Best Christopher Gronlund Podcasts (2024)

1
Behind the Cut – Mudlarking 10:59

20d ago10:59

10:59

In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, “Mudlarking,” I talk about a recent urge to keep telling more “serious” stories…and why I chose to write something a bit more adventurous [even ridiculous] instead. As always, this commentary contains spoilers from the latest story, so you might want to listen to that first. …

1
Mudlarking

1M ago

—

When Eva Barrett decides to give mudlarking on the Thames River foreshore a go, she finds something very strange during low tide. Content Advisory: “Mudlarking” is pretty tame. There’s some violence in the form of fighting, and even then: it’s not brutal “people-are-dying fighting” — more like light action movie fighting. And when it comes to swear…

1
005 - DFW Best Podcast - Fitness - Tim Forte 44:27

2M ago44:27

44:27

Guest: Tim Forte - Personal Trainer, Certified Health Coach, Nutrition Coach This episode explores the world of personal fitness with Dallas, TX expert coach Tim Forte. Tim shares his insights and practical tips to help you unlock your full fitness potential, regardless of your current experience level. Tim also discussed the key factors to conside…

1
Behind the Cut – It’s Never Too Late 12:54

3M ago12:54

12:54

In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, “It’s Never Too Late,” I talk about the mechanics of time-travel stories and how “fixing” the past may not be as great an idea as it may seem. As always, this commentary contains spoilers from the latest story, so you might want to listen to that first. Transcript >>…

1
It’s Never Too Late 1:12:48

4M ago1:12:48

1:12:48

When Stanley Gladstone takes his time machine for a test run, he gets more than he bargained for when it breaks down, leaving him stranded in 1983. Content Advisory: “It’s Never Too Late” deals with regret, death (including a decayed body), personal loss, and the sound of someone vomiting. Also, if you’re driving, be aware there’s a scene with the …

1
004 - DFW Best Podcast - Aortic Dissection - Carmen David 42:55

4M ago42:55

42:55

Carmen David is a survivor of a condition called aortic dissection. She uses her story to spread awareness and fund aortic research through her “Run For Aortic Health” race event. Carmen is a patient advocate and is highly involved in education and awareness projects as a patient advocate and board member for multiple aortic initiatives. Her work i…

1
003 - DFW BEST - Marshall Creek Ranch Horse Riding - Shandra Doran 36:44

4M ago36:44

36:44

Shandra Doran, Marshall Creek Ranch (MCR) owner, has spent the last 23 years teaching children and adults how to ride and work with horses in Southlake, TX. One of the best things about visiting Marshall Creek Ranch is that people come to the ranch for a good time. Shandra’s motto is “Making Memories,” she wants you to leave your problems outside t…

1
002 - DFW Best Podcast - Realtor Kristie Crotty 35:50

4M ago35:50

35:50

Kristie Crotty with Texas Trails Realty is a top-producing full-time real estate agent in the DFW, Texas, area who started helping people find their dream homes in 2013. The most frequently asked questions we address in this podcast are: Are there any specific insurance considerations for homeowners in Texas that differ from other states? How do yo…

1
001 - DFW Best Podcast - Not About Lumberjacks Podcast With Christopher Gronlund 45:19

4M ago45:19

45:19

Christopher Gronlund writes, narrates, and produces the Not About Lumberjacks. It is an anthology fiction podcast, and Christopher lives in the DFW area. As of today's date, Christopher has created over 50 full-story episodes for not about lumberjacks (over 75 stories when factoring in an annual episode consisting of multiple stories). The most fre…

1
Behind the Cut – Christmas Miscellany 7 11:06

7M ago11:06

11:06

In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I talk about why I do an annual Christmas episode [even though I’m a life-long atheist] and the importance of committing to a bit. * * * Also, don’t forget that I’m doing a Not About Lumberjacks t-shirt giveaway in honor of November’s 50th full story episode. All you have to …

1
Christmas Miscellany 7 59:24

7M ago59:24

59:24

This year’s Christmas episode consists of three stories — one of them a Christmas tale. “The World Beneath Her Brush”: This one’s about a globemaker—and I really like it! “The King of French Fries”: Not only a story from the point of view of a parking lot-dwelling grackle, but it’s also accompanied by an original song. “Suburban Home”: Aging punk r…

1
Behind the Cut – Old Growth 9:30

8M ago9:30

9:30

In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I talk about what it was like to write my first story in second-person point of view. * * * Also, don’t forget that I’m doing a Not About Lumberjacks t-shirt giveaway in honor of November’s 50th full story episode. All you have to do is email NALStories@gmail.com and tell me …

