Episode 100: Wizardry

April 13, 2019 Laurel Hostak

In the landmark 100th episode of the Midnight Myth, we’re going back to our roots in comparative literature and mythology. Derek and Laurel revisit the Arthurian legend, Middle-earth, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for an in-depth analysis of one of storytelling’s most enduring archetypes. How does each character adhere to or evolve the archetype? What is the role of the magician-mentor in any hero’s journey? Most importantly, who would win in a fight?

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Episode 74: De-Mentor

August 12, 2018 Derek Jones

Hot on the heels of the Boy Who Lived’s birthday, Derek & Laurel are revisiting the Harry Potter series for a discussion of the mentor role in storytelling. The Obi-Wan’s, Gandalfs, and Mr. Miyagi’s of the world inspire our heroes, give them strength, and hold them to a standard of morality and courage. To unpack Harry’s many mentor relationships, we’ll focus in particular on the one that develops between Harry and Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Remus Lupin in the third installment of the franchise, Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban. What makes Remus a great mentor? To answer this question, we’ll consult Thomas Aquinas, Thomas Jefferson, and more.

Episode 49: When I Was Newly Sewn

January 28, 2018 Derek Jones

Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin— which house are you in? Whether it’s a fun game, a personality-defining decision, or an actual educational system, “sorting” is a bigger part of our lives than we might think. This week, Derek & Laurel return to the Harry Potter series to explore the Hogwarts houses as they relate to storytelling archetypes, and the historical examples of similar traditions. Perhaps the most important question, however, is this: does the beloved Sorting Hat simply reinforce dangerous tribalism? Or does it, in fact, deliver a scathing critique?

Episode 40: The Tale of Three Brothers

November 12, 2017 Derek Jones

Three brothers come to a ridge over a river, using magic they create a bridge and anger death. Death tricks them into gifts, that will destroy them, and thus the Deathly Hallows are born. This week, Derek and Laurel look at the story of the Deathly Hallows built inside the final installment of the Harry Potter universe. Derek and Laurel examine the construction of folk lore and how adding it into a narrative grounds the story and look at Harry Potter through the lens of religious re-contextualization.

Episode 19: Don't Break The Rules

June 7, 2017 Laurel Hostak

Ya know, there are rules to this. All of this. You can’t just go around doing what you want, saying what you want, podcasting what you want. Rules. Well, listen as Derek and Laurel debate the battle tactics of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Then, a discussion of how magical systems in story telling relate to the world of American politics. Listen, enjoy, and don’t forget to play along.

Episode 8: Destiny's Child

March 14, 2017 Derek Jones

Ever wonder if your choices are your own or if you are caught in the web of destiny? Listen to Derek and Laurel break down stories that deal with prophecy, fate, and free will and the evolution of narrative relationships to fate. We look at Oedipus in the ancient world, Macbeth in the Renaissance, and the Boy Who Lived in the modern day—all grappling with their own choices and the cruel hand of fate. Enjoy this episode, and don’t forget to play along with the game at the end!

Episode 1: Villainy

January 21, 2017 Derek Jones

Derek and Laurel publish their first podcast, where they break down different elements of storytelling. The first episode is a case study into what makes a villain so darn villainous. We talk about how villains are constructed and do a case study into two separate well known villains in popular culture: Dracula and Lord Voldemort.

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