#380: In this episode of GT Radio, Marc leads a reflective conversation inspired by God of War (2018) and the moment when Atreus learns he is a god—gaining life-changing knowledge without the maturity or context to understand what it truly means. From there, Josué, Lara, and Marc explore the difference between knowing something and actually understanding it, and how that gap can shape behavior, relationships, and self-perception.

The discussion weaves through personal experiences of learning difficult truths too early—about divorce, incarceration, death, identity, and responsibility—and how that information, without emotional or developmental readiness, can be destabilizing rather than empowering. The hosts reflect on how understanding often only comes later, after lived experience, suffering, reflection, or exposure to stories that offer a new perspective.

Geek media becomes a key lens for this exploration, from prophecy-driven narratives and chosen ones to games that teach mechanics slowly, only revealing their deeper systems after struggle. The group connects these ideas to therapy, grief, parenting, education, and clinical training—highlighting how preparation can help, but never fully replaces experience.

Ultimately, the episode invites listeners to show compassion toward past versions of themselves who “didn’t get it yet,” and to recognize that understanding is often earned through time, mistakes, and meaning-making—not just information.

Characters / Media Mentioned:

• God of War (2018)
• God of War: Ragnarok
• Atreus (Loki)
• Kratos
• Percy Jackson & the Olympians
• Norse Mythology (Odin, prophecy, fate)
• Assassin’s Creed series
  • Black Flag
  • Unity
• Avatar: The Last Airbender
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• The Midnight Library (Matt Haig)
• The Matrix trilogy
• The Hours
• Virginia Woolf (referenced through The Hours)

Themes / Topics Discussed:

• Knowing vs. Understanding
• The Cost of Premature Knowledge
• Prophecy and Fate
• Grief and Meaning-Making
• Trauma and Development
• Parenting and Protection
• Learning Through Experience
• Media as Perspective-Shifting Tools
• Compassion for Past Selves
• Wisdom, Suffering, and Growth

Relatable Experiences:

• Learning Something Too Early
• Misunderstanding Adult Situations as a Child
• Reinterpreting Childhood Trauma Later in Life
• Feeling Shame About Past Reactions
• Realizing “I Didn’t Know What I Didn’t Know”
• Gaining Clarity Years After an Event
• Being Changed by a Game, Book, or Movie
• Struggling to Accept That Understanding Takes Time

Join the conversation on the GT Forum at https://forum.geektherapy.org, or connect with the Geek Therapy Network on Discord, Mastodon, and other platforms linked at https://geektherapy.org.

What piece of media helped you finally “get” an experience from your own life?
How do you show compassion to past versions of yourself who didn’t know better?