The Bradbury Chronicles: Recent Episodes
The World Outside the Window
The Bradbury Chronicles is a celebration of the life and work of science-fiction master Ray Bradbury. It is also an ode to the spoken word, an exploration of the art and joy of storytelling. Bradbury's prose has a poetry and musicality that just begs to be read out loud, so that's what I will be doing. Stick me in your ears (if that's not too weird, it is isn't it??) and enjoy the flow of Bradbury's words.
Season Two begins, I am taking a dive into the weird and mysterious world of the The Illustrated Man and each episode will be a look at a different chapter of the book, starting with the prologue until we reach the end of the novel. Great mystery awaits with many a twist and turn along the way. I am excited to share the journey with you.
This month's episode is the Prologue where we meet the Illustrated Man for the first time and start to hear his strange tale, has a witch travelled from the future to curse him to walk the earth like Cain, and what will the stranger see in the blank space? Tune in to find out.
Let me know what you thought of the prologue? Are you excited to find out what happens to the illustrated man and his companion? Whatever your thoughts you can now share them in the Bradbury Chronicles Forum, so join the chat today... https://www.facebook.com/groups/TWOTWLISCHAT/
Next up -
The Veld, The Lion King it is not...
Credits: All of Bradbury's work is copyright of the estate of Ray Bradbury. Any words reproduced by this podcast are used under the terms of fair usage. Artwork by Ben Whittard. This episode was written and produced by John de Gruyther. Music by John de Gruyther and ANCHOR FM. Intro Theme is an excerpt from the song Fahrenheit Lullaby by John and Samuel de Gruyther. This podcast is brought to you by The World Outside the Window.
The Bradbury Chronicles is a celebration of the life and work of science-fiction master Ray Bradbury. It is also an ode to the spoken word, an exploration of the art and joy of storytelling. Bradbury's prose has a poetry and musicality that just begs to be read out loud, so that's what I will be doing. Stick me in your ears (if that's not too weird, it is isn't it??) and enjoy the flow of Bradbury's words.
It's the season one finale and this month's episode is part two of my coverage of the story R is for Rocket. It is a rather melancholic tale of rites of passage and dreaming of the stars. Seeped in nostalgia this story soars like the titular rocket.
"This was a greater priesthood." Ray Bradbury, R is for Rocket.
Let me know what you thought of this story? Do you remember dreaming of people landing on the moon? Maybe you watched the Moon Landings on television? I would love to hear your memories and whether that inspired your love of science fiction.
Whatever your thoughts you can now share them in the new Bradbury Chronicles Forum, so join the chat today.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TWOTWLISCHAT/
Season 2 is coming soon and will be a reading of The Illustrated Man, with each episode covering a different chapter, until we have covered the whole book.
Credits: All of Bradbury's work is copyright of the estate of Ray Bradbury. Any words reproduced by this podcast are used under the terms of fair usage.
Artwork by Ben Whittard. This episode was written and produced by John de Gruyther.
Music by John de Gruyther and ANCHOR FM.
Intro Theme is an excerpt from the song Fahrenheit Lullaby by John and Samuel de Gruyther.
This podcast is brought to you by The World Outside the Window
The Bradbury Chronicles is a celebration of the life and work of science-fiction master Ray Bradbury. It is also an ode to the spoken word, an exploration of the art and joy of storytelling. Bradbury's prose has a poetry and musicality that just begs to be read out loud, so that's what I will be doing. Stick me in your ears (if that's not too weird, it is isn't it??) and enjoy the flow of Bradbury's words.
This month's episode is a longer story called R is for Rocket, and because of it's length I have split it into two parts, part one is the reading of the first part of the story and part two will feature the rest of the story and my review/thoughts.
Let me know what you thought of this story?
Whatever your thoughts you can now share them in the new Bradbury Chronicles Forum, so join the chat today...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TWOTWLISCHAT/
Credits: All of Bradbury's work is copyright of the estate of Ray Bradbury. Any words reproduced by this podcast are used under the terms of fair usage. Artwork by Ben Whittard. This episode was written and produced by John de Gruyther. Music by John de Gruyther and ANCHOR FM.
