PODCAST

Story Secrets

Fr. Roderick Vonhögen

Fr. Roderick Vonhögen explores the deeper layers of the stories that you love.

religion & spirituality christianity

All Episodes

19:23

Story Secrets - "Dungeons & Dragons inspired my book"

Story Secrets ·

2025/02/21

What if the color of your eyes determined your entire life? That’s the premise behind Gaby Raaijmakers’ fantasy trilogy, where eye color dictates everything—your job, your social class, even your future. Born with blue eyes? You’re a servant. Golden eyes? You’re royalty. Black eyes? A thief. And what happens if you refuse to accept the role society forces upon you?I had the pleasure of interviewingGaby Raaijmakers, a Dutch fantasy author whose worldbuilding reminded me of Red Rising, The

16:34

Story Secrets - Rings of Power S3 & Peter Jackson’s...

Story Secrets ·

2025/02/20

We’re in a new golden age of Middle-earth. With The Rings of Power greenlit for Season 3, Peter Jackson’s next Lord of the Rings films in development, and The War of the Rohirrim bringing anime-style Tolkien to the screen, it’s an exciting time to be a fan.I know The Rings of Power has sparked endless debate, but I have to say—I love what they’ve done with it. The way they’ve adapted Sauron’s deception, the forging of the rings, and the power struggles of the Second Age? Incredible. It’s

13:32

Story Secrets - Cooking Monsters and Exorcising Spirits

Story Secrets ·

2025/02/19

Editing my footage from the Elfia fantasy fair feels like stepping into a time machine. It’s freezing outside, but watching those warm, sunny September days again? Pure joy. Events like these are more than just fun—they create lasting memories.One of my favorite encounters was with a German cosplayer dressed as Senshi, the mustachioed dwarven cook from Delicious in Dungeon. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a delightful anime about adventurers who literally cook and eat the monsters they fight

13:55

Story Secrets - Review Of The Movie 'Carry-On'

Story Secrets ·

2025/02/18

Not so long ago, my friends recommended a movie that had been sitting on my Netflix homepage forever: Carry On. At the time, I scrolled past it, thinking, Eh, maybe later. But when they described it as a non-stop, old-school action thriller, I knew I had to give it a shot.And wow—this movie is peak action movie nonsense in the best way possible. It’s got it all: an everyday guy caught in a criminal plot, high-stakes airport security drama, and ridiculous moments that make you yell, “That

21:31

Story Secrets - Is Mara Jade Finally Coming to Star...

Story Secrets ·

2025/02/17

When Disney took over Star Wars, they wiped out the entire Expanded Universe, leaving fans heartbroken. Years of novels, comics, and games—gone, or rather, rebranded as Legends. While some elements have slowly crept back into canon (hello, Thrawn!), one major character remains absent: Mara Jade. Now, a new rumor suggests that Disney is considering a Mara Jade TV series. Is it true? No idea. But it makes sense. Mara’s story is classic Star Wars—a villain turned hero, redemption, a personal

20:22

Story Secrets - "Fantasy Helps Us Discover Our Own...

Story Secrets ·

2025/02/14

It’s Fantasy Friday, and I’ve got two things for you: an inspiring interview with fantasy author and illustrator RobinRozendal and an update on my own fantasy novel.Meet Robin Rozendal: I met Robin at the Fantasy Festival in Arcen, and her creativity blew me away. Here’s why: Massive, Original World: Her fantasy books explore living cities—yes, cities with thoughts, emotions, and even mental health struggles. It’s a concept I’ve never seen before, and it’s brilliant. Multi-Talented

17:55

Story Secrets - Severance Season 2: Does It Live Up...

Story Secrets ·

2025/02/13

If you’ve been holding your breath for Severance Season 2, exhale—it’s here, and it’s absolutely worth the wait. I’m Father Roderick, a priest and a geek, and today I’m diving into why this mind-bending series is still one of the best shows on television. When I first talked about Severance, I raved about its originality, mystery, and sheer brilliance. But with the bar set so high, could Season 2 deliver? Spoiler-free verdict: YES. What Makes Season 2 Stand Out: Visual Storytelling: The

9:43

Story Secrets - Fantastic Four & the Rise of Retro...

Story Secrets ·

2025/02/12

You’ve probably heard the talk: "Superhero fatigue is real." With some recent Marvel and DC projects underperforming, it's easy to see why. But hold on—there’s a fresh wave of superhero content that might just change the game.Take the upcoming Fantastic Four movie. The trailer has a retro vibe that's refreshingly different from the usual MCU fare. It feels like a breath of fresh air, showing that superhero stories can evolve by tapping into different eras and styles. Here’s why the genre

20:07

Story Secrets - Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reboot: What...

