If you love stories, you're going to have to engage with myths. That's partly because some of the greatest stories ever told are myths, partly because countless authors have been inspired by ancient myths, and partly because they pop up all over pop culture.

In this episode, Daeus and Kate bring on special guest Josiah DeGraaf to talk about...

. How myths are NOT just made up, but actually based in reality.

. How to navigate the complicated worldviews of myths and their mixture of truth and deception.

. Top lessons we've gained from myths.

. An overview of the spiritual realm as it relates to myths.

. Are there any dangers in exposing your kids to myths in forms like the Percy Jackson series or Marvel movies?

. Is the Bible a myth???

. How the myths that inspired inspired Tolkien's Middle Earth caused him to make one critical mistake.

. And more!

Also, make sure to check out Josiah's new magic school novel A Study of Shattered Spells. https://josiahdegraaf.com/a-study-of-shattered-spells/

Follow us @NavigatingNarrativePodcast, and send your thoughts on this episode to [email protected]

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For many men, Mel Gibson's portrayal of William Wallace in Braveheart is a heroic role model. But while this character is properly inspiring in some ways, overall he actually completely betrays the ideals of a hero set up in the story's first act.

In this episode, Daeus and Kate argue that Braveheart is wish fulfillment propaganda for dudes. We cover...

. How the death of Wallace's wife caused him to betray and subvert his own values.

. How his enemies are all strawmen designed to make him look good so you'll root for him.

. How the movie frames the conflict around the sexual use of women.

. How Mel Gibson is basically a masochist, lol.

. Why Robert the Bruce is a stronger character than Wallace.

. And more!

It's time to be a real hero, so let the fake ones go.

Follow us @NavigatingNarrativePodcast, and send your thoughts on this episode to [email protected]

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This episode is just incredible. (Sorry, I had to.)

The Incredibles is one of the greatest movies from the golden age of Pixar. Not only is the pacing, action, and humor spot on, but the story still has a lot to teach men (and women!) today.

In this episode, Kate and Daeus talk about the common cultural narrative for men that the successful man is independent, suave, non-cooperative and non-vulnerable, and surrounds himself with status symbols. Also:

. How this movie makes fun of James Bond.

. How "being responsible" can be a diversion from your true calling.

. How an idolized view of manhood destroys men.

. How keeping your "normal self" and your "true self" separate destroys both selves.

. Why we repeat the flaws of those who let us down.

. What a great legacy looks like.

. And more!

Get ready to see just how incredible The Incredibles is.

Follow us @NavigatingNarrativePodcast, and send your thoughts on this episode to [email protected]

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Disney's Frozen is perhaps the single best movie to start with if you want to learn how to analyze stories. The themes are easy to pick up on without being on the nose. It contains both good and questionable messages, and totally aces both.

Buckle in as Daeus and Kate cover:

. The theme of love vs fear

. How "Let it Go" is the ultimate deconstruction story

. The symbolism of gloves

. How Anna and Elsa's parents set them up for failure

. Frozen nervous systems and trauma recovery

. Why Hans is such a perfect villain for the story

. Is Frozen brainwashing children!?!?

. And much more

Tune in, or freeze to death with FOMO.

(Btw, you can find us on social media by searching for Navigating Narrative Podcast.)

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We recently watched the Amazon Prime show, House of David. Boy, do we have thoughts!

In this episode, learn:

. What is a "twice-told story?"

. Why the plot fails so badly

. Our thoughts on how Hollywood makes movies/shows

. How House of David fails to display evil properly

. The cinematography almost made Daeus weep?

. Is the Bible Cinematic Universe a bad idea?

. And much more!

Contact us at [email protected] to share your thoughts about this episode.

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