Myths, Games & Meaning

Dr Danielle Shalet

What do Greek gods, video games, and popular culture actually have in common? I'm Dr Dani Shalet. In Myths, Games & Meaning, I sit down with scholars, performers, storytellers, and creatives to explore how ancient myth keeps resurfacing in the culture around us today. We look at how these stories move from antiquity into video games, films, books, and the worlds we build through play. From Medusa to Middle earth, from the Hero's Journey to Tomb Raider and Baldur's Gate, we dig into the threads that shape contemporary storytelling, and the ways we express our hopes, fears, and identities through storytelling and imagination. If you're drawn to mythology, folklore, narrative design, or the tales woven through the games and stories we love, you'll feel right at home here. More at https://www.mythsgamesmeaning.com Join the conversation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mythsgamesmeaning/ About the Host: Dr Dani Shalet is a theologian, mythologist, educator, and lifelong gamer who explores how humans make meaning through story, from ancient legend to modern games. She brings a warm, thoughtful approach to conversations with actors, scholars, creatives, and fans, drawing on her academic background to make complex ideas feel accessible, cosy, and alive. Through Myths, Games & Meaning, she invites listeners into a queer aware, emotionally intelligent space where narrative, culture, and identity meet.New episodes released throughout the year.

Episodes

  1. Aug 23

    Pax Romana's Aqua Vitae: A Myth of Revelation (with Tom Nolan Kelly TIVA)

    Rome is burning. The Four Horsemen are riding. And somehow that's the same story as a Fallout quest. In this special episode: I sit down with writer Tom Nolan Kelly, co-founder of TIVA (True Indie Voice Art)  "a collective of artists who create audio plays and give them away for free, funded entirely through Patreon and a 'pay what you want' system."  We dive into why the big audio platforms are quietly starving indie creators, why Book of Revelation apocalypse imagery is the secret engine of Pax Romana's Rome, and why the aqua vitae shows up as a plot engine in the most unexpected place: a Fallout quest. Then we get into Tom's modding Oblivion and Fallout 3 as a kid, why Mass Effect is still the gold standard for choice and character attachment, and why Tom writes hopeful sci-fi. And we close on the fight that matters most right now: AI, corporate greed, and what's left for voice actors when both come for their credits and royalties. Founding TIVA with Alix Wilton Regan. "A collective of artists who create audio plays and give them away for free," funded through Patreon and 'pay what you want'.How major audio platforms punish independent creators.TIVA Patreon, bonus material, and actually getting close to the actors behind your favourite games. Tom Modding Oblivion and Fallout 3 as a kid. The Four Horsemen and the Book of Revelations inside Pax Romana's vision of Rome's collapse.The aqua vitae: Fallout's Revelation quote and why "water of life" is the plot engine that really inspired Tom's work. Writing optimistic sci-fi.Mass Effect and what it can teach us about choice, diplomacy, and attachment.AI, corporate habits, and the unfair treatment of voice actors' credits and royalties.You can find Tom's work and those of your favourite game actors at tivoice.art And you can find more Myths, Games and Meaning at mythsgamesmeaning.com and on Instagram @mythsgamesmeaning.  We would love to hear from you. Music: Intro and outro — Spirits of the Woods by Rotem Moav.  www.mythsgamesmeaning.com If you enjoyed the show please buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jenahra1e Follow us on instagram @mythsgamesmeaning

  2. Jun 15

    Medusa Unbound: Fear, Seduction, and Reclaiming Power (with Dr Gina Bevan)

    Medusa has been a monster, a warning, a victim, and a symbol. In this episode, Dr Dani Shalet is joined by Dr Gina Bevan, whose work explores pop culture, gender, queer narratives, and ancient myth. Together they trace Medusa’s shifting meanings across myth and modernity, exploring fear, seduction, repression, and the power of the gaze. Their conversation also considers how Medusa has become a figure of empowerment, reclaimed by artists, writers, and thinkers who see strength where earlier traditions saw only danger or desire.  We would love to hear from you. Music: Intro and outro — Spirits of the Woods by Rotem Moav.  www.mythsgamesmeaning.com If you enjoyed the show please buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jenahra1e Follow us on instagram @mythsgamesmeaning

  3. Apr 17

    Karlach: The Making of a Modern Mythic Hero (with Samantha Béart)

    In this episode, I’m joined by Samantha Béart for a lively conversation on performance, storytelling, and the myth of Karlach. This one is particularly special to me, as Sam was one of my very first interviews and has been incredibly supportive along the way. We talk about how characters like Karlach become mythic in their own right, and why some game characters feel so powerful to play.  From Athena to Shakespeare to the ‘patron saints’ of sci-fi—Ellen Ripley and Sarah Connor—we explore how these figures continue to shape how we understand myth today. We would love to hear from you. Music: Intro and outro — Spirits of the Woods by Rotem Moav.  www.mythsgamesmeaning.com If you enjoyed the show please buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jenahra1e Follow us on instagram @mythsgamesmeaning

