As I work on my new fantasy novel, I’ve been diving deep into the genre to figure out where my story fits. Is it epic fantasy like Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, or does it lean more toward historical fiction? Right now, it’s shaping up to be a blend: a story set in a fantasy version of early medieval Ireland, infused with its rich mythology and magi…

Netflix just dropped a new anime series called Sakamoto Days, and after checking out the first episode, I have to say—it’s more than just another action-packed manga adaptation. This series dives into themes of redemption, family, and the struggle between the past and present, all wrapped in a story that’s both heartfelt and entertaining. The plot …

The final episode of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew surprised me, not just with its action and drama but with its deeper meaning. This wasn’t just a story about space adventures; it was about freedom, family, and the courage to grow. One moment really stood out: the kids’ spaceship breaking free from the planet's grasp. On the surface, it’s just a ship f…

Ever wished you could transform into a dragon? Imagine the power to confront challenges head-on, just like Lilith, the protagonist of Kim ten Tusscher's fantasy series. Lilith's journey from captivity to self-discovery is a compelling tale that mirrors our own struggles with identity and belonging. 🎬 Watch the video of the interview here: "A Dragon…

In the second season of Silo, the battle for freedom takes center stage, mirroring struggles we often face in our own lives. The series, based on Hugh Howey’s Wool, shows an underground world where people live confined in a massive silo, unable to escape due to the dangers of the world outside. It’s a gripping story that has kept me on the edge of …

At a fantasy festival in the gardens of a Dutch castle, I stumbled upon a surprising duo: a monk and the Pope, sitting on a bench and sharing a pizza. The “Pope” stood out—not because of his spot-on vestments, but because he was young, wore sunglasses, and had a relaxed vibe you wouldn’t expect from the papacy. Naturally, I stopped to chat. Tim, th…

Ever since Skeleton Crew premiered, I’ve been hooked. It’s not every day a Star Wars series comes along that makes me feel like a wide-eyed kid again. But as we approach the season finale, one question keeps popping up in my mind—and I’m sure I’m not alone in this: will there be a second season? To be honest, I’m torn. On the one hand, the show has…

Have you ever read a book where the main character’s identity completely changes how you see the story? That’s exactly what happened to me with The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. It’s a brilliant sci-fi series about a self-aware robot grappling with free will, binge-watching soap operas, and, surprisingly, its own identity. When I first read th…

I'm excited to share that I recently embarked on writing my first fantasy novel! It’s been a challenging journey, learning about story arcs, character development, and pacing action. I have newfound respect for authors who have mastered these skills. One author I admire is Dutch fantasy writer Ian Laverman. He's written seven novels in a single, ri…

Have you ever wished you could just skip the workday entirely? Imagine waking up, enjoying your morning coffee, and then fast-forwarding to your evening of relaxing with family, watching a movie, or gaming. It sounds perfect, doesn’t it? That’s exactly the premise of the Apple TV+ series Severance — but the reality it explores is far from idyllic. …

If you’ve ever watched Avatar: The Last Airbender, chances are you’ve got a favorite character. Maybe it’s one of the kids, like Aang, Katara, or Toph. But for many of us, there’s one character who stands out: Uncle Iroh. I recently explored this fan-favorite character on my podcast, diving into why he’s such a beloved figure—not just in the series…

When was the last time a Star Wars story really moved you? For me, it was episode 6 of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. This series has surprised me at every turn, but this latest episode was on another level. It’s not just about lightsabers, pirates, or epic space battles—it’s about how friendship is forged in moments of struggle and vulnerability. The s…

Last week, I joined the Dutch Tolkien Society for a special event: the annual Tolkien toast. At precisely 9 p.m. on January 3rd, fans across the world raise a glass to honor "The Professor." It’s a celebration of Tolkien's birthday, but for me, it turned into an eye-opening exploration of what it means to love Middle-earth. Over dinner, I discovere…

At a bustling fantasy festival surrounded by cosplayers, storytellers, and artists, I had the privilege of meeting Cocky van Dijk—a Dutch fantasy author whose writing is as rich and imaginative as the costumes we saw that day. But behind her spellbinding worlds lies a story of resilience and transformation. Cocky shared how her writing became a lif…

Did you know that a lethal Monster Scorpion and some creepy Walking Mushrooms can be turned into a delicious stew? The robust flavors of scorpion meat with the earthy taste of walking mushrooms create a comforting and flavorful meal. At least, that's what the dwarf Senshi tells his fellow adventurers in the Japanese anime series 'Delicious in Dunge…

What lies beyond the final frontier? It’s a question Star Trek has always hinted at but never fully explored—until now. In my latest podcast episode, I dive into the Star Trek: Unification short, produced by OTOY, Inc in association with William Shatner and the Nimoy Estate, and why I think it’s one of the most profound pieces of storytelling in th…

