Best Ashley Guyot Podcasts (2025)

1
Finding Writing Motivation: How to Keep Showing Up | Reddit Question 35:18

21h ago35:18

35:18

A Reddit writer asks: How do you get dopamine to write? In this episode, I share thoughts on writing motivation, building momentum, and what keeps writers coming back to the page—even when they don’t feel like it. Whether you’re struggling with focus or just trying to stay consistent, these tips can help you make progress without relying on fleetin…

1
REDDIT Q: Writing Portal Fantasy: What Stops Characters from Returning? 22:43

8d ago22:43

22:43

A Reddit writer asks for compelling reasons why characters who travel to another world can’t go back home (or might not want to). In this episode, I explore some creative possibilities, from magic and morality to personal choices and consequences. ✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨ Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring c…

1
Does Your Story’s Setting NEED to Mean Something? | Reddit Writing Q 13:25

15d ago13:25

13:25

A Reddit writer asks if a fantasy setting needs to have deeper meaning to be worth using. Can a setting just exist because the author likes it, or should it serve a greater purpose in the story? In this episode, I share my take on the question and why worldbuilding doesn’t always need to be symbolic to be valuable. ✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨ Dive…

1
That One Annoying Trope: Withholding Info for Drama | Petty Peeve 12:16

22d ago12:16

12:16

You ever watch a movie, read a book, or play a game where a character knows something crucial but refuses to tell the protagonist for no good reason? Yeah… it drives me crazy. In this episode, I rant (just a little) about why this trope bothers me. ✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨ Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring …

1
REDDIT Q: How Do These Mutants Get to The Citadel? | Moving Characters Through Plot 14:36

29d ago14:36

14:36

A Reddit writer is struggling with how to naturally move their characters from one location (the Greenhouse) to the next major plot point (the Citadel). In this video, I go over a few possible ways to handle story progression and make character movement feel organic. ✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨ Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do…

1
Is ‘Coffee-Colored’ Skin Racist? | Reddit Story Question 15:40

1M ago15:40

15:40

A Reddit writer asks if describing a Black character’s skin as “coffee-colored” is racist. In this video, I share my thoughts on the topic and why word choice matters in storytelling. ✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨ Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring characters, worlds, plots, games, and creative writing challenges…

1
Reddit Story Question: How to Improve a Complicated Character Arc 18:52

1M ago18:52

18:52

In this episode, I tackle a Reddit question about refining a powerful and emotional character arc between two brothers. From conflicting motivations to tragic events, this story has a lot of potential—but how can it be taken to the next level? Join me as I explore ways to deepen the emotional stakes, address unresolved plot points, and create a mor…

1
AI in Creativity Part 2: Update on My Personal Experience with AI in Storytelling 35:38

2M ago35:38

35:38

✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨ Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring characters, worlds, plots, games, and creative writing challenges. The StoryPod is all about building your storytelling muscles and developing muscle memory for crafting amazing stories. 🌐 Website: https://www.creativebff.com 📸 Instagram: https://ww…

1
Reddit Story Question: Handling Sudden Strength Changes in Characters 30:25

2M ago30:25

30:25

What happens when a character’s strength fluctuates dramatically for lore-related reasons unknown to the reader? Inspired by a Reddit question, this episode tackles the challenge of making these shifts feel consistent, logical, and engaging without confusing your audience. We’ll dive into foreshadowing, character dynamics, and how to balance myster…

1
Petty Peeve: Using Full Names in Love Confessions 11:46

2M ago11:46

11:46

Why do characters insist on using someone’s full name when confessing their love? In this short Petty Peeve episode, I rant about this storytelling trope and why it grates on my nerves. No solutions, just pure cathartic complaining ✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨ Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring characters, world…

1
Reddit Story Question: Bringing a Ghost Back to Life in a Fantasy Story 27:38

2M ago27:38

27:38

What happens when a man falls in love with a ghost and wants her to become part of his life—permanently? Inspired by a Reddit question, this episode explores ways to bring a ghostly character back to life without venturing into science fiction. ✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨ Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring char…

1
Petty Peeve: Why Are "Strong Female Characters" So Rude? 11:46

3M ago11:46

11:46

In this Petty Peeve episode, I’m letting off steam about the frustrating trope of equating strong female characters with being unnecessarily rude or abrasive—and the worst part? It’s never treated as a flaw! Why does this keep happening, and why does it bug me so much? Join me for a cathartic rant about storytelling pet peeves and what makes this o…

1
Reddit Story Question: How to Extend Scenes and Build Longer Chapters 15:01

3M ago15:01

15:01

Feeling like your scenes are too short or your chapters are rushing by? Inspired by a Reddit question, this episode dives into practical strategies for extending scenes and making chapters longer without adding unnecessary fluff. ✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨ Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring characters, worlds,…

