Romance of the Three Kingdoms Podcast

Chart trend

Position in the History chart (US), last 90 days.

#1#86#170AugSep

#12

all-time peak

days in the top 50 since Aug 2026

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

Announcement: 10 Years of Podcasting

Apr 9 2024
1 min

Announcement: ”Investiture of the Gods” Launched

Hi everyone. I want to let you know that I have posted the first episodes of Investiture of the Gods on the Chinese Lore Podcast. If you are not yet subscribed to that sh

Oct 17 2022
1 min

Announcement: May 24 Live Interview

Hi everyone. I want to let you know that on May 24, I will be part of a panel of Asian podcasters on Podbean’s Storytelling Podcast Week Live show. It’s Asian American an

May 14 2022
1 min

Announcement: Interview on Asian Fantasy Fiction Podcast

Check out my recent conversation with Jeremy Bai, a translator and writer focusing on Chinese fantasy genres.

Jun 18 2021
1 min

Announcement: 2 Podcast Interviews

I recently did two interviews on other podcasts. The first is the Mandarin Slang Guide podcast, where we talked about some common Chinese expressions that had their roots

Aug 23 2020
1 min

Announcement: Ask Me Anything on Dec. 16

If you have questions about the how's and why's of this podcast, or my thoughts on podcasting in general, post them at the Ask Me Anything hosted by WhatPods on December

Nov 22 2019
1 min

Update: Videos on Three Kingdoms Warlords

I recently collaborated with the YouTube channel Invicta History on three videos about Three Kingdoms warlords. The videos were sponsored by Creative Assembly as part of

May 20 2019
1 min

Update: Appearance on "Total War" Podcast

Back in February, I took part in a podcast conversation on the Invicta History YouTube channel with the host, Julien, and Peter Stewart, a writer from the team producing

May 2 2019
1 min

Update: Water Margin Podcast Launch; Three Kingdoms Miscellany

An announcement about my new podcast project, and an update on a couple things I've been doing with the Three Kingdoms Podcast.

Jan 7 2019
3 min

3 Kingdoms 154: Looking Back, Looking Ahead

A reflection on this four-year ride, and a glimpse of things to come.

May 14 2018
16 min

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 020: Carousel of Characters

A rapid-fire look at a bunch of supporting players in the novel.

May 9 2018
29 min

3 Kingdoms 153: Podcasts Under Heaven …

One hundred and fifty-three episodes later, we have finally reached the “long divided, must unite” part of the novel.

May 7 2018
13 min

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 019: Food

A look at what they ate and drank during the Three Kingdoms era.

May 2 2018
25 min

3 Kingdoms 152: Mutual Loathing and Admiration

While their respective states are sizing each other up for conquest, the Jin and Wu commanders at the borders are getting along famously.

Apr 30 2018
27 min

3 Kingdoms 151: How Quickly They Forget

Sure I just lost my kingdom, but look at all the fun stuff they have in the Wei capital!

Apr 16 2018
28 min

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 018: Sima Yi, Fact and Fiction

We look at the architect of the Sima clan's rise to power.

Apr 12 2018
15 min

3 Kingdoms 150: Ulterior Motives

Everyone has a hidden agenda, except maybe for the guy suspected of hatching an insurrection. (Note: Special guest narrator this week)

Apr 9 2018
25 min

3 Kingdoms 149: We Ain't No Fortunate Sons

A Shu commander tries to live up to his father's legacy, while a Shu prince refuses to follow his father's example.

Apr 2 2018
28 min

3 Kingdoms Supplemental 017: Sun Quan, Fact and Fiction

A dive into the real life of the guy who ran the family business for 50-plus years.

Mar 28 2018
15 min

3 Kingdoms 148: Ain't No Mountain High Enough

While Jiang Wei scrambles to mount a last-ditch defense, his old nemesis searches for a way to go around his roadblock.

Mar 19 2018
27 min

Chart positions

Where Romance of the Three Kingdoms Podcast ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 9, 2026).

#170 ▼ 19 History US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

I am very thankful to John Zhu for creating the series. I have the book in translation but it would be very hard for me to appreciate it without this podcast. John gives context and additional information that enriches the experience. Also, he is very funny and sometimes I find myself laughing out loud. It’s a great story, and John makes it even more wonderful. My thanks and appreciation to him for all the work it took to put this together. ❤️

Madison508 · Mar 2026

I’m 20 episodes in so far and I’m so grateful for John’s supplemental materials (the character list, the maps etc) to help me keep track of who is who. I also really appreciate the historical asides and his commentary on the text itself. I can’t wait to listen to his other projects once I finish listening to this one.

nephbit · Feb 2026

John takes his listeners through the entire Romance of the Three Kingdoms series and adds some supplemental episodes to delve deeper into a number of the main characters and plot lines. I couldn’t imagine a better narrator for this story. He adds his own wit and humor to the telling, but never at the expense of the story. I’m so glad I found this podcast; it’s been a great ride.

Iron Bob 4545 · Dec 2025

Bite sized Chinese mythology, lore, and History My brother and I are huge Dynasty Warrior fans and it’s so fun to see the dramatic liberties taken by the games. John spoils the listener with historical breakdown episodes comparing the fictional characters of the book to their historic figure counterparts, and releasing episodes in 30 minute chunks makes for an all around great listening experience. Thanks so much for creating this podcast Mr. Zhu!

TheGreatResignation · Aug 2025

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.