1
Old Growth 33:08

8M ago33:08

33:08

You are a lumberjack alone on the side of a mountain with whomever—or whatever—killed your fellow loggers. (Yep! This one’s in second person…) Content Advisory: “Old Growth” deals with death, gore, anguish, being lost in a forest, being alone in the dark, and…creatures. But hey, at least there’s no swearing! There’s really only one rather unpleasan…

1
Behind the Cut – Lakeview Estates 12:50

9M ago12:50

12:50

In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I talk about little Easter Eggs in the story…as well as the time-honored tradition of writers sneaking references into their tales. Listen, and you’ll hear a few inside things about past Not About Lumberjacks stories as well. Episode Transcript >>…

1
Lakeview Estates 1:15:03

10M ago1:15:03

1:15:03

The residents of Lakeview Estates Mobile Home Community battle the city and developers in an attempt to save their homes from demolition to make way for a golf course. Content Advisory: “Lakeview Estates” deals with loss of homes, corruption, mention of drug and alcohol addiction (including teen marijuana use), death, arson, violence, incarceration…

1
Behind the Cut – Firing the Muse 15:49

12M ago15:49

15:49

In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I talk about the things I wanted to be when I grew up (before deciding the become a writer). I share stories about writing rejection, the friend who convinced me to begin recording and releasing fiction, and how a different friend’s prediction about “The […]…

1
Firing the Muse 35:45

12M ago35:45

35:45

When Warren Quinn trades his existing workaday muse for a more literary muse, he gets much more than he bargained for. Content Advisory: “Firing the Muse” deals with stresses and job loss around creative work. There’s casual alcohol consumption and smoking—and a very brief allusion to combat PTSD. Unless you consider “dammit” swearing, this is […]…

1
Behind the Cut – The Song of the Stone 13:59

1y ago13:59

13:59

In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I talk about the audiences I imagine when I write — and how the struggle to live a life true to oneself is not a new concept. Episode Transcript >>By Christopher Gronlund

1
The Song of the Stone 1:00:01

1y ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Zander Pierson’s dissatisfaction with living the life others expected from him leads to a stone in a Swedish forest that also called to Einvaldr Brúnn at a turning point in his life in the early 860s. Content Advisory: “The Song of the Stone” deals with lack of job and life satisfaction, pressure to marry and […]…

1
Last Seen...Being Artificially Intelligent 1:09:03

1y ago1:09:03

1:09:03

The Gorillamen asked ChatGPT to write the intro to this episode about artificial intelligence... "Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the field of computer science and engineering that deals with creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making…

1
Behind the Cut – Rockbiters 13:17

1+ y ago13:17

13:17

In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I talk about how I’m normally not the biggest fan of worldbuilding in fiction, but recognize when it’s necessary. (And not just because “Rockbiters” required some up-front worldbuilding!) Episode Transcript >>By Christopher Gronlund

1
Last Seen...Assuming Control 1:22:52

1+ y ago1:22:52

1:22:52

We've discussed control before, but it's fun revisiting a topic (and throwing in some new points of discussion). Here's what was discussed: What is the first time you realized someone was trying to exert control over you? Have you ever tried to control anyone else? Why do people feel the need to control others? What systems of control are obvious? …

1
Rockbiters 58:25

1+ y ago58:25

58:25

Find out what happens when the Forgefire brothers, while mining in an asteroid belt called The Delve, discover something that changes the lives of an entire solar system. (Yep, it’s Dwarves in Space!!!) Content Advisory: “Rockbiters” deals with loss of life, brief mention of enslavement, and war. Some may find the battle scenes loud and […]…

1
Last Seen...Running for Ten Years 1:10:12

1+ y ago1:10:12

1:10:12

Pull up a stump and gather round, for I will speak to you now about the Gorillamen... Some say they escaped...wherever it is they once were. Sightings are frequent: in the beginning, weekly. In time, they were seen and heard every other week. Now, they sometimes have a couple sightings a month, but at times we all wonder if they will ever come back…

1
Last Seen...Talking About Guns 1:10:43

1+ y ago1:10:43

1:10:43

Pew Pew Pew!!! "You'll never take mah gunz, Mistah Gov'mint!!!" Pew Pew Pew!!! Other gun owners aren't that ridiculous. This time around, we talk about them both as...we talk about guns. Specifically: What was your first experience with guns? Have you ever fired a gun? Do you own a gun? Why or why not? Have you ever, or would you ever? Under what c…

