In Other Worlds - A LitRPG, GameLit, and Fantasy Podcast

In Other Worlds - A LitRPG, GameLit, and Fantasy Podcast Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:59:08 -0400 http://www.iowpod.com en-us © 2026 In Other Worlds LLC yes Support this Podcast e42466c7-4e18-53c7-b9f0-d586e603607c jess@iowpod.com Jessica Worgo episodic true I sit down and chat with your favorite LitRPG and Fantasy authors. We will talk about current books, upcoming books, and their inspiration behind the stories.

This podcast is for you if you are looking for:

New LitRPG books.

What are the most popular LitRPG books?

How do you read LitRPG?

What does LitRPG mean in books?

What is an example of a LitRPG book?

Best new LitRPG books.

LitRPG book recommendations.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Jessica Worgo jess@iowpod.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/g0ecfiqa32ixyl4letpnele6q13o?.jpg In Other Worlds - A LitRPG, GameLit, and Fantasy Podcast http://www.iowpod.com I'm Not the Hero w/Tommy Kerper AKA Sourpatch Hero I'm Not the Hero w/Tommy Kerper AKA Sourpatch Hero The most dangerous person in an isekai world might not be the hero, it might be the friend who knows every trope and can see the disaster coming. We’re joined by Tommy Kerper, also known as Sour Patch Hero, to talk about I’m Not the Hero and why making the “background character” the lead opens up fresher stakes, sharper humor, and more real friendship tension than the usual power fantasy setup.

We get into how Orrin’s support-focused class changes the shape of the story. Tommy also breaks down the series’ biggest system-level hook: administrator access. It’s rare, scary, and wrapped in history, rumor, and politics, which turns a simple LitRPG mechanic into a long-running mystery about who controls the “rules” and why everyone wants that power hidden.

On the craft side, Tommy shares what it’s like to write as a self-described panster while still steering toward an ending he’s known for years. We talk about writing into corners on purpose, using old plot hooks to escape, and letting characters make the choices that feel true even when it complicates the plot. We also touch on character growth (including Maddie’s evolution), dungeon design influenced by Dungeons and Dragons improvisation, upcoming releases, and what he wants to write after the finale.

If you love LitRPG, GameLit, isekai, progression fantasy, and behind-the-scenes author process, hit play. Then subscribe, share this with a friend who loves trope flips, and leave a review so more readers can find the show.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> The most dangerous person in an isekai world might not be the hero, it might be the friend who knows every trope and can see the disaster coming. We’re joined by Tommy Kerper, also known as Sour Patch Hero, to talk about I’m Not the Hero and why making the “background character” the lead opens up fresher stakes, sharper humor, and more real friendship tension than the usual power fantasy setup.

We get into how Orrin’s support-focused class changes the shape of the story. Tommy also breaks down the series’ biggest system-level hook: administrator access. It’s rare, scary, and wrapped in history, rumor, and politics, which turns a simple LitRPG mechanic into a long-running mystery about who controls the “rules” and why everyone wants that power hidden.

On the craft side, Tommy shares what it’s like to write as a self-described panster while still steering toward an ending he’s known for years. We talk about writing into corners on purpose, using old plot hooks to escape, and letting characters make the choices that feel true even when it complicates the plot. We also touch on character growth (including Maddie’s evolution), dungeon design influenced by Dungeons and Dragons improvisation, upcoming releases, and what he wants to write after the finale.

If you love LitRPG, GameLit, isekai, progression fantasy, and behind-the-scenes author process, hit play. Then subscribe, share this with a friend who loves trope flips, and leave a review so more readers can find the show.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-19454410 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:00:00 -0400 2263 litrpg, isekai, gamelit, chosen one, sourpatch hero, tommy kerper, fantasy 22 full true The Amatherean Tales w/Bosloe The Amatherean Tales w/Bosloe This week we’re joined by Bosloe, author of The Ametherean Tales, to talk about One Flew Over the Dragon’s Nest.

We dig into SJ’s background as a forensic accountant who actually reads the terms and conditions (when the typical person wouldn't) and accidentally breaks the system by not signing them. That choice creates ripple effects across the series, including a reincarnation option that sounds overpowered until you count the costs: losing levels, losing progress, and not even knowing who will remember you. We also get into the story’s signature pairing: SJ and her sarcastic AI companion, Dave, and how their dynamic evolves from unhelpful friction to BFF's.

Then we zoom out to the broader worldbuilding that makes this progression fantasy feel grounded... choosing a rare Fey assassin build, using size and stealth in practical ways, and navigating a setting where Fey are ostracized. We also talk about Legionnaires (the people from earth that get isekai'd), and morality.

If you enjoy LitRPG, cozy fantasy, character-driven progression, and smart system mechanics, hit play, then subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

Website

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> This week we’re joined by Bosloe, author of The Ametherean Tales, to talk about One Flew Over the Dragon’s Nest.

We dig into SJ’s background as a forensic accountant who actually reads the terms and conditions (when the typical person wouldn't) and accidentally breaks the system by not signing them. That choice creates ripple effects across the series, including a reincarnation option that sounds overpowered until you count the costs: losing levels, losing progress, and not even knowing who will remember you. We also get into the story’s signature pairing: SJ and her sarcastic AI companion, Dave, and how their dynamic evolves from unhelpful friction to BFF's.

Then we zoom out to the broader worldbuilding that makes this progression fantasy feel grounded... choosing a rare Fey assassin build, using size and stealth in practical ways, and navigating a setting where Fey are ostracized. We also talk about Legionnaires (the people from earth that get isekai'd), and morality.

If you enjoy LitRPG, cozy fantasy, character-driven progression, and smart system mechanics, hit play, then subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-19385598 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400 2310 21 full true Celestial Twins Gemini w/CJ Astrea Celestial Twins Gemini w/CJ Astrea A LitRPG tutorial with a 5% survival rate is brutal. We sit down with CJ to talk about The Celestial Twins, starting with the tower-clearing Weave system, then digging into why this story hits harder than a typical system apocalypse power trip.

We get into why CJ chose twin main characters instead of a single overpowered lone wolf. He breaks down why sibling bonds and found family can create deeper stakes without losing the progression fantasy dopamine. We also talk character dynamics that feel lived-in.

