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Idiosyncratic Fables: Daily Summaries Delivered
by James R. Cheatham
Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone is worthy to be heard. Everyone is a little unique, unusual, and weird in their own way and I want this to be a space that is safe to be just that. I not only want to hear your story, but I want to give you an opportunity to share it. Whether it’s a story that’s personal to you, or if you have a story you want to read, I want you to have the freedom to share it. This is Idiosyncratic Fables.
Latest Episodes
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- 2 days ago44 min
From US Marine to LitRPG Powerhouse: Sean Oswald’s Multiverse Journey
Join us for an inspiring and high-energy conversation with one of LitRPG’s most prolific and multifaceted authors — Sean Oswald! From serving as a US Marine straight out of high school to earning a degree in ancient languages, doing missionary work in India, practicing law, and raising nine children, Sean brings a wealth of real-life experience to his storytelling. He’s the bestselling author of the hit series Welcome to the Multiverse, Life in Exile, Dragon Sorcerer, Draconic Core, and dozens more — with over 50 books written or co-written. In this episode, Sean opens up about his incredible journey, how his diverse background shapes his worldbuilding, and what it really takes to maintain that kind of creative output while balancing family and a legal career. We dive into LitRPG systems, power progression, writing massive interconnected universes, fatherhood, and the themes that drive his stories. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Welcome to the Multiverse or just discovering LitRPG, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories from one of the genre’s hardest-working authors. Find all of Sean's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B082P3914C Be sure to join my Discord here: https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc #LitRPG #SeanOswald #WelcomeToTheMultiverse #GameLit #LitRPGAuthor #ProgressionFantasy #WildernessFireProductions #IdiosyncraticFables
- 4 days ago44 min
From Danish Dad to Dragon Master: Lars Machmüller on LitRPG Success
In this episode, we sit down with Lars Machmüller — Danish author, family man, and one of LitRPG’s most creative voices. From writing quirky bards who solve problems with music and wits to reincarnated dragons conquering the world and high-stakes card-deck battles, Lars has carved out a unique space in the genre with humor, heart, and smart game systems. We dive into his journey from part-time writer to full-time author, the challenges and joys of the World of Chains series (The Wayward Bard), the epic conclusion of the Dragon Core Chronicles, and his newest series Theft of Decks. Lars shares what it takes to build memorable characters, fresh mechanics, and stories that stand out in a crowded genre, plus practical advice for aspiring writers and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories. Whether you’re a longtime LitRPG fan or new to the genre, this conversation is packed with insight, laughs, and inspiration. Go check out his website here: https://larsm-writes.com His Patreon is here: https://www.patreon.com/Moulder666 Also join his Discord server here: https://discord.gg/z6S8RbKmT You can also join my Discord server here: https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc #LitRPG #GameLit #LarsMachmuller #DragonCore #TheWaywardBard #TheftOfDecks #LitRPGAuthor #FantasyBooks #Isekai #ProgressionFantasy #Audiobooks #IndieAuthor #podcast #idiosyncraticfables #wildernessfireproductions
- 1 weeks ago43 min
From Circuit Boards to Character Voices: Gary Bennett
What happens when a successful electrical engineer walks away from circuit boards and business ownership to chase a passion for storytelling? You get one of the most versatile and compelling voices in audiobooks today. In this episode, I sit down with award-winning, SOVAS-nominated SAG-AFTRA narrator Gary Bennett. With over 270 audiobooks narrated for major publishers including Blackstone, Macmillan, Penguin Random House, and more, Gary has brought to life spies, wizards, vampires, trolls, conflicted heroes, and villains across thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi, mysteries, and historical fiction. Gary shares his remarkable career pivot, the meticulous craft of professional narration — from prepping a book and building distinct character voices (including British, Scottish, Italian, and Eastern European accents) to protecting vocal health during marathon recording sessions. We also explore the booming audiobook industry, the impact of AI, advice for aspiring narrators, and what it really takes to succeed behind the mic. Whether you’re an audiobook lover, aspiring voice actor, or someone who appreciates inspiring second-act stories, this conversation is packed with insight, warmth, and plenty of “how does he do that?” moments. Tune in to discover how Gary Bennett went from engineering to voicing entire worlds — one character at a time. Check out his website here: https://www.garybennettreads.com Are you an aspiring narrator? Click here: https://www.narratorsroadmap.com Join my Discord community here: https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc #GaryBennett #AudiobookNarrator #VoiceActor #Audiobooks #BehindTheMic #NarrationCraft #SecondAct #CareerPivot #SOVAS #SAGAFTRA #AudiobookLovers #VoiceActing #Bookstagram #FantasyNarrator #ThrillerNarrator #PodcastInterview #Storytelling #AccentsAndVoices #AudiobookCommunity #ListenNow
- 1 weeks ago35 min
Always Rolls a One: From Tabletop to LitRPG Legion Life
Join us for an epic deep dive with Erick Thiemke, better known as AlwaysRollsAOne, the author of the hit military LitRPG series A Soldier’s Life! In this episode, Erick shares how his lifelong experience as a Dungeon Master shaped his writing, the story behind his memorable pen name, and the gritty realities of legion life in a brutal fantasy empire. We explore Eryk’s hard-earned progression, balancing LitRPG mechanics with raw character drama, worldbuilding secrets, writing speed, handling mature themes, and what it takes to succeed as an indie author in the progression fantasy space. Whether you love military isekai, realistic system stories, or just great storytelling, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration. Check out A Soldier’s Life and the World Sphere series on Amazon, Royal Road, and Patreon! If you enjoy LitRPG and progression fantasy, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with your party. Follow him on Royal Road here: https://www.royalroad.com/profile/120381 Subscribe to his Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/alwaysrollsaone Join my Discord Community here: https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc #LitRPG #ProgressionFantasy #ASoldiersLife #AlwaysRollsAOne #Isekai #MilitaryLitRPG #FantasyBooks #IndieAuthor #LitRPGPodcast #WorldSphere #BookInterview #ProgressionFantasyBooks #RoyalRoad #FantasyLiterature
- 3 weeks ago44 min
The Fatherly Voice Behind 70+ Audiobooks: John Hopkinson
Join us for a warm and insightful conversation with veteran audiobook narrator John Hopkinson. With over 70 titles narrated, John is beloved for his rich, resonant voice that listeners describe as a “fatherly embrace of wisdom.” A devoted dad of eight and grandpa of seven, he brings heart, depth, and authenticity to every project. In this episode, John shares his journey into narration, his preparation process inside the booth, and how he builds suspense in thrillers while delivering clarity and impact in non-fiction, biographies, and faith-based works. We explore character development, industry trends, the future of human narration in the age of AI, and what aspiring narrators and authors need to know to succeed. Whether you’re an audiobook enthusiast, writer, or someone curious about the craft behind the voices you love, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, personal stories, and a genuine love for storytelling. Tune in now and discover what it really takes to bring books to life through the power of voice. Check out John's work on his website! https://www.johnhopkinson.com Be sure to join my Discord server here: https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc #AudiobookNarrator #Audiobooks #Podcast #Narration #VoiceActor #AudiobookProduction #Storytelling #MysteryThriller #NonFiction #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #BehindTheMic #Fatherhood #BookLovers
- May 14, 20261h 1m
From Apiary to Audible: Steve Campbell on Becoming a Top Audiobook Narrator
