Live A Meaningful Story

Have you ever felt like time wasn't on your side? In Derrick's final pick for the podcast (and our final episode), we analyze the divisive superhero spectacle/drama THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2. Derrick shares what he loves about this misunderstood film, and what his re-editing of it says about him. We discuss the Narrative Therapy Landscapes of Action & Identity, Peter Parker's struggle to balanc...

How do we learn to live again? In Nick's final pick for the podcast, we explore the wasteland of existence in MAD MAX 2 THE ROAD WARRIOR. We discuss what it means to move from talk to action, and how to truly let go of what's holding us back from progress. We also reflect on Nick's journey throughout the podcast, including insights about his relationships with his films, while discovering the comm...

What does it mean to walk by faith? In Joseph's final pick for the podcast, we analyze the post-apocalyptic action film THE BOOK OF ELI. We discuss the biblical themes in THE BOOK OF ELI, and the power of our testimonies. We also reflect on Joseph's journey throughout the podcast, including insights about his relationships with his films, while discovering the common thread that ties them all toge...

Who are the aspirational figures in your life? In Jason's final pick for the podcast, we analyze the beloved tale of THE IRON GIANT. We discuss the ways current films struggle to depict aspirational characters, and what it means to be an incarnation of hope. We also reflect on Jason's journey throughout the podcast, including insights about his relationships with his films, while discovering the c...

What do you wish for? Welcome to 'Schlock Fest' where we choose hidden gem movies that can help us live a meaningful story. Last up is Nick's pick, a Blockbuster bottom-shelf horror flick called WISHMASTER. We explore how this demon Djinn thrives on making one's desires come true to their own demise. Nick also shares about mimetic theory, along with this schlock's surprising amount of theological...

What is the difference between fitting in and truly belonging? Welcome to 'Schlock Fest' where we choose hidden gem movies that can help us live a meaningful story. Next up is Derrick's pick, a direct-to-streaming satirical-romance called EMO THE MUSICAL. We explore the similarities between Emos and Christians in their quests to find belonging and authenticity. Derrick's wife Tori joins the conver...

How do we face our fears of what we don't understand? Welcome to 'Schlock Fest' where we choose hidden gem movies that can help us live a meaningful story. Next up is Jason's pick, a Sci-Fi Channel original-type called LAKE PLACID. We explore how a band of misfits find solidarity in their efforts to contain a giant mammal-eating crocodile. Jason also shares about his experiences with different ani...

What is the definition of family? Welcome to 'Schlock Fest' where we choose hidden gem movies that can help us live a meaningful story. First up is Joseph's pick, a Walmart Bargain Bin find called FOUR BROTHERS. We explore how these four wayward men reunite when their source of unity is violently taken from them. Joe also shares stories about his band of brothers.  Introduction (0:00) Why We Chose...

How do you find beauty in the ordinary? In our final installment on 'Authenticity', Nick gets personal in a conversation about Jim Jarmusch's poetic film PATERSON. We discuss the order-disorder-reorder process through the biblical prophets, along with an uncomfortable reality about loving films. We share insights from Richard Rohr and Eugene Peterson about what it means to live content in the mome...

How do you hold onto what's real when everything around you feels artificial? In our next episode on 'Authenticity', we deep dive into one of the most critically-acclaimed satires of all time: NETWORK. Through its novel-esque writing and theatre-like directing, NETWORK is a masterclass at showing how societal decay corrupts our true self, and the wayward journey back towards authenticity. We discu...

How do you contend for what you believe in, even when the odds are stacked against you? Joseph leads us through the film 300, the next entry in our 'Authenticity' series. We discuss how a film like 300 can be so beloved across diverse contexts such as schools, churches, addiction recovery, and Narrative Therapy. We also weed out fact versus fiction in its depiction of Spartan history, and debate w...

How much of our identity is dictated by your biology versus your environment? In our new series on 'Authenticity', we wrestle with the nature vs. nurture debate through the lens of the archetypes, using the film MEGAMIND. We also discuss the difference between Internal and Intentional States, the intersection between God's will and our desires, and Jason's own experiences of navigating his archety...