1
Behind the Cut – Christmas Miscellany 6 15:32

1+ y ago15:32

15:32

In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I talk about new years and my motivations to acknowledge several specific dates in each calendar year. Episode Transcript >>By Christopher Gronlund

1
Christmas Miscellany 6 41:47

1+ y ago41:47

41:47

This year’s Christmas episode consists of four stories wrapped inside a bigger story. Content Advisory: “When Anders Came Home for Christmas” deals with family drama, cartoon violence, crude humor, monsters, loss of loved ones, and alcohol consumption. Unless you consider “asshole” swearing, this is the third story in a row without rougher language…

1
Behind the Cut – Tin-Hearted Man 11:27

1+ y ago11:27

11:27

In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I talk about why almost half of all tales, here, feature violence to some degree… Episode Transcript >>By Christopher Gronlund

1
Last Seen...Avoiding Toxic Fans 1:20:05

1+ y ago1:20:05

1:20:05

If you've ever been around sports, loved an entertainment franchise, or been on the Internet, you've likely seen toxic fans. This time around, the Gorillamen talk about toxic fandom -- specifically: When did you first become aware of toxic fandom? Fans of things have always been opinionated—some, even toxic. What do you think has contributed to the…

1
Tin-Hearted Man 35:15

1+ y ago35:15

35:15

When Big Nick Champeau is taken by the Thunder River, his lumber camp speculates what his life might have been like before becoming a lumberjack. Content Advisory: “Tin-Hearted Man” deals with loss of life, child abuse, alcoholism, physical fighting/violence against others, Korean War combat, facial disfigurement, lost love, loss of a pet, and drug…

1
Last Seen...Finally Returning 1:13:03

1+ y ago1:13:03

1:13:03

So...it's been a while... Months in fact... But we're back! If you want to find out what we did during our hiatus, here's a peek at what's discussed on this, our return episode! * * * The last "normal" episode we put out was May 21. What was going on in your life in late spring/early summer? What bad things happened on our break? This is the first …

1
Behind the Cut – In the Margins 11:46

2y ago11:46

11:46

In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I answer a listener question about the narrators I choose to sometimes work with. After that, I talk about how I have never been much of a fan of puzzles and riddles, but why I chose to write a short story featuring both. Episode […]…

1
In the Margins 35:27

2y ago35:27

35:27

When Kenna Baynes discovers a strange book in her college library, she finds something in the margins that changes her life forever… Content Advisory: “In the Margins” almost doesn’t merit a content advisory. There are a couple moments of light suspense and mention of college debt. There’s no swearing, but the tale does allude to […]…

1
Last Seen...Contemplating Things 58:40

2y ago58:40

58:40

So...finally...the lost episode. Gorilla Christopher apologizes for losing his side of the original recording and then...all the wackiness that followed. But...he re-recorded his side of the show and pieced it all together. It's more to the point because to match up cross-talk would have taken a lot of time. So it's pretty much, "Hey: here's a ques…

1
Last Seen...Taking a Break 4:58

2y ago4:58

4:58

So...it's been a while. We're still alive and still doing our things...we just haven't been recording Men in Gorilla Suits. The quick version is: Chris lost his side of a recording, we both got sick, and this summer in Texas has really sucked. But if you want to know more, you can listen to Gorilla Christopher's husky COVID voice for five minutes a…

1
Behind the Cut – Godspeed, Crazy Mike 9:36

2y ago9:36

9:36

In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I get personal and talk about why a character in “Godspeed, Crazy Mike” has Tourette syndrome…and how I approach writing about people with disorders and disabilities… Episode Transcript >>By Christopher Gronlund

1
Godspeed, Crazy Mike 1:22:10

2y ago1:22:10

1:22:10

Crazy Mike is dead behind the maintenance barn and the quaking bog man is missing. It’s up to detectives Gary Vandiver and Beatrice Mule to figure out what happened in this mystery set in a bog in northern Illinois. Content Advisory: “Godspeed, Crazy Mike” deals with murder, speculation of suicide, divorce (including a custody battle), […]…

1
Behind the Cut – Gerald’s Grail 9:20

2y ago9:20

9:20

At 10,308 words, “Gerald’s Grail” is the longest Not About Lumberjacks story to date! (And will likely hold the record, ’cause DANG…that was quite a thing to edit!) I’ll let you in on a little secret: “Gerald’s Grail” could easily be a novel. (And trust me, I’ve given it some thought.) But…it’s not the only […]…

