Speculate!: Recent Episodes
Speculate!
Speculate! began in 2010 as a podcast for writers, readers, and fans, run by Gregory A. Wilson and Bradley P. Beaulieu, two fantasy and science fiction writers. Brad stepped back from the show some years ago, and author Michael R. Underwood joined; the show then transitioned to an tabletop actual play podcast before author Brandon O’Brien officially joined Greg and Mike in 2020. In the nearly eleven years and 250 episodes of the show’s run, Speculate has featured SFF authors, editors, and agents, deep dives into the worlds of speculative fiction and TTRPGs, and in-depth analysis of narrative structure in a variety of mediums. Join us to find out what the next decade will bring!
Content notes: questionable mandatory therapy, and Rum Raisin ice cream Starring:Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The KeeperMichael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The LastJeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The SummonedAubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The SurgeAaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The FoundBrandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, team members deal with Division bureaucracy, and keep building bonds with each other. “Dystopian Guitars B” and “Dystopian Guitar A” by Monument Studios, used with permission.Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Content notes: Mental and emotional manipulation, and physical/psychic destruction.Starring:Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The KeeperMichael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The LastJeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The SummonedAubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The SurgeAaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The FoundBrandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, Ciarra Tân is pushed to an epic confrontation with The Harbinger. “Dystopian Guitars B” and “Dystopian Guitar A” by Monument Studios, used with permission.Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Content notes: Mental and emotional manipulationsStarring:Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The KeeperMichael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The LastJeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The SummonedAubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The SurgeAaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The FoundBrandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, Hamaliel tries to rescue a waitress from a cocoon, but things don’t go as planned.“Dystopian Guitars B” and “Dystopian Guitar A” by Monument Studios, used with permission.Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Content notes: Emotional trauma and identity issuesStarring:Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The KeeperMichael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The LastJeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The SummonedAubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The SurgeAaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The FoundBrandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, Tempo helps John/Jane come to grips with some shattering revelations.“Dystopian Guitars B” and “Dystopian Guitar A” by Monument Studios, used with permission.Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Content notes: Emotional trauma and identity issuesStarring:Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The KeeperMichael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The LastJeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The SummonedAubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The SurgeAaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The FoundBrandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, John/Jane can tap the memories of one of the Beatograph cult leaders, but it turns out that actually, a diner waitress is more crucial. “Dystopian Guitars B” and “Dystopian Guitar A” by Monument Studios, used with permission.Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Content notes: References to war, destruction, involuntary transformations, and death.Starring:Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The KeeperMichael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The LastJeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The SummonedAubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The SurgeAaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The FoundBrandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, team members ponder the Beatographs’ connection between beauty and destruction, and Tempo asks a policeman about being a protector.XXXXX MUSIC ATTRIBUTION GOES HERE XXXSubscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Content notes: Violence, and mental/emotional/physical manipulations.Starring:Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The KeeperMichael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The LastJeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The SummonedAubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The SurgeAaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The FoundBrandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, the crew fights cloaked figures, and Tempo has visions of the past while procuring an Ancient Weapon.“Dystopian Guitars B” and “Dystopian Guitar A” by Monument Studios, used with permission.Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Content notes: Interrogation after violence, more threatened violence, and mental/emotional/physical/temporal manipulations.Starring:Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The KeeperMichael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The LastJeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The SummonedAubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The SurgeAaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The FoundBrandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, the crew seizes the Pitman Sculpture and interrogates the people who had it, the police arrive with guns drawn, and a woman in a pink trenchcoat transforms one of them without his consent.“Dystopian Guitars B” and “Dystopian Guitar A” by Monument Studios, used with permission.Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Content notes: Mental and temporal manipulations, and physical violence.
Starring:
Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The Keeper
Michael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The Last
Jeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The Summoned
Aubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The Surge
Aaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The Found
Brandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, Ciarra Tân sees a distorted vision of the past, and the superpowered crew locates the possessors of the Pitman Sculpture.
“Dystopian Guitars B” and “Dystopian Guitar A” by Monument Studios, used with permission.
Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Content notes: Mental, physical, and temporal manipulations.Starring:Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The KeeperMichael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The LastJeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The SummonedAubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The SurgeAaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The FoundBrandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, the situation at the diner reminds Tempo of a temporal virus that infected their people with a kind of groupthink hivemind, and a Key is uncovered.“Dystopian Guitars B” and “Dystopian Guitar A” by Monument Studios, used with permission.Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Content notes: Temporal distortion, dysfunctional body images, very mild horrorStarring:Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The KeeperMichael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The LastJeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The SummonedAubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The SurgeAaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The FoundBrandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, teammates use their powers together to investigate the mysterious happenings at a diner. “Dystopian Guitars B” and “Dystopian Guitar A” by Monument Studios, used with permission.Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Content notes: Accidental mental invasion, accidental injuries, emotional traumaStarring:Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The KeeperMichael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The LastJeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The SummonedAubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The SurgeAaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The FoundBrandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, John/Jane loses control of their power and causes a crash, and Hamaliel also accidentally hurts someone.“Dystopian Guitars B” and “Dystopian Guitar A” by Monument Studios, used with permission.Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Content notes: Occasional cursing, temporal distortion, references to loss of control
Starring:
Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The Keeper
Michael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The Last
Jeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The Summoned
Aubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The Surge
Aaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The Found
Brandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, a team of super-powered individuals meets up and discusses their mission, which involves an incident at a diner that involves a missing artifact that is also pursued by the Beatographs faction.
Intro and Outro tracks from Monument Studios, used with permission.
Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This product was created using the Darrington Press Community Gaming License. The Illuminated Worlds Standard Resource Document is owned and copyrighted by Darrington Press, LLC. All rights reserved. This product is based on the Adaptive Content created and owned by Darrington Press: Candela Obscura, Darrington Press, LLC, 2023, available at https://darringtonpress.com/.
This product was created using the Darrington Press Community Gaming License. The Illuminated Worlds Standard Resource Document is owned and copyrighted by Darrington Press, LLC. All rights reserved. This product is based on the Adaptive Content created and owned by Darrington Press: Candela Obscura, Darrington Press, LLC, 2023, available at https://darringtonpress.com/.
Content note - death, supernatural contamination, alcoholAs part of our 2023 fundraiser, Mike leads a thrilling adventure in a game of Candela Obscura, the upcoming investigative horror RPG using the Illuminated Worlds system. The investigators uncover dangerous truths about a banned book, which turns out to be wanted by more than just Candela Obscura.
Starring Darcie Little Badger, Valerie Valdes, Brandon O'Brien, and Gregory A. Wilson, with Lightkeeper (GM) Mike Underwood.
Playing Candela Obscura by Darrington Press (lead designers Spenser Starke and Rowan Hall). Find out more about Candela Obscura at https://darringtonpress.com/candela/
"Candela Obscura Main Theme" is by Colm R. McGuinness, from the Candela Obscura soundtrack. Used with permission. Purchase the Candela Obscura soundtrack at - https://music.apple.com/us/album/candela-obscura-official-show-soundtrack/1699530143
This product was created using the Darrington Press Community Gaming License. The Illuminated Worlds Standard Resource Document is owned and copyrighted by Darrington Press, LLC. All rights reserved. This product is based on the Adaptive Content created and owned by Darrington Press: Candela Obscura, Darrington Press, LLC, 2023, available at https://darringtonpress.com/.
Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to the premiere of Apocalypse Keys - The Pitman Sculpture, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This product was created using the Darrington Press Community Gaming License. The Illuminated Worlds Standard Resource Document is owned and copyrighted by Darrington Press, LLC. All rights reserved. This product is based on the Adaptive Content created and owned by Darrington Press: Candela Obscura, Darrington Press, LLC, 2023, available at https://darringtonpress.com/.
We're holding our second annual fundraiser marathon stream on Saturday, November 11th, starting at noon eastern! Read this post on the Patreon for more details: https://www.patreon.com/posts/fundraiser-nov-91826111Content note - profanity, workplace accidents, unsafe labor practices, violence, surveillance, and labor suppression.Valerie, Iori, and Mike continue the story of Unit 77 of the faux-diner chain Flapjacks! Labor action rises in the chain and the workers of Unit 77 get wrapped up in a local scandal. But when it's all said and done, how will the flapjacks fall for our intrepid staff?Playing Grasping Nettles by Adam Bell - https://adamebell.itch.io/grasping-nettlesThe video for this episode was available early to subscribers at patreon.com/speculate, along with including exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey, Minnesota, Baltimore, and Rio Web Fests!) and watch all of our completed series and one-shots at speculatesf.com/videosThis episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
We're holding our second annual fundraiser marathon stream on Saturday, November 11th, starting at noon eastern! Read this post on the Patreon for more details: https://www.patreon.com/posts/fundraiser-nov-91826111
Content note - profanity, workplace accidents, unsafe labor practices, violence, surveillance, and labor suppression.
Valerie, Iori, and Mike tell the story of Unit 77 of the faux-diner chain Flapjacks! They explore the tensions between day shift and night shift, overnight brawls, and more.
Playing Grasping Nettles by Adam Bell - https://adamebell.itch.io/grasping-nettles
The video for this episode was available early to subscribers at patreon.com/speculate, along with including exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!
Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey, Minnesota, Baltimore, and Rio Web Fests!) and watch all of our completed series and one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Note - We're holding our second annual fundraiser marathon stream on Saturday, November 11th, starting at noon eastern! Stay tuned to the Patreon for more details.
Valerie, Brandon, and Mike talk about dramatization in ttrpgs and writing - how and why to dig in with detail and emotion to enhance a scene. They discuss ways of dramatizing, reasons why you would or wouldn't want to spend the time dramatizing, the importance of dramatization in combat scenes, and more!
The video for this discussion was available early to subscribers at patreon.com/speculate, along with including exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!
Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey, Minnesota, Baltimore, and Rio Web Fests!) and watch all of our completed series and one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Mike talks about the 2023 New Jersey Web Fest and then Brandon and Mike talk about BigBadCon 2023. Brandon discusses their experiences in 2019 vs. 2023 and the importance of the POC Scholars program.The video for this discussion was available early to subscribers at patreon.com/speculate, along with including exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey, Minnesota, and Baltimore Next Media Web Fests!) and watch all of our completed series and one-shots at speculatesf.com/videosThis episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
A new wrangler appears as the group tries to escape the perilous claw room. The wranglers take a beating, the goose gets mad, and our heroes finally confront the Unsealy King.
Playing Neon Sundown by Tracy Barnett - https://theothertracy.itch.io/neon-sundown
Starring Jeoi Gawain Lin, Brandon O'Brien, Michael R. Underwood, and Valerie Valdes, with Iori Kusano GMing.
Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey, Minnesota, and Baltimore Next Media Web Fests!) and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
You can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
The wranglers contend with pillow-people guards, questionable slime, and a sentient feather down blob. Pushed to the edge, one of the wranglers moseys into the sunset.
Playing Neon Sundown by Tracy Barnett - https://theothertracy.itch.io/neon-sundown
Starring Jeoi Gawain Lin, Brandon O'Brien, Michael R. Underwood, and Valerie Valdes, with Iori Kusano GMing.
Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey, Minnesota, and Baltimore Next Media Web Fests!) and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
You can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Iori leads The Strange Friends in a delightfully wild one-shot of vaporwave action rpg Neon Sundown, where glitzy bounty hunters pursue a cruel mattress mogul in Strip City (which is definitely not Las Vegas).
Playing Neon Sundown by Tracy Barnett - https://theothertracy.itch.io/neon-sundown
Starring Jeoi Gawain Lin, Brandon O'Brien, Michael R. Underwood, and Valerie Valdes, with Iori Kusano GMing.
Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey, Minnesota, and Baltimore Next Media Web Fests!) and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
You can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Brandon, Greg, and Mike discuss theme in ttrpgs (home games and actual play), the differences between what you expected from a game as the GM going in and what the game ended up being about, and asking questions about/in your game while making room for others to bring their own questions and answers. They bring examples from Speculate series as well as other games they've run, including Valloward, The Case of the Cindered Seal, Rebel Crown: Splendour & Shadow, and Curse of Strahd.
Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey, Minnesota, and Baltimore Next Media Web Fests!) and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
You can help us make the show even better by becoming a subscriber at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more Speculate (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Brandon, Iori, Mike and Valerie talk about ways that they've brought skills and lessons from playing and running TTRPGs over to their writing, from using and talking about touchstones to a question about writing and GMing voice that provokes minor existential crises for Brandon and Mike.Featuring Brandon O'Brien, Iori Kusano, Michael R. Underwood, and Valerie Valdes.Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey, Minnesota, and Baltimore Next Media Web Fests!) and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videosYou can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Brandon, Iori, Mike, and Valerie talk about ways that they've brought skills and lessons from playing and running TTRPGs over to their writing, from specific mechanics to developing characters.Featuring Brandon O'Brien, Iori Kusano, Michael R. Underwood, and Valerie Valdes.Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey, Minnesota, and Baltimore Next Media Web Fests!) and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videosYou can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Brandon leads Valerie and Mike in a one-shot of Fight With Spirit, where the Newcastle Neons take on the Dockside Demons in a team e-sport ala capture the flag plus mechs. Meli and Sam clash with their rivals Hanna and Ryan in the decisive moments of the quarter-finals.Starring Valerie Valdes, Michael R. Underwood, and Brandon O'Brien facilitating.nderwood, "Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey and Minnesota Web Fests!) and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videosYou can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Brandon leads Valerie and Mike in a one-shot of Fight With Spirit, where the Newcastle Neons take on the Dockside Demons in a team e-sport ala capture the flag plus mechs. Meli and Sam try to lead the Neons to victory against a powerful Demons offense.
