Sarah shares what it was like growing up knowing she wanted to be a writer, despite a world that didn't always see it as a practical dream. She recalls submitting her first novel to a publisher at just 11 years old with her father's help, reflects on the unexpected ways her family supported her creative journey, and discusses the lessons she's carried with her throughout her career.

We also explore her experiences in college and graduate school, her early days publishing poetry, and the mixed emotions that come with seeing your work in print before you feel truly ready. Sarah opens up about finding her voice as an author and the path that led to publishing multiple novels.

As a newspaper columnist covering video games, Sarah discusses how gaming has evolved into a mature art form with its own history, culture, and generations of creators. We also talk about challenging outdated stereotypes about who plays games, the titles and stories that inspire her, and her love of tabletop role-playing games.

Finally, Sarah takes us behind the scenes of her latest novel, Strange Is Light, sharing its inspirations, how it differs from her previous work, and why it may be her most personal book yet.

If you love books, storytelling, role-playing games, or video game culture, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

We discuss Erik's recent trip to Nepal, how travel fuels his creativity, and the unique experience of exploring the world at 6'7". We also take an unexpected detour into his backyard chicken flock, including the comic book-inspired names and personalities that have make them memorable members of the family.

On the gaming and writing side, we dive into Tales of Basil & Moebius, revisit Yorick and Spitz's adventures across time and worlds, explore his work in Cobalt City, and discuss his Batman-inspired hero from Infernal. Erik also shares what's new with the Dungeon Scrawlers Twitch channel, including their recent Abomination Vaults campaign and the exciting announcement of his upcoming novel based on the adventure path, along with the unique challenge of adapting every room, encounter, and story beat into a novel.

We wrap things up with an exciting look at Realmsbound, the ambitious new Forgotten Realms project led by Ed Greenwood and an incredible team of legendary creators.

Whether you're a fan of fantasy novels, tabletop RPGs, Forgotten Realms, or simply enjoy listening to two longtime friends share stories, insights, and plenty of laughs, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Don't forget to Go Vote for Epic Realms in the Crit Awards https://www.critawards.org/ 

Shannon shares how his journey into Dungeons & Dragons began after spotting an advertisement in a comic book, convincing his father to buy the game, and diving into the rulebooks before running his very first adventure. From growing up alongside D&D and discovering a love of writing at an early age to earning a computer science degree that proved valuable mainly for its access to libraries and the early internet, Shannon reflects on the experiences that shaped his career.

We explore his path through the tabletop RPG industry, from cataloging every issue of Dragon Magazine to writing for roleplaying games and serving as the longtime steward of RPG.net. Shannon also takes us behind the scenes of his landmark Designers & Dragons series, discussing the years of research that went into documenting the history of the RPG industry and why it's so important to preserve the stories of the countless creators whose contributions often go unnoticed.

The conversation also covers his latest project, Designers & Dragons: Origins, fresh from a successful BackerKit campaign, where he continues to uncover the roots of the hobby. Along the way, we discuss his meticulous research process, the influential figures who helped shape tabletop gaming, and the importance of giving credit to the many people who built the industry behind the scenes.

Finally, Shannon gives us a look at what's next, including his upcoming work for Call of Cthulhu, his Losing Sanity project, and his exciting Free Trader Beowulf project.

Whether you're a lifelong tabletop gamer, a student of RPG history, or simply fascinated by the people behind the games we love, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Shannon Appelcline's Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/designersanddragons Designers and Dragons Origins -  https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/evil-hat/designers-dragons-origins

Also don't Forget to Follow us on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@epic_realms

From his childhood in Louisiana and Kentucky to his years studying art, theater, and filmmaking, Chris reflects on the experiences that shaped his artistic voice and eventually led him into the world of graphic novels. Along the way, he shares stories about making homemade movies as a kid, discovering classic comic strips like Calvin and Hobbes and Pogo, and finding his place within the evolving comics industry.

