Texas Steampunk Connection

recorded April 1, 2026 Tonight we sit down with M.L. Eaden, a new writer and indie-publisher of queer urban-fantasy and monster romance. She only began building her series of books as Covid locked us down. Now she's on her sixth book as well as a novella and short stories. mleaden.com ML Eaden on bookshop.org

recorded March 18, 2026 Between St. Patrick's Day yesterday, Spring Break this week, and SXSW in Austin, it's been a fine weekend. we barely have a topic, but things are happening! Wild Wild West Steampunk Festival ends it's 14th year and it's last. Big River Festival is given the side-eye by the city of Hannibal. Our own Johnny Steverson survives a rushed to ER with a life threatening condition! And we've learned that Steam Powered Giraffe has said they do not feel safe in the trans environment in Texas. The Steampunk community suffers along with everyone when real life injustice is allowed to continue.

recorded March 4, 2026 This week we explore steampunk inventing and some favorite inventions. Could be real, but probably imagined. Dr. Bluestocking discovers Professor BJ Sears, a prominent film editor who was compelled to create a collection of steampunk-inspired sculptures. Jack shares inspirational prose on the steampunk outlook on inventing. Professor BJ Sears' Technological Rarities

recorded February 18, 2026 Last show we planned to talk about some fun patents, but we had such a good time we didn't get to it. So we're going to try again! Dr. BS is back with us, and we've found patents for things we use every day, and others that I doubt anyone ever used! Let's go! Google Patents A random source on the internet!

recorded February 4, 2026 This week we bring you Johnny Steverson, the one-man event maker who produces the Galveston Steampunk, Pirate, and Ghost Coast Festivals. He's got big news to bring us that will really set off the summer! Also we planned to discuss Victorian patents, but never really get there. We'll return to it next show with double the patents! https://galvestonsteampunk.com/ https://www.visitgalveston.com/ https://ghostcoastfestival.com/

recorded January 21, 2026 This week we delve back into history to look at the Pinkertons. Were they detectives, or paid thugs for supervillains? I was surprised by the answers. Pinkerton's own presentation of history another (better) podcast on the Pinkertons

recorded January 7, 2026 It's a new year! Time to make new plans, and build excitement for the next build, next adventure! We're going to make some resolutions, and have the best darn 2026 whether we like it or not!

recorded December 24, 2025 It's the night before Christmas, and we're streaming our end of year wrap-up! We want to hug all our supporters and start plans for next year. Jack and the fam are back to celebrate and we look forward to a new year.

recorded December 10, 2025 Did you ever wonder about that line about “scary ghost stories” in the Christmas carol “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”? Well, we’re gonna tell y’all all about that glorious Victorian Christmas tradition! Besides Dickens' Christmas Carol, what other stories have you heard of? Lets see if we can find any. Christmas Ghosts: A Victorian Tradition Christopher Lee tells the story of a loud hotel neighbor. In the Bleak Mid-Winter: Must-Read Ghost Stories for Christmas

recorded November 26, 2025 Before Steampunk November, organizers were approached by Big Media asking about the "Steampunk Lifestyle." What does that mean, to Big Media or to us? How does steampunk play a part in your life on a regular or daily basis?

recorded November 12, 2025 Steampunk November is the longest running steampunk event in Texas. And it's in three days!! Sheriff Natalie McTavish joins us for a pre-fest hang out. What changes will there be this year? What are you looking forward to? How will we tea duel? Frankenstein The Thief and the Cobbler Powers of Darkness (Dracula)

recorded October 29, 2025 It's the last show before Halloween! Let's finish off a season of cults and strange societies with Madame Blavatsky and her occult/religious movement, Theosophy. We discuss the questionable origin story, and how Theosophy has influenced modern culture. Theosophical Society on Wikipedia Madame Blavatsky: a seeker of truth — and a fraud Henry Steel Olcott: Timeline of an Occult Pioneer William Quan Judge: A Biographical Sketch Annie Besant on BBC.co.uk Jiddu Krishnamurti on Wikipedia

recorded October 15, 2025 This Mid-October we welcome researcher Bekah June back to talk about about esoteric secret societies and strange luminaries of the time. Thax reveals the secrets of the Freemason (not real super secrets, tho.) Jack picks it up as three Masons create the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn for more occultism than the Masons offered. Political intrigues and infighting commence! Freemasons Grand Lodge of Texas Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn More work from Bekah June Voicemails of the Unexplained Ms. June's published work on Amazon

recorded October 1, 2025 Tonight we celebrate the coming of October, our favorite month! Also the rapture that didn't happen on Tuesday a week past. Yeah, for real. I guess. What is the rapture, anyway? Also, since we're sliding that way, horrific religious cults of the 1800's! A warning. Some may find this episode disturbing. Listen at your own risk. Edmund Creffield and the Brides of Christ Frank Sandford and the Shiloh Compound Cult of Margaretta Peter

recorded September 17, 2025 No topic this week. Instead lets hang out and have a good old school show and tell! We haven't done one of these in months, so we're all over the place. Nautilus is still the greatest SP show we've seen in a long time. Wednesday the new season has its problems, but we still think it's a good watch. O. Henry a turn-of-the-century author from Austin, Texas Perfect Creature a vampire B movie with great SP setting Steampunk Banditos: Sex Slaves of Shark Island Thax read the free first chapter, and it was better than it had any right to be. Is this an actual good read?

recorded September 3, 2025 This week we celebrate the American laborer that keeps the wheels of industry turning. But what was it like at a time when labor drove the actual industrial revolution? TLDR, it was a horror show of course! We go from the Poor Law of 1834 to workhouses, to manufacturing fire in a locked building, to labor safety laws and the value of unions. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poor_Law_Amendment_Act_1834 https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/Victorian-Workhouse/ https://www.osha.gov/aboutosha/40-years/trianglefactoryfire https://workerorganizing.org/premajority-unionism/unions/history/

recorded August 20, 2025 Tonight we begin an exploration of the tawdry underbelly of repressed Victorian society, venturing into what is not discussed in polite society. We approach Victorian drug use, medical and recreational, of opium, cocaine, and cannabis. The Steampunk Doctor: Practicing Medicine in a Victorian Mechanical Age Drugs in Victorian Britain Opium in Victorian Britain Opium Use in the 19th Century Busted: How Cocaine went from Friend to Fiend in the 19th Century How Marijuana Was Used In Victorian England Cannabis Britannica: The Rise and Demise of a Victorian England Wonder-Drug

recorded August 6, 2025 This week we are joined by Bekah June, host of cosmic horror series "Voicemails of the Unexplained." She is also a veteran steampunk, and into weird paranormal conspiracies so this should be a fun chat. Bekah's web page, Default Theory Productions Voicemails of the Unexplained Bekah's TikTok Bekah's previous project, Tales of a Broken Reality Turning the Table: A Look at The Victorian Supernatural Obsession

recorded July 23, 2025 Musician and steampunk presenter, Addisyn Madd joins us this week as we discuss the passing of an idol and the steampunk track at Delta H Con this last weekend. Delta H Con is a diverse fandom convention catering to Anime fans and cosplayers, tabletop and online gamers, and general geek love. This year Delta H committed a full panel room to steampunk for the whole weekend! Apologies for the sound quality. It was out of our control. That's showbiz. Addisyn Madd Mr. Madd at Delta H Con

recorded July 9, 2025 Ready to add beautiful accessories to glow up your kit? Steampunk options in jewelry are vast, but some draw the eye for being so over the top ridiculous it turns you into a steampunk influencer! Let's talk about jewelry and steampunks and stuff! I could not find the etsy listing for the Cheez Whiz Steampunk pendant, and that's a real shame. But I do have this: https://www.clippingworld.com/ugly-jewelry/ Jack is really into raccoons, so... Raccoon Ring Handcrafted by Doctor Gus

recorded June 25, 2025 What do you think of when you hear steampunk and animals? Is it animals in cute costumes? What about autonomous robotic creatures? Mad experiments in genetic science? We've got a lot of fun ground to cover tonight! 8 Animals That Think They're Steampunk (Plus Tips for Steampunking Your Own Pet) Automata - The Mechanical Art & Design Museum Make Cardboard Automata | STEM Activity Strandbeest Save a Horse, Ride a Kawi: The Kawasaki Corleo Concept MechWest: action adventure set in a steampunk Wild West

recorded June 11, 2025 What's the latest happenings around Steampunk as the temperatures keep climbing? Join us and Kitty of Faire Treasures as she tells us about the last days of Joann Fabrics, and adventure with the Ghost Airship Allegory, exploring the British Emporium and recovering at Gillespie's Irish Tavern.

