Episode 19 - It's a Wocka, Wocka, Wocka World!

Everyone's a comedian...or are they? In the latest episode of Derailed Trains of Thought (your one and only (please?) storytelling podcast), Tim and Nick tackle the hard work of dissecting what makes the audience laugh. (It's a function of the lungs and/or stomach in 86.15% of cases.)

In the second half, we examine the science fiction German silent film "Metropolis" in Cinema Selections, proving that 80-year-old movies are still cool.

So take a listen and learn that the mediator between the head and the hands is the funny bone!*

*Obtuse joke to be found funny only after listening to the entire podcast. Maybe.


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Episode 18 - Epic Fail Like the Greats!

Ever had one of those days? Your father's been murdered by your uncle and you just don't know what to do. Your best friend's fallen down the stairs, broken his leg, gotten bone marrow in his blood, and died. And your crazy neighbor's crazy girlfriend just plummeted to her death because she saw a nun. (That's right, a nun.) Life's a tragedy, isn't it?

Death, disasters, and hollow victories focus this episode's discussion of the art of the tragedy. What makes a good "bad ending"? Is it more literary to make the audience depressed? What's the meaning of it all? Listen as Tim and Nick wrangle with these intriguing questions, as well as review the summer blockbusters, in the latest episode of Derailed Trains of Thought.


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Episode 17 - Magic, Muggles, and Morals

Witches, wizards, and warlocks--oh my! This episode Tim and Nick discuss whether the use of magic in fiction is the downfall of modern society. Join us for a meaty discussion of the pitfalls and potential of spells, enchantments, and Turkish Delight for the both creator and the audience.

Also, stay tuned for the premiere reading of Destroyer, a novella written by Nathan Marchand, Timothy Deal, and Natasha Hayden, all Derailed Trains contributors! It's another sensational hour of the podcast devoted to conversations on the art of storytelling.

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Episode 16 - Come, Let's Play a Story Together!

Admit it. Sometimes when you're reading a book, you wish you could jump in and spend some time in that world. This episode, Tim and Nick discuss formats in which you ARE the main character of a story—Choose Your Own Adventures, video games, and other forms of interactive fiction!

Also this episode, a very special Cinema Selections. Let's just say this: '80s fantasy meets German expressionism in a film Tim has been long overdue in experiencing. Was it worth the wait?

Find out in this extra-long, wide-ranging episode of Derailed Trains of Thought!


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Episode 15 - Nothing New Beneath the Sun

Have we got an original for you! What do you get when you mix 20+ minutes of philosophical merry-go-round on the need for creativity; some regular dashes of Star Wars and Jim Henson; a healthy dose of dead French author, serial killer-obsessed writer, and caped crusader; a teaspoon of environmentally conscious alien; a drop of Heineken for flavor; and some guy named Gorō? The perfect cure to your sterotypical, connect-the-dots podcast!

Or, at least, the 15th episode of Derailed Trains of Thought, your favorite podcast about storytelling. Have a listen!

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