CostasNarrativeXP

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CostasNarrativeXP 2026 May feature 
"The Odyssey" by Homer
Published in 700-800 BCE

Translated by Robert Fagles

A profound exploration of human identity and resilience. True homecoming is not a matter of geographic travel, but a grueling psychological journey to reclaim one’s self and humanity through the restoration of vital relationships.

Book I-II
00:29 I Athena Inspires the Prince
30:28 II Telemachus Sets Sail

Characters
Odysseus - The battle-hardened and incredibly cunning king of Ithaca whose twenty-year struggle to return home serves as the ultimate test of human resilience and identity.

Telemachus - Odysseus's coming-of-age son who transforms from a passive, fatherless prince into a courageous and essential brother-in-arms to reclaim his household.

Penelope - Odysseus’s brilliant and fiercely loyal queen who uses her exceptional wit and psychological grit to stall a hundred aggressive suitors for years.

Athena - The goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare who acts as the divine architect of the entire story, constantly orchestrating and protecting the family's survival.

Antinous - The cruel, arrogant, and politically ambitious leader of the suitors who serves as the primary antagonist by plotting to murder Telemachus and usurp the throne.

Costa's Wordbook
Aegisthus - the treacherous cousin of Agamemnon who seduced the king's wife, murdered the king upon his return from Troy, and was ultimately killed by the king's avenging son.

Orestes - the loyal son of Agamemnon who avenged his father's murder by killing his treacherous mother, Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus.

Atrides - (pl of Atridae) a Greek patronymic meaning a descendant or son of Atreus

Polyphemus - the savage, man-eating Cyclops—and son of Poseidon—who traps Odysseus and his men in his cave, gets blinded by Odysseus's cunning, and curses the hero's journey home.

Thoosa - a sea nymph and the mother of the Cyclops Polyphemus, whose mating with Poseidon bore the monster that Odysseus blinds

Phorcys - an ancient, primordial sea god and the father of the nymph Thoosa—making him the grandfather of the Cyclops Polyphemus—whose sacred, sheltered harbor is where Odysseus finally lands when he returns home to Ithaca

Achaean n ancient Greek people (ack Keyan)

Staid adj calm, serious, and respectable, often to the point of being unadventurous or slightly dull

Mentes - the lord of the seafaring Taphians and an old family friend of Odysseus, whose identity the goddess Athena borrows to safely enter the palace and inspire young Telemachus to take action.

Taphians - a seafaring, piratical tribe in ancient Greek mythology who inhabited the Taphian islands (modern-day Meganisi and nearby islets) off the coast of Acarnania in the Ionian Sea

Lyre n a stringed musical instrument resembling a small, U-shaped harp (liar)

Anchialus - father of the Taphian lord Mentes and a respected veteran warrior, whose name the disguised goddess Athena uses to establish her fake backstory and build trust with Telemachus.

Phemius - the talented resident bard of Ithaca who is forced by the aggressive suitors to perform for them against his will, but is ultimately spared from Odysseus's bloody revenge because of his enduring loyalty to the royal family.

Laertes - the grieving, heartbroken father of Odysseus and former king of Ithaca, who lives a miserable, impoverished life working the soil on a remote farm while waiting for his long-lost son to return.

Argive n relating to the ancient Greek city-state of Argos or the region of Argolis

Potluck n a communal gathering where each guest contributes a homemade or store-bought dish to be shared with the entire group.

Achaea n the mainland region of ancient Greece—essentially the homeland of the Achaeans

Ilus - son of Mermerus, is the king of Ephyra who strictly refuses to give Odysseus the deadly arrow poison out of fear of the gods' anger, forcing Odysseus to look elsewhere for it.

Nestor - wise, ultra-talkative king of Pylos and the oldest of the Greek commanders who fought at Troy.

Menelaus - powerful king of Sparta, brother of Agamemnon, and the husband of Helen—whose famous abduction by Paris triggered the entire Trojan War.

Distaff n a traditional tool used in spinning

Eupeithes - father of Antinous, the lead suitor who was shot through the throat by Odysseus. 

Antinous - cruelest, most arrogant, and highly aggressive leader of the suitors vying for Penelope's hand

Eurymachus - the second-in-command of the suitors, right behind Antinous, deceitful and silver-tongued

Eurycleia - fiercely loyal, wise old nurse who raised both Odysseus and Telemachus. Purchased as a young girl by Odysseus's father, Laertes, she holds immense respect and authority within the royal household.

