All Things Narrative Presents:
The LIVE A MEANINGFUL STORY Podcast
Connecting the movies we love with the stories we live
Ep. 39: Analyzing ‘The Truman Show’
Derrick and Joseph team up to do our first in-depth film analysis of the 1998 masterpiece The Truman Show. Think you know this film well? We break down everything from the filmmaking, to the symbolism, to character motivations, and even biblical allusions, all in an attempt to see how this film speaks to us today as an eerie prophecy that's come to fruition.
Ep. 38: Fruit - The Story of a Jewish Refugee
Growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, Jacob and his family fled to start a new life in America. Jacob shares his journey and discusses what it means to be Jewish, the rise of philosemitism and antisemitism, and the ways Jacob educates non-Jews about the Bible and Jewish life.
Ep. 37: Your Next Chapter Starts Today!
You ever get tired of New Years' Resolutions? Is there something important you've been putting off that want to do this year? Maybe this year we can try a different approach: thinking of a new year as the next chapter in the story of our lives. Derrick kicks off 2023 with a reflection on the 'call to adventure', Jordan Peterson, and the patterns we live into.
Ep. 36: Holidays & Narratives
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from All Things Narrative! To close out the year, Derrick discusses the narratives behind our holiday traditions, deconstructing Santa Clause, what Jesus has to do with the Winter Solstice, and why the Christmas Carol is a masterclass in story.
Ep. 35: Why We Love What We Love
In this final episode of 2022, Derrick and the guys reflect on some past episodes while also discussing everything from grief in stories, to different trends in cinema, and other great film series' such as Transformers, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Planet of the Apes. We also look ahead to the new year and discuss some potential ideas for new episodes.
Ep. 34: Deconstruction + Reconstruction
In our final installment of Narrative 101, Derrick discusses the trendy topic of deconstruction. Is it just post-modern nonsense? Or is it a helpful way of evaluating how narratives are shaping us and why we truly believe what we believe? Derrick shares his story of deconstructing his faith, and ultimately how to pair deconstruction with reconstruction.
Ep. 33: Why We Love Studio Ghibli (Part 2)
It's time to jump back into our conversation about Derrick's favorite collection of films: Studio Ghibli, Japan's most influential animation studio. With their focus on strong female protagonist coming-of-age stories, along with themes of environmentalism and war, Studio Ghibli has earned a global reputation for creating beautiful works of animation for all ages that stand the test of time. Derrick's wife Tori joins the discussion to chronicle their journey of watching every Studio Ghibli film in order (and for the first time). We also share our perspectives as parents on what these films offer young people. Join us as we explore how this collection of diverse films became among our all-time favorites.
Ep. 32: Why We Love Studio Ghibli (Part 1)
The time has come to discuss Derrick's favorite collection of films: Studio Ghibli, Japan's most influential animation studio. With their focus on strong female protagonist coming-of-age stories, along with themes of environmentalism and war, Studio Ghibli has earned a global reputation for creating beautiful works of animation for all ages that stand the test of time. Derrick's wife Tori joins the discussion to chronicle their journey of watching every Studio Ghibli film in order (and for the first time). We also share our perspectives as parents on what these films offer young people. Join us as we explore how this collection of diverse films became among our all-time favorites.
Ep. 31: Documenting Your Life Story
In this Narrative 101, we explore the many creative ways you can tell your life story through documents such as letters, journals, scrapbooks, videos, and more. Along the way, Derrick shares how documenting our story can help us better remember it, and why ‘The Color Purple’ is a form of therapy.
Ep. 30: Narrative Panel #2
We're back with another exciting panel featuring some of my fellow colleagues in the field of Narrative Practices. This all-star line-up includes Narrative Therapist Emily Bostrom, Narrative Social Worker Sarah Houston, and writer and Narrative Practitioner Andrea Wilson. Together, we discuss the power of language in our lives, and how to give that power back to the people we work with.
Ep. 29: Why We Love X-Men
This one's for all the outcasts, the misfits, to anyone who doesn't quite fit in, because today we're talking about the Uncanny X-Men! We dive into the complicated history of Marvel's mutants, while discussing our favorite moments in the comics, shows, and films along the way.
Ep. 28: Re-Authoring Your Life
What does it mean to be the protagonist of your own life? What does addiction recovery and The Wizard of Oz have to do with re-authoring your life? In this edition of Narrative 101, we discuss how a focus on unique outcomes, the absent but implicit, and intentional states can help us live our preferred story.
Ep. 27: Finding Your Voice (with Jeanette Brown, Shea, Wilandy, and Eve)
Today I am proud to present to you our first collective document, a compilation that honors the voices of members within our Common Ground creative community in West Palm Beach, Florida. These fine people share how they found their inspirations in poetry, filmmaking, meditation, and community building.
Ep. 26: Why We Love Harry Potter
Class is in session as the All Things Narrative Podcast arrives at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Joining Derrick is his wife Tori and Harry Potter expert Braeden Storkersen. We discuss the themes and best moments from the 7 books and 8 films that defined a generation.
Ep. 25: Being De-Centered, yet Influential
It's tempting to make it all about us! But how do we use our influence to lift others up and empower them? In this Narrative 101, we explore the Narrative Principle of being 'de-centered, yet influential' as a pathway towards being a helpful guide in someone's life.
Ep. 24: Becoming an Entrepreneur, A Story IV His Glory (with Sheim Francis)
Let me introduce you to dedicated teacher, spoken-word artist, and successful entrepreneur Sheim Francis. Sheim shares his story of belonging, obedience, and resilience. Along the way, we discuss the struggles and joys that come with being an entrepreneur as Sheim shares the journey of starting his own company, IV His Glory.
Ep. 23: Why We Love Spider-Man (Part 2)
We continue our celebration of Spider-Man's 60th Anniversary with an in-depth discussion about Spider-Man's villains, love interests, supporting characters, various depictions in film, TV, and comics, and how Spider-Man inspires us to live a meaningful story.
Ep. 22: Why We Love Spider-Man (Part 1)
It's the 60th Anniversary of everyone's favorite web-slinger! And to celebrate, we are doing an in-depth 2-part episode where we discuss the mythos, philosophy, and themes of Peter Parker and everyone's friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Join us as we converse about the various films, shows, games, and comics that have made Spider-Man one of the greatest pop culture icons of the last hundred years.
Ep. 21: How to Become a Better Listener
In this month's Narrative 101, we share how the tools of Witnessing (also called Outsider Witnessing) in Narrative Practices can make you a better listener with your clients, students, and loved ones. Derrick also shares his personal journey towards becoming a better listener. Plus, we feature a cameo from Narrative Therapist and previous podcast guest Jill Freedman!
Ep. 20: The Hero in All of Us (with Jeff Ritter)
What if you could inspire kids in need through kindness and cosplay? Joining us today is Jeff Ritter, the founder of Jeffro's Heroes For Humanity. We discuss Jeff's journey in starting his company, what it means to embody a superhero (and why they matter), and how you can become a hero to those around you.
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