Podcasts about Worldbuilding

Andreas joins a panel on Worldbuilding, along with the esteemed Tiffany "Rose" Nickel, Jenn Ellis, and James Panarella!We're normally an actual play podcast where professional actors play the best of Swedish RPGs published in Swedish! But sometimes, Andreas does interviews with other people from the ttrpg community. This time he joins a panel at PAGE 3!Music by: Andreas Lundström

Legacy Rising: Building Gods, Monsters & Myth with Gary SeawardA story carried since 2008 finally takes shape.This week on The USDN Podcast, we welcome creator and artist Gary Seaward to discuss Legacy: Idols & Bones — a new indie comic universe blending superhero mythology, sci-fi scale, and horror-driven consequences.We explore the origins of the world, the characters shaping its future, and the Kickstarter campaign launching Issues #1 and #2.From Eidolon and Carcass to Pulse, Widow-Maker, and Re'Ordain — this is a deep dive into building modern indie mythology from the ground up.

He Was Dying… Then the Government Turned Him Into a Weapon | PorTroyal Smith – The Rogue RecordingsHe was dying.Then the government offered him survival.The price? Becoming a weapon.In this episode of The USDN Podcast, we sit down with PorTroyal Smith (Nathan Lebens), author of The Rogue Recordings, to explore a superhero saga grounded in military realism, moral ambiguity, and the true cost of power.From operating missiles in North Dakota to building a layered narrative about government-created super soldiers, PorTroyal shares the journey behind Shadowalker and Shadowar — and the question that defines the series:When survival changes who you are… are you still the hero?We discuss:• Military influence in storytelling• Weaponized humanity• Power and moral consequence• The evolution from Shadowalker to Shadowar• Writing stories that deepen on a second read

Skip Intro? Nicht mit mir...In dieser Solo-Folge wird's musikalisch, episch und manchmal herrlich wild:Ich spreche über die Kunst des Serien-Intros – diese 10 bis 90 Sekunden, die entscheiden, ob wir mitten in einer Welt landen… oder doch direkt auf „Überspringen“ drücken.Was macht ein perfektes Intro aus? Gänsehaut? Ohrwurm? Worldbuilding? Meme-Potenzial? Oder einfach nur Stil?Ich küre meine persönlichen Top 5 Serien-Intros – von Anime-Overkill bis HBO-Epik.

What happens when the universe sends… cats… to nudge humanity in a better direction, one “paw biscuit” at a time?

In this episode Mark interviews Ka-Yee Essoe about the power of stories to instil empathy, resilience, joy, and hope, based on her experiences in the academic world, in research, in teaching, and in writing an epic fantasy novel. Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update and word from this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by Toronto Indie Author Conference, taking place in Toronto, ON in April 2026. In the interview, Mark and Ka-Yee talk about: Mark and Ka-Yee's connection to Joshua EssoeKa-Yee's background with two different careers in academia Studying how to help people learn therapeutic techniques better Starting her creative writing journey in 2021 How this story (that became the first of a trilogy she is writing) started to unfold in her head as dialogue 128,000 words of the first draft coming out in about 2 months of writing Ka-Yee's move into an academic teaching role, which is something she's always wanted to do One of the classes that Ka-Yee co-teaches for writers HEXACO - the six-dimension personality test Some of the opposite-character writing exercises that derive from this test Debunking Myers-Briggs because it's not as science-based Ka-Yee's desire to help writers to write who has some sort of disability Helping students understand what therapy looks like and how to depict that relationship Techniques on how to learn memory enhancement How to evaluate routines and your process as a writer The problem with getting into a habit of doing things a certain way and missing out on how to make it better Ka-Yee not realizing she had ADHD until she was an adult The side-effect of suffering from long Covid The concept of deliberate rest Applying the scientific principle to writing an epic fantasy novel How people tend to have two different careers in their life The Kickstarter that Ka-Yee is running for her new book SHAZZWICK OF LAND VOL1: Time Becomes Relevant Aaron Fors as the talented narrator for the audiobook version What Ka-Yee's book is about How she sees the world differently now that she has written this novel   After the interview Mark shares a few reflections inspired by the interview. Notes from Ka-Yee as mentioned in the interview: Guidance I provided students to create their own weekly evaluation on their writing process Before you begin, I encourage you to take stalk of your current process. What's your goal, what's your why, what works/doesn't, how often do you write, what resources do you need -- not what you WANT it to be, but what it is now. Then create a survey using the guideline below. Answer the questions now as your baseline, then check in every week (ideally on the same day), revise the questions as you go.  There is no wrong way to do this. These can be any format as you see fit, or a combination of. You can make the questions open-ended, some form of rating scales (e.g., rate from 0 to 10, or 1 = Completely Disagree to 5 = Complete Agree), multiple choice, or fill in the blanks.  Just don't get too attached, you should be adjusting these as your process evolves or as life encroaches.  Ask yourself 6-10 (ish) questions 1-3 questions on what you did in the past week: e.g., did you change/stick with your process? did try something new? how did it go? were you able to stick to it? 2-3 questions on how "productive" or "successful" you are--but remember, every one's measure of success is different. E.g., how much did you write? how good were the writing? how brave were you in sharing your work with others? how zen you were about taking feedback. 2-3 questions on how you are flourishing vs languishing: e.g., do I have mental space to do OTHER things I love? Did I spend time with people who matter to me? Did I feel my life has purpose, joy, satisfaction, and meaning? Last question: ask yourself something that gets to the "why" of your creative endeavour. WHY did you write this week? Did you remember to keep your eyes on that which drives you and keeps you up at night when you forget it. That which makes your writing something that you must do. (okay, then the last last question: do I need to revise these questions for next week?)  The most important thing is: again, update these questions as you go. This needs to be a living document, otherwise you aren't giving yourself room to grow and learn.    Links of Interest: Snow Quill Press The Novel: Shazzwick of Land, Vol. 1: Time Becomes Relevant Kickstarter for Shazzwick of Land Vol 1 HEXACO Personality Inventory-Revised (by Drs. Lee and Ashton (2009, 2018)) HEXACO is a 6-factor personality test that measures personality across six dimensions: Honesty-humility, Emotionality, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness. There's also a bonus trait, Altruism, that pools from subscales within the 6 larger traits.  The Big Five Personality Inventory (by Goldberg (1992)) The Big Five is probably the most widely used personality test in psychology. It measures personality across five dimensions, often forming the acronym of OCEAN or CANEO: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. Episode 137 - Action Sequences and Sex Scenes with Joshua Essoe Episode 260 - Mood, Atmosphere, and Worldbuilding with Joshua Essoe Superstars Writing Seminars Stark Reflections on Pushing for Better (Team Landing Page) CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) Mental Health Meter What's Your Stress Index? Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link - use MARK10 to save 10%) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Mark's YouTube channel ElevenLabs (AI Voice Generation - Affiliate link) Mark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup) An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and Libraries The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City Only Monsters in the Building Once Bitten (Novella) The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Yippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard Merry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation I Think It's A Sign That The Pun Also Rises   Ka-Yee Essoe, Ph.D. (Psychology, UCLA; Psychiatry Postdoc, Johns Hopkins Medicine) is an assistant professor at a small, public university at rural Maine. As a cognitive neuroscientist specialising in learning enhancement, she understands the power of stories to instil empathy, resilience, joy, and hope. She began writing novels to do just that. As an East Asian immigrant who enjoys many intercultural friendships, rich cultural diversity permeates the worlds and conflicts she crafts in her epic fantasy novels with integral love-story threads. Drawing on her personal experience and 10+ years mentoring others to navigate anxiety, disabilities, abuse, discrimination, trauma, and grief, her stories follow characters facing these struggles to encourage readers through their journeys and growth.     The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast ("Laser Groove") was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

