Stories For Nerds Podcast

It's been an amazing run, but the curtains to the Stories for Nerds podcast are finally closing. We've invited mentor and international bestselling author, Kevin J. Anderson, onto the show to discuss his latest writing projects and how he's inspiring the next generation of storytellers. The gang also offers a final list of nerdy recommendations, with Raphyel concluding the EpiXode bidding a fond farewell to the team and fans that made the show beat the odds.SHOW NOTESSisterhood of DuneLord of the Rings: the War of the RohirrimSecret LevelKevin J. Anderson's Publishing Masters DegreeWe'll forever be grateful for your support. Thank YOU! 'Stories for Nerdsstoriesfornerds@gmail.comDid you enjoy the Stories for Nerds Podcast? Let us know!Support the show

Jamaal Jefferson finds himself with newfound abilities following a series of unfortunate circumstances that in actuality might bring an end to Azrak and her zorg empire. However, it may come at the price of the remaining magic wielders like his beloved sorceress, Cassie, contain. With the remnants of civilization on the thread, will their relationship even be able to survive an outcome where he, as Earth's greatest hope, becomes the undoing of his lover's most treasured gift?SHOW NOTESArcanusHBO's Dune Prophecy Path of Exile 2Indiana Jones & the Great CircleSupport the show

With only a handful of EpiXodes remaining, the team is preparing for an epic sendoff of the podcast. In the meantime, there are some books, games, anime, and other television that has peaked their interest.SHOW NOTESI Was Level One And Needed the GoldWickedRed OneSupport the show

LT Jamaal Jefferson must rally up the troops when the evil Zorg launch a surprise assault on the remaining allied forces. Will he, Cassie, and the rest of his otherworld companions be able to find common ground with the proud battle mage ready to take charge of the forces, or is the war already lost?SHOW NOTESRift Magus Reborn: Rise of the Arcane Aristocrat Book 1Netflix's Arcane: Season 2Dragon Age: the VeilguardSupport the show

There's tons of Fall releases in multimedia, and many of the gang are diving in! Some of these nerdy tidbit include the brand new anime that's all the buzz, Atlas' latest video game release, and HBO's thrilling spinoff series from the Batman Universe.SHOW NOTESthe Snowman's ShadowSonic X Shadows: GenerationsMetaphor: ReFantazioVenom: the Last DanceSupport the show

When a synthetic empire seeking total dominion across the multiverse sets its sights on his home, Lieutenant Jamaal Jefferson must relay on the skillsets of mystical and advanced technologies from other realms if he has any hopes of saving the final domain known to house civilization.Support the show

The SFN crew discuss the big elephant in the room. With the topic of inclusivity as being at the forefront of media today, Abby, Scott, Erik, and Raphyel discuss why the subject has become so prevalent and why there's a push on both sides of the fence for either more or less representation and diversity.SHOW NOTESTor the Dungeon Crawler Book 1 Transformers Onethe Wild RobotSupport the show

Now having fallen victim to the mysterious symbiotic alien life form on the planet colony of Eden, time is of the Essence for xeno zoologist Orpa and the rest of her infected team members.SHOW NOTESTorth Book 4 by SFN's Abby GoldsmithRise of Phoenix: A Superhero Urban FantasyAstro BotWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2Marvel vs Capcom Fighting CollectionBeetlejuice BeetlejuiceSupport the show

The gang share their latest endeavors in the latest nerdy multimedia, including films like Deadpool & Wolverine, anime like I Parry Everything, books like the Primal Hunter Zogarth, and more.SHOW NOTES:Dungeon of Chance Complete SeriesAlien: RomulusStar Wars: OutlawsSupport the Show.

Time is of the essence as Orpa finds herself trapped in a facility with co-workers expected by an unknown alien species with symbiotic tendencies.SHOW NOTESGloomBlack Myth: WukongBorderlandsSupport the Show.

The one debate to rule them all, the SFN gang dive into one of the most divisive arguments within the nerd community by comparing the various strengths and popular platforms two of the most beloved genres in storytelling have to offer. SHOW NOTES Shade's First RuleDeadpool & WolverineSupport the Show.

