Episodes

Four stories, most of which take place during the holiday season… “Stories of Fine Taste”: The stories behind two recipes (“Grandma’s Olive Loaf” – Something wicked is back in Kirkland’s Holler) and (“Fred’s English Muffin Garbage Pizzas” – A young boy finds out what’s behind a mysterious door). “Reply All”: Cheryl’s not standing for office gossip about her and a co-worker. “Drifted”: A character from the second Christmas episode ends up stranded on a mountain with something more naughty than...

“In Cypress Slough” includes two gay characters, but it’s not a story about being gay in East Texas. In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I talk about representation, the stories I’d never write (and why), and how I approach writing disenfranchised characters who have experienced lives I can only imagine. * * * Links to some people and things mentioned in this episode: ScreamQueenz Writing the Other Nisi Shawl Cynthia Ward David Bowles Invisible | Invisib...

Two deadhead loggers find something remarkable in the Piney Woods of East Texas, putting them at odds with a large timber company. Content Advisory: In Cypress Slough deals with bullying, violence (including gun violence), homophobia, the destruction of wildlife and habitat, structure fires, mention of suicide, and swearing. Also, if you’re driving: be aware there’s a scene with approaching emergency sirens and one LOUD jump-scare (a gunshot). Mitch Todd’s Andromeda Factory trailer. * * * Cr...

While “Milkboy” is based on a true story, it definitely ends up a work of fiction. When I started the story, I had no idea where to take it. Discovering what to do with the story led to a ridiculous and heartfelt tale of friendship that is one of my favorite stories on the site. I talk about that — and much more — in this behind-the-scenes look at the latest episode of Not About Lumberjacks. Episode Transcript >>

Milkboy is based on a true story… When two friends use a bulletin board system to create an online persona to tease their best friend, they get more than they have coming to them for their deception. Content Advisory: Milkboy deals with emotional manipulation, stressful working conditions, infected food, passing mention of a grizzly death, demonic possession, and cartoonish violence. And, of course, there’s plenty of swearing. (A bit more than usual, in fact.) Also, if you’re driving: be awar...

“Calling Out of Time” started with a tweet. Without a random thing I saw on Twitter, it’s unlikely this story would exist. Ideas are everywhere if you’re open to them, but it’s not as easy as picking them out of the air — it helps to know which ideas are worth working through vs. those best ignored. While there is an effort involved in writing any story, ideas aren’t so hard when you know the one simple test I talk about in this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story…...

What would you do if you could call back in time and leave a message to your younger self? When Amir discovers a phone booth that seems to magically appear on the corner in his neighborhood, he does everything he can to change the worst thing that ever happened to him and his family… Also, I mentioned that I’d leave a link to Jennifer Moss’s novel, TOWN RED. Here it is! * * * Credits: Music: Theme – Ergo Phizmiz. Story – Gabriel Lewis, licensed from Epidemic Sound. Story and Narration: Chr...

“A Deathly Mistake” ended up becoming one of my favorite episodes of Not About Lumberjacks. In this behind-the-scenes look, I discuss how it was a bit of a departure from other stories I’ve written for the show. I also talk about fears faced in recording “A Deathly Mistake”…and close with a request to everyone who listens. Episode Transcript >>

When Death mistakenly harvests the soul of the wrong John Smith, John’s life–and After Life–are forever changed. Also, I mentioned that I’d leave a link to Jennifer Moss’s mighty novel, Town Red. Here it is! * * * Credits: Music: Theme – Ergo Phizmiz. Story/Bloopers – Jerry Lacey (Story) and Timothy Lewis (Bloopers), licensed from Epidemic Sound. Story and Narration: Christopher Gronlund. Episode Transcript >>

In this long overdue update, I talk about the next Not About Lumberjacks story, a change in the way I look at commercial intent with writing, and mulling over Patreon options… Episode Transcript >>

At 6:45 on this New Year’s Eve, I thought, “Well, Cynthia has shuffled off to bed, and I want to stay up a little longer, so…I should go sit down in front of the microphone and record some thoughts with no idea about what to say…” (Yes, we go to bed early…even on New Year’s Eve.) This is what came out: some reflections on the year that was…and what lies ahead… Episode Transcript >>

This year’s annual Christmas episode was anchored by a story based on real life. But what is “real life” when it comes to stories — even those claiming to be true? I discuss how fiction and truth have a way of coming together to create even greater truths in the process of their mingling. Also, I chat a bit about 2021 plans for Not About Lumberjacks… Episode Transcript >>

For the fourth year in a row, it’s a handful of stories (five, in fact) to make your holidays merry and bright! This year’s lineup: Tracks – A tale of drifting teenage friendship. Homecoming – Callan returns home for his annual visit with his father. The Last Wish – If a genie grants you three wishes, and the first two don’t work out as planned, what should you do with the third? Monkey-Wrenching Suburbia – A story about misplaced teen angst in 80s suburbia. Christmas in Kansas – Most peopl...

