Writing Alchemy Podcast

Unfamiliar Heroes 22 – Inside the First Responders Training Program Part 2

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 11:01:55 +0000

Awkward meetings abound as our heroes are drawn together. Gail writes an email. Vanessa is standoffish, but she really cares. Janus decides to not back down. And we are all certain that Gail’s shack is not a love shack.

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 22 – Inside the First Responders Training Program Part 2 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Collaboration 4 – Chimera: Friendship Is Music

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 07:02:20 +0000

A record shaped world, where music is magic, is under threat by evil corporations! These corporate villains are trying to control the magic and destroy musical freedom. Can our mixed-gender team of magical girl superheroes stop their plans in time?!

The post Collaboration 4 – Chimera: Friendship Is Music first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 21 – Inside the First Responders Training Program Part 1

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 07:01:51 +0000

We return to the First Responder’s Training Program to catch up with Vanessa the Witch and Janus the Ghoul. In this sequel adventure, meet Gail the Ghost and follow the drama that swirls around the popular Chaz Drakon, as everyone prepares for another pivotal full moon ritual.

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 21 – Inside the First Responders Training Program Part 1 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Bonus Cast 9 – Anxiety Tools: Orienting

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 06:43:48 +0000

Today I’m sharing some tools I have been using that have been extremely helpful for dealing with anxiety. I’ll also be giving an update on what is going on for me, and I’ll wrap up by sharing some of the projects I’ve been working on.

The goal of this tool set is to help a person’s nervous system connect to the present moment. The way I understand it is that when people are upset, their mind is usually focusing on the past or the future. Helping the nervous system connect to the present helps it calm down. I find that these tools are helpful during stressful moments, but they can also can be used at other times to increase calm and relaxation. For example, I often use them to help myself get sleepy at bedtime.

The post Bonus Cast 9 – Anxiety Tools: Orienting first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Collaboration 3 – Into the Research Garden

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 09:08:58 +0000

Bob the slime-person druid, Nikau the parrotfolk rogue, and Aery the animated statue athlete are part of a team of investigative journalists working for the Crossroads Observer. The Observer has obtained a sample that could finally expose the dirty dealings of the wealthy Steward Family. Their job is to get this sample to the expert Juniper Huckleberry. The only problem is that Juniper is an infamously reclusive gnome druid who lives in her research garden, which is full of dangerous magical plants.

The post Collaboration 3 – Into the Research Garden first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Calming Moment – The Pacific Ocean

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 10:11:59 +0000

This is an experimental episode of Writing Alchemy where Fay describes five beautiful photographs of the Pacific Ocean in detail with the soothing sound of ocean waves in the background. This is an internet hug going out to all of the people who want a few minutes of tranquil calm in their day.

The post Calming Moment – The Pacific Ocean first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 20 – Janus’ First Tarot Reading

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 04:57:44 +0000

This is a special scripted crossover episode between Writing Alchemy and Kalila Stormfire’s Economical Magick Services where we return to Sylvan Community College as Kalilia gives Janus her first tarot reading, foreshadowing the events which will take place in the next Unfamiliar Heroes game.

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 20 – Janus’ First Tarot Reading first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Bonus Cast 8 – Thriving While Trans Stand Up Comedy

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 06:31:48 +0000

This Bonus Cast features stand up comedy that the amazing Tobi Hill-Meyer did for Thriving While Trans. Afterwards, there are some announcements about upcoming audio and text games.

The post Bonus Cast 8 – Thriving While Trans Stand Up Comedy first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Crossroads Story Time 1 – The Story of Creation

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 07:02:50 +0000

Crossroads Story Time is a new series that explores the myths and lore of the Crossroads Setting. The four short stories in this episode delve into the cosmology and magic of Crossroads through the story of its creation.

The post Crossroads Story Time 1 – The Story of Creation first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Collaboration 2 – Pandora Files: The Case of the Missing Hope

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 12:40:43 +0000

Several storybook characters have gone missing from the kingdom of Tome. Making things worse, a Storyteller has just disappeared. Frecka and Salvinia, Agents of Pandora, were assigned to the search for Loren Hope. Will the two agents be able to crack a case that all the king’s horses and all the king’s men have failed to piece together?

