Shows
ThemeAntics PodcastWhat Happens in the Louvre, Stays in the Louvre | The Da Vinci Code | BookAnticsIn this episode, Bradston and Devonte’ discuss the well-known and controversial (?) novel "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown. The novel also inspired a film adaptation starring Tom Hanks.
Put on your escape room detective cap as the guys navigate this puzzle of an adventure while unpacking notable themes they noticed. They also examine the real-world implications of a story that invokes a plethora of alternate history and conspiracy theories. Lastly, the guys share their thoughts on whether or not the ultimate reveal is a satisfying conclusion to the novel's intricate story.
Web...
2025-10-241h 26
ThemeAntics PodcastBiblical Narratives: Creating More Than Sunday School TalesThe Bible is a collection of 66 books with a wide variety of writing styles, themes, and narratives. It is undoubtedly one of the most influential pieces of literature in human history. It's not surprising that so many works of art (fiction and nonfiction) have been based, or loosely based, on its stories.
Bradston and Devonte’ discuss a few examples of how stories have used biblical narrative in distinct ways. Afterwards, the guys workshop creative ideas for telling different types of stories that center characters and themes from scripture in a way that is accessible to anyone, regardless of...
2025-09-261h 21
ThemeAntics PodcastHow Clean Storytelling Elevates a Mediocre Story | Fantastic Four: The First Steps | FilmAnticsWelcome to another FANtastic episode of ThemeAntics (we had to do it)! Bradston and Devonte’ jump back into the superhero genre as they highlight key themes and moments from the recent theatrical release of Fantastic Four: The First Steps.
The guys also discuss what worked about the movie and its style of storytelling. With comic book characters and multiversal shenanigans galore, the Antics was again full of exciting alternate story possibilities!
Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/
Email: ThemeAnticsPod@gmail.com
Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/The...
2025-08-291h 01
ThemeAntics PodcastMusic Can Bring Healing But Be Careful of What Else it Brings | Sinners 2025) | FilmAnticsHave Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan cemented their status as this era’s paramount director + leading actor duo? Bradston and Devonte’ believe so!
The guys recently watched another one of 2025’s most impactful movies and unpack the multitude of themes and highlights within the unique story. In a story dense with both lore and new ideas, Antics was loaded with plenty of alternate story potential as always!
Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/
Email: ThemeAnticsPod@gmail.com
Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast
2025-08-091h 27
ThemeAntics PodcastSlaying Our Demons with the Power of Music | K-Pop Demon Hunters | FilmAnticsK-Pop! Demon Hunters! Music! Couch! Masterpiece!
Bradston and Devonte’ were recently blown away by the vibrant, electric film, “K-Pop Demon Hunters”; A movie about a trio of K-Pop stars who battle demons (literally and figuratively) as chosen Hunters.
The ThemeAntics band breaks down the movie's references to Korean folklore, the power of music in storytelling, and their favorite themes used throughout the story. With the movie's creative world-building and character development, there was an abundance of prequel/sequel/spinoff antics for the guys to uncover!
WARNING: The soundtrack for "K-Pop Demon Hunters" is irresist...
2025-07-111h 33
ThemeAntics PodcastIs this the Last For Us? The Real Story of a Chinese Space Station and an Unknown BacteriumSometimes, truth is stranger than fiction. Time will tell if that is the case for recent scientific news of a mysterious bacterium discovered on the Chinese space station, Tiangong.
In this episode, Bradston and Devonte’ give their thoughts on the news and what sci-fi themes it reminds them of. The ‘Antics’ discussion is one you don’t want to miss as the guys craft a sprawling, increasingly dense spin on this story that re-imagines the nature of extraterrestrial life… and how humans could engage it.
Chinese Space Station Bacterium Article: https://farmingdale-observer.com/2025/05/26/an-unknown-bacteria-on-earth-has-developed-in-the-chinese-space-station-astronauts-are-facing-a-situation-straight-out-of-a-science-fiction-movie/
Website...
