Shows
In Other WorldsA Former Warrior Turns Trauma Into A Quest For SelfWhat does it take to turn real pain into a world worth exploring? We welcome author Lance Krautlarger to talk Arcane Tides: A Journey Within, a character-driven fantasy that treats mental health with honesty and heart. Eldrin’s path mirrors Lance’s own time leaving the service, navigating PTSD and anxiety, and relearning how to belong—first to himself, then to others.We trace the book’s DNA from a single therapeutic writing session into a full draft. Then the hard part: cutting a 150k-word manuscript, fixing head-hopping, and compressing travel to keep momentum on the inner quest. A...
2026-02-1654 min
In Other WorldsReverse Isekai: Now we've got magic!What if a portal fantasy didn’t whisk one hero away, but dropped an entire magical realm onto our world? That’s the theme behind Paragon Exordium, and today I sit down with author Mikel “Mick” Melwasul to discuss how a college town in Georgia becomes the frontline of a sprawling, character‑driven.We explore the series central mystery, the Therin Selu, a cataclysmic spell meant to dodge a mythic flood, and how its fallout turns into magic finally returning. Mick shares why the world’s “castology” matters: runes, song, speech, and emotion aren’t just mechanics, they’re culture en...
2026-02-0256 min
In Other WorldsCat Girls, and Monster Girls, and Mechs, OH MYI sit down with Edie Skye to explore how playful tones and decisive heroes (and monster girls) make harem fiction such a great genre. From Cat Girls From Outer Space to Titan Mage’s dragon-laced lore, we trace craft choices, collaboration, and why men’s romance is more wholesome than you think.• Pen names and genre lanes across HP Hollow, Edie Skye, and Arcadia Sky• Cat Girls From Outer Space as a spicy rework of Freelancers Of Neptune• Why harem lands best with humor, banter, and self-awareness• Men’s romance expectations for active, hyper-competent heroes• B...
2026-01-1958 min
In Other WorldsWhat If The Dungeon IS The Good Guy?We talk with Aaron Michael Ritchey about Shadowcroft Academy for Dungeons and its spin-off Dungeon Accountant, exploring why dungeons are the good guys, how silverware jokes became lore, and why an audit team can save worlds with data and heart. Along the way, we dig into writing speed, co-authoring, and the craft choices that keep high-concept ideas grounded and fun.• Shadowcroft’s isekai hook and world-soul node stakes• Logan’s fungaloid build and the underdog progression• Found-family dynamics and humor that carries weight• Dungeon Accountant’s audit squad and design fixes• Ethics of dungeoneering gu...
2026-01-0557 min
In Other WorldsWhen an MC becomes the villain with Rachel Ni ChuircAn arcade robbery, a fatal shot, and a sudden awakening inside a favorite game... only not as the hero. Rachel Ni Chuirc joins me to unpack Knights of Eternity, a LitRPG trilogy that flips the script by dropping its protagonist into the villain’s body with Zara the Fury still in her head. What starts as a classic “save the princess” dungeon crawl unravels into a layered story about identity, agency, and the cost of choices when your own thoughts aren’t entirely your own.We dig into how Rachel wrote the trilogy alongside her intense years on Baldu...
2025-12-221h 08
In Other WorldsA pangolin and a desert druid with Joedan WorleyI sat down to talk with debut LitRPG author Joedan Worley about Wayspring Wanderer, a desert survival story where a wounded Marine becomes a druid whose greatest power is finding water. Craft, worldbuilding, grief, and a pangolin named Penny collide in a conversation about purpose, progression, and hope without shortcuts.• Oscar’s transformation, loss, and search for his brother• A druid in a dying desert where finding water means life or death• Reimagined kobolds and lore influences• Character-first writing and distinct voices• Mental health, self-talk, and pushing through• Penny the pangolin and why companions...
2025-12-081h 32In Other WorldsTroll Armies, Virtual Reality, and the Backrooms - Now With Meat Ice CreamA Marine reborn as a Witcher-style hunter. A hedge mage who becomes a dungeon troll and teaches NPCs to wake up. A virtual reality MMO where there are real stakes and consequences once the real world ends. A hungover everyman who turns the Backrooms into a lifeline with a map, a store, and a mimic dog made of blue croc material. James Hunter joins us to unpack how systems, stakes, and humor drive four wildly different LitRPG series and why readers keep craving bigger, stranger worlds.Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a friend...
2025-11-041h 43In Other WorldsFrom Dungeon Cores to Tennis CourtsEver wondered what happens when you blend dungeon cores, tennis matches, wild west gunslingers, and competitive Magic: The Gathering into one creative mind? Journey with us as we sit down with Ryn, writing as Jonathan Smidt, the versatile author behind multiple LitRPG series including Elemental Dungeon, Dungeon Corps Online, Aced, Resonance, and Flamespitter.Smidt's creative journey began unexpectedly when Portal Books approached her after reading her young adult fantasy on Wattpad. Despite having never heard of Dungeon Core fiction, she dove headfirst into the genre, consuming dozens of books before crafting what would become her first successful...
2025-09-231h 01
In Other WorldsDragons, Decks, and Deadlines: Inside Timothy McGowen's Creative ProcessTimothy McGowen doesn't just write books – he crafts entire universes.Dragonstone Academy represents McGowan's unique approach to worldbuilding through its innovative card-based magic system. Rather than conveniently giving his protagonist the perfect ability for each situation, McGowan created actual physical card decks, shuffled them, and let random draws determine the character's options during pivotal moments. This constraint forced organic problem-solving that makes the combat in the book even more unbelievable and realistic.Surprisingly, several of McGowan's separate series exist within a shared universe, with characters occasionally crossing over between books. Careful readers will notice familiar fa...
2025-08-051h 09
In Other WorldsCrafting Cozy Fantasy with SL RowlandStep into the magical worlds of SL Rowland as we explore the heartwarming charm of cozy fantasy and the exciting realms of LitRPG. From halfling vineyards to blood mages struggling with chronic pain, Rowland crafts stories that feel like coming home—even when dragons and adventure lurk around the corner.Our conversation begins with "Halfling's Harvest," the third book in Rowland's Tales of Aedrea series, where we meet Marigold, proprietor of the Dew Drop Vineyard and Inn during the annual Harvest Festival. What makes this and all of Rowland's cozy fantasies special is the found family dynamic—char...
2025-06-1656 minIn Other Worlds#2: Blood, Magic, and ConquestStep into a world where power comes at the ultimate price with Alex Knight, author of "Servant of Rage" and the upcoming goblin comedy "Wriggly Little Hands." Alex brings us a mesmerizing fantasy world inspired by Mongolian horse nomads, featuring a magic system where killing transfers power from victim to victor. The author shares fascinating insights about character development, explaining the complex relationships between three brothers who rediscover ancient magic. Alex embraces unpredictable character arcs that challenge reader expectations, promising that the planned trilogy will take these beloved characters through darkness before potential redemption.
2025-06-0358 min
In Other WorldsEpisode 1: TJ LombardiOn this premiere episode of In Other Worlds podcast, TJ takes us through his creative journey from concept to publication. Blending the nostalgic warmth of Pokemon with the mech battles of Pacific Rim and Gundam, Golem Master represents something unique in his catalog. Unlike his darker Dying Breed and Scalpel Chronicles series, this young adult adventure aims for accessibility without sacrificing emotional depth. "I wanted a story that a dad and his son could listen to while driving on a fishing trip," TJ explains, "but with real life lessons woven throughout."What's next for the Golem Master...
2025-05-1454 min
In Other WorldsIn Other Worlds trailerPodcast trailer for In Other Worlds: A LitRPG, Gamelit, and Fantasy podcast. Every other week, your host Jess will be sitting down with the authors and audiobook narrators that bring these epic tales to life. You can find everything In Other Worlds at www.iowpod.com or on socials: Tiktok Youtube Facebook You can also subscribe to my newsletter to get episode reminders, access to unedited episodes, a monthly list of upcoming titles and the chance at a free book from each author I interview here.
2025-04-2300 min