Starring Valerie Valdes, Michael R. Underwood, and Brandon O'Brien facilitating.nderwood, "
Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey and Minnesota Web Fests!) and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
You can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Brandon leads Valerie and Mike in a one-shot of Fight With Spirit, where the Newcastle Neons take on the Dockside Demons in a team e-sport ala capture the flag plus mechs. The group decides on details for the Neons and creates the main characters and their rivals.
Starring Valerie Valdes, Michael R. Underwood, and Brandon O'Brien facilitating.nderwood, "
Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey and Minnesota Web Fests!) and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videosYou can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
The Strange Friends assemble to discuss just over three years of playing TTRPGs together on stream and off. In this episode, they discuss rpgs as theater, favorite moments and characters, and answer audience questions!Featuring Iori Kusano, Valerie Valdes, Brandon O'Brien, and Michael R. Underwood.Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 Minnesota Web Fest!) and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videosYou can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
The Strange Friends assemble to discuss just over three years of playing TTRPGs together on stream and off. In this episode, they discuss Jeoi's amazing characters and performances, plus crossovers between writing and RPG skills.
Featuring Iori Kusano, Valerie Valdes, Brandon O'Brien, and Michael R. Underwood.
Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 Minnesota Web Fest!) and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
You can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
The Strange Friends assemble to discuss just over three years of playing TTRPGs together on stream and off. In this episode, they discuss GMing styles and game prep!
Featuring Iori Kusano, Valerie Valdes, Brandon O'Brien, and Michael R. Underwood.
Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 Minnesota Web Fest!) and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
You can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Mike facilitates a session of the worldbuilding game In This World by Ben Robbins, using the Early Access edition of the game.
Brandon pitches a world where there is One True Card Game, and owning cards from that game is a marker of social status. Mike pitches a world where the players of the biggest, most popular game don't know their objectives, and audiences play their own mini-games to provide hints.
This session contains content notes for references to gambling and societal coercion.
Featuring Iori Kusano, Brandon O'Brien, and Michael R. Underwood.
Back the campaign for In This World at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lamemage/in-this-world/ and find Ben Robbins' other games at https://www.lamemage.com/
Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
You can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Mike facilitates a session of the worldbuilding game In This World by Ben Robbins, using the Early Access edition of the game.
Iori pitches a world where citizens are compelled to watch games ala Jury Duty.
This session contains content notes for references to gambling and societal coercion. Featuring Iori Kusano, Brandon O'Brien, and Michael R. Underwood.
Back the campaign for In This World at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lamemage/in-this-world/ and find Ben Robbins' other games at https://www.lamemage.com/
Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
You can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries content notes for violent threats, guns, gunfire, confined spaces, and abuse of governmental power.
The thieves infiltrate the Project Lazarus black site, and come face to face with the architect of their misfortune.
A Family of Blades is a game by A.C. Luke. Find out more at - https://ac-luke.itch.io/family-of-blades
Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
You can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries content notes for discussion of guns, violence, and abuse of governmental power.
The thieves receive a surprising welcome. A friend of a friend provides a breadcrumb trail and leads to a surprising reunion. The thieves launch their plan to clear their name and get payback.
A Family of Blades is a game by A.C. Luke. Find out more at - https://ac-luke.itch.io/family-of-blades
Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
You can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries content notes for air travel, discussion of violence, abuse of governmental power, and guns.
The four thieves re-assemble in Miami to investigate the scene of the crime. Tiny schemes, Odds communes, and Lucy asks about the accommodations.
A Family of Blades is a game by A.C. Luke. Find out more at - https://ac-luke.itch.io/family-of-blades
Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
You can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries content notes for discussion of violence, kidnapping by law enforcement, and extralegal detainment.
Brandon leads The Strange Friends in a one-shot of A Family of Blades by A.C. Luke.
A quartet of criminals reunites to investigate the mysterious death of their former handler.
Pick up A Family of Blades at - https://ac-luke.itch.io/family-of-blades
Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
You can help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
ICYMI, our Court of Blades series Valloward has been announced as an Early Selection for the 2023 New Jersey Web Fest, a prominent film/media festival for web series (from fiction podcasts and short films to actual play shows like ours!). We're very proud of the world we've been doing in the series, and it's wonderful to have that work recognized by the NWJF judges. To celebrate, we're releasing this excerpt of our first session to the podcast feed to give podcast-first listeners a sample of the series. Enjoy!--On the 300th anniversary of the founding of the great city of Valloward, the noble House Vorster plays host to a celebration which is interrupted by matters most foul. A new coterie in House Vorster will rise to defeat this threat and begin the story of their rise through the ranks of the Great Game of Houses.If you liked this excerpt, you can watch all of the sessions so far on our website at speculatesf.com/videos or directly on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcMKGE-tXguWvG-BtmbrV0d6yGou7k9rVCourt of Blades is a game by A Couple of Drakes, who provided promotional support for this series. Find out more about Court of Blades at https://acoupleofdrakes.itch.io/court-of-bladesSubscribe at patreon.com/speculate at $3 a month or higher get bonus GM prep videos for Valloward, extras from our other series, bonus discussion episodes where the co-hosts recommend games, give advice on playing and running games, and more!This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Mike talks about three generations of official Star Wars RPGs as well as four other RPGS that aren't officially Star Wars RPGs but are absolutely great for telling Star Wars stories.Games mentioned:WEG Star Wars (1987, 1992, 1996, 2018 anniversary edition) -- Greg CostikyanStar Wars RPG (WotC) – 2000, 2002 -- Bill Slavicsek, Andy Collins, J.D. WikerStar Wars Saga Edition (2007) - Owen K.C. Stephens, Rodney Thompson, Chris PerkinsFFG/Edge – 2012- Edge of Empire (Jay Little, with Sam Stewart, Andrew Fischer, and Tim Flanders), Age of Rebellion (Jay Little), Force and Destiny (Jay Little)Subscribe at patreon.com/speculate at $3 a month or higher to hear the rest of this episode! You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, other bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!) Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videosThis episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries content notes for livestock, animal products, death, necromancy, resource exploitation, capitalism, over-work, bone, decay, magical infestation, and discussion of the COVID-19 pandemicGuests Marianne Kirby (@therotund) and AJ Hackwith (@AJHackwith) join Mike for a game of A Land Once Magic to create a world that is coarse and candle-lit, hallowed and haunted.Starring Marianne Kirby and AJ Hackwith, with Mike Underwood as the facilitator.A Land Once Magic is an rpg by Viditya Voleti. Find out more at https://vidityavoleti.itch.io/a-land-once-magicCheck out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videosHelp us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries content notes for livestock, animal products, death, necromancy, resource exploitation, capitalism, over-work, bone, decay, and magical infestationGuests Marianne Kirby (@therotund) and AJ Hackwith (@AJHackwith) join Mike for a game of A Land Once Magic to create a world that is coarse and candle-lit, hallowed and haunted.Starring Marianne Kirby and AJ Hackwith, with Mike Underwood as the facilitator.A Land Once Magic is an rpg by Viditya Voleti. Find out more at https://vidityavoleti.itch.io/a-land-once-magicCheck out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videosHelp us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries content notes for livestock, animal products, death, necromancy, resource exploitation, capitalism, over-work, bone, decay, and magical infestationGuests Marianne Kirby (@therotund) and AJ Hackwith (@AJHackwith) join Mike for a game of A Land Once Magic to create a world that is coarse and candle-lit, hallowed and haunted.Starring Marianne Kirby and AJ Hackwith, with Mike Underwood as the facilitator.A Land Once Magic is an rpg by Viditya Voleti. Find out more at https://vidityavoleti.itch.io/a-land-once-magicCheck out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videosHelp us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries content notes for teleportation, dangerous driving, heights, and falling.
Mike leads The Strange Friends through a special Speculate! one-shot of Mikey Hamm's interdimensional teen caper rpg SLUGBLASTER!
Greedy Zzkaska's has the best pizza in the multiverse, so when this trio of teens discover that superstar Dorus Kal is throwing a blowout party this Saturday night and has sworn to do a collab with whoever impresses him the most that night, they set out to be the group that arrives first with Zzkasks's Supreme Horde meal deal! But first, they'll have to contend with modem banshees, giant crabs, and deadly hover-chariot traffic!
Starring Brandon O'Brien, Iori Kusano, and Valerie Valdes, with Mike Underwood as the Slugmaster.
Slugblaster is an rpg by Mikey Hamm. Find out more at https://wilkies.itch.io/slugblaster
Check out our new Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
Help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries content notes for teleportation and sonic attacks.A daring trio of teens races to be the first to deliver the multiverse's favorite pizza. But first they'll have to contend with gigantic crabs, hover-chariots, and hyper hydras!Starring Brandon O'Brien, Iori Kusano, and Valerie Valdes, with Mike Underwood as the Slugmaster.Slugblaster is an rpg by Mikey Hamm. Find out more at https://wilkies.itch.io/slugblasterCheck out our new Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videosHelp us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!).This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries content notes for disorientation, obsession, and involuntary teleportation.
The thieves find themselves on a strange city block with a lighthouse at its center, and discover the truth of their patron's desires and the secret of the missing star.
The Strange Friends play a special Speculate! one-shot of Colin Cummings' Carly Rae Jepsen-themed heist rpg BOY PROBLEMS. https://boyproblems.itch.io/boy-problems.
Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) is the Stage Manager for the cast of Valerie Valdes (@valerievaldes), Iori Kusano (@iorikusano), Jeoi Gawain Lin (@thisismydasein), and Michael R. Underwood (@mikerunderwood).
Check out our new Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
Help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries content notes for high-speed transit, vomiting, and spoiled food/beverages
The crew meets another artist whose dreams are held in the grasp of Whitney Rider and complete their heist. But the end of the heist is not the end of the story.
The Strange Friends play a special Speculate! one-shot of Colin Cummings' Carly Rae Jepsen-themed heist rpg BOY PROBLEMS. https://boyproblems.itch.io/boy-problems.
Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) is the Stage Manager for the cast of Valerie Valdes (@valerievaldes), Iori Kusano (@iorikusano), Jeoi Gawain Lin (@thisismydasein), and Michael R. Underwood (@mikerunderwood).
Check out our new Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
Help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries a content note for high-speed transit/rapid travel.
Several months after the pop sensation's mysterious disappearance, a Carly Rae super-fan assembles a strange team of thieves to recover the legendary vault of 100 unreleased CRJ tracks.
The Strange Friends play a special Speculate! one-shot of Colin Cummings' Carly Rae Jepsen-themed heist rpg BOY PROBLEMS. https://boyproblems.itch.io/boy-problems
Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) is the Stage Manager for the cast of Valerie Valdes (@valerievaldes), Iori Kusano (@iorikusano), Jeoi Gawain Lin (@thisismydasein), and Michael R. Underwood (@mikerunderwood).
Check out our new Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos
Help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries a content note for transformation, violence, body horror, magical waste, and tentaclesAt the brink of disaster, Nina faces her moment of truth. When the dust settles, the Dream Knights deal with the fallout as Cloud Harbor reels from the activation of the Eye.Fractal Spire is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Girl by Moonlight by Andrew Gillis (forthcoming from Evil Hat Productions). We are grateful for the sponsorship and support provided by Evil Hat in helping us make this show.Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) is the Stage Manager for the cast of Valerie Valdes (@valerievaldes), Iori Kusano (@iorikusano), Jeoi Gawain Lin (@thisismydasein), and Michael R. Underwood (@mikerunderwood).Check out our new Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6BxhWatch our completed series “Splendour and Shadow” and “The Case of the Cindered Seal” at Youtube.com/ArvanEleron.Help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries a content note for transformation, violence, body horror, magical waste, and tentacles
The Host of the Conspiracy reveals themself. Rüstem has a rough time. Ruthless and Deed join the fray.
Fractal Spire is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Girl by Moonlight by Andrew Gillis (forthcoming from Evil Hat Productions). We are grateful for the sponsorship and support provided by Evil Hat in helping us make this show.
Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) is the Stage Manager for the cast of Valerie Valdes (@valerievaldes), Iori Kusano (@iorikusano), Jeoi Gawain Lin (@thisismydasein), and Michael R. Underwood (@mikerunderwood).
Check out our new Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh
Watch our completed series “Splendour and Shadow” and “The Case of the Cindered Seal” at Youtube.com/ArvanEleron.
Help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries a content note for magical disorientation and duplicates.
Cat gets her bearings and encounters...multiple versions of Euphony? Ruth finds himself back in the world of healthcare. Vik teaches a musical civics lesson. Nina has a nice ride.
Fractal Spire is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Girl by Moonlight by Andrew Gillis (forthcoming from Evil Hat Productions). We are grateful for the sponsorship and support provided by Evil Hat in helping us make this show.
Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) is the Stage Manager for the cast of Valerie Valdes (@valerievaldes), Iori Kusano (@iorikusano), Jeoi Gawain Lin (@thisismydasein), and Michael R. Underwood (@mikerunderwood).
Check out our new Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh
Watch our completed series “Splendour and Shadow” and “The Case of the Cindered Seal” at Youtube.com/ArvanEleron.
Help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries a content note for magical restraint and disorientation.
The Dream Knights meet with tech mogul Rüstem Demir and attempt a desperate mission to thwart The Conspiracy before its ultimate plans can engulf all of Cloud Harbor.
Fractal Spire is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Girl by Moonlight by Andrew Gillis (forthcoming from Evil Hat Productions). We are grateful for the sponsorship and support provided by Evil Hat in helping us make this show.
Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) is the Stage Manager for the cast of Valerie Valdes (@valerievaldes), Iori Kusano (@iorikusano), Jeoi Gawain Lin (@thisismydasein), and Michael R. Underwood (@mikerunderwood).
