Journey to the West: The Podcast
108 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★ - 21 ratingsJoin us each week as we take listeners through one of China's most beloved novels. Meet Sun Wukong the Monkey King, his Buddhist master, Xuanzhang, the lustful monster Pigsy aka Zhu Bajie, and the reformed sand demon, Sha Wujing, and journey with them to India to acquire invaluable Buddhist scriptures.
This immortal tale has delighted billions of Asian children yet is relatively unknown here in the west. This podcast aims to change that!
Childhood friends Richard Tseng and James Young will read and review every single chapter of the Anthony C Yu translation of Wu Chen'en's epic book. Along the way, we'll bust myths (did the Sun Wukong really burst out of stone?) examine its impact (Which world-famous animes did this legend inspire?) and learn more about Asian culture and its myths overall (which Indian monkey god inspired our monkey king?)
So quit monkeying around Subscribe, and let's hit the silk road!
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Episodes
How the Buffalo Got Its Nose Ring & Why You Should Lock Away Your Medicine!
September 18, 2020 04:00 - 38 minutes - 14.2 MBThe exciting conclusion to the Buffalo Demon saga this week as Monkey and the hosts of heaven finally figure out the origin story of the evil king who's been preparing Tripitaka and the other disciples for his next meal!
Chapter 51: Meet Behind Gold Helmet Cave for Schoolyard Fisticuffs!
September 11, 2020 04:00 - 44 minutes - 16.5 MBWith his golden rod gone, Wukong the Monkey King tries everything to get his master back, including challenging the Water Buffalo Demon to an old-fashioned boxing match. Don't miss the fight of the 15th century in this week's episode!
Chapter 50: Breaking and Entering a Haunted House for a Snack
September 04, 2020 04:00 - 39 minutes - 15 MBWhen the gang comes upon an impossible mountain, Pilgrim has Tripitaka stand inside a magic circle while he goes begging for food. But the master is hungry and there's al mansion up ahead! Is it really a house, or a snare for humans? Find out this week!
Water Wars with the Great King and The Origin of the Fish Basket Guanyin!
August 28, 2020 04:00 - 46 minutes - 17 MBThis week's chapter is an undersea extravaganza as Wukong, Wuneng, and Wujing all descend into the depths to battle the Great King in his "Sea Turtle House". Why is it called the Sea Turtle House? And Why is Guanyin weaving a fish basket while barely clothed? All will be revealed!
Special Guest: John Zhu of the Chinese Lore Podcasts!
August 21, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 25.8 MBThis week, fellow lover of Chinese classics, and storyteller extraordinaire, John Zhu, shares his experience with our favorite pilgrims and helps shed some light on the world's most epic road trip. Subscribe and listen to John Zhu's expert retellings of Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin: Outlaws of the Marsh at ChineseLore.com!
Journey to the West... On Ice!
August 14, 2020 04:00 - 45 minutes - 17.5 MBThis week sees Monkey and his brother try the old, "change into someone the evil guy wants" trap, but before they can settle business, the villain escapes! That's when strange things start happening, like a river freezing over in summer. Is this a Medieval Ice Age or the "Great King" monster's doing? Find out this week!
Chapter 47: Monkey and Pigsy on the Kids' Menu
August 07, 2020 04:00 - 54 minutes - 20.7 MBMonkey and pals come across a village whose monstrous "Great King" demands child sacrifices! Good thing Wukong and Wuneng know some transformations and can take the kids' place... except Wuneng's been eating too much and can't hide his belly. What will they do? Find out this week!
Chapter 46: Meditation Death Match!
July 31, 2020 04:00 - 51 minutes - 19.4 MBProof that the evil immortals of Cart Slow Kingdom aren't true Daoists? They just won't let a loss go. This week Tripitaka must meditate to the death, and go head to head in a guessing game that's anything but fun. Meanwhile, Pilgrim loses his head, gazes behind his navel, and takes a deep-fried bath. Don't miss it!
Chapter 45: Tripitaka making it rain OR "With a little help from my dragons"
July 24, 2020 04:00 - 51 minutes - 20 MBAfter a piss-poor first encounter with the Buddhist-enslaving evil Daoist Immortals, Tripitaka is commanded by the king of Cart Slow Kingdom to a weather-summoning showdown! Will the monk's sutras succeed where the Buddhists before him have failed? Tune in to find out!