The planet colony Eden is an exciting frontier for xenobiologist Orpa and her crew of fellow science researchers. As tempting as uncovering this new world may be, however, she and her coworkers are all on the side of caution...except for their sniveling Director Gelling. What revelations will Orpa and the team find after their ambitious leader launches an unprepared exhibition beyond the safe confines of their laboratory on this strange alien ecosystem?SHOW NOTESDiary of A Martian: Book 1A Dragon's Chans: the Remembered War Book 1Support the Show.

While the latest Disney installment in the Star Wars franchise is causing quite the stir with some fans, there are still a handful of nerdy stories across the multimedia that are getting well received, including Apple TV's Dark Matter,  the Vampire Dormitory anime, and more.NERDY NEWS:Awakening Horde: Shieldwall Academy Book 1(LitRPG)A Quiet Place: Day OneFinal Fantasy 14: DawntrailSupport the Show.

Dwarvian warrior princess Madelyn and her band if unlikely misfit companions work together upon finally facing the evil sorcerer, Lord Zenrauch. However, the threat to the world is not exactly what was expected.SHOW NOTES:the Gates of Yoffathe Fae ConspiracySupport the Show.

It's the 800 pound gorilla of the industry and it's shifted the way we've digested books for nearly 30 years! While no one can deny Amazon's ginormous influence across retail--especially in the realm of reading--has the world's largest online retailer proven beneficial to readers or detrimental? SHOW NOTES:A Knack for Being A HeroStar Wars: Acolyte Support the Show.

Maddy must rise to the occasion when her party must band together in order to thwart off an unexpected threat. As she and the others fight tooth and nail, however, the dwarvian warrior princess grows suspicion regarding one of her would-be companions.SHOW NOTESWorld of Wreckage: Torth Book 3Hell Blade 2: Senua's SagaFuriosa: A Mad Max SagaAbby Book/Guest AppearancesPaddy WagonAbel Montero Book ReviewsSupport the Show.

With Raphyel having gone under a medical procedure, the team keeps the EpiXode light with a great nerdy chat discussion. Abby is prepping for the third book launch in her Torth series while Scott gets recognized for his inclusion in an anthology filled with some good company.SHOW NOTESA Hero of A Different StripeKingdom of the Planet of the ApesSupport the Show.

When an evil sorcerer casts an eternal Winter over the realm, a young dwarvian warrior princess named Madelyn must journey to the ends of the world to bring an end to the dark lord's curse. Accompanied by a rather unorthodox party that consists of an elven mage, human priest, a dark elf ranger, and a friendly orc, can Maddy and the others set aside their differences for the greater good?SHOW NOTESLiving With Your Past SelvesParamount's Knuckles the EchidnaPS5's Stellar BladeNetflix's Rebel Moon: Part 2Support the show

The past few weeks have offered a plethora of nerd multimedia for the gang, and this nerdy chat covers all of it. X-Men '97, Netflix's Three Body Problem, Capcom's Dragon's Dogma 2, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Star Wars: the Bad Batch, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Constellation, and there's bound to be even more. So get comfy, because we got a lot to talk about!SHOW NOTESA Hero of a Different Stripethe Engineer's ApprenticeAmazon's FalloutSupport the show

 It's nearly been 900 days since the Siege of Leningrad began, but the city's liberation is at hand thanks to Vitali's modified armed tank. He'll have to collaborate with the uptight acting Commander Dubov's lackies, however, and there's no telling if they'll be willing to play nice with his secret project. Will Vitelli be able to find common ground with his Soviet "comrades," or is this surprise assault on Leningrad already destined to fail? SHOW NOTESFrom the Ashes: Illuminator Saga Book 1X-Men '97Princess Peach: ShowtimeDragon's Dogma 2Support the show

The gang has a bunch of nerdy multimedia to entertain them as things warm up for the Spring Season. Raph and Scott both offer insight and dynamic perspectives on Netflix's Live Adaptation of Nickelodeon's beloved Avatar: the Last Airbender series. Erik set sail on his annual Star Trek crews and got to rub elbows with a multitude of Trekkie icons. Abby gives a stellar recommendation to a Deadpool-meets-Groundhog-Day adventure called "the Perfect Run".SHOW NOTESDust of Stars: Engineering Infinity Book 1Star Wars: Battlefront Classic CollectionHi-Fi Rush Coming To PS5Support the show