1
Creating a Retro Sci-Fi Cyberpunk Story from Scratch with Storymatic 1:10:50

3M ago1:10:50

1:10:50

What happens when you combine Storymatic prompts, Dan Harmon's Story Circle, and a love for retro sci-fi cyberpunk? In this episode, we build a thrilling story from scratch! Follow the journey of an apprentice mechanic with big dreams, her sentient robot sidekick, and an engineer on the run as they fight to stop a mega-corporation’s deadly mech pro…

1
Reddit Story Question: Why Would Aliens Start a War Over Earth? 22:30

3M ago22:30

22:30

Inspired by a Reddit story question, this episode explores the motivations behind an alien surprise attack in a space opera setting. What could be so rare and valuable on Earth that it’s worth triggering an interstellar war? Drawing parallels to historical events like WWII in the Pacific, we brainstorm compelling reasons for alien aggression, their…

1
Story Question--Beyond Lovecraft: Crafting Unique Eldritch Monsters for a Space Opera 19:08

4M ago19:08

19:08

Eldritch monsters are a staple of sci-fi and horror, but how do you create one that feels fresh, engaging, and suited to a space opera? In this episode, we tackle a Reddit question about avoiding generic Lovecraftian tropes while designing a race of sentient dark matter beings who unwittingly wreak havoc across time. What motivates these creatures,…

1
Reddit Question: The Chocomancer: Sweet Magic, Sour Conflicts 22:21

4M ago22:21

22:21

What happens when a chocolatier wields magic? Meet the Chocomancer, a candy-conjuring magician who escaped a gilded prison working for a king. In this episode, we dive into the sweet and bittersweet potential of this character's story. What kinds of adventures could he have? What challenges would he face? And what inner lie or misbelief could shape…

1
Immortal but Miserable: Finding Happiness in Eternal Life 21:33

4M ago21:33

21:33

Immortality might sound like a gift, but for one character, it’s a never-ending nightmare. In this episode, we tackle the challenge of creating meaningful character growth for an immortal being grappling with despair. After centuries of loss, countless wars, and the inevitable death of loved ones, this character faces a new low after being resurrec…

1
Petty Peeves: Blink and You’ll Miss It 20:50

4M ago20:50

20:50

In this Petty Peeves episode, I’m calling out the overuse of blinking in stories—why it often feels like a wasted action and how it can drain energy from a scene. But it’s not all bad! I’ll also share ways to make blinking meaningful and show how it can actually serve your storytelling when used intentionally. Tune in for a rant with a side of rede…

1
Too Much Trauma? Crafting a Fighter with a Gentle Side 30:10

4M ago30:10

30:10

In this Story Snack, we’re addressing a Reddit question on balancing trauma and personality in character development. Can a genetically modified warrior with a traumatic past still be sweet and romantic? We’ll discuss how much is “too much” backstory, the effects of trauma on character growth, and ways to create a nuanced, caring side to a battle-h…

1
Untangling Complexity: Streamlining Story Elements 19:23

5M ago19:23

19:23

In this Story Snack, we’re answering a Reddit question about handling complex story elements without overwhelming the plot. How do you balance a large cast of characters, unique subplots, and intricate backstories in a way that keeps readers engaged? Join us as we explore strategies for prioritizing details, trimming unnecessary elements, and weavi…

1
Savior Showdown: Adult Hero or Growing Child? 16:14

5M ago16:14

16:14

In this Story Snack, we’re tackling a thought-provoking question about the ultimate savior story. Should humanity’s last hope be an adult, fully equipped to tackle a crumbling world? Or is it more compelling to send a child, gradually growing into their powers and purpose? Join us as we explore the narrative impact of each choice, weighing immediat…

1
Petty Peeves: Just Talk Already! 17:38

5M ago17:38

17:38

In this Petty Peeves episode, I’m taking aim at a storytelling trope that drives me up the wall: when entire conflicts hinge on a misunderstanding that could be resolved with a single, simple conversation. Why does this lazy tension make my skin crawl, and how can writers avoid falling into this trap? Tune in for a rant and some tips on creating ri…

1
Gray and Detached: Writing an Emotionless Character with Depth 30:10

5M ago30:10

30:10

In this Story Snack, we’re answering a Reddit question on creating an emotionless character without making them dull. How do you write a protagonist who feels almost nothing and still keep readers invested? We’ll explore techniques for adding layers of complexity, evolving subtle emotions, and building relationships that gradually bring out feeling…