Pisenor - the grandfather of the old nurse Eurycleia, father of Ops

Aegyptius - respected Ithacan elder whose tragic family—divided between a fallen hero and a parasitic suitor—perfectly symbolizes the political and social collapse of a leaderless Ithaca.

Antiphus - loyal Ithacan spearman and son of Aegyptius who survived the entirety of the Trojan War, only to suffer a brutal death as the last man eaten by the Cyclops Polyphemus on the journey home

Eurynomus - the son of Aegyptius who chose a path directly opposite his fallen brother Antiphus, joining the parasitic suitors in their relentless exploitation of Odysseus's palace.

Themis n the goddess of divine law, justice, and ancient custom whom Telemachus passionately invokes as the deity who summons and dissolves the assemblies of mankind

Coiffed adj Coiffed hair is carefully arranged in an attractive style (ku wof ed)

Alcmena - legendary Greek heroine and mother of Heracles, cited by the suitor Antinous as one of the most brilliant women in history whose legendary wit has been entirely outmatched by Penelope.

Halitherses - wise Ithacan prophet and seer who interprets Zeus's eagle omen in the assembly, warning the suitors of Odysseus's imminent, bloody return, only to be mocked and dismissed

Mastor - Ithacan elder chiefly known as the father of Halitherses

Codger n collo old codger, used to describe an eccentric, amusing, or mildly stubborn older man

Bevies n pl bevy, a large, gathered group of people, animals, or objects.

Euenor - Ithacan elder known primarily as the father of Leocritus, the arrogant suitor who insults Mentor and abruptly forces the dissolution of the assembly.

Leocritus - insolent suitor and son of Euenor who arrogantly claims that even a returning Odysseus would be slaughtered by their superior numbers, before abruptly forcing the dissolution of the assembly.

Mentor - loyal old friend of Odysseus left in charge of his household, who fiercely rebukes the Ithacans for tolerating the suitors' crimes and whose form Athena assumes to guide Telemachus.

Noëmon - wealthy Ithacan and son of Phronius who generously lends Telemachus a fast ship for his journey to Pylos, but later accidentally alerts the suitors to the prince's departure, triggering their plot to ambush and murder him.

Halyard n a rope or cable used to pull something such as a sail or flag up or down on a ship (hal yed)

Libation n alcoholic drink poured out or drunk in honour of a god or a dead relation (lie Bay tion)

Selections of 2026
Brave New World, The Little Prince, Songs of a Dead Dreamer, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Anne of Green Gables, Wuthering Heights, East of Eden, The Stranger, The Godfather, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, The Odyssey, Inferno, The Two Towers, Den of Thieves, Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner.

Milestones
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI voice + thumbnail, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content
2026: 2.3 Gemini definition, JP, CN, PT subtitles on selected YouTube videos

Platforms
YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Castbox, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn, Castro, Player FM

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Leave a comment and share your thoughts: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP 2026 July feature 
"The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" by Agatha Christie
Originally published in June 1926

Set in the village of King’s Abbot, the story follows Dr James Sheppard as Hercule Poirot investigates a suspicious death that exposes a tightly woven network of secrets, motives, and deception.

Chapter 15-17
00:29 15 Geoffrey Raymond
16:50 16 An Evening at Mah Jong
34:08 17 Parker

Characters
Hercule Poirot – retired private detective, living in the village
Dr James Sheppard – The village doctor and narrator, observant and socially embedded in King’s Abbot, whose perspective frames the events that follow
Caroline Sheppard – Dr Sheppard's unmarried sister, sharp, inquisitive, acts as a local source of gossip and interpretation
Roger Ackroyd – A wealthy widower of Fernly Park whose private affairs and recent revelations set the central mystery in motion
Mrs Ferrars – A recently deceased wealthy widow whose suspected past and secret confession cast a shadow over the unfolding case
Mrs Cecil Ackroyd – widow of Roger's brother Cecil
Flora Ackroyd – Ackroyd’s niece, engaged to Ralph Paton, emotionally driven and deeply invested in protecting him
Captain Ralph Paton – Ackroyd’s stepson and Flora’s fiancé, with his good looks and charm, covets his heredity
Major Hector Blunt – Ackroyd's friend, a quiet, observant guest at Fernly Park
Geoffrey Raymond – Ackroyd's personal secretary
John Parker – Ackroyd's butler
Elizabeth Russell – Ackroyd's housekeeper

