Alzabo Soup
Philip Armstrong and Andrew Metzroth·Hosted by Philip Armstrong and Andrew Metzroth·510 episodes
Alzabo Soup is a literary analysis podcast where we literally become our favorite authors by devouring portions of their brains. We do chapter-by-chapter analysis of our favorite speculative fiction, researching the details and discussing the implications.
Why listen
Alzabo Soup is for readers who want to slow down and really unpack strange, layered speculative fiction. Philip Armstrong and Andrew Metzroth work chapter by chapter through authors like Gene Wolfe, mixing close reading, research, recurring jokes, and genuine literary curiosity. It is especially rewarding if you enjoy read-alongs where the hosts notice patterns, puzzles, allusions, and implications you might have missed on your own.
Series(7)
Episodes
Intro - Phil tells Metz about a surprising new fashion item. Content (6:38) - Discussion of part 2 of Chapter 17 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - Perhaps the Stars, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil discuss the new Backrooms movie trailer. Content (11:25) - Discussion of part 1 of Chapter 17 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - Perhaps the Stars, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil discuss their playthrough of Split Fiction Content (17:05) - Discussion of part 2 of Chapter 16 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - Perhaps the Stars, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil explains Bob Dylan's surprising new enterprise to Metz Content (5:45) - Discussion of part 1 of Chapter 16 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - Perhaps the Stars, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz try a seasonal peep. Content (9:46) - Discussion of part 2 of Chapter 15 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - Perhaps the Stars, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - We announce the books we'll be reading after Return to the Whorl Content (9:03) - Discussion of part 1 of Chapter 15 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - The Will to Battle, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil updates Metz on a new Palworld-like, Pickmon. Content (10:28) - Discussion of part 2 of Chapter 14 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - The Will to Battle, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil fail to order a wing-flavored martini. Content (4:23) - Discussion of part 1 of Chapter 14 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - The Will to Battle, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil tells Metz about the re-release of Hugh Cook's novels. Content (11:52) - Discussion of part 2 of Chapter 13 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - The Will to Battle, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil celebrate 500 episodes Content (5:47) - Discussion of part 1 of Chapter 13 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - The Will to Battle, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil tells Metz about The Perfect Pencil Content (12:50) - Discussion of part 2 of Chapter 12 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - The Will to Battle, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil talk about the decline of the mass market paperback. Content (9:48) - Discussion of part 1 of Chapter 12 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - Seven Surrenders, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil discuss the evolution of Stranger Things as a work of fiction. Content (21:02) - Discussion of part 2 of Chapter 11 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - Seven Surrenders, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz discuss the new adaptation of Animal farm by Angel Studios. Content (8:19) - Discussion of part 1 of Chapter 11 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - Seven Surrenders, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil talks to Metz about his favorite game of the year in 2026 Content (16:57) - Discussion of part 2 of Chapter 10 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - Seven Surrenders, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz examine the implications of Spice Quest Content (7:03) - Discussion of part 1 of Chapter 10 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - Seven Surrenders, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz discusses potion kits with Phil Content (6:16) - Discussion of part 2 of Chapter 9 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - Seven Surrenders, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz talk about The Game Awards Content (12:22) - Discussion of part 1 of Chapter 9 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - Too Like the Lightning, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz spontaneously asks Phil about JRPGs. Content (9:34) - Discussion of part 3 of Chapter 8 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - Too Like the Lightning, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil talks about Quentin Tarantio's foray into Fortnite Content (9:53) - Discussion of part 2 of Chapter 8 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - Too Like the Lightning, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz tells Phil about the Rizzwich Content (6:39) - Discussion of part 1 of Chapter 8 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - Too Like the Lightning, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
We're conducting a listener feedback survey! Let us know what you think at https://forms.gle/yeHQLgKsCF9ENrzy7 Intro - Phil shares about his favorite birthday present and makes Metz talk about Chiptunes. Content (8:27) - Discussion of Chapter 7 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. Current Read-Along - Too Like the Lightning, by Ada Palmer Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
We're conducting a listener feedback survey! Let us know what you think at https://forms.gle/yeHQLgKsCF9ENrzy7 Intro - Phil tells Metz about The Search for Kylo Ren Content (5:27) - Discussion of Part 3 of Chapter 6 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Dragon Waiting, by John M. Ford Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
