Shows
Really True FictionRTF UpdateA update minisode for RTF. This is all about why there haven't been as many new episodes and what the future will be. Part of the reason are the new creative projects David and I have embarked on. Please see links for those projects. The Canadian Story https://www.thecanadianstory.com/ The Liberal Soul https://theliberalsoul87.libsyn.com/ Nothing To Fear https://anchor.fm/nothingtofear Full Spectrum Cinema https://www.mixcloud.com/Lexacorm/2022-03-0410 min
Really True FictionIn Need Of A Good Mealiorism - (The Three Body Problem)Thanks for joining us into our first foray in Chinese Sci Fi. The Three Body Problem is a 2005 novel by Cixin Liu. It is the first part of a trilogy; which we will do eventually. This novel is partially about the three body problem in physics, and partially about many other things. Some of the things we chat about in this episode are: how cool it is to read a Chinese take on Sci Fi, what the ethos of science is, what physics could be like in other places, the weird optimism of science and humanity, meliorism and it's...2021-12-051h 26
Really True FictionBonus 2: Bene And The Gesserits - (Dune 2021 Film)Welcome to a very special bonus episode of Really True Fiction. This bonus is a follow up to episode 73 where we talked about the novel Dune. With the release of the massive Denis Villeneuve film last month, we got the gang back together to give our thoughts on the movie as well as a few more broad perspectives on the story. David and Luke are super pleased to be joined once again by friend of the podcast Josiah Martinoski to talk all things Dune. Hilariously, we attempted a recording the week before this one but the audio was unusable...2021-11-101h 26
Really True FictionWhat's A Meta For Anyway? - (The Matrix)We're back baby! After a lengthy hiatus we are super pumped to be bring you a new episode of Really True Fiction. In honour of the fact that The Matrix 4 is coming out this December, and also of the fact that this movie is just made for RTF, we are doing the 1999 film The Matrix. In this episode we discuss the importance of archetypal stories and the somewhat inscrutable human need to know things, The Matrix as a version of Plato's cave, the point of the Matrix as choice, the impossibility of actually being blue pilled, the need of...2021-10-101h 30
Really True FictionMovies As Great Art - (With Alex Cormier)Welcome back to another episode of The Liberal Soul. For todays episode I was happy to be joined by Alex Cormier. Alex and I cohost a show on local radio called Full Spectrum Cinema; and in every episode we choose a movie and talk about it for an hour. Naturally, Alex seemed like a perfect guest for the podcast. We talk all about movies; why we love them and what they have meant for us in our lives. Some of the specific things we discuss are: - Some of the early films in our lives that were...2021-08-221h 32
Really True FictionThe Open Society And Its Enemies - Pt. 3*Mild spoilers for season two of House of Cards in this episode* Welcome to part three of a four part series on the book The Open Society And Its Enemies by Karl Popper. If you haven't listened to the first two parts yet I would highly recommend that you do, as the book builds through the parts and I will make references in todays episode that will have more context if you are familiar with the previous two episodes. In part three, I discuss Popper's take on how Aristotle and Hegel have intellectually contributed to the closed...2021-07-211h 02
Really True FictionMay The Force Be With You (With Alex Wan and Billie Schultz)Just a couple of rebels sitting around trying to take down the Empire. In this episode of The Liberal Soul I am so pleased to be joined by my wonderful friends Alex Wan and Billie Schultz. The three of us also do the Nothing To Fear podcast where every week we watch a scary movie and talk about it so you don't have to! However, in today's episode we go back to our roots: Star Wars. The saga is one of the first things that bonded us and was one of the first movies that m...2021-07-182h 15
Really True FictionThe Open Society And Its Enemies Pt. 2This episode is part two of a four part series on the book The Open Society And Its Enemies by Karl Popper. Please listen to episode one before this as it will give context for this episode. In this episode I discuss: - Plato's formulation about who should rule is a useless question - rather we should ask how we can make institutions that prevent bad rulers from doing too much harm, as many to most rulers are below average in real life. - Shortcomings in a democratic state are the responsibility of the citizens...2021-07-141h 19
Really True FictionMy Orwell Life (With Danica Weager)First episode on George Orwell. My guest for this episode is my great friend Danica Weager. We take as our launchpad the Orwell essay Politics and the English Language. It's been a goal of this podcast to also talk about language and how we use it. Orwell is the perfect writer in this regard. In todays episode we talk about: - The ease of invoking names without understanding the underlying principles - The Liberal ethos "yes things are bad, but we can improve them" - What we mean by the words is more...2021-07-111h 12
Really True FictionThe Open Society And Its Enemies - Pt. 1Welcome to part one of a four part mini-series on the book The Open Society And Its Enemies by Karl Popper. This book is a Promethean level of fresh air intellectually when it comes to understanding how a free society can operate; and what are the kind of mentalities that are opposed to that. Even though it is mentioned as unknowing in the episode, this book was published in 1945. It comes in two volumes, and for this episode I will be talking about the first half of volume one. In today's episode I discuss that parts of Poppers argument...2021-07-0759 min
