The Palmer Files Podcast

A podcast about the pursuit of knowledge through interesting and engaging conversation, hosted by Agent Palmer. Released every other Tuesday.

What does a Game Designer do and more with Greg Costikyan 11/11/2025

What does a Game Designer do and more with Greg Costikyan Episode 162 features Greg Costikyan a game industry veteran who’s published games for a variety of platforms from the table to the phone as well as more than a few novels. You’ll hear us discuss that plus his career, a little bit of process, plus adaptability, teaching, cooking, and much much more… Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Other Links Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/38911565

A Fulfilling Conversation with Adam Ortiz 10/28/2025

A Fulfilling Conversation with Adam Ortiz Episode 161 features Adam Ortiz, deputy secretary for the Maryland Department of the Environment, and we touch on public service, but that's not why he’s here. You’ll hear us talk about why I invited him on the show, and just how much we have in common; baseball, music, and more. Plus you’ll hear us discuss mid-atlantic sports towns, fulfillment, wonder, trading album recommendations and much much more... Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Other Links Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/38771650

Was B.P. Kelso Engineered to Write? 10/14/2025

Was B.P. Kelso Engineered to Write? Episode 160 features B P Kelso. Who is among many things, an engineer by trade, a scriptwriter, an author, and a dad. We discuss storytelling, adaptation, reading, always learning and much much more. Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Other Links Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/38549330

Proust Questionnaire Vol III: Christopher J. Hughes 09/30/2025

Proust Questionnaire Vol III: Christopher J. Hughes Episode 159 features the return of one of my best friends Christopher J. Hughes. He’s back to tackle some of Proust’s Questionnaire. And aside from explaining what to do when things are 25 pixels to the left we discuss art, color, the creative process and much much more. Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Other Links Special Guest Executive Producer: Bill Sweeney Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/38356460

By the power vested in Laura 09/16/2025

By the power vested in Laura Episode 158 features Laura Eppler who I’ve known for quite a while and who’s become a very good friend. She’s here on the show to discuss her second career as an officiant. In fact, just over one year ago from the release of this episode she married Stef and I in our backyard. We discuss that second career, plus boredom, writing, and divert into a tangent or two… Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Other Links Executive Producer: Stefanie Stershic Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/38188935

Kevin, Newton, Lynx, and Brass 09/02/2025

Kevin, Newton, Lynx, and Brass Episode 157 features Kevin Freitas who, as you’ll find out, could be who he says he is or he could be 17 hobbies in a trenchcoat. We discuss his online handheld computer museum, music, programming, photography, 3d modeling, and even go back as far as Geocities, perhaps even further… Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Other Links Executive Producer: Stefanie Stershic Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/38000075

Chickens and Goats and Sheep, Oh Homesteading! 08/19/2025

Chickens and Goats and Sheep, Oh Homesteading! Episode 156 features Lucy who started homesteading for one very specific reason and now, well, entrepreneur farmer could very well be her descriptor in the future. We discuss her journey through homesteading, the trials and unexpected expansions along the way, plus gardening, chickens, goats, pigs, geese, sheep, turkeys and much much more… Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Other Links Executive Producer: Stefanie Stershic Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/37845670

Proust Questionnaire Vol II: Bill Sweeney 08/05/2025

Proust Questionnaire Vol II: Bill Sweeney Episode 155 features the return of the original Palmer Files guest Bill Sweeney. He’s back to tackle some of Proust’s Questionnaire. And aside from explaining what this isn’t, we’ll discuss Skype, basements and attics, poetry, the flow state, and much much more. Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Other Links Special Guest Executive Producer: Bill Sweeney Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/37645910

Finding the Groove with Drummer and Lawyer Bryan Tuk 07/22/2025

Finding the Groove with Drummer and Lawyer Bryan Tuk Episode 154 features Bryan Tuk who’s here to bolster the rhythm section with his drums, his law degree, and his musical educator self. During this episode we discuss Bryan’s path from when he first picked up the sticks to graduating law school, with enough tangents and conversation to cover just about everything in between and beyond those two points of reference. From here on out you’ll hear us discuss the drive to help creatives, connecting with an audience, teaching and learning, the sorry position of the arts and music education right now, and much more Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Other Links Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/37469760

Water, Weather, and What We Want with Cousin Sarah 07/08/2025

Water, Weather, and What We Want with Cousin Sarah Episode 153 features my Cousin Sarah who’s here to talk about science, water, engineering, weather, the non-profit space, plus running, saying no, and much much more… Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Other Links Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/37300235

Proust Questionnaire Vol I: Chris Maier 06/24/2025

Proust Questionnaire Vol I: Chris Maier Episode 152 features the return of one of my favorite Canadians, and just one of my best friends, Chris Maier. He’s here to tackle some of Proust’s Questionnaire. And aside from catching up, we’ll discuss relationship communication, accountability, Canada, misfortune, and much much more. Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Other Links Special Guest Executive Producer: Bill Sweeney Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/37098195

