The Cromcast: A Weird Fiction Podcast

Season 23, Episode 04: Neuromancer Part 3

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:04:50 -0400

Welcome Cromrades to the 4th episode of the 23rd season wherein we discuss the 3rd part of William Gibson's 'Neuromancer!' Too many numbers in that first sentence to compute? Wintermute laughs at your numbers.

One Things

Joshua: Fallout, forever Fallout.

Luke: A24 movies, specifically 'The Blackcoat's Daughter' and 'Midsommar!'

Jonathan: The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library!

Questions? Comments? Curses?

Call us at (859) 429-CROM!

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Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

Our episode is freely available on archive.org and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 'Tyrant' theme by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Outro: Sublime cover Tosh's 'Steppin' Razor.' Get Rastafarian, peeps. Music obtained legally; we hope our discussion of this content makes you want to go out and purchase the work!

Season 23, Episode 03: Neuromancer Part 2

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Welcome back, Cromrades! This week, we take a look at the second section of Neuromancer, titled The Shopping Expedition. Time to gear up for a job - but what gear do we need? And what additions to the party are we making? How about a mind reading illusionist and a ghost within a phylactery? Sounds like a fantasy story, but when Gibson applies his signature cyberpunk style it adds another layer of cool to the story. Join us, won't you?

One Things

Jon: Dead Man's Wire, a film worth checking out.

Josh: Fallout, a television show of exceptional quality.

Luke: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a television show that exceeds expectations.

Questions? Comments? Curses?

Call us at (859) 429-CROM!

Did you know that we're on Facebook?
We're posting photos on the Instagrams!
Or, check us out on Apple Podcasts! (or your podcast player of choice!)

Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

Our episode is freely available on archive.org and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 'Tyrant' theme by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Outro: '(Can't You) Trip Like I Do' by Filter & The Crystal Method. Music obtained legally; we hope our discussion of this content makes you want to go out and purchase the work!

Season 23, Episode 02: Neuromancer Part 1

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 16:16:28 -0500

Greetings to all you console cowboys and razorgirls. Are you ready to join the hosts of The Cromcast and jack into cyberspace? Well then crack open that carton of beer and join us for the first installment in our three part exploration of William Gibson's "Neuromancer"

One Things

Luke: The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones

Joshua: IT by Stephen King

Jonathan: Rogues by Patrick Radden Kiefe

Questions? Comments? Curses?

Call us at (859) 429-CROM!

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Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

Our episode is freely available on archive.org and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 'Tyrant' theme by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Outro: 'NightForce' by Powerglove Music obtained legally; we hope our discussion of this content makes you want to go out and purchase the work!

Season 23 Episode 01: Burning Chrome

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:56:32 -0500

Welcome Cromrades to the first episode of our journey down the Neon Road with William Gibson. Before we hop into 'Neuromancer,' we'll first discuss the short story 'Burning Chrome' in the same-titled collection! Join us on the darkened oil-slick streets, won't you?

One Things

Joshua: Fleabag, on Amazon!

Luke: The Last Invention, from Mills and Warner on The Longview!

Jonathan: Geoff Johns' Green Lantern run!

Questions? Comments? Curses?

Call us at (859) 429-CROM!

Did you know that we're on Facebook?
We're posting photos on the Instagrams!
Or, check us out on Apple Podcasts! (or your podcast player of choice!)

Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

Our episode is freely available on archive.org and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 'Tyrant' theme by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Outro: 'Run the Jewels' by Run the Jewels. Music obtained legally; we hope our discussion of this content makes you want to go out and purchase the work!

Cromtober 2025 - Hauntings (The Spook House and Dreams in the Witch House)

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 20:58:20 -0400

Happy Cromtober, and Happy Halloween! This year, we decided to spend some time around the seasonal Cromtober fire ruminating on hauntings - haunted places, haunted houses, haunted people... with Ambrose Bierce's The Spook House and HP Lovecraft's Dreams in the Witch House as discussion fodder. It's a good one.

Stay spooky, Cromrades!

Season 22 Episode 7: The Vaults of Yoh Vombis

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 21:42:49 -0400

Welcome Cromrades to the final episode of our Clark Ashton Smith journey. We've loved our time with the poet of Auburn, CA and we hope you are all finding more to read from him. We send him off with a creepy, twisted, parasitic episode focused on "The Vaults of Yoh Vombis". Join us in the shadows won't you...?

Show Notes:
Story

http://www.eldritchdark.com/writings/short-stories/231/the-vaults-of-yoh-vombis

Evaluation of CAS stories

https://phuulishfellow.wordpress.com/2022/12/30/sifting-the-good-from-the-bad-a-quick-and-dirty-evaluation-of-clark-ashton-smith-stories/

One Things

Joshua: Making impactful decisions in The Witcher 3

Luke: In the midst of a Nolan fest and finally watched The Prestige

Jonathan: Finding inner peace with The Question

Also... Did you know there's an upcoming CAS Conference in Auburn, CA, in Jan? Check it out!

Questions? Comments? Curses?

Call us at (859) 429-CROM!

Did you know that we're on Facebook?
We're posting photos on the Instagrams!
Or, check us out on Apple Podcasts! (or your podcast player of choice!)

Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

Our episode is freely available on archive.org and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Themes by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Outro: 'Life on Mars' by David Bowie. Music obtained legally; we hope our discussion of this content makes you want to go out and purchase the work!

Season 22 Episode 6: The Dweller in the Gulf

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:39:15 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! We return with a new story, one from MARS! Herein we discuss 'The Dweller in the Gulf,' by none other than Clark Ashton Smith. You can access an open source version of the text here! Join us, won't you?

One Things

Jon: No Man's Sky, on a ton of gaming platforms!

Josh: Salt and Sanctuary, on a ton of gaming platforms!

Luke: Sinners, which is his fave movie of the year (so far)!

Also... Did you know there's an upcoming CAS Conference in Auburn, CA, in Jan? Check it out! Grassroots pulp lit conventions, FTW!!!!!!

Questions? Comments? Curses?

Call us at (859) 429-CROM!

Did you know that we're on Facebook?
We're posting photos on the Instagrams!
Or, check us out on Apple Podcasts! (or your podcast player of choice!)

Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

Our episode is freely available on archive.org and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Themes by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Outro: 'Debaser' by The Pixies. Music obtained legally; we hope our discussion of this content makes you want to go out and purchase the work!

