

Intentionally Blank
Brandon Sanderson & Dan Wells
Join bestselling authors Brandon Sanderson and Dan Wells as they search for the perfect podcast name and talk about the weird things they love—such as food heists, the perfect popcorn salt, and whether any art can truly be perfect. Listen for commentary on movies, TV shows, books, video games, and wherever else their conversation leads them.
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Oct 16, 2024 • 34min
The Best Non-Disney Animated Features — Intentionally Blank Ep. 176
Join Brandon Sanderson and Dan Wells as they dive into the best non-Disney animated features! They discuss classics like 'Titan A.E.' and 'The Secret of NIMH', sharing nostalgic insights and mixed reviews. The duo analyzes the Ice Age franchise, critiques the quirky charm of 'B-movie', and reflects on the emotional impact of films like 'Prince of Egypt'. With lively debates on character representation and storytelling, they uncover the joys and absurdities of animated cinema. It's a celebration of animation beyond the mouse!

6 snips
Oct 9, 2024 • 36min
The Fantasy Quorum feat. Holly Black — Intentionally Blank Ep. 175
Bestselling author Holly Black joins fantasy titans Brandon Sanderson and Dan Wells for an engaging discussion. They dive into the classification of Beowulf as fantasy and debate the best fantasy films, including an enthusiastic nod to 'The Lord of the Rings.' The trio explores the blurry lines between fantasy and sci-fi, tackling genre perceptions and the evolving landscape of storytelling. With wit and insight, they also address how younger generations shape modern fantasy narratives.

8 snips
Oct 2, 2024 • 30min
Crowdfunding on Kickstarter w/ Holly Black — Intentionally Blank Ep. 174
In this lively chat, Holly Black, celebrated author of the Spiderwick Chronicles and Book of Night, joins Brandon Sanderson and Dan Wells. They dive into the thrilling world of Kickstarter, exploring the logistics and creative processes behind successful campaigns. Holly shares her own experience crowdfunding and discusses the evolution of indie creators in a community-driven space. The trio also tackles a whimsical notion of plushy meat cleavers, wrapping humor around the art of storytelling in fantasy and reality. Tune in for a blend of insights and laughs!

8 snips
Sep 25, 2024 • 34min
Who Did Time Travel Best? — Intentionally Blank Ep. 173
Join the delightful banter about beloved time travel films! Hear nostalgia spill over for 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure' while tackling its legacy. The hosts dissect time loops in 'Russian Doll' and 'Edge of Tomorrow,' analyzing captivating narratives. There's a vibrant debate on the X-Men series and its complex timeline, alongside comedic insights from 'Deadpool 2.' Plus, a critique of time travel mechanisms in classics like 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' keeps the conversation lively. Prepare for a whirlwind journey through time!

7 snips
Sep 18, 2024 • 32min
Who's Your Elden Ring Waifu? — Intentionally Blank Ep. 172
Dive into playful debates about marrying your waifu in Elden Ring and the intricacies of Sudafed regulations. Laugh along as they uncover the bizarre $1.5 million chicken wing heist and its quirky characters. The conversation also touches on unique salt collections and the hosts' blind playthrough of Elden Ring, packed with explosive potion strategies. Plus, reflections on a Mediterranean cruise and the film industry's resurgence post-pandemic keep the banter lively and entertaining!

20 snips
Sep 12, 2024 • 30min
Losing Your Audience - Intentionally Blank Ep. 171
Brandon Sanderson, an acclaimed fantasy author, and Dan Wells, a popular thriller writer, dive into the intricacies of storytelling. They discuss how authorial intrusion can break immersion, with examples from films and literature. The duo highlights the joy of spotting character actors and how familiar faces impact viewer experience. They also analyze the quirks of fictional devices, like 555 phone numbers, and the challenges of word choice in fantasy writing, emphasizing the importance of cultural nuances and thoughtful details in world-building.

12 snips
Sep 4, 2024 • 34min
Intentionally Gifted — Intentionally Blank Ep. 170
Brandon Sanderson, a renowned fantasy author, teams up with Dan Wells, a celebrated author in horror and speculative fiction. They delve into the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in Disney films with humor and insight. The joy of gifting leads to nostalgic anecdotes about fan connections and celebrations. Their love for role-playing games takes center stage, along with engaging discussions on patent law in gaming. They also share their passion for LEGO, imagining creative designs inspired by their works, adding a playful twist to their engaging conversation.

10 snips
Aug 28, 2024 • 31min
Young Adult Publishing Vs Adult Publishing w/ Brandon Mull — Intentionally Blank Ep. 169
Brandon Sanderson, a bestselling author known for his epic fantasies, and Brandon Mull, celebrated for his children's literature, delve into the vast differences between young adult and adult publishing. They share candid tales of navigating feedback from editors, revealing how emotional the editing process can be. The duo discusses balancing artistic integrity with commercial demands and their experiences collaborating with publishers. With humor, they explore the challenges faced when transitioning beloved stories into trilogies and the impact of market trends on publishing.

13 snips
Aug 21, 2024 • 29min
My Thoughts on Oppenheimer.... w/ Brandon Mull — Intentionally Blank Ep. 168
Brandon Mull, a bestselling author known for enchanting young readers with fantasy adventures, joins in to discuss the film 'Oppenheimer' with Brandon Sanderson. They dive into Christopher Nolan's unique storytelling techniques and his refusal to rely on CGI. The conversation explores the intricacies of sound and music in film, as well as the disparity in recognition between superhero and dramatic performances. They also analyze the achievements of the highest-grossing directors, pondering the art of cinematic storytelling and its moral dilemmas.

15 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 31min
The Price of Creation w/ Brandon Mull — Intentionally Blank Ep. 167
In this engaging sit-down, Brandon Mull, the acclaimed author behind the Fablehaven series, joins fellow fantasy novelist Brandon Sanderson. They share humorous book signing stories and discuss the evolution of author events from simple signings to lively launch parties. Mull and Sanderson delve into the price of creativity, addressing the sacrifices authors make in their journeys. Their banter also touches on family life, reading habits, and their recent adventures in Hawaii, offering a delightful mix of personal anecdotes and writing insights.