This episode's for anyone writing speculative fiction who's ever vanished into worldbuilding “for five minutes” and resurfaced three hours later with a fully functioning sewer system and… no actual scene.This episode is about the quiet ways worldbuilding can sabotage your story when it becomes a substitute for plot, character, pacing, and reader trust. Not because worldbuilding is bad. Because it's powerful. And power needs a steering wheel.In the episode, I break down the biggest traps and how to fix them fast, including:- The World Bible Trap, where planning replaces drafting.- The Museum Tour Opening, where the story starts with a brochure.- The Encyclopaedia Dump, where exposition sits on the reader's chest.- The Currency Exchange Problem, where too many invented terms overload the brain.- The Map Is Not a Plot problem, where geography pretends it's narrative.- Rules Without Consequences, where magic and tech don't actually bite.- The Stakes Inflation Spiral, where you start with the apocalypse and have nowhere to go.- The Contradiction Sinkhole, where reader trust quietly leaks away.You'll also get a simple “worldbuilding that serves story” framework you can apply to a current WIP in 20 minutes, plus a 10-minute rewrite challenge to turn exposition into action.If you're drafting or revising fantasy, sci-fi, horror, alternate history, or slipstream, this one will give you instant traction.Listen, then try this quick diagnostic: if you cut a paragraph of worldbuilding, what actually breaks? If the answer is “nothing”… congratulations, you've found a scene-level diet plan.If you enjoy the episode, like, share, and subscribe, then come on over to www.thebookcoach.co to check out my story development service.

We often start the worldbuilding process with a lot of exciting ideas, shiny notions, and fun experiments -- so then, how do you make it make sense? Even in an invented world with its own history, geography, magic, and other special conditions, we generally still want it to feel like the society could plausibly have developed as we're presenting it. Guest Andrea Stewart joins us to discuss how we can create systems of power and culture-making in invented worlds that still reflect how real people really behave. [Transcript for Episode 174] Our Guest: Andrea Stewart is the daughter of immigrants, and was raised in a number of places across the United States. Stewart is a Sunday Times Bestselling author whose short stories can be found in such venues as Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Daily Science Fiction, Galaxy's Edge, and others. Her debut epic fantasy novel, The Bone Shard Daughter, was a finalist for the Locus Award for Best First Novel, the British Fantasy Award for Best Novel, the Goodreads Choice Award for Fantasy and Debut Novel, and the BookNest Award for Best Traditionally Published Novel. She now lives in sunny California, and in addition to writing, can be found herding cats, looking at birds, and falling down research rabbit holes

Today's guest is a multi-platinum DJ, producer, and songwriter who turned personal devastation into one of electronic music's most emotionally resonant careers.From opioid addiction in high school to wilderness therapy at rock bottom, he rebuilt his entire life in Denver—sober, alone, and teaching himself music theory from scratch.Now 13 years clean, he's become a voice for mental health in a scene built on excess, collaborating with Jon Bellion, Halsey, Teddy Swims, and countless others to create music that connects survivors.His latest album, Odyssey, is a cinematic journey through heartbreak, recovery, and the sessions that saved his life.And The Writer Is... Illenium!In this episode of And The Writer Is…, Nick Miller (Illenium) opens up about:* Moving every two years as a kid and never having roots* Falling into opiates at 15 and hitting bottom by 2011* Moving to Denver alone and getting sober at 21* The Good Things Fall Apart session (and demo)* How music saved his life entirelyand much more...Hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications...Every week we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.Follow us on socials at @andthewriterisA special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead Sponsor, NMPA— the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters:0:00 Intro1:00 Childhood and Moving Every Two Years5:00 Getting Into Music Through Tiesto's Album6:30 The Electronic Artist That Inspires Industry Musicians9:00 Getting Sober—His Rough Patch in 201110:00 Escapism and Addiction12:30 The Wilderness Program That Saved His Life16:30 Getting Lost in Music and How He Learned to Create17:30 Illenium's Roots18:00 Learning From Other Producers and YouTube20:00 Thinking of Sound as a Picture21:00 World Building and Finding His Brand… and His Purpose23:00 Ross Opens Up on How Music Saved Him24:00 The Personality Trait All Successful Creatives Have26:00 How He Popped Off31:00 Working With Unknown Artists and How He Picks Them33:00 How to Find Your Sound34:30 NMPA and Splice Midroll41:00 Touring—The Downs After a Show44:00 Good Things Fall Apart47:00 Collaboration in DJ Culture49:00 Why He Doesn't Chase Big Songs54:24 COVID1:13:00 Gaming on Tour1:17:00 Good Things Fall Apart DemoHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London and Jad SaadCreative Direction by Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik KarkiGuest Watercolor Art by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I talk about Fear in Daggerheart, a metacurrency used by the GM. Some GMs consider metacurrency to be a bad word. So how do the metacurrencies of Hope and Fear work in DH? Are they boons or flaws? Pros or cons? Buffs or debuffs? I'll unpack it in this episode. I show how in my experience Fear hasn't limited my creativity or prevented me from doing things I want to do. I discuss how fear is an excellent pacing tool, especially in combat, and how it really helps the GM dial in the difficulty of combat to exactly where they want it to be. Though at first blush Fear may appear to limit your options as GM, I haven't felt like it does in practice. But it does make me feel like I can be more strategic and tactical, all while experiencing significantly less cognitive load than I'd experience running a similar combat in D&D. Fear also helps the players see that what you're doing is totally fair and earned by their choices and actions. I also don't have to feel bad when those consequences are unpleasant to the PCs.Play Daggerheart with Me on Start Playing Games.Sign up for my newsletter.Subscribe via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.Check out my sci-fi novel, Critical Balance.Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on Amazon.Follow me on Bluesky.Join my Discord server.Email me.Check out my YouTube channel.Join my Book Club, now on Discord.Check Out my OTHER PODCAST - Lex Out LoudCall the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391).