The discussion explores the craft behind visual storytelling, the unique language of comics, and the creative choices that separate newspaper strips, graphic novels, and superhero books. Chris also looks back on the creation of Crogan's Adventures, the project that helped launch his professional career, and discusses how his approach to writing and illustration has evolved over the years.

The second half of the conversation focuses on The Outlaw's Apprentice, Chris's upcoming fantasy graphic novel launching on Kickstarter. Drawing inspiration from Appalachian culture, classic adventure fiction, and a lifelong love of immersive worldbuilding, the series follows a young apprentice and his unlikely mentor as they navigate a dangerous world while staying one step ahead of the law.

Filled with insights on art, storytelling, history, comics, and creativity, this is a fascinating look inside the mind of one of the most distinctive voices working in graphic novels today. Check out the links for Chris Schweizer's stuff below.

https://schweizercomics.com/

https://www.patreon.com/ChrisSchweizer

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/schweizer/outapp1?ref=profile_saved_projects_prelaunch&category_id=Q2F0ZWdvcnktMjUy

Amanda discusses her journey from a storytelling-obsessed kid and fan fiction writer to a full-time author known for blending romance with fantasy, horror, science fiction, mythology, and paranormal elements. She shares insights into self-publishing, marketing, working with editors, finding your audience, and the realities of turning a creative passion into a career.

The conversation explores the influence of fan fiction on modern storytelling, the importance of authentic representation, and Amanda's advice for writers looking to create characters and experiences outside their own perspectives.

We also talk about Robot AU, her newest release and part of an ambitious multi-author collaboration that celebrates fan fiction culture through alternate universe storytelling. Amanda explains how the project came together and why it has become one of her most exciting creative experiences.

Plus, we discuss Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, creative burnout, audiobook production, upcoming collaborations, and the novel she has been trying to finish since college.

Join us for an engaging conversation about creativity, community, publishing, and the stories that inspire us to keep writing. Check out all her works at her website. https://amandameuwissen.com/

Tim talks about discovering comics at an early age and how that passion shaped both his creative identity and career path. From growing up with a love for drawing to being encouraged throughout high school and college to pursue art seriously, Tim shares the experiences that helped push him toward becoming one of the industry's most recognizable creators.

We also discuss his internship at Marvel Comics during the pre-Disney era and how that experience opened his eyes to both the exciting and difficult realities of the comic book industry. Tim reflects on learning the business side of comics while navigating the early stages of his career.

The conversation also explores the creation of Hack/Slash, including how the concept came together, the process of pitching the series, and the impact it had on his career and the horror comic genre as a whole.

As a huge fan of Nightwing, Nick made sure to spend time discussing Tim’s work on both Grayson and Nightwing. Tim shares insight into his research process, incorporating easter eggs, honoring continuity, and staying as canon-friendly as possible while still telling compelling stories.

We also talk about the differences between writing and illustrating comics, the challenge of balancing creative passion projects with work that pays the bills, and the realities of maintaining longevity in the comic book industry.

Whether you are a longtime comic reader, an aspiring creator, or just someone who loves hearing behind-the-scenes stories from the industry, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and honest conversation.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow the Epic Realms Podcast for more interviews with creators from across comics, gaming, film, and pop culture. Check out Tim Seeley at his website. https://www.timseeleycreative.com/

Chris and Nick dive into the creative process behind the new novel, including writing Valeros, revisiting beloved pirate characters, crafting infernal battles, and balancing action, humor, and emotional storytelling. Chris also shares behind-the-scenes insight into working with Paizo, writing for shared worlds like Shadowrun and Arkham Horror, and collaborating within long-running projects like Tales of Basil & Mobius.

The episode also explores Chris’ real-life sailing adventures across the Caribbean, memorable experiences in Belize, gaming, publishing, fantasy worldbuilding, and several upcoming projects currently in development.

Filled with laughs, storytelling insight, and plenty of behind-the-scenes discussion, this is a fantastic episode for fantasy readers, tabletop RPG fans, Pathfinder enthusiasts, and aspiring writers alike. Check out Jaxbooks.com His Books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4wp1kjo

This special release is a four part compilation featuring Q and A moments from four outstanding audiobook narrators: Jarrett Lemaster, Victor Bevine, Andrea Emmes, and Gerard Doyle. Each segment comes from their individual episode recordings, brought together here for a unique listening experience.