Costa's Wordbook
Medlar n an ancient fruit-bearing tree native to Eurasia, and its small, brown, apple-like fruit
En verité? - fr In truth?
Bagatelle n something of little value, importance, or significance—a mere trifle (Baga tel)
To take pot luck - phr, anything available or is found by chance, rather than prepared
Mendacity n tendency, habit, or act of being untruthful
Descant v to talk, write, or comment at length (dull or critical) about a particular subject 
Welsh rarebit - n Or Welsh rabbit, is a dish of hot cheese sauce, often including ale, mustard, or Worcestershire sauce, served on toasted bread
Métier? - fr Trade / Job?
Fling safety to the wind - phr, or to fling caution to the wind, to stop being careful and do something that is dangerous or that might result in failure
To turn at bay - phr, to stop fleeing and turn around to face a pursuing attacker or danger because you have no other choice

2026 Selections
Brave New World, The Little Prince, Songs of a Dead Dreamer, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Anne of Green Gables, Wuthering Heights, East of Eden, The Stranger, The Godfather, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Inferno, The Two Towers, Den of Thieves, Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner.

Milestones
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI intro + thumbnail, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content
2026: 2.3 Gemini definition, JP, CN, PT subtitles on selected YouTube videos

Platforms
YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Castbox, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn, Castro, Player FM

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Leave a comment and share your thoughts: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP 2026 May feature 
"The Godfather" by Mario Puzo
Published in March 10, 1969

Content Warning: This work contains depictions of violence and explicit adult content that may be sensitive for some listeners.

The rise and unraveling of the Corleone family through loyalty, violence, ambition, and the intoxicating pull of power.

Book Six Chapter 24
00:32 24 Michael hides in Sicily, marries Apollonia, but a car bomb meant for him kills her. After recovering from the blast, Michael returns home to join his father's empire.
Book Seven Chapter 25-26
11:13 25 Kay teaches in New Hampshire, remaining faithful to Michael despite his three-year silence. Discovering he returned six months ago, she reunites with him, accepting his criminal life for marriage.
35:45 26 Johnny saves an alcoholic Nino. Dr. Segal diagnoses Nino as terminal without institutionalization. Lucy visits, and Johnny mentions Michael’s upcoming Vegas meeting, noting his own singing voice has returned.

Characters
Vito Corleone - The powerful and composed patriarch of the Corleone family, the godfather; known for his authority and deep sense of loyalty
Fredo Corleone - The middle son, gentle and less assertive, struggling to match the strength of his brothers
Michael Corleone - The youngest son, intelligent and reserved, initially distant from the family’s affairs
Connie Corleone - The only daughter, spirited and emotional, navigating her place within a tightly controlled family
Tom Hagen - The Don’s informally adopted son and shrewd consigliere, the calm, legal bridge between the Corleone family and the legitimate world
Kay Adams - Michael Corleone’s girlfriend and later wife, an educated, independent-minded woman who initially stands outside the Corleone family world
Johnny Fontane - A famous singer and movie star closely tied to the Corleone family, whose career depends as much on influence as on talent
Peter Clemenza - Jovial, lethal caporegime who has served Corleone for decades, overseeing a regime of soldiers with seasoned, cold-blooded efficiency
Carlo Rizzi - Hot-tempered groom from Nevada whose marriage to Connie gains him entry into the family, though he remains excluded from the business

Costa's Wordbook
Benighted adj without knowledge or morals, pitiful or contemptible intellectual, moral, or social darkness; overtaken by darkness or night (be Nighted)

To beat ones crullers in - slang. to bash ones head in

‘Mild adult stable’ - Adult Stable Diabetes: (Now Type 2) It typically developed in adulthood. It was called "stable" because the patient's blood sugar levels were relatively predictable and didn't wildly spike or crash from hour to hour, as opposed to type 1, juvenile brittle diabetes

Bandbox adj Impeccable appearance; the phrase "fresh out of a bandbox" refers to someone who is flawlessly neat, dapper, and well-dressed

Selections of 2026
Brave New World, The Little Prince, Songs of a Dead Dreamer, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Anne of Green Gables, Wuthering Heights, East of Eden, The Stranger, The Godfather, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Inferno, The Two Towers, Den of Thieves, Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner.

Milestones
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI host + thumbnail, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content
2026: 2.3 Gemini definition, JP, CN, PT subtitles on selected YouTube videos

Platforms
YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Castbox, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn, Castro, Player FM

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Leave a comment and share your thoughts: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP 2026 May feature 
"The Godfather" by Mario Puzo
Published in March 10, 1969

Content Warning: This work contains depictions of violence and explicit adult content that may be sensitive for some listeners.

The rise and unraveling of the Corleone family through loyalty, violence, ambition, and the intoxicating pull of power.