The post Collaboration 2 – Pandora Files: The Case of the Missing Hope first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Collaboration 1 – Accessibility in RPGs

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 09:50:31 +0000

In this episode, Fay, Mimsy, and Rhi dive deep into how the RPG community can become a more accessible and welcoming space for disabled players, GMs, and designers. Learn about some of the excellent work that Fay and Mimsy are already doing in this space, and leave with plenty of ideas on how to play, run, and make games that are better for all players.

The post Collaboration 1 – Accessibility in RPGs first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Bonus Cast 7 – Creating Accessible Settings

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 08:52:49 +0000

In this episode Fay talks about something ze thinks about a lot—creating accessible settings. This topic was started by the question, "How Can I Make My World Accommodating to Disabled People?" which Fay answered on the Mythcreants blog.

The post Bonus Cast 7 – Creating Accessible Settings first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 19 – The Owlbear Reintroduction Program Part 6

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Tue, 28 May 2019 09:44:42 +0000

That creepy feeling is back, Willa is impressed, and a character from a beloved childhood story makes an appearance. Join us for the long-awaited conclusion to the Owlbear Reintroduction Program in the nineteenth game episode of Unfamiliar Heroes!

Willa the gecko lizardperson rogue, Tarragon the orc bard, and D’Zân the weredragon druid are participating in The Owlbear Reintroduction Program, a project that is reestablishing owlbears in areas where the owlbear populations have been previously wiped out. Of course, this is not as simple as it sounds, because owlbears are large, ferocious, magical predators. Throw in a group of skilled poachers determined to steal owlbear eggs and things are bound to get interesting. This improvised, tabletop adventure was created with the Magic Goes Awry role-playing system!

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 19 – The Owlbear Reintroduction Program Part 6 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Bonus Cast 6 – Sound Effect Stories and Updates

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 03:58:47 +0000

In this Bonus Cast I share the stories behind three of the sound effects I used in the most recent episode of Owlbear Reintroduction Program Game. Following these stories are updates on what is going on for me, what I’ve been doing for the past two months, and what projects and podcast episodes are coming next.

The post Bonus Cast 6 – Sound Effect Stories and Updates first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Announcement – “Making RPG Podcasts Accessible” at PodCon2

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 10:11:13 +0000

I will be leading a workshop about “Making RPG Podcasts Accessible” on January 20th at PodCon2 in Seattle. For those who can’t attend this workshop in-person, it will be in the remote attendance feed for PodCon2. As an accessibility feature, I have created reference document that goes over all of the topics covered in the workshop, which you can find on the Writing Alchemy website.

Workshop Description: In the US one in four adults has a disability. This means that there are a lot of disabled people in the RPG podcast community, however physical, social, and game play barriers often prevent the full inclusion of disabled participants and audience members. This workshop is about identifying common barriers and addressing them. We will discuss areas to be aware of, accessibility tools, strategies for handling pitfalls, and ways to improve representation of disabled people.

The post Announcement – “Making RPG Podcasts Accessible” at PodCon2 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 18 – The Owlbear Reintroduction Program Part 5

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 02:19:29 +0000

Zombies are coming toward our three heroes. Join them in the eighteenth game episode of Unfamiliar Heroes as they struggle to get to the shelter of the Inn on the Bridge!

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 18 – The Owlbear Reintroduction Program Part 5 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Bonus Cast 5 – Transcripts and Accessibility

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 09:20:22 +0000

This Bonus Cast is about the new podcast transcripts and ways I’m trying to make them accessible.

The post Bonus Cast 5 – Transcripts and Accessibility first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Bonus Cast 4 – All the Updates

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 08:29:57 +0000

This Bonus Cast has all the updates, including the unveiling of Writing Alchemy owlbear merchandise, updates on Magic Goes Awry, when The Owlbear Reintroduction Program is going to return, and some news about big events in Fay’s family.