Adventures as New Parents 06/10/2025

Adventures as New Parents Episode 151 features my wife Stefanie, who is back to talk about our adventures as new parents. From coming home with a baby to adapting to a new normal that is constantly changing, we’re surviving, but how? Listen to find out. Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Other Links Special Guest Executive Producer: Stefanie Stershic Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/36905585

You and Me makes Three 05/27/2025

You and Me makes Three Episode 150 features my wife Stefanie, who has returned to join me in telling the tale of our adventures in pregnancy through to the delivery of our healthy baby. Who, if you listen closely, will make their debut appearance on this podcast at some point in the background. Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Other Links Special Guest Executive Producer: Stefanie Stershic Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/36693905

When Art and Entrepreneurship Meet, Brian Found Paradise 05/13/2025

When Art and Entrepreneurship Meet, Brian Found Paradise Episode 149 features my friend Brian Wcislo, who’s here to tell his tales of growing up, starting businesses, life altering experiences, boundary pushing, and finding his place in the world. Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Other Links Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/36530780

Optimist Dan Evans Talks with Pessimist Agent Palmer 04/29/2025

Optimist Dan Evans Talks with Pessimist Agent Palmer Episode 148 with a great friend to me and this show, long time listener, first time guest, Dan Evans. We talk about our shared experience looking for work, being prepared, the cost of creative things, and much much more… Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Follow Dan on Threads: BlueSky: Other Links Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/36308815

We are Tangent Bound with Mark Bogner 04/15/2025

We are Tangent Bound with Mark Bogner Episode 147 with Mark Bogner of Tangent Bound, the podcast, the podcast network, and now media network. We discuss the origin of all three, as well as our similar paths to podcast listening. Plus, collaboration, momentum, DVD extras, mistakes, laughter and plenty of, you guessed it, tangents. All aboard! Let’s get tangent bound! Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Other Links Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/36102870

The Return of Hal Nathan 04/01/2025

The Return of Hal Nathan Episode 146 with the return or more accurately the continuation of my conversation with Hal Nathan. During this episode you’ll hear us discuss editing and process, movie length and consuming film and media, structure and creation, plus I may or may not rant about the film industry… Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Other Links Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/35914945

Talking Star Trek: Deep Space Nine with Edward O'Hare 03/18/2025

Talking Star Trek: Deep Space Nine with Edward O'Hare Episode 145 features the return of my friend and Master to my Padawan in all things Star Trek, Edward O’Hare. He has been my guide through my Star Trek journey and in this episode we're going to reflect on my adventures on Deep Space Nine, before I embark upon the next Voyage... Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Tweets Other Links Special Guest Producer: Bill Sweeney. Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/35700240

Alyssa Chooses Her Own Path 03/04/2025

Alyssa Chooses Her Own Path Episode 144 features Alyssa LaBotz, entrepreneur, freelancer, video editor, traveler, and a fellow coffee drinker. We discuss starting in economics and ending in editing, finding time for ourselves, burnout, balance, structure, age, and much much more. Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Mastadon Other Links Anything but alien: “Aliens in the Prime of Their Lives” touches all of humanity My Arthur Treacher’s uniform still smells, but memories of my first job are fresh You can also hear more Palmer occasionally on , a musical conversation podcast with host Chris Maier or as co-host of with Dan Lizette. Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/35388865

Meet Hal Nathan a Visual Storyteller 02/18/2025

Meet Hal Nathan a Visual Storyteller Episode 143 features Hal Nathan, recent film school graduate and someone who's just newly out of the structure of formal education and wondering what comes next. We discuss that and how he got into film, writing, editing, what film school does and doesn't prepare you for, accepting not bad, and much much more. Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Mastadon Other Links You can also hear more Palmer occasionally on , a musical conversation podcast with host Chris Maier or as co-host of with Dan Lizette. Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/35204330

Keeping it Comfortable and Classy with Ken Sweeney 02/04/2025

Keeping it Comfortable and Classy with Ken Sweeney Episode 142 features Ken Sweeney, host of The Comfortable Spot podcast. We discuss being curious, podcasting, creating and momentum, starting in music, success and replication, the voice as an instrument, Star Trek, old television, keeping it classy, Dick Cavett and much much more. Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Mastadon Other Links You can also hear more Palmer occasionally on , a musical conversation podcast with host Chris Maier or as co-host of with Dan Lizette. Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/35098350

