Shows
Parallel FictionEp 29: Rebirth - Captain America: The First Avenger & The Language of FlowersIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff discuss Rebirth, honoring the beginning of Spring! Our hosts know it’d been a long year, and wanted to offer stories that focus on rebirth, leveling up, and refreshing your life. Heather starts off the summary portion this episode with her presentation of The Language of Flowers which follows the complicated life of an orphan turned homeless person turned flower whisperer. Heather was pleasantly surprised by this novel and appreciated the surprising direction the second half took. Heather notes how the main character Victoria goes through many h...
2021-04-1457 min
Parallel FictionEp 28: Siblings - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & The Chicken SistersIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff discuss the joy of Siblings! Both hosts can talk to having siblings, but in this story they bring us two very different families. You’ll want to grab some food before you start this episode because both stories have some definite snack food cravings built in. Heather starts off the summary portion this episode with her presentation of The Chicken Sisters. Heather takes of through the plot of two sisters battling it out on a fictional TV show over whose restaurant and kitchen has the best tastin...
2021-04-071h 12
Parallel FictionEp 27: Hijinks - Super Troopers & Twelfth NightIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff discuss the art of Hijinks. Being that its so close to April fool’s day, the duo decided to talk about pranks, shenanigans, and hijinks. Their stories this week highlight some playful deception, and a spirit of practical (and impractical) jokes. Jeff begins the summary portion of the show, presenting the 2001 cult hit Super Troopers. Jeff guides us through the story that deals with TONs of pranks, hazings, and double crossing police officers. A cult movie for the ages, Jeff’s appreciation for this movie and the comed...
2021-03-3154 min
Parallel FictionEp 26: Time Travel - Back To the Future & The Time Traveler's WifeIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff dive into some Time Travel classics. After a fun opening conversation, the two talk about their recent launch on YouTube, getting the first round of vaccine shots, and how hard it was to pick topics out of such a rich category. Heather starts first in the presentation portion with The Time Traveler’s Wife. Heather praises the internet for helping her out with notes this week, as this story has a lot of specific pieces. A modern day classic, Heather makes the super natural story line seem m...
2021-03-2456 min
Parallel FictionEp 25: Irish Stories - The Secret of Kells & DublinersIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff bring stories from Irish artists into focus as they celebrate St. Patricks Day. Pulling inspiration from the green holiday, the hosts made sure to feature work that was created outside of their home in the US. Heather and Jeff talk about the critically acclaimed animated film The Secret of Kells and the Eveline portion of James Joyce’s masterpiece Dubliners. Heather starts first in the presentation portion with the Eveline short story of Dubliners, a novel that is broken up into many separate (parallel) stories of Irish...
2021-03-1754 min
Parallel FictionEp 24: Luck - Logan Lucky & The Joy Luck ClubIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff try to look for that pot of gold and break down the meaning of Luck. Whether it be from perseverance, or breaking a family curse, the two discuss stories where luck plays a big role in the protagonist’s life. Jeff starts off the first presentation segment with the movie Logan Lucky starring Channing Tatum and Adam Driver. Jeff takes us through the story of the Logan brothers, who are planning a heist despite lifelong bad luck. Jeff emphasizes the stellar cast, with standout performances from Daniel...
2021-03-101h 16
Parallel FictionEp 23: True Story - I,Tonya & RoomIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff flip the script and talk about True Stories. They specify that in this episode, the “fiction” they are presented are based off of real life events, and that the common theme of these sensationalized events show us a lot about ourselves. Heather begins the show by presenting Room by Emma Donoghue, loosely based off of the real life Fritzl case from Austria. Heather issues several trigger warnings for this summary, as it deals with issues such as rape, suicide, kidnapping, incest, and child abuse. While the novel Ro...
2021-03-0357 min
Parallel FictionEp 22: Obsessions - Ingrid Goes West & The Secret PatientIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff take a close look at Obsessions. Specifically they look at characters with unhealthy lifestyles, infatuations, and self-destructive habits that cloud their morals. Heather beings the show by presenting The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. Told through the perspective of two main characters, Heather unfolds the story which deals with mental illness, murder, mystery, and the obsessions that drive the main characters. Heather was able to finish this book, which says a lot, and was actually blown away by a huge twist in the tail end of the...