The post Bonus Cast 4 – All the Updates first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Bonus Cast 3 – Neurodiverse and Neurodivergent Language and Identity

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 06:33:05 +0000

This Bonus Cast delves into the nuances of language, its dynamic nature, and how that intersects with personal experience and identity through a focus on my personal relationship with the terms “neurodiverse” and “neurodivergent.”

The post Bonus Cast 3 – Neurodiverse and Neurodivergent Language and Identity first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 17 – The Owlbear Reintroduction Program Part 4

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 08:19:49 +0000

Our three heroes begin their negotiations with the owlbears in the seventeenth game episode of Unfamiliar Heroes. Join them for the excitement of river adventures and camping with owlbears!

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 17 – The Owlbear Reintroduction Program Part 4 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Bonus Cast 2 – Player and Character Introductions for The Owlbear Reintroduction Program Game

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 08:28:18 +0000

This Bonus Cast starts with a behind the scenes discussion about this change in format, then jumps into the player and characters introductions for The Owlbear Reintroduction Program Game.

The post Bonus Cast 2 – Player and Character Introductions for The Owlbear Reintroduction Program Game first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Bonus Cast 1 – My favorite LGBTQ+ Role-playing Game Character

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 07:04:24 +0000

My first ever Bonus Cast is on the topic of my favorite LGBTQ+ role-playing game character.

The post Bonus Cast 1 – My favorite LGBTQ+ Role-playing Game Character first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 16 – The Owlbear Reintroduction Program Part 3

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 10:19:06 +0000

Our three heroes finally reach the owlbear den in the sixteenth game episode of Unfamiliar Heroes. Join them as they have their first encounter with wild owlbears!

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 16 – The Owlbear Reintroduction Program Part 3 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 15 – The Owlbear Reintroduction Program Part 2

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 07:15:48 +0000

In the fifteenth game episode of Unfamiliar Heroes, our three heroes arrive in Islandtown, the home of the Crossroads Wilderness Keepers. Join them as potions are brewed, paper is shuffled, and a wagon is wreathed in flames!

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 15 – The Owlbear Reintroduction Program Part 2 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 14 – The Owlbear Reintroduction Program Part 1

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Fri, 11 May 2018 10:39:54 +0000

In the fourteenth game episode of Unfamiliar Heroes, our three heroes get their first internship assignment from The Adventurers Academy. Join them as they start out on their journey!

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 14 – The Owlbear Reintroduction Program Part 1 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 13 – D’Zân and the Sky Sharks

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 08:12:16 +0000

Meet D’Zân the weredragon druid in this character introduction episode of Unfamiliar Heroes. D’Zân is a student at the celebrated Adventurers Academy, and right now xe is studying creative problem-solving. Join xem for a surreal training exercise where xe swims through a sky full of sharks.

This character introduction is preparation for The Owlbear Reintroduction Program, a game where the characters participate in a project that is reestablishing owlbears in wilderness areas where the owlbear populations have been previously wiped out. Of course, this is not as simple as it sounds, because owlbears are large, ferocious, magical predators. This improvised, tabletop adventure was created with the Magic Goes Awry role-playing system!

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 13 – D’Zân and the Sky Sharks first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 12 – Tarragon Songsteel and the Underwater Maze

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 08:37:17 +0000

Meet Tarragon Songsteel the orc bard in this character introduction episode of Unfamiliar Heroes. Tarragon is a student at the celebrated Adventurers Academy, and right now they are studying creative problem-solving. Join them for a surreal training exercise where they attempt to retrieve an orb from a mysterious underwater maze.

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 12 – Tarragon Songsteel and the Underwater Maze first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 11 – Willa and the Rubble Robots

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 03:44:42 +0000

Meet Willa the gecko lizardperson rogue in this character introduction episode of Unfamiliar Heroes. Willa is a student at the celebrated Adventurers Academy and right now she is studying creative problem-solving. Join her for a surreal training exercise involving four hostile robots guarding an orb, surrounded by a massive pile of rubble.

