Live A Meaningful Story

Joining us this week is clinical social worker and family psychotherapist Keren Gonzalez. Along with Keren's story, we discuss various Narrative Therapy concepts (externalizing, re-authoring, absent but implicit, etc.) and how they connect with Keren's practice and passion as a mental health advocate.  Keren Gonzalez graduated from Florida Atlantic University with her Master’s in Social Work and h...

You ever had an experience with a story that stirred something profound within you? Though most stories explore one's inner-life, there is an often neglected category of stories that specialize in the metaphysical. These journeys examine the philosophical, religious, and spiritual components that reshape our identity and make life meaningful. Jason and Nick return to the podcast to explore why the...

What does it look like to have a healthy relationship with your past? This week, we dive into the phenomenon that is nostalgia, and why we cling to it in these uncertain times. We also explore the ways we engage with our memories, using examples from The Twilight Zone, Spider-Man, and My Chemical Romance.  Support us through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/allthingsnarrativepodcast/membership   A...

How do we engage in meaningful conversations year-round about race, history, and politics? In this multi-generational episode, we reclaim the lost art of conversation through an informative discussion about Black History and our own narratives. Introduction (0:00) Denise & Michael Hopkins (7:32) Sterling Shipp (55:03) Conclusion (1:20:24) Sterling Shipp is a Senior at the University of Florida...

It's a Valentine's Day Special! One of the most popular genres in novels and film is the Romance. But is the Romance more than just a simple love story? In the first entry of our new series on genres, Derrick and his wife define what constitutes a Romance story. Along the way, they discuss examples in fiction (including Romeo & Juliet & 500 Days of Summer), stories from their dating years,...

Who is shaping your sense of reality? Derrick and Joseph team up to do our first in-depth film analysis of the 1998 masterpiece The Truman Show. 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.  The Context (0:00) The Analysis...

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. Introductions (0:00) Growing up in Iran (3:32) Escaping the Islamic Revolution (20:11) Cultivating Jewish Ident...

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.  Support us on patreon at: https://www...

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.  All Things Narrative cultivates personal development through storytelling. Become more purpose-driven by learning how t...

In this extended conversation, 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.  Introductions (0:00) Reflecting on Batm...

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.  All Things Narrative cultivates personal de...

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. Derric...

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 th...

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.  If you've been enjoying this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts. All Th...

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. Emily Bost...

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 Introductions (0:00) Our Personal Introductions to X-Men (3:02) A 'Brief' History of X-Men and its Mythos (9:12) Our Dream...

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.  All Things Narrative cultivates personal development through storytelling. Become more p...

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.  Introductions with Jeanette (0:00) Orator [Speaking, Poetry, Singing] with Shea (9:28) Filmmaki...

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.  Introductions (0:00) A 'Brief' History of Harry Potter (6:01) Our Personal Introductions to Harry Potter (12:51) The Sorcer...

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.  All Things Narrative cultivates personal development through storytelling. Become more purpose-driven by learning how to better unde...

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.  Introductions (0:00) Finding a Voice through Poetry and Teaching (4:42)...

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.  Introductions (0:00) Our Pitches for a Spider-Man 4 (3:59) Into the Spider-Verse (10:52) Our Favorite Villains (18:29) Peter's "True" Love...

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....

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! All Things Narrative cultivate...

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.  Introductions (0:00) Jeff's Journey Towards Starting Jeffro's Heroes For Humanity (3:43) Th...