#374: In this episode of GT Radio, Josué, Lara, and Marc kick off the new year by exploring the power of epilogues and prologues—in both storytelling and real life. Josué shares a deeply personal reflection on being laid off and how reframing his experience through the lens of narrative structure (specifically the epilogue) helped shift his mindset from one of defeat to one of acceptance and possibility.

The conversation highlights how epilogues in games like Red Dead Redemption 2, Steven Universe Future, and God of War: Ragnarok offer moments for reflection, closure, and emotional processing. In contrast, prologues—seen in Vinland Saga, Assassin’s Creed III, and Rogue One—set the stage for new beginnings, often providing the foundation for major change and growth.

The team draws parallels between these story mechanics and real-life transitions: breakups, career changes, graduation, moving, and even therapy itself. They explore how recognizing the end of a chapter can bring clarity, and how naming the moment you’re in—whether an epilogue, a prologue, or a messy in-between—can make a big emotional difference.

They also touch on how games often reset your powers in sequels (Metroid, Final Fantasy, Assassin’s Creed) and how frustrating—or motivating—that can be. Marc and Lara bring in clinical insights on how these narrative frames can be useful tools in therapy, especially when helping clients understand the cyclical nature of life and identity.

From Titanic to Baldur’s Gate 3, from emotional epilogues to hopeful prologues, this episode invites listeners to ask themselves: “Where am I in my story?”

Characters / Media Mentioned:

• Red Dead Redemption 2
• Red Dead Redemption
• Steven Universe
• Steven Universe Future
• God of War (2018)
• God of War: Ragnarok
• Assassin’s Creed series (including Brotherhood, Revelations, Rogue, III, Unity)
• Honkai: Star Rail
• Vinland Saga
• The Locked Tomb series (Tamsyn Muir)
• Titanic (film)
• Free Run: Beyond Journey's End (anime)
• Baldur’s Gate 3
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
• Final Fantasy VII Remake
• Littlewood (game)
• Metroid series
• Hozier (song featured in God of War: Ragnarok)
• Stardew Valley (mentioned by comparison)

Themes / Topics Discussed:

• Life Transitions and Reframing
• Endings and New Beginnings
• Storytelling as a Coping Tool
• Closure and Acceptance
• Identity and Self-Discovery
• Narrative Therapy
• Structure and Meaning in Chaos
• Power Loss and Growth in Games
• Grief and Letting Go
• Hope and Anticipation for the Future

Relatable Experiences:

• Losing a Job and Feeling Stuck
• Moving Often and Seeking Stability
• Struggling with Life Structure After College
• Missing Closure After a Major Life Change
• Using Stories and Games to Process Emotions
• Feeling Powerless or “Reset” in Life
• Therapy as a Space for Story Rewriting
• Reflecting on the Past Before Starting Something New

Discuss this episode with us on the Geek Therapy Forum, or connect through our Discord, Mastodon, and other social links at geektherapy.org.

Where are you in your story right now—an epilogue, a prologue, or something else?
What game or show helped you reflect on a life transition?
Do you prefer endings that give closure, or ones that leave space for something more?