Really True FictionThe Righteous MindWelcome to double digits of The Liberal Soul! For today's episode I will be talking about Jonathon Haidt's book from 2012: The Righteous Mind (Why good people are divided by politics and religion). I wanted to do this episode to draw in some moral psychology into political and religious philosophy. Haidt's careful consideration of why people believe different things and his analogies for how the mind has different default settings is really fascinating and useful for navigating a world with other people who don't agree with you. I highly recommend the book if you have time. S...2021-07-0437 min
Really True FictionSelf-RelianceIn this solo episode I talk about the 1841 essay Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson. This essay had a profound effect on my life when I first read it, and I still go back to it every year or so for inspiration. Emerson talks about the psychological importance of non-conformity, of trusting your own mind, and being the author of your own creations and endeavors. Here is a link to the essay if you are interested in reading it: https://archive.vcu.edu/english/engweb/transcendentalism/authors/emerson/essays/selfreliance.html2021-06-3047 min
Really True FictionMay You Ever Hear The Music (With Zach Gerber)In this episode of The Liberal Soul, I speak with musician, sound engineer, and my cousin Zach Gerber. Zach lives in Ontario and has been involved professionally in music for the last decade. Zach is a touring musician with the Canadian band Walk Off The Earth, so he has lots of great stories about festivals and concerts. Music being my first love, I wanted to have an episode talking to Zach about music and how it has shaped our lives. Some of the things we talk about are: - Zach's beginnings in music and sound engineering 2021-06-271h 14
Really True FictionIndividualism Vs. EgoismIn this episode of The Liberal Soul I take a little detour down a Karl Popper path and discuss a section from his book The Open Society And Its Enemies. There is an incredible section of that book where Popper dissects the difference between individualism and egoism; and how Plato conflated them for his own propaganda. By equating individualism with egoism, Plato made it easy to dismiss as uncaring, selfish, and without interest in altruism. Popper points out a simple logic in error from Plato that leads to this (intentional?) misunderstanding. Popper points out that individualism in t...2021-06-2330 min
Really True FictionThe Beautiful Game (With David Harris)Annyeong! In this episode of The Liberal Soul I talk to my good friend David Harris. David lives in England and we met each other while living in Gwangju, South Korea. It was a real pleasure having Dave on the podcast; he is a ton of fun to talk to. We spend most of this episode talking about football (soccer) and what it means often to people living in England. Some of the things we talk about are: - How we met and what a Hash is - The Tottenham Hotspurs and how...2021-06-201h 07
Really True FictionA Thousand Small Sanities - Pt. 2This episode is the second in a two-parter talking about the book A Thousand Small Sanities by Adam Gopnik. In part two, I'll be talking about Gopnik's observations of why the Right and Left politically dislike liberals. Some of the things I talk about are: - Liberals and Conservatives having different temperaments - and that they both share a tragic view of life but the liberal believes in the possibility of incremental improvement over time - Strong man politics is the norm in the human history, not the aberration. The question isn't "how d...2021-06-1647 min
Really True FictionLosing Our Religion (With Cole Kander)In this episode of The Liberal Soul I talk with my friend Cole Kander. I wanted to talk to Cole because he and I have had a very similar life trajectory. We were both born and raised in a very Protestant house and church culture, and we both have decided that kind of life isn't for us. I know this can be a really hard thing to talk about for many people, so I'm really proud of Cole being able to put himself out there like this. Some of the things we talk about are: ...2021-06-131h 24
Really True FictionA Thousand Small Sanities - Part OneThis episode of The Liberal Soul is part one of a two part reflection on the 2019 book A Thousand Small Sanities by Adam Gopnik. I have mentioned this book a couple times in the first couple episodes, so I wanted to give it its due here. This book was the proximate impetus for this podcast as I recall being quite inspired and educated when I first read it. In part one I talk about: - Liberalism being an emergent philosophy with the discovery that other people have a moral conscience as well as ourselves. This helps us...2021-06-0939 min
Really True FictionOn Liberty (With David Parker)Hello RTF listeners. Here is the second episode from my new podcast The Liberal Soul. For the second episode of The Liberal Soul I'm very pleased to be joined by my cousin and cohost of our other podcast Really True Fiction: David Parker. In this episode, David and I chat about the seminal and foundational liberal essay On Liberty (1859) by John Stuart Mill. Here is a link if you want to read it: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/34901/34901-h/34901-h.htm In our chat, David and I discuss: - liberty as a...2021-06-061h 20
