Story Secrets podcast

15:11

If you grew up with Star Wars , you probably had that one toy that defined your childhood. Maybe it was a lightsaber, an action figure, or a model of the Millennium Falcon. For me, those early Star Wars toys were more than just collectibles—they were how we kept the magic alive between movies. Back then, you couldn’t just rewatch Star Wars whenever you wanted. No VHS, no streaming, no DVDs. If you were lucky, the movie might air on TV years later. So for my siblings and me, Star Wars toys were how we relived the adventure. Some memories that stick out: The original action figures—Luke, Leia, Han, Vader—roughly resembling their movie counterparts but with some very questionable designs (Vader’s lightsaber looked like an antenna). The Princess Leia doll that my sister experimented on, only to find the iconic buns were impossible to restore. The landspeeder with tiny wheels underneath, creating the illusion of floating across our living room floor. The Millennium Falcon playset —the holy grail of Star Wars toys. I never had it, but I dreamed about it. Years later, I finally saw one in a collector’s stash, and all those childhood feelings came rushing back. That nostalgia is why I eventually bought a second-hand LEGO Millennium Falcon. Sadly, it wasn’t as exciting as I’d hoped. The build was too technical, and the interior was almost non-existent. But the latest LEGO sets? Now those are getting closer to the magic of old-school playsets. Looking back, I realize how lucky we are today. Star Wars fans now have immersive VR games, hyper-detailed action figures, and LEGO dioramas that let us recreate those classic scenes with incredible realism. But there’s something about those early toys—simple, sometimes clunky—that made Star Wars feel alive in a way no video game ever could. What was your favorite childhood toy? Whether Star Wars or something else, let’s relive the nostalgia together!…

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Story Secrets - The Role of Providence in The Hobbit 13:29

2 дня назад13:29

13:29

Over the weekend, I dived into a fascinating series of lectures on The Hobbit by Joseph Pearce. If you're not familiar with his work, he's written extensively about the deeper layers of Tolkien's stories, especially their Catholic themes. But this lecture series really opened my eyes to something I hadn’t fully appreciated before: the role of grace and providence in Bilbo’s adventure. A lot of people dismiss certain events in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings as mere "luck." But Tolkien himself saw luck as something much deeper—what he would call Providence. Those seemingly improbable moments, like the dwarves arriving at Rivendell just in time for the moonlight to reveal the hidden map, aren’t just convenient storytelling tricks. They reflect a worldview where things happen for a reason, guided by an unseen hand. Providence in Tolkien’s world is, in many ways, the opposite of the will of the One Ring. The Ring manipulates and coerces, while Providence works gently, almost imperceptibly, to bring about the good. This perspective reshaped how I see The Hobbit . I’ve always preferred The Lord of the Rings because it felt deeper and more mature, but now I realize The Hobbit has just as many profound layers. Speaking of The Hobbit —LEGO fans, brace yourselves! A new Lord of the Rings LEGO set has leaked , and it’s stunning. This time, we’re getting a large-scale version of the Shire, a more horizontal design that expands on the classic Bag End set. It’s detailed, full of minifigures (including Gandalf and his iconic cart), and might just be as impressive as last year’s Rivendell set. Yes, it’ll probably be expensive, but if you're a fan of Middle-earth, this looks like a must-have. So, what do you think? Are you excited about the new LEGO set? And have you ever had a moment in your life that felt too perfectly timed to be just a coincidence?…

Story Secrets

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Story Secrets - The Irish Saint Who Inspired Tolkien and C.S. Lewis 20:41