In this fiftieth installment of fictional horror written and narrated by Dan Cummins (how are we already at fifty episodes!?), we travel to the fictional town of Jonesberg, Idaho.  A town full of secrets, disappearances, and mysteries, where a series of strange events in the mid-1970s set a plan in motion that is still mysteriously in place in 1999. For Merch and everything else Bad Magic related, head to: https://www.badmagicproductions.com Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Scared to Death ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Your character, your mindset, your actions and reactions are all elements to the construction of the world you want to live in.

In dieser Folge tauchen wir tief in die Welt von Lorwyn ein und sprechen über die fünf hybriden Elementare des Sets. Wir analysieren, wie stark ihre Effekte wirklich sind, in welchen Formaten sie glänzen können und warum Hybrid-Mana hier besonders gut zum Design passt.Außerdem klären wir die Grundlagen: Was sind Elementare in Magic: The Gathering eigentlich? Woher stammen sie loretechnisch, warum sind sie auf Lorwyn allgegenwärtig und wie unterscheiden sich Elementare auf anderen Planes des Multiversums?Eine Mischung aus Lore, Kartendesign, Gameplay-Einschätzung und Worldbuilding, ideal für Fans von Lorwyn, Elementaren und tiefgehenden Magic-Themen.

In this powerful conversation, Sigmar Berg, founder of Lovetuner, shares his mission to reconnect hearts through the 528 Hz "love frequency" — known as the miracle tone for DNA repair and healing. We explore moving from mind to heart, achieving true presence, overcoming societal disconnection, the science and spirituality of vibration, and how simple breathwork with the Lovetuner can shortcut meditation and raise your frequency.Sigmar discusses his journey from architecture and fashion design to creating this wearable mindfulness tool after a profound 528 Hz sound experience. We cover real-world impacts (like eliminating bullying in schools), the law of resonance, authenticity, dealing with negative vibes, focusing on the next generation, and why spiritual revolution — not politics — is the path forward.Key topics:Heart coherence vs. intellectual living528 Hz as the original tuning frequency (pre-440 Hz shift)Measuring vibration's ripple effect on the worldBuilding community through tuning togetherPersonal motivation and handling criticism on a love-centered pathSigmar Berg is an entrepreneur, artist, photographer, and fashion designer. Berg has spent his life seeking to bring wellness and balance to the world through art, design, and conscious consumerism, which brings him to his most exciting venture yet: the Lovetuner.After years of seeking, learning, researching, and gathering knowledge from all fields of life and from all over the world, Sigmar is impassioned to introduce the Lovetuner to the world.We are living in a time of great chaos, division, and instability, but also one which has created an incredible opportunity for change. Sigmar hopes to heal the world through spiritual and physical attunement, mindfulness, and a stepped path to renewal and growth for every human.Learn more about Lovetuner: https://www.lovetuner.comSigmar's book "One Journey: The Lovetuner Book" on AmazonFollow Lovetuner: Instagram @lovetuner528hzIf this resonates, try the Lovetuner for yourself — breathe, be present, invite love. ❤️Timestamps:00:09 - What really matters: Reconnecting hearts & the mission01:46 - How to shift from mind to heart & presence04:31 - What is the Lovetuner? 528 Hz breathing tool06:50 - Measuring vibrations & their global impact10:59 - Authenticity, good vibes, and heart connection exercises18:23 - History of frequency manipulation & 528 Hz importance20:49 - Sigmar's personal journey & origins of Lovetuner27:29 - Impact in schools: Ending bullying, building community30:43 - Focusing on children & the next generation35:55 - Spiritual revolution over political solutions39:28 - Motivation for a love & peace mission43:27 - Handling relationships & loneliness on the spiritual path48:17 - Where to learn more: lovetuner.com & bookThanks for watching! Subscribe for more conversations on yoga, mindfulness, spirituality & conscious living. Share if this inspires you to tune in.

Today continue my series on Daggerheart with an in-depth explanation and exploration of its initiative system. I was very excited to try Daggerheart's “lack of initiative initiative,” which is a bit of a misnomer. Daggerheart does have an initiative system, it's just not like the ones you're probably used to. I'm here to report that it works very well, and I really like it. I also talk a bit about how Daggerheart encourages metagame discussions between the GM and players at the table, and why I'm hugely in favor of this. Some people are averse to metagame discussions. But I show how they can greatly enhance your game, and I'd go so far as to say they're required to deliver the experience and story everyone at the table wants.Play Daggerheart with Me on Start Playing Games.Sign up for my newsletter.Subscribe via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.Check out my sci-fi novel, Critical Balance.Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on Amazon.Follow me on Bluesky.Join my Discord server.Email me.Check out my YouTube channel.Join my Book Club, now on Discord.Check Out my OTHER PODCAST - Lex Out LoudCall the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391).

Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson, M.J. Kuhn and Greta Kelly for a crossover panel on How to Talk About Writing with Marshall Ryan Maresca, Cass Morris and Natania Barron from Worldbuilding for Masochists podcast! During the panel, they talk about talking about writing, including the importance of communication for modern authors, building your “author brand”, algorithms and authenticity, community and conventions, expectations and career longevity, public speaking, training your voice and body language, how to sell your book (and yourself) and more.And don't forget to check out the incredible Worldbuilding for Masochists RIGHT HERE.

What happens when a retired schoolteacher finds himself transformed into his game avatar, chased by wolves, and trapped in a fantasy world? Well, that's just the beginning of the adventure with New Rock series author Richard Sparks!