The Liberal SoulOn Liberty (With David Parker)For the second episode of The Liberal Soul I'm very pleased to be joined by my cousin and cohost of our other podcast Really True Fiction: David Parker. In this episode, David and I chat about the seminal and foundational liberal essay On Liberty (1859) by John Stuart Mill. Here is a link if you want to read it: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/34901/34901-h/34901-h.htm In our chat, David and I discuss: - liberty as a first person endeavor and taking it away fundamentally robs a person of the autonomy of their c...2021-06-061h 20
Really True FictionYou've Found The Liberal SoulHey RTF Listeners! I recently started a new podcast called The Liberal Soul. This is the first episode and I'm including it on this show because it was directly inspired by many things David and I talked about on RTF. This podcast is going to be about what it's like to be a person open to the world and curious about the passions of others. Also, it's a podcast where I will be talking about famous works (both fiction and non) in the history of liberal philosophy. Cheers!2021-06-031h 04
Really True FictionAmerican Troubadours - (Into The Wild)For our 75th episode, we do a film that is sort of fiction? 2007's Into The Wild is a treasured film for both David and Luke. In this episode we talk about avoiding sanctimony, not jumping down others throats, camaraderie and hard work, the dichotomy of Los Angeles, homelessness, being hardwired for cross purposes, tragedy as emergent instead of super imposed, becoming a person worthy of others and the incredibleness that is Eddie Vedder. Hope you enjoy this episode in the big hard world. Neil Degrasse Tyson response: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orCZUfnK1J...2021-01-171h 30
Really True FictionInattention Unto Death - (American Beauty)A return to the wonderful and bizarre year of culture that was 1999. In this episode we are joined by my friend Danica Weager as a guest for our considerations on American Beauty: The greatest movie about nothing. We contemplate the slow sliding into personal hell that is unconscious living, finding meaning in life while still caring for others, vital masculinity, perfectionism/achievement, becoming what you pursue, the scourge of solipsism, worshipping others, the cult of self-help, and the deeper world of beauty behind the world. Correction: Mena Suvari was born in 1979, not 1980. Additional Spoilers: 2021-01-101h 58
Really True FictionSpace Witches - (Dune)What a pain in the Arrakis! David and I want to say a big thank you to our guest Josiah Martinoski for this episode on the novel Dune. We dive into the Frank Herbert 1965 Sci/Fi classic. We talk about leadership, management, subterfuge, religion, competence, the macro vs micro world, and all the lore in between. Hope you enjoy it! Additional Spoilers: Monsters Inc - 1:03:12 The Island - 1:17:08 The Matrix - 1:17:24 Foundation - 1:18:50 Captain America: Civil War - 1:33:10 Terminator - 1:35:30 Black Panther - 1:37:052021-01-031h 51
Really True FictionGod Bless Us, Every One! - (A Christmas Carol)A very Merry Christmas to everyone! This has been an extremely difficult year, and we hope you all can find a meaningful way to spend these holidays. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy our take on the classic 1843 Christmas tale: A Christmas Carol. Additionally, we also recorded a bonus intro on our thoughts on the modern classic from 1965: Merry Christmas Charlie Brown. We talk about all things Christmas (and a few things Yuletide) in this. So grab your stockings and hot chocolate, and start looking forward to longer days! https://reallytruefiction.libsyn.com/ 2020-12-251h 23
Really True FictionA Patronus Chorus - (Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban)We return with the third book. In this episode, we are pleased to be joined by our friend Alex Wan as a guest. Alex is one of three cohosts (along with Luke and Billie, whom you can hear on episode 62) of the Nothing to Fear podcast. Alex joins us remotely to talk about the third Harry Potter novel The Prisoner of Azkaban (the darkest entry yet!). In this episode we hit many topics including: -Exposure to the bigger world as a crucial component of the heroes journey - Being 13 - The...2020-12-202h 00
Really True FictionPerspective On The Fly - (Stranger Things Season One - Pt. 2)In this episode we conclude (for now) our thoughts on Hawkins, Indiana. We talk about Joyce, Hopper, Nancy, Jonathan, Steve and stuff about the show and 80s culture in general. We discuss being committed to your own eyes and ears, having the strength of your own opinion, being pulled by the truth over self-interest, the importance of being able to triage, and being able to see into the lives of people. Hope you enjoy! Here is the link to the Christopher Hitchens speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olefVguutfo Additional Spoilers: 2020-12-131h 17
Really True FictionHuman First - (Stranger Things Season One - Pt. 1)We are back with our foray into Hawkins Indiana. We are starting with season one of the great nostalgic show! In this episode we talk about the kids of Hawkins (Will, Mike, Dustin, Lucas and Eleven) and all their travails. We talk about really listening when a person presents new information, being a young hero, the vitality of being a kid and not equivocating on ethical standards, the goofball facade, being a realist and nobly responding to the world after trauma. Hope you enjoy!2020-12-061h 13
Really True FictionAlmost Perfect - (Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets)In this episode we dive into the second novel in the Harry Potter franchise: the nearly flawless Chamber of Secrets. In this episode we talk about initiating kindness, gossip, loneliness and betrayal, Enlightenment stuff, carrying on a vision, Harry's choice, rebirth, not being serious about reality, and intent vs. impact. Hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed reading this book. Additional Spoilers: True Detective 34:102020-11-151h 49
