Podcasts about retelling

Jennie Nash launches a brand-new Hot Seat Coaching series on the podcast—real, on-air coaching sessions where listeners get to hear a story develop in real time.In the first episode, Jennie brings #amwriting podcast producer Andrew Parrella out from behind the microphone as he begins work on his first novel. Fresh off completing the Blueprint challenge, Andrew shares his gothic horror premise: a Dracula-inspired story set in 1920s London, where Abriana Harker—the daughter of Mina Harker—faces a string of mysterious deaths unfolding against the backdrop of the suffrage movement.Jennie and Andrew pressure-test the blueprint together, refining the novel's central point, exploring how Van Helsing's legacy shapes the world of the story, and identifying ways to strengthen Abriana's role so the plot is driven by her choices. Andrew leaves with clear next steps—and this is just the beginning: he'll return in future episodes as Jennie continues coaching him through the process of developing the novel.You can connect with Andrew via his website AndrewParrella.com#AmWriting is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.TranscriptJennie: [00:00:00] Hi, I'm Jennie Nash and you're listening to the hashtag am Writing podcast. The place where we help writers of all kinds play big in your writing life. Love the process, and stick with it long enough to finish what matters most. Hi, I'm Jenny Nash and you're listening to the hashtag am Writing podcast.This is something new. It's a hot seat coaching episode where we're gonna work through a real challenge in real time with a real writer. And today. I'm joined by a really special guest. His name is Andrew Perella, and he has been the producer of this podcast for many, many years and is stepping out from behind the microphone to write his first novel.Andrew participated in the Winter Blueprint challenge that we recently completed. Which is to say he answered all 14 of the blueprint questions during our challenge and, and produced a [00:01:00] finished blueprint. And so I wanted to get on with him and talk about what do we do next? How do we go from there to the next thing?And he agreed to do that to help show our listeners how it goes. And I'm so excited about it because. He just did incredible work and also has so much work to go, so hopefully we're gonna get to, we're gonna get to follow Andrew as he does this for a few episodes and bring you along on the journey. So welcome Andrew from Behind the Microphone.Andrew: So much work to go. Thank you, Jenny. I'm really excited to be here.Jennie: So Andrew is, has a long career in public radio and is a producer of podcast for many people and is a storytelling guy, you know, as well as a sound guy. So this is, this is a big move. I feel like this is a right big move for you for sure, for deciding.This is the time to embrace the fact that you wanna do this thing. Does it [00:02:00] feel like that to you?Andrew: It, it feels like a right big move for me that I'm kind of prioritizing now this writing project for me. I'm prioritizing my project, um, over, over, uh, the projects of others whom, whom I help with projects.Yeah. So this is a big, big a right big moment for me.Jennie: It is totally a riping moment and. You're in the hot seat personal coaching, which I, I really appreciate you being willing to do So, um, where we stand today is, as I said, you, you finished the blueprint, you did all the work, you did the thing. So I'm just curious to sort of check in.How do you feel? Do you feel like that's an accomplishment? Do you feel some momentum? Like, what, where are you feeling, what are you feeling? Um,Andrew: I, I feel like it is a, a really big accomplishment because as we were working through the blueprint, I was getting feedback, uh, from you and KJ Dium about, uh, about, uh, how I was, how I was creating my [00:03:00] blueprint.It got me, it forced me to think about the book in some very real terms, in ways that I hadn't yet, and in ways that, you know, I had been kind of thinking about the book in more abstract notions. Um, and like this was putting pen to paper, uh, on so many things to think about, you know, beyond the, beyond the simple plot structure.Um, and I realized as I was going through this. How much I hadn't yet considered, and I think this helped to show me where the holes in my story were. Um. And he, even, even as I've finished, quote unquote, finished the blueprint, it's like I finished one inter iteration of it and like already the story has changed since I first started work on the blueprint.And so already I know I gotta go back and start reiterating on, on, on this, uh, uh, as we go along here.Jennie: Yeah. I mean, and that's the point, right? Yeah. Is the whole point is this is a tool that reveals. [00:04:00] What's working and what's not working? Is this what I want? Does this reflect my vision? And you get to, to play with that wet clay of the idea.So that's really what what we're doing. But the reason that I thought you'd be such a good candidate for coaching live in this way is your story. It really hangs together in so many ways. It's so great in so many ways and it, it would be easy to feel like, oh, I'm, I'm not that far. I got this. I could, I could start right?I can start writing. Yeah. But I hope, I hope what we're gonna show is, is really pushing yourself to answer core questions is gonna just make it so much stronger.Andrew: Absolutely.Jennie: So, um, all that being said, do you. What do you think the best way to share what you're writing with our listeners is? Do you think reading your book jacket copy feels good or do you wanna just say it out [00:05:00] loud?Andrew: Um, I feel like the book jacket copy, I. Um, that I, that I wrote doesn't quite, doesn't quite capture, I think in many ways what I think the book is going to be so Well,Jennie: and we're gonna actually getAndrew: to that. So I, and we're gonna get to that, I think. Yeah.Jennie: So why don't you just, just share what, what it is.Andrew: So, uh, the premise of the book is this happens, uh.Uh, the, the novel, it happens 20 years after the events of, uh, Bram Stoker's Dracula. Um, and so. It involves some of the same characters, and then it also involves the next generation of these characters. So these, those characters children. Um, the, uh, our protagonist is a Abriana Harker, who is the daughter of Mina Harker, who was, um, kind of the female, uh, lead in, in, in Dracula.And she was, she was bitten by Dracula in, in the original novel. [00:06:00] Um, and she is, uh, someone who is defended, um. Uh, by her, uh, by her friends and, and counterparts in, in that story, Abriana is her daughter. And Abriana is now facing a similar challenge. There are bodies that are turning up around her circle and uh, they appear to have similar injuries that Dracula's victims had 20 years ago, and some people recognize that and are.Going to begin trying to unravel the mystery. And this is all set against the backdrop of the universal suffrage movement, which is also happening in, uh, you know, 1920s London, where, where the novel is, novel is set. And so in broad strokes, that is, that is the, the, the primary premise of the book.Jennie: So the genre is horror.Gothic and I, I did some, some digging. I'm not a big reader of horror, so I did some digging into the genre to make sure that that was right. Because there [00:07:00] there's also thriller elements. There's mystery elements. Mm-hmm. There's, you know, there's other elements and it is, I always liked to, to test. Is this right?Is this right? Could it be tweaked? Could it be better? And it feels, it feels like there's really no question about the genre. Right. Do you feel thatAndrew: I, I feel that, I feel definitely, definitely feel that. And I think I, I, like gothic is, is, is a genre that I really enjoy and I want to develop some of those gothic themes in the story a little bit more than I have so far.But yes, I think gothic and, and horror is very much where, where this, where this book lives. Yeah.Jennie: Yeah. And that is something I wanna talk about for sure when we get to the inside outline. But I wanna start with, um, the second question of the blueprint is what's your point? And I know this is something you've struggled with a little bit.Yeah. Um, but so the current point that you have here is. I feel like maybe this came from me. So, [00:08:00] uh, I, it's, you can't change the world without upsetting people. The more you want to change, the more people you upset, and that's fine, but it, but it doesn't, it does, it doesn't feel like it captures. There's a real moral, philosophical debate at the center of your story.Right.Andrew: Yeah, absolutely. I think, you know, the, the characters are certainly, uh, in the midst of a paradigm shift, you know, there's the, there, the, the world order is changing as, uh, as suffrage is, is being opened to more and more people. Um, and times a world order like that changes. There are people who are for it and there are a lot of people who are against it.And so I think that's. That's an element in, in play here in the, in the novel. And that, and that's something that I wanted to explore. And obviously there are parallels in current times as well for, uh, for this, for this sort of change. So I think that's, I think that's, that's certainly, that's certainly part of, uh, of, of [00:09:00] the story.Yeah.Jennie: So I was, when I, when I review a blueprint, and for anybody who's, who's got one all on the page and, and you, you like it and it feels pretty good. The step is to, to really pressure test everything. So I, I read through the whole thing. I love looking at a blueprint. A blueprint as a whole rather than piece by piece.And in this particular case, it's like this. Yeah. This point feels bloodless, which is something we definitely don't want in this story. So I went back to your why and your why is really powerful and really personal and really political. Um, it's, it's fiery, it's articulate, like there's so much about your why that I.You can see my comments on the page. Mm-hmm. Not the listener, but Andrew can Right where I was going. Great. Yes. Very powerful. Awesome. You know, it's just, it's excellent. And you had some lines in there [00:10:00] about the, the monster in this story is not the vampire, but a man who is refusing to change with the times basically.And. That felt to me, given everything else you're saying about the parallels between this, the milieu of this story and the milieu we live in right now, the, the fraught. Climate, political climate. Cultural climate that felt more potent as a point. And I, I wondered what you thought about that.Andrew: Yeah, I mean, I think that that is as mu that is as much a part of the, the premise as I've conceived it, as, as anything else that I've, I've said, um, you know, the, the, the.Spoiler alert, the the murders aren't being committed by, by the vampire, uh, or vampires. Uh, the murders are being committed by an old white dude who is not [00:11:00] happy with how the politics are shifting under his feet and how the world is changing around him, um, and is trying to, at all costs, prevent that from happening, even sacrificing a bit of his own humanity in, in the process.And so I think that is. Is is something that certainly resonates, but I think it yeah. Is, as you say, there's a passion, there's a blood there that in in, in the why that didn't quite make it to my point. Um,Jennie: yeah, yeah, yeah. So I would suggest for the next iteration mm-hmm. To, to really push that point and.It's gonna keep changing, it's gonna keep, um, you know, getting refined as you go. But I think it's important to move it forward as you keep writing. So the, um, yeah, something that's, that's fiery and that's, um, about, ‘cause that's a, that's a, you're flipping an important trope in a. In a [00:12:00] classic novel, right?Mm-hmm. That it, it's not the vampire. So like, why that? Why, why are we flipping out? What is that showing us? What is the point of, of doing that in the story? That, so I would really play with that. Um, does that make sense? Mm-hmm.Andrew: Yes, it does. Okay. Yes, it does.Jennie: Okay, so the next thing I wanna talk about is your super, your super simple story.Mm-hmm. And. What's interesting about the super simple story is, I mean, I love everybody always. Here's me say this, who's listened to me for very long, but I love a constraint on in creativity. And this, trying to get this story in a really short space often reveals something. And what it, when it was revealing to me is, so you've got, you've got a abriana, she wants to, uh, become a doctor.Because of her mother's, [00:13:00] her mother died in childbirth with her. Um, so that's the, that's the storyline. You've got the murders that are happening and, and then you've got the universal suffragette movement, this political debate that's going on. So there's these three threads and. Even in the super simple story, it was feeling a little bit like they're disconnected.I don't think they're disconnected in your mind. I think they're disconnected on the page.Andrew: Okay.Jennie: So I wanted to just ask you to articulate that a little bit more. ‘cause you hint in the um, book jacket copy later, AA has things in common with Finn halting who's. Her uncle, the Vampire Hunter. Are you comfortable sharing what those are?Andrew: Yeah.Jennie: What those commonalities are?Andrew: Yeah, I think, I think, [00:14:00] um, uh, Abraham Von Helsing is, is a character from the original novel, um, and he helps guide the team to, uh, uh, find, track down and destroy Dracula. Um. In the world of my novel, his understanding of vampires changes as he's, as he continues to do research on them.And so he's discovered, he's discovered more about them. That will spell out a little bit more in the, uh, in the novel, but. First and foremost, and one of the, one of the primary roles he plays in the, in, in the original novel is a, as a doctor. And that's one thing that Abriana really admires about him. He becomes a bit of a, a, um, a surrogate.Parent to her with her mother dying and her, uh, her father's grief, turning into a little bit of emotional distance from, uh, from Abriana. And so von uh, van Helsing kind of fills that gap and so she associates her. I think her desire [00:15:00] to become a doctor stems from both her birth, you know, ultimately killing her mother, but also because, and, and, and wanting to prevent that from happening to other women, but also because she's seen, you know, van Helsing.Perform his, his service as a doctor. He, she's seen it in action and what it can do and wants to, and wants to, wants to emulate that. And so, and, and I think one of the, one of the things that, that I get excited about is incorporating a little bit of like historic realism into, into the novel as well. And there was in, uh, the 1920s a, a medi, the London School of Medicine for women.Um, it had it, it had been. Open for a, a decade or so. It was still a fairly new school at the time. And so that there was an, uh, a real place that she would've been able to go and get an education is something that, uh, is something that I'm, I'm excited to have part of, part of the novel and like that school wouldn't have been possible if it was not for the Women's Liberation [00:16:00] Movement, which resulted obviously in the universal.In the universal suffrage movement. And so all of that I feel, kind of ties, ties together in a way that I haven't explained very well in my super simple copy, super simple story explanation there.Jennie: So, so that's what I'm trying to get at is Adrianna is not just some random young woman. No, I mean she's, she's very clearly descended from.A, a particular, uh, family who's had a particular thing happen and you know, there several generations. So have you designed her as a protagonist using those elements of the family yet, or, or is it more kind of just convenient that she's there? Does that make sense?Andrew: I think so, [00:17:00] and I think it's probably somewhere in the middle.I think I like the idea of tying her into these characters that who have an existing history, and it then gives her a little bit of, a little bit of, uh, gravitas for the listener when they, when they start digging in that maybe they, maybe they, maybe they have read Dracula, are familiar with those characters and so, okay, this is the next, this is the next generation.But yeah, I mean, I think Abriana reflects. A lot of other things that, that aren't in, that aren't represented in the original novel. Um,Jennie: I guess what I, I guess what I'm saying is it feels, one of my concerns is it feels as if you could write this story about Adriana and not have her beat from this family.She could, she could be kind of. Anyone Gotcha. In this [00:18:00] situation? Gotcha. Does that, am I, am I missing, am I missing that? What would make, you know, let's just, um, I know there's, there's several women in the novel who have, have important roles. So I'm gonna pick a name that's not them. Let's say that, uh, there's a young woman, Catherine, you know, not connected to, um.Ben Helsing not connected to her mother, not connected to that whole thing. And same time period, same motivation. She wants to be a doctor. Maybe she had someone in her family die, and that's her motivation. You know, like suffrages, like that whole story could still play out with Catherine. Uh, am I wrong? I want you to prove me wrong.Andrew: So like, yes, it could, I feel like, I feel like one of the things I like about tying in Van Helsing is it, it presents a red herring, um, in the sense that it's like, oh, we all think. [00:19:00] That we're gonna find out vampires are responsible for all of these deaths. Um, like, I don't know, like, and I, and I can kind of slow burn the, you know, the reveal of vampires in general and, and, and how they end up not actually being the antagonists in this By, by which is So by borrowing, by borrowing his name and sharing his glory a little bit.Yeah.Jennie: Right. But back to Catherine, our, our mm-hmm. Mythical protagonist.Andrew: Yeah.Jennie: Same thing could happen there. Everybody thinks, oh, the vampires are back. Um, Catherine, you know, they, they keep happening around her. She's gotta figure it out. You know what I mean? So,Andrew: well, so, soJennie: isAndrew: Yeah,Jennie: no, go ahead.Andrew: The question, the question I, I think that I've been grappling a bit with too is do we exist in a world where.Is, does the novel, does the world of the novel, a place where people [00:20:00] have recognized the efforts of Van Helsing and that vampires exist? Is that, is that common knowledge in this world, or is all of that still unknown to folks?Jennie: Okay, this. Is the piece that I've been missing.Andrew: Okay.Jennie: That's exactly the piece that I've been missing.That's totally it. That, so here, this is world building. If anybody's writing anything with magic, fantasy, sci-fi, even just straight up history, and maybe it's a retelling or a re um, imagining, you often know those, those questions for sure. And especially for where for. My understanding, I, I'm, like I said, I'm not a horror reader, but I do know a little bit about Dracula, but the, it was a, a sort of science versus, um, like science played a big role in that.What [00:21:00] can we know? Mm-hmm. What can we prove? What is, what is unknowable?Andrew: Mm-hmm.Jennie: Those sorts of things. Absolutely. So that, you've gotta know that here. Mm-hmm. Has it been proved? Is it. Accepted knowledge. Is Van Helsing a hero who's locked away in his lab continuing to, you know, with funding and whatever to research his thing?Or is he some. You know, recluse who was shamed in the public eye and people think he's crazy, like that's gonna color everything. Mm-hmm. Okay. And that's gonna be, that's gonna then be the answer I'm looking for. Like, why Adriana as our protagonist and not Catherine. Right. So she's gonna have that, you imagine her going to medical school with.Those two different stories behind her, how different it's [00:22:00] gonna be when she shows up in the classroom and people know, you know, or when they know who she is.Andrew: Right? Yeah.Jennie: So there, there's a real, the reveal to the reveal to the reader about her connection and who she is and then her, her reveal to the society she lives in about.Who she is and you know, the meaning she makes from all that you know, and did, no matter what you decide about Van Helsing, she then you have to all just also decide about her. Does she agree with the prevailing wisdom? If everybody thinks he's a hero, does she think he, he is too? Or does she think he's kind of whacked and then, um, learns otherwise or, you know, like the or, or the other wayAndrew: around?Jennie: Yeah. Or the other way around. Yeah. Yeah. Right. So yeah, this is the piece that's missing is I feel like you have, and this is what I felt the second I heard you talk about your story. I'm like, oh, this could be so [00:23:00] good. Like, this is so potent, but you're like, you're missing it. You're just, it's like it's, it's like it's not landing as as solid as it should, and I think this is why.Right. I had not been able to figure it out, but. And you have, so I gotta make sure I understand the character. So a Adriana's dad is the brother of Van Helsing.Andrew: Uh, they're not related in the original, in the original novel. They're, they're, uh, they're just friends. Okay. Okay. But they're, but they're clo Okay.They're, they're close friends. And because Van Helsing ultimately saved both of their lives, uh, he is kind of a, a, a surrogate uncle. So, uncle, uncle in quotation marks. Yeah,Jennie: yeah, yeah. Uncle is Is an honorific.Andrew: An honorific, exactly. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay. Yep.Jennie: That confused me. Okay. So I thought that there was a direct lineage there.Andrew: Right.Jennie: But there's not No,Andrew: no genetic link. Yeah, yeah, yeah. [00:24:00]Jennie: But a link through. Her mother a link to Van Healthing Through the mother.Andrew: Yes.Jennie: Um, and, and what happened to her. So, okay. Yeah. We have to understand his role, who he is, what he's doing in the world, what people think of him. Mm-hmm. Um, and also this is important for.Just the environment of your story, because we've got this division, political division around the suffragette movement. Is there, is there o, are there other, um, like, I wanna say mood, like what's the mood of the place where she's, this story's taking place? Is it, you know, a creeping sense of doom on many levels?Uh, is the do the vampire, like, is the fact, oh, maybe the vampires are [00:25:00] back. Does that make sense for the times? Um, like you and I are talking right now in 2026, um, during very extreme political upheaval and also during the time when there's this been this kidnapping of this prominent. Um, media personalities, family member that hasn't been solved.And there's this sense like, well of course this is happening now. Like this, you know, is there a weird, are we gonna have a, um, famous serial killer? Story unfolding in our time. Right. Like, that's what I keep thinking, right? Like there's a sense of, of course these things are going to start happening now ‘cause things are, feel so unstable and unsettled.Andrew: Yeah.Jennie: Is that what's going on there? [00:26:00]Andrew: I mean, I think potentially yes. I, I've, because yeah, I feel like this, it, it, it, it was an unsettled moment politically. And also a little bit medically as they as like the medical establishment is transitioning from miasma theory to germ theory. And that was kind of late, late, uh, 19th century, early 20th century.But like there's, there's kind of been a, a paradigm shift there. So I think, I feel like yeah, there does wanna be, as you were saying, kind of like this constant, creepy. Creepy feeling. Yeah. I'm like, I'm like to lean into the gothic, like I thought, like, I really want that to pervade every, every chapter, every page.I want that kind of like creeping sensation that that doom is around the corner. Um, that, thatJennie: Right. And doom for many sources. Right. Because I think that that's kind of one of your points.Andrew: Mm-hmm.Jennie: Is well, what I'm going back to what [00:27:00] the point, point was. The point we're kind of, um. Leaning toward is people who review, refuse to evolve.When the world demands, it can become monsters. So the world is evolving in many different ways and probably getting the opportunity for a lot of different people to have to evolve in a lot of different ways. It's not just one way. It's not just like, oh, get on this bus, or you're missing. Get on, you know, what's the metaphor?Like you'll miss the boat if you don't get on the boat. But it feels like there's all kinds of boats one, one might miss here, right? Um, I think so. And so that's that. Yeah. Okay, so, so in terms of what to do next, I think your, your homework here is you've gotta get to know Van Haling. Yeah. And the, and the world a little bit better.So I would do some character [00:28:00] development work on, on him and what the world thinks of him and what a Brianna's stepping into the, the light by. Insisting on going to medical school does to Van Haling. Does it delight him? Does it challenge him? Does it, um, you know, what does he think of that? I think that's important.Andrew: Yeah.Jennie: Um, to know too.Andrew: Yeah.Jennie: Um,Andrew: a couple, a couple of things that are occurring to me. I think I had taken for granted the reader's knowledge of the events of Dracula, and I don't think I can do that. I think I need to. To develop these characters for my own, as you're saying, I, I gotta, I have to develop Van Van Hels, the Van Helsing character.I have to develop him for, for my own purposes for this novel. Um, which makes a lot of sense.Jennie: Well, that's actually a really good question. You defined your ideal reader in a way that I thought was. [00:29:00] Completely delightful. Like she was so fleshed out. She felt like a, a full on character and I was like, oh, I know that.I know that woman. I loved it. It was great. But an important piece you missed in that is you said that she enjoys books about. London, the city and maybe some horror and gothic, but what is her relationship to Dracula, your ideal reader? You need to know that.Andrew: Yeah. Yeah.Jennie: My, you know, this is what's funny sometimes about being a book coach is I always say that the, the writers, the god of their own story, I can't possibly know everything that the writer knows about what they're writing about, what they've read, what they've thought, how they've lived, any of it.And, and in this particular case, I don't read. I don't read horror. I, I, I could barely tell you the, the bear outlines of Dracula if, if press, [00:30:00] um, I mean, I know the, you know, cartoon, the cartoon version. I, I, I could tell you a little more about Frankenstein only because I, against my will, watched the recent, um.Retelling.Andrew: Oh yeah. I haven't actually seen that yet.Jennie: So I say against my will because I was like, oh my gosh, this is too much for me. But um, you need to know if, so here's a perfect, let me finish my sentence. You need to know if your reader is a fan, is a reader, is a immersed in the gothic world, is gonna know all these things.Know all the tropes and know all the connections or not. And the, um, perfect example of that is, remember that book, um, pride and Prejudice and Zombies?Andrew: Yes.Jennie: So that appeal to people who love Jane Austen.Outro: Mm-hmm.Jennie: Like, you're probably not gonna read that book if you're not a Jane Austen [00:31:00] fan, but if you are a Jane Austen fan, you're, you cannot wait to get your hands on that.And. Also probably if you're a zombie horror fan, you know, you would delight in that even if you didn't understand the depths of the Jane Austen piece. But that book spoke to such a very particular audience that turned out to be a massive audience. Right, right. So, yeah,Andrew: yeah, yeah.Jennie: You know, I think you need to make a decision.Are you writing for someone like me who's, who's like, I don't know, like I think when I first read it, I was like. Who's Ben Sing? And you're like, he's the famous guy from the thing, right? So are you writing for someone like me or does your, a avatar, your ideal reader hear, you know, does she watch the movie?Does she, does she read the books? Does she gobble that stuff up?Andrew: Right? Yeah.Jennie: What, what is your instinct right now?Andrew: Singling out one or the other is going to, is going to change [00:32:00] how I write the book. Um. What is my instinct? Uh, I dunno. When I think about the character that I, that the character of the reader that I fleshed out in the blueprint, um,Jennie: yeah,Andrew: I don't think she necessarily would have read Dracula.She might be familiar with the story, but she might not have, um, uh, have read, uh, Dracula itself.Jennie: Okay. So yeah, let's get to, let's get really clear on that. Mm-hmm. Because it's gonna really change. And for those listening. The ideal reader. Oftentimes people think it's just a throwaway part of the blueprint because they kind of can just picture, you know, generally who their reader is.I mean, first of all, no part of the blueprint is the throwaway. Uh, something really important can come from any one of these. So really go back to your ideal reader. And think about them in relationship to their story. ‘cause this [00:33:00] conversation reveals how drastically you would change the writing of this book, depending on your ideal reader's relationship to the, to Dracula.Andrew: Yeah.Jennie: And, and there's no right answer. Either answer's. Great. Right. So, um, so that's, I just put that on the list of, of things too, um, that you're gonna be thinking about. Um. So once you get that, so yeah, the understanding of of Van Healthy's re reputation in the universe right now is going to be the way that you bring your reader up to speed a little bit.Right? Like famous Vampire Hunter still doing his thing or, or. Famous vampire hunter, you know, shamed and, uh, not doing his thing. Um, that's, those are gonna tie [00:34:00] together,Andrew: right? Yeah, yeah, yeah.Jennie: And cement down the world that we're coming into, um, more.Andrew: Absolutely. No, I can, I can see how that will change things.Yeah.Jennie: Okay. So, um. We're not gonna have time to dig, to dig into this yet, but I just wanna touch on it so that, um, when you're doing this work, you can be thinking about, um, thinking about this piece, but the, um, there's a cause and effect trajectory that's obviously what the inside outline is. And at some really key places in yours, you miss an opportunity to to tie in.So we always want our protagonist to have agency to be making the [00:35:00] decisions that cause things to get worse or cause them to be in a worse position or, um, and, and there's several places in your inside outline where. Things just sort of happen, which is the plot, and then she sort of happens to be there.But if you understand better these parts of her and her connection to this, uh, the not her uncle now, uh, her, this guy, uh, and her connection to what's happened with her mother and those things, then we wanna use that to push the story. To push the, so the plot has to serve the story. So the things that happen are gonna push your character in ways they don't wanna be pushed to make decisions that are gonna then push them further and, and they're gonna get deeper and deeper each time.And [00:36:00] you have a murder mystery. So each murder, we wanna feel more and more as if. She is boxing herself in by what she does. By what she thinks. By what she believes, by what she wants. And the, the CLO is gonna squeeze her to the point where she asks to make a, a big decision, you know, comes, that's the climax, comes to that like, will I, in this case, um, confront.Uh, both the murderer and her father is kind of where it all ends, so,Andrew: yeah. Yeah.Jennie: You know, it's not gonna be just like, and now we arrive at a place where she confronts the people. It's gotta be like. Gut wrenching along the way. Right,Andrew: right.Jennie: So, um, there's a lot to say there, and I made some comments on the outline, which, which you'll see [00:37:00] sort of my thoughts and thinking there, but I actually think that this conversation we've had is gonna be the solution because the, the big question I had was, is it coincidental that Adriana is.These murders are sort of following her around and people think that it, she might be responsible. Is that coincidental or is there something real there? Yeah. Do you know the answer or not?Andrew: I, I, I'm, I've been thinking about that and I think there are ways that it's not entirely coincidental. I mean, obviously she's not causing the murders, but I think, I think yes, I think there are things that she does that prompts these.That prompts these women to become targets of the murderer.Jennie: That's what I hoped you were gonna say. Yeah, because that's what's gonna, that's like, it's, I think this was on the page and maybe you didn't realize it, but. [00:38:00] Being friends with Adriana is a little dangerous,right?Andrew: Yes. Yes. I think that could be, that could definitely be part of the part, part of the, part of the theme there. Yeah.Jennie: So that, that shouldn't, that shouldn't be coincidental. Well, and this is what's so, so great about the blueprint and showing it to a critique partner or a writing group or an editor or a book coach, is.Somebody else can say, do you see that you're doing this thing that's actually really cool? Or do you, do you see that you're not doing this? Like it's things are just revealed. So,Andrew: yeah. Yeah, yeah. Absolutely.Jennie: So let's just wrap this up. Your next iteration, you're gonna work on sharpening your point. You're gonna work on sharpening the super simple story so that the Dracula connection is clear.Dracula connection to your [00:39:00] protagonist is, is more clear and you're gonna under in order to do that. You're gonna understand then Helsing, the world that we live in and what his relationship of that world is 20 years after Dracula. What, what is happening with him? What is happening with the world? And and that's gonna help inform the connection between your.Protagonist in these things. And then I think you already answered the ideal reader, but just make sure that you're comfortable with that, that she's not a super fan. This is not a insider. Um, folks who know and love and read Dracula, it's, it's more someone like me. He was a little clueless. And then if you have time to dig into.How that all plays out in the cause and effect of the inside outline. That's, that's where I would go. [00:40:00] So it's, um, I had an agent, my first agent, way back in the day, used to say, run it through the typewriter one more time because we were actually writing on typewriter. Yeah. Right. Back in the day. And, uh, that's kind of what I feel, you know, with these ideas in mind, like, run it all through one more time and let, let it all flow through One more time.Um, and we'll see where it goes.Andrew: Excellent. No, this sounds good. This is, this is some good homework. I'm looking forward to, to digging into this now.Jennie: I know. I can't wait to see too, and I hope our listeners have enjoyed, uh, going along on this conversation and gotten some inspiration for what, how to pressure test your own, uh, blueprint.And if you're not doing the blueprint. Uh, also fine, but pressure test what you're writing. Uh, this is just a tool for doing that, but there's this kind of questioning and making sure that things are not [00:41:00] assumed. That's, that's the key, right? It's that you, you sort of make these assumptions, but we have to articulate them and pin them down so that we can use them to make a much better story.Well, thank you Andrew. Really thank you for being willing to, uh, expose yourself in this way. Come out from behind the mic, uh, share your journey. It's not easy to do that, and I appreciate it.Andrew: Well, it's, it's fun. Thank you for pushing me outside my comfort zone. Uh, I've really enjoyed this.Jennie: I have too. So, uh, for our list.Thanks for joining in. Now let's get back to work.Outro: The hashtag am writing podcast is produced by Andrew Perilla. Our intro music aptly titled Unemployed Monday was written and played by Max Cohen. Andrew and Max were paid for their time and their creative output because everyone [00:42:00] deserves to be paid for their work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