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover Core Foundations: Worldbuilding Without Getting Lost. https://youtube.com/live/XJxgn4_xFRU Show Notes Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Deepkolt the 2nd. My name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. Somewhere out there is a Dungeon Master with three notebooks of lore… a detailed pantheon… a map with trade routes… …and no campaign. Worldbuilding is one of the greatest joys of being a Dungeon Master — and one of the fastest ways to stall a game before it ever begins. This is Dungeon Mastering 101, and today we're talking about worldbuilding without getting lost — how to build only what you need, and how to turn your setting into a tool, not a burden. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media and get $10 by signing up to StartPlaying.Games, using my affiliate links. All links are in the description below. Discussion Segment 1 — The Worldbuilding Trap New Dungeon Masters often believe: “I need to build the whole world before we play.” You don't. In fact, overbuilding can: delay starting the game lock you into ideas that don't serve the table make improvisation harder, not easier Worldbuilding should serve play, not replace it. Segment 2 — Start Where the Characters Are The only part of the world that matters is: where the characters are what they care about what's about to happen Everything else is optional. Build outward in concentric circles: The immediate location Nearby threats or opportunities Distant forces that might matter later If the players can't reach it, they don't need it yet. Segment 3 — Build in Broad Strokes, Not Detail Think in impressions, not encyclopedias. Instead of: “The Kingdom of Valen has a three-tier tax system…” Use:  “Valen is rich, paranoid, and ruled by bureaucracy.” Broad strokes: give you flexibility are easier to remember invite player interpretation Details should emerge through play, not prep. Segment 4 — Turn the World Into a Problem Generator A good setting creates problems, not just flavor. Ask: Who wants something they can't have? What is about to break? What happens if no one intervenes? Worldbuilding works best when: factions collide values conflict power is unstable If nothing is in tension, the world is static. Segment 5 — Let Players Help Build the World Your players are an untapped resource. Ways to involve them: Ask where their character is from Let them name places or NPCs Tie backstory into existing conflicts This does two things: reduces your workload increases player investment Shared ownership makes the world feel alive. Segment 6 — Reusable Worldbuilding Smart worldbuilding can be reused endlessly. Create: factions instead of organizations themes instead of histories NPC roles instead of fixed characters Example:  “Corrupt local authority” can appear in: a village a city a kingdom Reuse patterns — reskin details. Segment 7 — Maps Are Optional Maps are tools, not requirements. You only need a map when: location matters tactically travel choices are meaningful players ask for one Otherwise: verbal geography is enough sketches beat perfection imagination fills the gaps Never let cartography stop play. Segment 8 — Worldbuilding as a Play Aid Ask yourself: “How does this help me run the game?” Good worldbuilding helps you: improvise NPC reactions answer player questions create consequences quickly If a detail doesn't make play easier, cut it. Segment 9 — The DM101 Mindset Shift Here's the key mindset change: You are not creating a world to be admired.  You are creating a world to be used. Your setting is: flexible incomplete responsive A living world grows in response to player action — not prep time. Worldbuilding doesn't need to be big to be meaningful. Start small. Build outward. Let play do the heavy lifting. When your world exists to support the table, you'll never feel lost in it again. Outro And that's it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, Core Foundations: Worldbuilding Without Getting Lost Do you have any tips or tricks based on your experience as a player or Dungeon Master? Was I off base on any of my suggestions? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or leave a comment below.  Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate link. All links are in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Producer Patron Azrael, Developer Patrons Chris Androu & Sam Ruiz, and all of the YouTube Members! This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

Au coin du Checkpoint reçoit l'ami Côme Martin (auteur de jeux de rôle, romancier et ancien animateur de Radio Rôliste) pour parler de ses derniers Jeux de Rôle : La Trilogie du Punk ! Et oui, on peut se torcher avec. On parle de comment "sortir" du pré-conçu JDR = nécéssairement des jets de dés et des calculs, d'écriture rapide, de gameplay courts, de JDR indépunk, de ses méthodes de travail, d'un projet imprimé sur du papier toilette... ainsi que de Burn-out créatif. Une discussion un peu personelle et sans chichi, sur comment bricoler des jeux.Liens : Sa page Itch avec tous ses projets : https://comemartin.itch.io/Sa page de financement participatif (ouverte depuis hier!) : https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/80759911-21c2-4dea-9307-fdcaf6cd4d7b/landingRecos :Côme reco deux JDR :La Grive Noire : https://les-veillees-oniriques.itch.io/la-grive-noire Notre Crépuscule : https://dystopia.fr/a/melville-tilh-plunvenn/notre-crepusculeJacno reco "Let's Summon Demons"Sky reco "Blood On The Clock Tower"Matt reco la série "Percy Jackson" La trilogie du Punk : HEX & THE PUNKS ! Un jeu de 40 pages en format A6, mis en page, illustré et imprimé par Nimaël. On y joue des sorcières qui utilisent la magie punk. Un point commun : dans chacun, le grand méchant est la représentation d'un aspect du patriarcat ou tout autre système oppressif du genre. Pas de MJ, 3-5 joueuses, à jouer avec des pièces et sans rien savoir du jeu au préalableON ÉTAIT PUNK! Un jeu en 24 pages format A5 entièrement mis en page et illustré par Lisa Banana. Vous trouvez des objets appartenant à un ancien groupe de punk et imaginez qui iels étaient, puis en groupe (avec d'autres personnes, vous enquêtez sur qui ces musicien.nes étaient) et enfin en ligne, avec d'autres groupes, pour partager vos souvenirs, expériences et créations autour d'un fanzine de punk.SEXE/VIOLENCE/CACA 3: RÉBELLION SUR LA PLANÈTE ÉTRON! Un jeu en 9 pages, présenté sur des feuilles de papier toilette. On y joue des esclaves qui ont décidé de se révolter contre leur enfoiré de Maître : iels vont le tuer et fuir sa planète de merde. Un MJ + 3-8 joueurs, à jouer avec un système proche du pierre/feuille/ciseaux et peut-être de l'alcool.Soutenez-nous sur Patreon en devenant un Compagnon du Checkpoint !Accédez à des avantages exclusifs et ludiques… et offrez-nous un bon café ou une tournée de bières!

Worldbuilding doesn't have to start with an encyclopedia—and in fact, sometimes it shouldn't.I break down how I approached worldbuilding for my animated feature by working backwards on purpose. BTW, if you want to follow the project as it's actually being built, I'm sharing the full behind-the-scenes journey on Patreon (development updates, concept art, proof-of-concepts, and real creative decision-making along the way): http://patreon.com/philsvitek.I walk through how we broke down the script to identify what actually needs to exist onscreen, how that led to deeper systems around technology, government, housing, food, and culture, and why this level of logic is crucial for concept artists designing within a cohesive world.Rather than trying to solve everything at once, we're focusing on major elements we already feel strong about—using small victories to build momentum and inform the harder design challenges ahead.If you're a filmmaker, writer, animator, or storyteller overwhelmed by worldbuilding, this episode is about giving you permission to build the world as you need it—not all at once.

