The other day I watched The Predator—not the classic one with Schwarzenegger, but the confusing 2018 sequel that somehow ended up in my Netflix queue. The film tries to tackle neurodiversity, with a young autistic boy at the heart of the story. Tries... and mostly fails. The kid is smart, often overwhelmed, and largely misunderstood by the adults a…

At the end of the first quarter of 2025, I'm ready to take the next step in my creative journey. For the past three months, I’ve been working hard on writing a fantasy novel – a project I’ve dreamed about for years but never dared to start. It’s been tough, but also incredibly rewarding. The truth is, writing can be a lonely process. I spend hours …

Have you ever wondered why some of your favorite movies feel so authentic, even when you know it’s all make-believe? Take Titanic, for example. Part of what made the acting feel so real was the genuine fear of the actors and extras filming scenes in massive water tanks, with entire sections of the ship tilting and throwing them into the water. Talk…

Here on the Story Secrets podcast, I’ve reviewed movies, TV shows, books, and even video games. But this time, I’m diving into something I’ve never talked about before: a theatre play. And not just any play, but Shadowlands by William Nicholson. You might know this story from the movie adaptation starring Anthony Hopkins, but I haven’t seen the mov…

What if you could actually talk to ghosts? Not just in some spooky, fake haunted house on a Halloween night, but for real—crossing over into the world of spirits, building friendships with the dead? That’s the brilliant premise of City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab. And it’s more than just a cool ghost story; it’s a story about identity, friendship,…

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…

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 corporat…

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…

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 itsel…

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-yea…

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…

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 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 “re…

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 Co…

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 …

Over the weekend, I dived into a fascinating series of lectures on The Hobbit by Joseph Pearce. If you're not familiar with his work, he's written extensively about the deeper layers of Tolkien's stories, especially their Catholic themes. But this lecture series really opened my eyes to something I hadn’t fully appreciated before: the role of grace…

Did you know that an Irish saint from the early Middle Ages helped inspire both J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis? His name was St. Brendan the Navigator, and his legendary voyage to a mysterious land echoes through some of the greatest fantasy stories ever written. I’ve been diving deep into early medieval Irish history while writing my own fantasy no…

The idea of making a deal with the devil has been explored in countless stories, but The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by Victoria Schwab does something truly unique with it. This book surprised me—in the best way possible. The story follows Addie, a young woman in 1714 France who, in a desperate moment, makes a bargain with a mysterious figure nam…

What if there was a global reset button for time? A way to roll back history whenever humanity faced disaster—whether it be a world war, a pandemic, or some other catastrophe? That’s the premise of The Lazarus Project, a sci-fi series I recently started watching, and let me tell you—it’s fascinating. The story follows George, an ordinary guy who su…

I finally read Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb—the book that everyone on BookTok and BookTube seems to love. And I went in with high expectations. A fantasy classic? Deep characters? A compelling story? Count me in. And then… well, let’s just say my experience was very different from the glowing reviews I had read. Here’s the gist: The story fo…

The trailer for Andor Season 2 just dropped, and wow—it reminded me why this series is one of the best things to come out of Star Wars in years. And no, it’s not just because of the gritty storytelling or the fantastic cinematography. It’s because Andor is about something bigger than a galaxy far, far away. At its core, Star Wars has always been ab…

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…

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 …

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…

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. I…

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 …

It’s Fantasy Friday, and I’ve got two things for you: an inspiring interview with fantasy author and illustrator Robin Rozendal 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, c…

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 brillia…

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.…

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 gen…

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 g…

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 …

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 …

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 the day 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 re…

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…

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 indul…

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 follo…

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…

🎵 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 …

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, Fu…

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 br…

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 v…

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 figurative…

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 magi…

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 …

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 f…

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. 🎬 Watch the video of the interview here: "A Dragon…

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 …

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, th…

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…