Story Stack

In the dark romance book genre, it's common to see a lengthy list of trigger warnings before starting the first chapter, but are these warnings helpful? Are some things too dark to write about? The Mindf*ck series by S.T. Abby is a popular self-published, dark romantic thriller, with the first three books in the offering the unusual warning, “I know this shit is fucked up, so don’t bother writing to tell me I’m twisted in the head ;)” The series acts as this episode's launch pad into a great discussion on dark romance and the place that certain themes have in literature.Story Stack is a storytelling-centered podcast hosted by writers Ansley Standridge, Gabriel Rein, and Lily Johnson, who understand and care deeply about structure and laughter (and occasionally getting tipsy) . It's like book club, but it's more than books, and not quite a club.New Episode Every Thursday!Find Story Stack on TikTok and Instagram: @storystackpod

Concept albums are not a new storytelling technique, but Twenty One Pilots making a series of albums with rich backstory and characters is the sort of ingenuity found once in a lifetime. This episode focuses on the power of intention in musical narrative and how it pushes audiences into deeper devotion, fan culture in all its messy glory, and the magic of good songs in an even better world.Story Stack is a storytelling-centered podcast hosted by writers Ansley Standridge, Gabriel Rein, and Lily Johnson, who understand and care deeply about structure and laughter (and occasionally getting tipsy) . It's like book club, but it's more than books, and not quite a club.New Episode Every Thursday!Find Story Stack on TikTok and Instagram: @storystackpod

Mortality, mystery, and murder. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde pulls no punches despite its famous revision in 1891, enveloping readers in a gothic setting far from perfect. It specifically tackles the cult of image with a homoerotic subplot, and the drama lives off the page in Wilde's own life.“Cocktails and Classics” seeks to inspire readers to open or rediscover the classics, breaking down the stories that have shaped modern literature (with a tipsy twist).Story Stack is a storytelling-centered podcast hosted by writers Ansley Standridge, Gabriel Rein, and Lily Johnson, who understand and care deeply about structure and laughter (and occasionally getting tipsy) . It's like book club, but it's more than books, and not quite a club.New Episode Every Thursday!Find Story Stack on TikTok and Instagram: @storystackpod

Those seeking their next Netflix binge watch need not look any further with completed show, Dark. With a complex time travel plot, overlapping timelimes, and compelling characters, Dark proves just how revolutionary a show can be when made with intention. From the first season to the finale, this is a Netflix show that somehow only manages to get better.Story Stack is a storytelling-centered podcast hosted by writers Ansley Standridge, Gabriel Rein, and Lily Johnson, who understand and care deeply about structure and laughter (and occasionally getting tipsy) . It's like book club, but it's more than books, and not quite a club.New Episode Every Thursday!Find Story Stack on TikTok and Instagram: @storystackpod

Sabriel by Garth Nix sets the standard for fantasy novels, and creates an even higher bar in the Young Adult genre. This forgotten 90s favorite is too masterful to let fall into obscurity. With excellent writing, compelling characters, and a unique magic system, Sabriel is a must-read for lovers of fantasy.Story Stack is a storytelling-centered podcast hosted by writers Ansley Standridge, Gabriel Rein, and Lily Johnson, who understand and care deeply about structure and laughter (and occasionally getting tipsy) . It's like book club, but it's more than books, and not quite a club.New Episode Every Thursday!Find Story Stack on TikTok and Instagram: @storystackpod

The ongoing decrease in readers has been an issue for many years now, and while many speak up about the topic, there are a few celebrities who actually use their platforms to improve the literacy space. From trailblazers like Orpah's Book Club to surprising celebrity/author interviews with Dua Lipa, this episode tackles decades of literacy moments and shines a light on the celebrities making a difference.Story Stack is a storytelling-centered podcast hosted by writers Ansley Standridge, Gabriel Rein, and Lily Johnson, who understand and care deeply about structure and laughter (and occasionally getting tipsy) . It's like book club, but it's more than books, and not quite a club.New Episode Every Thursday!Find Story Stack on TikTok and Instagram: @storystackpod

Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is drama-filled enough without questionable movie adaptations. There’s more to love than just a toxic relationship. “Cocktails and Classics” seeks to inspire readers to open or rediscover the classics, breaking down the stories that have shaped modern literature (with a tipsy twist).Story Stack is a storytelling-centered podcast hosted by writers Ansley Standridge, Gabriel Rein, and Lily Johnson, who understand and care deeply about structure and laughter (and occasionally getting tipsy) . It's like book club, but it's more than books, and not quite a club.New Episode Every Thursday!Find Story Stack on TikTok and Instagram: @storystackpod

Boys are reading less than ever with overall reading rates in the United States going down, and less men are finding interest as they grow into adults. LitRPGs (literary role-playing games) could be the genre-bending stories that brings more men back into reading.Story Stack is a storytelling-centered podcast hosted by writers Ansley Standridge, Gabriel Rein, and Lily Johnson, who understand and care deeply about structure and laughter (and occasionally getting tipsy) . It's like book club, but it's more than books, and not quite a club.New Episode Every Thursday!Find Story Stack on TikTok and Instagram: @storystackpod

This episode of Story Stack focuses on Disney's Percy Jackson and the Olympians adaptation based on the books by Rick Riordan. While comparing it to the book, it's obvious that changes were made...and the series might be better because of it.Story Stack is a storytelling-centered podcast hosted by writers Ansley Standridge, Gabriel Rein, and Lily Johnson, who understand and care deeply about structure and laughter (and occasionally getting tipsy) . It's like book club, but it's more than books, and not quite a club.New Episode Every Thursday!Find Story Stack on TikTok and Instagram: @storystackpod

Story Stack hosts, Ansley, Gabriel, and Lily pull apart the writing of Stranger Things 5 while comparing it to previous seasons. From fan theories to continuity issues, the writing somehow gets even stranger.

Story Stack hosts, Ansley, Gabriel, and Lily sip cocktails while explaining the impotance of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley for the modern reader.

With Dramione fanfics being traditionally published, Story Stack hosts have a lot to say about the state of the publishing industry and the ethics of publishing fanfiction.

Gabriel leads his romance reading cohosts in a discussion about romance literature, including the inspiration of some of the biggest novels in present day.

Story Stack hosts, Ansley, Gabriel, and Lily discuss what it means for something to be a faithful adaptation, focusing on Del Toro's Frankenstein.