The situation is all but dire in 1940s Europe, and Ukranian soldier Vitali has a front row seat to one of mankind's most historical conflicts, World War 2. After losing his commander and being reprehended by the bureaucratic higher ups, Vitali has had it up to here with this terrible war. All he wants to do is be left in peace so he can work mockup some fun designs with the scraps left over by tanks and the like. Low and behold, the young tank engineer should learn to be careful of what he wishes for. It very well might come true.SHOW NOTESDifferent LeeTekken 8Support the show

The crew returns for its 9th, and final, season of the SFN Podcast :(. The farewell tour starts with the crew catching up on all of the nerdy activities, starting with Abby's release to the second installment in the Torth series, Colossus Rising. The gang had TONS of nerdy items to cover, including:Foundation: Season 2"All the Skills" by Honour RaeNetflix's Yu Yu Hakusho Live Action AdaptationZack Snyder's Rebel MoonMonarch: Legacy of MonstersDisney's EchoDisney's What If: Season 2Solo LevelingShow NotesColossus Rising: Torth Book 2Prince of Persia: the Lost CrownSupport the show

The 2023 Holiday Season is among us, and that means it's time for the SFN Crew to wrap this year up with one final EpiXode before they go on their Holiday Break. The authors leave with some exciting news with personal project updates, and the entire squad offers a plethora of nerdy items to keep you busy until the next meetup.Abby was a guest on the Power To Pivot Podcast, where she shares her journey of going from a pro in the gaming industry to becoming a published author.Scott served as a publisher for a gnarly story about a 15-year-old who just recently discovered that she's a shape shifter.Abby started a wild military sci-fi where humanity finds itself stuck in the middle of a war between alien herbivore and carnivore factions amid the "Nature of Predators."Scott has a final verdict on the first season of Blue-Eyed Samurai while doing a Netflix binge.Raphyel and Erik offer high praise for Godzilla: Minus One, Baldur's Gate 3, while splurging in other games.SHOW NOTESBOOKDwarf Bounty Hunter Box SetOTHER NEWSNetflix's Rebel MoonAquaman and the Lost KingdomSupport the show

This Nerdy Chat discussion faces an extremely thin line, given the key different-yet-inevitable-correlation between stories that are designed to help audiences take a break from reality in the form of escapism as opposed to those that have an underlying message concerning society.Show Notesthe Recycler's Paradise: Dust of the GodsSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice LeaguePersona 3: ReloadedTomb Raiders 1-3: RemasteredSupport the show

World War 2 Ukranian military engineer Vitali is making the closest thing to a mech suit. While simple in design, it could very well turn the tide of the war for his country during one of its most dire hours. He'll have to face a different sort of battle before he even gets an opportunity to see his mocked-up T-34 tank taken to the frontlines, however: his own command.SHOW NOTES:Apprentice Gone: Rampant Dawn Book 1The Bad Batch: Season 3Final Fantasy 7: RebirthDune: Part 2Support the show

While he's agreed to help the Department of Antiquities, Magical Creatures, and Arcane Technologies apprehend the werewolf USDA Inspector Arseneau in exchange for a plot of land to call his own, Alejandro still has mixed thoughts about involving himself with such an ordeal that involves far more attention and effort than he's ever asked. Regardless, as soon as his involvement is over and the lycan is behind bars, he'll never have to trouble himself with something like this ever again...that is, if he lives long enough.SHOW NOTESBOOKThe Shadow Isle: An Epic Fantasy AdventureOTHER NEWSGodzilla: Minus OneAvatar: Frontiers of PandoraSupport the show

After learning that Abby's own Torth series was placed in this category, the SFN gang share their thoughts on this "nuance" grimdark genre and how it either differs or shares similarities to stories with a tragic tale. They also, of course, offer an arsenal of nerdy recommendations leading up to the meaty topic.SHOW NOTESBOOKA Cat & His Human MinionsOTHER NEWSMonarch: Legacy of MonstersPersona 5 TacticaNERDY CHAT SOURCESGrimdark definitionThe above link is a definition of the genre by dictionary.com. This doesn't have to be the end-all be-all, and could be an interesting conversation in itself.What Grimdark Means & Why It MattersAn interesting opinion piece on the genre of grimdark and where it fits in storytelling. Again, this should be regarded as a respected perspective of a particular person, though it does offer an example in how the term can have different meanings for different people.Support the show

