Chinese Lore Podcast

Water Margin 070: Maze

05 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our heroes storm to the gates of the Zhu Family Manor, intent on teaching the people inside a lesson.

Water Margin 069: Chicken

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

An act of petty theft quickly escalates into a grave insult against the Liangshan heroes, somehow.

Water Margin 068: Offal

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Yang Xiong has a little heart-to-heart with his adulterous wife.

Water Margin 067: Rendezvous

07 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Things heat up in Yang Xiong’s house, and on the dead-end street behind it.

Water Margin 066: Swine

01 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In between carving up pig carcasses, Shi Xiu sniffs out some shenanigans in his new household.

Announcement: 2 Podcast Interviews

23 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I recently did two interviews on other podcasts -- the Mandarin Slang Guide podcast and Journey to the West: The Podcast. 

Water Margin 065: Brothers

23 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A street brawl turns two strangers into bosom buddies.

Water Margin 064: Rescue

23 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Don’t drink on this trip? I’ll drink as much as I please, damn the consequences. Oh, here come those consequences.

Water Margin 063: Imposter

27 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Li Kui runs the full gamut of emotions in one day as he goes home to fetch his mother.

Water Margin 062: Scrolls

20 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Song Jiang gets a little divine intervention in his flight from the law.

Water Margin 061: Starlord

13 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Song Jiang’s poor choices lead him to a strange, otherworldly encounter.

Water Margin 060: Slaughter

29 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Nothing says “honor” quite like killing dozens of people who had nothing to do with your predicament, taking their stuff, and burning their town.

Water Margin 059: Raid

22 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Things get even rowdier at Song Jiang and Dai Zong’s execution.

Water Margin 058: Fake

15 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

One day you are a respected craftsman making an honest living; the next day, some shady “deacon” shows up at your door with a lucrative gig for yo...

Water Margin 057: Crazy

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In trouble for his drunken poetry, Song Jiang is forced into a crappy scheme to save his life.

Water Margin 056: Poem

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

While touring historical sites and indulging in fine drink and food, Song Jiang is driven by his misfortunes to write a few words.

Water Margin 055: Ox

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dai Zong introduces Song Jiang to his good friend Li Kui. Well, friend. More of an acquaintance really. I mean, a colleague. Actually, I don't usually...

Water Margin 054: Name

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Once again, we see how far money and reputation can carry a man, even when he's on his way to prison.

Water Margin 053: Ferry

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Like Uber, but for boats ... and the ferryman gives you a choice of meals, too.

Water Margin 052: Exile

20 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Caught at his home, Song Jiang is finally brought to justice ... such as it is.

Water Margin 051: Father

06 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Song Jiang's Liangshan-bound cohort keeps growing, until he gets an unexpected message.

Water Margin 050: Recruit

30 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With admirers like these, who needs enemies?

Water Margin 049: Siege

23 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Song Jiang’s bandit buddies run amok, and then give an enemy general the run-around.

Water Margin 048: Arrows

09 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A local lantern festival ignites a feud between Hua Rong and his boss.

Water Margin 047: Kindness

02 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Meet the heroes of Clear Winds Mountain, who turn unsuspecting passers-by into soup and abduct and defile women on their way to visit their parents' g...

Water Margin 046: Trouble

24 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Wu Song continues acting like the worst pretend monk ever and gets himself first into some cold water, and then into some hot water.

Water Margin 045: Religion

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On the run from the law, Wu Song finds religion, and then quickly finds a way to break all of its tenets.

Water Margin 044: Revenge

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Wu Song’s enemies just couldn’t leave well enough alone, and soon find themselves facing the consequences — pissed-off consequences.

Water Margin 043: Admire

27 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After his beatdown of Jiang Menshen, Wu Song discovers he has a new fan.

Water Margin 042: Drunk

13 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Wu Song finally finds out what Shi En wants his help with, and devises a way to turn a mob war into a drinking game.

Water Margin 041: Prison

06 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Wu Song receives the best treatment the ancient Chinese legal system has to offer, despite his effort to invite the worst.

Water Margin 040: Meat

30 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wu Song stops in at a tavern and gets all nitpicky about the food, like the teeniest bit of pubic hair in the bun fillings.

Water Margin 039: Justice

16 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wu Song is determined to get to the bottom of his brother’s death, by any means necessary.

Water Margin 038: Skeletons

09 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The murderers’ coverup goes off as planned … until a certain someone gets back in town.

Water Margin 037: Cuckold

02 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wu Dalang catches his unfaithful wife in the act, and pays for it.

Announcement: Ask Me Anything on Dec. 16

20 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If you have questions about the how’s and why’s of this podcast, or my thoughts on podcasting in general, post them at the Ask Me Anything hosted ...

