Cool Story Guys artwork

Cool Story Guys

110 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 months ago - ★★★★★ - 38 ratings

Cool Story Guys is a creative writing podcast and fantasy adventure audiobook where major plot points are determined by RPG-style dice rolls. Join hosts Jeff and Ethan for humorous discussions about the storytelling process and an ongoing collaborative fantasy tale inspired by the unpredictability of role-playing games and actual play podcasts.

Comedy Fiction Fiction Science Fiction actual play fantasy audiobook audiobook role-playing games creative writing storytelling d&d dungeons & dragons fantasy fantasy story
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Episodes

Cool Story Guys S02E29: Marked for Sacrifice

June 13, 2023 07:10 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MB

In the Season Two finale, we take a final, comprehensive look at our spooky multidimensional caveman epic: Beyond the Mirror. Other topics include figuring out which “big energies” we tapped into over the course of the story, other titles that didn’t make the cut, and why Ethan decided to make the book’s final antagonists an army of gentrifying sadness monsters.

Cool Story Guys S02E28: Chapter Fourteen - From Beyond

June 13, 2023 07:05 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MB

The group prepares to move on to Torv's world, but before they can leave the ruins of Orn behind, they discover what the Harvester had planned for them all along. 

Cool Story Guys S02E27: Competitive Memorial Service

June 13, 2023 07:00 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MB

With pretty much all of our bad guys dead following the climax of the story, we take a look back at all of the antagonistic forces from the book and rank them from dumbest to best. Other topics include whether or not we inadvertently made our main character a Thanos, Jeff’s asinine internal battle of efficiency versus originality, and Ethan’s deep-seated fears concerning other men, bourbon, and barbecue. 

Cool Story Guys S02E26: Chapter Thirteen - The Fire on the Mountain

May 23, 2023 07:05 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MB

Before the group can even hope to stop the Ghora, they have to find it first. Following the monster's path, they discover the scale of destruction Ja has inadvertently unleashed on Orn. 

Cool Story Guys S02E25: TGI Fridays but Without the Depth

May 23, 2023 07:00 - 36 minutes - 33.3 MB

Because we have dragged our protagonists back to their miserable home world, we explore the idea of homecoming in our real lives and try to figure out which of our personal traumas we have projected onto the story. Other topics include the futility of trying to explain magic, finding the right balance between being corny and sensible, and how all of Ethan’s early courtships started and ended at Applebees.

Cool Story Guys S02E24: Chapter Twelve - Reality Collapses

May 02, 2023 07:05 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MB

As the group transports the mirror shard back to Orn, they see the devastation they have caused by traveling from world to world. 

Cool Story Guys S02E23: Is Jeff Invisible Again? Because It Smells Horrible

May 02, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MB

Forced to use an "eerie" Fate Index submission on one of our protagonists, we discuss how we would cope with similar weird changes in our real lives. Other topics include how farts are a great catalyst for transformation, deciding when a story needs to slow down the pace, and big sacrifices like Randy Quaid in the blockbuster film Independence Day. 

Cool Story Guys S02E22: Chapter Eleven - Untying the Knot

April 18, 2023 07:05 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

The group of unlikely companions travel together to an idyllic island while they wait for the Harvester's return, but even in paradise, Ja can't escape the mistakes of his past.

Cool Story Guys S02E21: The Trust Hole

April 18, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MB

Which animals would we follow into a deep, dark hole? We discuss which of nature's children are the most trustworthy. Other topics include whether or not Ethan is actually a bunch of bugs in a man suit, playing fast and loose with our Fate Index rolls, and not wanting to overwrite a gross scene because someone will inevitably use it to scratch a kinky itch.

Cool Story Guys S02E20: Chapter Ten - A Noble Cause

April 04, 2023 07:05 - 27 minutes - 25 MB

Ja hears a voice in his head that confirms his suspicions about the Harvester and follows it underground to build a questionable new alliance. 

Cool Story Guys S02E19: I Got My Masters in Bone Gendering

April 04, 2023 07:00 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MB

Now that we're in the back half of the story, it's time to go back and look at the original rolls from the first episode to see how well we've been following directions. Other topics include the fun of creating insidiously creepy chapters, making fast friends with an UltraBacon at the bar, and the introduction of a new, unexpected pet: former US president Grover Cleveland.

Cool Story Guys S02E18: Chapter Nine - The Harvester

March 21, 2023 08:05 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MB

Doro excitedly brings Ja and Kaia to the forest of a man named the Harvester. Though the skeleton venerates the powerful stranger, the humans are far less trusting.

