The VALIS Trilogy

The VALIS Trilogy

Author: Christian Sager and Charlie Bennett December 5, 2025 Duration: 3:06:17

The novels VALIS, The Divine Invasion, and The Transmigration of Timothy Archer by legendary science-fiction author Philip K. Dick comprise the unofficial VALIS trilogy. Published between 1978 and 1982, these books use psychedelic imagery, religious history, and psychological inquiry to create a portrait of American culture in the late 70s and early 80s. We try to unpack them against the backdrop of our contemporary situation to gain a little clarity on our middle age and growing paranoia.

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The VALIS Trilogy

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Christian Sager and Charlie Bennett host Supercontext: an autopsy of media, a series that digs beneath the surface of the films, books, music, and shows that shape our collective experience. Rather than offering simple reviews, each episode performs a detailed examination, looking at how a piece of media is constructed, why it resonates, and the often-unseen ways it influences our conversations and behaviors. You’ll hear thoughtful discussions that connect seemingly disparate topics, revealing how a cult classic film might reflect economic anxieties or how a viral internet trend can trace its lineage back to decades-old artistic movements. This podcast operates on the belief that nothing exists in a vacuum; every artifact of culture is a product of and a catalyst for the world around it. By picking apart these works, Sager and Bennett provide listeners with a richer framework for understanding not just what they are watching or reading, but how that consumption actively informs their perspective. Tune in for conversations that are both deeply researched and casually engaging, perfect for anyone curious about the hidden mechanics of the stories we tell ourselves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Supercontext: an autopsy of media
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