Best Worldbuild With Us Podcasts (2025)

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Kenneth Jones, "African American Males and Video Games: How Gaming Technology Can Motivate and Enhance Learning" (Myers Education, 2025) 20:01

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3d ago20:01

20:01

African American males are confronted with formidable barriers in their pursuit of quality education, resulting in stark disparities in academic performance, economic opportunities, and social outcomes. Despite numerous educational initiatives striving for parity, African American males persistently bear the brunt of the highest rates of suspension…

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The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren | Serial Killer Date Nights, Grocery Store Royalty & Summer Romance 37:26

5d ago37:26

37:26

Here's an absolutely chaotic (spoiler-filled!) recap of The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren — the perfect steamy summer romance. From fake marriage tropes and Crazy Rich Asians-level wealth to awkward steam room encounters, canoe mishaps, and even a couples’ mud bath gone wrong, we dive deep into every twist, trope, and hilarious moment. We al…

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297: Faith-Fueled Worldbuilding: What Does a Christian Magic System Look Like? 55:12

5d ago55:12

55:12

Send us a text “Is your fantasy world leading readers closer to God, or just into the woods?” Christian fantasy authors often wrestle with a big question: Can I use magic in my stories without compromising biblical truth? In this episode, we break down how to create magic systems that are imaginative, compelling, and Christ-honoring.…

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Nathan Wainstein, "Grant Us Eyes: The Art of Paradox in Bloodborne" (2025) 24:13

5d ago24:13

24:13

Grant Us Eyes is a book-length close reading of Bloodborne by literary critic Nathan Wainstein (LA Review of Books, Cartridge Lit, American Book Review). Grant Us Eyes situates the game’s oft-discussed difficulty in relation to a much longer tradition of difficult art – surrealist painting, the modernist novel, etc. Wainstein probes the difficulty …

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Dom Ford, "Mytholudics: Games and Myth" (de Gruyter, 2025) 56:10

8d ago56:10

56:10

Dom Ford joins Jana Byars to talk about Mytholudics: Game and Myth (DeGruyter Brill, 2025). Games create worlds made of many different elements, but also of rules, systems and structures for how we act in them. So how can we make sense of them? Mytholudics: Games and Myth lays out an approach to understanding games using theories from myth and folk…

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296: The Art of Writing Christian Fantasy 55:12

12d ago55:12

55:12

Send us a text Can you write fantasy fiction as a Christian without sounding preachy or compromising your values? In this episode of the Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast, we explore how to write Christian fantasy that resonates with both secular and faith-based readers.By Christian Indie Writers

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295: The Power of Quiet Scenes 54:53

19d ago54:53

54:53

Send us a text Not every scene in your novel needs explosions or emotional breakdowns to be powerful. In this episode of The Christian Indie Writers' Podcast, we dive into how to write “quiet” scenes—moments that might seem mundane but are rich with subtext, emotion, and transformation. Learn how to craft meaningful everyday moments that deepen you…

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Cameron Kunzelman, "The World is Born from Zero: Understanding Speculation and Video Games" (de Gruyter, 2022) 37:34

21d ago37:34

37:34

The World is Born From Zero is an investigation into the relationship between video games and science fiction through the philosophy of speculation. Cameron Kunzelman (Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, USA) argues that the video game medium is centered on the evaluation and production of possible futures by following video game studies, media phil…

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294: Getting Personal: How to Incorporate Your Own Life into Fiction 51:25

26d ago51:25

51:25

Send us a text Should you write what you know—even if it’s deeply personal? In this episode of The Christian Indie Writers' Podcast, we’re talking about how to weave real-life experiences into your fiction in a way that adds emotional depth and authenticity, without turning your novel into a memoir. You’ll learn how to balance truth with creativity…

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James O'Connor, "Untitled Goose Game" (Boss Fight Books, 2025) 23:18

26d ago23:18

23:18

It's a beautiful day in the village, and you are a horrible goose, ready to wreak charming havoc on the weary locals. You'll ruin their gardens, invade their pub, and terrorize their children. What kind of scoundrels would make such a devious game? Before the critical acclaim, the tweets from celebrities, the major awards, the memes, the fan art, a…