If you enjoy what you hear, be sure to check out each guest’s full episode for even more insight, stories, and conversation.

We talk about his first attempt at college and how it fell apart thanks to Grand Theft Auto, and how he later found his way back by working as a janitor at a college while pursuing creative writing. During this time, he was also writing his first book and performing in the metal band Lorenguard.

Brady also takes us behind the scenes of his work at Fantasy Flight Games, including collaborating with legendary game designer and Epic Realms alumni Corey Konieczka. We explore how music shapes his storytelling, and dive into his latest project that brings his novels into the world of board games through Kickstarter.

Check out his latest Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/twintalestudios/the-malice-of-light-adventures Brady J Sadler on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4vGWJsC

Toni shares her origin story, from discovering a Monster Manual at a garage sale at age nine to attending her first Gen Con just a year later. She reflects on growing up during the Satanic Panic and how that era shaped her relationship with tabletop gaming and creativity. We also explore how her passion for writing influenced her educational path and early career choices.

Our conversation dives into Toni’s professional journey, including her work outside the gaming industry and how reputation, networking, and consistent delivery opened doors to new opportunities. She offers a candid look at how connections and trust fuel long term success in the RPG space.

We spend time unpacking the often unseen side of RPG production. Toni breaks down the full lifecycle of creating a tabletop book, from writing and editing to layout, art coordination, and managing timelines across large creative teams. She gives insight into the realities of project management and what it takes to keep complex projects on track.

We also discuss storytelling in adventure design, along with Toni’s personal strengths and challenges as both a writer and designer. This episode is a thoughtful and behind the scenes look at the craft, discipline, and passion that drive the tabletop RPG industry. https://www.toniwinslowbrill.com/ Use Our DM's Guild Link - https://www.dmsguild.com/en/?affiliate_id=1089765 Use our Drive thru RPG Link -  https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/?affiliate_id=1089765

Also Check out our Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@epic_realms

Justin shares what it was like growing up homeschooled and how that experience compares with traditional public school education. He explains how those early experiences shaped his creativity and influenced his path toward writing.

The conversation also explores lessons from college and the advice he received during that time that helped guide his early writing career. Justin reflects on the evolution of his storytelling, including the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way.

A major theme in the discussion is the role emotion plays in his stories. Justin talks about how emotional authenticity drives his characters and why fantasy and science fiction allow him to explore those themes in powerful ways.

We also discuss the authors who inspired him, including legendary science fiction writer Ray Bradbury, and how those influences helped shape his creative voice.

If you enjoy conversations about writing, storytelling, and the creative process, this episode offers insight and inspiration for readers and aspiring writers alike. Kickstarter Link - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/justinrose/magic-and-majesty-a-midwest-fantasy-sampler Justin Rose Amazon Page - https://amzn.to/4s9h47D

Duncan shares how his real world travel experiences and detailed travel guides have shaped the immersive settings he creates for tabletop roleplaying games. We discuss his decision to step away from Dungeons & Dragons during college and how returning to it later reignited his creativity and inspired this new project. He also explains how his original creations on the Dungeon Masters Guild helped lay the foundation for the book, combining practical design tools with imaginative storytelling.

It is a conversation about creativity, rediscovery, and transforming real life adventure into unforgettable locations at the game table. Check out the new book - Here -  Or Visit. https://www.hipstersanddragons.com/

From growing up on GI Joe comics to serving in the Army and eventually launching a full time writing career, Joe shares his unconventional journey into indie publishing. He opens up about rejection letters, discovering the power of self publishing, and why conventions account for 90 percent of his sales.

The conversation explores genre blending, fast paced storytelling, outlining versus discovery writing, and how horror, sci fi, and what Joe calls psycho fiction all intersect in his work. They also discuss his latest novel, Reality Reaction Team, a mind bending sci fi thriller about secret agents who determine whether reality itself is real, and They Come From Below, a Lovecraft inspired horror set in small town Minnesota. Not to mention prepping to release his first Fantasy series, of which he has 5 books done and will be publishing the first one soon!

