Fantasy Talks Live

In this episode of Fantasy Talks, Varsha takes over hosting duties as alongside Susana and Alex we plunge into the chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly profound world of Guards! Guards!, the first installment in Terry Pratchett’s beloved City Watch arc of the Discworld series. 🛡️ From Captain Vimes' reluctant rise to heroism to the introduction of Sybil Ramkin, Carrot Ironfoundersson, and a dragon...

Dr Goodwyn is back to discuss in greater depth his debut novel King of the Forgotten Darkness. In this episode we discuss the use of symbolism in the fantasy genre and the connection between jungian archetypes and fantasy tropes, with particular attention to talking animals! We find common ground in our appreciation of books that work simply as an adventure story and at a deeper level trying to sa...

Varsha hosts once again, and joined by Chris, Alex and myself, we take a deep dive into Pyramids, the seventh novel in Terry Pratchett’s iconic Discworld series. From camels and quantum philosophy to gods, assassins, and ancient pyramids that mess with time itself, Pyramids is one of Pratchett’s most clever and underrated stand-alone stories. 📚 Topics We Cover: Tepic, Dios, and the struggle betwe...

Join us for an in-depth discussion on the fantastical and macabre worlds crafted by Clark Ashton Smith, a seminal figure in early 20th-century weird fiction. In this episode, we delve into Smith's unique contributions to the genre, his poetic prose, and his influence on contemporaries and successors alike. 👤 About the Guests: Lee Weinstein: A dedicated scholar of speculative fiction, Lee brings a...

In this episode, Dr. Oliver joins us to discuss his new book on Robert E. Howard, legendary creator of Conan the Barbarian. With special guest The Fantasy Thinker, we explore Howard’s life, imagination, and lasting legacy in fantasy. Plus, live audience questions you won't want to miss!

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett, the sixth book in the beloved Discworld series and a fan-favorite from the Witches subseries. We break down the plot, explore its Shakespearean influences, and discuss why Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat are some of the most iconic witches in fantasy literature. 💬 Expect a mix of humor, critical insight, and lo...

In this episode I am joined by author and Lovecraft biographer David J. Goodwin to talk about the complex personality of the genius of Providence, and yes, we address the elephant in the room! You can find out more about Mr Goodwin and his work over at: www.davidjgoodwin.com

In this episode I talk to author Violet Castro about her experiences with psychodelics and plant medicine for the mind whilst renowned psychiatrist Dr Erik Goodwyn provides insights from a medical perspective. You can find out more about Ms Castro and her work over at: www.vcastrostories.com You can find out more about Dr Goodwyn and his work over at: www.erikgoodwyn.com  

In this episode I am joined by past guests, writer and game designer John Houlihan and comics writer and game designer Joseph Oliveira. We talk about board game design, production and promotion and delve deeper into the differences between the board game and book market. You can find out more about John and his work over at: https://john-houlihan.net and https://modiphius.net You can find out more...

In this episode I am joined by Justin Rose, author of The Fall of Ingway, a full cast production with original score to talk about how the project came about, the logistics of directing actors across the world and the choice of audio as a medium over the written word. You can find out more about Justin and his work over at: https://www.youtube.com/@Justin_Rose

Varsha takes over as host once again in our Discworld Deep Dive. In this episode, Varsha, Alex, Susana and I explore the deep themes and humours of this wonderful entry of the magnificent Discworld series by Sir Terry Pratchett. You can find out more about Varsha and her work over at: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain

In this episode I am joined by author M. R. Leonard to talk about his new sci-fi book, Pilgrims. We talk about the gap in the sci-fi genre for works that include religious questions in their deeper core, the struggles of selling a new idea in a very conservative publishing landscape and the ever increasing importance of the audio book as a means of consuming literature. You can find out more about...

Varsha takes over in this podcast episode. Alex, Susana and I join her to explore the deep themes and jokes of the fourth entry into the wonderful Discworld series by the great, late, Sir Terry Pratchett. You can find out more about Varsha over at her Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain   You can find out more about Susana over at: www.susanaimaginario.com

In this episode, I talk to ex Orbit publisher and now horror agent John Jarrold to discuss the current state of publishing within the horror genre, the relative importance of social media for aspiring authors and his own advice to them. I even get to ask him if it is ok for vampires to be sexy! You can find out more about Mr Jarrold and his work over at: www.johjarrold.co.uk

Varsha takes over hosting duties once again for the second episode of this epic series where we take a Deep Dive into the wonderfully cooky Discworld created by Sir Terry Pratchett. In this episode, Alex and I join Varsha to discuss the jokes and deeper themes of the third entry into this world. You can find out more about Varsha and her thoughts over at her Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com...

In this episode I am joined by chicana author Violet Castro, where we discuss her journey into horror writing and explore the issues of personal identity and the ability of the horror genre to provide a wide landscape to explore complex personal and psychological issues. We also talk about the importance of social media for an aspiring author and the experience of writing for established IPs. You...

Varsha takes over hosting duties for this Discworld Deep Dive series. In this episode, Alex, Chris Mohan and myself join in to explore the themes and narratives of this wonderful series. You can find Varsha's Youtube channel over at: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain You can find Chris's movies Youtube channel over at: https://www.youtube.com/@chrismohan

In this episode I am joined by professor of social philosophy and author Tom Grimwood to talk about his book Vanisher: Chronicles of the Warren. We discuss the personal events that led to the writing and publication of the book, plot twists vs subversion of expectations and heist movies. You can find out more about Tom and his work over at his Cumbria University site: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/stu...

In this episode I am joined by long time friends of the podcast, Ian Porter and Susana Imaginário, to discuss Disquiet Gods, book 6 in the Sun Eater series with Christopher Ruocchio himself and his editor and patron saint of this podcast, David John Butler. You can check our previous conversation with Christopher in episode 25 of this podcast as well as my interview with David about the role of th...

In this episode I get to quizz Dr Goodwyn about several mental conditions and their portrayal in the media. We discuss psychopathy, gender disforia, multiple personality disorder and electroshock therapy. We also talk about the difference in male and female brains and how these differences manifest themselves in personal interests and patterns of behaviour. You can find out more about Dr Goodwyn a...

In this episode, past guest Jared Michaud comes back to talk about his work, the woes and tribulations of the indie author and I learn about the Authors in Grocery Stores program. We also talk about matters of faith, the state of current pop culture and the innate human need for belonging to a group. You can find out more about Jared and his work over at: https://jarednmichaud.com/

In this episode I talk to the author of the Fall of Emros fantasy series, ex punk-metal singer, foundry worker and all round cool guy, Thomas J. Devens. We talk about his interest in fantasy, his writing process and his very casual approach to dishing out death of characters in his novels. Certainly some unexpected twists in this conversation. You can find out more about Thomas and his works over...

In this episode I am joined by journalist and author John Houlihan. John has been a long time games journalist, he is also the author of the Mon Dieu Cthulhu! book series and a game designer of the Achtung Cthulhu! role playing game. We discuss the evolution of the computer games industry and then delve into our love of H. P. Lovecraft's work and John's involvement in the rpg world. You can find o...

In this episode, I am joined by German born Australia based author Dirk Strasser. We talk about his career in writing and editing sci-fi & fantasy magazines, his latest novel Conquist and the differences between novel writing and screen play writing. You can find out more about Dirk and his work over at www.dirkstrasser.com

In this episode I am joined by friend and fellow podcaster, community manager and all round nice guy Steve from the PageChewing.com forums. I ask Steve about his experience creating a fabulous online community for fellow book lovers and the trials and tribulations of creating online content, why we do it, what is the point of it all and the impact it has had in our lives. You can find out more abo...