  4. Feb 14

    A Little Reflection and a Big Thank You

    This episode is a heartfelt thank you to everyone who’s been listening, supporting, and sharing this podcast. I’m endlessly grateful for every guest who has offered their time and stories, and for every listener who has stayed with me, even through the quieter moments. Life and work have been a little overwhelming lately, which led to an unplanned pause. But this space, and the people who fill it, mean so much to me. Taking a step back gave me a chance to breathe, reflect, and remember why I love making this show in the first place. And I’m genuinely excited for what’s coming next. The upcoming episode features someone who is incredibly busy, yet still took the time and opportunity to sit with me for a wonderfully myth‑filled conversation. Their warmth and passion shine through, and I can’t wait for you to hear it when it arrives in just a few weeks. In the meantime, I’d love to stay connected. Come say hi on Instagram at @mythsgamesmeaning. Share your ideas for future episodes, tell me what you’d love to hear more of, or simply drop a friendly hello; it all means more than you know. Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and for being part of this little community. I’m looking forward to being back in your ears very soon. Find us at: https://mythsgamespod.wixsite.com/myths We would love to hear from you. Music: Intro and outro — Spirits of the Woods by Rotem Moav.  www.mythsgamesmeaning.com If you enjoyed the show please buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jenahra1e Follow us on instagram @mythsgamesmeaning

  5. Jan 3

    Assassin's Creed Odyssey & Fenyx Rising: Greek Myth in Video Games (with Nanci Santos)

    In this episode, I continue my conversation with Nanci Santos as we return to the complicated, and often affectionate, relationship between myth, archaeology, and video games. We revisit Apotheon, one of Nanci’s favourite titles, and talk about why its bold visual style and mythic approach work so well, even without strict historical realism. From there, the conversation turns to Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, where Knossos, questionable frescoes, and a familiar love and hate relationship with the series all come into play. Nanci reflects on both her frustrations with the game and the places she wanted to explore in greater depth but could not. It is a reminder that video games can spark curiosity about the ancient world, even as they limit how long we are allowed to linger in it. Along the way, we also touch on Lara Croft and Tomb Raider, and what it means to enjoy games while keeping a critical edge. Find us at: https://mythsgamespod.wixsite.com/myths We would love to hear from you. Music: Intro and outro — Spirits of the Woods by Rotem Moav.  www.mythsgamesmeaning.com If you enjoyed the show please buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jenahra1e Follow us on instagram @mythsgamesmeaning

  6. 11/30/2025

    Hamunaptra & Other Places We Probably Shouldn’t Explore: AC Odyssey, Lara Croft & The Mummy (with Nanci Santos)

    After a short hiatus, Dani returns to the mic and is joined by special guest and friend Nanci Santos for a conversation about ancient adventures, fandom joy, and the role video games played in keeping people connected to the ancient world during lockdown. When Covid shut everything down, exploration didn’t stop. It just changed shape. Dani and Nanci talk about how games became a practical and imaginative way to engage with the ancient world through play, research, and storytelling. From early gaming memories like Woody Woodpecker, to discovering myth and history through Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Apotheon, the conversation explores why ancient settings work so well in games, and when they don’t. And of course, there is time to celebrate an unsung hero. We return to The Mummy (1999) the best of the Mummy films, and make the case once again for Evelyn Carnahan as the real protagonist. Join us for fandom, fieldwork, and folklore. Find us at: https://mythsgamespod.wixsite.com/myths We would love to hear from you. Music: Intro and outro — Spirits of the Woods by Rotem Moav.  www.mythsgamesmeaning.com If you enjoyed the show please buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jenahra1e Follow us on instagram @mythsgamesmeaning

  7. 10/20/2025

    From Lara Croft to Dragonlance: Mythology in Games & Fantasy (with Earl Baylon)

    Welcome back to Myths, Games & Meaning. This episode took a little longer to land than usual after I lost my voice with a chest infection, but I’m really glad to be back, especially for Part Two of my conversation with Earl Baylon, actor, geek, gamer, and the voice of Jonah in Tomb Raider. In this second part, we go fully nerdy. We chat about Lara Croft, The Lord of the Rings, the Valar, archaeology, and fandom, and we even dip into a little Quenya and Sindarin (“Elvish”) along the way.  We also wander into childhood geek memories, including how the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park didn’t quite line up with Earl’s own realistic imaginings as a kid. Earl also tells the story of finally meeting Elijah Wood at Comic Con. It’s an easy, joyful conversation about games, myth, and geek culture, very much a chat between mega geeks. So grab a cuppa, get comfy, and join us for Part Two We would love to hear from you. Music: Intro and outro — Spirits of the Woods by Rotem Moav.  www.mythsgamesmeaning.com If you enjoyed the show please buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jenahra1e Follow us on instagram @mythsgamesmeaning