In this bonus episode of Speak the Truth, Michael introduces John Henderson to preview the Trauma Track for the Call to Counsel Conference 2026, led by Henderson alongside Darby Strickland and Curtis Solomon. They describe the track's aim of equipping counselors to bring compassionate, patient, gospel-centered ministry to men and women suffering trauma, emphasizing deep healing that requires biblical wisdom and a robust view of the person as an embodied soul made in God's image. The eight sessions include biblical anthropology of trauma, defining trauma and its development, describing and entering the sufferer's world, remembering/reliving/retelling and reinterpreting through Scripture, grief and lament, guilt and shame and God's covering in Christ, and a closing Q&A. The track is presented as culturally and personally relevant and intended to demystify trauma while fostering dependence on God's grace, Spirit, and Word.00:00 Podcast Welcome00:19 Bonus Episode Setup00:33 Trauma Track Purpose01:38 Session 1 Biblical Anthropology01:55 Session 2 Defining Trauma02:12 Sessions 3-4 Entering Their World02:44 Session 5 Retelling the Story03:23 Sessions 6-7 Lament and Shame04:17 Session 8 Q&A Wrap Up04:34 Why This Track Matters05:56 Demystifying Trauma Counseling06:55 Hope in Christ and Scripture07:32 Final Invitation to 2026Register Now  

