SUNDAYS 7 CENTRAL. Welcome, friends, and cozy up. Lit by the Fire is a live broadcast of my living room where I read to my family and whoever listens in. I am Ryan, a writer, a Dad, and when the need arises, the voice of Gandalf.
Come and hear the craziest comedy I've ever read, a so-called "philosophical thriller" about undercover anarchists and police detectives written by the venerable G.K. Chesterton. While this is a much more challenging work than those we've covered to date, it is surprisingly funny and exuberantly entertaining.
13 Apr 2026
The Mountain: Johann's Journey, Part 5
Cozy up for the final chapters of Barbi's McSwain's The Mountain, a longer episode that takes us to the exciting conclusion of Johann's perilous search for treasure. Join us in the final descent where we shall cure doubts, face dragons, fight wars, and win victories for justice and mercy.
30 Mar 2026
The Mountain: Johann's Journey, Part 4
Enemies arise with fresh challenges for Johann and Michael on their journey to find the secret of The Mountain. In this episode, we learn the origin of the fabled treasure and discover the latent powers of the boy's swords.
23 Mar 2026
The Mountain: Johann's Journey, Part 3
Our adventure through Barbi McSwain's The Mountain continues in this latest episode beginning with Johann's creepy imprisonment and Michael's attempted rescue. Tune in and find out what happens at Pronouncement Peak!
16 Mar 2026
The Mountain: Johann's Journey, Part 2
Cozy up for the next installment of Barbi McSwain's delightful adventure, The Mountain: Johann's Journey. Two boys are about to begin their mountainous ascent in search of a mysterious and powerful treasure, but toward what hopes and hazards will their path take them? Listen in and find out!
9 Mar 2026
The Mountain: Johann's Journey, Part 1
Today we pick up a delightful adventure story written by friend and local author, Barbi McSwain. It tells of two mischievous boys who get into trouble over their heads and decide to risk a journey to find treasure.
2 Mar 2026
Song of the Sunbird, Part 4
Gather round and hear the enthusiastic finish of Song of the Sunbird, in which Charlie is captured, Suzy conducts a daring rescue, and the children learn the purpose of their adventure.
16 Feb 2026
Song of the Sunbird, Part 3
Put on a cozy sweater and join me for the third installment of this fantastic adventure story I wrote when I was half my current age. We learn the fates of Charlie and Suzy in their misguided quest up the White Mountain in the Heartlands.
9 Feb 2026
Song of the Sunbird, Part 2
Cozy up as we continue the tale of Charlie and Suzy's adventures underground in Song of the Sunbird, a tale I wrote nearly twenty years ago.
2 Feb 2026
Song of the Sunbird, Part 1
Cozy up, folks! Today we crack open the closest thing to Narnia written by a twenty-two-year-old college grad: Song of the Sunbird. I may have been an amateur author when I wrote it, but this tale delves deep into what would become my signature adventure, humor, and wisdom. Suitable for kids of all ages.
26 Jan 2026
The Golden Key
Today we enjoy my favorite fairy tale, The Golden Key, by George MacDonald. This richly adorned tale speaks of a boy and girl who find their way together through adventures that reveal the beauty, wisdom, and longing hidden in life.
19 Jan 2026
The Good Guys Win, Part 3
Today we read Wesley's selections in The Good Guys Win. Tune in for "The Alien Burger Crisis" and "30 Days in Hawaii" with laughs and twists and turns you won't expect.
5 Jan 2026
The Good Guys Win, Part 1
Today we read Newton's selections in The Good Guys Win, an anthology of fantasy stories written by my boys last summer. Tune in for "The Secret Government", "The Reign of Gold", and "Exploding Peaches" (a crowd favorite). These stories follow a story model that challenged my sons to let the bad guys win first and win big so that the good guys would find the truer victory. And what a victory it was for them as writers!
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