Through The Wind Door
Fiction & Audio Drama
About
In 2013, Alex Shaw published a small novel called The Cartographer's Handbook, the first in a series called The New Century Multiverse.The premise is alt history, where post-Civil War America is suddenly overcome with a plague of dangerous monsters that overwhelm the Reconstruction, and bring the nation to its knees. The series is not about its fall, however, but about the heroes that help bring it back from the brink, and step into a wider world that is not the one they knew. New mysteries to unlock, magics to discover, and worlds to explore.7 years later, the New Century Multiverse is now nine books strong, with more on the way. It has had its first major arc, its first Avengers style coming together of the heroes of its various books...... and now, its first fan podcast.Through The Wind Door is a deep dive exploration of those first 9 novels and beyond. Accessible to new readers and long time fans, join Greg and Toby as they share thoughts about this engaging series.
Episodes
- Miles to Go, Before I Sleep - The Final Princess Thieves Essay
My struggle to put into words the frustratingly long journey of covering New Century's Princess Thieves. Tracks include: "Magic Forest, "Private Reflection", "Heart of Nowhere" ,"Babylon". "Wounded" "Sovereign" "Despair and Triumph", "Resi…
- Miles To Go, Before I Sleep: Letting Go of the West Wing
My final words on the influence of a show that made me put many pennies in the jar. Tracks include: "Magical Forest", "Clean Soul", and "Babylon" by Kevin McLeod "Make Your Decision" by Dan Phillipson Select tracks from The West Wing OST,…
- Beyond the Wind Door - Best Media of 2025, Part 4
Good lord! After all this time, we finally discuss Greg's top 12 games of 2025, and we go on for almost 2 hours with no spoilers! Today, I do my best to sell folks on the following games: A Space for the Unbound Neo Cab Metaphor: Refantazi…
- Beyond the Wind Door - Best Media of 2025, Part 3
The remaining notable movies Toby and I watched in 2025, plus one gaming experience I did not expect. This episode will have us discuss the following (With no spoilers, save for where noted in the episode): K-PoP Demon Hunters The Roses Wa…
- Beyond the Wind Door - Best Media of 2025, Part 2
Tv shows and movies, new and old! And we're not even done! Here's more of the good shit that got me and Toby through 2025. We cover: The Residence Orphan Black Hazbin Hotel Season 2 The Fall of the House of Usher Long Story Short Thunderbo…
- Beyond the Wind Door - Best Media of 2025, Part 1
The best way to deal with the turmoil of 2026 is to look back on the stuff that got us through 2025! In this Episode we discuss: Games: Rift of the Necrodancer Final Fantasy tactics - Ivalice Chronicles Hades 2 Deltarune Chapters 3+4 Citiz…
- New's of the Century - Black Ronin, Part 2
Our final words on the 15th book of the New Century Multiverse. At least for now. The New Century Multiverse Website: https://www.newcenturymultiverse.com Fireside Alliance: https://firesidealliance.squarespace.com/ Intro is "Humanity" by…
- New's of the Century - Black Ronin, Part 1
New year, New book, New thoughts. Our immediate reaction thoughts to the book release of Black Ronin, a very 2025 novel. Expect potential spoilers for all of New Century in the mix. The New Century Multiverse Website: https://www.newcentur…
- Miles to Go, Before I Sleep: Greg's Notable Games of 2025
It's been a bit since I put anything out, but more will be coming soon as I had a few things in the pipeline, and this is the first to emerge. As a taster of what's to come with our Best of Media in 2025, here is 11 more games I played thi…
- Princess Thieves - Part 8 (Chapters 15-19)
Well. That took way too long. But it will get easier from here. We're not done fighting, and neither are our heroes. Our final discussions on Chapters 15-19, with more hot on its heels. The New Century Multiverse Website: https://www.newce…
- Miles To Go, Before I Sleep - Finding Rebecca Wolverton
A personal essay on how I found meaning in one particular New Century protagonist, who models my past and my future. "How can I Heal" - Memento OST "My Silver Lining" (Instrumental) - First Aid Kit "Stupid (Instrumental)" -Sarah McLachlan…
- Beyond the Wind Door: Citizen(s) Sleeper
Here is the return of your favorite B Team. Kit Chaos, Dr. Stop Motion Skeletons, and your editor Bad Doge. Today we cover both Citizen Sleeper games. Spoilers abound, although you can listen to our show and not have the entire game spoile…
- Beyond The Wind Door - Severance, Part 2
Part 2 of our first recording on Seasons 1 and 2 of Severance. This will be the end of the crappy audio, promise. Plenty more is coming, but for a while, a break and editing something else in the can. Why Milchick’s Story Hurts So Much: Bl…
- Beyond The Wind Door - Severance, Part 1
One man and two PHDs cover the first two seasons of the Apple TV show Severance. Yes, it is that good, but it's also a Lot, especially now. Full spoilers, so only listen if caught up. Lumon is Listening. https://youtu.be/mlBkUeqNRS4?si=zS7…
- Whitescarves Team-Up #10 - Nama Chibitty, Part 2
Part 2 of our discussions with Nama Chibitty on New Century, but mostly all about Castle of the Moon. Including his contributions, thoughts on religion, and a banger of a final thesis at the end. The New Century Multiverse Website: https:/…
- Whitescarves Team-Up #10 - Nama Chibitty, Part 1
It's been a long time coming. Here is part 1 of our interview with longtime and fan and part time contributor to New Century, Nama Chibitty. Full spoilers discussion for his readthrough of the series up to Castle of the Moon, which will be…
- Miles To Go, Before I Sleep: On Stories - The Danger of Storytelling Everything
Part 2 of ?? as I keep putting to audio essay, my ongoing concerns about the positives and negatives of story in our lives. As stories are my primary hyperfixation, I often relate many things back to them. Here is where I have to admit the…
- Miles To Go, Before I Sleep: On Stories - Gods and Monsters
The beginning of an ongoing personal musing on stories... my endlessly favorite topic. How and why we create gods and monsters. All music is by Kevin McLeod, including "Magic Forest, "Private Reflection", "Resignation", "Heart of Nowhere"…
- Princess Thieves - Part 7 (Chapters 15-19)
The wheel keeps turning. And finally, more Princess Thieves discussion has come. We now delve into the darkest part of the story. Shattering Illusions, telling truths, and confronting the faces of evil. The beginning of our analysis on cha…
- Beyond the Wind Door - God of War: Ragnarok - The Conclusion
The last of our very long discussion on God of War, Ragnarok and otherwise. As before, much thanks to Orion Richardson for joining us. Fimbulwinter lingers in the real world... but we have hope. Fat Brett- Atreus, The Making Of A Hero part…
- Beyond the Wind Door - Greg Is Afraid: Stopmotion (2023)
It's horror time, and the invention of a brand new sub show to talk about horror! Today's show is on the 2023 movie "Stopmotion" by Robert Morgan! And yes, there is stop-motion in Stopmotion, so make all the Xibit jokes you want, because T…
- Miles to Go, Before I Sleep: This Essay Isn't (Just) About Gaiman
My final words (for now) about the crimes of Neil Gaiman, the influence of him and people like him on our podcast and lives, and how I plan to deal with with the issues raised going forwards. All music is by Kevin McLeod, including "Magic…
- Miles To Go, Before I Sleep: Neo Cab Was A Little Too Real
Yay, it's an upload! And a very digestible one. A much longer episode is coming soon, but for now, enjoy what is likely the first of many Greg essays that I promise won't go on longer than 15 to 30 minutes. Here is a subshow under the Beyo…
- Beyond the Wind Door - God of War: Ragnarok - Part 2
Now we get into the meat of the game itself. It's themes, its characters, its goddamn amazing music, and all the emotions they bring. Fat Brett - Essay on Brok: https://youtu.be/kxgZyDzZvJI?si=yrWPfYBLb6T_pPaP Fat Brett - Essay on Magni an…
- Beyond the Wind Door - God of War: Ragnarok - Part 1
Today we start covering one of the best AAA games Toby and I have played in the last ten years that was *not* a Spiderman game. Recorded during a fierce winter cold snap, this is the God of War: Ragnarok show, guest starring previous inter…
- Princess Thieves - Part 6 (Chapters 11-14)
Our first discussion of New Century in the new year! I hope it's fufilling enough for the wait till the next one! This one is full of character analysis and more of my attempts to use music to create a good atmosphere for literary discussi…
- Beyond the Wind Door - Best Media and Moments of 2024, Part 2
After coming to the end of Toby's list of 2024 things, we get to mine! It's mostly videogames. But seriously, some emotional highs and lows here. Enjoy. Let us fortify ourselves for the coming year. The Fireside Alliance Podcast Network: h…
- Beyond the Wind Door - Best Media and Moments of 2024, part 1
Well... a good portion of 2024 was just an exploding pile of chicken shit. But Toby and I are still here, and we're starting off the new year strong. Join us for a discussion of the parts of the year that didn't suck, and gave us the fuel…
- Princess Thieves - Part 5 (Chapters 11-14)
Okay. Let's try this one more time. Once more after a too long hiatus, we're back with our retrospective on The Princess Thieves. And while I'll still be working on other side projects in between, the episodes will keep coming, as I've got…
- Beyond the Wind Door - The Miscommunication Trilogy: Montana (1998)
It feels like this one has been a long time coming. Closing out our trilogy, we bring you the 1998 movie straight to cable movie called Montana, a movie that's hard to find and no one talks about, in spite of its star studded cast. Maybe o…
- Beyond the Wind Door - The Miscommunication Trilogy: All My Friends Hate Me
Well, where's an exciting one. A little indie title that few will have heard of, delving into the idea of social anxiety horror: All My Friends Hate Me. Listen to me, Toby and Alejandra gush about this one in part 2 of our themed trilogy.…
- Beyond the Wind Door - The Miscommunication Trilogy: Brazil
Greeting, true believers! The B-Team is back as The League of Supervillians, here to talk about some tragic movies with common themes! This week, we discuss the Terry Gilliam classic, Brazil, the black comedy about a hapless hero trying to…
