11 JAN 2022 · In which we celebrate two anniversaries of James Roberts game-changing Lost Light stories: a hard SF epic of post-conflict rehabilitation and redemption, romance and loss, identity, gender, labour, philosophy, crime and punishment; but mostly relationships, all told with wit and poignancy and Transformers. Occupied author and host Andy Luke talks about his favourite storylines and characters. A reader's cherry is broken as Simon Hodgkiss-Rodgers extols the virtues of the story's ease of access and freshness and Ciaran Flanagan talks musical direction. There's also an exclusive update from James towards the end, so look out for that! Occupied on Amazon at https://is.gd/occupybook Continue the discussion at https://nerdgeist.com Support the artist at https://ko-fi.com/andyluke

15 NOV 2021 · Step off, Snyder, the real Justice League are here! Earth's Mightiest bromance; The Dick Knight; Green Lantern-Cretin: the sitcom of comics may not have changed the cultural landscape of 'super' comics content, but it will. This pod is mostly spoiler-free with critical commentary for old hand fans. Occupied author Andy Luke returns to the ground-breaking popular favourite JLI Bwah-ha-ha series by Giffen, DeMatteis, Maguire and others. Andy casts two eyes 'n' lips over the cult success, themes and storytelling. Also talking about the passion are Ciaran Flanagan, Ian Lawther, Gavin Luke and author James Roberts. You won't want to believe you missed it. Occupied on Amazon at https://is.gd/occupybook Continue the discussion at https://nerdgeist.com Support the artist at https://patreon.com/andyluke

18 SEP 2021 · Andy Luke's 'Chaos Magic' uses poetry to explore memoir, nature, dreaming and politics, with sigil motifs of surreal pop culture tangents. In 'Occupied' a literary novel charts the lives, loves and laughs of protest campers in Belfast, 2011. Ekaterina Kiselyova guest hosts over two short interviews with your award-winning regular host. They chat about influences and the evolution of ideas to re-drafts, technical and passionate writing methods, inclusivity, the relationship between politics and friendship and the impact of small gestures. There's also a reading of fan favourite verse, 'Oysters out of Water'. It's a good one. Chaos Magic on Amazon at https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08TYL4TVP Pre-order Occupied on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Occupied-Andy-Luke-ebook/dp/B09FZVXR7P Continue the discussion at https://nerdgeist.com Support the artist at https://patreon.com/andyluke

15 AUG 2021 · Marvel's super-powered realist imprint, the New Universe, was considered a failure by the end of its first year. However a clear vision was forming because of experienced and talented new creators teamed with attentive editors. In the second of a two part series, Chaos Magic author Andy Luke revisits the New U imprint and the talents behind it - Mark Gruenwald and Paul Ryan; Fabian Nicieza, Ron Lim and Rodney Ramos; John Byrne; Peter David and Lee Weeks - in this celebratory look at an unjustly derided imprint. This is the story of the New New Universe, and why it's brilliant. Featuring contributions from Bob Hall, Josh Deck and Fabian Nicezia, with Hardatak as Ronald Reagan.

22 JUL 2021 · July 22, 1986 saw the birth of Marvel's New Universe: eight comics created for the company's 25th anniversary, separate from the MCU and free of the baggage of continuity. Despite personality clashes, corporate machinations and critical panning, comics' brightest stars persevered to create some quite good stories. In the first of a two part series, Chaos Magic author Andy Luke revisits the New U imprint and the talents behind it - Jim Shooter, Archie Goodwin, Mark Gruenwald, Bob Hall, Peter David, Doug Murray and many many others - in a celebratory look at an unfairly derided imprint.

3 JUL 2021 · The net is closing in on dirty cop Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis). His ex-partner Shane Vendrell (Walton Goggins) wants him dead. Farmington's new captain Claudette Wyms (CCH Pounder) wants both men brought to justice although federal agent Olivia Murray (Laurie Holden) may present a way out. Storyteller Andy Luke and very special guest Ian Lawther (USS Caroline) talk through the critically acclaimed last two seasons of The Shield. This episode includes discussion of sexual abuse and graphic violence. It is not spoiler-free. Support the author on http://patreon.com/andyluke and say hi at @andrewluke Reach out to our guest at USS Caroline https://www.facebook.com/groups/usscaroline

19 JUN 2021 · In Farmington PD, amoral Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis) and his crooked Strike Team cops are cleaned up by reforming Captain Monica Rawling (Glenn Close), and torn apart by unpredictable investigator Lieutenant Jon Kavanaugh (Forest Whitaker) Storyteller Andy Luke and very special guest Ian Lawther (USS Caroline) talk through critically acclaimed seasons 4-5 of The Shield. This episode includes discussion of sexual abuse and graphic violence. It is not spoiler-free. Support the author on http://patreon.com/andyluke and say hi at @andrewluke Reach out to our guest at USS Caroline https://www.facebook.com/groups/usscaroline

3 MAY 2021 · In 1986 British children's comic Oink! debuted with jokes about pigs, poo, plop and puke. It's mission of deep fun and challenge to accepted morality quickly drew questions from the British Press Council, England's largest retailer WH Smiths and eventually, the House of Commons. However, Oink! was an instant hit, a cult juggernaut, with no intention of slowing down. On Oink's 35th anniversary, Andy is joined by expert blogger Phil Boyce discussing the punk aesthetic in editorial, the multi-disciplinary artists, and their iconic characters. Though less known than its contemporaries, Oink!'s legacy continues to affect modern culture today. Check out Phil Boyce's live http://oink.blog Support the podcast at http://patreon.com/andyluke Thanks to our sponsors at http://nerdgeist.com

12 APR 2021 · In FX's The Shield, the officers of Farmington work to reduce gang and drug related crimes. Among them is The Strike Team, crooked cops operating behind closed doors led by the amoral Vic Mackey. Andy Luke is joined by guest Ian Lawther in a detailed reflection on seasons 1-3 of the groundbreaking series. Trigger warning: this episode includes discussion of sexual abuse and graphic violence.

17 MAR 2021 · From The Wire to Game of Thrones and onwards, social storytelling is the new approach to building worlds and characters, reflecting the vast detail which readers see in their own lives. This special podcast explores how individualistic styles of yarn-spinning are being replaced by a new realism. Author and social sciences tutor Andy Luke breaks down studies which suggest new opportunities for writers and readers. There are new stories.