  8. 09/29/2025

    Tolkien to Baldur's Gate 3: Myth, Moria & Modern Fantasy (with Earl Baylon)

    In this special two-part conversation, Dr. Dani Shalet sits down with her friend, actor and voice talent Earl Baylon (Jonah from Tomb Raider). In Part 1, they dive headfirst into their shared love of gaming, geek culture, and myth. From Return to Moria and Baldur’s Gate 3 romances, to Dragonlance nostalgia, Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, and why fandom still makes us laugh, this episode celebrates the joy (and chaos) of being lifelong geeks. This episode is raw, fun, and full of heart, more like a chat between two friends than a formal interview. If you’ve ever lost yourself in fantasy worlds, argued over Star Wars lore, or stayed up too late around a gaming table, you’ll feel right at home here. We would love to hear from you. Music: Intro and outro — Spirits of the Woods by Rotem Moav.  www.mythsgamesmeaning.com If you enjoyed the show please buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jenahra1e Follow us on instagram @mythsgamesmeaning

  9. 09/15/2025

    The Hero's Journey: Wizard of Oz, Poppy Fields, Emerald Cities & the Illusion of Authority in Myth

    In this episode of Myths, Games & Meaning, Dr. Dani Shalet is joined by Dr. Chris Deacy and Dr. Paul March-Russell to explore myth, authority, and the hero’s journey through The Wizard of Oz. Continuing our journey with Dorothy, we move from the trials of the Poppy Field to the shining promise of the Emerald City, and finally to the Wizard’s unmasking as “just a man.” Along the way, we examine how myth challenges authority, offers moments of escape, and helps communities make shared meaning. The conversation also reflects on the ritual power of watching films together, the cyclical nature of the hero’s journey, and how retelling familiar myths helps us make sense of desire, transformation, and identity. Find us at https://mythsgamespod.wixsite.com/myths We would love to hear from you. Music: Intro and outro — Spirits of the Woods by Rotem Moav.  www.mythsgamesmeaning.com If you enjoyed the show please buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jenahra1e Follow us on instagram @mythsgamesmeaning

  10. 09/15/2025

    The Journey Begins: Dorothy, the Hero’s Journey, and Why Myth Still Matters

    In the very first episode of Myths, Games & Meaning, Dr. Dani Shalet is joined by Dr. Chris Deacy and Dr. Paul March-Russell to explore the enduring power of myth in our lives.  Using Dorothy’s journey in The Wizard of Oz as a guide, they unpack the hero’s journey as a recurring narrative structure and consider how myth continues to shape culture, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves. The conversation touches on Joseph Campbell’s lasting influence, the importance of gender perspectives in understanding hero narratives, and the role of myth in helping us make sense of contemporary challenges. They also ask what happens when myths are treated as absolute truth, and what dangers arise when stories stop being questioned. Join us as the journey begins, tracing the path from yellow brick roads to the myths we live by every day. We would love to hear from you. Music: Intro and outro — Spirits of the Woods by Rotem Moav.  www.mythsgamesmeaning.com If you enjoyed the show please buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jenahra1e Follow us on instagram @mythsgamesmeaning

  • 10 Episodes

About

What do Greek gods, video games, and popular culture actually have in common? I'm Dr Dani Shalet. In Myths, Games & Meaning, I sit down with scholars, performers, storytellers, and creatives to explore how ancient myth keeps resurfacing in the culture around us today. We look at how these stories move from antiquity into video games, films, books, and the worlds we build through play. From Medusa to Middle earth, from the Hero's Journey to Tomb Raider and Baldur's Gate, we dig into the threads that shape contemporary storytelling, and the ways we express our hopes, fears, and identities through storytelling and imagination. If you're drawn to mythology, folklore, narrative design, or the tales woven through the games and stories we love, you'll feel right at home here. More at https://www.mythsgamesmeaning.com Join the conversation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mythsgamesmeaning/ About the Host: Dr Dani Shalet is a theologian, mythologist, educator, and lifelong gamer who explores how humans make meaning through story, from ancient legend to modern games. She brings a warm, thoughtful approach to conversations with actors, scholars, creatives, and fans, drawing on her academic background to make complex ideas feel accessible, cosy, and alive. Through Myths, Games & Meaning, she invites listeners into a queer aware, emotionally intelligent space where narrative, culture, and identity meet.New episodes released throughout the year.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Danielle Shalet
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Myths, Games & Meaning
  • Show Website
    Myths, Games & Meaning