Episode 73 - Not Another Political Post!

You may have noticed that political discussions are a thing on the Internet. This is not one of those.

However, politics show up in stories as well. Why? Do we really want to spend an hour watching people debate each other? Is this another tale of trade route taxation and blockades? Does walking through hallways while talking policy make everything more exciting? Tim and Nick look at what politics can add to a story that another round of fisticuffs can't.

Then in "What If?" we throw various fictional races into the same world and see how they manage to navigate their differences. So, whether you want to join the Wookie-Fraggle-Noldor Alliance or prefer the rule of the Nazi-Hutts, I'm sure you'll want to get off social media and enjoy the wit and wisdom that is Episode 73 of your premier podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought.

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Episode 70 - Invaders, Neighbors, and Gods

"You probably thought you saw something up in the sky other than Venus, but I assure you, it was Venus." -"Jose Chung's From Outer Space," The X-Files

Perhaps you aren't a true believer like Mulder, but even you must admit that aliens of all shapes and sizes have invaded our books, living rooms, and movie screens for decades. This episode, Tim and Nick examine how the idea of the alien works itself out in the stories around us.

Then, because it's EPISODE 70, and the SIXTH ANNIVERSARY of your premier podcast on storytelling, we have a special segment--Our Take on a Bit of Live Crackpot Pun Project Brainstorming from the Intrawebs If It Was Selected For Cinema! It's just as awesome as it sounds. And it involves werewolves.

So, seriously, it's Halloween, it's a new episode, we discuss aliens and werewolves...why haven't you listened yet?

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Episode 65 - Of the World and Everything in It

Worldview. It's one of those terms thrown around by people who like to talk about big ideas. So, of course, Tim and Nick have decided to talk about it. Every story presents a way of looking at the world. How can a reader/viewer navigate these different points of view? How can a writer use an awareness of worldview to sharpen his own work? Listen in and see if Tim and Nick can help you out.

Then, in a new What If? section, our fearless hosts imagine what kind of stories famous philosophers, politicians, and scientists would write as an expression of their worldview. (It's a lot more fun than it sounds.)

So, come listen in on this 65th episode of your premiere podcast on storytelling. Assuming you find podcasts morally acceptable, of course.

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Episode 45 - The One Certain Thing (Not Taxes)

Everyone knows if you're wearing a red shirt, you're going to die. And if you run out of flashbacks, you're going to die. And if you're someone's mentor, you're going to die. And if you're in a Shakespearean tragedy, you and everyone dear to you is going to die. And if you go to Z'ha'dum, you will die.

But why? What's the dramatic purpose in a character's death? In this episode of Derailed Trains of Thought, Nick and Timothy defy the Grim Reaper and scratch the surface of the ways and reasons fictional characters encounter death.

Then, for fun, we host an impromptu bracketed death match competition among a widely random selection of heroes and villains. I mean, Zantana vs. Yoshi--you've always wanted to know, right?

Someone famous once said: "Give me Derailed Trains of Thought or give me Death!" To that we say, "Listen in, and you can have both!" Enjoy!

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Episode 39 - That Was Easy...a Little TOO Easy

We all love our ah-ha! moments. We like plot twists and seeing set-ups pay off. That medallion of his dead wife he wears under his shirt? Yep, blocks a bullet in the final battle.

But when do these drama conventions become too convenient? And how to avoid letting the viewer see the strings that move the puppet? Nick and Tim investigate--or, at least, talk around the issue--in the 39th episode of Derailed Trains of Thought.

Also, for your entertainment, your intrepid hosts put the Peter Jackson "if one movie is good, then three is better" magic to work on classic literature.

Listen. Enjoy. Your premiere podcast about storytelling is here, just in time for the start of the holidays. Isn't that convenient?

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