Nikita Gill writes the story of rarely talked about Greek goddess Hekate in this coming of age story. And you know the Busy Girls love a Greek retelling. But what about if it's in a poem format?

After the unforeseen and quick fall of France to the German war machine, a small but fierce minority in France operated in secret to sabotage their efforts and win their country back. Margie Bucheit retells this renowned chapter of 20th Century history in her new, extensively researched historical novel, WE CHOSE RESISTANCE (Koehler Books, November 2025).  Numbering roughly 400,000 fighters, the French resistance helped the Allies to confuse, slow, and effectively stop Hitler's army before winning France back into the hands of its citizens. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

I love weird. I especially love weird when it incorporates my favorite moments in pop culture. So when I recently saw Linus Karp and Joseph Martin's live show "Gwyneth Goes Skiing," a sort of musical retelling of Gwyneth Paltrow's 2023 ski crash trial, I knew I needed to chat with them. Turns out Karp and Martin are a pop culture nerd's favorite duo, because they've done tons of shows that scratch that weird, nostalgic itch: shows like "Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story," about Princess Diana, and "Fit Prince," a spoof on Hallmark made-for-TV movies. I chatted with this comedy duo and couple about pop culture, where they come up with ideas for their shows, and whether Paltrow herself has ever come to see it. For more on their work, follow their production company: https://www.instagram.com/awkwardprods For their live shows, visit https://linktr.ee/awkwardprods Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Segment 1 • A new TV series promises a “fresh take” on biblical women—what happens when imagination fills in what God didn't reveal? • Why dramatizing Sarah and Hagar's “inner journeys” may subtly rewrite sin, surrogacy, and obedience. • The hidden danger: once fiction enters your memory, can you separate it from Scripture? Segment 2 • A coming documentary frames simple Christians as radicals. • The cultural clash over liberty, persecution, and who really gets labeled “extreme.” • Why the relationship between Christianity and government is harder to define than most admit. Segment 3 • A high-profile conversion story highlights joy and transformation—but where was sin and repentance? • How a vague gospel presentation may leave churches filled with doubting—or false converts. • The costly confusion between the gospel itself and the benefits it produces. Segment 4 • A sermon illustration goes painfully wrong—do we trust the Word, or do we need props? • When (if ever) is distancing from toxic parents biblically justified? • A chilling warning about an online exploitation network targeting children—what parents must know now. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

After the unforeseen and quick fall of France to the German war machine, a small but fierce minority in France operated in secret to sabotage their efforts and win their country back. Margie Bucheit retells this renowned chapter of 20th Century history in her new, extensively researched historical novel, WE CHOSE RESISTANCE (Koehler Books, November 2025).  Numbering roughly 400,000 fighters, the French resistance helped the Allies to confuse, slow, and effectively stop Hitler's army before winning France back into the hands of its citizens. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

Join Micah, W Scott McAndless, Anthony Moss, and Darth as we explore the material reality of sacrifice in Leviticus 6:8-7:38. What are all of these different sacrifices and what do they mean? What does this ancient system communicate about the way our faith ancestors were dealing with the everyday material realities they struggled with and against? What does it mean for everyone to be holy? What does this practice illustrate about the decentralization of ancient Israelite religion and what does that have to teach us about our own politics?Darth is the comforting third sip of hot cocoa after you burnt your lips twice and decided to let it cool down for awhile. Anthony Moss is the author of The Yellow Sky was Ours and can be found online @mossmancometh.W Scott McAndless is the host of Micah's favorite Bible podcast, Retelling the Bible, and the author of Caesar's Census, God's Jubilee: Rethinking and Reimagining the Story of Mary and Joseph's Journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.You can find the show, more episodes, and other means of listening at thewordinblackandred.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cassiopeia Project - The Gospel from the Father - DeepSeek -Claude.ai retelling and analysis - rus-eng parallel text-audio podcast https://disk.yandex.ru/d/1FsrkrehNcEFVQ https://vk.com/wall-8630238_3833 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmDPa_Wa3OQ https://omdaruliterature.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-gospel-from-father.html https://omdaruliterature.blogspot.com/2026/02/i-am-word-of-absolute-first-person.html https://omdaruliterature.blogspot.com/2026/02/on-nature-of-creator-of-universe.htmlhttps://omdarutv.blogspot.com/2026/02/cassiopeia-project-gospel-from-father.html

 Alcyone Project-Teaching from Archangel Michael. Lesson 1 - DETAILED Claude.ai RETELLING AND ANALYSIS-rus-eng parallel text-audio podcast https://disk.yandex.ru/d/zflvTEpsp7CeYA https://t.me/interculturalruen/394 https://vk.com/wall-8630238_3799https://omdarutv.blogspot.com/2026/02/alcyone-project-teaching-from-archangel.html

Welcome to today's Dragonlance Hangout! This is a casual series where we discuss all things Dragonlance, from characters, to modules, to game editions in a relaxed conversation with the live audience. Today I am discussing Nostalgia vs. Reinvention in Dragonlance. https://youtube.com/live/VMlJZOgxrWQ Show Notes Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Hangout! It is Kirinor, Deepkolt the 4th, and my name is Adam. Today I am discussing Nostalgia vs. Reinvention in Dragonlance. I would like to take a moment and thank the DLSaga YouTube members, and Patreon patrons and invite you to consider becoming a member or patron. You can even pick up Dragonlance media or get $10 by signing up to StartPlaying.Games using my affiliate links in the description below. Discussion DLSaga Anthology https://dlsaga.com/contributors/ 4,000–7,500 words preferred Notifications sent by March 1, 2026 Nostalgia vs. Reinvention in Dragonlance “What makes Dragonlance Dragonlance?  Is it the stories we remember… or the ones we haven't told yet?” fans discovered Dragonlance decades ago Contrast that with new players encountering Krynn for the first time Tease the tension: preserving a legacy vs. keeping a world alive “Tonight, we're talking nostalgia versus reinvention—and whether Krynn can survive without one or the other.” Quick reminder: this is a discussion, not a verdict Invite chat to take sides early: “Type Nostalgia or Reinvention in chat—we'll revisit this at the end.” Segment 1: What Nostalgia Protects (10–15 minutes) Nostalgia isn't just sentiment—it's structure. Talking points: Dragonlance as tone-first fantasy Tragedy, sacrifice, faith, loss, earned hope Iconic pillars fans emotionally guard: The War of the Lance The Cataclysm The gods' absence and return The Orders of High Sorcery Why characters like Raistlin, Sturm, and Tanis still matter They embody themes, not just plot roles Discussion questions: Is nostalgia about specific events… or how the world feels? Would Dragonlance still be Dragonlance without the War of the Lance looming in its history? Segment 2: Where Nostalgia Becomes a Trap (10 minutes) Too much reverence can freeze a setting in amber. Talking points: Retelling the same era again and again New players feeling like tourists in someone else's story The danger of “homework lore” When callbacks stop being meaningful and start being crutches “Have you ever felt like Dragonlance was afraid to move past its own shadow?” “A world that only looks backward eventually stops moving.” Segment 3: What Reinvention Brings to Krynn (10–15 minutes) Reinvention keeps the setting playable, not just readable. Talking points: Alternate timelines (Chaos War, Fifth Age, War of the Darklance–style ideas) Updating themes for modern tables: Agency over prophecy Moral complexity instead of clear binaries New stories that don't require knowing the Companions Letting players become history, not observers of it Discussion questions: Should new Dragonlance stories be allowed to contradict old ones? Is Krynn a museum—or a living world? Segment 4: Where Reinvention Goes Too Far (10 minutes) Change without respect breaks trust. Talking points: Removing core pillars: Gods without consequence Magic without discipline Dragons without mythic weight When Dragonlance starts feeling like “generic fantasy with familiar names” Fans don't fear change—they fear loss of identity Strong framing: “Reinvention isn't bad—but forgetting why people cared in the first place is.” “What's more dangerous: changing too much, or changing too little?” Segment 5: The Balance Point (10 minutes) Dragonlance works best when nostalgia provides roots and reinvention grows branches. Key synthesis: Keep the themes, evolve the context Honor the past without repeating it Let legends exist—but not dominate the present Use history as pressure, not shackles Example talking beats: The gods still matter—but mortals choose how faith manifests Dragons are still rare—but their influence reshapes politics Magic is dangerous—but no longer static “If you were handed Dragonlance tomorrow… What is the one thing you would never change—and the one thing you absolutely would?” “Did you stay Nostalgia… or switch to Reinvention?”“Because Dragonlance isn't just about remembering the past… It's about deciding what the future of Krynn should look like.” Outro Thank you for tuning into today's Dragonlance Hangout. What do you think of reinventing Dragonlance? Does maintaining the setting for nostalgia sake doom it to forgetfulness? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or comment below.  I would like to take a moment and remind you to subscribe to this YouTube channel, ring the bell to get notified about upcoming videos and click the like button. This all goes to help other Dragonlance fans learn about this channel and its content. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Developer Patrons Chris Androu & Sam Ruiz, and all of the YouTube Members! This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