We're conducting a listener feedback survey! Let us know what you think at https://forms.gle/yeHQLgKsCF9ENrzy7 Intro - Phil and Metz go to a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Content (6:36) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 6 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Dragon Waiting, by John M. Ford Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - We announce the Alzabo Soup 10th anniversary party at MileHi Con 58. Content (3:12) - Discussion of Part 1 of Chapter 6 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Dragon Waiting, by John M. Ford Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil complains about Magic: the Gathering selling out. Content (8:58) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 5 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Dragon Waiting, by John M. Ford Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil discuss a helpful mouse pad Content (4:29) - Discussion of Part 1 of Chapter 5 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters by Julian Barnes Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil tells Metz about Hades II Content (6:15) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 4 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters by Julian Barnes Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil announce their 2026 Patreon read-along plans Content (7:21) - Discussion of Part 1 of Chapter 4 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters by Julian Barnes Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz talk about Silksong. Content (11:17) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 3 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters by Julian Barnes Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz reflect on the appearance of Mr. Beast in Tron 3. Content (3:36) - Discussion of the Part 1 of Chapter 3 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Bloody Chamber, by Angela Carter Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil stan for Kpop Demon Hunters. Content (8:43) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 2 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Bloody Chamber, by Angela Carter Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil consider the practical and semiotic implications of the Cracker Barrel logo change. Content (8:51) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 1 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Bloody Chamber, by Angela Carter Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil reveals the hot new Spirit Halloween game to Metz. Content (6:36) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 1 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Bloody Chamber, by Angela Carter Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz tells Phil about an unusual arrest. Content (6:07) - Discussion of Part 1 of Chapter 1 of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Bloody Chamber, by Angela Carter Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil celebrates his completion of Moby Dick. Content (8:54) - Discussion of the character list and context of Return to the Whorl, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz discuss Ice Cube's interpretation of The War of the Worlds. Content (11:44) - Discussion of The Night Chough, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil discuss the surprisingly human need to have a computer friend. Content (6:45) - General Discussion of The Devil in a Forest, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil discuss the results of a recent personality quiz. Content (5:53) - Discussion of Chapters 17 - 22 of The Devil in a Forest, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz discuss the museums they saw while on vacation. Content (12:11) - Discussion of Chapters 12 - 16 of The Devil in a Forest, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Radiance by Catherynne M. Valente. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz discuss the most harrowing moment they expereienced in Blue Prince. Content (13:14) - Discussion of Chapters 6 - 11 of The Devil in a Forest, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Radiance by Catherynne M. Valente. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil celebrate 9 years of podcasting Content (9:40) - Discussion of the Prologue through Chapter 5 of The Devil in a Forest, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Radiance by Catherynne M. Valente. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil introduces Metz to the world of reading accessories. Content (10:44) - General Discussion of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Radiance by Catherynne M. Valente. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil explore the implications of the biannual Garfield Gathering. Content (5:41) - Discussion of Chapter 25 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Radiance by Catherynne M. Valente. Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil and Metz finally get to talking about Blue Prince. Content (11:36) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 24 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Stars My Destination, by Alfred Bester Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil discuss what it's like to re-record an entire episode of the podcast. Content (7:08) - Discussion of Part 1 of Chapter 24 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Stars My Destination, by Alfred Bester Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz and Phil examine the job aspirations of Gen Alpha. Content (8:18) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 23 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Stars My Destination, by Alfred Bester Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil tells Metz about the experience of shopping for bookends. Content (7:08) - Discussion of Part 1 of Chapter 23 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - The Stars My Destination, by Alfred Bester Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Metz asks Phil to tell him about Expedition 33. Content (7:51) - Discussion of Part 2 of Chapter 22 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Neuromancer, by William Gibson Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
Intro - Phil updates Metz on new Palworld developments Content (6:59) - Discussion of Part 1 of Chapter 22 of In Green's Jungles, by Gene Wolfe. This Month's Read-Along - Neuromancer, by William Gibson Check out more at alzabosoup.com.
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