Season 22 Episode 5: Mother of Toads

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:50:43 -0400

Welcome back, Cromrades! We hope you are eagerly anticipating this episode of the big show, where we discuss Clark Ashton Smith's Mother of Toads.

One Things

Jon: Tom Scioli's Stan Lee biography "I Am Stan".

Josh: The D&D Adventure System board game, "Castle Ravenloft".

Luke: Murder City: Ciudad Juarez and the Global Economy's New Killing Fields by Charles Bowden.

Check out the upcoming Clark Ashton Smith Conference in Auburn, CA January 10, 2026!

Questions? Comments? Curses?

Call us at (859) 429-CROM!

Did you know that we're on Facebook?
We're posting photos on the Instagrams!
Or, check us out on Apple Podcasts! (or your podcast player of choice!)

Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

Our episode is freely available on archive.org and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Themes by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Outro: 'Bang Bang' by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nikki Minaj. (This is all Josh's fault.) Music obtained legally; we hope our discussion of this content makes you want to go out and purchase the work!

Season 22 Episode 4 The Colossus of Ylourgne

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 18:06:22 -0400

Behold listeners! A colossal Cromcast episode, stuffed with meat and bones and ready for your earholes. Join the crew as they dissect the Clark Ashton Smith tale, "The Colossus of Ylourgne". This tale of revenge and woe is our first foray into Smith's version of France known as Averoigne. Read it here if you dare: http://www.eldritchdark.com/writings/short-stories/27/the-colossus-of-ylourgne

One Things

Luke: "The Last of Us" on HBO

Josh: "LOST" a classic from the aughts

Jon: "The Old Man & the Gun" starring Robert Redford.

Questions? Comments? Curses?

Call us at (859) 429-CROM!

Did you know that we're on Facebook?
We're posting photos on the Instagrams!
Or, check us out on Apple Podcasts! (or your podcast player of choice!)

Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

Our episode is freely available on archive.org and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Themes by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Outro: 'Giants Fall' by Miracle of Sound, from the game The Shadow of the Colossus. Music obtained legally; we hope our discussion of this content makes you want to go out and purchase the work!

Season 22 Episode 3: The Dark Eidolon

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 14:14:45 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! We return with another yarn from Zothique by one Clark Ashton Smith. You can access an open source version of the text here! Join us, won't you?

One Things

Jon: John Gwynne's 'The Shadow of the Gods'!

Josh: 'Grotten,' by Sunzenaut!

Luke: The Smith Circle, a CAS Conference coming 10 Jan 2026!

Questions? Comments? Curses?

Call us at (859) 429-CROM!

Did you know that we're on Facebook?
We're posting photos on the Instagrams!
Or, check us out on Apple Podcasts! (or your podcast player of choice!)

Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

Our episode is freely available on archive.org and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Themes by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Outro: 'Wings Wetted Down' by THE Blue Oyster Cult. Music obtained legally; we hope our discussion of this content makes you want to go out and purchase the work!

Season 22 Episode 2: The Isle of the Torturers

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Hello there, Cromrades! We hope you are hale, healthy, and well rested! Pray, won't you join us on holiday? We are planning a visit to the island of

One Things

Jon: Mike Mignola - Drawing Monsters documentary

Josh: Mini Mork Manual - a Mork Borg Solo Experience.

Luke: Soundtracks for Reading - Remember the Future by Nektar, or maybe you'd be more interested in some cosmic banjo?

Here is the March 1933 issue of Weird Tales, where The Isle of the Torturers was first published!

Questions? Comments? Curses?

Call us at (859) 429-CROM!

Did you know that we're on Facebook?
We're posting photos on the Instagrams!
Or, check us out on Apple Podcasts! (or your podcast player of choice!)

Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

Our episode is freely available on archive.org and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Themes by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Outro: Vicarious by Tool from their album 10,000 Days. Music obtained legally; we hope our discussion of this content makes you want to go out and purchase the work!

Season 22 Episode 1: Meet Clark Ashton Smith

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Fri, 09 May 2025 23:21:15 -0400

The Cromcast is going down deep to its roots, but this time we're digging into the literature of Clark Ashton Smith. In this first episode of our 22nd season, we discuss the man and author himself and reveal our reading list. Tune in for weird tales fun!

Season 21 Episode 6: Dealer's Choice!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 19:58:35 -0400

Welcome back, all! We're rounding out our 21st season with a series of Howardian film selections from the Cromrades:

Jon - All the President's Men (1976)

Luke - Ladyhawke (1985)

Josh - Hidalgo (2004)

Where do we go from here, you may ask? You'll have to listen 'til the end to find out!

The Cromcast - Season 21, Episode 05 - Million Dollar Baby and The Iron Claw

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Welcome back, Cromrades! This week, we take on two combat sports movies that damage us right where it hurts - the emotions! We're talking Million Dollar Baby directed by Clint Eastwood, and starring Eastwood, Hilary Swank, and Morgan Freeman. Then, we enter the squared circle to face off against the Von Erich family in The Iron Claw, directed by Sean Durkin and starring Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, , Maura Tierney, Stanley Simons, Holt McCallany, and Lily James.

We're talking raw emotional damage, folks.

Would Robert E. Howard have found something to like about this double feature? Let us know!

One Things

Jon: Peaceful Neighbor: Discovering the Counter Cultural Mr. Rogers by Michael Long

Josh: On Boxing by Joyce Carol Oates

Luke: Surprise, Kill, Vanish: The Secret History of CIA Paramilitary Armies, Operators, and Assassins by Annie Jacobsen

Questions? Comments? Curses?

Call us at (859) 429-CROM!

Did you know that we're on Facebook?
We're posting photos on the Instagrams!
Subscribe to our feed on FeedBurner!
Or, check us out on iTunes!
We're also on Stitcher Radio and Google Play!

Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

Our episode is freely available on archive.org and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Themes by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Outro: Tom Sawyer by Rush! Music obtained legally; we hope our discussion of this content makes you want to go out and purchase the work!

Season 21 Episode 4: His Revenant Journey ( The Last of the Mohicans and The Revenant))

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 18:00:46 -0500

Hile, Cromrades! Join us brave the dark solstice of the year and welcome in Old Man Winter... Herein we discuss Michael Mann's The Last of the Mohicans (1992) alongside Alejandro Iñárritu's The Revenant (2015)! We hope you have stoked the fire, and have a few blankets at hand.