SLOVO - ChatGPT retelling - Ten great works of art that reveal the Christian story- rus-eng parallel text - audio podcast https://disk.yandex.ru/d/O14SoVQZlSaIpg https://vk.com/interculturalruen?w=wall-8630238_3782 https://vk.com/wall-8630238_3781 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te1-ePtq48I https://t.me/interculturalruen/386https://omdarutv.blogspot.com/2026/01/slovo-chatgpt-retelling-ten-great-works.html

 Alcyone Project Channeling - on the Nature of Time - DeekSeek retelling-rus-eng parallel text - audio podcast https://disk.yandex.ru/d/5BznW7sN8sptIQ https://vk.com/wall-8630238_3780 https://vk.com/wall-8630238_3778https://omdarutv.blogspot.com/2026/01/alcyone-project-channeling-on-nature-of.html

This week marks a profound turning point.Neptune moves back into Aries, reopening a long collective chapter around identity, spirit, courage, and disillusionment that will shape our lives through 2038. As if on cue, Mars conjuncts Pluto in Aquarius, igniting power dynamics, truth-telling, and collective pressure to evolve.We're also entering a new Human Design week with the Sun in Gate 19 – Attunement and the Earth in Gate 33 – Retelling, inviting sensitivity, reflection, and conscious storytelling. To deepen it further, Saturn moves into Gate 25 – Spirit, joining Neptune there—bringing structure, responsibility, and maturity to our spiritual awakening.This is a week to listen closely, choose your story carefully, and act from soul-aligned courage rather than reaction.

 Cassiopeia Project - 30 Rules of Spiritual Development - Claude.ai retelling-rus-eng parallel text - audio podcast https://disk.yandex.ru/d/VOAosc0A9ukUyg https://vk.com/interculturalruen?w=wall-8630238_3776 https://vk.com/wall-8630238_3774 https://t.me/interculturalruen/384 https://vk.com/serendipitychannel?w=wall-39221653_6068 Get the pdf transcripts for rus-eng podcasts  at Interculturalruen.mave.digital Купить все мои русско-английские подкасты- скачать mp3+pdf-txt-doc-источникиhttps://omdarutv.blogspot.com/2026/01/cassiopeia-project-30-rules-of.html

#LeoFinelli #TheNutcrackersWorld #NutcrackerBook #KidsBooks #ChildrensBooks #PictureBook #ReadAloud #WinterBooks #HolidayBooksForKids #MulticulturalKidsBooks #HanukkahBooks #KwanzaaBooks #WinterSolstice #LunarNewYear #StorycomicPresents In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I'm joined by Leo Finelli, the author and photo-illustrator of The Nutcracker's World—a fresh, kid-friendly take on the classic Nutcracker story that widens the spotlight to include multiple winter holidays. Alongside Clara's magical journey, Leo builds in a “world of winter traditions,” weaving in symbols and celebrations connected to Hanukkah, Christmas, the Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, and Lunar New Year.  We talk about what made Leo want to create his own Nutcracker version (a dream he's held since childhood), how he approached adapting a public-domain classic while keeping the heart of the 1892 ballet, and why he chose photo-collage illustrations—including photographing neighbors, local dancers, and friends to bring the cast to life.  Leo also shares how his storytelling connects to his other creative work, including his podcast Generation Change with Leo Finelli, where he spotlights young voices and changemakers.    The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan's Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg's work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ https://twitter.com/storycomic1 For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com

SLOVO Project - Against the Ego_ A Treatise on the Great Adversary- Claude.ai retelling-rus-eng parallel text- audio podcast https://disk.yandex.ru/d/G_n6bm2ZEgMb_g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e4kxBIWEr0 https://vk.com/wall-39221653_6037https://omdarutv.blogspot.com/2026/01/slovo-project-against-ego-treatise-on.html

In this episode of Rock Paper Swords, Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill speak with novelist Essie Fox about her latest book, Catherine – a Gothic retelling of Wuthering Heights told from Catherine Earnshaw's perspective.Essie explores the enduring power of Emily Brontë's novel, the risks and rewards of retelling a literary classic, and why writing Catherine as a ghost opened up new emotional and thematic depth. The conversation also dives into unreliable narrators, Gothic tradition, historical language, and how writers balance authenticity with accessibility.A must-listen for fans of Gothic fiction, classic literature, and historical storytelling.

Homily for the Sunday after Nativity The Child Christ in the World—and in Our Hearts Gospel: St. Matthew 2:13–23 [Retelling the Lesson] God humbles Himself to save mankind. He leaves His rightful inheritance as God and becomes man, born as a child in Bethlehem. And how does the world receive Him? Is He born in a temple? In a palace? Places that might seem fitting for the Ruler of the Ages?  No—He is laid in a manger, in a stable. And even that is not the worst of it. When the leaders of the day learn of His birth, do they submit to Him? Do they nurture and protect Him so that He may grow into manhood as prophet, priest, and king? No. In today's Gospel we hear that the Holy Family must flee into Egypt to escape assassination. Christ the Logos, the awaited Messiah, the answer to all the worlds ills, enters the world, and the world tries to kill Him. The slaughter of the innocents becomes the terrible offering laid on the altar of human evil and hard-heartedness. [This Story is OUR Story] This is a shameful story, and it is told to us each year at this time as a warning. It is tempting to imagine ourselves as the angels, the wise men, or the shepherds. But Scripture is far more useful when we recognize that we are often the ones who belittle Christ, who persecute Him, and who push Him to the margins. Just as Christ humbled Himself to enter the world as a child in Bethlehem in order to transform it, so He humbles Himself now to enter the temple of our hearts in order to transform us. And the parallel continues: what kind of place does He find this time? Is our heart a dwelling fit for the Ruler of the Ages—or is it more like a forgotten corner of our lives, our own version of the manger? And once we realize that it really is Christ who dwells within us, how do we respond? Do we give Him the due He deserves and reorder our lives around Him, or do we quietly push Him aside—to the periphery of our thoughts, our plans, and our priorities? [Gnostic America] Many scholars have noted that the dominant religion in America has never truly been Christianity, but a kind of modern Gnosticism. Gnosticism teaches that the divine already dwells within us, that we are already enlightened, already whole. This belief permeates our culture and is magnified by consumerism and – dare I say it - Orthodox triumphalism.  When clothed in Christian language, this belief sounds familiar—and dangerous. Whether consciously or subconsciously, when we hear that Christ dwells in our hearts, we are tempted to hear confirmation we already knew: that not only are we basically good people, and not only are we right pretty much all the time, we are already divine. But this is not true. God is God, and we are not. Yes, His desire is to transform us—that is the meaning of the Nativity—but when we claim divinity for ourselves, we do exactly what Herod did: we place ourselves on the throne and push Christ to the margins. Why did Herod seek to kill the Christ Child? Out of self-preservation. Christ was a threat. And if we are not careful, we will do the same. Our pride constructs a false reality in which we are the good ones—the good gods, if you will—and God merely works through us. This is spiritual delusion. It is prelest. We convince ourselves that we have built a glorious temple for God in our hearts from which He rules in glorious benevolence, when in fact we are still really only worshiping ourselves, no matter what words we use. [A Restatement] Let me come at this a different way.  Christ truly has been born within us. He lives at the center of our souls. But our souls are clouded by thoughts and passions, and so we often fail to notice Him. If we do not struggle against our fallen nature, we will nurture our pride or our fallen conscience and call it "God." But the god of pride cannot save—it can only deceive and our conscience is rarely more than our feelings. So how do we tell the difference? How do we know whether Christ reigns within us, or whether it is our ego? The answer is not abstract; it is clear from scripture. Christ did not live for Himself. Every action of His life was offered in sacrificial service to others—especially to those who did not understand Him or appreciate Him. He did not act out of fear of punishment or hope of reward. He acted out of love. He was Love. If our lives are truly marked by this kind of self-giving love, then Christ is indeed growing within us. But we must beware: pride is a master illusionist. Encouraged by the enemies of the air, the master marketers and manipulators, it will always try to convince us that we are more generous, more loving, more sacrificial than we really are. Here is a practical test for us:  Are we willing to leave our comfort zones, deny ourselves, and take up the cross?  Are we willing to give without expecting anything in return?  Are we willing to love even those who cannot repay us? What are we willing to give up so that some may be saved? Let's be even more concrete.  What is our attitude toward sacrificial giving? Toward tithing? Towards almsgiving?  How much time are we willing to give each day to prayer for those who suffer?  For those who hate us and those who wrong us?  How much effort do we invest in healing broken relationships in our families, our parish, and our community? When was the last time we tempered our self-righteousness with humility and admitted we were wrong and asked forgiveness of someone we perceived as less than ourselves? When challenged to real self-sacrifice, most of us will rebel – even pre-cognitively – and our big brains will begin to justify ignoring the need and "crossing to the other side of the road" as did the priest and the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan. But Christ never made excuses to avoid doing what was right. He rolled up His sleeves and did what needed to be done without counting the cost.  His sacrificial service was a natural expression of His love.   Can we say the same?  If not, then let's change our story so that we can. Orthodoxy is about more than words and being right.  God didn't consider Himself to be so right that he wasn't willing to come and suffer with and for us.  Orthodoxy is just a bunch of prideful words for us until we are willing to do the same. Christ is born! He has made His home in the manger of our souls. What happens next is us to us.

