Author Heather L. L. Fitzgerald joins Brandon, Lindsy, and Jen to explore the redemptive power of fantasy, storytelling, and imagination. Heather shares the inspiration behind The Tethered World Chronicles, a Christian fantasy series filled with Bigfoot, giants, hidden realms, family, faith, and adventure. The conversation examines the lingering effects of the satanic panic, the difference between discernment and fear, and whether Christians can engage fantasy without embracing the darkness sometimes associated with it. Brandon also shares how fantasy literature helped him through depression, restored his sense of wonder, and reawakened his belief in a supernatural God. From Narnia and Harry Potter to fairy lore, the Nephilim, childlike faith, creativity, and imposter syndrome, this episode considers how good stories can open our eyes to hope, beauty, courage, and the larger story God is telling.

https://www.heatherllfitzgerald.com/

Amazon link to the series:

Link to Realm Makers

https://www.bookishkop.com/

blog post mentioned about fantasy 

00:00:06 – Good Fantasy, Hope, and Seeing Beyond the Present
 00:00:28 – Introducing Heather L. L. Fitzgerald
 00:03:12 – The Tethered World Chronicles Explained
 00:05:06 – Bigfoot, Hidden Realms, Giants, and Eden
 00:06:49 – Growing Up During the Satanic Panic
 00:10:03 – How Heather’s Family Inspired the Books
 00:14:55 – Christian Pushback Against Fantasy
 00:17:59 – Good Nephilim and David’s Mighty Men
 00:20:48 – Fantasy as a Parable on Steroids
 00:23:42 – Fairy Bread and Gifts from the Fae
 00:25:39 – Discernment, Convictions, and Gray Areas
 00:26:51 – Harry Potter, Darkness, and Redemptive Themes
 00:31:54 – Spell Books, Superheroes, and Christian Hypocrisy
 00:35:37 – How Fantasy Helped Brandon Survive Depression
 00:38:00 – Rediscovering the Supernatural Through Stories
 00:40:09 – How Fantasy Made the Bible Feel Real Again
 00:42:18 – Fantasy, Childlike Faith, and C. S. Lewis
 00:44:07 – Joy, Nostalgia, and Eating the Meat
 00:45:11 – Stories as a Framework for Wonder
 00:46:46 – Phones, Doomscrolling, and the Loss of Imagination
 00:47:34 – Jesus as the Ultimate Storyteller
 00:48:58 – Writing, Creativity, and Imposter Syndrome
 00:52:27 – Spiritual Themes Heather Discovered After Writing
 00:53:02 – Writing the Third Book with God
 00:56:35 – Heather’s Favorite Book in the Series
 01:01:27 – Advice for Aspiring Fantasy Writers
 01:03:03 – Realm Makers and Christian Speculative Fiction
 01:04:23 – Becoming Who God Says You Are
 01:06:31 – What Heather Is Writing Next
 01:08:38 – The C. S. Lewis Writers Conference
 01:10:35 – Where to Find Heather and Her Books
 01:11:05 – A Future Narnia-Inspired Story