The Merry Band of Pirates (An Unofficial Expeditionary Force Podcast)
Welcome to The Merry Band of Pirates, the unofficial Expeditionary Force fan podcast! Six complete strangers, brought together by our shared love of Joe Bishop, Skippy, and the whole ExForce crew, get into the awesome military sci-fi universe created by Craig Alanson. Join our crew as we dissect the books, discuss the latest intel from the Skippy-verse, and engage in some classic filthy monkey business. Get ready for explanations of quantum physics, humorous debates, and a fan-focused celebration of everything Expeditionary Force. (TTA, baby!)
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MBoP: Columbus Day, Chapters 6 & 7: Fort Arrow and Colonel—Breaking It Down Barney-style
05/03/2026
MBoP: Columbus Day, Chapters 6 & 7: Fort Arrow and Colonel—Breaking It Down Barney-style
Welcome back to the Merry Band of Pirates, the unofficially official Expeditionary Force podcast! Join Pirates Andy, Joey, Steve, Mariane, and Charlie as they discuss this two-chapter block of Columbus Day: Chapter 6: Fort Arrow and Chapter 7: Colonel. Episode Breakdown: The chaos, consequences, and career-changing events in Joe Bishop's life. Fort Arrow and the Ruhar Whales: We follow Joe as he transitions to his new post at Fort Arrow on convoy duty, only to have his day off, spent hiking to a crashed Kristang frigate, interrupted by a devastating railgun strike that levels the base. Joe must overcome his self-doubt to rally a small, motley crew, securing a tactical victory by bringing down two massive Ruhar troop carriers known by humans as Whales. The Unprecedented Promotion: Fresh off the battlefield, Joe receives an unheard-of Kristang-mandated promotion, rocketing him from Sergeant (E5) to Colonel (O6) overnight. A Cornerstone Character: Chapter 7 introduces Lieutenant Colonel Chang, Joe's newly promoted counterpart, whose rigid military discipline acts as a crucial "yin and yang" to Joe's cowboy style. The Truth Revealed: The pivotal moment arrives when a drunken Kristang officer exposes the species' true intentions, referring to humanity as nothing more than "slaves" and "pets," confirming Joe's deepest fears about their allies. Behind the Scenes: The Pirates also discuss the reoccurring "Barney-style" reference, characters’ leadership philosophy, and the importance of having good maps in an alien jungle. Reach out to the Pirates on social media with any ideas or suggestions! Listen to Episode 7: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMerryBandofPirates/videos Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/720226687805258 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mboppod/ 𝕏/Twitter: https://x.com/mboppod Email: mboppod@gmail.com ...And if you haven't done so, yet, download and listen to The Expeditionary Force series on Audible: https://www.audible.com (Not yet a sponsor!) Until then, always Trust The Awesomeness!
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MBoP: Columbus Day, Chapters 4 & 5: Paradise and Intel—The Schlumpernur Inside You | Ep 8
04/19/2026
MBoP: Columbus Day, Chapters 4 & 5: Paradise and Intel—The Schlumpernur Inside You | Ep 8
Welcome back to The Mary Bandit Pirates and "Unofficially Official" Expeditionary Force podcast. In this episode, Andy, Joey, Mariane, Steve, and Jake, plus guest pirate Adam, discuss Chapters Four and Five of the first ExForce book, Columbus Day: "Paradise" and "Intel." This is the episode where Sergeant Joe Bishop's worldview gets shattered on the planet Paradise as he learns the true nature of the war and humanity's role in the galaxy. In this episode, we break down: - Lester Cornhut: The introduction of the memorable Ruhar (hamster) farmer and unofficial mayor of the Village of Teskor, along with a discussion of their lab-grown "steaks." - The Burgermeister's Intel: Baturnah Logellia, the Deputy Chief Administrator of Gehtanu, reveals the massive lie: the Ruhar attacked Earth to protect it from the Kristang. - The zPhone Revelation: The shocking discovery that the Kristang are actively eavesdropping on all human communication and technology. - Galactic Politics: Another exposition into the senior species, including the genetic duplication practiced by the Thuranin, more insight into the Maxolhx, and the explanation of the powerful Sentinels (elder weapons) that prevent galactic annihilation. - A-Team Reassignment: The Pirates discuss Major Emily Perkins showing up at the end of Intel to reassign Joe Bishop to hide him after receiving disruptive intelligence. Side Quests & Pirate Banter: - RC Bray: Hear about the private voicemail recorded by the audiobook narrator as Skippy the Magnificent. - The "Schlumpernur": We explore the Ruhar word that translates to a "damp musty blanket" and how it's used to describe a mood and the weather. - The Next Chapter: We look ahead to Chapter 6, "Fort Arrow," where Joe Bishop finally gets into the first battle. Follow the Merry Band of Pirates: Reach out to the Pirates on social media with any ideas or suggestions! Listen to Episode 7: Facebook: Instagram: 𝕏/Twitter: Email: ...And if you haven't done so, yet, download and listen to The Expeditionary Force series on Audible: https://www.audible.com (Not yet a sponsor!) Until then, Always Trust the Awesomeness!
