The Iron Republic: Journey Through The Ice Wall

Is it fiction, or is it real? In 1902, a Florida newspaper published J. Edward Barrington's account of a hidden civilization beyond the Antarctic ice wall — and to this day, no one has definitively proven which. The origins of the IRON REPUBLIC are somewhat obscure. Its authorship is commonly attributed to Richard Bennett, also known as Richard James Morgan. Of course, other names have become associated with the book, like James M. Schurbarth and Dr. James Cleave Symmes Jr. But ultimately, there is no conclusive evidence that confirms any of these individuals as sole authors or contributors to the Iron Republic. The book also shares some sparse connections to the speculative fiction genre that began flourishing during the same time in the early 1900s. However, there is no definitive proof that thestory was written as PURE science fiction. The Iron Republic appears in 1902 as an article in the Florida Magazine, and for over 100 years since its publication, this body of work, so rich in technical detail, was able to predict technology we use today, yet did not exist then. How has this story been so grossly overlooked for so long? And in our modern world of ubiquitous information, how have the origins of this manuscript remained so unclear? Is it possible that the author was a clairvoyant genius and the most uncelebrated sci-fi writer the world never knew? Or is it also possible that the Iron Republic is a TRUE account of the events and discoveries of J. Edward Barrington, who bought a boat and set sail for the unknown mysteries of Antarctica? That is for you, the listener, to decide. New episodes drop every Tuesday at 9pm ET ©2025 Maluckins Media Group (P)2025 Maluckins Media Group

Episodes

Latest Episodes

7 days ago

16 min

In 1902, an account was published under the name J. Edward Barrington — one that has never been proven fiction, and never been proven true. The Iron Republic brings that lost manuscript to life, word for word, performed entirely by Jason Hightower (voice of Jackie Welles in Cyberpunk 2077, Captain Doza in Star Wars: Resistance). It begins with a man's public ruin — a rigged election, a shattered career, and a vow to leave everything behind. Episodes 2, 3, and 4 are live right now — keep listening.
Thinking about doing a weekly director's commentary — Jason and I breaking down each episode, the writing, and stories from behind the mic. Want to hear it? Send questions or topics to: maluckinsmedia@gmail.com
— enough interest and we'll make it happen.
 

7 days ago

16 min

7 days ago

3 min

Disgraced and adrift, Barrington makes a decision that will change everything — turning his planned voyage away from the Arctic, and toward the ice fields of the South. Performed entirely by Jason Hightower. Catch Episode 1 if you missed it, and Episodes 3 and 4 are ready now.

7 days ago

3 min

7 days ago

8 min

The voyage south brings Barrington face to face with something no map prepared him for — walls of ice rising like cliffs from the sea. Episode 4 is live now, and it's where things get strange.

7 days ago

8 min

7 days ago

8 min

Barrington climbs alone to get his bearings — and sees something that shouldn't exist. Beyond the "impenetrable" ice wall: open water.
Want weekly commentary from Jason and I on how this story came together? Send your questions to: maluckinsmedia@gmail.com
— if enough of you want it, we'll start recording.
New episodes drop every Tuesday at 9pm ET — don't miss Episode 5.

7 days ago

8 min

7 hours ago

9 min

Caught between towering walls of ice, Barrington's ship is swept forward by a current with no way to turn back. Whatever lies ahead, there's no going back now. Performed entirely by Jason Hightower.
New episodes drop every Tuesday at 9pm ET.

7 hours ago

9 min