2025-06-131h 26
ThemeAntics PodcastA Masterclass in Utilizing Multiple Themes Within a Single Story | 3 Body Problem (2024) | TVAnticsBradston and Devonte’ get around to discussing a show both have been eager to discuss: 3 Body Problem (Netflix version) based on the novel series by Liu Cixin. The guys navigate this sprawling story with plenty of intrigue and mystery and unpack how the show makes good use of multiple sci-fi themes we are all familiar with.
This is one of the most thought-provoking stories discussed on the podcast and the audience will have as much fun listening to it as the guys did talking about it!6
Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/
Email: ThemeAnticsPod@gm...
2025-05-231h 34
ThemeAntics PodcastWhodunit Stories: Was it You the Whole Time?!Mystery is one of the oldest themes in storytelling. For ages, people have been drawn into tales of murder, theft, and countless other crimes. The hook to the story is almost always the same: Whodunit?
In this episode, Bradston and Devonte’ grab their magnifying glasses and notepad to solve the mystery of how these stories enrapture our curiosity and leave a lasting impact …. with bloody footprints.
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme
(00:03:50) - Knives Out
(00:12:30) - The Forgotten Room
(00:22:55) - The S...
2025-04-111h 13
ThemeAntics PodcastDisaster Movies: Volcanoes and Earthquakes and Sharknados, Oh My!Waves the height of buildings, winds lighting boats and other vehicles, earthquakes that rip entire cities apart, waterspouts spitting out great white sharks (!). All the carnage we have seen in disaster movies can frighten us, make us in awe of nature’s raw power, and sometimes (uncomfortably) laugh.
Bradston and Devonte’ pack their storm chasing gear and venture into the world of fictional and real world disaster stories. Other than the destruction, what do these movies tell us about ourselves and our relationship with nature? What brings out our indomitable nature in the unyielding face of catastrophe? Hear...
2025-03-141h 21
ThemeAntics PodcastWhen "Faking it 'til You make it" Goes Wrong | The King of Comedy (1982) | FilmAnticsIn this episode, Devonte’ and Bradston take on a lesser known Robert De Niro/Martin Scorsese movie: The King of Comedy.
This classic invokes interesting questions about reality, fantasy, ambition, and delusion. The guys examine how the movie incorporates these themes and how they would do it differently!
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Discussing the Story and Theme of ‘The King of Comedy’
(00:59:35) - Storying Differently with ‘The King of Comedy’
Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/
Email: ThemeAnticsPod@gmail.com
Blog: h...
2025-02-281h 24
ThemeAntics PodcastDoes Altering the Past Change the Nature of Freewill? | Predestination (2014) | FilmAnticsThrow on your thinking caps and jump into a wild (and slightly confusing) ride with Devonte’ and Bradston as they recap the time travel adventure Predestination (2014)!
Watching this movie is highly recommended to fully appreciate the discussion. Devonte’ and Bradston also share ideas on how the movie could have told its mind-bending story differently.
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Discussing the story of Predestination
(00:48:00) - Storying Differently with Predestination
Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/
Email: ThemeAnticsPod@gmail.com
Blog: h...
2025-02-141h 12
ThemeAntics PodcastRun It Back: What Type of Stories Are Worth Returning To?We all have movies we keep rewatching, books we enjoy picking back up, reliable TV shows we rewind, and other stories we can't get enough of!
Bradston and Devonte’ share some of their favorite fiction works they often return to. They also discuss why their interest in familiar stories persists over time.
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme
(00:05:40) - Burn Notice
(00:16:00) - The Office (US version)
(00:26:45) - Toy Story (1995)
(00:36:00) - Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood
(00:45:25) - Antics/ Divin...
2025-01-171h 24
ThemeAntics PodcastThe New Jersey Drone Incident: Don't Look Up!After planning a standard episode, Bradston and Devonte’ called an audible to tackle an interesting, recent topic: mysterious drones being spotted in New Jersey and across the US.
The odd occurrences, many of them captured on video, are ripe for storytelling. Bradston and Devonte’ explore possible explanations and craft their own stories for these tantalizing UAP (unidentified aerial phenomenon) events.
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the New Jersey Drone Incident
(00:36:25) - Antics with the NJ Drone Incident
Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean...