Story Secrets ·

2025/02/11

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is making a comeback. No, this isn’t just another reboot announcement—we actually have some fresh details about the new series, and they’re worth talking about. The big news? Sarah Michelle Gellar is returning as Buffy! But she won’t be the main character this time around. Instead, it seems the focus will shift to a new generation of vampire slayers, possibly with an ensemble cast. This could bring fresh energy, diversity, and broader appeal to the franchise while

18:42

Story Secrets - Sigourney Weaver Reveals Her Role in...

Story Secrets ·

2025/02/10

Hey there, fellow Star Wars fans! We've known for a while that Sigourney Weaver is part of The Mandalorian and Grogu movie. But in a recent interview, she dropped some exciting new details about her role, and it’s got me thinking this film might be more than just an extended TV episode. Weaver revealed she’ll be sharing scenes with Grogu, who has grown up a bit and will showcase new abilities. That alone has me curious about how his character will evolve. Even more intriguing? Weaver plays

18:19

Story Secrets - "We Needed Children’s Books To Recover"

Story Secrets ·

2025/02/07

Some stories stay with you long after you close the book. Some characters feel so real that their struggles, triumphs, and losses affect you deeply—even if they’re entirely fictional.I recently spoke with authors Anaïd Haen and Django Mathijsen about their experiences writing emotionally intense stories. Their fantasy series Decadentia was so raw and powerful that they sometimes had to step away from writing—it became too much. They even switched to writing children’s books just to take a

15:36

Story Secrets - The Cat Who Saved Books

Story Secrets ·

2025/02/06

Books do more than entertain. They challenge us, change us, and shape the way we see the world. That’s why I loved The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa—a story about a boy, a talking cat, and the deeper meaning of books. In this novel, the main character is drawn into different worlds where books are under threat—whether by people who hoard them without reading them, or those who think only “useful” books should exist. It’s a reminder that stories are more than just words on a page

8:29

Story Secrets - From Sacristans To Storytellers

Story Secrets ·

2025/02/05

What if your church’s sacristans—quietly setting up for Mass on Sunday morning—were also an elf and a bard at a fantasy festival theday before? That’s the real-life story of Ruby and Joost, two amazing cosplayers I met at Elfia, who also serve as dedicated volunteers in their church.Their love for fantasy and faith isn’t a contradiction—it’s a reflection of the same values. Fantasy stories teach us courage, self-sacrifice, and hope, just like the Bible does. For Ruby and Joost, cosplay

16:07

Story Secrets - My Least Favorite Star Wars Movie

Story Secrets ·

2025/02/04

I love Star Wars. I really do. But even as a lifelong fan, I have to admit—some movies are better than others. And if I had to pick my least favorite? Attack of the Clones.It’s not about the idea. The story of Anakin’s slow turn to the dark side had potential. But the execution? That’s where things fall apart. Anakin’s character shift feels rushed, his romance with Padmé is completely unconvincing, and the dialogue… well, let’s just say sand isn’t the only thing that’s coarse and rough in

14:44

Story Secrets - Heaven, Hell and Groundhog Day

Story Secrets ·

2025/02/03

We’ve all had days that feel like they’re on repeat—wake up, work, eat, sleep, repeat. But what if you were actually stuck in the same day, over and over again? That’s exactly what happens to Phil Connors in Groundhog Day, and it’s why this movie is so much more than just a comedy. At first, Phil is selfish and cynical, using the time loop to indulge in anything he wants. But after reliving the same mistakes countless times, he starts to change. He learns that happiness doesn’t come from

17:45

Story Secrets - Every Choice Leads to Adventure

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/31

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 following a single narrative, you make choices that determine the outcome. In Fort Enigma, you solve riddles and puzzles to navigate different

13:27

Story Secrets - Discovering the World of Warrior Cats

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/30

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, featuring a fierce orange tabby with piercing green eyes, caught my attention immediately. Little did I know, this wasn’t just a cute cat book

12:23

Story Secrets - Why We’re Still Snapping for the...

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/29

🎵 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 the Addams Family. From the original TV series to Tim Burton’s Netflix hit Wednesday, this macabre clan has brought humor and heart to

14:33

Story Secrets - Fullmetal Alchemist

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/28

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, Fullmetal Alchemist is about two brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who risk everything to bring their mother back through alchemy—a science in their

15:42

Story Secrets - My Favorite Star Wars Movie

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/27

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 break it down. First, A New Hope was a game-changer—the first time I saw sci-fi come alive on the big screen. Luke Skywalker's journey from a

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