What makes Skeleton Crew such a standout in the Star Wars universe? After five episodes, I’m convinced it’s one of the best things to happen to Star Wars in years. It’s fresh, adventurous, and packed with storytelling that feels both grounded and expansive. In this episode of my podcast, I dive into what sets Skeleton Crew apart and why it resonate…

What makes a story unforgettable? For me, it’s a combination of compelling characters, a relatable hero, and a narrative that offers hope. But what happens when a beloved series takes a turn that challenges your expectations? That’s exactly what I experienced with Golden Son, the fourth book in Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series. In this episode of m…

Season 2 of Rings of Power shows us a flashback of a moment in the history of Middle-earth during which Sauron seemed to be defeated and eradicated for good. Only to emerge again in another form at another time and place. We may get discouraged to see how humanity falls for the temptation of evil time and again. But Tolkien teaches us an important …

In this episode of The Break, I talk about the supposed cancellation of Star Wars: The Acolyte and about its implications for the future of the franchise in a radically changed media landscape. I also share my thoughts about a ground-breaking iPhone accessory that was launched on Kickstarter by Lexar. Check out my new landing page for my Storytelli…

D23 gave us more information about what to expect from Disney when it comes to Star Wars, but not as much as I hoped. Skeleton Crew may bring an essential element back to the franchise. I'm wrapping up the UK series 'Life on Mars', I am almost done building the LEGO Ghostbusters Fire Station and I share my thoughts about Donald Miller's book 'Hero …

During my break, I look ahead at Disney's D23 Fan Event this week. Will there be new Star Wars announcements? Also in this episode: Daisy Ridley opens up about being diagnosed with Graves' disease Rings of Power season 2 will include an appearance of Tom Bombadil Pope Francis writes a letter about the importance of reading poetry and fiction Retro …

Disney has given us a first look at their upcoming live TV series 'Star Wars: Skeleton Crew'. I share my initial thoughts. I also talk about the TV series 'Life on Mars', I discuss the early reviews of the game 'Star Wars: Outlaws', and I talk about the upcoming Castlefest Fantasy Fair this weekend. Join my new community that replaces this Patreon …

In this episode of my podcast The Break I sit down for lunch and coffee in the center of Leicester as I review the classic Doctor Who episode "Planet of the Daleks", the anime series Demon Slayer and the future of the story of The Acolyte. I share my thoughts on the importance of rest even in times of high pressure. I talk about my experience playi…

During my coffee break, I review the first season of The Acolyte now that the series has wrapped; I talk about some of the books I read this week and I talk about the risk of seeing modern day events as fulfillments of Biblical prophesies or as signs of Divine intervention. Go to fatherroderick.com/storytelling to learn how you can get early access…

In this episode of The Walk, I walk along the Thames in London as I share with you some of the things I've been doing during my first week as a Digital Nomad in the UK. More information about my Storytelling Course and about how to sign up is coming soon!By Fr. Roderick Vonhögen

The new documentary 'I am' in which singer Celine Dion shares the heartbreaking consequences of being diagnosed with the rare 'Stiff People Syndrome' may be one of the most important things she has ever recorded. In this episode, I explain why. I also talk about the controversial superhero series 'The Boys' and how its story reflects the current cl…

In this episode, I give you an update about my travel plans for the month of July, I review the Doctor Who season finale, I talk about what's going on with Star Wars fans and I tell you why I think the Catholic Church has a marketing problem. I talk about my experiences with the Pokemon Plus + and about why the Meta Quest makes me nauseous. The mig…

During my coffee break I share my thoughts on the new episodes of Doctor Who, I give you an update on my writing, coaching and travel plans, I talk about Lego and I share my recent experiences in VR.By Fr. Roderick Vonhögen

During my coffee break, I talk about how the first episodes of the new Star Wars show 'The Acolyte' touch me on a personal level. I also share my impressions of the movie Godzilla Minus One and I tell you about the surprising connection between Young Sheldon, Toy Story and The Princess Bride. Inconceivable! I also discuss the latest innovations App…

During my coffee break this week I share my thoughts about the new Star Wars series 'The Acolyte' and about the upcoming 'Starfleet Academy' series. I also rave about T. Kingfisher's book 'A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking' and about a VR demo I saw that let's you walk around Hogwarts Castle. To conclude, I talk about my intention to live and wo…

This week, I talk about the real reason I want to discuss Star Wars and Anime on my YouTube and TikTok channels. I also share with you some insights I learned from Alex Hormozi about identifying the dreams and fears of the people you would like to reach and I tell you the surprising treasure I discovered when I cleaned up my kitchen. Lastly, I tell…

Recently, I've found myself binge-watching the TV show 'Young Sheldon'. This delightful comedy series offers a glimpse into the early life of Sheldon Cooper, the iconic character from 'The Big Bang Theory' sitcom. Sheldon, an exceptionally gifted and nerdy boy, finds the concept of God illogical, as the existence of a deity cannot be empirically va…

This podcast episode was recorded at a local coffeehouse in my hometown during a break with coffee and apple pie. I share my excitement about all the Tolkien-related news we got this week: the new trailer for Rings of Power Season 2, the announcement of a new Peter Jackson movie set in the world of the Lord of the Rings called 'The Hunt for Gollum'…

