The Blasters and Blades Podcast

The Blasters & Blades Podcast“Everybody relax, I’m here.” This week, we’re hopping into the Pork-Chop Express and driving straight into the subterranean neon underworld of Chinatown. That’s right… we are reviewing John Carpenter's absolute masterpiece of 80s cheese, Big Trouble in Little China! We’re breaking down why Jack Burton is the greatest “action hero who is actually the sidekick” i...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastWhat happens when you mix stunning visual storytelling, deep-rooted mystery, and a journey into the unknown? In this episode, we sit down with author and illustrator Jack Ruedisueli to dive deep into his captivating new book, Mysteries of the Mountain Moon Tribe: A Graphic Novel. Jack shares the inspiration behind the tribe’s lore, his creative process for bringing...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastFrom the soaring epics of modern fantasy to the distant, alien ruins of far-future sci-fi, creators have always looked backward to build worlds moving forward. But how do you successfully translate the majesty, mythos, and complexity of ancient human civilizations into speculative worlds? In this panel discussion, our guests explore how real-world history—from Meso...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastFrom the hunger-driven districts of Panem to the red-dusted mines of Mars, speculative fiction has always been a fertile breeding ground for rebellion. But what does it actually take to topple an empire on the page? Join our panel of authors and worldbuilders as we dissect the anatomy of fictional revolutions. We’ll explore how to build believable oppressive regime...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastWhat happens when a wounded warrior is paired with a highly classified, intelligent mech that holds the echoes of his own dead brother? This week, we are sitting down with sci-fi powerhouses Kevin Steverson and Craig Bell to discuss their explosive new military science fiction novel, Shadow Mode. We follow the journey of Gunnery Sergeant John D. Ryerson and his mec...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastToday, we are hanging out with veteran game designer Darrin Drader (Wizards of the Coast, Paizo, Mongoose Publishing) to talk about his highly anticipated new Kickstarter project. Built from the ground up on the familiar 5E engine, Daring & Dread strips away the “theme park feel” of modern systems to bring back actual stakes, dangerous math, and the gritty, hig...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastGrand journeys, ancient legends, and heroes you can genuinely root for. This week, we interview debut author Melanie Deer about her book Ancient Gifts: War of Legends Book 1. We're talking forgotten pasts, sweeping worldbuilding, and how Melanie is breathing fresh life into classic high fantasy roots. Stream the episode now to hear how this massive story came t...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastWhat happens to humanity when we leave civilization behind? This week, our panel ventures out past the safety of the perimeter to explore the concept of the frontier in sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. From the lawless outer rims of distant galaxies to the monster-infested borders of uncharted magical wilderness, we are dissecting why the “edge of the map” remains the...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastHide your milk, watch out for mushrooms, and whatever you do, don’t tell them your name. This week, we’re diving headfirst into the enchanting, chaotic, and downright dangerous world of the Fae. From trickster sprites and glittering courts to the ancient lore that keeps us fascinated, our panel of experts breaks down how faerie magic works, why it always comes with...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastWe’ve got another #Retro #MovieReview episode for your viewing pleasure! It’s time to journey to the ends of the earth to find out if we are truly the last. This week, we are reviewing the hauntingly beautiful 1982 animated classic, The Last Unicorn. We’re diving into a world of tragic wizards, immortal beasts, and the profound sorrow of a creature learning what it...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastWe've got another #MovieReview episode for your viewing pleasure! Roll out the tracks and load the main gun—this week, we are reviewing David Ayer’s intense 2014 war drama, Fury. We’re breaking down Brad Pitt’s chilling performance as “Wardaddy,” Logan Lerman’s descent from pacifist typist to hardened killer, and the film’s unapologetic look at the psychologica...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastWe’ve got a bonus episode for you! Today we’re here to talk to Ronald Lloyd about his story in the Anthromech Anthology. We talked about his story Directive Thirty-One and his love for all of the best nerdy things! It was a fun and nerdy quick chat about all of the reasons why we love mecha and the rise of the machine. This was a fun interview, so check it out. Len...