5 дней назад20:41

20:41

Did you know that an Irish saint from the early Middle Ages helped inspire both J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis? His name was St. Brendan the Navigator , and his legendary voyage to a mysterious land echoes through some of the greatest fantasy stories ever written. I’ve been diving deep into early medieval Irish history while writing my own fantasy novel, and the story of St. Brendan has captivated me. His legend tells of a perilous journey across the sea in search of a mystical land—a place of beauty, abundance, and divine presence. It was a voyage of faith, an adventure into the unknown, much like the real-life journeys of Irish monks who set out in small boats with no maps, trusting God to guide them. Sound familiar? Tolkien was inspired by Brendan’s voyage when he imagined the Undying Lands, the far-off paradise across the sea in The Lord of the Rings . C.S. Lewis drew from the same legend when he wrote The Voyage of the Dawn Treader , where Narnia’s adventurers sail toward the edge of the world, seeking Aslan’s country. And now, St. Brendan’s journey is inspiring me . One of the characters in my fantasy novel—Brendan, a young, sickly novice—dreams of sailing into the unknown. But why? And could his seemingly impossible dream actually come true? The more I think about it, the more I realize this might not just be a subplot—it could be an entire book. Maybe even a sequel. What do you think? Would you want to read a fantasy story inspired by the real-life voyage of St. Brendan?…

Story Secrets

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Story Secrets - The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue – A Deal with the Devil, But at What Cost? 15:57

6 дней назад15:57

15:57

The idea of making a deal with the devil has been explored in countless stories, but The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by Victoria Schwab does something truly unique with it. This book surprised me—in the best way possible. The story follows Addie, a young woman in 1714 France who, in a desperate moment, makes a bargain with a mysterious figure named Luc (short for Lucifer, naturally). She asks for freedom, to never belong to anyone. The price? No one will ever remember her. The moment she leaves their sight, she’s forgotten. It’s a fascinating concept, and the book dives deep into the emotional and philosophical consequences of such a curse. Addie can live forever, but she can’t leave a mark on the world—no relationships, no legacy, no one to remember she ever existed. But then, centuries later, something changes. She meets someone who does remember her. And that twist sets the rest of the book in motion. What makes this novel so compelling isn’t just the premise—it’s Schwab’s execution. The prose is beautiful, the themes are profound, and the ending? Oh, the ending. It’s one of those rare conclusions that feels right without being predictable. If you love stories that make you feel something, that explore identity, purpose, and what it truly means to live, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is well worth your time.…

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Story Secrets - The Lazarus Project: A Time Travel Story That Makes You Think 12:42

7 дней назад12:42

12:42

What if there was a global reset button for time? A way to roll back history whenever humanity faced disaster—whether it be a world war, a pandemic, or some other catastrophe? That’s the premise of The Lazarus Project , a sci-fi series I recently started watching, and let me tell you—it’s fascinating . The story follows George, an ordinary guy who suddenly realizes he’s trapped in a time loop. But unlike your typical Groundhog Day scenario, he discovers that a secret organization, The Lazarus Project , is actually responsible for these resets. Their mission? To prevent global catastrophes before they happen. Since George is one of the few people who remembers past timelines, he’s recruited to help. But here’s where it gets really interesting: When is a disaster bad enough to justify resetting time? Who decides? And what happens when personal tragedy conflicts with the greater good? George faces this dilemma firsthand when he loses someone he loves and realizes that resetting time to save her would erase millions of people—including every baby born in the last nine months. It’s heavy stuff, but that’s what makes The Lazarus Project so compelling. It’s not just about cool sci-fi concepts—it’s about the moral cost of playing God. And while the show was unfortunately canceled after two seasons, I checked ahead: it does have a satisfying ending. So if you love thought-provoking sci-fi with action, suspense, and deep ethical questions, The Lazarus Project is absolutely worth checking out.…

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Story Secrets - Is Assassin’s Apprentice Worth the Hype? 31:42