2024-12-201h 14
ThemeAntics PodcastHow Stories Go Wrong and 20th Episode RetrospectiveFor this special episode, Devonte’ and Bradston take the gloves off and call out specific flaws in storytelling each of them have observed in fiction. Movies, video games, books, TV shows, everything is on the table!
To commemorate their first 20 (!) episodes of podcasting, they reflect on how they’ve made it to this point and their vision for the next 20 episodes and beyond. Onward and upward!
To everyone who has listened and supported, a big THANK YOU! As always, we are eager to hear your feedback and ideas.
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) - Welc...
2024-12-061h 22
ThemeAntics PodcastPolitical Fiction: Policy, Power, and Plot TwistsAfter a long and eventful election season, Bradston and Devonte’ kick back and remember some good political stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Considering how unhinged real-world politics can be, the ideas the guys piece together in the Antics section may not be as far-fetched as they seem!
Editorial Note: The First Lady that Devonte’ mentioned secretly assumed presidential duties for a brief period of time is actually Edith Wilson, wife of President Woodrow Wilson (who fell ill after World War I). Check out this interesting historical anecdote here: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health...
2024-11-221h 21
ThemeAntics PodcastParenthood | The Stories That Shape Who We BecomeDevonte’ is back as a new dad! He shares his personal experiences with fatherhood and a time capsule message to his son for the future. Afterwards, Devonte’ and Bradston discuss a variety of stories that have parent-child relationships as a major theme.
The two then examine unique ways of telling these stories that allow the audience to think outside the box for how the parent-child dynamic can be defined and expressed.
Timestamps
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme
(00:03:40) - Check-in with Devonte’ (Life as a New Par...
2024-11-081h 40
ThemeAntics PodcastOde to Asimov | A Look into Isaac Asimov and His Groundbreaking StorytellingIn this episode, Bradston dives into the world of Isaac Asimov, one of the most prolific and influential Science Fiction writers of the 20th century. He discusses the life of Asimov and what solidified him as one of the "Big Three" Sci-fi writers of his era, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur Clarke.
Join this journey of robotics, positronics and psyhcohistory as this episode dives into who Isaac Asimov was and takes a look at the genre defining narratives he created.
Timestamps
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing t...
2024-10-251h 07
ThemeAntics PodcastSPECIAL UPDATE - Life News from Devonte'Check out this special update from Devonte' and here some news on what's to come for ThemeAntics!
Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/
Email: ThemeAnticsPod@gmail.com
Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast
2024-10-1102 minThemeAntics PodcastStory Deep Dive - Off Armageddon Reef by David Weber (Safehold Series)What happens when you mix ancient alien civilizations, a worldwide mega-religion, and a body morphing android into one cohesive story? You get the Safehold Series and Off Armageddon Reef by David Weber.
In this episode, we explore the complex tale of human survival and the arrogance of man in Off Armageddon Reef. We do a full story synopsis of this epic book 1 in the Safehold series and then discuss the story implications and unanswered questions. Join us as we take a deep dive into storytelling and story analysis.
Timestamps
(00:00:00...
2024-09-271h 18
ThemeAntics PodcastBuddy Movies: Double the Story, Double the FunIf it's the wild cannon and the straight man, or if it's best friend fighting to protect what they love, we all love ourselves a good buddy movie. In this episode Devonte' and Bradston rediscover some of their favorite buddy movies and uncover some unique ideas buddy movies have yet to explore.
Timestamps
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme
(00:02:51) - Midnight Run (Robert DeNiro and Charles Grodin)
(00:11:50) - Identity Thief (Jason Bateman and Melisa McCarthy)
(00:19:20) - Bad Boys (Martin Lawrence and Will Smith)
2024-09-131h 07ThemeAntics PodcastDid Marvel Thanos Snap Their Storytelling for Good? | MCU (2008 -2024) | FilmAnticsIn this edition of FilmAntics, Bradston and Devonte' discuss the overall storytelling arc of the MCU's Infinity Saga. They also diagnose the issues that have plagued everything from Phase 4 of the MCU up to now and what kinds of stories could help the franchise get back on track.