We close with a roadmap for where The Celestial Twins is headed, what Earth looks like after the tutorial, and a preview of CJ’s grimdark project The Gentle Blade. If you like LitRPG, GameLit, progression fantasy, and honest conversations about resilience, hit play, then subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> A LitRPG tutorial with a 5% survival rate is brutal. We sit down with CJ to talk about The Celestial Twins, starting with the tower-clearing Weave system, then digging into why this story hits harder than a typical system apocalypse power trip.

We get into why CJ chose twin main characters instead of a single overpowered lone wolf. He breaks down why sibling bonds and found family can create deeper stakes without losing the progression fantasy dopamine. We also talk character dynamics that feel lived-in.

We close with a roadmap for where The Celestial Twins is headed, what Earth looks like after the tutorial, and a preview of CJ’s grimdark project The Gentle Blade. If you like LitRPG, GameLit, progression fantasy, and honest conversations about resilience, hit play, then subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

Youtube

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-19315289 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400 2394 litrpg, progression fantasy, gamelit, grimdark, fantasy, book podcast, interview 20 full true Grand System Vending w/Ryan Maxwell Grand System Vending w/Ryan Maxwell A single system message can turn the modern world into a death trap, and Ryan Maxwell doesn’t flinch from what that would actually look like. We talk through the core idea behind Grand System Vending: Earth gets a mana core after joining an intergalactic federation, monsters start spawning with zero warning, and vending machines become the new lifeline. Survival gear, food, and tools come from unmanned magical storefronts, and monster cores become the currency that forces everyone to engage with the LitRPG system or fall behind.

We explore how normal people react to sudden violence and why the unglamorous details matter. Bodies in the streets, resource scarcity, worn-out clothing, shelter, power failures, and the challenge of supporting hundreds to thousands of survivors turn worldbuilding into an everyday logistics problem, not just a combat loop.

We get into magic design with chakra-inspired systems, alignment constraints, and patrons that are “godlike” only because they’ve had millennia to level into absurd power. We also talk audiobooks, including working with narrator Steve Campbell and how a great performance can transform emotional scenes.

If you enjoy LitRPG, GameLit, post-apocalyptic fantasy, and grounded system-driven worldbuilding, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a LitRPG friend, and leave a review with the weirdest thing you’d try to buy from a survival vending machine.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

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You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> A single system message can turn the modern world into a death trap, and Ryan Maxwell doesn’t flinch from what that would actually look like. We talk through the core idea behind Grand System Vending: Earth gets a mana core after joining an intergalactic federation, monsters start spawning with zero warning, and vending machines become the new lifeline. Survival gear, food, and tools come from unmanned magical storefronts, and monster cores become the currency that forces everyone to engage with the LitRPG system or fall behind.

We explore how normal people react to sudden violence and why the unglamorous details matter. Bodies in the streets, resource scarcity, worn-out clothing, shelter, power failures, and the challenge of supporting hundreds to thousands of survivors turn worldbuilding into an everyday logistics problem, not just a combat loop.

We get into magic design with chakra-inspired systems, alignment constraints, and patrons that are “godlike” only because they’ve had millennia to level into absurd power. We also talk audiobooks, including working with narrator Steve Campbell and how a great performance can transform emotional scenes.

If you enjoy LitRPG, GameLit, post-apocalyptic fantasy, and grounded system-driven worldbuilding, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a LitRPG friend, and leave a review with the weirdest thing you’d try to buy from a survival vending machine.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-19236725 Mon, 25 May 2026 12:00:00 -0400 2675 19 full true Library System Reset and Somnia Online w/KT Hanna Library System Reset and Somnia Online w/KT Hanna A universal library is the only thing standing between reality and a hungry kind of chaos magic that creates worlds, then devours them to start over. Insert Library System Reset, a series where a human from Earth gets pulled into a failing cosmic system, finds the sabotage, and has to reopen the library branch by branch before the whole structure collapses.

KT walks us through the craft choices that make the setting click: Lynx, the library system’s avatar, who shows up as a magic “cat” and then shifts into human form, plus the deliberate breadcrumbs she plants so reveals feel earned instead of random. We also get deep into the mechanics that power the story’s progression fantasy feel, from bookworms and night owls that literally turn magic into writing tools, to affinity design where “fire creation” and “fire extinguishing” are separate disciplines with strategic combinations.

Then we zoom out to the rest of her catalog for anyone hunting a new series: Somnia Online for VRMMO nostalgia and raid culture, Last Chance for an urban fantasy LitRPG twist where the system resurrects you and owns you, and Darling for readers who want a twisted Peter Pan horror retelling from Wendy’s perspective. If you like system glitches, high-stakes worldbuilding, and stories that treat magic like infrastructure, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves LitRPG audiobooks, and leave a review with the wildest “system rule” you’ve ever seen in fiction.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> A universal library is the only thing standing between reality and a hungry kind of chaos magic that creates worlds, then devours them to start over. Insert Library System Reset, a series where a human from Earth gets pulled into a failing cosmic system, finds the sabotage, and has to reopen the library branch by branch before the whole structure collapses.

KT walks us through the craft choices that make the setting click: Lynx, the library system’s avatar, who shows up as a magic “cat” and then shifts into human form, plus the deliberate breadcrumbs she plants so reveals feel earned instead of random. We also get deep into the mechanics that power the story’s progression fantasy feel, from bookworms and night owls that literally turn magic into writing tools, to affinity design where “fire creation” and “fire extinguishing” are separate disciplines with strategic combinations.

Then we zoom out to the rest of her catalog for anyone hunting a new series: Somnia Online for VRMMO nostalgia and raid culture, Last Chance for an urban fantasy LitRPG twist where the system resurrects you and owns you, and Darling for readers who want a twisted Peter Pan horror retelling from Wendy’s perspective. If you like system glitches, high-stakes worldbuilding, and stories that treat magic like infrastructure, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves LitRPG audiobooks, and leave a review with the wildest “system rule” you’ve ever seen in fiction.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-19157628 Mon, 11 May 2026 12:00:00 -0400 2504 18 full true Chrysalis and Book of the Dead w/RinoZ Chrysalis and Book of the Dead w/RinoZ Anthony wakes up as a giant ant and somehow that’s the start of one of the funniest monster-led LitRPGs around. We sit down with RinoZ to get specific about why Chrysalis works: the decision to keep Anthony fully monstrous, the joy of a globe-spanning dungeon that gets wilder the deeper you go, and the progression-fantasy promise that every evolution actually changes what the character can do. We also talk about the series’ comedic engine, from ant culture to the kind of puns you can only justify when your main character is literally named Anthony.

