Covert Japes
Sep 29, 2026 · 1h 7m
Summary
Blindboy records an emergency podcast episode while battling the flu, explaining he lacks time for a standard show due to his upcoming tour and the opening night of his play, Animals, at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. He discusses the nature of transformative art, arguing that emotional impact matters more than technical virtuosity, and expresses concern about being dismissed as "outsider art" due to his autism and podcasting persona. The episode concludes with him reading his short story "Covert Japes," a surreal narrative about a man selling a vintage bass guitar who shares a bizarre spirit…
Topics discussed
Zin Nicotine Pouches Ad
Emergency recording due to illness and travel
Opening night of play 'Animals' at Abbey Theatre
Personal discomfort and biographical elements in the play
Art, virtuosity, and emotional transformation (Nirvana example)
The Rolling Stones' 'Gimme Shelter' and imperfection in art
Fear of being labeled 'outsider art' due to autism
Solemnity vs. absurdity in the serious art world
The value of live theatre and the 'You're Not Alone' play
Patreon support and podcast funding model
Upcoming UK tour dates and Gateshead trivia
Sponsor Ads: Zin, Pacific Life, and Noom
Introduction to short story 'Covert Japes'
Story: Arriving at the Imperial Bar in the rain
Story: Meeting Jerry and the Hoffner Bass
Story: The legend of the bass owner and the maggot religion
Story: The airplane incident and the fake hand reveal
Story: The deal to buy the bass and the disciples
Story: Realizing it's a TV prank show and playing along
Story: The climax of the prank
Listen ad-free on Castria