Page Chewing

In this episode, Steve reflects on his latest reading experiences, from sci-fi to classic literature, and shares how they’ve influenced his perspective. He discusses the challenges of managing multiple podcasts and announces the exciting merger of his comic and book discussions into one streamlined show. Steve dives into his thoughts on The Windup Girl , exploring its themes of food scarcity and s...

In this episode, Stephanie Vasquez joins us to discuss her debut novel All Our Wars , delving into themes of family, violence, and the layered complexities surrounding the war on drugs. With a background in journalism, Stephanie explains how her investigative approach influenced the novel's structure and narrative, helping her navigate sensitive topics like immigration, cartel violence, and h...

In this episode of Weekly Polls Pick of the Week, hosts Mike and Steve, along with guest Jared, dive into a variety of new comic book releases. They discuss the excitement surrounding the DC All In Special, the humor of Gru, the gruesome tales in Hello Darkness, and the surreal experiences in Paranoid Gardens. The conversation also touches on the disappointing writing in Fire and Ice and the mixed...

In this episode, Steve shares his weekly reading updates, including his experience with DNFing 'Name of the Wind' and his current reads in speculative fiction and comics. He discusses upcoming group reads and podcast episodes, reflects on his fantasy reading preferences, and shares insights from 'Dopamine Nation' about the impact of vices on happiness. Additionally, he explores...

In this thought-provoking episode, Steve, Jarrod, Thomas J. Devens and Varsha explore the complexities of digital ownership, with a focus on eBooks and platforms like Amazon. They discuss the trade-off between the convenience of digital content and the risks of losing access to purchased material, while also emphasizing the critical role of libraries in the digital age. The conversation expands in...

In this solo episode of Page Chewing Comics and Manga, Steve reviews a variety of comic books, focusing on number ones and ongoing series. He discusses his experiences with different art styles, the impact of anthology series, and the importance of character development. The episode also delves into unique storytelling concepts, including a dark commentary on competitive eating. Steve wraps up by...

Find my interview on Jose's Amazing Worlds: In Conversation with Steve  In this episode, Steve shares his thoughts on various books he has been reading, including his experiences with different genres and authors. He discusses his recent podcast appearances, upcoming community projects, and reflections on digital ownership and the importance of disconnecting from technology. The conversation...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with psychotherapist and author Phyllis Leavitt to discuss her powerful new book, America in Therapy . Leavitt explores how the principles of psychotherapy can be applied not only to personal healing but also to address the deep divides in our nation. She shares her own journey of healing and highlights the critical importance of addressing unhealed trauma i...

In this episode, Mike and Steve discuss various aspects of getting started in comics, including tips for new readers and recommendations for comic book stores. They explore new comic releases, focusing on both DC and Marvel titles, and delve into thematic discussions on war and profiteering in comics. The conversation also touches on anthology series and unique storytelling methods, culminating in...

 In this episode, we dive deep into Mary Shelley's Frankenstein , exploring its timeless themes of creation, responsibility, and the nature of humanity. Join us as we discuss the novel’s historical context, the profound philosophical questions it raises, and the emotional weight carried by its characters. We reflect on how Mary Shelley's personal life shaped the narrative, and examine th...

 In this episode, Holly and Steve are joined by book reviewer Charlie Cavendish for a lively discussion about the Fantasy and Sci-Fi Spotlight event, standout book recommendations, and the growing influence of technology on reading, including mobile phone stories. They reminisce about childhood favorites like The Hobbit and Redwall , while diving into the world of indie books and genre mashups. Fr...

In this episode, Steve provides a comprehensive update on his reading journey, discussing various book series including the Children of Time and the Unholy Consult. He reflects on his experiences with reading slumps, shares insights from classic literature like Frankenstein, and outlines upcoming changes to his podcasting format. Steve emphasizes the importance of community engagement and invites...

