Peter Summerhays

Fiction's Gift

Arts EN ↓ 7 episodes

"Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten" - Neil Gaiman The biggest wealth of untapped knowledge has been hidden from mankind in plain sight; in stories . There it hides due to our own shallowness and surface level thinking... So I made a worksheet! A story analysis worksheet that could be applied to books, movies, video games, you name it. Then I shared that worksheet with a diverse group of people. And I talk to them about their answers on this podcast. The worksheet is simple: What was intriguing to you...

Author

Peter Summerhays

Episodes

Life changing lesson: It's not about you, it's about Rango 01.06.2026 29:39

Can Lizards be Cowboys? Yes. Can you be a cowboy? Maybe, I don't know. Who are you anyway? Does it matter? Dang it we get so distracted trying to figure out who we are! Luckily we have Rango here to help!

What Project Hail Mary teaches us about true friendship — Fiction's Gift Ep. 5 19.05.2026 37:56

Project Hail Mary was the first good move in theaters since I can't remember when! I never knew I needed to be so happy. It's sweet, funny, tender, hopeful, happy, and of course meaningful. There's truth about your life here, so buckle up while we try our best to share it with you.

Why is it The Way of Kings Changes Lives? — Fiction's Gift Ep. 4 15.04.2026 51:32

There's a reason the Way of Kings is considered of the best fiction novels of the 21st Century. It's a reason no one talks about. In this episode of Fiction's Gift, we'll dig into the woeful and beautiful world of Roshar, and explore what lessons bridges, chasms, and decisions have to offer us.

The Way of Kings Will Change Your Life — A Pitch For the Way of Kings 12.03.2026 16:55

What does it mean to lead when everything is working against you? In this bonus episode, Levi makes his case for why The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson isn't just the best fantasy novel ever written — it's a book that can genuinely change how you see yourself and the world. We dig into Kaladin's battle with depression and survival guilt, Dalinar's struggle to redefine honor in a culture built o...

How Your Name Teaches You Real Love | Fiction's Gift Ep. 3 26.02.2026 51:49

What does it take to truly love someone? In this episode, we explore Makoto Shinkai's masterpiece "Your Name" (Kimi no Na wa) and discover how this anime about two teenagers who mysteriously swap bodies reveals profound truths about connection, understanding, and the courage required for real relationships. We dive deep into why Taki and Mitsuha's love story works where so many others fail—not bec...

Harry Potter #2: Do it 'cause I feel like it -- The Artist's Worksheet 25.01.2026 45:35

What if the secret to facing your fears isn't being good at it, but simply deciding you're going to try anyway? In this episode, Peter and Levi dive into Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (that's Sorcerer's Stone for you Americans), with Levi tackling the movies and Peter exploring the books. We're using the Artist's Worksheet to unpack what makes Harry's reckless courage so compelling, and...

What are we doing again??? - An introduction to the Artist's Worksheet. 16.01.2026 28:55

What is this weird podcast Peter is always talking about?? I'm glad you asked! I've got an adventure to begin, and it may or may not include you. In this introductory, experimental episode of the Artist's Worksheet, me (Peter Summerhays - Creator) and my dear friend (Levi Rodas - Cohost) share our vision and expectations for the podcast... We also share in our first bout of technical difficulties....