Really True FictionTragedy Vs. Utopia - (Foundation)In this episode of Really True Fiction we talk about the 1951 Isaac Asimov novel Foundation. We discuss the Noble Lie vs. Noble Truth, Science as problem solving vs. ultimate truth, the tragic vs. utopian sense of life, and the importance of engaging with physical reality. We hope you enjoy! Additional Spoilers: The Social Network 23:50 The Matrix 28:18 Star Trek Beyond (major spoiler) 1:07:30 Watchmen 1:07:45 Breaking Bad Season 4 (major spoiler) Death of Stalin 1:29:502020-11-081h 36
Really True FictionBonus 1: Common Decency & Existential Despair - (South Park Pandemic Special)Our first bonus! In this episode we discuss the South Park Pandemic Special (but really this is another meditation on the corona virus and the lockdown). This episode is also a first in RTF's attempt at remote recording (Luke was in Alberta and David was in Ontario). David was not at a location with a decent microphone, which is why you will hear a discrepancy in audio quality between our voices. However, we plan on rectifying that for the next actual episode, so fear not!2020-10-311h 09
Really True FictionGryffin And The Doors - (Harry Potter And The Philosophers Stone)We begin the great journey! We have decided to do the Harry Potter books (though not all in a row). In this episode we talk about being born with fame and how that would make a person feel, the inability to let sarcasm go, the importance of naming things, the depression of incuriousity, the gross nature of superiorism, deeper truths, and how to organically be a team. Reading this book was a real treat and we are quite excited to do all of them. Additional Spoilers: Hysteria 1:00:10 1984 1:41:20 Crime And Punishment 1:45:152020-10-251h 49
Really True FictionReal Boys Rage Against The Big Empty - (Blade Runner 2049)In this episode we discuss the sequel to the 1982 classic. We talk about how, even though he is a replicant, K shows more subtle humanity than any other character in the movie. We also talk about the desire for relationship, Niander Wallace's desire to bring back slavery, Ryan Goslings acting, and the humans prejudice against the replicants (who are like them in basically ever manner). Additional Spoilers: The Expanse 43:552020-10-181h 17
Really True FictionAriadne's Thread - (Blade Runner)In this episode we dive into the 1982 Ridley Scott classic Blade Runner (based on the Philip K. Dyck novel Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?). We talk about the nature of personhood, the Turing Test, where we think Plato got things wrong, and what it means to treat another being as a person. This is one of our more philosophically heavy episodes; so be forewarned! Enjoy! Additional Spoilers: There are several spoilers for the movie Ex Machina and the show Westworld in this episode. 2020-10-111h 36
Really True FictionMissing Everybody - (The Catcher In The Rye)We dive into everyone's favorite high school assigned reading and the Salinger classic. Both David and Luke were pleasantly surprised at how much they enjoyed this book. We talk about insecurities, depression, rage, theological whimsies, gift giving and receiving, a Promethean vs. a hero, and much more. Hope you enjoy! 2020-10-042h 07
Really True FictionThe Civilizational Impulse - (The Stand)An RTF first! We welcome our friend Billie as our first ever guest on Really True Fiction! We discuss the Stephen King novel The Stand in this episode. We discuss the world of The Stand, and how it might be similar and different from our COVID world. We also discuss leadership, reflected decision making, remember the world before a tragedy, learning and growing from a global catastrophe, goodness being small but persistent, the dangers of teleology, how propaganda works in this world, and how protracted adolescence clouds potential. You can also find Billie and Luke on the N...2020-09-272h 55
Really True Fictionor: How I Failed Twitter And Learned To Forego The Mob - (Dr. Strangelove)We embark into our first Kubrick film. In this episode we discuss the fallout of bad leadership, the difficulty of maintaining good leaders, contemporary American issues, the challenge of moral psychology, and how older films don't really float our boats so much. Enjoy! Additional Spoilers: 2001: A Space Odyssey - 4:45 Being There - 8:55 Arrested Development Season 3 - 9:50 A Tale Of Two Cities - 49:17 Rope - 1:27:35 *Corrections* - At one point David says the band Straylight Run did the song "My slow descent into alcoholism"...2020-09-201h 30
Really True FictionLife Before Death - (Infinite Jest)We take the plunge. In this episode we attempt to do justice to the 1996 masterpiece Infinite Jest; written by David Foster Wallace. This novel is massive and thorough, so it would be impossible to cover everything in it. However, we talk about the three main themes/critiques (as far as we see them) which are: achievement, entertainment, and pleasure/addiction. Enjoy! Additional Spoiler: Brave New World 1:23:55 *Correction* Luke says David Foster Wallace was born in 1965. He was actually born in 1962. Here is the link to the David Foster Wallace "...2020-09-132h 30
Really True FictionPodcasting As Soulcraft - (RTF Anniversary Reflections)Hey everybody! Amazingly, it has been a year of Really True Fiction! We are so grateful for everyone who listens and has contributed to this awesome experience for David and Luke. In this *not* episode, we take a little time to talk about our reflections on making this podcast over the last year. It is much shorter than a normal episode and a little bit personal. We talk about our favorite episodes from the last year, our favorite moments, what it has done for us mentally, and what we are looking forward to doing in the year(s) ahead...2020-09-0731 min
