This is a replay of the Legend and Lectures podcast with Host and Author Michelle Franklin. She invited me on to talk about the history of Tabletop Roleplaying Games. Where they came from, what things inspired what evolutions and also our usual shenanigans. Its a fun episode, Make sure to go check out Michelle Franklin and of course go Subscribe to Legends and Lectures. Legends and Lectures on Spotify Legends and Lectures on Youtube.

In this episode of Epic Realms, we sit down with legendary comic book writer and artist Phil Hester, whose acclaimed career spans decades and includes memorable work on Green Arrow, Swamp Thing, The Darkness, Wonder Woman, The Wretch, and countless other titles. Known for his dynamic storytelling and distinctive artistic style, Phil has become one of the most respected creators in modern comics.

We dive into Phil's journey from a kid who idolized comic books and the artists who created them to becoming one of the industry's most influential voices. He shares how his college experience helped shape both his artistic vision and his approach to storytelling, the lessons he's carried throughout his career, and what it was like meeting the heroes who inspired him before eventually becoming an inspiration for a new generation of creators.

We also discuss his work on Green Arrow and Swamp Thing, the importance of creator-owned comics, and how they provide future generations with an ever-growing variety of stories, ideas, and creative voices to learn from and be inspired by. Finally, we explore The Quiet Place comic series, including the behind-the-scenes story of working with the studio and the fight to secure permission to expand the hit film franchise into comics.

All this and much more with the one and only Phil Hester.

Award-winning author, novelist, and video game columnist Sarah Maria Griffin joins Epic Realms for a thoughtful conversation about writing, creativity, gaming, and the stories that shape us.

Sarah shares what it was like growing up knowing she wanted to be a writer, despite a world that didn't always see it as a practical dream. She recalls submitting her first novel to a publisher at just 11 years old with her father's help, reflects on the unexpected ways her family supported her creative journey, and discusses the lessons she's carried with her throughout her career.

We also explore her experiences in college and graduate school, her early days publishing poetry, and the mixed emotions that come with seeing your work in print before you feel truly ready. Sarah opens up about finding her voice as an author and the path that led to publishing multiple novels.

As a newspaper columnist covering video games, Sarah discusses how gaming has evolved into a mature art form with its own history, culture, and generations of creators. We also talk about challenging outdated stereotypes about who plays games, the titles and stories that inspire her, and her love of tabletop role-playing games.

Finally, Sarah takes us behind the scenes of her latest novel, Strange Is Light, sharing its inspirations, how it differs from her previous work, and why it may be her most personal book yet.

If you love books, storytelling, role-playing games, or video game culture, this is an episode you won't want to miss.