Shows
Realms PodcastBrood - CompleteHello and welcome to Realms! My name is Zach Roush, the writer and reader of Realms. Realms is a sci-fi and fantasy podcast and newsletter that hits your inbox once a month - subscribe to get it conveniently delivered to your phone or computer or spaceship. Then, you can escape to new realms wherever you are - on a walk, on the bus, etc. zacharyroush.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zacharyroush.substack.com/subscribe
2024-10-0442 min
Realms PodcastBrood Part IIIHello and welcome to Realms! My name is Zach Roush, the writer and reader of Realms. Realms is a FREE monthly sci-fi and fantasy newsletter that takes you to new worlds once a month. Subscribe today so you get the next story right in your inbox!zacharyroush.substack.comHere’s the cicada itself that inspired this story - give its haunting call a listen!This year, a HUGE brood of cicada emerged: https://cicadas.uconn.edu/The Pharaoh cicada, also known as Magicicada septendecim, makes this terrifying sound that was in...
2024-09-2714 min
Realms PodcastBrood Part IIHello and welcome to Realms, a sci-fi and fantasy newsletter and podcast. I’m Zach Roush, the creator of Realms.Today’s story, Brood, is part two of three, and instead of enjoying my narration (if you’re listening, that is) you will be hearing the lovely voice of my friend, Cameron Daxon. Cameron is a writer, editor and occasional creative producer who lives in Los Angeles. He can be reached via LinkedIn for freelance opportunities in writing, voice acting, and more!As always, this podcast is in text and podcast format. To get these storie...
2024-08-2318 min
Realms PodcastBrood Part IHello and welcome to Realms, a sci-fi and fantasy newsletter and podcast. I’m Zach Roush, the creator of Realms.Today’s story, Brood, is part one of three, and instead of enjoying my narration (if you’re listening, that is) you will be hearing the lovely voice of my friend, Cameron Daxon. Cameron is a writer, editor and occasional creative producer who lives in Los Angeles. He can be reached via LinkedIn for freelance opportunities.As always, this podcast is in text and podcast format. to get these stories in your inbox, subscribe for free...
2024-07-1914 min
Realms PodcastThe Sunborn's SorrowHello and welcome to Realms. My name is Zach and I’m the writer and reader of Realms. I am a game writer and novelist currently living in sunny Southern California.Realms is a sci-fi and fantasy newsletter that lets you escape to new worlds every month, right from your inbox. Subscribe today: zacharyroush.substack.comRealms has gotten an upgrade! Thanks to Chloe W on Fiverr for the new, dope-as-hell intro and outro music! I’ve needed some for a long time and Chloe made it happen in 48 hours!https://www.f...
2024-05-1706 min
Realms Podcast3 Body Problem: It's got some problems, but a bad plot ain't one!Hello and Welcome to Realms!Realms is a fantasy and sci-fi newsletter. I am the writer and narrator of this publication. I consume tons of sci-fi and fantasy media that I think everyone should know about. In these two genres, I’ll be reviewing books, video games, podcasts, films, and TV shows.And just like Realms’ short stories, you’ll get reviews once a month. Never on the same week as a short story. The OverviewNetlix’s 3 Body Problem, directed by D&D (David Benioff, D.B. Weiss), is a wonderful...
2024-05-0310 min
Realms PodcastAdams Apple: The Complete StoryHello and welcome to Realms, a sci-fi and fantasy newsletter that lets you escape to new worlds every month, right from your inbox. zacharyroush.substack.comThis is the complete edition of my serialized story, Adam's Apple This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zacharyroush.substack.com/subscribe
2024-03-3048 min
Realms PodcastAdam's Apple Part IIIHello and welcome to Realms, a sci-fi and fantasy newsletter that lets you escape to new worlds every month, right from your inbox. subscribe today: zacharyroush.substack.comCatch up on Adam's Apple:Adam's Apple Part IAdam's Apple Part IIAdam's Apple Parts I-IIIThis story is also the first collaboration with another Substack. This story exists in the realm of The Blackwater Files, started by The Chronicler.Until next time, Realm Walkers, I’m Zach and you’re reading/listening to Realms.
2024-03-3018 min
The Corner of Story and GameThe Lenses of Game Design | Zach Roush on the Lenses of Infinite Inspiration, The Problem Statement, Character Function, and Character TraitsThe Lenses of Game Design: Part 05
Welcome back, wanderer. It's time to peer through four more lenses from The Art of Game Design.