Really True FictionHoliest of Holies - (Pulp Fiction)And we are back from our summer hiatus! In this episode we jump into the 1994 Tarantino masterpiece. We talk about Jules being a mensch, Jules Vs. Vincent in their level of consciousness, life as happenstance, our annoyance with gossip, and predict Pulp Fiction as a good candidate for modern censorship. If you want to get in touch with us you can send us an email at reallytruefiction@gmail.com 2020-09-071h 25
Really True FictionFightin Durdy - (Fight Club)In this episode we discuss the 1999 David Fincher film (based on the Chuck Palahniuk novel) Fight Club. We talk about the ethics of crashing support groups, the psychology of talking to someone with a terminal illness, the specter of death, healthy vs pathological thinking, and the need to be conscious of your own life. Hope you enjoy. Additional Spoilers: The Life of David Gale 1:33:402020-07-191h 41
Really True FictionFour Hosts Good, Two Hosts Better! - (Animal Farm)We take a deep dive into George Orwell's 1945 novella. We talk about ideology, philosophy, the importance of precise language, the disaster that results from trying to erase history, the importance of speaking up early, and overall having a more mature understanding of human nature. We also talk about the importance of not focusing on superficial qualities in other people to develop opinions about them. Additional Spoilers: There are spoilers for 1984 scattered throughout the episode.2020-07-052h 19
Really True FictionBig Wisdom - (True Detective - Part Two)Part two of our dive into the HBO masterpiece. We talk about Marty, Maggie, and the rest of the characters in this episode. We talk about Marty's penchant for inattention, high level rationalization and self deceit, self discovery at an older age, sex as a weapon, education, and several other topics. Hope you enjoy! Additional Spoilers: Regression 1:33:352020-06-281h 47
Really True FictionEven Diamonds Start As Cohle - (True Detective - Part One)In this episode we begin our discussion on the first season of the TV show True Detective. We focus on any and all things Rustin Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) in this one. We talk about fake nihilism, the observable discontinuity between how people talk about their lives and how they actually live, relationships, consciousness, healthy psychology for police, anti anti-natalism, temperament, and how the light is winning. Please make sure to watch this show as it is incredible. Additional Spoilers: Inception 2:11:452020-06-212h 33
Really True FictionA Little Bit Butthurt - (The Count Of Monte Cristo)In this episode we dive into the Dumas classic. We talk about revenge (obviously), Dantes' psychology, the joy of the life of the mind, perceiving motivations in others, non-sheepishness, the crippling nature of a guilty conscience, and our take on sweeping stories. This novel is an absolute treasure (pun intended) and we highly recommend you give it a read! Additional Spoilers: Margin Call 1:00:44 The Big Short 1:01:35 Better Call Saul 2:05:17 Mission Impossible: Fallout (Major Spoiler) 2:18:102020-06-072h 22
Really True FictionYou Madison Bro? - (The Patriot)In this episode we talk about the 2000 film The Patriot. We talk about the early insights the framers had about other forms of tyranny, the wisdom of not being cavalier about war, how war involves everyone in a population, American optimism and even talk a little about empire. Additional Spoilers: The Hurt Locker 15:402020-05-312h 02
Really True FictionMelancholy And The Infinite Hopefulness - (Tallest Man On Earth and Jimmy Eat World)A new experiment in RTF living! In this episode David and Luke talk about their favorite musical artists and the real life wisdom and happiness we get from them. In the spirit of the bard or troubadour, we feel like music itself is a beautiful story in it's own right. David - The Tallest Man On Earth - (15:10 - 56:39) - The importance of melancholy, the intimacy of folk music, how imagery affects emotion, using romantic language to mean many things, a general sense of calm and peace. Luke - Jimmy Eat World - (56:39...2020-05-241h 41
Really True FictionReflected Sincerity - (The Breakfast Club)Don't you forget about this movie! In this discussion of the John Hughes classic we talk about the impact of Breakfast Club on culture, the rise of adolescence as a cultural phenomenon, the trailblazing of BC for this genre, music and it's impact on us, and of course the idiosyncratic insecurities of all five teens that make up the heart and soul of the film. 2020-05-171h 57
Really True FictionActualized - (Fargo Season 2 - Part Two)We conclude the two parter on the television masterpiece. In this episode we talk about the Blumquists and the Gerhardts (as well as Hanzee). And we finish up with just some general Fargo show thoughts. This show is incredible. Please watch it. Additional Spoilers: 1917 1:05:082020-05-091h 58
Really True FictionGood People Doing Something - (Fargo Season 2 - Part One)This is a first of two parts on the second season of the TV show Fargo. In this episode we talk about Lou, Hank, Betsey and Mike. This is one of the best shows of the decade and we highly recommend you watch it before listening as it will add so much flavor to our conversation. *Correction* - The role of Rye Gerhardt is played by Kieran Culkin, not Rory Culkin. Right family, wrong brother. 2020-05-052h 01
