PODCAST

Story Secrets

Fr. Roderick Vonhögen

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

religion & spirituality christianity

All Episodes

13:05

Story Secrets - Die Hard With Monsters

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/24

I’ve always loved portal stories—tales where a doorway or gateway leads to another world. It started with Stargate SG-1, but you can see the same magic in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, or even Harry Potter’s Platform 9 ¾. The idea of stepping into another reality is irresistible.Recently, I had the chance to chat with Dutch author Kelly van der Laan, whose books often play with this concept. Kelly is a master of genre-bending—mixing fantasy, science fiction, and even horror. One

19:02

Story Secrets - Why 'Silo' Hits So Close To Home

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/23

If you’ve been following Silo on Apple TV+, you know how gripping and thought-provoking this series can be. Season 2’s finale didn’t just deliver shocking moments—it left us pondering themes that feel eerily relevant in today’s world.Set in an underground society, Silo explores what happens when people are kept in the dark—literally and figuratively. This season dives deeper into the dangers of hiding the truth and the consequences of unchecked power. It’s not just a sci-fi story; it’s a

11:29

Story Secrets - A Conversation With Noldor Elves

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/22

As I work on my new fantasy novel, I’ve been diving deep into the genre to figure out where my story fits. Is it epic fantasy like Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, or does it lean more toward historical fiction? Right now, it’s shaping up to be a blend: a story set in a fantasy version of early medieval Ireland, infused with its rich mythology and magical traditions.I’ve been inspired by my travels through Ireland, like the time I stumbled upon a garden full of fairies and gnomesnear

10:09

Story Secrets - Is 'Sakamoto Days' Worth Watching?

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/21

Netflix just dropped a new anime series called Sakamoto Days, and after checking out the first episode, I have to say—it’s more than just another action-packed manga adaptation. This series dives into themes of redemption, family, and the struggle between the past and present, all wrapped in a story that’s both heartfelt and entertaining. The plot revolves around Taro Sakamoto, a former hitman who gives up his violent life to start a family and run a convenience store. But his past doesn’t

24:18

Story Secrets - Decoding Skeleton Crew's Finale

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/20

The final episode of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew surprised me, not just with its action and drama but with its deeper meaning. This wasn’t just a story about space adventures; it was about freedom, family, and the courage to grow. One moment really stood out: the kids’ spaceship breaking free from the planet's grasp. On the surface, it’s just a ship flying away. But dig a little deeper, and you see it represents something much bigger—letting go. For the kids, it’s about breaking free from the

15:26

Story Secrets: Dragons As Flying Flamethrowers

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/17

Ever wished you could transform into a dragon? Imagine the power to confront challenges head-on, just like Lilith, the protagonist of Kim ten Tusscher's fantasy series. Lilith's journey from captivity to self-discovery is a compelling tale that mirrors our own struggles with identity and belonging.In thispodcast episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Kim ten Tusscher, a seasoned Dutch fantasy author. She shared insights into her writing process and the inspiration behind her works

20:48

Story Secrets - What Is 'Silo' Season 2 Trying To...

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/16

In the second season of Silo, the battle for freedom takes center stage, mirroring struggles we often face in our own lives. The series, based on Hugh Howey’s Wool, shows an underground world where people live confined in a massive silo, unable to escape due to the dangers of the world outside. It’s a gripping story that has kept me on the edge of my seat, especially as it reveals the psychological toll of living in a system where power and oppression dictate every part of life.What stood

10:47

Story Secrets - The Pope at a Fantasy Festival

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/15

At a fantasy festival in the gardens of a Dutch castle, I stumbled upon a surprising duo: a monk and the Pope, sitting on a bench and sharing a pizza.The “Pope” stood out—not because of his spot-on vestments, but because he was young, wore sunglasses, and had a relaxed vibe you wouldn’t expect from the papacy. Naturally, I stopped to chat. Tim, the cosplayer behind the Pope, explained why he chose the costume: “I wanted to do something unexpected.” But what struck me most wasn’t his

12:33

Story Secrets - Will Skeleton Crew Get a Season 2?...

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/14

Ever since Skeleton Crew premiered, I’ve been hooked. It’s not every day a Star Wars series comes along that makes me feel like a wide-eyed kid again. But as we approach the season finale, one question keeps popping up in my mind—and I’m sure I’m not alone in this: will there be a second season? To be honest, I’m torn. On the one hand, the show has been a massive success. It nails everything we love about Star Wars: adventure, heart, and that feeling of hope we desperately need in real

16:09

Story Secrets - Murderbot on Apple TV+ Has a Problem

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/13

Have you ever read a book where the main character’s identity completely changes how you see the story? That’s exactly what happened to me with The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. It’s a brilliant sci-fi series about a self-aware robot grappling with free will, binge-watching soap operas, and, surprisingly, its own identity. When I first read the series, I imagined Murderbot as male. Maybe it was the audiobook narrator’s voice, or just my own bias. But I was shocked to find that many

