Dive into the vibrant multiverse of Realms and Roads, a storytelling podcast that transports listeners across enchanting worlds inspired by African mythology, folklore, and contemporary life. Each episode is a thrilling journey, weaving tales of heroism, love, and wonder that resonate with audiences all over the world while staying deeply rooted in rich cultural narratives. From the epic fantasy of the Dande and the Drum of Thunder series to the heartwarming humor of romantic comedies like Love Back and the mind-bending sci-fi of Man of Stone and Shadow, Realms and Roads offers a dynamic blend of genres that captivates listeners of all ages.
Join us as we explore interconnected realms of imagination, where every story is a road to discovery. Our episodes bring you exclusive audio adventures, behind-the-scenes insights into the Realms and Roads multiverse, and discussions with creators who craft these unforgettable tales. Whether you’re a fan of gripping fantasy, laugh-out-loud romance, or thought-provoking sci-fi, this podcast delivers narratives that are both culturally authentic and universally relatable. Expect vibrant characters, insightful conversations, and stories that spark wonder and connection.
Realms and Roads stands out by making African narratives accessible and engaging for all listeners, offering a fresh perspective on storytelling that bridges worlds and celebrates shared humanity. Tune in for regular episodes, and unlock bonus content like extended stories and creator Q&As through our Patreon. Embark on the journey—new realms await!
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With twenty thousand rand burning a hole in his pocket, Senzo Sedibeng is ready for his glow-up. After years of township hustling, he and his ever-nervous sidekick Vusi are going high-class—designer suits, a rented luxury car, and an attitude to match. Their mission: crash a charity gala and make Ayanda Zwane fall for the man Senzo pretends to be.
But no…
9 Nov 2025
Episode 3. Love, Lies, and Handbags: Fidel on Chapter 3 of "Love Back"
In this episode of Realms and Roads, Phoenix and Fidel unpack the madness of Chapter 3 of Love Back — where Senzo’s pursuit of Ayanda crosses from romantic to downright criminal. From stalking her online to stealing her handbag (and somehow making it sweet), Fidel reveals how humor keeps readers rooting for a con man with a broken heart.
They dig into the novel’s growing web of schemes, from corporate corruption and class divides to the psychology of obsession and the thin line between love and self-deception. It’s a conversation packed with laughter, insight, and the art of keeping chaos compelling.
🎧 Press play — and hear how far Senzo will go to rewrite his love story.
Show Notes: Listen to Chapter 3 of “Love Back” here:
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit realmsandroads.substack.com/subscribe (https://realmsandroads.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
2 Nov 2025
Episode 2. Prophet, Player, Pretender: Fidel on Chapter 2 of "Love Back”
What happens when a teenage romantic becomes a grown-up con artist? In this episode of Realms and Roads, Phoenix sits down with author Fidel to unpack Chapter Two of Love Back — the chapter he calls the true start of the story.Fidel reveals how Senzo’s heartbreak has hardened into hustle, how a fake prophet scam inspired by The Daily Sun mirrors real survival in post-apartheid Johannesburg, and why irony and humor are his tools for telling the truth.From the return of Senzo’s old rival to the grounding force of Big Mama, this conversation dives deep into love, delusion, class, and the comedy that keeps people afloat when the world’s gone mad.
It’s candid, funny, and full of writerly gold — the kind of talk that makes you see both the story and the society behind it.
🎧 Listen now — and hear how heartbreak, hustle, and humor collide when Fidel reveals why Love Back truly begins with a con man chasing redemption.
Links:
Love Back Chapter 2.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit realmsandroads.substack.com/subscribe (https://realmsandroads.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
9 Oct 2025
Audio: CHAPTER 2. Love Back
Chapter 2 of "Love Back". Fifteen years later, the orphan with big dreams is still hustling—only now he’s a fake prophet with dreadlocks, sunglasses, and a talent for bad decisions.
Senzo claims he’s a success in Johannesburg, but the leaking roof and mattress on the floor say otherwise. With Vusi reluctantly playing sidekick, he cons the lovelorn out of cash—until a client walks in who changes everything.
The man? His old nemesis, Jasper Ndlovu.
The woman Jasper wants back? Ayanda Zwane—the girl Senzo has never stopped loving.
As lies pile up and old wounds resurface, Senzo finds himself torn between revenge, friendship, and a reckless hope that fifteen years of longing might finally pay off.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit realmsandroads.substack.com/subscribe (https://realmsandroads.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
25 Sept 2025
Audio: CHAPTER 1. Love Back
First love never comes easy—especially when your rival is the biggest bully in the township.
Senzo may be an orphan, but he’s never short on swagger. With his best friend Vusi as his cautious sidekick, he hustles essays, dodges trouble, and insists he’s destined for greatness. Then Ayanda Zwane walks into his classroom, and Senzo’s world tilts on its axis.
One problem: Jasper Ndlovu, the local terror, has noticed her too.
What follows is a laugh-out-loud clash of bravado, bad ideas, and accidental poetry, as Senzo discovers that chasing love might cost more than he ever imagined.
Click here to read Chapter 1 of Love Back. (https://www.patreon.com/posts/love-back-1-136397241?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link)
Please support the creation of more content like this by signing up as a paying member on Patreon or Substack. Your support would mean the world to me! Thank you! (https://www.patreon.com/c/realmsandroads)
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit realmsandroads.substack.com/subscribe (https://realmsandroads.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
24 Sept 2025
Episode 1. The Story Behind Chapter 1 of "Love Back"
In this episode, we sit down with the author of Love Back to talk about Senzo—the dreamer, the hustler, and the protagonist of Love Back—and the vivid world he inhabits. From navigating first love to capturing the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation era, this conversation dives into balancing humor with hardship, ego with vulnerability, and flawed characters with unforgettable heart.
Click here to listen to Chapter 1 of Love Back. (https://www.patreon.com/posts/audio-chapter-1-139556846?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link)
Click here to read Chapter 1 of Love Back. (https://www.patreon.com/posts/love-back-1-136397241?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link)
Please support the creation of more content like this by signing up as a paying member on Patreon or Substack. Your support would mean the world to me! Thank you! (https://www.patreon.com/c/realmsandroads)
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit realmsandroads.substack.com/subscribe (https://realmsandroads.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
16 Sept 2025
Audiobook. Ch. 1 Outlaws and Outcasts.
When prophecy awakens, bloodlines will be tested.
The drought-stricken Dande Empire trembles under Emperor Chimedza’s failing rule as rebellion stirs and Nyatsimba’s Comet burns across the sky. Two warriors—loyal Banga wa Maideyi and ambitious Hondo wa Nebedza—journey to consult a banished Oracle, only to uncover a prophecy steeped in blood and betrayal. In the shadow of Shimbwe’s hill, monstrous hyenas rise from the earth, forcing choices that pit loyalty against survival. Secrets long buried are revealed: the throne rests on a lie, the true bloodline is hidden, and the empire’s sacred drum awaits its rightful heir. As deception deepens and alliances fracture, one family’s survival may decide the fate of a dynasty—and the destiny of the land itself.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit realmsandroads.substack.com/subscribe (https://realmsandroads.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
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