No good story is devoid of misery. Misery means struggle. And struggle means drama - the heart and soul of every great story. No protagonist, real or fictional, is misery-free. 

The Game: Stuff Happens

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

On his wonderful podcast, social thinker, Malcom Gladwell, opines on the power of country music...we did not see that coming. What about you? Country music lover? Hater? Lets talk about it. Well, we’ll talk, you listen. 

Revisionist History: The King of Tears

Mark's Country Song Apple Music: Send Me Back Home

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

J Bateman is just like us, but a lot more talented. And such a nice guy. Growing up, he didn’t know he wanted to be a composer, but here he is with more than a few movie credits under his belt. If you’ve seen any of the last six Swan Princess sequels (that’s right, there’s ten all together - time to catch up!) then you’ve heard his scoring and songs. Speaking of scores, we felt lucky to have him on Storybabble. Enjoy.

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Mark and Brian review and try to fix Brian’s first stab at writing. Sonny Carter is Dead (1972) is the story of a fictitious football superstar who (no surprise here) dies on the field. (Incidentally, the only NFL player to ever die on the field was Chuck Hughes, a wide receiver for Brian’s beloved Detroit Lions in 1971) 

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Great storytellers from Jesus to Modern filmmakers used parables or metaphors. Why not just tell the actual story you want to tell? The Point, an animated film from  the 70s might offer a few clues. 

The Point on Apple Music

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Simon Nissen talks about the portrayal of gay men in cinema. Are these portrays doing right by the gay community? 

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

A consummate and versatile actor, Ben did a lot of the heavy lifting for Citrus Valley Playhouse from 2004-2008. But long before we came around Ben had made his mark on Arizona entertainment. Whether it was as a writer and cast member of the Wallace and Ladmo show or the creator of the wildly popular sketch musical GUV! or countless other creations, Ben has distinguished himself as Arizona’s playwright. He’s got some good advice and great stories.

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

If you want to hear two old farts try and make sense of a rap musical, well, then, this episode is for you. 

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Rapper: Rino

In the world of animation, Ryan Woodward is the ultimate utility man. He’s an A-list character animator, effects animator, and storyboard artist. Check out his social media (@ryanwoodwardart) and you’ll quickly discover he has a massive following for all the right reasons. He’s an iconoclast who refuses to settle.

BOTTOM OF THE NINTH Trailer

Bottom of the Ninth app (Apple)

Ryan on Vimeo

The Making of, Thought of You

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Mark and Brian's children take over the podcast for Father's Day. Suzanne Arnett O'Dell, Kate Arnett Mower, and Simon Nissen reveal what it was like being parented by fathers who never fully grew up.

Sponsor: The Forever Young Foundation