With the Department of Antiquities, Magical Creatures, and Arcane Technologies breathing down his neck, the chupacabra named Alejandro is up to his wits due to all of the unwanted attention. Can he convince the mysterious Inspector Argentos that he wasn't involved in this sudden outbreak, or is there more to this case than he didn't expect?SHOW NOTESBOOKSthe Initial FoldOTHER NEWSthe MarvelsRoboCop: Rogue CitySupport the show

All hands are on deck during this ghoulish time of the year, with Abby, Scott, Erik, and Raphyel diving into all of the latest nerdy entertainment currently available during the Fall Season. Abby has two book reviews, including a popular read from Royal Road, while Erik, Scott, and Raphyel all have an arsenal of anime recommendations among other nerdy bits.Nerdy NewsBOOKSthe Ghouls of HowlfairOTHER NEWSMarvel's Spider-Man 2Super Mario Bros. WonderFive Nights at Freddy'sSupport the show

Alejandro Gutierrez doesn't really long for much when it comes to striving for the American dream. For him, it's just a simple job, a tiny farm to call his own, and access to all the goat's blood he can get his hands on. Is that too much to ask for a chupacabra?SHOW NOTESBOOKWitches Sorrow: A Witch Urban FantasyOTHER NEWSSpy X Family: Season 2Support the show

Abby, Scott, Erik, and Raphyel all have an in-depth discussion between the differences in the sci-fi/fantasy adventures that's sole purpose is a means to escape reality compared to those designed that do not trail too far off from it by offering a social commentary.SHOW NOTESBOOKAssistant to the VillainOTHER NEWSNetflix's Castlevania: NocturneSupport the show

College student Ellen Wong now faces an ultimatum between the fate of the only friend she's ever had and what looks like the inevitable released shackles of synthetic artificial intelligence.SHOW NOTESMajority: Torth Book 1Support the show

It's the dog days of Summer, and Abby, Scott, Erik, and Raphyel have had loads of nerdy content to keep them busy throughout the latter parts of the month, including book work, August movies, games, and anime.NERDY NEWSBOOKKnightmare ArcanistOTHER NEWSArmored Core 6StarfieldSupport the show

Things seem to be going from bad to worse for Evie after accidentally unshackling an AI intent on absolute freedom from whatever shackles it has. It still has its limits, however, and the only thing preventing it from achieving its objective is Evelyn, herself.SHOW NOTESBOOKRemedial Magic: A New StartOTHER NEWSBaldur's Gate 3Disney's AhsokaSupport the show

Hold on to your seats, because we're about to go there. With months of heated discussions within online threads and news articles, the SFN crew is going to tackle the much-heated debate about the use of artificial intelligence within the creative realm and what it could mean for not only the entertainment industry but our society as a whole.SHOW NOTESBOOKthe Last BattleshipOTHER NEWSTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant MayhemThe Last Voyage of the DemerSupport the show

College intern Evelyn Wong wants nothing more than to prove the naysayers about her belief in AI's ability to evolve. Growing up on humanity's most successful space colony gives her access to the best school, teacher, lab equipment, and even a state-of-the-art companion, giving her all of the tools she needs to prove her thesis. Then again, maybe these tools are too good.SHOW NOTESBOOKthe Librarian of the Haunted LibraryOTHER NEWSExoprimalSupport the show

Summer is kicking off with loads of nerdy content across multimedia, with the entire crew dipping their toes in many of the must-haves of the year. With games like Zelda, Tears of the Kingdom, Street Fighter 6, and Final Fantasy XVI, films like Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and shows like Netflix's the Witcher: Season 3, there's an arsenal of entertainment to be had and the gang is ready to share their thoughts on a plethora of them!SHOW NOTESBOOKImperial DeserterOTHER NEWSIndiana Jones and the Dial of DestinyNetflix's the Witcher: Season 3Support the show

SO SORRY FOR THE LATE POST, FOLKS T_T (this was a first!)With the Arnanian Knight's clever scheme discovered, how will Victor Ranfield come out alive while already handing himself over to the Clever Ghel Warlord, Awful (yes, that's how he spells it) and his invading army?SHOW NOTESBOOKEversionOTHER NEWSthe FlashSecret InvasionElementalAsteroid CityFinal Fantasy XVIStar Trek: Strange New Worlds - Season 2Support the show