From there, we switch gears into Book of the Dead, a much darker LitRPG built around one clear idea: necromancy should feel earned. RinoZ breaks down a system where stats are revealed through ritual, not floating UI screens, and where raising the dead is messy, technical work with time costs and real limitations. If you’ve ever been pulled out of a story by “say one word and the skeleton army appears” style necromancy, you’ll appreciate the emphasis on preparation, magical weaving, and consequences, plus the bigger plot tension of an illegal class assigned on an awakening day.

If you enjoy LitRPG, isekai, progression fantasy, or craft talk from a working author, subscribe for more conversations like this, share the episode with a fellow dungeon diver, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find the show.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

Tiktok

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Anthony wakes up as a giant ant and somehow that’s the start of one of the funniest monster-led LitRPGs around. We sit down with RinoZ to get specific about why Chrysalis works: the decision to keep Anthony fully monstrous, the joy of a globe-spanning dungeon that gets wilder the deeper you go, and the progression-fantasy promise that every evolution actually changes what the character can do. We also talk about the series’ comedic engine, from ant culture to the kind of puns you can only justify when your main character is literally named Anthony.

From there, we switch gears into Book of the Dead, a much darker LitRPG built around one clear idea: necromancy should feel earned. RinoZ breaks down a system where stats are revealed through ritual, not floating UI screens, and where raising the dead is messy, technical work with time costs and real limitations. If you’ve ever been pulled out of a story by “say one word and the skeleton army appears” style necromancy, you’ll appreciate the emphasis on preparation, magical weaving, and consequences, plus the bigger plot tension of an illegal class assigned on an awakening day.

If you enjoy LitRPG, isekai, progression fantasy, or craft talk from a working author, subscribe for more conversations like this, share the episode with a fellow dungeon diver, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find the show.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-19097153 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 2390 litrpg, progression fantasy, fantasy, isekai, necromancy, author interviews, monsters, magic, dungeons, chrysalis, rinoz, book of the dead 17 full true Beers & Beards w/JollyJupiter Beers & Beards w/JollyJupiter A brewer dies, wakes up as a dwarf, and finds out the most famous beer culture in the world is stuck drinking terrible “sacred” ale. He then decides to begin his quest to bring the dwarves better beer. The challenge ahead is that the dwarves that brew the "sacred" ale consider it sacrilege and will do whatever they can to stop him.

We talk about what makes a cozy LitRPG work when your hero isn’t a fighter: crafting progression, brewing mechanics, and the tricky job of making stats feel meaningful on the page. JollyJupiter also shares why he leaned hard into classic dwarf mythos, including female dwarves with beards, clan culture, and found family vibes.

To close, Jupiter teases Dropship Cultivation, his Royal Road serial that maps cultivation systems onto Lovecraft-style cosmic horror, featuring an eldritch Canadian along for the ride. If you like LitRPG, progression fantasy, cozy crafting stories, and fantasy brewing, you’ll feel right at home. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves dwarves, and leave a review. What’s the first drink you’d try in a dwarf brewery?

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

Website

Youtube

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> A brewer dies, wakes up as a dwarf, and finds out the most famous beer culture in the world is stuck drinking terrible “sacred” ale. He then decides to begin his quest to bring the dwarves better beer. The challenge ahead is that the dwarves that brew the "sacred" ale consider it sacrilege and will do whatever they can to stop him.

We talk about what makes a cozy LitRPG work when your hero isn’t a fighter: crafting progression, brewing mechanics, and the tricky job of making stats feel meaningful on the page. JollyJupiter also shares why he leaned hard into classic dwarf mythos, including female dwarves with beards, clan culture, and found family vibes.

To close, Jupiter teases Dropship Cultivation, his Royal Road serial that maps cultivation systems onto Lovecraft-style cosmic horror, featuring an eldritch Canadian along for the ride. If you like LitRPG, progression fantasy, cozy crafting stories, and fantasy brewing, you’ll feel right at home. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves dwarves, and leave a review. What’s the first drink you’d try in a dwarf brewery?

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

Website

Youtube

Facebook

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-19007166 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400 2694 16 full true Will of the Immortals and Founders Edition w/Jay Krauss Will of the Immortals and Founders Edition w/Jay Krauss The fastest way to understand Jay Krauss’s books is to hear how he thinks: character first, world second, and a writing process that feels closer to tabletop roleplay than careful outlining. We talk about Will of the Immortals, his cultivation LitRPG progression fantasy series where Leon Jeager, a 16th-century German knight, gets isekai’d into a world of gods, monsters, quests, and hard-earned power.

From there we jump to Immortals Mask, the prequel to Will of the Immortals, that follows Satau, and what it means to write a companion series that enhances the main story without forcing readers to commit to two long runs.

Then we dig into Founders Edition: Lighting the Forge, his upcoming VRMMO LitRPG. A desk-bound man facing cancer enters an experimental program, becomes a founder inside the world, and chooses mining, crafting, and a quiet life over heroics, at least until future players show up and mistake him for an NPC.

Subscribe, share this conversation with a friend, and leave a review if you want more author deep-dives like this.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> The fastest way to understand Jay Krauss’s books is to hear how he thinks: character first, world second, and a writing process that feels closer to tabletop roleplay than careful outlining. We talk about Will of the Immortals, his cultivation LitRPG progression fantasy series where Leon Jeager, a 16th-century German knight, gets isekai’d into a world of gods, monsters, quests, and hard-earned power.

From there we jump to Immortals Mask, the prequel to Will of the Immortals, that follows Satau, and what it means to write a companion series that enhances the main story without forcing readers to commit to two long runs.

Then we dig into Founders Edition: Lighting the Forge, his upcoming VRMMO LitRPG. A desk-bound man facing cancer enters an experimental program, becomes a founder inside the world, and chooses mining, crafting, and a quiet life over heroics, at least until future players show up and mistake him for an NPC.