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 11 – Willa and the Rubble Robots first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 10 – The Renegade Starship Part 3

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 08:43:38 +0000

Captured by rebels, our three heroes are fighting back. Malena, Adre, and Mariah have incapacitated the rebel captain and four guards. Now they are taking the fight into the shuttle bay, where they are causing havoc. Join them in the tenth game episode of Unfamiliar Heroes as Malena, Adre, and Mariah attemp to escape the rebel ship!

Malena the intellectual scientist, Adre the hot-shot engineer, and Mariah the alien doctor are all officers from the Consortium starship the Raptor. These three surprisingly senior officers were all participating in a test flight of Z-crystals, a revolutionary new type of propulsion crystal, when their shuttle was intercepted by the rebel ship Sojourner. Join them for this improvised, tabletop adventure that was created with the Lasers & Feelings role-playing system!

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 10 – The Renegade Starship Part 3 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 9 – The Renegade Starship Part 2

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 09:47:13 +0000

In the ninth game episode of Unfamiliar Heroes Malena, Adre, and Mariah have been captured by rebels. Join them as they meet the rebel captain and implement their desperate escape plan.

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 9 – The Renegade Starship Part 2 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 8 – The Renegade Starship Part 1

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 07:58:55 +0000

In the eighth game episode of Unfamiliar Heroes meet the crew of the Raptor as they defend their test shuttle from the renegade starship Sojourner.

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 8 – The Renegade Starship Part 1 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 7 – Cat’s Paw Ghost Control Adventure 2: The Backyard Mystery

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 08:57:24 +0000

In the seventh game episode of Unfamiliar Heroes the paranormal detectives of the Cat’s Paw Ghost Control agency investigate some disturbing, supernatural growls that have been plaguing a small Seattle neighborhood. Maybe it is a were-raccoon, or perhaps it is a were-cow. Listen to find out!

Tabitha the space alien cat, Jake the fake TV psychic, and Lalla the plant talker botanist are the paranormal detectives of Cat’s Paw Ghost Control. Join them as they solve supernatural problems with cat-themed technology, a shady network of contacts, and plant power in a tabletop game that uses the InSpectres role-playing system!

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 7 – Cat’s Paw Ghost Control Adventure 2: The Backyard Mystery first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 6 – Cat’s Paw Ghost Control Adventure 1: The Lederhosen Sprites

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 12:57:10 +0000

In the sixth game episode of Unfamiliar Heroes a Seattle grocery store is plagued by mischievous spirits with a special resentment toward lederhosen. Meet the Cat’s Paw Ghost Control team as they tackle this challenge together.

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 6 – Cat’s Paw Ghost Control Adventure 1: The Lederhosen Sprites first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Second Anniversary Special – Terrible Lyrics to Brighten Your Day

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 09:43:45 +0000

This second anniversary special episode includes behind the scenes updates, outtakes, and six very silly bad poems that were composed for a Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Vogon poetry competition in which the goal was to make poems that were as terrible (and funny) as possible.

The post Second Anniversary Special – Terrible Lyrics to Brighten Your Day first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 5 – Welcome to the First Responders Training Program Part 5

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 06:20:19 +0000

It is finally the day of the Full Moon Ritual, but as the heroes prepare, they discover that something isn’t quite right. This episode is the conclusion to the first game of Unfamiliar Heroes.

Underneath the facade of ordinary reality lies a hidden world of monsters and magic. At Sylvan Community College a secret program teaches supernatural teens to deal with this dangerous world as they struggle with the mess and confusion of their own lives. Welcome to the First Responders Training Program, a tabletop game using the Monsterhearts 2 role-playing system!

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 5 – Welcome to the First Responders Training Program Part 5 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 4 – Welcome to the First Responders Training Program Part 4

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 07:51:27 +0000

In this fourth game episode of Unfamiliar Heroes the humor and drama continue as Tamara confronts Vanessa about her spying, Janus tries to figure out what the First Responders Training Program really is, and Vanessa has a vision that leads to an important revelation!

