What happens when two author friends sit down in front of a live audience to talk shop? At When Words Collide 2025, Andrew Buckley and Finnian Burnett joined forces for Two Authors in Conversation, a heartwarming and laughter-filled session moderated by Heather Wilkey and recorded by Miranda Krogstad.

In this special StoryCentric Podcast: BFF Edition, Andrew and Finnian dive deep into the art of collaboration and the realities of making a living as a writer. Along the way, they reflect on their creative processes, swap hilarious stories from their careers, and share the joy (and occasional chaos) of building a writing life together.

It’s equal parts practical wisdom and friendship-fueled fun—perfect for anyone who loves writing, creativity, or the connections that make storytelling possible.

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What do tech giants, grumpy birds, and Comic-Con chaos have in common? Aaron Reynolds.

In this episode of the Storycentric Podcast, we sit down with Aaron Reynolds—creator of the delightfully irreverent Effin’ Birds—to trace his wildly creative journey. From a photography background to working at Apple (yes, that Apple), to becoming the master of profanity-laced bird commentary, Aaron shares how he leaned into humor, risk, and a fiercely independent creative streak to build a brand that now struts across books, shirts, mugs, and con booths everywhere. Whether you're a creator, a fan of Aaron’s work, or someone looking for proof that a side project can change your life, this one’s for you.

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In this episode, we dive into the creative journey of TV writer Brian D. Bradley, whose childhood love for comic books sparked a lifelong passion for storytelling. Growing up in a small Midwestern town, Brian used his paper route earnings to fund regular trips to the comic shop—feeding an imagination shaped by the worlds of Marvel and DC.

Though he once dreamed of becoming an artist, Brian soon realized his real talent was in crafting stories. His early DIY comic universes laid the foundation for a successful career in television, with credits on MADtv, Scrubs, Star Trek: Lower Decks, and more.

Tune in as Brian shares how those early panels and punchlines continue to shape his work—and why your childhood obsessions might just be your greatest creative asset.

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Actor, writer, and creative whirlwind Michael Coleman (Once Upon a Time, Supernatural, Stargate-SG1) took the stage at Collector Con to talk shop—his upcoming comedy series, a fresh horror film, and a Guy Ritchie-style action flick all born from his creative tribe of students and pros. It’s a wild ride of perseverance through genres, mentorship, and building a storytelling empire one project at a time.

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From Batman and Futurama to his own indie creations, legendary artist, direction, and comic book creator John Delaney joined us live at Collector Con in Surrey, BC to talk about a life in animation, the magic of visual storytelling, and his latest creative adventures—DocNoc and the children’s book Borax. We dive into the balance between studio giants and indie freedom, and what it means to build new worlds from scratch.

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Nigerian comic creator Folorunsho Malik Olanrewaju shares his journey from local passion to global impact. Recorded live at Collector Con, this episode explores how platforms like SMcomics are rewriting the rules for content creation, cultural exchange, and creator empowerment. A bold look at the future of comics—and the voices shaping it.

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In this episode, we’re talking transformation—creative, professional, and personal. Filmmaker Christian Schu joins us to share his leap from the corporate world into the wild world of visual storytelling.

We explore the courage it takes to leave a structured path in pursuit of passion, how to spot a narrative that resonates, and the evolving power of brand storytelling in an era where authenticity reigns supreme. Christian opens up about his journey, the art and grit of filmmaking, and offers grounded, insightful advice for anyone standing at the edge of a creative leap.

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We dive into the heart of storytelling with romance author Chelsea Pennington. From her early days as a book-devouring Texas kid to stepping confidently into the world of self-publishing, Chelsea shares her journey from reader to writer with candid charm. We talk about the rollercoaster ride of launching books during a global pandemic, bond over mutual formatting frustrations (why is it always the margins?), and unpack the creative dance of balancing beloved romance tropes without losing originality. Whether you're a die-hard romance reader, an aspiring author, or just here for the banter, this episode brings equal parts inspiration, laughter, and real talk from the publishing trenches.

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Recorded in Kamloops BC while on a conference tour, Andrew is joined by BFFs Finnian Burnett AND Miranda Krogstad. The topics are bizarre and wide-ranging, but include the truth behind snuffleupagus, the three friends share their non-traditional paths to success, shouting at people at the Calgary Zoo, the C-Word, foot fetishes or the lack thereof, chocolate, working with a live audience, and more. Like we said . . . wide-ranging. Enjoy!

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This week, Andrew sat down with Jessica Belbin, an experienced improv facilitator from The Kinkonauts in Calgary. Jessica shares her fascinating journey through storytelling, from her comedic awakening in Montreal to building inclusive communities through improv. We explore the dichotomy of stand-up and improv comedy, discuss how performance art builds confidence, and delve into comedy's surprising therapeutic benefits. This episode offers valuable insights into the transformative power of improvisational storytelling. A must-listen for storytellers everywhere!

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