Subscribe, share this conversation with a friend, and leave a review if you want more author deep-dives like this.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-18929951 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400 2991 15 full true Stumbling Up: A Loser's Guide to Progression by Reck Well Stumbling Up: A Loser's Guide to Progression by Reck Well A quarter life crisis turns into a dungeon crawl, and somehow the most confident member of the party is a banana slug. We sit down with Reck Well to talk about Stumbling Up: A Loser’s Guide to Progression, a LitRPG progression fantasy that leans into messy friendships, bad decisions, and the slow, awkward reality of leveling up when you’re wildly unqualified for the job.

We get into the story’s hook: three friends sign up as adventurers after a drunken “is this all there is?” night, then get thrown into a brutal trial dungeon where survival feels optional. Reck Well breaks down how Meredeath, an isekai character from our world, changes the party’s dynamic as an accidentally overpowered Death Knight, and why keeping her as a secondary main character creates dramatic irony that both clarifies the world and deepens the mystery.

Find Reck Well here:

Support the show

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You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> A quarter life crisis turns into a dungeon crawl, and somehow the most confident member of the party is a banana slug. We sit down with Reck Well to talk about Stumbling Up: A Loser’s Guide to Progression, a LitRPG progression fantasy that leans into messy friendships, bad decisions, and the slow, awkward reality of leveling up when you’re wildly unqualified for the job.

We get into the story’s hook: three friends sign up as adventurers after a drunken “is this all there is?” night, then get thrown into a brutal trial dungeon where survival feels optional. Reck Well breaks down how Meredeath, an isekai character from our world, changes the party’s dynamic as an accidentally overpowered Death Knight, and why keeping her as a secondary main character creates dramatic irony that both clarifies the world and deepens the mystery.

Find Reck Well here:

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-18854428 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400 3363 14 full true Get Trucked, Four Treasures Saga, and Anunnaki w/ Longwinded One Get Trucked, Four Treasures Saga, and Anunnaki w/ Longwinded One We kick off with The Four Treasures, a high fantasy LitRPG trilogy shaped by real Irish, Welsh, and Scottish lore. Then we downshift into Get Trucked, where the Bureau of Afterlife Dispatch are responsible for the people driving the trucks that isekai people into other worlds. To make the story more immersive, there’s a reader-facing app that mirrors the book’s systems. Finally, we unveil Anunnaki, a fresh upcoming LitRPG that fans of Ancient Aliens will recognize. Think ancient stakes in modern arenas, explicit systems that grow with the danger, and a legendary narrator’s voice to carry the wonder.

Connect w/Longwinded One:

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]]> We kick off with The Four Treasures, a high fantasy LitRPG trilogy shaped by real Irish, Welsh, and Scottish lore. Then we downshift into Get Trucked, where the Bureau of Afterlife Dispatch are responsible for the people driving the trucks that isekai people into other worlds. To make the story more immersive, there’s a reader-facing app that mirrors the book’s systems. Finally, we unveil Anunnaki, a fresh upcoming LitRPG that fans of Ancient Aliens will recognize. Think ancient stakes in modern arenas, explicit systems that grow with the danger, and a legendary narrator’s voice to carry the wonder.

Connect w/Longwinded One:

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-18774915 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0500 3295 litrpg, get trucked, anunnaki, longwinded one, four treasures sage, breaking of annwn, children of the cold moon, fantasy 13 full true Arcane Tides: A Journey Within w/Lance Krautlarger Arcane Tides: A Journey Within w/Lance Krautlarger What does it take to turn real pain into a world worth exploring? We welcome author Lance Krautlarger to talk Arcane Tides: A Journey Within, a character-driven fantasy that treats mental health with honesty and heart. Eldrin’s path mirrors Lance’s own time leaving the service, navigating PTSD and anxiety, and relearning how to belong—first to himself, then to others.

We trace the book’s DNA from a single therapeutic writing session into a full draft. Then the hard part: cutting a 150k-word manuscript, fixing head-hopping, and compressing travel to keep momentum on the inner quest. Along the way, Sanderson lectures and classic epics influenced structure, but the true guides were therapy and self-help—voices that shaped tone, pace, and purpose.

The story gets personal through chapter-opening quotes lifted from Lance’s own journals. We also dive into the cozy layer: in-world books, a bark-and-amber cookbook, and real recipes—pumpkin bars, porridge, muffins—recast with magical ingredients. Food becomes a ritual of care, a way to ground panic and grief in the small good things.

Alara, inspired by a real friend who demanded help be sought, anchors Eldrin’s growth with judgment-free support. The cleric is a therapist in fantasy clothing, the journal a tool that only reveals what you’re ready to read—because validation can’t be borrowed, only claimed. By the end, Eldrin discovers that the point isn’t rank, adventure, or lore; it’s presence with family, the capacity to rest, and the courage to move forward without outside permission.

If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more readers and writers can find it.

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You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> What does it take to turn real pain into a world worth exploring? We welcome author Lance Krautlarger to talk Arcane Tides: A Journey Within, a character-driven fantasy that treats mental health with honesty and heart. Eldrin’s path mirrors Lance’s own time leaving the service, navigating PTSD and anxiety, and relearning how to belong—first to himself, then to others.

We trace the book’s DNA from a single therapeutic writing session into a full draft. Then the hard part: cutting a 150k-word manuscript, fixing head-hopping, and compressing travel to keep momentum on the inner quest. Along the way, Sanderson lectures and classic epics influenced structure, but the true guides were therapy and self-help—voices that shaped tone, pace, and purpose.

The story gets personal through chapter-opening quotes lifted from Lance’s own journals. We also dive into the cozy layer: in-world books, a bark-and-amber cookbook, and real recipes—pumpkin bars, porridge, muffins—recast with magical ingredients. Food becomes a ritual of care, a way to ground panic and grief in the small good things.

Alara, inspired by a real friend who demanded help be sought, anchors Eldrin’s growth with judgment-free support. The cleric is a therapist in fantasy clothing, the journal a tool that only reveals what you’re ready to read—because validation can’t be borrowed, only claimed. By the end, Eldrin discovers that the point isn’t rank, adventure, or lore; it’s presence with family, the capacity to rest, and the courage to move forward without outside permission.

If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more readers and writers can find it.

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]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-18694266 Mon, 16 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0500 3255 12 full true Paragon Exordium w/Mikel Melwasul Paragon Exordium w/Mikel Melwasul What if a portal fantasy didn’t whisk one hero away, but dropped an entire magical realm onto our world? That’s the theme behind Paragon Exordium, and today I sit down with author Mikel “Mick” Melwasul to discuss how a college town in Georgia becomes the frontline of a sprawling, character‑driven.

