Derailed Trains of Thought

This episode might be about stories that are too ambiguous and thereby confusing. On the other hand, this episode might be about stories that are just ambiguous enough and thereby powerful. Perhaps hosts Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden can find a definitive answer in this episode's Story School. In the second half, they share another Once Upon a Sentence, some Listener Feedback, and a vaguely unsettling What If?, where great movies are given uncertain endings. If you're wavering between listening to this or some other piece of audio, let us take away your uncertainty. Listen to this, your premiere podcast on storytelling, for the creator and the consumer. It's definitely the right choice. Show Notes

You've heard the story before--a young man from a remote village is thrust into the larger world because he takes on the responsibilty of a great quest, where he'll have great adventure and meet strange creatures. You know, Star Wars. I mean, The Lord of the Rings. Never mind, I mean The Muppet Movie. Obviously, what matters is not the general outline of the story, but the details. Is the hero a farmboy, a hobbit, a frog, or something else? The specifics is where a story becomes truly itself. That's what hosts Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden discuss (in detail) in this episode's Story School. In the second half, we return to It Came From the Intrawebs, with forays into untranslatable words and strange subreddits. We don't know the specifics of where you'll listen to this (in the car, in the kitchen, during a boring meeting), but we're convinced that you'll enjoy this 126th episode of your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought. Show Notes

POW! WHAM! The hero slugs the bad guy. Unconscious henchmen lay sprawled everywhere. The city is saved! All in a day's work for an average action-adventure protagonist. BUT--is there another way? Why do we enjoy violent endings and are there satisfying nonviolent resolution to such stories? Hosts Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden wrestle (politely discuss) these questions and more in this episode's Story School. Then, after Once Upon a Sentence (listen in to find out!), we tackle (politely discuss) Great Expectations, The Tombs of Atuan, The Green Ember, and more in our annual Book Club Book Review in Our Take On Tales. So, whether you prefer anime-level pugilism or long heart-felt soul-bearing for your endings, you're sure to enjoy this 125th episode of your premiere podcast about storytelling for the creator and the consumer, Derailed Trains of Thought! Show Notes

Every story, whether long or short, written or visual, occupies a space of time--and then it's over. Gone. Unless, of course, you can read or watch it again. Still, there is a transience to stories, a space they occupy in our lives that ends and can never really be repeated. How does this affect our experience of stories? Tim and Nick attempt an answer in this episode's Story School. Then, with festive munificence, your hosts round out the second half not with one, not with two, but with three segments! First, what's a holiday without Pun Times! Then, a special Christmas CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! about...Christmas specials. Finally, there's A Bit of Story to touch on the meaning of the season. Wherever and whenever this episode of your premiere podcast on storytelling for the creator and consumer finds you, we hope it's a jolly good time. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Show Notes

This December is the 20th Year Anniversary of the release of The Fellowship of the Ring movie. For Tim, this was a seminal movie in his life. Nick, on the other hand, has probably only seen it once or twice. But now, they are watching the movie together (the Director's Cut) for the first time, with a few extra little ones with them, to discuss how it holds up two decades later. We've been there; let's go back again and consider one of the greatest fantasy movies of all time.

We've all been there. We're watching season 17 of our favorite show or book 26 of our favorite series and suddenly wonder--Wait, what? What just happened? Whether it's something too insane or too dumb or too out-of-character or simply too much, "this isn't the same story it used to be" moments happen all the time in storytelling. That's why hosts Tim and Nick are here to analyze why stories "jump the shark" and how to avoid it. The second half is jammed packed with a Wikipedia-inspired Challenge Accepted! and a long-awaited story in Project Update. So, listen to the 123rd episode of your premiere storytelling podcast for the creator and the consumer! Or else next time we'll have to reveal that Tim and Nick have been dead the whole time and this podcast has been an elaborate Russian mind game. Show Notes

