Stories Across Borders

The Star Wars cycle continues. Daniel, Jon and Jay take a critical look at the much maligned sequel trilogy. Where did these movies go wrong? What did they manage to do right?

Season one of SAB and the Star Wars cycle of episodes both conclude with a look at the Star Wars video games, Knights of the Old Republic and Knights of the Old Republic II. How did these games add history and moral ambiguity to the Star Wars universe? Are they even canon?

Stepping away from the movies, Daniel, Jon and Jay dive into the expansive list of Star Wars television and web series. How do they further develop the Star Wars universe and its characters in a way that enhances the canon?

Daniel and Jon look back at Everything Everywhere All At Once, a movie that not only lives up to its name but earned a lot of praise while doing it. Why does such an outlandish, frequently silly movie hit so hard?

Daniel and Jon discuss stories that blend different genres together to create something new. What unique and interesting types of stories can be born from mixing-and-matching contrasting genres together? How many stories only have one genre really?

Daniel and Jon take a look at Everything's Gonna Be Okay, a dramedy following three siblings struggles in the wake of their father's unexpected death. How does the show create poignancy by finding the humour in our saddest moments and the darkness in our joy?

Featuring a guest reading from Blake Pingleton, Daniel and Jon deconstruct Daniel's short story, Smiling Into the Dark. How does the story mix several different genres to create its atmosphere? Why was Daniel ultimately unsatisfied with the result?

Daniel and Jon talk about Life is Strange, a game largely built around a friendship between two characters. Why is it important to consider the implications of different character relationships?

Daniel and Jon talk about friendships in stories and how they can impact a narrative. What makes for a compelling friendship in a story?

Daniel and Jon discuss Eleceed, an action Webtoon with an emphasis on the friendships of its cast of characters. How can different relationships between characters impact the plot of a story and the growth of its characters?

Jon reads Daniel's short story, Raising the Stakes. Then, they discuss the how the loss of one character influences those who remain. How can a character's presence or absence influence relationships, character dynamics and the trajectory of the plot?

Blake reads Daniel's short story, Heavy Void. Then, they discuss the mysterious nature of the plot and the brand of horror Daniel chose to lean into. How can a story blend certainty and uncertainty to create tension?

Daniel and Blake take a look at a classic horror game, Corpse Party. How does the game use the gross, gory and macabre to compliment its more psychological elements rather than hinder them?

Daniel and Blake continue their cycle on horror stories with a look at The Cabin in the Woods, a comedic take on the genre. How do horror and comedy blend and contrast? Why do you need to understand something to properly satirise it?

Daniel and guest, Blake Pingleton, discuss horror stories. What makes a good horror story? What makes a story scary? Does horror need to be frightening?

Daniel and Jon talk about a book series they both grew up on, the Inheritance Cycle. Often considered a derivative work, they examine the things it does to stand out from its inspirations. How does a magic system with clear rules and limitations add to its story?

Jon reads Daniel's short story, The Orchard. Then, they discuss the workings of the system Daniel built for the story and how it affects the world he created. If a world has magic, how does that magic influence the world?

Daniel and Jon attempt to remain objective as they look back at another fantasy series they grew up with. What are the strengths and failings of a series with a soft magic system that masquerades as one with rules in-universe?

A new cycle begins. Daniel and Jon discuss magic and magic systems. What is the difference between the two? What types of magic systems are there? How can magic and magic systems be incorporated well into a story?

Daniel and his co-host, Jon Coenan, kick off Stories Across Borders with a subject they hope won't be prophetic - disaster stories. Just why are these stories so impactful?

Jon reads the prologue of Daniel's novel, Domino. Then, they discuss why Daniel made some of the writing choices he did and how he applied much of what was talked about in the previous episodes in the cycle.

Daniel and Jon continue Stories Across Borders' first cycle with a look at the satirical disaster movie, Don't Look Up. How does the movie use satire to make statements about very real threats?

Daniel and Jon discuss 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, a video game that uses a robot invasion to tell a very layered story. How does 13 Sentinels use character-writing to make the stakes hit harder?