January 20, 2025 • 12 mins
The world has abandoned magic, but magic hasn’t abandoned the world.
Tommy & Naomi get some help on their journey to Persepolis.
----
Find out more about series writer Jake Kerr:
https://jakekerr.com
Check out our other drama podcasts!
The Thieves Guild
An epic fantasy centered around the city-state of Ness
Some secrets are worth dying for. Some are worth killing for.
https://podcastalchemy.studio/thievesguild
Thursday
A cyberpunk VR Thriller
No one can be trusted when nothing is real.
https://podcastalchemy.studio/thursday
----
Find out more about series writer Jake Kerr:
https://jakekerr.com
Check out our other drama podcasts!
The Thieves Guild
An epic fantasy centered around the city-state of Ness
Some secrets are worth dying for. Some are worth killing for.
https://podcastalchemy.studio/thievesguild
Thursday
A cyberpunk VR Thriller
No one can be trusted when nothing is real.
https://podcastalchemy.studio/thursday
Tommy & Naomi get some help on their journey to Persepolis.
----
Find out more about series writer Jake Kerr:
https://jakekerr.com
Check out our other drama podcasts!
The Thieves Guild
An epic fantasy centered around the city-state of Ness
Some secrets are worth dying for. Some are worth killing for.
https://podcastalchemy.studio/thievesguild
Thursday
A cyberpunk VR Thriller
No one can be trusted when nothing is real.
https://podcastalchemy.studio/thursday
----
Find out more about series writer Jake Kerr:
https://jakekerr.com
Check out our other drama podcasts!
The Thieves Guild
An epic fantasy centered around the city-state of Ness
Some secrets are worth dying for. Some are worth killing for.
https://podcastalchemy.studio/thievesguild
Thursday
A cyberpunk VR Thriller
No one can be trusted when nothing is real.
https://podcastalchemy.studio/thursday
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Artifacts of the Arcane by Jake Kerr, Season one, The
Staff of Light, episode twenty an old man gives us
a ride.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Then Grosh, where have you been? I walked toward him,
but Naomi held back, staring at the pool of black
in the dirt.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
The magicians held me at bay with their laughs.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
I glanced at the now shattered lights on the top
of the truck. What is the unfortunate news you mentioned?
I wanted to ask him about nearby settlements or if
there was someone we could seek out to help Caine
and Benham, but I was most worried about whatever news
he had. I filled myself with hope after Vingrosh mentioned
that the Gin were holding my grandfather and that he
was alive. But now I felt an emptiness as I
(00:53):
waited for his words. I knew he would say that
grandfather was dead.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
I attempted on your behalf, but the jen will not
listen to reason. They will not return your grandfather unless
the Staff is destroyed.
Speaker 4 (01:07):
It has killed too many of them.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
They say it is an instrument of destruction and you
are not to be trusted.
Speaker 5 (01:15):
Can't we just attack them?
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Naomi started practicing her magic by twisting and turning her fingers.
Speaker 4 (01:21):
That is unwise. They hold the pelagon and perceptless.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
He didn't add anything, as if the meaning was self evident.
Is that bad? I felt foolish asking, but I had
no choice.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
Perceptlis is their ancestral home. Most magic traces its roots
back to there. We'd have to defeat an army of them.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
I remembered mister Ali mentioning Persepolis and others taking notice
of that fact. And I also remembered my great grandfather
talking about how the staff was stolen during the Crusades.
Could it have come from Persepolis. I had never connected
magic so directly to Persia, but now it all started
to make sense. Two of the masters were Persian. The
(02:02):
respect that my grandfather had for mister Ali and his
family was evident, and even when mister Ali was dismissed
by people, his mention of Persepliss made them pause. Perhaps
I should give them the staff.
Speaker 4 (02:14):
No.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
I looked at Naomi and she lowered her head.
Speaker 5 (02:18):
I was wrong, Tommy. The staff can make a difference.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
She looked back up at me.
Speaker 5 (02:24):
You can't let magic die, Tommy.
Speaker 2 (02:26):
I looked at the shadowy form of Ingrash. What do
you think you have.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
Promised to create us at home. The JD will speak
with you. Perhaps you can convince them.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
Naomi took a step forward speak with them.
Speaker 6 (02:41):
So we are to go to this persepliss meet with
an army of magical creatures with massive jaws and claws.
Tell them we're sorry we killed a bunch of them,
but let's let bygones be bygones, and then ask them
to give up the very same person who's the one
who killed so many of them?
Speaker 5 (02:56):
Is that your recommendation?