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 4 – Welcome to the First Responders Training Program Part 4 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 3 – Welcome to the First Responders Training Program Part 3

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 10:03:23 +0000

In this third game episode of Unfamiliar Heroes the humor and drama continues as Shanda gives Vanessa some subtle guidance and Tamara confronts Janus with an unexpected truth!

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 3 – Welcome to the First Responders Training Program Part 3 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 2 – Welcome to the First Responders Training Program Part 2

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 10:09:19 +0000

In this second game episode of Unfamiliar Heroes we learn more about Sylvan Community College, fill in a few key pieces of character background, and then jump into Vanessa and Janus’ awkward first meeting in the Pagan Student Association!

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 2 – Welcome to the First Responders Training Program Part 2 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 1 – Welcome to the First Responders Training Program Part 1

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 09:43:08 +0000

In this first game episode of Unfamiliar Heroes we meet Vanessa the judgmental witch and Janus the slacker ghoul, learn about Sylvan Community College, and discover the mysterious event that connects Janus and Vanessa.

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 1 – Welcome to the First Responders Training Program Part 1 first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Unfamiliar Heroes 0 – Foundations and Ground Rules

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 10:01:07 +0000

In this foundational episode of Unfamiliar Heroes, which I’m calling Episode Zero, I start off with a discussion of disability representation and the reasons why I feel that this project is so needed. Next I go over the ways that participants who live at the intersections of oppression are centered in this project. Finally I discuss the eight game ground rules which are designed to keep games accessible and inclusive.

Unfamiliar Heroes is a podcast series in which three disabled, neurodiverse, and/or chronically ill players and a game master play story-focused tabletop role-playing games where all of the player characters have disabilities, diverse minds, and/or chronic illnesses. In its core values, this project centers the experiences of people living at the intersections of oppression. Unfamiliar Heroes is part of the Writing Alchemy Podcast.

The post Unfamiliar Heroes 0 – Foundations and Ground Rules first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 13b – Chronic Illness with billie rain

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 23:48:18 +0000

We continue the discussion as artist, activist, disabled survivor iconoclast billie rain shares hir Chronic Illness Bill of Rights. Then we jump into a conversation about societal response to chronic illness, myths about disability, ways of supporting people with chronic illnesses, and how we can create more inclusive communities.

The post Fairy Tale 13b – Chronic Illness with billie rain first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 13 – The Wishing Dildo Series #4 with billie rain

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 09:14:55 +0000

In the fourth segment of The Wishing Dildo Series, the adventure continues as we find out more about the mysterious and regal Jewel. Then the six companions take a secret detour to the Kingdom of Waterfalls. This story is followed by a discussion about trauma in which I talk about myth, reality, resilience, healing, and community with artist, activist, disabled survivor iconoclast billie rain. This discussion goes deep places, but it also has a lot of laughter too.

The Wishing Dildo Part 1: It is said that the Wishing Dildo can grant any wish relating to sexuality or fertility, as long as that wish is consensual. Prince Hart sure hopes that is true as he and his friend, trickster Tala, embark on a quest for it. As they travel, they soon discover that sometimes the greatest adventure is the people you meet along the way.

The post Fairy Tale 13 – The Wishing Dildo Series #4 with billie rain first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 12b – Diverse Minds with Kathleen Lamothe

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 25 May 2017 07:47:14 +0000

Today’s discussion with spiritual atheist Kathleen Lamothe is a deep and far ranging Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) inspired conversation about music, addiction, anger, health, diverse minds, psychology, and happiness.

The post Fairy Tale 12b – Diverse Minds with Kathleen Lamothe first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 12 – The Wishing Dildo Series #3 with Kathleen Lamothe

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 04 May 2017 08:29:32 +0000

In this third segment of The Wishing Dildo Series, the adventure continues as we get to know Anissa, and then the five companions visit the temperamental rulers of the Gilded Kingdom. The story is followed by a discussion about brain diversity, mental health, and the gifts and struggles of ADHD with spiritual atheist Kathleen Lamothe.

