The Storming Journey

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Inspired by other sacred reading podcasts and Casper ter Kuile’s The Power of Ritual, The Storming Journey treats the books of The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson as sacred texts. Additionally, we are interested in examining this series through a Mormon lens. Brandon Sanderson is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; we, the hosts, have also been shaped by the LDS Church in various ways. Our goal for this podcast is to help people to connect with The Stormlight Archive on a spiritual level and develop methods of engaging with text from a spiritual perspective.

  1. 12H AGO

    S1E17 - Mercy: Shard of Intent (WOK, Ch. 17)

    An analysis of what it means to be merciful and whether or not you can be truly merciful under systems of oppression. Covers Chapter 17 of The Way of Kings from The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare (https://bookshop.org/a/117742/9780743477567) Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (https://bookshop.org/a/117742/9780451419439) The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom (https://bookshop.org/a/117742/9780800794057) Mercy and justice in the Book of Mormon - Alma 42 (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/42?lang=eng) “The Tender Mercies of the Lord” - David A. Bednar (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2005/04/the-tender-mercies-of-the-lord?lang=eng) Issue 1 of Further Light (https://www.furtherlightmag.com/p/introducing-issue-1-and-january-2026) Music is "Storm Steel" by Luiza_D. Cover art is Grant M Hansen - https://www.17thshard.com/gallery/image/657-kaladin-healer/ This is an unofficial, fan-made podcast that has no affiliation with Brandon Sanderson or Dragonsteel. Ardent: El Worldsinger: Liz  Veristitalian: Adam Theme: Mercy Sacred Reading Method: Bibliomancy Recording Date: January 21, 2026 Website Episode Page (with transcription) Mormon Terminology Page The Storming Journey Website Monetary Support: Patreon (access to behind the scenes content, bonus episodes, and our Discord server [perks are tier-dependent]) TeePublic Store (shirts, hats, mugs, totes, and more!) Bookshop.org Book Lists Socials: Bluesky Instagram Spotify tumblr YouTube

    46 min

  2. FEB 11

    S1E16 - Influence: It’s Now a Murder Podcast (WOK, Ch. 16)

    In a battle for Kaladin’s future which will win: a rock, a spear, or a scalpel? Does Kal even get a say? Covers Chapter 16 of The Way of Kings from The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. “Such, Such Were the Joys” by George Orwell (https://archive.org/details/suchsuchwerejoys0000geor_c1u9/page/12/mode/2up) “The Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Adichie(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg) Music is "Storm Steel" by Luiza_D. Cover art is by lamaery. This is an unofficial, fan-made podcast that has no affiliation with Brandon Sanderson or Dragonsteel. Ardent: Adam Worldsinger: El Veristitalian: Liz Theme: Influence Sacred Reading Method: Likening Recording Date: January 21, 2026 Website Episode Page (with transcription) Mormon Terminology Page The Storming Journey Website Monetary Support: Patreon (access to behind the scenes content, bonus episodes, and our Discord server [perks are tier-dependent]) TeePublic Store (shirts, hats, mugs, totes, and more!) Bookshop.org Book Lists Socials: Bluesky Instagram Spotify tumblr YouTube

    48 min

  3. FEB 4

    S1E15 - Restraint: For Better or For Worse (WOK, Ch. 15)

    Let’s talk Alethi gender expression, whether the Kholin family makes good choices, and seatbelts! Covers Chapter 15 of The Way of Kings from The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. “Some People Hated Seatbelts in the 1950s and They Actually Had a Good Reason” - Mercedes Streeter The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam by Megan Bannen Hemlock and Silver by T. Kingfisher Music is "Storm Steel" by Luiza_D. Cover art is Shayndl_art. This is an unofficial, fan-made podcast that has no affiliation with Brandon Sanderson or Dragonsteel. Ardent: Liz Worldsinger: El  Veristitalian: Adam Theme: Restraint Sacred Reading Method: Parables Recording Date: November 6, 2025 Website Episode Page (with transcription) Mormon Terminology Page The Storming Journey Website Monetary Support: Patreon (access to behind the scenes content, bonus episodes, and our Discord server [perks are tier-dependent]) TeePublic Store (shirts, hats, mugs, totes, and more!) Bookshop.org Book Lists Socials: Bluesky Instagram Spotify tumblr YouTube