2021-02-241h 17
Parallel FictionEp 21: Pets - How To Train Your Dragon & Marley And MeIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff celebrate the companions we keep, and the stories that highlight their importance. Heather and Jeff are presenting two stories about Pets, the theme of the show, and giving their honest and emotional opinions on what it means to own, raise, and bond with a pet. Heather begins the summary portion with an outline of Marley and Me, an autobiography from John Grogan. She beings by explaining that this is not a fictional piece of work, but lets it slide as this could be anybody’s story and f...
2021-02-1758 min
Parallel FictionEp 20: Love - 10 Things I Hate About You & The Lucky OneIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff present listeners with a nice box of chocolates, some red roses, maybe a teddy bear, and some great Love stories in honor of Valentine’s Day. Good news for the couple, as international listener ship has grown in 2021 and the bright side everything is right around the corner. The pair present their stories, analyze the two, and give us ratings and recommendations in a very entertaining episode. Heather begins the summary portion with an outline of Nicholas Spark’s 2008 novel The Lucky One. Following the story of a dri...
2021-02-101h 10
Parallel FictionEp 19: Childhood Favorites - The Lion King & Final Fantasy VIIIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff breathe life into Childhood Favorites from their own youth. The stories covered today were very impactful on the duo, and stay with them to this day in their own special way. Listen as Jeff and Heather discuss how two seemingly different pieces of work fit together through the scope of a pair of maturing adults, and how holding on to some things from their childhoods help them grow into the people they are today. Jeff starts off the outline portion of the show by presenting the Squ...
2021-02-031h 05
Parallel FictionEp 18: Crime - Sharp Objects & Defending JacobIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff dive into Crime. Whether it be from the news or from Netflix, crime is a gigantic part of society and prevalent in every era of storytelling. Jeff and Heather present two stories that have deviated from the norm, and include twists you’ll never see coming. Heather kicks off the summary portion of the show, presenting the Gillian Flynn novel Sharp Objects. Heather gives a brief trigger warning before getting into this story’s main character, who is struggling with self harm. Heather takes us through the novel...
2021-01-271h 02
Parallel FictionEp 17: Justice - The Punisher & Where The Crawdads SingIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff deal with the heavy subject of Justice. Pulling stories where justice is carried out by the main character, the Parallel Fiction duo discuss the meaning of Justice in America, where it can go wrong, and what the system can and can’t do. Jeff begins the outline portion of the show by presenting the 2004 film The Punisher starring Tom Jane & John Travolta. Before the summary, Jeff reads a quote by the character’s creator Gerry Conway in response to the rampant misuse of the iconic Punisher skull a...
2021-01-201h 05
Parallel FictionEp 16: Sh*t Show - Little Fires Everywhere & Tropic ThunderIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff cover stories that seem to just pile on. We’re talking about Sh*tshows! In this episode, our hosts bring two stories where the characters are put through a lot with seemingly no end in sight. Heather presents her summary of the 2017 Celeste Ng novel Little Fires Everywhere. Heather tries to find redeeming qualities in every sub plot, which is told form a heavy and bleak view point. Despite all of the hardships faced in this novel, Heather really enjoyed reading this story and sympathizes to a lot o...
2021-01-1354 min
Parallel FictionEp 15: New Year, New Me - Seconds & The Princess and the FrogIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff break down New Year, New Me stories. Now that we’re officially in 2021, it’s time to look at some people who reinvent themselves or go through some sort of big change in their lives. Jeff highlights the 2014 Bryan Lee O’Malley graphic novel Seconds. This story covers alternate realities and a type of time travel which allows our main character Katie the opportunity to go back and fix past mistakes, but at a great cost. Jeff walks us through the story and elaborates on how funny the artwor...