Cool Story Guys S02E17: Punching Cakes and Farting in Supercuts

March 21, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MB

Being forced to write an awkward social faux pas into the story is the perfect excuse to talk about our own devastating personal embarrassments. Other topics include using Fate Index rolls to become an edgelord, creating the Skeleton Bible, and being fine with tropes in our story as long as they were someone else’s idea.

Cool Story Guys S02E16: Chapter Eight - A Quiet Meal

February 21, 2023 08:05 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MB

The jawbone mirror has transported our protagonists to "a world without men like the Blood Summoner." It offers Ja and Kaia a great opportunity to learn more about their travels; all they have to do first is enjoy a simple meal in silence.

Cool Story Guys S02E15: Body of Desire

February 21, 2023 08:00 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MB

Who has the hot looks and perfect life and how do we get into those bodies instead of our crummy ones? Ethan wants to be the tallest guy in the neighborhood and Jeff knows he'll never cut it as Beyoncé. Other topics include whether or not we should care about "good storytelling" over fun, getting creative with suboptimal rolls, and having to level up our story challenges as we level up our characters.

Cool Story Guys S02E14: Chapter Seven - Through the Eyes of the Oppressor

February 07, 2023 08:05 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB

After a bizarre turn of events, Ja and Kaia find themselves in the upper echelon of Orn society. Have things finally improved for our protagonists, or is life too good to be true?

Cool Story Guys S02E13: A Definitive List of Scary Animals

February 07, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MB

Animals can be scary! In this episode, we create a tier list that determines once-and-for-all which animals are the most terrifying. Other topics include Ethan deciding that a brand-new character is unnecessary, how Elden Ring is still infiltrating our creative nodes, and characters who mysteriously know all of the story's secrets.

Cool Story Guys S02E12: Chapter Six - The Putrid Coast

January 24, 2023 08:05 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MB

Ja and Kaia attempt to track down Torv on the other side of the portal, hoping that his brute strength can help keep them safe in a harsh new world. 

Cool Story Guys S02E11: Oops! All Conans

January 24, 2023 08:00 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MB

Inspired by a trans-Atlantic viewing of Indiana Jones, we explore the idea of a "leap of faith" and whether or not we're the type of people to take big risks. Other topics include the unstated peril of not naming characters, whether or not we've got too much magic in the story, and an introduction to a sexy bug waifu Bionicle named Zethra.

Cool Story Guys S02E10: Chapter Five - Complex Problems and Simple Violence

December 20, 2022 08:05 - 29 minutes - 27 MB

Torv learns some hard lessons about acting without thinking things through. Ja is chosen to command a mysterious and powerful ancient relic.

Cool Story Guys S02E09: The Red Dawn Theory

December 20, 2022 08:00 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MB

Are we loyal friends and family members? Is Ethan the perfect American? In this episode, we explore the depths of our loyalty to others, ourselves, and our countries. Other topics include problematic protagonists, the pervasive propaganda of Libby's Pumpkin Pie Mix, and how it's easier to unlock a door than pull it off its hinges.

Cool Story Guys S02E08: Chapter Four - Honor March

November 29, 2022 08:05 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MB

The great forest is dying and with it the barbarian Ulvson clan. The decline began with the emergence of the hideous boar faces and their mysterious leader, the Light Eater. To save his people, Torv sets out to destroy the bringer of the Black Night.

Cool Story Guys S02E07: Real Fears

November 29, 2022 08:00 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MB

What drives fear into the hearts of the Cool Story Guys? In this episode, we discuss the tangible and existential dreads that haunt our everyday existence. Other topics include Jeff's general inability to listen to good advice, the impending emergence of the Shrimp Summoner, and an introduction to the physically, emotionally, and temporally separated "Distant Ethan."

Cool Story Guys S02E06: Chapter Three - The Absence of Light

November 15, 2022 08:05 - 30 minutes - 28 MB

Desperate for supplies, Ja and Kaia venture beneath the vine-covered ruins and find that not everything among the countless scattered bones has died.

Cool Story Guys S02E05: Apex Cabin Daddy

November 15, 2022 08:00 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MB

After forcing our protagonists to traverse through a vicious jungle, we discuss whether either of us has what it takes to survive in dire situations. Other topics include how it feels to write gross things, whether or not parents form strong bonds with their children, and all the nasty things Ethan thought about including in his chapter but decided against. 

