Content warning: This episode briefly discusses suicidal ideation. If you are currently in crisis, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

We discuss (one of) Kaladin’s lowest moments and what it means to talk about pain, to cope with our own pain, and to sit with the pain of others.

And yes, El finally closed on her house at the end of December 2025.

Covers Chapters 9-11 of The Way of Kings from The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson.

If you (or someone you love) are struggling with mental health issues, consider requesting a free “Next Step” coin from Dragonsteel. This listing also has information about obtaining free mental health services through Nerd HQ’s partnership with TimelyCare. (https://www.dragonsteelbooks.com/products/next-step-coin?variant=41557051670608)

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green (https://bookshop.org/a/117742/9780525555377)

(While not directly referenced in this episode, John Green also often references Susan Sontag’s Illness as Metaphor [https://bookshop.org/a/117742/9781250374738])

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman (https://bookshop.org/a/117742/9780440419518)

Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard (https://bookshop.org/a/117742/9780767929714)

“The Fate of Ophelia” music video (focuses on “showgirls throughout the ages,” rather than the story of Ophelia specifically) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko70cExuzZM

The tumblr posts that inspired many of El's thoughts about "The Fate of Ophelia" come from are this one from stardustizuku (https://www.tumblr.com/stardustizuku/797225939188760576/the-fate-of-ophelia-is-perhaps-the-most), and this one from cages-boxes-hunters-foxes (https://www.tumblr.com/cages-boxes-hunters-foxes/797599809938866176/very-confused-why-people-dont-get-the-ophelia?source=share).

Music is "Storm Steel" by Luiza_D.Cover art is Madison Coyne - https://suchbluesky.tumblr.com/post/138479416304/you-were-right-father-you-cant-save-men-by

This is an unofficial, fan-made podcast that has no affiliation with Brandon Sanderson or Dragonsteel.

Ardent: Liz

Worldsinger: Adam

Veristitalian: El

Theme: Pain

Sacred Reading Method: Florilegia

Recording Date: 10/23/25

Website Episode Page (with transcription)

Mormon Terminology Page

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