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The Merry Band of Pirates: Interview with Craig Alanson, Author of Expeditionary Force Series | Ep 7
04/05/2026
The Merry Band of Pirates: Interview with Craig Alanson, Author of Expeditionary Force Series | Ep 7
EXCLUSIVE! The Merry Band of Pirates is honored to host the man, the myth, the legend, author Craig Alanson (Expeditionary Force, Ascendant, Convergence)! We discuss his writing process, where he confirms that Joe Bishop’s mundane breakthroughs are based on his own experience, often finding solutions while walking the dogs or even vacuuming the carpet. Craig shares the history of his extraordinary success with self-publishing, revealing that he has generated over $100 million in sales over the last ten years and explaining why he turns down traditional publishers—primarily to maintain creative control and ensure RC Bray narrates his audiobooks. Insider Reveals: Craig gives the Pirates the exclusive title for the final main-series book, Book 20, which will wrap up all missing strings and character arcs. He also shares details on future projects, including a novelization of the Homefront audio drama (with RC Bray narrating) and a book dedicated to the origin story of Uhtavio Scorandum, the sketchy beetle we all know and love. Plus, hear the definitive answer on the "official status" change of the MBoP podcast and how you can win a Skip Coin in our Skippy-esque insult contest!* *Must listen to the episode for details. Details subject to change. (Don't blame me--The Beer Can made me do it!)
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The Merry Band of Pirates: Columbus Day Chapter 3: Camp Alpha, Part 2 - Camp A.W.E.S.O.M.E. | Ep 6
03/22/2026
The Merry Band of Pirates: Columbus Day Chapter 3: Camp Alpha, Part 2 - Camp A.W.E.S.O.M.E. | Ep 6
Welcome to The Merry Band of Pirates, an unofficial Expeditionary Force podcast. In Episode 6, we continue examining Chapter 3 of Columbus Day with UNEF at Camp Alpha, breaking down major plot points from military doctrine to Joe Bishop's personal life. The main discussion focuses on "THE RULES,” the five key military rules of combat engagement that serve as the space equivalent of the Geneva Convention, and how they are constantly broken throughout the series by all major factions. We explore the Kristang's intentions to set humans up for failure, the immediate loss of Joe’s platoon to railgun strikes, and the moment an Army Apache pilot demonstrates humanity’s rapid adaptability by successfully taking down two alien craft. On a personal level, we spend time on Joe Bishop’s inner monologue and second-guessing as he navigates a battlefield romance with Shauna. The hosts discuss how they manage to keep things fun and practical amid the unpredictable nature of war, including a laugh at the notorious "Awesome" acronym (A.W.E.S.O.M.E.). On a career front, we celebrate Joe’s promotion from specialist to Sergeant Bishop, discussing how this gives the 20-year-old his first formal opportunity for ranked leadership, and debate the significance of Captain Andrews' famous "ice cream truck" warning. Finally, we check in "In the Galley with Colonel Joe" to explore the culinary lowlights of Camp Alpha, including the meatloaf with "hydraulic fluid" gravy and the universally reviled "soggy bowl of sadness" (plain oatmeal). HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT: Stay tuned to the end of the episode, where we get to announce that a very special pirate will be joining the Merry Band of Pirates on the very next episode! Also, listen for details on how you can win a Skipcoin giveaway! Connect with The Merry Band of Pirates: Watch to Episode 6: Facebook: Instagram: 𝕏/Twitter: Email: ...And if you haven't done so, yet, download and listen to The Expeditionary Force series on Audible: (Not yet a sponsor!)