    43 min

  4. JAN 28

    S1E14 - Authority: Who's In Charge? (WOK, Ch. 14)

    We ask ourselves whether Kaladin’s definition of authority is an accurate one, and consider our own experiences interacting with authority, especially within Mormonism. Covers Chapter 14 of The Way of Kings from The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. The citation for the Leading Edge poem (which is not actually about koloss): Benjamin Blackhurst, "The Feruchemist in Love," Leading Edge 64 (July 2013) p. 16. The Gospel of Mary of Magdala by Karen L. King El’s article on female authority in Mormonism (paywalled) Liz’s article on the most Mormon magic system Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Music is "Storm Steel" by Luiza_D. Cover art is Artur Mósca This is an unofficial, fan-made podcast that has no affiliation with Brandon Sanderson or Dragonsteel. Ardent: Adam Worldsinger: Liz Veristitalian: El Theme: Authority Sacred Reading Method: The First Oath Recording Date: November 6, 2025 Website Episode Page (with transcription) Mormon Terminology Page The Storming Journey Website Monetary Support: Patreon (access to behind the scenes content, bonus episodes, and our Discord server [perks are tier-dependent]) TeePublic Store (shirts, hats, mugs, totes, and more!) Bookshop.org Book Lists Socials: Bluesky Instagram Spotify tumblr YouTube

    46 min

  5. JAN 21

    S1E13 - Unity: When Violence Leads to Violence (WOK, Ch. 12-13)

    “Cease squabbling and unite them” We finally enter Part Two, where we’re introduced to even more of the characters we’ve come to know and love…or hate. What does it mean that the chapter itself is titled “Unity” but disunity is an inherent part of these character relationships?Covers Chapters 12 and 13 of The Way of Kings from The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. Episode 3 Patreon-exclusive bonus post The Book of Mormon for the Least of These by Fatimah Salleh with Margaret Olsen Hemming (Volume 1) (Volume 2) (Volume 3) War is a Force That Gives Us Meaning by Chris Hedges Music is "Storm Steel" by Luiza_D. Cover art by Wayne Renyolds. This is an unofficial, fan-made podcast that has no affiliation with Brandon Sanderson or Dragonsteel. Ardent: El Worldsinger: Adam Veristitalian: Liz Theme: Unity Sacred Reading Method: Kinmaking Recording Date: November 6, 2025 Website Episode Page (with transcription) Mormon Terminology Page The Storming Journey Website Monetary Support: Patreon (access to behind the scenes content, bonus episodes, and our Discord server [perks are tier-dependent]) TeePublic Store (shirts, hats, mugs, totes, and more!) Bookshop.org Book Lists Socials: Bluesky Instagram Spotify tumblr YouTube

    46 min

  6. JAN 14

    S1E12 - Exploration: A Vacation Around Roshar (WOK, I-1–3)

    Join us as we take a break from the heaviness of life with the scenic locations around Roshar. We consider the value of vacation and breaks…and suggest some level of justice for Took. Covers Interludes 1-3  of The Way of Kings from The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. The first part of El’s debunking of The Mother Tongue by Bill Bryson Metamorphoses by Ovid Brandon on the logic behind the interludes: 2012 Google Hangout response Music is "Storm Steel" by Luiza_D. Cover art is conjchamberlain. Ardent: Adam Worldsinger: El Veristitalian: Liz Theme: Exploration Sacred Reading Method:  Recording Date: 10/23/25 Website Episode Page (with transcription) Mormon Terminology Page The Storming Journey Website Monetary Support: Patreon (access to behind the scenes content, bonus episodes, and our Discord server [perks are tier-dependent]) TeePublic Store (shirts, hats, mugs, totes, and more!) Bookshop.org Book Lists Socials: Bluesky Instagram Spotify tumblr YouTube

    43 min

  7. JAN 7

    S1E11 - Pain: Sitting with Suffering (WOK, Ch. 9-11)

