The Shelf Warmers

This week we talk about Ahsoka episode 5 and a major transition in her character arc. Also, Anakin Skywalker shows up! There's a lot going on in this episode, and we break it all down!

#StarWars #AnakinSkywalker #AhsokaTano #Marrok #Sabine #TanoTuesdays

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We're still catching up with #Ahsoka, which is hard because she seems to be in the World Between Worlds. What is that, what's going on, and where is it going? We break down Ahsoka Episode 4!

#StarWars #AnakinSkywalker #AhsokaTano #Marrok

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Star Wars timelines are pretty crazy these days, and we're not even dealing with the multiverse. Or are we? What is going on in #Ahsoka, and how does it fit in with the movies, the animated series, and #TheMandalorian? We discuss it all on this week's episode!

#StarWars #AnakinSkywalker #AhsokaTano #Marrok

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This week, we discuss episode 1 of the new Star Wars series, Ahsoka (yes, we know we're behind). How is it? How does it work for fans who've followed this character for 15 years and for those who don't know anything about her? We dive into it! #StarWars #Ahsoka #AhsokaTano #Marrok

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This week we talk with special guest Ryan and his unique pursuit of collecting every Top 40 hit... ever! Listen as we discuss the challenges and rewards of tracking down of over 20,000 songs!

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This week we discuss Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the outstanding 2022 comic book series that will soon be a new DCU movie. Written by Tom King with art by Bilquis Evely and Matheus Lopes. this series presents the classic character in a powerful new light.

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This week, we discuss the website Prosecraft, which collected over 25,000 books - including Darby's - all of which were illegally obtained. They were then used to support an AI program which its founder monetized using copyrighted intellectual property.

AI is an existential threat to the arts and this website is only one example of the dangers authors face.

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This week, we discuss the different philosophies that guide two major superheroes, Spider-Man and Batman, as well as cultural reactions to them. Both are aspirational, but differ greatly in their relationship to their aspirants both in and out of the narrative.

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This week we discuss Imposter Syndrome in art and other aspects of life. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week we discuss a question writers ask all the time: where do you start with a novel? How do you begin the process that will take you from the blank page to a finished book? We talk about some ways you can based on Darby's experiences.

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week we discuss Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse! Is it a better movie than the original? Does it take full advantage of its narrative potential? How many Spider-Men is too many and there is such a thing? Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week we talk about platforms and where do you go when there's nowhere to go? This episode was recorded before the announcement and release of Threads, the Meta Twitter competitor. But we discuss Twitter alternatives, federated spaces, and how being an independent artist suffers when social media collapses into chaos.

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week we talk about SPOILERS! Or actually, we don't. Why are spoilers such a difficult subject in pop culture? Where did this even come from? Is it healthy or necessary for readers/viewers?

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week, we talk to author Marc J. Sylvester! Marc is the author of "Little Ace", a children's book, and "Infinite," an anime project! Marc's creative talents have taken him around the world and reflect his unique life experience. Take a listen to this amazing young artist!

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This week, we discuss Darby selling his books for the first time at a comic book convention. How did it go? What were the lessons learned? Will he do it again?!? Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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In this episode, Sugu and Darby discuss the steps required to take his novel Nothing Ever Ends from a draft to a finished book. What is the editing process? The design process? What are beta readers? Do you need sensitivity readers? What programs do you use? We discuss all that and more!

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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What does success mean for an independent author? What are the different routes to it? We discuss Darby's journey into selling books at conventions and where he goes from here in this week's episode. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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Sugu recaps his experience at the first-ever Osaka Comic Con! How was this different or similar to other conventions in Japan or the United States? What amazing artists did Sugu meet? Take a listen!

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Last time on The Shelfwarmers Podcast...

We finish our discussion on Star Trek: Picard, focusing on the last four episodes. SPOILERS! How did it end? What did we think? Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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We discuss the first six episodes of Star Trek: Picard Season 3! SPOILERS!!! What do we think of the big Next Generation reunion? Is there such a thing as too much fan service? Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week, we talk about SPOILERS in Star Wars: The Bad Batch and the larger conversation surrounding representation in media. How does representation conflict with, well, conflict? Drama? What happens when your favorite show finally represents you on screen and then kills the character off? Is this always a bad trope or is there more to it?

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week, we discuss the challenges #indieauthors face in selling their books. Does handselling books at conventions work? What are the factors you should consider in doing so? #indieapril

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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Is 'exhausted liberalism' to blame for Star Trek's current malaise? Is there a current malaise? A recent article suggests that's the case and we break it all down to find out why modern Trek is not that great (unless it is).

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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We break down the big reveals from Star Wars Celebration 2023 including Rey coming back to restore the Jedi! The new Ahsoka trailer! And more! Come with us to a galaxy far, far away, and let us know what you think!