Water Margin 036: Hookup

18 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Armed with their 10-step plan, Ximen Qing and Mrs. Wang undertake Operation Seduction.

Water Margin 035: Plot

11 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

While Wu Song is away, someone keeps hovering around his brother's house, hoping to get a bit of something hot and steamy (no, not Wu Dalang's buns).

Water Margin 034: Wife

04 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wu Song's happy reunion with his brother hits a snag when his brother's wife is a bit too happy to see him.

Water Margin 033: Beast

21 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wu Song throws caution to the wind and goes big-game hunting with his fist.

Water Margin 032: Guests

14 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Despite the best efforts of the Yuncheng County justice system, Song Jiang somehow slips through the hands of the law.

Water Margin 031: Crime

07 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Does a multitude of wrongs make a right? We find out this week as an adulterer stands up to a crooked justice system as the authorities try to cover u...

Water Margin 030: Gold

23 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

An evening that starts with Song Jiang being offered a big bag of gold goes horribly awry.

Water Margin 029: Grateful

16 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As our bandit friends herald the dawn of a new age of prosperity, we check in with their acquaintance back in Yuncheng County.

Water Margin 028: Fracas

09 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The last time Lin Chong vented, he cut off three heads. How many will he chop off this time?

Water Margin 027: Swamp

26 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Somebody forgot to explain to our heroes that "Lend me your ears" is only a figure of speech.

Water Margin 026: Leak

19 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Which member of the Yuncheng County legal system is NOT trying to help Chao Gai escape? Raise your hand. Anyone? Anyone?

Water Margin 025: Search

12 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A tip from his no-good brother puts a down-on-his-luck investigator on the scent of Chao Gai and company.

Water Margin 024: Refuge

29 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If you can’t beat them, join them. Yang Zhi embarks on his life outside the law with a little dine-and-dash action.

Water Margin 023: Heist

22 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Yang Zhi's approach to convoy duty: Try to rest before I tell you? That's a whipping. Try to get on the road before I tell you? That's a whipping. Loo...

Water Margin 022: Lure

15 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wu Yong reels in some eager helpers for Chao Gai's planned heist.

Water Margin 021: Fish

01 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Chao Gai sends a confidant to a fishing village in search of a few good men with no compunctions about theft.

Water Margin 020: Gift

24 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Our story shifts to rural village life, which apparently includes receiving uninvited visitors from near and far, some of whom hit you up for food and...

Water Margin Supplemental Episode 003: Money

19 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A quick look at currencies, income, and living expenses during the Northern Song.

Water Margin 019: Knife

17 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It slices. It dices. It probably shouldn't be sold on a busy street in the capital. But wait, there's more!

Water Margin 018: Pledge

03 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Lin Chong really wants to join the bandits on Liangshan, but the initiation is murder.

Water Margin 017: Water

27 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Meet the new Lin Chong, stabber of hearts, remover of heads, and burner of old men’s beards.

Water Margin Supplemental Episode 002: Buddhism

22 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A look at the growth of Buddhism during the Northern Song and the religion's relationship with the imperial government.

Water Margin 016: Fire

20 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Just as Lin Chong starts to settle into his new life at the penal colony, his past pays him a visit.

Update: Videos on Three Kingdoms Warlords

20 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I recently collaborated with the YouTube channel Invicta History on three videos about Three Kingdoms warlords. The videos were sponsored by Creativ...

Water Margin 015: C.R.E.A.M.

06 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Lin Chong finds out first-hand that cash really does rule everything around you, especially when you’re caught up in the ancient Chinese legal syste...

Update: Appearance on ”Total War” Podcast

02 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Back in February, I took part in a podcast conversation on the Invicta History YouTube channel with the host, Julien, and Peter Stewart, a writer from...

Water Margin 014: Forest

29 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Shady backroom deals, morally flexible guards, and a stretch of dodgy woods: Things are not looking good for Lin Chong.

Water Margin 013: Stabbed

22 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Lin Chong buys a shiny new toy, and then discovers he got sold out.

Water Margin 012: Sh*t

08 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We see how the "throw Lu Zhishen into a fecal pond" plan turns out, and then watch as he turns pest removal into a Strongest Man event.

Water Margin 011: Sins

01 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A couple duels, a few corpses, and a big fire. Just another day on Lu Zhishen’s trip to the capital.

Water Margin 010: Journey

25 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Lu Zhishen unexpectedly runs into an old friend. Well, a friend. More of a passing acquaintance, really. What do you call someone you don't mind steal...

Water Margin 009: Berserk

11 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Lu Zhishen meets an old man in need and offers to use his monk training to help the guy out. Wait, what monk training?

Water Margin 008: Monk

04 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Lu Zhishen's new monastic family comes to the sobering realization that they just accepted a hard-drinking, mean-punching, latrine-spurning public-hea...

Water Margin 007: Buddha

25 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On the lam after committing murder, Lu Da first runs into an old friend, and then runs into religion.

Water Margin 006: Minced

11 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Shi Jin makes a new friend, and we explore the question on everyone’s mind: Exactly what DO you do with minced pork fat?

Water Margin 005: Party

04 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Shi Jin and the bandits from the nearby mountains make it a Mid-Autumn Festival to remember.

Water Margin Supplemental Episode 001: Cuju

30 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A quick look at the ancient Chinese game of football that allowed Gao Qiu to break into government service.

Water Margin 004: Pupil

28 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wang Jin turns a one-night farm stay into a nice little gig by knocking his host’s son on his butt.

Water Margin 003: Ball

14 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

How do you rise up to be the future ruler's right-hand man? Certainly not through brilliance or hard work.

Water Margin 002: Demons

07 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The capital is facing a crisis, and the only hope is basically the 12th-century Chinese equivalent of Anakin Skywalker from "The Phantom Menace." Ugh.

Water Margin 001: Introduction

01 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

An overview of the podcast and an introduction to the Water Margin, aka Outlaws of the Marsh, one of China’s great classic literary works.

3 Kingdoms 154: Looking Back, Looking Ahead

14 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A reflection on this four-year ride, and a glimpse of things to come.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 020: Carousel of Characters

09 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A rapid-fire look at a bunch of supporting players in the novel.

3 Kingdoms 153: Podcasts Under Heaven …

07 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

One hundred and fifty-three episodes later, we have finally reached the “long divided, must unite” part of the novel.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 019: Food

02 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A look at what they ate and drank during the Three Kingdoms era.

3 Kingdoms 152: Mutual Loathing and Admiration

30 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

While their respective states are sizing each other up for conquest, the Jin and Wu commanders at the borders are getting along famously.

3 Kingdoms 151: How Quickly They Forget

16 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sure I just lost my kingdom, but look at all the fun stuff they have in the Wei capital!

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 018: Sima Yi, Fact and Fiction

12 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We look at the architect of the Sima clan's rise to power.

3 Kingdoms 150: Ulterior Motives

09 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone has a hidden agenda, except maybe for the guy suspected of hatching an insurrection. (Note: Special guest narrator this week)

3 Kingdoms 149: We Ain’t No Fortunate Sons

02 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A Shu commander tries to live up to his father's legacy, while a Shu prince refuses to follow his father's example.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 017: Sun Quan, Fact and Fiction

28 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A dive into the real life of the guy who ran the family business for 50-plus years.

3 Kingdoms 148: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

19 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

While Jiang Wei scrambles to mount a last-ditch defense, his old nemesis searches for a way to go around his roadblock.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 016: Learning to Delegate

14 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Meet two statesmen who really mastered the art of saying, "That's not in my job description."

3 Kingdoms 147: The Empire Strikes Back

12 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Tired of Shu's perpetual encroachment on its borders, Wei decides to take the fight to its nemesis.

3 Kingdoms 146: Pyrrhic Victory

05 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Jiang Wei finally gets the better of Deng Ai, but even that ends up backfiring.

3 Kingdoms 145: Even More Chaos at Court

19 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Discord between lord and vassal simmers in the court of Shu, while things boil over in the court of Wei.

3 Kingdoms 144: Chaos at Court

12 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

While the Shu and Wei continue to slug it out in the West, the kingdom of Wu deals with internal unrest at the highest level.

3 Kingdoms 143: How the Southeast Was Won, Again

05 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sima Zhao takes the emperor on a buddy road trip to put down another insurgence in a particularly troublesome part of the kingdom.

3 Kingdoms 142: Mildly Wild West

22 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Oh look: Another Northern campaign by the kingdom of Shu. Yawn.

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 015: Zhuge Liang, Fact and Fiction

17 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We say so long to the novel's pivotal player and wonder if he was really the genius the book made him out to be.

3 Kingdoms 141: I Would Give My Left Eye for Google Maps!

15 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A couple generals down South stir up trouble for Sima Shi. Now if only their forces knew the way to his camp ....

3 Kingdoms 140: A Familiar Script

08 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Jiang Wei's Northern invasion meets the same fate as Zhuge Liang's, while Sima Shi borrows a few pages from Cao Cao's playbook for how to deal with im...

3 Kingdoms 139: Chaos in the South

25 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Things go well for the kingdom of Wu and its political leader ... until they bite off more than they can chew.

3 Kingdoms 138: North by Northwest

18 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Aided by an unexpected defection, Jiang Wei restarts the Northern campaigns by setting his sights first on the Northwest.