Today, we have the pleasure of embarking on a journey through more of the game design lenses with the dynamic Zachary Roush. A seasoned writer with nearly a decade of experience spanning various industries, Zach's adventurous spirit and creative fervour have propelled him across the globe to pursue his passion for storytelling.
Currently honing his skills in narrative design, Zach is a proud alum of the Narrative Department and a...
2024-03-2749 min
Realms PodcastSeverance is the sci-fi full package: Watch it!Hello and Welcome to Realms Reviews! Realms is a fantasy and sci-fi newsletter. My name is Zach, the writer and narrator of this publication.Subscribe to get reviews and short stories right in your inbox: zacharyroush.substack.comToday, we’re reviewing a sci-fi series that is near and dear to my heart: Severance. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zacharyroush.substack.com/subscribe
2024-03-2306 min
Realms PodcastAdam's Apple Part IIHello and welcome to Realms, a sci-fi and fantasy newsletter. I’m Zach, the writer and narrator of this Substack. Subscribe today to escape to new worlds every month, right in your inbox.Subscribe today: zacharyroush.substack.comToday’s story is special. It’s part II of III of my first serialized story. You can find part I here: https://zacharyroush.substack.com/p/adams-apple-part-oneIt’s also the first collaboration with another Substack. This story exists in the realm of The Blackwater Files, started by The Chronicler. Explore this dark, brooding, and cree...
2024-02-2320 min
Realms PodcastAdam's Apple Part IHello and Welcome to Realms, a sci-fi and fantasy newsletter. Subscribe today to get short stories and reviews right in your inbox.https://zacharyroush.substack.com/Today’s story is special. It’s part I of III and my first serialized story. It’s also the first collaboration with another Substack. This story exists in the realm of The Blackwater Files. Please enter this dark, brooding, and creepy universe and enjoy its many branching paths.https://bmaya.substack.com/p/the-blackwater-files This is a public episode. If you'd like t...
2024-01-2616 min
Realms PodcastRealms Reviews The Narrow Road Between DesiresHello and Welcome to Realms Reviews!Realms is a fantasy and sci-fi newsletter. I’m Zach, the writer and narrator of this publication. I consume tons of sci-fi and fantasy media that I think everyone should know about. In these two genres, I’ll be reviewing books, video games, podcasts, films, and TV shows.Subscribe here: zacharyroush.substack.com Check out my other reviews: Wake-ing Up; Creating Deeper Player Experiences in Alan Wake 2Celeritas: An out-of-this-world sci-fi audio dramaToday, we’re reviewing the newest piece of writin...
2024-01-1207 min
Realms PodcastRealms Reviews Celeritas, a sci-fi audio-dramaHello and Welcome to Realms Reviews!Whether you’re new or not, Realms is a fantasy and sci-fi newsletter. As such, I consume tons of sci-fi and fantasy media that I think everyone should know about. In these two genres, I’ll be reviewing books, video games, podcasts, films, and TV shows. And just like Realms’ short stories, you’ll get reviews once a month. Never on the same week as a short story. Subscribe here to get Realms in your inbox: zacharyroush.substack.comCeleritas podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/Ythqme-c
2023-12-2905 min
Realms PodcastKursed Kreatures: The Falling SkyHello and welcome to Realms! If you didn’t know, Realms is a sci-fi and fantasy fiction newsletter and podcast. You can subscribe here: zacharyroush.substack.comI never thought I would write so many stories or even put my voice on the internet like this. It’s thanks to you that I do! And there’s over 220 subscribers now! I’m so grateful that you give me your time and ears every month for these strange stories. Before we begin today, I want to talk about my first-ever novel that’s coming out on Christmas d...
2023-12-2214 min
Realms PodcastWake-ing Up; Creating Deeper Player Experiences in Alan Wake 2Welcome to Realms, a sci-fi and fantasy newsletter and podcast. I’m Zach Roush, the writer of this publication. You can sign up to get posts like this one, as well as short stories and short reviews right in your inbox:zacharyroush.substack.comHere's the Alan Wake 2 playthrough: https://youtu.be/8N2wKBdK7vk?si=c27Qm8nTYBEpfMVyThank you for reading and listening to this Realms Deep Dive. This is a special article taking a closer look at something I’m really passionate about.If you enjoyed this, please shar...
2023-12-2217 min
Realms PodcastAwakeningHello and welcome to Realms: a monthly sci-fi and fantasy newsletter that lets you escape to new realms right from your inbox. Subscribe here: zacharyroush.substack.comShare this story: zacharyroush.substack.com/awakeningWithout further ado, here’s this month’s story… Awakening.All Alannah wants is to see. In the spiritual sense. Her life is so clouded by calls and emails, sharing her life online, buying things she doesn’t need, and pretending to listen to her boyfriend. She desires clarity. She deserves clarity. She will get clarity...no matter what.
2023-11-2712 min
Realms PodcastRealms Reviews Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomHello and Welcome to Realms Reviews!Whether you’re new or not, Realms is a fantasy / sci-fi newsletter. As such, I consume plenty of sci-fi and fantasy media and contents!Here’s how reviews work:Every review has a bit of a summary - no spoilers - my take on the story and why you should consider reading it. And then I’m going to give a rating. I’m stealing my rating system from fighting video games. From best to worst: Z, S, A, B, C, D. Z means whatever I reviewe...
2023-11-1707 min
Realms PodcastA Leaky Fountainhead - ReduxWelcome to Realms, a monthly newsletter that takes you to new worlds. Enjoy sci-fi and fantasy short stories, and reviews - both as text and audio, every month!While you can find Realms on your favorite podcasting app, subscribe with the button or link to make sure you get stories right in your inbox, which is far more convenient!Subscribe here:zacharyroush.substack.comLinks featured:Are You Not Entertained? Prey ReviewRealms reviews the Red Rising Series by Pierce BrownLeave a comment!
2023-10-2721 min
Realms PodcastRealms Reviews: Red Rising series by Pierce BrownHello and welcome to Realms Reviews!Whether you’re new or not, Realms of Roush is a fantasy and sci-fi newsletter. As such, I consume tons of sci-fi and fantasy media that I think everyone should know about. In these two genres, I’ll be reviewing books, video games, podcasts, films, and TV shows.And just like Realms’ short stories, you’ll get reviews once a month. Never on the same week as a short story.That said, this rating system will be subjective. Any of my reviews should be taken with a grain of...
2023-10-0907 min
Realms PodcastDenali, DenialCW: Before we begin, I want to make readers aware that today’s story is a historical fiction piece that has elements of violence and racism. Welcome to Realms of Roush, a monthly newsletter that takes you to new worlds. Enjoy sci-fi and fantasy short stories, and the occasional personal essay - and soon reviews! - both as text and audio, every month!While you can find Realms of Roush on your favorite podcasting app, you can make sure to get stories right in your inbox, which is far more convenient.zacharyroush.substack.com...
2023-09-1118 min
Realms PodcastYou've Discovered a Dreamium FeatureWelcome to Realms of Roush, a monthly newsletter that takes you to new worlds. Enjoy sci-fi and fantasy short stories, both as text and audio, every month! While you can find Realms of Roush on your favorite podcasting app, you can make sure to get stories right in your inbox, which is far more convenient. Click the link!https://zacharyroush.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zacharyroush.substack.com/subscribe
2023-08-0716 min
Realms PodcastDark Night of the Soul in Second PersonRealms is a monthly newsletter that sends you to strange realms, typically in sci-fi and fantasy. This newsletter deals with the realm of reality, which is mysterious enough.The Darkness is RealYou remember the very first time you felt depressed. You were a sophomore in high school. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and you were listening to Bon Iver in your bed, playing the Minecraft beta when a stomach-dropping emptiness stole over your entire existence. It was something stronger than the typical angst of those teenage years. It was something clinging...
2023-06-2613 min
Realms PodcastThe Daughter and the DesertIf you don’t know, Realms of Roush sends you monthly short stories that take you to new worlds. These stories are actually short AND come with an audio version, so you can do dishes or drive and simply escape.Subscribe here: zacharyroush.substack.comCheck out the Storyletter Xpress Publishing here: https://storyletter.substack.com/Thank you for reading and listening to The Daughter in the Desert!Leave a comment and share with this link: https://zacharyroush.substack.com/p/the-daughter-and-the-desertUntil next time, Realm Walkers.-Z...
2023-06-1226 min
Realms PodcastFetchWelcome to Realms of Roush - I am Zach Roush, the creator of this newsletter. You can escape the real world for better ones every month. Subscribe today to receive sci-fi and fantasy short stories right in your inbox.This month's story is called Fetch. It's an animal sci-fi heist. Enjoy!Subscribe here to get the newsletter and podcast right in your inbox: zacharyroush.substack.comJoin the discussion: https://zacharyroush.substack.com/p/fetchIf you enjoyed this story, leave a dog emoji in the comments! 🐕Have you eve...
2023-05-2615 min
Realms PodcastA dwarf, a human, an elf, and two orks get trapped in a cave.Realms of Roush is a monthly sci-fi and fantasy newsletter. Escape the real world through your inbox once a month!Also, I’d like to highlight a couple of things:I’m part of this amazing newsletter forwarding community that helps me grow. It’s called The Sample. If any of you are looking to grow just a lil’ bit with your own newsletters, hit up this link: https://thesample.ai/?ref=11c3Also, I want to shout out Scrivener for keeping all my writing madness together. It’s like Microsoft Word if it went to...
2023-04-2816 min
Realms PodcastWe're Giving Away our HumanityThis is a slight interruption of regular Realms of Roush - a short story is forthcoming later this month.I’ve been simmering on these thoughts for some time. I don’t typically write non-fiction because I need what I say to feel authentic and mildly new. Also, I pre-apologize to my journalism professors because this is going to be more “opinion” and “flighty thought” than a well-structured article. As always, I’ve buried the lede somewhere.But here goes.AI has been on everyone’s mind lately, in some shape or form. Some peeps excit...
2023-04-1519 min
Films in Black and WhiteZachary Levi, The Hulk, and John Wick aka "Rubber Chicken vs. Flying Brick"You want movie news? WE GOT IT! This week on the podcast we are talking about the latest on Jonathan Majors. Zachary Levi as your rebel without a cause. The recent announcement Liv Tyler joining the cast of Captain America, and finally the ever expanding John Wick franchise. Remember you can always join our patty family, and help produce the show by going to Patreon.com/filmsinblackandwhite.Links: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/john-wick-4-box-office-thursday-previews-1235359935/https://www.thewrap.com/dwayne-johnson-black-adam-shazam-dc-universe/https://www.thewrap.com/zachary-levi-dwayne-johnson-black-adam-post-credit/https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/27/media/disney-layoffs/index.html
2023-03-291h 19
Realms PodcastA Sweet DealRealms of Roush gives you monthly short stories to new worlds. These stories are actually short AND come with an audio version, so you can do dishes or drive and simply escape.Subscribe here: zacharyroush.substack.comThis month’s story is a special one, it was prompted by the and their amazing writing prompts, which were as follows:The character: A slacker who steals cats.Plot items: Something is wrong with the water. Something beautiful yet useless.Thank you for reading and listening!If you liked th...
2023-03-1608 min
Realms PodcastEagleEagle: A post-apocalyptic search for essential party decor (and friendship).If you like stories about bunnies in the apocalypse and other strange realms, subscribe today!zacharyroush.substack.comIf you know someone who loves Fourth of July, share this story…zacharyroush.substack.com/p/eagleAs always, thank you for reading and listening.Until next month, Realm Walkers.- Zach This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zacharyroush.su...
2023-02-2514 min
Realms PodcastYou Cannot Spell Paradise Without LiesYou Cannot Spell Paradise Without LiesEnter the realm of the Punished in this short sci-fi story.Like this episode? Give the podcast a goooood rating, or share!Or even better...answer the reader question:What’s the worst job you ever had? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zacharyroush.substack.com/subscribe
2023-01-2114 min
Realms PodcastPenalty of StonePenalty of StoneThe line between justice and vengeance is very thin.Join the discussion by answering this question: Have you ever had to go to court for something?You can leave your answer here:https://zacharyroush.substack.com/p/penaltyofstone This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zacharyroush.substack.com/subscribe
2023-01-1715 min
Realms PodcastScallopScallop: When Christmas Memories Make for Lifelong WisdomAnswer the reader question: What's your most valuable memory?https://zacharyroush.substack.com/p/scallop-christmas-storyKnow what's better than listening to Realms of Roush on Spotify or Apple podcasts?Getting them in your inbox!Subscribe here: zacharyroush.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zacharyroush.substack.com/subscribe
2022-12-2306 min
Realms PodcastCollideRealms of Roush presents: Collide, a crisis of quantum proportions.And if you've got a moment, head over to the story to answer the reader question:If you saw your life splitting in the quantum realm, what two major life paths would you see?Thank you for listening!You can get Realms of Roush directly in your inbox every month!All you gotta do is subscribe :) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes...
2022-12-0411 min
Realms PodcastInterview with a GargoyleListen now (7 min) | A Gargoyle needs a job...Thank you for reading (and listening to) today’s story! If you liked it, please share! It helps me find new readers like you :)Until next month!Zach This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zacharyroush.substack.com/subscribe
2022-11-1207 min
Realms PodcastIntro - Realms of RoushHi there, I’m Zachary Roush, the writer and voice for Realms of Roush.What is Realms of Roush?The short of it: A monthly short story podcast and newsletter. The meat of it: You’ll escape to new worlds every month with new science fiction and fantasy stories. For readers, you can subscribe at zacharyroush.substack.com. It’s a long URL, I know, so here it is again: z-a-c-h-a-r-y-r-o-u-s-h dot s-u-b-s-t-a-c-k dot com. For listeners, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by looking up Realms of Rou...
2022-05-0700 min
Realms PodcastFowl Play By Any Other NameCatch part I of this story, “Solstice Goose, Spineless King”Day OneHow many rulers have stolen land from a king, murdered his peasants, and received a marriage proposal in response? Very few in all of history.This king was an idiot! A spineless urchin! A loon! And soon, his kingdom would be mine. Everywhere I looked, I saw something new that would belong to me.These peasants, their labor, and their profits: mine. Those citrus orchards, those rolling hills of wine, the capital and its castle: mine. And last but not...
2022-04-2336 min
Ditch Your Backup PlanBonus: Advice for Youth from College CreativesCollege theatre students share how they are staying creative and productive during times of isolation and uncertainty. They share activities that elementary through high school students can try out for themselves. SHOW NOTES AT DitchYourBackupPlan.com 1:14 STERLING OLIVER, Kansas State University 4:39 OLIVIA CARTER, Kansas State University 8:09: JACKSON BERLAND, Kansas State University 11: 25: KATIE HAYES, Rockford University 13:29: TRACE CAMPBELL, Kansas State University 16:48: KENEDI KELLEY, Kansas State University 18:42: TREVOR SEYL, Wichita State University 21:34: JACKIE OVASSAPIAN, University of Illinois 24:28: ZACHARY SMALLEY, Kansas State University
2020-04-2936 min
The Constant: A History of Getting Things WrongThe Foolkiller Pt 5: The White WhaleHere we are. We've examined arctic explorers, secret armies, zany daredevils, Wisconsin whiz kids and so many more only to come up empty. This is the end of the rope. Can we solve the mystery of The Foolkiller, the submarine discovered in the Chicago River in 1915, or is this one just meant to be a mystery forever. Stick around and find out. Get a free trial of The Great Courses Plus and three months of unlimited access for just $30 dollars by going to https://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/theconstant (https://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/theconstant)Get 10% off your first month of...
2020-03-101h 51
SoonishTomorrow, Today with Ministry of IdeasThe way we picture the future is still based, in large measure, on the visions brought to life at the world’s fairs and international expositions that swept the globe between the 1850s and the 1960s—especially the New York World’s Fairs of 1939-40 and 1964-65, the Seattle World’s Fair of 1962, and Disney World’s EPCOT Center (which is, in essence, a permanent World’s Fair). But the fairs were about much more than technology: they were also about a specific vision of Western dominance, one that treated people from colonized or developing countries as little more than zoo spe...
2018-07-0239 min
SoonishIntroducing Hub & SpokeEpisode 2.02: Big news! Soonish is a founding member of Hub & Spoke, a Boston-centric collective of smart, idea-driven podcasts. Together with the art history podcast The Lonely Palette and the new philosophy-and-culture show Ministry of Ideas, we’re celebrating independent audio storytelling and the power of art, science, arguments, and ideas to change the world. In this episode you’ll hear the Ministry of Ideas pilot, “The Shape of History,” hosted by Zachary Davis and produced by Nick Andersen, Pallavi Kottamasu, and Virginia Marshall. To subscribe to Ministry of Ideas, visit ministryofideas.org or search Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatch...
2017-10-1318 min