We explore the series central mystery, the Therin Selu, a cataclysmic spell meant to dodge a mythic flood, and how its fallout turns into magic finally returning. Mick shares why the world’s “castology” matters: runes, song, speech, and emotion aren’t just mechanics, they’re culture encoded, shaping grief, faith, and power. We also lean into ambiguity—Jadis bound to a sword, the Weeping King hiding power behind tears—and celebrate the lighter touch that makes the darkness land, from a cult‑favorite basilisk named Shadowfang to the beloved mushroom folk.

If you love reverse isekai worldbuilding, emotionally intelligent magic systems, and characters who force the plot to bend around their choices, this conversation is your map to Paragon. Listen, share with a friend who craves fresh fantasy, and leave a quick review to help more readers find the show. Then tell us: are you team Jadis, and which creatures do you want more of next?

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> What if a portal fantasy didn’t whisk one hero away, but dropped an entire magical realm onto our world? That’s the theme behind Paragon Exordium, and today I sit down with author Mikel “Mick” Melwasul to discuss how a college town in Georgia becomes the frontline of a sprawling, character‑driven.

We explore the series central mystery, the Therin Selu, a cataclysmic spell meant to dodge a mythic flood, and how its fallout turns into magic finally returning. Mick shares why the world’s “castology” matters: runes, song, speech, and emotion aren’t just mechanics, they’re culture encoded, shaping grief, faith, and power. We also lean into ambiguity—Jadis bound to a sword, the Weeping King hiding power behind tears—and celebrate the lighter touch that makes the darkness land, from a cult‑favorite basilisk named Shadowfang to the beloved mushroom folk.

If you love reverse isekai worldbuilding, emotionally intelligent magic systems, and characters who force the plot to bend around their choices, this conversation is your map to Paragon. Listen, share with a friend who craves fresh fantasy, and leave a quick review to help more readers find the show. Then tell us: are you team Jadis, and which creatures do you want more of next?

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-18610483 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 3390 11 full true Titan Mage, Cat Girls from Outer Space, and Monster Girl Tamer w/Edie Skye Titan Mage, Cat Girls from Outer Space, and Monster Girl Tamer w/Edie Skye I sit down with Edie Skye to explore how playful tones and decisive heroes (and monster girls) make harem fiction such a great genre. From Cat Girls From Outer Space to Titan Mage’s dragon-laced lore, we trace craft choices, collaboration, and why men’s romance is more wholesome than you think.

• Pen names and genre lanes across HP Hollow, Edie Skye, and Arcadia Sky
• Cat Girls From Outer Space as a spicy rework of Freelancers Of Neptune
• Why harem lands best with humor, banter, and self-awareness
• Men’s romance expectations for active, hyper-competent heroes
• Balancing escapism with scene-level struggle and real stakes
• Making intimacy integral to magic systems and culture
• Favorite characters, disability representation, and comedic leads
• Dragons as terraformers, world maps, and lore that clicks
• TikTok virality and the rise of men’s romance

Find Edie Skye at:

edieskye.com

TikTok/Instagram/Facebook: @EdieSkyAuthor

Patreon: EdieSkyAuthor

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> I sit down with Edie Skye to explore how playful tones and decisive heroes (and monster girls) make harem fiction such a great genre. From Cat Girls From Outer Space to Titan Mage’s dragon-laced lore, we trace craft choices, collaboration, and why men’s romance is more wholesome than you think.

• Pen names and genre lanes across HP Hollow, Edie Skye, and Arcadia Sky
• Cat Girls From Outer Space as a spicy rework of Freelancers Of Neptune
• Why harem lands best with humor, banter, and self-awareness
• Men’s romance expectations for active, hyper-competent heroes
• Balancing escapism with scene-level struggle and real stakes
• Making intimacy integral to magic systems and culture
• Favorite characters, disability representation, and comedic leads
• Dragons as terraformers, world maps, and lore that clicks
• TikTok virality and the rise of men’s romance

Find Edie Skye at:

edieskye.com

TikTok/Instagram/Facebook: @EdieSkyAuthor

Patreon: EdieSkyAuthor

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-18532995 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 3491 10 full true Shadowcroft Academy and Dungeon Accountant w/Aaron Michael Ritchey Shadowcroft Academy and Dungeon Accountant w/Aaron Michael Ritchey We talk with Aaron Michael Ritchey about Shadowcroft Academy for Dungeons and its spin-off Dungeon Accountant, exploring why dungeons are the good guys, how silverware jokes became lore, and why an audit team can save worlds with data and heart. Along the way, we dig into writing speed, co-authoring, and the craft choices that keep high-concept ideas grounded and fun.

• Shadowcroft’s isekai hook and world-soul node stakes
• Logan’s fungaloid build and the underdog progression
• Found-family dynamics and humor that carries weight
• Dungeon Accountant’s audit squad and design fixes
• Ethics of dungeoneering guilds and redemption arcs
• Building dungeons from tropes to systems
• Silverware lore as Q-style gadget payoff
• Favorite dungeons across both series
• Community feedback, outlines, and collaboration

Find Aaron: aaronmritchey.com, shadowalleypress.com, and Facebook under Aaron Michael Ritchey
Find us: iowpod.com, YouTube @ iowpodcast, and Patreon @ iowpod

“As always, keep leveling up”

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> We talk with Aaron Michael Ritchey about Shadowcroft Academy for Dungeons and its spin-off Dungeon Accountant, exploring why dungeons are the good guys, how silverware jokes became lore, and why an audit team can save worlds with data and heart. Along the way, we dig into writing speed, co-authoring, and the craft choices that keep high-concept ideas grounded and fun.