Check out our new Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh
Watch our completed series “Splendour and Shadow” and “The Case of the Cindered Seal” at Youtube.com/ArvanEleron.
Help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
**Content note for discussion of environmental disaster, natural disasters, and dangerous work situations.
After escaping from prison, a small crew of do-gooders come across a crisis in the Karos-Theta system!
Fractal Spire is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Lasers & Feelings by John Harper. Find out more about the game at Lasers & Feelings (onesevendesign.com) Michael R. Underwood is the Stage Manager for the crew of Iori Kusano (@iorikusano), Jeoi Gawain Lin (@thisismydasein), and Brandon O'Brien (@therisingtithes).
Check out our new Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh or watch our completed series “Splendour and Shadow” and “The Case of the Cindered Seal” at Youtube.com/ArvanEleron.
Help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso**). As always, thanks for listening!
Content note for discussion of environmental disaster, natural disasters, dangerous work situations.
After escaping from prison, a small crew of do-gooders come across a crisis in the Karos-Theta system!
Speculate is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Lasers & Feelings by John Harper. Find out more about the game at Lasers & Feelings (onesevendesign.com)
Michael R. Underwood is the Stage Manager for the crew of Iori Kusano (@iorikusano), Jeoi Gawain Lin (@thisismydasein), and Brandon O'Brien (@therisingtithes).
Check out our new Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh or watch our completed series “Splendour and Shadow” and “The Case of the Cindered Seal” at Youtube.com/ArvanEleron.
Help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
After escaping from prison, a small crew of do-gooders come across a crisis in the Karos-Theta system!
This Porter’s Day Special is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Lasers & Feelings by John Harper. Find out more about the game at Lasers & Feelings (onesevendesign.com).
Michael R. Underwood is the Stage Manager for the crew of Iori Kusano (@iorikusano), Jeoi Gawain Lin (@thisismydasein), and Brandon O'Brien (@therisingtithes).
Check out our new Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh or watch our completed series “Splendour and Shadow” and “The Case of the Cindered Seal” at Youtube.com/ArvanEleron.
Help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Content note for discussion of hostile work environments, references to death, references to time travel, and magical divination.
Cat tells Nina she needs a new job. Vik tries to let Cat off the hook. The Dream Knights head off to an extremely high-stakes meeting that may or may not be an equally-big trap.
Fractal Spire is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Girl by Moonlight by Andrew Gillis (forthcoming from Evil Hat Productions). We are grateful for the sponsorship and support provided by Evil Hat in helping us make this show.
Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) is the Stage Manager for the crew of Valerie Valdes (@valerievaldes), Iori Kusano (@iorikusano), Jeoi Gawain Lin (@thisismydasein), and Michael R. Underwood (@mikerunderwood).Check out our new Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh Watch our completed series “Splendour and Shadow” and “The Case of the Cindered Seal” at Youtube.com/ArvanEleron.
Help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Content note for magical transformation, symptoms of supernatural illness, discussion of supernatural illness, sleepwalking, hostile work environments.
While trying to keep Ayça safe/herself, the Dream Knights follow the threads to put together the big picture before their meeting with Demir. Cat has a heart-to-heart with Cat.
Fractal Spire is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Girl by Moonlight by Andrew Gillis (forthcoming from Evil Hat Productions). We are grateful for the sponsorship and support provided by Evil Hat in helping us make this show.
Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) is the Stage Manager for the crew of Valerie Valdes (@valerievaldes), Iori Kusano (@iorikusano), Jeoi Gawain Lin (@thisismydasein), and Michael R. Underwood (@mikerunderwood).Check out our new Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh
Watch our completed series “Splendour and Shadow” and “The Case of the Cindered Seal” at Youtube.com/ArvanEleron.
Help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Content note for time travel, violence, immobilizing restraints, magical transformation, symptoms of supernatural illness
Cat remembers The Worst Timeline. Ruth goes into crisis management mode, with help from Nina. Vik scours Rüstem Demir's phone for answers.
Fractal Spire is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Girl by Moonlight by Andrew Gillis (forthcoming from Evil Hat Productions). We are grateful for the sponsorship and support provided by Evil Hat in helping us make this show.
Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) is the Stage Manager for the crew of Valerie Valdes (@valerievaldes), Iori Kusano (@iorikusano), Jeoi Gawain Lin (@thisismydasein), and Michael R. Underwood (@mikerunderwood).Check out our new Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh
Watch our completed series “Splendour and Shadow” and “The Case of the Cindered Seal” at Youtube.com/ArvanEleron.
Help us make the show the best it can be by becoming a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate – You’ll also get even more content (including Fractal Spire extras, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!)
This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
Hi folks, Mike here. We’ll have more Girl by Moonlight: Fractal Spire for you next week, but I wanted to check in here with a brief message of thanks on behalf of the whole Speculate team to everyone that supported the fundraiser marathon this last weekend. Whether you donated, pledged to patreon, hung out with us and chatted, helped run the giveaways, or anything else, you showed the strength and passion of the Speculate community!Thanks to the community’s amazing efforts, we raised a total of $1,001 between direct donations and pledges to our patreon. We held five raffles giving away works by the co-hosts, from novels and collections to albums and comics, and we streamed for over nine hours across three segments.If you weren’t able to join us live, you can watch the whole thing on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcMKGE-tXguUkLcKhc4XdY2WCGIxk_KgGWe want to give special thanks to our guests: Trish Matson (who also wrote and performed an amazing hype video for the marathon that you can find in this playlist), Paul Weimer, Shaun Duke, and Noelle Leigh. and the Strange Friends crew, including Blades in the Deep GM Iori Kusano as well as Jeoi Gawain Lin, and Valerie Valdes. Big thanks to the amazing moderators at twitch.tv/arvaneleron.And thanks again to everyone that donated and joined us live for the festivities.Brandon, Greg, and I are taking a little bit of time to rest and then we’ll set ourselves to the glorious task of plotting awesomeness as we work to realize the opportunities created by this incredible show of support from you, the Speculate community!
Hi folks, Mike here. We’ll have more Girl by Moonlight: Fractal Spire for you next week, but I wanted to check in here with a brief message of thanks on behalf of the whole Speculate team to everyone that supported the fundraiser marathon this last weekend. Whether you donated, pledged to patreon, hung out with us and […]
Special note: We’re running a special marathon stream on Nov 12th (a week earlier than previously announced) to raise funds to release episodes more regularly and potentially fund new projects! More info – https://www.patreon.com/posts/fundraiser-event-73693008 This episode carries content notes for falling, a doll, hospitalization, long-term medical care, discussion of chronic and critical medical conditions, and hostages. The party […]
This episode carries content notes for brief discussion of armed revolution and violence, discussion of food. The Dream Knights arrive at the Mirador for a fancy Dreamshine party. They cross paths with none other than tech mogul Rüstem Demir, trade banter with him and his companion, and then the party takes an unexpected turn. Fractal Spire […]
This episode carries content notes for brief discussion of armed revolution and violence, discussion of food. The Dream Knights arrive at the Mirador for a fancy Dreamshine party. They cross paths with none other than tech mogul Rüstem Demir, trade banter with him and his companion, and then the party takes an unexpected turn. Fractal Spire […]
Special note: We’re running a special marathon stream on Nov 19th to raise funds to take the show onto a weekly release schedule! More info here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/fundraiser-event-73693008 This episode carries content notes for violence, discussion of injury and trauma, burning, long-term medical care. Ruth has a hard conversation years in the making. Vik keeps an eye […]
Special note: We’re running a special marathon stream on Nov 19th to raise funds to take the show onto a weekly release schedule! More info here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/fundraiser-event-73693008 This episode carries content notes for violence, discussion of injury and trauma, burning, long-term medical care. Ruth has a hard conversation years in the making. Vik keeps an eye […]
This episode carries content notes for severe injuries, repetition of trauma, time travel, reference to a sex act, inanimate object transformation, tentacles, earthquakes, and surreal dream imagery Cat shows off some impressive driving skills. Ruth gets back in the game. The dream knights continue dealing with Janet/Siobhan. Fractal Spire is a joint production with Greg’s […]
This episode carries content notes for catatonia, repetition of trauma, discussion of gross food, food service work, vomiting, car crash, severe injuries, blood, reference to a sex act Cat, Nina, and Vik head into the dream to try to rescue Siobhan’s psyche. They trade work stories on a long walk at night and then discover […]
This episode carries content notes for magical disassociation, trauma, chest wound, brief reference to alcohol and torture, divination, and a omen of death. Ruthless and Vik deal with the unexpected reunion and revelation. Vik does some investigation into the officer harassing the owners of Monsieur & Roses. The group assesses Janet/Siobhan’s condition and gets rolling […]
This is a preview of a full bonus episode that you can hear (or watch) right now on the Speculate patreon. If you want to hear the five other game recommendations from this discussion, join today! https://www.patreon.com/speculate This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!
This episode carries content notes for home invasion, combat, surreal dream imagery, supernatural injury, discussion of trauma. An unexpected intruder crashes into Ruth’s apartment and makes a tense situation even worse. Vik tries to keep the property damage under control. A familiar face reappears, but not in the way anyone expected. Fractal Spire is a […]
This episode carries content notes for discussion of medical procedures and brain imaging, food, and divination. Ruthless explores what it’s like to exist in the waking world and makes a less-than-stellar impression on the others. Dice is confused. Again. Nina helps the others process what’s going on. Fractal Spire is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch […]
This episode carries content notes for discussion of medical procedures and brain imaging, food, and divination. Ruthless explores what it’s like to exist in the waking world and makes a less-than-stellar impression on the others. Dice is confused. Again. Nina helps the others process what’s going on. Fractal Spire is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch […]
This episode carries content notes for a person in a coma, anxiety attack, and institutional punishment. The Dream Knights emerge from a collapsed dream with an unusually unconscious Siobhan and a rogue avatar. Ruthless focuses on hospitality rather than answering questions. A complicated web of obligations threatens to overwhelm the knights. Fractal Spire is a […]
This episode carries content notes for animate mannequins, hand-to-hand combat, forced transformation, magical devastation, person in a coma The team confronts the puppetmaster at the center of the “spa”. Cat and Vik both try to get things under control, but they keep spiraling. A second avatar manifests and purposes become crossed, resolving quite…dramatically.Fractal Spire is a joint production […]
This episode carries content notes for panic, disorientation, sounds of torture, dentistry equipment, transformation, animate mannequins The dream tries to separate the knights as they explore the “spa”. Dice is in a bad spot. Ruth decides to take the short way to the spa’s “proprietor”, but Cat won’t let him go alone. Fractal Spire is a […]
This episode carries content notes for mannequins and disorientation. The dream knights dive into the unknown and find themselves visiting an incredibly creepy spa. A familiar hole re-appears. Fractal Spire is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Girl by Moonlight by Andrew Gillis (forthcoming from Evil Hat Productions). We are grateful for the […]
Today we’re bringing you an excerpt from a worldbuilding session for Valloward, our Court of Blades campaign running on Twitch.tv/Arvaneleron. Mike and Brandon build on the worldbuilding done during the game of Ex Novo in preparation for playing Court of Blades. They talk about fantasy-caribbean architecture, magical solar power via volcanic rock, the oracular plentifruit, and more. You can catch the entire […]
This episode carries content notes for emotionally charged conversation, manipulating dreams, alcohol, bars, description of dangerous pursuit, descriptions of and references to kidnapping. Vik talks Dice through how he can try to make amends to Nina and Ruth. The team sorts through notes about dream travel and returns to an old haunt of Euphony’s. Cat […]
This episode carries content notes for sleep deprivation, eating, meat, and smoke bombs. The Dream Knights run down leads and recover from the attack on Monsieur and Roses. Vik has a clandestine chat about books. Cat focuses her oracular powers on the deck of reveries, then has Nina over for pizza and movies. Fractal Spire […]
Note: Brandon had some major technical problems during the recording, and even with Rudy’s excellent editing skills, this episode may be choppier than normal. This episode carries content notes for combat, gas grenade, time distortion, unnatural textures, and transforming inanimate objects. Cat comes to grip with the oracle cards and Time Traveler shenanigans ensue. […]
This episode carries content notes for combat, vandalism, gas grenade Ruth and Vik question Dice about their experience working for the Conspiracy. Monsieur and Roses is attacked by masked figures, and Ruth has finally had enough. The players reflect on the session and express some wishes for the future. Fractal Spire is a joint production with Greg’s […]
This episode carries content notes for alcohol, public drunkenness, and rich people being obnoxious. Cat manages more workplace problems at Somnio and receives another mysterious oracle card. Ruth’s attempts to close up shop are thwarted by increasingly unexpected events. The cast discusses what advance to take in order to make the characters less squishy. Fractal Spire […]
This episode carries content notes for arbitrary punishment, scissors, workplace anxiety, falling asleep at the wheel, The Dream Knights have survived their first mission without Euphony, and now turn to managing their obligations. Vik tries to protect a student from unreasonable punishment and Nina deals with a scary episode on the highway. Fractal Spire is […]
Mike, Brandon, and Greg talk about Faction Turns/GM turns in ttrpgs, systems seen in games like Stars Without Number, Urban Shadows 2E, Blades in the Dark, etc. Brandon shares some of their experience playing in a faction turn for Elder County TN, Mike talks about scope and intention with Faction/GM turns, and Greg muses on […]
