Dark Dice Podcast Episode Summary
Title: We're Celebrating 10 Years of Podcasting Today!
Host/Author: Fool and Scholar Productions
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Introduction
In this milestone episode, Travis Van Graaf and Ka Stats of Foolen Scholar Productions celebrate a decade of creating immersive horror and fantasy content through their podcast, "Dark Dice." The hosts reflect on their journey, accomplishments, challenges, and future endeavors, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into their growth and passion for storytelling.
Reflecting on the Beginnings (00:00 - 02:44)
Travis and Ka kick off the episode by reminiscing about the early days of their podcasting venture.
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Travis Van Graaf opens with a lighthearted acknowledgment of their ten-year journey, saying, “[00:15] I kind of feel old.”
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Ka Stats shares the origin story: “[00:40] We started podcasting because we wanted to do something creative while I was at university and I needed to not be studying.” This led to the creation of their initial project, "Liberty."
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The transition from their first project to the successful "White Vault" is highlighted. Ka notes, “[01:21] We wrote the outline for Liberty... And then you wrote Liberty and you sound designed and produced Liberty.”
Growth and Success (02:05 - 04:30)
The hosts discuss how "White Vault" marked a turning point, enabling them to pursue podcasting full-time.
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Ka Stats emphasizes the audience's positive reception: “[01:33] Everybody just really enjoyed the White Vault and they picked up on it...”
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Travis Van Graaf attributes their ability to go full-time to their supporters: “[02:25] ...because of the extreme generosity of our Patreon folks who make our lives... possible.”
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They express deep gratitude towards their community: “[02:37] If over these last 10 years, you have supported our shows in any way, then thank you so, so much.”
Community and Personal Connections (03:28 - 05:12)
Travis and Ka delve into the profound impact their podcasting has had on their personal lives and community.
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Ka Stats reflects on the dual nature of the internet: “[03:28] The Internet is both this anonymous group... and all of these amazing people that we respond to comments from...”
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A touching anecdote is shared about their cast members forming real-life connections: “[03:40] It has been unreal because we were at a wedding a few years ago in Iceland for our cast of the White Vault, who met each other through all the stuff that we're doing, and they got married.”
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Travis Van Graaf recalls a memorable moment when airport security questioned their online friendships, highlighting the real-world bonds formed through the podcast.
Expanding the Portfolio and Future Projects (05:12 - 07:45)
The conversation shifts to their diverse range of projects and upcoming ventures.
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Ka Stats mentions moving beyond "White Vault" with projects like "Vast Horizon," "Daafwigma," and "Dark Dice," and introduces their new anthology series: “[04:17] we're making now, and I'm really excited for it.”
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Travis Van Graaf outlines the ongoing work on "White Vault" and other series, signaling continuous creative output: “[05:12] we're recording in like an hour and a half for one other actor and we're done.”
Celebrating Ten Years: Special Projects (07:09 - 08:26)
To honor their decade-long achievement, Travis and Ka announce special initiatives.
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They are re-releasing their earliest work, "Tales from the Tower," enhanced with new sound effects, aiming to present "better, darker versions." Travis notes, “[06:05] for a 10 year special thing, we've got a thing we're doing as a celebration of sorts.”
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Ka Stats expresses pride in their growth: “[06:40] Both of us have gotten so much better over the last 10 years. Myself as a writer, 100% I am better.”
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Additionally, they are translating ten episodes of "Tales from the Tower" into Japanese, expanding their reach: “[08:07] we are also translating 10 episodes of Tales from the Tower into Japanese and it'll be released in Japanese in Japan or everywhere, I guess on Spotify.”
Adapting to Changes and Maintaining Balance (08:26 - 10:15)
The hosts discuss the evolving landscape of podcasting and their strategies for adaptation.
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Travis Van Graaf reflects on technological advancements and the necessity to stay current: “[08:26] how do you feel? Our lives have changed and our workflow and the industry maybe has changed.”
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Ka Stats touches on the challenges of work-life balance and the demands of running a creative business: “[09:05] We still don't have work life balance.”
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They share their philosophy on navigating the rapidly changing podcasting industry, emphasizing resilience and flexibility.
Journey and Growth as a Company (10:15 - 11:03)
Travis and Ka highlight their professional growth and the transformation from hobbyists to seasoned creators.
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Ka Stats reminisces about their humble beginnings: “[10:13] Like a very famous and influential pub where people like Tolkien and many other famous writers would go and then read and write their works.”
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The hosts express profound gratitude for how podcasting has shaped their lives: “[10:15] Podcasting has literally become our careers. It has allowed us the life that we have.”
Looking Forward: New Content and Continuous Creation (11:03 - 12:12)
As the episode approaches its conclusion, the focus shifts to their ongoing and future projects.
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Travis Van Graaf teases upcoming seasons of "White Vault" and encourages support through Patreon: “[11:03] It has allowed us the life that we have. And the opportunity to work in a creative career is something that should never be laughed at or taken for granted.”
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They introduce their special release for the anniversary: the updated first episode of "Tales from the Tower," titled "Imposter," complete with new sound effects.
Featured Story: "Imposter" from Tales from the Tower (12:12 - 25:12)
The episode concludes with a dramatic reading of "Imposter," a revamped episode from their earlier work, showcasing their enhanced storytelling and production capabilities.
- Peter Joseph Lewis narrates the story, which involves a tense and eerie journey through a deserted train station, culminating in a horrifying encounter with a transformed individual.
Closing Remarks (25:12 - End)
Post-story, Travis provides credits and final acknowledgments.
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Travis Van Graaf expresses heartfelt thanks: “[25:12] Thank you for listening to Tales from the Tower... Thank you for listening. May the Archon watch over.”
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Listeners are directed to visit libertyanders.com for more information about their universe.
Notable Quotes
- “[00:15] I kind of feel old.” — Travis Van Graaf
- “[02:25] ...because of the extreme generosity of our Patreon folks who make our lives... possible.” — Travis Van Graaf
- “[03:28] The Internet is both this anonymous group... and all of these amazing people that we respond to comments from...” — Ka Stats
- “[06:40] Both of us have gotten so much better over the last 10 years. Myself as a writer, 100% I am better.” — Ka Stats
- “[09:05] We still don't have work life balance.” — Ka Stats
Conclusion
This celebratory episode of "Dark Dice" not only marks ten years of creative excellence but also underscores the enduring passion and dedication of Travis Van Graaf and Ka Stats. Their journey from initial projects to becoming full-time podcasters highlights the power of storytelling and community support. As they continue to evolve, listeners can look forward to more gripping tales and innovative storytelling from Foolen Scholar Productions.