572 - Terry Pratchett and his Discworld
Summary
This episode marks the start of the 10th annual "Blockbuster-tober" countdown, where the hosts reveal the top eight listener-voted topics for the year. The main segment features a detailed biography of Terry Pratchett, covering his childhood in Beaconsfield, his transformation from a reluctant reader to a literary icon after discovering *The Wind in the Willows*, and his early success as a teenage science fiction writer. The hosts also discuss upcoming live events, including the Cheerful Earful Podcast Festival in Melbourne, and share humorous anecdotes about Pratchett’s interactions with t…
Topics discussed
Canada tour wrap-up and upcoming 2026 shows
Blockbuster-tober countdown and podcast donation appeal
Guessing the UK's greatest 90s author: Terry Pratchett
Pratchett's early life, education, and the toad story
His relationship with his PA and early writing struggles
Childhood anecdotes: tea cards and the razor blade gift
Teacher's negative prediction and the A+ drama solo
School memories and the transformative power of reading
Volunteering at the library and Sean Connery impressions
The 'hopeless kid' reputation and potty jokes
The 1960s, publishing his first work, and the SF convention
D&D character names and Pratchett's influence on Dave
Chillin' on, Kiwi politeness, and Russell Crowe
Working at the Bucks Free Press and workplace stories
Squarespace sponsorship and name change jokes
Getting his first book published and meeting his partner
The house party, pop star mix-up, and moving to a manor
Hippie life, greenhouse, and the birth of Rihanna
Brutal work conditions and Matt's comedy cancellation story
Nuclear power jobs and the train crash flask experiment
The Discworld universe and The Colour of Magic
Ankh-Morpork, Latin jokes, and his mental plotting process
Hospital pizza party and the arrival of spring
Reading advice and the Do Go On episode 69 joke
Full-time writing routine and high output pace
His iconic look: grey beard and wide-brimmed hat
The significance of the hat as an 'anti-disguise'
Being overshadowed by J.K. Rowling and Julia Donaldson
Listener book launches and shy public appearances
Health advice, white bread, and Dave's new nickname
The Hogfather and failed film adaptations
Australian cultural references and book advance negotiations
Predicting fake news and the Bill Gates interview
Bookstore economics and Rob Wilkins signing autographs
Fan mail rules and the fake co-writer lawsuit
Struggles to break into the US market and cover art
American marketing changes and becoming a NYT bestseller
The final tally of 41 Discworld novels and reading order
Miracle Drug Day and the onset of his illness
Honorary degrees and the University of South Australia
The sword of ore and his regret about starting later
The window for the soul and post-death rituals
Speaking lessons and his daughter's response to TERFs
The future of Discworld and the sacred legacy
Destroying the hard drive and the museum exhibition
The GNU John Deerhart code and fan tributes
Masterpiece debates and previous Book Cheat episodes
Lighting Dave's pubes on fire and Patreon promotion
Patreon bonus episodes and D&D show details
Reading listener facts and suggestions
Maz's illustration feedback and Canadian tour photos
Eating beaver tail and missing the beaver
Listener from Illinois and wife's interest in the show
US visa issues and Australian travel costs
Grief approach and Paul's fact submission
Oldham Athletic's Tangerine Home Kit history
Block-appropriate jokes and editing the segment
Secret door code and request to be on the episode
Gwyndle Poonz and other Pratchett-style names
Bloody Stupid Johnson and Lawrence Griffiths
Opening the Tripditch Club and Q&A with the Terrys
Daughter moving in and rental availability
Triple Tripditch in DuckD and Kiwi inclusion
Golden handcuffs and enshrining long-time supporters
Salute, kiss, and classic episode giveaway
Custodian of Episode 42: Edison vs Westinghouse
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