A podcast for story lovers, Storybeast explores how we weave tales and why we love them. Co-hosts Ghabiba Weston and C. Shack chat with each other and legendary guests about different elements of various books, tv shows, plays, and other modalities to explore this fundamental aspect of humanity. Come for the story, stay for the snacks.
Welcome to another episode of Storybeast, where Courtney Shack and Ghabiba talk about the transformational power of story.
This episode is a little different to our usual whimsy. In it, we discuss:
how storytelling is more than just books. It's community, it's, "I see you, I believe you, I am here."
how narratives shape our society
how we can move the narrative in a direction that allows for change and what that means in terms of the ways we tell story
the positive (!) role of social media
If you or a friend are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN (https://rainn.org/)'s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, 24/7, confidential support.
Thanks to the amazing Deore for our music. You can find more of her work on Spotify.
If you'd like to support this pod, please consider leaving us a review.
Stay beastly, friends. Your rage is valid.
24 Sept 2026
Episode #127: S.A. Chakraborty on Amina Al-Sarafi, Responsible Historical Writing, and Chocolate
Welcome to another LEGENDARY episode of Storybeast! Our Legendaries are special guests who are an expert within their area of storytelling. In this episode, Ghabiba Weston and Courtney Shack have the pleasure of interviewing legendary S.A. Chakraborty.
Shannon Chakraborty is the critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of The Daevabad Trilogy and The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi. Her work has been translated into over a dozen languages and nominated for the Hugo, Locus, World Fantasy, Crawford, and Astounding awards. You can find her online at www.sachakraborty.com or on Instagram at @SAChakrabooks.
In this episode:
Shannon discusses her past and forthcoming work, including her recent release, The Tapestry of Fate
We chat about motherhood, middle aged characters, and how we feel oddly similar to the mother-pirate, Amina, as she balances family life and adventures
Shannon gives insight into her research process when it comes to historical fantasy work
We discuss the importance of writing responsibly for stories that take place IRL and how that does not mean the end of creativity
We hear the worst piece of writing advice, according to Shannon
Shannon threatens to send us pictures of historical ships, but we actually like it
We have a terrifying storybeast revealed
A long, scintillating discussion of chocolate ensues
For more storytelling content to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter (https://www.storybeastpodcast.com/contact). Feel free to reach out if you want to talk story or snacks!
A warm thank you to Deore for our musical number. You can find more of her creative work on Spotify.
As ever, thank you for listening, Beasties! Please consider leaving a review to support this podcast.
Be brave, stay beastly!
17 Sept 2026
Episode #126: On Romantasy Summit, calling the guards, and being "new"
Your beasts are back and ready to kick off Season 6 with whimsy and swords!
In this episode, you'll hear Ghabiba and Courtney chat about:
- Storybeast's upcoming Romantasy conference (use code STORYBEASTRS26 to get $30 off the early bird price)
- Your new (and thrifted) beasts
- biological shifts that can change your perspective
- calling the GUARDS!
- Courtney's peaceful endeavors involving pirates, poison, and assassins.
- and of course, our summer snacks!
A special thank you to Deore for our music. You can find her incredible work on Spotify.
The Storybeast podcast is where you'll find Courtney Shack and Ghabiba chatting about the transformational power of story (and snacks).
Thank you so much for being here! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love if you could leave a review.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
14 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 61 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
90
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
77
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