In this episode, Steve and Paromita sits down with author Benjamin Liar to discuss his latest book, The Failures , an epic blend of science fiction and fantasy. They dive deep into the inspiration behind the story, which Benjamin has been developing for over 30 years, exploring its intricate structure, interlocking puzzles, and multi-dimensional characters. The conversation covers themes of nature...

 In this episode of Weekly Polls Pick of the Week, hosts Mike and Steve discuss their favorite comic book series of the year so far, exploring various new releases and their thoughts on character development, storytelling, and the challenges of anthology series. They share insights on survival stories, the evolution of iconic characters, and the impact of art in comics. The conversation also touch...

In this episode, we delve into the captivating world of second books in a series! Join us as we discuss the unique challenges authors face when crafting sequels and reveal our top five favorite second books from fantasy and beyond. From Queen of Attolia to A Clash of Kings , we explore how these novels exceed expectations, expand world-building, develop characters, and resolve mysteries in ways th...

In this episode, the group wraps up their in-depth exploration of The Unholy Consult , the final book in R. Scott Bakker's The Second Apocalypse series. Together, they reflect on their overall impressions of the series, dissect the explosive ending, and discuss key revelations, including the Dunyain’s origins, the nature of the No-God, and Kellhus' possession. The conversation also dives...

In this episode, Steve sits down with Kristof Morrow, an award-winning journalist, photographer, and self-published author, to explore his diverse creative outlets and writing journey. Kristof shares how his love for creativity was shaped by video games and books, eventually leading him to discover writing as a therapeutic escape. They delve into his experiences in the publishing industry, includi...

In this episode, we delve into chapters 13-16 of The Unholy Consult , where the lines between dark fantasy and sci-fi blur. Join us as we dissect the fall of the promised world, the chaotic battle with demonic forces, and the emergence of the mysterious Vile Angel. We speculate on Kelmomas's cryptic role in the narrative and explore the Inchoroi's audacious plan to sever the world from t...

In this episode, we gather for a laid-back forum discussion that touches on the highs and lows of the creative process. Our participants share their recent reading experiences and delve into the world of editing and publishing, shedding light on the fine balance between inspiration and imitation in storytelling. We also explore the phenomenon of franchise fatigue, discussing how over-saturation ca...

In this episode, Steve and Mike dive deep into the complexities of creativity, the impact of social media, and the challenges of the publishing industry. Mike, a seasoned writer, shares his journey through the creative process, offering insights into the highs and lows of being an artist in today’s digital age. Together, they explore the delicate balance between leveraging social media for career...

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into George Orwell's 1984 , exploring why it remains one of the most influential novels of all time. Our discussion covers the novel's exploration of control, manipulation, and the power of language, drawing parallels to today's society where social media and corporations hold significant sway. We analyze the complex relationship betwe...

In this episode, we dive deep into the complex and enigmatic world of The Unholy Consult . Join us as we explore the motivations behind the brutal torture of Moengus and the larger implications it has within the story's intricate metaphysical framework. We tackle the heavy themes of damnation and the role of the gods, pondering their influence on the characters' fates and the moral ambig...

Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Leanna Wolfe, an anthropologist and clinical sexologist, to discuss her compelling memoir, 177 Lovers and Counting: My Life as a Sex Researcher . Wolfe takes us on a fascinating journey through her decades-long career, exploring how different cultures around the world view sex, relationships, and societal norms. From the love marriages of In...

In this episode, we dive into a vibrant mix of topics, from the world of captivating illustrations and comic books to the nostalgic charm of 80s video games and diverse musical tastes. We highlight the unique artistry of Dawn Larder and Matthew Warne and explore the thought-provoking comic series Afterlife, Inc. by Big Punch Studios , where the afterlife is managed like a business. Our discussion...

In this episode, we dive into our July reading adventures, spanning a wide range of genres from enchanting fantasy worlds to comforting romance reads, and timeless classics. We share our candid thoughts on what we loved, what missed the mark, and why some genres stand out. Join us as we discuss the intriguing role of ghostwriters in the publishing industry, the impact of reading multiple books at...