The Greatest Story Podcast

Follow The Greatest Story Podcast
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Join us as your hosts, the intrepid Zac and integral Josh, ponder the art of storytelling in all its forms. We are searching to see what comprises the greatest stories in books, movies, television, video games, and more!

Zac and Josh


    • May 22, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 40m AVG DURATION
    • 34 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from The Greatest Story Podcast with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Greatest Story Podcast

    Surprise Surprise! (Alien Romulus)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 50:02


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss why people continue to make bad choices. No. Please don't press that button. Why would you leave them alone? Turn around now... This week Zac and Josh look at various tropes and patterns from thriller movies and discuss what happens when you take medicine without consulting your doctor or the side effects.

    Bless my Soul! Herc was on a Roll! (Hercules)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 39:45


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss how many feats it takes to get to the center of Olympus. Turns out, it just takes a little faith and love. Tune in to hear Zac and Josh talk about betrayal, good villains, lots of tropes, Greek Mythology, and even some historical conspiracy theories. The Fates have chosen that you watch this episode. Seriously, this episode is a slice.

    Revenge of the 5th! (Star Wars Ep. III)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 37:06


    Zac and Josh surprise listeners with an episode for Revenge of the 5th! Tune in to hear them discuss one of Josh's favorite movies of all time. Listen to the deep themes and characters behind the exciting lightsaber duels.

    May the 4th be with you!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025 55:26


    Greetings Jedi, Sith, and all force users! Zac and Josh sit down to bring you a special bonus episode for Star Wars day. They start at the very beginning with the story that started it all. Tune in to hear some exciting dialogue, weird theories, and a conversation explaining why A New Hope has changed American culture and storytelling in general.

    The Power of an Idea (Inception)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 43:47


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss the power of dreams, ideas, and positive thinking. What does good parenting look like when you are a criminal? How much money does it take to buy a airline? How do you dream bigger in your life? What exactly are the physics of falling? Does anything actually matter in your life? Tune in to this episode to hear Zac and Josh discuss all these questions and more.

    They blew up Atlantis!! (Godzilla: King of Monsters)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 44:58


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss the greatest battle of our time. Well, a battle of our time. Zac and Josh discuss inconsistencies, pointless sacrifices, and crazy mothers as they dive deep into monsters and aliens effects on the ecosystem. Basically, grab a cookie and LET THEM FIGHT.

    I'm Having a Bad Bad Day (Despicable Me)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 31:20


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss a movie that fits all the children's tropes and formats. They talk about the phenomena of the minions and bananas as well as the effects of good parenting. Find out how to form healthy relationships and walk along the tightrope of family in this week's episode. If you've got it, say it.

    Update on GSP

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 1:27


    Zac gives an update about where the podcast is headed in the next couple months and the state of the podcast audio. Spoiler: It's much better now.

    Season Three Upcoming Episodes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 1:11


    Josh steps in to give a little direction and sneak peak for pathfinders so they can follow along in the search for stories in season three.

    Upcoming Episodes Season Three

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 1:33


    Josh steps in to give a little direction and sneak peak for pathfinders so they can follow along in the search for stories in season three.

    Update on GSP

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 2:00


    Zac gives an update about where the podcast is headed in the next couple months and the state of the podcast audio. Spoiler: It's much better now.

    Beyond Ballet (Sleeping Beauty and Its Music)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 72:31


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss love, dancing, astounding music, and colorful costumes. Also joining the episode is a special guest star who adds enlightening commentary and explanation to the ideas of innocence. Tune in to hear the answers to agonizing questions such as choosing between wisdom versus folly or the purpose of death and resurrection. Will Aurora end up with the prince? Is that even a good outcome? Find out these answers and more in this week's bonus episode! patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast

    Cowabunga Dudes!!! Or Revenge. Revenge is Nice. (TMNT: Ronin)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 41:38


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss turtles, ninjas, revenge, and the importance of tea in leadership. Tune in to hear Zac and Josh think about loss and blood feuds. Revenge makes the world go round and New York will always be wrapped up in a class divide no matter which Robot overlord is in charge. What happens when turtle shells no longer block swords? What happens when your family dies and you vow revenge? How are Teenage Turtles similar to Mistborn? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this episode. patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast

    Happy Halloween Freak! (The Batman)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 58:46


