The Countdown of Monte Cristo
A daily podcast reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, one page at a time, every single day, over the course of four years.
Each short episode offers a focused, intimate passage from Dumas’ sweeping tale of betrayal, imprisonment, revenge, and redemption, accompanied by brief reflections, historical context, and the occasional detour into 19th-century oddities (and yes, the occasional mangled French pronunciation).
Never read The Count of Monte Cristo? Perfect. This podcast is designed for first-time readers, longtime admirers, and anyone curious about experiencing a literary classic as a daily ritual rather than a daunting tome. You can start from the beginning or jump in wherever you are, the story unfolds steadily, patiently, one page at a time.
Whether you’re a lover of classic literature, a podcast listener looking for a calm daily escape, or someone who just wants a few quiet minutes away from the noise of the modern world, The Countdown of Monte Cristo invites you to live with one of the greatest novels ever written.
New episodes every day. No skipping. No rushing.
Subscribe on your favorite podcatcher or watch along on YouTube.
Support the project at https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod and help keep the countdown alive.
Episodes
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
6 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Rue du Helder breakfast is delayed as Château-Renaud begins recounting his journey to Africa.
Prompted by the others, he describes his arrival at Oran and Constantine, his participation in the retreat, and the harsh conditions that followed.
Rain, cold, and exhaustion mark the march, culminating in the loss of his horse as the campaign unfolds. The table waits while his account draws the company’s attention.
The story begins, holding the room before the meal.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.
3 days ago
3 days ago
15 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Rue du Helder gathering expands as Château-Renaud presents Maximilian Morrel to Albert.
He names Morrel his preserver, while the captain receives the introduction with quiet reserve and courtesy.
The company presses for the story, but Morrel minimizes the event even as others insist on its importance. Albert welcomes him as a friend, and the group turns toward the table, still awaiting one more guest.
The circle widens, as the breakfast continues to assemble.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.
4 days ago
4 days ago
8 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Rue du Helder breakfast conversation turns to marriage and fortune as Danglars’ name is debated.
Beauchamp questions the match, while Debray and Albert weigh rank against wealth, treating the proposed alliance as both social calculation and advantage.
Their exchange shifts in tone as new guests are announced, bringing the discussion to a close. Château-Renaud enters, accompanied by Maximilian Morrel, drawing Albert’s attention to an unfamiliar name.
The table fills, and the company gathers for the meal.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.
5 days ago
5 days ago
7 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Rue du Helder salon shifts into the breakfast hour as Albert’s guests gather.
Beauchamp questions the expected arrivals, while Albert insists the meal will begin at eleven, keeping the company together with wine and conversation.
Their talk turns to the Chamber, speeches, and the name of Danglars, tying politics to personal connections and future expectations. The tone moves between irritation and irony as the morning unfolds.
The table waits, as conversation fills the time before it begins.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.
Jul 25, 2026
Jul 25, 2026
7 min
Announcement!
We will be returning our daily episodes starting August 1st, 2026. Listen to this episode for announcements and updates.
Jul 12, 2026
Jul 12, 2026
3 min
We’ve got a quick programming update.
Both the show and our companion series are taking a short hiatus while we get a few things in order behind the scenes. Everything is okay—we’re simply taking a little time to catch up on life, tackle a few larger projects, and make sure we can return at the level of quality you expect from us.
We’ll be sharing updates on our timeline as we have them. If you’d like to stay in the loop and support the show while we’re away, our Patreon is the best place to do that: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Thank you, as always, for listening, reading along with us, and making these shows part of your routine. We appreciate your patience, and we look forward to being back with new episodes soon.
Jun 30, 2026
Jun 30, 2026
6 min
We’ve got a quick programming update.
Both the show and our companion series are taking a short hiatus while we get a few things in order behind the scenes. Everything is okay—we’re simply taking a little time to catch up on life, tackle a few larger projects, and make sure we can return at the level of quality you expect from us.
We’ll be sharing updates on our timeline as we have them. If you’d like to stay in the loop and support the show while we’re away, our Patreon is the best place to do that: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Thank you, as always, for listening, reading along with us, and making these shows part of your routine. We appreciate your patience, and we look forward to being back with new episodes soon.
Jun 29, 2026
Jun 29, 2026
11 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Rue du Helder salon fills further as Beauchamp arrives before the appointed breakfast.
He joins Albert and Debray, and their conversation turns to politics, newspapers, and public affairs, each speaking from his own place within that world.
Their exchange moves quickly between wit and rivalry, while Albert reminds them that others are expected before they sit down to table. The room gathers voices as the hour advances.
The company assembles, awaiting the final arrivals.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.