After a short recap of our Court of Blades series announcement, Greg, Mike, and Brandon gather to discuss some games they’re excited about, from games currently crowdfunding to games farther on the horizon. They talk about style, scope, and genre across the recommendations. Court of Blades announcement – https://www.patreon.com/posts/announcing-court-65998407 Games mentioned: Blade Runner – Free League […]
This episode carries content notes for violence, falling, medical trauma, and caretaker trauma. Dice and Ruth clash again, then finally talk about what’s going on and why Dice is working with the Conspiracy. The Dream Knights make their way out but end up not where they expected. Fractal Spire is a joint production with Greg’s […]
This episode carries content notes for submersion in a sticky liquid, violence, giant animated toys, and head injuries. The Dream Knights gather tools to free Nina, which lands them in an even bigger problem. Deed appears to dive into the fray. Ruth and Dice square off again. Fractal Spire is a joint production with Greg’s […]
This episode carries content notes for submersion in sticky liquid, toilets, mention of starvation, and general horror. Nina is trapped in a hole. But also a pool of soda? Dreams are weird. The remaining Dream Knights dive into Nina’s dream to rescue her and discover far more than they expected. Fractal Spire is a joint production […]
This episode carries content warnings for police action, enclosed spaces, reference to home intrusion, and alcohol. Ruth makes a quick exit from his late-night activity before the cops arrive. Once home, Vik and Nina have a disconcerting dream that doesn’t behave like it should. Vik rallies the Dream Knights to respond. Fractal Spire is a joint production with […]
This episode carries content warnings for hand-to-hand combat, blood, profanity, sprained wrist, references to grievous bodily harm, and police raids Dice shows off for Ruth as their underground fight club match begins. Dice performs not just for the crowd—ravenous for blood, for spectacle, and for the clash of bodies—but also Ruth, who is not impressed. […]
This episode carries content warnings for hand-to-hand combat, blood, surveillance, reference to facial injuries, alcohol, Ruth gets an invite to a pop-up underground fighting ring. Cat investigates the card left at Somnio by a client and takes some precautions about it. Ruth squares off against a “friend”. Fractal Spire is a joint production with Greg’s […]
This episode carries content warnings for violence, being knocked into unconsciousness. The Dream Knights meet up very late, after they’ve all been through the wringer. Vik brings up the announcement of the Eye and recalls the times when Euphony and they crossed paths with Rüstem Demir. The group make uneven attempts to re-connect with one […]
This episode carries content warnings for stalking, workplace harassment, and a reference to choking. As she’s preparing Somnio for opening, Cat helps a co-worker at Somnio deal with a stalker. Nina is caught between staying late at one job to finish things up and being late for her other job.. Nina visits Ruth to check […]
This episode carries content warnings for anxiety, hostile work environments, roadkill, animal funerary rituals, police violence, police harassment and threats. Tech mogul Rüstem Demir announces “The Eye”, a new product from megacorp Dreamshine Technologies, which threatens to even further intrude into people’s lives and minds. Vik gives a history lesson and gets chewed out by […]
The group reflects on the worldbuilding and character choices they’ve made and discusses some potential names for the series. Names are hard. Brandon reveals the dream tarot they created. The group discusses the missing fifth member of the team, the person that assembled the team and mysteriously disappeared at the end of last season. This series is a […]
The group discusses avatars, perfect expressions of a character’s will that they can summon and have guide their actions in the dreaming. In a world that forbids and represses authenticity, the character’s real selves are revealed in the dreaming world. But the relationship between characters and their avatars are not always cut-and-dry. This series […]
The team talks about their characters’ roles and playbooks as we continue our session zero work using the “In a Maze of Dreams” playset. We’ve got a weary caretaker, a time-traveling oracle, an unlikely hero, and more. Then the crew discusses some of the logistics and symbolics of dream travel in the series. “Fractal Spire” […]
Speculate! kicks off a new campaign with Session Zero of “Fractal Spire,” playing Girl by Moonlight: a multi-genre RPG of Magical Girls grappling with destiny: hopes thwarted, defended, redeemed, and betrayed. The team talks about their process of deciding on the “In a Maze of Dreams” playset and begin the process of collaborative worldbuilding using the […]
This episode carries content warnings for divine magic, ectoplasmic blasts, flashbacks, cursed artifacts, combat, death, ghosts, and food. Ash helps the crew get the drop on Aldo and his Hull. Ring deploys their contingency plans. Skelly deals with Aldo’s reinforcements. Crossroads lets loose. With the case closed, the Strange Friends take care of loose […]
This episode carries content warnings for divine magic, cursed artifacts, soulless bodies, and ghosts. The Strange Friends assemble for the big run at Aldo Booker. Skelly scopes out Aldo’s security. Ash leads the group’s infiltration and uses her divine gifts. Crossroads discovers yet more horrors of Aldo’s operation. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is […]
A familiar face drops by Ash’s shop for tea and makes an unexpected offer. Ash consults the stones. Melvir doctors aggressively at Skelly. Crossroads gets some upgrades. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark by John Harper. Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) GMs for the crew of […]
This episode carries content warnings for war flashbacks, gunfire, children in peril, dangerous artifacts Ring gets some last-minute intel. Ash and Crossroads realize what they’ve got in their hands (and claws). “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark by John Harper. Brandon O’Brien […]
This episode carries content warnings for drowning, leaving a person to die, mention of demons, human remains, The morning after the revelatory “conversation” with Casta, the Strange Friends awake and set about putting things in order. Ring does the rounds with some prodigal Porters. Ash and Crossroads make some dangerous discoveries. “The Case of the […]
This episode carries content warnings for facial injuries, trauma, raw meat, blood, troubled sleep, violence against a captive. After a long night with an imprisoned rival, Crossroads tries its hand as being a butler as the other Strange Friends sleep. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch […]
This episode carries content warnings for child labor, child endangerment, and interrogation. The Strange Friends press Casta for answers, and each new bit of information is more disturbing than the last. Laden with clues and terrifying reality, the still-conscious friends debate what to do with their captive and their trauma-laden companion. “The Case of the […]
This episode carries content warnings for description of a black eye, violence against a captive, interrogation, torture, child labor, child endangerment, Ring tags in to interrogate Casta about her relationship to Aldo Booker and what she knows about the tempest of chaos that has descended upon the Strange Friends. Crossroads turns to the ghost field […]
This episode carries content warnings for flashbacks to trauma, violence between children, anger blackout, disassociation, violent outburst, and arcane visions The players pick a crew upgrade for the crew, only several months after earning it. The Strange Friends continue to struggle with how to deal with their captive and press her for answers as Skelly […]
This episode carries content warnings for magical explosions, ghosts, contract killing, and dead bodies. Back at Derrn’s hideout, The Strange Friends rest, then face the question of Casta. Ash shows Crossroads how to roll someone for loot. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark […]
This episode carries content warnings for references to traumatic brain injury, childhood trauma, child labor, children in peril, and alcohol. Skelly remembers the bells of the orphanage. Ring tries to grab a ride. The crew regroups and heads back to Derrn’s. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing […]
This episode carries content warnings for children in peril and alcohol. Fresh off a chaotic rescue operation, The Strange Friends scramble to regroup as they make their way out of Dunslough. Ash directs the young porters as a snowstorm kicks up. Skelly and Crossroads figure out how to move some inconvenient cargo. “The Case of […]
This episode carries content warnings for childhood trauma, flashbacks, children in danger, and divine visitation. While the rest of The Strange Friends escape with the young porters, Skelly faces off against Casta. The fight brings back memories of the bad times Skelly & Casta spent together at the orphanage. Crossroads links up with Skelly as things escalate […]
This episode carries content warnings for divine magic, children in danger, firearms, arcane weaponry, injuries to limbs, and death. Crossroads flexes its powers to kick off The Strange Friends’ power play in rescuing the porters. Ring uses their Sergeant Voice to evacuate the porters. Ash gets another divine surprise. A fight breaks out in the […]
This episode carries content warnings for abandonment, childhood trauma, children in danger, violent ambush, magic-induced disorientation. The Strange Friends infiltrate one of Aldo Booker’s warehouses to rescue some young Porters, with Skelly in overwatch position with Crossroads’ larger hull body. The players contemplate the warehouse as a Hitman level. Ash explores her divine gifts. “The Case […]
This episode carries content warnings for references to childhood trauma and children in peril. The Strange Friends make their way back to Dunslough, moving through the warrens to one of Aldo Booker’s warehouses. Skelly sees an old “friend” during her scouting run. And as they say in Duskwall, you kill two stones with one bird. […]
This episode carries content warnings for children in peril, arcane visions, descriptions of food, and recovery from injury. The Strange Friends assemble to track down a group of missing porters, reviewing the porters’ ledgers. Ring tries to get information from Yara. Crossroads consults the tea leaves and Ash gets a weird tip. “The Case of […]
This episode carries content warnings for violence against civilians in wartime, destructive magic, children in peril. After a most eventful Porters’ Day, the group wakes to a bright but still snow-laden morning. Ring gets an early morning visit from a panicked Derrn with bad news about the Porters. Skelly is asked to do the exact […]
This episode carries content warnings for descriptions of blood and medical treatment. Crossroads offers to get Ash some gloves and spars verbally with Melvir. Ring sings a working song as the porters clean up from the party. Yara and Moss wonder if they should have said more. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a […]
This episode carries content warnings for labor exploitation of minors, prophetic dreams, and recollection of severe childhood injuries. Crossroads relays its vision of Aldo’s recruitment of the young porters. With a list of delivery locations provided by Kess, Yara, and Moss, the Strange Friends choose where to go next and begin planning a score. Ring […]
This episode carries content warnings for labor exploitation of minors and arcane visions. The players decide on a new crew upgrade (it’d only been sitting there for 3 months). Ring and the other Strange Friends convince reticent young porters to spill the beans about some off-the-books work they’ve been doing for someone already well-known to […]
This episode carries content warnings for arcane visions/disassociation. Crossroads takes flight again. Ash has a brief vision of a map and a symbol. Ring recaps the last week and their misadventures, then the crew realizes that they’re being watched by a young Porter who knows more than they’ve let on. “The Case of the Cindered […]
This episode carries content warnings for arcane visions/disassociation. Crossroads takes flight again. Ash has a brief vision of a map and a symbol. Ring recaps the last week and their misadventures, then the crew realizes that they’re being watched by a young Porter who knows more than they’ve let on. “The Case of the Cindered […]
This episode carries content warnings for recovery from physical injury, memories of childhood trauma, and food anxiety. The Strange Friends try to make merry as best they can. Ash is feeling partially but not all the way better after the day’s ambush and her vision. Melvir asks Skelly about her childhood. “The Case of the […]
This episode carries a content warning for traumatic associations with fictional holidays and trauma about food/eating. The Strange Friends find themselves in the very odd situation of being totally safe and surrounded by friendly faces as Porters’ Day celebrations begin in earnest, but some find it hard to truly relax. The group tries to explain […]
One of the Porters tries to get fancy as the group approaches Derrn’s warehouse. The Strange Friends find a few more clues as they take stock. Melvir and Truffle react poorly to the unorthodox manner of Crossroads’ visit, leading to yet more property damage. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with […]
The Porters escort The Strange Friends to safety. Crossroads discovers more about its existence with a surprising flight to retrieve Melvir, Skelly’s physician friend. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark by John Harper. Brandon O’Brien GMs for the crew of Valerie Valdes, […]
After some technical difficulties and a special announcement by Greg, the action continues! The gang’s attempt to make a clean getaway falls apart under heavy snow and the chaos of the day. Of the Ash the Flame has an out-of-body experience and finds a new well of strength. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is […]
This episode carries content warnings for combat and injury from magical attacks. Ring leads the Porters along the rootfops to try to escort Ash and Crossroads away from the fighting. Crossroads unleashes the crickets. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark by John Harper. Brandon […]
This episode carries content warnings for combat, injury, and a detailed description of a fatal shooting. Skelly and Ring try to turn the tables on an ambush by mysterious assailants while Tall Friend Crossroads attempts to protect an injured Ash. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in […]
Skelly and Ring mount a desperate rescue operation and the chaos continues. The Strange Friends’ assailants press in from all sides. Not exactly the Porter’s Day festivities any of them expected. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark by John Harper. Brandon O’Brien […]
Despite Crossroad’s explosive counter-attack, the assailants keep coming after The Strange Friends. Ash takes a bad hit during the ambush, prompting Crossroads to call for help as it tries to get the pair away from danger. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark […]
On the way back to the Grave Cave, Ash and Crossroads catch on that they are being tailed by an unknown duo. They duck into a restaurant to try to escape, but things break bad slowly and then all at once. Crossroads takes the lead as a Big Friend. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” […]
Ring does their Porters’ Day shopping as the snowfall begins. Ring uncovers some worrying information about Aldo Booker in a visit with older brother Augus. The Bluecoats pick up the Strange Friends’ trail and rough up Derrn the Quartermaster, causing even more problems for the crew’s mastermind. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a […]
The Strange Friends’ risky kidnapping score draws some heat for the crew. Skelly struggles with the heavy-handed care provided by her doctor friend. Crossroads debuts its “Gloaming” persona as it and Ash make a visit to Root and his temporary hosts. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, […]
The Strange Friends begin their Porters’ Day preparations in the aftermath of kidnapping the junior Bluecoat. Skelly watches her back, and Winter makes itself known. But Winter isn’t the only thing coming for the Strange Friends… “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark […]
The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark by John Harper. Brandon O’Brien GMs for the crew of Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, Jeoi Gawain Lin, and our own Michael R. Underwood. Featuring a unique “Fugitives” crew sheet created by Brandon! If you like what […]
Two years ago, Maedoc Lolaire turned against his own family and threw the kingdom of Crobhan into civil war. Along with the church that named Splendour Ciaran a heretic for their veneration of gods long-forgotten, Maedoc bound the great houses to his will and drove out his own blood. Now Maedoc sits the throne and […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we continue in the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing to explore Duskwall, deepen their characters’ […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we continue in the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing to explore Duskwall, deepen their characters’ […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we continue in the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing to explore Duskwall, deepen their characters’ […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we continue in the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing to explore Duskwall, deepen their characters’ […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we continue in the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing to explore Duskwall, deepen their characters’ […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a mystery, […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a mystery, […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a mystery, […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a mystery, […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a mystery, […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a mystery, […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a mystery, […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a mystery, […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a mystery, […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs a new crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs a new crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a […]
In celebration of his new novel Annihilation Aria hitting bookshelves, we have a short excerpt from the audiobook edition performed by narrators Caitlin Kelly and Chris Andrew Ciula. Annihilation Aria is available in audio, ebook, and paperback, wherever books are sold. We hope you enjoy this taste of the book, and we’ll be back with a regular […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs a new crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return again to the Star Wars universe and Scum and Villainy system, as Mike moves into the GM role while Greg shifts back into player mode along with Marie Bilodeau, Joyce Chng, and DongWon Song. In […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return again to the Star Wars universe and Scum and Villainy system, as Mike moves into the GM role while Greg shifts back into player mode along with Marie Bilodeau, Joyce Chng, and DongWon Song. In […]
Beginning a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return again to the Star Wars universe and Scum and Villainy system, as Mike moves into the GM role while Greg shifts back into player mode along with Marie Bilodeau, Joyce Chng, and DongWon Song. In […]
fThis episode carries content notes for uncontrolled falling, panic, electroplasmic chaos, and crying. Ring and Ash talk in private while moving a chest, then Crossroads and Skelly take a short walk that leads them to some curious birds. Crossroads finds an unexpected letter. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with […]
This episode carries content warnings for punching through a wall and food. Ash gets a strange trio of visitors when Skelly, Crossroads, and Ring come calling to ask about the seal. The four try to talk through the possible connections between Runa, Crossroads, the seal, and why the Bluecoats are involved. Crossroads says it needs […]
This episode carries content warnings for war trauma, death in combat, trauma flashbacks, alcohol. Ring helps a neighbor before trying to catch up with a sprinting Crossroads. Skelly investigates Crossroads’ apartment for clues after the Bluecoats’ attack. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs a new crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs a new crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a mystery–about themselves and others–using the Blades in […]
Beginning a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we again return to the city of Duskwall as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs a new crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin through a funeral–and a mystery–using the Blades in the Dark system. […]
In this episode recorded live at the Farpoint Convention in Baltimore, Greg and Mike continue their conversation about the state of TTRPGs, looking at indie games, distribution methods, game jams, zine quests, and more. If you like what you hear, make sure to tune in soon for more actual play episodes and discussions of story, […]
In this episode recorded live at the Farpoint Convention in Baltimore, Greg and Mike chat a bit about personal projects and the state of Speculate before moving into a conversation about the changing landscape of tabletop role-playing and how the stories they tell (and the people who are now being encouraged to tell them) are […]
Concluding a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we once again return to the land of Star Wars via Scum and Villainy. GM Mike Underwood brings four new players (though two of them have appeared on Speculate or on Twitch before)–Joseph Brassey, Joyce Chng, Valerie […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we once again return to the land of Star Wars via Scum and Villainy. GM Mike Underwood brings four new players (though two of them have appeared on Speculate or on Twitch before)–Joseph Brassey, Joyce Chng, Valerie […]
Beginning a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we once again return to the land of Star Wars via Scum and Villainy. GM Mike Underwood brings four new players (though two of them have appeared on Speculate or on Twitch before)–Joseph Brassey, Joyce Chng, Valerie […]
In a special episode of Speculate 2.0, Mike and Greg chat about taking an existing world from fantasy or science fiction and combining it with a pre-existing system, as Mike recently did in a previous set of episodes combining Scum and Villainy and Star Wars, looking at how game mechanics can and should support good […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we conclude this edition of the Scum and Villainy experience, this time in the world of Star Wars. GM Mike Underwood and a whole new set of players–Brent C. Lambert, Mur Lafferty, Bryan Young, and Delilah Dawson–wrap […]
Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we continue the Scum and Villainy experience, this time in the world of Star Wars. GM Mike Underwood and a whole new set of players–Brent C. Lambert, Mur Lafferty, Bryan Young, and Deliah Dawson–have just gotten past […]
Beginning a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the Scum and Villainy experience, this time in the world of Star Wars. GM Mike Underwood brings a whole new set of players–Brent C. Lambert, Mur Lafferty, Bryan Young, and Delilah Dawson–and their characters […]
In this episode, we post a panel from the Gen Con 2019 Writers’ Symposium, one of the largest writing tracks in North America–this one, with Greg, Anna Smith Spark, John O’ Neill, and moderator Steve Drew, looks at the various ways in which topography, immediate environment, and the surrounding features of the landscape impact the […]
During our trip to the 2019 Origins Game Fair, we took some time to chat with some game designers about what’s new and exciting in the world of rpgs and to ask about the impact of the actual play movement on game design and the tabletop rpg industry. In this episode, we talk with For The […]
During our trip to the 2019 Origins Game Fair, we took some time to chat with some game designers about what’s new and exciting in the world of rpgs and to ask about the impact of the actual play movement on game design and the tabletop rpg industry. In this episode, we talk with prolific […]
Today we have the first of several episodes recorded from Greg and Mike’s trip to the Origins Game Fair in June of 2019. The panel description: Lessons from gaming for prose fiction and lessons from prose for gaming. This panel featured Carlos Hernandez, Michael R. Underwood, and Tracy Chowdhury, with Gregory A. Wilson moderating. This […]
In Speculate 2.0’s nineteenth actual play episode, we wrap up (for the moment) our sessions in the world of Scum and Villainy by discussing the experience of playing together over this series of episodes, as GM Mike and players Greg, SFF authors Alex Acks and SL Huang, and agent DongWon Song chat about what developing […]
In Speculate 2.0’s eighteenth actual play episode, we continue in the world of Scum and Villainy with GM Mike and players Greg, SFF authors Alex Acks and SL Huang, and agent DongWon Song. The crew has the box and a ship, neither of which belong to them…and now they’ve got a lot of people on […]
In Speculate 2.0’s seventeenth actual play episode, we return to the world of Scum and Villainy with GM Mike and players Greg, SFF authors Alex Acks and SL Huang, and agent DongWon Song. The crew has the box and a ship, neither of which belong to them…but they’re sure everything will be just finnnneeee. If […]
In Speculate 2.0’s sixteenth actual play episode, Mike and Greg chat about how the transition from literary analysis to actual play podcast has gone so far, the things they’ve learned from the games they’ve played, and what things look like for the future. If you like what you hear, please tune in soon as we […]
In Speculate 2.0’s fifteenth actual play episode, we conclude (for now) our time in Eberron by discussing the experience of playing together over this series of episodes, as Mike, Maurice Broaddus, Lauren Roy, and Marie Bilodeau chat about how the players and characters grew closer over their time playing and adventuring together. If you like […]
In Speculate 2.0’s fourteenth actual play episode, Greg DMs in the world of Eberron as the party of Pikebreaker (played by Mike), Machupa (Maurice Broaddus), Grim (Lauren Roy), and Clak (Marie Bilodeau) face a dangerous enemy in a risky environment–all to clear their name of a murder. If you like what you hear, please tune […]
In Speculate 2.0’s thirteenth actual play episode, Greg DMs as we rejoin the party of Pikebreaker (played by Mike), Machupa (Maurice Broaddus), Grim (Lauren Roy), and Clak (Marie Bilodeau) as we return to Eberron and the City of Towers–where the group is trying to clear their name of a murder by finding the actual killer. […]
In this episode, we conclude our playthrough of Scum and Villainy with Speculate 2.0’s twelfth actual play episode. GM Mike and players Greg, SFF authors Alex Acks and SL Huang, and agent DongWon Song discuss their experience of Scum and Villainy, and how each of them had a blast by working together without feeling like […]
In this episode, we continue our playthrough of Scum and Villainy with Speculate 2.0’s eleventh actual play episode. GM Mike and players Greg, SFF authors Alex Acks and SL Huang, and agent DongWon Song find themselves in a bit of trouble–and are trying not to get into even more of it as they move from […]
In this episode, we open up with a new crew and a new system, as we enter the world of Scum and Villainy with Speculate 2.0’s tenth actual play episode. GM Mike and players Greg, SFF authors Alex Acks and SL Huang, and agent DongWon Song chat about the kind of crew they want to […]
In this episode, we continue our return to D&D, Eberron, and the City of Towers, as Speculate 2.0 rolls on with our ninth actual play episode. DM Greg and players Mike, Maurice Broaddus, Lauren Roy, and Marie Bilodeau chat about how the session went, the specific qualities of D&D in terms of combat, social interaction, […]
In this episode, we continue our return to D&D, Eberron, and the City of Towers, as Speculate 2.0 rolls on with our eighth actual play episode. Greg DMs the opening episode of a one shot adventure continuing the story of Pikebreaker, Machupa, Grim, and Clak, played by Mike, Maurice Broaddus, Lauren Roy, and Marie Bilodeau […]
In this episode, we return to D&D, Eberron, and the City of Towers, as we continue Speculate 2.0 with our seventh actual play episode. Greg DMs the opening episode of a one shot adventure continuing the story of Pikebreaker, Machupa, Grim, and Clak, played by Mike, Maurice Broaddus, Lauren Roy, and Marie Bilodeau respectively, who […]
In this episode, we move to a new game system, and a new city, as we continue Speculate 2.0 with our sixth actual play episode, the final part of a one shot Blades in the Dark adventure set in the mysterious city of Duskwall. In this episode, Mike as GM and Greg, Brandon O’Brien, Jaym […]
In this episode, we move to a new game system, and a new city, as we continue Speculate 2.0 with our fifth actual play episode, the second part of a one shot Blades in the Dark adventure set in the mysterious city of Duskwall. Mike takes over as GM for Greg, Brandon O’Brien, Jaym Gates, […]
In this episode, we move to a new game system, and a new city, as we continue Speculate 2.0 with our fourth actual play episode, the first part of a one shot Blades in the Dark adventure set in the mysterious city of Duskwall. Mike takes over as GM for Greg, Brandon O’Brien, Jaym Gates, […]
In this episode, we continue our launch of Speculate 2.0 with our third actual play episode, the final part of a one shot D&D 5E adventure set in Eberron. Greg DMs an intrepid group of adventurers with Mike, Marie Bilodeau, Maurice Broaddus, and Lauren Roy, who must deal with a mysterious death, political intrigue, and […]
In this episode, we continue our launch of Speculate 2.0 with our second actual play episode, part two of a one shot D&D 5E adventure set in Eberron. Greg DMs an intrepid group of adventurers with Mike, Marie Bilodeau, Maurice Broaddus, and Lauren Roy, who must deal with a mysterious death, political intrigue, and some […]
In this episode, we launch Speculate 2.0 with our first actual play episode, a one shot D&D 5E adventure set in Eberron. Greg DMs an intrepid group of adventurers with Mike, Marie Bilodeau, Maurice Broaddus, and Lauren Roy, who must deal with a mysterious death, political intrigue, and some close shaves in the City of […]
This announcement concerns a new direction for Speculate–one we’re very excited about, but one which moves the show in a different direction. We appreciate all the support from our listeners over eight years of this show’s existence and look forward to hearing from so many more of you in the days, weeks, and months to […]
In this episode, we look at the difficult task of keeping one’s personal and work life in balance, especially as writers who are often working other jobs to make ends meet. We talk about community, escapism, and many other methods of preserving one’s sanity in difficult times…and keeping productive even when the world around seems […]
In this episode, we look at what we’ve been reading (and playing) over the summer, with brief comments about Sarah Kuhn’s Heroine Worship, the Superman Rebirth hardcover edition, Vivian Jackson’s Wanted and Wired, L.E. Modesitt’s Imager, Herge’s Tintin series, and Will Cuppy’s How To Attract the Wombat, plus discussion of Harebrained Schemes’ Battletech. We had […]
In this episode, we combine writing and gaming as we conduct part two of a joint session of Speculate and Greg’s Twitch show Masters of the Dungeon, talking with veteran game masters Askren and Dave (the Digital DM) about story and narrative in tabletop games. We discuss high-level campaigns, the way different systems contribute to […]
In this episode, we combine writing and gaming as we conduct a joint session of Speculate and Greg’s Twitch show Masters of the Dungeon, talking with veteran game masters Askren and Dave (the Digital DM) about story and narrative in tabletop games. We discuss high-level campaigns, the way different systems contribute to different kinds of […]
In this episode, we talk about the State of the Field with author, editor, and project manager Jaym Gates, looking in particular at tie-in fiction, game writing, and working in shared worlds. This was an interesting conversation, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did. If you like what you hear, please […]
In this episode, we conclude our triptych of shows on the work of Andrzej Sapkowski with a discussion of some of the writing techniques used in his book The Last Wish. We chat about writing as momentum, moral complexity, efficiency in the narrative, and more. Thanks for supporting the Patreon at the $5 level, and […]
In this episode, we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Andrej Sapkowski with a roundtable discussion of his book The Last Wish, as we’re joined by author, editor, and project manager Jaym Gates. We chat about the book’s translation, the commercial vs. literary quality of the work, the creation of a character […]
In this episode, we start a new triptych of shows on the work of Andrzej Sapkowski with our reader response to his book The Last Wish, which introduced the character of Geralt of Rivia and The Witcher to the world and inspired CD Projekt’s incredible series of Witcher games. We chat about the book’s crisp […]
Greg and Mike met up with author David Mack at Farpoint in Baltimore, MD. David is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure, including the Star Trek Destiny and Cold Equations trilogies. We talked with him about his new Dark Arts series of Alt-History Fantasy, starting […]
Welcome to Episode 180 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers, and Fans. In this episode Mike and guest co-host Elsa Sjunneson-Henry continue our triptych of shows on the work of Mishell Baker, looking at her novel Borderline. We talk with Mishell about inspiration from gaming and other sources, Millie’s distinct character voice, sense of place, and more. If you […]
Welcome to Episode 179 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers, and Fans. In this episode Mike welcomes writer and editor Elsa Sjunneson-Henry as a guest co-host for our next triptych, this one on Mishell Baker’s Borderline. Greg is taking a much-deserved month off from the triptych, to return soon. Borderline provides a fresh take on the Fair Folk […]
Welcome to Episode 178 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, we launch our third joint production of Speculate and Greg’s Twitch channel (under the moniker Arvan Eleron) as we discuss the world of Portal, Valve‘s groundbreaking puzzle game with a whole lot of story both implicit and explicit. We […]
Welcome to Episode 176 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers, and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Malka Older, looking at her novel Infomocracy. We chat about dystopia (and whether it’s an overused term), idea-driven fiction, narrative disorder, and more–and how all of it is tied […]
Welcome to Episode 175 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers, and Fans. In this episode we welcome everyone back and thank everyone for their understanding during our hiatus before beginning our next triptych, this one on Malka Older‘s Infomocracy. This book, which envisions a near future environment where “microdemocracy” has become the dominant political […]
Welcome to Episode 174 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we start by explaining a bit of what’s been going on with our schedule, and what’s on tap for the future, before moving on to our chat with author Jason M. Hough. Jason has been on the show before, […]
Welcome to Episode 173 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, we venture into the world of healthcare and politics–and yes, they’re related!–as they relate to the speculative fiction community, as we discuss what happens next with authors Gwenda Bond and Kameron Hurley. Both have talked extensively, on […]
Welcome to Episode 172 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this State of the Field episode we chat with former editor and current agent DongWon Song of the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency about the current publishing environment for speculative fiction, how the line between agent and editor has become increasingly blurred, […]
Welcome to Episode 171 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we chat with author Michael J. Martinez about works past, present, and future. During our discussion we talk about Mike’s Daedalus Trilogy and Majestic-12 series, his love of history in both real and alternate forms, and the ways in […]
Welcome to Episode 170 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers, and Fans. In this episode we talk about our schedule through the end of 2016 before getting into the show proper, a discussion of Lauren Beukes‘s upcoming short story collection (due out in November) Slipping: Stories, Essays, & Other Writing, focusing in particular on […]
Welcome to Episode 168 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Chuck Wendig, looking at his new novel Invasive. We chat about anxiety in fiction, the nature of messages and themes in stories, the specifics of Chuck’s unique style (and […]
Welcome to Episode 167 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk about a couple of upcoming projects before beginning our next triptych, this one on Chuck Wendig‘s Invasive. This book, due out on August 16th, follows futurist and FBI consultant Hannah Stander as she tries to uncover the […]
Welcome to Episode 165 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Daniel Jose Older, looking at his acclaimed YA novel Shadowshaper as we speak with the author himself. We chat about music, Brooklyn, cultural representation, characters of color, and many […]
Welcome to Episode 164 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk about Mike’s successful Genrenauts Kickstarter and the new arrival in Greg’s family–the new youngest Speculate podcaster!–along with coming travel plans before beginning our next triptych, this one on Daniel Jose Older‘s Shadowshaper. This book, about a young […]
Welcome to Episode 162 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Aliette de Bodard, looking in particular at her award-winning and critically acclaimed novel The House of Shattered Wings, as we speak with the author herself (for the second time). […]
Welcome to Episode 161 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk a bit about the current state of the Hugo Awards and two projects of our own–Mike’s upcoming Kickstarter for The Genrenauts and Greg’s recently released graphic novel Icarus–before beginning our next triptych of 2016 with our reader […]
Welcome to Episode 160 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, we continue our second joint production of Speculate and Greg’s Twitch channel (under the moniker Arvan Eleron) as we discuss the world of Numenera and writing for video games in general with bestselling author and inXile Entertainment‘s Torment: Tides […]
Welcome to Episode 159 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, our second joint production of Speculate and Greg’s Twitch channel (under the moniker Arvan Eleron), we return to the world of Numenera and inXile Entertainment‘s Torment: Tides of Numenera as we speak with world designer Shanna Germain, […]
Welcome to Episode 157 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Emmi Itaranta, looking in particular at her novel Memory of Water, as we speak with the author herself. She discusses her process of writing the manuscript simultaneously in Finnish […]
Welcome to Episode 156 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we chat a bit about upcoming work before beginning our second triptych of 2016 with our reader response to Emmi Itaranta‘s Memory of Water, a quiet and beautiful book about a dystopian future where water has become an increasingly […]
Welcome to Episode 155 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, our first ever joint production of Speculate and Greg’s Twitch channel (under the moniker Arvan Eleron), we chat with veteran computer game developers and writers Colin McComb and George Ziets, from inXile Entertainment, about their upcoming computer game […]
Welcome to Episode 154 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, part of our Paths to Publication series, we chat with two veterans of speculative fiction who have seen the industry from many different perspectives over the years: Aaron Rosenberg and Lawrence Schoen. We look at the differences […]
Welcome to Episode 152 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Katherine Addison, focusing on her novel The Goblin Emperor, as we talk to the author herself (real name Sarah Monette). Among many topics, Sarah talks about her academic background, […]
Welcome to a new series on Speculate called Speculate Capsules. In our first episode, we’re happy to bring you a review of The Death House (non-spoilery) and an interview with the author, Sarah Pinborough, in which we talk about the genesis of The Death House, about how she tackled such dark material but also leavened it […]
Welcome to Episode 151 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. As we head into our sixth year of production, in our first episode of 2016 we begin a new triptych of shows with our reader response to Katherine Addison‘s Locus-award winning The Goblin Emperor, a striking combination of steampunk, political intrigue, and, […]
Welcome to Episode 150 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, part of our Paths to Publication series, we talk about the changes in the industry from the perspective of two veteran and multiple award-winning authors who have been at this for a while: Elizabeth Bear and Daryl […]
Welcome to Episode 149 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk about a new publisher with a new approach to serialized fiction, SerialBox Publishing, with its founder Julian Yap and two of its well-known authors, […]
Welcome to Episode 148 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we conclude our two-show series on the work of Daniel Polansky, focusing on his novella The Builders, by chatting with Daniel himself and his Tor.com editor, Justin Landon. Justin talks about what drew him to The […]
Welcome to Episode 147 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we begin a brief two-show set on the work of Daniel Polansky, looking at his new novella The Builders, published by Tor.com. Joined by new addition to the team Mike Underwood, we chat about the Redwall meets Unforgiven nostalgia […]
Welcome to Episode 146 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk about conferences, conventions, and writing tracks with veteran authors and writing track leads Kelly Swails (the Origins Library) and Marc Tassin (the Gen Con Writers’ Symposium), looking at how face to face interactions and networking can […]
Welcome to Episode 145 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk about comedy, live readings, science fiction, and performative writing with authors Adam Rakunas and Patrick Tomlinson, both with debut novels from Angry Robot either just out or on the way. We discuss the ways the “performative” […]
Welcome to Episode 144 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk about reading series and short stories with the legendary editor Ellen Datlow and author/editor Matthew Kressel, who co-host the KGB Fantastic Fiction series in New York City, looking at how each […]
Welcome to Episode 142 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Helene Wecker, focusing on her novel The Golem and the Jinni. Helene talks about the reasons she eventually decided to write The Golem and the Jinni as a fantasy, […]
Welcome to Episode 141 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we begin a new triptych of shows with our reader response to Helene Wecker‘s extraordinary The Golem and the Jinni. Along with Paul Weimer (of SF Signal and Skiffy and Fanty fame), we talk about the incredible worldbuilding in […]
Welcome to Episode 140 of Speculate! the Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, we once again turn the mic on Brad and Greg. Michael Underwood, friend of the show and another guest who talked in Episode 138 about his own path to publication, now interviews the Speculate hosts to talk about theirs. […]
Welcome to Episode 139 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk to the Gen Con 2015 Author Guest of Honor Terry Brooks, multiple New York Times bestselling author of the Shannara and Landover series, about his career, his love of conventions, and the upcoming MTV series The Shannara […]
Welcome to Episode 138 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, taped recently at Gen Con, we talk to authors Wesley Chu and Mike Underwood about their experiences in publishing to date and what their personal journeys to publication suggest about the field as a whole–along with […]
Welcome to Episode 137 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk to the inimitable Ed Greenwood, author, editor, creator of the Forgotten Realms, and head of the new publishing company The Ed Greenwood Group, about his new work and his new venture. As usual, Ed amazes with his […]
Welcome to Episode 135 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Ken Liu, focusing on his novel The Grace of Kings. During the course of our chat Ken talks about the books and films which influenced the novel, the nature […]
Welcome to Episode 134 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we begin a new triptych of shows on the work of multiple Hugo, Nebula and World Fantasy Award winning author Ken Liu, focusing on his debut novel, The Grace of Kings. Ken’s reputation speaks for itself, and as we […]
Welcome to Episode 133 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk speculative fiction and music with podcaster/musician John Anealio and writer/musician Peter Orullian, looking at how to write music in speculative fiction believably, how music has informed our work (and, in […]
Welcome to Episode 132 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, we talk about speculative fiction and games–and the increasingly blurred lines between them–with authors Carrie Patel and Josh Vogt, both with game and novel writing credits. We consider the ways writing for games […]
Welcome to Episode 130 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we tackle China Mieville‘s The City and the City with Tor.com‘s commissioning editor and Rocket Talk‘s co-host Justin Landon, looking at what makes the 2010 Hugo winner such a compelling read. We consider the role of space, spaces, and […]
Welcome to Episode 129 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. This episode, starring Tor.com‘s commissioning editor and Rocket Talk‘s co-host Justin Landon, was originally intended to be a discussion of China Mieville‘s The City and the City, but we felt we had to weigh in on the recent Hugo controversy first; that […]
Welcome to Episode 128 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, we talk about speculative fiction poetry with authors Nancy Hightower and Bryan Thao Worra as we consider the unique appeal of poetry, how so much of speculative fiction poetry touches on the dark, […]
Welcome to Episode 127 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, we talk fantasy, military, and writing business with authors (and former Speculate guests) Brian McClellan and Myke Cole as we look at writing trilogies, what a civilian […]
Join us for our writing technique show where we use Kameron Hurley’s The Mirror Empire to inspire our discussion. In this episode, Brad and Greg dig into worldbuilding, how rock, scissors, paper can help to differentiate character relationships, how to avoid monolithic cultures, how to approach culture vis a vis political correctness, and the difficulty […]
Welcome to Episode 125 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Kameron Hurley, focusing on her novel The Mirror Empire. During the course of our conversation Kameron talks about her process of worldbuilding, why persistence in writing is so important, […]
Welcome to Episode 124 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we begin a new triptych of shows on the work of Kameron Hurley, focusing on the first novel from the Worldbreaker Saga, The Mirror Empire. We had a chance to see this book in an earlier form when we […]
