Story Secrets - Die Hard With Monsters

Story Secrets - Die Hard With Monsters

Author: Fr. Roderick Vonhögen January 24, 2025 Duration: 13:05

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 of her standout works, The Price of Water, is a thrilling mix of “Die Hard with monsters” set in a futuristic tower.

Here’s what stood out from my conversation with Kelly:

  • Writing as a gift: For Kelly, stories are her way of leaving something meaningful behind. Her motto? “Create, affect, repeat.”
  • Empathy through storytelling: Her books explore themes of kindness and understanding—important messages wrapped in entertaining adventures.
  • A passion for readers: From meeting fans at festivals to connecting over her earliest works, Kelly thrives on the relationships her stories spark.

Whether you love portal fantasies or are inspired by creators who put their heart into their work, Kelly’s journey is worth exploring. For more on her writing and how portal stories continue to inspire me, listen to the full podcast!

You can buy Kelly's books here: https://www.artbooksshop.com/search/?search=kelly+van+der+laan


Ever notice how a great film or television show can linger in your mind long after the credits roll? There’s often something more happening beneath the surface, a resonance that feels almost spiritual. Story Secrets is where we pull on those threads. Hosted by Fr. Roderick Vonhögen, this podcast sits at a unique crossroads, weaving together discussions on faith, popular culture, and pure entertainment. Each episode takes a familiar story-whether from a beloved movie, a gripping TV series, or even a timeless tale-and gently uncovers the themes of meaning, purpose, and humanity hidden within. You won’t find dry lectures here; instead, Fr. Roderick brings a conversational and insightful perspective, revealing how narratives we enjoy in our leisure time can unexpectedly illuminate deeper questions about life, virtue, and connection. It’s for anyone who loves a good story and has ever wondered why it sticks with them. Tuning into this podcast feels like joining a thoughtful friend for a coffee after seeing a fantastic film, where the conversation naturally drifts from plot points to the profound. You’ll come away with a richer appreciation for the craft of storytelling and, perhaps, a new lens through which to view your own journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Story Secrets
Podcast Episodes
Story Secrets - The Chick on the Chimney [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:17
While the world watched for smoke above the Sistine Chapel, I was home with a fever and a head full of stories. In this episode, I share how illness kept me grounded—but not my imagination. Inspired by the live Vatican s…
Story Secrets - Walking With Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:24
Ever wonder what happens when you follow a calling you barely understand, armed with nothing but faith, ink, and a slightly trembling hand? In this episode, I tell a story I made up on the spot—no script, no notes, just…
Story Secrets - After The White Smoke [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:16
The conclave begins tomorrow. In just a few days, a name will echo from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. The white smoke will rise. The world will hold its breath. And we’ll meet a new pope. But what if—just for a mo…
Story Secrets - The Power of Daily Storytelling: A New Experiment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:44
I've always believed in the transformative power of stories. Whether it's through Star Wars, the dozens of novels I read each year, or the countless podcasts and TV programs I’ve made, stories shape who I am. But recentl…
Story Secrets - The Story Magic Behind My Book [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:16
At the start of this year, I took a crazy leap: I began writing my first fantasy novel. I was scared — but some friendly fantasy writers encouraged me to just start writing, no matter how imperfect it would be. And wow,…
Story Secrets - Did Twisters Blow Me Away? (Spoiler: Nope) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:01
I finally watched Twisters, the sequel to one of my guilty pleasures: the 90s classic Twister. And honestly? It left me feeling... underwhelmed. Just like the original, Twisters is a popcorn blockbuster full of tornado c…
Story Secrets - What The Predator Gets Wrong About Autism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:28
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…