Fantasy For Our Time

The Unwitting Theology of Warhammer 40k

Behold, mortals and mech-fanatics! Welcome to the very first episode of our theological deep-dive into the grimdark future where there is only war... and apparently, a surprising amount of sacramental symbolism. 🕊️⚔️
In this gloriously over-caffeinated conversation, I (underdressed but spiritually overdressed) sit down with the ever-eloquent Father Deacon Seraphim to unravel the soul of Warhammer 40K — and maybe, just maybe, find a little grace in a galaxy on fire.
We talk Orthodoxy,  Horus Heresy, metaphysical mech lore, the martyrdom of the last priest on Terra, and how wargaming is actually a form of liturgical drama (I said what I said).
Some say Warhammer is just space fascism with skulls. We say: it's an accidental cathedral, built by atheist Britons, that somehow describes actual spiritual awakening better than most Christian fiction.
Yes, there are beards. Yes, there is laughter. Yes, there are Necrons, Imperial Knights, and a barn full of Orthodox dads praying compline before throwing dice. This is not a drill. This is Warhammer meets theosis. This is… whatever this is. You're welcome.
 ⏰ Timestamps:
00:00  The Geeky Deacons? A Bearded Beginning02:00 First Contact with Warhammer via Flight of the Eisenstein06:00  The Warhammer Store is a Personality Test (Seriously)11:00  Orthodox Wargaming & Praying Before Battle15:00  Narrative Roleplaying as Theology Practice20:00  A Living Sector Map, Custom Code, and Warp-Fueled Strategy26:00  Horus Heresy: A Story Written by a Council of Atheist Prophets?31:00  Worship is Inevitable (And the Monsters Know It)36:00  From Satire to Shakespeare: The Aesthetic Power of Warhammer41:00  Theology of Awakening: From Empirical Truth to Divine Encounter48:00  The Emperor vs. The Last Priest: A Hidden Martyrdom54:00  Is the Emperor… Jesus? Saint George? The Antichrist?59:00  The Divine in Warhammer: Still, Small Voices Amid Chainswords1:04:00  The Rise of Living Saints & Involuntary Miracles1:10:00  Why This British Atheist Setting Might Be Weirdly Orthodox1:17:00  Wrapping Up: Pratchett, Tolkien, and a Cathedral in the Grimdark

Grimdark & the Godless Wheel: A Reflection on Abercrombie’s First Law

In this special (and long-promised) episode of Fantasy for Our Time, I dive helmet-first into the final installment of Joe Abercrombie’s First Law Trilogy—a.k.a. the Holy Scripture of Grimdark™ (depending who you ask). I wrestle with berserkers, battle ideologies, and gently poke the gnarled problem of evil with a theological stick.
🛡️ What is Grimdark really saying about human nature?🎭 Can fantasy fiction offer consolation—or only cynicism?⚖️ What happens when the divine is deleted from the narrative framework?
We talk Logan Ninefingers, the Bastard King (whose name totally escaped me mid-video), and the ever-smirking torturer Sand dan Glokta. But we also unpack deeper themes: spiritual fragmentation, Orthodox Christian views on evil, and whether fantasy has lost the mythic courage to hope.
💬 Expect musings, a bit of rambling (forgive me—I hadn’t had coffee!), and sincere reflections on storytelling, suffering, and the wheel of despair that modern fantasy often rides without brakes.
 ⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 Intro & Life Update01:30 Context: Grimdark, Joe Abercrombie, and First Law Trilogy03:00 The Third Book: Final Reactions and Character Depth04:30 The Northern War & Logan’s Inner Demon06:00 Possession, Evil, and Fragmented Identity08:30 Trial by Combat & Theological Implications10:00 Evil as Lack: Orthodox and Philosophical Framing17:00 Myths After Christ: The Hero's Journey vs. Grimdark20:00 Characters as Pawns: Torturers, Kings & Cowards25:00 No Catharsis, Just the Wheel: The End of Grimdark29:00 What’s Next: Warhammer, Narnia & Summer Plans

