Lit by the Fire

The Man Who Was Thursday, Part 1

Ryan Swindoll — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0600

Come and hear the craziest comedy I've ever read, a so-called "philosophical thriller" about undercover anarchists and police detectives written by the venerable G.K. Chesterton. While this is a much more challenging work than those we've covered to date, it is surprisingly funny and exuberantly entertaining.

The Mountain: Johann's Journey, Part 5

Ryan Swindoll — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0600

Cozy up for the final chapters of Barbi's McSwain's The Mountain, a longer episode that takes us to the exciting conclusion of Johann's perilous search for treasure. Join us in the final descent where we shall cure doubts, face dragons, fight wars, and win victories for justice and mercy.

The Mountain: Johann's Journey, Part 4

Ryan Swindoll — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:00:00 -0600

Enemies arise with fresh challenges for Johann and Michael on their journey to find the secret of The Mountain. In this episode, we learn the origin of the fabled treasure and discover the latent powers of the boy's swords.

The Mountain: Johann's Journey, Part 3

Ryan Swindoll — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 19:00:00 -0600

Our adventure through Barbi McSwain's The Mountain continues in this latest episode beginning with Johann's creepy imprisonment and Michael's attempted rescue. Tune in and find out what happens at Pronouncement Peak!

The Mountain: Johann's Journey, Part 2

Ryan Swindoll — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 19:00:00 -0600

Cozy up for the next installment of Barbi McSwain's delightful adventure, The Mountain: Johann's Journey. Two boys are about to begin their mountainous ascent in search of a mysterious and powerful treasure, but toward what hopes and hazards will their path take them? Listen in and find out!

The Mountain: Johann's Journey, Part 1

Ryan Swindoll — Sun, 8 Mar 2026 19:00:00 -0600

Today we pick up a delightful adventure story written by friend and local author, Barbi McSwain. It tells of two mischievous boys who get into trouble over their heads and decide to risk a journey to find treasure.

Song of the Sunbird, Part 4

Ryan Swindoll — Sun, 1 Mar 2026 19:00:00 -0600

Gather round and hear the enthusiastic finish of Song of the Sunbird, in which Charlie is captured, Suzy conducts a daring rescue, and the children learn the purpose of their adventure.

Song of the Sunbird, Part 3

Ryan Swindoll — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 19:00:00 -0600

Put on a cozy sweater and join me for the third installment of this fantastic adventure story I wrote when I was half my current age. We learn the fates of Charlie and Suzy in their misguided quest up the White Mountain in the Heartlands.

Song of the Sunbird, Part 2

Ryan Swindoll — Sun, 8 Feb 2026 19:00:00 -0600

Cozy up as we continue the tale of Charlie and Suzy's adventures underground in Song of the Sunbird, a tale I wrote nearly twenty years ago.

Song of the Sunbird, Part 1

Ryan Swindoll — Sun, 1 Feb 2026 19:00:00 -0600

Cozy up, folks! Today we crack open the closest thing to Narnia written by a twenty-two-year-old college grad: Song of the Sunbird. I may have been an amateur author when I wrote it, but this tale delves deep into what would become my signature adventure, humor, and wisdom. Suitable for kids of all ages.

The Golden Key

Ryan Swindoll — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 19:00:00 -0600

Today we enjoy my favorite fairy tale, The Golden Key, by George MacDonald. This richly adorned tale speaks of a boy and girl who find their way together through adventures that reveal the beauty, wisdom, and longing hidden in life.

The Good Guys Win, Part 3

Ryan Swindoll — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 19:00:00 -0600

Today we read Wesley's selections in The Good Guys Win. Tune in for "The Alien Burger Crisis" and "30 Days in Hawaii" with laughs and twists and turns you won't expect.

The Good Guys Win, Part 1

Ryan Swindoll — Sun, 4 Jan 2026 19:00:00 -0600

Today we read Newton's selections in The Good Guys Win, an anthology of fantasy stories written by my boys last summer. Tune in for "The Secret Government", "The Reign of Gold", and "Exploding Peaches" (a crowd favorite). These stories follow a story model that challenged my sons to let the bad guys win first and win big so that the good guys would find the truer victory. And what a victory it was for them as writers!