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.comFollow 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-Orderhttps://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 Websitehttps://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 Freshhttps://strms.net/hellofresh_epic_realmsOr 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_realmsCode:  FACTORSE69608

Jim Zub is a powerhouse in the world of comics and storytelling. Known for his work on Dungeons & Dragons, Avengers, Conan the Barbarian, and creator-owned series like Skullkickers and Wayward, Jim blends action, humor, and heart in everything he writes. Join us as we dive into his creative career, his love for RPGs, and the stories behind some of your favorite characters and comics!https://www.jimzub.com/Also check out our Sponsor at Factor75 ou can try it out today and get 50% off your first order plus free shipping with my code FACTORSE69608. That’s FACTORSE69608—check it out and support the show at the same time!https://strms.net/factor75_epic_realms

James L. Sutter is a co-creator of the Pathfinder and Starfinder RPGs. During his time at Paizo (2004–2017), he helped shape Pathfinder, launched Starfinder as Creative Director, and oversaw the Pathfinder Tales novel line. He’s the author of the queer YA romances Darkhearts and The Ghost of Us, as well as the award-winning fantasy novels Death’s Heretic and The Redemption Engine. His work has appeared in Nightmare, F&SF, Escape Pod, and more. In addition to writing comics, essays, and tabletop content, he has contributed to video games and bestselling anthologies.In this episode we catch up with him where we left off, we also talk about sharing his voice in the writing world, his shift from writing fiction to writing YA (young adult) Romance stories. And how he has gotten to return to thing things he loved about roleplaying games.

Today's guest is an award-nominated game designer and writer with an impressive portfolio. They’ve worked with industry giants like Paizo and Green Ronin and contributed to renowned franchises such as Cyberpunk, Fallout, Star Trek, Dishonored, and more! In this episode, we dive into their journey into the gaming world, how they broke into the industry, and their experiences crafting adventures. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of freelancing for some of the biggest names in tabletop games as well as talk about some of their works as an author.

New York Times bestselling author Kevin Hearne returns to Epic Realms to share updates on his latest projects, creative insights, and journey as a writer. We dive into his expansion across multiple genres, his experiences in publishing, and his independent imprint, Horned Lark Press. Kevin also discusses Coyote Run, his upcoming collaboration with Lilith Saintcrow, and provides exciting updates on fan-favorite series, including Ink & Sigil, the Iron Druid Chronicles, and The Seven Kennings. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, this episode is packed with must-hear details! Don't miss this fantastic conversation with Kevin Hearne!

Carlos Cabrera is an ENNIE-winning game designer, writer, and voice actor with a passion for storytelling and world-building. As the founder of Something Clever Games, he has contributed to Pathfinder RPG, Dungeons & Dragons 5E, and numerous other TTRPG projects. He is the lead designer for the upcoming Welcome to Night Vale Roleplaying Game, bringing the surreal world of the beloved podcast to tabletop. In addition to game design, Carlos has worked as a voice actor and industry event contributor. Join us as we dive into his journey, insights, and what’s next for him in the world of gaming!Carlos Cabrera's Sitehttps://somethingclevergames.com/Welcome to Night Vale RPG linkhttps://renegadegamestudios.com/welcome-to-night-vale-roleplaying-game/