The Allusionist

It's Banned Books Week. Honorary youth chair Iris Mogul and Sam Helmick, president of the American Library Association, talk about what it is, why it matters so much, and how you can get involved.Visit theallusionist.org/bannedbooks for more information and many links about today's topics, plus a transcript of the episode.Support the show at theallusionist.org/donate and as well as keeping this independent podcast going, you also get behind-the-scenes info about every episode; livestreams with me, Martin and my ever-growing collection of dictionaries, and the charming and nurturing Allusioverse Discord community, where we're watching the current season Great British Bake Off - donors also get a weekly work of flanfic about the show.This episode was produced by me, Helen Zaltzman. Thanks to Thanks to Charisse Barnachea, and to Liv for the Judy Blume books circa 1989. Martin Austwick sings and composed the music. Download his own songs at palebirdmusic.com and on Bandcamp, and listen to his podcasts Song By Song and Neutrino Watch.Find the Allusionist at youtube.com/allusionistshow, instagram.com/allusionistshow, facebook.com/allusionistshow, @allusionistshow.bsky.social… If I’m there, I’m there as @allusionistshow. Our ad partner is Multitude. If you want me to talk compellingly about your product, sponsor an episode: contact Multitude at multitude.productions/ads. This episode is sponsored by:• Squarespace, your one-stop shop for building and running your online forever home. Go to squarespace.com/allusionist for a free trial, and get 10 percent off your first purchase of a website or domain with the code allusionist.• Home Chef, meal kits that fit your needs. For a limited time, Home Chef is offering Allusionist listeners fifty per cent off and free shipping on your first box, plus free dessert for life, at HomeChef.com/allusionist.• Rosetta Stone, immersive and effective language learning. Allusionist listeners get 50% off unlimited access to all 25 language courses, for life: go to rosettastone.com/allusionist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Alex Ketchum, an assistant professor and author of *Ingredients for Revolution*, dives into the fascinating world of feminist restaurants and coffeehouses from the 1970s and 1980s. These spaces aimed to challenge traditional working hierarchies while promoting ethical sourcing and fair wages. Ketchum discusses their unique naming trends, the debates around inclusion, and the innovative practices like no-tipping that influenced modern dining. Despite their short lifespans, these establishments laid the groundwork for today's feminist and inclusive café culture.

Dive into the quirky world of language censorship, where innocent words are caught in a web of digital scrutiny. Hear about the unique history of Scunthorpe and its transformation from a collection of villages to a bustling town. Reflect on the unpredictability of legacy and community, and the heartfelt connections forged through local businesses. Plus, gain insights into the significance of beloved independent bookstores in maintaining cultural interactions. It's an educational yet entertaining exploration of language and community.