Chapter 44: Sending Darned Daoists to the Bureau of Five Grain Transmigration
July 17, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 25.3 MBWhat's the Ancient Chinese Buddhist's vision of a dystopian world? One where the Daoists have taken over! Tripitaka's party encounter just that this week when they come across a kingdom where all Buddhists are Daoist slaves! How did this happen? What's Monkey going to do about it? Find out this week!
Chapter 43: Black River Blues, an iguana plans a birthday party fit for a dragon king
July 10, 2020 04:00 - 44 minutes - 14.3 MBThis week an iguana plans a birthday party for a dragon king, why you shouldn't stay for dinner if your host is a demon, and whatever happened to the Red Boy. Plus we get to meet a dragon prince! Don't miss this week's action-packed one-off!
Chapter 42: Thou Shalt Not Have False Guanyins Before Her!
July 03, 2020 04:00 - 46 minutes - 18 MBThis week Wukong finally gets through to Guanyin and we're all set for the match of the 15th century between the Bodhisattva and the Red Boy. How does a pacifist beat a fire-breathing, spear wielder? Find out this week with Richard & James!
Chapter 41: Goodness Gracious, Great Boy of Fire!
June 26, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 23.7 MBInvincible warrior with no respect for authority and a rebel attitude... sound familiar? This week the battle with the Red Boy continues and Monkey calls on an old friend from the Eastern depths. But will it be enough to douse the Samadhi fires that spew from Red Boy's mouth? Find out this week!
Chapter 40: Son of a Bull Demon King!
June 19, 2020 04:00 - 52 minutes - 19.4 MBSpooky sightings abound this week as the gang encounter a strange red light floating through the air and a naked boy hanging upside down from a tree! Turns out he's the son of Monkey's blood brother the Bull Demon King. Is his nephew nice or naughty? Tune in to find out!
Monkey King: Hero is Back with Special Guest: Jim McClanahan
June 12, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBJourney to the West Research blogger Jim McClanahan returns this week to provide commentary for the 2015 animated film, "Monkey King: Hero is Back". With gorgeously drawn characters and breathtaking backdrops, the film's production values are on par with Pixar. But does it actually tell the story of Journey to the West? Queue up your Amazon Prime, grab some popcorn, and find out!
The Lion, The Monks, and The Elixir
June 05, 2020 04:00 - 54 minutes - 20.5 MBWukong uses some tricky negotiation tactics to get the Golden Elixir from Lao Tzu and bring the dead king back. But the Taoist imposter has a trick that will have him seeing double! Then, Richard and James go deep on the role of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism in Chinese society, and speculate on the nature of "jin". It's a weird one!
Mom, I Think Dad Might Be An Evil Daoist In Disguise!
May 29, 2020 04:00 - 47 minutes - 18 MBThis week the prince learns more than anybody wants to know about their parents, and uncovers the truth that his father has been replaced! How will he unmask the impostor? As usual, Monkey has an idea, and his pig brother ain't gonna like it. Hog hijinks ensue this week!
From Rain Maker to King Replacer: A Taoist Wreaks Havoc in Black Rooster Kingdom
May 22, 2020 04:00 - 48 minutes - 17.6 MBTripitaka gets a special visit from the dead king of Black Rooster Kingdom and is tasked with unmasking his murderous usurper--a treacherous Taoist with the power to change the weather! Good thing Wukong has a plan... that somehow involves him getting into a tiny box and insulting the prince. On second thought, maybe don't do everything monkey say. Hijinks ensue this week with Richard and James!
Chapter 36: How Do Monks Ask to Spend the Night?
May 15, 2020 04:00 - 46 minutes - 16.9 MBThis week finds Tripitaka a little low in spirits when he finds out how far they still have to go. Coming upon a monastery, the monk and the monkey must contend with the question of how to get a good night's sleep: Trip wants to ask nicely, while Wukong... well you know how royal simians are. Don't miss the monkey madness!
Chapter 35: Lao Tzu's BoyZ
May 08, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 22.1 MBIt's the exciting conclusion to the Golden Horn, Silver Horn saga! What exactly are all five of their treasures and how will monkey fare against their mysterious power? And just who are these two horny demons and their demon family anyway? All will be revealed so don't miss a moment with Richard & James!
Special Guest: Scott Park Phillips, Master Martial Artist and Dancer!