1
Gerald’s Grail 1:23:44

2y ago1:23:44

1:23:44

While knocking around an antique shop with his grandmother, a teenage geek finds something that changes his life in a most curious way… Content Advisory: Bullying, violence (including passing mention of the Cambodian genocide of the 70s), teen tobacco and alcohol use, and — of course — swearing. And if you’re so inclined, be sure […]…

1
Last Seen...Talking About Generation X 1:18:38

2y ago1:18:38

1:18:38

So...uhm...Gorilla Christopher was all set up to record, but...he didn't set up his MacBook audio settings to look for his audio interface and microphone. So...the laptop mic picked up sound, meaning...Christopher's sound is pretty shoddy this episode. But...it's kinda fitting. As the older Gen-X member of the GorillaMen, just pretend he's recordin…

1
Last Seen...Eating Breakfast 1:26:58

2y ago1:26:58

1:26:58

This time around, the Gorillamen talk about...breakfast. Specifically: What is the first breakfast you specifically remember eating? Do you regularly eat breakfast? Do you believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Why or why not? What is your favorite breakfast? Do you have a daily go-to breakfast? What is your all- time favorite bre…

1
Last Seen...In the Afterlife 1:04:04

2+ y ago1:04:04

1:04:04

We've talked about death and other things surrounding this topic, but never focused solely on the afterlife. Now we have...specifically, these points: When was the first time you were introduced to the concept of the afterlife? Which afterlife was it? Do you believe in the afterlife? Why or why not? Why do you think people take comfort in the idea …

1
Behind the Cut – Revisions 13:42

2+ y ago13:42

13:42

It’s not uncommon for people to assume stories are a reflection of the author — especially stories in which an author features a writer as a protagonist. “Revisions” is about a writer who was raised by a single mother. Some people who know me mentioned they felt it was heavily influenced by my mother. I […]…

1
Last Seen...Eating Processed Foods 1:15:33

2+ y ago1:15:33

1:15:33

This time around, the Gorillamen discuss these finer points about processed foods: What is the first processed food you remember eating? What is the last processed food you've eaten? What, to you, constitutes a processed food? How easy is it to avoid processed foods? Is there a time in your life when you noticed a boom in process foods? If so, what…

1
Revisions 38:03

2+ y ago38:03

38:03

An author tries to finish construction on her recently-deceased mother’s home while writing her second novel — the follow up to a New York Times Best Seller. Content Advisory: Death of a parent and struggles with self doubt. (For once, no swearing!) And if you’re so inclined to pitch in and help the farm animal […]…

1
Last Seen...Talking About Drug Policy 1:11:20

2+ y ago1:11:20

1:11:20

This time, it's all about U.S. drug policy: When were you first exposed to the concept of illegal drugs? How soon after that were you exposed to anti-drug messaging? Was the War on Drugs a success in any way? What do you think of America’s current policy dealing with illegal drugs? Do you think employers should be able to drug test? Should marijuan…

1
Last Seen...Finding Time 1:19:18

2+ y ago1:19:18

1:19:18

Jim Croce wrote one of the best lines about the human struggle against time: "But there never seems to be enough time To do the things you want to do once you find them." This time around, the Gorillamen talk about making time for the things they love...and how they deal with time spent doing things they'd rather not do. Specifically, these points:…

1
Last Seen…Being Introspective 1:10:24

2+ y ago1:10:24

1:10:24

Come along if you dare as the Gorillamen go deep into a journey to the center of their minds... They ponder these things: When’s the first time you remember thinking about thinking? When’s the first time you had a conversation with yourself? What was the first thing you realized you needed to change based on introspection? How much time do you spen…

1
Behind the Cut – Christmas Miscellany 5 10:37

2+ y ago10:37

10:37

It was a strange year, but also a productive year for Not About Lumberjacks. As we close out 2021, some thoughts on the year that was…and some hopes for the year ahead… Episode Transcript >>By Christopher Gronlund

1
Christmas Miscellany 5 35:16

2+ y ago35:16

35:16

Four stories, most of which take place during the holiday season… “Stories of Fine Taste”: The stories behind two recipes (“Grandma’s Olive Loaf” – Something wicked is back in Kirkland’s Holler) and (“Fred’s English Muffin Garbage Pizzas” – A young boy finds out what’s behind a mysterious door). “Reply All”: Cheryl’s not standing for office […]…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Christopher Gronlund Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide