Advertise on podcast: The Side Quest Book Club Podcast

We sat down with author and musician Callie Sioux Schiavone. Her book, She Had Glass Eyes, really drew us in. It explores how humanity and technology connect, blurring the line between reality and the narrator’s imagination. Callie Sioux is a creative alchemist who uses multimedia to turn real-life adventures into fiction and entertainment. She is an author, musician, entrepreneur, podcaster, and music venue owner. Raised as a ranch kid in New Mexico, she writes stories, songs, films, and audio dramas that capture wide-open spaces, grit, and persistence. 1232, her audio epic, is a behemoth project that launched her into the world of audio drama. Her recent signing with Twenty Hills Publishing will bring her speculative fiction to a bookstore near you. 00:00 Introduction to Callie and Her Journey10:01 Life Experiences and Side Quests19:51 The Inspiration Behind 'She Has Glass Eyes'29:56 Exploring the Euphonia Machine and Its Historical Context39:55 Writing Process and Overcoming Fear55:25 The Writer's Journey: Carving Out Time59:22 The Struggle of Christian Art01:09:30 Authenticity in Storytelling01:18:30 Introducing 1232: A Time Travel Fantasy01:40:40 Supporting Creative Projects JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/  💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast  CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

Our discussion of She Had Glass Eyes, a book by C.S. Schiavone that explores how humanity and technology connect and blurs the line between reality and the narrator's imagination. 00:00 Introduction to 'She Had Glass Eyes'10:04 Character Analysis: Dilly the Mortician20:00 Themes of Obsession and Madness30:02 Writing Style and Historical Context Socials:  @calliesioux  @1232audioepic Audio Epic https://audio-epic.com/ & https://1232audioepic.bandcamp.com/album/season-one-1232Fundraising link:  https://audio-epic.com/1232-faq#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@calliesioux JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/  💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast  CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

Our talk with Nicholas Keating Casbarro discussing his breakout novel Vitalerium.  Nearly six centuries have passed since humanity discovered vitalerium, which ushered in a golden age of space exploration and colonization. Planet Deorum’s society is centered around this illustrious, gravity-bending blue crystal. The year is 2701. Following a near-fatal disaster, roughneck freelancer Roman Matthews becomes unwittingly trapped at the center of a harrowing conspiracy. Hunted by Deorum’s government, the Coalition for Prosperity, Roman must use his deadly skillset to survive against all odds. Roman and his band of unlikely allies will discover that the Coalition’s indiscretions threaten the delicate balance of advanced civilization. As a sect of the Coalition prepares to implement its Machiavellian vision of utopia, the proverbial pendulum begins to swing toward chaos Vitalerium World:Website: https://vitaleriumseries.com/Nick’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/InsideVitalerium YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkGe5mgjNnAl2VJ3E5TBmAg Insta: https://www.instagram.com/vitaleriumseries Twitter: https://x.com/vitalerium Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vitaleriumseries  -Publicist - Eve Bailey / Flo Agency: https://flo.agency/  -Cosplayer 1 Shanice Foster: Luxsteez Cosplay - https://www.instagram.com/luxsteezcosplay/ -Cosplayer 2 Matthew Harden: MH Cosplay Design - https://www.instagram.com/mhcosplaydesign/ -Comic Illustrator - Francisco A. Hnilo: https://www.behance.net/fahilustracion -Comic Colorist - Chandran Ponnusamy: https://www.facebook.com/ponnusamychandran & https://www.deviantart.com/ponnusamychandran/gallery -Graphic Designer - Ahmed Geatar: https://www.behance.net/ahmedgad  ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and much more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development—and share some laughs along the way. New episodes drop every TUES.  LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app. 🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest  JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/  💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast  CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

