The One Piece Podcast: Episode 902, “A Squirrel Did This”
Date: January 20, 2026
Hosted by: Zach, Ed, and regular crew, with special guests Stephen Paul (official One Piece translator) and Sam Leach. Alex joins during the episode.
Main Theme:
This episode of The One Piece Podcast brings listeners up to speed on the newest One Piece chapter (1171), the latest One Piece live-action trailer, and the end of the highly anticipated Elbaf flashback. The crew reacts to manga developments, shares their thoughts on One Piece's ongoing world-building and character arcs, interprets Norse references, and discusses fan theories—all with the podcast's trademark blend of humor and deep expertise.
1. Episode Overview
- Focus: Manga recap for Chapter 1171 "Ragnar", the conclusion of the Elbaf flashback, key plot beats, theories on mythology-inspired powers, and reactions to the new live-action trailer.
- Other Segments: Community Q&A (Piece Together), Patreon promos, and musings about the show's ongoing direction.
2. Key Discussion Points & Insights
A. Elbaf Flashback Wrap-up & Chapter 1171 Recap
Elbaf, Loki, and God Valley
- The long-awaited Elbaf flashback concludes, revealing the tragic fate of King Harald and the political manipulations of the World Government.
- Discussion about the aftermath: Loki assumes the blame for regicide to protect Elbaf, carrying the burden as "father-slayer" but sparing his people the truth and further chaos.
- Jarl and Scopper Gabon counsel Loki and Shanks, tying this generation’s trauma to broader One Piece themes: heritage, leadership, and the cost of peace.
- The World Government's supreme power (Imu and the Five Elders) is shown as both immense and limited, revealing that their Covenant powers are not limitless and have a "cost."
Memorable quote:
“You still think ‘deserve’ has something to do with it.” – Ed, echoing the chapter’s theme of fate vs. merit (30:02)
Power of Myth & Nomenclature
- Stephen Paul dives into Norse etymology, explaining the “Nibelheim” attack—Oda’s playful adaptation of mythic concepts and Final Fantasy references for new One Piece techniques.
- The mysterious “D” is referenced ominously: “Elbaf is D,” prompting much speculation on what this means for the island's role in the Void Century.
Stephen Paul [43:33]:
“Oda has done a lot of very strange things with the name Elbaf, where he's used it to apply to several different things. … Hard to tell how much of this he’s being consistent with, or if he’s just writing as he goes.”
Loki’s Fate, Characterization, and Power
- Loki’s complex psychology is highlighted: cast as villain and martyr both by circumstance and by choice, he embodies multiple classic One Piece tropes.
- The hammer “Ragnar” is finally unleashed, enacting the “Nibelheim” move—freezing a monstrous Draugr in its tracks. Oda’s ambiguity around how these powers work prompts debate among the crew.
- Deep dive into translation choices, Scandinavian mythology, and how Oda synthesizes pop culture (Final Fantasy) into his world-building.
B. One Piece Live-Action News & Trailers
- Hype for upcoming Season 2 trailer, with Baroque Works on display and casting changes under discussion.
- The team muses on the pitfalls and camp of adapting anime to live-action, the costumes, and the “creepy critters” like Unluckies and Chopper’s CG.
Alex [17:26]:
“I heard that [David Dastmalchian, Mr. 3 actor] is actually a fan of One Piece. … I’m excited because the Unluckies are actually in it.”
C. Podcast News & Meta Humor
- Announcements: Patreon “Sticker of the Month” club, ad-free/extended episodes, and praise for recent episode artwork.
- Banter about weather, law school, and the bar exam as a running gag.
- They riff on the show’s structure—“messy and fun”—and the tradition of off-topic asides (e.g. extended squirrel discussion).
3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the "D" and Elbaf:
“Elbaf is D. … I don’t take it as ‘Elbaf is The D,’ but maybe it’s ‘Elbaf is rebel.’”
— Stephen Paul (41:18) -
On adapting anime to live-action:
“Everyone should be a Muppet except for Robin, and that would be the ideal adaptation.”
— Zach (19:02) -
On Norse mythology and translation:
“If Oda had done a pun in the kanji [for Nibelheim], maybe I’d have spelled it ‘Nibbleheim.’ But that wasn’t the intent—though if it’s your headcanon, you can run with it.”
