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.

This week on Epic Realms, we sit down with author and game designer Erik Scott de Bie for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond tabletop RPGs.

We discuss Erik's recent trip to Nepal, how travel fuels his creativity, and the unique experience of exploring the world at 6'7". We also take an unexpected detour into his backyard chicken flock, including the comic book-inspired names and personalities that have make them memorable members of the family.

On the gaming and writing side, we dive into Tales of Basil & Moebius, revisit Yorick and Spitz's adventures across time and worlds, explore his work in Cobalt City, and discuss his Batman-inspired hero from Infernal. Erik also shares what's new with the Dungeon Scrawlers Twitch channel, including their recent Abomination Vaults campaign and the exciting announcement of his upcoming novel based on the adventure path, along with the unique challenge of adapting every room, encounter, and story beat into a novel.

We wrap things up with an exciting look at Realmsbound, the ambitious new Forgotten Realms project led by Ed Greenwood and an incredible team of legendary creators.

Whether you're a fan of fantasy novels, tabletop RPGs, Forgotten Realms, or simply enjoy listening to two longtime friends share stories, insights, and plenty of laughs, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Don't forget to Go Vote for Epic Realms in the Crit Awards https://www.critawards.org/

On this episode of the Epic Realms Podcast, we're joined by author, game designer, and RPG historian Shannon Appelcline for an in-depth conversation about his life, career, and passion for tabletop roleplaying games.

Shannon shares how his journey into Dungeons & Dragons began after spotting an advertisement in a comic book, convincing his father to buy the game, and diving into the rulebooks before running his very first adventure. From growing up alongside D&D and discovering a love of writing at an early age to earning a computer science degree that proved valuable mainly for its access to libraries and the early internet, Shannon reflects on the experiences that shaped his career.

We explore his path through the tabletop RPG industry, from cataloging every issue of Dragon Magazine to writing for roleplaying games and serving as the longtime steward of RPG.net. Shannon also takes us behind the scenes of his landmark Designers & Dragons series, discussing the years of research that went into documenting the history of the RPG industry and why it's so important to preserve the stories of the countless creators whose contributions often go unnoticed.

The conversation also covers his latest project, Designers & Dragons: Origins, fresh from a successful BackerKit campaign, where he continues to uncover the roots of the hobby. Along the way, we discuss his meticulous research process, the influential figures who helped shape tabletop gaming, and the importance of giving credit to the many people who built the industry behind the scenes.

Finally, Shannon gives us a look at what's next, including his upcoming work for Call of Cthulhu, his Losing Sanity project, and his exciting Free Trader Beowulf project.

Whether you're a lifelong tabletop gamer, a student of RPG history, or simply fascinated by the people behind the games we love, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Shannon Appelcline's Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/designersanddragons Designers and Dragons Origins - https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/evil-hat/designers-dragons-origins

Also don't Forget to Follow us on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@epic_realms

This week on Epic Realms, Nick sits down with three-time Eisner Award nominated cartoonist, writer, and illustrator Chris Schweizer for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, storytelling, and building a life around making comics.

From his childhood in Louisiana and Kentucky to his years studying art, theater, and filmmaking, Chris reflects on the experiences that shaped his artistic voice and eventually led him into the world of graphic novels. Along the way, he shares stories about making homemade movies as a kid, discovering classic comic strips like Calvin and Hobbes and Pogo, and finding his place within the evolving comics industry.

The discussion explores the craft behind visual storytelling, the unique language of comics, and the creative choices that separate newspaper strips, graphic novels, and superhero books. Chris also looks back on the creation of Crogan's Adventures, the project that helped launch his professional career, and discusses how his approach to writing and illustration has evolved over the years.

The second half of the conversation focuses on The Outlaw's Apprentice, Chris's upcoming fantasy graphic novel launching on Kickstarter. Drawing inspiration from Appalachian culture, classic adventure fiction, and a lifelong love of immersive worldbuilding, the series follows a young apprentice and his unlikely mentor as they navigate a dangerous world while staying one step ahead of the law.

Filled with insights on art, storytelling, history, comics, and creativity, this is a fascinating look inside the mind of one of the most distinctive voices working in graphic novels today. Check out the links for Chris Schweizer's stuff below.

https://schweizercomics.com/

https://www.patreon.com/ChrisSchweizer

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/schweizer/outapp1?ref=profile_saved_projects_prelaunch&category_id=Q2F0ZWdvcnktMjUy

Bestselling queer romance author Amanda Meuwissen joins Epic Realms for a special 5 Year Anniversary episode.

Amanda discusses her journey from a storytelling-obsessed kid and fan fiction writer to a full-time author known for blending romance with fantasy, horror, science fiction, mythology, and paranormal elements. She shares insights into self-publishing, marketing, working with editors, finding your audience, and the realities of turning a creative passion into a career.

The conversation explores the influence of fan fiction on modern storytelling, the importance of authentic representation, and Amanda's advice for writers looking to create characters and experiences outside their own perspectives.

We also talk about Robot AU, her newest release and part of an ambitious multi-author collaboration that celebrates fan fiction culture through alternate universe storytelling. Amanda explains how the project came together and why it has become one of her most exciting creative experiences.

Plus, we discuss Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, creative burnout, audiobook production, upcoming collaborations, and the novel she has been trying to finish since college.

Join us for an engaging conversation about creativity, community, publishing, and the stories that inspire us to keep writing. Check out all her works at her website. https://amandameuwissen.com/

On this episode of the Epic Realms Podcast, we sit down with legendary comic book artist and writer Tim Seeley for a deep dive into his life, career, and passion for storytelling through comics.

Tim talks about discovering comics at an early age and how that passion shaped both his creative identity and career path. From growing up with a love for drawing to being encouraged throughout high school and college to pursue art seriously, Tim shares the experiences that helped push him toward becoming one of the industry's most recognizable creators.

We also discuss his internship at Marvel Comics during the pre-Disney era and how that experience opened his eyes to both the exciting and difficult realities of the comic book industry. Tim reflects on learning the business side of comics while navigating the early stages of his career.

The conversation also explores the creation of Hack/Slash, including how the concept came together, the process of pitching the series, and the impact it had on his career and the horror comic genre as a whole.

As a huge fan of Nightwing, Nick made sure to spend time discussing Tim’s work on both Grayson and Nightwing. Tim shares insight into his research process, incorporating easter eggs, honoring continuity, and staying as canon-friendly as possible while still telling compelling stories.

We also talk about the differences between writing and illustrating comics, the challenge of balancing creative passion projects with work that pays the bills, and the realities of maintaining longevity in the comic book industry.

Whether you are a longtime comic reader, an aspiring creator, or just someone who loves hearing behind-the-scenes stories from the industry, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and honest conversation.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow the Epic Realms Podcast for more interviews with creators from across comics, gaming, film, and pop culture. Check out Tim Seeley at his website. https://www.timseeleycreative.com/