If it's the end of the world, or the end of a way of life, or even just the end of a really bad day, mightn't a person turn toward God? But that option doesn't present itself in most modern stories. Hosts Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden examine the unconscious naturalism in many of today's most popular plots and examine how the absence of a supernatural worldview affects such stories. Then, in the second half, they present their annual Summer Movie Review, including Jungle Cruise, Free Guy, F9, Luca, Black Widow, and, of course, Shang-Chi. So, if you've ever felt we didn't need midichlorians to explain the Force, or wondered why post-apocalyptic worlds don't discuss an increase in (non-cultic) belief in God, you've come to the right podcast. Listen in to episode 122 of Derailed Trains of Thought, your premiere podcast on storytelling for the creator and the consumer.

What if...you decided to defy fate. Could you succeed? And what would it mean if you did? What if...whenever you made a choice, a new universe spun off? What does that mean for your alternate selves? What if...you listened to hosts Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden discuss the complicated web of destiny, freewill, and the multiverse? What if...in the second half, Tim and Nick threw alternate versions of famous characters together on (not so epic) quests? What if...you stopped everything you're doing and fulfilled your destiny by listening to episode 121 of Derailed Trains of Thought, your premiere podcast on storytelling for the creator and the consumer?

Bad news, good news time. Bad news - there's no new July episode of Derailed Trains of Thought, your premiere podcast on storytelling for the creator and the consumer. Good news - This bonus episode brings you book discussions, Zillow houses, and "off mic" digressions from the cutting room floor. These segment could have been lost forever, but now they're streaming straight into your ears. So, listen in as Timothy and Nick discuss a "fascinating/frustrating" novel, Tim reviews his first major foray into audiobooks, and they record mic test banter. It's a smorgasbord of Derailed Trains goodness.

If you've ever read a plot summary, you've probably thought, "But that's not what the story's REALLY about." There are ideas and connections within a story that don't show up in a 100-word Netflix blurb. That's why this episode hosts Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden discuss how stories add multiple layers of meaning. Then, in the second half, Tim and Nick serve some sweet double meanings in Pun Times, followed by an audio production of an original short story in A Bit of Story. Listen in to this 120th episode of your premiere podcast on storytelling for the creator and the consumer. You're sure to find more than you expect at first glance. Show Notes

Here at Derailed Trains of Thought (your premiere podcast on storytelling for the creator and consumer), we like to talk about genre fiction. You know, science fiction, fantasy, mysteries, superheroes, blah, blah, blah. But the heart of story is character, right? So are hyperdrives and Act 2 betrayals just lazy writing? Do storytellers use genre conventions as a crutch? Are character studies "pure" storytelling? Maybe you've never asked these questions, but Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden do in this episode's Story School. Then, in a jam-packed second half, we share Listener Feedback before diving into the wild world of Zillow Gone Wild and ending with a shrine to Jerry Maguire in It Came From the Intrawebs! So, whether you prefer Ulysses or Ready Player One, it's time to buckle up and listen in to episode 119 of Derailed Trains of Thought. Show Notes

Superman. Captain America. Wolverine. You've heard of these superheroes, and most everyone has held a comic from Marvel or DC in their hands. But there is an entire world of independent comics waiting for curious readers beyond the shadow of these two companies. In this episode's Story School, writer Nate Chen joins hosts Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden to explore the width and breadth, as well as the why and how, of indie comics, including discussions of his own upcoming title, Hexwood. We follow up with Our Take on Tales to share some of the stories, comics and otherwise, that we've been enjoying lately. If you're sick of superheroes, but still want a rousing tale that combines art and creative vision, this one's for you. Listen in to the latest episode of your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought. Show Notes

Creativity is valued in many areas of life. Whether you're writing a book, starting a business, or writing a script about a cheese shop, being able to think outside the box and come up with new solutions is a vital skill. But how do you get better at the hard work of thinking up new things? Worry not! Hosts Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden have answers. Aided by the wisdom of the one and only John Cleese, they lay out methods by which you, too, can beef up your creative chops. In the second half, Tim and Nick put their skills to the test in a classic What If?, pulling out multiple "solutions" to creative prompts. It's time for some spring training for your brain. Listen in and get ready to work out with episode 117 of Derailed Trains of Thought, your premiere podcast on storytelling. Show Notes

