Discworld Order

Discworld Order is a monthly Discworld podcast series, looking at the Discworld novels in chronological order.

Each episode Mark Buckeldee is joined by a guest as they go through how they first discovered the Discworld novels before diving into the characters, the jokes, the themes and whatever direction the conversation takes us.

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20 episodes
monthly
Avg 1 hr 28 min
English

Episodes 20

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July 6 · 1 hr 2 min
E25 - Thief of Time
Comic creators Ted Brandt & Ro Stein (Crowded, Worst Man) join Mark to discuss the 26th Discworld novel, Thief of Time. They talk about the nature of comedy, using humour to talk about serious topics, the central theme of the Death & Susan sub series, what it means to be human and the way of Mrs Cosmopolite. Ted & Ro's graphic novel Worst Man launches on 25th August Amazon (US) - https://www.amazon.com/Worst-Man-Brandt-Stein/dp/178774681X Barnes & Noble (US) - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/worst-man-brandt-stein/1148883864?ean=9781787746817 Forbidden Planet (UK) - https://forbiddenplanet.com/481316-worst-man/ www.brandtandstein.com https://bsky.app/profile/brandtandstein.com (Bluesky) For social media, you can find us at: DWO - @DiscWorldOrder ( Bluesky) Mark - @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)
June 1 · 1 hr 18 min
E24 - The Truth
Former local journalist Cam Sutcliffe joins Mark to discuss Terry Pratchett's novel about journalism ( class, Watergate, Pulp Fiction...) aka the 25th Discworld novel, The Truth. They talk about how the Truth mirrored Cam's experience of local newspapers, class, glasses containing liquids up to the 50% mark, Pulp Fiction references, Pratchett's memorable side characters & how The Truth feels different to what came before it. For social media, you can find us at: DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)
April 30 · 1 hr 6 min
E23 - The Fifth Elephant
In this month's episode of Discworld order, multi award winning author Aliette De Bodard joins the podcast to discuss the 24th Discworld novel, The Fifth Elephant. The episode looks at the "trick" to Carrot Ironfounderson, Pratchett's strengths as a writer and how the Discworld evolved and stayed fresh while other series stagnated. Editor note - Unfortunately the recording was choppier than I would have liked, so apologies for some of the audio dropping out in places. Also, this episode was recorded before Carpe Jugulum, which will explain me having apparently having forgotten talking about the fascist elements in Carpe Jugulum. Links: Aliette - www.aliettedebodard.com - @aliettedebodard.com (Bluesky), @aliettedb (Instagram) DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark - @monkey_buckles (Twitter)
April 1 · 3 hr 1 min
E22 - Carpe Jugulum
In this month's episode of Discworld order, Sarah Parkin returns to finish what she started as we discuss the last witches novel: The 23rd Discworld novel Carpe Jugulum. Since this is the end of the Witches arc, the episode covers a wide range of subjects, such as: Vampires, Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula, archetypes, bad parenting, fascism, satisfying character arcs, Granny Weatherwax, fat shaming, choices, Pratchett's most underutilised character, spoilers, trying to avoid spoilers, Pratchett's drakest novels, Granny Weatherwax and much, much more. Spoiler warning: This book discusses events from Witches Abroad, Lords & Ladies, Maskerade & Small Gods. It also touches on the future of Agnes Nitt but does not touch on teh events of The Shepherds Crown. DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky)Mark - @monkey_buckles (Twitter)Sarah - @SarahParkin1 (Twitter & Bluesky)
March 1 · 1 hr 7 min
E21 - The Last Continent
Discworld fan and budding author PD Doling joins Mark to discuss the 22nd Discworld novel, The Last Continent. The discussion delves into the evolution and limitations of Rincewind novels, the joys of the Faculty, the lack of an antagonist, Pratchett's evolution as an author, Australia references & Damien Hirst. PD Doling: pddoling.com Closure May Never Come (Amazon.co.uk) - https://bit.ly/4aHVwJ3 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pd.in.lspace?igsh=NGtucnp2bWkyZGR6Discworld Order: twitter.com/discworldorder @discworldorder.bsky.social
February 1 · 1 hr 30 min
E20 - Jingo