Really True FictionAddendum 2 - Our CoronaWe sit down for another chat about our current least favourite and most topical virus. We give a time stamped and cursory view through our lense on the state of the world and things of that ilk. Hope everyone is staying safe and well. 2020-04-3055 min
Really True FictionSomething's Not Right - (Shutter Island)David wanted a Scorsese, so we did a Scorsese! In this episode we (obviously) focus mostly on mental health and what constitutes insanity. We talk about this as focused on an individual as well as a society (of course using the Nazi's as the case study of collective insanity). We also discuss what makes someone like Teddy in the movie and someone like Anders Brevik in real life different. This was a lot of fun to do as we both brought up points neither one of has had thought about while watching the movie. Hope you enjoy. ...2020-04-251h 47
Really True FictionEverybody Runs - (Minority Report)In this episode we talk about the 2002 film Minority Report. Originally a short story written by Philip K. Dick, we decided to do the film version instead because we knew it better and felt all of you would as well. In this episode we talk about stigma around drugs, changing your mind based on new evidence, the cognitive overhead of deception, free will, and many more topics. Also, we recorded this episode at a friends house who filmed it, so this is the first episode available on YouTube! If you are interested in watching this episode, not just hear...2020-04-181h 58
Really True FictionChekhov's Hoverboard - (Back To The Future)It's your kids Marty! In this episode we talk about one of the all time greats. If you like camping, there is almost nothing campier than Back To The Future. We talk about Marty being a good friend to his dad, being able to walk away from dumb challenges by lesser minds, Lorraine's shame about her own desires, the wonderfulness culturally speaking of the 80's, and why Back To The Future is just joy incarnate. Hope you have fun with this one as we had a lot of fun recording it. Additional Spoilers: I...2020-04-101h 50
Really True FictionWhat Do You See? - (Watchmen)In this episode we dive into what is arguably the greatest graphic novel of all time. Even though there has recently been a Watchmen TV show, our thoughts are centered on the novel (and the movie a little). That said, there are spoilers for the show scattered throughout the episode, so don't listen if you haven't seen the show yet and do not want it spoiled. Additional Spoilers: The Walking Dead 4:47 The Hurt Locker 55:20 Flowers For Algernon 1:00:28 The Sword In The Stone 1:22:22 The Man In The High Castl...2020-04-031h 58
Really True FictionAddendum 1: My CoronaSeeing as the whole planet is experiencing something that feels surreal and other worldly, but in real life, we thought why not have a chat about this huge thing we are all experiencing. So, hence our first addendum episode of Really True Fiction. We are pleased to have Joelle Mason (Luke's sister) on as a guest as David was away during recording. Joelle is an HR rep, so she and Luke talked a lot about the Corona virus from an HR perspective (as well as several others). RTF really wants to thank Joelle for taking the time...2020-03-291h 04
Really True FictionThe Best Within Us - (Atlas Shrugged Part Two)In part two we talk about Hank, Francisco, Galt and the smattering of Rand's villains. We reference objectivism here and there, but for a full run down of the philosophy inherent in this novel make sure you listen to part one first. Additional Spoilers: 1984 1:34:302020-03-222h 00
Really True FictionWho Is John Galt? - (Atlas Shrugged Part One)And so we confront the maw. David and I tackle this behemoth of a novel so you don't have to! Atlas Shrugged has lots of interesting ideas scattered within a book that is almost impossible to read. More than any other episode we have done, we sincerely encourage you not to read this novel; if for no other reason than your own sanity. However, the underlying philosophy of Atlas Shrugged, Objectivism, is super interesting and important and very much worth diving into. With all that laid out on the table, we think you can very much enjoy this episode...2020-03-151h 48
Really True FictionThe Show The Internet Needed - (Rick And Morty Part Three)In this episode we finish talking about this awesome show. We discuss Summer, Beth, a number of recurring characters, cultural references, and a number of the shows tropes and motifs. Hope you enjoy! Additional Spoilers: 1984 28:25 The Breakfast Club 44:05 Watchmen 1:16:00 Insidious 1:58:162020-03-082h 18
Really True FictionThe Myth Of Mortyphus - (Rick And Morty Part Two)Part two of our Rick and Morty adventure. We focus on Morty and Jerry in this episode. Particularly Morty's unlikely growth and Jerry's likely ungrowth. Hope you enjoy! Additional Spoilers: Breaking Bad 10:572020-02-291h 43
Really True FictionRickgasmic - (Rick And Morty Part One)Wub a lub a dub dub! Welcome to part one of our Rick and Morty Odyssey. We will be doing three parts on this show, and there is so much going on and so much to chew over. This episode is all about Rick! Hope you enjoy! Additional Spoilers: Breaking Bad 49:13 The Conspiracy 1:43:33 On Becoming A God In Central Florida 1:48:082020-02-231h 55
Really True FictionLightyear's Cave - (Toy Story)Andys coming! Hope you enjoy our foray into the Disney/Pixar world. This one was such a blast to do and it was wonderful reliving this movie. What a gem. Additional Spoilers: Brave Little Toaster 3:10 Toy Story 2 1:11:50 and 1:15:182020-02-161h 27
