Story Secrets

Latest Episodes:

My VR Adventure in Assassin’s Creed Nexus Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

Yesterday, I experienced something truly amazing. I played the first stage of a VR game on my Quest 3, based on the legendary gaming franchise Assassin’s Creed. Now, I’ve played parts of previous games, but this was something else entirely. This was the first VR version of the game, called Assassin’s Creed Nexus, and it completely blew my mind.

The franchise is known for its deep, history-inspired storytelling. From ancient Jerusalem to Renaissance Italy and even ancient Greece and Egypt, it’s always been about immersing you in another world. But this time, the immersion was at a whole new level.

You start off in the present, using this incredible technology that lets you travel back in time. Suddenly, you’re in Renaissance Venice. You look down, and you’re wearing Renaissance clothes. Your hands aren’t your hands, but they move exactly like yours. You can reach out, pick up objects, even open drawers to find historical artifacts like a miniature airplane designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

The sound, the visuals, the interaction—it all feels so real. And it's not just photorealism; it’s the sense of discovery, of being there. I’ve played my share of VR games, but nothing comes close to this. The Quest 3’s crystal-clear lenses make every detail pop.

The best part? It feels like stepping into a well-written book. You’re not just watching or reading the story. You’re in it. And it got me thinking: as a storyteller myself, what if I could create something similar? What if my fantasy novel’s story magic could also take people to other worlds, across different eras? I have a ton of ideas now, and I can’t wait to start exploring them.

But the real magic of VR is how it lingers. Even after I took off the headset, I was still partly in Venice, just like how a good book stays with you long after you’ve put it down.

Want to join me as I experiment with all these new ideas? Make sure to follow me and sign up for my mailing list at fatheroderick.com/free to be part of this new creative adventure!

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The Mind-Blowing Finale of Severance Season 2 Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

Wow. The Season 2 finale of Severance was nothing short of brilliant. Apple TV+ has done it again, delivering a masterpiece that feels like the best thing since Lost. But unlike many mystery-box shows, Severance gives you answers while keeping you hooked with even more questions.

At the heart of this show is the creepy and mysterious Lumon corporation, where workers undergo a procedure to "sever" their consciousness. This creates two separate identities: the "Innie" who only exists inside the company, and the "Outie" who lives life outside with no memory of their work life. But here’s where things get really fascinating: these Innies develop their own personalities, goals, and emotions—sometimes conflicting completely with their Outies.

Season 2’s finale raised some major philosophical questions: What defines a person’s worth? Are these Innies any less human just because their lives are limited to the workplace? Are people only valuable because of the work they do? The series makes you think hard about the dignity of human life and how easy it is to diminish someone’s humanity when you’re only focused on productivity.

The finale brought so much emotion and intensity, including some shocking moments of violence that felt earned rather than gratuitous. And the cinematography? Absolutely stunning. From the symmetrical framing to the retro aesthetics, it’s clear Apple is pouring serious money into making this show a work of art.

Now, we have to brace ourselves for what looks like a long wait until Season 3. But I’m willing to bet it’ll be worth it. In the meantime, I’ll be obsessing over the theories and unanswered questions left dangling at the end of this season.

What do you think about the Season 2 finale of Severance? Let me know!

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The Pit: The Grittiest Medical Drama Since ER Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

If you were addicted to ER back in the day like I was, you might want to check out The Pit. It’s a new medical drama starring Noah Wyle (Dr. Carter from ER), and it has that same chaotic, high-intensity energy—but with a much darker, grittier edge.

Set in the emergency room of a major city hospital—nicknamed The Pit because it feels like a war zone—this show dives deep into the brutal realities of healthcare. Overcrowded waiting rooms, patients left in hallways, doctors stretched to their limits. It’s not just a case-of-the-week drama; it’s an ongoing, relentless story where one shift bleeds into the next.

One of the most interesting storytelling choices? Each season covers just one day in the ER. Every episode unfolds in real time, so you feel the exhaustion, the urgency, and the weight of the choices these doctors have to make. And just like in ER, the camera work is incredibly immersive—you’re right in the middle of the action, feeling every second of the chaos.

I’ve only seen the first episode, and already, I can tell this is going to be an emotional rollercoaster. If you’re looking for a show that pulls you in and doesn’t let go, The Pit is it.

Have you seen it? Let me know what you think!

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Wheel of Time Season 3 Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

Have you seen the first episode of Wheel of Time Season 3? Amazon dropped three episodes at once, and I’ve watched the first one—and wow, they have seriously stepped up their game.

For those unfamiliar, Wheel of Time is one of the most famous fantasy book series out there. Robert Jordan started it, crafting an epic world where history repeats itself in cycles, and where magic is woven—literally—by powerful women. It’s complex, sprawling, and honestly… a bit overwhelming. Jordan passed away before finishing the series, and Brandon Sanderson stepped in to complete it.

I made it through four books before getting lost in the sheer scale of it all. So when Amazon announced a TV adaptation, I was relieved. Finally, a more digestible version of this massive saga! The first season was decent but clearly constrained by budget. The second season improved in every way. And now? Season 3 has blown me away.