Thank you to our sponsor World Anvil! Check out World Anvil to use their Worldbuilding, Writing, and Game Master tools for free! If you like what you see, use code "RAMBLE" at checkout for 51% off a yearly subscription! https://www.worldanvil.com/?c=2ToRamble⭐️ Exclusive Book Club! Join/Support on Patreon

B Marcus Walker joins me, John Richardson, to talk about building cultures and societies in fantasy without drowning the reader in lore. We dig into Brian's “less is more” approach, why outsider viewpoints can be the cleanest way to immerse an audience, and how cultural interplay can create pressure without turning every interaction into a culture-war subplot.We also unpack Brian's novel Spirit of the Plain (The Unnamed trilogy): the Forest Plain that resists settlement and armies, the Yurbo nomadic clans and their spirit talkers, a prophecy-driven attempt to “break” the Plain, and a magic system built around naming (with a surprisingly useful programming-language analogy). Plus: trade, geopolitics, gunpowder and firearms, and why the Lyken work better as displaced people than as generic monsters.LinksEpisode: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/b-marcus-walker-spirit-of-the-plain-worldbuilding-cultures-and-clans/Discussion: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/community/season-5-speculative-fiction-where-worlds-meet/creating-conflict-without-colonisation-worldbuilding-in-speculative-fiction/Book: https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Plain-Unnamed-Book-1-ebook/dp/B0DTSQM437/Brian online: https://nairbful.com/

If you're wondering what NOT to do when adapting your novel, there are great tips in this episode. We've all experienced the feeling of walking out of a cinema and saying, the book was better. That's definitely the case for The Golden Compass. I've read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it plus the book won the Carnegie Medal which means it's excellent. So how did such a good children story go so wrong when it was adapted for film? That is the question we answer in this episode. Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

Send us a textHannah and Laura are thrilled to welcome Moniquill Blackgoose, the author of the Nampeshiweisit series, to the podcast today! Moniquill shares about inspirations for her worldbuilding, developing young indigenous characters, and what readers can expect in To Rise a Riding Storm which is out now! You can follow Moniquill Blackgoose at:Website: Moniquill Blackgoose@moniquill on TumblrBe sure to pick up To Rise a Riding Storm at your local library or local indie bookstore today!!Media Mentions:To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill BlackgooseTo Rise a Riding Storm by Moniquill BlackgooseThe Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffreyOctavia Butler's worksUrsula K. LeGuin's worksNaomi Novik's worksFallout---Prime VideoFallout: New Vegas the videogameSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com Twitter (updates only): @OwwrPodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodHive: @owwrpodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Today I'll share the top 10 most-played tabletop RPGs right now. There are some surprises in this list, at least to me. I'll also begin my series of episodes exploring the new RPG, Daggerheart, by talking a bit about what I like about it and why I'm excited to run it. I'll compare and contrast DH with D&D, Pathfinder, and Numenera. Some of the aspects of Daggerheart I'll touch on in this episode include the basic mechanics, campaign frames, and how the game encourages collaborative storytelling by having the players contribute to detailing the setting, NPCs, etc. during play. I'll also talk a bit about how Darrington Press has made every effort to reduce math in the game and cognitive load on the GM and the players.Play Daggerheart with Me on Start Playing Games.Subscribe via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.Check out my sci-fi novel, Critical Balance.Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on Amazon.Follow me on Bluesky.Join my Discord server.Email me.Check out my YouTube channel.Join my Book Club, now on Discord.Check Out my OTHER PODCAST - Lex Out LoudCall the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391).The Top 10 Most Played Tabletop RPGs Right Now

“ I really recommend you write your book anyway. Let it be as messy and chaotic as first drafts are.” - Beth BaranyHooking a reader in at the beginning without overwhelming them with information is essential, which is why in this How To Write the Future podcast episode, “World-Building Without Information Dumping” host Beth Barany breaks down how to draw your reader in by starting with your main character's perspective, introducing key elements and essential details gradually. MORE RESOURCES3 Powerful Techniques to Weave Backstory Into Your Novel by Beth Baranyhttps://writersfunzone.com/blog/2024/12/12/3-powerful-techniques-to-weave-backstory-into-your-novel/Where to insert backstory (Q&A)https://writersfunzone.com/blog/2024/08/12/where-to-insert-backstory-qa/Search Result Resources on Writers Fun Zonehttps://writersfunzone.com/blog/?s=podcast+world+buildingDecode The Obsidian Tower's Settinghttps://writersfunzone.com/blog/2026/01/12/decode-the-obsidian-towers-setting/Support our work for creatives!Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbaranyGET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!--- For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Are you ready to edit your novel? If you're not sure, then get this checklist and video series and find out! => https://bethbarany.com/htwtfreadytoedit Want to be interviewed on the podcast?Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via email via LinkedIn CREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

In this episode of The Writing Life, Singapore-based writer Choo Yi Feng shares his approach to writing speculative fiction.   Choo Yi Feng is an intertidal explorer, climate activist, ecologist and fiction writer. The Waiting Room is his debut short story collection. Elsewhere, his short stories have previously been published in Foglifter Journal, Anathema: Spec from the Margins, Queer Southeast Asia and Alluvium, the journal of Literary Shanghai. He was nominated for the Pushcart Prize in 2022. His residency in the Dragon Hall Cottage was supported by the National Arts Council of Singapore.   He sat down with writer and mentor Simon K Jones to discuss world building in speculative fiction, and how his work blends elements of science-fiction, horror, mythology, and more. Together, they touch on his month-long residency in Norwich UNESCO City of Literature, his method for developing mysterious, compelling characters, and how his interest in the sea and sea animals translates in his stories.

This extended interview explores artist and speculative evolution author C.M. Kösemen's creative worldview, influences, and life experiences. We weave together art, biology, internet culture, personal narrative, and imagination.His newly printed book All Tomorrow's chronicles the future of humanity and all the unimagined beings to come millions of years in the future. Filled with triumph, loss, pain, and love, this lavishly illustrated work of science fiction compresses time in order to see how actions today affect our tomorrows!Koseman's Website can be found here:http://www.cmkosemen.comAll Tomorrow'shttps://wiltonsquarebooks.com/products/all-tomorrowsTheme Music by the talented Steady Glowhttps://on.soundcloud.com/TGQD1LBlMG7hJnKNNX

In this episode, I speak with Jan-Willem Blom an AI filmmaker and creative director whose work sits at the intersection of classic storytelling, world-building and emerging AI tools.Jan traces his creative origin story back to a video store in the Netherlands hours spent studying VHS covers. That early obsession with imagery, myth and struggle later became the foundation for how he approaches AI filmmaking today.Jan argues that AI makes images faster, but stories still take time. We explore why struggle is the core of storytelling, how world-building is a way of seeing rather than a scale problem and why creators must intentionally preserve friction in their process.Jan also breaks down his practical frameworks for:Developing stories through “what if” questionsTesting ideas through teasers instead of full productionsBuilding visual identity through posters, symbols, and toneKey Themes We ExploreWhy “storytelling” is really struggle-tellingCharacters, world-building, and struggle as inseparable pillarsHow classic films taught us systems thinking through storyUsing AI to refine judgment, not replace itWhy speed without intention creates noiseThe importance of creative anchors and long-term obsessionsKey TakeawaysWorld-building happens at every scale, from a bus to a galaxyGreat stories require time, friction, and reflectionTools should serve story not the other way around

In this fun conversation, prolific authors Misty Evans and Michelle Miles share their writing journeys, discussing the challenges they faced, the impact of genre hopping, and the importance of creativity and mindfulness in their writing processes. They delve into the dynamics of co-writing, the intricacies of world-building, and offer valuable advice for aspiring authors, emphasizing adaptability and the long-term nature of a writing career. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:32 Challenges in the Writing Journey 06:01 Genre Hopping and Its Impact 10:34 The Creative Process and Mindfulness 14:59 World Building and Character Development 21:27 Co-Writing Dynamics 25:03 Advice for New Authors Author's Websites: www.mistyevansbooks.com www.michellemiles.net Author Bios: USA TODAY Bestselling Author Misty Evans marked a remarkable milestone in 2025—her 100th published novel. A versatile storyteller, she entertains readers across urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and mystery/suspense genres, while also crafting supernatural cozy mysteries under her pen name, Nyx Halliwell. MICHELLE MILES writes fantasy, paranormal, and young adult adventures filled with magic, danger, and swoon-worthy romance. Her stories feature fierce heroines, unforgettable heroes, and epic quests—whether battling demons, taming dragons, or traveling through time. When she's not weaving new worlds, she narrates audiobooks and hosts Miles Beyond the Page, a podcast for book lovers and writers. A proud Texan, she enjoys hiking, movie marathons, and a good glass of wine. Book Link: https://books2read.com/LostKingdomEvansMiles Love this episode? Rate it ⭐️ Thumbs Up

I sat down with Sarah Marshall, author of Playa Dust in My Soul, former Silicon Valley operative, and longtime Burning Man attendee, to talk about turning an uncategorisable real-world experience into a novel that feels like a fully realised world.We unpack what Burning Man actually is (Black Rock Desert, Nevada, dust storms and all), why Sarah says ten people will give ten different versions of the same event, and how the festival's principles function like world rules. Two big ones: gifting and participation.We also dig into Sarah's craft choices, including a smart structural move: seven perspectives, each arriving at different stages as the city builds from empty desert to a thriving temporary metropolis. The result is worldbuilding-by-experience, not encyclopaedia-by-info-dump.Under the spectacle, the real theme is human: belonging, identity, and what happens when a place forces you to confront the stories you tell about yourself.Discussion here: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/community/season-5-speculative-fiction-where-worlds-meet/writing-a-real-place-like-a-speculative-world-rules-constraints-and-point-of-view/Episode page: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/sarah-marshall-playa-dust-in-my-soul-worldbuilding-burning-man/Sarah's site: https://www.playadustinmysoul.com/

In this episode, Jeff sits down with science fiction author LeAnn Robinson. They talk about world building in a way that will hook readers.  For more on the craft of writing, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/

Join host Edith in this episode of Book Lover's Companion with special guest Dakota Jackson. They discuss Dakota's new fantasy book, 'The Construction of Shadows,' which is the first in a planned five-book series. Discover the fascinating world Dakota has created, where the 16 Divinities of the Sun and Moon have reshaped the earth, and dive deep into the lives of two best friends from divergent backgrounds. Dakota shares insights about the inspirations behind the book, the challenges of making a complex character arc for a 'golden child', and the joys and hurdles of being an indie author. Stay tuned for upcoming releases and Dakota's journey in bringing compelling fantasy stories to life.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:45 Discussing the New Book: The Construction of Shadows01:28 Exploring the Book's Universe and Characters02:39 Politics and World-Building in Fantasy08:58 The Lunar Eclipse Massacre14:26 Influences and Inspirations from Mythology16:21 Writing Process and Character Development17:59 Target Audience and Series Growth21:01 Challenges of World-Building in Fantasy26:01 Character Development and Redemption Arcs26:59 Gender Double Standards in Fiction27:41 Complexity and Representation in Female Characters30:20 Fantasy and Sci-Fi as Tools for Broader Perspectives35:08 Challenges and Community in Indie Publishing38:55 Editing and Cover Design Insights43:09 Advice for Aspiring Authors47:30 Future Projects and Final ThoughtsIf you like what we do, you might consider buying us a coffee.You can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://book-lovers-companion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/book_companion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Feedback is always welcome: bookcompanioncontact@gmail.comMusic: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E