8 дней назад31:42

31:42

I finally read Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb—the book that everyone on BookTok and BookTube seems to love. And I went in with high expectations. A fantasy classic? Deep characters? A compelling story? Count me in. And then… well, let’s just say my experience was very different from the glowing reviews I had read. Here’s the gist: The story follows Fitz, a royal bastard trained as an assassin in a kingdom full of political intrigue. He has a magical ability to bond with animals (which is apparently frowned upon), and he’s caught between duty, rejection, and his own lack of agency. Sounds interesting, right? Except… the book barely delivers on that premise. Here’s why I struggled with it: Fitz is frustratingly passive. Things happen to him, but he rarely does anything. The pace is slow —painfully slow. Very little action, lots of talking. The magic system is bland. Bonding with animals could be cool… but it never really matters. The title is misleading. Assassin’s Apprentice sounds like we’d get intense training, secret missions, and political drama. Instead, we get a lot of aimless conversations and… not much else. The audiobook didn’t help. The narrator’s monotone delivery made an already slow book feel even slower. I kept waiting for the moment when I’d get the hype. It never came. And with two more books in the trilogy, I have to ask—does it ever get better? Because right now, I’d honestly rather re-read Fourth Wing , and that’s saying something. So, if you’ve read Assassin’s Apprentice and think I should stick with it, tell me why! I need convincing.…

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Story Secrets - Andor Isn’t Just a Star Wars Show—It’s a Warning 21:20

9 дней назад21:20

21:20

The trailer for Andor Season 2 just dropped, and wow—it reminded me why this series is one of the best things to come out of Star Wars in years. And no, it’s not just because of the gritty storytelling or the fantastic cinematography. It’s because Andor is about something bigger than a galaxy far, far away. At its core, Star Wars has always been about the battle between oppression and resistance, between fear and hope. And Andor takes that to a whole new level. It strips away the space battles and grand Jedi duels and shows us how authoritarianism actually takes root—slowly, methodically, with just enough deception to make people accept it. Sound familiar? George Lucas always intended Star Wars to be a warning. The Empire wasn’t just some sci-fi villain; it was a reflection of real-world tyranny, past and present. Andor zooms in on that warning and makes it painfully real. It shows how everyday people get caught in the machine of oppression, how fear is used as a weapon, and how difficult it is to stand up against overwhelming power. But here’s why Andor isn’t just a dark, depressing cautionary tale—it’s also about courage. It’s about the few who refuse to look away, who resist even when the odds seem impossible. And that’s why it resonates so deeply today. Stories like this matter. They wake us up. They remind us to pay attention to the world around us. And most importantly, they show us that resistance—even from the most flawed, ordinary people—can make a difference. So yeah, I’m excited for Andor Season 2. Not just because it looks amazing, but because stories like this are more important than ever.…

Story Secrets

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Story Secrets - "Dungeons & Dragons inspired my book" 19:23

19 дней назад19:23

19:23

What if the color of your eyes determined your entire life? That’s the premise behind Gaby Raaijmakers’ fantasy trilogy, where eye color dictates everything—your job, your social class, even your future. Born with blue eyes? You’re a servant. Golden eyes? You’re royalty. Black eyes? A thief. And what happens if you refuse to accept the role society forces upon you? I had the pleasure of interviewing Gaby Raaijmakers , a Dutch fantasy author whose worldbuilding reminded me of Red Rising , The Hunger Games , and Divergent —stories where characters must fight against a rigid system to define their own destiny. Her books follow Branna , a woman from a free society who marries into this caste-based world. As she starts questioning its rules, she finds herself battling both an oppressive empire and power-hungry mages who want control for themselves. The twist? The change she fights for might take generations —if it happens at all. Gaby’s journey as an author is just as fascinating. She started writing at a young age as an escape from bullying, and now, she’s turning her love of Dungeons & Dragons into a brand-new trilogy. Her advice for aspiring writers? Finish the book. It won’t be perfect, but every word makes you a better writer. This interview left me inspired—not just as a reader, but as a writer working on my own fantasy novel. If you love thought-provoking fantasy with deep worldbuilding , check out Gaby’s books. And if you’re an author with a great story to share, let’s talk! Check out Gaby's website: https://gabyraaijmakers.nl/ Buy Gaby's books: https://www.artbooksshop.com/search/?search=gaby+raaijmakers…

