Explore every episode of the podcast Epic Realms Podcast

In this episode we are joined by Pathfinder Author Liane Merciel.

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.

Join us in this exciting episode of Epic Realms as we welcome the legendary Mark Mir, renowned actor, voice actor, and writer, best known for his iconic role as Commander Shepard in the Mass Effect series!

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!

In this episode of the Epic Realms Podcast, we are joined by award-winning author and game designer Jedediah Berry! A lifelong enthusiast of roleplaying games, board games, and storytelling. Berry shares insights into his creative journey. We discuss his life, his novels, his game design projects, and his innovative approach to storytelling. His latest book, The Naming Song, brings a fresh twist to narrative structure and is available on bookshelves now!

https://thirdarchive.net/ 

https://ninepinpress.com/ 

We are joined in this Episode by NYT Bestselling Author John Jackson Miller. He tells us about his upbringing, college, and love for pop culture movies, comics and more! We also talk Star Wars, Star Trek, telling a narrative, and of course his new book Batman: Resurrection. We also both spend some time geeking out with our love for the Batman Burtonverse.

In this episode we are joined by NYT Bestselling author Olivie Blake! She is also known as Alexene Farol Follmuth. Her love for writing and literature shows in this enthusiastic episode. We find out many of her inspirations old and new. As well as get a look inside how she builds her stories and worlds. We go on a journey of her life from writing fan fiction all the way to publishing multiple novels. https://www.olivieblake.com/ https://www.alexenefarolfollmuth.com/

We did a special episode of Off The Pod that was a charity for the GLSEN Organization. Where our team raised over $4000. This episode was a 2 hour livestream event with Author Michelle Franklin.  We talked about Cryptids and Aliens and fantastical creatures of all sorts! If you want to participate or help with the charity or just look them up here is their link https://www.glsen.org/

Renee Gittins is former Executive Director of the International Game Developers Association, and now runs her own company Stumbling Cat Games. Her new game "Potions: a Curious Tale" is now available. In this episode we talk about her life and growing up as a gamer. We also talk about her evolution in the gaming industry, her work at the IGDA. As well as dealing with toxicity in the gaming world. It's an amazing and inspiring story with an amazing inspiring person! Enjoy the show! Stumbling Cat Games  Potions: A curious Tale Game Company https://www.stumblingcat.com/ 

In this episode Dave Schrader returns to Epic Realms. He has a bunch of new projects including a new book with more to come called Theater Of The Mind. We talk about charities, helping the community, Paranormal events and all the new things in his life. It's a great show. Please enjoy the episode. Dave Schrader is a radio and podcast host, paranormal investigator, you have seen him on the Holzer Files, Ghosts of Devils Perch, Curse of Lizzy Borden, and many more. He is also an Author, his new book "Theater of the Mind" is available now!

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

In this episode of Epic Realms, award-winning author and renowned editor James Lowder joins the Nick to discuss his extensive experience in writing, editing, and the world of tabletop gaming. From his early days in high school to his work on iconic projects like Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft and Call of Cthulhu. James shares insights into his creative journey. Discover his passion for horror, his upcoming projects, and his appearances at Gen Con and Gamehole Con. Plus, get a peek into his latest works. Don't miss this engaging conversation with a true industry expert!

Todd Lockwood is an artist known for his fantasy and science fiction illustration. he gained his largest following from for his work on the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, as well as novels from Tor Books, DAW Books, and on magazine covers, including Satellite Orbit magazine, Asimov’s Science Fiction, Analog Science Fiction and Science Fact, Realms of Fantasy, World of Warcraft, Dragon Magazine, and Dungeon Magazine. We talk about his career, stories, upbringing, and his new projects as well.

https://www.toddlockwood.com/

Richard Lee Byers returns to Epic Realms! We catch up on all of his projects since we last spoke to him. We talk about Marvels Legends of Asgard books, Basil and Moebius, Conventions, the D&D Movie, and so much more! We talk about working with tie in fiction and scriptwriting! Its always great to catch up with Richard.

Django Wexler is a fantasy author of a multitue of novel series'. Including "How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying, Ashes of the Sun, and The Thousand Names, as well as series for middle grade and young adults. He has also written stories for Magic The Gathering and now the Dungeons and Dragons new SpellJammer Novel Memories Wake - Available Tuesday June 4th. We talk about his journey to becoming a novelist, table top roleplaying, building stories and more! Its a great chat! https://djangowexler.com/

We are joined by video game designer, and author Austin Grossman. His novels include "Soon I Will Be Invincible", "You", and "Crooked". Soon I Will Be Invincible was nominated for the 2007 John Sargent Sr. First Novel Prize. His writing has also appeared in Granta, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times.

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

We are Joined by Narrative Game Designer Winter Mullenix. We talk about her journey through the entertainment industry. Acting, Voice Overs, Music, Video Games, and Writing. She takes us on her whirlwind journey! We talk a lot about how her past experiences lend a hand in video game work and creating amazing video game stories. Such as Neverwinter, Orcs Must Die, Lucky's Tale, Magic Legends, and more. So much was discussed, you will learn a lot and ask for more in this episode with Winter Mullenix.