The nativity story that Christians believe is that God took the form of a baby named Jesus who was born to save the world and bring about an enduring peace. So what happened? Did we miss it? And what happens next? These are questions Trappist monk Thomas Merton grappled with in his own meditation on the Christmas story. His version "The Time of The End is the Time of No Room" was published in 1966. At the time he called it a sober statement about the climate of our time, a time of finality and fulfillment.

LINKS FROM THE EPISODESign up for our 2026 Forecast Event: https://astrologyhub.com/2026forecastGet your FREE weekly horoscope from Christopher delivered right to your inbox every Sunday.

Today the boys cover their Mount Rushmore of Hottest Chicks, Pennywise nightmares, and overnight oat recipes. Liam saved our building from being lit on fire, Will unveils his deeply unsettling clay wall of rejected crushes, and Emily does what she does best: repeats a story she already told and tells another story where the best parts are bleeped. SHOP OUR NEW MERCH COLLECTION: https://almostfriday.shop/collections/afpod FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS: https://www.flowcode.com/page/almostfridaypod SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: CANCEL YOUR UNWANTED SUBSCRIPTIONS BY GOING TO https://rocketmoney.com/ALMOSTFRIDAY Head to https://www.squarespace.com/FRIDAY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FRIDAY. HEAD TO https://HIMS.COM/FRIDAY FOR PERSONALIZED HAIR LOSS TREATMENT OPTIONS! Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/ALMOSTFRIDAY. Promo Code ALMOSTFRIDAY (04:26) - Raking Meat(06:52) - Welcome to Derry Nightmare(11:02) - Mount Rushmore Hottest Chicks(17:46) - Pre COTW Cracker(19:51) - Overnight Oats(23:34) - Liam is a Hero(31:02) - Cracker of the Week(38:03) - ARC Raiders(53:01) - Biggest Loser Doc(53:01) - Binder's Bleeped Lore(1:02:44) - YOU ARE NOTHIN(1:05:13) - Retelling the Story of Binder's Grandpa & His Illegitimate Child(1:13:18) - Characters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Micah, Scott, Mat, and Avery as we explore who God is, what the new covenant looks like, and why Moses is quite so shiny in Exodus 34-35:3. How do we see the idea that God is love here in this ancient passage about cursing disobedient people for four generations or driving out the indigenous inhabitants of Canaan? What is the spiritual significance of Moses' shining face? And how can this new promised relationship with God help us develop our own new ways of building society? Find out on this episode of The Word in Black and Red!https://linktr.ee/twibarRead Mat's wonderful liturgies for the Church of the Affirmation.Learn from Avery's blog and podcast Blessed are the Binary Breakers.Listen to Scott's wonderful podcast Retelling the Bible. You can find the show, more episodes, and other means of listening at thewordinblackandred.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I'm reviewing Girl, Goddess, Queen — a beautifully written retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth that delivers romance, depth, and layered mythology on every page.This novel shines with its immersive worldbuilding, powerful character dynamics, and a fresh take on a classic story. From start to finish, I loved every minute — it's lush, emotional, and absolutely stunning as a modern myth reimagining.If you're a fan of Greek mythology, romantic fantasy, or retellings that balance intensity with tenderness, this one definitely deserves a spot on your TBR.Tune in for my spoiler-free thoughts on why Girl, Goddess, Queen worked so well and why it's one of my favorite myth-inspired reads of the year.

Have you ever heard of the Zong Massacre? William Wilberforce? Granville Sharp? Probably - but you likely haven't heard of their ally and former slave, Olaudah Equiano, a man so in love with the Lord that it changed the course of history. Join us! The post The Most Interesting Retelling of the Most Interesting Life of Olaudah Equiano appeared first on Sheologians.

Fairy tale retelling are having a moment, a moment that has extended for, like, millennia, but now the trend feels particularly hot. Host Susan Maguire sat down with librarian and Booklist reviewer Lucy Lockley about what's behind the fanfare and some titles and authors you should know. Then Audio Editor Heather Booth spoke to an art educator Heather Kostal about how she uses audiobooks in the classroom. Finally, Books for Youth's Ronny Khuri and I chatted about picture books about poop and other topics. We cover everything! Here's what we talked about: Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine The Kingdom of Sweets, by Erika Johansen The Swallowed Man, by Edward Carey A Sorceress Comes to Call, by T. Kingfisher Alice, by Christina Henry Horseman, by Christina Henry Gods of Jade and Shadow, by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Wicked, by Gregory Maguire Mary McMyne After the Forest, by Kel Woods Sistersong, by Lucy Holland Song of the Huntress, by Lucy Holland Uprooted, by Naomi Novik The Summer War, by Naomi Novik The Witch's Heart, by Genevieve Gornichec A Spindle Splintered, by Alix E. Harrow Thief Liar Lady, by D. L. Soria Hemlock & Silver, by T. Kingfisher After Happily Ever: An Epic Novel of Midlife Rebellion, by Jennifer Safrey Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, by Heather Fawcett Crocodile on the Sandbank, by Elizabeth Peters (Ameila Peabody series) The Maiden and Her Monster, by Maddie Martinez Cinder House, by Freya Marske Women of the Fairy Tale Resistance: The Forgotten Founding Mothers of the Fairy Tale and the Stories That They Spun, by Jane Harrington, illustrated by Khoa Le F*cked Up Fairy Tales: Sinful Cinderellas, Prince Alarmings, and Other Timeless Classics, by Liz Gotauco The Long Walk to Water, by Linda Sue Park, read by David Baker The Boxcar Children series The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick, read by Jeff Woodman From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E. L. Konigsburg The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, read by Tatiana Maslany Murder of a Movie Star, by L. B. Hathaway Henry Is an Artist, written and illustrated by Justin Worsley Little Moments in a Big Universe, written and illustrated by Todd Stewart Max in the Land of Lies, by Adam Gidwitz Max in the House of Spies, by Adam Gidwitz

***Please help with a donation for the Great Food Giveaway #6 Venmo: @Eric-Zeitunian - CashApp: $EricZeitunian - PayPal: Search Eric Zane Show LLC******Feminine Hygiene product Wish List: https://a.co/7QY3Grs***Note: "Act 2" will be a separate published audio podcast.*Check out EZ's morning radio show "The InZane Asylum Q100 Michigan with Eric Zane" Click here*Get a FREE 7 day trial to Patreon to "try it out."*Watch the show live, daily at 8AM EST on Twitch! Please click here to follow the page.Email the show on the Shoreliners Striping inbox: eric@ericzaneshow.comTopics*EZ stuck in the middle of a power struggle at the hockey game.*EZ has two solid days of behaving when it comes to calories.*Great Food Giveaway update. We're up to 30 audience members dropping cheddar into our "virtual hat."*Retelling the origin of "Spooky Tyler."Sponsors:Merchant Automotive, SkyDive Grand Haven, Impact Powersports, Kuiper Tree Care, Frank Fuss / My Policy Shop Insurance, Kings Room Barbershop, Shoreliners,  Ervines Auto Repair Grand Rapids Hybrid & EV, TC PaintballInterested in advertising? Email eric@ericzaneshow.com and let me design a marketing plan for you.Contact: Shoreliners Striping inbox eric@ericzaneshow.comDiscord LinkEZSP TikTokSubscribe to my YouTube channelHire me on Cameo!Tshirts available herePlease subscribe, rate & write a review on Apple Podcastspatreon.com/ericzaneInstagram: ericzaneshowTwitterOur Sponsors:* Check out Secret Nature and use my code ZANE for a great deal: https://secretnature.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/zaneSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-eric-zane-show-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Send us a textA candid, joyful talk with author Bria Rose about flipping Beauty and the Beast on its head, managing perfectionism as autistic creatives, and building momentum as an indie author through outreach, edits, and community. We share practical steps for starting, finishing, and promoting a book while keeping your voice intact.• season focus on autism summits and storytelling magic• Bria Rose's path from Disneyland to dark romance author• practical advice to start writing without an outline• using layers of edits to beat perfectionism• Her Dark Promise premise and Easter eggs• indie publishing wins: book boxes, special editions, local media• reviews, word count choices, pacing lessons• audiobook launch and narrator highlights• upcoming projects and consistent author branding• where to buy, how to request in stores, direct support optionsPlease help support me, go on my website and pre-order the audiobookIf you want to see my book in shops, you need to call the stores and you need to request itGet it from my website, get it from me, support me as for direct direct sales right here because you get a bonus chapter, a bonus scenehttps://authorbriarose.com/Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Today we dive into the field of education in emergencies, highlighting its entanglements with colonialism, empire, and racial capitalism. My guest is Jess Oddy. Jess Oddy is a researcher at the university of Bristol and has worked in various capacities in the field of education in emergencies. Her new article is “Retelling education in emergencies through the black radical tradition: on racial capitalism critical race theory and fugitivity,” which was published in Globalisation, Societies and Education. Citation: Oddy, Jess with Will Brehm, FreshEd, 344, podcast audio, March 4, 2024. https://freshedpodcast.com/oddy/ -- Get in touch! Twitter: @FreshEdpodcast Facebook: FreshEd Email: info@freshedpodcast.com

Bear Grylls is a British adventurer, writer, television presenter and former SAS trooper who is also a survival expert. Widely known for his television series Man vs. Wild, he was also appointed as The Scout Association's youngest-ever Chief Scout of the United Kingdom and Overseas Territories at the age of 35. His new book, The Greatest Story Ever Told, is a retelling of the life of Jesus through the eyes of five Gospel characters: Mary the mother of Jesus, Thomas, Peter, John, and Mary Magdalene.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Retelling Christianity in the First Person12:36 - Faith and Doubt Come Together16:46 - Did Bear's Research Cause Doubt or Faith?28:01 - Reconciling the Differences Between the Gospels39:50 - On Not Putting Words in Jesus' Mouth48:59 - Where Alex's Interest in the Gospels Began55:24 - Travelling Back to the Time of Jesus: Where Would You Go?