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The Merry Band of Pirates: Columbus Day Chapter 3: Camp Alpha, Part 1: 'There Goes McDougall' | Ep 5
03/08/2026
The Merry Band of Pirates: Columbus Day Chapter 3: Camp Alpha, Part 1: 'There Goes McDougall' | Ep 5
Welcome back, Pirates! We're breaking down the first half of Columbus Day Chapter 3, "Camp Alpha," which is so packed with exposition and world-building that we had to split it into two parts. In this episode, we cover the rough landing on Camp Alpha and the immediate, harsh realities of 107% gravity, plus the hilarious 'There Goes McDougall' joke. Joe Bishop and the others struggle with "Hoo-ah bars" and are introduced to their new, and somewhat disappointing, military gear. Key Discussion Points: - Ground State Launch: Initial, non-spoilery reactions to Craig Alanson's 19th Expeditionary Force book. - The Tech: Disappointment with the "Vietnam-era" M4, the effectiveness of the Bravo Javelin, and a deep dive into the zPhone, the essential piece of Kristang tech that breaks down the communication barrier in the ExFor universe. - A (rare) Meet Cute for Joe: We discuss the introduction of a key character and Joe's hilarious, self-doubting internal monologue about how to talk to Shauna Jarrett. - Class Time! An in-depth breakdown of the galactic power structure: the Allied Coalition (Maxolhx, Thuranin, Kristang) vs. the Enemy Coalition (Rindhalu, Jeraptha, Ruhar). Plus, a quick look at the ancient Elders and their wormhole network. - In the Galley with Colonel Joe: Our new segment dedicated to the food of the Expeditionary Force! Listen now and let us know your favorite Hoo-ah bar flavor! Remember to Trust the Awesomeness! Subscribe and Follow: Listen to Episode 4: Facebook: Instagram: 𝕏/Twitter: Email: ...And if you haven't done so, yet, download and listen to The Expeditionary Force series on Audible: (Not yet a sponsor!)
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Live Reactions to the ExForce 10th Anniversary Live Stream, LIVE | Merry Band of Pirates Episode 4
02/22/2026
Live Reactions to the ExForce 10th Anniversary Live Stream, LIVE | Merry Band of Pirates Episode 4
It’s official! We’re all knuckleheads! Welcome to the Merry Band of Pirates, an unofficial Expeditionary Force podcast. This special episode includes our real-time, "Mystery Science Theater 3000-style" commentary of the Columbus Day 10th Anniversary Expeditionary Force Live Stream hosted by Podium Publishing and featuring the one and only creator of the series, author Craig Alanson. Link to Live: Join the crew—Andy, Steve, Mariane, Jake, Charlie, and Joey—for unmuted commentary and all-around shenanigans as we watch the event stream live on YouTube. The episode is packed with major news from Craig Alanson, including new details on Book 20 (which he hints will be the last book in the series—consider this your spoiler warning!). Stick around for the post-show discussion where we break down our favorite takeaways, best quotes, and new announcements from the author. Plus, don't miss the thrilling story of Mariane’s unexpected fangirl moment (Craig Alanson’s direct message to her on Face-space) and the possibility of a Merry Band of Pirates podcast shout-out during the live stream itself! We also cover the chaos of one lucky pirate winning the coveted Skipcoin giveaway—and not knowing it for at least a minute—but when he does… So, sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the chaos! Featured in this Episode: Event: Craig Alanson 10th Anniversary Expeditionary Force Live Stream (Podium Publishing): Discussion Topics: Book 20, the series' origin, fan moments, Shocktails, and a special Skipcoin giveaway.
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The Merry Band of Pirates: Columbus Day Chapter 2: Deployment - To Boldly Go... In An Alien Bathroom - Ep. 3
02/08/2026
The Merry Band of Pirates: Columbus Day Chapter 2: Deployment - To Boldly Go... In An Alien Bathroom - Ep. 3
Welcome to Episode 3 of the Merry Band of Pirates and Unofficial Expeditionary Force podcast! Join us for a discussion of Chapter 2 of Columbus Day, "Deployment," focusing on Joe Bishop's journey from Earth via the Thuranin space elevator and a Kristang troop transport (via a Thuranin Star Carrier) to Camp Alpha, and a deep exploration into the food, science fiction technology, and characters introduced during that galactic transit. 🚨 SPOILER WARNING: We will be discussing aspects and happenings of this chapter and future books in detail. If you are new to the series and wish to avoid spoilers, please listen to or read Columbus Day first, then come back and join us! News: - Ground State Released: Book 19 in the Expeditionary Force series, Ground State, is officially out. - Columbus Day 10th Anniversary: Don't miss the 10th-anniversary event for Columbus Day, including a live stream on February 10th on the Podium YouTube Channel: Today's discussion follows Joe Bishop's journey from a broken, post-Columbus Day Earth (including the long winter and economic collapse) to his deployment off-world. From the space elevator in Ecuador to transiting artificial wormholes on his way to Camp Alpha...we cover it all. Key Topics Covered: - First Introductions: Meeting Joe's good friend Jesse "Cornpone" Colter and the formal introduction to the UNEF (United Nations Expeditionary Force). - Sci-Fi Deep Dive: A detailed analysis of the Thuranin-built space elevator, including a comparison to real-world orbital mechanics, and Arthur C. Clarke's contributions to geostationary belts. - Alien Tech: Discussing Kristang medical scanners, nanomedicine, and the convenient and simple method for charging personal devices. - Galactic Travel: Breaking down the mechanics of faster-than-light travel using jump drives and the ancient artificial wormhole network. - Character Insights: Exploring Joe Bishop's young age and his "grunt-level" worries (like finding a good bathroom, a good cheeseburger, or a good place for charging his tablet), which provides the starting line of his path to future high-level command decisions in books to come. - New Segment: The debut of our food segment, "In the Galley with Colonel Joe," featuring Joe's affinity for cheeseburgers and an impassioned rant by our own Mainer about canned brown bread. Subscribe and Follow: Listen to Episode 2: Facebook: Instagram: 𝕏/Twitter: Email: ...And if you haven't done so, yet, download and listen to The Expeditionary Force series on Audible: (Not yet a sponsor!)
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The Merry Band of Pirates: Columbus Day Chapter 1: Close Encounters of a Space Hamster Kind - Ep. 2
01/25/2026
The Merry Band of Pirates: Columbus Day Chapter 1: Close Encounters of a Space Hamster Kind - Ep. 2
...Or Why Columbus Day Chapter 1 Matters 18 Books Later Welcome back to the Merry Band of Pirates and Unofficial Expeditionary Force podcast! In Episode 2, we’re talking about the chapter that started it all: Chapter 1 of Columbus Day, the foundational novel of the beloved Expeditionary Force (Exfor/Exforce) series by Craig Alanson. 🚨 SPOILER WARNING: We will be discussing aspects and happenings of this chapter and future books in detail. If you are new to the series and wish to avoid spoilers, please listen to or read Columbus Day first, then come back and join us! In this episode, we break down: - The Characters: A full synopsis of the originating cast of characters, including the introduction of Joe Bishop (our accidental protagonist), the six-foot alien Ruhar (nicknamed "Hamsters"), and the arrival of the mysterious Kristang. - The First Attack: The Ruhar attacked on Columbus Day, the crash landing in rural Maine, and the brilliantly satirical tone set by Craig Alanson from page one. - The Ice Cream Truck: The unforgettable, rag-tag plan to capture the first Ruhar soldier ("Fuzzy Face"), complete with dynamite and a prominently featured, non-trademark-compliant purple-dinosaur-themed ice cream truck (a series-long running joke). - Deep Themes: We discuss the subtle, but crucial, world-building elements that foreshadow the entire series, from Joe’s natural capacity for leadership and his empathetic handling of the captive alien, to the establishment of the series’ strong female characters and the complexities of space battle. - The Nicknames & Humor: Exploring how Craig Alanson's unique cadence and witty nicknames, like "Fuzzy Face" and (wait for it…) "Skippy", hook readers and build the series' distinctive style. Whether you're a long-time Expeditionary Force veteran or a new listener/reader just starting your journey, join us as we relive the hilarious and insightful origins of one of modern sci-fi's greatest sagas! Subscribe and Follow: The Expeditionary Force Series: YouTube: Facebook: Instagram: 𝕏/Twitter: Email: #ExpeditionaryForce #Exfor #ColumbusDay #CraigAlanson #JoeBishop #Skippy #Ruhar #SciFiPodcast #MBoP #MBoPPod #MBoPPodcast
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The Merry Band of Pirates: The Official Start of the Unofficial Podcast - Ep. 1
01/11/2026
The Merry Band of Pirates: The Official Start of the Unofficial Podcast - Ep. 1
Welcome to The Merry Band of Pirates, the unofficial Expeditionary Force fan podcast! Six complete strangers, brought together by our shared love of Joe Bishop, Skippy, and the whole crew. In this inaugural episode, we introduce the motley crew of co-hosts, answer what got us hooked on the series (shout-out to RC Bray!), and debate the most spoiler-free way to sum up the first book, Columbus Day. Get ready for some filthy monkey business as we launch into our new mission to dissect the awesomeness of the Expeditionary Force universe. In This Episode: Latest Intel: News from the The Skippy-verse: News about the upcoming 19th book, Ground State. Celebrating the 10-Year Anniversary of the first book, (Jan 11th, 2016) Mention of the official Meet the Crew: Host Introductions & Origins: Each co-host (Andy, Charlie, Mariane, Steve, Jake, and Joey) shares their "origin story" with the series. How most hosts were introduced to the series through the legendary narrator, RC Bray, often after listening to Andy Wier’s The Martian. Attempting the Impossible: Summarizing Columbus Day The group attempts the 60-second challenge to summarize the entire first book. The consensus: the first nine chapters are a "slog" until Skippy shows up in Chapter 10. Discussion on the whole series: Unintended Consequences, Filthy Monkey Business, and Ancient Alien AIs. Glossary for the Uninitiated: TTA: Trust The Awesomeness Skippy: An ancient, powerful, and arrogant AI who resembles a beer can. MBoP: Abbreviation for "The Merry Band of Pirates." Columbus Day: The first book in the Expeditionary Force series. RC Bray: The critically acclaimed narrator of the Expeditionary Force audiobook series. Nagatha: Another powerful AI introduced later in the series.
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