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss themes of vengeance, sacrifice, and hope. Welcome to the city where evil runs rampant and the police cannot be trusted. The only thing to fear is fear itself, and vigilantes. Is there a way to use violence for good? How do we inspire those around us? How do we overcome fear? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this episode. patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast

    Going for a Trip Down the Mighty Mississippi (Adventures of Huckleberry Finn)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 51:44


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss a time way back in the past full of swamps, con men, and the ole Mississippi river. Journey with The Greatest Story Podcast back to the 1800s where we encounter the root of the American Civil War and the reconstruction of the American nation via slavery in the Deep South. In the midst of all these difficult topics lies a plethora of irony, sarcasm, and satire. Zac and Josh sit down to answer these burning questions: What is folly? What is wisdom? What does it mean to be the descendent of the king of France? Listen closely for the hint at the theme of season three of GCP. Find out the answers to these questions and more in this episode. patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast

    Billy the Goat and the Impossible Mountain

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 21:49


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss... nothing actually. Editing Zac takes his rightful place on the podcast scene with a story of his own design. I guess... proceed with cautious optimism.

    Government Conspiracies Rolling Out (Transformers 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 52:23


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss a really weird and convoluted movie full of scenes that give off a mortal combat car fight vibe. Who are the real villains of the Transformers? Does Sam ever change in three movies? Why are there so many actors and such little time? Find out these answers and more or not actually in this week's episode… Find out the answers to these questions and more in this episode. patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast

    Ep. 2.1 Chris Dinosaur Pratt (Jurassic World)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2024 54:30


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss monstrous and mythical creatures along with pseudo-science. We talk about 1992 Jeeps, product placement, and poorly run theme parks. Zac and Josh battle against the dangers of capitalism and the relationship of humanity to the fragility of life. Are there any smart characters in this story? What are the ethics of cloning dinosaurs for money? Find out these answers and more in this week's episode. Find out the answers to these questions and more in this episode. patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast https://youtu.be/_7ilHzMBE2A?si=hqog4pD51pk8kezE

    Ep. 15 Where's Waldo? I mean, Sauron (Rings of Power Season One)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 57:15


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss some fine elven jewelry and figure out the identity of Sauron. Will the real Sauron please stand up? Zac and Josh talk about revenge, best friends, and trusting the right people. The rule of three makes a return appearance. Who is the real Sauron? Will the Elves ever be saved from their darkness? Is Durin a better friend? Are the Harfoots really evil? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this episode. patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast

    Ep. 14 Montiguewwww and No Cap (Romeo and Juliet)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2024 49:29


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss romance and star crossed lovers. Passion without wisdom leads to folly and disaster for everyone involved. Where does the phrase, “dead as a doornail” come from? What's the name of the famous theater in London? What is an inclusio? How does this story show up all throughout history and current story culture? What do 1500s readers have to say about this episode? Find out these answers and more in today's episode. patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast

    Ep. 13 Mistwraiths, Metals, Money, and Melodrama (Mistborn)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 46:09


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss metallurgy and how much ingested metal actually gives you superpowers. Why does Zac get so lost in magical lands? Why do rebellions and heists make us feel attached to characters and root for the underdogs? What does true trust mean when compared to betrayal? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this episode. patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast

    Ep. 12 Journey to Jakku (Lovely weather, lots of debris though)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 52:23


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss redemptive father story arcs and pre-packaged microwavable villains. Watch out for those wrist rockets as they take Empire head on in this recent episode. Is it really okay to kill the bad guys? How quickly is trust built up? Should you really send a former spy to retrieve your missing smuggler husband? Why is there so much trash on Jakku? How much mocap is too much? Find all these answers and more in this week's episode. patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast

    Ep. 11 Wanna spice things up? (Just Dune It)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024 50:36


    Disclaimer: This is very new. We spoil everything. Zac and Josh sit down to discuss the effects expensive, psycho-active drugs have on people's destinies. Listen in to an engaging conversation about ancient politics, historical figures, bagpipes, and space witches. Zac works on his chanting as Josh looks at various perspectives of people. Looking at the past helps you see the future. History is important, kids! patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast

    Niggle's Going on a Journey (I'll Leave it at that)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2024 40:20


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss what leaves, acts of service, dark suited men, and Mr. Rogers all have in common. Josh and Zac figure out who exactly is our neighbor and what is the purpose of beauty and art beyond covering gaping holes in the roof. Zac also shares his Halloween plans for this year although maybe it's not such a great plan. Plato appears to talk about the purpose of people. patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast

    Ep. 9 The Big One... (We weren't aiming for the Truck)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 40:57


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss what happens when no one is looking. Do people possess god? Do gods have bed sheets? Is Woody really all that good after all? What happens when we fall down stairs? Find out the answer to these questions and more in this week's episode. patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast

    Ep. 1.8 The Pride and the Prejudice (But which is which)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2024 39:12


    Join Zac and Josh as they discuss a classic from a long time ago in an England far away. Zac and Josh finally bring some female presence into the podcast to help them understand the intricate love stories and drama involved in one of the most well known stories of all time. It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man with a great fortune must be in want of a wife. Find out why Zac loves this story and how Josh is not too proud to admit mistakes in this new episode which is sure to be the talk of the town. patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast

    Ep. 1.7 Phantom Menace (Now there are two of them!)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 49:06


    Happy Star Wars Day!!! In honor of May the 4th, Zac and Josh decide to finally schedule a time to talk about Star Wars instead of letting it bleed in to other episodes. Find out how many times Zac and Josh quote Star Wars. Figure out if Star Wars episode one is as entertaining as some people think. patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60tivujA8_E

    Ep. 6 The Amazing Cat (And some random Highschooler)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2024 45:59


    Join Zac and Josh as they discuss one of the most ethically rich stories so far! Find out Zac's beef with the creator of a blue dragon. Learn how to join the hunt for better content and support better audio. Find out why science is not helpful. Tune in to see if this "amazing" story sticks a landing or gets all tangled up. patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast

    Ep. 5 "Farm boy" (Listen to your dragon )

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 51:55


    Zac and Josh dive into a beloved story in Josh's top three of all time. Does this story merit that praise? Does Josh spin into an existential crisis? What does Old English and the study of bugs have to do with anything? Why does Zac have a "wyrd" pronunciation in his mind? https://www.instagram.com/gr8st_story_pod/ patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast https://podcastle.ai/show/the-greatest-story-podcast-jmA7QJnm/pilot-episode-v5FgIvHw https://podcastle.ai/show/the-greatest-story-podcast-jmA7QJnm/ep-2-are-you-not-entertained-please-don-t-sue-us-8FZTLyrT

    "Lyin' King" (Chiasms, Circles, and Straight Lines)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 43:04


    Zac and Josh just can't wait to be king as they discuss young warthogs, serpent archetypes, and the meaning of life. Will Zac ever learn the difference between his senses? Who knew an anthropomorphic kingdom of animals could be an animated masterpiece and even more beautiful than you remember. How does truth help audiences disentangle lies and help us remember who we are? Remember… https://podcastle.ai/show/the-greatest-story-podcast-jmA7QJnm/ep-2-are-you-not-entertained-please-don-t-sue-us-8FZTLyrT patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast https://www.instagram.com/gr8st_story_pod/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557345314569

    Ep. 3 "What makes a good story?" (And What Doesn't)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2024 41:12


    Zac and Josh discuss the 7 important points for analyzing a story. Tune in to hear topics such as character growth, captivating settings, Michael Bay Explosions, and Zac's opinion on his director counterpart. Bring your pencils and notebooks as Zac and Josh lay out their rubric for the greatest stories. patreon.com/TheGreatestStoryPodcast https://podcastle.ai/show/the-greatest-story-podcast-jmA7QJnm/ep-2-are-you-not-entertained-please-don-t-sue-us-8FZTLyrT

    Ep. 2 "Are you not entertained?!" (Please don't sue us)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 51:28


    Zac and Josh tackle the topic of emotions, loss, purpose, and inspiration. How often do Zac and Josh think about the Roman Empire? What exactly do balloons and epic speeches have in common anyway? Why does Zac read fairytales in his free time? Episode One

    Episode One: The Phantom Menace (More of an Annoyance Really)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2024 32:53


    Zac and Josh sit down to discuss the goodness and benefits of stories to people and societies. Why have people used stories in different cultures for centuries? Why do people eat ham at Thanksgiving? And when will Josh stop quoting Star Wars? Tune in to hear these answers and more as they search for The Greatest Story. Harvard and Stories

    Pilot Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2024 9:07


    In this episode, Zac and Josh introduce the show and give a little taste of what's coming including some fun conversations, bad jokes, and top three favorite stories.

    Claim The Greatest Story Podcast

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel