Epic Realms Podcast

RPG Legend Jeff Grubb Interview

In this episode of Epic Realms, we sit down with legendary game designer and author Jeff Grubb to explore his incredible career in tabletop and video games. Jeff shares how his early passion for wargaming grew into a role at TSR, then Wizards of the Coast, shaping iconic campaign settings like Forgotten Realms, Spelljammer, and Planescape.
We dig into behind-the-scenes stories, from developing the Karameikos box set and its lasting impact on the D&D world, to creating games based on classic ’80s TV shows like Dallas and All My Children. Jeff also reflects on the shift from designing RPG material to writing novels — spanning from the beloved Azure Bonds to his final novel, Star Wars: Scourge.
The conversation wraps with a look at his current work on Elder Scrolls Online and the lessons learned across decades of storytelling and game design.

Leveling up with Treavor Bettis

In this episode, we’re joined by fellow podcaster Treavor Bettis, co-host of Writing About Dragons and Sh*t alongside Erin M. Evans and B. Dave Walters. You can also catch Treavor on the DungeonScrawlers YouTube and Twitch channels. Treavor was lead writer for the Dungeons & Dragons based video game Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms, where he wore many hats including community manager and podcast host. We talk in depth about that chapter of his career, and how it ties to many other aspects of his journey. We dive into Dungeons & Dragons, roleplaying, video game writing, content creation, and the world of podcasting. Treavor shares insights from his creative journey, along with plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes stories from both the podcasting and gaming industries. If you love tabletop RPGs, video games, storytelling, and fun, engaging conversations, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Interview with Debut Author Lenora Woods

In this episode of Epic Realms, Nick welcomes debut author Lenora Woods, whose new novel Roll for Romance brings Dungeons & Dragons energy to the world of contemporary rom-coms.
Lenora shares her journey from gamer and fanfiction writer to published novelist, and how her love for geek culture, fantasy, and character-driven stories shaped her writing. From Renaissance faires to video games, Lenora’s world blends heartfelt emotion and nerdy joy, and her book is no exception.
We dive into the surreal experience of launching her first book, how readers are connecting with her characters, and what makes Roll for Romance a unique read for fans of both romance and tabletop RPGs. Plus, hear what’s next for Lenora as she embarks on her author journey.Find all her stuff here!https://www.lenorawoods.com/Also don't forget to visit our Official Website!https://EpicRealmsMedia.com

Episode 100 - Mike Selinker Returns!

For our milestone 100th episode, Epic Realms welcomes back our very first guest: award-winning game designer, puzzle mastermind, and president of Lone Shark Games, Mike Selinker.
Mike and Nick dive into how the tabletop world has shifted since the pandemic — from game store survival to unexpected hits and long-delayed projects now seeing the light of day.  We check in on Lone Shark Games, Monster Academy, Betrayal at House on the Hill, and new puzzle experiences like Lexicon Lane at Washington DC’s Planet Word Museum.
We also explore the the landscape and challenges of the game industry in our current time, and the evolution of the industry. As well as their new puzzle kickstarter!
Don’t miss this fun, full-circle conversation with one of the most fascinating minds in games — only on Epic Realms.https://www.lonesharkgames.com
Puzzle Party on Backerkit - https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/lone-shark-games/the-hunting-of-the-shark-lone-shark-puzzle-books
Lexicon Lane -Washington DC Planet Word Museum Exhibit.https://planetwordmuseum.org/lexicon-lane/Epic Realms Website - www.EpicRealmsMedia.com

Interview with Author and Poet Hailey Spencer

In this episode of Epic Realms, host Nick sits down with poet and editor Hailey Spencer to explore her journey through storytelling, healing, and self-discovery. Hailey shares how her childhood shaped her creative path and how she came to embrace poetry as her chosen medium. Together, they dive deep into the meaning of fairy tales, folklore, myths, and legends, unpacking their differences and emotional resonance.
Hailey offers thoughtful insight into how writing can be both therapeutic and challenging, and how her own struggles became part of the stories she tells. The conversation also covers the evolution of her work across collections, culminating in her latest book, Glass Labyrinth, a unique choose-your-own-path poetry experience.https://www.haileyspencerwrites.com/Also Check out our new website at EpicRealmsMedia.com 

Interview with Cobalt City Creator - Author Nathan Crowder

Join us on this episode of Epic Realms as we welcome author and storyteller Nathan Crowder! Creator of the superhero universe Cobalt City, Nathan blends comic book flair with literary grit. We talk about writing, world-building, tabletop RPG's, Influences, and how a childhood shaped by books, and RPGs led to an award-winning career in speculative fiction.https://nathan-crowder.com/

Interview with Paul Vecchiet

This week on Epic Realms, Nick welcomes author Paul G. Vecchiet, writer of the thought-provoking novel The Disclosure Paradox.
In this episode, we dive into the real-life experiences that inspired Paul’s speculative fiction, including his time as a U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer and the discovery of cryogenics in unexpected military blueprints. We explore themes of meditation, spiritual awakening, skepticism of religion, and the connections between consciousness and the UFO and UAP phenomena.
Paul shares how his own journey parallels that of the book’s main character, and we discuss what’s next in his universe, including the upcoming prequel and sequel to The Disclosure Paradox.
If you’re fascinated by government secrets, spiritual mysteries, and the unknown, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.https://thedisclosureparadox.com/Check out our Sponsor - Hello Freshhttps://strms.net/hellofresh_epic_realmsOr Use Code: POGHF158359 at Checkout

Interview with Kelli Fitzpatrick

In this episode of Epic Realms, Nick is joined by author and writer Kelli Fitzpatrick.
Kelli is a science fiction writer, game writer, and teacher. She is the author of Captain Marvel: Carol Danvers Declassified (BenBella Books, 2025) and a contributing writer for the Star Trek Adventures roleplaying game from Modiphius. Her story “The Sunwalkers” won the 2016 Strange New Worlds contest from Simon and Schuster. Her short fiction has been published by Baen Books, Crazy 8 Press, Flash Fiction Online, and more. She also writes essays on sci-fi pop culture for outlets like StarTrek.com, Women at Warp, and anthologies from Sequart and ATB Publishing. Kelli has even written for NASA’s Hubble outreach and Arizona State University’s Interplanetary Initiative. On top of it all, she has more than a decade of experience teaching high school and college courses.
We talk about her early life and the geeky inspirations that led her into writing, watching Star Trek with her family, playing board games, and how those experiences sparked a love for storytelling. During National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), Kelli challenged her students to join her in writing a novel, which inspired her to later submit a story to a Star Trek fiction contest that she ended up winning. That moment opened the door to a whole new world.
We also dive into her many anthology projects, how she joined Modiphius, and her unexpected but rewarding introduction to tabletop roleplaying games. She shares how RPGs have helped her grow as a writer and how they can benefit others too. Plus, we talk about her passion for Marvel and her recent Carol Danvers Marvel book, how the character shaped her fandom and why getting to tell that story was such a meaningful opportunity.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends fandom, education, creativity, and the power of storytelling.

Michael Witwer History of D&D Charity Event!

This special charity livestream for AIM Youth Mental Health featured bestselling author Michael Witwer as we explored the rich history of Dungeons & Dragons. From the game's origins with Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson to its lasting impact on pop culture, we covered the creators' influences, original monsters, and behind-the-scenes stories. We also took audience questions live during the show for an interactive look at the world’s most iconic roleplaying game.If you are interested in checking out or helping with AIM Youth Mental Health see our link below!https://aimymh.org/

Interview with Bruce Nesmith

In this episode of Epic Realms, we sit down with legendary author and game designer Bruce Nesmith to explore his incredible career spanning decades of storytelling. From his early days at TSR, crafting unforgettable adventures for Dungeons & Dragons in settings like Ravenloft and Spelljammer, to his influential work as a freelancer across the tabletop RPG industry, Bruce has helped shape the worlds we love.
We dive into his time at Bethesda, where he played key roles in iconic titles like Skyrim, Fallout, and Starfield. Now enjoying retirement, Bruce continues to share his imagination through original fantasy novels. This is an unforgettable conversation with a true titan of fantasy and gaming!----------------------Check out our Sponsor Factor75 - Chef made meals delivered to your door! Use my link to get 50% off and free shipping on your first Factor box! https://strms.net/factor75_epic_realmsCode:  FACTORSE69608