"Did God really say...?" From the beginning, lies have been a central feature of the drama of mankind. Not surprisingly, they also fuel many of our stories. Hosts Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden dig into layers of deceit to determine why and how best to use untruths in stories. Then, in the second half, we have a special A Bit of Story. Guest Nathan Marchand reads the exciting first chapter of the new novella, Zorsam and the God Who Devours. But wait, there's more! We finish up with a two-truths-and-a-lie inspired Challenge Accepted! Truly, this is your premiere podcast on storytelling for the creator and the consumer. Listen in! Show Notes

Remember your favorite episode of Derailed Trains of Thought? Yeah--that one. It was about...I mean, there was a funny What If? and...yeah, a great discussion about books...or something. Have you ever found yourself forgetting the details of your favorite stories? Do you read a book and realize a month later your remember nothing about it? Hosts Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden discuss just such circumstances and what it means about the purpose of stories. In the second half, we have our annual New Year book edition of Our Take on Tales. (You didn't forget, did you?) You can't be expected to remember everything from 115 episodes of a podcast, even if it is your premiere podcast on storytelling. But you can enjoy it while you listen. Show Notes

It's Christmas, a time for giving and receiving presents. And, contrary to popular belief, not all gifts come from Amazon. In fact, the very act of creativity can be a gift. At least, that's what hosts Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden suggest in this episode's Story School as they explore the generosity of story and other forms of creativity. In the second half they share a holiday remembrance from the Journals from the Realm of Derailed Thoughts and put creative gift-giving into practice in It Came from the Intrawebs! So, come unwrap episode 114 of your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought. As always, it's our gift to you. Merry Christmas! Show Notes

A blank page is a frightening thing. It represents limitless possibilities. But once a genre is chosen, or a point of view, or a character, or anything, suddenly there is direction. There are now limited possibilities. And that is a freeing thing. Limitations for the creator can be beneficial, as Nick and Tim argue in this episode's Story School. In the second half, your intrepid hosts put this thesis to the test in Challenge Accepted! In this quick-thinking creative exercise, they word vomit stories confined by specific and somewhat random limitations. You could listen to any of innumerable podcasts, but you chose this one. Take some time and enjoy this 113th episode. It is, after all, your premiere podcast on storytelling.

Do you remember what it was like ten years ago? Netflix was still sending out DVDs and people were still using camcorders to make found-footage movies. And, believe it or not, the first episode of your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought, was sent out into the Internet. Ten years ago. Ten years. Count them. Ten. Hosts Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden look back at the last decade of podcasting in this anniversary episode in a special Story School. In the second half they reminiscence on old theater experiences in place of their annual summer movie review. Come take a trip down memory lane with this landmark episode of Derailed Trains of Thought. It only happens once a decade. Show Notes

Most people think they don't want math in their mysteries, or numerals in Numenor. These people are wrong. Many times, numbers are integral to our enjoyment of stories. In the 1st half of episode 111, your favorite 2 podcasters, Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden, look 4 ways in which numbers ADD to the TAKE AWAY value of stories. Then in the 2nd half, we have 3 distinct segments--the return of the 1 and only Pun Times!, followed by a PRIME example of A Bit of Story. Finally, to ROUND out the EQUATION, we enjoy some unPARALLELed What If? So, now that we have your unDIVIDED attention, listen in to this unEQUALED foray into storytelling, numerology, and fun. This is our eleventieth first episode, so you know you can COUNT on a good time! Show Notes

Some stories are safe; some are nightmare fuel. Some stories reflect the world we live in; others subject us to worlds of pure imagination. Some stories present us with pleasant characters; other star David Bowie in tight pants. What is the appeal of these strange, unusual stories? Tim and Nick consider stories on the scale of oddball to downright disturbing in this episode's Story School. The second half features a downright normal Take on Tales. So find a pleasant spot and listen in to your premiere podcast on storytelling. All the normal people do. Show Notes

