revision, and Daniel's work on "The Maiden's Child." The group explores the balance between cozy cottage stories and action-oriented narratives, while examining how different perspectives on art and beauty shape creative work.

Poets At War Episode 226#PAW226General's Report Episode 99#GR99Brood Tales Episode 2#BT2Joshua introduces Craic In The World, and performs the second full episode on Poets At War's Brood Tales!

Poets At War Episode 225#PAW225General's Report Episode 98#GR98Burnt Marshwiggle Episode 45#BM45Alexander Robertson, Joshua David Ling, Daniel Reed and Ian Wilson discuss whether or not we should be attempting a more robust hagiography as Protestants.

Poets At War Episode 224#PAW224Burnt Marshwiggle Episode 44#BM44Brendan, Joshua, and Ian discuss enjoying the mundane.

Poets At War Episode 223#PAW223General's Report Episode 97#GR97Broodcast Episode 29#BC29Joshua, Brendan, Kerith, Joel, Ian, and TK share their works in progress! This is the Broodcast! Inkling style Discord chat, last Friday of every month! To join, please visit: https://joshuadavidling.com/brood

Poets At War Episode 222#PAW222General's Report Episode 96#GR96Brood Tales Episode 1#BT1Joshua introduces The Guardians of Atlanta, andPerforms the first full episode on Poets At War's Brood Tales!

Poets At War Episode 221#PAW221General's Report Episode 95#GR95Poetry Bootcamp Episode 9#PB9Joshua talksa bout having a Psalm 2 mindset, andJoshua, Brendan, and Daniel work on Joshua's darkest series!

Poets At War Episode 220#PAW220General's Report Episode 94#GR94Burnt Marshwiggle Episode 42#BM42Ian, Joshua, and Brendan, discuss the life and legacy of Edgar Rice Burroughs!

Poets At War Episode 219#PAW219General's Report Episode 93#GR93Broodcast Episode 28#BC28Joshua, Alex, Braydon, Brendan, Daniel, Ian, Jesse, and John, and Joel share their works in progress! This is the Broodcast! Inkling style Discord chat, last Friday of every month! To join, please visit: https://joshuadavidling.com/brood

Poets At War Episode 218#PAW218General's Report Episode 92#GR92Burnt Marshwiggle Episode 42#BM42Joshua, Alexander, Daniel, and Ian discuss Chesterton's idea of: "Either everything is a miracle, or nothing is."https://joshuadavidling.com

Poets At War Episode 217#PAW217General's Report Episode 91#GR91Burnt Marshwiggle Episode 41#BM41Joshua, Alexander, and (A little bit of) Brendan, discuss Van Til's centrality of Scripture arguments and their consequent ideas, and implications for art and storytelling.https://joshuadavidling.com

Poets At War Episode 216#PAW216General's Report Episode 90#GR90Burnt Marshwiggle Episode 40#BM40Joshua, Alexander, and Brendan, and Daniel discuss Emo music, its roots and origins from a Christian artist's perspective.https://joshuadavidling.com

Poets At War Episode 215#PAW215General's Report Episode 89#GR89Broodcast Episode 27#BMC27Joshua, Brendan, Daniel Ian, Jesse, and Ramzait share their works in progress! This is the Broodcast! Inkling style Discord chat, last Friday of every month! To join, please visit: https://joshuadavidling.com/brood

Poets At War Episode 214#PAW214General's Report Episode 89#GR89Burnt Marshwiggle Episode 38#BM38Joshua, Alexander, and Brendan, and Daniel discuss tragedies in literature.https://joshuadavidling.com

Poets At War Episode 187#PAW187Jubal's Wardrobe Episode 6#JW6https://joshuadavidling.com

Poets At War Episode 201#PAW201Poetry Bootcamp Episode 6#PB6 @enchantedchristian  We're beginning the creation of an epic poetry series about a pair of twin homeschooling wizards!Writer's Room podcast for epic poetry! Starring Joshua David Ling, Alexander Robertson, and Daniel Reed! This ain’t your grandmother’s dusty old Poetry book! Fall in bookworm maggots! This is Poetry Bootcamp, Third Friday of Every month, On The Poets At War Creative Network!https://joshuadavidling.com

Poets At War Episode 203:#PAW203Burnt Marshwiggle Episode 34#BM34Joshua, Alexander, Daniel, and Brendan talk about Ronald Acuna's return to the Braves lineup in 2025 and how Baseball is an exceptionally masculinity developing sport due to the nature of pickup games. We also talk about how Kendrick Lamar creates a very unique culture around himself where anyone can give him a hug or dap him up if they're a fan. We also speak about the taxonomy of subcultures and definitions surrounding cultures. We touch on Pro wrestling as a similar subculture where everyone is like family, and we discuss JD Vance's speech on AI in Paris.https://joshuadavidling.com

Poets At War Episode 207#PAW207Burnt Marshwiggle Episode 35#BM35Joshua, Alexander, Daniel, and Brendan talk about A range of things including how to talk to someone you want to convince.https://joshuadavidling.com

Poets At War Episode 213#PAW213Burnt Marshwiggle Episode 38#BM38Joshua, Alexander, and Brendan discuss fixing the crazy behemoth that has become Poets At War, and making it all make sense again. https://joshuadavidling.com

Poets At War Episode 212#PAW212Burnt Marshwiggle Episode 37#BM37Joshua, Alexander, and Brendan discuss fixing the crazy behemoth that has become Poets At War, and making it all make sense again. https://joshuadavidling.com

Poets At War Episode 211#PAW211Burnt Marshwiggle Episode 36#BM36Joshua and Alexander talked the Beauty of Calvinism, and Joshua and Brendan talked about various topics involving creative work including creating thumbnails.https://joshuadavidling.com

Poets At War Episode 210#PAW210Broodcast Episode 26#BC26This is The Broodcast! An Inkling style Discord Chat in the vein of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. Together, we Christian friends and artists share our artistic works and wares for critique and encouragement!Recorded Last Friday of every month at 8PM EST. To join our ranks of writers and artists please visit https://joshuadavidling.com/brood And now, The Broodcast, on the Poets At War Creative Network!

Poets At War Episode 209#PAW209Poetry Bootcamp Episode 8#PB8We're writing an epic poetry series about a pair of twin homeschooling wizards!Writer's Room podcast for epic poetry! Starring Joshua David Ling, Alexander Robertson, Daniel Reed, and Brendan Sunshine! This ain’t your grandmother’s dusty old Poetry book! Fall in bookworm maggots! This is Poetry Bootcamp, Third Friday of Every month, On The Poets At War Creative Network!https://joshuadavidling.com