Best Fr Roderick Vonhogen Podcasts (2025)

1
Story Secrets - Every Choice Leads to Adventure 17:45

7m ago17:45

17:45

What if the story you were reading wasn’t just about someone else’s journey, but yours? That’s the magic of Choose Your Own Adventure-style books. I recently discovered a Dutch fantasy author, Dianne Arentsen, who’s keeping this unique genre alive with her interactive books, Fort Enigma and Mystanica. These aren’t ordinary stories. Instead of follo…

1
Story Secrets - Discovering the World of Warrior Cats 13:27

7m ago13:27

13:27

What if your next favorite fantasy series wasn’t about knights or wizards but... cats? That’s right—Warrior Cats is a massive book series following feline clans battling for survival, and I had no idea how deep and beloved this universe was until I stumbled upon it recently. It all started with a chance find at a local book-sharing shelf. The cover…

1
Story Secrets - Why We’re Still Snapping for the Addams Family 12:23

7m ago12:23

12:23

🎵 Da-da-da-dum (snap, snap)... Admit it, you just snapped your fingers! That iconic tune is part of what makes the Addams Family unforgettable. This quirky, creepy, and mysteriously lovable family has been a staple of pop culture since the 1960s, and they’re still winning hearts today. In my latest podcast episode, I explore the enduring appeal of …

1
The Walk - Frodo's Lessons for Anxious Times 29:31

6h ago29:31

29:31

"I will take the Ring, though I do not know the way." There’s a powerful moment in The Lord of the Rings when Frodo steps forward, against all odds, to carry the burden of the Ring. He doesn’t know how he’ll succeed. He has no guarantee he’ll survive. But he takes that first step, and it changes everything. The world feels overwhelming right now—wa…

1
Story Secrets - Fullmetal Alchemist 14:33

9m ago14:33

14:33

What would you give to bring back a loved one from the dead? Your arm? Your leg? Your soul? That’s the heart-wrenching premise of Fullmetal Alchemist, an anime that dives deep into themes of sacrifice, brotherhood, and the cost of tampering with life itself. When I first approached this story, I had no idea how profound it would be. At its core, Fu…

1
Story Secrets - My Favorite Star Wars Movie 15:42

3d ago15:42

15:42

When people ask me, "What’s your favorite Star Wars movie?" my answer is always The Empire Strikes Back. For me, it’s the perfect balance of storytelling, emotional depth, and surprises that shaped not only Star Wars but my experience of cinema itself. But why does it stand above A New Hope, which holds such a nostalgic place in my heart? Let me br…

1
Story Secrets - Die Hard With Monsters 13:05

7d ago13:05

13:05

I’ve always loved portal stories—tales where a doorway or gateway leads to another world. It started with Stargate SG-1, but you can see the same magic in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, or even Harry Potter’s Platform 9 ¾. The idea of stepping into another reality is irresistible. Recently, I had the chance to chat with Dutch author Kelly v…

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Story Secrets - Why 'Silo' Hits So Close To Home 19:02

8m ago19:02

19:02

If you’ve been following Silo on Apple TV+, you know how gripping and thought-provoking this series can be. Season 2’s finale didn’t just deliver shocking moments—it left us pondering themes that feel eerily relevant in today’s world. Set in an underground society, Silo explores what happens when people are kept in the dark—literally and figurative…

1
Story Secrets - A Conversation With Noldor Elves 11:29

7m ago11:29

11:29

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…

1
Story Secrets - Is 'Sakamoto Days' Worth Watching? 10:09

11m ago10:09

10:09

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 …

1
The Walk - Blue Monday? Let’s Paint It Gold 31:29

2h ago31:29

31:29

I'm recording this on the third Monday in January, and for many of us, the spark of the new year feels like it’s fading. The Christmas lights are gone, the weather is bleak, and those ambitious resolutions? They’re feeling more like distant dreams. Some call this day "Blue Monday," and I get it—it’s easy to feel stuck when the world seems gray. But…

1
Story Secrets - Decoding Skeleton Crew's Finale 24:18

3m ago24:18

24:18

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…

1
Story Secrets: Dragons As Flying Flamethrowers 15:26

3d ago15:26

15:26

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…

1
Story Secrets - What Is 'Silo' Season 2 Trying To Tell Us? 20:48

8m ago20:48

20:48

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 …

1
Story Secrets - The Pope at a Fantasy Festival 10:47

20h ago10:47

10:47

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…

1
The Walk - What To Do When Your World Falls Apart? 43:55

5h ago43:55

43:55

Walking through a winter forest earlier today, I saw bare trees and fallen branches. Everything seemed lifeless. But beneath the decay, I noticed something powerful: the forest wasn’t dying—it was preparing for new growth. The trees had left nuts and seeds on the ground. The decaying leaves provided nourishment and protection, waiting for spring to…

1
Story Secrets - Will Skeleton Crew Get a Season 2? Here’s My Take 12:33

4h ago12:33

12:33

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…

1
Story Secrets - Murderbot on Apple TV+ Has a Problem 16:09

22h ago16:09

16:09

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…

1
Story Secrets - Chronicles of Magic 24:19

4d ago24:19

24:19

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…

1
Story Secrets - Severance Season 1 Review 19:51

5d ago19:51

19:51

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. …

1
Story Secrets - Life Lessons from the Last Airbender’s Beloved Mentor 15:25

6d ago15:25

15:25

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…

1
The Walk - Feeling Stuck? The Jubilee Year Offers Hope 30:47

24d ago30:47

30:47

Have you ever wished for a total reset? Not just in your calendar, but in your life? That’s exactly what the ancient concept of a Jubilee Year offers—a fresh start for individuals and communities alike, once every 25 years. In this episode, I dig into the idea of Jubilee and why it’s more than just a historical footnote. It’s about restoration, fre…

1
Story Secrets - What Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Is Truly About 20:14

7d ago20:14

20:14

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…

1
Story Secrets - What Kind of Tolkien Fan Are You? 15:29

8d ago15:29

15:29

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…

1
Story Secrets - Drafting Dragons 22:06

25d ago22:06

22:06

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…

1
Story Secrets - Delicious in Dungeon Season 1 Review 18:36

19d ago18:36

18:36

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…

1
Story Secrets - Why Star Trek Unification Left Me Speechless 22:44

14d ago22:44

22:44

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…

1
The Walk - Why I’m Starting Small in 2025 1:03:50

19d ago1:03:50

1:03:50

As we step into 2025, one phrase is shaping how I approach the new year: Perfect is the enemy of good. Like many, I’ve started previous years with big resolutions, only to watch them unravel by February. Why? Because I set the bar so high that a single misstep felt like failure. This year, I’m doing things differently—focusing on small, consistent …

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Story Secrets - Skeleton Crew: Why It’s Peak Star Wars 32:55

14d ago32:55

32:55

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…

1
Story Secrets - Red Rising’s Turning Point: A Review of Golden Son 20:30

15d ago20:30

20:30

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…

1
The Walk - How To Have a Merry Little Christmas 37:26

28d ago37:26

37:26

The other day, I woke up with a Christmas song in my head. It wasn’t just any version—it was the Muppets and John Denver, singing 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'. Nostalgia hit hard, reminding me of simpler, cozier moments from childhood. But here’s the thing: the world today feels far from cozy or simple. How can we have ourselves a Merry…

1
The Walk - How To Avoid Christmas Stress 46:37

1M ago46:37

46:37

Christmas stress hit me hard this week. I was sitting at my desk after hours of non-stop work when it dawned on me: Christmas Eve is less than an week away. My brain went into overdrive. So much to do. So many obligations. How am I this far behind? I imagined the chaos—rushing to clean the house, prepare meals, and meet commitments I’d promised wit…

1
The Walk - Why Dreams Matter 47:00

2M ago47:00

47:00

A couple of weeks ago, I found myself standing on the windswept Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. During the bus ride, I had been listening to an audiobook about the life of Saint Patrick, and I was surprised to learn how dreams had played a significant role in his decision to return to Ireland. Those dreams changed the course of history. Like many other…

1
The Walk: Time To Make Room For Advent 39:19

2M ago39:19

39:19

In this episode of The Walk, I take you along as I reflect on a small but meaningful change in my life: transforming an old coatroom into a cozy winter office. This tiny space has become my retreat, a place to focus and create without distractions. But the process of clearing out the clutter wasn’t just about tidying up—it became a lesson in making…

1
The Walk: Why You Keep So Much Clutter 39:04

2M ago39:04

39:04

I'll admit it - I'm a bit of a digital hoarder. My internet browser is like a virtual junk drawer, with tabs upon tabs open at any given time. Why do I insist on keeping so many tabs open, even when they're just cluttering up my computer and slowing everything down? It's not just the browser either - I used to have bookshelves overflowing with tome…