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Episode 273: Fate Unraveled (Land of a Thousand Finales Part 8) 1:28:55

1M ago1:28:55

1:28:55

On this week's podcast we discuss how, Labyrinth is mid. Also the end of the final series happens and some characters die I guess. You should come check it out and go to our Discord to drop a question for our upcoming Q&A episode! And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/worldbuildwithus Ch…

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293: The Evolution of Christian Fiction: Trends and Future Directions 54:50

1M ago54:50

54:50

Send us a text Christian fiction is evolving—and so are its authors. In this episode, we explore current trends, predict where the genre is headed, and share how indie writers can innovate while staying true to their faith and message. Whether you’re a seasoned indie author or just starting your writing journey, we’ll equip you with insights, inspi…

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Episode 272: We're Getting a Crew Together to Breach the Multiverse (Land of a Thousand Finales Part 7) 1:25:44

2M ago1:25:44

1:25:44

Yo, shout out to Pirates of the Dark Water. Let us know if you even remember that show or if we're showing our Ancient Mummy status. And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/worldbuildwithus Chat with us on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/SRFhWV3 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: htt…

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292: Top 5 Benefits of Writing Short Stories for Indie Authors 53:36

2M ago53:36

53:36

Send us a text Could short stories be the missing piece in your writing journey? In this week’s episode of the Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast, we explore the top 5 benefits of writing short stories—and how they can enhance your craft, expand your reach, and help you share your message with greater impact. From honing your storytelling skills to g…

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Elliot Lichtman, "The Computer Always Wins: A Playful Introduction to Algorithms through Puzzles and Strategy Games" (MIT Press, 2025) 46:46

2M ago46:46

46:46

In The Computer Always Wins: A Playful Introduction to Algorithms through Puzzles and Strategy Games (MIT Press, 2025), Elliot Lichtman will teach you some of computer science’s most powerful concepts in a refreshingly accessible way: exploring them through word games, board games, and strategy games you already know. Learn recursion by playing tic…

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291: The Power of Writing for One – Trusting God with a Small Audience 1:01:18

2M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

Send us a text Perhaps you’ve grown your reading audience to gigantic proportions. If so, congratulations and keep up the good work! But if you find yourself struggling to do so, or if you’ve not yet set out to grow your readership, this episode is for you! We’ll talk about the realities of a small readership, including some benefits that you may n…

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Carly A. Kocurek and Matthew Payne, "Ultima and Worldbuilding in the Computer Role-Playing Game" (Amherst College Press, 2024) 27:12

2M ago27:12

27:12

Ultima and World-Building in the Computer Role-Playing Game (Amherst College Press, 2024) is the first scholarly book to focus exclusively on the long-running Ultima series of computer role-playing games (RPG) and to assess its lasting impact on the RPG genre and video game industry. Through archival and popular media sources, examinations of fan c…

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Trans Technologies 1:03:27

2M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

How can technology creates new possibilities for transgender people? How do trans experiences, in turn, create new possibilities for technology? Trans Technologies, (MIT Press, 2025) by Dr. Oliver L. Haimson, explores how and why mainstream technologies often exclude or marginalize transgender users. Trans Technologies describes what happens when t…

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290: Parables and Plot Structure – What Jesus' Stories Can Teach Us About Fiction 52:53

2M ago52:53

52:53

Send us a text In this episode we’re digging into the storytelling genius of Jesus. We all know His parables are full of spiritual power—but they’re also brilliant examples of tight, compelling narrative. So, what can we as fiction writers learn from the way Jesus told stories? Tune in to find out. Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patr…

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Episode 271: What If Your Camp Counselor Was Also a Mecha Pilot? (Land of a Thousand Finales Part 6) 57:00

2M ago57:00

57:00

Hey. You should watch Iron Blooded Orphans. Just sayin. And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/worldbuildwithus Chat with us on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/SRFhWV3 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@worldbuildwithus Email us your suggestions: WorldbuildW…

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289: Discernment and Darkness: Should Christian Writers Tackle Tough Topics? 52:45

