Epic Realms Podcast

Interview with James L Sutter Author and RPG Designer

James L. Sutter is a co-creator of the Pathfinder and Starfinder RPGs. During his time at Paizo (2004–2017), he helped shape Pathfinder, launched Starfinder as Creative Director, and oversaw the Pathfinder Tales novel line.
He’s the author of the queer YA romances Darkhearts and The Ghost of Us, as well as the award-winning fantasy novels Death’s Heretic and The Redemption Engine. His work has appeared in Nightmare, F&SF, Escape Pod, and more. In addition to writing comics, essays, and tabletop content, he has contributed to video games and bestselling anthologies.In this episode we catch up with him where we left off, we also talk about sharing his voice in the writing world, his shift from writing fiction to writing YA (young adult) Romance stories. And how he has gotten to return to thing things he loved about roleplaying games.

Writer and Game Designer Alison Cybe

Today's guest is an award-nominated game designer and writer with an impressive portfolio. They’ve worked with industry giants like Paizo and Green Ronin and contributed to renowned franchises such as Cyberpunk, Fallout, Star Trek, Dishonored, and more!
In this episode, we dive into their journey into the gaming world, how they broke into the industry, and their experiences crafting adventures. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of freelancing for some of the biggest names in tabletop games as well as talk about some of their works as an author.

Kevin Hearne Returns to Epic Realms

New York Times bestselling author Kevin Hearne returns to Epic Realms to share updates on his latest projects, creative insights, and journey as a writer. We dive into his expansion across multiple genres, his experiences in publishing, and his independent imprint, Horned Lark Press.
Kevin also discusses Coyote Run, his upcoming collaboration with Lilith Saintcrow, and provides exciting updates on fan-favorite series, including Ink & Sigil, the Iron Druid Chronicles, and The Seven Kennings. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, this episode is packed with must-hear details!
Don't miss this fantastic conversation with Kevin Hearne!

Interview with Carlos Cabrera Game Designer

Carlos Cabrera is an ENNIE-winning game designer, writer, and voice actor with a passion for storytelling and world-building. As the founder of Something Clever Games, he has contributed to Pathfinder RPG, Dungeons & Dragons 5E, and numerous other TTRPG projects. He is the lead designer for the upcoming Welcome to Night Vale Roleplaying Game, bringing the surreal world of the beloved podcast to tabletop. In addition to game design, Carlos has worked as a voice actor and industry event contributor. Join us as we dive into his journey, insights, and what’s next for him in the world of gaming!Carlos Cabrera's Sitehttps://somethingclevergames.com/Welcome to Night Vale RPG linkhttps://renegadegamestudios.com/welcome-to-night-vale-roleplaying-game/
 

Interview with B Dave Walters

B. Dave Walters is a celebrated storyteller, writer, and TTRPG personality, renowned for his work as a Dungeon Master on The Black Dice Society and his appearances in numerous other tabletop gaming shows. He is a writer for Dungeons & Dragons comics and worked on the Marvel’s Multiverse RPG, as well as a key creator behind the Kickstarter-backed Into The Motherlands RPG. A passionate advocate for representation and diversity, B. Dave captivates audiences with his dynamic characters, immersive storytelling, and vibrant worlds. Tune in to Epic Realms as we explore his creative journey and the art of storytelling!

Matt Forbeck Returns

Join us for an exciting episode of Epic Realms as we welcome back the talented Matt Forbeck, the mastermind behind the Marvel RPG! In this episode, host Nick dives deep into Matt's journey from the playtest phase to the successful launch of the Marvel multiverse game.
Discover how Matt and his team transformed the game based on player feedback, streamlined the mechanics, and created a system that feels authentically Marvel. We discuss the evolution of the game, the various expansions that have been released, and what players can expect from the upcoming Spider-Verse book.
Matt shares his experiences working with Marvel, his passion for Spider-Man, and the unique dynamic of collaborating with his son, Marty, on various projects. Plus, we touch on the importance of playtesting and how it shapes the final product.
Whether you're a seasoned RPG player or a Marvel fan, this episode is packed with insights and behind-the-scenes stories that you won't want to miss!

2024 Twin Cities Con - Tim Zahn and John Jackson Miller

For our New Years episode we have a special event that was Live at Twin Cities Con 2024 with John Jackson Miller and Timothy Zahn. The interview host is author Jeri Shepherd.We want to thank Twin Cities Con for having us. Be sure to check out Twin Cities Con and join them for their 2025 event at TwinCitiesCon.Com

Interview with Game Designer Scott Rogers

Scott Rogers is a legendary game designer and author of over 50 AAA titles, including God of War and Pac-Man World, with sales topping 50 million copies. A former Disney Imagineer, he created innovative park experiences and authored the bestselling Level Up! and Your Turn! He has also been nominated for many of his tabletop board games, and he shares his expertise through teaching at USC and the Masters of Game Design series.He joins us to talk about how D&D and Comics built his life for both Video Game Design and Board Game Design! The Episode is filled with great tale and stories.

Interview with Author Jennifer Brozek

Join us in this exciting episode of Epic Realms as we welcome award-winning author Jennifer Brozek! Known for her incredible work in tie-in fiction for popular franchises like Arkham Horror, Battletech, and Shadowrun, Jennifer shares her journey from gamer to writer and editor. In this episode, we dive into her experiences in the world of tabletop role-playing games, her unique approach to storytelling, and the challenges she has faced as a writer with dyslexia and autism. Jennifer also discusses her latest projects, including the upcoming Augment magazine for Shadowrun, which features in-world confessions and missions, and the anthology "Shadowrun Through the Decades" celebrating 35 years of the franchise. Discover how Jennifer balances her roles as an author and editor, her thoughts on themes in anthologies, and her creative process for developing stories in shared universes. Plus, get a sneak peek into her future works and her upcoming appearances at conventions! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes featuring amazing authors and their stories! Follow Jennifer Brozek: Website: jenniferbrozek.com BlueSky: @jenniferbrozek Facebook: facebook.com/jennifer.brozek Instagram: @jennifer_brozek Augment Magazine for Shadowrun - https://pulsepublishingsubmissions.moksha.io/publication/augment-the-shadowrun-magazine/

Interview with Liane Merciel ( Author )

In this episode we are joined by Pathfinder Author Liane Merciel.
Leanne discusses her background, writing career, and work on various fantasy franchises including Pathfinder and Dragon Age. She talks about growing up in a military family and how those experiences influenced her writing. Leanne describes her process for writing tie-in fiction and working within established game worlds. She discusses her Pathfinder novels set in Nidal and Cheliax, as well as her work on sourcebooks. Leanne also talks about writing a Dragon Age novel and a recent Warhammer Age of Sigmar book. The interview concludes with discussion of her newest Pathfinder novel 'Godsrain', which ties into upcoming storylines about gods dying in the game world. Throughout, Leanne provides insights into her writing process, inspirations, and experiences working on different fantasy properties.