recorded May 28, 2025 Laura Meyer joins us with the release of her latest book, The Halloween Collection. It's a great book to prep for a new crafting hobby, or ten. Get half-rats and chew the fat with us! a link to the book warning: site is adult oriented

recorded May 14, 2025 The Met Gala just happened and it's theme was "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." This has started a conversation about dandyism and black history. We discuss the roots of black dandyism, how it has differed from general dandyism, how it differs across cultures, and see what it offers us from a Steampunk point of view. Articles on Black Dandyism History of Black Dandyism and Its Celebration at The Met Gala biography.com Black Dandyism wikipedia.org Flâneur wikipedia.org La Sape wikipedia.org The Dandies of Congo Youtube.com Gentleman Jack

recorded April 30, 2025 Thax is missing and the inmates are running the asylum! Jack and Dr. B hit on the color of the season, Apocalype Red! All the steampunks are going with red highlights for 2025. Weird new film directed by Jamin Winans, "Myth of Man" looks visually amazing! And there's a new Dune video game that Jack is about to play. Steampunk by Ottavio Nuccio Myth of Man

recorded April 16, 2025 Galveston Steampunk Festival was last weekend and we have lots to talk about after event! A hell-ride across the state! Best restaurant in town! A new venue at the Moody Gardens, the Galveston pyramids. Improvements from last year, adjustments and growing pains. Grab a pint or a tipple and lets talk!

recorded April 2, 2025 On Saturday afternoon April 29, just over a week ago, Wild Wild West Con, a long running steampunk convention in Arizona, was summarily shut down by the hotel under questionable circumstances. We discuss the available facts and try to understand why WWWC was taken down. Steampunk Explorer reports on the shutdown Last chance to get passes for Galveston Steampunk Festival!

recorded March 19, 2025 Steampunk is fiction informed by history, so it's good to know a thing or two about actually happened, especially when it makes such wild stories. This week we welcome hobby historian and author, Krystal Stargazer, to talk about her favorite character, her historical crush, Davey Crockett. We also discuss her book detailing her research into Austin's own Victorian serial killer, the Servant Girl Annihilator. The Annihilation of Austin Austin Moon Towers

recorded March 5, 2025 Texas Steampunk Connection is joined by Kitty of Faire Treasures to talk about the trends we have seen at conventions. What's changed in the 35 years of attending cons? Is bigger better, or do we miss small college con vibe? Do we like it or how do we want it to change? Also Dr. Bluestocking bought a house! Also start building your teapot racer for Galveston Steampunk Festival!

recorded February 19, 2025 Festival Season is a great time for Steampunk! Joining us is event host Johnny Steverson of Galveston Steampunk Festival fame! We chat with him about upcoming events, Mardi Gras Galveston style, a little men's facial grooming, and how to be ready for a good time! Galveston Steampunk Festival

recorded Febuary 5, 2025 Love or hate, the big V day is coming! Join the Steampunks to chat about Victorian Valentine's tradition of love letters, modern romance, and probably smut. 5 Minute History: Valentine's Day in the Vcitorian Era 5 romantic Victorian Valentine's Day traditions

recorded January 22, 2025 Costumer, game designer, teacher, author, Laura Meyer returns to the show after more than a year! She's been working on her upcoming book, The Halloween Collection: Costume and Cosplay Techniques, due out any day here, and Cogs Aplenty! A Steampunk Murder Mystery Game, for release later this year! www.TwilightAttire.com The Victorian Collection: Advanced costuming Techniques

recorded January 8, 2025 This year we want more adventures, and that means making some sort of plan, so I'm told. We're looking for cool Texas events, trips, and things to look forward to. Planners don't post events so early in the year, so I like to keep a list of known organizers, and themes I hope to find. Circuses, balloon festivals, conventions. Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Festival Plano Balloon Festival Kerville RenFest World Oddities Expo Oddities & Curiosities Expo

recorded December 26, 2024 That special time, a mysterious time between Christmas and New Years where Santa is not looking. We call this time "the Binge." Tonight we review the year and make resolutions for 2025! More guests! More comic and book reviews! More travel! Teapot racing! Radio drama! Merch! Let's see if we can make this happen.

recorded December 11, 2024 Robert Heinlein wrote "A poet who reads his verse in public may have other nasty habits." This week we talk to KL Forslund, winner of the Steampunk November poetry slam. He'll introduce us to some new bad habits and update us on the Texas Teapot Racing League. What fun!