Cool Story Guys S02E04: Chapter Two - Evils and Omens

November 01, 2022 08:20 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MB

Ja and Kaia wrestle with new fears and old traumas as they traverse the inhospitable jungle outside of the compound. Unequipped to protect themselves in the wild, the two are forced to cling to any semblance of safety they can find.

Cool Story Guys S02E03: Defining a Rural Caveman

November 01, 2022 08:15 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MB

As the story starts to take shape, we explore the different ways that Jeff's spicy Turkish vacation influenced the first chapter. Other topics include a cursory look at a random assortment of new and old things, Ethan’s deep desire to add dinosaurs to anything and everything, and a few too many references to a book that a lot of people haven't read. 

Cool Story Guys S02E02: Chapter One - Blood Sacrifice

November 01, 2022 08:05 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MB

Raised inside a brutal prison compound and subjected to supernatural rituals, Ja has little hope for the future. When a woman named Kaia is exiled to the compound from the community, she teaches Ja about the outside world, and the two form an alliance to keep each other safe.

Cool Story Guys S02E01: Too Dumb for Sci-Fi

November 01, 2022 08:00 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MB

A new season means a brand new story! In this introductory episode, we roll the dice to learn what kind of story we get to tell. Spoiler alert: this new story isn't going to be anything like the last one. Other topics include not getting frustrated when we can't compete with top-tier art, a dog-minus-whale reality that is just begging to be explored, and how everyone is tired of fantasy stories set in the Middle Ages.

Cool Story Guys One-Shot: Elden Ring

March 28, 2022 07:00 - 46 minutes - 42.1 MB

Elden Ring is one of the most exciting things to happen to video games in years and we are smitten. Ethan is a veteran of the Dark Souls games and Jeff is new to the series, but we've both been deeply enjoying our time getting killed over and over and over in the lands between. We talk about the sprawling story (which is supposedly co-created by one of the biggest names in fantasy literature), the dauntingly steep learning curve, and what the game means to those who hold fantasy adventure ne...

Cool Story Guys 040: Jumbo-Sized Season Finale Jamboree

January 26, 2022 08:05 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MB

We celebrate the end of our first season with a big discussion of the last two chapters and an imaginary casting session for the inevitable big-budget TV series or film adaptation. Other topics include areas where we wish we could get a do-over, some alternate book names that didn't quite make the cut, and how our fantasy story slowly morphed into a collectivist screed about how billionaires shouldn't exist.

Cool Story Guys S01E40: Jumbo-Sized Season Finale Jamboree

January 26, 2022 08:05 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MB

We celebrate the end of our first season with a big discussion of the last two chapters and an imaginary casting session for the inevitable big-budget TV series or film adaptation. Other topics include areas where we wish we could get a do-over, some alternate book names that didn't quite make the cut, and how our fantasy story slowly morphed into a collectivist screed about how billionaires shouldn't exist.

Cool Story Guys S01E39: Epilogue

January 26, 2022 08:00 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MB

It's been 20 years since the Shift changed the world forever. Have the survivors actualized the brighter future they saw atop the platform, or have the same old mistakes returned to haunt them again?

Cool Story Guys 039: Epilogue

January 26, 2022 08:00 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MB

It's been 20 years since the Shift changed the world forever. Have the survivors actualized the brighter future they saw atop the platform, or have the same old mistakes returned to haunt them again?

Cool Story Guys S01E38: Chapter 19 - Ascension

January 10, 2022 08:05 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MB

Everyone has gathered at the base of the column from the vision. Will they ascend to a better world, or to a cruel and violent demise?

Cool Story Guys 038: Chapter 19 - Ascension

January 10, 2022 08:05 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MB

Everyone has gathered at the base of the column from the vision. Will they ascend to a better world, or to a cruel and violent demise?

Cool Story Guys 037: Flop Reel

January 10, 2022 08:00 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MB

Another year of toil and wasted promise is in the books, so we take a look at stuff we liked, stuff that sucked, and whether or not we should try harder on this podcast in 2022. Other topics include Ethan's bizarre insistence to keep talking about the shortcomings of Resident Evil films, the thrilling highs and unfathomable lows of Nicolas Cage, and preemptively taking care of a  plot hole from our story so vindictive nerds won't bug us about it in the future.

Cool Story Guys S01E37: Flop Reel

January 10, 2022 08:00 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MB

Another year of toil and wasted promise is in the books, so we take a look at stuff we liked, stuff that sucked, and whether or not we should try harder on this podcast in 2022. Other topics include Ethan's bizarre insistence to keep talking about the shortcomings of Resident Evil films, the thrilling highs and unfathomable lows of Nicolas Cage, and preemptively taking care of a  plot hole from our story so vindictive nerds won't bug us about it in the future.

Cool Story Guys S01E36: Chapter 18 - Lost and Found

December 13, 2021 08:05 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MB

It's the last stand for Finnegan and the Irapa as an overwhelming swarm of Vist make a final push to turn the Northern Plateaus into a column. 

Cool Story Guys 036: Chapter 18 - Lost and Found

December 13, 2021 08:05 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MB

It's the last stand for Finnegan and the Irapa as an overwhelming swarm of Vist make a final push to turn the Northern Plateaus into a column. 

Cool Story Guys S01E35: Are We Living in a Simulation?

December 13, 2021 08:00 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MB

Shook by the idea that we've taken free will away from the characters in our story, we discuss whether or not we have any free will of our own, or if the reason Jeff eats a turkey sandwich for lunch every day is because he lives inside a simulation. Other topics include Ethan imagining himself as an adorable garbage robot, how Jeff's dad has become the destroyer of worlds, and whether or not we feel emotions when we kill off our characters.

Cool Story Guys 035: Are We Living in a Simulation?

December 13, 2021 08:00 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MB

Shook by the idea that we've taken free will away from the characters in our story, we discuss whether or not we have any free will of our own, or if the reason Jeff eats a turkey sandwich for lunch every day is because he lives inside a simulation. Other topics include Ethan imagining himself as an adorable garbage robot, how Jeff's dad has become the destroyer of worlds, and whether or not we feel emotions when we kill off our characters.

Cool Story Guys S01E34: Chapter 17 - Visions

November 22, 2021 08:05 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MB

Different factions quarrel over how to act upon the Remnant’s vision, and the outcome will determine the fate of the Capital Islands and its people.

Cool Story Guys 034: Chapter 17 - Visions

November 22, 2021 08:05 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MB

Different factions quarrel over how to act upon the Remnant’s vision, and the outcome will determine the fate of the Capital Islands and its people.

Cool Story Guys S01E33: Ethan's Quest

November 22, 2021 08:00 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB

Come along on the adventure of a lifetime in ETHAN'S QUEST, an exciting new game where you attempt to navigate uncomfortable social situations with a magic hat and are reincarnated behind a Burger King in the woods every time you die. Other topics include how pretty much every RPG is a fashion RPG, the realization that it's time to start killing off our characters again, and Ethan having to fight the inclination to add more mystery to a story he's supposed to bringing to a close.

Cool Story Guys 033: Ethan's Quest

November 22, 2021 08:00 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB

Come along on the adventure of a lifetime in ETHAN'S QUEST, an exciting new game where you attempt to navigate uncomfortable social situations with a magic hat and are reincarnated behind a Burger King in the woods every time you die. Other topics include how pretty much every RPG is a fashion RPG, the realization that it's time to start killing off our characters again, and Ethan having to fight the inclination to add more mystery to a story he's supposed to bringing to a close.

Cool Story Guys S01E32: Chapter 16 - Seeking Truth

November 08, 2021 08:05 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MB

Stuck on the Northern Plateaus and drained of power, Laureena attempts to break free from the dark force that has been controlling her for the last four years.

Cool Story Guys 032: Chapter 16 - Seeking Truth

November 08, 2021 08:05 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MB

Stuck on the Northern Plateaus and drained of power, Laureena attempts to break free from the dark force that has been controlling her for the last four years.

Cool Story Guys 031: Mid-Life Multiclassing

November 08, 2021 08:00 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MB

In preparation of our impending mid-life crises, we take a look at the new skills we want to learn in our elder years to replace the useless ones we've acquired so far. Other topics include how Ethan is self-conscious of his baby-soft hands, which time-sensitive natural disasters are worth worrying about, and how difficult it is to deal with a fantasy story where you can't go back and edit anything you've already written.

Cool Story Guys S01E31: Mid-Life Multiclassing

November 08, 2021 08:00 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MB

In preparation of our impending mid-life crises, we take a look at the new skills we want to learn in our elder years to replace the useless ones we've acquired so far. Other topics include how Ethan is self-conscious of his baby-soft hands, which time-sensitive natural disasters are worth worrying about, and how difficult it is to deal with a fantasy story where you can't go back and edit anything you've already written.

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@cool_story_guys 36 Episodes