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Story Secrets - Rings of Power S3 & Peter Jackson’s Return—What We Know 16:34

20 дней назад16:34

16:34

We’re in a new golden age of Middle-earth . With The Rings of Power greenlit for Season 3, Peter Jackson’s next Lord of the Rings films in development, and The War of the Rohirrim bringing anime-style Tolkien to the screen, it’s an exciting time to be a fan. I know The Rings of Power has sparked endless debate, but I have to say—I love what they’ve done with it. The way they’ve adapted Sauron’s deception, the forging of the rings, and the power struggles of the Second Age? Incredible. It’s not a 1:1 adaptation of Tolkien’s appendices (because, let’s be real, that wouldn’t work as a TV show), but it captures the essence of his themes: power, corruption, and the danger of believing comforting lies. Season 3 promises to jump forward in time, diving into the war between the elves and Sauron while setting the stage for the One Ring’s creation. That has me very excited—but also a little nervous. What if Amazon is setting up an early ending, just in case? Then there’s Peter Jackson’s return. With Ian McKellen reportedly on board as Gandalf, I can’t help but wonder—what stories will they tell? Will it be a deep dive into the Fourth Age ? A lost tale from Tolkien’s appendices? I hope it’s more than a nostalgia cash grab. Whatever happens, one thing is certain: Middle-earth isn’t going anywhere. And I couldn’t be happier. What are you most excited about—the next season of The Rings of Power or Peter Jackson’s upcoming movies? Let me know!…

Story Secrets

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Story Secrets - Cooking Monsters and Exorcising Spirits 13:32

21 день назад13:32

13:32

Editing my footage from the Elfia fantasy fair feels like stepping into a time machine. It’s freezing outside, but watching those warm, sunny September days again? Pure joy. Events like these are more than just fun—they create lasting memories. One of my favorite encounters was with a German cosplayer dressed as Senshi , the mustachioed dwarven cook from Delicious in Dungeon . If you haven’t seen it, it’s a delightful anime about adventurers who literally cook and eat the monsters they fight. Think Dungeons & Dragons meets a cooking show. Strange? Yes. Entertaining? Absolutely. During our chat, she mentioned another anime: Mononoke (not to be confused with Princess Mononoke ). This visually stunning series follows a mysterious medicine seller who exorcises spirits by uncovering their form, truth, and motivation. It’s a deep, metaphorical take on human nature—and now, I need to watch it. Cosplay, conventions, and unexpected anime recommendations—this is why I love these events. Have you seen Delicious in Dungeon or Mononoke ? Let me know what you think!…

Story Secrets

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Story Secrets - Review Of The Movie 'Carry-On' 13:55

22 дня назад13:55

13:55

Not so long ago, my friends recommended a movie that had been sitting on my Netflix homepage forever: Carry On . At the time, I scrolled past it, thinking, Eh, maybe later. But when they described it as a non-stop, old-school action thriller , I knew I had to give it a shot. And wow—this movie is peak action movie nonsense in the best way possible. It’s got it all: an everyday guy caught in a criminal plot, high-stakes airport security drama, and ridiculous moments that make you yell, “That would NEVER happen!” But somehow, you don’t care, because it’s just so much fun. The story? A security officer at LAX (who’s lost his confidence after failing the police academy) gets blackmailed into helping a criminal get past security. Cue high-tension moments, moral dilemmas, and a very Die Hard 2 vibe. Sure, the plot is full of holes—you mean to tell me a rookie TSA agent is left completely unsupervised at one of the busiest airports in the world? But hey, realism isn’t why we watch these movies. If you love Die Hard , Air Force One , or any action movie where the hero gets way too deep into trouble, give Carry On a try. It’s not perfect, but it’s a blast. Have you seen it? Let me know what you think!…