— Stephen Paul (140:11) -
Loki’s journey in summary:
“Loki took the blame for his father’s death so his people could stay safe—he’s a sin eater, a martyr, which is very smart on his part.”
— Alex (48:51) -
Meta-podcast humor:
“This episode is just unusable. This is terrible.”
— Zach (35:00)
(“Delaney, feel free to cut all this…”—multiple occasions)
4. Timestamps for Important Segments
| Timestamp | Segment | |---------------|--------------------------------------------| | 01:35 | Introductions: Stephen Paul & Sam Leach | | 04:13 | Reflections on Oda Interview/Flashback | | 06:23 | Patreon News & “Sticker of the Month” | | 06:55 | Live-action S2 Trailer Reactions | | 11:30 | One Piece Universal Studios Announcement | | 19:39 | Manga Recap Starts (Ch. 1171 - “Ragnar”) | | 25:23 | Zoro Cover Illustration Discussion | | 45:10 | “Elbaf is D” – Emu Scene | | 54:57 | Transition back to Present Time—Flashback Ends | | 62:53 | Loki’s and Luffy’s Synergy; Loki’s Powers | | 66:00 | Extended talk: Translation of “Nibelheim” | | 82:24 | Chapter Reflections: Alex/Sam/Stephen | | 103:45 | Piece Together: Listener Q&A | | 129:49 | Final Questions & YouTube Q&A Experiment | | 143:26 | Wrap-up & Plugs |
5. Listener Q&A: Piece Together Highlights
- On Imu's True Form: Listeners speculate about the potential cost of Imu’s powers (“becoming a wrinkly worm grandma”).
- On Loki’s and Ragnarr’s Powers: Debate over whether Loki’s hammer is ice, lightning, or both—and how Oda blends Norse lore, Final Fantasy, and One Piece rules.
- On Straw Hat Fights: Fans express a desire for more one-on-one fights for the Straw Hats vs. focus on new arc-defining characters.
- On “The D” Will: More “D for Destiny/Deed/Rebellion” theorizing.
- Meta-game: Crew challenges each other to say something positive about their least favorite characters (“Absolom makes funny faces, which is Looney Tunes–esque. Maybe even endearing. If you ignore everything else.” - Stephen Paul, 120:54)
6. Recurring Jokes & Running Gags
- “A squirrel did that.”
- Extended Star Wars tangent (“They fly now!”).
- Speculating on Oda's translation/retconning quirks (“Only five fruits can fly!” debate, 113:05).
- Complaints about Episode bloat, podcast intros, and technical tangents (“Delaney, cut this—no, actually leave it in.”).
7. Crew Reflections & Thoughts
- Alex: Glad the flashback is over—ready for “real” Elbaf and to see more Straw Hat involvement.
- Sam: Enjoys the One Piece tradition of characters shouldering burdens and the familiar “honorably taking the fall” trope, but hopes for a fresh narrative twist.
- Stephen: Praises the richness of Loki’s characterization, and reminds listeners that Oda’s references and spellings are often idiosyncratic—enjoy the ride, don’t get too bogged down.
- Zach: Reflects on the structure of the flashback: individually, each story (Loki, Harald, God Valley) is compelling, but the overlap undercuts some emotional impact. Still, he’s hopeful and engaged for what comes next.
8. Final Words & Look Ahead
- Next week: Likely an SGS (the show’s Q&A/spoiler discussion) episode, as the manga is on break.
- The saga in Elbaf, Oda’s handling of Norse myth, and the return to present-day Straw Hat action will be key topics moving forward.
Summary in a Nutshell
Episode 902 is a lively, detailed breakdown of One Piece’s recent Elbaf arc, the finish of the giant flashback, and the deepening of the manga’s lore. The hosts balance serious discussion of the manga’s literary depth, translation challenges, and mythological roots with irreverent commentary, in-jokes, and ample fan interaction. Whether you want theories on “the Will of D,” a breakdown of Oda’s naming quirks, or a hearty argument about squirrels versus chipmunks—it’s classic One Piece Podcast from start to finish.