Best Starwalk Podcasts (2025)

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Technology of The Culture | LOL 101 45:43

Play Pause

17d ago45:43

45:43

Today we explore the technology of the Culture, especially its sentient AIs. We examine the reasons true AI might not be possible and decide whether those ideas seem likely to be true. We also look at how humanity will become a more complex and diverse species and civilization not only through our own genetic manipulation of our biology, but also b…

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Economics of The Culture | LOL 100 42:08

2M ago42:08

42:08

I return to my discussion of The Culture setting and explore the Culture’s economic systems. This leads to a discussion of our current day economics systems and government corruption. How do we move our current corrupt systems to one like The Culture’s where there is true democracy and equality? Links Check out my novel, Critical Balance. Have you …

1
Running a High-Level Game | GMJ 332 1:06:43

2M ago1:06:43

1:06:43

In this episode I discuss running D&D and other RPGs at high level. It’s often not as fun as we think it’ll be, especially for the GM. A lot of the issues with high level play and advancement are baked into the games, but sometimes we as GMs make the situation even worse through our approach. I talk about some ways to handle powerful PCs as a GM—wh…

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The Culture's Origins & Government | LOL 099 55:21

2M ago55:21

55:21

I return to my discussion of The Culture setting and explore the Culture’s origins and its structure of government, such as it is. I also touch on why galactic empires are impractical, unlikely, and probably a silly idea. We’ll also explore why rebellion against controlling powers is much easier in a space-living civilization than one limited to a …

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AI Characters & Their Role in Science Fiction | LOL 098 52:52

3M ago52:52

52:52

This week I share an amazing lecture Martha Wells gave on AI characters in science fiction stories. Quite often these stories involve the enslavement of sentient beings. She gives us a lot of food for thought and shares a little about the origins of her beloved character, Murderbot. I also talk (very) briefly about the heroine’s journey. Links Chec…

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Evil Characters in a Good Aligned Group | GMJ 331 1:12:55

3M ago1:12:55

1:12:55

This week I have a roundtable discussion with players from my D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, that recently ended. Brett, Craig, and Sam join me to discuss our experiences with the end of the campaign, both as players and GM. We talk about our experience with having a character who goes evil within a good aligned party. There’s a lot that can g…

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Wrapping up a Campaign | GMJ 330 1:12:14

3M ago1:12:14

1:12:14

This week I have a roundtable discussion with players from my D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, that recently ended. Brett, Craig, and Sam join me to discuss our experiences with D&D at high level, both as players and GM. If there’s a sweet spot for D&D level-wise, what is it? We also talk a bit about what we’d really like to see from game compan…

1
Dungeons & Dragons at Endgame | GMJ 329 1:08:49

3M ago1:08:49

1:08:49

This week I have a roundtable discussion with players from my D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, that recently ended. Brett, Craig, and Sam join me to discuss our experiences with D&D at high level, both as players and GM. We also talk about what it was like to bring a new player into a campaign toward the end, when the PCs are all high level. Fin…

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A New Voyage Begins | LOL 097 51:16

4M ago51:16

51:16

This week I talk a bit about the Foundation and Murderbot TV adaptations. I give a quick update on my novel, Critical Balance, which is coming out. I also explain why I haven’t been able to share the beautiful cover art for Critical Balance until the book is released. I talk a bit about the upcoming Worldcon in Seattle. Then I begin my multi-episod…

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Blood of the Avatars 61: Blood of the Avatars part 2 | GMJ 328 47:44

4M ago47:44

47:44

The final session of our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars. The final battle at the World Axis continues. Aided by the many allies they’ve made throughout their adventures, the PCs fight for the survival of Primordia itself. Together they will make a decision that changes Primordia forever. This is part 2 of the session. Check out my sci-fi novel,…

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Blood of the Avatars 60: Blood of the Avatars part 1 | GMJ 327 1:09:01

4M ago1:09:01

1:09:01

The final session of our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars. The final battle at the World Axis continues. Aided by the many allies they’ve made throughout their adventures, the PCs fight for the survival of Primordia itself. Together they will make a decision that changes Primordia forever. Check out my sci-fi novel, Critical Balance. Have you rea…

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Blood of the Avatars 59: You're On Mute part 2 | GMJ 326 56:20

5M ago56:20

56:20

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the final battle at the World Axis continues. Aided by the many allies they’ve made throughout their adventures, the PCs fight for the survival of Primordia itself. They are now level 17. This is part 2 of the session. Check out my sci-fi novel, Critical Balance. Have you read Critical Ba…

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Blood of the Avatars 58: You're On Mute part 1 | GMJ 325 1:17:28

5M ago1:17:28

1:17:28

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the final battle at the World Axis continues. Aided by the many allies they’ve made throughout their adventures, the PCs fight for the survival of Primordia itself. They are now level 17. Check out my sci-fi novel, Critical Balance. Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on…