1
The Walk: What's The Point Of A Reading Challenge? 44:08

2M ago44:08

44:08

In this episode of The Walk, I share with you a conversation I had with someone who was wondering what the point is of reading books when you probably have no time of life left to do anything with the knowledge you gain? And what's the point of reading altogether? I share why I try to read 150 books this year, how I manage to read so many books and…

1
The Walk: How I Calm My Mind 47:49

3M ago47:49

47:49

Ever notice how some days the hum of a leaf blower or other background noise can be more aggravating than others? I explore how my own tolerance for these everyday sounds can fluctuate, and how it reflects my level of sensory regulation (or disregulation and overload). The Impact of Overstimulation In a world filled with constant distractions, it’s…

1
The Walk: What The Monks of Glendalough Taught Me 32:52

3M ago32:52

32:52

After a month-long hiatus, I'm back with a new episode of The Walk! During my time away, I traveled to Ireland to explore the rich Catholic tradition and the influence of the early Celtic saints. This trip was also a personal quest for me, as I normally like to have everything planned out. But this time, I decided to let go of my fear and just dive…

1
The Walk: Come With Me To Ireland! 23:53

4M ago23:53

23:53

I'm embarking on an exciting journey to Ireland to delve into the lives and wisdom of the men and women who played a crucial role in the evangelization of Europe. By signing up for my new course, you can join me on this adventure! In this course, I'll reveal how the teachings of these Celtic saints can enrich your personal life, deepen your faith, …

1
The Walk: Overcoming Self-Limiting Thoughts 14:05

5M ago14:05

14:05

In this episode, I talk about the paralyzing effect of self-limiting thoughts and how they can hold us back from achieving our dreams. Whether you're starting a new career, launching a creative project, or just stepping out of your comfort zone, those inner doubts can be overwhelming. I share personal stories from my journey as a priest and coach a…

1
Rings of Power: The Tenacity of Evil 19:35

4M ago19:35

19:35

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 …

1
The Walk: How I Wrote 'Tales of Power' 1:01:12

5M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

I just finished writing and publishing my newest book, "Tales of Power - A Guide to Epic Storytelling". In this episode of The Walk, I share with you a behind the scenes look at my creative process. The book is a journey into the art of storytelling, inspired by the timeless works of J.R.R. Tolkien. It delves into the transformative power of narrat…

1
The Break - Why Star Wars: The Acolyte Was Canceled 32:12

5M ago32:12

32:12

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…

1
The Walk: What If You Could Live Forever? 54:00

5M ago54:00

54:00

Imagine discovering one day that you’re immortal, destined to live for centuries, outlasting everyone you know and love. How would you feel about that? It’s the premise of the 1986 movie Highlander, where Connor MacLeod, a Scottish Highlander born in the 16th century, learns he’s one of a rare few who can only die if beheaded. As he navigates centu…

1
The Break: Skeleton Crew, Life on Mars, Hero on a Mission and Dungeons & Dragons 32:29

5M ago32:29

32:29

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 …

1
The Walk: Expanding My Horizon 39:32

5M ago39:32

39:32

What I love about my work in television and online is that it brings me into contact with so many different people from all ages and backgrounds. It helps me to constantly broaden my horizon and to keep learning and discovering. In this podcast, I talk a bit more about my work as a TV host and interviewer and I share some thoughts about my future t…

1
The Break: Star Wars at D23; Tom Bombadil; Pope Francis About Reading; Retro Arch 53:30

5M ago53:30

53:30

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 …

1
The Walk: Priests and Pagans 41:17

6M ago41:17

41:17

In this episode of The Walk, I'm sharing with you my recent experiences at the Castlefest fantasy festival. Some visitors I met showed surprise when they discovered that I'm a real priest and not cosplaying as one. What brings so many people to events like these, and why does there seem to be a revival of neo-pagan rituals visitors engage in? And w…

1
The Break: Skeleton Crew, Life on Mars, Star Wars Outlaws, Castlefest 31:56

6M ago31:56

31:56

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 …

1
The Walk: What I Learned As A Digital Nomad 37:47

6M ago37:47

37:47

Now that I am back home, I am looking back on what I learned during this first month that I've been living and working abroad as a 'digital nomad'. It has been a very positive and productive experience, and there is one thing I learned that I value above all other aspects of this trip... Join my new community that replaces this Patreon community an…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Fr Roderick Vonhogen Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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