Queens of Fantasy Podcast

Marissa Trarback, Alix Calfa, Taylor Andresen

This is the Queens of Fantasy podcast, a podcast dedicated to deeply analyzing, discussing, and reading fantasy series alongside other readers. Each season of this podcast is dedicated to a specific fantasy series and/or author. The Queens in this podcast include myself, Marissa, Alix, and Taylor. We are your guides and companions for your adventure through various fantasy worlds.

  1. EPISODE 2

    A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin, Part One : Chapter 1-6

    Hello and welcome to the second season of the Queens of Fantasy podcast! We dive in to Ursula Le Guin's world of Earthsea, with Queen Tay challenging characters to summon her spirit and see what happens, throwing out some theories as we go. Queen Marissa has to watch her tongue for spoilers for the moment, but shares in Tay's feelings about how Ged greets the dragons. Queen Al is with us in spirit, and will come for you if you use our true names against us. Grab your wizard's staff and embark on the Queens next journey, A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin, book one of the Earthsea Series. This episode includes the Name Game, and the Queens first Most Valuable and Least Valuable character rankings Content Warnings:Please take care of yourself. We talk about the following in this podcast:  Domestic AbuseRapeSexual AssaultSexual HarassmentTransphobiaHomophobiaTorturePhysical AbuseEmotional AbuseGore & ViolenceMisogynySexismChild AbuseDeathRacismDeadnamingSuicideSuicidal Thoughts/IdeationYou can support our project by donating here. If you'd like to join our discord server, you can do so here. Find us on Instagram at @queensoffantasypod. Please also consider checking out our sister podcast, The Book Jar Pod. If you'd like to find a specific Queen online, please see:Taylor: Personal Instagram | StoryGraphMarissa: Personal Instagram | The Book Jar Pod | StoryGraph | Crowned HeathensAlix: Personal Instagram | StoryGraph Background music via https://www.FesliyanStu Timestamps:00:00 The Creation of Éa0:37 Intro4:04 Short Summary5:20 Start of In-Depth Analysis 37:11 Don't Worry, I'll Summon a Woman Spirit51:48 Man Meets Dragon56:41 Theories by Tay 1:11:52 Homework1:13:22 More Theories by Tay 1:14:01 Game Time : The Name Game 1:25:37 MVP / LVP1:30:04 Outro & Socials1:31:57 Bloopers

    1h 32m
  2. EPISODE 3

    A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin, Part Two : Chapter 7-10

    One book down, five more to go! In this episode, your fave Queens finish off A Wizard of Earthsea, the first installment in the  Earthsea Cycle Series. Expect discussions on why a gull is not the ideal escape bird, the description neither Queen will forgive Le Guin for forcing us to read, and our continual wonder on how Ged becomes a proficient (let alone, remarkable?) wizard. Queen Tay bonds with Ged over his desire to see the whales and Queen Marissa talks about the hidden meaning behind herbs, flowers, trees, and other plants. Come aboard Lookfar, and join your Queens as we finish book one A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin, book one of the Earthsea Series. This episode includes a returning favourtie game, What's the Vibe? We also complete our first book review in Earthsea, as well as reveal our Most Valuable and Least Valuable character rankings. Content Warnings:Please take care of yourself. We talk about the following in this podcast:  Animal/Pet DeathDomestic AbuseRapeSexual AssaultSexual HarassmentPhysical AbuseEmotional AbuseGore & ViolenceMisogynySexismChild AbuseDeathRacismYou can support our project by donating here. If you'd like to join our discord server, you can do so here. Find us on Instagram at @queensoffantasypod. Please also consider checking out our sister podcast, The Book Jar Pod. If you'd like to find a specific Queen online, please see:Taylor: Personal Instagram | StoryGraphMarissa: Personal Instagram | The Book Jar Pod | StoryGraph | Crowned HeathensAlix: Personal Instagram | StoryGraph Background music via https://www.FesliyanStu Timestamps:00:00 The Creation of Éa0:39 Intro5:51 Short Summary6:18 Start of In-Depth Analysis 33:33 Master, I Go Hunting1:14:31 The Afterwards1:34:22 Book Reviews1:49:46 Game Time: What's the Vibe?1:58:32 MVP / LVP2:00:19 Reading Homework2:01:48 Outro & Socials2:03:25 Bloopers

    2h 6m
  3. EPISODE 4

    The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula Le Guin, Part One : Chapters 1-6