Scott, Erik,and Raphyel discuss the rise in the popularity of media deeply influenced by nerd interest.SHOW NOTESBOOKThe Serpent & the Wings of NightOTHER NEWSSpider-Man: Across the SpiderverseStreet Fighter 6Support the show

How can the Arnenian Knight, Victor, possibly convince the overpowered Ghel army to surrender when the odds of victory are all but guaranteed for them?SHOW NOTESBOOKSThey Walked Like MenOTHER NEWSDisney's the Little MermaidLord of the Rings: GollumSupport the show

Nerdy content for the upcoming Summer season is starting to heat up with big films, video games, and television shows as Abby, Scott, Erik, and Raphyel dive into a discussion covering the likes of Star Trek: Picard, the animated Super Mario Brothers Film, Star Wars: Jedi Survivor, and more.SHOW NOTESBOOKDrafted: Para-Military Recruiter - Book 1OTHER NEWSStar Wars Visions: Volume 2Zelda: Tears of the KingdomSupport the show

Can a lone knight and a handful of battered and bruised warriors survive against heavy artillery bombardment in order to defend the land?And Abby's back!SHOW NOTESthe Fireflies ChampionStar Wars: Jedi SurvivorMichelle Yeoh Returns To the Star Trek Discovery UniverseSupport the show

The three gamers of the group, Scott, Erik, and Raphyel, go into a deep discussion going over the recent trends and data seen within the video game industry. They also share thoughts on what elements the media has succeeded where others have failed, and what lessons can be learned for future success.SHOW NOTESthe Captain: Last Horizon Book 1RenfieldSupport the show

It's been decades since Dr. Aisha Adeyemo made her decent into humanity's first-detected black hole, only to find herself in a realm beyond her imagination and in contact. What will she uncover? What will she learn? And more importantly, will she even be able to share it?SHOW NOTESResident Evil 4 Remakethe Super Mario Brothers Animated MovieStudio Ghibli Fest 2023Support the show

With Abby out-of-town on one of her many elaborate vacas (not-at-all jelly), Scott, Erik, and Raphyel focus mainly on the latest nerdy shows that have hit the small screen, including the likes of Disney's the Bad Batch Season 2, the Mandalorian Season 3, and Paramount's Picard Season 3. They also share their thoughts on the latest anime that have tickled their respected fancies.SHOW NOTESBOOKDawn's LightOTHER NEWSShazam!: Fury of the Gods65Support the show

Astrophysicist/astronaut Dr. Aisha Adeyemo makes her descent into one of the universe's most mysterious phenomena, a black hole. Will all of her preparation pay off, or is she subjected to the most agonizing demise beyond imagination? OR, could there even be an outcome that she and the crew of the Chronus 7 couldn't have even accounted for?SHOW NOTESKeeper of Enchanted Roomsthe Mandalorian: Season 3Support the show

The gang is mixing the old with the new as they reintroduce one of the original formats to the podcast that revolved around discussing a particular subject matter, in this case that being the changes seen in major motion pictures and how many studios are looking to authors for groundbreaking films and television shows.SHOW NOTESBOOKSystem ChangeOTHER NEWSHogwarts LegacyAnt-Man & the Wasp: QuantumaniaSupport the show

Dr. Aisha Adeyemo' and the crew of the Cronus 7 space vessel will help humanity chart one of the most mysterious regions in the entire universe.SHOW NOTESBOOKSthe CloistersOTHER NEWSHi-Fi RushSupport the show

The SFN gang begin their 8th season of the podcast catching up on the sleuth of nerdy content the hosts were engrossed in during their Holiday Break while also suggesting the latest sci-fi and fantasy media that's either right around the corner or just released. The authors on the panel also have major announcements and updates in the realm of their creative writing projects.SHOW NOTESForespokenFire Emblem: Engagethe Last of Us TV SeriesNier Automata AnimeSupport the show

With the podcast's season coming to an end, the authors on the panel offer finals updates on their promising personal projects in the pipeline before discussing thoughts on nerdy media being offered during this Holiday Season.SHOW NOTESAvatar: Way of WaterCrisis Core - Final Fantasy VII: ReunionHigh On Life Video GameSupport the show