Really True FictionEnnui Universal - (Children Of Men - Book)We close the loop on Children of Men. The book is much more meditative on the world and society than the movie; so we flesh that part out a little bit more. We don't talk so much about a world without children here; as we did that a lot in the movie episode. This one was a lot of fun though; enjoy! Additional Spoilers: The Great Gatsby 1:25 The Brothers Karamazov 1:03:502020-02-091h 24
Really True FictionFutures - (Children Of Men - Movie)Part one of a two parter on this story. We read the book as well, but decided it deserved it's own episode as the plots between the movie and book are so different. Ergo, here is the movie for you! We are really proud of this one, and hope you enjoy it as well. *Additional Spoilers* Inferno (Big Spoiler) - 27:45 The Stand - 28:15 Saving Private Ryan - 32:562020-01-311h 54
Really True FictionDeep Optimism - (The Dark Knight Rises)In which the conclusion of this amazing trilogy is achieved. Hope you enjoy the Dark Knight trilogy this go around as much as we did. Additional Spoilers: The Master 12:10 Stranger Things Season 1 1:37:382020-01-261h 47
Really True FictionGratuitous Nihilism - (The Dark Knight)Never go full Thanatos! Here is the episode you deserve, if certainly not the one you need. We do a pretty deep dive into the psychological/philosophical differences between the Joker and Batman in this one. The first hour is pretty ethereal as such. If you want more tangible stuff, the second hour is for you!2020-01-191h 59
Really True FictionThe Liberal Conscience - (Batman Begins)In this episode we begin the Dark Knight trilogy! 2020-01-121h 29
Really True FictionThe Best There Is - (Catch 22)Welcome to 2020! In this episode we talked about the classic and hilarious Joseph Heller novel Catch 22; one of the all time satires. If you haven't read this book before, I would encourage you do before listening to this podcast. Some books are not necessary to read before listening but this one is. It is non-linear and there are lots of characters, so your reference for what we are talking about will be a lot easier if you have read the book. Cheers! Additional Spoilers: The Trial 14:05 House of Cards 29:00 Hacksaw Ridge 1:23:152020-01-052h 07
Really True FictionInjustice Shrugged - (The Crucible)Apologies for any ambient sound for the first 45 minutes on this one. We had the furnace blasting. Lesson learned. Either way, it didn't affect this episode too bad. This one was a lot of fun and you can hear the passion in both of us in our feelings about The Crucible. Cheers!2019-12-291h 58
Really True FictionMerry Christmas! - (The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe)Merry Christmas everyone! We hope that you enjoy the season with your family, and enjoy taking another trip through the wardrobe. Also, we riff for about 15 minutes on How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Additional Spoiler: Inception 18:202019-12-251h 37
Really True FictionTrapped - (There Will Be Blood)This was a fun one talking about the film There Will Be Blood. Enjoy! Correction Matthew McConaughey does commercials for Lincoln, not Lexus. 2019-12-221h 54
Really True FictionOh Say Can You Believe - (American Gods)In this episode we are talking about the Gaiman novel only as neither of us have seen the TV show. This one is jam packed with meaningful topics; hope you enjoy! Additional Spoilers: Die Hard 1:29:05 *Correction* The Japanese author's name is Haruki Murakami, not Hiroshi Murakami.2019-12-152h 27
Really True FictionReally Crude Fiction - (Superbad)Here we go into a film that was a comedic culmination of an era. Be forewarned that this episode contains so many bad words, and so many crude observations. If this is not your jam, really make sure you don't bring any toast. Additional Spoilers: Stand By Me 1:23:50 Pulp Fiction 1:32:05 Wizard Of Oz 1:35:532019-12-081h 40
Really True FictionCuriosity Cultivated The Human - (David Copperfield)Finally we hit the Dickens! Charles Dickens is one of my all time favorite authors and it is always a treat to spend some time with him. David Copperfield is a kind of autobiography of Dickens himself; though with many components of the book being different from his own life. This isn't a book you necessarily have to read in order to enjoy the podcast, but I would still highly recommend you read it sometime for the pure joy of Dickens prose and insights. 2019-11-302h 01
Really True FictionEternal Echoes - (Gladiator)His giant is with him wherever he goes. We had a lot of fun re-visiting this one and we hope you do as well. Strength and Honor. *Correction* I (Luke) make a point in this episode that Mother Theresa took money from the Duvalier family in Haiti, and that should count against her. I actually don't know that to be true (I mis-remembered during the recording something Hitchens said about her), though she was supportive of them. Since that is germane to the point I was making, please take my (Luke) arguments on t...2019-11-242h 04
Really True FictionLaughing Matters - (Disney's Robin Hood)Oo-de-lally, Oo-de-lally, golly what a day. David and I go full on nostalgia for this one. Hope you were as charmed by this movie as we were. Cheers! Additional Spoilers: Chernobyl 43:10 Game of Thrones 1:04:302019-11-171h 36
Really True FictionHumor and Love - (The Office - Part Two)Lots of talk about Dwight, Pam and Jim; as well as a smattering on the others. Cheers! Additional Spoilers: Atlas Shrugged 1:09:32 American Beauty 2:11:002019-11-102h 50
Really True FictionMichael Kant Even - (The Office - Part One)First part of a two parter from everyone's favorite paper company! This one is all about Michael. Additional Spoilers: A Tale of Two Cities 55:13 *Correction* It is Meredith (not Mindy) played by a different actress in the pilot episode.2019-11-031h 57