The Cromcast S21 E03: Valhalla Rising and The Green Knight

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 16:59:29 -0500

Oh greatest of podcast listeners, indulge us in this friendly holiday game. Let whichever of you is boldest of blood step forth, take up headphones and try with honor to consider new fantasy films. If you choose to engage, seek us out yonder to the Green Chapel six nights to the north. We will return your thoughts with our own, and then in trust and friendship, we shall part. Who, then, who is willing to watch "Valhalla Rising" and "The Green Knight" with us?

Season 21, Episode 2: Brotherhood of the Wolf and Black Death [Cromtober 2024]

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 16:46:41 -0500

Welcome back, Cromrades! We are currently experiencing some difficulty posting our episode in the normal way. Archive.org is where we generally host our files, and they have had some great difficulties with hackers recently. We are trying to decide what to do. But in the interim, here is our second episode of the Howardian Film Festival, which also doubles as our Cromtober 2024 episode.

Edit 11/9/24: Here's the episode.

One Things

Jon: The Potato: How the Humble Spud Rescued the Western World

Josh: Mörk Borg

Luke: Mustard!

Questions? Comments? Curses?

Call us at (859) 429-CROM!

You know you want to follow us on Twitter!

Did you know that we're on Facebook?

Spool together a good time with us on Threads!

We're posting photos on the Instagram!

Subscribe to our feed on FeedBurner!

Or, check us out on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify!

Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

Our episode is freely available on archive.org and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Themes by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Outro: "Faith" by Ghost. Music obtained legally; we hope our discussion of this content makes you want to go out and purchase the work!

Season 21 Episode 1: The Wind and the Lion and the Eagle!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:53:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! Join us as we embark on our 21st Season... A Howardian Film Festival! For our first episode, we start out with some 'historical' films... Specifically, we discuss 1975's The Wind and the Lion, directed by John Milius and starring a cavalcade of familiar faces that includes Sean Connery! After that, we discuss 2011's The Eagle, directed by Kevin Macdonald and starring

Season 20 Episode 3: Elric of Melniboné, Part 3

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 13:50:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! Here we wrap up our discussion of the first Elric paperback, Elric of Melniboné (or perchance entitled The Dreaming City). This one's a banger! Join us won't you?One ThingsChristopher Rowe (The More You Know): Open Road Media for all your F&SF needs!Jon: Maus by Art SpiegelmanJosh: Mage Knight, and otherwise note that it's a hot time buying some secondhand boardgames!Luke:

Season 20 Episode 2: Elric of Melniboné, Part 2

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 21:20:00 -0400

Welcome back Cromrades! Join us for an eventful mid-section to our first foray into the tales of Elric. In this episode we can guarantee you'll see a boat you won't believe, a deal that can't possibly go wrong for Elric, and a turning of the tables that will spin your head. Join us won't you?One thingsLuke: Hijinks in Oklahoma territory with Reservation DogsJosh: Escapades in the north

Season 20 Episode 1: Elric of Melniboné, Part 1

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Welcome back, Cromrades! This season has been a long time in the making - we finally are diving into the world of Michael Moorcock's foundational sword and sorcery work, Elric of Melniboné. This episode focuses on the first third of the book, wherein we discuss what we know about Melniboné, Elric, Yrkoon, and Cymoril, and the greater world of the book. Join us!One ThingsJon: Dan Carlin - Boxing

Season 19 Episode 5: From Anderson to Moorcock

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 21:56:00 -0400

Greetings, Cromrades! We are back to put the final touches on our coverage of The Broken Sword by Poul Anderson, and transition to our next story - Elric of Melnibone by Michael Moorcock! We set up some of the similarities and differences between these two stories, and set the stage for Elric as our next sword and sorcery protagonist. One ThingsJon: A24's Civil War movie.Josh: Victorinox

Season 19 Episode 4: The Broken Sword Part III

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 07:30:00 -0400

Welcome back to The Cromcast's dive into "The Broken Sword" by Poul Anderson. We've been through heck and back with these characters, but if Odin's presence is any indication, things aren't about to get better! Join us for the final turn with this fantastic tale and learn what fate befalls Skafloc and Valgerd!One ThingsJonathan: "The Wager" by David Grann, British naval chicanery Josh: "

Season 19 Episode 3: The Broken Sword, Part II

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 22:37:00 -0400

Welcome back to the big show, Cromrades! This week, we discuss chapters 11 - 20 of The Broken Sword by Poul Anderson. Check back in a few weeks for the exciting finale!One ThingsJon: Love Lies Bleeding, a movie!Josh: Fargo, season 1 and 2, a television show!Luke: Nuclear War, A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen, a book! Questions? Comments? Curses?Call us at (859) 429-CROM!You know you want to follow us

Season 19 Episode 2: The Broken Sword, Part I

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 08 May 2024 14:17:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! Here we delve into the first 10 chapters of Poul Anderson's The Broken Sword! We had a ton of fun with this discussion, and hopefully you enjoy it too! We'll return with the next discussion in the coming weeks!One ThingsJon: Devolution and other things by Max Brooks!Josh: From : Master Edition by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell!Luke: The Armies of Elfland by a certain Poul

Season 19 Episode 1: Meet Poul Anderson

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 21:47:00 -0400

An eerie mist shrouds the podcast waves, it's plain to hear that the faeries and elves must be about. They are stalking for a new podcast season to steal away before its named. Alas for them, The Cromcast knows exactly what their next season is all about. Tune in and hear about our plans to read "The Broken Sword" by sci-fi and fantasy author Poul Anderson. One ThingsJon: The

Season 18 Episode 22: Red Nails Redux

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 22:25:00 -0500

Welcome back to the show, Cromrades! This week, we take a second look at Red Nails, ten years after visiting the lost city of Xuchotl for the first time. This story is widely regarded as a classic amongst the Conan tales. Do you enjoy it? Let us know!Zap! Zap! Lightning Bolt! One ThingsJon: Peyton's PlacesJosh: True Detective: Night CountryLuke: Game of Thrones Season 3 RewatchWhen we return

Season 18 Episode 21: Mailbag and The Northman!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 21:55:00 -0500

Welcome back, Cromrades! We return with a long-awaited and much merited 'mail bag' at the start of the episode. From there we tackle a discussion of on Mr. Robert Eggers' 'The Northman.' Do we like this movie? NAY! We love it! So, if you love it to, please join us for a bit of a discussion, and we hope you stick around for the next episode wherein we put the final 'Red Nails' in the coffin of