Welcome to Episode 123 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk to Jason M. Hough, author of the highly successful Dire Earth Cycle, about his writing process, the appeal of NaNoWriMo, and how “Scalzi writes Firefly” got him a contract with Del Rey–even if he doesn’t think his […]
Welcome to Episode 122 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk to Jeanne Cavelos, founder of the long-running and highly respected Odyssey Writing Workshop, about the reasons she started the workshop, how it’s measured up to her expectations (and surpassed them!), and both the benefits and potential pitfalls […]
Join us over at Speculate’s Patreon page for a discussion of writing technique, where Greg and Brad use Lev Grossman‘s The Magicians to discuss topics such as pacing vis-à-vis word count, set pieces and how to use them, how and how much to codify magic, the dialogue authors can have with other works, the relatability of your characters […]
Welcome to Episode 120 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Lev Grossman, focusing on his breakout novel The Magicians. During the course of a remarkably frank discussion Lev talks about growing up in New York City, the ways he […]
Welcome to Episode 119 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we begin a new triptych of shows on the work of Lev Grossman, focusing on his breakout novel The Magicians, the book which began the bestselling trilogy of the same name. The Magicians is an unabashedly New York book, […]
Welcome to Episode 118 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, we delve more into the world of short speculative fiction as we chat with authors (and former guests) Brenda Cooper and Martha Wells about their particular approaches to writing […]
Welcome to Episode 117 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, simultaneously run on two other podcasts, we talk about the medium and message as we chat with authors and podcasters Patrick Hester (of the Hugo award-winning SF Signal […]
Welcome to Episode 116 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk for the second time to Lou Anders, former editor at Pyr Books during an award-winning career and author of Frostborn, the first book in the middle grade fantasy series Thrones & Bones. We talk about what it’s […]
Episode 115 is the last in our triptych of shows based on Ann Leckie’s incredible debut novel, Ancillary Justice. This episode is for our Patreon supporters at the $5 level. In the episode we discuss building your technique before tackling a major project, how to convey emotion, tension and pacing, the use of parallel timelines, alternatives in choices of […]
Welcome to Episode 114 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Ann Leckie, focusing on her multiple award winning debut novel Ancillary Justice, as we speak to the author herself. Ann talks about the genesis of AJ, her love for […]
Welcome to Episode 113 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we begin a new triptych of shows on the work of Ann Leckie, focusing on her debut novel Ancillary Justice–the first novel ever to win the Hugo, Nebula and Clarke awards in a single year. Ancillary Justice plays with […]
The latest of Speculate Sf’s The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is now up on our Patreon, this one with our recent guest, Jim Butcher, who talks about his first time meeting his agent, Jennifer Jackson, and perseverance even in the face of busted knuckles. Subscribers at the $3 or more level get access to these […]
Welcome to Episode 112 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we sit down for a chat with Jim Butcher, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Dresden Files and the Codex Alera series. We talk about what it’s like to put together a long-running series of books (in […]
The latest of Speculate Sf’s new segments—The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly—is now up on our Patreon. Subscribers at the $3 or more level get access to these episodes and more goodies as we move forward. If you’re not already a patron of Speculate, check out our Patreon page. We have room for more, […]
Welcome to Episode 111 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we chat with authors Marie Bilodeau and Erik Scott de Bie about working with small presses and the new landscape of publishing, particularly in the speculative fiction field–and find out what publishing in the worlds of Canada […]
Welcome to Episode 110 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we chat with Kickstarter Publishing Community Manager and publishing veteran (and star of the Wall Street Traitors roller derby team) Margot Atwell and speculative fiction author Michael J. Sullivan about […]
Welcome to Episode 109 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we come to you live from Gen Con as we chat with comics veteran and graphic novelist Bill Willingham, creator of the runaway hit comic series Fables, about the movement between comics and games, the way a game differs […]
Welcome to Episode 108 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we introduce our listeners to our new Patreon before moving on to the main portion of the episode, our roundtable discussion with author, editor and Pathfinder co-creator James L. Sutter […]
But Greg and Brad, you may be asking, what is a Patreon? Patreon is a great new platform that allows fans to back content creators in a more modest and ongoing basis. All sorts of content creators—from online comics to musicians to artist to podcasts—are using the platform to raise funds to continue their efforts to bring their […]
Welcome to Episode 107 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we conclude our triptych of shows on the work of Holly Black with a discussion of some of the writing techniques used in her novel The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, looking at the benefits of starting a book in […]
Welcome to Episode 106 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of bestselling author Holly Black, specifically her newest novel The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, as we speak to the author herself. Holly chats about her fascination with vampire books, reality […]
Welcome to Episode 105 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we begin a new triptych of shows on the work of Holly Black, the bestselling author of fantasies like The Spiderwick Chronicles and numerous other books in middle grade, young adult and adult markets, focusing on her newest novel […]
Welcome to Episode 104 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we chat for the second time with actor, director and writer Amber Benson about a variety of projects, from the upcoming film Blood Kiss (co-starring Neil Gaiman) to Amber’s new series with Ace/Roc, The Witches of Echo Park. Amber […]
In this episode, part 2 of a 2-part series, epic fantasy powerhouses Peter V. Brett and Brent Weeks sit down and talk comics, including Peter’s Red Sonja projects, Red Sonja Blue andRed Sonja Unchained, and the graphic novel adaptation of Brent’s, The Way of Shadows. We talk about the process of adapting novels into graphic form, about giving up control, and things […]
We’ve just launched our first Kickstarter to support the upcoming season of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers, and Fans! You can go directly to the Kickstarter page to watch our video, and to see the rewards, stretch goals, and project info. You can also listen to Episode 101, where Greg and I talk about the Kickstarter and […]
In this episode, part 1 of a 2-part series, epic fantasy powerhouses Peter V. Brett and Brent Weeks sit down and talk comics, including Peter’s Red Sonja projects, Red Sonja Blue and Red Sonja Unchained, and the graphic novel adaptation of Brent’s, The Way of Shadows. We talk about the process of adapting novels into […]
Welcome to Episode 101 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we make a major announcement concerning the future of Speculate–our Kickstarter! That’s right, we’ve decided to dive into the Kickstarter waters, and in this show we describe all the stretch goals, pledge levels, and other goodies which await you […]
Welcome to Episode 100 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we reflect for a bit on the hundred shows we’ve done over the past three plus years before concluding our triptych of shows on the work of Garth Nix and Sean Williams with a discussion of some of the […]
Welcome to Episode 99 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Garth Nix and Sean Williams, specifically their book (from the series of the same name) Troubletwisters. As we had […]
Welcome to Episode 98 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we begin a new triptych of shows on the work of Garth Nix and Sean Williams, two of the most famous speculative fiction authors in Australia and both veterans of the middle grade and young adult markets, focusing on […]
Welcome to Episode 96 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we interview world class game designer and founder of Lone Shark Games, Mike Selinker, about the imminent release of his game novel The Maze of Games. We get the chance to talk about some of the principles of game […]
Welcome to Episode 95 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we return to interviewing others with a new interview of Myke Cole, author of the Shadow Ops series and its just released third book, Breach Zone. This is the second time Myke has been on the show, and he’s […]
Welcome to Episode 94 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode Greg takes his turn on the other side of the mic as Brad and friend of the show Michael Underwood interview him about his approach to writing, his graphic novel Icarus (currently being funded on Kickstarter) and the process […]
Welcome to Episode 93 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode Greg and mutual friend (and veteran SFF author) Brenda Cooper turn the microphone around and interview Speculate! co-host Brad Beaulieu about his inspirations, his use of language, and his love of ships (among many other things) in The Lays […]
Welcome to Episode 92 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers, and Fans. In this episode, part 2 of a 2-part series with Patrick Rothfuss, we sit down and talk about Pat’s involvement with Torment: The Tides of Numenara, the optioning of The Kingkiller Chronicles, and what’s new for the Worldbuilders charity drive. Be sure to check […]
Welcome to Episode 91 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers, and Fans. In this episode, part 1 of a 2-part series with Patrick Rothfuss, we sit down and talk children’s books that may or may not, in fact, be children’s books. Patrick has a new volume in the Princess and Mr. Whiffle series called […]
Welcome to Episode 90 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers, and Fans. In this episode, we sit down for a chat with a fellow podcaster. Among many, many other things, Tom Merritt is the co-host, along with Veronica Belmont, of Sword & Laser, the massively successful science fiction and fantasy podcast and vidcast. In […]
Welcome to Episode 89 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we conclude our quadtych of shows on the work of Scott Lynch with a discussion of some of the writing techniques used in his novel The Lies of Locke Lamora, considering things like patience in writing, creating “connective tissue” […]
Welcome to Episode 88 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Scott Lynch, specifically The Lies of Locke Lamora and The Gentleman Bastard Sequence to which it belongs, by talking to the author himself. This was such an enjoyable interview, ranging from Scott’s many influences, to […]
Welcome to Episode 87 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Scott Lynch, specifically The Lies of Locke Lamora and The Gentleman Bastard Sequence to which it belongs, by talking to the author himself. This was such an enjoyable interview, […]
Welcome to Episode 86 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we begin a new triptych of shows on the work of Scott Lynch, focusing on his hit series The Gentleman Bastard Sequence and more specifically his breakout debut novel The Lies of Locke Lamora. A fascinating fusion of Ocean’s […]
Welcome to Episode 85 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk to D.B. Jackson (the urban fantasy pen name of epic fantasist David B. Coe) about his Thieftaker Chronicles series and his latest book Thieves’ Quarry, setting the new standard for “tricorn punk” (a term which we think […]
Welcome to Episode 84 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, the second of two taped live at LoneStarCon, we talk to Campbell nominee and speculative fiction author Chuck Wendig about his new book Under The Empyrean Sky (the world’s first “cornpunk” novel), his writing process, and the best ways […]
Welcome to Episode 83 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, the first of two taped live at LoneStarCon, we talk to veteran speculative fiction author Martha Wells about her experience in workshopping at Worldcon (Greg and Martha have been paired for the past three years as pro writers in […]
Welcome to Episode 82 of Speculate! In this episode, Greg and Brad complete their triptych of shows on Lauren Beukes by discussing writing technique, using The Shining Girls as our inspiration. We talk about specificity, of “going with your gut,” of the balance between protagonist and antagonist, and the promises books make. Don’t forget to […]
Welcome to Episode 81 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Lauren Beukes, specifically The Shining Girls, by talking to the journalist, screenwriter and author who uses her diverse background and experiences to inform her writing–and infuse it with passion […]
Welcome to Episode 80 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we begin a new triptych of shows on the work of Lauren Beukes, focusing on her recent novel generating a tremendous amount of buzz in and outside the genre: The Shining Girls. A combination crime novel / mystery / […]
Welcome back for Episode 79 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, we dive into the world of book blogging and reviewing with Justin Landon of Staffer’s Book Review. During the discussion we look at the rising influence of book blogs, how buzz is created (and how tastes are formed), […]
Welcome back for Episode 78 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, taped live at the Origins convention in Columbus, Ohio (we apologize for the somewhat subpar audio), we look at the connections between writing and gaming with two veterans in the […]
Welcome back for Episode 77 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this special episode we take a look at the potential benefits and pitfalls of writing workshops with two veteran workshop goers, authors Cat Rambo and Luc Reid, discussing how […]
Welcome to Episode 76 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we present the final installment of our triptych of shows on the work of Tim Powers with a discussion of some of the writing techniques used in his latest novel Hide Me Among The Graves, looking at the artful […]
Welcome to Episode 75 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the work of Tim Powers by talking to the man himself, who obliges us with a fascinating look into both his process of writing novels–where we discover that self-doubt can sometimes work […]
Welcome to Episode 74 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we begin a new triptych of shows on the work of Tim Powers, focusing in particular on his most recent novel Hide Me Among The Graves–a “vampire ghost story” set in Victorian England starring poets, artists, prostitutes, and even […]
Welcome to Episode 73 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk to author Brian McClellan about his debut epic fantasy series The Powder Mage Trilogy from Orbit Books, starting with Promise of Blood. We talk about his writing process, his inspiration for the series, and how he grew […]
Only a little over 24 hours remain in Brad’s Kickstarter for the third book in his Lays of Anuskaya trilogy. Greg recently finished his read of Brad’s third book and had a few things to say about it. On video, no less! Now he can’t take any of it back!