Really True FictionMake Gatsby Great Again - (The Great Gatsby)We talk about the classic novel and movie in this episode. I'm really grateful for this one as I felt David nicely helped me understand the point of the book more. Thanks buddy! Additional Spoilers: I Heart Huckabees 2:10 Narnia: This Silver Chair 1:28:20 Aladdin 1:32:20 This Side Of Paradise 1:45:00 Return Of The King 1:56:052019-10-312h 03
Really True FictionThere's Improbably Nothing To Worry About - (Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy)Additional Spoilers: Slaughterhouse Five 21:502019-10-271h 18
Really True FictionBetter Angels - (American History X)Hate is baggage, and life is too short to be pissed off all the time. Additional Spoilers: The Sopranos 1:29:002019-10-202h 04
Really True FictionWhat're You Hoping For? - (Good Will Hunting)On growing up with trauma and using all the things you know to not deal with the first part. Spoilers: Citizen Kane 1:19:402019-10-131h 36
Really True FictionWhat Would Moses Want? - (South Park - Part Two)After our initial recording, we realized there was way too much South Park to talk about for just one episode. So, we split it up between the characters (episode 7) and South Park's style of social commentary and it's uproarious humor (episode 18). We hope you enjoy this excursion through the funniest show's social insights. Additional Spoilers: The Righteous Gemstones 37:202019-10-061h 45
Really True FictionImagination's Loveliest Letter - (Calvin & Hobbes)In where we gush all things human and tiger. Additional Spoilers: Into The Wild 1:32:582019-10-011h 56
Really True FictionA Trophy - (Blue Valentine)In which we surmise whence the near utter destruction of love; and how to find the avoidance to such tragedy. Additional Spoilers: Before Midnight 14:202019-10-011h 26
Really True FictionThe Ball Thing - (I Heart Huckabees)It is no coincidence that we are doing this movie! Enjoy. Additional Spoilers: Breaking Bad 1:19:59 and 1:46:582019-10-011h 54
Really True FictionNapoleon Knows (Crime And Punishment)It's cold out, close the FyoDOR! Additional Spoilers: Memento 42:09 500 Days Of Summer 49:38 Rope 1:04:10 Breaking Bad 1:13:20 1984 1:37:44 Regression 1:52:20 (I forgot the name of this movie in the episode but this is what it is) *Emma Watson is the actress in this movie, not Emma Stone*2019-09-062h 17
Really True FictionTimshel (East Of Eden)Take in the sweeping Steinbeck epic of paradise and California. Additional Spoilers: Breakfast of Champions 10:422019-09-062h 09
Really True FictionAn Ode To Conscience (Huck Finn)Mark the Twain! Mark the Twain! Additional Spoilers: Will and Grace 30:202019-09-061h 47
Really True FictionNobody Knows (Stand By Me)It's like The Body, but more visual, and then only auditory. Additional Spoilers: Scream 2 8:30 2019-09-061h 13
Really True FictionYou Gotta Be A Straight Shooter, Man (Aladdin)In which we return to Agrabah for our kicks. Additional Spoilers: Homeward Bound 2:10 Othello 44:042019-09-061h 35
Really True FictionRevelry (Tom Sawyer)Today we explored the Mark Twain masterpiece. 2019-09-061h 23
Really True FictionTime Traveling Corpses (Donnie Darko)Welcome to 80's nostalgia before it was cool! Don't you forget about this mad, mad world! Additional Spoilers: Insidious 58:28 Hereditary 1:00:052019-09-061h 41
Really True FictionThere Was A Spooky Ghost! - (South Park - Part One)In this episode we head on down to South Park to have ourselves a time. This is a kind of part one of SP where we dive into the main characters. Keep an eye out for a follow up episode where we go over South Park's incredible social commentary and humor. *Corrections* - South Park came out in 1997, not 96. - The shame is mine. Richard Roundtree portrayed Shaft in the original film; and Isaac Hayes did the theme song. Not so unlike the great philosopher Kurt Cobain; I'm all apologies. 2019-09-061h 43
Really True FictionI Am Shiva, The God Of Death (Michael Clayton)In this episode we mine the movie Michael Clayton for it's calmness in stressful times! Additional Spoilers: The Invention of Lying 34:14 Stranger Things Season One 1:09:402019-09-061h 29
Really True FictionThe Return Of The Return Of The King (Return Of The King)And thus the trilogy is expended (but we still talk for a long time after you think the episode should be done). Addtional Spoilers: Great Expectations 13:35 My Name Is Asher Lev 20:05 Crime And Punishment 21:13 1984 41:06 Return Of The Jedi 55:55 Deathly Hallows 55:552019-09-052h 04
Really True FictionGrima Wormtongue: Cunning Linguist (Two Towers)Onward to Mordor! Additional Spoilers: Seven 32:47 Othello 56:44 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe 1:46:25 The Invitation 1:57:132019-09-052h 02
Really True FictionQuit Your Bad Hobbits! (Fellowship Of The Ring)We start our journey through middle earth in this episode; loving our trip through The Fellowship Of The Ring. Additional Spoilers: Watchmen 7:04 The Matrix 32:18 The Deathly Hallows 1:06:102019-09-052h 05
Really True FictionWho's Scruffy Looking? (Star Wars)In this episode we travel to a galaxy far, far away (original trilogy) to talk about some of the deepest human truths. Additional Spoilers: Attack of the Clones 4:00 Revenge of the Sith 4:00 The Deathly Hallows 59:36 Breaking Bad 1:22:10 The Force Awakens 2:41:00 Also, several spoilers for Rogue One sprinkled throughout.2019-09-052h 47
Really True FictionCar Ass (Cat's Cradle)In this inaugural episode of Really True Fiction, we explore the novel Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. Additional Spoilers: The Kings of Summer - 56:50 2019-09-051h 15