Story Secrets

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 lesson: that the tenacity of evil should never discourage us, since "Evil labours with vast power and perpetual success - in vain: preparing always only the soil for unexpected good to sprout in." (J.R.R. Tolkien , “The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien”) We have a moral obligation to keep fighting evil whenever it shows up: "It is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succour of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they shall have is not ours to rule." (J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Return of the King: Being the Third Part of the Lord of the Rings”) [This episode contains mild spoilers for Rings of Power Season 2, episode 1]

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 Storytelling course: https://fatherroderick.com/storytelling

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 on a Mission'. I also talk about Deborah Ann Woll's explanation of Dungeons and Dragons on the show 'Real Ones' (https://youtu.be/hC07aVjdRC8?si=8AQ_mO-T9PJfqh67) Move your Patreon subscription to my new membership community before time runs out by going to https://fatherroderick.com/join

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 Arch offers free gaming emulation on iOS and on the Apple TV Want to continue to receive these podcasts and get access to even more perks? Make sure join my new community (or to migrate from Patreon!) by going here: https://www.fatherroderick.com/join Check out my new video course about Storytelling if you want to learn how to become a better storyteller and share your message through stories online, in public speaking or when sharing your faith. With a one-time donation of €99, you get access to 2 months of lessons and you help me produce more of these courses. Follow this link to sign up: https://fatherroderick.com/storytelling

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 community and get access to many new perks and features: https://fatherroderick.com/join (after signing up, you can stop your Patreon support; you will be able to access this podcast through a new personal feed on the new website). Become a sponsor of my learning project and get early access to my London course about storytelling: https://fatherroderick.com/storytelling

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 playing Rummikub for the first time and I give you my impressions of the latest update of the game No Man's Sky.

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 to my full course about storytelling!

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!

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 climate in large parts of the western world. I review Bear Grylls book 'A Survival Guide for Life: How to Achieve Your Goals, Thrive in Adversity, and Grow in Character', and I explain why we need more Catholic testimonials like this. And I share with you what technology I'm taking with me on my first 'Digital Nomad' experiment this upcoming month.

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 migration from Patreon to my new membership community and Premium Podcast feed is now in full swing; all patrons should have received an invitation to migrate. Let me know if you have any issues, I'm here to help!

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.

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 Apple presented during this week's WWDC.

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 work as a 'digital nomad' in the month of July in one of three countries: Portugal, France or Ireland.

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 you about my new teleprompter setup in my home studio.

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 validated. Intriguingly, it is Sheldon who, in the second season, provides comfort to his very religious mother when she experiences a crisis in faith. In this podcast episode, I share my thoughts during a coffee break.

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', and the reveal of an amazing new Lord of the Rings LEGO set. I also talk about my preferred learning process by which I quickly figured out how to use Notion for my creative work and for my coaching endeavors.

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 play more video games while helping my health efforts at the same time, and how a new strategy might solve my problem of not having enough time to watch the Star Wars, fantasy and anime series that I use as the basis for my YouTube and TikTok channels. Finally, I discuss the fallout of the controversial new iPad Pro ad that enraged creators all over the internet.UPDATE: Apple has publicly apologized for its iPad Pro advertisement: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/09/tech/apple-apologizes-for-ipad-pro-ad/index.html

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 chapter in my podcasting adventures, bringing the best of The Walk and of The Break into one premium show for my patrons.

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 workout routines that made me happy, about intermittent fasting and cravings, about the best filming rig for my iPhone 15 Pro Max and about the recent news about the Apple Vision Pro and the about the Meta Horizon OS. Make sure to subscribe to my email newsletter to be informed about my new communities and about future podcasts: sign up at www.fatherroderick.com/free and get my newest book for free!

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 that shared so much of their lives with me. I talk about it in this episode of The Break, and I also discuss X-Men 97, the Fallout TV show and recent developments in the Vatican. In the premium version of the show for my patrons, I talk about intermittent fasting, Spanish Tortilla, the theology of Diablo IV and more.

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 vacuming droids and I share my first impressions of the game Diablo IV.

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 talk about new types of food to try out when I'm back in Rome, I tell you how I use AI to help me in my creative process and I share my excitement about the upcoming PC version of the Ghost of Tsushima. Links: Check out Seth Dunkin's great commentary series on the Star Trek franchise: https://www.tiktok.com/@sedunko How to Rome with great food tips when you're visiting Rome:  https://www.tiktok.com/@tomasrhill

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 Apple may have in store for its upcoming WWDC.

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 enigma that puzzled me for years and I share my experience playing the Back To The Future Board Game!

