Fantasy For Our Time

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

Canon in Sci-Fi? The Case for Shards of Honor and The Vorkosigan Saga 📚

Join me as I dive into Shards of Honor, the first book in The Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold! 🚀💫 
From the depths of autocratic heroism to the ideals of speculative fiction, we'll explore it all: grimdark versus high fantasy ⚔️, reflections on repressive political systems 🛡️, and the intrigue of intergalactic escapades 🌌.
 If you’ve ever wondered about the possibility of a speculative fiction canon 📚 (yes, I’m serious), you’re in the right place! Stick around as I delve into characters who battle both societal expectations and personal demons, exploring everything from political dilemmas to daring prison escapes in a sci-fi romance setting. 
 Don’t forget to check out my ongoing journey on The Wood Between Worlds Substack for all things speculative! 🌲✨
https://thewoodbetweentheworlds.substack.com/
Timestamps:
0:00 – 🔥 Intro to The Vorkosigan Saga and a speculative fiction canon2:15 – 🎬 Why start with Shards of Honor?5:35 – 💖 Sci-fi romance, plot, and initial impressions9:25 – 🛡️ What defines heroism in a repressive society?14:50 – ⚖️ Comparing autocratic and democratic extremes20:15 – 🌐 Political parallels: Barrayar and our world today24:05 – 🤝 Characters’ personal journeys and political alliances28:30 – 📖 Key scenes: Violence, heroism, and implications for honor35:10 – ⭐ Final thoughts: How fiction shapes our view of reality

Adrian Tchaikovsky on Giant Spiders, Sci-Fi, and the Unexpected Success of Children of Time

Welcome, fellow book lovers and sci-fi enthusiasts! In this video, I have the absolute pleasure of chatting with none other than Adrian Tchaikovsky—an international sensation and the brilliant mind behind Children of Time. This conversation is a treat as we dive into Adrian’s creative journey, his love for speculative fiction, and, of course, how a weird book about giant space spiders launched his entire career!
From his science background to his fascination with spider evolution (yes, really!), Adrian shares how Children of Time almost didn’t see the light of day, but then skyrocketed to success, winning awards and readers' hearts alike. 🕷️ We also explore his thoughts on fantasy vs. sci-fi, why humor makes Grimdark more digestible, and what it’s like writing deeply relatable characters in the most epic of universes.
Whether you’re an arachnophobe or an avid sci-fi reader, this conversation is packed with insights, laughter, and Tchaikovsky’s trademark brilliance. Come along as we talk about writing, world-building, and why you should always root for the spiders. 😉
Timestamps:
0:00 How Giant Spiders Launched Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Career5:30 Children of Time and Why It Took a Year to Get Noticed15:00 Fantasy vs. Sci-Fi: Adrian’s Unique Approach25:20 Humor in Grimdark and What It Adds to Complex Worlds35:10 Spiders, Evolution, and Writing Non-Human Characters

The Art of Fantasy, Grimdark, and Tolkien’s Vision: Why We Keep Escaping Into These Worlds

Hello, fellow wanderers! 🌟 In this video, we’re diving deep into the heart of fantasy and the curious intersection between Grimdark and Tolkien’s mythopoetic storytelling. Yes, you heard that right—me, the self-professed Grimdark skeptic, is about to unpack this genre that I once claimed was something we should avoid (gasp!). But things have changed, and I’m here to explain why.
I recently dipped my toes into The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie, a book that was supposed to be drenched in moral grayness, blood, and nihilism, but it surprised me. I found characters I could root for, humor, and even empathy! So, what is Grimdark really? And does it belong in the canon of speculative fiction?
Join me as we explore the nuances of modern fantasy, Tolkien’s lasting influence, and how these stories help us escape—not in the “dull the pain” kind of way, but in a way that strengthens us for the real world. We’ll touch on the works of Abercrombie, Richard Swan, and, of course, Tolkien himself. Expect musings on the nature of escapism, the moral compass of Grimdark, and whether we’re still capable of writing hopeful, heroic fiction today.
Timestamps:
0:00 Let’s Talk About Escapism: Tolkien, Transcendence, and Resilience5:10 My Grimdark Journey: From Skeptic to The Blade Itself15:20 What Even Is Grimdark? A Look at Modern Fantasy’s Moral Landscape25:45 Tolkien vs. Modern Fantasy: Heroic Escapes vs. Bleak Realities35:30 The Justice of Kings & More Grimdark Reads: Where Does It All Lead?