How I’m Building the Next Inklings | Fantasy Publishing Behind the Scenes

Greetings, fellow fantasy fanatics and lore lovers! 🧙‍♂️✨
Ever wondered what happens behind the mystical curtain of indie fantasy publishing? In this rare “Craftsman’s Workshop” livestream, I reveal all the spellbinding chaos of my publishing plans for 2025 and beyond—straight from my candle-lit scriptorium (okay, maybe just my desk, but still magical).
From delays with Cantos of Arcadia (curse you, structural edits!) to revealing stunning new cover art, launching Wood Between Worlds Press, and spilling the enchanted ink on my top-secret author coaching program, this video is jam-packed with writerly wizardry, publishing potions, and more than a few epic announcements.
I’m also giving you a sneak peek at the illustrated Raven Son omnibus, new illustrators, Kickstarter plans, and a secret leatherbound edition that’ll make any collector swoon.
If you’re an aspiring author, seasoned storyteller, or just love the backstage drama of fantasy lit, pull up a chair. This one’s for you. 🛡️📜
⏳ Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome to the Workshop: The Madness Returns1:45 – What’s Up with Cantos of Arcadia? Delay Update4:22 – Introducing Wood Between Worlds Publishing6:15 – Our First Authors Revealed9:01 – Cover Art Magic: Goodbye Stuart, Hello Patrick Knowles12:30 – The Mission Behind Phase One Publishing15:48 – Phase Two and the St. Basil’s Writers Pipeline18:33 – Epic Editions, Kickstarter Collectibles, and The Raven Son Omnibus20:10 – Illustrators, Leatherbound Legends, and New Publishing Dates22:00 – Secret Author Coaching Program: Indie Publishing from Zero to Hero24:10 – Final Teases & What’s Coming Next (Including… Grimdark!)

What If Aliens Were Catholic? w/ M.R. Leonard

Imagine this: Catholic aliens show up on Earth, but instead of demanding our surrender, they want to set up a Mass. Yep, you heard that right. In today’s conversation, I sit down with debut author M.R. Leonard, the brilliant mind behind Pilgrims, a sci-fi novel that reimagines St. Augustine’s Confessions with aliens, interstellar drama, and a hearty dose of existential wonder.
We dive into Michael’s journey from corporate law to creative writing, discuss the audacious concept of Catholic aliens, and unpack the philosophical depth and humor baked into his fast-paced thriller. From world religions to the meaning of life in the galaxy, this discussion is out of this world. Literally.
 ⏰ Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome & Intro: Forks in the road—Star Trek or spirituality?5:32 – Reading slumps & finding Pilgrims: A fresh narrative twist.12:45 – Meet M.R. Leonard: From Boston College to self-published stardom.18:12 – China, MBA life, and the big creative pivot.25:10 – Catholic aliens?! The genesis of a groundbreaking premise.35:47 – Virgil, Augustine, and writing the perfect “airport thriller.”42:00 – Alien theology: Sacraments in space?50:15 – The sci-fi genre’s future—grounded yet limitless.

Consolation of Grimdark: Why This Failed Quest Was More Satisfying Than Victory

Today, we embark on a perilous journey into the world of Grimdark fantasy, where heroes are fools, victories are tragic, and morality is as murky as a tavern’s back alley.
After years of avoiding the genre, I finally took the plunge and read Joe Abercrombie’s Before They Are Hanged—the second book in The First Law trilogy. And what did I discover? A failed quest that somehow became one of the most unexpectedly profound fantasy narratives I’ve encountered.
Why do we need failed quest narratives? How do they console us in a world obsessed with relentless achievement? And what does this mean for epic fantasy, The Hero’s Journey, and even my own book, The Song of the Sirin? Let’s discuss.
 