May 01, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 27.7 MBThis week we rest our weary cloud-trodding feet and take a deep dive with Scott Park Phillips into the Tao of Journey to the West. Learn how classic Chinese stories were used in theatre, war, and religious rituals. Uncover some of the martial arts' greatest secrets. If you thought you understood the Monkey King and his travel buddies, think again! Be sure to check out Scott's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NorthStarMartialArtsUSA Find out more about the common origins of Chin...
Chapter 34: The Amazing Great Sage, Escape Artist!
April 24, 2020 04:00 - 34 minutes - 12.9 MBIt's a series of escapes and recaptures this week as the party's only hope, Sun Wukong, takes on Golden Horn, Silver Horn, their mother, and their whole fiendish army. How will our Monkey King fair against the horned brothers and their miraculous weapons? Find out this week!
Chapter 33: Monkey Shrugged
April 17, 2020 04:00 - 49 minutes - 18 MBJust when Sun Wukong the monkey mind thought he had things under control, Tripitaka and Wujin get kidnapped, and he ends himself under a mountain range again! What could this all mean? This week we deep-dive into some potential metaphysical explanations for who Golden Horn and Silver Horn are and more. Don't miss it!
Chapter 32: What the Pig Saw
April 10, 2020 04:00 - 39 minutes - 14.2 MBLast time Tripitaka banished his monkey disciple. Now, with demons over yonder hill, he's put all his trust in Sun Wukong to get them through. But is this any wiser than banishing him? Now he's got Zhu Eight Rules doing all the dirty work, and the pig is not amused. Plus, who are these mysterious demons Gold Horn and Silver Horn and why are they hungering for Tang Monk meat? Find out this week with Richard & James!
Chapter 31: The Prodigal Monkey Returns!
April 03, 2020 04:00 - 44 minutes - 16.5 MBHow does a lazy pig convince a Monkey King to give up his kingdom once more to take up a life of austerity and don the monkly robe? With as little effort as possible! And how does a professional monster-catcher exercise his craft while saving his master? Find out in this week's epic conclusion to the Yellow Robe arc!
Chapter 30: Yellow Robe, Handsome Devil!
March 27, 2020 04:00 - 46 minutes - 17.1 MBThis week, the Yellow Robe gets his revenge! We've seen what a clever monkey with transformative powers can do, now just imagine what horrors a gentleman monster might commit! Heads won't roll, but they will get munched. Don't miss this week's exciting episode!
Chapter 29: Pride Cometh Before the Porker or Tripitaka the UPS Monk!
March 20, 2020 04:00 - 47 minutes - 17.4 MBTripitaka is freed by the Yellow Robe demon's wife, the princess of Precious Image Kingdom, and given a letter to deliver to her father. Just when you think the three pilgrims are in the clear, the letter leads to a challenge! Are they up for it? Zhu Eight Rules thinks so, but Sha Monk begs to differ. Find out who's right this week!
Chapter 30: Pride Cometh Before the Porker or Tripitaka the UPS Monk!
March 20, 2020 04:00 - 47 minutes - 17.4 MBTripitaka is freed by the Yellow Robe demon's wife, the princess of Precious Image Kingdom, and given a letter to deliver to her father. Just when you think the three pilgrims are in the clear, the letter leads to a challenge! Are they up for it? Zhu Eight Rules thinks so, but Sha Monk begs to differ. Find out who's right this week!
Chapter 28: Monkey King for PETA President, Tripitaka for Dinner
March 13, 2020 04:00 - 51 minutes - 19.4 MBThis week, we catch up with our band of monks and one ex-monk equal to heaven after Wukong's banishment by his master. If you thought human-eating monsters were cruel, you won't want to know what the humans have been doing to his poor monkey subjects! Also, Zhu Wuneng learns how hard it is to do his elder brother's work, Tripitaka gets captured by yet another hungry demon and even Sha monk gets some page-time. Don't miss it!
Lady White Bone The Cadaver Demon or What do Wukong and Cthulu Have in Common?
March 06, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 22.2 MBEvery one of our travelers seems grouchy this week as we meet the deviously horrifying Cadaver Demon, 白骨精. But what really sent chills down our spine is how Monkey is able to see through her tricks because 'game recognize game'. Seems the immortal trickster ape's done way worse than stealing fruit and fighting gods! Things get horrifyingly Lovecraftian this week, and you don't wanna miss it!
Chapter 26: Monkey's Quest and Guan Yin's Green Thumb
February 28, 2020 05:00 - 45 minutes - 16.5 MBJust when you think all hope is lost, Sun Wukong hatches a plan to revive the tree he knocked over in exchange for their freedom. But if none of his friends from his Great Sage days know of a cure, then it'll be less a plan and more of a stay of execution! Find out if Monkey's magical buddies have an answer this week.