Plus, Joe reveals exciting news about The Black Heart Unbroken, a short film adaptation of his work premiering at the North Star Film Festival.

If you are an aspiring writer, horror fan, convention regular, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration.

Follow Joe at www.joeprosit.com and catch him at conventions across the U.S.

They discuss how R.C. Bray helped connect them, how their dynamic has evolved over multiple books, and why comedic timing and trust are essential in the author-narrator relationship. The conversation explores Hunter’s approach to time travel and scientific realism, Luke’s perspective on narrating litRPG and progression fantasy, and the challenges of balancing humor, heart, and high-concept storytelling.

They also break down their upcoming litRPG detective crossover project, talk about the exploding litRPG genre, and share the story behind the Audiobook Olympics on TikTok.

If you’re a fan of urban fantasy, sci-fi, audiobooks, or behind-the-scenes creative process discussions, this episode delivers insight, authenticity, and plenty of laughs.

Gerard shares his unconventional path into acting, from amateur theatre and late drama school training to performing in the West End, touring Shakespeare internationally, appearing on television, and ultimately becoming one of the most respected voices in audiobooks. Listeners will hear behind the scenes stories from his work narrating major series including Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle, Mick Herron’s Slow Horses, Adrian McKinty’s novels, and Deborah Crombie’s mysteries.

The discussion explores the craft of audiobook narration, working directly with authors, handling complex worlds and invented languages, and the pressures and joys of long running series. Gerard also reflects on early struggles, family expectations, finding comfort on stage, and how a lifelong love of reading and storytelling shaped his career.

This is a thoughtful and candid conversation about art, perseverance, happy accidents, and the power of voice in modern storytelling. You can find Gerard Doyle at www.GerardDoyleVoice.com

If you want to try Audibles 30 day trial follow our link. - https://amzn.to/49cBZQ0

Aaron shares the true origin story of Effin Birds, including the infamous rejection that turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him. He opens up about growing up on CBC sketch comedy, his love of absurd humor, and how early pranks, school newspapers, and baseball fandom shaped his creative voice.

Listeners will hear behind the scenes stories from Comic Cons, including shadow puppets, deli stickers, cosplay adventures, and why San Diego Comic Con is both a nightmare and a financial necessity. Aaron also talks candidly about publishing struggles, algorithm burnout, crowdfunding books, and how he keeps a daily comic fresh nearly ten years in.

Episode Highlights

• How Effin Birds went from rejected pitch to global phenomenon

• Growing up on Canadian comedy like Wayne and Shuster, Kids in the Hall, and Red Green

• Comic Con antics, shadow puppet zones, and why being weird works

• The realities of making a living as a web cartoonist in the algorithm era

• Crowdfunding books, publisher collapses, and taking control of your work

• Upcoming Effin Birds projects including sticker books, affirmation decks, and an oracle deck

If you love comics, comedy, creative careers, or stories about turning rejection into momentum, this episode is for you. Effin' Birds 2026 Calendar - https://amzn.to/4jnm19a Effin' Birds 2026 Day to Day Calendar - https://amzn.to/4jnm19a Effin' Birds Website - https://effinbirds.com/

We explore Rodney’s time at Wizards of the Coast, including his work on the Star Wars Saga Edition RPG and how lessons from D20 Modern and early fourth edition ideas influenced its structure. Rodney reflects on what worked, what he would change today, and why supporting game masters with strong tools is critical to a game’s longevity.

The conversation also dives into Rodney’s role as a sandbox designer in video games, including his work at Bungie on Destiny. He explains what sandbox design means in both tabletop and video games, how player experience and emotional fantasy drive design decisions, and why iteration and playtesting matter so much across mediums.

