This week, we caught up with Benjamin Bagenski (he/him), and dished about his short story 'Old Bones,' and the folklore that inspired it. He shares insights into his creative process, the power of personal rituals like maintaining a sourdough starter, and the influences of various media on his writing.
Ben recommends:
Gumbo Yaya by Lyle Saxon
Hellbent by Leigh Bardugo
What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher (Ursula Vernon)
50 Years of Text Games by Aaron A. Reed
Legendary Northwoods Animals by Galen Winter
The theme parks of Arto Monaco
Pray for Fermunculus, and check out Ben’s other work: The Longest Game available to read for free on Substack, and keep an eye out for more from his podcast, Haunt & Gather soon!
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Benjamin Baginski and His Work
02:03 Exploring 'Old Bones' and Pennsylvania Dutch Folklore
04:34 The Power of Sourdough and Personal Rituals
06:07 The Secret Theme Song of 'Old Bones'
07:19 Influences from Media and Interactive Storytelling
10:39 Dungeons & Dragons and the Writer's Connection
12:15 Inspiration Behind 'Old Bones'
17:31 Haunt and Gather Podcast Relaunch
17:49 The Journey into the Weird
20:06 Creative Inspirations and Finding One's Voice
22:48 Exploring the Forbidden and Its Allure
27:49 Book Recommendations and Literary Influences
34:24 Reflections on the Concept of Forbidden
Want more strange & beautiful stories? Forbidden Fruit is on its way, September 30, 2025.
🖤 Submissions are open for Volume II: Thresholds—join us.
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