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 of changing and adapting a homily at the last minute, I tell you about my upcoming Hobbit retreat and I bid farewell to the wedge-shaped MacBook Air.

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 game Cooking: carrot pumpkin soup, crepes with ham and brie/camembert, Indonesian pea soup. Tech/Media: Where is YouTube heading and what does it mean for creators?

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, the Apple Vision Pro and about the Proto-Indo-European language in Alien: Prometheus. Link: Proto-Indo-European language in Alien Prometheus: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZIJnuq2w9/

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 the Premium part of the show, available to my patrons, I talk about fasting during Lent, about work in the Middle-ages and about the evolution of language.

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 people, we meet the PEGI guy and I talk about Persona 3 Reload. You can sign up for my Diary of a Media Priest by going to mediapriest.com 

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 Break: RIP Carl Weathers; My First Tolkien Webinar; Pluto Review appeared first on Father Roderick.

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 Break: The Creator Review; Ancient Rome and Alexandria on TV; The Apprentice in the Kitchen" The post The Break: The Creator Review; Ancient Rome and Alexandria on TV; The Apprentice in the Kitchen appeared first on Father Roderick.

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 first on Father Roderick.

In this episode: How Star Wars fans reacted to toxic fandom this week; my journey with Mr. Underhill and John Snowflake in Fantasy Hike; Vinland Saga and the art of making history lessons relevant for today. In the premium part of the show (available to all my patreon contributors), I review Britney Spears’ autobiography “TheContinue reading "The Break: Star Wars Fans vs Toxic Fandom; Walking to Mordor; the History Lessons of Vinland Saga" The post The Break: Star Wars Fans vs Toxic Fandom; Walking to Mordor; the History Lessons of Vinland Saga appeared first on Father Roderick.

In this episode of the Break: Lots of Star Wars news: All about the new Star Wars movie about the Mandalorian and Grogu, The Mandalorian Season 4 and Ahsoka Season 2 confirmed. Middle-earth experiences in videogames What the Harry Potter Reboot should avoid In the premium part of the show, available for all my payingContinue reading "The Break: The Mandalorian and Grogu Movie: Why? Medieval Dynasty and the Harry Potter Reboot" The post The Break: The Mandalorian and Grogu Movie: Why? Medieval Dynasty and the Harry Potter Reboot appeared first on Father Roderick.

In this episode of The Break, I share why I’m excited about Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s plans for the new Star Wars movie about Rey’s efforts to rebuild the Jedi order. I talk about the fate of Star Trek Discovery and I tell you why I decided to buy the physical 4K discs for The Lord ofContinue reading "The Break: Is It Time For Women To Shape Star Wars? Middle-earth in 4K; Star Trek Discovery" The post The Break: Is It Time For Women To Shape Star Wars? Middle-earth in 4K; Star Trek Discovery appeared first on Father Roderick.

In this New Year’s episode of The Break I list my favorite movies, TV shows and books of 2023, I review Zack Snyder’s movie ‘Rebel Moon’ and I look forward to what 2024 has in store! In the Premium part of the show for my Patrons, I talk about Beef Wellington, Pasta Con Le Cozze,Continue reading "The Break: New Year’s Break: My Review of Rebel Moon" The post The Break: New Year’s Break: My Review of Rebel Moon appeared first on Father Roderick.

In this episode: Why you should (re)watch the LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special Watching the Lord of the Rings Trilogy for Christmas Visiting the JRR Tolkien Exposition in Rome Comparing the xThermae Romae Novae anime about Roman bath houses to the real Baths of Caracalla in Rome Plus, in the premium version of the showContinue reading "The Break: The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special; Tolkien in Rome; Thermae Romae Novae" The post The Break: The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special; Tolkien in Rome; Thermae Romae Novae appeared first on Father Roderick.

In this episode, I talk about the new direction Doctor Who is taking in the 60th anniversary specials, I share which traditional Christmas movies I like and don't care for, I talk about the secret to quality pasta dishes and I share my impressions of the third book in the Red Rising Saga: Morning Star. The post The Break: Christmas Movie & TV Specials, Pasta Secrets and Red Rising: Morning Star Review appeared first on Father Roderick.

In this episode of 'The Break', I explain why Star Wars could benefit from an 'Advent approach' to its tentpole productions, I give my spoiler-free impressions of Doctor Who: Wild Blue Yonder and share some metaphysical ponderings about the 'edge of creation'. And did you know that you can now visit the inside of Bagshot Row, Sam and Rosie's Hobbit Hole, on the Hobbiton Movie Set in New Zealand? The post The Break: Andor Postponed? Doctor Who: Wild Blue Yonder, Visiting Bagshot Row appeared first on Father Roderick.