Cam Pollard returns, joining Mark to discuss the 21st Discworld novel, Jingo. They discuss historical references, the underuse of Sybil Vimes, Vetinari's most hands on role, Pratchett's greatest idiot, balancing the cast of the Watch novels, differing levels of reading comprehension and Pratchett taking aim at the nobility. Please note that there is some fairly spoiler free discussion of future Watch novels. For social media, you can find us at: DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)
Dec 24, 2025 · 1 hr 40 min
E19 - Hogfather
Dr Jane Carroll, the Ussher Associate Professor in Children's Literature at Trinity College Dublin, joins Mark to discuss the20th Discworld novel, Hogfather. They discuss covering favourite books in your professional career, children's literature, Dickens, Pratchett making latin jokes, Pratchett referencing other author's making latin jokes, creating memorable characters, "everyone knows Charlie", and the even Star Trek Movie theory.
Nov 30, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
E18 - Feet of Clay
Multi award winning author Adrian Tchaikovsky (Children of Time, Dogs of War, The Tyrant Philosophers Series) joins Mark to discuss the 19th Discworld novel, Feet of Clay. They discuss Golems, influences, world building, why Pratchett's visual tricks are harder than you think, class, the Vetinari-Vimes dynamic, Pratchett puppeteering the reader, and Robocop references. For more about Adrian Tchaikovsky: - adriantchaikovsky.com- aptshadow.bsky.social (Bluesky)
Oct 31, 2025 · 1 hr 33 min
E17 - Maskerade
Jen Sugden, co-writer of the podcast Victoriocity and Wodehouse award nominated novel High Vaultage, joins us to discuss the 18th Discworld novel, Maskerade. We talk about adapting from scripted comedy to novels, crafting jokes, Cultural Osmosis, exclamation marks, bathos, Pratchett's publishing potshots, the challenges of fan favourites, funny villains and the complicated depiction of Agnes Nitt. Jen's work: Victoriocity (Spotify): https://bit.ly/3Lge2xQ Victoriocity (Amazon): https://bit.ly/3LByFEG High Vaultage (Amazon.co.uk): https://bit.ly/4oM3t44 Social media links: Jen - @JenSugden (Twitter), @jensugden.bsky.social (Bluesky) Victoriocity - @victoriocity (Twitter) DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)
Sep 30, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
E16 - Interesting Times
Stuart Iversen returns as we discuss the 17th Discworld novel, Interesting Times. We talk about updating the Rincewind formula, the flexability of Mustrum Ridcully, Terry Pratchett's middle class revolutionaries, comparing Interesting Times to One Piece, comparing Cohen the Barbarian to a Scottish footballer, how humour ages and the elephant in the room. Please note that there may be some mild spoilers for The Last Continent . For social media, you can find us at: Stuart - @Iversen83 (Twitter), Ramblingsaboutwrestling.com DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)
Aug 31, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
E15 - Soul Music
The bluegrass playing, guitar making, amateur cello repairman Dermot Byrne returns to discuss the 16th Discworld novel, Soul Music. We attempt to take Pratchett's vision apart with inexpert tools, discussing Pratchett's views on education, the music industry, groanworthy puns, dated references and Mustrum Ridcully's caring side. Please note that there may be some mild spoilers for future Death books and Feet of Clay. For social media, you can find us at: DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)
Jul 31, 2025 · 1 hr 40 min
E14 - Men At Arms
Luke Jansen returns to join Mark in order to discuss the 15th Discworld novel, Men at Arms; a book that's not afraid to themes like prejudice, the corruptive influence of power, and retrophrenology. We also discuss the largest cast for a Discworld novel to date, the depths and contrasts of Corporal Carrot, innumerate polymaths, the power of jollying people along and vicious little poodles. Please note that there may be some mild spoilers for future Discworld city watch novels For social media, you can find us at: DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)
Jun 30, 2025 · 1 hr 44 min
E13 - Lords and Ladies
Dermot Byrne joins Mark to discuss the 14th Discworld novel, Lords and Ladies. We talk about Granny Weatherwax's trust, Magrat's story arc, Nanny Ogg maximising her minutes, parallels (lots and lots of parallels), Pratchetts love of blacksmiths, the ridiculously deep supporting cast, deep call backs, Pratchetts take on elves and which character gets Pratchett's best fight scenes so far. Please note that there may be some spoilers for future Discworld novels (mostly Maskerade & Carpe Jugulum) AND Adrian Tchaikovsky's Children of Time. For social media, you can find us at: DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)
Jun 1, 2025 · 1 hr 40 min
E12 - Small Gods