Season 18 Episode Zubteen: Jim Zub Returns to talk Conan Comics

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 22:44:00 -0500

Greetings Cromrades! We are so excited to bring you the return of Jim Zub to the show. In the time since we last spoke, Jim has been a part of a high flying launch of Titan Comic's Conan the Barbarian monthly series. If the numbers are any indication, we're guessing most of you are already reading it. If you aren't though, tune in to hear from Jim about what you are missing out on. Plus, you can

Season 18 Episode 19: Hour of the Dragon, Part Two!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 22:07:00 -0500

Welcome back, Cromrades, to the conclusion of our discussion on Hour of the Dragon! As always, we hope you enjoy the insights and observations we share during this episode of the podcast. One ThingsJon: Ed Brubaker's Captain AmericaJosh: Dungeons and Dragons B/XLuke: Warhammer 40K Questions? Comments? Curses?Call us at (859) 429-CROM!You know you want to follow us on X!Did you

Season 18 Episode 18: Hour of the Dragon, Part One!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 12:14:00 -0500

Welcome back, Cromrades! Here we revisit Robert E. Howard's "Hour of the Dragon," which you may also know as "Conan the Conquerer!" This is REH's only novel-length Conan story, so we only get through about the front half of the book! It's a heck of a tale, and we hope you join us for this episode alongside the second episode that will drop in coming weeks!One ThingsJon: Rock tumbling is a of

Season 18 Episode 17: Beyond the Black River

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 10:45:00 -0500

Welcome back, Cromrades! Today, we join Conan as he ventures into an area of colonization, where native peoples are being hectored by imperial forces and pioneers. Essentially, we're joining him in Texas circa the late 1600's or the mid- 1800's. As such, we've invited Ben Friberg to join us. He's a friend of the show, a Texas historian, chronicler of Robert E. Howard Days, and crafter of

Cromtober 2023 Episode 2: The Underwater World of H.P. Lovecraft

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 17:02:00 -0400

Welcome back, Boils and Ghouls! Your three-headed podcast hosting ogre has selected a couple of delightfully frightful tales for tonight's Cromtober recording! They are of the nautical horror bent, set in demon-haunted New England: Dagon, and The Shadow Over Innsmouth by H.P. Lovecraft! We discuss all manner of horrific details regarding these two thematically linked stories beside a

Cromtober 2023 Episode 1: An Interview with John Langan!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 11:26:00 -0400

Greetings, Cromrades! We're kicking off our 2023 Halloween festivities with a bang! We're pleased and thankful to have had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Gaunt, otherwise known as John Langan! We meander around a ton of topics, discussing horror writing styles, the importance of regionalism in horror, the focus / intent of the Corpsemouth collection, John's experiences and influences on 'The

Season 18 Episode 16: Jewels of Gwahlur

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome back, Cromrades! Here we revisit the Robert E. Howard story "Jewels of Gwahlur," another yarn in the Hyborian Age of Conan the Cimmerian. While it isn't our favorite Conan story, there are some interesting facets to discuss. One ThingsJon: Legacy DC Characters, and the ending of Irredeemable. Josh: Dragon Quest!Luke: The Last House on Needless Street, by Katriana Ward.

Season 18 Episode 15: A Witch Shall be Born

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 22:58:00 -0400

Have you heard of the wickedness seeping out from the city of Khauran? The queen, her majesty Taramis, has seemingly gone mad or been possessed by a demon... They're even crucifying men in the dessert. I recently heard all the gory, delicious details from three fools performing in the street. You too can listen to them spin the yarn and decide is witches are afoot or if this is just another tale

Season 18 Episode 14: People of the Black Circle

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 16:51:00 -0400

Listen not to this episode if you fear the immaterial but destructive sound waves of the three podcasters of the Black Circle. If you are of steely stuff, then plug those headphones in and join The Cromcast as they analyze Robert E. Howard's novella, "The People of the Black Circle". Originally published between September and November of 1934 in Weird Tales, we get to see a new part of the

Season 18 Episode 13: The Devil in Iron & Lord of a Shattered Land with Howard Andrew Jones!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 19:02:00 -0400

Welcome back, Cromrades! This week's show is a double-feature! We not only unpack 'The Devil in Iron,' but we're also joined by Howard Andrew Jones! HAJ happens to have a book of his own that has just dropped, entitled 'Lord of a Shattered Land.' You can buy it direct from Baen here!Needless to say, this is a longer episode, as we cover not only REH's Conan, but also HAJ's Hanuvar. Plug in those

Season 18 Episode 12: The Fantasy Draft

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:30:00 -0400

Welcome back to the show, Cromrades! One of our jokes became an idea for an episode, and now we present to you our fantasy draft of characters featured in the Conan stories we've read and covered up through Queen of the Black Coast. We hope you enjoy the shenanigans! The list of characters we compiled prior to the draft: CharacterStoryAscalanteThe Phoenix on the SwordRinaldoThe Phoenix

Season 18 Episode 11: Queen of the Black Coast

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 07:36:00 -0400

Hello Cromrades and welcome to another nautical episode here on The Cromcast. This is no ordinary sea tale though, today we ride the gusty seas with the one and only Queen of the Black Coast. Tune in for a tale of how love transcends all, for piratical fun, and for the finest winged ape you've never wanted to see. One ThingsJosh: The highest form of gaming, chessLuke: Reaper Minis,

Season 18 Episode 10: Iron Shadows in the Moon & Mythos Talk

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 07:06:00 -0400

Welcome back, Cromrades! This week's show is a banger! Join us as we not only unpack 'Iron Shadows in the Moon,' but also get deep into a discussion of mythos! You can read 'Iron Shadows' here!If you are looking for some guide posts, be sure to check out the recent episode from Weird Studies for their own discussion of 'mythos' and the third season of 'Twin Peaks' here!One

Season 18, Episode 9: Conan in Comics with Jim Zub!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 31 May 2023 22:36:00 -0400

Welcome back to the show, Cromrades! This week we are thrilled to share a conversation we had with sword and sorcery fan and comic book writer Jim Zub! Jim tells us about the upcoming Conan comic series from Titan Comics. By now, hopefully you've all had a chance to pick up the Free Comic Book Day copy of Conan the Barbarian Issue #0! The art by Robert De La Torre absolutely rips, and the story

Season 18 Episode 8: The Rogues in the House

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Thu, 18 May 2023 13:59:00 -0400