We are joined by the 3 time Epic Realms alumni guest. Ed Greenwood.

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! 

We are joined by Professional Wrestler Beer City Bruiser. We talk about his early career, as well as behind the scenes story of his early days. We also chat about his friends and connections he has built throughout his career and his joy seeing their successes. We also branch over and talk about his run ins with the world of the paranormal and his connections there and his work with Darkness Radio. It is an amazing show and a lot of fun with the one and only Beer City Bruiser!

In this episode we are joined by author Deborah Wilde. We talk about her life, and how her life built up to the amazing author so many love and gain insights into her stories and characters. (Excerpt from her Website) Deborah Wilde is a global wanderer and hopeless romantic. After twelve years as a screenwriter, she was also a total cynic with a broken edit button, so, she jumped ship, started writing funny, sexy, urban fantasy and paranormal women’s fiction novels, and never looked back. https://deborahwilde.com/

Christopher D Schmitz is a multi genre author who "writes books nerds like." We chat about his works, helping other authors, being an indy author, and working the convention scene. Check out his new Kickstarter starting March 18th!

https://www.authorchristopherdschmitz.com/

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/feyduelist/the-esfah-sagas

Our guest Mike Mason is an RPG Designer and Creative Director for Chaosium games Call of Cthulhu brand. We talk a lot about his history with RPG's how he got into the business as well as Warhammer, his background in technical writing and sales. Of course lots of Call of Cthulhu talk as well. its a great episode and a fun guest!

Today's guest is well known on social media as a "Former McDonalds Corporate Chef" He can be seen on Plex's Dungeons and Dragons Cooking show Heroes Feast. Where he Co-Hosts the show with Sujata Day. We talk cooking, being a chef. Food science, Dungeons and Dragons, and so much more. It is a high energy episode with Chef Mike Haracz!

Our guest is award winning board game designer, Corey Konieczka. From a fan of board and card games to designing award winning games and expansions. We talk about his career from humble beginning to running his own game company and working with well known properties such as Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, and World of Warcraft. If you have ever been a fan of board games of any kind, this is a great episode. Unexpected Games - https://unexpectedgames.com/ Factor75 Sponsorship Link -  https://strms.net/factor75_epic_realms

Amelia Cotter is an author, poet, researcher, and storyteller with a special interest in the supernatural, history, and folklore. She has appeared on various radio and television programs.

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  

Amelia's Website https://www.ameliacotter.com/ Factor75 Sponsorship Link -  https://strms.net/factor75_epic_realms

In this episode we are joined by amazing friend of the show. He is the owner of both Fate of the Norns and Pendlehaven Press. Game Designer and Author. The Amazing Andrew Valkauskas! We have a great time and it went by so fast. we talked about Ath Cliath, Yule (or Jul), Odin being Santa, drinking card games, board games, history, mythology and soo much it was a great episode. Enjoy! Check them out at FateoftheNorns.com

This episode we were joined by award winning game designer, author, editor, and Co-Founder of Monte Cook Games. Shanna Germain. We talked about her life growing up, gaming, writing, and the origins of Monte Cook games. As well as their strategy for coming up with amazing new games! Its a great listen and a lot of fun. https://www.shannagermain.com/ https://www.montecookgames.com/ https://www.patreon.com/shannagermain

Michael Witwer is a bestselling author. He joins us to talk about his love for D&D and all of his books and how they came to be. We get some amazing behind the scenes stories and fun quips about his journey. We talk about Gary Gygax, Heroes Feast, the new Heroes Feast show, as well as Vivian Van Tassel! Michael Witwer Website - https://www.empireofimagination.com/ Epic Realms Movember Page -https://us.movember.com/mospace/1356562

In this episode we are joined by Diana Jones Award winning game designer Connor Alexander. His RPG Coyote and Crow is a multiple award winning and nominated sci-fi and fantasy tabletop role playing game set in a First Nations alternate future where colonization never happened. This game was created and lead by an all Native team, and is made for all people to play. https://coyoteandcrow.net/ https://www.nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov https://us.movember.com/mospace/1356562

In this episode we are joined by amazing urban fantasy author Heather Harris. We talk about her upbringing, and ties to books and writing. We also dive into her process, and get inside the differences in all her characters. It's a lot of fun with a lot of laughs.

This episode we are joined by actor and #1 NYT Bestselling author Wesley Chu. We talk martial arts, Acting, Writing Combat scenes, co writing and so much more. its a great show with lots of insights! Check out his new book Art of Destiny. The sequel to Art of Prophecy! Out Now! www.wesleychu.com

We are joined by USA Today bestselling Author Author Rhett C Bruno. We talk about his publishing company Aethon books, his books, his writing style, how he collaborates with other authors, and so much more. We covered so much it was a great episode with Rhett C Bruno! https://aethonbooks.com/ https://rhettbruno.com/

This episode we are joined by the amazingly talented Scott Innes. Voice Actor of Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, and many many others! He is also a radio legend, songwriter, painter, actor, and has done so much! He has Amazing stories to tell. And tell he did!