The quest: Katabasis by R.F. Kuang. The result: We went ot hell and back! Dive into Katabasis by R.F. Kuang with our full-spoiler book club breakdown! Jess and Abby join the guys to continue their descent into hell to find out what Alice and Peter are up to. Katabsis plot: Two rival PhD students descend into a hellish university campus to retrieve their abusive advisor’s soul—facing academic trials, betrayal, and dark revelations. Is this dark academia masterpiece a 7/10 triumph or a pacing misfire? We debate character arcs, logic paradoxes, and that wild revenge twist. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Book and Author14:46 Exploring the Ending and Character Dynamics31:08 Character Analysis: Understanding Peter's Role43:39 Comparative Analysis: Dante's Inferno vs. Modern Hell48:06 Cultural References and Mythological Connections57:52 Exploring Recurring Dreams and Nightmares Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v

The quest: Katabasis by R.F. Kuang. The result: We went ot hell and back! Dive into Katabasis by R.F. Kuang with our full-spoiler book club breakdown! Two rival PhD students descend into a hellish university campus to retrieve their abusive advisor’s soul—facing academic trials, betrayal, and dark revelations. Is this dark academia masterpiece a 7/10 triumph or a pacing misfire? We debate character arcs, logic paradoxes, and that wild revenge twist. Timestamps:00:00 – Epic Plot Summary Full Spoilers!06:04 – Descent Begins: Chapters 1-631:41 – Chapters 7-11: Desire, Trauma & Lethe River44:55 – Chapters 12-18: Greed, Wrath & Betrayal58:05 – Chapters 20-35: Peter’s Sacrifice, City of Dis & Final Showdown Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v

Happy holidays to you all, Adventures. Thanks for tuning in. In this episode, Slava and Jonathan (joined by Josh, our intern) discuss A Christmas Carol, a classic novella by Charles Dickens, first published in 1843 and illustrated by John Leech. The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a wealthy miser, as he is visited by the ghosts of Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, leading to his moral redemption and transformation. 00:00 Introduction to A Christmas Carol04:12 Dickens, Context, and Victorian England08:45 Scrooge as Antihero13:30 Poverty, Class, and Social Responsibility18:40 The Ghost of Christmas Past26:10 Memory, Trauma, and Isolation33:45 The Ghost of Christmas Present41:20 Ignorance and Want47:55 The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come55:30 Scrooge’s Reckoning01:01:45 Redemption and Moral Transformation01:07:30 Why A Christmas Carol Still MattersJOIN THE GUILD🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/  💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast  CREDITSHosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

In this episode of The SideQuest Book Club Podcast, Slava and Jonathan—joined by Casey, JT, and Spenser— continued to break down Wintersteel from Will Wight’s Cradle series. The guys explore character dynamics, relationships, and major themes of identity, growth, and progression fantasy. The conversation highlights foreshadowing, power dynamics, hubris, and how literacy, wealth, and opportunity shape advancement in the Cradle universe. We also examine key characters, such as Daiji and Eithan, discussing their motivations and the narrative choices that drive the story. (00:00) Introduction to The SideQuest Book Club Podcast (feel free to skip to the next chapter, as we talk about costumes that can't be seen on screen)(09:32) Further Exploring Wintersteel (17:54) Character Dynamics & Relationships (29:47) Themes of Identity & Growth (34:28) Foreshadowing & Key Revelations (35:22) Character Dynamics & Plot Devices (40:44) Defining Progression Fantasy (44:01) Character Growth & Power Dynamics (45:44) The Role of Hubris in Fantasy (56:57) Literacy & Character Development (01:02:58) Wealth, Power & Opportunity (01:14:18) Final Thoughts & Future Expectations Our website: www.thesidequestpodcast.com Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v

In Part 2 of Will Wight’s Wintersteel. The SideQuest Book Club Podcast hosts, Slava and Jonathan, dive deeper into breaking down major themes of character development, including Aethon’s unique sight, Mercy’s public humiliation, and Yerin’s intense training and evolving bond with her Blood Shadow. The discussion builds toward the final battle, where Yerin undergoes a powerful transformation that opens a conversation about archetypal icons and the deeper character truths they represent. (00:00) Introduction and Technical Glitches(01:05) Aethon’s Revelation and Abilities(08:14) Mercy and Malice: Public Humiliation(12:07) Yerin’s Training & Blood Shadow Dynamics(20:04) Linden’s Point System & Character Dynamics(27:03) Team Dynamics & Character Development(30:35) Lyndon’s Strategic Growth(32:54) Character Development & Team Dynamics(35:59) Yerin’s Internal and External Struggles(39:12) The Final Battle & Its Consequences(48:49) Archetypal Truths & Character Icons Our website: www.thesidequestpodcast.com Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v