The post Fairy Tale 12 – The Wishing Dildo Series #3 with Kathleen Lamothe first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 11b – Sex Work Myth and Reality with Vee Chattie

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 08:08:10 +0000

Today’s discussion with activist, comedian, and sex worker Vee Chattie focuses on the lived experiences of sex workers. In this conversation we talk about the performative aspects of sex work, emotional labor, myths, stereotypes, stigma, and empowerment.

The post Fairy Tale 11b – Sex Work Myth and Reality with Vee Chattie first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 11 – The Wishing Dildo Series #2 with Vee Chattie

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 08:28:44 +0000

In this second podcast segment of The Wishing Dildo Series, the fairy tale continues as Prince Hart, Tala, and Tomas meet two new companions, each with a unique magical superpower. Then activist, comedian, and sex worker Vee Chattie joins Fay for the following discussion about the reality verses myth of sex work, sexual superpowers, boundaries, marginalization, and community.

The post Fairy Tale 11 – The Wishing Dildo Series #2 with Vee Chattie first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 10b – Art, Activism, and Disability with Lector Morales

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 11:01:29 +0000

Today’s discussion with hesitant art activist Lector Josue Morales focuses on the topics of art and activism and how they intersect with disability, community, and race. In this conversation we challenge ourselves to expand our ideas about what activism is so that we can fully value the diverse kinds of activism that people are doing.

The post Fairy Tale 10b – Art, Activism, and Disability with Lector Morales first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 10 – The Wishing Dildo Series #1 with Lector Morales

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 10:23:31 +0000

We return to intersectional fairy tales as hesitant art activist Lector Josue Morales joins Fay for the start of The Wishing Dildo Series in which Prince Hart and Tala embark on their quest for The Wishing Dildo and meet a surprising new companion. The following discussion focuses on the representation of disability in speculative fiction and the difference between using a disabled character to tell an able-bodied story and having a character that represents the experiences of disabled people.

The post Fairy Tale 10 – The Wishing Dildo Series #1 with Lector Morales first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Interlude 2 – Intersections with Kristina Gibbs-Ruby

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 11:04:01 +0000

This interlude episode is all about intersections, with a focus on fatness, disability, gender, and queer identity. Guest Kristina Gibbs-Ruby reads a powerful spoken word piece about bullying and fatphobia while Fay reads hir popular article, “Why Having Conditional Privilege Is Not the Same as Simply Being Privileged,” which delves into the complexity of invisible identities, privilege, oppression, gatekeeping, and the struggle to be recognized as real through hir personal experiences.

The post Interlude 2 – Intersections with Kristina Gibbs-Ruby first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Interlude 1 – Contemporary Lesbian Romance with Yolanda Wallace

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 10:07:12 +0000

In this romance-themed interlude episode, Yolanda Wallace reads from her contemporary lesbian romance 21 Questions, in which Kenya Davis meets bartender Simone Bailey for the first time. Then we delve into themes, representation, and inspiration in Yolanda’s writing.

21 Questions: Kenya Davis’s ability to find the perfect employee is unparalleled. Her ability to find the perfect mate? Not so much. After she takes a chance on speed dating, she finds herself with not one but two chances to find true love. But with her spotty romantic track record, how can she be sure which woman is Miss Right and which is only Miss Right Now?

Simone Bailey works as a bartender at one of the hottest nightclubs in South Beach, has more female attention than she knows what to do with, and spends her spare time following her musical ambitions. Then she meets Kenya Davis. After her initial attempt to charm her way into Kenya's heart fails, she resolves to reach her ultimate destination one question at a time.

The post Interlude 1 – Contemporary Lesbian Romance with Yolanda Wallace first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 9 – “Dangerous Company” Part 3 with Guest Bex Shea

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 10:30:04 +0000

Monsters is the theme as sci-fi writer and monster enthusiast Bex Shea joins Fay for the conclusion of “Dangerous Company,” in which Kalla finally discovers that the dragon she has been sent to kill has been disguised as her guide the whole time. The following discussion delves into the question of what monstrousness is, the ways that depictions of monsters can be used to otherize or to empathize, fear, compassion, unknowability, the association of gendered traits with power, gender exploration, and the blurring of the lines between human and monster.

