Ep 2 - The Literary Influences of Phillip Aisling

Roald Dahl, Lloyd Alexander, and J.K. Rowling walk into a dream...

What do a chocolate factory, a pig-keeper-turned-hero, and a wizarding school have in common? You guessed it—each left a lasting imprint on the dream-soaked pages of The Dreams of Phillip Aisling. In this episode of Lucid Journeys, we dive into the story beneath the story: the authors and literary traditions that shaped the world of Phillip Aisling.

Without spoiling anything from the upcoming sequel (The Lucid Multiverse, coming later this year!), we explore how Brandon Bosse blends beloved literary styles into something wholly original. You’ll hear how the dark whimsy of Roald Dahl, the mythological heroism of Lloyd Alexander, and the layered school dynamics of J.K. Rowling each echo through Phillip’s world.

We unpack:

• Eccentric adults (Aunt Dee, we’re looking at you)
• Absurdist family chaos à la Matilda or The Twits
• Hero’s journeys rooted in ancient lore
• Hidden magical societies operating beneath ordinary life
• The mysterious Council of Dreamers
• Dream objects like the nagwaagan and prediction charm
• Shadowy forces and philosophical stakes

But this episode goes deeper than just comparisons. We ask: Why does Phillip’s story resonate so strongly? Why do we root for a kid stuck between middle school and multiverse, navigating awkward family dinners and interdimensional ethics?

At its core, this series is about growing up—about trying to understand yourself, your power, and your place in a confusing world that’s far more mysterious than it seems. It's the universal coming-of-age story told through the lens of lucid dreaming, ancient myth, and yes—some well-earned magical chaos.

We also touch on:

• The role of friendship, especially Phillip’s powerful bond with Cynthia
• The looming darkness that may be more than just a nightmare
• The personal weight of choices that ripple across dimensions

So if you’ve ever found comfort in a familiar character, gotten lost in a story that felt oddly close to your own, or wondered how dreams might reflect something realer than real life—this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in to explore:

• What classic authors taught us about growing up
• Why fantastical stories help us navigate real-world emotions
• How The Dreams of Phillip Aisling reinvents the hero’s journey

And of course, we leave you with one big question to ponder:

If our dreams can shape reality… what kind of world will we create with ours?

🔮 Stay Connected with the Lucid Multiverse

✨ Follow us on Instagram: @PhillipAisling
📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @PhillipAisling
🌐 Dive deeper into the storyworld: www.phillipaisling.com

Have a question, theory, or dream to share? Tag us or send us a message—we might feature it in a future episode of Lucid Journeys!

Disclaimer: Podcast discussions are AI generated and occasionally get minor details wrong. We'll do our best to clarify in future episodes!