Hey Adventurers! Back to the Cradle we go. In this episode, we delve into the eighth book of the Cradle series, Wintersteel, exploring the intricacies of the Uncrowned King Tournament and its implications for power dynamics among factions. Slava and Jonathan discuss character developments, particularly focusing on Linden, Yeren, and Aethon, while also addressing the emotional stakes and romantic elements that add depth to the narrative. (00:00) Introduction to Cradle and Recap of Uncrowned(02:50) Wintersteel Overview and Key Events(05:58) Prologue Insights and Yerin’s Backstory(09:06) The Script Circle and Its Implications(12:02) Linden’s Encounter with Northstrider(14:55) Tournament Stakes and Monarch Dilemmas(18:03) Character Dynamics and Relationships(20:43) Eithan’s Rise and Tournament Highlights(23:41) Tournament Structure and Character Development(26:53) Linden’s Struggles and Growth(29:59) Conclusion and Reflections on the Journey(32:05) Planet Fitness and First Impressions(32:27) The Date Between Linden and Yerin(37:05) Awkward Moments and Growing Connections(39:04) The Importance of Reading in a Dangerous World(44:30) The Role of Education in Survival(48:35) Eithan’s Hidden Depths and Future Adventures Our website: www.thesidequestpodcast.com Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v

In this episode of The Side Quest Book Club Podcast, hosts Slava and Jonathan (again) dive into Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. This conversation delves into themes, character development, and the implications of hubris and chaos theory. The hosts discuss the narrative structure that keeps readers engaged. They analyze the illusion of control and the importance of subplots, ultimately reflecting on the storytelling techniques that make the novel a classic. (00:00) Introduction Return to Jurassic Park’s Chaos(05:51) The Unfolding Disaster(12:16) The T-Rex Encounter(21:26) Nedry’s Downfall(29:14) The Search for Nedry(35:01) The T-Rex Rampage(39:40) Deus Ex Machina in Jurassic Park?(42:00) Chaos Theory & Nature’s Unpredictability(45:04) Control vs. Collapse in Jurassic Park(48:51) Hammond’s Denial & Hubris(52:50) Final Showdown: Nature vs. Human Ambition(57:04) Aftermath: Responsibility & Consequences(01:01:06) The End of the Park: A New Beginning?(01:03:59) Thriller vs. Horror: Understanding the Genres Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v

In this episode of The Side Quest Book Club Podcast, hosts Slava and Jonathan dive into Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. They explore the novel’s core themes—hubris, chaos theory, and the illusion of control in science—while unpacking its character development and layered storytelling. The discussion also covers Crichton’s background, the lasting success of the Jurassic Park franchise, and the narrative techniques that make the book a defining classic of modern science fiction. Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v (00:00) Jurassic Park — Episode Introduction(02:59) Michael Crichton: Author Background(05:53) Jurassic Park Premise Overview(09:00) Franchise Success & Cultural Impact(11:47) Nostalgia Factor & Lasting Appeal(14:48) Key Characters & Core Themes(17:50) Foreshadowing & Story Setup(20:46) Technology, Ethics & Science(23:35) Final Thoughts on the Opening Chapters(29:24) “The Taste of Survival” Breakdown(29:57) Narrative Perspective Choices(32:40) Character Depth & Reader Engagement(34:53) Subplots & Plot Structure(38:31) The Illusion of Control in Jurassic Park(50:35) Chaos Theory & Consequences