We also discuss the transition from roleplaying games to board games with Lords of Waterdeep, the lessons learned from physical components and resource management, and how those ideas feed back into RPG design. Finally, Rodney talks about Scratchpad Publishing and his latest tabletop RPG, Neon City Outlaws, a cyberpunk heist and rebellion game that lets players build their city as they play, complete with faction politics, revolution mechanics, and body swapping technology.

This episode is a thoughtful look at storytelling through games, creative evolution, and what it means to design experiences that bring people together at the table. Check out Scratchpad Publishing here - https://scratchpadpublishing.com

In this episode, we dive deep into Nathan's unique perspective on storytelling, food, and the creative process. Here are a few takeaways that I believe will resonate with writers, foodies, and anyone interested in the art of storytelling:

1. The Importance of Food in Storytelling: Nathan shared his journey as a self-proclaimed foodie and how his love for cooking influences his writing. He emphasized that food is not just a necessity but a powerful storytelling tool that can create connections between characters. Whether it's a simple meal shared among friends or a complex dish that symbolizes a character's journey, food can add depth and authenticity to narratives. As Nathan puts it, "What happens happens at the table," highlighting how shared meals can be a backdrop for character development and plot progression.

2. Writing as a Journey, Not Just a Destination: Nathan's approach to writing is refreshingly organic. He describes himself as a "pantser," someone who writes by the seat of their pants rather than following a strict outline. He encourages aspiring writers to focus on the act of writing itself, suggesting that the first draft is about telling yourself the story. This perspective is liberating and reminds us that the creative process is often messy and nonlinear. As Nathan wisely states, "If you can't outline, just write. The whole point of the exercise is to write."

3. Embracing Continuity Challenges: As Nathan discussed his experiences with writing multiple trilogies and series, he candidly addressed the challenges of maintaining continuity over time. He shared that keeping track of characters, plot points, and timelines can be daunting, especially when years pass between writing installments. However, he views these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. His advice? Don't be afraid to delete or rewrite sections that no longer serve the story, and remember that the essence of storytelling lies in the connections we create with our characters and readers.

Join us for this enlightening conversation with Nathan Lowell, where we explore the intersection of food, creativity, and the art of storytelling. Whether you're a writer, a foodie, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, there's something in this episode for you! Check out Nathan at his Website - NathanLowell.com https://amzn.to/4pB5q47 to get The Wizards Cat on Amazon! Of course sign up for our newsletter, and check out all our new news articles on our websites at EpicRealmsMedia.com

In this episode we explore Andrea’s beginnings in theater and dance, her early fascination with storytelling, and the winding path that led her into acting, voice work, and game development. She shares how health challenges shaped her career and how she used those experiences to find new creative opportunities. We talk about narration technique, character building, the business side of audiobooks, and her long running partnership with author Ashley Fontaine, which led to their YA paranormal novel Eternal Beauty.

Whether you are an audiobook fan, a creative professional, or someone who enjoys hearing the real stories behind the work, this episode offers an inspiring look at how resilience and passion can shape a creative career. Check out all her work at, https://www.andreaemmes.com/

Jeri shares her lifelong journey through storytelling, from her early days as a playwright and poet to becoming a respected figure in genre fiction and tabletop RPG design. A U.S. Air Force Arabic Linguist veteran, Jeri discusses how her global perspective and sense of community continue to shape her writing and creative approach.

Together, Nick and Jeri explore:

• How she transitioned from stage and screenwriting to fiction and publishing.

• Her collaborations with Luke Gygax, Ed Greenwood, and the team at Chaotic Great Gaming.

• The creation of her system-driven project Dungeon Race RPG and her philosophy on accessible game design.

• The rise of anthologies like Otherworldly, Outerworldly, and Netherworldly under the Nerd Street banner.

• Her upcoming Shakespeare-inspired play Of Thread and Thorn, premiering next May.

• Her insights on community building, burnout prevention, and empowering other creators through mentorship and retreats.

Whether you’re a reader, writer, or gamer, this conversation highlights Jeri’s passion for collaboration and storytelling across every medium.