Speaker 2 (02:57):
You are mistaken Ingrosh slid closer to Naomi, who took
a step back in response.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
The Pelvon never attacked the gym.
Speaker 3 (03:07):
He defended himself, and that is all they understand this
their concerns with the power of the new arch Mach
and the staff itself.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
That settles it. Then I will talk with them and
convince them that I am a friend. They will let
grandfather go and trust me with the staff. I tried
to sound confident, but I was unsure I succeeded.
Speaker 5 (03:28):
And when that doesn't work, I'll blast our way out.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
I looked toward the empty horizon, But how will we
get there?
Speaker 3 (03:35):
I could learn the lords of perceptilists. They are friends
of the Archmage and would say help. Others would help
as well. The Staff and arch Beach are famous in Persia.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
No, that is mister Ally's family. He wishes to destroy
the Staff, not help us. I frowned as I thought
things over. You know this, ving Grosh, he plotted with
you to do it.
Speaker 4 (03:57):
The situation has changed.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
You perhaps, but not for him. Mister Ali's words in
Lord Gord's office still stunk. He didn't care about my grandfather,
and he didn't care about me. All he cared about
was ridding the world of the Staff and magic. But
you can tell the lords about Caina and Benham. They
are hurt, and while the lords are saving them, we
can meet with a jin.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
It shall be done.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Then Grosh slid across the dirt, merging with the shadow
he came from. I assumed he had left. I looked
at Naomi and she just shrubbed.
Speaker 5 (04:31):
Time for a walk.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
We settled into a brisk pace, but the sunlight was overpowering,
and before long I was soaked and sweat. After about
an hour we came to a real road. It was
still dirt, but it was clearly used by vehicles. Naomi
pointed to our left. That way follows the tracks. It
was too hot to do anything more than nod. Twenty
(04:52):
minutes later we came to a few wooden houses. Without
any other plan, I went up and knocked on a door.
An old woman answered. I started to say hello and
farcie when her eyes went wide as she glanced at
the cane, which I had taken the leaning on ever
since I hurt my leg pe LaVonne. She opened the
door wide and yelled out a few words in farcie.
(05:13):
An old man, more thin and frail like my great
grandfather than vibrant like mister Ali, limped forward. He looked
at the cane and then at me. Where is the Parlabon?
I shook my head. I am his grandson. I need
to get to Persepolis to save him. He turned to
the woman, who I assumed was his wife and said
a few words. The only one I understood was arch mage,
(05:36):
which he said before glancing at me. She nodded. When
he finished, amere. The man touched his chest a fhra.
He pointed to the woman. Tommy, I held my palm
against my chest. I then introduced Naomi. With introductions done,
I wasn't sure what else to say. The old man
(05:57):
looked at the house wagon. He then turned and pointed
in the direction we were heading, Persepolis. I grinned as
I understood his meaning. Oh, yes, that would be great
pela von. He pointed to the road and then held
up his palm. He wants us to wait by the road.
(06:18):
I turned to Naomi. She whirled her eyes.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
Um.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
I guessed that was pretty obvious. She smiled and shook
her head.
Speaker 5 (06:27):
Oh, street light.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
About twenty minutes later, a single brown horse came around
from behind the house, pulling a flat bed wagon. The
old man sat in the front with the reins in
his hand. He stopped near us and pointed in the back.
We climbed up and settled in. Naomi sitting across from me.
The heap was so stifling that she didn't even bother
practicing her spells. Long trip, the old man snapped the
(06:52):
reins and we were off. We crossed the rail tracks
at one point, and later, as I glanced up, I
noticed a city far off in the distance. Look, that
must be Shra's. Naomi looked up.
Speaker 6 (07:04):
Yes, I guess the old man is taking us around
the city.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
Probably smart. It wasn't until later that I learned the
extent of my grandfather's fame in Persia. He was the
Pelevan as a hero to practically everyone. Many felt that
he was the one who freed them from occupation after
the Great War. At one point, Naomi leaned over.
Speaker 5 (07:27):
You know, we have to destroy all the gin.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
No I do not know that.
Speaker 6 (07:33):
Don't be naive, Tommy. They aren't coming to understand anything
but saving themselves. You've seen them up close. Sure Vngrosh
may have been able to bargain with them, but they
will only want one thing from us, to destroy us
and the staff.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
I don't know if that's true.
Speaker 5 (07:49):
It is true. Look, I have a plan.
