On this month's episode of The Sociologist's Dojo Podcast Dr. Rebecca Gibson returns to the podcast to talk about the sapphic, Sci-Fi, Shakespearean, trans-inclusive, time-bending novel: This Is How You Lose The Time War. by Amal El-Mothar and Max Gladstone. Dr. Gibson and the host discuss gender fluid narratives, neurodivergent masculinity, and the cultural impact/importance of reading. Enjoy!

Production Notes:

Intro: 0:00-2:57

Update on Dr. Gibson's work: 2:58-10:35

• TedX VCU Talk
• Paris Trip
• Dr. Gibson's upcoming books

The Basics of the book 10:36-21:15

• Plot Synopsis
• Trivia

Historical Context 21:31-75:44

• Dr. Gibson's background with the book
• The Host's experience reading the book
• A bit about Romance (interlude 1)
• The literary influences and Sci-Fi cannon
• A bit more about Romance (Interlude 2)
• The context of the 2010's
• Looking for hope in an untethering world
• Last bit of Romance (interlude 3)
• The Cultural Impact of the book
• The current way we consume content
• The book's reception

Social Analysis 75:45-102:53

• The book's fluidity (Gender, Sexuality and Narrative)
• Moving closer to sex with robots and Robot Sexuality
• Neurodivergence, Robots and Masculinity
• On how omniscient beings experience love

Outtro: 102:54-123:26

• Favorite Passages and Letter Distriution Methods
• TV Adaptation Fan Casting
• The Matrix 5 thoughts

All Clips used under Fair Use

Links

• How Star Wars and Star Trek Ruined Sci-Fi
• Signified B-Sides Sigma Masculinity
• "Love Lost" by Mattia Cupelli
• Companion: Iris reaches 100%
• Derrida on Signatures
• Dr. Gibson's Books Their Socials @drrgibsongirl (bluesky) @rgibsongirl (twitter)
• The Sociologist's Dojo Blog
• Related Essay: The Curious Case of Elon Musk and Tony Stark: 'Sigma Male' Masculinity and the Myth of the Benevolent Billionaire