The Quill & Candle — Episode 1: A New Weekly Show!

The Quill & Candle — Episode 1: A New Weekly Show!

Author: Father Roderick June 9, 2025 Duration: 42:41

Welcome to the very first episode of The Quill & Candle, a weekly show where I share what it’s like to write fantasy stories as a Catholic priest—and what I’m learning along the way.

In this launch episode, I reflect on one month of daily storytelling and how a simple habit—walking in the woods and dictating ideas into my phone—has become a wellspring of creativity.

You’ll hear:

  • How I accidentally became a Substack writer

  • Why I’m writing both epic fantasy and children’s stories set in Rome

  • The strange method that helps me finish a short story every single day

  • The real-life inspiration behind one of my scariest stories, The Leech

  • And a book review of The Cat Who Saved Books—yes, it features a talking tabby

Whether you're here for cozy fantasy, story magic, Roman elephants, or the creative chaos of writing life, I’m glad you’ve pulled up a chair.

🎧 Listen now and let me know what you think in the comments.

📬 Prefer your stories in bite-sized form? You can subscribe to:

Thanks for being part of this journey.

—Father Roderick
Priest. Storyteller. Daily writer of strange and magical things.


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: 50

Story Secrets
Podcast Episodes
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…
The Story Magic Behind My Book [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:17
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,…
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 ch…
When Star Wars Becomes Uncomfortably Real (Andor Season 2, Episode 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:49
There’s this one scene in Andor Season 2, Episode 2 that made me laugh out loud… and then immediately feel bad for laughing.It’s the moment when Cyril Karn, overwhelmed by his controlling mother, just collapses face down…
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…
Why I'm Publishing My Book One Chapter at a Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:42
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 n…