    The Queens crack open the second book of the Earthsea Cycle and are introduced to a new set of characters on a new island. As we explore our new setting, Queen Marissa is intrigued by rituals and disturbed by a father's love or lack there of. Queen Tay wants clarification on the structure of a particular item and both Queens have the same incorrect mental image of the Undertomb. Don't let go of the wall as we navigate The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula Le Guin, book two of the Earthsea Series. The Queens wrap up this episode with a game of Build-a-Labyrinth where Tay and Marissa describe what their personal labyrinths would be like, before giving their best and worst character rankings. Content Warnings:Please take care of yourself. We talk about the following in this podcast:  Domestic AbuseRapeSexual AssaultSexual HarassmentTransphobiaHomophobiaTorturePhysical AbuseEmotional AbuseGore & ViolenceMisogynySexismChild AbuseDeathRacismDeadnamingSuicideSuicidal Thoughts/IdeationYou can support our project by donating here. If you'd like to join our discord server, you can do so here. Find us on Instagram at @queensoffantasypod. Please also consider checking out our sister podcast, The Book Jar Pod. If you'd like to find a specific Queen online, please see:Taylor: Personal Instagram | StoryGraphMarissa: Personal Instagram | The Book Jar Pod | StoryGraph | Crowned HeathensAlix: Personal Instagram | StoryGraph Background music via https://www.FesliyanStu Timestamps:00:00 The Creation of Éa0:37 Intro2:09 Short Summary3:44 Start of In-Depth Analysis9:49 Off With Her Head?49:02 Ring = Amulet1:30:12 Homework1:30:20 Game Time : Build-a-Labyrinth1:43:11 MVP / LVP1:47:18 Outro & Socials1:49:03 Bloopers

    1h 49m
  4. EPISODE 5

    The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula Le Guin, Part Two : Chapters 7-12

    It's time to escape the Tombs of Atuan... and not a moment too soon. Queens Tay and Marissa watch the darkness as our two characters navigate the underground. Queen Marissa wonders whether Sparrowhawk is speaking metaphorically or literally, Queen Tay has science questions she needs answered, and they both wish they could hug our main characters. Dim your lights and join us as we finish traversing in the dark, closing out the final chapter of The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula Le Guin, book two of the Earthsea Series. The Queens wrap up this episode with their book reviews, followed by a classic Queens of Fantasy game of "It's Giving." They end it off by giving their best and worst character rankings. Content Warnings:Please take care of yourself. We talk about the following in this podcast:  Domestic AbuseRapeSexual AssaultSexual HarassmentTransphobiaHomophobiaTorturePhysical AbuseEmotional AbuseGore & ViolenceMisogynySexismChild AbuseDeathRacismDeadnamingSuicideSuicidal Thoughts/IdeationYou can support our project by donating here. If you'd like to join our discord server, you can do so here. Find us on Instagram at @queensoffantasypod. Please also consider checking out our sister podcast, The Book Jar Pod. If you'd like to find a specific Queen online, please see:Taylor: Personal Instagram | StoryGraphMarissa: Personal Instagram | The Book Jar Pod | StoryGraph | Crowned HeathensAlix: Personal Instagram | StoryGraph Background music via https://www.FesliyanStu Timestamps:00:00 The Creation of Éa0:40 Intro3:27 Short Summary4:10 Start of In-Depth Analysis19:44 Dragon... Or Bird?38:03 All About That Ring1:02:07 Literally Holding the Roof Over Their Heads1:26:07 A Note on the Afterwards1:50:37 Book Reviews2:01:52 Game Time: It's Giving2:09:42 MVP / LVP2:15:05 Outro & Socials2:16:53 Bloopers

    2h 20m
  5. EPISODE 6

    The Farthest Shore by Ursula Le Guin, Part One : Chapters 1-8

    Eighteen years have passed, and it is time for another Earthsea adventure! We meet new characters, begin a new quest and new questions are raised for Queen Tay like how many people know Ged's true name? And what is with people kissing other people's eyes? Queen Marissa is jotting down an old woman's poetic rant as she backs away slowly and the Queens discover their Celtic tree zodiacs. So climb aboard our boat as we set sail with The Farthest Shore by Ursula Le Guin, book three of the Earthsea Series. This episode concludes with a game where the Queens help our characters curate the perfect sailing playlist for their long journey, as well as Marissa and Tay's best and worst character rankings.  Content Warnings:Please take care of yourself. We talk about the following in this podcast:  Domestic AbuseRapeSexual AssaultSexual HarassmentTransphobiaHomophobiaTorturePhysical AbuseEmotional AbuseGore & ViolenceMisogynySexismChild AbuseDeathRacismDeadnamingSuicideSuicidal Thoughts/IdeationYou can support our project by donating here. If you'd like to join our discord server, you can do so here. Find us on Instagram at @queensoffantasypod. Please also consider checking out our sister podcast, The Book Jar Pod. If you'd like to find a specific Queen online, please see:Taylor: Personal Instagram | StoryGraphMarissa: Personal Instagram | The Book Jar Pod | StoryGraph | Crowned HeathensAlix: Personal Instagram | StoryGraph Background music via https://www.FesliyanStu Timestamps:00:00 The Creation of Éa0:37 Intro3:57 Short Summary8:13 Start of In-Depth Analysis 14:10 Wait, How Many People Know Ged's Name?1:06:12 STOP. KISSING. EYES.1:30:18 Game Time : Sailing Playlist1:45:57 MVP & LVP1:47:12 Homework1:47:38 Outro & Socials1:49:23 Bloopers

    1h 50m
  6. EPISODE 7

    The Farthest Shore by Ursula Le Guin, Part Two : Chapters 9-13

    Ready to sail to the true farthest shore? In this episode, we finish off the third instalment in Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea Series, and we catch every singed hair along the way. Queens Tay and Marissa find themselves waiting around for Ged to finish monologuing, watching out for Ged's barbed words, and hoping that Arran has never missed a gym day. Queen Tay looks out for Rand of all people in Earhtsea, while Queen Marissa shares her knowledge about dragons. Listen along as your Queens laugh, cry, and shout about their most recent journey through The Farthest Shore by Ursula Le Guin, book three of the Earthsea Series. We finish off this episode with our book reviews and our best and worst character rankings, as well as with a brand new game we like to call: DRAGONS! Our next podcast will be released September 1st, 2025, and will cover Chapters 1-10 of Tehanu, the fourth book in Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea Series. Content Warnings:Please take care of yourself. We talk about the following in this podcast:  Domestic AbuseAnimal DeathRapeSexual AssaultSexual HarassmentTransphobiaHomophobiaTorturePhysical AbuseEmotional AbuseGore & ViolenceMisogynySexismChild AbuseDeathRacismDeadnamingSuicideSuicidal Thoughts/IdeationYou can support our project by donating here. If you'd like to join our discord server, you can do so here. Find us on Instagram at @queensoffantasypod. Please also consider checking out our sister podcast, The Book Jar Pod. If you'd like to find a specific Queen online, please see:Taylor: Personal Instagram | StoryGraphMarissa: Personal Instagram | The Book Jar Pod | StoryGraph | Crowned HeathensAlix: Personal Instagram | StoryGraph Background music via https://www.FesliyanStu Timestamps:00:00 The Creation of Éa0:40 Intro1:58 Short Summary3:28 Start of In-Depth Analysis 4:29 Why Is Rand Here?22:59 An Impromptu Haircut58:00 The Mean Girl Ged1:13:10 Spoiler Warning: ToG and WoT1:20:01 The Afterword1:37:13 Book Reviews1:45:06 Game Time: DRAGONS!1:56:21 MVP & LVP1:57:30 Homework1:58:01 Outro & Socials2:00:05 Bloopers

    2h 4m
  7. EPISODE 8

    Tehanu by Ursula Le Guin, Part One : Chapters 1-10

    The Queens pick up the fourth book in Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea Series, where we take a a deeper look at the life of women in this world, meet new characters, say goodbye to old ones, and try to hold it together through the saddest section we've read yet. Queen Marissa won't stand disrespectful interference of burial rituals, Queen Tay gives a PSA for men to do dishes, and both were very confused at the way wizard celibacy was revealed. So brace for trauma, and join us as we discuss Tehanu by Ursula Le Guin. This episode wraps up with a game of Astrological Signs, and classically, Tay and Marissa's best and worst character of the section. Our next podcast will be released September 15th, 2025, and will cover Chapters 11-14 of Tehanu, the fourth book in Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea Series. Content Warnings:Please take care of yourself. We talk about the following in this podcast:  Domestic AbuseAnimal DeathRapeSexual AssaultSexual HarassmentTransphobiaHomophobiaTorturePhysical AbuseEmotional AbuseGore & ViolenceMisogynySexismChild AbuseDeathRacismDeadnamingSuicideSuicidal Thoughts/IdeationYou can support our project by donating here. If you'd like to join our discord server, you can do so here. Find us on Instagram at @queensoffantasypod. Please also consider checking out our sister podcast, The Book Jar Pod. If you'd like to find a specific Queen online, please see:Taylor: Personal Instagram | StoryGraphMarissa: Personal Instagram | The Book Jar Pod | StoryGraph | Crowned HeathensAlix: Personal Instagram | StoryGraph Background music via https://www.FesliyanStu Timestamps:00:00 The Creation of Éa00:37 Intro2:36 Short Summary3:07 Content Warning 3:55 Start of In-Depth Analysis16:26 RIP Old Friend31:16 Content Warning 45:25 The Binary of Earthsea1:10:20 Confusingly Celibate Wizards1:10:32 Content Warning 1:41:28 Why Is This So SAD?1:57:21 Game Time : Astrological Signs2:18:36 MVP / LVP2:20:36 Homework2:23:07 Outro & Socials2:25:05 Bloopers

