In this episode:

If you're new to StoryDads, this is a great starting point—and don't forget to explore our back catalog while we're away. We'd also love to hear from you: Which episode has been your favorite, and what stories should we tackle when we return?

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Micah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1
Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/

For advertising or partnership opportunities:
[email protected]

Edited by Isaac Liverance

Episode Notes

Pixar returns to one of the most beloved franchises of all time with Toy Story 5, but does this new chapter add something meaningful—or simply revisit familiar territory?

Eric and Micah compare the newest installment with the original Toy Story trilogy, examining why those first three films became modern classics and why this latest sequel feels so different. The conversation explores the difference between art and corporate storytelling, the importance of visual storytelling ("show, don't tell"), compelling villains, character arcs, nostalgia, and whether some stories are better left finished.

Topics include:

Why the original Toy Story trilogy still resonates decades later

Jesse's role as the film's central character

Woody and Buzz's diminished place in the story

Why "show, don't tell" is one of storytelling's foundational principles

The difference between memorable villains and weak antagonists

How corporate filmmaking can flatten creativity

Whether modern franchises are expanding stories—or simply extending brands

Whether you loved Toy Story 5, were disappointed by it, or are simply interested in great storytelling, this episode explores the deeper ideas behind Pixar's latest release.

Join the conversation and let us know: Should Toy Story have ended with Toy Story 3, or is there still room for new adventures?

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X: https://x.com/StoryDads

Micah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1
Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/

For advertising or partnership opportunities:
[email protected]

Edited by Isaac Liverance

DreamWorks' Shrek revolutionized animated films with its humor, pop culture references, and willingness to poke fun at fairy tales. But was it actually tearing down those stories—or celebrating them?

In this episode, Eric and Micah discuss:

Plus, they discuss the film's iconic soundtrack, the return of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," and why Shrek remains one of DreamWorks' most influential films.

If you enjoy conversations about the symbolism, psychology, philosophy, and craftsmanship behind family movies, subscribe and join us each week for another StoryDads discussion.

Follow us for clips, updates, and more:

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Micah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1
Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/

For advertising or partnership opportunities:
[email protected]

Edited by Isaac Liverance

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: Ambition, Consequences, and Connection

This week on StoryDads, Eric and Micah are joined by special guest Tessa Barkley—musician, screenwriter, and film student at Loyola Marymount University—to discuss one of Sony Animation's most beloved comedies.

Topics include:

Why animated films often have some of the strongest screenplays

Flint Lockwood's pursuit of recognition and success

The dangers of unchecked ambition and unintended consequences

Why the movie gives its hero everything he wants in the first act

The mayor as a symbol of overconsumption and excess

Father-son relationships and the challenge of understanding our parents

The emotional significance of the monkey-thought translator

Horror movies, monsters, and what stories teach us about fear

Film school, creativity, audience connection, and artistic integrity

Why goofy movies can contain profound truths

Special Guest:

StoryDads is a podcast exploring the symbolism, psychology, philosophy, and storytelling behind the movies families love.

Follow us for clips, updates, and more:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storydadspodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.story.dads
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X: https://x.com/StoryDads

Micah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1
Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/

For advertising or partnership opportunities:
[email protected]

Edited by Isaac Liverance

In this episode of StoryDads, Eric and Micah tackle the film they've been dreading to revisit: Toy Story 4.

After praising Toy Story 1, 2, and 3 as one of the greatest trilogies ever made, we ask a difficult question: Does Toy Story 4 undermine everything that made the original films meaningful?

We explore:

• Why the original Toy Story trilogy is so powerful

Along the way, we discuss storytelling, character development, postmodernism, heroism, community, and why some sequels struggle when they lose sight of what made the original story resonate.

Whether you love Toy Story 4, hate it, or fall somewhere in between, join us for a deep dive into one of Pixar's most debated films.

StoryDads is a podcast where two dads explore the symbolism, philosophy, psychology, and storytelling behind the movies families love.

Follow us for clips, updates, and more:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storydadspodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.story.dads
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryDads
X: https://x.com/StoryDads

Micah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1
Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/

For advertising or partnership opportunities:
[email protected]

Edited by Isaac Liverance

This week on StoryDads, Micah and Eric are joined by StoryDads producer/editor Isaac Liverance for a deep dive into one of the most unexpectedly profound animated films ever made: Kung Fu Panda.

Together we explore:

Isaac also shares about growing up with the film, entering college and film school, working behind the scenes on StoryDads, and what today’s generation is longing for in storytelling and creativity.

What starts as a goofy martial arts comedy turns out to be a surprisingly deep story about identity, passion, discipline, and learning to embody the person you were meant to become.

Topics discussed:

Follow StoryDads:

Let us know:

Follow us for clips, updates, and more:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storydadspodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.story.dads
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X: https://x.com/StoryDads

Micah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1
Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/

For advertising or partnership opportunities:
[email protected]

Edited by Isaac Liverance

In this episode:

Plus:

If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to:

New episodes every week.

Follow us for clips, updates, and more:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storydadspodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.story.dads
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X: https://x.com/StoryDads

Micah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1
Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/

For advertising or partnership opportunities:
[email protected]

Edited by Isaac Liverance

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow StoryDads, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who loves stories that shape the way we see the world.

Follow us for clips, updates, and more:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storydadspodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.story.dads
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryDads
X: https://x.com/StoryDads

Micah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1
Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/

For advertising or partnership opportunities:
[email protected]

Edited by Isaac Liverance

In this week’s Dad’s Night Out, we dive into The Karate Kid (1984)—a movie that lives in the cultural imagination, whether you’ve seen it or not.

For Eric, this was a first-time watch… which makes for a fresh look at a story most people think they already understand.

But The Karate Kid isn’t just an underdog sports movie. It’s a story about formation.

Daniel LaRusso enters a new world without a father figure, trying to find his place. What he discovers isn’t just karate—it’s a mentor. And through Mr. Miyagi, he’s invited into something deeper: discipline, patience, and a new way of becoming a man.

In contrast, Cobra Kai offers a different path—one built on aggression, fear, and domination.

And that tension raises a powerful question:

👉 Who is shaping you?

In this episode, we explore:

We also talk about:

Whether you grew up quoting this movie or are coming to it for the first time, The Karate Kid still has something to teach.

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and join the conversation—

Follow us for clips, updates, and more:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storydadspodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.story.dads
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X: https://x.com/StoryDads

Micah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1
Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/

For advertising or partnership opportunities:
[email protected]

Edited by Isaac Liverance

Movie Discussed: How to Train Your Dragon (DreamWorks)

Core Themes:

Key Takeaways:

Discussion Highlights:

Referenced Clips from Brett Boles:

🎵 “Test Drive” Score Breakdown: https://www.instagram.com/thebrettboles/reel/DBuuEPqIJ1v/

🎵 “Romantic Flight” Score Breakdown: https://www.instagram.com/thebrettboles/reel/DDLBBGuPIzJ/

🎵 “Forbidden Friendship” Score Breakdown: https://www.instagram.com/thebrettboles/reel/DCkts9DIzDy/

🎙️ Our Episode with Brett discussing CoCo: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coco-family-identity-and-music-featuring-brett-boles/id1784737936?i=1000733158232

Follow us for clips, updates, and more:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storydadspodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.story.dads
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryDads
X: https://x.com/StoryDads

Micah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1
Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/

For advertising or partnership opportunities:
[email protected]

Edited by Isaac Liverance