Book Six Chapter 23B
00:32 23B During his Sicilian courtship and marriage to Apollonia, Michael learns Luca Brasi’s horrific backstory just before receiving the devastating news that his brother Sonny has been murdered.

Characters
Vito Corleone - The powerful and composed patriarch of the Corleone family, the godfather; known for his authority and deep sense of loyalty
Fredo Corleone - The middle son, gentle and less assertive, struggling to match the strength of his brothers
Michael Corleone - The youngest son, intelligent and reserved, initially distant from the family’s affairs
Connie Corleone - The only daughter, spirited and emotional, navigating her place within a tightly controlled family
Tom Hagen - The Don’s informally adopted son and shrewd consigliere, the calm, legal bridge between the Corleone family and the legitimate world
Kay Adams - Michael Corleone’s girlfriend and later wife, an educated, independent-minded woman who initially stands outside the Corleone family world
Johnny Fontane - A famous singer and movie star closely tied to the Corleone family, whose career depends as much on influence as on talent
Peter Clemenza - Jovial, lethal caporegime who has served Corleone for decades, overseeing a regime of soldiers with seasoned, cold-blooded efficiency
Carlo Rizzi - Hot-tempered groom from Nevada whose marriage to Connie gains him entry into the family, though he remains excluded from the business

Costa's Wordbook
Pagliaio n ita, haystack or barn
Zygoma n the paired, irregular bone located on the upper side of the skull, forming the prominence of the cheeks, contributes to the outer eye socket (orbit), and joins with the temporal bone to create the zygomatic arch (Sai go ma)
Maxillofacial n relates to the jaw (maxilla) and the face (Max sil loe facial)
Baronial adj pertains to, or is befitting of, a baron (bur Rone nial)
Wisteria n a genus of long-living, woody climbing vines known for their cascading, grape-like clusters of purple, blue, pink, or white flowers (wis Sti ria)
Ringleted adj have hair worn or shaped into small curls or coils (Ring leet ted)
Votive adj an object or action given, displayed, or performed to fulfill a vow, express gratitude, or seek a favor from a deity or supernatural force (Voe tive)
Putty adj a thick, dough-like paste used primarily in construction and repairs to fill holes, seal joints, or secure windowpanes
Putty in one’s hands - phr, one who is easily influenced, manipulated, or controlled by someone else

Selections of 2026
Brave New World, The Little Prince, Songs of a Dead Dreamer, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Anne of Green Gables, Wuthering Heights, East of Eden, The Stranger, The Godfather, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Inferno, The Two Towers, Den of Thieves, Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner.

Milestones
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI intro + thumbnail, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content
2026: 2.3 Gemini definition, JP, CN, PT subtitles on selected YouTube videos

Platforms
YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Castbox, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn, Castro, Player FM

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Leave a comment and share your thoughts: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP 2026 June feature 
"The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" by Agatha Christie
Originally published in June 1926

Set in the village of King’s Abbot, the story follows Dr James Sheppard as Hercule Poirot investigates a suspicious death that exposes a tightly woven network of secrets, motives, and deception.

Chapter 11-14
00:29 11 Poirot Pays a Call
13:35 12 Round the Table
28:56 13 The Goose Quill
40:30 14 Mrs. Ackroyd

Characters
Hercule Poirot – retired private detective, living in the village
Dr James Sheppard – The village doctor and narrator, observant and socially embedded in King’s Abbot, whose perspective frames the events that follow
Caroline Sheppard – Dr Sheppard's unmarried sister, sharp, inquisitive, acts as a local source of gossip and interpretation
Roger Ackroyd – A wealthy widower of Fernly Park whose private affairs and recent revelations set the central mystery in motion
Mrs Ferrars – A recently deceased wealthy widow whose suspected past and secret confession cast a shadow over the unfolding case
Mrs Cecil Ackroyd – widow of Roger's brother Cecil
Flora Ackroyd – Ackroyd’s niece, engaged to Ralph Paton, emotionally driven and deeply invested in protecting him
Captain Ralph Paton – Ackroyd’s stepson and Flora’s fiancé, with his good looks and charm, covets his heredity
Major Hector Blunt – Ackroyd's friend, a quiet, observant guest at Fernly Park
Geoffrey Raymond – Ackroyd's personal secretary
John Parker – Ackroyd's butler
Elizabeth Russell – Ackroyd's housekeeper