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U2 released a new record of old songs and it got us thinking - what happens when the artistic well has run dry? Is there a natural end to creativity? Can you recharge? We have thoughts!

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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We catch up on The Mandalorian Chapters 21 and 22... and it feels like the show has losst The Way. Where is the drama? Conflict? Has Din Djarin become a bystander in his own show?

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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Wired published a feature on fantasy author Brandon Sanderson and let's just say there was a reaction. We discuss the article, which at best just doesn't know what it's doing and at worst is a deliberate hit piece on Sanderson and fandom writ large. We have thoughts!

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week, we discuss the mystifying and complicated cancelation - pause? - for Willow on Disney+. We have thoughts about the wisdom in ending a show that found viewers, is IP Disney is going to exploit anyway, and also provides necessary representation in the streaming landscape.

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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The Mandalorian Chapter 20 gives fans a MAJOR and fun reveal on how Grogu escaped Order 66. It also delves into Bo-Katan's continuing and unexpected journey as a convert into The Way. Also, maybe the Mandalorians should find a safer spot for their lair. Just saying.

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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We discuss the design process behind the cover for Darby's forthcoming space opera, STARGUN MESSENGER! What goes into making a great book cover? Why is it so hard? And why is Al Hess the illustrator so awesome?

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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The Mandalorian Chapter 19 borrows a page from Andor to extremely satisfying results. The show takes a complex detour to Coruscant while also advancing Bo-Katan's story arc in unexpected ways. What does this episode mean for the show's future? Is bureaucracy just bureaucracy whatever name you put on it? 

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week, we discuss the new DCU movie and TV slate from James Gunn! What excites about us this new direction? Has anything changed? Why should everyone run out and read Supergirl: World of Tomorrow? 

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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Darby breaks down The Mandalorian Chapter 18 "The Mines of Mandalore." This week, we finally make it to the mythical planet and it's a fantastic adventure. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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We're trauma bonding over Ant-Man & The Wasp Quantumania. Darby saw it somewhere cool, Sugu doesn't know what to think, and we're trying to make sense of the official start to MCU Phase 5. Note: Darby keeps calling The Scarlet Centurion The Scarlet Scarab because of jet lag.

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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Darby gives his thoughts on The Mandalorian season three episode 1, "The Apostate." Is 38 minutes enough Mando after such a long wait? Have you taken your helmet off since season two? Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! 

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This week we talk about the new WIllow Disney+ series which continues the story from the original movie. There's a lot to discuss about the show, even though it's mostly just fun. Hear our take on whether this new update worked and let us know your thoughts!

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This week, we finally discuss Rings of Power! We talk about why this may be the best prequel ever and why understanding Tolkien's ever changing take on Galadriel plays a role in understanding this story. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week, we dissect the mystery of Glass Onion, the sequel to Knives Out. What makes this such a great sequel? How does it connect to Glass Onion and how does it fit inside the tropes Rian Johnson is establishing for himself? Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week, we discuss Knives Out and what makes it such a fresh, compelling take on the mystery genre. What makes Rian Johnson such a good writer? Are we talking about The Last Jedi again?!? Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week, we discuss our goals for 2023. What lies beyond resolution? What is hopepunk in fiction? What does it take to maintain optimism and hope in the face of negative circumstances? Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week, we discuss the latest Star Wars series Andor. Is Andor the best Star Wars streaming series so far? Is it the best Star Wars anything since Return of the Jedi? With superlative writing and performances, it might be. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week, we discuss Alex Ross' graphic novel Fantastic Four: Full Circle. What does this new book say about the classic superhero team and what does it say about Ross as an artist? We break it all down. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week, we discuss the upheaval within the DCEU. Henry Cavill is out! Patty Jenkins is out! Is everything going to be rebooted or just some things? FYI, after we recorded this episode, The Rock announced he is out as Black Adam. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week, we discuss the rise of AI art. Is it art? What are the concerns about this new tool and what does it mean for true artists? We do our best to unpack this important subject. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

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This week, we discuss trunk novels, books authors have written but have never been published for one reason or another. What do Darby and Sugu have hidden away? Also, Darby has some related news on his next novel...

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This week, we give our thoughts on MCU Phase 4. Did it suck? Did it have a point? Why is everyone so angry?!? Take a listen and let us know what you think!

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We're on Twitter but is Twitter still on? We discuss the collapsing social media platform, its impact on users, artists, and social movements. Also, what are we going to with our Twitter account???

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We discuss the moving, complicated, and important Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. We also talk about whether MCU Phase 4 was successful and what might lie ahead for the franchise after this critical juncture.

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Why do people always complain about pacing and structure in streaming series? Is it a problem with prestige TV or a problem with viewer expectations? Is there a way to fix it? Does it need fixing? We dig into it. 

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