In this episode of The Break, I take you outside for a visit to my local Italian ice cream parlor. I talk about what happened after the real stalker whose story was used as an inspiration for the Netflix TV-series 'Baby Reindeer' came forward and agreed to an interview with Pierce Morgan. I also share how a couple of life-style changes allow me to …

In this episode of The Break I talk about Apple's new iPads, about Speechify and other text-to-speech technologies, I review the end of The Bad Batch and the beginning of Tales of the Empire, I talk about the Netflix show 'Baby Reindeer' and I explain why catholics celebrate the feast of the Ascension and why it matters.I also announce the next cha…

In this episode of the Break I discuss what Daisy Ridley says about reprising the role of Rey in the upcoming Star Wars movie; I talk about The Bad Batch, Fallout and Star Trek and I react to the trailers for Atlas, Transformers One and Twisters. In the Premium part of the episode, available to my patrons, I talk about returning to reading and work…

This weekend, I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of my cosplaying friends again at Haarzuilens Castle during the Elfia Fantasy Festival. I vividly remember my first visit to this festival and how out of place I felt as a priest among thousands of people dressed in fantasy costumes. But I kept coming back year after year, and made lots of friends t…

In this episode of The Break, I review the movie 'Tenet' by Christopher Nolan, I watch and review the trailer for Tales of the Empire and I share the one thing that is missing in the story trailer for the game Star Wars: Outlaws. In the premium part of the show, available to my patrons, I talk about Acceptance and Commitment Coaching, I discuss vac…

There is one aspect of Star Trek Discovery that keeps bugging me now that the series enters its final season. And looking back on the Star Wars Prequels: do those movies still hold up after all these years? I answer a listener question about a particular form of prayer that borders on superstition. In the premium part of the show for my patrons, I …

In this week's episode of the Break I talk about Alien: Romulus, about the Fallout TV series and about the trailer for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. I also explain the background of Holy Week and Easter. In the premium part of the show, available to all my patrons, I talk about Tolkien Reading Day, the AI short film 'Airhead' and about what Ap…

In this episode of the Break I share my impressions of the trailer for Star Wars: The Acolyte, I review the first two episodes of the Netflix series The Three Body Problem and I tell you what I thought of 'Wonka'. In the Premium version of the show, available to all my patrons, I talk about the new Dungeons and Dragons Lego set, I solve a clothing …

In this episode of The Break, I look back at this year's Academy Awards Ceremony, I share why 'Frieren' may be one of the deepest and most thought-provoking anime series I've ever seen and I tell you why Pierce Brown's Iron Gold derailed my reading plans for this year. In the Premium part of the show, exclusively for my patrons, I share the process…

In this episode: Movies & TV: My review of Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse James Gunn starts filming Superman. Peculiar Bunch: the one thing I wish Pope Francis wouldn't do In the premium part of the show, available to my patrons: Book review: D&D: Lore and Legends, a visual celebration of the 5th edition of the world's greatest role playing gam…

In this episode of The Break I share my first impressions of the live action series 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' and of season 3 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch. I also talk about rereading Lord of the Rings and about the death of Star Trek actor Kenneth Mitchell. In the premium section of the show, available to my patrons, I talk about Baldur's Gate 3…

In this episode of The Break I talk about the new Sony movie 'Madame Web' and about the core problem of the movie industry, I review the Marvel Comic 'Monica Rambeau: Photon'. And I talk about my new book 'Lent for Little Folk' that will soon be made available to my patrons and to people who sign up for my email newsletter 'Diary of a Media Priest'…

In this episode of The Break, I review The Marvels and the Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3. Tip: The New Look on Apple TV Plus. In the premium part of the show available to my patrons, I explain why Tolkien didn't like Lent, I share my impressions of the audiobook version of 'Light of the Jedi', we explore why Dutch sounds funny to English speaking …

In this episode of The Break: Star Wars: the death of Carl Weathers My Tolkien Webinar on Ash Wednesday Pluto (Anime series on Netflix) first impressions How sleep impacts my reading focus Marvel Unlimited: Infinity comics Premium content for my patrons: Star Trek Archives on the Apple Vision Pro Feeeed for iOS – follow everything The post The Brea…

In this episode: The Creator by Gareth Edwards (Rogue One) Rome (HBO Max) Trauma responses in Vinland Saga Book review: ‘The apprentice: my life in the kitchen’ by Jacques Pepin In the premium episode for my patrons: Cooking with a braiser pan Tech: TikTok and YouTube audiences moving away from ‘hyper edits’ More content comingContinue reading "The…

In this episode I talk about the Oscar nominations for the movie Barbie, I review the Squid Games game show, Young Sheldon and True Detective and I revisit Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. I also share my first impressions of the game Palworld. The post The Break: Barbie and the Oscars; Squid Games Season 2; True Detective and Palworld appeared fi…