Costa's Wordbook
Bartolozzi - Francesco Bartolozzi (1727–1815), a wildly celebrated Italian artist who spent most of his career in London as the "Engraver to the King."
Winning adj persuasive, charming
Émigré n (fr adopted) a person who has migrated out of their native country, specifically because of political turmoil, revolution, or war (Emi gray)
Bien entendu - fr, of course
Amour propre - fr, self love
Pas de blagues - fr, no jokes
C’est dommage - fr, its a shame
Diamorphine hydrochloride - the pure, medical-grade formulation of diamorphine, which is more commonly known by its illicit name, heroin (Dyer morphine)
Go phut - phr inf to break down, stop working completely, or fail (Futt)
Elucidation n explain, clarify, or cast light upon an obscure or complex subject (E lu ci dation)
In extremis adv latin, in an extremely difficult, dire, or desperate situation; point of death (extreme mis)

2026 Selections
Brave New World, The Little Prince, Songs of a Dead Dreamer, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Anne of Green Gables, Wuthering Heights, East of Eden, The Stranger, The Godfather, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Inferno, The Two Towers, Den of Thieves, Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner.

Milestones
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI intro + thumbnail, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content
2026: 2.3 Gemini definition, JP, CN, PT subtitles on selected YouTube videos

Platforms
YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Castbox, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn, Castro, Player FM

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Leave a comment and share your thoughts: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP 2026 May feature 
"The Godfather" by Mario Puzo
Published in March 10, 1969

Content Warning: This work contains depictions of violence and explicit adult content that may be sensitive for some listeners.

The rise and unraveling of the Corleone family through loyalty, violence, ambition, and the intoxicating pull of power.

Book Five Chapter 22
00:32 22 Exiled in Vegas, Lucy Mancini finds sexual satisfaction and love with Dr. Jules Segal after he diagnoses and surgically corrects her unique pelvic anatomy.
Book Six Chapter 23A
44:58 23A Originally a peasant defense against corrupt lords, the Sicilian Mafia quickly inverted its role, becoming an oppressive instrument of the rich that burdened common people with transaction taxes.

Characters
Vito Corleone - The powerful and composed patriarch of the Corleone family, the godfather; known for his authority and deep sense of loyalty
Sonny Corleone - Eldest son of the Corleone, hot-tempered and aggressive, often acting on impulse rather than caution
Fredo Corleone - The middle son, gentle and less assertive, struggling to match the strength of his brothers
Michael Corleone - The youngest son, intelligent and reserved, initially distant from the family’s affairs
Connie Corleone - The only daughter, spirited and emotional, navigating her place within a tightly controlled family
Tom Hagen - The Don’s informally adopted son and shrewd consigliere, the calm, legal bridge between the Corleone family and the legitimate world
Kay Adams - Michael Corleone’s girlfriend and later wife, an educated, independent-minded woman who initially stands outside the Corleone family world
Johnny Fontane - A famous singer and movie star closely tied to the Corleone family, whose career depends as much on influence as on talent
Peter Clemenza - Jovial, lethal caporegime who has served Corleone for decades, overseeing a regime of soldiers with seasoned, cold-blooded efficiency
Carlo Rizzi - Hot-tempered groom from Nevada whose marriage to Connie gains him entry into the family, though he remains excluded from the business

Costa's Wordbook
Curette v performing surgical with spoon shape surgical instrument
Clap n slang Gonorrhea
Musculofibrous adj relating to both muscular and fibrous connective tissue (Mus cue loe fybrus)
Perineorrhaphy n suture of the perineum (per rin knee Or rafy)
Colporrhaphy n surgical repair of the vaginal wall (col Pour rafy)
Ani muscle - levator ani muscle, a wide, hammock-like sheet of muscle forming the pelvic floor that supports internal organs and controls the passage of waste (Aei nigh)
Fascia n the thin but tough band of fibrous connective tissue that wraps around and supports muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and organs throughout the body (Fay shia)
Lumen n the inside space, cavity, or channel within a tubular organ or structure (Loo men)
Pygmalion - in Greek mythology, a sculptor who fell deeply in love with his own ivory statue; a colloquial phrase used in relationship psychology and sociology describing when one partner attempts to mold, shape, or reform the other person into their "ideal" version of a partner
Timbre n unique texture, quality, or "color" of a person's voice (Tam ber)
Sartorial adj things related to clothes, tailors, or the style of dress; person known for fashion (sar Taw rial)
Adolphe Menjou - an American actor whose career spanned both silent films and talkies. He became a leading man during the 1920s, known for his debonair and sophisticated screen presence

Capo-mafioso n ita, a mid-level leader in a criminal organization; capo meant head or boss in italian
Gabbellotto n ita, a historical term from Sicily referring to a rural sharecropper or middleman who leased large tracts of land from wealthy absentee landlords, they often aligned with the Mafia to enforce control
Heady adj something so thrilling, potent, or exciting that it makes you feel exhilarated or slightly intoxicated (Head dee)

Selections of 2026
Brave New World, The Little Prince, Songs of a Dead Dreamer, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Anne of Green Gables, Wuthering Heights, East of Eden, The Stranger, The Godfather, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Inferno, The Two Towers, Den of Thieves, Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner.

Milestones
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI intro + thumbnail, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content
2026: 2.3 Gemini definition, JP, CN, PT subtitles on selected YouTube videos

Platforms
YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Castbox, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn, Castro, Player FM

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Leave a comment and share your thoughts: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP 2026 May feature 
"The Godfather" by Mario Puzo
Published in March 10, 1969

Content Warning: This work contains depictions of violence and explicit adult content that may be sensitive for some listeners.

The rise and unraveling of the Corleone family through loyalty, violence, ambition, and the intoxicating pull of power.

Book Five Chapter 20B-21
00:32 20B At a high-level bank summit, Don Vito concedes to sharing his political protection for narcotics, secures peace by promising no vengeance for Sonny, and secretly plots Michael's safe return.
48:53 21 To secure Michael's safe return, the Corleones paid a pension to the family of Felix Bocchicchio, a condemned murderer who confessed to Sollozzo and McCluskey's killings before his execution.

Characters
Vito Corleone - The powerful and composed patriarch of the Corleone family, the godfather; known for his authority and deep sense of loyalty
Sonny Corleone - Eldest son of the Corleone, hot-tempered and aggressive, often acting on impulse rather than caution
Fredo Corleone - The middle son, gentle and less assertive, struggling to match the strength of his brothers
Michael Corleone - The youngest son, intelligent and reserved, initially distant from the family’s affairs
Connie Corleone - The only daughter, spirited and emotional, navigating her place within a tightly controlled family
Tom Hagen - The Don’s informally adopted son and shrewd consigliere, the calm, legal bridge between the Corleone family and the legitimate world
Kay Adams - Michael Corleone’s girlfriend and later wife, an educated, independent-minded woman who initially stands outside the Corleone family world
Johnny Fontane - A famous singer and movie star closely tied to the Corleone family, whose career depends as much on influence as on talent
Peter Clemenza - Jovial, lethal caporegime who has served Corleone for decades, overseeing a regime of soldiers with seasoned, cold-blooded efficiency
Carlo Rizzi - Hot-tempered groom from Nevada whose marriage to Connie gains him entry into the family, though he remains excluded from the business

Costa's Wordbook
Flout v to intentionally disobey, ignore, or treat with contempt a rule, law, or convention
Brazenly adv actions done in a bold, impudent, and shameless manner
Gavone - ita-us, slang, someone who is rude, uncultured, or ill-mannered—especially a person who is greedy or eats excessively like a pig
Leonine adj one who exhibits lion-like qualities (Lee un nyne)
Disservice n a harmful, unfair, or unhelpful action; a situation where an act intended to be helpful—or an action that should have been supportive—ends up causing damage, detriment, or an ill turn
Sonna cosa nostra - ita, They are our thing/ These are our own affairs
Recant v to publicly take back, renounce, or disavow a previously held belief, statement, or testimony
Luncheonette n US, a small, informal restaurant or cafe that specializes in serving simple, light meals, sandwiches, and snack (Lunchen net)
Folderol n trivial nonsense, foolish ideas, or unnecessary, overly complicated procedures (Folder rol)

Selections of 2026
Brave New World, The Little Prince, Songs of a Dead Dreamer, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Anne of Green Gables, Wuthering Heights, East of Eden, The Stranger, The Godfather, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Inferno, The Two Towers, Den of Thieves, Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner.

Milestones
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI intro + thumbnail, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content
2026: 2.3 Gemini definition, JP, CN, PT subtitles on selected YouTube videos

Platforms
YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Castbox, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn, Castro, Player FM

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Leave a comment and share your thoughts: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP 2026 June feature 
"The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" by Agatha Christie
Originally published in June 1926

Set in the village of King’s Abbot, the story follows Dr James Sheppard as Hercule Poirot investigates a suspicious death that exposes a tightly woven network of secrets, motives, and deception.

Chapter 8-10
00:29 8 Inspector Raglan Is Confident
18:52 9 The Goldfish Pond
34:39 10 The Parlormaid

Characters
Hercule Poirot – retired private detective, living in the village
Dr James Sheppard – The village doctor and narrator, observant and socially embedded in King’s Abbot, whose perspective frames the events that follow
Caroline Sheppard – Dr Sheppard's unmarried sister, sharp, inquisitive, acts as a local source of gossip and interpretation
Roger Ackroyd – A wealthy widower of Fernly Park whose private affairs and recent revelations set the central mystery in motion
Mrs Ferrars – A recently deceased wealthy widow whose suspected past and secret confession cast a shadow over the unfolding case
Mrs Cecil Ackroyd – widow of Roger's brother Cecil
Flora Ackroyd – Ackroyd’s niece, engaged to Ralph Paton, emotionally driven and deeply invested in protecting him
Captain Ralph Paton – Ackroyd’s stepson and Flora’s fiancé, with his good looks and charm, covets his heredity
Major Hector Blunt – Ackroyd's friend, a quiet, observant guest at Fernly Park
Geoffrey Raymond – Ackroyd's personal secretary
John Parker – Ackroyd's butler
Elizabeth Russell – Ackroyd's housekeeper

Costa's Wordbook
Ou tous les deux - fr, or both
Serge n a durable, twilled woolen fabric used for clothing like suits and military uniforms
Interpolation n inserting an interruption (in Ter poe lation)
Une belle propriété - fr, A beautiful property
Inutile! - fr, Pointless!
Mélisande - fr, Pelléas et Mélisande, a famous 1892 Symbolist play by Maurice Maeterlinck that was adapted into a celebrated 1902 opera by French composer Claude Debussy. In the opening of the opera, a prince named Golaud finds a mysterious, weeping maiden named Mélisande lost in a forest beside a deep pool of water. She has just dropped her golden crown into the deep water and is completely distraught. (Meh lis sawnd)
Sang froid n to stay calm, composed, and unruffled, especially in a difficult, dangerous, or highly stressful situation (Sang froid)
Fallal n a showy, unnecessary ornament, trinket, or piece of finery (origin fr, fa Lao)

2026 Selections
Brave New World, The Little Prince, Songs of a Dead Dreamer, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Anne of Green Gables, Wuthering Heights, East of Eden, The Stranger, The Godfather, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Inferno, The Two Towers, Den of Thieves, Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner.

Milestones
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI intro + thumbnail, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content
2026: 2.3 Gemini definition, JP, CN, PT subtitles on selected YouTube videos

Platforms
YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Castbox, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn, Castro, Player FM

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Leave a comment and share your thoughts: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP 2026 May feature 
"The Godfather" by Mario Puzo
Published in March 10, 1969

Content Warning: This work contains depictions of violence and explicit adult content that may be sensitive for some listeners.

The rise and unraveling of the Corleone family through loyalty, violence, ambition, and the intoxicating pull of power.

Book Four & Five Chapter 18-20A
00:32 18 Called upon by Hagen to repay his debt, Bonasera fears becoming an accessory to murder. Instead, Don Vito brings him Sonny's bullet-riddled body, demanding he make it presentable.
14:38 19 Sonny’s brutal war tactics alienate the other families, who plot his murder. After Carlo beats Connie, a furious Sonny rushes over, outruns his guards, and is ambushed at a tollbooth. Don Vito, devastated, calls a truce.
48:25 20A Fearing Don Vito’s revenge for Sonny’s death, the rival families are surprised when he calls a peace summit, securing their safety through a lethal, third-party hostage arrangement.

Characters
Vito Corleone - The powerful and composed patriarch of the Corleone family, the godfather; known for his authority and deep sense of loyalty
Sonny Corleone - Eldest son of the Corleone, hot-tempered and aggressive, often acting on impulse rather than caution
Fredo Corleone - The middle son, gentle and less assertive, struggling to match the strength of his brothers
Michael Corleone - The youngest son, intelligent and reserved, initially distant from the family’s affairs
Connie Corleone - The only daughter, spirited and emotional, navigating her place within a tightly controlled family
Tom Hagen - The Don’s informally adopted son and shrewd consigliere, the calm, legal bridge between the Corleone family and the legitimate world
Kay Adams - Michael Corleone’s girlfriend and later wife, an educated, independent-minded woman who initially stands outside the Corleone family world
Johnny Fontane - A famous singer and movie star closely tied to the Corleone family, whose career depends as much on influence as on talent
Peter Clemenza - Jovial, lethal caporegime who has served Corleone for decades, overseeing a regime of soldiers with seasoned, cold-blooded efficiency
Carlo Rizzi - Hot-tempered groom from Nevada whose marriage to Connie gains him entry into the family, though he remains excluded from the business