The opening scene alone is jaw-dropping: a brutal attack on the White Tower (the Vatican of magic-wielding women), filled with betrayal, action, and chaos. It’s dark, intense, and way more graphic than previous seasons. And for the first time, I have no idea what’s coming next—this part of the story goes beyond the books I’ve read, which makes it even more exciting.

If you’ve been on the fence about Wheel of Time, now is the perfect time to jump in. Let me know what you think of Season 3 so far!

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Why Adolescence is the Best Netflix Series You’re Not Watching Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

There’s a new series on Netflix that’s suddenly blowing up, even though it wasn’t really advertised. No big promotional campaign, no flashy trailers—just word of mouth making it explode in popularity. And after watching the first episode, I totally get why.

It’s called Adolescence, and at first glance, it sounds like a typical crime drama. A 15-year-old boy is arrested for a brutal murder, and we follow the police as they interrogate him. Sounds like a whodunit, right? Well, not exactly.

The real magic of Adolescence isn’t just in the story—it’s in how the story is told. Every single episode is filmed in one continuous take. No cuts. No editing tricks. Just an uninterrupted, real-time experience that makes you feel like you’re actually there.

Think about it: The camera follows the action through actual houses, up staircases, into the police station, through the interrogation room. The actors—hundreds of them—stay in character for 40 minutes straight. And somehow, nothing ever goes wrong. It’s insane.

The only time I’ve seen something similar was an episode of ER that was filmed live (yes, I was addicted to that show). But this? This is on a whole new level. The cinematography is mind-blowing, and the performances—especially the young actor playing the accused teenager—are some of the best I’ve ever seen.

If you’re tired of Netflix’s overpriced, overproduced, and often underwhelming content, Adolescence is the perfect reminder of why we still subscribe.

Let me know if you’ve seen it—I need to talk about this with someone!

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The True Story of St. Patrick Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

Most of what people think they know about St. Patrick isn’t actually true.

He wasn’t Irish. He probably didn’t chase snakes out of Ireland. And he definitely didn’t invent green beer (sorry, folks). But here’s something even more surprising: we have a firsthand account of his life, written by St. Patrick himself.

It's called The Confessio, and it’s not just an old historical text—it’s a raw, personal, and deeply human story of faith, struggle, and redemption.

📖 Patrick’s Real Story
As a teenager, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders and sold into slavery. For six years, he worked as a shepherd, alone and afraid. But in that solitude, he found something powerful: faith.

One night, he had a dream that led him to escape captivity and return home. But instead of staying in safety, he chose to return to Ireland—this time as a missionary. He wanted to bring Christianity to the very people who had enslaved him.

💡 Why You Should Read The Confessio
Most of what we know about Patrick comes from myths, written centuries after his death. But in The Confessio, we hear his own voice. He openly shares his fears, weaknesses, and struggles. He even apologizes for his poor Latin, showing just how humble he was.

And here’s the best part: it’s free to read online (link). It’s short, accessible, and—if you ask me—one of the most inspiring reads for St. Patrick’s Day.

👉 If you’re tired of the clichés and want to discover the real St. Patrick, I challenge you: read The Confessio this year. And if you do, let me know what stood out to you the most.

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Warrior Cats: Into the Wild Review (Spoilers) Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

Okay, confession time. I did not expect to get emotionally invested in a book about warrior cats. But Into the Wild pulled me in fast. At first, I thought, "Oh, this will be a fun, light read." And then suddenly, I was knee-deep in clan politics, betrayals, and existential questions about loyalty.

This book is way smarter than it looks. And today, I want to dive into exactly why it works so well.

First off, the worldbuilding is fantastic. These aren’t just talking cats. The clans have their own hierarchies, rituals, laws, and moral codes that feel as real as any human society. And instead of dumping all this information on us at once, the story unfolds naturally as Rusty (soon to be Firepaw) learns about it. That’s immersive storytelling done right—very much like The Lord of the Rings, where we experience Middle-earth through Frodo’s eyes.

Then there’s Rusty’s hero’s journey, which hits all the right beats:

Call to adventure: He feels drawn to the wild.

Entering a new world: He joins ThunderClan.

Facing resistance: Some cats don’t trust him.

Proving himself: Through courage and loyalty.

Transformation: He becomes Fireheart, a true warrior.

It’s Harry Potter stepping into Hogwarts. It’s Vin from Mistborn proving herself in a rigid society. It’s The Lion King, but with more battle scars.

But what really hooked me? Clan politics and betrayal.

Tigerclaw is basically a feline Macbeth—power-hungry, ruthless, and cunning.

The moral dilemmas hit hard. Does loyalty mean blind obedience, or is it about doing what’s right? Firepaw has to decide.

And then there’s StarClan—the mystical ancestors guiding the living, shaping prophecy, and creating a belief system that mirrors real-world faith.

For a middle-grade book, Into the Wild goes deep. It tackles real human dilemmas, from faith to corruption to the struggle between power and justice. And that’s why this book sticks with readers for years. It’s not just about warrior cats—it’s about us.