A few episodes back, in Episode 68, we spoke with Matt Forbeck and Lee Moyer on Kickstarters. In this episode, we dig deeper into the “hybrid author,” someone who publishes both traditionally and via self-publishing. Michael Sullivan, the author of the Riyria Chronicles and the Riyria Revelations, is joined by his wife, Robin Sullivan, the […]
Join Greg and Brad as we talk writing using Robin Hobb and Megan Lindholm’s short story collection, The Inheritance & Other Stories, as inspiration. We talk about writing “the other” with low human-oriented reference, altered awareness as story scope expands, character arcs, and more. We also give, and allow us to repeat it here, a […]
Welcome to Episode 70 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we present the second installment of our triptych on the work of Robin Hobb and Megan Lindholm with our interview of both writers–all wrapped up in one person! We cover a lot of ground with Robin and Megan, discussing […]
Welcome to Episode 69 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. With this episode we begin a new triptych of shows on the work of Robin Hobb and Megan Lindholm, looking at the 2011 short story collection The Inheritance and Other Stories–the first time both pseudonyms have been brought together in one volume. […]
Welcome back for Episode 68 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we focus for the third time on the state of the speculative fiction field with special guests Matt Forbeck and Lee Moyer, concentrating this time around on the impact of Kickstarter and other crowdsourcing systems on the […]
Welcome to Episode 67 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we present the second half of our interview with authors Peter V. Brett and Myke Cole, as they talk more about their friendship (and the coolest gifts any authors could ever get), different methods and places of writing, and […]
Welcome to Episode 66 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we present the first half of an interview with authors Peter V. Brett and Myke Cole, long time friends and successful speculative fiction authors both with new books due out within the next month. We hadn’t expected the interview […]
Hi everyone. As the co-hosts of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans, we spend most of our time on the show interviewing, analyzing and discussing the work of other people in the speculative fiction field. But now, we’re asking for something a little different. Nominations for the 2013 Hugo Awards are being accepted now, […]
Welcome to Episode 65 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we kick off 2013 with an interview of author Howard Andrew Jones, who writes both original world novels and books set in Paizo‘s Pathfinder universe, adding to our ever-growing list of speculative fiction authors who enjoy gaming almost as […]
Welcome to Episode 64 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, our final one of 2012, we conclude our triptych of shows on Joe Abercrombie‘s Red Country with a discussion about some of the specific writing techniques used in the novel, examining aspects of setting, character development, determining the place […]
Welcome to Episode 63 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on Joe Abercrombie‘s Red Country with an interview of the author himself, who confesses his early love for role playing games, his desire for something more out of his epic fantasy (specifically: grit, […]
Welcome to Episode 63 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. Join us as we begin a new triptych of shows on the work of Joe Abercrombie. In this episode, as we review Red Country, Brad and Greg find themselves at opposite ends of the fantasy-western continuum, a phenomenon we didn’t even […]
Today brings a nice bit of feedback from listener Kate Heartfield. In Kate’s words: I’ve only listened to this (Speculate!) one once or twice, as it’s a recent discovery for me. But I can tell it’s going to end up in my regular rotation. It seems smooth and well-organized, and long enough to get into […]
Welcome to Episode 61 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. We set a new record for single episode participation in this show with four distinguished guests: Brenda Cooper and E.C. Myers (authors of The Creative Fire and Quantum Coin, respectively), freelance editor Gabrielle Harbowy, and Pyr Books‘ editorial and art director Lou […]
Welcome to Episode 60 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we (virtually) sit down for a discussion with urban fantasy authors Amber Benson and Anton Strout for a discussion of why they love doing what they do, why urban fantasy continues to appeal to such a wide audience and […]
Welcome to Episode 59 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we conclude our triptych of shows on the Beneath Ceaseless Skies magazine with a look at a few of the specific writing techniques used in the stories from the two issues we discussed during this series, focusing on ways […]
Photo courtesy of the excellent Al Bogdan. Welcome to Episode 58 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our triptych of shows on the Beneath Ceaseless Skies magazine with an interview of its publisher and editor-in-chief Scott H. Andrews, who has a lot of interesting stuff to […]
Welcome back for Episode 57 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. After a busy summer of convention-going, workshops and interviews, we get back to our usual routine by going back to the beginning (so to speak), as we start our first triptych of shows on a short fiction magazine since our inaugural […]
Welcome to a special episode of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, Greg and Brad interview the authors who attended the Wellspring Writers Workshop held in Lake Geneva, WI. We asked each of our guests, all accomplished writers, to talk about one of their “Ah ha!” moments in their writing […]
Welcome back for Episode 55 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we take a second look at the state of the speculative fiction field with special guests Mary Robinette Kowal, former vice-president of SFWA and Hugo-award winning writer, and Michael Underwood, North American Sales and Marketing Manager for Angry […]
Welcome back for Episode 54 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we conclude our quadtych of shows on the work of Saladin Ahmed with a look at some of the specific writing techniques used in his debut novel Throne of the Crescent Moon, focusing on narrative pace and character […]
Welcome to Episode 53 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our trademarked “quadtych” of shows on Throne of the Crescent Moon, the new sword and sorcery book by Saladin Ahmed, with an interview of the author himself. Saladin was one of our first interviews, way back in Episode 2, and […]
Photo courtesy of the talented Al Bogdan. Welcome back for Episode 52 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our sequence of shows on Throne of the Crescent Moon, the new sword and sorcery book by Saladin Ahmed, with an interview of DAW Books president, editor-in-chief and veteran […]
Welcome back for Episode 51 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we begin a new triptych plus one (is that a quadtych?) of shows on the work of Saladin Ahmed, who previously appeared on Episode 2 of Speculate! as we discussed one of his short stories; this time we’re […]
Welcome back for Episode 50 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. We celebrate turning 50 (that sounds less ominous when we’re talking about episode numbers, somehow) with an interesting interview with Ian Tregillis, author of the alternative history series The Milkweed Triptych (he likes that last word as much as we do). […]
Welcome to Episode 49 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we bring you a series of interviews done with authors and editors attending Origins, which along with Gen Con is one of the oldest gaming industry conventions in the world. Origins recently started its own writing track (called The […]
Welcome back for Episode 48 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we conclude our series of shows on the work of Ian McDonald with a look at a few of the specific writing techniques used in The Dervish House, particularly his approach to cinematic writing, evoking all the senses, […]
Welcome back for Episode 47 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our series of shows on Ian McDonald’s The Dervish House as we interview the author himself on subjects from research to language to writing process–and how at times seducing the reader is a better way to […]
Welcome back for Episode 46 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we begin a new triptych of shows on the work of BSFA-winning author Ian McDonald, discussing our reaction to his Hugo-nominated book The Dervish House–a book about near-future Istanbul which is as dense, and fascinating, as the city […]
Welcome back for Episode 45 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we add another really interesting guest to our interview mix as we talk to Brent Weeks, bestselling author of the Night Angel trilogy, who covers aspects of the writing life, learning from the work of other authors, and […]
Welcome back for Episode 44 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we conclude our series of shows on the work of Rob Ziegler with a discussion of some of the specific writing techniques used in his book Seed, looking at how gutsy writing with an attention to narrative voice […]
Welcome back for Episode 43 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our series of shows on the ecopunk novel Seed, interviewing author Rob Ziegler about his interest in the subject of climate change, his thoughts about grace within savagery, and why he’s glad he doesn’t always have […]
Welcome back for Episode 42 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we start a new sequence of shows on the work of speculative fiction author Rob Ziegler, giving our reaction to and review of his book Seed, a new ecopunk novel from Night Shade Books which punches you in […]
Welcome back for Episode 41 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our look at the impact of E-books and independent publishing on the field of speculative fiction with part two of our talk with author and editor extraordinaire Paul Genesse, focusing here on what makes a book […]
Welcome back for Episode 40 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we take a step back from our usual blend of reader response and writer analysis to look at the state of the speculative fiction field more generally, enlisting friend and fellow speculative fiction author and editor (in both […]
Voting for the Hugos is now well underway. To our faithful listeners, if you feel like we deserve some recognition for this show, please consider voting for Speculate in the Best Fancast category. The nomination form and rules can be found at the Chicon 7 Hugo Nomination page. And if you do decide to vote for our little show, you […]
Welcome back for Episode 39 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our run of great guests with our interview of Brandon Sanderson, bestselling epic fantasy author. This is one of our longer interviews, but when you have someone who can talk so easily and interestingly about magic […]
Welcome back for Episode 38 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we present our third artist interview, this one with giant of the field Todd Lockwood. Todd, who did the cover for Brad’s upcoming book The Straits of Galahesh, gives us a look into what inspires him about the […]
Welcome back for Episode 37 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we conclude our series of shows on the work of Mark Hodder with a discussion of some of the specific writing techniques used in his book The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack, looking at how the use […]
Welcome back for Episode 36 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our sequence of shows on the work of Mark Hodder with an interview with the author himself. Mark’s fascinating insights on writing generally, steampunk specifically, and the role of theme in a story–how much punk should […]
Welcome back for Episode 35 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we start a new sequence of shows on the work of speculative fiction author Mark Hodder, giving our reaction to and review of his book The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack–a cool steampunk novel which doesn’t forget […]
Welcome back for Episode 34 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. We’re beginning our second year with a bang: in this episode we interview Carol Berg, veteran author of many fantasy novels and winner of the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award, about her inspirations in writing, the development of her career and her love […]
Welcome back for Episode 33 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we’re proud to present our first annual Year in Review show, in which (after wishing ourselves a very happy birthday) we discuss how the show has progressed over the past year and touch on the various episodes we […]
Welcome back for Episode 32 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we interview mountain climber, figure skater and (of course) fantasy author Courtney Schafer, who somehow finds time between climbing sheer rock faces, landing triple jumps, working a day job in electrical engineering and raising a son to write […]
Welcome back for Episode 31 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we interview artist Mark Winters, who like our previously interviewed artist Adam Paquette has a broad range of interests in the field of speculative art and beyond, having worked in several different mediums and (in addition to his […]
Welcome back for Episode 30 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we interview the multitalented Maurice Broaddus, who in between writing, editing, performing the duties of a small publishing company vice-president and running a convention somehow finds the time to talk to us! This was an enjoyable and thoughtful […]
Welcome back for Episode 29 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. This week we conclude our series of shows on Night Shade Books‘ anthology The Book of Cthulhu with a discussion about some of the writing techniques used in the stories we focused on during this sequence. We enjoyed reading this anthology […]
Welcome back for Episode 28 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our sequence of shows on Night Shade Books‘ anthology The Book of Cthulhu with an interview of two contributors to the volume, Laird Barron and John Hornor Jacobs. Like our interview with editor Ross Lockhart, this […]
Welcome back for Episode 27 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our sequence of shows on Night Shade Books‘ new anthology, The Book of Cthulhu, with a discussion with its editor Ross Lockhart. But as Ross proves in this wide-ranging interview, he knows a lot more about […]
Welcome back for Episode 26 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we start a new sequence of shows on the new anthology from publisher Night Shade Books and editor Ross Lockhart, The Book of Cthulhu, investigating (gulp!) the Elder Gods with our reaction to stories by Laird Barron, Elizabeth […]
Welcome to Episode 25 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. We’re just about ready to start posting our next sequence of shows on The Book of Cthulhu, but we didn’t want to leave our loyal listeners content free for another week–so this week we’re happy to present a talk Greg did at […]
Welcome to Episode 24 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we present our second interview with bestselling author Patrick Rothfuss, this one conducted at the just concluded Worldcon in Reno. As usual, Pat’s answers are thoughtful and wide-ranging, from a frank discussion about the difficulties of writing “the middle […]
Hello all, On Tuesday we’ll be posting Episode 24 of Speculate!, a special video interview with bestselling author and friend of the show Patrick Rothfuss. To get ready for the event, we thought we’d get you warmed up with this video version of the interview we recently did with author Ed Greenwood. If you like […]
Welcome to Episode 23 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we bring you a series of interviews done with authors attending Gen Con, one of the largest fantasy / science fiction / gaming conventions in the world. Robert Farnsworth, Don Bingle, Jerry Gordon, Paul Genesse, Maurice Broaddus, Elizabeth Vaughan […]
Welcome to Episode 22 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk about some of the nominees for the Hugo, to be awarded this coming weekend at Worldcon in Reno, focusing in particular on short stories and graphic novels. We hardly have a crystal ball, but (as usual) we […]
Welcome to a special episode of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. This week we’re proud to present our first video, an hour long compilation of interviews, critique sessions and readings that made up part of the Wellspring Workshop held this past June in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. We hope you enjoy the video, […]
Welcome to Episode 20 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we wrap up our series of shows on Aliette de Bodard’s Harbinger of the Storm with a discussion of some of the writing techniques she utilizes in the book…and some suggestions about how aspiring writers can put similar techniques […]
Hello again, and welcome to Episode 19 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our series of shows on the work of Aliette de Bodard by interviewing the author herself about Harbinger of the Storm, covering topics from Aztec culture to the ways mysteries and thrillers can enhance […]
Welcome back for Episode 18 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. Recently back from Wellspring Workshop, in this episode we begin a series of shows on the work of Nebula, Hugo and Campbell nominee Aliette de Bodard, focusing in particular on her book Harbinger of the Storm. If you like what you […]
Welcome to Episode 17 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk about Wellspring, an invite only novel writing workshop being held in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and involving eleven speculative fiction authors (including your humble hosts Greg and Brad!), along with a more extended conversation about workshop models, MFA […]
After a brief hiatus, we’re back with Episode 16 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk to New York Times bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson about the conclusion of his epic fantasy trilogy Terra Incognita, his tie-in work in universes from Star Wars to Star Trek to Dune, […]
Welcome to Episode 15 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we wrap up our look at Eclipse Four, Night Shade Books’ newest anthology, with a discussion of some of the writing techniques demonstrated in some representative stories by Michael Swanwick, James Patrick Kelly and Andy Duncan. If you enjoy […]
Welcome to Episode 14 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk to two luminaries of speculative fiction, James Patrick Kelly and Michael Swanwick, about their stories for Night Shade Books‘ new anthology Eclipse Four, their careers in science fiction and fantasy and what they’re working on for the […]
Welcome back for Episode 13 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we interview editor extraordinaire Jonathan Strahan on his editing career, his philosophy on constructing an anthology and his work with Night Shade Books‘ newest story collection, Eclipse Four. We even get a chance to talk to him about […]
Hi all, Welcome back for Episode 12 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we start a new sequence of discussion/interview/discussion shows on the new anthology from publisher Night Shade Books and editor Jonathan Strahan, Eclipse Four, concentrating in particular on stories by Michael Swanwick, James Patrick Kelly, Andy Duncan […]
Welcome to Episode 11 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk about the life of a bestselling fantasy author with, well, a bestselling fantasy author! Pat Rothfuss, whose sequel to his acclaimed debut novel The Name of the Wind, The Wise Man’s Fear, has hit #1 on the […]
Welcome to Episode 10 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we look at some of the writing techniques in N.K. Jemisin‘s Nebula-nominated novel The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms…and how aspiring writers can learn from those techniques to improve their own work. If you like what you hear, please check back […]
Welcome to Episode 9 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode, the second of our sequence on The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, we interview the book’s author N.K. Jemisin about both process and product. We cover a good deal of ground during the interview, talking about psychology, politics and magic within […]
Hi all, Welcome back for Episode 8 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we begin a sequence of shows on the work of N.K. Jemisin, focusing specifically on her Nebula-nominated book The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms. If you like what you hear, don’t miss next week’s show where we talk […]
We wanted to make sure we noted the nominations of former and future Speculate! guests Amal El-Mohtar (for “The Green Book,” which we discussed in Episodes 1, 2 and 3), Kij Johnson (for “Ponies,” which we discussed in Episodes 4, 5 and 6), and N.K. Jemisin (for The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, which we’ll be discussing […]
Welcome to Episode 7 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we interview artist Adam Paquette, whose work in the speculative fiction, gaming and other fields is both broad and deep. Adam discusses the creative process generally and specifically in his own work, focusing for a good part of the […]
Welcome to Episode 6 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we examine some of the specific writing techniques in Kij Johnson‘s short fiction, focusing on the three stories discussed in the previous two shows. If you enjoy the episode, please let us know by leaving feedback or getting in […]
Hi again, Welcome to Episode 5 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we continue our exploration of Kij Johnson‘s short fiction with an interview of the author, discussing art, craft, and the intersection between the two in her work. If you enjoy the discussion, please remember to come back […]
Hey everyone, Welcome back for Episode 4 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we start a new sequence of discussion/interview/discussion shows concerning the work of Nebula and World Fantasy Award winning author Kij Johnson, in particular focusing on three stories: 26 monkeys, also the abyss, Ponies, and Spar. If […]
Hi everyone, Welcome to Episode 3 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk about some specific writing techniques used in the Apex stories discussed in the last two shows, both how they function within their respective stories and how proper use of them can help authors in their […]
Hello again, Welcome to the second episode of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In this episode we talk to two of the authors from the Apex issue discussed in Episode 1, Amal El-Mohtar and Saladin Ahmed, and find out more about their writing process, the link between the personal and the political, […]
Hi all, Welcome to the first episode of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. In our inaugural episode, Brad and I look at Issue #18 of Apex Magazine, an issue dedicated to Arabic and/or Islamic-themed fiction and poetry, and discuss three stories in particular: “The Green Book” by Amal El-Mohtar, “50 Fatwas for […]
Welcome to Speculate, the Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans. If you want to learn more about the site, please take a look at the About page, where we outline a bit of what we’re trying to do with this site. Our first podcasts are coming in January, so please stay tuned.