Today's Cromcast ventures into the home of Nabonidus, who knows what wonders and magic we may perceive. We are also joined by a friends fourth rogue, Matt John of the aptly named, Rogues in the House podcast!Tune in for cartoonish violence and Scooby-Doo traps galore!Be sure to find Matt on his usual channel with Rogues in the HouseOne ThingsMatt: Has been toiling away with Elden RingJosh: Pines

Season 18 Episode 7: The Pool of the Black One

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 08 May 2023 08:35:00 -0400

Welcome back, Cromrades! This week we join Conan to sail the seas and explore a fantastic island where intrigue abounds! Hope you brought a jaunty hat and your cutlass!If you are looking for a great review / lit crit piece on this story, we reference David C. Smith's take on this story from the 'Hither Came Conan' blog series on The Black Gate. You can check it here!One ThingsJon: Frank Miller

Season 18, Episode 06: Xuthal of the Dusk

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 21:59:00 -0400

Welcome back, Cromrades! We are still cruising down the ReRoad of Kings, and it's time to make a stop at Xuthal! Do we have any thoughts about titillating and exciting Slithering Shadow? Do we ever! Join us, won't you? One ThingsJon: Snowblind by Rangar Jonasson.Josh: The Call of Cthulhu, and the blurred line between the real world and mythos filters placed over the real world. Luke:

Season 18 Episode 5: The Black Colossus

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 23:55:00 -0400

Howdy, Cromrades. Today The Cromcast continues down their 10th anniversary trail by stopping in at the small kingdom of Khoraja where we'll come face to face with Natohk... or is that Thugra Khotan hiding under those mummy bandages? Tune in to hear about the first world war in Hyborea and the role that Conan plays in it. Dissect the role of the Yasmeela, the woman in charge or Khoraja

Season 18 Episode 4: The Tower of the Elephant

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:49:00 -0500

Hile, Cromrades! We continue our season with another humdinger! For this episode we read the much lauded The Tower of the Elephant, and frame up the episode in a less conventional fashion using the old TSR Conan Role-Playing Game System from 1985! Join us, won't you?Useful Reads about The Tower of the ElephantHoward Andrew Jones and Bill Ward's Reread and DiscussionWaltz's Hither Came

Season 18 Episode 3: The Scarlet Citadel

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 21:25:00 -0500

Welcome back, Cromrades! This week, we follow Conan (or is it, Amra?) into the bowels of beneath The Scarlet Citadel. Here we meet Pelias, who, as it has been said, does like to party. We spend the majority of the discussion devoted to the labyrinth beneath the Scarlet Citadel and its denizens. Join us, won't you? One ThingsJon: Rosalind Kerven's Viking Myths and Sagas.Josh: Wednesday

Season 18 Episode 2: The Frost Giant’s Daughter

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 08:55:00 -0500

"The clangor of the swords had died away, the shouting of the slaughter was hushed; silence lay on the red-stained snow. The bleak pale sun that glittered so blindingly from the ice-fields and the snow-covered plains struck sheens of silver from rent corselet and broken blade, where the dead lay as they had fallen. The nerveless hand yet gripped the broken hilt; helmeted heads back-drawn

Season 18, Episode 1: The Phoenix on the Sword!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 18:59:00 -0500

"Know, oh prince, that between the years when the oceans drank Atlantis and the gleaming cities, and the years of the rise of the Sons of Aryas, there was an Age undreamed of..."Here it is - a return to Conan on The Cromcast!A decade in the making, we circle back around to REH's Conan! We discuss the "The Phoenix on The Sword", published in the December 1932 issue of Weird Tales. You can find a

Season 17, Episode 4: Robert E. Howard’s Poetry Pals

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 10:16:00 -0500

Happy New Year Cromrades! Thank you for tuning in for our last episode of 2022 and our last episode dedicated to poetry. We have enjoyed digging into poetry by our patron saint, Robert E. Howard, as well as his lyrical companions in "Weird Tales" H.P. Lovecraft and Clark Ashton Smith. For this last episode in Season 17, we thought we would take a whirlwind tour through six of REH's favorite poets

Announcing The Cromcast Chronicle #3!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 19:51:00 -0500

Hello Cromrades! We are proud to announce the release of The Cromcast Chronicle #3! You can find the newest issue here, as well as our past years' entries here!You can peruse the Cover and the Table of Contents below. And, you can hear us talk about what's inside!Happy holidays, everyone!!!Questions? Comments? Curses?Email us! (thecromcast at gmail dot com)You know you want to follow us on

Season 17, Episode 3: Pulp Weirdos!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 09:02:00 -0500

Hile, Cromrades! We continue our poetry season by opening things up a bit... For this episode we contrast select poems of the Weird Tales Three! Read the entries here:Clark Ashton Smith's Nyctalops!H.P. Lovecraft's Fungi from Yuggoth!Robert E. Howard's Adventurer!One ThingsLuke: The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones!Jon: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, starring the incomparable John

Season 17 Episode 2: The Many Hues of Robert E. Howard’s Poetry

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 23:10:00 -0500

Hello again Cromrades and welcome to another lyrical Cromcast episode featuring even more poetry by Robert E. Howard. Today's selections come from Luke and he was inspired by REH's use of color in his poems and pulled three top shelf choices for the show. Be sure to check 'em out-Summer MornHigh Blue HallsAlways Comes EveningGo to minute 29 if you are hoping to dive right in to the poetry portion

Season 17, Episode 1: Pulp Poetry

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 21:09:00 -0500

Well met, Cromrades! We are beginning a brief jaunt into the weird world of pulp poetry this week, with a look at Robert E. Howard as a poet, and some of our favorite poems of his. We discuss what a poem even is, how we differentiate it from prose writing, and follow a hip-hop tangent down the well for a bit. We hope you enjoy the show! LinksFrank Coffman's sonnet essayThe Dark

Cromtober 2022 Episode 2: Dickens’ ’The Signalman’ and Leiber’s ’Belsen Express’

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 21:31:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! We return for our second spooktacular episode for this October. Our Halloween festivities this year are focused on spectral locomotives! For this episode we read Dicken's 'The Signalman' and Leiber's 'Belsen Express.' Heady talk around the firepit await you!One ThingsJosh: Is absolutely DIGGING some Scott Oden, particularly 'A Gathering of Ravens!' If you are new to Scott's

Cromtober 2022 Episode 1: Get on the Ghost Train and Head to Willoughby

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 22:29:00 -0400

Howdy Cromrades! It's the most wonderful and spooktacular time of the year, around these parts we call it Cromtober. Our 2022 Halloween festivities are focused on spectral locomotives, you know, ghost trains! Trains have long inspired tales of ghosts and haints and even sometimes serve as means of conveyance to get your soul down to . For our first episode, we focus most of