Join us for an inspiring conversation with award-winning SAG-AFTRA audiobook narrator Steve Campbell! With over 140 titles and 1,000+ finished hours under his belt, Steve specializes in LitRPG, Fantasy, and YA fiction. From high school performer and construction company owner to full-time narrator in just 1.5 years, Steve shares his remarkable journey, home studio secrets, character voice techniques, industry insights, and tips for aspiring narrators and authors. Whether you’re a book lover, audiobook enthusiast, or curious about the craft behind the mic, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and actionable advice. Listen now and discover the human voice behind your favorite adventures! Where to find Steve: https://www.stevecampbellsvoice.com https://www.facebook.com/steve.campbell.1694059 https://www.instagram.com/stevecampbellvo/ https://discord.com/invite/uvkHtaNPra Where you can find me: https://www.narratorjames.com https://www.instagram.com/narrator_james/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/narratorjames/ https://discord.com/invite/6JKxwNQQJc #AudiobookNarrator #LitRPG #FantasyBooks #VoiceActor #Audiobooks #Podcast #Narration #SteveCampbell #BookTok #IndieAuthors #HomeStudio #VoiceOver #SAGAFRTA
- May 13, 202650 min
Cheryl Holling: Using Your Voice to Move From Fear to Hope
In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with award-winning voice actor, podcast host, and storyteller Cheryl Holling. From her early days in radio to creating the acclaimed podcast 19Stories: From Fear to Hope during the height of the pandemic, Cheryl has dedicated her career to the power of authentic human connection through voice. We explore how she turned personal challenges into fuel for resilience, why the human voice remains irreplaceable in an AI-driven world, and the importance of storytelling for healing and hope. Cheryl also shares highlights from The Voice Kitchen, her unique show that blends great conversation with food and creativity, plus practical wisdom for voice actors, podcasters, and anyone navigating fear or transition. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that your voice matters — and that it’s always possible to move from fear to hope. Tune in for warmth, wisdom, resilience, and plenty of encouragement you can carry with you long after the episode ends. https://www.cherylholling.com https://www.instagram.com/cherylhollingvo/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chollingvo/ https://19stories.libsyn.com https://thevoicekitchen.libsyn.com Join my Discord community here: https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc #FromFearToHope #PowerOfVoice #CherylHolling #VoiceActing #PodcastInterview #19Stories #TheVoiceKitchen #HumanVoice #Resilience #Storytelling #VoiceOverLife #WomenInMedia #AuthenticVoice #PodcastGuest #HopefulConversations #WildernessFireProductions #IdiosyncraticFables
- May 11, 202623 min
Melissa Gramling Interview: MM Romance Reviews, Narrators & Community
Join us for a fun, spicy conversation with Melissa Gramling — better known as Little Lissa from the popular YouTube series The Ramblin Gramling Show! Together with narrator John Solo, Little Lissa delivers weekly recaps, hilarious banter, and candid reviews of the newest MM romance audiobook releases. In this episode, she shares how she fell in love with the genre, what makes an audiobook truly shine, her favorite (and most surprising) tropes, standout narrators, and the vibrant community that keeps her coming back for more. Whether you’re a longtime MM romance audiobook fan or just curious about diving in, this episode is packed with honest recommendations, behind-the-scenes insights, and plenty of laughs. Discover your next 5-star listen and get the inside scoop on one of the fastest-growing corners of the romance world. Don’t forget to check out The Ramblin Gramling Show on YouTube for weekly MM audiobook recaps with Melissa and John Solo. https://youtu.be/EXCqz6db5pY?si=FpgqgouI3hDxKXy_ Be sure to join my Discord community too! https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc #MMRomance #MMRomanceAudiobooks #Audiobooks #GayRomance #LGBTQRomance #RomanceAudiobooks #LittleLissa #RamblinGramlingShow #MelissaGramling #SpicyAudiobooks #RomanceTropes #BookRecs #AudiobookRecommendations #MMBooks #RomanceBooks #Bookstagram #BookTok #PodcastEpisode #RomanceCommunity
About Idiosyncratic Fables
Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone is worthy to be heard. Everyone is a little unique, unusual, and weird in their own way and I want this to be a space that is safe to be just that. I not only want to hear your story, but I want to give you an opportunity to share it. Whether it’s a story that’s personal to you, or if you have a story you want to read, I want you to have the freedom to share it. This is Idiosyncratic Fables.
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