Todays Episode we are joined by author Destiny Soria also known as D.L. Soria. We talk about her young adult fantasy books as well as her new adult book "Theif Liar Lady" We hear some of her inspirations, what it was like growing up to become an author, some of her processes, D&D, and more. Its a great show with Destiny Soria! http://www.destinysoria.com/

Justin Leslie returns to Epic Realms. We talk about how things have changed in 2 years. We catch up on his books, as well as talk about his new stuff. We also chat about his friends Hunter Blain and Luke Daniels. It's a fun episode and was great to have Justin back on the show. www.justlinleslie.com

Josh Malerman is an amazing NYT Bestselling Author. Known most for his book Bird Box which was adapted to movies! We talk about this, his writing style, and differences in themes of all of his stories as well. We also talk about his new book "Spin a Black Yarn" which is available August 15th! https://joshmalerman.com/

Gabrielle Harbowy is an award-nominated editor, author, and anthologist. She wrote a handful of great novels and anthologies and has edited for many of our previous guest authors. She has also written game adventures for Pathfinder Society and D&D Adventurers League.

A special after show Q&A Session with the one and only Andy Law! If you missed the main episode with Andy go check it out!

Todays guest has a great history of RPG's including his own shows on twitch and his own company Rookery Publications. He is most well known for his work on Critical Roles Exandria Campaign as their cartographer as well as all his works with the Warhammer RPG. Welcome writer, roleplayer and artist Andy Law!

A throwback to the Side Project Podcast. This is an interview from 2017 where Nick stepped in and Interviewed the one and only Dave Gross! Nick has come a long ways since this episode. Please Enjoy!

We are joined by Author and RPG Designer Steve Kenson. He has a long list of games he has worked on in his career, and we talk about a bunch of them, and how he got into the business. It's a great show with a lot of cool stories. www.stevekenson.com

We are joined by Dani Effertz who is the Community Manager for Sovranti Games. They make digital versions of some amazing board games by all kinds of different board game companies. We talk about board games, how she got the role, and all things Sovranti! Free code for 60 days of Platinum on their app as well!

Our guest is an award winning author, a podcaster, voice actor, and holder of multiple degrees. His science fiction series the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper is one of his best regarded works. He has written Sci Fi, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy and more. He has multiple books coming out and his Podcast is still releasing episodes consistently. www.nathanlowell.com

We are joined by Otis Frampton on this episode. He is a comic book writer, and artist. He is an illustrator and animator. He has worked for multiple comic book and collectible companies. His works are fun and art is great. It was a great show and inspirational episode for any upcoming artist. otisframpton.com

We are joined by author and writer Michelle Franklin. In this episode our guest talks about her books, and theories on writing. We talk about researching, and using historical accuracies. There is also talk about social media, art, gaming and more. Its a great show and a lot of fun.

We are joined by Ringo Award nominated comic book writer Erica Schultz. She has work for Marvel, DC, Image, Dark Horse, and so many more companies. We talk about some comic history, her career, conventions and more! Its a fun filled episode! Her new kickstarter Cristabel starts March 28th 2023 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ericaschultzwrites/cristabel-vol-1 Also use HelloFresh code: POGHF102212 for 60% off your first Hello Fresh Order!

We are joined in this episode by RPG writer and editor Wolfgang Baur. He has been working on tabletop roleplaying games since the 90's. We talk game design, editing. We also talk quite a bit about his own company; Kobold Press, and how it has evolved into the amazing company it is today!

We are joined by author Jess Mountifield, now known as Talia Beckett. We talk about her author name changes, her growth as an author, genre hopping, and what ultimately led her to write Urban Fantasy. She also makes a special announcement regarding the world of her new hit series the Dragon Apparent!

In this episode we are joined my amazing musical artist Nur-D. We talk about music, his influences and career. We talk about roleplaying, gaming, comic books, pro wrestling and more. It's an energetic fun show. Also check out his Non Profit Organization Justice Frontline Aid. https://www.justicefrontlineaid.org/

Todays Episode has been changed due to the host, Nick getting covid. But instead of being no show at all, you are treated to another special Live Audience Q&A with 3 amazing guests. Justin Leslie, Hunter Blain, and Luke Daniels. This also times great with a special online event where all 3 will be playing Dead By Daylight together on January 24th at 6pm central time. http://twitch.tv/Epic_Realms

In this episode you get a special glimpse at our post podcast livestream Q&A sessions where you the audience got to ask your own questions from our podcast guests! This episode highlights the after shows from two of our favorite guests. D&D Authors Ed Greenwood and R.A. Salvatore.

Today we get a taste of the wrestling territory days. We are joined by wrestling legend Wild Bill Irwin aka The Goon. We talk about how he got into the wrestling business, His time in the territories and WWE. His relationship with some of the other guys he worked with and more. Its a great show that takes a lit of twists turns and hits all the buttons.

Erik Burnham is a comic book writer and artist who has worked for many companies. IDW, Dynamite, Cryptozoic, etc. He has worked on some amazing comic books including Ghostbusters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Red Sonja, Spiderman, Transformers, and more! www.burnhamania.com