Intro Theme is an excerpt from the song Fahrenheit Lullaby by John and Samuel de Gruyther.
This podcast is brought to you by The World Outside the Window
The Bradbury Chronicles is a celebration of the life and work of science-fiction master Ray Bradbury. It is also an ode to the spoken word, an exploration of the art and joy of storytelling. Bradbury's prose has a poetry and musicality that just begs to be read out loud, so that's what I will be doing. Stick me in your ears (if that's not too weird, it is isn't it??) and enjoy the flow of Bradbury's words.
This month's episode is a very special crossover (who doesn't love a great mash-up?) where I am joined by Glenn McDorman, host of Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Using Gaiman's homage to Bradbury, October in the Chair, as a jumping-off point we discuss Bradbury's influence on other authors, the short story form, and what makes Bradbury and Gaiman such masters of the short story.
It was a pleasure and honour to spend time with Glenn. We met a few years back over a shared love of Star Trek and I have followed his work ever since. He hosts several shows alongside his team of co-hosts and their work is always thoughtful, and literary and approaches its subjects with a sense of joy and awe, and I highly recommend you check out his podcasts at www.claytemplemedia.com. You can also follow him on social media. Twitter @ClaytempleMedia @glmcdorman
I'd love to hear your thoughts on our latest episode so be sure to share them in the Bradbury Chronicles Forum, join the chat today...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TWOTWLISCHAT/
Credits: All of Bradbury's work is copyright of the estate of Ray Bradbury. Any words reproduced by this podcast are used under the terms of fair usage.
Artwork by Ben Whittard.
This episode was written and produced by John de Gruyther.
Music by John de Gruyther and ANCHOR FM. Intro Theme is an excerpt from the song Fahrenheit Lullaby by John and Samuel de Gruyther.
This podcast is brought to you by The World Outside the Window.
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The Bradbury Chronicles is a celebration of the life and work of science-fiction master Ray Bradbury. It is also an ode to the spoken word, an exploration of the art and joy of storytelling. Bradbury's prose has a poetry and musicality that just begs to be read out loud, so that's what I will be doing. Stick me in your ears (if that's not too weird, it is isn't it??) and enjoy the flow of Bradbury's words.
This month's episode is a spring gift called The April Witch. Join me as I read this fantasy tale and explore themes of consent in literature, discuss the potential film adaptation of Bradbury's fix-up novel From the Dust Returned , and give you some info about upcoming episodes (featuring some exciting Neil Gaiman/special guest related news).
Let me know what you thought of this story?
Whatever your thoughts you can now share them in the new Bradbury Chronicles Forum, so join the chat today...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TWOTWLISCHAT/
For April's episode it felt appropriate to cover The April Witch. And sometime in May or June I have something special planned, so stay tuned to find out more.
Credits: All of Bradbury's work is copyright of the estate of Ray Bradbury. Any words reproduced by this podcast are used under the terms of fair usage.
Artwork by Ben Whittard.
This episode was written and produced by John de Gruyther.
Music by John de Gruyther and ANCHOR FM. Intro Theme is an excerpt from the song Fahrenheit Lullaby by John and Samuel de Gruyther.
This podcast is brought to you by The World Outside the Window.
The Bradbury Chronicles is a celebration of the life and work of science-fiction master Ray Bradbury. It is also an ode to the spoken word, an exploration of the art and joy of storytelling. Bradbury's prose has a poetry and musicality that just begs to be read out loud, so that's what I will be doing. Stick me in your ears (if that's not too weird, it is isn't it??) and enjoy the flow of Bradbury's words.
This month's episode is a return to science-fiction with a daring space mission to harness the power of the sun. It is a beautiful story full of classical allusion and romantic poetry.
