Ballads of Beyond

An escaped slave, the son of a corrupt lord and an emotionally-challenged bard fight banshees, travel through time and glimpse other worlds through the Cavern in the woods. They each have their own secrets, and their own designs for the Cavern. But as the past and the future converge, and the lines between worlds blur, they must decide how far they will go to uncover their pasts and build their own futures. Ballads of Beyond: The Cavern at the Edge of Time is a fantasy story-telling podcast perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson and Doctor Who. It’s hilarious, thoughtful, and squeaky-clean.

Episodes

May 15, 2026

38 min

Wolf’s machine is gaining momentum, bringing Fractures from across worlds and times to fuel him. Kala is gathering herself to try to stop him, but she’s only one small girl against a Wolf and his army.
Later, Beks and Debbie discuss the challenges of writing climaxes, the role of control in evil, and seeing talent in your work.
If you want a spot of ridiculousness in your life, don't forget to head to Patreon for a taste of Beks' story featuring mad-hatter-inspired, clueless cousin, fake evil wizard named Steve, pirates and evil fairies story that she wrote when she was sixteen but thinks still holds up. 

May 15, 2026

38 min

May 22, 2026

54 min

Henry and Viktorya are locked in a room, guarded by a gloating Clive, and time is running out around and inside them. Even if (okay, when) they escape, they still have all of time, and every world, to search for their lost little girl.
Later, Debbie and Beks have their romance masterclass, exploring compatibility, love languages and (crucially) when high-fives were invented. 

May 22, 2026

54 min

May 29, 2026

50 min

Henry and Viktorya's new "friend" claims that he can help them find Kala. Henry is calling her from across the void, but he's only another whisper to a lonely child in a crowded grave.
Later, Beks gives herself KIDNEY points for not breaking up the found family. She and Debbie discuss how to (and how not to) find a family, and a significant difference in how they each approach storytelling.
Extra on Patreon: What if this wasn't Viktorya's first found family? Who else has she left behind?

May 29, 2026

50 min

Jun 5, 2026

42 min

Now reunited, our accidentally nuclear found family travel the multiverse in a leisurely quest to give Kala an education, have a honeymoon, and settle into the perfect home. Later, Debbie and Beks discuss endings, writing humour, and share their ultimate writing advice.
(Season final.)
 
Don’t forget to go to the Ballads of Beyond Patreon Guild of Bards Round Table to meet other writers and enter our exclusive short story competition. And join our elite paid tier for: 
the ebook copy of the story of The Thief in the Mirror
the extra cuts, deleted scenes and bloopers from throughout the season
 

Jun 5, 2026

42 min

Jul 24, 2026

52 min

Debbie Coll and Rebekah O’Donovan outsource to YA fantasy author Hadassah Waugh for advice on all things plotting! Hadassah lends us her wisdom on outlining, how pantsers are secretly plotters, writing twists, and ensuring your pacing is on point even as you’re writing your first draft.
Here are the links to learn more from Hadassah:Her website: https://hadassah.nz/ Sign up to her newsletter: https://hadassahwaugh.myflodesk.com/xu64agp9seFind her books: https://hadassah.nz/my-books/ 
Some resources Hadassah mentioned:K M Weiland’s blog Helping Writers Become Authors is the GOAT : https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/
Do you struggle to hold this much information in your head at once? Us too! On the Ballads of Beyond Patreon is a free visual diagram with all the main points Hadassah brought up.
And if you are in the plotting stage of your writing, sign up to the Guild of Bards tier for a blank plotting worksheet to fill in, and a copy filled in with her The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe example.

Jul 24, 2026

52 min

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