Speaker 6 (07:53):
We get close enough that you can toss the staff
to your grandfather and he can destroy all the gin.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Naomi's implication that my grand father could save us with
the staff but I couldn't didn't bother me as much
as her prejudice against magical creatures. It reminded me of
my great grandfather talking about the fear of the shadows.
It was based on nothing but stories and myths. They
may not even let me that close. And besides, what
if he is hurt, and what if the gin actually
(08:19):
are willing to talk, Naomi shook her head.
Speaker 5 (08:23):
You're an idiot.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
We didn't say anything to each other for the rest
of the trip. It was early evening and several hours later,
when the old man reined in his horse, he pointed
to stone ruins in the distance Persepolis. He then pointed
to the road out. I couldn't help but smile. His
limited English made him sound like a stern father kicking
(08:45):
out a misbehaving child. Yet the reality was that he
had helped us more than he probably imagined. We climbed
out and I told him thank you. He bowed his
head per la von. I couldn't tell if he was
referring to saving my grandfather or he was calling me
that term. Either way, I was immensely thankful for his kindness.
I turned to Naomi. Her hair was pulled back behind
(09:07):
her ears, her sleeves were rolled up, and she was
staring off at the ruins. Ready. Naomi's hands crackled as
she prepared her magic. I have everything I need. Should
we wait for Vingroshe or walk toward the ruins. I
was worried because it was clear she was itching for
a fight. I was angry at her lack of self control.
(09:28):
When it hit me Jin had killed her mother. How
could I have forgotten that important point? Was it even
safe taking her with me when she could lose control
and a vengeful rampage. I wanted to think she wouldn't
do such a thing, but the truth was that I
didn't trust her. She was too passionate, too emotional. Maybe
you should stay behind. I tried so hard to make
(09:51):
my words sound reasonable and calm, but it was clear
I had failed miserably. Naomi turned to me, looking like
I slapped her.
Speaker 5 (09:59):
You don't think I can and handle myself.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
No, that's not it. She advanced on me, and I
backed up a step. I didn't want to tell her
that her behavior was proving my point, as that would
have just made it worse. It's just with your mother,
I paused, and she used that as evidence of agreement.
Speaker 5 (10:17):
Listen, street light.
Speaker 6 (10:18):
Jin killed my mother, and yes, I would very much
like to see a large number of them die for that.
Maybe it won't make me feel better, but maybe it will. However,
she turned her head away. I am here for you
and your grandfather. I don't want you to lose him.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
She turned back and I saw disappointment in her face.
She wiped it her eyes and turned away.
Speaker 5 (10:41):
You know what, forget it, just go yourself.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
She started walking in the direction of the retreating horse
and wagon. Wait she didn't wait. I ran up to her.
Hold on, she kept moving. Naomi, please. I grabbed her
arm and she whirled around, her face set in the
intense look that was both intimidating and beautiful. There were
tears on her cheeks. She didn't even bother to hide them,
(11:06):
and that made me think that something had changed between us.
I desperately wanted that change to be a good one.
I need you, she stared at me. I held up
the staff. I'm just a streetlight. A small smile formed
at the edge of her mouth. Of course you need me.
I turned to look at her, but she had jogged ahead.
Speaker 6 (11:29):
Just try to keep up and stay out of my way.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
A podcast production
Artifacts of the Arcane by Jake Kerr, Season one, The
Staff of Light, episode twenty an old man gives us
a ride.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Then Grosh, where have you been? I walked toward him,
but Naomi held back, staring at the pool of black
in the dirt.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
The magicians held me at bay with their laughs.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
I glanced at the now shattered lights on the top
of the truck. What is the unfortunate news you mentioned?
I wanted to ask him about nearby settlements or if
there was someone we could seek out to help Caine
and Benham, but I was most worried about whatever news
he had. I filled myself with hope after Vingrosh mentioned
that the Gin were holding my grandfather and that he
was alive. But now I felt an emptiness as I
(00:53):
waited for his words. I knew he would say that
grandfather was dead.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
I attempted on your behalf, but the jen will not
listen to reason. They will not return your grandfather unless
the Staff is destroyed.
Speaker 4 (01:07):
It has killed too many of them.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
They say it is an instrument of destruction and you
are not to be trusted.
Speaker 5 (01:15):
Can't we just attack them?
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Naomi started practicing her magic by twisting and turning her fingers.
Speaker 4 (01:21):
That is unwise. They hold the pelagon and perceptless.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
He didn't add anything, as if the meaning was self evident.
Is that bad? I felt foolish asking, but I had
no choice.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
Perceptlis is their ancestral home. Most magic traces its roots
back to there. We'd have to defeat an army of them.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
I remembered mister Ali mentioning Persepolis and others taking notice
of that fact. And I also remembered my great grandfather
talking about how the staff was stolen during the Crusades.
Could it have come from Persepolis. I had never connected
magic so directly to Persia, but now it all started
to make sense. Two of the masters were Persian. The
(02:02):
respect that my grandfather had for mister Ali and his
family was evident, and even when mister Ali was dismissed
by people, his mention of Persepliss made them pause. Perhaps
I should give them the staff.
Speaker 4 (02:14):
No.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
I looked at Naomi and she lowered her head.
Speaker 5 (02:18):
I was wrong, Tommy. The staff can make a difference.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
She looked back up at me.
Speaker 5 (02:24):
You can't let magic die, Tommy.
Speaker 2 (02:26):
I looked at the shadowy form of Ingrash. What do
you think you have.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
Promised to create us at home. The JD will speak
with you. Perhaps you can convince them.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
Naomi took a step forward speak with them.
Speaker 6 (02:41):
So we are to go to this persepliss meet with
an army of magical creatures with massive jaws and claws.
Tell them we're sorry we killed a bunch of them,
but let's let bygones be bygones, and then ask them
to give up the very same person who's the one
who killed so many of them?
Speaker 5 (02:56):
Is that your recommendation?
Speaker 2 (02:57):
You are mistaken Ingrosh slid closer to Naomi, who took
a step back in response.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
The Pelvon never attacked the gym.
Speaker 3 (03:07):
He defended himself, and that is all they understand this
their concerns with the power of the new arch Mach
and the staff itself.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
That settles it. Then I will talk with them and
convince them that I am a friend. They will let
grandfather go and trust me with the staff. I tried
to sound confident, but I was unsure I succeeded.
Speaker 5 (03:28):
And when that doesn't work, I'll blast our way out.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
I looked toward the empty horizon, But how will we
get there?
Speaker 3 (03:35):
I could learn the lords of perceptilists. They are friends
of the Archmage and would say help. Others would help
as well. The Staff and arch Beach are famous in Persia.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
No, that is mister Ally's family. He wishes to destroy
the Staff, not help us. I frowned as I thought
things over. You know this, ving Grosh, he plotted with
you to do it.
Speaker 4 (03:57):
The situation has changed.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
You perhaps, but not for him. Mister Ali's words in
Lord Gord's office still stunk. He didn't care about my grandfather,
and he didn't care about me. All he cared about
was ridding the world of the Staff and magic. But
you can tell the lords about Caina and Benham. They
are hurt, and while the lords are saving them, we
can meet with a jin.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
It shall be done.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Then Grosh slid across the dirt, merging with the shadow
he came from. I assumed he had left. I looked
at Naomi and she just shrubbed.
Speaker 5 (04:31):
Time for a walk.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
We settled into a brisk pace, but the sunlight was overpowering,
and before long I was soaked and sweat. After about
an hour we came to a real road. It was
still dirt, but it was clearly used by vehicles. Naomi
pointed to our left. That way follows the tracks. It
was too hot to do anything more than nod. Twenty
(04:52):
minutes later we came to a few wooden houses. Without
any other plan, I went up and knocked on a door.
An old woman answered. I started to say hello and
farcie when her eyes went wide as she glanced at
the cane, which I had taken the leaning on ever
since I hurt my leg pe LaVonne. She opened the
door wide and yelled out a few words in farcie.
(05:13):
An old man, more thin and frail like my great
grandfather than vibrant like mister Ali, limped forward. He looked
at the cane and then at me. Where is the Parlabon?
I shook my head. I am his grandson. I need
to get to Persepolis to save him. He turned to
the woman, who I assumed was his wife and said
a few words. The only one I understood was arch mage,
(05:36):
which he said before glancing at me. She nodded. When
he finished, amere. The man touched his chest a fhra.
He pointed to the woman. Tommy, I held my palm
against my chest. I then introduced Naomi. With introductions done,
I wasn't sure what else to say. The old man
(05:57):
looked at the house wagon. He then turned and pointed
in the direction we were heading, Persepolis. I grinned as
I understood his meaning. Oh, yes, that would be great
pela von. He pointed to the road and then held
up his palm. He wants us to wait by the road.
(06:18):
I turned to Naomi. She whirled her eyes.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
Um.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
I guessed that was pretty obvious. She smiled and shook
her head.
Speaker 5 (06:27):
Oh, street light.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
About twenty minutes later, a single brown horse came around
from behind the house, pulling a flat bed wagon. The
old man sat in the front with the reins in
his hand. He stopped near us and pointed in the back.
We climbed up and settled in. Naomi sitting across from me.
The heap was so stifling that she didn't even bother
practicing her spells. Long trip, the old man snapped the
(06:52):
reins and we were off. We crossed the rail tracks
at one point, and later, as I glanced up, I
noticed a city far off in the distance. Look, that
must be Shra's. Naomi looked up.
Speaker 6 (07:04):
Yes, I guess the old man is taking us around
the city.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
Probably smart. It wasn't until later that I learned the
extent of my grandfather's fame in Persia. He was the
Pelevan as a hero to practically everyone. Many felt that
he was the one who freed them from occupation after
the Great War. At one point, Naomi leaned over.
Speaker 5 (07:27):
You know, we have to destroy all the gin.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
No I do not know that.
Speaker 6 (07:33):
Don't be naive, Tommy. They aren't coming to understand anything
but saving themselves. You've seen them up close. Sure Vngrosh
may have been able to bargain with them, but they
will only want one thing from us, to destroy us
and the staff.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
I don't know if that's true.
Speaker 5 (07:49):
It is true. Look, I have a plan.
Speaker 6 (07:53):
We get close enough that you can toss the staff
to your grandfather and he can destroy all the gin.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Naomi's implication that my grand father could save us with
the staff but I couldn't didn't bother me as much
as her prejudice against magical creatures. It reminded me of
my great grandfather talking about the fear of the shadows.
It was based on nothing but stories and myths. They
may not even let me that close. And besides, what
if he is hurt, and what if the gin actually
(08:19):
are willing to talk, Naomi shook her head.
Speaker 5 (08:23):
You're an idiot.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
We didn't say anything to each other for the rest
of the trip. It was early evening and several hours later,
when the old man reined in his horse, he pointed
to stone ruins in the distance Persepolis. He then pointed
to the road out. I couldn't help but smile. His
limited English made him sound like a stern father kicking
(08:45):
out a misbehaving child. Yet the reality was that he
had helped us more than he probably imagined. We climbed
out and I told him thank you. He bowed his
head per la von. I couldn't tell if he was
referring to saving my grandfather or he was calling me
that term. Either way, I was immensely thankful for his kindness.
I turned to Naomi. Her hair was pulled back behind
(09:07):
her ears, her sleeves were rolled up, and she was
staring off at the ruins. Ready. Naomi's hands crackled as
she prepared her magic. I have everything I need. Should
we wait for Vingroshe or walk toward the ruins. I
was worried because it was clear she was itching for
a fight. I was angry at her lack of self control.
(09:28):
When it hit me Jin had killed her mother. How
could I have forgotten that important point? Was it even
safe taking her with me when she could lose control
and a vengeful rampage. I wanted to think she wouldn't
do such a thing, but the truth was that I
didn't trust her. She was too passionate, too emotional. Maybe
you should stay behind. I tried so hard to make
(09:51):
my words sound reasonable and calm, but it was clear
I had failed miserably. Naomi turned to me, looking like
I slapped her.
Speaker 5 (09:59):
You don't think I can and handle myself.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
No, that's not it. She advanced on me, and I
backed up a step. I didn't want to tell her
that her behavior was proving my point, as that would
have just made it worse. It's just with your mother,
I paused, and she used that as evidence of agreement.
Speaker 5 (10:17):
Listen, street light.
Speaker 6 (10:18):
Jin killed my mother, and yes, I would very much
like to see a large number of them die for that.
Maybe it won't make me feel better, but maybe it will. However,
she turned her head away. I am here for you
and your grandfather. I don't want you to lose him.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
She turned back and I saw disappointment in her face.
She wiped it her eyes and turned away.
Speaker 5 (10:41):
You know what, forget it, just go yourself.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
She started walking in the direction of the retreating horse
and wagon. Wait she didn't wait. I ran up to her.
Hold on, she kept moving. Naomi, please. I grabbed her
arm and she whirled around, her face set in the
intense look that was both intimidating and beautiful. There were
tears on her cheeks. She didn't even bother to hide them,
(11:06):
and that made me think that something had changed between us.
I desperately wanted that change to be a good one.
I need you, she stared at me. I held up
the staff. I'm just a streetlight. A small smile formed
at the edge of her mouth. Of course you need me.
I turned to look at her, but she had jogged ahead.
Speaker 6 (11:29):
Just try to keep up and stay out of my way.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
A podcast production
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I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.