2021-01-0652 min
Parallel FictionEp 14: Reflection - Wonder Woman 1984 & High FidelityIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff celebrate Reflection! With 2020 finally over, its time to look towards the future. Jeff and Heather share two stories where taking a look back can help you thrive moving forward. Heather starts the summary section off with her coverage of Wonder Woman 1984 (WW84), the newest super hero movie by director Patty Jenkins. WW84 picks up decades after the original, which was set during World War 1. Heather discusses the life lesson Diana must learn from the scenes of her as a young child in the beginning – “No true hero is bo...
2021-01-0155 min
Parallel FictionEp 13: Christmas - Let It Snow & Christmas In Evergreen: Tidings of JoyIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff celebrate Christmas! Trees, snow, and the spirit of the season are the focal point of this episode. Covering a movie and novel, Jeff and Heather dissect the traditions and themes of what makes a good Christmas story. Heather starts the summary section off with her coverage of Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy, a novelization of a Hallmark original movie. Heather points out the cheesy cliché plot of the story, but who doesn’t love a traditional Christmas love story? Heather felt uplifted by the story and enjoy...
2020-12-2355 minParallel FictionEp 12: Giving - Jingle All The Way & Gift Of The MagiIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff spread some holiday cheer when they breakdown the act of Giving. Presents are a big part of the holiday season, but there is so much more that goes in to getting it right. The duo goes in depth with candid thoughts and opinions on the current on what makes a great gift and how to appreciate everything you have. In a break from the norm, Heather reads the story The Gift of the Magi in its entirety to start. Though this story is short, Heather explains how...
2020-12-161h 02Parallel FictionEp 11: Human Rights - On The Basis of Sex & Uncanny X-Men Days of Future Past Issues #141 & #142In this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff honor Human Rights day in America. Shining a light on issues centuries old, the duo goes in depth with candid thoughts and opinions on the current climate and where everyone can improve. Jeff covers the time honored classic comic book story Days of Future Past from The Uncanny X-Men issues #141 and #142. The realm of Marvel’s mutants have always drawn parallels to the civil rights movement, with Professor X and Magneto being heavily influenced by Malcom X and Dr. Martin Luther King. Jeff points out the lack o...
2020-12-091h 05Parallel FictionEp 10: Heather's Favorites - A Walk To Remember & This LullabyIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff run down two of Heather’s favorite works. To commemorate Heather’s big 30th birthday, she took the liberty of picking what Jeff will cover. This episode doubles as Heather’s guilty pleasures, as these stories are connected by 1 thing: Heather likes them a lot! Jeff covers the 2002 drama A Walk To Remember staring Mandy Moore and Shane West. Going through the triumphs and heart brakes of characters Landon & Jamie, Jeff gives his opinions on the cringey early 2000’s music and some of the best scenes. ...
2020-12-0253 minParallel FictionEp 9: Gratitude - Tuesdays With Morrie & Planes, Trains, and AutomobilesIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff examine the practice of Gratitude. This time of year, families usually get together with one another and appreciate time together. The stories presented in this episode cover personal growth, acceptance of others, and learning to be grateful for the people and places along the way, even if times are tough. Heather gives a review of Tuesdays with Morrie, a memoir written by Mitch Albom documenting the last 14 meetings between the author and his previous college professor Morrie (who has been diagnosed with ALS). Heather provides the main t...
2020-11-2551 minParallel FictionEp 8: Food - Ratatouille & Eat Pray LoveIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff highlight stories about Food in honor of the upcoming American Thanksgiving. Prior to the first segment, Heather provides contacts for those struggling with eating disorders. Information listed at the end of these notes. Jeff offers a short review of this Pixar classic, as we glance into the life of rat, Remy, who loves to cook. Jeff summarizes the plot & key moments that highlight the joy of cooking, the need to be fearless, and that cooking is an artistic experience. In the film, Remy (the rat) teaches Alfr...
