Of penguins and dragons – a podcast about stereotypes, role models, and gender issues

Penguins waddle through life together, dragons brood alone in their caves—but is that really true?

In our literary podcast "Von Pinguinen und Drachen" ( Of Penguins and Dragons), Carsten Jan Weichelt and L.A. Jo Döling take a tongue-in-cheek look at stereotypes and prejudices in literature, society, and everyday life.

Between interviews with professors, spontaneous conversations on the street, and small playful experiments, a colorful mix of perspectives and stories emerges.

Whether gender issues, differences between the sexes, or the power of language—Von Pinguinen und Drachen tackles these topics, sometimes thoughtfully, sometimes humorously, but always honestly.

➔ Listen now and discover what penguins, dragons—and all of us—really say about role models.

Carsten Weichelt 28.05.19 Carsten Weichelt 28.05.19

Episode 1 - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Does J.K. Rowling make use of stereotypical images or prejudices? In the first episode, Carsten and Jo discuss one of the most successful books ever written, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling. They substantiate the thesis of the first episode, "Does J.K. Rowling use stereotypical images or prejudices?", with excerpts from the text, which they read aloud and then analyze in more detail. With a pleasant satirical touch, they get to the heart of the problem with J.K. Rowling's characterization. To gain insight into the creative process, they ask Berni Mayer (author) how he deals with stereotypes in his writing. With games, fun, and music, listeners are whisked away into the world of literary stereotypes and prejudices.

Carsten Weichelt 28.05.19 Carsten Weichelt 28.05.19

Episode 2 - Effie Briest

Was Theodor Fontane a man who understood women, or even an early feminist? In the second episode, Carsten and Jo discuss Theodor Fontane's most successful work, which is required reading for most students today: Effi Briest. They substantiate the thesis of the second episode, "Fontane describes the gender stereotypes of his time, and Effi is a woman who fits his ideal," by reading excerpts from the text and then analyzing them in detail.

Was Fontane a man who understood women, or even an early feminist? In the second episode, Carsten and Jo discuss Theodor Fontane's most successful work, which is required reading for most students today: Effi Briest. They substantiate the thesis of the second episode, "Fontane describes the gender stereotypes of his time, and Effi is a woman who fits his ideal," by reading excerpts from the text and then analyzing them in more detail. With another pleasant satirical touch, they get to the heart of the problem with Theodor Fontane's characterization. Was he really a man who understood women, or even an early feminist? And why do his main female characters mostly have mental health issues? A humorous search for clues begins, with games, fun, and music. Immerse yourself once again in the world of literary stereotypes and prejudices.

Carsten Weichelt 28.05.19 Carsten Weichelt 28.05.19

Episode 3 - Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman reimagined? In episode 3, Carsten and Jo analyze whether the famous comic book heroine really breaks out of old patterns—exciting and humorous.

Does Wonder Woman combine both female and male stereotypes?

In the third episode, Carsten and Jo talk about DC's first superheroine: Wonder Woman. A comic series created by William Moulton Marston and his wife, Elizabeth Holloway Marston. So husband and wife work together, and the question arises: will they succeed in breaking out of stereotypical patterns and prejudices? The thesis of the third episode: "Wonder Woman is a strong woman who embodies both female and male stereotypes to the highest degree and only becomes weak when she is or becomes bound by men." They substantiate this with excerpts from the text, which they read aloud and then analyze in more detail. With their familiar, pleasant, satirical touch, they delve into the story of Wonder Woman and show the development of the first superheroine, who may have regressed over time. A humorous search for clues begins, with games, fun, and music. Dive back into the world of literary stereotypes and prejudices.

Carsten Weichelt 28.05.19 Carsten Weichelt 28.05.19

Episode 4 - Fate is a cruel betrayer

Can clichés be avoided in bestsellers? In episode 4, Carsten and Jo discuss John Green's "The Fault in Our Stars" – thoughtfully and intelligently.

What literary stereotypes are found in the best-selling book?

In the fourth episode, Carsten and Jo talk about John Green's bestseller "The Fault in Our Stars." The thesis of the fourth episode: "John Green tries to avoid stereotypes and prejudices, and he actually does a pretty good job of it," they prove by reading excerpts from the text and then analyzing them in more detail. With their familiar pleasant, satirical touch and a sense of fun, they praise the author. Why? Find out for yourself and dive back into the world of literary stereotypes and prejudices.