1
True Love, Tested: Rekindling Romance in a Fairytale Kingdom 14:53

6M ago14:53

14:53

In this Story Snack, we’re delving into a question about fairytale romance and redemption. How can a king, shaken by the scars of war, prove his love is true to the queen he’s grown distant from? We’ll explore ways for him to bridge the gap created by his depression and her responsibilities, weaving gestures and actions that show his renewed commit…

1
Petty Peeves: Lip-Biting Overload 15:58

6M ago15:58

15:58

Welcome to Petty Peeves, a limited series where I rant about common storytelling habits that drive me nuts—and offer solutions for doing better. In this first episode, we’re tackling the overuse of lip-biting as a go-to gesture for every emotion under the sun. Why does it bug me, and how can you avoid it? Tune in to find out how to diversify your c…

1
Unraveling Sanity: Writing a Slow Descent into Madness 27:37

6M ago27:37

27:37

In this Story Snack, we’re exploring how to write a character’s descent into madness, especially when they weren’t too stable to begin with! Inspired by a Reddit question, we’ll dive into crafting a gradual unraveling, weaving hints of instability from the start, and building up to an impactful transformation. Perfect for writers looking to create …

1
Welcome to Storypod: Your New Creative Best Friend 11:30

6M ago11:30

11:30

Welcome to Storypod! In this cozy Episode 0, I’ll introduce you to the heart of this podcast—a place where storytelling immersion meets creative fun. Whether you’re here to play with story ideas, explore new worlds, or just hang out with a fellow story-loving best friend, you’re in the right spot. Tune in to find out what Storypod is all about and …

1
From Storymatic to Star Systems: A Sci-Fi Tale of Redemption and Reckoning 37:27

6M ago37:27

37:27

In this episode, we dive into a high-stakes story built from scratch using Storymatic cards and Dan Harmon's Story Circle. Follow the journey of an unassuming prisoner who’s forced to confront a galaxy-spanning corporation when he's given a choice: stay in the shadows and face execution, or use his hidden talents to sabotage a rival corporation and…

1
Through the Mask: When Should Your Character See Color? 13:12

7M ago13:12

13:12

In this Story Snack, we’re diving into a Reddit question about a character who’s been seeing the world in black and white due to a magical mask. Should they start to see color sooner than planned? Join us as we explore the impact of revealing color, discuss world-building possibilities, and consider how timing this shift can shape a character’s exp…

1
Piety and Power: Showing a High Priest’s Faith in Dark Fantasy 16:07

7M ago16:07

16:07

In this Story Snack, we’re diving into the world of dark high fantasy to answer a Reddit question about showing a character’s piety. How do you depict devotion in a mummified Lich who once served as a high priest in an ancient, now-lost civilization? Join us as we explore ways to show a character’s faith through rituals, gestures, and quiet reveren…

1
Modern Issues, Medieval Worlds: Navigating Politics in Fantasy 23:40

7M ago23:40

23:40

In this semi-rant, we’re diving into the tricky territory of bringing modern politics and cultural issues into a fantasy world rooted in medieval history. Using Dragon Age: The Veilguard as an example of what can go wrong, and Horizon: Forbidden West as an example of what can go right, I’ll explore how to integrate contemporary themes without break…

1
From Nay to Yaaaay...? Embracing AI in Creative Writing (Maybe? Possibly?) 30:56

7M ago30:56

30:56

In this episode, I discuss my ever-evolving views on using AI tools in creative writing. Once a staunch skeptic, I found myself unexpectedly excited by the possibilities AI brings to the creative process. Join me as I share how I went from "no way" to "hmm...why not?" Whether you’re AI-curious or cautiously optimistic, this episode offers my confli…

1
Expressive Capsules: Bringing Faceless Characters to Life 9:37

7M ago9:37

9:37

In this Story Snack, we’re tackling a fun question from Reddit: How do you make a video game character expressive when it’s just… a capsule? No face, no body, no problem! We’ll explore creative ways to give personality and emotion to a character without traditional features, focusing on dialogue, unique personality traits, and meaningful interactio…

1
Motivation Station: Finding Your Character’s Why 9:34

7M ago9:34

9:34

In this Story Snack episode, we’re answering another writer’s Reddit question: Where do you even start when it comes to developing character motivation? We’ll dig into how to uncover what drives your characters, from mining their backstory and personal experiences to exploring their fears, goals, and values. If you’re looking to give your character…

1
Befriend, Betray, Repeat: Villain Edition 20:05

7M ago20:05

20:05

In this Story Snack episode, we’re tackling a juicy question from Reddit: How do you create a villain who isn’t just the hero’s enemy but their closest friend? Join us as we unpack villain motivation, sneaky story logic, and ways to weave your antagonist into the hero’s life without a hitch. Plus, we’ll dive into backstory options and world-buildin…

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Ashley Guyot Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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