Getting to see someone work with an idea, fiddle around with it, and move on and try again is really interesting, and I really enjoy that.
~Erica Henderson
For Erica, Discworld isn’t just a book series…it’s a place she returns to again and again.
First published in 1983, Pratchett’s sprawling fantasy satire eventually grew into 41 novels, spanning witches, city guards, incompetent wizards, anthropomorphic personifications like Death, and a flat world balanced on the backs of four elephants standing on a giant turtle swimming through space.
Yes. That turtle.
But beneath the absurdity is something much deeper. Discworld is funny, but it’s also wise; often quietly philosophical about human nature, kindness, bureaucracy, power, and the ridiculousness of the systems we build.
In this episode, Erica explains why Discworld has remained a lifelong fandom for so many readers. The conversation explores:
Why Terry Pratchett’s humor works on multiple levels: slapstick, satire, and deep emotional insight.
How Discworld’s sprawling cast of characters allows readers to enter the series from many different directions.
The way Pratchett uses fantasy tropes to dissect very real social systems.
Why rereading Discworld at different stages of life reveals new layers each time.
For Erica, one of the series’ greatest strengths is that Pratchett never punches down. The jokes are sharp, the satire is ruthless, but the worldview underneath is fundamentally compassionate.
Discworld laughs at humanity, but it also believes we can do better.
And maybe that’s why readers keep coming back.
Reference Links & Works Mentioned
If you’d like to explore the books discussed in this episode:
Characters frequently referenced by fans:
Also, if any of you listening were wondering whether the Chilean Star Wars beer ad existed, we have good news! Here’s Cerveza Cristal back in 2003, you are so very welcome.
Featured Segment Extras
Every episode of the Superfan Podcast is accompanied by a cocktail, a mocktail, and a dessert recipe inspired by the guest and the conversation.
Cocktail: The Calvados Sidecar
In Discworld, there is a spirit called Ghlen Livid.
While Ghlen Livid is not available in most liquor stores, The Glenlivet thankfully is.
During our research, we also discovered scumble, an infamous Discworld drink described as a sort of cider-based moonshine—made from apples. Well… mostly apples.
So for tonight’s cocktail, we’re leaning into the apple theme with an apple brandy cocktail.
The Calvados Sidecar
Ingredients
Lemon wedge
1 oz Calvados
1 oz Cointreau
1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
Garnish
Cinnamon-sugar rim
Orange twist
Instructions
Rub the rim of the glass with lemon and dip into cinnamon sugar.
Shake Calvados, Cointreau, and lemon juice with ice.
Strain into a chilled glass.
Garnish with an orange twist.
Serve up.
Mocktail: The Erica Henderson
No, this is not an established mocktail.
We confess: we made it up.
But it feels appropriately Discworld-adjacent.
Ingredients
2 oz apple cider
½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
5 oz sparkling water
Dash of cinnamon
Instructions
Add cider and lemon juice to a glass with ice.
Top with sparkling water.
Add a dash of cinnamon and stir gently.
Bright, fizzy, slightly autumnal—like something you might drink in Lancre while discussing witchcraft and common sense.
Dessert: Nanny Ogg’s “It’ll Do” Honey Apple Crumble
A very Discworld dessert inspired by Terry Pratchett.
Why it fits Discworld:
Apples are practical.
Crumble is forgiving.
Honey feels faintly magical without anyone needing to explain why.
It can be eaten with custard, cream, or straight from the dish at midnight.
In short: narratively correct.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Filling
3–4 apples, peeled and sliced (Discworld is not picky)
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp cinnamon
Squeeze of lemon juice (optional but sensible)
Crumble
¾ cup flour
⅓ cup brown sugar
4 tbsp butter, cold and cubed
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Heat oven to 375°F / 190°C.
Toss apples with honey, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
Spread in a small baking dish.
In a bowl, rub butter into flour, sugar, and salt until it resembles lumpy breadcrumbs.
Sprinkle crumble over apples. No need to be neat.
Bake 30–35 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
Let cool slightly so you don’t burn your mouth.
Serving (Very Important)
With custard → Ankh-Morpork traditional
With vanilla ice cream → Lancre innovation
Straight from the pan → Nanny Ogg method
Optional Discworld flair:
Add chopped walnuts or oats to the crumble (“for texture,” says Granny Weatherwax, disapprovingly).
A splash of brandy in the apples if Nanny has been supervising.
If you’ve ever wondered where to start with Discworld, or why so many readers treat Terry Pratchett’s books like old friends they return to again and again…
This episode is for you.
Because sometimes the best fantasy stories aren’t about escaping the real world. They’re about seeing it more clearly…with better jokes along the way.
On the Superfan Podcast, we talk to the people who make the comics you love about the things that they love... that are not comics. Season One of the Superfan Podcast is now streaming, featuring Rodney Barnes on Stephen King, Marc Guggenheim on Billy Joel, Kelly Sue DeConnick on Alan Alda, Matt Kindt on John le Carré, Marjorie Liu on gardening, and Patrick McDonnell on Frank Zappa!
Season Two of the Podcast is underway, starting with a conversation about professional wrestling with Eisner and Ignatz Award winning cartoonist, designer, zinemaker, and illustrator Jim Rugg (True Crime Funnies, Hulk Grand Design). In the freewheeling, no-holds-barred episode, Rugg reflects on who has the best gimmick in wrestling, the appeal of heels and heroes, and the art of kayfabe.
In the second episode, Gender Queer cartoonist Maia Kobabe talks about eir love of K-pop.
And in the third episode, #1 New York Times Bestselling graphic novelist Johnnie Christmas reflects on Mike Flannigan’s Netflix show, Midnight Mass.
Our last episode of Season Two features acclaimed artist Elsa Charretier (Love Everlasting) on the many merits of game-based dog training.
You can find us on the socials at Instagram, Bluesky, Facebook, and X! You can also listen to the podcast on our YouTube channel, as well as wherever your other favorite podcasts are found.
Special thanks to our Season Two sponsor, the amazing Fanbase Press! Fanbase Press is a GLAAD Media Award-winning and Eisner and Harvey Awards-nominated comic book publisher that celebrates super fandoms and creates new ones! #StoriesMatter.