2020-11-1856 minParallel FictionEp 7: Heroes and Villains - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone & Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes BackIn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff highlight Heroes & Villains in two classic pieces of work. Beginning with light banter, Heather presents Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Heather offers a summary of the work, going over the poor treatment of main character Harry Potter by teachers, adoptive parents, and school bullies. Heroes Harry, Ron, and Hermione overcome great odds and defeat evil they have been destined to combat. Heather offers her candid thoughts on writer J.K. Rowling’s recent fall from grace in the public eye, and a hopeful look at how...
2020-11-111h 12Parallel FictionEp 6: Unlikely Parents - The Last Of Us & Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2.Parallel Fiction Episode 6 covers Unlikely Parents. Outlined as characters who have to begrudgingly take on a young companion, unlikely parents are usually gruff and tough characters who warm up over time. Heather covers Yondu from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2, and Jeff covers their first video game when he presents The Last of Us. After Jeff’s Rock, Paper, Scissors streak continues, Heather’s review comes first, followed by Jeff. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, as told by Heather, is an outer space story about fathers. Pulling from star Chris Pratt’s own personal loss, his charac...
2020-11-041h 27Parallel FictionEp 5: Leadership - Marvel Comics Civil War & Parks and RecreationOn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Jeff and Heather cover good leaders in anticipation of the 2020 presidential election. Heather covers the first television submission of the show when she breaks down Parks and Recreation Season 6 Episodes 1 & 2, followed by Jeff who covers the Marvel Comics event Civil War issues 1-7 original. They give their feelings on what makes a leader, what they rate their pieces, and suggestions on what listeners would enjoy. Jeff begins the presentation portion of the show highlighting Marvel Comics’ 2006 7 issue event Civil War, which was adapted into the movie Captain America: Civil War i...
2020-10-281h 27Parallel FictionEp 4: Monsters - Into The Dark: Good Boy & Frankenstein or the Modern PrometheusHello people! We’re in the home stretch of spooky season 2020 and what a way to wrap up our Halloween themed shows than with Monsters! In this episode, Heather covers the literary classic Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus, followed by Jeff who takes on Hulu original movie Good Boy, staring Judy Greer. Heather and Jeff break down the story of each piece by piece, and then share their analysis. They follow up their presentations with a conversation on “what makes a monster?”. Written in the early 1800’s by Mary Shelley, Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus is a gothic h...
2020-10-211h 12Parallel FictionEp 2: Spooky Stories - Coraline & I Am The Pretty Thing That Lives In The HouseAre you afraid of ghosts? Alternate realities? People with buttons for eyes?! Join us on Parallel Fiction, where Jeff and Heather go through two stories that feature spooky elements. Heather covers the beloved graphic novel Coraline, while Jeff will be breaking down the Netflix ghost story I Am The Pretty Thing That Lives In The House. After a casual synopsis of each work, Heather and Jeff share their analyses and recommendations for similar films and books you might enjoy if you like spooky stories. In this episode, spooky was taken as a broad idea of paranormal, supernatural, or scary stor...
2020-10-141h 17Parallel FictionEp 3: Cult Classics - The Crow & The CraftOn this episode of Parallel Fiction, Jeff and Heather break down two cult favorites for the Halloween season of 2020. Heather covers the 90s cult classic, The Craft, followed by Jeff who covers the graphic novel, The Crow. They give general synopses of the spooky cult classics, then share their analyses of each, along with recommendations for similar films and books you might enjoy if you like The Craft or The Crow. In case you didn’t know, a cult classic consists of a dedicated, passionate fan base that forms an elaborate subculture. Directed by Andrew Fle...
2020-10-141h 20Parallel FictionEp 1: New Beginnings - Karate Kid & The Starless SeaWelcome to the first episode of Parallel Fiction. Jeff and Heather review stories of New Beginnings to commemorate the start of Parallel Fiction. Heather will be talking about fantasy novel The Starless Sea, while Jeff will wax on/wax off the 80’s classic The Karate Kid. They break down the story and theme of these stories and give recommendations of what else you may enjoy. Written by Erin Morgenstern, the Starless Sea covers the possibility of endless stories and countless new beginnings. Following the character of Zachary, the "rabbit hole" is a sea of honey that ca...
2020-10-121h 12