- Princess Thieves - Part 4 (Chapters 6-10)
Today is the music episode! Or well, mostly the music episode. We go in depth with a lot of the most important or notable tracks in the Princess Thieves sound track, though more conversation is down the road as tracks come up in the story.…
- Princess Thieves - Part 3 (Chapters 6-10)
Okay! Let's try this again, one more time. After an extended hiatus due to circumstances beyond our control, it's Princess Thieves time again! This time covering the events of chapters 6-10, including discussions of dreams, masks, identity…
- Beyond the Wind Door - Music with Maureen pt. 2
Well, this one took way too long to finish. It's also almost 2 hours, which is part of it, but well... an editorial insert will explain more. Listen to Husband and Wife discuss the songs of Sarah McLachlan and Taylor Swift, with brief glim…
- Beyond The Wind Door: Inside Out 2
Once more, I team up with my wife Maureen to take on a piece of media together. This is us reflecting on the path that brought us to watch Inside Out 2 in theatres and then record on how it made Us feel, as well as reflect on the previous…
- Princess Thieves - Part 2 (Chapters 1-5)
A deeper look at the events of the first Five Chapters of The Princess Thieves, through a deep dive at our main cast! Listen to us discuss all the characters that have been introduced so far: Gwen, Viola, Robin, Oberon, Scarlett, Captain B…
- Beyond the Wind Door: Stop Motion Part 3 - Kubo and the Two Strings
Our final entry in our Stop motion shows, where we bring it back to the movie that began this exploration into the medium, Kubo and the Two Strings. I not only love it, but it may be one of my favorite movies, same with Toby and Maureen. F…
- Princess Thieves - Part 1 (Chapters 1-5)
We're back, guys, gals, and non-binary pals! Season 6! Welcome to our Princess Thieves retrospective! We begin with an overview of our beginning, discussing it's roots, storytelling framework, it's tone, and some of the story elements of t…
- Beyond the Wind Door Minisode - Pokemon
Originally meant to be an outtake, here's a brief snippet of me and Toby discussing my first foray into watching Pokemon media, spurred by a challenge from Nama Chibitty of the School of Movies discord. While a full episode is not forthcom…
- Beyond the Wind Door: Stop Motion Part 2 - The Nightmare Before Christmas
Holy cow, part 2 came out quickly! Listen to our takes on this seminal Tim Burton Classic, and comparing it to Chicken Run! Spoilers: didn't work for me. Listen to my reasoning and yell at me! The Fireside Alliance Podcast Network: https:/…
- Beyond the Wind Door: Stop Motion Part 1 - Chicken Run
Once more, beyond the Wind Door! Today is part one of a discussion comparing three stop motion movies and our experiences with them. Today we discuss Chicken Run from 2000 by Aardman Productions! Join me, Toby, and my wife Maureen on this…
- Steamheart - Epilogue, Part 2
I hope you like Pitch Meetings. Because this episode has one and it was the thing that took the longest to do! Our final thoughts on the biggest book of New Century. The New Century Multiverse Website: https://www.newcenturymultiverse.com…
- Beyond the Wind Door - Music with Maureen pt. 1
Look, its not a great title. But it's what I came up with. Lacking other side content to share, I decided to try something new: discussing favorite music with my wife. Songs from the long ago 70's and 80's, to far more current media. You'l…
- Steamheart - Epilogue, Part 1
Our final thoughts on this, the longest journey. The Journey of Steamheart. Working for Hope Endings and Beginnings... ours and theirs. Is that a Wrap? What Does This Journey Offer Us Missed Opportunities Is this book really 'no-one's favo…
- Beyond the Wind Door - The 14th Doctor Specials, Part 2
Out of the Wind Door and into the Wide Blue Yonder... Or wait, no, we're actually covering The Giggle this time. But really, here is part 2 of a discussion on Doctor Who's 60th anniversary specials, so discussion and spoilers covering The…
- Beyond The Wind Door - The Answer
An essay I wrote in 2019, after interviewing Alex and Sharon for Steamheart. The first creative writing I'd done in a while. And needed practice for the podcast I would eventually do with Toby. The essay now includes Music and an epilogue…
- Behind The Whitescarves - The First Interview, Part 2
Here's the rest of it and it's extra long. But only slightly because of what I added. As before, spoilers not just for Steamheart, but for all New Century books released by 2019, including and especially The Princess Thieves. It's amazing…
- Beyond the Wind Door - The 14th Doctor Specials, Part 1
This Wind Door once more opens next to a TARDIS! Lacking his Real Life Doctor companion, Greg invites Kevin Veighey back to Dish on the Doctor, plus time travel expert Jesse Fergusson to be our foil! Today we cover The Star Beast and Wild…
- Behind The Whitescarves - The First Interview, Part 1
Late 2019, Alex was making the post Steamheart materials after the release of the final episode of the audiodrama. Then he had a banger of an idea: why not ask two fans to interview them instead of just doing content with the cast? Little…