All Things Narrative Presents:
The LIVE A MEANINGFUL STORY Podcast
Analyzing stories that help us make sense of life.
16: Facing External Conflicts Head-On (RISE & DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES)
Humanity sure is complicated! And that's exactly what the PLANET OF THE APES prequel trilogy wrestles with, as apes gain consciousness and human-like qualities. We navigate the different kinds of conflict depicted in these films (particularly in RISE & DAWN), and how as good science fiction, these stories help us think through what it means to be human in our world today.
15: Is Humanity Making Progress? (PLANET OF THE APES)
Are humans evolving into greatness? Or do the limitations of our nature impede progress? We begin our discussion on the PLANET OF THE APES films, starting with the 1968 original. We reflect on what this story means for us in these uncertain times we live in, and how to navigate the paradox that is humankind.
14: Confronting Nature’s Brutality (WATERSHIP DOWN)
How do we confront the brutality of nature that lies within animals and ourselves? We're diving down the dark rabbit hole that is WATERSHIP DOWN, a so-called "children's" story about colorful topics such as cruelty, tyranny, and the inevitability of your own demise. We have too many laughs trying to discern what this story means, while also discussing everything from the power of myth, to deus ex machina's, and the time a dog attacked Derrick's chicken.
13: Finding Strength through Compassion (HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE)
How do we continue to do good, even when everything around us is falling apart? In this week's episode, we continue exploring the theme of acceptance through HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE by Studio Ghibli. Featuring an eclectic family made up of a cursed woman, an insecure wizard, a mute scarecrow, and a fire demon, we find at its heart a tale about carrying one's burdens. We also discuss the difference between Eastern and Western storytelling, and how that's reflected in the films of Hayao Miyazaki.
12: Here Am I, Send Me (FURY)
How does conflict inform how we see ourselves, and who we ultimately become? This week, we dive into the gritty action-war film Fury and wrestle with this family forged by war, and how it informs their sense of identity and purpose. We also discuss several storytelling techniques Fury uses, including save the cat, Biblical symbolism, and the thematic opening.
11: Letting Go of Your Past Life (PAST LIVES)
Have you ever struggled to let go of the past? If so, then the bittersweet romance in 'Past Lives' might resonate with you. As we analyze this film, we'll share how everything from the Beatles song "In My Life" to the concept of Re-Authoring can help us live more fully in the moment.
10: How Stories Shape Reality and Identity (DUNE PART TWO)
Whoever controls the narrative can shape reality to how they see fit. In our analysis of the newly released 'Dune Part Two', we confront the beauties and horrors of storytelling. You'll also learn how 'Dune' embodies a Narrative Therapy perspective on identity, confront the dark side of religion, and explore the various archetypes within Paul Atreides.
9: A Cautionary Tale about Destiny and the Power of Dreams (DUNE PART ONE)
Dreams are messages from the deep; but where will our dreams ultimately take us? In this episode, we begin our deep dive into all things 'Dune', including an analysis of the 2021 film. We explore this cautionary tale through the lenses of identity and destiny, incorporating insights from Jonathan Gottschall's book The Storytelling Animal.
Bonus: Atonement with the Father (RETURN OF THE JEDI)
In our first bonus episode, we share an outtake from our Star Wars conversation regarding Joseph Campbell's "Atonement with the Father" stage, and how it connects with both Return of the Jedi and Derrick's healing with his own father.
8: How Curiosity Frees Us from Autopilot (Jason & WALL-E)
How do we break free from autopilot? We wrestle with this question by exploring the temptation to outsource to technology, as seen in both 'Wall-E' and '2001 Space Odyssey'. And Jason shares his journey of breaking free through cultivating curiosity and wonder in his life.
7: How Connections Help Us Flourish (WALL-E)
How is connection the key to human flourishing? The film Wall-E explores the relationships between humanity, technology, the earth, and what happens when things go awry. Jason leads us in a conversation about Wall-E that traverses dystopias, identity, and the Narrative Practice of Re-Membering, so we can find ways to connect that help us flourish.
6: When Fear and Trauma Cloud Your Vision (Joseph and AVENGERS AGE OF ULTRON)
How do the fears and traumas we've experienced affect the way we live? Joseph shares his story, and how it mirrors many of the fears and traumas portrayed in the Avengers films. We also share some insights from neuroscience about traumatic narratives in the brain, and working with kids who have experienced trauma.
5: Avoiding a God-Complex (AVENGERS AGE OF ULTRON)
How does the struggle to control manifest in your life? In 'Avengers Age of Ultron', this desire to control is evident in Tony Stark, as the layers of his psyche unravel through the personas of Iron Man, Ultron, and Vision. Through this film, Joseph shows how Stark's journey can help us avoid falling into the trap of the God-complex.
4: Reconnecting with Yourself and the World Around You (Nick’s Story & STRANGER THAN PARADISE)
What do we do when we feel disconnected with our identity and relationships? In this episode, we share insights about how to reconnect with ourselves, nature, other people, and God. Along the way, Nick gets personal with his story, and how he sees it in relation to the film Stranger Than Paradise. We also explore the power of connection through Richard Rohor's contemplative insights and David Denborough's 'Team of Life' Narrative Practice.
3: When Everything Looks the Same in Your Life (STRANGER THAN PARADISE)
Have you ever felt stuck in life? In this conversation, Nick leads us through the Criterion classic Stranger Than Paradise, and its realistic portrayal of loneliness and longing. Throughout the discussion, we'll share ways to break out of the monotony of life through re-authoring, and embarking on new calls to adventure.
2: Stories and Our Search for Meaning (Derrick & the STAR WARS Trilogy)
The search for meaning is an inevitable part of what it means to be human. It is through this search that we learn how to better navigate life day by day. And that's what we explore through the work of Viktor Frankl and the Narrative Therapy Practice of externalizing problems. We show how these and other elements help unravel the Star Wars narrative as it's revealed in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Throughout this discussion, Derrick also shares parts of his story, and why we all gravitate towards certain kinds of films.
1: What’s Your Origin Story? (STAR WARS)
Everyone has an origin story that illustrates who they are, where they come from, and why they're here. In our debut episode, we explore the origin story as a concept through Star Wars: A New Hope. Derrick then shares how this film (and George Lucas' journey of making it) inspired his passion for storytelling. Along the way, we discuss how to craft your own origin story using the Hero's Journey from Joseph Campbell, with additional insights about the Narrative Metaphor, and the origin story of how the four of us met.
Ep. 62: Genres and Your Life Story + We Are Changing Our Name
How does each genre of story speak to our lives? In our season finale, we review all the genres we've covered this year and how they can help us see our stories in meaningful ways. Plus, Derrick gives some important announcements regarding the future of the podcast in 2024, including changes to the format and name!
Ep. 61: Why We Love Slice of Life
Companionship, grief, work, parenting, coming of age. Sometimes, we just need stories that remind us of what it means to be human. And for our final entry in our genre series, we focus on those kinds of Slice of Life stories. These films and shows fluctuate between the comedies and dramas of life, causing us to wrestle with what it all means. And for the first time, the guys are joined by Derrick's wife, Tori, making for a fitting finale of this series.
Ep. 60: Why We Love Superheroes
When two Jewish immigrants published a story in 1938 about a Superman, they birthed something that would take the 21st Century by storm: the superhero genre. And now 85 years later, many argue that the genre is running out of steam. We investigate how superheroes stays alive by blending with other genres, while wrestling with what this genre means for our lives, and whether or not it's time to move on to other kinds of stories. Join us for a celebration (and potential funeral) of a genre that's helped us all live a meaningful story.
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