2M ago52:45

52:45

Send us a text Maybe you’ve wondered how to handle hard topics—abuse, trauma, addiction, mental illness—etc. And maybe you’ve found yourself asking: should Christian writers go there? How do we shine the light of Christ in dark places through our fiction and nonfiction? Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters…

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Dave Cook, "Go Straight: The Ultimate Guide to Side-Scrolling Beat-'Em-Ups" (Bitmap Books, 2022) 19:26

3M ago19:26

19:26

Get ready for the fight of your life in Go Straight: The Ultimate Guide to Side-Scrolling Beat-'Em-Ups (Bitmap Books, 2022). Written by award-winning author Dave Cook, and opening with a foreword by legendary Double Dragon creator, Yoshihisa Kishimoto, this odyssey through bare-knuckle nostalgia features over 200 games spanning 37 years. At over 45…

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288: Memorial Day: Writing for Remembrance 45:05

3M ago45:05

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Send us a text With the approach of Memorial Day here in the US, the ladies take some time to reflect upon the holiday, its origins, its traditions, and what it means to each of them. Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters 30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431 Our Facebook G…

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Episode 270: Stained Glass, Stained Souls (Land of a Thousand Finales Part 5) 53:56

3M ago53:56

53:56

In this episode we take a closer look at the fantasy side of our dual-world with help directly from our listeners! A big thanks to all of you who've contributed so far and make sure you go to our Discord if you want your tenet on our finale series! And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/w…

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287: Learning from Others’ Mistakes 55:36

3M ago55:36

55:36

Send us a text Warren Buffett once said,"It's good to learn from your mistakes. It's better to learn from other people's mistakes." We at the podcast agree, and that is what we are going to talk about on this week’s episode. We start off with a cautionary tale as Jamie’s “what’s up” and then launch into a discussion of mistakes we’ve either made or…

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Episode 269: Seasons of Seasonal Depression (Land of a Thousand Finales Part 4) 54:20

3M ago54:20

54:20

On this week's episode things go a little off the rails but honestly it's for the best. Also, please go to our discord and directly contribute to our final world! And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/worldbuildwithus Chat with us on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/SRFhWV3 Subscri…

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286: Mechanics of Dialogue 53:34

3M ago53:34

53:34

Send us a text Last episode, we discussed dialogue Dos and Don’ts. This week we are continuing the discourse, honing in on the specifics of writing dialogue that works! Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters 30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431 Our Facebook Group! https://w…

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Tracy Fullerton and Matthew Farber, "The Well-Read Game: On Playing Thoughtfully" (MIT Press, 2025) 32:08

3M ago32:08

32:08

How players evoke personal and subjective meanings through a new theory of player response. In The Well-Read Game: On Playing Thoughtfully (MIT Press, 2025), Tracy Fullerton and Matthew Farber explore the experiences we have when we play games: not the outcomes of play or the aesthetics of formal game structures but the ephemeral and emotional expe…

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Peter Krapp, "Computing Legacies: Digital Cultures of Simulation" (MIT Press, 2024) 1:10:44

3M ago1:10:44

1:10:44

We're pleased to welcome Dr. Peter Krapp, the author of Computing Legacies: Digital Cultures of Simulation (MIT Press, 2024), to the New Books Network. In Computing Legacies, Peter Krapp explores a media history of simulation to excavate three salient aspects of digital culture. Firstly, he profiles simulation as cultural technique, enabling symbol…

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Worldbuilding Factions with Martha Wells (Part 2) 30:12

4M ago30:12

30:12

How do protagonists and villains get things done in your world? Probably not all by themselves! Factions - whether they're religious, corporate, political or trade organizations - are a VITAL part of your worldbuilding, adding spicy conflict when interests don't align. Join Janet and the AMAZING Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries) as they discuss …

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Worldbuilding Factions with Martha Wells (Part 1) 29:15

4M ago29:15

29:15

How do protagonists and villains get things done in your world? Probably not all by themselves! Factions - whether they're religious, corporate, political or trade organizations - are a VITAL part of your worldbuilding, adding spicy conflict when interests don't align. Join Janet and the AMAZING Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries) as they discuss …