Cam Pollard joins Mark to discuss the 13th Discworld novel, Small Gods. We discuss Pratchett's stylistic choices, his bravery, the multitude of historical references, God vs religion, open mindedness vs closed mindedness, Small Gods as a lesson about the dangers of echo chambers, and Emperor Hadrian's boyfriend. Please note that there may be some spoilers for future Discworld novels (mostly the Thief of Time). DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)
Apr 30, 2025 · 1 hr 30 min
E11 - Witches Abroad
Nic Golding brings the perspective of a relative newcomer to Terry Pratchett as she joins Mark to discuss her favourite Discworld novel so far: The twelfth Discworld novel, Witches Abroad. We discuss how Marc Burrows' The Magic of Terry Pratchett made a new Discworld fan, the nature of Granny Weatherwax, the right amount of Nanny Ogg, bickering, Gaspode (yes, really) and why Nic prefers Witches Abroad. There's also a lot of thoughts about reading, taste, and what people appreciate in Pratchett's novels. Please note that there are some spoilers for future Discworld novels. DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)
Mar 30, 2025 · 1 hr 24 min
E10_Reaper_Man
Patrick W Reed returns, joining Mark to discuss the eleventh Discworld novel, Reaper Man. We look at the books sentimentality, the silliness of it's B plot and we even ask the question: Is it Pratchett's most English novel? Other discussion points include: practical women, Pratchett's lack of trust in his skills, dated references, Vampires as a class construct, Mystic Meg, The Simpsons and the context of common quotations. Please note that there are some spoilers for future Discworld novels. DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky) Patrick - @patrickwreed.bsky.social (Bluesky) Bunkum & Ballyhoo - @bunkumballyhoo.bsky.social (Bluesky) Days of Thunder - @WCWThunderPod (Twitter) The Days of Thunder Patreon page - alargemanappears.com
Feb 28, 2025 · 1 hr 26 min
E9 - Moving Pictures
Dave Ryan from the Days of Thunder podcast swaps the horrors of WCW in the year 2000 for the Creatures from the Dungeon Dimensions as he joins joins Mark to discuss the tenth Discworld novel: Moving Pictures. In this episode, we discuss debuting characters, how Victor Tugelbend feels like an early Discworld main character, Pratchett's possible opinions on Hollywood, Pratchett's turn of phrase, why this might be a Discworld hidden gem and an awful lot of movie references. Please note that there are some spoilers for future Discworld novels. DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky) Dave - @thedaytodave (Twitter & bluesky) Days of Thunder - @WCWThunderPod (Twitter) The Days of Thunder Patreon page - alargemanappears.com
Jan 30, 2025 · 58 min
E08-Eric
Liam Byrne joins Mark to discuss the ninth Discworld novel: Eric. In this episode, we discuss why there are two versions of Eric, Pratchett's obsession with bureaucracy, re-treading old paths, Pratchettian logic, Goodreads ratings and the benefits of short books. Please note that there are mild spoilers for future Discworld novels featuring Rincewind. DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (bluesky) Liam - @tvtimelimit (Twitter)
Dec 31, 2024 · 1 hr 23 min
E07 - Guards! Guards!
Stuart Iversen joins Mark to discuss the eighth Discworld novel: Guards! Guards! In this episode, we discuss why Guards! Guards! is a perfect example of a Discworld novel, Pratchett's ability to great interesting side characters, interesting choices for Discworld Pantomimes, and some rather interesting analogies (if you're a wrestling fan). Please note that there are mild spoilers for future Discworld novels, especially the Watch books. DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (bluesky) Stuart - @iversen83 (Twitter & Bluesky) Stuart's website: ramblingsaboutwrestling.com
Nov 30, 2024 · 1 hr 34 min
E06 - Pyramids
George Twigg (podcaster, author, Mastermind finalist) joins Mark to discuss the seventh Discworld novel: Pyramids. In this episode, topics of conversation include: Magical realism vs fantasy, pub quiz machines, terrines, Arnold Schwarzenegger, tradition holding back progress, Manchester United, Orientalism, "esoteric new age bullshit", diversity in modern fantasy, "tell not show", Hamlet references, the Great Pyramid of Giza, Lincoln Cathedral, Pratchett's travelogue books, William Huggins, Game of Thrones, reusing footnotes in video game manuals, lesser known London museums, art forgery, and lots of Ancient Egypt facts. DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (bluesky) George - @puropodcast (Twitter & Bluesky)

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