Let me know what you thought of this story? Do you like the new intro theme? Whatever your thoughts you can now share them in the new Bradbury Chronicles Forum, so join the chat today...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TWOTWLISCHAT/
For April's episode it felt appropriate to cover The April Witch. And sometime in May or June I have something special planned, so stay tuned to find out more.
Credits: All of Bradbury's work is copyright of the estate of Ray Bradbury. Any words reproduced by this podcast are used under the terms of fair usage.
Artwork by Ben Whittard.
This episode was written and produced by John de Gruyther.
Music by John de Gruyther and ANCHOR FM. Intro Theme is an excerpt from the song Fahrenheit Lullaby by John and Samuel de Gruyther.
This podcast is brought to you by The World Outside the Window.
The Bradbury Chronicles is a celebration of the life and work of science-fiction master Ray Bradbury. It is also an ode to the spoken word, an exploration of the art and joy of storytelling. Bradbury's prose has a poetry and musicality that just begs to be read out loud, so that's what I will be doing. Stick me in your ears (if that's not too weird, it is isn't it??) and enjoy the flow of Bradbury's words.
This month's episode is a double-feature with two tales grounded in the real world, offering social commentary on the dangers of technology, the invisibility of immigrants, and how we as a society can easily be lured into othering whole groups of people; a sobering and pertinent message when we look at the world right now.
In this episode I mention Einstein's involvement with the Manhattan Project, and for fact-checking purposes I wanted to mention here that he didn't directly work on the project, he was deemed a security risk, but he went on to regret the small part he did play in the development of the atomic bomb. You can read more about it here... https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/einstein/peace-and-war/the-manhattan-project
Let me know what you thought of this story? What would you have done if you were Mrs. O'Brian or the Emperor?
You can now share your thoughts in the new Bradbury Chronicles Forum, so join the chat today...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TWOTWLISCHAT/
Credits: All of Bradbury's work is copyright of the estate of Ray Bradbury. Any words reproduced by this podcast are used under the terms of fair usage.
Artwork by Ben Whittard.
This episode was written and produced by John de Gruyther.
Music by John de Gruyther and ANCHOR FM. This podcast is brought to you by The World Outside the Window.
The Bradbury Chronicles is a celebration of the life and work of science-fiction master Ray Bradbury. It is also an ode to the spoken word, an exploration of the art and joy of storytelling. Bradbury's prose has a poetry and musicality that just begs to be read out loud, so that's what I will be doing. Stick me in your ears (if that's not too weird, it is isn't it??) and enjoy the flow of Bradbury's words.
Episode Five of The Bradbury Chronicles is the tale of an ordinary job that takes a turn toward the horrific.
Let me know what you thought of this story? Would you be prepared to do what the garbage collector is asked to do?
You can now share your thoughts in the new Bradbury Chronicles Forum, so join the chat today...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TWOTWLISCHAT/
Recommended Reading -
Ordinary Men by Christopher R Browning.
Credits: All of Bradbury's work is copyright of the estate of Ray Bradbury. Any words reproduced by this podcast are used under the terms of fair usage.
Artwork by Ben Whittard.
This episode was written and produced by John de Gruyther.
Music by John de Gruyther and ANCHOR FM. This podcast is brought to you by The World Outside the Window.
The Bradbury Chronicles is a celebration of the life and work of science-fiction master Ray Bradbury. It is also an ode to the spoken word, an exploration of the art and joy of storytelling. Bradbury's prose has a poetry and musicality that just begs to be read out loud, so that's what I will be doing. Stick me in your ears (if that's not too weird, it is isn't it??) and enjoy the flow of Bradbury's words.
Episode Four of The Bradbury Chronicles is an epic tale taking us to the strange world of Venus, with a story that will get under your skin like a never ceasing rain...
Book Club -
I would love to know what you thought, here are some discussion points to get you started;
Big government versus small government, was Ray Bradbury a libertarian?
Were the sun domes really there? And how did Simmons survive for ten years?
What stories would you like me to cover on future episodes?
And stay tuned right to the end for some tea-tinged outtakes and information on how to follow the podcast and my other projects.
Credits: All of Bradbury's work is copyright of the estate of Ray Bradbury. Any words reproduced by this podcast are used under the terms of fair usage.
Artwork by Ben Whittard.
This episode was written and produced by John de Gruyther.
Music by John de Gruyther and ANCHOR FM. This podcast is brought to you by The World Outside the Window.
The Bradbury Chronicles is a celebration of the life and work of science-fiction master Ray Bradbury. It is also an ode to the spoken word, an exploration of the art and joy of storytelling. Bradbury's prose has a poetry and musicality that just begs to be read out loud, so that's what I will be doing. Stick me in your ears (if that's not too weird, it is isn't it??) and enjoy the flow of Bradbury's words.
Episode three of The Bradbury Chronicles looks at the visceral and shocking reality of atomic warfare.
Book Club -
I would love to know what you thought, here are some discussion points to get you started;
What is the story telling us about war?
Do you agree with my interpretation that the characters could represent the fates from Greek Mythology?
I found the story to be shocking and haunting, what did you think, and had you read it before?
What stories would you like me to cover on future episodes?
Credits: All of Bradbury's work is copyright of the estate of Ray Bradbury. Any words reproduced by this podcast are used under the terms of fair usage.
Artwork by Ben Whittard.
This episode was written and produced by John de Gruyther.
Music by John de Gruyther and ANCHOR FM. This podcast is brought to you by The World Outside the Window.
The Bradbury Chronicles is a celebration of the life and work of science-fiction master Ray Bradbury. It is also an ode to the spoken word, an exploration of the art and joy of storytelling. Bradbury's prose has a poetry and musicality that just begs to be read out loud, so that's what I will be doing. Stick me in your ears (if that's not too weird, it is isn't it??) and enjoy the flow of Bradbury's words.
Episode two of The Bradbury Chronicles looks at the spooky and atmospheric tale called The Dragon.
Further Reading -
- The Dark Tower Series by Steven King
- The Stand by Steven King
- Why Victorians Were Afraid of Trains
Book Club -
I would love to know what you thought, here are some discussion points to get you started;
Were the Knights real?
Does the twist surprise you or did you see it coming?
What is the story trying to tell us about technology?
What story would you like me to cover?
Credits:
All of Bradbury's work is copyright of the estate of Ray Bradbury. Any words reproduced by this podcast are used under the terms of fair usage.
Artwork by Ben Whittard.
This episode was written and produced by John de Gruyther.
Music by John de Gruyther and ANCHOR FM.
This podcast is brought to you by The World Outside the Window.
The Bradbury Chronicles is a celebration of the life and work of science-fiction master Ray Bradbury. It is also an ode to the spoken word, an exploration of the art and joy of storytelling. Bradbury's prose has a poetry and musicality that just begs to be read out loud, so that's what I will be doing.
Much like Chinese Democracy this first episode was recorded over a number of weeks in multiple sessions, but involved considerably less guitarists.
It was recorded and edited by me in my little make shift studio, with sofa cushions on the wall for sound proofing and the occasional bird song in the background, this podcast is very much a labor of love. It has been produced with a limited budget and is a work in progress.
I hope you enjoy this first episode and I can't wait to bring you more Bradbury fiction and poems in future episodes.
Episode One Summary
- Bradbury Requiem
- Reading of The Fog Horn
- Story observations and analysis
- Star Wars Tangent - Characterization Versus Concept
Further Reading -
Empire of Dreams
Godzilla - Because The Fog Horn was the basis for the movie The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, featuring a monster awoken after an atomic explosion, I had planned a whole segment on Godzilla but it didn't seem to fit the flow of the rest of the episode, this article is very good though.
Sit back relax and stick me in your ears as I forget to talk about Godzilla, find my copy of Leonard Nimoy's autobiography and go on a massive Star Wars Tangent.
Artwork by Ben Whittard, Music by John de Gruyther and Anchor FM.