Ep. 101 — Chapter 5 (Part 1) from "Baptism of Fire"
Breakfast in Beauclair
Nicola from Italy and Pauline from Germany join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 3. Very important bits include: the German and Italian translations, analyzing Sapkowski’s swordfighting through an experienced lens, his use of cutaways, the trustworthiness of Nilfgaardians, the ethics of violence and torture, first reactions to the Crossroads of Ravens teaser, the Everyman perspective in a supernatural world, contrasting views on executions, and killing with “mercy.” [0:00] Cold Open [1:08] Introduction [2:20] Guest Introductions [9:10] Chapter...
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Ep. 100 — Chapter 4 (Part 2) from "Baptism of Fire"
Breakfast in Beauclair
Christiaan from Canada and South Africa and Sophia from Australia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 4 (Part 2). Very important bits include: the trial by ordeal, the stupidest D&D group, the threshold that one needs to achieve to drop a hot horseshoe down a priest’s pants, the Nilfgaardian Cavalry workplace comedy we’ve been waiting for, The Filthy Pelican, morality's role in bravery, the definition of justice, and a bold assertion or a defense? You decide. [0:00] Cold Open [5:05] Introduction [6:57] Chapter Recap [8:37] The Trial By...
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Ep. 99 — Chapter 4 (Part 1) from "Baptism of Fire"
Breakfast in Beauclair
Christiaan from Canada and South Africa and Sophia from Australia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 4 (Part 1). Very important bits include: how character beliefs contribute to world building, the objectively worst 24 hours, Sapkowski’s favorite foreshadowing tactics, human susceptibility to superstition and the danger of contradicting it, the role of religion in this chapter, swanlike necks, southern hemisphere Christmases, Geralt’s voicemail, and a thrilling guest reveal. [0:00] Cold Open [1:55] Introduction [3:48] Guest Introductions...
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Ep. 98 — Chapter 3 from "Baptism of Fire"
Breakfast in Beauclair
Charli from Austria, Gintare from the UK, and Gosia from Ronin of Rivia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 3. Very important bits include: Ronin of Rivia, the combined analysis of Japanese studies and the Witcher; the appearance of a fan-favorite character whose increasingly absurd qualities create tension that, ultimately, goes nowhere; the right time to wallow; the best drunk intentions; family lore; flipping Arthurian legends, ‘love eggplants’, and the Smelly, Farting Elder of Mahakam. [0:00] Cold Open [1:28] Introduction [2:49] Guest...
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Ep. 97 — Chapter 2 from "Baptism of Fire"
Breakfast in Beauclair
Bolo from Poland and Sophie from Morocco join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 2. Very important bits include: examining different aspects of war, judging Geralt’s actions as admirable or reckless, inverting circumstances for the next phase of life, Sapkowski’s masterful dialogue, doing specific good, an enjoyable parade of nothing really, and the big pile of poop jokes we missed. [0:00] Cold Open [0:47] Introduction [2:05] Guest Introductions [8:32] Chapter Recap [10:21] Overall Thoughts [12:42] ‘Half Century of Poetry’ Opening [17:39]...
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Ep. 96 — Chapter 1 (Part 2) from "Baptism of Fire"
Breakfast in Beauclair
Elisabeth from Norway and Štěpán from the Czech Republic join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 1 (Part 2). Very important bits include: the rhythm of Sapkowski’s writing, translations and the application of foreign languages, wartime propaganda, the inclusion of Nilfgaard and the exclusion of men in the Lodge of Sorceresses. Dijkstra and Philippa’s Mean Girls Tea Time, and Sea Madam™. [0:00] Cold Open [1:16] Introduction [3:15] Guest Introductions [14:59] Chapter Recap [17:37] Overall Thoughts [24:55] Stakes in the War [31:56] Dijkstra,...
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Ep. 95 — Chapter 1 (Part 1) from "Baptism of Fire"
Breakfast in Beauclair
Tim and Val from Whiskey with Witcher join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 1 (Part 1). Very important bits include: the origins of Whiskey with Witcher, Sapkowski’s beloved framing narratives, odd things that become our whole personalities, book-inspired tattoos, baptisms of fire, catching up with Ciri and the Rats, and the introduction of a fan-favorite character, Milva. [0:00] Cold Open [0:52] Introduction [3:06] Guest Introductions [13:58] Chapter Recap [16:57] Overall Thoughts [22:16] Milva and the Framing Narrative [32:20] Milva’s Loyalty...
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Ep. 94 — 5 Years of Breakfast in Beauclair
Breakfast in Beauclair
Alyssa’s in the hot seat to reflect upon the last five years of Breakfast in Beauclair with Witcher Kitchen’s Anita Sarna and Karolina Krupecka. Very important bits include: the origins of the podcast, highlights from the last five years, and plans for the future of the show. [0:00] Cold Open [0:42] Discussion [17:49] End Theme This episode is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and .
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Ep. 93 — 308 "The Cost of Chaos" from Netflix's The Witcher
Breakfast in Beauclair
Mitch Fey and Rob Pigott from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Episode 308 "The Cost of Chaos". Very important bits include: leadership in the face of uncertainty, pivotal moments in Ciri’s character development, Geralt’s change of heart, the right amount of shaky cam, a show-only perspective, and our takeaways from Netflix’s the Witcher Season 3. [0:00] Cold Open [1:02] Introduction [4:45] Guest Introductions [11:23] Episode Recap [13:18] Overall Thoughts [25:47] Yennefer’s Leadership [29:15] Confronting Vilgefortz and the Scale of War [31:28] Changes...
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Ep. 92 — 307 "Out of the Fire, Into the Frying Pan" from Netflix's The Witcher
Breakfast in Beauclair
Danny and Kerri from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix’s The Witcher Episode 307 "Out of the Fire, Into the Frying Pan". Very important bits include: how to successfully adapt a solo storyline, breaking down the visual effects in the Korath desert, Ciri’s readiness and internal conflicts, her visions, Falka’s influence, and preposition soup. [0:00] Cold Open [0:45] Introduction [3:11] Guest Introductions and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes [10:16] Episode Recap [13:33] Overall Thoughts [19:47] Danny’s VFX Breakdown [24:32] Highlights and Lowlights [32:52] Easter Eggs...
info_outlineNicola from Italy and Ruark from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Time of Contempt, Chapter 4. Very important bits include: using action to tell a story, the reasons behind an act of mercy, the role of prophecy in the Witcher, and Geralt’s Himbo Origin Story.
- [0:00] Cold Open
- [1:00] Introduction
- [2:11] Guest Introduction
- [5:09] Chapter 4 Recap
- [7:16] Overall Thoughts
- [15:28] Cahir v. Ciri
- [23:31] Geralt’s Act of Mercy
- [27:42] The Role of Prophecy
- [34:57] Sapkowski’s Writing Choices
- [52:36] Cahir, Himbos, and the Lone Brain Cell
- [57:03] Wrap-up
- [1:05:19] Outro
- [1:08:00] End Credits
The full episode transcript, show notes, merchandise store, and access to our social platforms are available at breakfastinbeauclair.com.