Story Secrets

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Story Secrets - Is Mara Jade Finally Coming to Star Wars Canon? 21:31

23 дня назад21:31

21:31

When Disney took over Star Wars , they wiped out the entire Expanded Universe, leaving fans heartbroken. Years of novels, comics, and games—gone, or rather, rebranded as Legends . While some elements have slowly crept back into canon (hello, Thrawn!), one major character remains absent: Mara Jade . Now, a new rumor suggests that Disney is considering a Mara Jade TV series. Is it true? No idea. But it makes sense. Mara’s story is classic Star Wars —a villain turned hero, redemption, a personal connection to Luke Skywalker (even if Disney avoids that part). Plus, imagine a deep dive into the Empire from her perspective—think The Penguin meets Star Wars . But here’s the catch: Dave Filoni has hinted that Star Wars needs fresh stories, not just rehashes of the past. Could a Mara Jade show fit that vision? Or is this just another fan-fueled rumor? Either way, I’d love to see it happen. What do you think? Would a Mara Jade show work in today’s Star Wars universe?…

Story Secrets

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Story Secrets - "Fantasy Helps Us Discover Our Own World" 20:22

26 дней назад20:22

20:22

It’s Fantasy Friday, and I’ve got two things for you: an inspiring interview with fantasy author and illustrator Robin Rozendal and an update on my own fantasy novel. Meet Robin Rozendal: I met Robin at the Fantasy Festival in Arcen, and her creativity blew me away. Here’s why: Massive, Original World: Her fantasy books explore living cities—yes, cities with thoughts, emotions, and even mental health struggles. It’s a concept I’ve never seen before, and it’s brilliant. Multi-Talented Creator: She’s not just an author; she illustrates her own books and runs two YouTube channels (in Dutch) about writing and videography . Her writing journey even inspired me to start my own Booktube channel. Her world-building is next-level, blending human characters with sentient cities that communicate through emotions and memories. If that doesn’t intrigue you, I don’t know what will. My Novel Update: Inspired by creators like Robin, I finally gave myself permission to write. I’m in month two of my novel-writing journey: January: Focused on plotting, world-building, and character sketches. February: Drafting phase with a goal of 3,000 words a day. Surprisingly, I often exceed that, hitting 5,000 words or more. The story has evolved beyond my original outline, and that’s part of the magic. Writing isn’t just about getting words on paper; it’s about discovering the story as you go. If you’ve ever wanted to write, consider this your sign: start today. You might just find a new passion. Want more insights into my writing process? Check out my daily updates on YouTube: My BookTube Channel. Check out Robin Rozendal's Channel on YouTube Visit her website and order her books here…

Story Secrets

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Story Secrets - Severance Season 2: Does It Live Up to the Hype? 17:55

27 дней назад17:55

17:55

If you’ve been holding your breath for Severance Season 2, exhale—it’s here, and it’s absolutely worth the wait. I’m Father Roderick, a priest and a geek, and today I’m diving into why this mind-bending series is still one of the best shows on television. When I first talked about Severance , I raved about its originality, mystery, and sheer brilliance. But with the bar set so high, could Season 2 deliver? Spoiler-free verdict: YES. What Makes Season 2 Stand Out: Visual Storytelling: The cinematography is stunning—abstract, art-house vibes that feel both beautiful and unsettling. Expanding the World: We finally see more of the outside world, blurring the lines between “innies” and “outies.” Double Character Arcs: Each actor juggles two personas, creating layered, complex storytelling. Mind-Blowing Episodes: Episode 4, in particular, feels like a standalone film with twists I never saw coming. The Severance official podcast is also a must-listen. Featuring creators and cast members like Ben Stiller, it offers behind-the-scenes insights without spoiling future episodes. If you haven’t started Severance yet, begin with Season 1. Trust me, it’s not just a show—it’s an experience.…

Story Secrets

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Story Secrets - Fantastic Four & the Rise of Retro Heroes 9:43

28 дней назад9:43