⏰ Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome to the Studio: My Grimdark Adventure Continues2:15 – Why I Avoided Grimdark for So Long4:38 – Before They Are Hanged and the Quest That (Gloriously) Failed8:22 – Giselle Dan Luthor: A Fool’s Journey to Something Like Wisdom12:47 – The Unexpected Consolation of Grimdark17:02 – Lord of the Rings as a Failed Quest (And Why That’s Brilliant)20:10 – My Own Novel’s Failed Quest and Why It Matters22:01 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next in the Grimdark Discussion

Cinema as Sacred Art: Why Tolkien’s World Needs Wes Anderson’s Touch w/ Reno Lauro

🎥 Ever wondered if The Lord of the Rings could feel both quirky and profound? Could Wes Anderson bring Tolkien’s world to life with meticulously composed shots, nostalgic hues, and objects that practically whisper stories of their own? In this week’s deep dive, I sit down with Reno Lauro—a cinephile, scholar, and someone who’s worked with none other than Terrence Malick—to explore the fascinating intersections of cinema, philosophy, and myth.
From the roots of medieval optics to the philosophy of film as a thinking medium, Reno opens up a treasure trove of ideas. Together, we dive into The Tree of Life, Tarkovsky, and how cinema, at its best, isn’t just a spectacle but a profound exploration of being itself. 🌌 Along the way, we ask: What could Wes Anderson bring to The Lord of the Rings that Peter Jackson missed? Spoiler alert: Bright colors, stillness, and an aesthetic Tolkien himself may have approved of.
Join us as we discuss:🎞️ Why Wes Anderson’s approach might feel oddly at home in Middle-earth🎭 The magic of minimalism in storytelling✨ How the mechanical art of cinema bridges the real and the symbolic👀 And yes, why Tarkovsky and popcorn cinema might be two sides of the same existential coin
⏰ Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome to the deep magic of the basement 🪄3:15 – Reno Lauro introduces himself: From Tolkien scholar to Terrence Malick collaborator ✍️8:45 – The roots of cinema in medieval optics and philosophy 🌟15:10 – Verisimilitude vs. symbolic depth: What cinema really does best 🎨22:30 – Robert Bresson and the minimalist philosophy of “thinking films” 🤔30:20 – Wes Anderson, Tolkien, and the aesthetics of bright, mythic storytelling 37:50 – Objects that speak: How Tolkien’s world and Anderson’s style align 🔮44:15 – Violence as interruption: Anderson’s unexpected narrative depth ⚔️50:30 – Could VR or AR revolutionize cinematic storytelling? 🥽54:10 – Closing thoughts: Cinema as sacred and why it matters 🙌

A Dune Deep Dive w/ Richard Rohlin : Paul Atreides, Duncan Idaho, and Hollywood’s Religious Problem

At the time of this recording, it was my birthday, and - in true Hobbit fashion - I'm giving YOU the gift of diving into the vast deserts of Dune with the always insightful Richard Rohlin! In this impromptu episode, we’re unpacking Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films—praising the awe-inspiring visuals, iconic performances, and meticulous attention to detail in part one while grappling with the pacing, missing lore, and religious undertones in part two.
From the pulse-pounding shield fighting to the enigma of spice and its place in Frank Herbert’s epic world-building, we tackle it all. We discuss Paul Atreides' journey, the complexities of messianic archetypes, and whether Dune truly captures Herbert’s layered philosophical and ecological themes—or if Hollywood just can’t do religion justice. Plus, there’s plenty of nerdery, from Warhammer 40K parallels to pondering the real Kwisatz Haderach (hint: Duncan Idaho fans, this one's for you).
📚 Whether you’re a hardcore fan of the Dune books, a movie buff, or just here for the spicy debates, this episode is a mix of thoughtful critique, playful banter, and celebratory vibes. So, grab your stillsuit and some spice coffee, and join us for this cinematic deep dive into Arrakis, its worms, and its warriors.
⏰ Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro & Birthday Announcement 🎉2:45 – Why Dune: Part One was a transcendent cinematic experience 🌌6:50 – The brilliance of Denis Villeneuve’s world-building 🏜️10:25 – Standout moments: shields, sandworms, and stellar sound design 🎶16:10 – The complexities of Paul Atreides as a messianic figure ✝️22:30 – The Fremen’s ecological dilemma: water, spice, and survival 💧30:45 – Dune: Part Two struggles: pacing, missing lore, and Stilgar’s arc 🎭37:00 – Hollywood’s problem with portraying religion authentically 🙏42:20 – Is Duncan Idaho the real Kwisatz Haderach? 🤔46:35 – Final thoughts: the need for a director’s cut and Dune Messiah rumors 🎥49:10 – Upcoming projects: Andor, fantasy literature courses, and more 📚