Dangerous Company: The last five dragon slayers died. Kalla is good at solving problems, but her skills will be tested as she embarks on her journey with the very dragon she is expected to kill disguised as her guide. Some interesting surprises are just around the corner…

The post Fairy Tale 9 – “Dangerous Company” Part 3 with Guest Bex Shea first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 8 – “Dangerous Company” Part 2 with Guest Lara Milton

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 09:18:01 +0000

Editor and collaborative storyteller Lara Milton joins Fay for the reading of part 2 of “Dangerous Company,” which follows the growing romance between Kalla and the dragon, Har. This section of the story delves into both eroticism as Kalla and Har get closer with each other and into conflict as Har struggles with her own draconic territorialism. The following, delightfully nerdy, discussion focuses on tabletop role playing games as writing inspiration and delves into the some of nitty-gritty details of writing, comparing and contrasting first person and third person perspectives in fiction.

The post Fairy Tale 8 – “Dangerous Company” Part 2 with Guest Lara Milton first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 7 – “Dangerous Company” Part 1 with Guest Tobi Hill-Meyer

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 05:52:45 +0000

Media creator and community-organizer Tobi Hill-Meyer joins Fay for the reading of part 1 of “Dangerous Company,” which begins with an angry gender-switching dragon and the woman the townsfolk have hired to kill her. However Kalla the problem-solver is not what either the townsfolk or dragon expect. The following discussion delves deep into ethical ways for artists to address oppression in their work, the changes I made to this story, and the ways marginalized people are often identified with monsters in stories.

The post Fairy Tale 7 – “Dangerous Company” Part 1 with Guest Tobi Hill-Meyer first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Self-love Special Part 2 with Collaborator Liz Cruz

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 12 May 2016 06:51:13 +0000

This episode is a workshop-style collaboration that explores self-love practices with a focus on the experiences and art of people living at the intersections of oppression. In this episode Jessica Littenburg reads her poem “Healing Is” which is about finding tools for dealing with chronic illness, Ryannah Quigley shares her inspirational experiences as a plus-sized trans woman of color working on the film project hashtag body beautiful, and the band Bicycle Face shares two children’s songs which combine fun and silliness with some important messages about self-love. Discussion also delves into using art to push back against oppression, giving ourselves permission, valuing what we are doing, self-compassion, and using ritual as a tool for change.

The post Self-love Special Part 2 with Collaborator Liz Cruz first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Self-love Special Part 1 with Collaborator Liz Cruz

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 05:40:05 +0000

This episode departs from the usual Writing Alchemy format to focus on the topic of self-love in a workshop-style collaboration between Fay Onyx and Liz Cruz that explores barriers to self-love and self-love practices as experienced by people living at the intersections of oppression. For this episode they are joined by Tobi Hill-Meyer, who reads her erotic story, “Self Reflection,” which explores the themes of self-love and self-talk in a rather surprising way.

The post Self-love Special Part 1 with Collaborator Liz Cruz first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 6 – “Tala and Prince Hart” Part 3 with Guest Oblio Stroyman

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 08:33:01 +0000

Activist and educator Oblio Stroyman joins Fay for the reading of part 3 of "Tala and Prince Hart," which starts with trickster Tala's humorous strategies for blocking the queen's attempts to hold a successful marriage contest for Prince Hart. The story then moves to a focus on family conflict and resolution. The following discussion centers on the process of forgiveness, non-violent communication, harm done from a place of good intentions, creating new cultural space, and the treatment of youth in our society.

Tala and Prince Hart: Prince Hart is asexual, but his parents and many suitors are having a hard time accepting that. When the trickster Tala decides to come to his aid, chaos naturally ensues in this exuberant story that is a playful response to the all too common romanticization of boundary-crossing behaviors!