• Shadowcroft’s isekai hook and world-soul node stakes
• Logan’s fungaloid build and the underdog progression
• Found-family dynamics and humor that carries weight
• Dungeon Accountant’s audit squad and design fixes
• Ethics of dungeoneering guilds and redemption arcs
• Building dungeons from tropes to systems
• Silverware lore as Q-style gadget payoff
• Favorite dungeons across both series
• Community feedback, outlines, and collaboration

Find Aaron: aaronmritchey.com, shadowalleypress.com, and Facebook under Aaron Michael Ritchey
Find us: iowpod.com, YouTube @ iowpodcast, and Patreon @ iowpod

“As always, keep leveling up”

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-18454558 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0500 3448 9 full true Knights of Eternity w/Rachel Ni Chuirc Knights of Eternity w/Rachel Ni Chuirc An arcade robbery, a fatal shot, and a sudden awakening inside a favorite game... only not as the hero. Rachel Ni Chuirc joins me to unpack Knights of Eternity, a LitRPG trilogy that flips the script by dropping its protagonist into the villain’s body with Zara the Fury still in her head. What starts as a classic “save the princess” dungeon crawl unravels into a layered story about identity, agency, and the cost of choices when your own thoughts aren’t entirely your own.

We dig into how Rachel wrote the trilogy alongside her intense years on Baldur’s Gate 3, and why a pressure valve morning draft became a published series with Legion Publishers. She explains her “creamy” system design (immersive, character-led, and light on stats), and the craft behind alternating first-person chapters for the mc with third-person perspectives for everyone else. That structural shift delivers intimacy where it counts and scale where it matters. Expect honest talk about pantsing as a writing style, ruthless editing, and learning that the most powerful scenes are often quiet, human moments rather than big set pieces.

We also explore the broader world around the books and the warmth of the LitRPG community. Rachel shares early influences from anime to life in Japan, growing up over a book-filled shop in a tiny Irish town, and what’s next (a romantasy featuring a monster hunter and a sentient French-accented sword). If you care about game writing, audiobooks, or villains you can empathize with even as you want them to lose, this conversation is for you.

Enjoyed the episode? Follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so we can bring more game-lit and fantasy authors to your feed.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> An arcade robbery, a fatal shot, and a sudden awakening inside a favorite game... only not as the hero. Rachel Ni Chuirc joins me to unpack Knights of Eternity, a LitRPG trilogy that flips the script by dropping its protagonist into the villain’s body with Zara the Fury still in her head. What starts as a classic “save the princess” dungeon crawl unravels into a layered story about identity, agency, and the cost of choices when your own thoughts aren’t entirely your own.

We dig into how Rachel wrote the trilogy alongside her intense years on Baldur’s Gate 3, and why a pressure valve morning draft became a published series with Legion Publishers. She explains her “creamy” system design (immersive, character-led, and light on stats), and the craft behind alternating first-person chapters for the mc with third-person perspectives for everyone else. That structural shift delivers intimacy where it counts and scale where it matters. Expect honest talk about pantsing as a writing style, ruthless editing, and learning that the most powerful scenes are often quiet, human moments rather than big set pieces.

We also explore the broader world around the books and the warmth of the LitRPG community. Rachel shares early influences from anime to life in Japan, growing up over a book-filled shop in a tiny Irish town, and what’s next (a romantasy featuring a monster hunter and a sentient French-accented sword). If you care about game writing, audiobooks, or villains you can empathize with even as you want them to lose, this conversation is for you.

Enjoyed the episode? Follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so we can bring more game-lit and fantasy authors to your feed.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-18399249 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500 4125 8 full true The Desert Druid series w/JoeDan Worley The Desert Druid series w/JoeDan Worley I sat down to talk with debut LitRPG author Joedan Worley about Wayspring Wanderer, a desert survival story where a wounded Marine becomes a druid whose greatest power is finding water. Craft, worldbuilding, grief, and a pangolin named Penny collide in a conversation about purpose, progression, and hope without shortcuts.

• Oscar’s transformation, loss, and search for his brother
• A druid in a dying desert where finding water means life or death
• Reimagined kobolds and lore influences
• Character-first writing and distinct voices
• Mental health, self-talk, and pushing through
• Penny the pangolin and why companions resonate
• Stakes, consequence, and avoiding convenience

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share

Find Joedans website here and his amazon page here

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> I sat down to talk with debut LitRPG author Joedan Worley about Wayspring Wanderer, a desert survival story where a wounded Marine becomes a druid whose greatest power is finding water. Craft, worldbuilding, grief, and a pangolin named Penny collide in a conversation about purpose, progression, and hope without shortcuts.

• Oscar’s transformation, loss, and search for his brother
• A druid in a dying desert where finding water means life or death
• Reimagined kobolds and lore influences
• Character-first writing and distinct voices
• Mental health, self-talk, and pushing through
• Penny the pangolin and why companions resonate
• Stakes, consequence, and avoiding convenience

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share

Find Joedans website here and his amazon page here

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-18318190 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500 5548 7 full false Discount Dan and Viridian Gate Online w/James Hunter Discount Dan and Viridian Gate Online w/James Hunter A Marine reborn as a Witcher-style hunter. A hedge mage who becomes a dungeon troll and teaches NPCs to wake up. A virtual reality MMO where there are real stakes and consequences once the real world ends. A hungover everyman who turns the Backrooms into a lifeline with a map, a store, and a mimic dog made of blue croc material. James Hunter joins us to unpack how systems, stakes, and humor drive four wildly different LitRPG series and why readers keep craving bigger, stranger worlds.

Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more LitRPG fans find us.

Support the show

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You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> A Marine reborn as a Witcher-style hunter. A hedge mage who becomes a dungeon troll and teaches NPCs to wake up. A virtual reality MMO where there are real stakes and consequences once the real world ends. A hungover everyman who turns the Backrooms into a lifeline with a map, a store, and a mimic dog made of blue croc material. James Hunter joins us to unpack how systems, stakes, and humor drive four wildly different LitRPG series and why readers keep craving bigger, stranger worlds.

Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more LitRPG fans find us.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-18131151 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0500 6212 full false Elemental Gunslinger, Aced, Resonance and more w/Jonathan Smidt Elemental Gunslinger, Aced, Resonance and more w/Jonathan Smidt Ever wondered what happens when you blend dungeon cores, tennis matches, wild west gunslingers, and competitive Magic: The Gathering into one creative mind? Journey with us as we sit down with Ryn, writing as Jonathan Smidt, the versatile author behind multiple LitRPG series including Elemental Dungeon, Dungeon Corps Online, Aced, Resonance, and Flamespitter.

Smidt's creative journey began unexpectedly when Portal Books approached her after reading her young adult fantasy on Wattpad. Despite having never heard of Dungeon Core fiction, she dove headfirst into the genre, consuming dozens of books before crafting what would become her first successful series. What followed was a remarkably diverse catalog spanning multiple topics and unique premises that reflect her real-world passions.