What did you think of the Doctor's return in the first 60th anniversary special? I share my spoiler-free review of "The Star Beast"! The post The Break: Doctor Who: The Star Beast Spoiler-free Review | Star Wars in 2024 | Return to Moria | Squid Game: The Challenge appeared first on Father Roderick.

This year’s Thanksgiving Day also marks the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who. I look back on how this science fiction series impacted my youth and why the Doctor keeps inspiring me. I also talk about the big interview about the future of Star Wars in Vanity Fair with Dave Filoni, Rosario Dawson and other peopleContinue reading "The Break: 60 Years of Doctor Who; Dave Filoni and the Future of Star Wars; Rings of Power Season 2; more Vinland Saga Thoughts" The post The Break: 60 Years of Doctor Who; Dave Filoni and the Future of Star Wars; Rings of Power Season 2; more Vinland Saga Thoughts appeared first on Father Roderick.

What do we know about Taika Waititi's Star Wars movie? I react to a recent interview with the busy writer/director. Also, I review two of my favorite episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine so far with an unexpected relevancy for our times. The post The Break: Is Taika Waititi’s Star Wars movie shelved? Deep Space Nine’s enduring relevancy; Fullmetal Alchemist’s surprising depth appeared first on Father Roderick.

With both Marvel and Star Wars franchises at a turning point, will MCU's mastermind Kevin Feige take over and save Star Wars? Or is something else necessary to safeguard the future of these storytelling universes? The post The Break: Can Kevin Feige Save Star Wars? Andy Serkis Reads The Silmarillion; Vinland Saga and History appeared first on Father Roderick.

Season 2 of Marvel’s Loki has one major quality that makes it relatable even if you can’t follow all the multiverse stuff going on; Star Wars: The Acolyte looks very promising; The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim expands Peter Jackson’s Middle-earth presence; Vinland Saga continues to surprise me. ? Like thisContinue reading "The Break: Loki Season 2, Star Wars: The Acolyte, The War of the Rohirrim and Vinland Saga" The post The Break: Loki Season 2, Star Wars: The Acolyte, The War of the Rohirrim and Vinland Saga appeared first on Father Roderick.

In this episode of The Break, I discuss the difference between the Zombie Night Troopers in Star Wars Ahsoka and Rey's return from the dead in The Rise of Skywalker? In this special 'All Hallows' episode of The Break, I talk about the Afterlife in Star Wars, in Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and in a couple of scary Anime series. The post The Break: Zombie Night Troopers and Force Ghosts appeared first on Father Roderick.

In this episode of the Break, I discuss the rumored Star Wars: Kylo Ren movie, I talk about the Lord of the Rings trilogy being completed 20 years ago, I review two more anime series (Bleach and Shangri-La Frontier) and I talk about the turbulent history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. ? Like this podcast?Continue reading "The Break: 20 Years Since the Return of the King" The post The Break: 20 Years Since the Return of the King appeared first on Father Roderick.

In this episode of The Break, I discuss English Film director Matthew Vaughn’s proposal to reboot the original Skywalker Saga, I share the 5 Anime series I’m currently watching and I explore the book that may have inspired the Loki television series! ? Like this podcast? Support my work with a monthly donation via https://Patreon.com/FatherRoderick.Continue reading "The Break: Is It Time To Reboot Star Wars?" The post The Break: Is It Time To Reboot Star Wars? appeared first on Father Roderick.

In this episode of The Break, I give you my spoiler-free impressions of the first season of Star Wars: Ahsoka! ? Like this podcast? Support my work with a monthly donation via https://Patreon.com/FatherRoderick. All my patrons get access to the premium version of this podcast with extra content. The post The Break: Why Star Wars – Ahsoka Tells a Pivotal Story appeared first on Father Roderick.

In this week’s podcast, I take you on a musical journey from Middle-earth to Galaxy’s Edge as I talk about the power of music to change our lives. ? Like this podcast? Support my work with a monthly donation via https://Patreon.com/FatherRoderick. All my patrons get access to the premium version of this podcast with extraContinue reading "The Break: A Musical Journey From Middle-earth to Galaxy’s Edge" The post The Break: A Musical Journey From Middle-earth to Galaxy’s Edge appeared first on Father Roderick.

In this episode of my podcast, on the occasion of Bilbo’s and Frodo’s birthday on September 22, I take you with me down memory lane to the Shire and reflect on the importance of hopes and dreams. ? Like this podcast? Support my work with a monthly donation via https://Patreon.com/FatherRoderick. All my patrons get accessContinue reading "Back To The Shire" The post Back To The Shire appeared first on Father Roderick.