    2h 25m
  8. EPISODE 9

    Tehanu by Ursula Le Guin, Part One : Chapters 11-14

    The Queens finish out the fourth book in Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea Series, Tehanu. In this episode, both Queens are confronted with multiple reenactments of their literal nightmares. Queen Tay wishes one theory had been correct so she wouldn't have to see a certain character, while Marissa kicks her feet with glee at the long overdue commencement of a relationship. We're following our favourite characters as they wield pitchforks, doctor up their enemies, and find themselves caught in a trap so tightly that only a dragon can save them. In other words, join the conclusion to this adventure as we finish out this instalment of the Earthsea Series, Tehanu by Ursula Le Guin. This episode wraps up with both Queens presenting their reviews of the novel, followed by a returning favourite game: It's Giving. Lastly, Tay and Marissa nominate the best and worst characters of the section. Our next podcast will be released on October 1st, 2025, and will cover the first three stories from the Tales From Earthsea, the fifth book in Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea Series. The first three stories are titled: The Finder, Darkrose and Diamond, and The Bones of the Earth. Content Warnings:Please take care of yourself. We talk about the following in this podcast:  Domestic AbuseAnimal DeathRapeSexual AssaultSexual HarassmentLight References to Sexual ContentTransphobiaHomophobiaTorturePhysical AbuseEmotional AbuseGore & ViolenceMisogynySexismChild AbuseDeathRacismSuicideSuicidal Thoughts/IdeationYou can support our project by donating here. If you'd like to join our discord server, you can do so here. Find us on Instagram at @queensoffantasypod. Please also consider checking out our sister podcast, The Book Jar Pod. If you'd like to find a specific Queen online, please see:Taylor: Personal Instagram | StoryGraphMarissa: Personal Instagram | The Book Jar Pod | StoryGraph | Crowned HeathensAlix: Personal Instagram | StoryGraph Background music via https://www.FesliyanStu Timestamps:00:00 The Creation of Éa0:40 Intro2:32 Short Summary5:12 A Literal Nightmare17:17 CW: Sexual Content, Sexual Assault, Child Abuse30:15 Horny-Skinned Wild Creature49:30 The She-Kings of Fantasy Podcast1:00:52 Oh, Look! Another Nightmare1:20:45 The Afterword1:27:16 Book Reviews1:34:14 Game Time: It's Giving1:42:04 Homework!1:42:40 Fave and Least Fave Characters1:43:35 Outro & Socials1:45:16 Bloopers

    1h 48m
  9. EPISODE 10

    Tales from Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin, Part One : Chapters 1-3

    The Queens get a look around other times and places of Earthsea with book five, Tales from Earthsea, a collection of short stories. We get to see the creation of the school on Roke, a conversation about mercury that no one asked for, teenaged love, and an old friend while he was young and hot. Queen Marissa gets excited by a romance, Queen Tay gets upset over dirty feet, and both Queens stumble over names, because who knows how to pronounce anything? Join us for some laughs on our field trip through Tales from Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin. The Queens get a little wild with a game of Smash or Pass, then top off the episode with their favourite and least favourite characters from this section. The next episode of this podcast will cover the final two stories in Tales from Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin. Content Warnings:Please take care of yourself. We talk about the following in this podcast:  Domestic AbuseAnimal DeathRapeSexual AssaultSexual HarassmentTransphobiaHomophobiaTorturePhysical AbuseEmotional AbuseGore & ViolenceMisogynySexismChild AbuseDeathRacismDeadnamingSuicideSuicidal Thoughts/IdeationYou can support our project by donating here. If you'd like to join our discord server, you can do so here. Find us on Instagram at @queensoffantasypod. Please also consider checking out our sister podcast, The Book Jar Pod. If you'd like to find a specific Queen online, please see:Taylor: Personal Instagram | StoryGraphMarissa: Personal Instagram | The Book Jar Pod | StoryGraph | Crowned HeathensAlix: Personal Instagram | StoryGraph Background music via https://www.FesliyanStu Timestamps:00:00 The Creation of Éa0:36 Intro3:05 Start of In-Depth Analysis13:17 Are You Afraid of the King?16:21 CW : Rape, Incest, Sexual Assault41:52 Darkrose & Diamond48:21 Just Communicate!58:48 Bones of the Earth1:13:24 Game : Smash or Pass1:24:25 MVP / LVP1:25:53 Homework1:26:12 Outro & Socials1:27:37 Bloopers

    1h 28m
  10. EPISODE 11

    Tales from Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin, Part Two: Tales 4-5

    We continue our journey into short stories around Earthsea by finishing book five, Tales from Earthsea. Expect an unexpected (and rather passionate) rant from Queen Tay on the danger of bovine companions. And, not to be outperformed, Queen Marissa monologues about a rose, Shakespeare, and symbolism. We're traveling the sky and sea in this one, so come prepared for home safety tips, discussions of bad boys, and of course, a look at your next bit of homework. Or, in other words, join us as we wrap up the second last book in the Earthsea Series, Tales from Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin. In the last bit of the podcast, we review the book and then play a game: DND Classes! Finally, we end off with our fave and least fave characters. The next episode of this podcast will be out on November 1, 2025 and will cover the first three chapters of the final instalment in the series, The Other Wind by Ursula Le Guin. Content Warnings:Please take care of yourself. We talk about the following in this podcast:  Domestic AbuseAnimal DeathRapeSexual AssaultSexual HarassmentTransphobiaHomophobiaTorturePhysical AbuseEmotional AbuseGore & ViolenceMisogynySexismChild AbuseDeathRacismDeadnamingSuicideSuicidal Thoughts/IdeationYou can support our project by donating here. If you'd like to join our discord server, you can do so here. Find us on Instagram at @queensoffantasypod. Please also consider checking out our sister podcast, The Book Jar Pod. If you'd like to find a specific Queen online, please see:Taylor: Personal Instagram | StoryGraphMarissa: Personal Instagram | The Book Jar Pod | StoryGraph | Crowned HeathensAlix: Personal Instagram | StoryGraph Background music via https://www.FesliyanStu Timestamps:00:00 The Creation of Éa0:40 Intro5:18 Start of In-Depth Analysis21:54 We All Love A Bad Boy31:16 Dragonfly42:53 A Rose By Any Other Name49:58 CW: Sexual Assault, Rape, Attempted Rape, Date Rape1:00:55 Who Fits the Job Description?1:04:29 Book Reviews1:11:47 Game: DND Classes!1:42:46 MVP / LVP1:43:46 Homework1:45:44 Outro & Socials1:47:05 Bloopers

    1h 50m
  11. EPISODE 12

    The Other Wind by Ursula Le Guin, Part One : Chapters 1-3

    The Queens embark on the beginning of the end by reading the first three chapters of our final book in the series, The Other Wind by Ursula Le Guin. Theories and threats to riot are made, the Queens wonder at the round-about terms for women who love each other, and call for Tenar to be shown the respect she deserves. For the game this episode, the Queens are sending out Postcards from Earthsea, and as always close out the show with their most and least favourite characters. The next episode of this podcast will cover the final two chapters in The Other Wind by Ursula Le Guin. Content Warnings:Please take care of yourself. We talk about the following in this podcast:  Domestic AbuseAnimal DeathRapeSexual AssaultSexual HarassmentTransphobiaHomophobiaTorturePhysical AbuseEmotional AbuseGore & ViolenceMisogynySexismChild AbuseDeathRacismDeadnamingSuicideSuicidal Thoughts/IdeationYou can support our project by donating here. If you'd like to join our discord server, you can do so here. Find us on Instagram at @queensoffantasypod. Please also consider checking out our sister podcast, The Book Jar Pod. If you'd like to find a specific Queen online, please see:Taylor: Personal Instagram | StoryGraphMarissa: Personal Instagram | The Book Jar Pod | StoryGraph | Crowned HeathensAlix: Personal Instagram | StoryGraph Background music via https://www.FesliyanStu Timestamps:00:00 The Creation of Éa0:38 Intro3:23 Short Summary 4:39 Start of In-Depth Analysis1:04:06 Homework1:04:32 Game Time : Postcards from Earthsea1:21:58 MVP / LVP1:26:31 Outro & Socials1:28:20 Bloopers

    1h 29m

About

This is the Queens of Fantasy podcast, a podcast dedicated to deeply analyzing, discussing, and reading fantasy series alongside other readers. Each season of this podcast is dedicated to a specific fantasy series and/or author. The Queens in this podcast include myself, Marissa, Alix, and Taylor. We are your guides and companions for your adventure through various fantasy worlds.