🔗 Visit EpicRealmsMedia.com for more episodes, and find Jeri online at redwritesbooks.com Her New Audio Book at -  🔗 https://soundbooththeater.com/shop/audiobooks/the-broken-fault-lines-book-1-at-fault/

They discuss Kevin’s latest releases, including Nether Station, a chilling blend of science fiction and cosmic horror from the Weird Tales line, and the newly remastered Terra Incognita fantasy trilogy, complete with its companion rock albums from Roswell 6. Kevin opens up about balancing passion projects, running his publishing imprint WordFire Press, and teaching the next generation of writers.

If you love sci-fi, fantasy, or behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most prolific authors in the genre, this episode is not to be missed.

Listen now and explore more at EpicRealmsMedia.com Follow Kevin J. Anderson: WordFire.com | Patreon.com/KevinJAnderson

We dive into Brandon’s early years, discovering tabletop roleplaying in college, and how his goals as a writer eventually led him into the world of RPGs through the Ed Greenwood Group. He shares how his background in education shapes his storytelling, his approach to creative writing, and the way he connects with both students and readers.

We also discuss his TEDx Talk on tabletop roleplaying, gaming groups, and learning, exploring how fantasy and games can inspire youth in powerful ways. And of course, we talk about his novels Catalyst and Castoff, the Aspects of Aelda duology, and the creative process behind his short fiction, long-form storytelling, and RPG design work.

A thoughtful and inspiring conversation about imagination, teaching, and storytelling across worlds. https://brandoncrilly.com/ Castoff Pre-Order https://www.atthisarts.com/product/castoff/  

We talk with Scott about his own RPG background, how the idea for Scented Realms came to life, and how the system actually works in play. He shares insights into the Kickstarter campaign and fulfillment, the challenges of creating immersive tools, and what the future holds for the company. We also explore the rise of innovative products over the last decade and how they continue to push the boundaries of roleplaying.

Whether you’re a dungeon master, storyteller, or a fan of gaming innovation, this conversation is packed with inspiration for making your worlds come alive. www.Scentedrealms.com

Our conversation explores Steven’s journey from gamer to TSR editor, designer, and novelist, with behind-the-scenes stories from his years at TSR and Wizards of the Coast. We discuss the creative process behind iconic Realms sourcebooks like Sea of Fallen Stars and City of Splendors, the development of his beloved character Gamelon Idogyr, and how his work continues to influence roleplaying games today.

Steven also shares his experiences in writing novels, his reflections on the evolving RPG industry, and his current projects including the Ouroboros RPG and Mythmakers/Realmsbound.

If you’re a fan of Forgotten Realms, classic D&D history, or the craft of RPG design and worldbuilding, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to the podcast to get notified for all future episodes! Stevens Website https://steveneschend.com/

Check us out at -  http://www.EpicRealmsMedia.com

We dig into behind-the-scenes stories, from developing the Karameikos box set and its lasting impact on the D&D world, to creating games based on classic ’80s TV shows like Dallas and All My Children. Jeff also reflects on the shift from designing RPG material to writing novels — spanning from the beloved Azure Bonds to his final novel, Star Wars: Scourge.

The conversation wraps with a look at his current work on Elder Scrolls Online and the lessons learned across decades of storytelling and game design.

Lenora shares her journey from gamer and fanfiction writer to published novelist, and how her love for geek culture, fantasy, and character-driven stories shaped her writing. From Renaissance faires to video games, Lenora’s world blends heartfelt emotion and nerdy joy, and her book is no exception.

We dive into the surreal experience of launching her first book, how readers are connecting with her characters, and what makes Roll for Romance a unique read for fans of both romance and tabletop RPGs. Plus, hear what’s next for Lenora as she embarks on her author journey. Find all her stuff here! https://www.lenorawoods.com/ Also don't forget to visit our Official Website! https://EpicRealmsMedia.com

Mike and Nick dive into how the tabletop world has shifted since the pandemic — from game store survival to unexpected hits and long-delayed projects now seeing the light of day.  We check in on Lone Shark Games, Monster Academy, Betrayal at House on the Hill, and new puzzle experiences like Lexicon Lane at Washington DC’s Planet Word Museum.