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastWhat happens when a standard investigation uncovers the exact kind of secrets you can never “un-know?” This week, we are sitting down with urban fantasy author Chloe Garner to talk all about her hit book series, Tell, The Detective. We dive into the inspiration behind Tina’s gripping journey; from discovering the truth about her parents to navigating a world filled...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastWhat does it mean to inherit a promised land, and what is required to protect it? This week, we sit down with author Graham Bradley to discuss his compelling new release from 40 North Press, Heartlanders: Protecting America's Ancient Covenant. We delve into the deep intersections of sacred history, geography, and the modern responsibilities that come with ancie...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastCan the galaxy’s most dangerous monsters ever truly find a second chance? This week, we sit down with author and physician Jen Finelli to discuss her space opera thriller, Redemption. We dive into the dark underbelly of the Nephilim Universe, a place where cloning, genetic manipulation, and corporate greed turn human lives into commodities. Join us as we discuss ho...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastWe’ve got a bonus episode for you! Today we’re here to talk to Claire Merrick about her story in The Fae Wars Anthology. We talked about her story ‘House Built On Sand’ and her discovery of the military fiction genre. It was a fun and nerdy quick chat about all of the reasons why we love military fantasy stories. Oh, and why elves are jerks and dwarves rock! This w...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastStep into the shadows of a world where folklore bites. This week, we sat down with author Shelly Campbell to explore the hauntingly beautiful landscape of The Dark Walker Series. We dive deep into her blend of rich mythos and grimdark grit, exploring the cost of survival in a world plagued by monsters; both human and monstrous. Join us as we discuss how Shelly craf...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastWe’ve got a bonus episode for you! Today we’re here to talk to Charli Cox & John E. Siers about their story in the Anthromech Anthology. We talked about their story Aurora and their love of dragons! It was a fun and nerdy quick chat about all of the reasons why we love mecha and the rise of the machine. This was a fun interview, so check it out. Lend us your ey...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastYou paid the price, you cast the spell... but what happens after the smoke clears? We’re back for a highly anticipated Part 2 to discuss the darker, lingering consequences of magic systems. This week, our panel goes beyond the immediate sacrifice to look at the long-term trauma of wielding power. We’re discussing magic as an addiction, the horrific "interest r...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastIn the near future, data is currency, corporations are kingdoms, and survival is a luxury few can afford. This week, we sit down with author J. Kenton Pierce to discuss his thrilling sci-fi novel, A Kiss for Damocles. We dive deep into the neon-drenched underbelly of his world, exploring the high-stakes chess match of corporate espionage, the psychological toll of...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastWhy does a description of a tavern stew stay with us longer than a battle scene? This week, our panel dives into the kitchens of our favorite fictional realms. We’re exploring how authors use food to ground their worlds, define their cultures, and provide a moment of peace in the middle of a quest. From the decadent feasts of Redwall, the caffeine of Legends &...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastFirst, we got nerdy with him. You know, the usual chats about our pedigree of dorkdom and how we love all of the coolest things. Then things got interesting! We asked the important questions! What happens when humanity’s greatest medical breakthroughs become its most terrifying weapons? This week, we sit down with Gregory D. Little to discuss his Mutagen Deception...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastDrop your visors and prep the reactors… we’re talking heavy armor this week. We sit down with military sci-fi authors Craig Bell and Kevin Steverson to discuss The Anthromech Anthology from Chris Kennedy Publishing. We’re diving into the cockpit of the galaxy’s most lethal walking tanks to discuss the evolution of mecha combat, the tactical reality of piloting gian...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastIn a world of ancient oaths and simmering rebellion, what does it truly mean to be free? This week, we sit down with the married couple behind the pen name B.K. Gibson to discuss the debut novel Freedom’s Vow. We explore the intricate world-building of the series, the weight of generational promises, and the journey of characters caught between their duty and their...

The Blasters & Blades PodcastThe Sword in the Stone was just the beginning. Join us as we interview Malory about the hit series Morgan and Merlin’s Excellent Adventures. We explore why we are still obsessed with Camelot in 2026, how to give ancient icons a fresh voice, and the secret to crafting a series that is as funny as it is fantastical. What happens when you take the most powerful sorcer...