Has urban life made people soft? Does living off the grid make you one with Nature? Does eking out an existence on a deserted island improve your moral character? Following up last episode's discussion on nature, Tim and Nick examine how characters are changed for the better (or worse) by the wild. In the second half, after our first audio Listener Feedback, our intrepid hosts tackle such pressing questions as "How would Charlie Brown survive if he was stranded on the moon?" in a rousing What If? So, whether you're a city slicker or a noble savage, you're sure to enjoy the latest episode of your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought. Show Notes

The flowers are blooming, the trees blaze green, and the world shines in the aftermath of cool showers. Spring is here! And so, naturally (pun intended), Nick and Tim discuss the place of nature in fiction. They follow up with a short, plant-based "It Came From the Intrawebs," followed by a quick hop back to topic of Biblical adaptations to highlight The Chosen in "Previously On..." So, get outside, put in those ear buds, and listen to the soothing sounds of episode 108 of Derailed Trains of Thought, your premiere podcast on storytelling. Show Notes

Even when you're stuck at home, there are still worlds to explore! In this special Side Track, socially distanced hosts Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden share the contents and histories of their book and movie shelves. It's a special quarantine Side Track of your favorite podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought! Listen in. You have nothing better to do. Show Notes

What will the father do when his daughter is kidnapped? Whatever it takes. What will the detective do to clear his name from a wrongful accusation of murder? Whatever it takes. What will the group of superheroes do when half the world is wiped out by a magic glove? Whatever it takes! Strong-willed protagonists get things done. But are proactive main characters always the best choice? Why do we love them and are there times to enjoy/create other types of protagonists? Hosts Nick and Tim muse about these thing in this episode's Story School. Then, in the second half, we play "Guess That Protagonist!" in a new Challenge Accepted! So, what will you do to find time to listen to episode 107 of your premiere podcast on storytelling? Whatever it takes, obviously. Show Notes

What if I told you everything you knew was a lie? The Island is actually purgatory and all the Pixar films are connected and Aladdin actually takes place in a future post-apocalyptic wasteland and Captain Planet and the Magic Schoolbus are actually the same show. Also, Jar Jar Binks is a Sith Lord. Or maybe we're over analyzing. Your hosts, Nick and Tim are here to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of analyzing (and over analyzing) a story. Then, in the second half, they tackle their annual book club Take on Tales. So, whether Derailed Trains of Thought is your premiere podcast on storytelling or just a cleverly designed element of your Truman Show life, listen in and enjoy. Show Notes

If you haven't heard, there's been a new Star Wars movie. Oh, and some streaming show featuring a cute green creature and an armored dude. So, of course, Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden are digging into these two new Star Wars adventures like Jawas into a Mudhorn egg. You may have thought you'd heard everyone and their brother's opinion on The Rise of Skywalker and The Mandalorian, but you were wrong. Listen. Here. Now. Finally. We have spoken.

Merry Christmas! 'Tis the season for nativities and stories of the Nativity, which put Tim and Nick in the mood to discuss Biblical adaptations. How do you adapt a Bible story, and what makes it different from a normal adaptation? Then, for this month's What If?, your hosts decide to try their hand at their own adaptations of well-known (and little known) Biblical accounts. So, as you wait for Christmas Day, and all the joy it represents, perhaps a little diversion with your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought, would make your wait even better. Merry Christmas! Show Notes

Some stories make you laugh. Others make you cry. And some can make you laugh, cry, cower in terror, and want a nice cup of tea with a friend. In this episode's Story School Tim and Nick examine the range of emotions that some stories can carry and how creators can help readers/viewers feel deeply. In the second half, your trusted hosts revisit old topics with new twists in "Previously On...," asking such questions as "What are the metaphysical implications of human communication?" and "Why do people like cheese?" Whatever your mood, listening to this newest episode of your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought, is sure to brighten your day. Show Notes

So, the Internet says that there's a 1 in a trillion chance of you having a doppelganger somewhere on the planet. But that must be wrong, because characters in stories run into their lookalikes all the time. And if not their doppelganger, than their clone. Or a robot version of themselves. Or a dark psychic double. Or...well, you get the idea. Tim and Nick discuss the use of doubles in fiction in this episode's Story School. In the second half, Tim and Nick look to AI to help them write a story in It Came From the Intrawebs! And then they share not one, but two Bits of Story. Kinda. It's all here in episode 103 of this truly unique podcast, the one and only Derailed Trains of Thought! Show Notes

A wise and weird man once said, "My, my, this here Anakin guy, May be Vader someday later, now he's just a small fry." Which raises the important question: How? How does the village coward become a brave knight? How does a fussy old Hobbit become an adventurer? Or, in other words, how does a character change? Tim and Nick delve into the depths of character development, hoping to find some answers. In the second half, they present their hopefully-not-too-late review of summer movies and TV shows, from Endgame to Stranger Things. So listen in to the newest episode of your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought. While some chem teacher become drug lords, and not all white wizards remain true, we're here once again, changing only for the better. Show Notes

If there's one thing everyone knows about the end of the world, it's that it's pretty cool to watch on the big screen. There's nothing like destruction, chaos, and extinction-level events to make us sit back and think, "Man, this is awesome." Guest Nathan Marchand joins hosts Nick Hayden and Timothy Deal to discuss this phenomenon. Then they join in the fun by adding giant monsters to classic books and movies in this episode's What If? They've been there and back again, but now it's time for Nick and Tim to get back to work on your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought. Listen in. It would be a disaster if you didn't. Show Notes

It's here! IT'S HERE! EPISODE 100! After nearly 9 year and 99 episodes, we've finally arrived at episode 100. Triple digits, here we are! It's been quite a journey and, without spoiling much, so is this episode. Don't wait, press play, and join Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden for a very special edition of your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought. We hope you enjoy the trip! Show Notes

IT'S HERE! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!? IT'S REALLY HERE! EPISODE 99 OF THE WORLD'S MOST AMAZINGLY AWESOME PODCAST ON STORYTELLING! IT'S THE GREATEST! IT'S STUPENDOUS! AFTER YOU LISTEN TO THIS, YOUR LIFE WILL BE COMPLETE! Now take a breath. This episode in Story School, Timothy and Nick examine how hype affects our view of stories. Then, after a Project Update, they revisit It Came From the Intrawebs! to subject themselves to fan-made trailers in search of some of that hype we so enjoy reveling in, with mixed results. No matter what ails you, this podcast--THIS PODCAST!--will totally blow you away and make you wish that you could listen to episode 100 RIGHT NOW! Oh, the agony of waiting! Show Notes

Of the many stories never mentioned on Derailed Trains of Thought (your premiere podcast on storytelling), one is The Monster at the End of This Book: Starring Lovable, Furry Old Grover, where Grover tries to prevent the appearance of the monster at the end of the book. He has a certain sense of foreboding (probably given him by the title of the book) that, perhaps, there might be a monster at the end of the book. If this isn't foreshadowing, we don't know what is. This episode Nick and Timothy discuss the use of foreshadowing in stories, while not discussing Grover or other puppet-like creatures. Then, in part 2, you get a double dose of fun! First, a short What If? and then a Disney-saturated It Came From the Intrawebs! Now that you have a sense of what's coming when you hit the play button, go ahead and see how it unfolds. Show Notes

While the entertainment world gives tons of coverage to movies, video games, and books, what about the stage? (And not just musicals?) Well, in today's Story School the play's the thing we discuss with special guest Lauren Nichols, Artistic Director for all for One Productions. Then, get ready, in the second half, Nick shares some of his favorite podcasts and Timothy finally (finally!) unloads his thoughts about the long-awaited Kingdom Hearts III. The curtain's going up, so settle in and enjoy the spectacle that is Derailed Trains of Thought. Show Notes

