When Worlds Collide...Author Daniel Swenson On The Legednarium Podcast

What happens when two great podcasts collide? A fantastic episode, that's what. Today, on The Legendraium Podcast, Daniel Swenson, author of The Shadow Above the Flames and creator/producer/all-around everything guy of Dungeon Crawlers Radio Podcast, joined Craig, Kyle, and Todd to discuss the Three Levels of Storytelling.

I learned of the two podcasts at about the same time. I'm not sure which one I found first, but I've been following both for years. Craig was gracious enough to invite me to participate with Todd on one episode. I found the experience a pleasure--no complaints. And, in fairness, Daniel has asked me to join him on his show a few times. Scheduling conflicts have prevented me from doing that--something I'd very much like to do.

Both shows have insightful content, knowledgable guests, and banter that goes from informed to witty very quickly. I've been steered toward many books and films I would not have otherwise known about had I not listened to these podcasts. Right now, The Legendarium Podcast set up a GoFundMe page to help build for the future. You can participate by accessing their page: HERE.

What this particular episode (Legendarium's 151st, in fact...) has is a great conversation about the levels of storytelling. There's so many things out there, so many stories, so many films, that they can all get lost in the haze. That's how I feel about it, sometimes. This episode helps to bring things into focus. So, if you're familiar with either or both of these podcasts, or if you've never heard of either of them, downloading and listening to this particular episdoe will give you a good feel for both.

Participating On The Legendarium Podcast...Had A Blast!

I thought my chance to appear on The Legendarium Podcast had come and gone. My friend, Todd, a regular cast member, asked if I would like to record with them in discussing Jack Campbell's The Lost Fleet: Dauntless. Unfortunately, I was out of town that Saturday. Turns out, I didn't miss my opportunity at all. We recorded last Monday night.

I had a good time.

I've blogged about this podcast before. It's a thinking-man's (or woman's...) podcast. The regulars, Craig, Kenn, Ryan, and Todd have built a solid body of work over the years covering many authors and subjects. The group sets a good tone with a mixture of smart dialogue and witty banter. 

For me, what sets this podcast apart from many others is the depth at which they cover a topic. When they discuss a book, they've all not only read that book, but have taken notes, bring up specific passages in the book, and analyze it like few do. Much of the time Monday night I was taking it all in, as if I was a listener and not necessarily a participant.

But they did include me and I was able to give some opinions that were, hopefully, helpful to the listeners. You can access all the podcast at their website: HERE. Click on the Dauntless episode. 

Years ago, I started a podcast. I think I recorded less than ten episodes. One of the things that first impressed me with Craig and his set up was the equipment--it was first-rate! I've worked around recordings and electronics for years. Craig does not skimp--let me tell you. And you can definitely hear it in the quality of the broadcasts. It's first-rate as well, so much so, I only got pictures of the microphones.

I may never get another opportunity to join the gang and discuss fantastic literature. But I did get to do this one and it was fun. Thank Craig and Todd for sharing the mic!

Should I Stay...Or Should I Go?

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Should I Stay…Or Should I Go?

That’s really the question, not this to be, or not to be? stuff that gets tossed around. Then again, to be, or not to be? could easily be converted to: to be (here), or not to be (here)?

Last night some friends of mine held an event, an event for something that was very cool. They are part of a podcast team and they recorded an episode before watching the latest and last The Hobbit movie at a theater that's very close to where I live.

I like podcasts. I like friends. I like movies. I like The Hobbit movies.

So, why didn’t I go?

That’s the question.

That’s the question I pondered as I sat at home, finishing up my blog post and journal and thought about leaving the house at 9pm and participating in the event.

You know how it is…you weigh the pros and cons; you consider the ramifications. Pros: fun, friends, film. Cons: cost (we hardly ever go to new releases—most films I see I get from Redbox…), and perhaps the biggest con—the time of the show. It began around 11pm which means I’d get home sometime around 2am. Then I’d need to be up at 5:30am to catch my bus and clock in at 6:30am. On top of that, I’m doing a show the next night so I’d need to leave work at 4pm to make the curtain call at 6pm, and the last thing I wanted is to be so tired I’d forget lines for the show.

If I had planned, I could have asked for time off on Wednesday—I didn’t (either plan or ask for time off…). So, as I think about the decision I made, I wonder would it have been worth it, and if I’m being honest, it probably would have. But when I make these kinds of decisions and seem to choose “not to do something,” more than do it. I kind of get in a pattern, a pattern of not deciding to stay late with everyone else at restaurants, of not jointng choirs and going to New York City to perform and not going to podcast recordings and watching the last The Hobbit films before anyone else.

Then again, I get more sleep and I save some dough. That’s about how it shakes out.

* Photo used without permission from from Legendarium's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thelegendarium