“We’ve all been here already.”
In this sponsored episode, we’re joined by puzzle writer John Bromels, who created the Hive: The Race to Save Time puzzle hunt, inspired by the new sci-fi novel Hive, book 1 of the Madders of Time series by best-selling author DL Orton. Check out the details below for dates and how to play.
John shares all the details of how he crafted this puzzle hunt to accommodate puzzlers of all skill levels, and how he leveled the playing field when it comes to winning the puzzle hunt cash prizes. Making it a sweepstakes instead of a contest means you don’t have to be the fastest to solve. He also tells us a bit about the book Hive, and all the pop culture references that make it appealing to puzzle hunt enthusiasts.
Today’s game is Sci-Fi Movie Mashups, where the titles of popular sci-fi movies have been combined with common phrases or names to create a new title. Then in a surprising twist, John reveals that he had prepared a puzzle for us, but it was stolen, and he recruits our help to figure out the culprit behind the stolen puzzles.
Thank you again to our episode sponsor DL Orton and Hive: The Race to Save Time puzzle hunt.
Hive: The Race to Save Time Puzzle Hunt
Based on the new Madders of Time series by bestselling author DL Orton.
- Registration opens May 1, 2025
- Hive: The Race to Save Time runs from May 16-26, 2025
- Over $1,000 in Prizes, winners determined by sweepstakes.
- Purchase of the book or free alternative method of entry registration is required to participate, but the e-book will be available for just 99 cents while the hunt is running.
- Visit Hive: The Race to Save Time website for more details.
Time Stamps
- 00:38 Sponsor Break: Hive: The Race to Save Time
- 01:14 Game: Sci-Fi Movie Mashups
- 11:24 About John Bromels & Hive: The Race to Save Time Puzzle Hunt
- 22:20 John’s Game: Who Stole My Puzzle?!
- 33:26 Hive: The Race to Save Time Puzzle Hunt Details
- 35:12 Credits
Guest: John Bromels
Website: Otherworldly Adventures
Facebook: @jbromels
Instagram: @puzzlecrawl
X: @FromAtoZany
John has been hooked on puzzles since the fourth grade, when he found his first copy of GAMES Magazine in his elementary school library and first started doing puzzles instead of his homework. Somehow, this unorthodox move has paid off, as he has gone on to become Supreme Galactic Overlord of Cincinnati, Ohio-based Puzzle Crawl and founder of Otherworldly Adventures.
He has written puzzles and created immersive events for clients large and small, including Procter & Gamble, General Electric, and Kroger. He most recently was part of TTBNL, the host team for the MIT Mystery Hunt 2024. Visit him online at bromels.com.
More Podcasts from Peih-Gee & David
If you enjoy PG’s Playhouse, check out Reality Escape Pod (REPOD), where your hosts David Spira & Peih-Gee Law explore immersive gaming from all angles, alongside guests with incredible experience in this realm.
And by supporting Room Escape Artist on Patreon, you’ll get access to the REPOD Bonus After Show ($5 per month and up) and the Spoilers Club ($15 per month and up) where we chat in depth with creators about iconic escape rooms… spoilers and all!
Production Credits
- Hosted by Peih-Gee Law & David Spira
- Puzzles by Peih-Gee Law
- Produced by Theresa Piazza
- Supported by Lisa Spira
- Edited by Peih-Gee Law
- Music by Matt Farthing
- Logo by Theresa Wagner
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