It might be a rant, a heartfelt reminiscence, a personal reflection, an exposition dump, or a rousing speech, but whatever it is, there's something special about one character taking a minute (or ten) to share what's on his mind. This episode, Nick and Timothy examine the types and uses of monologues in story. In the second half we introduce a new segment: "Challenge Accepted!" In it, Nick and Timothy challenge each other to NAME THAT MONOLOGUE! So, if you're in the mood to hear other people talk with no chance of engaging in a dialogue, hit the play button and enjoy episode 96 of your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought. Show Notes

Story is good. We've said that before. But story can also take an out-sized and even, shall we say, idolatrous place in our media-soaked lives. Nick and Tim discuss the dangers of story for the creator and consuming in this episode's Story School. Then it's time for this year's Book Recap in Our Take on Tales, where we tackle exciting and humorous fantasies, philosophical mythology, mystical play practices, suspenseful deceits, war-torn rebellions, and Dickens. Listen in to this episode of your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought. In its proper place, it's pretty darn entertaining. Show Notes

It's Christmas, and while that means food and festivities, hopefully it also means moments of silence and thoughtfulness. This episode, Nick and Tim muse over the use and flavors of silence in stories. In the second half, they present a special holiday collage of original fiction designed to highlight the meditative nature of Christmas and the reason for the season. Find a quiet spot where you can drink some hot chocolate and watch the snow falling on the fields outside and listen in to your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought. Show Notes

It's Thanksgiving, and while the commercial world is rushing on to Black Friday, Timothy and Nick want to pause a moment and give thanks for stories. So, in Story School, we list the ways stories benefit our lives. Then in What If? we shoehorn the oft-neglected Thanksgiving special into a variety of popular franchises. So, before the tryptophan kicks in, grab an extra helping of mashed potatoes, gather the family, and listen in to your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought. Show Notes

The Hero's Journey is essential to a good story, right? How about an epic climax? Five acts? Three? A witty sidekick? What does a story need and what do we modern Westerns think it needs? Many of our conventions of story telling are just that, conventions. This episode, Timothy and Nick discuss story conventions past, present, and elsewhere in Story School. In the second half, we take on another Take on Tales (literary edition) and return to an old topic in a Previously On... segment. You know the drill--listen in, enjoy, tell all your friends. This is your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought. Show Notes

THE INTERNET - Podcasters Timothy Deal and Nicholas Hayden interviewed freelance newswriter Laura Finch for Episode 91 of the Derailed Trains of Thought podcast. Finch, who writes for World Magazine, explained how newswriting is like storytelling, how audio reporting differs from written reporting, and how to let facts speak for themselves. The interview, which was broadcast during the initial portion of the podcast called Story School, was followed by Deal and Hayden discussing summer blockbusters. Derailed Trains of Thought claims to be its listeners' premiere podcast on storytelling. Show Notes

Sound. It's all around us--and it plays an important, if often overlooked, role in many of our stories. So Timothy and Nick decide to give sound its due. Then, because it's our 90th episode, we share a aurally-enhanced Bit of Story and step into a especially calming corner of Youtube in a scalp-tingling It Came from the Intrawebs. Shut out the world for a few moments, put on your headphones, and soak in the ear candy of your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought. Show Notes

You have a story. Now you have a choice. Will you tell it visually, aurally, or textually? Is it long form or short? Does it lean into the constraints of the form or against it? And why does it matter? This episode, Timothy and Nick examine the relationship between message and medium, between style and story. Then, because it just fits, we follow up with a What If? about, you guessed it, taking a story and drastically changing the medium. (Sorry, Jane Austen.) So, basically, this is exactly the sort of episode you've come to expect from your premiere hour-long (give or take) audio discussion on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought. Show Notes

So, you've created something. Great job. Don't you know that someone else has already done it better and that you're a sorry excuse for an artist and that you'll never compare with the greats out there? Truth is "creatives" always compare themselves to others. Timothy and Nick discuss this aspect of the artist's life in this month's Story School. Then, back by "popular" demand, it's Pun Times!, followed by a new dose of It Came From the Intrawebs. Listen in to episode 88 of Derailed Trains of Thought. We might not be on the iTunes front page, but we think you might enjoy anyway. Show Notes

Whether it's through a portal, across the sea, among the stars, or deep into the earth, we all dream of going on an adventure. That's why so many stories are concerned with adventures, and why Timothy and Nick tackle the genre--along with guest Greg Meyer. Then in part two, we take a look at the world of comics, in the floppies, on TV, and on the big screen. So, wherever you're off to, take us along with you--Derailed Trains of Thought, your premiere podcast on storytelling!

As spring comes, people everyone develop wanderlust. They want to get out, to travel and see the world. Well, guess what? Plenty of fictional characters travel, too. In this episode, Timothy and Nick examine the role of the journey in stories. Then, in the second half, they send various fictional characters on vacation in What If? So whether you're off exploring some distance realm or stuck at home doing dishes, why don't you let us take you on a little journey? Join us for episode 86 of your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought. Show Notes

If there's anything we repeatedly reference on Derailed Trains of Thought (and there's plenty), Star Wars and Final Fantasy are certainly in the Top 10. So, in today's Side Track we bring you lost recordings on both unearthed for the public--first, Tim and Nick's annual discussion of a new Star Wars movie (The Last Jedi, now available on Blu Ray...so, better late than never?), and then Tim's thoughts on Final Fantasy XV's DLC content. Whether you are as into droids and Chocobos as much as we are or just miss hearing our lovely voices, join us for some indepth geeky discussions about two of pop culture's long-lived franchises!

If the movie Inside Out taught us anything, it's that Sadness has a place, and so your intrepid hosts, Timothy and Nick, enter the Swamp of Sadness for this episode's Story School to discuss the place of sorrow in stories. Then, on a lighter note, they respond to some Listener Feedback, tell A Bit of Story, and revist a not-that-old topic in Previously On. So be sad no longer, dear audience, and dry your tears, for we have returned for yet another episode of your premeire podcast on story telling, the one and only Derailed Trains of Thought. Show Notes

It's 2018, and we're back with Episode 84 of Derailed Trains of Thought, your premiere podcast on storytelling! The facts: Story School, simple vs. complex plots; Our Take on Tales, our 2017 reads In other words: Your hosts, Timothy Deal and Nicholas Hayden, tackle the plot continuum, meaning those plots ranging from shoot-'em-up action-movie simple to multi-volume worldbuilding metaphysical complex, examining the strengths and weakness of each, while all-the-while bantering and throwing out their trademark examples. Then, after a rousing Soundtrack, they present an overview of the various literary pleasures consumed during the past year in the hope of encouraging listeners to pick up a novel they may not have read before. Finish the delightful experience with another rousing soundtrack. The long and short of it? Listen in and enjoy! Show Notes

It's Christmas! And among the many things people think about during the holidays, family is a big one. But did you know families also show up in stories? They do! So this holiday season Timothy and Nick examine the role of families in the stories we consume. Did we mention it was Christmas? Well, no Christmas is complete without a Christmas Special, and the second half of this podcast isn't complete without a Special Christmas Contest about Christmas Specials! So here's our gift to you this season, the 83rd episode of your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought. Merry Christmas! Show Notes

You may not want to judge a book by its cover, but why not judge a character by his clothes? We can talk all day about motivation and emotional turmoil, but, seriously, can you believe what Effie Trinket is wearing? So, Timothy and Nick discuss what a character's appearance tells us about who the character really is. Then we tackle another What If? and pit our creative powers against an abstract noun generator to create a number of, er, "interesting" character sketches. Listen in to Episode 82 of your premiere podcast on storytelling. You may not know what we look like, but from the sounds of our voices we must devilishly handsome. Show Notes