In honor of five years of Not About Lumberjacks, this behind-the-scenes look is not the usual commentary about the latest episode. If you want to know how “Geocached” came to be, here’s the quick version: My wife and I love hiking, but we’ve never gotten into geocaching. Still, it’s never lost on me the things we likely pass on our hikes. I jotted down a simple story idea in the file where I keep thoughts about future episodes: A hobbyist begins finding strange items in geocaches. The story w...

When Wayne finds strange items in geocaches along the old lumber roads of northern Minnesota, he becomes obsessed with discovering who’s leaving the items behind. What he finds changes his life forever… * * * Credits: Music: Theme – Ergo Phizmiz. Story – Headlund, licensed from Epidemic Sound. Photo: Cache Mania. Story: Christopher Gronlund. Narration: Jesse Harley. Episode Transcript >>

Until the last minute, I didn’t like the latest story for Not About Lumberjacks. In this behind-the-scenes look at the episode, I discuss what was wrong, how I fixed things, and what I realized along the way… Episode Transcript >>

Four strangers come together when they contract a mysterious illness from an old woman in line at a pharmacy. Content Advisory: This story deals with illness, including mentions of COVID-19. It’s also not without moments of anxiety, regret, abandonment, nightmares, and even death. I know that makes it sound like it’s a rough tale, but this is still a story of hope. Oh—and just like almost every episode—there’s some swearing… * * * Credits: Music: Theme – Ergo Phizmiz. Story – Oscar Colling,...

My good friend, Curtis Hart, requested this episode. He wanted to know why sometimes I tease an episode…only to release it much later — sometimes even releasing multiple episodes before it. He gets his answer in this behind-the-scenes look at what goes into an episode of Not About Lumberjacks. Episode Transcript >>

A father returns as a reincarnated, talking dog in an attempt to make amends with his estranged son. Content Advisory: Language, some [gloriously] crude humor, and discussions about the death of a family member from cancer. Yeah, Pepper dies, so it’s technically a dead-dog story…but it’s the protagonist’s dad. * * * Credits: Music: Theme – Ergo Phizmiz. Story – Chad Crouch. Story: Christopher Gronlund. Narration/Voices: Christopher Gronlund, Rick Coste, Cynthia Griffith, and Mandie Coste. ...

In this behind-the-scenes look at “Under the Big Top,” I talk about what I like (and dislike) about mysteries — and why I tend to not write them… Episode Transcript >>

An FBI agent nearing forced retirement races to solve the case that’s haunted him for years. Will he find the break he needs at a traveling circus? Content Advisory: Swearing, mention of child abduction, mention of sexual assault, mention of child murders, eating disorders, and violence (fighting and a shooting). Cannibalism. * * * Credits: Music: Theme – Ergo Phizmiz. Story – Howard Harper-Barnes, Christian Anderson, and Gavin Luke, licensed through Epidemic Sound. Story: Christopher Gronl...

A bit about how the annual Christmas episode came to be…and what is in store for Not About Lumberjacks in the year ahead… * * * Episode Transcript >>

For the third year in a row, it’s a handful of stories — instead of just one — all to make your holidays merry and bright! This year’s lineup: My Grandmother Wrestled Bears – A drifter returns home to her grandmother’s house for the holidays. The Beast in the Back – The truth behind the success of BigBoxMart. (You might remember BigBoxMart — and the manager, Susan — from last year’s Christmas episode.) Lost and Found – A family finds more than memories when the family patriarch passes on befo...

The latest episode of Not About Lumberjacks is a fictional podcast that takes a turn from typical to serious. I talk about entrepreneurial podcasts in general, and then specifically discuss the inspiration behind Brooke’s story when her interview with the Lumberjack of Williamsburg falls apart… Content Advisory: Poverty and Eating Disorders. And I think I say shit along the way. Episode Transcript Soon >>