Season 16 Episode 4: The Winter Players, Part 2

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 21:41:00 -0400

Welcome back, Cromrades! We're closing in on the end of this short road. The temperatures are dropping, and the sound of wolves echoes around us. Time feels a little... strange, these days. Doesn't it? Whatever the case, you should pour yourself a drink, kick back, and join us for the second half of The Winter Players by Tanith Lee! One ThingsJon: Getting into genealogy, with a gift

Season 16 Episode 3: The Winter Players, Part 1

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 18:35:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! We gather for an episode centered on the front half of Tanith Lee's 'The Winter Players.' Join us, won't you? One ThingsJon: Better Call Saul. 'nuff said.Josh: The Standups on Netflix. Get some chucks in...Luke: Warhammer's Kill Team. If you are gullible, and want to spend a paycheck or three, then give it a go. If not, then maybe exercise some level of responsibility and

Season 16 Episode 2: The Finale to Companions on the Road

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 21:34:00 -0400

Welcome back to the show Cromrades! In this episode, we return the road with some ghosts on our tail. Join us as we wrap up Tanith Lee's "The Companions on the Road" and discuss some cool motifs, the evocative imagery, and more about Lee's prowess as a writer. One ThingsJosh: Blades and Spells, for the gamer who craves adventure but lacks timeLuke: Has been buying into The Horus

Season 16, Episode 1: Companions on the Road by Tanith Lee, Part 1

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 21:47:00 -0400

Welcome back, Cromrades! It's a new season and a journey down a new road, with new companions. We're taking a trip with Tanith Lee! Join us as we discuss the first half of her sword and sorcery novella "Companions on the Road!" Learn more about Tanith Lee on Blackgate.com!One ThingsJon: 50 Years of WatergateJosh: Dark Horse Conan, particularly the letters and Two Gun Bob back matter.Luke:

The Cromcast S15 EP 10: The Gothic Road Finale!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 23:07:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! We gather a final time on the end of our Gothic Road. Join us as we put some final nails in the coffin of this season!One ThingsJon: Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics!Josh: Jason Aaron's take on Thor: God of Thunder!Luke: Barry on HBO (he just can't quit it).Questions? Comments? Curses?Call us at (859) 429-CROM!You know you want to follow us on Twitter!Did you

The Cromcast S15 EP 9: The Strange Analysis of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 06:30:00 -0400

The Cromcast has reached the final story of the Gothic road and boy is it a doozy. Before we jump into it though, you should probably drink this potion. It might help... release your inner podcaster. Join the fellas as they dissect the themes of repression, guilt, and resentment at the center of Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". Another epistolary

Howard Days 2022 - Part 9 - A Chat with Matt John of Rogues in the House!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! For our final episode from Howard Days 2022, we present a most excellent crossover event! In this recording from Saturday, June 11, Josh and Luke are joined by Matt John of Rogues in the House Podcast, Monolith Games, and Modiphius Entertainment!If you enjoy this recording, or you have ever enjoyed a REH story (and you know you have!), please consider donating to Project Pride.

Howard Days 2022 - Part 8 - What’s Up with REH?

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! For this episode, we present another recording from Howard Days 2022!The panelists discuss the latest news regarding Howard publishing, entertainment and how his influence continues. Panelists include Joel Bylos, Paul Herman, Matt John, Fred Malmberg, Matt Murray, Steve Saffel, and Jay Zetterberg.If you enjoy this recording, or you have ever enjoyed a REH story (and you

Howard Days 2022 - Part 7 - A Chat with Rusty and Shelly Burke!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Welcome, Cromrades! For this episode, we present another recording from Howard Days 2022!In this recording, Josh and Luke chat with Rusty and Shelly Burke at the Cross Plains Public Library on Saturday, June 11th.If you enjoy this recording, or you have ever enjoyed a REH story (and you know you have!), please consider donating to Project Pride. Whether it's $1, $5, or more, anything you

Howard Days 2022 - Part 6 - Conan the Barbarian at 40!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! For this episode, we present another recording from Howard Days 2022!In this recording from Saturday, June 11, Paul Sammon shares comments and stories related to his involvement with the first two Conan movies starring Arnold Schwarzenegger .If you enjoy this recording, or you have ever enjoyed a REH story (and you know you have!), please consider donating to Project Pride.

Howard Days 2022 - Part 5 - Late Night Conversation at the Pavilion!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! For this episode, we present another recording from Howard Days 2022!For this recording, Josh and Luke are joined by various attendees for afterhours conversations on Friday, June 10th.If you enjoy this recording, or you have ever enjoyed a REH story (and you know you have!), please consider donating to Project Pride. Whether it's $1, $5, or more, anything you can do to support

Howard Days 2022 - Part 4 - The Robert E. Howard Celebration Banquet!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! For this episode, we present another recording from Howard Days 2022!This recording is from Friday, June 10th, and is from the Robert E. Howard Celebration Banquet. The guest of honor is Fred Malmberg, who shares comments and stories about his years in the gaming industry, as well as the influence of Robert E Howard on the history of gaming. The guest of honor is introduced by

Howard Days 2022 - Part 3 - The Glenn Lord Symposium!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! For this episode, we present another recording from Howard Days 2022!This recording from Friday, June 10th includes academic papers delivered by Drs. Dierk Guenther, Gabriel Mamola, and James McGlothlin. The panel is moderated by Dr. Jason Ray Carney.If you enjoy this recording, or you have ever enjoyed a REH story (and you know you have!), please consider donating to Project

Howard Days 2022 - Part 2 - Robert E. Howard in 1932!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! For this episode, we present another recording from Howard Days 2022!The panelists discuss the 90th Anniversaries of Conan, Worms of the Earth, the poem "Cimmeria" plus other notable REH events in 1932. Panelists include Rusty Burke, Patrice Louinet, Deuce Richardson, and Paul Sammon. The panel is moderated by Bobby Derie.If you enjoy this recording, or you have ever enjoyed a

Howard Days 2022 - Part 1 - The REH Influence on Gaming!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! What a whirlwind, Howard Days 2022 has come and went! If you didn't get a chance to attend, gird thy loins! The rest of this month will be dedicated to the audio we recorded while at this gathering!For this episode, we present the inaugural panel from the event on Friday, June 10th. The panelists provide a history and overview of the many forms of games initiated by the words of