Chapter 25: Punish The Pilgrims!
February 14, 2020 05:00 - 40 minutes - 15.1 MBOld Monkey just couldn't leave that ginseng fruit tree alone, and now they're going to get it! Luckily, the Zhengyuan Immortal is a lenient guy. Problem is, his most lenient punishments are still too brutal for any mortal to survive! What will our heroes do? Tune in to find out!
Chapter 24: Fruit Heist! Pigsy Learns a Lesson, and Monkey Forgets One
February 07, 2020 05:00 - 38 minutes - 13.9 MBThis week, Tripitaka gets a gift from a friend from a past life in the form of the ultimate super fruit. One sniff and you'll live hundreds of years. One bite and you'll live thousands! But what the Great Zhengyuan Immortal doesn't know, is that the Tang Monk's disciple is none other than the universe's most notorious fruit thief, Sun Wukong! Has the former Peach Pilferer truly reformed? Find out this exciting episode!
Chapter 23: Pigsy's Choice, or, a Most Indecent Proposal
January 31, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 24.8 MBLast week, Eight Rules got the glory as he dealt with the Yellow Sand River demon and even helped convert him into one of master Tripitaka's disciples. This week, Eight Rules faces his toughest challenge as one rich milf widow and her three hot daughters offer their hands in marriage. Will the monks give up their pilgrimage and settle down? Find out this week with Richard and James!
Moksa's Back! OR How Much Damage Can One Pig Do?
January 24, 2020 05:00 - 39 minutes - 14.4 MBThis week is really Zhu Eight Rules' time to shine! The piggish younger brother gets his fill of fighting against a man-eating water monster while Sun Wukong is left to guard the baggage. But when the two fail to capture the monster in whom lies the key to Tripitaka's passage across the Yellow Sand River, a familiar face must intervene. Will Tripitaka get to continue his journey? Find out this week with Richard and James!
Chapter 21: I'll huff, and I'll puff, and I'll blow your eyes out!
January 17, 2020 05:00 - 58 minutes - 21.8 MBPilgrim and his pig brother, "Zhu Eight Rules", face off against some world-shatteringly bad breath! Not only is the Yellow Wind monster the Monkey King's equal in combat, but he can blow a wind that almost splits the universe apart, and causes Wukong's eyes to water non-stop! Will Tripitaka's two disciples ever get him back, or will the Tang monk become a Tang-talizing main course for Yellow Wind? Find out this week!
Chapter 20: The Ol' Cicada Casting Its Shell Trick!
January 10, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 22 MBThis week we meet an old man who thought he'd seen it all. Then the Tang emperor's top monk shows up for dinner with a talking monkey and a hungry pig monster! Then Tripitaka gets kidnapped by a demon in tiger's clothing and some real gory hijinks ensue! Don't miss the bloody mess that is Chapter 21 with Richard and James!
Chapter 21: The Ol' Cicada Casting Its Shell Trick!
January 10, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 22 MBThis week we meet an old man who thought he'd seen it all. Then the Tang emperor's top monk shows up for dinner with a talking monkey and a hungry pig monster! Then Tripitaka gets kidnapped by a demon in tiger's clothing and some real gory hijinks ensue! Don't miss the bloody mess that is Chapter 21 with Richard and James!
A New Word For Pig Monster and A Power Up for Tripataka
December 26, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 22.8 MBThis week we get the exciting conclusion to Sun Wukong's fight with Zhu the pig monster and the Gao family's ordeal. In the process, Zhu gets a new name, Tripitaka gains a new disciple, and we all learn the Heart Sutra to level up in our journey. It's an essential episode that's not to be missed!
Chapter 18: Help! My Daughter Married a Pig!
December 20, 2019 05:00 - 49 minutes - 18 MBWho do you call when your son-in-law turns out to be a literal pig, a divorce attorney or an exterminator? That's the dilemma facing old man Gao when Wukong and his master, Tripitaka, come across their village. What follows is like Little Red Riding Hood in reverse as Monkey not only rescues Gao's daughter but pranks her monstrous husband by taking on her appearance. It's an UN-romantic comedy you won't want to miss!
Chapter 17: Mercy Monkey Team Up Time!
