Stories Across Borders

Daniel and Blake take a look at a classic horror game, Corpse Party. How does the game use the gross, gory and macabre to compliment its more psychological elements rather than hinder them?

Daniel and Blake continue their cycle on horror stories with a look at The Cabin in the Woods, a comedic take on the genre. How do horror and comedy blend and contrast? Why do you need to understand something to properly satirise it?

Daniel and guest, Blake Pingleton, discuss horror stories. What makes a good horror story? What makes a story scary? Does horror need to be frightening?

Daniel and Jon talk about a book series they both grew up on, the Inheritance Cycle. Often considered a derivative work, they examine the things it does to stand out from its inspirations. How does a magic system with clear rules and limitations add to its story?

Jon reads Daniel's short story, The Orchard. Then, they discuss the workings of the system Daniel built for the story and how it affects the world he created. If a world has magic, how does that magic influence the world?

Daniel and Jon attempt to remain objective as they look back at another fantasy series they grew up with. What are the strengths and failings of a series with a soft magic system that masquerades as one with rules in-universe?

A new cycle begins. Daniel and Jon discuss magic and magic systems. What is the difference between the two? What types of magic systems are there? How can magic and magic systems be incorporated well into a story?

Daniel and his co-host, Jon Coenan, kick off Stories Across Borders with a subject they hope won't be prophetic - disaster stories. Just why are these stories so impactful?

Jon reads the prologue of Daniel's novel, Domino. Then, they discuss why Daniel made some of the writing choices he did and how he applied much of what was talked about in the previous episodes in the cycle.

Daniel and Jon continue Stories Across Borders' first cycle with a look at the satirical disaster movie, Don't Look Up. How does the movie use satire to make statements about very real threats?