What is the family of God all about?

In Beyond Shareholder Primacy: Remaking Capitalism for a Sustainable Future (Stanford Business Books, 2024) Hart argues that the current Milton Friedman–style "shareholder primacy capitalism," as taught in business schools and embraced around the world, has become dangerous for society, the climate, and the planet. Moreover, he maintains, it's economically unnecessary. Yet there are many reasons for hope―from the history of capitalism itself. Hart holds that capitalism has reformed itself twice before and is poised for a third major reformation. Retelling the origin story of capitalism from the fifteenth century to the present, he argues that a radically sustainable, just capitalism is possible, and even likely. Hart goes on to describe what it will take to move beyond capitalism's present worship of "shareholder primacy," including corporate transformations to re-embed purpose and reforms to major economic institutions. A key requirement is eliminating the "externalities" (or collateral damage) of the current version of shareholder capitalism. Sustainable capitalism has to explicitly incorporate the needs of society and the planet, include a financial system that allows leaders to prioritize the planet, reorganize business schools around sustainable management thinking, and enable corporations not just to stop ignoring the damage they cause, but actually begin to create positive impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Want to support the podcast? Join our Patreon or buy us a coffee. As an independent podcast, Shakespeare Anyone? is supported by listeners like you. In this episode, we sit down with Ana Davis to discuss her debut novel, My Keen Knife. Set in a Portugal-inspired country, My Keen Knife follows three teenagers as they strive to achieve their foretold fates.  We discuss Ana's inspirations for My Keen Knife, her writing process, and how her background in International Affairs influenced the world of her novel. We also discuss how Shakespeare's Macbeth weaves throughout the plot and the Macbeth Easter eggs she's hidden for Shakespeare fans like us.  My Keen Knife is out now at a bookseller near you! Support Shakespeare Anyone? by purchasing your copy through this link.  About My Keen Knife Fair is foul and foul is fair in a country ravaged by the lies of its monarchy. To claim the crown, Adelina, Seba, and Jasibin must learn to be a little wicked…even if it means betraying each other. All hail Malves, who shall wear crowns. On the night of her brother's murder, Adelina Malves holds him as he dies, inheriting both his title and the prophecy that spelled out his doom. If she's to avenge him and avoid a similar death, she must claim the crown of Jumaral by ruthlessly cutting down every family member ahead of her in the line of succession and uncover the secret that got her brother killed. Hail! Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none. Ghost-whispering Jasibin holds the key to Adelina's plan to contact her dead brother—if only his strange magic wasn't killing him slowly. To fulfill his own prophecy and protect his brother Seba, he must discover the source of his magic before he's lost to the land of the dead. All hail, Sebastião, that shall be king hereafter. Seba is desperate for a way out of Jumaral and the substantial financial debt his dead mother left him. When a witch sees the riches of a king in his future, Adelina's offer of coin in exchange for help feels like fate, pulling Seba into a fake dating plot with Adelina that hides their sinister plans. In this stunning, innovative retelling of Shakespeare's Macbeth set in a Portugal-inspired country, three teenagers will stop at nothing to fulfill their destinies. About Ana Davis Ana Davis is a Portuguese-American fantasy writer, currently pursuing double master's degrees in what amount to Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (the actual names are a mouthful). She recently graduated from Northeastern University with a bachelor's degree in International Affairs. Ana was a mentee for round nine of Author Mentor Match, and she remains far too invested in the books she read in high school English class.   Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds Like Sander. For updates: join our email list, follow us on Instagram at @shakespeareanyonepod or visit our website at shakespeareanyone.com Support the podcast: Become a patron at patreon.com/shakespeareanyone  Buy us a coffee Bookshop.org: Since 2020, Bookshop.org has raised more than $38 million for independent bookstores. Shop our Shakespeare Anyone? storefront to find books featured on the podcast, books by our guests, and other Shakespeare-related books and gifts. Every purchase on the site financially supports independent bookstores. Libro.fm: Libro.fm makes it possible to purchase audiobooks through your local bookshop of choice. Use our link for 2 free audiobooks when you sign up for a new Libro.fm membership using our link. Find additional links mentioned in the episode in our Linktree. Works referenced: Davis, Ana. My Keen Knife. Turner Publishing Company, 2025.  

In Beyond Shareholder Primacy: Remaking Capitalism for a Sustainable Future (Stanford Business Books, 2024) Hart argues that the current Milton Friedman–style "shareholder primacy capitalism," as taught in business schools and embraced around the world, has become dangerous for society, the climate, and the planet. Moreover, he maintains, it's economically unnecessary. Yet there are many reasons for hope―from the history of capitalism itself. Hart holds that capitalism has reformed itself twice before and is poised for a third major reformation. Retelling the origin story of capitalism from the fifteenth century to the present, he argues that a radically sustainable, just capitalism is possible, and even likely. Hart goes on to describe what it will take to move beyond capitalism's present worship of "shareholder primacy," including corporate transformations to re-embed purpose and reforms to major economic institutions. A key requirement is eliminating the "externalities" (or collateral damage) of the current version of shareholder capitalism. Sustainable capitalism has to explicitly incorporate the needs of society and the planet, include a financial system that allows leaders to prioritize the planet, reorganize business schools around sustainable management thinking, and enable corporations not just to stop ignoring the damage they cause, but actually begin to create positive impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Beyond Shareholder Primacy: Remaking Capitalism for a Sustainable Future (Stanford Business Books, 2024) Hart argues that the current Milton Friedman–style "shareholder primacy capitalism," as taught in business schools and embraced around the world, has become dangerous for society, the climate, and the planet. Moreover, he maintains, it's economically unnecessary. Yet there are many reasons for hope―from the history of capitalism itself. Hart holds that capitalism has reformed itself twice before and is poised for a third major reformation. Retelling the origin story of capitalism from the fifteenth century to the present, he argues that a radically sustainable, just capitalism is possible, and even likely. Hart goes on to describe what it will take to move beyond capitalism's present worship of "shareholder primacy," including corporate transformations to re-embed purpose and reforms to major economic institutions. A key requirement is eliminating the "externalities" (or collateral damage) of the current version of shareholder capitalism. Sustainable capitalism has to explicitly incorporate the needs of society and the planet, include a financial system that allows leaders to prioritize the planet, reorganize business schools around sustainable management thinking, and enable corporations not just to stop ignoring the damage they cause, but actually begin to create positive impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Beyond Shareholder Primacy: Remaking Capitalism for a Sustainable Future (Stanford Business Books, 2024) Hart argues that the current Milton Friedman–style "shareholder primacy capitalism," as taught in business schools and embraced around the world, has become dangerous for society, the climate, and the planet. Moreover, he maintains, it's economically unnecessary. Yet there are many reasons for hope―from the history of capitalism itself. Hart holds that capitalism has reformed itself twice before and is poised for a third major reformation. Retelling the origin story of capitalism from the fifteenth century to the present, he argues that a radically sustainable, just capitalism is possible, and even likely. Hart goes on to describe what it will take to move beyond capitalism's present worship of "shareholder primacy," including corporate transformations to re-embed purpose and reforms to major economic institutions. A key requirement is eliminating the "externalities" (or collateral damage) of the current version of shareholder capitalism. Sustainable capitalism has to explicitly incorporate the needs of society and the planet, include a financial system that allows leaders to prioritize the planet, reorganize business schools around sustainable management thinking, and enable corporations not just to stop ignoring the damage they cause, but actually begin to create positive impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/finance

Caleb & Isaac sit down in the secondary studio to go over the shots we wish we had back! Retelling the stories of some our our WORST misses on game animals.

It's October. Time to pull a blanket around your shoulders, light a candle against the dark, and listen to a good old-fashioned ghost story. There are many versions of the tragic tale of Japan's most famous ghost, Oiwa-san. But today, let me tell you my own retelling of her classic tale. I told the story of Yotsuya Kaidan back in episode 42, but for this episode I rewrote the tale, telling it like a short story. The most famous version was a kabuki play written by Tsuruya Namboku IV called "Tōkaidō Yotsuya Kaidan" which premiered on stage in 1825. He wrote the story based on some true-life happenings and scandals and murders, but also weaving in the idea of the vengeance of the dead—of the vengeful ghost wife. Oiwa's story has also been depicted in woodblock ukiyo-e art, film, TV, books, and even modern horror. Where do you think some of the inspiration for Sadako in the Ring series came from? This is one of Japan's "Big Three" ghost stories—a tale of betrayal, revenge, and a curse that still follows those who dare to perform it. Just a heads up—it is a ghost story with a little body horror mixed in, so it could probably not be appropriate for the younger audience. Let's begin. SpectreVision Radio presents Uncanny Japan. Get the podcast on Apple | Google | RSS Support the show: Patreon | Buy me a coffee Connect: Instagram | X (Twitter) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Friday, September 26, 2025.

