In this episode of Epic Realms, host Nick sits down with bestselling author and cartoonist Aaron Reynolds, the creator of the wildly popular Effin Birds. From Canadian comedy roots to Comic Con chaos, this wide ranging conversation dives deep into how humor, spite, and creativity built one of the internet’s most enduring web comics.

Aaron shares the true origin story of Effin Birds, including the infamous rejection that turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him. He opens up about growing up on CBC sketch comedy, his love of absurd humor, and how early pranks, school newspapers, and baseball fandom shaped his creative voice.

Listeners will hear behind the scenes stories from Comic Cons, including shadow puppets, deli stickers, cosplay adventures, and why San Diego Comic Con is both a nightmare and a financial necessity. Aaron also talks candidly about publishing struggles, algorithm burnout, crowdfunding books, and how he keeps a daily comic fresh nearly ten years in.

Episode Highlights

• How Effin Birds went from rejected pitch to global phenomenon

• Growing up on Canadian comedy like Wayne and Shuster, Kids in the Hall, and Red Green

• Comic Con antics, shadow puppet zones, and why being weird works

• The realities of making a living as a web cartoonist in the algorithm era

• Crowdfunding books, publisher collapses, and taking control of your work

• Upcoming Effin Birds projects including sticker books, affirmation decks, and an oracle deck

If you love comics, comedy, creative careers, or stories about turning rejection into momentum, this episode is for you. Effin' Birds 2026 Calendar - https://amzn.to/4jnm19a Effin' Birds 2026 Day to Day Calendar - https://amzn.to/4jnm19a Effin' Birds Website - https://effinbirds.com/

In this episode of Epic Realms, we sit down with game designer Rodney Thompson for an in depth conversation about his journey through tabletop roleplaying games, board games, and video game design. Rodney shares how his early love of Dungeons and Dragons and the West End Games Star Wars RPG shaped his creative path, from college gaming marathons to building homebrew content that eventually opened the door to professional game design.

We explore Rodney’s time at Wizards of the Coast, including his work on the Star Wars Saga Edition RPG and how lessons from D20 Modern and early fourth edition ideas influenced its structure. Rodney reflects on what worked, what he would change today, and why supporting game masters with strong tools is critical to a game’s longevity.

The conversation also dives into Rodney’s role as a sandbox designer in video games, including his work at Bungie on Destiny. He explains what sandbox design means in both tabletop and video games, how player experience and emotional fantasy drive design decisions, and why iteration and playtesting matter so much across mediums.

We also discuss the transition from roleplaying games to board games with Lords of Waterdeep, the lessons learned from physical components and resource management, and how those ideas feed back into RPG design. Finally, Rodney talks about Scratchpad Publishing and his latest tabletop RPG, Neon City Outlaws, a cyberpunk heist and rebellion game that lets players build their city as they play, complete with faction politics, revolution mechanics, and body swapping technology.

This episode is a thoughtful look at storytelling through games, creative evolution, and what it means to design experiences that bring people together at the table. Check out Scratchpad Publishing here - https://scratchpadpublishing.com

Todays guest is a returning alumni of Epic Realms. Nathan Lowell, is an award-winning author known for his captivating works across various genres, including the beloved Golden Age of the Solar Clipper series.

In this episode, we dive deep into Nathan's unique perspective on storytelling, food, and the creative process. Here are a few takeaways that I believe will resonate with writers, foodies, and anyone interested in the art of storytelling:

1. The Importance of Food in Storytelling: Nathan shared his journey as a self-proclaimed foodie and how his love for cooking influences his writing. He emphasized that food is not just a necessity but a powerful storytelling tool that can create connections between characters. Whether it's a simple meal shared among friends or a complex dish that symbolizes a character's journey, food can add depth and authenticity to narratives. As Nathan puts it, "What happens happens at the table," highlighting how shared meals can be a backdrop for character development and plot progression.

2. Writing as a Journey, Not Just a Destination: Nathan's approach to writing is refreshingly organic. He describes himself as a "pantser," someone who writes by the seat of their pants rather than following a strict outline. He encourages aspiring writers to focus on the act of writing itself, suggesting that the first draft is about telling yourself the story. This perspective is liberating and reminds us that the creative process is often messy and nonlinear. As Nathan wisely states, "If you can't outline, just write. The whole point of the exercise is to write."

3. Embracing Continuity Challenges: As Nathan discussed his experiences with writing multiple trilogies and series, he candidly addressed the challenges of maintaining continuity over time. He shared that keeping track of characters, plot points, and timelines can be daunting, especially when years pass between writing installments. However, he views these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. His advice? Don't be afraid to delete or rewrite sections that no longer serve the story, and remember that the essence of storytelling lies in the connections we create with our characters and readers.

Join us for this enlightening conversation with Nathan Lowell, where we explore the intersection of food, creativity, and the art of storytelling. Whether you're a writer, a foodie, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, there's something in this episode for you! Check out Nathan at his Website - NathanLowell.com https://amzn.to/4pB5q47 to get The Wizards Cat on Amazon! Of course sign up for our newsletter, and check out all our new news articles on our websites at EpicRealmsMedia.com