The conversation reveals how Smith's numerous hobbies directly influence her writing—from bladesmithing (which she learned partly to create weapons from her books) to competitive Magic: The Gathering, and her newfound love of tennis that sparked an entire sports LitRPG series. We explore the fascinating research behind her historical fantasy western Flamespitter, including how different cultures throughout the American West approach magic according to their values and worldviews.

Whether you're a fellow author seeking inspiration or a reader curious about the mind behind these imaginative worlds, this conversation offers a captivating glimpse into the creative alchemy that transforms diverse experiences into compelling fiction.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Ever wondered what happens when you blend dungeon cores, tennis matches, wild west gunslingers, and competitive Magic: The Gathering into one creative mind? Journey with us as we sit down with Ryn, writing as Jonathan Smidt, the versatile author behind multiple LitRPG series including Elemental Dungeon, Dungeon Corps Online, Aced, Resonance, and Flamespitter.

Smidt's creative journey began unexpectedly when Portal Books approached her after reading her young adult fantasy on Wattpad. Despite having never heard of Dungeon Core fiction, she dove headfirst into the genre, consuming dozens of books before crafting what would become her first successful series. What followed was a remarkably diverse catalog spanning multiple topics and unique premises that reflect her real-world passions.

The conversation reveals how Smith's numerous hobbies directly influence her writing—from bladesmithing (which she learned partly to create weapons from her books) to competitive Magic: The Gathering, and her newfound love of tennis that sparked an entire sports LitRPG series. We explore the fascinating research behind her historical fantasy western Flamespitter, including how different cultures throughout the American West approach magic according to their values and worldviews.

Whether you're a fellow author seeking inspiration or a reader curious about the mind behind these imaginative worlds, this conversation offers a captivating glimpse into the creative alchemy that transforms diverse experiences into compelling fiction.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-17888629 Mon, 22 Sep 2025 19:00:00 -0400 3675 5 full false Path of the Titans, Gabriel Gray and more w/Timothy McGowen Path of the Titans, Gabriel Gray and more w/Timothy McGowen Timothy McGowen doesn't just write books – he crafts entire universes.

Dragonstone Academy represents McGowan's unique approach to worldbuilding through its innovative card-based magic system. Rather than conveniently giving his protagonist the perfect ability for each situation, McGowan created actual physical card decks, shuffled them, and let random draws determine the character's options during pivotal moments. This constraint forced organic problem-solving that makes the combat in the book even more unbelievable and realistic.

Surprisingly, several of McGowan's separate series exist within a shared universe, with characters occasionally crossing over between books. Careful readers will notice familiar faces appearing across different timelines and settings, all building toward an eventual convergence in a planned capstone series. With forthcoming projects including a John Wick-inspired apocalyptic tale for Aethon Publishing, a secret collaboration with a narrator, and a venture into a new genre under a pen name, McGowan's literary universe continues to expand in exciting directions.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Timothy McGowen doesn't just write books – he crafts entire universes.

Dragonstone Academy represents McGowan's unique approach to worldbuilding through its innovative card-based magic system. Rather than conveniently giving his protagonist the perfect ability for each situation, McGowan created actual physical card decks, shuffled them, and let random draws determine the character's options during pivotal moments. This constraint forced organic problem-solving that makes the combat in the book even more unbelievable and realistic.

Surprisingly, several of McGowan's separate series exist within a shared universe, with characters occasionally crossing over between books. Careful readers will notice familiar faces appearing across different timelines and settings, all building toward an eventual convergence in a planned capstone series. With forthcoming projects including a John Wick-inspired apocalyptic tale for Aethon Publishing, a secret collaboration with a narrator, and a venture into a new genre under a pen name, McGowan's literary universe continues to expand in exciting directions.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-17614309 Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0400 4167 4 full false Tales of Aedrea and Sentenced to Troll w/SL Rowland Tales of Aedrea and Sentenced to Troll w/SL Rowland Step into the magical worlds of SL Rowland as we explore the heartwarming charm of cozy fantasy and the exciting realms of LitRPG. From halfling vineyards to blood mages struggling with chronic pain, Rowland crafts stories that feel like coming home—even when dragons and adventure lurk around the corner.

Our conversation begins with "Halfling's Harvest," the third book in Rowland's Tales of Aedrea series, where we meet Marigold, proprietor of the Dew Drop Vineyard and Inn during the annual Harvest Festival. What makes this and all of Rowland's cozy fantasies special is the found family dynamic—characters that create a place of belonging for one another.

Perhaps most fascinating is how Rowland uses his own experiences as an inspiration for the blood mage protagonist in "Curse of Cocktails," who uses painful magic to protect the realm, at the cost of his own health. This personal connection adds profound authenticity to his fantasy world.

Rowland's approach to world-building is impressively ambitious. Aedrea spans nine realms with multiple races, governments, and a complex pantheon—created so he "could tell an endless amount of stories in dozens of locations." This expansive vision allows him to craft both cozy tales with future plans for grittier, more epic adventures in the same universe.

Before finding his cozy fantasy voice, Rowland established himself in the LitRPG genre with series like "Pangea Online" and "Sentence to Troll." Now, he's preparing to return to those roots with an expanded version of "Path to Villainy: An NPC Kobold's Tale," while also releasing his next cozy fantasy, "There Be Dragons Here," featuring a dwarven grandmother on one final adventure.

Whether you're already an avid cozy fantasy reader or new to the genre, SL Rowland's stories offer something special—worlds where magic feels real, characters feel like friends, and even the darkest challenges can be faced with warmth and humor.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Step into the magical worlds of SL Rowland as we explore the heartwarming charm of cozy fantasy and the exciting realms of LitRPG. From halfling vineyards to blood mages struggling with chronic pain, Rowland crafts stories that feel like coming home—even when dragons and adventure lurk around the corner.

Our conversation begins with "Halfling's Harvest," the third book in Rowland's Tales of Aedrea series, where we meet Marigold, proprietor of the Dew Drop Vineyard and Inn during the annual Harvest Festival. What makes this and all of Rowland's cozy fantasies special is the found family dynamic—characters that create a place of belonging for one another.