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Episode 268: Vandals in the City of Fate (Land of a Thousand Finales Part 3) 1:00:46

4M ago1:00:46

1:00:46

On this week's episode we introduce the other half of our Undead Kings including King Ramses from Courage the Cowardly Dog, a prophet of fate, and a complete charlatan. In upcoming episodes your input is going to matter more than ever so make sure you get on Discord and get some tenets in! (Also please excuse the underwater mic Rob has, we're tryin…

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285: The Dos and Don’ts of Dialogue 56:10

4M ago56:10

56:10

Send us a text Perhaps you like your hero to be the ‘strong silent type’ or your female protagonist to be introverted and bookish, exuding “black cat energy.” Perhaps you enjoy taking your readers on a scenic meandering of a town or vista, and wonder, “who needs dialogue, anyway?” But guess what? Without dialogue, you couldn’t even wonder such a th…

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Crafting Creatures That Make Scientific Sense with Shirin Sheppard (Part 1) 31:06

4M ago31:06

31:06

We're joined by illustrator and creature designer Shirin Sheppard to talk about making monsters that make scientific sense! How could dragons actually breathe fire? When do you reference real-world biology - and when do you leave it behind? Bring your creature questions to this fun interview! https://www.facebook.com/shirinillustration/ WORLDBUILD …

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Crafting Creatures That Make Scientific Sense with Shirin Sheppard (Part 2) 26:37

4M ago26:37

26:37

We're joined by illustrator and creature designer Shirin Sheppard to talk about making monsters that make scientific sense! How could dragons actually breathe fire? When do you reference real-world biology - and when do you leave it behind? Bring your creature questions to this fun interview! https://www.facebook.com/shirinillustration/ WORLDBUILD …

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James Cartlidge, "The Rise of the Roguelite: Inside a Gaming Phenomenon" (CRC Press, 2025) 27:12

4M ago27:12

27:12

The Rise of the Roguelite: Inside a Gaming Phenomenon (CRC Press, 2025) analyzes the wave of roguelite games that have appeared over the past decade, putting them in historical context, informing readers about their development out of and relation to the roguelike genre that inspired them. The book includes discussions of the historical development…

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Jonathan D. Cohen, "Losing Big: America's Dangerous Sports Gambling Boom" (Columbia Global Reports, 2025) 56:01

4M ago56:01

56:01

In 2018, the United States Supreme Court opened the floodgates for states to legalize betting on sports. Eager for revenue, almost forty states have done so. The result is the explosive growth of an industry dominated by companies like FanDuel and DraftKings. One out of every five American adults gambled on sports in 2023, amounting to $121 billion…

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Connor Jackson, "Zombies, Consumption, and Satire in Capcom's Dead Rising" (Routledge, 2024) 16:06

4M ago16:06

16:06

Zombies, Consumption, and Satire in Capcom's Dead Rising (Routledge, 2024) explores the relationship between video games and satire through an in-depth examination of Capcom’s Dead Rising series, which alludes to, recontextualises, and builds upon George A. Romero’s filmic satire on American consumer culture, Dawn of the Dead. Proposing a taxonomy …

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Why Monster Hunters Matter with Laura Anne Gilman (Part 2) 33:24

4M ago33:24

33:24

Join us as we chat with best-selling fantasy author Laura Anne Gilman about writing MONSTER HUNTERS. Whether you're talking historical fantasy, urban fantasy or gothic horror, these iconic characters stalk the night. Let's discuss tropes, tips, and what these archetypal heroes add to your games and stories. https://www.lauraannegilman.net/ WORLDBUI…

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Why Monster Hunters Matter with Laura Anne Gilman (Part 1) 32:32

4M ago32:32

32:32

Join us as we chat with best-selling fantasy author Laura Anne Gilman about writing MONSTER HUNTERS. Whether you're talking historical fantasy, urban fantasy or gothic horror, these iconic characters stalk the night. Let's discuss tropes, tips, and what these archetypal heroes add to your games and stories. https://www.lauraannegilman.net/ WORLDBUI…