24:19

Story Secrets - Chronicles of Magic

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/10

I'm excited to share that I recently embarked on writing my first fantasy novel! It’s been a challenging journey, learning about story arcs, character development, and pacing action. I have newfound respect for authors who have mastered these skills.One author I admire is Dutch fantasy writer Ian Laverman. He's written seven novels in a single, richly imagined universe, adding depth with each installment. In this episode of "Story Secrets," Ian shares his creative process, love for

19:51

Story Secrets - Severance Season 1 Review

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/09

Have you ever wished you could just skip the workday entirely? Imagine waking up, enjoying your morning coffee, and then fast-forwarding to your evening of relaxing with family, watching a movie, or gaming. It sounds perfect, doesn’t it? That’s exactly the premise of the Apple TV+ series Severance — but the reality it explores is far from idyllic. Hi, I’m Father Roderick. I’m a priest, a geek, and a storyteller. In my latest podcast episode, I dive deep into this fascinating series and

15:25

Story Secrets - Life Lessons from the Last...

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/08

If you’ve ever watched Avatar: The Last Airbender, chances are you’ve got a favorite character. Maybe it’s one of the kids, like Aang, Katara, or Toph. But for many of us, there’s one character who stands out: Uncle Iroh.I recently explored this fan-favorite character on my podcast, diving into why he’s such a beloved figure—not just in the series but also in the hearts of fans of all ages. I even had the chance to meet someone cosplaying as Uncle Iroh at a fantasy festival, complete with

20:14

Story Secrets - What Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Taught...

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/07

When was the last time aStar Wars story really moved you? For me, it was episode 6 of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.This series has surprised me at every turn, but this latest episode was on another level. It’s not just about lightsabers, pirates, or epic space battles—it’s about how friendship is forged in moments of struggle and vulnerability. The show brings together four kids who couldn’t be more different. They argue, clash, and sometimes downright frustrate each other. But when things go

15:29

Story Secrets - What Kind of Tolkien Fan Are You?

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/06

Last week, I joined the Dutch Tolkien Society for a special event: the annual Tolkien toast. At precisely 9 p.m. on January 3rd, fans across the world raise a glass to honor "The Professor." It’s a celebration of Tolkien's birthday, but for me, it turned into an eye-opening exploration of what it means to love Middle-earth. Over dinner, I discovered two fascinating groups within the Tolkien fandom. There are the Ardarians—the meticulous historians of Middle-earth. They’re all about the

22:06

Story Secrets - Drafting Dragons

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/03

Have you ever dreamed of writing your own fantasy novel but felt overwhelmed by the enormity of the task? That’s exactly how I’ve felt for years. But after speaking with Dutch fantasy author Cocky van Dijk, who turned a short story into a trilogy and co-runs the Zilverspoor publishing house, I learned that starting small is the secret to building big worlds. In this week’s episode of my podcast, I met with Cocky to explore the fascinating world of her trilogy, De Schaduwkrijger (The Shadow

18:36

Story Secrets - Delicious in Dungeon Season 1 Review

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/02

Did you know that a lethal Monster Scorpion and some creepy Walking Mushrooms can be turned into adelicious stew? The robust flavors of scorpion meat with the earthy taste of walking mushrooms create a comforting and flavorful meal. At least, that's what the dwarf Senshi tells his fellow adventurers in the Japanese anime series 'Delicious in Dungeon'. If you're looking for an anime that's fun, surprisingly deep, and a bit unconventional, Delicious in Dungeon might just be what you're

22:44

Story Secrets - Why Star Trek Unification Left Me...

Story Secrets ·

2025/01/02

What lies beyond the final frontier? It’s a question Star Trek has always hinted at but never fully explored—until now. In my latest podcast episode, I dive into the Star Trek: Unification short, produced by OTOY, Inc in association with William Shatner and the Nimoy Estate, and why I think it’s one of the most profound pieces of storytelling in the franchise’s history. Here’s why Unification left such an impression: A Perfect FarewellSpock and Kirk are back in this beautifully crafted

32:55

Story Secrets - Skeleton Crew: Why It’s Peak Star Wars

Story Secrets ·

2024/12/31

What makes Skeleton Crew such a standout in the Star Wars universe? After five episodes, I’m convinced it’s one of the best things to happen to Star Wars in years. It’s fresh, adventurous, and packed with storytelling that feels both grounded and expansive. In this episode of my podcast, I dive into what sets Skeleton Crew apart and why it resonates so deeply with fans: A World That Feels RealUnlike the flat, mono-environment planets of past Star Wars stories, Skeleton Crew gives us

20:30

Story Secrets - Red Rising’s Turning Point: A Review...

Story Secrets ·

2024/12/30

What makes a story unforgettable? For me, it’s a combination of compelling characters, a relatable hero, and a narrative that offers hope. But what happens when a beloved series takes a turn that challenges your expectations? That’s exactly what I experienced with Golden Son, the fourth book in Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series. In this episode of my podcast, I dive into: Why the first three books captivated me:The original Red Rising trilogy introduces Darrow, a sympathetic underdog

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