We also explore the the landscape and challenges of the game industry in our current time, and the evolution of the industry. As well as their new puzzle kickstarter!

Don’t miss this fun, full-circle conversation with one of the most fascinating minds in games — only on Epic Realms. https://www.lonesharkgames.com

Puzzle Party on Backerkit -  https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/lone-shark-games/the-hunting-of-the-shark-lone-shark-puzzle-books

Lexicon Lane -Washington DC Planet Word Museum Exhibit. https://planetwordmuseum.org/lexicon-lane/ Epic Realms Website - www.EpicRealmsMedia.com

Hailey offers thoughtful insight into how writing can be both therapeutic and challenging, and how her own struggles became part of the stories she tells. The conversation also covers the evolution of her work across collections, culminating in her latest book, Glass Labyrinth, a unique choose-your-own-path poetry experience. https://www.haileyspencerwrites.com/ Also Check out our new website at EpicRealmsMedia.com 

In this episode, we dive into the real-life experiences that inspired Paul’s speculative fiction, including his time as a U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer and the discovery of cryogenics in unexpected military blueprints. We explore themes of meditation, spiritual awakening, skepticism of religion, and the connections between consciousness and the UFO and UAP phenomena.

Paul shares how his own journey parallels that of the book’s main character, and we discuss what’s next in his universe, including the upcoming prequel and sequel to The Disclosure Paradox.

If you’re fascinated by government secrets, spiritual mysteries, and the unknown, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. https://thedisclosureparadox.com/ Check out our Sponsor - Hello Fresh https://strms.net/hellofresh_epic_realms Or Use Code: POGHF158359 at Checkout

Kelli is a science fiction writer, game writer, and teacher. She is the author of Captain Marvel: Carol Danvers Declassified (BenBella Books, 2025) and a contributing writer for the Star Trek Adventures roleplaying game from Modiphius. Her story “The Sunwalkers” won the 2016 Strange New Worlds contest from Simon and Schuster. Her short fiction has been published by Baen Books, Crazy 8 Press, Flash Fiction Online, and more. She also writes essays on sci-fi pop culture for outlets like StarTrek.com, Women at Warp, and anthologies from Sequart and ATB Publishing. Kelli has even written for NASA’s Hubble outreach and Arizona State University’s Interplanetary Initiative. On top of it all, she has more than a decade of experience teaching high school and college courses.

We talk about her early life and the geeky inspirations that led her into writing, watching Star Trek with her family, playing board games, and how those experiences sparked a love for storytelling. During National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), Kelli challenged her students to join her in writing a novel, which inspired her to later submit a story to a Star Trek fiction contest that she ended up winning. That moment opened the door to a whole new world.

We also dive into her many anthology projects, how she joined Modiphius, and her unexpected but rewarding introduction to tabletop roleplaying games. She shares how RPGs have helped her grow as a writer and how they can benefit others too. Plus, we talk about her passion for Marvel and her recent Carol Danvers Marvel book, how the character shaped her fandom and why getting to tell that story was such a meaningful opportunity.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends fandom, education, creativity, and the power of storytelling.

We dive into his time at Bethesda, where he played key roles in iconic titles like Skyrim, Fallout, and Starfield. Now enjoying retirement, Bruce continues to share his imagination through original fantasy novels. This is an unforgettable conversation with a true titan of fantasy and gaming! ---------------------- Check out our Sponsor Factor75 - Chef made meals delivered to your door! Use my link to get 50% off and free shipping on your first Factor box! https://strms.net/factor75_epic_realms Code:  FACTORSE69608

ou can try it out today and get 50% off your first order plus free shipping with my code FACTORSE69608. That’s FACTORSE69608—check it out and support the show at the same time! https://strms.net/factor75_epic_realms

He’s the author of the queer YA romances Darkhearts and The Ghost of Us, as well as the award-winning fantasy novels Death’s Heretic and The Redemption Engine. His work has appeared in Nightmare, F&SF, Escape Pod, and more. In addition to writing comics, essays, and tabletop content, he has contributed to video games and bestselling anthologies. In this episode we catch up with him where we left off, we also talk about sharing his voice in the writing world, his shift from writing fiction to writing YA (young adult) Romance stories. And how he has gotten to return to thing things he loved about roleplaying games.