Penguin Random House is releasing two new interactive D&D Workbooks on May 5th, 2026: the Player's Workbook of Epic Adventures and the Dungeon Master’s Workbook of Worldbuilding. These companions to the revised core rulebooks offer exercises and prompts for character creation and campaign setting development, respectively. Arcalink’s new tech from CES 2026, including the Arcalink One, a small, expensive handheld gadget that displays a player’s digital character and spell animations, and Arca Studio, an AI-powered subscription software designed to help Dungeon Masters manage campaigns by recording sessions and generating word clouds of recurring in-game elements. The Lancer TTRPG, known for its mech combat and deep crunch, has grown into a major force in the community. Its unofficial hub, Pilot.Net, boasts over 58,000 members, making it one of the largest Discord communities for a single TTRPG outside of Dungeons & Dragons. Despite a slow release schedule of official supplements from Massif Press, the game's audience remains engaged, thanks to the continuous stream of high-quality third-party fan publications, such as the widely accepted Legionnaire supplement. Games Workshop (GW) has drawn a line in the sand regarding generative AI, with CEO Kevin Rountree announcing a “very cautious” internal policy that bans AI-generated content and its use in the company’s core “design processes,” which includes miniature sculpting, concept art, and rule writing. This restriction also extends to unauthorized use in GW-related competitions. Rountree noted that while a small number of senior managers are permitted to remain “inquisitive” about the tech, the overall intent is to protect GW’s intellectual property and reinforce its commitment to human creators through continued investment in its Warhammer Studio. #dnd #arcalink #lancerrpg #gamesworkshop Bob's Humble Bundle: https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/K0roje Free Guild Ball Starter Set: https://steamforged.com/products/guild-ball-starter-kit Warmachine on MyMiniFactory: https://mmf.io/upturned Mantic Companion App: https://companion.manticgames.com/ Use our Referral code: MCTXEE Support us by Shopping at Miniature Market (afilliate link): https://miniature-market.sjv.io/K0yj7n Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link): https://www.drivethrurpg.com?affiliate_id=2081746 Matt’s DriveThruRPG Publications: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Matthew%20Robinson https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3 Chris on social media: https://hyvemynd.itch.io/​​ Jeremy's Links: http://www.abusecartoons.com/​​ http://www.rcharvey.com ​​Support Us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/upturnedtable Give us a tip on our livestream: https://streamlabs.com/upturnedtabletop/tip​ Donate or give us a tip on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2754JZFW2QZU4 Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/

4th Wall: Thus begins our harrowing tales of Elder Scrolls lore. Originally this was part of our exclusive episodes on the 4th Wall platform and now it's free for all.

Insightful. World-Building. Spit-take inducing.Mark Day's videos serve as a digital gateway for many thousands of Burners, capturing that blurry edge where the default world ends and the playa begins. From his early days building tripper trappers and doing stand up comedy, to his controversial tinkering with AI art (think Dalmatians made of donuts), Mark has put 10,000 hours into his “24 Hours at Burning Man” videos.Andie Grace talks with this unique content creator to explore thresholds and multitudes. They discuss how to capture the moment and also experience it. They dive head first into the touchy subjects of consent, the ethics of documentation, and how “acculturation is an everybody thing.”He shares his sociology of being a Greeter at BRC. He talks creative process. He brings Scottish wit and clever curiosity to open-ended self-expression and the freedom to be your favorite version of yourself.https://journal.burningman.org/author/mark-dayhttps://www.youtube.com/markdaycomedyhttps://www.instagram.com/burner_videos LIVE.BURNINGMAN.ORG

In this episode of the Talk My Credo Podcast, the crew tackles a variety of topics ranging from political satire to cultural critiques, touching on the humorous mispronunciations of Ocho Cinco, the impact of the movie Sinners, and the "Christian" backlash surrounding Druski's mega church skit and their handling of the Buddhist monks' protest walk for peace. They discuss the misinterpretation of Jesus' teachings, the importance of engaging with different beliefs, and the role of accountability in faith accurately instead of performative behavior. The conversation also touches on the drama of Keith Lee's review of the trendy "tendernism" restaurant and its fallout, as well as the complexities of family relationships and narcissism. Tap in and lets get active!!*** CHAPTERS ***00:00 Introduction and Humor in Current Events02:30 Cultural Commentary on Weather and Lifestyle04:34 Discussion on Mispronunciations and Local Identity06:07 The Impact of Celebrity on Local Culture09:00 Exploring the Sequel Debate for 'Sinners'11:10 Audience Reactions and Expectations for Sequels13:36 Cultural Reflections on Historical Narratives16:02 The Role of Race in Film and Media18:46 Concluding Thoughts on Film and Cultural Identity25:12 World Building in Storytelling27:40 The Role of Humor in Church Culture29:49 Critique of Mega Church Practices33:37 The Intersection of Faith and Comedy36:46 The Importance of Community in Faith44:24 Peaceful Protests and Religious Responses51:40 Understanding Different Perspectives on Faith52:57 The Importance of Genuine Intentions in Ministry56:30 Critiquing Performative Christianity58:20 The Role of Accountability in Faith Communities01:00:12 Navigating Celebrity Influence in Social Media01:03:33 The Impact of Food Reviews on Local Businesses01:18:43 The Journey of Keith Lee01:20:38 Critique of Celebrity Culture01:22:45 Missed Opportunities in Business01:24:39 The Dynamics of Family Relationships01:27:25 Understanding Narcissism and Entitlement01:28:57 Navigating Personal Growth and Independence---------------

I sat down with Diana Colleen to talk about her award-winning novel They Could Be Saviors, a near-future speculative story with a wild premise: what if the only way to tackle the climate crisis is to kidnap the billionaires fueling it, then force them into rehabilitation?Diana is a Canadian author now living in the United States, and she shared how the book came together after a big life pivot. We get into the moral problem at the heart of the story, how she kept the tech believable without turning it into hard sci-fi, and why she calls it “sci-fi light”.A big part of the book is psychedelic-assisted therapy, and Diana's experience here is not theoretical. She talked about her own therapy journey, how it influenced the novel, and how “set and setting” complicates the idea of forced treatment. We also dug into character work, including why the billionaires aren't written as cartoon villains, and why she wanted readers arguing with each other, not being handed easy answers.If you like speculative fiction that stays close to the real world, asks uncomfortable questions, and uses worldbuilding with restraint and purpose, this one's for you.Her site: https://www.dianacolleenauthor.com/ You can find more detail at Richardson's Rubicon: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/save-the-world-break-the-rules/Discuss issues raised here: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/community/season-5-speculative-fiction-where-worlds-meet/should-speculative-fiction-push-moral-boundaries-in-worldbuilding/

Jasper, Captain of the Guard, discovers chaos in the Merchant Tower's kitchen—cold duck, vinegar wine, and incompetent staff running wild while leadership hides behind closed doors. In the disorder, he sees something others miss: food bypasses every defense. With a drawn sword and cold authority, he seizes control of the kitchens and all supplies entering the tower. But Jasper's sudden interest in controlling what the merchants eat and drink suggests far more sinister plans than improving the menu.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-thieves-guild--6141933/support.Some secrets are worth dying for. Some are worth killing for.----CREDITS ✍️ Writer: Jake Kerr

In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, returning guest Brady Sadler joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about worldbuilding, creative identity, and what it looks like to grow into a maker who works across mediums. Brady has been on a prolific run with his novels, while also co-designing board games and helping launch a publishing company with his brother.Together, we explore how a story world evolves when it has to live in multiple forms, and how that process can reveal the shape of a creator's voice. If you are building a setting, a series, or a game, this episode is a grounded look at how to map the territory of “you” while still shipping work and staying excited.Quick note for context: this conversation was recorded in early December and sat on the shelf a bit due to technical issues. Since we recorded, Brady has release the book he talks about in the beginning of the interview.