What happens when you retell your birth story nine years later, with no notes and no prep? In this episode, we revisit Maya's home birth story, which took place the same week that we launched the Doing It At Home podcast. We sit down to share the story again, nine years later, straight from memory. Then, we compare this new retelling to our original 2016 recording, just one week postpartum. Here's what you'll hear in this episode: The core details we remembered clearly vs. the ones that faded. Surprising differences between then and now. Perspective shifts after nearly a decade of parenting and another home birth. What this experiment shows about how birth stories evolve with time. How would your birth story sound if you retold it today? Links From The Episode: 2016 Episode telling Maya's birth story: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-first-home-birth-story-star-wars-kiddie-pools-and/id1153134918?i=1000376566831 Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We so enjoyed this episode of Retelling the Bible that we wanted to share it here on the feed! We hope to have a new episode out next week. Enjoy this in the meantime!https://retellingthebible.wordpress.comhttps://linktr.ee/TWIBAR Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone loves a good Cinderella retelling, and I think Amy R. Anguish has a super cool one for us. Listen in and see why it's sure to be a new favorite! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  I just love the idea that instead of missing shoes and a mysterious dance partner, we're looking for who really painted a potentially prize-winning piece of art!  EEEP! Rendersella by Amy R. Anguish Ella dreams of her artwork on display in the famous Prince Gallery, but working for her stepmother leaves her eking out sporadic minutes to draw or paint. When her stepsister steals her drawing and claims it as her own, Ella fears she's lost her chance. Chaz Prince wants more responsibility at his family's gallery, but first he must prove he can handle it. Chaz talks his dad into a contest to bring in some new artists, sure this will be exactly what the gallery needs. When he stumbles across Ella's piece, he not only wants the artwork, but wishes to know the artist. At the gala to celebrate the contest winners, Ella is determined to let them know the artwork is hers, but time is against her. And where did her shoe end up? Visit Amy at her WEBSITE or on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Connor sits down with storyteller Jameson Olsen to dive into the myth of Hercules and uncover its relevance for modern men. From the legendary labors to the tragedy that shaped his journey, Jameson unpacks how these ancient myths reflect the struggles of responsibility, temptation, betrayal, and redemption men face today. They explore the crossroads between vice and virtue, the weight of personal choices, and the timeless lessons hidden in myth. This conversation challenges men to confront their own trials, learn from archetypal stories, and find meaning in bearing the burden of life's hardships.SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 - Introduction00:36 - Retelling ancient stories for modern times02:57 - The trials of Hercules and lessons for men04:52 - The Choice of Hercules: virtue vs. vice08:15 - Modern vices and distractions13:13 - Hercules' origins and fatherless upbringing15:43 - Tragedy: Hera's curse and the loss of family20:25 - Redemption through the labors22:57 - The Nemean Lion: confronting the impossible29:27 - The Hydra: breaking destructive patterns40:16 - Cleaning the Augean stables44:40 - The mares of Diomedes: consequences of carelessness48:42 - Hippolyta's belt and the gender divide54:07 - Bearing the heavy burden of disaster58:22 - Redemption, atonement, and moving forward01:03:20 - Using stories as mirrors for personal growth01:06:05 - Where to find Jameson Olsen***Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worthPick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/Heard about attachment but don't know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To AttachmentCheck out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your RelationshipBuild brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they're looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | SpotifyFor more, visit us at

Are you caught in a loop of telling the same painful story about your adult child? Maybe it's about the birthday they forgot, the holidays they skip, or the calls they don't return. In this powerful episode, Kim reveals why our brains are wired to retell our stories and how this natural response might actually be keeping you stuck in pain and pushing your grown child further away.You'll discover the difference between processing and ruminating, learn why every retelling reinforces negative emotions, and understand how your story might be exhausting the people who love you most. More importantly, Kim shares practical strategies to break the cycle - from setting time limits on venting to rewriting your narrative. This isn't about denying your pain or pretending everything's fine. It's about finding a healthier way to heal so you can move forward and possibly rebuild that precious relationship with your adult child.Grab Your Free Course and Motivational Book: The Parent's Repair Kit and How to Use the L.O.V.E. M.E.N.D.S. Framework https://www.midlifediscoveries.com/LOVE Visit the website at: https://www.midlifediscoveries.com/

Note: "Act 2" will be a separate published audio podcast.*Check out EZ's morning radio show "The InZane Asylum Q100 Michigan with Eric Zane" Click here*Get a FREE 7 day trial to Patreon to "try it out."*Watch the show live, daily at 8AM EST on Twitch! Please click here to follow the page.Email the show on the Shoreliners Striping inbox: eric@ericzaneshow.com*Louis CK somehow beat cancellation and is in town for comedy.*Retelling the story of Ben Glaze teaching his pal how to pound his pud.*Audience member, Alan in Wisconsin tipped EZ off about Kelly Cheese taking a run at him.*There may be a problem with The EZ Big Fraud Book Club.*Travis and Taylor are engaged. World loses mind. *TMZ live reaction to Taylor and Travis news.*Trump now loves Taylor and Travis.Sponsors:Catholic Charities West Michigan, Oakland Auto Detail,, Adam Casari Realty, Impact Power Sports, Frank Fuss / My Policy Shop Insurance, Kings Room Barbershop, The Mario Flores Lakeshore Team of VanDyk Mortgage, Shoreliners Striping, Ervines Auto Repair Grand Rapids Hybrid & EV, TC PaintballInterested in advertising? Email eric@ericzaneshow.com and let me design a marketing plan for you.Contact: Shoreliners Striping inbox eric@ericzaneshow.comDiscord LinkEZSP TikTokSubscribe to my YouTube channelHire me on Cameo!Tshirts available herePlease subscribe, rate & write a review on Apple Podcastspatreon.com/ericzaneInstagram: ericzaneshowTwitterSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-eric-zane-show-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join Micah, Scott, Mat, and the audio ghost of Josiah as we discuss the destruction of Pharaoh's army in Exodus 13:17-15:21. Why are there so many contradictory details in this story? Did this event really happen, and if not, what mythical and propagandistic function did it serve? And what does this story have to teach us about God's anger and the struggle for justice? Find out on this episode of The Word in Black and Red!Ever wonder where to listen to Scott's amazing podcast, Retelling the Bible? Mat was captured by a pokeball to be on this episode. If you'd like to capture my favorite pokemon, you might find him in his native habitat at churchoftheaffirmation.wordpress.com or in the Discord. When Josiah exists in corporeal form, he can be heard on the narrative fiction podcast Pulp! or @church_of_christ_the_anarchist on Instagram.https://linktr.ee/twibar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Micah, W Scott McCandless, Ben, & Brandon Johnson from the Found in Translation Podcast and Liberation & Inclusion Translation (LIT) as we explore the first Passover. Why does it seem like there are two separate agendas here? What are the distinct ways God is being perceived, and how does that allow us to approach the text with new eyes? And are we pro or anti angel of death? Find out some answers to these questions and more on this episode of The Word in Black and Red: The Leftist Bible Study Podcast.Go listen to W Scott McCandless' Retelling the Bible podcast. It's brilliant. Don't miss out.Ben is the sound of joy when you roll a Nat 20. You can find him more regularly on the Discord.If Brandon's LIT Bible was already out by the time we had started this podcast, we'd be reading that instead of the CEB. Read it and listen to the podcast.Connect with The Word in Black and Red. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when centuries of British history meet thousands of Lego bricks? In this special interview, I'm joined by author Andrew Redfern, the creator of "Minifigure Monarchs: A History of Great Brits in Little Bricks" — an exciting new book that tells the story of British monarchs through brilliant Lego creations. We chat about Andy's love of history, how this creative project came about, what it's like recreating iconic historic scenes in Lego, and of course, his favourite monarchs and builds! From the Anglo-Saxons to the Windsors, this is history like you've never seen it before — colourful, creative, and completely brick-tastic. Find out more about the book and support Andy's Kickstarter project:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/minifiguremonarchs/minifigure-monarchs Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews and fascinating Tudor content!   #LEGOHistory #MinifigureMonarchs #LEGOArt #BritishMonarchy #KickstarterProject #ClaireRidgway #HistoryBookLaunch #LEGOCollectors #HistoricalLEGO #TudorHistory #HistoryNerdsUnite #CreativeHistory #LEGODesign

Is the Qur'an truly the perfectly preserved word of God—or is its history more complicated than many believe?  In this episode of All Rise, Abdu Murray and Qur'an scholar Andy Bannister explore the turbulent early history of the Qur'an: from its oral roots to the compilation controversies that many Muslims have never been told about. Was there really just one Qur'an from the beginning? Did early Muslim leaders know what the Qur'an was? And what can the evidence of oral storytelling, variant versions, and missing passages tell us about how the Qur'an came to be?  With wit, respect, and deep scholarship, Abdu and Andy cut through the myths to explore what Islamic, historical, and scholarly sources actually say about the formation of Islam's central text.  Whether you're a Muslim, a Christian, or just curious about the Qur'an's origins, this conversation offers thoughtful insights that challenge assumptions and invite further investigation.  #Quran #Islam #AndyBannister #Apologetics #IslamicHistory #TextualCriticism #Hadith #Christianity #ExMuslim #BiblevsQuran    Resources mentioned in this podcast:  Andy Bannister, An Oral-Formulaic Study of the Qur'an  Andy Bannister, shorter article on Oral-Formulaic Study (https://www.academia.edu/9490706/Retelling_the_Tale_A_Computerised_Oral_Formulaic_Analysis_of_the_Qur_an)   Digital, Critical version of the Qur'an: http://quran-tools.com/  Oral formulae from the digital version: https://qurantools.mst.edu.au/help/formulaic-analysis.php   Gordon Nickel, The Quran with Christian Commentary (book) Gordon Nickel, The Gentle Answer to Muslim Accusation of Biblical Falsification (book) Patricia Crone, Meccan Trade (book) Jonathan Bernier, Rethinking the Dates of the New Testament (this popular-level book includes discussion of the early dating offered by non-Christians Maurice Casey and his student James Crossley).   Shabir Ally admits there are fables in the Qur'an: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLuzyRurhm4    

The biblical account is the account of the world, and Hollywood is catching on. ___________ Join the Colson Center as a Monthly Partner at colsoncenter.org/monthly.