In this episode, we dive into their journey into the gaming world, how they broke into the industry, and their experiences crafting adventures. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of freelancing for some of the biggest names in tabletop games as well as talk about some of their works as an author.

Kevin also discusses Coyote Run, his upcoming collaboration with Lilith Saintcrow, and provides exciting updates on fan-favorite series, including Ink & Sigil, the Iron Druid Chronicles, and The Seven Kennings. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, this episode is packed with must-hear details!

Don't miss this fantastic conversation with Kevin Hearne!

Discover how Matt and his team transformed the game based on player feedback, streamlined the mechanics, and created a system that feels authentically Marvel. We discuss the evolution of the game, the various expansions that have been released, and what players can expect from the upcoming Spider-Verse book.

Matt shares his experiences working with Marvel, his passion for Spider-Man, and the unique dynamic of collaborating with his son, Marty, on various projects. Plus, we touch on the importance of playtesting and how it shapes the final product.

Whether you're a seasoned RPG player or a Marvel fan, this episode is packed with insights and behind-the-scenes stories that you won't want to miss!

Leanne discusses her background, writing career, and work on various fantasy franchises including Pathfinder and Dragon Age. She talks about growing up in a military family and how those experiences influenced her writing. Leanne describes her process for writing tie-in fiction and working within established game worlds. She discusses her Pathfinder novels set in Nidal and Cheliax, as well as her work on sourcebooks. Leanne also talks about writing a Dragon Age novel and a recent Warhammer Age of Sigmar book. The interview concludes with discussion of her newest Pathfinder novel 'Godsrain', which ties into upcoming storylines about gods dying in the game world. Throughout, Leanne provides insights into her writing process, inspirations, and experiences working on different fantasy properties.

In this episode, Mark shares his experiences from PAX Australia, including a memorable Mass Effect cosplay meetup and his love for the Call of Cthulhu RPG. We dive into the nuances of acting and voice acting, exploring how Mark's journey began with Dungeons & Dragons and how it shaped his career.

Mark discusses the evolution of the gaming industry over the years, his creative process in developing unique character voices, and the collaborative nature of video game production. He also shares insights into his recent projects, including his portrayal of the Joker in a fan film and his involvement in actual play RPGs like Bookshops of Arkham and Graveyards of Arkham.

Whether you're a fan of video games, tabletop RPGs, or just love a good story, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Don't miss out on Mark's thoughts on cosplay, conventions, and the vibrant world of nerd culture!

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Check out The Paranormal 60 anywhere you get your podcasts! Paranormal60.com

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His game credits include Ultima Underworld 2, System Shock, Trespasser, Deus Ex, Epic Mickey, and Dishonored. He is currently Director of Game Design and Interactive Storytelling at Magic Leap.

Austin joins us and talks about his life and journey in two industries and the story telling process for both novels and video games. we also talk about his new Novel "Fight Me" which becomes available May 23rd in the UK. Pick It Up Here!

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/446205/fight-me-by-grossman-austin/9780241555941

Ed Greenwood is the creator D&D's Forgotten Realms setting. He has worked on a plethora of different RPG's, and other Tabletop Games. He has consulted for video games, other authors, and game companies. All of that said, none of that compares to his laundry list of amazing novels he has written over his career. In this episode we catch up with Eds projects and get his raw thoughts on the D&D movie, Baldurs Gate 3, His Youtube, Patreon and more! 

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In this Episode we talk about some of Amelia's experiences. Her views on the paranormal, the modern pros and cons of Paranormal Reality TV. As well as her books and the people she has met in the field. From heartwarming tales, to a journey about self discovery and taking care of ourselves. this is a great episode and I hope you enjoy it. Also check her out here on youtube  @ameliamcotter  

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