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Acatalepsis

Acatalepsis

By Thomas Kilmer

Two friends, Sarah and Thomas, discuss Katalepsis, a serial web novel about cosmic horror and human fragility, urban fantasy and lesbian romance, set in a sleepy English university town. We discuss Katalepsis as a work of eldritch horror, queer literature, social commentary, and how we personally relate to the work.
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Currently playing episode

Arc 1, Ch 1 (Introduction)

AcatalepsisSep 10, 2022

00:00
01:29:14
Arc 3, Ch 3-4 (Demons and Humans)

Arc 3, Ch 3-4 (Demons and Humans)

In this week's episode, Sarah and Thomas dive into what makes a person with the newest member of Katalpesis' cast, the strawberry loving demon Praem. 

Jan 16, 202301:45:59
Arc 3, Ch 1-2 (Dreams, Sex, and Castles)

Arc 3, Ch 1-2 (Dreams, Sex, and Castles)

In this week's episode, Sarah and Thomas discuss the beginning of arc three, talking about the impenetrability of Lozzie and her dreams, Heather's first time having sex, and also the adorable cat which kept interrupting the podcast.

Dec 11, 202202:19:15
Arc 2 Retrospective

Arc 2 Retrospective

In this Thanksgiving week's episode, Sarah and Thomas pause their usual progression through Katalepsis to look back on the arcs and characters so far. And also to talk about anything and everything that catches their fancy. There is discussion of the difficulties of dealing with repression, queer imposter syndrome and dating difficulties, game theory and human compassion, and also the science of ultra-fast lasers.

P.S. We never thought anyone would listen to this at all, let alone dozens of people. We're very grateful for everyone who listens to this!

Nov 24, 202201:53:05
Arc 2, Ch 11-12 (Love and War)

Arc 2, Ch 11-12 (Love and War)

In this week's episode, Sarah and Thomas break down the end of arc two, talking about the mental health system, the finer points of queer romance, Raine's sociopathy, and the unflinching way Katalepsis handles violence.

Nov 20, 202202:14:24
Arc 2, Ch 9-10 (Kisses and Catastrophizing)

Arc 2, Ch 9-10 (Kisses and Catastrophizing)

Content Warning: Serious and detailed discussion of depression and suicide occur in this episode.


The episode which goes on forever. Raine and Heather kiss, Evelyn goes into a depressive spiral, and the trio discuss what might be done to save Maisie. This episode is chock full of things to talk about, and Thomas and Sarah stuff it even fuller with personal anecdotes and serious discussion about mental health and behavioral psychology. 

Nov 14, 202203:08:15
Arc 2, Ch 7-8 (Demons and Cults)

Arc 2, Ch 7-8 (Demons and Cults)

Thomas and Sarah gush about the writing quality of Katalepsis in these two chapters, discuss the implications of Maisie's message perhaps a touch too briefly, and wax rhapsodic about Raine as usual. 

Nov 07, 202201:49:58
Arc 2, Ch 5-6 (Evelyn Causes Problems)

Arc 2, Ch 5-6 (Evelyn Causes Problems)

Thomas and Sarah talk about two jam-packed chapters, alongside Eva! A surprise podcast guest this week, Eva is one of Sarah's partners and was an absolute blast to have on the show. We talk about the value of mundanity in a narrative, character's justifications for their actions, how thoroughly Evelyn screws up (twice!), and at long last, Wonderland and the Eye itself. 

Oct 30, 202201:59:06
Arc 2, Ch 3-4 (Yup, She's A Werewolf)

Arc 2, Ch 3-4 (Yup, She's A Werewolf)

This week Thomas and Sarah talk about 2.3 and 2.4, mostly centering around self medication, sociopathy struggles, and Cat outing herself as a simp in public. 

Oct 16, 202201:41:51
Arc 2, Ch 1-2 (Jealousy of Magic and Relationships)

Arc 2, Ch 1-2 (Jealousy of Magic and Relationships)

Thomas and Sarah get into the weeds about science, blacksmithing, and historical inaccuracies. Nerdy rants abound. Also incidental Katalepsis discussion.

Oct 02, 202201:48:07
Arc 1, Ch 4-5 (The End Of The Beginning)

Arc 1, Ch 4-5 (The End Of The Beginning)

In this week's episode, Sarah and Thomas break down the end of arc one, talking about the beauty of science, the finer points of sociopathy, and the power of giving your Good Friend a hug.

Sep 25, 202201:49:55
Arc 1, Ch 2-3 (The Plot Begins)

Arc 1, Ch 2-3 (The Plot Begins)

Sarah and Thomas break down chapters 2 and 3 of Katalepsis, before arguing over what constitutes a cult. Sarah does Thomas a favor and calls herself out first in this one. Featuring Heather’s signature wild oversharing, followed by immediate regret, and hugs.

Sep 18, 202201:26:13
Arc 1, Ch 1 (Introduction)

Arc 1, Ch 1 (Introduction)

Pilot Episode: Sarah and Thomas break down Katalepsis in terms of overarching themes and narratives, before diving headfirst into the nightmare that is Heather's head in chapter 1. Queerness, existentialism, and the power of friendship abound.

Sep 10, 202201:29:14