Season 15, Episode 8: Frankenstein Movies

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:44:00 -0400

Welcome back to The Cromcast Theater! This week, we discuss different variations of the Frankenstein story as filtered through the lens of Hollywood. In particular, we discuss I, Frankenstein, the classic Universal Frankenstein movies, and give the briefest of nods to the Kenneth Branagh adaptation. What is it about Frankenstein's monster that makes it such an enduring figure in film? Drop us a

Season 15 Episode 7: Frankenstein Part 3

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 23 May 2022 22:19:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! We gather yet again! In this episode we cover the final act of Mary Shelley's seminal novel Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus. We pack in a ton of discussion in this episode, and set ourselves up for one more episode of Frankie in film!One ThingsJon: National Park After Dark, a weird and wonderful podcast!Josh: Horror podcasts, including Archive 81 and Limetown! Also TV

Season 15 Episode 6: The Meaty Torso of Frankenstein, Frankenstein Part 2

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 01:42:00 -0400

Welcome back Cromrades! When last we met, we saw the twisted fruits of Victor Frankenstein's machinations spring to horrible, terrible life! Now, tune in to hear about how the Monster spends his first months on Earth. He takes a bit of a gap year, learns a new language, a little about living, and a lot about love. It's that last bit that spurs him to speak with his creator once more, for he has a

Season 15 Episode 5: Frankenstein, Part One

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 21:55:00 -0400

Welcome back, Cromrades! Join us as we dig up some corpses, perform some long-researched alchemical processes, and bring the spark of life to the dead! We dig into the first third of Mary Shelley's seminal novel Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus this week. Will we take care of our creature or cut it loose and let it do as it will? Tune in and find out! One ThingsJon:

Season 15 Episode 4: Dracula in Film (1931 & 1992 Versions)

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Sat, 19 Mar 2022 19:09:00 -0400

Greetings, travelers! We spend just a little bit more time with Drac, discussing the classic Dracula (1931) and the divisive Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992). Join us!One ThingsJonathan: Mowing through 'Busiek's Thunderbolts!'Luke: Blew through Stephen King's 'On Writing!'Josh: Getting into some John Cena in 'Peacemaker!'Questions? Comments? Curses?Call us at (859) 429-CROM!You know you want to

Season 15 Episode 3: Bram Stoker’s Dracula Pt. 3

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 22:12:00 -0500

If you hear wolves in the distance, pay no heed to them for far greater evils are afoot in the ultimate episode of The Cromcast's reading of Dracula. We join the cabal of Dracula hunters as they chase their vampiric quarry back to his homeland in an attempt to destroy him for good. Not just because he's a blood-sucking nuisance, but so they can save beloved Mina's soul! Tune in for all of

Season 15, Episode 2: Bram Stoker’s Dracula Pt. 2

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 20:59:00 -0500

Welcome back to our castle, Cromrades! Enter freely, and leave something of the happiness you bring! This week, we bring you a discussion of the middle section of Dracula by Bram Stoker, covering the events of chapters 9 through 18. Lucy is attacked by unseen forces in the night, eventually succumbs to the darkness calling her, and the formation of a party to take the battle to Dracula. This part

Season 15, Episode 1: Bram Stoker’s Dracula Pt. 1

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 10:45:00 -0500

Welcome to Transylvania! We kick off Season 15 with a discussion of the first chunk of Bram Stoker's "Dracula," setting the stage for a trip down The Gothic Road! Join us!One ThingsJonathan: Mowing through Kirkman's 'Invincible,' in omnibus fashion!Luke: Listening to a favorite album from 2021, 'The Year of the Horse!'Josh: Getting into the catalog of Hermodr, most recently with 'The Sea of

Announcing The Cromcast Chronicle #2!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 11:42:00 -0500

Hello Cromrades! We are proud to announce the release of The Cromcast Chronicle #2! This is a free PDF that will be hosted on the blog (thecromcast.blogspot.com) and we hope you will check it out. You can find fiction, an RPG module, and a dash of articles and reviews all intermixed with some wonderful art. It's our holiday gift to you!Access The Cromcast Chronicle #2 here!What's that? You missed

Season 14, Episode 7: Cotton Comes to Harlem Pt. 2

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 10:24:00 -0500

On today's show, we conclude our reading and interpretation of Chester Himes' "Cotton Comes to Harlem". This hardboiled look at a caper gone horribly wrong in Harlem has been a great read and we think a perfect capstone to our tour of hardboiled fiction. Tune in to find out how Coffin Ed and Gravedigger wrap up the case of the missing Back to Africa money and just how far they are willing to go

Season 14, Episode 6 - Cotton Comes to Harlem by Chester Himes, Part One

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 22:03:00 -0500

Welcome back to the Hardboiled Road, Cromrades! Our path takes us to Harlem, where a smooth talking con man's operations are being foiled all around him, and Coffin Ed and Gravedigger Jones seek to return the swindled money to the families it was stolen from. It's Cotton Comes to Harlem, a novel by Chester Himes! We dig in to the first half of the book this week, and talk about Himes, his life,

Cromtober 2021 - A Trio of Vampire Tales

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 16:10:00 -0400

Welcome back, Cromrades! For Halloween 2021, we have a mega-episode for you all about vampires! Listen here as we discuss 'Dracula's Guest' by Bram Stoker, 'A Rendezvous in Averoigne' by Clark Ashton Smith, and 'The Horror from the Mound' by Robert E. Howard!One ThingsJon: 'The Enchanted World' Series, by Time-Life Books!Josh: The Muppets' 'Haunted Mansion!'Luke: Planet X Games! You can back '

Season 14 Episode 5: Hardboiled Cinema with Mildred Pierce

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 22:36:00 -0400

On this episode of The Cromcast, we host a cinema night in celebration of hardboiled cinema for our hardboiled season. We chose to watch "Mildred Pierce" starring Joan Crawford, Luke did some extra credit and read the story by James Cain and watched the Kate Winslet miniseries as well!This is a sordid tale of murder, capitalism, the patriarchy, and desire all wrapped up in a box. If you

Season 14 Episode 4: ’The Big Sleep’ Part Two

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 22:05:00 -0400

Cromrades, are you ready to go deep on the finale of The Big Sleep? Double crosses, plot twists, blackmail, murder, and dirty money - sound hard boiled enough for ya? Why don't you fill up your lowball with rye and kick back with us as we finish up our discussion of this classic tale by Raymond Chandler? One ThingsJon: Sandman comics by the incomparable Neil Gaiman.Josh: The Sixth Gun and

Season 14 Episode 3: ’The Big Sleep’ Part One

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 16:08:00 -0400

Welcome back, Cromrades! We're headed to the West Coast to check in on Philip Marlowe. For this episode we're tackling the front end of Raymond Chandler's 'The Big Sleep!'One ThingsJonathan: Paul M.M. Cooper's 'Fall of Civilizations' Podcast!Josh: Bo Burnham's 'Inside!'Luke: The S&S books of Schuyler Hernstrom! Questions? Comments? Curses?You know you want to follow us on Twitter!