Costa's Wordbook
To lie in state - the ceremonial tradition in which a deceased dignitary, head of state, or government official is placed in a public building
Cloying adj a taste, scent, or emotion that is so excessively sweet or rich that it becomes unappealing, sickening, or tiresome
Stave off phr v o prevent or delay something bad from happening, usually for a short time (Stayf)
Mollify v to pacify one after being upset
Carabineri - ita, the national gendarmerie of Italy who primarily carry out domestic and foreign policing duties 

Selections of 2026
Brave New World, The Little Prince, Songs of a Dead Dreamer, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Anne of Green Gables, Wuthering Heights, East of Eden, The Stranger, The Godfather, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Inferno, The Two Towers, Den of Thieves, Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner.

Milestones
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI intro + thumbnail, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content
2026: 2.3 Gemini definition, JP, CN, PT subtitles on selected YouTube videos

Platforms
YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Castbox, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn, Castro, Player FM

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Leave a comment and share your thoughts: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP 2026 May feature 
"The Godfather" by Mario Puzo
Published in March 10, 1969

Content Warning: This work contains depictions of violence and explicit adult content that may be sensitive for some listeners.

The rise and unraveling of the Corleone family through loyalty, violence, ambition, and the intoxicating pull of power.

Book Four Chapter 15-17
00:32 15 Kay's parents and Mama Corleone subtly confirm Michael's guilt, shattering her denial. Realizing he will be hiding for years, Kay is urged to forget him and move on.
17:23 16 Frustrated by his exclusion, Carlo abuses a pregnant Connie. Don Vito refuses to intervene, but a furious Sonny brutally beats Carlo, forcing Hagen to deploy guards against Tattaglia retaliation.
40:33 17 The police ease their costly crackdown after Hagen exposes McCluskey's corruption. Meanwhile, a bedridden Don Vito rejects narcotics negotiations, leaving an outmatched Sonny trapped in a losing turf war.

Characters
Vito Corleone - The powerful and composed patriarch of the Corleone family, the godfather; known for his authority and deep sense of loyalty
Sonny Corleone - Eldest son of the Corleone, hot-tempered and aggressive, often acting on impulse rather than caution
Fredo Corleone - The middle son, gentle and less assertive, struggling to match the strength of his brothers
Michael Corleone - The youngest son, intelligent and reserved, initially distant from the family’s affairs
Connie Corleone - The only daughter, spirited and emotional, navigating her place within a tightly controlled family
Tom Hagen - The Don’s informally adopted son and shrewd consigliere, the calm, legal bridge between the Corleone family and the legitimate world
Kay Adams - Michael Corleone’s girlfriend and later wife, an educated, independent-minded woman who initially stands outside the Corleone family world
Johnny Fontane - A famous singer and movie star closely tied to the Corleone family, whose career depends as much on influence as on talent
Peter Clemenza - Jovial, lethal caporegime who has served Corleone for decades, overseeing a regime of soldiers with seasoned, cold-blooded efficiency
Carlo Rizzi - Hot-tempered groom from Nevada whose marriage to Connie gains him entry into the family, though he remains excluded from the business

Costa's Wordbook
Donnish adj someone who is scholarly, intellectual, and often overly serious (Don nish)
Disgrazia - ita, disgrace
Guinzo n derog slur for a person of Italian descent, variant of guinea (Gin zow)
Blue laws - old religious laws that ban or restrict certain activities on Sundays, ie selling alcohol, staging sports, opening retail stores etc
Shellacking n complete defeat; severe physical beating, or a harsh scolding
Rank and file - n the ordinary members or workers of an organization, rather than its leaders or officers
Onus n the responsibility, duty, or burden of proving or doing something (Owe ness)
To ply one's trade - phr. to do one's particular kind of work
Consideration n a small payment for service
Regicide n the act of killing a king or queen, or a person who commits such an act (Reji cide)

Selections of 2026
Brave New World, The Little Prince, Songs of a Dead Dreamer, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Anne of Green Gables, Wuthering Heights, East of Eden, The Stranger, The Godfather, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Inferno, The Two Towers, Den of Thieves, Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner.

Milestones
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI intro + thumbnail, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content
2026: 2.3 Gemini definition, JP, CN, PT subtitles on selected YouTube videos

Platforms
YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Castbox, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn, Castro, Player FM

Powered by Firstory Hosting