December 13, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 22.7 MBIf this week's chapter was a Marvel comic, it would be a top-seller and totally worthy of being part 2. With the cassock gone and Monkey King unable to overcome the bear monster who took it with brute force alone, he gets help from the Bodhisattva of Mercy, Guanyin! But not before she drops some pearls of wisdom that makes Wukong see himself in a different light. Tune in this week for an eye-opening episode with Richard and James!
Chapter 16: The Case of the Stolen Cassock!
December 06, 2019 09:17 - 43 minutes - 16.1 MBThis week, the monk Tripitaka and his disciple, the Monkey King Sun Pilgrim, arrive at a temple and encounter an old abbot who's got a thing for fancy things. While the monk wants to stay humble, old Sun Wukong can't help but show off their stuff. As a result, the old abbot gets jealous and calamity befalls everyone! Will our two heroes survive? Tune in this week to find out!
Chapter 15: Monk's on a Horse!
November 29, 2019 05:00 - 48 minutes - 17.9 MBThis week, Xuanzang and Monkey King are forced to take a long walk, as a dragon eats the chosen monk's horse! And don't think the Monkey King's forgotten about that whole headache-inducing-hat trick that Guanyin pulled off in the last chapter! This episode's all about confrontations. You won't want to miss it!
Chapter 14: Xuanzang and Wukong's First Fight
November 22, 2019 05:00 - 56 minutes - 20.7 MBThe Monkey King meets the king of monks in an encounter that's been a long time coming. And the Journey to the West is officially, finally, underway! Only, the two almost immediately get into a fight and Sun Wukong runs off to have tea with an old friend. How will Xuanzang keep his disciple loyal? Tune in to find out!
Chapter 13: Some Monsters Invite Xuanzang for Dinner
November 15, 2019 05:00 - 50 minutes - 18.4 MBThis week the venerable Xuanzang, aka Tripitaka, begins his quest for the scriptures! And it goes... about as well as you'd expect from a few naive monks with no fighting or sorcery abilities. But just when all hope is lost, our old friend the Planet Venus makes a cameo, as does a friendly woodcutter and his family in the woods. So stop in for some game and find out why James and Richard call this the "Tom Bombadil" chapter.
Chapter 12: Imperial Payback
November 08, 2019 05:00 - 45 minutes - 16.7 MBIn which the emperor's attempts to keep all the promises he made in the afterlife leads to the building of a grand temple and the commencement--once and for all--of the Journey to the West. If you were wondering what the hell was going on (pun intended) with this extended detour involving a Dragon King, royal brothers, that loan made out in the afterlife, this chapter gives you all the answers. It all had to happen so that Guan Yin could find the right disciple to get the scriptures. Joi...
Chapter 11: The Emperor Goes to Hell
November 01, 2019 16:00 - 54 minutes - 19.9 MBIt's like Dante's Inferno meets a Christmas Carol in this week's Journey to the West podcast. One of the greatest emperors who's ever lived confronts the ghosts of political intrigue's past when he's forced to stand trial for failing to save the Dragon King and then confront his brothers who he killed to get to the throne. Talk about a mortifying family reunion! Join Richard and James in this very spooky Halloween episode!
Chapter 10: Dragon King's Lament
October 25, 2019 16:00 - 53 minutes - 20 MBWe go from commoners and lords to emperors and gods in this week's chapter of Journey to the West. Starting with an Ancient Chinese rap battle and ending with one of China's greatest emperors passing away into the great beyond. A dragon head will roll in this week's episode. Don't miss it!
Episode 10: Journey to the West Research's Jim McClanahan
October 18, 2019 19:29 - 1 hour - 33.7 MBWe had a really great time sitting down with Jim McClanahan whose blog, Journey to the West Research is a wealth of information on all things Monkey King and his pals. Whether you’re just starting the book with us or you’ve spent more time ruminating on the book than Wukong has spent under Five Phase Mountain, there’s something new for everybody.
Chapter 9: A Sadder Origin Than Batman and Moses Combined
October 11, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 23.5 MBGuanyin’s ready to meet the monk who will retrieve Buddha’s scriptures, and so are we! If you thought Batman’s origin was sad, just wait until you read Xuanzhang’s. It’s got echoes of Moses and Bruce Wayne, with plenty of tragedy and divine intervention to boot. Plus, want an Ancient Chinese government job? Well, get your time machine ready because we’re about to tell you how! Just watch out for bandits and evil ferrymen because the relocation is fraught with peril. On a more se...