In this episode of The Side Quest Book Club Podcast, JT and Casey surprise Jonathan with their scheduled appearance. We finish our trek across Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch. Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v 00:00 – Side Quest Intro: Endless Library Spoiler Fest00:18 – Pirates Preamble: Red Seas Under Red Skies Pt. 5 Welcome00:55 – Cult of First-Time Readers Confirmed01:15 – Rapid-Fire: Books 1 & 2 Overviews Kick Off01:42 – Worldbuilding Breakdown: Elder Glass & Sanderson Vibes02:57 – Favorite Moments and Quotes for the Guests09:17 – "Thieves Prosper" vs. Cheaters Never Win Debate10:40 – Slava's Picks: Gray King Duel & "Nice Bird, A*****e"13:31 – Bondsmagi Horror: Children of the Corn Alley Creep-Out16:18 – Sabetha Tease: Locke's Eternal White Whale27:51 – Pirate Lords Council: Pirates of the Caribbean Parallels30:07 – Morane Mystery: Why Kill Her Own Boss?32:18 – Ezra's Death: Lacks Punch Compared to Calo & Galdo34:13 – Cliffhanger Recap: "More Blood Than 200 Years"36:05 – Outro: Mutiny Upstairs & Subscribe Call

In this episode of The Side Quest Book Club Podcast, we cover chapters 12–16 of Scott Lynch’s Red Seas Under Red Skies. We examine loyalty, love, and the consequences of choices, leading to a confrontation with Straggos. Jonathan and Slava discuss the impact of character deaths, heist planning, and the twists that drive the story, highlighting Lynch’s character development and storytelling. Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v (00:00) Intro: The Betrayal of the Pirate Queen(02:56) Fog and Fear: The Crew's Dilemma(06:05) The Tattered Crimson: A Pirate's Haven(08:53) Trust and Deception Among Pirates(11:59) Plans and Betrayals: The Stakes Rise(15:08) Love and Loyalty: Choices to Be Made(18:03) The Impulsive Leader: Straggos' Downfall(24:51) The Complexity of Villains(27:28) The Weight of Loss(29:30) Plans and Deceptions(32:54) The Art of Distraction(35:56) Twists and Turns of Fate(39:03) The Aftermath of Betrayal(42:54) Repercussions and New Beginnings(44:43) The Final Confrontation

In this episode of the Side Quest Book Club Podcast, we delve into the chaotic world of 'Red Seas Under Red Skies,' exploring themes of loyalty, deception, and the complexities of pirate life. Covering up to chapter 11, we discuss the challenges faced by Locke and Jean as they navigate mutiny, the dynamics of Zamira's crew, and the moral dilemmas that arise in their quest for survival. The conversation highlights character development, the influence of the Crooked Warden, and the evolving relationship between the protagonists as they adapt to their new circumstances. Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by Descript & TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v (00:00) Setting Sail into Chaos (01:08) Mutiny and Misfortune (03:02) The Pirate's Dance of Deception (06:40) Zamira's Crew: Loyalty and Chaos (09:15) Prisoners of the Poison Orchid (11:34) Secrets and Lies Unraveled (18:47) Scrub Watch: A New Beginning (20:17) The Weight of Loyalty (25:54) The Crooked Warden's Influence (32:22) Adaptability and Compassion (38:49) Testing Loyalties (41:48) The Ritual of Acceptance

In this episode of the Side Quest Book Club Podcast, we dive into chapters 4–7 of Red Seas Under Red Skies and wrap up part one of the book. We break down Locke and Jean’s meeting with a poisoner, the brutal wasp spectacle, and their pirate training under the manipulative Drakos. Along the way, we recap key plot points and explore the role of the gods in the story and speculate on what’s ahead, including a possible clash with the Bonds Magi. Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by Descript & TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v (00:00) Intro & Setup(00:10) Sailing Terms & Banter(01:20) Talking with the Poisoner(02:47) Cage Spectacle & Worldbuilding(04:04) Character Motives(09:16) Meeting Requin(15:44) Assassination Attempt(22:36) Locke’s Outrage(26:11) Back to Dragos Fortress(27:26) The Alchemist’s Plan(28:22) Mechanical Marvels(30:36) Reflections & Memories(39:51) Nautical Training(44:23) Prison Break(46:41) Leadership at Sea(48:00) Closing Thoughts