Perhaps most fascinating is how Rowland uses his own experiences as an inspiration for the blood mage protagonist in "Curse of Cocktails," who uses painful magic to protect the realm, at the cost of his own health. This personal connection adds profound authenticity to his fantasy world.

Rowland's approach to world-building is impressively ambitious. Aedrea spans nine realms with multiple races, governments, and a complex pantheon—created so he "could tell an endless amount of stories in dozens of locations." This expansive vision allows him to craft both cozy tales with future plans for grittier, more epic adventures in the same universe.

Before finding his cozy fantasy voice, Rowland established himself in the LitRPG genre with series like "Pangea Online" and "Sentence to Troll." Now, he's preparing to return to those roots with an expanded version of "Path to Villainy: An NPC Kobold's Tale," while also releasing his next cozy fantasy, "There Be Dragons Here," featuring a dwarven grandmother on one final adventure.

Whether you're already an avid cozy fantasy reader or new to the genre, SL Rowland's stories offer something special—worlds where magic feels real, characters feel like friends, and even the darkest challenges can be faced with warmth and humor.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-17341941 Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400 3384 3 full false Servant of Rage and Wriggly Little Hands w/Alex Knight Servant of Rage and Wriggly Little Hands w/Alex Knight Step into a world where power comes at the ultimate price with Alex Knight, author of "Servant of Rage" and the upcoming goblin comedy "Wriggly Little Hands."

Alex brings us a mesmerizing fantasy world inspired by Mongolian horse nomads, featuring a magic system where killing transfers power from victim to victor.

The author shares fascinating insights about character development, explaining the complex relationships between three brothers who rediscover ancient magic. Alex embraces unpredictable character arcs that challenge reader expectations, promising that the planned trilogy will take these beloved characters through darkness before potential redemption.

Fantasy readers looking for their next epic read should visit authoralexknight.com to explore all of Alex's works.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Step into a world where power comes at the ultimate price with Alex Knight, author of "Servant of Rage" and the upcoming goblin comedy "Wriggly Little Hands."

Alex brings us a mesmerizing fantasy world inspired by Mongolian horse nomads, featuring a magic system where killing transfers power from victim to victor.

The author shares fascinating insights about character development, explaining the complex relationships between three brothers who rediscover ancient magic. Alex embraces unpredictable character arcs that challenge reader expectations, promising that the planned trilogy will take these beloved characters through darkness before potential redemption.

Fantasy readers looking for their next epic read should visit authoralexknight.com to explore all of Alex's works.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-17263469 Tue, 03 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0400 3515 2 full false Golem Master and Scalpel Chronicles w/TJ Lombardi Golem Master and Scalpel Chronicles w/TJ Lombardi On this premiere episode of In Other Worlds podcast, TJ takes us through his creative journey from concept to publication. Blending the nostalgic warmth of Pokemon with the mech battles of Pacific Rim and Gundam, Golem Master represents something unique in his catalog. Unlike his darker Dying Breed and Scalpel Chronicles series, this young adult adventure aims for accessibility without sacrificing emotional depth. "I wanted a story that a dad and his son could listen to while driving on a fishing trip," TJ explains, "but with real life lessons woven throughout."

What's next for the Golem Master series? TJ reveals his plans to expand to five books, with increasingly epic stakes as protagonist Pepper's journey intersects with the mysterious Rift Wars. Book two releases June 20th, with more revelations about the demons threatening this fantastical world. For readers captivated by TJ's mechanical golems and emotional storytelling, there's plenty more adventure on the horizon.

Ready to step into a world where Pokemon meets Pacific Rim? Dive into Golem Master and follow TJ's journey at Facebook.com/TDB or through his Patreon at Warrior Publishing.

You can find TJ's book on Amazon here:

**The Dying Breed book 1 - https://amzn.to/43fmdzG

**Bloodbath Chronicles book 1 - https://amzn.to/3GShIDT

**Golem Master book 1 - https://amzn.to/3S2hTPa

You can find TJ online at these website:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TDBSeries

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tjlombardi

Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/WarriorPublishing

**Amazon links are affiliate links. If you'd like to not use them you can search TJ Lombardi on Amazon to see all of his available titles.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> On this premiere episode of In Other Worlds podcast, TJ takes us through his creative journey from concept to publication. Blending the nostalgic warmth of Pokemon with the mech battles of Pacific Rim and Gundam, Golem Master represents something unique in his catalog. Unlike his darker Dying Breed and Scalpel Chronicles series, this young adult adventure aims for accessibility without sacrificing emotional depth. "I wanted a story that a dad and his son could listen to while driving on a fishing trip," TJ explains, "but with real life lessons woven throughout."

What's next for the Golem Master series? TJ reveals his plans to expand to five books, with increasingly epic stakes as protagonist Pepper's journey intersects with the mysterious Rift Wars. Book two releases June 20th, with more revelations about the demons threatening this fantastical world. For readers captivated by TJ's mechanical golems and emotional storytelling, there's plenty more adventure on the horizon.

Ready to step into a world where Pokemon meets Pacific Rim? Dive into Golem Master and follow TJ's journey at Facebook.com/TDB or through his Patreon at Warrior Publishing.

You can find TJ's book on Amazon here:

**The Dying Breed book 1 - https://amzn.to/43fmdzG

**Bloodbath Chronicles book 1 - https://amzn.to/3GShIDT

**Golem Master book 1 - https://amzn.to/3S2hTPa

You can find TJ online at these website:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TDBSeries

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tjlombardi

Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/WarriorPublishing

**Amazon links are affiliate links. If you'd like to not use them you can search TJ Lombardi on Amazon to see all of his available titles.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Buzzsprout-17147471 Tue, 13 May 2025 19:00:00 -0400 3264 1 full false In Other Worlds trailer In Other Worlds trailer Podcast trailer for In Other Worlds: A LitRPG, Gamelit, and Fantasy podcast. Every other week, your host Jess will be sitting down with the authors and audiobook narrators that bring these epic tales to life.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Podcast trailer for In Other Worlds: A LitRPG, Gamelit, and Fantasy podcast. Every other week, your host Jess will be sitting down with the authors and audiobook narrators that bring these epic tales to life.

Support the show

You can connect with me here:

You can also subscribe to my newsletter on my website to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview.

]]> Jessica Worgo Buzzsprout-17031168 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 17:00:00 -0400 50 trailer false