1
Publishing Your Novel on Amazon with Kindle Direct | LOL 096 58:10

5M ago58:10

58:10

Today I discuss why I decided to publish my book on Amazon through Kindle Direct Publishing. I share how the whole process works and what I’ve learned so far. I also talk about why I finally decided to do a paperback and e-book, and why I’ve decided to enroll my novel in Kindle Unlimited. Links Check out my novel, Critical Balance. Have you read Cr…

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Blood of the Avatars 57: Blade Barrier is Clutch part 2 | GMJ 324 1:11:50

6M ago1:11:50

1:11:50

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the final battle at the World Axis begins. The PCs fight for the survival of Primordia itself. They are now level 17. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, an…

1
Blood of the Avatars 56: Blade Barrier is Clutch part 1 | GMJ 323 1:08:51

6M ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the final battle at the World Axis begins. The PCs fight for the survival of Primordia itself. They are now level 17. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the …

1
Blood of the Avatars 55: It Takes a Lot of Initiative part 2 | GMJ 322 1:16:25

6M ago1:16:25

1:16:25

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs return to the World Axis for the final battle. They do some final planning and prepare for a siege. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d li…

1
Blood of the Avatars 54: It Takes a Lot of Initiative part 1 | GMJ 321 1:14:31

6M ago1:14:31

1:14:31

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs return to the World Axis for the final battle. They do some final planning and prepare for a siege. This is part 1 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d li…

1
Blood of the Avatars 53: Citizens of Elandria, It Is Your Pleasure That Your Heroes Have Arrived! part 2 | GMJ 320 1:04:25

7M ago1:04:25

1:04:25

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs return to the city of Elandria to buy some magic items and gather their allies for the final battle. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d l…

1
Blood of the Avatars 52: Citizens of Elandria, It Is Your Pleasure That Your Heroes Have Arrived! part 1 | GMJ 319 1:34:00

7M ago1:34:00

1:34:00

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs return to the city of Elandria to buy some magic items and gather their allies for the final battle. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning…

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Blood of the Avatars 51: Hot Tub Scry Machine part 2 | GMJ 318 1:24:25

7M ago1:24:25

1:24:25

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs begin by divvying up treasure from the tarrasque. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to E…

1
Blood of the Avatars 50: Hot Tub Scry Machine part 1 | GMJ 317 1:21:55

7M ago1:21:55

1:21:55

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs begin by divvying up treasure from the tarrasque. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested …

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Blood of the Avatars 49: Fisting the Tarrasque part 2 | GMJ 316 1:25:12

7M ago1:25:12

1:25:12

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs battle the legendary Tarrasque. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’r…

1
Blood of the Avatars 48: Fisting the Tarrasque part 1 | GMJ 315 1:26:18

7M ago1:26:18

1:26:18

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs battle the legendary Tarrasque. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested in worldbuilding a…

1
Self-Publishing Your Novel | LOL 095 1:02:45

7M ago1:02:45

1:02:45

Today I discuss some of how independently publishing works and compare and contrast to the discussion on traditional publishing from the last episode. I share why I think independently publishing these days is almost a no-brainer. Links Check out my novel, Critical Balance. Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on Amazon. Lex Out Lo…

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Blood of the Avatars 47: Her Loins Are Girded part 2 | GMJ 314 1:09:19

8M ago1:09:19

1:09:19

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs flex their demigod-like powers and take on the weather. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a lin…

1
Blood of the Avatars 46: Her Loins Are Girded part 1 | GMJ 313 1:38:30

7M ago1:38:30

1:38:30

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs flex their demigod-like powers and take on the weather. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re inter…

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Blood of the Avatars 45: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo part 2 | GMJ 312 1:19:34

8M ago1:19:34

1:19:34

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The PCs make plans and acquire some magic items. They are now level 15. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link …

1
Blood of the Avatars 44: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | GMJ 311 1:24:22

8M ago1:24:22

1:24:22

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The PCs make plans and acquire some magic items. They are now level 15. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interes…

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Blood of the Avatars 43: Save or Suck part 2 | GMJ 310 1:28:41

8M ago1:28:41

1:28:41

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. We return to the ongoing battle with demons from an Abyssal rift. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested in…

1
Blood of the Avatars 42: Save or Suck part 1 | GMJ 309 1:29:13

8M ago1:29:13

1:29:13

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. We return to the ongoing battle with demons from an Abyssal rift. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested in…

1
Blood of the Avatars 41: Abyssal Rift part 2 | GMJ 308 1:14:42

8M ago1:14:42

1:14:42

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. Our heroes must deal with a rift to the Abyss and lots of demons. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Epi…

1
Blood of the Avatars 40: Abyssal Rift part 1 | GMJ 307 1:22:50

8M ago1:22:50

1:22:50

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. Our heroes must deal with a rift to the Abyss and lots of demons. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested in…

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Blood of the Avatars 39: Who Are You Wearing? part 2 | GMJ 306 1:17:48