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Milena Droumeva, "Playthrough Poetics: Gameplay as Research Method" (Amherst College Press, 2024) 31:57

4M ago31:57

31:57

Game streamers and live commentators are producing increasingly comprehensive analyses of gameplay, yet scholarship still tends to flatten the experiential media of video games into text for close reading. By shifting focus toward the immersiveness of video games, Playthrough Poetics: Gameplay as Research Method (Amherst, 2024) makes the case for g…

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Episode 267: Bend the Knee to Our Undead Kings (Land of a Thousand Finales Part 2) 47:54

4M ago47:54

47:54

Hail to the Kings baby. And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/worldbuildwithus Chat with us on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/SRFhWV3 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@worldbuildwithus Email us your suggestions: [email protected] Follow us on Twi…

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Daryl Fairweather, "Hate the Game: Economic Cheat Codes for Life, Love, and Work" (U Chicago Press, 2025) 35:04

4M ago35:04

35:04

The secret insights of economics, translated for the rest of us. Should I buy or rent? Do I ask for a promotion? Should I tell people I’m pregnant? What salary do I deserve? Should I just quit this job? Common anxieties about life are often grounded in economics. In an increasingly win-lose society, these economic decisions—where to work, where to …

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284: Writing the Villain: Can a Bad Guy Point to Christ? 39:46

4M ago39:46

39:46

Send us a text What makes a villain truly villainous? And how can Christian storytellers write villains that both challenge their heroes and point readers toward deeper spiritual truths? In this episode, we explore the art of crafting compelling villains in faith-driven fiction. Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianind…

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Witchy Worldbuilding with Rachel Aaron (Part 1) 24:14

4M ago24:14

24:14

Join us for a spooky season interview with author Rachel Aaron (Hell of a Witch), as we explore the scary practice of worldbuilding with witches. We’ll discuss how witches are often treated differently from other magic users in fantasy and TTRPGs, the tricky aspects of crafting believable witches, and how to create a witchcraft-based magic system t…

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Witchy Worldbuilding with Rachel Aaron (Part 2) 28:14

4M ago28:14

28:14

Join us for a spooky season interview with author Rachel Aaron (Hell of a Witch), as we explore the scary practice of worldbuilding with witches. We’ll discuss how witches are often treated differently from other magic users in fantasy and TTRPGs, the tricky aspects of crafting believable witches, and how to create a witchcraft-based magic system t…

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283: 5 Ways to Save Your Characters Without Ruining Your Story 45:33

4M ago45:33

45:33

Send us a text So, we’ve convinced you to heap trouble upon your characters, and now you’ve gotten them into a real fix! The question is, how do you untangle this mass of complications, peril, or genuine disaster you’ve created? This week, the ladies have five techniques you can use to save your characters while preserving the believability and rel…

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Cozy Fantasy Worldbuilding with Caitlin Rozakis (Part 2) 33:41

4M ago33:41

33:41

Join Janet and Caitlin Rozakis, author of The New York Times-bestselling novel Dreadful, for a delightful discussion of all things cozy fantasy! How do you create a setting that feels both cozy AND exciting? What are the essential elements of a cozy fantasy world? Bring your questions (and a cup of your favorite hot beverage) to this fun interview.…

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Cozy Fantasy Worldbuilding with Caitlin Rozakis (Part 1) 30:35

4M ago30:35

30:35

Join Janet and Caitlin Rozakis, author of The New York Times-bestselling novel Dreadful, for a delightful discussion of all things cozy fantasy! How do you create a setting that feels both cozy AND exciting? What are the essential elements of a cozy fantasy world? Bring your questions (and a cup of your favorite hot beverage) to this fun interview.…

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282: The Meta Piracy Controversy 50:13

5M ago50:13

50:13

Send us a text If you’re anywhere on social media, you’ve likely encountered The Atlantic’s article about META scraping millions of books and scientific papers to train its AI, without giving a dime of compensation to the authors. One of our hosts has fallen victim to this scheme, and we’re going to talk about it today. Ready or not, AI is here, an…