Surviving the Dark Forest: Lessons from Liu Cixin's Sci-Fi Masterpiece

What if the universe isn’t just vast and indifferent but actively hostile—a cosmic battlefield where silence is survival? Welcome, friends, to an exploration of The Dark Forest, the second volume in Liu Cixin’s masterful Three-Body Problem series. 🌠
In this episode, we journey into a future where humanity faces an alien threat so advanced they can intercept every communication—except our thoughts. Enter the Wallfacers, an elite group tasked with devising strategies in absolute secrecy. Sounds hopeful, right? Well, it’s complicated. 😬
We’ll unravel the chilling “Dark Forest Theory,” which reimagines the cosmos as a predator’s den where every signal is a death sentence, and explore the moral and existential dilemmas of survival in such a world. What happens when trust, love, and community collide with the cold logic of cosmic sociology? And does the series leave room for hope—or is this truly the bleakest vision of a post-human future?
Grab a drink and let’s dive into the dark. ☕️

Inside the Kotarverse: Slow Productivity & Stories Worth Dying For

This is a special repost of one of my Craftsman’s Workshop Patreon streams, where I dive deep into a pivotal question: What makes a story truly life-giving? 🌱 
Join me as I open up about how storytelling keeps us grounded, and share thoughts on what it means to build a meaningful creative life amidst a chaotic world. We cover everything from my evolving Patreon tiers (and why I shifted them) to my journey through Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity and how it’s reshaping my approach to writing, storytelling, and community. 📚✨
In this episode, I also reveal exciting plans for 2025, including the triumphant return of the Fantasy For Our Time podcast, new short stories through mentorship with celebrated author  Kristine Kathryn Rusch, and a revitalized approach to the Patreon community. 
And, of course, a huge thanks to all of you who keep this journey alive. 🙏
Timestamps:
00:00 - Opening Remarks: What Makes a Story Life-Giving?02:15 - Patreon Changes and a New Direction05:30 - The Influence of Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity08:45 - The Challenges of Creative Work and Family Life12:00 - Introducing the Concept of a Deep Life15:20 - Finding Purpose in Storytelling18:40 - Rediscovering Focus and Quality in Creativity22:00 - The Most Important Question: What Story Would You Die For?25:30 - Update on the Podcast and Upcoming Themes29:15 - Short Fiction Mentorship with Kristine Kathryn Rusch"32:40 - Recommitting to Writing and Upcoming Works36:10 - Cantos of Arcadia and the Future of Fantasy Sci-Fi39:50 - The Revival of In A Certain Land Podcast43:00 - Final Reflections

Cantos of Arcadia: Crafting America’s Post-Apocalyptic Myth

🔥 Imagine America’s collapse into myth. Today, we’re exploring “Cantos of Arcadia”—my sci-fi project that merges epic story, future-archaeology, and existential dread. This is the story behind the story, the uncharted process of weaving America’s “what if” into a future epic that merges apocalyptic ruin with ancient myth.
Expect discussions on myth, storytelling’s power, and crafting worlds through sound, faith, and speculative history. Whether you’re a sci-fi fan, a storyteller, or just curious, prepare for the resonance between the old and the eerily possible.
⏰ Timestamps:
0:01 – Can a future civilization survive through story? A mythic retelling of a crumbling world 🌍3:14 – How a composer’s commission and the Akathist prayer inspired a sci-fi novella about American mythology 🎶12:45 – Translating faith, collapse, and survival into post-apocalyptic legend 🌌22:30 – The weaving of America’s fractured past into an Arcadian future