In this exclusive interview, Jack Carr joins No Limits: The Thriller Podcast to go behind the scenes and break down the creation of his upcoming thriller novel, The Fourth Option. Get ready for a conspiracy, Western-inspired story featuring former Navy SEAL, Chris Walker, and his K-9 companion. From early story ideas and research to character decisions to differentiate from James Reece and The Terminal List universe, Jack takes us inside the process of co-authoring one of the most anticipated thrillers of the year.Whether you're a longtime fan of Jack Carr or a thriller reader curious about how elite-level novels are crafted, this is a must-listen conversation.---

The Thanes return!JOIN OUR DISCORDHelp support the show by visiting our Patreon and find even more content on our Website!Intro/Outro Music “Jotunheim (Chiptune Version)” Courtesy of Rush CoilOriginal Composition by Serpent Sound Studios

The Thanes return!JOIN OUR DISCORDHelp support the show by visiting our Patreon and find even more content on our Website!Intro/Outro Music “Jotunheim (Chiptune Version)” Courtesy of Rush CoilOriginal Composition by Serpent Sound Studios

*Enjoy a preview of our new My Heroine Journey podcast:Are you ready for big mindset shifts, but don't know how to get started, let alone make it across the finish line?It's probably because you were never taught the real rules to the inner workings of the unconscious mind. Until now.Back for Part 2 of “Worldbuilding: How Your Mind Writes Your Story,” Megan and Kate are jumping right back into the foundational understandings you need to know to start building your dream kingdom from the inside out, including:The Universal Energetic Law of Focus and how to finally use it in your favor More prime directives of the unconscious mind and how to use them to write a new story A tried and true practice for starting to build the world you want from the inside out Scotland is calling! Join our APRIL 2026 Scotland Fantasy Tour HERE Want to explore the world of SJM with us? Become a PATRON and gain access to our entire Sarah J. Maas series collection! LISTEN to our new My Heroine Journey podcast and follow us here: APPLE / SPOTIFY / WEBSITE

After nine years, five seasons, and one massive cultural footprint, Stranger Things has officially come to an end — with the final episode dropping on December 31. And on Fantasy for the Ages, we couldn't let that moment pass without a deep, honest, spoiler-filled conversation.In this episode, Jim is joined by longtime Stranger Things fans and frequent FFTA guests Eric, Karri, and Roofmistress Leigh-a for a full roundtable discussion of Stranger Things (2016–2025). We're talking the entire series — the highs, the heartbreaks, the monsters, the music, the characters we loved, and the choices that sparked debate.Most importantly, we dive deep into Season 5 and the ending:• Did the finale stick the landing?• Were the character arcs earned?• Did the Upside Down mythology hold together?• What worked brilliantly — and what didn't?• Where does Stranger Things rank among the all-time great genre shows?⚠️ This is a FULL SPOILER episode — nothing is off-limits. If you haven't finished the series yet, bookmark this and come back after the credits roll.Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Notification Bell! Join the discussion in the comments, tell us where Stranger Things lands for you, and come continue the conversation with us on Discord. If you want to help support the channel and keep Fantasy for the Ages going strong, check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#StrangerThings #StrangerThingsSeason5 #StrangerThingsEnding #FullSpoilers #FantasyForTheAges #NetflixSeries #GeekDiscussion #TVFinale #GenreTV #FFTAWays to Connect with Our Guests:Eric Haan's Author Site: https://www.jakethedragontalker.comKarri on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/hathor46.bsky.socialRoofmistress Leigh-a on Three-Fold Talk: https://www.youtube.com/@MalkierTalks/playlists Ways to connect with us:Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim's Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim's Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening1:25 - Episode Explanation5:05 - Big Picture Reflections, and THAT ENDING!21:59 - Character Arcs29:34 - Villains, Horror, and Stakes40:07 - Worldbuilding & Lore44:03 - Emotional Payoffs / Iconic Moments53:06 - Critiques59:25 - Legacy & Final Verdicts1:06:23 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

In today's episode, Jim sits down with Dust Kunkel, the author of the dark fantasy debut Fly Stone, Fly, for a wide-ranging conversation about writing, influences, and the strange, brutal, deeply human story that's already turning heads.We start spoiler-free, getting to know Dust as a person and a reader—favorite books, movies, and inspirations—before diving into the origins of Fly Stone, Fly, why dark fantasy was the right home for this story, and how a debut novel ends up landing award attention right out of the gate.From there, we talk craft:

*Enjoy a preview of our new My Heroine Journey podcast:Do you find yourself ready for big change, but don't know why you still feel chained to same old habits, emotions, and beliefs? It's not your fault, you just haven't been taught the real rules to the world we live in.In this first part of their worldbuilding series, Megan and Kate lay down foundational understandings you need to know in order to conquer your world, including:The Universal Energetic Law of Free Will and why it's the key to freedomPrime directives of the unconscious mind and how they are dictating your lifeThe first step to choosing a new path and getting the rules of the world to work in your favor Stay tuned for Part 2 of the Worldbuilding Series!Support the showScotland is calling! Join the Scotland Fantasy Tour HERE Want to explore the world of SJM with us? Become a PATRON and gain access to our entire Sarah J. Maas series collection! LISTEN to our new My Heroine Journey podcast and follow us here: APPLE / SPOTIFY / WEBSITE

Let's take a quick look back at the top episodes of 2025, best reads and much gratitude for making the podcast top of the charts in many counties. A deep dive into Avatar: Fire and Ash with Production Designers Dylan Cole and Ben Procter and Set Decorator Vanessa Cole. This episode breaks down why Avatar is “live action by other means,” how practical builds and reference testing support performance capture, and how story + design influence each other throughout the process.Topics include the Ash People (volcanic wasteland inspiration, a bold black/white/red palette, and the idea of a village inside a burnt Great Tree trunk), the intricate craftsmanship of the Wind Traders (including 3,500+ feet of braided rope), and the evolving visual culture of the RDA. If you love production design, set decoration, worldbuilding, and behind-the-scenes filmmaking — this one's for you.