Have you read Into the Wild? Do you think it holds up for adult readers too? Join my on my Discord server to discuss: fatherroderick.com/discord

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How I Fell in Love with Reading Again Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

I was a library kid. My happy place was a quiet corner, surrounded by books, far from the constant noise of home—my dad’s bagpipes, my brother’s piano practice, and the general chaos of family life. Yet despite my love for books, there was a long period when I barely read at all.

What happened? School.

In the Netherlands, we were forced to read “real” literature for every language we studied—Dutch, English, French, German. And let me tell you, German post-war literature? Absolutely soul-crushing. When I asked my English teacher if I could read The Lord of the Rings, he frowned and said, I’m not sure if that’s literature. That moment killed something inside me.

Then came seminary. Again, reading—but only textbooks. Theology, philosophy, heavy-duty stuff. No time for fun books. Then I became a priest, and reading felt like a luxury. If I had free time, surely I should be praying or doing something “useful.”

And then, Harry Potter happened.

I was studying in Rome when I saw the first Harry Potter movie. It unlocked something in me. I devoured the books. I felt like a kid again. That led me back to The Lord of the Rings and other books I had once loved. But it wasn’t until the pandemic that my reading truly took off.

I discovered the Goodreads Reading Challenge. It gamified reading, and suddenly, my ADHD brain was hooked.

First, I aimed for 50 books.

Then, I thought, Why not 100?

Then, 150? Sure, let’s go for it!

Audiobooks became my secret weapon. Running? Cleaning? Driving? That’s prime listening time. Storytel, a European audiobook service, let me consume books like never before. I figured out exactly how many hours I needed to hit my goal. And somehow, I did it.

This year? Disaster. I was so focused on writing my own novel that I didn’t read anything for six weeks. But I realized something: I need to read to write. Books feed my creativity. So now, I’m catching up—19 books behind, but I’ll make it.

I’m reading books strategically too. The Fourth Wing? Not my target audience, but I read it to understand why it’s so popular (and, let’s be honest, to roast it a little). The Way of Kings? I like Sanderson, but I also know his books draw a huge audience. Reading isn’t just a passion now—it’s part of my work.

And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Severance Is 'Lost' for the Streaming Generation Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

I can’t stop talking about Severance. It’s rare for a show to capture my imagination the way this one does. Every episode is like a puzzle piece, and the internet is buzzing with speculation, theories, and analysis. It reminds me of the Lost era when fans would dissect every frame for hidden clues.

What makes Severance so special?

A Thriving Fan Community – Unlike toxic fandoms that seem to hate everything, Severance fans are excited. They analyze every shot, every line, every hidden detail, creating a shared sense of discovery.

Incredible Cinematography – Every frame is a work of art. The way the show plays with light, angles, and color enhances its eerie, surreal atmosphere.

A Thoughtful Narrative – The show critiques corporate culture, the dehumanization of workers, and the dangers of cult-like ideology. It’s about control, identity, and what makes us human.

Masterful Storytelling – Like Lost, it thrives on mystery. Just when you think you have it figured out, another layer is revealed.

A Creator Who Cares – The companion podcast, hosted by Ben Stiller and Adam Scott, reveals how much love and thought went into crafting this series.

With only two episodes left in Season 2, we’re about to get some major revelations. And with a 75-minute finale? That’s almost a feature film!

If you haven’t watched Severance yet, now’s the time. And if you have, let’s talk theories—join me on Discord: fatherroderick.com/discord.

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The Magic of Star Wars Toys Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

If you grew up with Star Wars, you probably had that one toy that defined your childhood. Maybe it was a lightsaber, an action figure, or a model of the Millennium Falcon. For me, those early Star Wars toys were more than just collectibles—they were how we kept the magic alive between movies.

Back then, you couldn’t just rewatch Star Wars whenever you wanted. No VHS, no streaming, no DVDs. If you were lucky, the movie might air on TV years later. So for my siblings and me, Star Wars toys were how we relived the adventure.

Some memories that stick out:

The original action figures—Luke, Leia, Han, Vader—roughly resembling their movie counterparts but with some very questionable designs (Vader’s lightsaber looked like an antenna).

The Princess Leia doll that my sister experimented on, only to find the iconic buns were impossible to restore.

The landspeeder with tiny wheels underneath, creating the illusion of floating across our living room floor.

The Millennium Falcon playset—the holy grail of Star Wars toys. I never had it, but I dreamed about it. Years later, I finally saw one in a collector’s stash, and all those childhood feelings came rushing back.

That nostalgia is why I eventually bought a second-hand LEGO Millennium Falcon. Sadly, it wasn’t as exciting as I’d hoped. The build was too technical, and the interior was almost non-existent. But the latest LEGO sets? Now those are getting closer to the magic of old-school playsets.

Looking back, I realize how lucky we are today. Star Wars fans now have immersive VR games, hyper-detailed action figures, and LEGO dioramas that let us recreate those classic scenes with incredible realism. But there’s something about those early toys—simple, sometimes clunky—that made Star Wars feel alive in a way no video game ever could.

What was your favorite childhood toy? Whether Star Wars or something else, let’s relive the nostalgia together!

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