Timestamps
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme
(00:02:50) - Discussing the Current State of the Story of the MCU
(00:35:25) - How would we do the MCU story better?
Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/
...
2024-08-301h 18
ThemeAntics PodcastSuperheroes: With Great Power Comes Great StoriesCapes! Masks! Radioactive Spiders! Many of us grew up on stories of ordinary people becoming extraordinary to save the day. There are so many superhero stories it can seem difficult to come up with something new..
... but that's why ThemeAntics is here! Bradston and Devonte' share some of the superhero stories they have enjoyed and go to the drawing board to craft new stories to tell within this genre.
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme
(00:02:14) - The Dark Knight
(00:09:00) - Watchmen
2024-08-161h 18ThemeAntics PodcastHow an Avant-Garde Russian Film Challenged Our Thoughts on Sci-Fi Storytelling | Stalker (1979) | FilmAnticsIn this episode, Bradston and Devonte' introduce the first entry of FilmAntics! This series will explore themes and storytelling within specific movies, many of which are not in the mainstream.
Bradston and Devonte' break down the story of STALKER and examine what could have been done differently. Enter The Zone and prepare for a mind-bending tale of wastelands, secret rooms where dreams come true, and... telekinesis???
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:05:55) - Stalker Spoilers Begins
(00:11:40) - Stalker Spoilers Ends
And make sure to stick around to hear s...
2024-08-021h 21
ThemeAntics PodcastDystopian: Can you Create a Utopian World Without Creating an Underlying Dystopia?Fictional dystopias always have more going on than meets the eye.
In this episode, Bradston and Devonte' unpack how fictional societies devolve into dystopian nightmares and what forms of control are used to create absolute power.
They also grapple with an intriguing question: can a true utopia exist without a secret dystopia underneath?
Timestamps
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme
(00:02:55) - The Hunger Games Trilogy
(00:10:25) - 15 Million Merits from Black Mirror TV Series
(00:19:45) - 1984 by George Orwell
(00:25:55...
2024-07-191h 16ThemeAntics PodcastSPECIAL EPISODE: Introducing the Three Word ChallengeIn the first of many special episodes for the show, Devonte' and Bradston break down the three word writing challenge and how it has helped them in their creative writing. They also discuss the short stories they wrote for the challenge and, of course, how they could "Story Differently" with them.
Timestamps
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Three Word Challenge
(00:08:15) - Devonte’s Short Story Summary - Spy Thriller, Ancient Rome, Ball of Yarn
(00:21:40) - How could we “Story Differently” with Devonte’s Short Story?
(00:32:50) Bradston...
2024-07-051h 10
ThemeAntics PodcastSpace Travel: One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for StorytellingSpace is often referred to as the final frontier and is a common setting for science fiction. Fictional space travelers have explored countless worlds that brilliant minds have crafted in their stories.
Bradston and Devonte' snap on their helmets and navigate a few space-faring adventures. Is this a one-way trip into a black hole or will they discover uncharted territory where no storyteller has gone before? Tune in to find out!
Timestamps
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme
(00:02:30) - Ad Astra
(00:08:20) - T...
2024-06-211h 12
ThemeAntics PodcastMultiverses: Infinite Worlds, Unlimited StoriesThe multiverse has become a common trope in fiction stories today. The idea of another version of you and everything you know in another universe is both intriguing and trippy.
Devonte' and Bradston hop between different takes on multiversal stories and consider what new concepts can be used to tell these kinds of stories.
Timestamps
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme
(00:02:15) - Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse
(00:06:25) - Everything, Everywhere, All at Once
(00:10:30) - The Man in the High Castle
(00:15:10...
2024-06-0756 min
ThemeAntics PodcastMental Disorders: What Narratives Do Our Minds Tell Us?In many fictional stories, mental disorders are presented in a visceral, unsettling manner. A battle within your own mind that you can't escape is a frightening premise.
Devonte' and Bradston unpack how the mental turmoil of afflicted characters provide an interesting perspective on the human condition and what happens when the conflict is internal.
Timestamps
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme
(00:02:38) - Memento
(00:07:45) - Primal Fear
(00:13:15) - Split
(00:14:25) - The Shining
(00:18:20) - Shutter Island
(00:26:30) - An...
