Search a title or topic

Over 20 million podcasts, powered by 

Player FM logo
Artwork

Content provided by The Lorehounds. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by The Lorehounds or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.
Player FM - Podcast App
Go offline with the Player FM app!

Heat Death: From Tolkien's Orcs to Star Wars' Empire - Asher and Saul Elbein Interview

1:39:12
 
Share
 

Manage episode 505537570 series 3402972
Content provided by The Lorehounds. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by The Lorehounds or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.

David sits down with brothers Asher and Saul Elbein, the journalist duo behind the fascinating newsletter and website Heat Death. In this wide-ranging conversation, they explore the intersection of pop culture and politics through two major lenses: Tolkien's orcs and the decline of the Star Wars galaxy.

The discussion begins with their viral article "Orc is Man to Orc," examining the problematic nature of irredeemable species in fantasy and how colonial thinking shapes our understanding of the "other." From there, they dive into their ambitious "Decline and Fall" series, which traces Star Wars as an imperial chronicle - weaving together in-universe history, real-world American politics, and corporate IP ownership from Lucas to Disney.

The brothers bring their unique perspective as working journalists to bear on everything from anthropological theory to the "enshittification" of modern media. They discuss their approach to cultural criticism, the challenge of finding nutrition versus junk food in contemporary entertainment, and why they believe fiction serves as a crystal facet reflecting every aspect of our culture.

Check out Heat Death here:

https://heat-death.ghost.io/

You can find Asher at his website and on BlueSky:

https://www.asherelbein.com/

https://bsky.app/profile/asherelbein.bsky.social

And, you can find Saul under his byline at The Hill and also on BlueSky:

https://thehill.com/author/saul-elbein/

https://bsky.app/profile/saulelbein.bsky.social

Contact Us Questions or comments?

Send emails to: [email protected]

Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates

https://linktr.ee/thelorehounds

Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.


Our Sponsors:
* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/lorehounds
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
  continue reading

509 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 505537570 series 3402972
Content provided by The Lorehounds. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by The Lorehounds or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.

David sits down with brothers Asher and Saul Elbein, the journalist duo behind the fascinating newsletter and website Heat Death. In this wide-ranging conversation, they explore the intersection of pop culture and politics through two major lenses: Tolkien's orcs and the decline of the Star Wars galaxy.

The discussion begins with their viral article "Orc is Man to Orc," examining the problematic nature of irredeemable species in fantasy and how colonial thinking shapes our understanding of the "other." From there, they dive into their ambitious "Decline and Fall" series, which traces Star Wars as an imperial chronicle - weaving together in-universe history, real-world American politics, and corporate IP ownership from Lucas to Disney.

The brothers bring their unique perspective as working journalists to bear on everything from anthropological theory to the "enshittification" of modern media. They discuss their approach to cultural criticism, the challenge of finding nutrition versus junk food in contemporary entertainment, and why they believe fiction serves as a crystal facet reflecting every aspect of our culture.

Check out Heat Death here:

https://heat-death.ghost.io/

You can find Asher at his website and on BlueSky:

https://www.asherelbein.com/

https://bsky.app/profile/asherelbein.bsky.social

And, you can find Saul under his byline at The Hill and also on BlueSky:

https://thehill.com/author/saul-elbein/

https://bsky.app/profile/saulelbein.bsky.social

Contact Us Questions or comments?

Send emails to: [email protected]

Links to Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates

https://linktr.ee/thelorehounds

Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.


Our Sponsors:
* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/lorehounds
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
  continue reading

509 episodes

All episodes

×
 
Loading …

Welcome to Player FM!

Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.

 

Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright
Listen to this show while you explore
Play