Monkey King: Journey to the West

The book that changed Kehinde's life..?

In this episode, the boys dive into Monkey King: Journey to the West, the iconic classic of Chinese literature by Wu Ch’eng-en.

The book follows the shape-shifting, kung-fu-mastering trickster, Monkey King, on his epic quest for redemption and eternal life. With the ability to transform into anything and turn his 84,000 hairs into an army of clones, his mischievous antics often land him in hot water—especially when he raids Heaven’s Orchard of Immortal Peaches and gets pinned beneath a mountain for 500 years. But when the Buddha gives him a chance to redeem himself, Monkey King must protect the pious monk Tripitaka on a perilous journey to retrieve sacred Buddhist sutras. Along the way, he’s joined by Pigsy, the rice-loving flying pig, and Sandy, the melancholic river monster, as they face dragons, ogres, femme fatales, and tricky wizards.

Join Reuben, Zach, and Kehinde as they explore the story’s rich themes of self-discovery, redemption, and the clash of philosophies. From mischievous gods to transformative journeys, the boys discuss how the tale shapes their views on morality, destiny, and the search for inner peace. They also debate how the fantasy genre reflects the personal struggles we all face.

Tune in for an adventure that blends ancient wisdom with modern insights, and discover the deeper lessons hidden in one of the world’s most celebrated stories.

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