Creating with Words, Yarn, and More with Alex T. Dragonson 01/21/2025

Creating with Words, Yarn, and More with Alex T. Dragonson Episode 141 features Alex T. Dragonson. Who happens to share more than just a few fandoms with me. We met on Mastodon and outside of a few threads there, this is our first real conversation. We discuss music, knitting, anxiety and anxiety remediation, work life balance, early internet experiences, hermitcraft, FOMO and much more! Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Mastadon Other Links You can also hear more Palmer occasionally on , a musical conversation podcast with host Chris Maier or as co-host of with Dan Lizette. Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/34871285

One Final Question: Vol. V 01/07/2025

One Final Question: Vol. V Episode 140 features Bill, Kristen, NJ, Essa, Stef, Jess, and Danno discussing voices, not working, dinner, communication, decisions, and perhaps even some sociology (or perhaps it’s psychology) and more from the One Final Questions after-credits of this very podcast! Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Twitter Mastadon BlueSky Other Links You can also hear more Palmer occasionally on , a musical conversation podcast with host Chris Maier or as co-host of with Dan Lizette. Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/34721540

Meet the Stershics Part II: I Do 12/24/2024

Meet the Stershics Part II: I Do Episode 139 features my wife, Stefanie Stershic. During this episode we continue our conversation, starting from her cross country journey to move in with me, continuing with our years living together, and culminating in our nuptials. Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Listen to 50 Questions with Stefanie ( | | ) Mastadon BlueSky Other Links You can also hear more Palmer occasionally on , a musical conversation podcast with host Chris Maier or as co-host of with Dan Lizette. Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/34571565

Meet the Stershics Part I: Podcast Fun 12/10/2024

Meet the Stershics Part I: Podcast Fun Episode 138 features my wife, Stefanie Stershic. During this episode we discuss how we met, our long distance digital courtship, and much much more... Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Listen to 50 Questions with Stefanie ( | | ) Mastadon BlueSky Other Links You can also hear more Palmer occasionally on , a musical conversation podcast with host Chris Maier or as co-host of with Dan Lizette. Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/34332775

To Sing or Not to Sing and more with Dave Hulegaard 11/26/2024

To Sing or Not to Sing and more with Dave Hulegaard Episode 137 the return of Dave Hulegaard the musician behind Twelve Days in June. We discuss front man caliber vocals and singing horror stories, revisiting old favorite albums, finding your comfort zone, making up for lost time, playing live again, and much much more... Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Listen to Twelve Days in June's NEW album Hiraeth! () Threads Other Links You can also hear more Palmer occasionally on , a musical conversation podcast with host Chris Maier or as co-host of with Dan Lizette. Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/34124176

That Nerd Conversation with Morgan from That Nerd Thing 11/12/2024

That Nerd Conversation with Morgan from That Nerd Thing Episode 136 features Morgan, from That Nerd Thing podcast. We discuss the origins of her show, compare her day job to her podcast, ponder the interchangeability of nerd and geek as terms, and much much more... Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Threads Other Links You can also hear more Palmer occasionally on , a musical conversation podcast with host Chris Maier or as co-host of with Dan Lizette. Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/33877972

Tony Rapino II: The Wrath of Friendship 10/29/2024

Tony Rapino II: The Wrath of Friendship Episode 135 features the return of Tony Rapino, a man of many hats and talents, who is here because since his last appearance on episode 92 we've become friends! Which means I can ask him leading questions about his writing process and blocks, his baking habits, how he stays motivated, is he a recluse, and just how strong is his need to create and much much more. Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Tweets Other Links You can also hear more Palmer occasionally on , a musical conversation podcast with host Chris Maier or as co-host of with Dan Lizette. Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/33628552

No Stranger to Fiction with Kristen Hamilton 10/15/2024

No Stranger to Fiction with Kristen Hamilton Episode 134 features Kristen Hamilton, a fiction book editor, living her best life doing what she loves from the comfort of her home. She's here to discuss how she started her business, learning on the job, multitasking, and working from home, plus we dive into the paralyzing nature of an abundance of choice, discuss comfort foods, and much much more. Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Threads Other Links You can also hear more Palmer occasionally on , a musical conversation podcast with host Chris Maier or as co-host of with Dan Lizette. Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/33435497

Finding the Creative Beat After Work and On Radio with Jonathan Roth 10/01/2024

Finding the Creative Beat After Work and On Radio with Jonathan Roth Episode 133 features Jonathan Roth, he’s a drummer, writer, and a professional with more hats than titles, and his job description is basically a to do list, but he’s here to talk about being creatively fulfilled, writing, balance, playing music, listening to music, public radio and much much more. Mentioned and Helpful Links from This Episode Twitter Other Links You can also hear more Palmer occasionally on , a musical conversation podcast with host Chris Maier or as co-host of with Dan Lizette. Music created and provided by of . --End Show Notes Transmission-- /episode/index/show/thepalmerfiles/id/33242972

The Palmer Files Podcast

TOPICS