Season 14 EP2: Cleaning up Poisonville in ”Red Harvest” Part Two

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 22:46:00 -0400

Welcome back to these dark, dank alleys. Today we're heading back to Poisonville, MT to see what the heck the Continental Op is gonna do about all these sons of guns. We dive in to a discussion about the Howardian aspects of this tale and how the Op deals with civilization/is a tool of civilization. There's murder, laudanum, and the national guard and more! You'll have to tune in to get it

Season 14 EP 1: The Continental Op stars in Part one of ”Red Harvest”

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Our first stop in Season 14 is a little 'burg called Personville up in Montana, as seedy and corrupt as they come. We'll be meeting up with our buddy, we just call him the Continental Op- no need for first names. So, join us as we dive into hardboiled fiction by starting with Dashiell Hammett's "Red Harvest" also known as "The Cleansing of Poisonville". There's a real rogue's gallery of

Howard Days 2021 - Porchlight Poetry!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 06:19:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! We're rounding our our audio recordings from Howard Days 2021! For this episode, we present the second portion of 'Porchlight Poetry' from Saturday, June 12th. Here, we have various attendees reciting their favorite Howard poems!!!If you enjoy this recording, or you have ever enjoyed a REH story (and you know you have!), please consider donating to Project Pride. Whether it's $1,

Howard Days 2021 - Cimmeria!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 23:30:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! We're rounding our our audio recordings from Howard Days 2021! For this episode, we present the first portion of 'Porchlight Poetry' from Saturday, June 12th. For this episode, we have a multilingual recitation of Howard's 'Cimmeria.'If you enjoy this recording, or you have ever enjoyed a REH story (and you know you have!), please consider donating to Project Pride. Whether it's

Howard Days 2021 - The Roy Thomas Interview!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! We're back with another recording from Howard Days 2021! For this episode, we present 'The Roy Thomas Interview' from Saturday, June 12th. The guest of honor is interviewed by John Cimino.If you enjoy this recording, or you have ever enjoyed a REH story (and you know you have!), please consider donating to Project Pride. Whether it's $1, $5, or more, anything you can do to

Howard Days 2021 - When Conan Went Public!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! We're back with another recording from Howard Days 2021! For this episode, we present a recording of the keynote speech from the Robert E. Howard Celebration Banquet from Friday, June 11th. The guest of honor is Roy Thomas, and introductory remarks are offered by Rusty Burke.If you enjoy this recording, or you have ever enjoyed a REH story (and you know you have!), please

Howard Days 2021 - REH in the Comics!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! What a whirlwind, Howard Days 2021 has come and went! For this episode, we present a recording of the panel, 'REH in the Comics.' This conversation from Friday, June 11th, at the First United Methodist Church in Cross Plains, Texas. The panel focuses on the history of Robert E. Howard’s characters and stories presented in a comic book format. Mark Finn moderates Roy Thomas, Fred

Cromcast Rewind - Howard Days 2016 Interviews with Indy, Rusty, & Arlene!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Hile, Cromrades! In just a few short days Howard Days will be upon us! In the spirit of the season, we thought we'd take a minute to revisit just a portion of our recordings from The Cromcast's attendance of the big event back in 2016... This 'rewind episode' features interviews with Indy Cavalier and Rusty Burke waxing about the genesis of REHUPA and Howard Days, and then after is a discussion

Season 13, Episode 10: Bloodstone, Part III and Season Wrap-Up!

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 17 May 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Hail, Cromrades! We return for a final discussion of 'Bloodstone' and wrap up our season on the Left-Handed Path! We mention Brian Murphy's essay juxtaposing 'Bloodstone' and 'Lord of the Rings' quite a bit... Find it here!One ThingsJon: 'The Snowman' by Jo Nesbo. Scandanavian neo-noir!Josh: 'Songs of a Dead Dreamer and Grimscribe' by Thomas Ligotti. Depressive horror!Luke: 'Prequelle' by Ghost.

Season 13 Episode 9: A Conversation with John F. Mayer

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 10:24:00 -0400

Welcome back, Cromrades! This episode is special for us, we have a nearly two hour conversation with John F. Mayer, a friend of Karl Edward Wagner's from back in the day and an insightful, creative person in his own right! We talk about Karl's inspirations for Kane, some Appalachian horror, what it was like to hang with Karl back in the day, and John's efforts to keep the Wagner literary

Season 13 Episode 8: Bloodstone Part Two

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 16:10:00 -0400

Greetings, Cromrades! Today, The Cromcast Crew returns with a further analysis of "Bloodstone" by Karl Edward Wagner in part two of our three part reading. We venture deeper into the local politics, hear the low rumbling of a frog army, and try to unravel the Gordian knot of Kane's machinations. Join us for a weird story and some weird discussion!One ThingsLuke: Educate yourself in

Season 13, Episode 7: Bloodstone, Part I

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 19:32:00 -0500

Hail, Cromrades! We return with another episode as we continue down the Left-Handed Path! Here we discuss the front chunk of 'Bloodstone.' Be sure to check out our story list for details and links to ebooks!One ThingsJon: Ostrander and Mandrake's run on the 'Martian Manhunter.' Get into some funny books!Josh: Tim Burton 'Batman' films... You're due for a re-watch!Luke: 'Ummon,' by Slift. Give

Season 13, Episode 6: Sing A Last Song of Valdese

thecromcast@gmail.com (Cromcast) — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 23:03:00 -0500

Welcome back, Cromrades! The winter is long and cold, and we have a chilling tale of vengeance for you to read in this season of darkness. Buckle up, and prepare to Sing A Last Song of Valdese with us. You know how it goes, don't you? Just in case you don't, we invited our pal Rusty Burke to join us for the chorus. So loosen up those vocal cords and hum a few bars with us, won't you?