8M ago1:17:48

1:17:48

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The party deals with the loss of Edo, Avatar of Elandra. They learn more about the World Axis, and they get a look of some of what they’re up against. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If yo…

1
Blood of the Avatars 38: Who Are You Wearing? part 1 | GMJ 305 1:14:53

8M ago1:14:53

1:14:53

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The party deals with the loss of Edo, Avatar of Elandra. They learn more about the World Axis, and they get a look of some of what they’re up against. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d …

1
Blood of the Avatars 37: Edo Elandra part 2 | GMJ 304 55:36

10M ago55:36

55:36

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The party continues their search for the avatar, Edo Elandra. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode…

1
Blood of the Avatars 36: Edo Elandra part 1 | GMJ 303 1:17:18

10M ago1:17:18

1:17:18

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The party continues their search for the avatar, Edo Elandra. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested in wor…

1
Blood of the Avatars 35: Damn 'Yankis part 2 | GMJ 302 1:14:14

10M ago1:14:14

1:14:14

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested in worldbuilding and/or my D&D campai…

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Blood of the Avatars 34: Damn 'Yankis part 1 | GMJ 301 1:36:09

10M ago1:36:09

1:36:09

Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested in worldbuilding and/or my D&D campaign setting of Primordia, check …

1
Independent Versus Traditional Publishing | LOL 094 53:42

10M ago53:42

53:42

I’ve started a few different novels, and I’ve hit some snags. I’ve had a couple new novel ideas as well. I share the ideas with you, my progress, and my thoughts about which of these books I’m going to write next. I also share some musings on the future trajectory of our society and how it’s affecting my worldbuilding. Finally I consider whether co…

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Blood of the Avatars 33: Puff Puff Pass part 2 | GMJ 300 1:31:03

10M ago1:31:03

1:31:03

We return to the adventure with everyone present. Two weeks have passed in game time, while over four years has passed in the real world. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning,…

1
Blood of the Avatars 32: Puff Puff Pass part 1 | GMJ 299 1:28:11

10M ago1:28:11

1:28:11

We return to the adventure with everyone present. Two weeks have passed in game time, while over four years has passed in the real world. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If…

1
Blood of the Avatars 31: Session Zero Number Two | GMJ 298 2:18:22

10M ago2:18:22

2:18:22

I’ve returned to my Blood of the Avatars D&D campaign after a four year hiatus. This is a session zero we had as we prepared to get the campaign going again. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a l…

1
Juggling Novel Ideas | LOL 093 1:07:56

11M ago1:07:56

1:07:56

I’ve started a few different novels, and I’ve hit some snags. I’ve had a couple new novel ideas as well. I share the ideas with you, my progress, and my thoughts about which of these books I’m going to write next. I also share some musings on the future trajectory of our society and how it’s affecting my worldbuilding. Finally I consider whether co…

1
Hiring an Editor | LOL 092 1:15:22

12M ago1:15:22

1:15:22

Today I return to the show after being completely demoralized by my experience hiring a “professional” editor for my novel Critical Balance. It was a terrible experience. I got conned, lost a lot of money, and have nothing to show for it except hard lessons learned. I share the red flags I ignored or overlooked and the mistakes I made in the hopes …

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You Can Do Anything! Improvisation vs. Preparation & Why Creating Balanced Encounters is a Pipe Dream | GMJ 297 52:42

1+ y ago52:42

52:42

Welcome to Season 17! I’ve returned to the show. In this episode I discuss how I’ve begun to improvise more and prepare less as a GM. I also talk about why the idea of creating balanced encounters is, and will always be, a fantasy. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you…

1
My Writing Club, Dyson Swarms & Space Trains | LOL 091 1:00:42

1+ y ago1:00:42

1:00:42

This week I talk about a science-fiction writing club I’m starting in my home town. I also talk a bit about the ongoing revision process for Critical Balance and a couple story ideas I’m working on for my next novel. Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify. Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatti…

1
Story Sketch | LOL 090 59:35

2y ago59:35

59:35

This week I share a method I’ve come up with to help me write every day that I’m calling a story sketch. It’s also a great way to practice as a writer, experiment, and try out new techniques. I also talk a bit about how writing longhand is very different than typing when writing and some distinct advantages it has. Even though it’s not how I would …

1
Writing vs. Storytelling | LOL 089 1:00:09

2y ago1:00:09

1:00:09

This week I discuss the differences between writing and storytelling. If you’re like me, you may have spent a lot of time and energy focusing on your writing while giving little thought to the art of telling a good story. I illustrate how point-of-view violations are anathema to good storytelling. Finally I explain how whichever path you’re taking—…

1
Character Flaws, Problems & Misbeliefs | LOL 088 1:30:12

2y ago1:30:12

1:30:12

This week I catch you up to what I’ve been doing writing-wise. I discuss protagonist flaws and problems. I also explore the limitations I’ve found in the misbelief concept. I think these limitations are overcome by realizing a misbelief is just a type of flaw. Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify. Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliat…