Discworld Order

Discworld Order

By 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.
Currently playing episode

E11 - Witches Abroad

Discworld OrderApr 30, 2025
00:00
01:30:09
E25 - Thief of Time

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)

Jul 06, 202601:02:09
E24 - The Truth

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)

Jun 01, 202601:18:06
E23 - The Fifth Elephant

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)

Apr 30, 202601:06:32
E22 - Carpe Jugulum

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)

Apr 01, 202603:01:43
E21 - The Last Continent
Mar 01, 202601:07:48
E20 - Jingo

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)

Feb 01, 202601:30:45
E19 - Hogfather

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.


Dec 24, 202501:40:38
E18 - Feet of Clay
Nov 30, 202501:16:14
E17 - Maskerade

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)

Oct 31, 202501:33:42
E16 - Interesting Times

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)


Sep 30, 202501:16:21
E15 - Soul Music

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)

Aug 31, 202501:18:41
E14 - Men At Arms

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)

Jul 31, 202501:40:04
E13 - Lords and Ladies

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 30, 202501:44:27
E12 - Small Gods

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)

Jun 01, 202501:40:42
E11 - Witches Abroad

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)

Apr 30, 202501:30:09
E10_Reaper_Man

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


Mar 30, 202501:24:02
E9 - Moving Pictures

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


Feb 28, 202501:26:53
E08-Eric

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)

Jan 30, 202558:30
E07 - Guards! Guards!
Dec 31, 202401:23:27
E06 - Pyramids

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)

Nov 30, 202401:34:26
 E05 – Wyrd Sisters

E05 – Wyrd Sisters

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 the guest's history with fantasy fiction, their Discworld fandom and the novel in question.

Sarah Parkin returns to discuss the sixth Discworld novel: Wyrd Sisters. The chat covers the usual subjects when it comes to Wyrd Sisters:
Character dynamics
Shakespeare
The Hedgehog Song
Throne of Blood
Foreshadowing
Pratchett hitting his stride
Playing with Lord & Lady Macbeth
Bickering
Wrestlers doing Macbeth?

Spoiler warning: Please note that there are some significant spoilers for Lords & Ladies, Maskerade and Carpe Jugulum.
DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky)
Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter)
Sarah - @SarahParkin1 (Twitter & Bluesky)

Oct 31, 202401:44:01
E04 - Sourcery

E04 - Sourcery

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


This episode, Mark is joined by Luke Jansen to discuss the fifth Discworld novel: Sourcery.


We explore an often maligned book in the series, looking at it's value as well as it's weaknesses, why it can feel like a step backwards and who is the best character in the book.


Please note that there may be some mild spoilers regarding future books in the Discworld series. 

Follow the podcast on Bluesky - @discworldorder.bsky.social

and on Twitter/X - @DiscWorldOrder

Follow Mark on Twitter - @monkey_buckles

Sep 30, 202401:01:16
E03 - Mort

E03 - Mort

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


This episode, Mark is joined by Patrick W. Reed, the author of Kayfabe: A mostly true history of professional wresting, to discuss the fourth Discworld novel: Mort.


Please note that there may be some mild spoilers regarding future books in the Discworld series. 


Follow the podcast on Twitter/X - @DiscWorldOrder

Mark - @monkey_buckles

Patrick - @Patrick_W_Reed

Patricks website is patrickwreed.com

Sep 01, 202401:11:23
E02 - Equal Rites

E02 - Equal Rites

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 the guest's history with fantasy fiction, their Discworld fandom and the novel in question.


This episode, Mark is joined by Sarah Parkin as they discuss the third Discworld novel: Equal Rites.


Please note that there are some spoilers regarding the other witches books in the Discworld series. 


Follow the podcast on Twitter/X - @DiscWorldOrder

Mark - @monkey_buckles

Sarah - @SarahParkin1

Jul 31, 202401:27:57
E01 - The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic

E01 - The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic

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 the guest's history with fantasy fiction, their Discworld fandom and the novel in question.

This episode, Mark is joined by his former podcast partner in crime Kieran Lefort as they discuss the first two Discworld novels: The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic.

 

Follow the podcast on Twitter/X - @DiscWorldOrder

Mark - @monkey_buckles

Kieran - @kieranedits

Jun 29, 202401:04:45