Fiction's Gift

We've spent a long time making these HadesTown episodes. Partly because life got busy, partly because of technical difficulties. But my favorite part making them was the journey. You never hear me say it in the video, but I watched Hadestown in theaters and finally caught the vision (it's at least a 10.5/11). I really believe in the things that we said in this video, and I hope that they can be of...

Have you ever wondered why we are so fascinated by tragedy? I was talking with a friend recently about one of our favorite shows, and I was struck by how tragic it actually was without me realizing it. Despite this, we still love it. We need to learn to accept our tragedies. We need to learn to understand failed love so we can repair our own. Come with us this we explore the gifts from Hadestown o...

I wish I could emphasize the power that comes with belief. It's not some spiritual malarkey, it's just plain facts. Nothing illustrates this better than does HadesTown. Hear us explore the gifts of hope that you can learn from this, and every Tragedy

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!

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.

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.

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...

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...

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 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....