recorded Novemeber 27, 2024 Happy Thanksgiving! Last chance to run to the store before they close for a WHOLE DAY! Tonight our producer, Lex, joins us to celebrate the season of thanks. She's got topics to talk about, including the underdeveloped topic of dance in steampunk, and the mechanical reanimation of dead spiders. It's gonna be a wild hour! Steampunk ladies dance at derelict Torrington dairy Necrorobotics: The Ethics of Resurrecting the Dead

recorded Novemeber 13, 2024 We've just come back from the biggest, oldest steampunk event in Texas, Steampunk November. It gets just a bit bigger and more interesting every year and we had a great time. It was emotionally hard to leave our growing friends and family in steampunk at the end. Join us and special guest, Natalie McTavish, Aka Nicole, Aka Sheriff McCannon to tell you what you may have missed. Also Texas loves HEB. It's kind of our thing.

recorded October 30, 2024 Happy Halloween! Kaely, admin for the World of Steampunk facebook group, joins us to talk spooky stuff, steampunk in Fall, big events, and celebrating a certain doctor with ADHD distractions into random geeky stuff. Dr. Bluestocking's dissertation (now complete!)

recorded October 16, 2024 Spook Season Live Stream! The darkness is upon us! Let's talk about where steampunk and horror intersect and what we're enjoying as the nights become longer. Starting with Mary Shelley and Poe, through Weird Fiction and HP Lovecraft, to modern tales that play with a steampunk aesthetic. Crimson Peak Winchester Ghost Ship North American Lake Monsters The Mechanical Grave The Necrofessor's comic

recorded October 2, 2024 Johnny Steverson's back! We're all in high spirits for the coming Ghost Coast Festival on the 11th to 13th, and all the spooky October shenanigans. Johnny tells us some of the details of guests and experiences to expect at the festival. It should be a good time. Ghost Coast Festival League Kempner House

recorded September 18, 2024 We are joined by Cedric Whittaker, Co-Captain of Airship Isabella, costume and prop makers for film and theatre, and long time steampunk luminary. He's also become a paranormal investigator with a more than a few stories. We look forward to getting spooky!

recorded September 4, 2024 Asia has always had a rich tapestry of cultures that are often a mystery to western audiences. Add to that the embrace of the steampunk aesthetic and you may have discovered SilkPunk. Writer Ken Liu coined the term as a multicultural Steampunk label. Let's chat about it! the Dandelion Dynasty - Ken Liu The SEA Is Ours: Tales of Steampunk Southeast Asia - Nghi Vo Gunpowder Alchemy - Jeannie Lin the Windup Girl - Paolo Bacigalupi Tales of the Far West - Gareth-Michael Skarka Jani and the Greater Game - Eric Brown

recorded August 21, 2024 Tonight we are joined with accomplished leatherworker and long time steampunk, Lauren Bonneau. If you've ever thought to make your own leather goods but have questions, we're here for um. Ms. Bonneau's work may inspire you to just jump in. Free armor patterns, essays, discourse at The Armour Archive Lauren's tiktok

recorded August 6, 2024 A McGuffin, an object serving merely as a trigger for a plot, is a common literary device. What macguffins do we find in Steampunk stories? Are they different than other genres? Getting a little meta this time. Let's talk about it.

recorded July 23, 2024 How do animals fit into your steampunk vision? What animals are the most steampunk? What animals can we see in Steampunk media? From family pets to big game, we're going to talk about animals! Steampunk Tea Duelling Rules Nantes Mechanical Elephant Little Nemo Adventures in Slumberland

recorded July 9, 2024 As the forebearer of Steampunk, what place does Cyberpunk play in out collection of stories, styles, and themes? What do we think of a future without 'retro? Lets Talk about it. Max Headroom: 20 Minutes into the Future https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092402/ Johnny Mnemonic https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113481/ Rita's link: YMYW https://yourmindyourworld.com/

recorded June 25, 2024 It started out so innocent, learning about a Victorian confection, the Penny Lick. Which apparently was a disease vector, which lead to epidemics and death due to terrible sanitation, not just despite, but because of the invention of indoor plumbing. What a wild disgusting ride. Dangers of Victorian Penny Licks Dubious Victorian Cures

recorded June 11, 2024 We've covered a lot of aspects of steampunk on this show. This week Jack asked what do we wish was included that we've not seen. What would you like to see in 'the scene' that you haven't? What could make steampunk more compelling, more interesting? Let's have a bit of a brainstorm, for fun.