Podcast
Journey to the West: The Podcast
Hosted by Richard Tseng · EN
Join us each week as we take listeners through one of China's most beloved novels. Meet Sun Wukong the Monkey King, his Buddhist master, Xuanzhang, the lustful monster Pigsy aka Zhu Bajie, and the reformed sand demon, Sha Wujing, and journey with them to India to acquire invaluable Buddhist scriptures.
This immortal tale has delighted billions of Asian children yet is relatively unknown here in the west. This podcast aims to change that!
Childhood friends Richard Tseng and James Young will read and review every single chapter of the Anthony C Yu translation of Wu Chen'en's epic book. Along the way, we'll bust myths (did the Sun Wukong really burst out of stone?) examine its impact (Which world-famous animes did this legend inspire?) and learn more about Asian culture and its myths overall (which Indian monkey god inspired our monkey king?)
So quit monkeying around Subscribe, and let's hit the silk road!
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Keep on going with Journey of the Monkey King!
Sep 17, 202101:16:06Tap to summarizeThis week we take you behind the scenes of the Journey of the Monkey King Podcast. If you're not quite ready to go full enlightened after our last chapter, then listen to Caoimhe and Emjay give you the Chinese classic from a whole new angle. Follow them on social at: https://twitter.com/monkeykingpod https://twitter.com/oakreef https://twitter.com/taoiseachotrash https://instagram.com/emjaystokes/
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Chapter 100: You're a Buddha! And You're a Buddha! And... you're a janitor!
Sep 3, 202100:46:15Tap to summarizeThis week marks the conclusion of our Journey to the West! Monkey King and friends become buddhas, bodhisattvas, and arhats. But Tathagata has a special surprise waiting for Wuneng the pig... Thank you all for joining us on this trek, may you all know the root of happiness and be free of suffering!
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Chapter 99: Ordeal with it!
Aug 27, 202100:33:15Tap to summarizeGuanyin does some quick math and realizes that the pilgrims, including Monkey King and his master, are one ordeal short of the set needed to achieve enlightenment. So they get dumped on a turtle who reminds Tripitaka of a promise he once made...
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Chapter 98: How the West Was One
Aug 20, 202100:59:18Tap to summarizeThe Monkey King has arrived! But first, Tripitaka must cast off his earthly body and cross the river that lies before Thunderclap Mountain, and then just before they get their scriptures, the librarians want a bribe. Could this journey get any harder? Find out this week!
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Chapter 97: Monkey Justice! with Monkey King researcher Jim McClanahan
Aug 13, 202101:33:41Tap to summarizeAfter the pilgrims' awkward parting last chapter, a group of bandits descend on their hosts' home and kill Squire Kou! Kou's wife blames Wukong and the gang in her grief and everyone gets arrested. No demons and no fighting, yet this is the favorite chapter of JourneyToTheWestResearch.com Find out why this week!
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Scott Park Phillips Returns For Our 100th Episode!
Aug 6, 202101:30:36Tap to summarizeThis week we are excited to welcome back one of our favorite guests, Scott Park Phillips. In addition to enlightening us on many more fascinating aspects of Journey to the West, Scott is also launching a new course and newsletter. Sign up for fascinating insights at ScottParkPhillips.substack.com
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Chapter 96: Monkey and Friends Understay Their Welcome
Jul 30, 202100:44:05Tap to summarizeWhen you're the last 4 monks to be fed by a philanthropist who's vowed to feed 10,000 monks, some partying is bound to ensue. But when everyone but pig Wuneng is tired of all the feasting and try to hit the scripture trail, they offend their host's wife. Ruin a party or scrap the holy mission? Find out this week!
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Chapter 95: Silly Rabbit, Tripitaka's Not For Monstrous Deviates!
Jul 23, 202101:03:34Tap to summarizeTripitaka's bride-to-be is unmasked as the Jade Hare, her divine owners come calling, and we get a heartfelt reunion between the royal family with the real princess. Plus, we discuss gender dynamics and catcalling during Monkey King's time. Don't miss it!
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Chapter 94: As the Wedding Day Looms, Tripitaka's Poetry Blooms!
Jul 16, 202100:40:45Tap to summarizeWith the wedding of Tripitaka to the fiendish princess arranged, the feasting begins! Wuneng's having the time of his life with daily banquets, despite Wujing's disapproving jibes. Tripitaka's composing poetry to deal with his anxiety. But all is not lost, for Monkey's got a plan. Find out what it is this week!
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Chapter 93: Forced to Marry a Princess! Will Tripitaka's Journey End Here?
Jul 9, 202100:49:23Tap to summarizeThis week Wukong the Monkey King and the gang hear about a princess who mysteriously turns up at the monastery they're staying in. Later, Tripitaka visits the capital where he's marked for marriage by her doppelganger. What's going on? Find out this week!
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