Shows
Stories That Change UsEpisode 11: The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsFew YA novels manage to weave modern issues so flawlessly into a story that equally engages children and adults, but The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins stands out for that very reason. Collins masterful use of subtle subtext, world building that compels plot and tension, and a cast of lovable yet deeply troubled characters allows this Dystopian tale of youth gladiatorial games to transcend from grisly and irrelevant to contemplative and epic. Question: what is a story that has changed your life?https://instagram.com/storiesthat_changeus?igshid=eTlibmFxdXZmbXV5&utm_source=qr2025-01-1034 minStories That Change UsEpisode 10: The Godfather by Mario PuzoProvocative, gory, and oddly breathtaking are just a few ways to describe Mario Puzo's critically acclaimed crime novel, The Godfather. Intimate in his portrayal of family love, horrifying in the graphic description of violence and urban warfare... let's unpack the masterful way Puzo builds a world wrought with love that binds, loyalty that cripples, and conflict that kills to tell the story of a New York mafia family. Question: what is a story that has changed your life?https://instagram.com/storiesthat_changeus?igshid=eTlibmFxdXZmbXV5&utm_source=qr2025-01-0836 minStories That Change UsEpisode 9: Jane Eyre by Charlotte BronteAs inconspicuous as novel can be, when one thinks of classic literature that unequivocally nails the power of sympathetic villains, landscape as emotional foreshadowing, and reflective monologues that are insightful and entertaining, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte should be a firm contender on every list. Come and immerse yourself in the secrets of the beautifully understated, delightful Victorian classic. Question: what is a story that has changed your life?https://instagram.com/storiesthat_changeus?igshid=eTlibmFxdXZmbXV5&utm_source=qr2025-01-0840 minStories That Change UsEpisode 8: A Wrinkle In Time by Madeline L'Engle26 rejections, a frequent spot on the banned books list, and shining the light on the dangers of blind conformity are just a few of the surprises awaiting readers of Madeline L'Engle's, A Wrinkle In Time. Question: what is a story that has changed your life?https://instagram.com/storiesthat_changeus?igshid=eTlibmFxdXZmbXV5&utm_source=qr2025-01-0239 minStories That Change UsEpisode 6: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. LewisPart religious satire, part social commentary, and wholly fictional genius, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is a deeply stirring epistolary that has prompted much conversation about the state of humanity since it was first published in 1942. As a work of storytelling brilliance, join us as we evaluate the literary elements that Lewis employed to give us greater insight into the motivations of demons, angels, and our own souls in a way that is not preachy and extremely entertaining. Question: what is a story that has changed your life?https://instagram.com/storiesthat_changeus...2024-12-2946 minStories That Change UsEpisode 7: A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May AlcottDark, thrilling, and prescriptively moral are not words often used to describe the work of Louisa May Alcott, but the 19th century novelist was hiding more up her sleeve than simply a pen and a copy of Little Women. A Long Fatal Love Chase is one of Alcott's first novels and, while not vastly popular during her time, took the world by storm in the late 90s and highlights her impeccable use of melodrama, textured villains, and even cliche characters to deliver a high impact story with a haunting conclusion. Question: what is a story that has c...2024-12-2945 min
Curiosity Porn08 - Micah Leydorf Wants You to be Aware of the Unseen BattleIn this episode, Guy and James visit with author Micah Leydorf about her new book, "The Unseen Battle: An Unexpected Love Story." We find out what led her to become an author, the misperceptions of authors getting rich off their books, and some of her criticisms of the American Church. We also discuss the resurgence of interest in marriage and family in the U.S. Along the way, we discover why Micah believes in the power of story to convey important ideas, about her recent conversion to Catholicism, and why she thinks the family is the foundation...2024-05-0758 minStories That Change UsEpisode 5: A Christmas Carol by Charles DickensCharles Dicken's, A Christmas Carol, has resonated across the ages as a holiday favorite! Today, let's breakdown the iconic moments, characters, and themes to reveal where Dicken's excelled at the craft of storytelling that has perpetuated a deep love of this Yuletide tale. Question: what is a story that has changed your life?https://instagram.com/storiesthat_changeus?igshid=eTlibmFxdXZmbXV5&utm_source=qr2024-02-1441 minStories That Change UsEpisode 4: The Princess Bride by William GoldmanEccentric yet unforgettable characters, hilarious banter that just won't quit, and true love (or twu wuv!) are just a few of the things that make William Goldman's, The Princess Bride, a delightful fare. Join the discussion as we analyze the wit, the warmth, and the way that Goldman enchanted audiences with this odd yet stirring bestseller. Question: what is a story that has changed your life?https://instagram.com/storiesthat_changeus?igshid=eTlibmFxdXZmbXV5&utm_source=qr2024-02-1234 min
WriterConFinding Inspiration with Micah LeydorfBestselling authors William and Lara Bernhardt discuss the latest news from the book world, offer writing and publishing tips, and interview Micah Leydorf, inspirational writer of The Unseen Battle.Opening ThoughtsBill's thriller Dark Eye (2005) has been banned in Florida. He is very excited about it.Lara is more excited about the forthcoming WriterCon Cruise.News1) Lord of the Rings Fan Fiction Author Loses in Court—Twice2) Steamboat Willie, Tigger, and Other Valuable IPs Go Public DomainInterview with Micah Leydorf:During this ch...2024-01-2136 minStories That Change UsEpisode 3: Gone With The Wind by Margaret MitchellRiveting, controversial, and flawlessly epic, Marget Mitchel's, Gone With The Wind, has stirred the flames of adoration and outrage since its publication in 1936. Join the discussion as we unlock the secrets to vibrant historical settings, character arcs that shock us, and external tension that forces the plot to keep moving forward in this beloved, American classic. Question: what is a story that has changed your life?https://instagram.com/storiesthat_changeus?igshid=eTlibmFxdXZmbXV5&utm_source=qr2023-11-0242 minStories That Change UsEpisode 2: Outlander by Diana GabaldonJoin us as we travel to the broody Scottish Highlands and uncover the secrets of character building and historical accuracy of the first installment of the wildly popular series, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Question: what is a story that has changed your life?https://instagram.com/storiesthat_changeus?igshid=eTlibmFxdXZmbXV5&utm_source=qr2023-10-1940 min
Stories That Change UsEpisode 1: Pride & Prejudice by Jane AustenWelcome to Stories That Change Us! What better way to launch our podcast than to discuss a story that has been adapted over a dozen times for the big screen and continues to enthrall readers--Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. Beloved for its vibrant cast of characters, dialogue sharp enough to trim a hedge, and literary pacing that feels like Sunday morning, we'll discuss the aspects of storytelling that Austen got right and have resonated with readers across the decades. Question: what is a story that has changed your life?https://instagram.com...2023-10-1041 min