    Content warning: This episode briefly discusses suicidal ideation. If you are currently in crisis, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. We discuss (one of) Kaladin’s lowest moments and what it means to talk about pain, to cope with our own pain, and to sit with the pain of others.  And yes, El finally closed on her house at the end of December 2025.  Covers Chapters 9-11 of The Way of Kings from The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. If you (or someone you love) are struggling with mental health issues, consider requesting a free “Next Step” coin from Dragonsteel. This listing also has information about obtaining free mental health services through Nerd HQ’s partnership with TimelyCare. (https://www.dragonsteelbooks.com/products/next-step-coin?variant=41557051670608)  Turtles All the Way Down by John Green (https://bookshop.org/a/117742/9780525555377) (While not directly referenced in this episode, John Green also often references Susan Sontag’s Illness as Metaphor [https://bookshop.org/a/117742/9781250374738]) His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman (https://bookshop.org/a/117742/9780440419518) Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard (https://bookshop.org/a/117742/9780767929714) “The Fate of Ophelia” music video (focuses on “showgirls throughout the ages,” rather than the story of Ophelia specifically) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko70cExuzZM The tumblr posts that inspired many of El's thoughts about "The Fate of Ophelia" come from are this one from stardustizuku (https://www.tumblr.com/stardustizuku/797225939188760576/the-fate-of-ophelia-is-perhaps-the-most), and this one from cages-boxes-hunters-foxes (https://www.tumblr.com/cages-boxes-hunters-foxes/797599809938866176/very-confused-why-people-dont-get-the-ophelia?source=share). Music is "Storm Steel" by Luiza_D.Cover art is Madison Coyne - https://suchbluesky.tumblr.com/post/138479416304/you-were-right-father-you-cant-save-men-by This is an unofficial, fan-made podcast that has no affiliation with Brandon Sanderson or Dragonsteel. Ardent: Liz Worldsinger: Adam  Veristitalian: El Theme: Pain Sacred Reading Method: Florilegia Recording Date: 10/23/25 Website Episode Page (with transcription) Mormon Terminology Page The Storming Journey Website Monetary Support: Patreon (access to behind the scenes content, bonus episodes, and our Discord server [perks are tier-dependent]) TeePublic Store (shirts, hats, mugs, totes, and more!) Bookshop.org Book Lists Socials: Bluesky Instagram Spotify tumblr YouTube

    42 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    S1E10 - Persistence: Consumption and Algorithms (WOK, Ch. 8)

    Again, we’re asking questions of ourselves and the very nature of the themes we choose. This time we wonder whether persistence is a morally neutral trait, and whether morality of characteristics is more dependent on what you do with them than the characteristics themselves. Covers Chapter 8 of The Way of Kings from The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis “Embedding Societal Values into Social Media Algorithms” by Bernstein, et. al. For the kinds of rhetoric used in the LDS Church regarding media consumption, see, for example, the talk “Let Our Voices be Heard” given by M. Russell Ballard in October 2003. Music is "Storm Steel" by Luiza_D. Cover art is by Lamaery. This is an unofficial, fan-made podcast that has no affiliation with Brandon Sanderson or Dragonsteel. Ardent: El Worldsinger: Liz Veristitalian: Adam Theme: Persistence Sacred Reading Method: Likening Recording Date: October 23, 2025 Website Episode Page (with transcription) Mormon Terminology Page The Storming Journey Website Monetary Support: Patreon (access to behind the scenes content, bonus episodes, and our Discord server [perks are tier-dependent]) TeePublic Store (shirts, hats, mugs, totes, and more!) Bookshop.org Book Lists Socials: Bluesky Instagram Spotify tumblr YouTube

    40 min
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About

Inspired by other sacred reading podcasts and Casper ter Kuile’s The Power of Ritual, The Storming Journey treats the books of The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson as sacred texts. Additionally, we are interested in examining this series through a Mormon lens. Brandon Sanderson is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; we, the hosts, have also been shaped by the LDS Church in various ways. Our goal for this podcast is to help people to connect with The Stormlight Archive on a spiritual level and develop methods of engaging with text from a spiritual perspective.

Information

  • Creator
    Out of the Best Books
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Out of the Best Books
  • Show Website
    The Storming Journey