The post Fairy Tale 6 – “Tala and Prince Hart” Part 3 with Guest Oblio Stroyman first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 5 – “Tala and Prince Hart” Part 2 with Guest Gina de Vries

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 06:50:07 +0000

Writer and cultural-worker Gina de Vries joins Fay for the reading of part 2 of "Tala and Prince Hart," which focuses on the humorous antics of Prince Hart's suitors as their inappropriate, boundary-crossing behaviors get them into trouble. Gina then reads an erotic excerpt about the magic of everyday life from hir current project, How to Have a Body. The following discussion focuses on weaving personal experience into writing, unhealthy patterns that are romanticized within the romance genre, and the importance of centering the narratives of people living at the margins.

The post Fairy Tale 5 – “Tala and Prince Hart” Part 2 with Guest Gina de Vries first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 4 – “Tala and Prince Hart” Part 1 with Guest Jessica Miriam Littenberg

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 04:32:40 +0000

Activist and writer Jessica Miriam Littenberg joins Fay for the reading of part 1 of "Tala and Prince Hart," which focuses on Prince Hart's experience of being asexual in a society that does not recognize asexuality. Jessica then reads one of her powerful poems about transphobia. The following discussion focuses on the experience of not being what you are supposed to be according to society, racism and ableilsm in language, and using art to communicate the experience of oppression by connecting to identifiable feelings.

The post Fairy Tale 4 – “Tala and Prince Hart” Part 1 with Guest Jessica Miriam Littenberg first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 3 – “Tala and Godmother Death” Part 2 with Guest Tobi Hill-Meyer

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 09:04:02 +0000

Community-organizer and media-creator Tobi Hill-Meyer returns to join Fay for the reading of the second half of “Tala and Godmother Death,” followed by a discussion that focuses on gender exploration in trans literature, the importance of depicting forgiveness with consequences, and the humanizing potential of humor.

Tala and Godmother Death: Inspired by the Grimms’ fairy tale “Godfather Death,” this story follows Death’s three godchildren and explores what happens when the most selfish and clever one comes across the trickster Tala.

The post Fairy Tale 3 – “Tala and Godmother Death” Part 2 with Guest Tobi Hill-Meyer first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 2 – “Tala and Godmother Death” Part 1 with Guest Liz Cruz

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 21:10:24 +0000

Performance artist and community organizer Liz Cruz joins Fay for the reading of the first half of “Tala and Godmother Death,” followed by a discussion that focuses on queer, femme, and trans representation, the origins of this story in the fairy tales collected and altered by the brothers Grimm, and the power of giving ourselves and each other permission.

The post Fairy Tale 2 – “Tala and Godmother Death” Part 1 with Guest Liz Cruz first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Fairy Tale 1 – “Tala and Death’s Embrace” with Guest Tobi Hill-Meyer

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 23:59:01 +0000

Activist and filmmaker Tobi Hill-Meyer joins Fay for the reading of “Tala and Death’s Embrace” in its entirety, followed by a wide-ranging discussion that focuses on the depiction of trans characters in media.

Tala and Death's Embrace: Tala’s friend is gravely ill. To save her friend’s life, trickster Tala matches wits with Death in a series of over-the-top hijinks which culminate in a final confrontation with a sexy twist. Find out what it takes to save her friend’s life!

The post Fairy Tale 1 – “Tala and Death’s Embrace” with Guest Tobi Hill-Meyer first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

New Listener Introduction

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 07:50:43 +0000

The purpose of this episode is to give new listeners an introduction to the two different podcast series in Writing Alchemy and to present some different options for good places to start listening.

The post New Listener Introduction first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.

Writing Alchemy Teaser

Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 08:43:37 +0000

I created a short teaser for those new listeners wondering what Writing Alchemy is all about.

Writing Alchemy is a storytelling podcast that centers intersectional characters, including a fairy tale series that combines humor and magic with serious topics, and a tabletop role-playing series about the adventures of disabled and mentally diverse heroes.

The post Writing Alchemy Teaser first appeared on Oppression Aware Podcast, Fairy Tales, and Games.