Listener Erica commented: "Perhaps an idea for a bonus ep of Four Letter Word season would be one on two-letter words: there’s an established list that Scrabble nerds end up memorizing, and it’s full of weirdness." In fact, there are TWO established lists, NASPA, the North American Scrabble Players Association, which has currently 107 two-letter words, and Collins Scrabble Words, formerly known as SOWPODS, used by the rest of the world and contains at present 127 two-letter words.And this episode, we're going to hear all those two-letter words. If you don't agree with their Scrabbular validity, don't blame me! Some of the inclusions were a surprise!Visit theallusionist.org/two for more information about today's two-letter words, plus a transcript of the episode.Support the show at theallusionist.org/donate and as well as keeping this independent podcast going, you also get behind-the-scenes info about every episode, livestreams where I read from my ever-growing collection of dictionaries, and the charming and nurturing Allusioverse Discord community, where we're watching the current season of Great British Sewing Bee and soon the new season of Great British Bake Off.This episode was produced by me, Helen Zaltzman, on the unceded ancestral and traditional territory of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. The music is by Martin Austwick; download his songs at palebirdmusic.com and on Bandcamp, and listen to his podcasts Song By Song and Neutrino Watch.Find the Allusionist at youtube.com/allusionistshow, instagram.com/allusionistshow, facebook.com/allusionistshow, @allusionistshow.bsky.social… If I’m there, I’m there as @allusionistshow. Our ad partner is Multitude. If you want me to talk compellingly about your product, sponsor an episode: contact Multitude at multitude.productions/ads. This episode is sponsored by:• Squarespace, your one-stop shop for building and running your online forever home. Go to squarespace.com/allusionist for a free 2-week trial, and get 10 percent off your first purchase of a website or domain with the code allusionist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For today’s instalment of Four Letter Word season, we’re hopping from ‘bane’ to ‘bain’ to ‘bath’, via poison gardens, doll’s eyes, alchemists, placentas and waterborne curses.Visit theallusionist.org/bane for more information about today's topics, plus a transcript of the episode.Support the show at theallusionist.org/donate and as well as keeping this independent podcast going, you also get behind-the-scenes info about every episode, livestreams with me, Martin and my ever-growing collection of dictionaries, and the charming and nurturing Allusioverse Discord community, where we're watching the current season of Great British Sewing Bee.This episode was produced by me, Helen Zaltzman, on the unceded ancestral and traditional territory of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Martin Austwick appears and also composed the music, including his new song 'Poison Garden'. Download his songs at palebirdmusic.com and on Bandcamp, and listen to his podcasts Song By Song and Neutrino Watch.Find the Allusionist at youtube.com/allusionistshow, instagram.com/allusionistshow, facebook.com/allusionistshow, @allusionistshow.bsky.social… If I’m there, I’m there as @allusionistshow. Our ad partner is Multitude. If you want me to talk compellingly about your product, sponsor an episode: contact Multitude at multitude.productions/ads. This episode is sponsored by:• Squarespace, your one-stop shop for building and running your online forever home. Go to squarespace.com/allusionist for a free 2-week trial, and get 10 percent off your first purchase of a website or domain with the code allusionist.• Home Chef, meal kits that fit your needs. For a limited time, Home Chef is offering Allusionist listeners fifty per cent off and free shipping on your first box, plus free dessert for life, at HomeChef.com/allusionist.• Rosetta Stone, immersive and effective language learning. Allusionist listeners get 50% off unlimited access to all 25 language courses, for life: go to rosettastone.com/allusionist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hannah McGregor, a podcaster and professor, dives into the fascinating world of dinosaurs and language. She reveals the Greek roots of 'dinosaur' and playfully critiques why we label them as 'terrible.' The conversation explores historical nomenclature, paleontology's rivalries, and how misconceptions shape our view of these creatures. McGregor also discusses the character of Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, highlighting the tension between science and popular culture. It’s a delightful mix of humor, history, and cultural insights.

Justin McElroy, Municipal Affairs Reporter for CBC Vancouver and the mind behind VancouverParkGuide.ca, takes us on an urban adventure exploring Vancouver's parks. He addresses the evolving definition of 'park' and shares insights on ranking every park in the city based on unique criteria. The talk highlights the transformation of spaces like Crab Park from landfill to community haven, and the cultural significance of playful park names. Join the discussion about how naming influences community pride and the functionality of public spaces.

This discussion dives into the intriguing legacy of the suffix '-gate,' birthed from the Watergate scandal. From Piggate to Spitgate, the podcast humorously explores a plethora of trivial scandals that capture public attention. It critiques how these absurdities often overshadow more pressing issues, while also highlighting the cultural significance of such controversies. Amusing anecdotes and witty commentary engage listeners in the evolution of language surrounding scandals, leaving them chuckling at the outrageousness of it all.

Dive into a playful quiz on four-letter words, exploring their quirky meanings and historical origins. Discover the legacy of John Venn beyond the diagram and the significance of the term 'nepo baby.' Learn about the acronym GOAT and the fascinating tale of the Petri dish. The lively format combines trivia with delightful anecdotes, ensuring a fun challenge for language lovers. Engage with unique cultural references and join in on the interactive experience, all while enjoying humorous commentary!

Nicole Holliday, an acting associate professor of linguistics at UC Berkeley, and Kelly Elizabeth Wright, an assistant professor at UW-Madison, delve into the controversial C-word. They explain how it has evolved from being a strong swear to a term of empowerment within queer communities, particularly in ballroom culture. The conversation explores its acceptance in digital spaces like TikTok and its implications for female identity and language reclamation. The hosts uncover the complexities of language, culture, and social power through humor and insightful analysis.