2024-05-241h 07
ThemeAntics PodcastAncient Civilizations: A Long Time Ago in a Society Not So Far Away…Even when civilizations end, the stories and tales about them persist and capture the imaginations of future generations.
Devonte' and Bradston put on their anthropological hats and dig into how stories illuminate the past and have the potential to shape our future. The question remains, what stories will be written about the times we live in now?
Timestamps
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme
(00:03:08) - Eternals (Comic)
(00:10:05) - Mass Effect Trilogy
(00:19:10) - Atlantis: The Lost Empire
(00:26:15) - The Lost Ci...
2024-05-101h 08
ThemeAntics PodcastALIENS! Are they Among Us or Just Sci-Fi Fantasies?Unlike the History Channel guy, most of us typically don't assume aliens were responsible for every mysterious, unexplained thing. But it sure is fun to think they were!
Bradston and Devonte’ examine how aliens are depicted and used in fiction stories. They then brainstorm how stories can redefine what an alien can be and how they would interact with us puny humans.
Timestamps
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme
(00:02:26) - Arrival
(00:10:05) - Iron Giant
(00:16:15) - War of the Worlds by H.G. W...
2024-04-261h 05
ThemeAntics PodcastPost Apocalyptic: For Those who Survive, What Comes Next?Stories that envision the end of society as we know it explore how humans adjust to their new reality.
Devonte' and Bradston explore hierarchies in post apocalyptic stories, the struggle to re-establish order among survivors, and who gets to make the rules.
Hosted by Devonte’ Godfrey and Bradston Henry.
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme
(00:02:40) - Fallout Series
(00:07:00) - Silo Series by Hugh Howey
(00:12:55) - Snowpiercer
(00:17:40) - Neon Genesis Evangelion
(00:24:28) - Antics Segment
...
2024-04-121h 03
ThemeAntics PodcastMonsters: How do we Determine What They Are?In our favorite stories, monsters come in various forms of terror from our point-of-view .
Devonte' and Bradston examine what makes famous monsters so iconic and how a change of perspective challenges our definition of what a monster really is.
Hosted by Devonte’ Godfrey and Bradston Henry.
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme
(00:02:25) - Jaws
(00:08:15) - Cloverfield
(00:13:35) - Alien
(00:19:50) - Terminal Freeze by Lincoln Child
(00:28:30) - Antics Segment
Website: https://them...
2024-03-2959 min
ThemeAntics PodcastArtificial Intelligence: What if Skynet Was the Exception Not the Rule?Stories about Artificial Intelligence examine the impact of digital sentience on our society.
Devonte' and Bradston discuss the use of sentient A.I. in stories as a cautionary tale and speculate whether or not AI could actually be beneficial.
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme
(00:02:35) - I,Robot
(00:06:50) - Ex Machina
(00:11:20) - Be Right Back from Black Mirror TV Series
(00:15:35): - AutoFab from Philip K. Dicks: Electric Dreams TV Series
(00:20:15) - 2001: A Space Odyssey
(00:29:00...
2024-03-1558 min
ThemeAntics PodcastTime Travel: Do these Stories Need to Change the Past or their Perspective?Stories about time travel explore our relationship with time and our desire to manipulate it.
Devonte' and Bradston dive into common tropes in time travel stories and how they can be approached differently
TimeStamps
(00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics
(00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme
(00:04:30) - Tenet
(00:08:05) - Interstellar
(00:12:55) - Recursion by Blake Crouch
(00:16:20) - Unhappenings by Edward Aubry
(00:20:10) - Paycheck by Philip K. Dick
(00:23:50) - The Tomorrow War
(00:29:05) - Antics Intro
Website: https://the...
2024-03-011h 00ThemeAntics PodcastWelcome to ThemeAnticsWe’re fiction enthusiasts and aspiring writers. We’re doing a podcast about themes in fiction and how we can "story differently" with them.
Hosted by Devonte’ Godfrey and Bradston Henry.
Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/
Email: ThemeAnticsPod@gmail.com
2024-02-1607 min