Epic Realms Podcast

In this episode of Epic Realms, host Nick sits down with bestselling author and cartoonist Aaron Reynolds, the creator of the wildly popular Effin Birds. From Canadian comedy roots to Comic Con chaos, this wide ranging conversation dives deep into how humor, spite, and creativity built one of the internet’s most enduring web comics. 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/

In this episode of Epic Realms, we sit down with game designer Rodney Thompson for an in depth conversation about his journey through tabletop roleplaying games, board games, and video game design. Rodney shares how his early love of Dungeons and Dragons and the West End Games Star Wars RPG shaped his creative path, from college gaming marathons to building homebrew content that eventually opened the door to professional game design. 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

Todays guest is a returning alumni of Epic Realms. Nathan Lowell, is an award-winning author known for his captivating works across various genres, including the beloved Golden Age of the Solar Clipper series. 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: 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. 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." 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

Andrea Emmes joins Epic Realms for an in depth conversation about her remarkable creative journey. Andrea is an award winning audiobook narrator, actor, singer, producer, and the voice behind more than 400 audiobook titles across a wide range of genres. Her career stretches from performing on stage and in theme parks like Disney and Universal Studios to game design with Disney Interactive, and eventually to becoming a highly respected voice in the audiobook industry. 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/

In this episode of Epic Realms, Nick welcomes the remarkable Jeri Shepherd - a multi-time #1 bestselling author known for her expansive body of work across genres including science fiction, fantasy, horror, children’s books, and game writing. 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/

This week on Epic Realms, bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson joins Nick for a wide-ranging and inspiring conversation. Known for his work on Dune, Star Wars, The X-Files, and DC Comics, Kevin shares stories from his incredible career and his creative process—from his early writing days in Wisconsin to collaborating with legends like Frank Herbert’s son Brian Herbert and Rush drummer Neil Peart. 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

In this episode of Epic Realms, author and game writer Brandon Crilly joins us to talk about his journey from teaching to writing and how those two paths have always intertwined. 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/  

In this episode of Epic Realms, we’re joined by Scott Curry, co-founder of Scented Realms, a groundbreaking project bringing the sense of smell into tabletop roleplaying games. From fantasy-themed scents and scent-delivery tools to integrated RPG mechanics, Scented Realms is reshaping how players experience immersion at the table. 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

In this episode of Epic Realms, we welcome veteran game designer, editor, and author Steven E. Schend. Steven’s work helped shape the Forgotten Realms, Spelljammer, and Planescape during the golden age of 2nd Edition Dungeons & Dragons. He’s also the author of the novel Blackstaff and contributed to the Marvel Super Heroes RPG and Alternity. 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  

Join us live for an exciting conversation with author Rosemary Jones! She’s written across beloved worlds including Dungeons & Dragons’ Forgotten Realms and Arkham Horror, with novels like City of the Dead, Crypt of the Moaning Diamond, Mask of Silver, and The Deadly Grimoire. We’ll talk about her career in fantasy and horror, her passion for storytelling, and her journey as both a novelist and short story writer. Don’t miss this chance to hear behind-the-scenes insights. https://rosemaryjones.com/ Check us out at our website www.EpicRealmsMedia.com 

In this episode of Epic Realms, we sit down with legendary game designer and author Jeff Grubb to explore his incredible career in tabletop and video games. Jeff shares how his early passion for wargaming grew into a role at TSR, then Wizards of the Coast, shaping iconic campaign settings like Forgotten Realms, Spelljammer, and Planescape. 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.

In this episode, we’re joined by fellow podcaster Treavor Bettis, co-host of Writing About Dragons and Sh*t alongside Erin M. Evans and B. Dave Walters. You can also catch Treavor on the DungeonScrawlers YouTube and Twitch channels. Treavor was lead writer for the Dungeons & Dragons based video game Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms, where he wore many hats including community manager and podcast host. We talk in depth about that chapter of his career, and how it ties to many other aspects of his journey. We dive into Dungeons & Dragons, roleplaying, video game writing, content creation, and the world of podcasting. Treavor shares insights from his creative journey, along with plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes stories from both the podcasting and gaming industries. If you love tabletop RPGs, video games, storytelling, and fun, engaging conversations, you won’t want to miss this episode!

In this episode of Epic Realms, Nick welcomes debut author Lenora Woods, whose new novel Roll for Romance brings Dungeons & Dragons energy to the world of contemporary rom-coms. 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

For our milestone 100th episode, Epic Realms welcomes back our very first guest: award-winning game designer, puzzle mastermind, and president of Lone Shark Games, Mike Selinker. 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

In this episode of Epic Realms, host Nick sits down with poet and editor Hailey Spencer to explore her journey through storytelling, healing, and self-discovery. Hailey shares how her childhood shaped her creative path and how she came to embrace poetry as her chosen medium. Together, they dive deep into the meaning of fairy tales, folklore, myths, and legends, unpacking their differences and emotional resonance. 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 

Join us on this episode of Epic Realms as we welcome author and storyteller Nathan Crowder! Creator of the superhero universe Cobalt City, Nathan blends comic book flair with literary grit. We talk about writing, world-building, tabletop RPG's, Influences, and how a childhood shaped by books, and RPGs led to an award-winning career in speculative fiction. https://nathan-crowder.com/

This week on Epic Realms, Nick welcomes author Paul G. Vecchiet, writer of the thought-provoking novel The Disclosure Paradox. 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

In this episode of Epic Realms, Nick is joined by author and writer Kelli Fitzpatrick. 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.

This special charity livestream for AIM Youth Mental Health featured bestselling author Michael Witwer as we explored the rich history of Dungeons & Dragons. From the game's origins with Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson to its lasting impact on pop culture, we covered the creators' influences, original monsters, and behind-the-scenes stories. We also took audience questions live during the show for an interactive look at the world’s most iconic roleplaying game. If you are interested in checking out or helping with AIM Youth Mental Health see our link below! https://aimymh.org/

In this episode of Epic Realms, we sit down with legendary author and game designer Bruce Nesmith to explore his incredible career spanning decades of storytelling. From his early days at TSR, crafting unforgettable adventures for Dungeons & Dragons in settings like Ravenloft and Spelljammer, to his influential work as a freelancer across the tabletop RPG industry, Bruce has helped shape the worlds we love. 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