How does one become a great artist? Finishing out our "I Am The Protagonist" series is Jason's pick, the beloved Pixar film RATATOUILLE. We discuss the role of criticism in art, while settling the debate once and for all whether anyone can cook.  Introduction (0:00) Why We Chose RATATOUILLE (0:54) Jason & Remy (10:10) Survival vs. Artistry (16:28) Criticism & Great Art (28:18) Who You Are...

Have you ever struggled to be accepted by your family or community? In this next installment in our "I Am the Protagonist" series, Joseph takes us through the quirky animated film CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS. We discuss the feelings of rejection that come when we embrace our uniqueness.  Introduction (0:00) Why We Chose CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS (0:37) Yearning for Parental Acceptanc...

What is the relationship between the movies we love and the stories we live? This is a question we explore with on this podcast. But in this episode, we examine the pitfalls of our own premise through one of the most acclaimed films of all time: CINEMA PARADISO. Nick leads us through this intimate installment of our "I Am the Protagonist" series. Nestled within this so-called love letter to the mo...

Have you ever felt trapped in a conflict that’s beyond your control? We kick off our brand new series “I Am the Protagonist” with a very personal film for Derrick: Hayao Miyazaki’s PRINCESS MONONOKE. This Studio Ghibli fantasy epic wrestles with how we can reconcile differing points of view. We also discuss the way it layers both Western and Eastern forms of storytelling, while analyzing it from d...

Happy New Year! Derrick shares updates for 2025, including a sneak peek at this upcoming season, along with an exciting tease of an upcoming book feature! Join us as we continuing exploring the connections between the movies we love, and the stories we live. All Things Narrative educates and empowers you to master the art of storytelling. Learn more at: allthingsnarrative.com Follow us on Instagra...

What does it mean to wrestle with the Divine? In our season finale, we analyze the richly complex theological masterpiece THE TREE OF LIFE. In this arthouse film, director Terrence Malick takes us on a tour through everything from the vastness of the cosmos, to the fragility of our own memories. Using a Sparklines storytelling structure, he allows us to grapple with the tension between creation an...

What do we make of religion? That's our topic for this month, and we're kicking things off with one of this summer's blockbuster hits: KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES. These films have always incorporated religious themes and undertones. But in this episode, we analyze this installment's parallels with Christianity, church history, and whether there is anything out there better than mankind.  In...

The truth is out there; are you willing to see it? We end 'Politics' month with a discussion on John Carpenter's cult-classic THEY LIVE. This film raises questions about the power of advertising as propaganda, how to separate fact from fiction, and whether we are heading towards a dystopia. Regardless of our beliefs, we're all just trying to get everyone to wear the glasses and see our point of vi...

How do we navigate racial tensions amidst our differing and limited perspectives? In this next installment of our 'Politics' series, things heat up as we dive into the controversial Criterion film DO THE RIGHT THING. We discuss how director Spike Lee maintains a balance between objectivity and subjectivity in portraying diverse characters. And throughout the conversation, we seek to find common gr...

Do we turn a blind eye to truth, or accept it as reality? In our next political installment, we cover the highly divisive satire DON'T LOOK UP. This apocalyptic allegory tackles many subjects pertaining to big government, big media, and big tech. We also debate about whether this film is true to our current political climate, while Joseph defines 'The System' for us once and for all.  Introduction...

What are the lost causes worth fighting for? It's time to navigate the controversial landscape of 'Politics', starting with our first entry: MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON. Despite releasing 85 years ago, it remains a relevant story about recognizing the infallibility of the institutions we hold dear. Derrick also gets personal by sharing how his own deconstruction of Christian Ministry connects wit...

Do our masks hide or reveal our most authentic selves? In this final installment of our ‘Hearts of Darkness’ series, Nick leads us through the underrated Burton masterpiece that is BATMAN RETURNS. We analyze these characters in hopes to better understand our inner demons, our relationships, and what it means to be a hero. We also explore the role of antagonists in storytelling, and why this is a d...

This goes deeper than you think! This installment in our 'Hearts of Darkness' series focuses on the government-created virus THE BLOB. Joseph leads us through this archetypal horror film about the importance of standing together in community. We also share how we confront our struggles through this podcast.  Introduction (0:00) Why We Chose THE BLOB (1:14) The Outlaw Becomes the Revolutionary (8:5...