Episode 10: Punk Rock Justice

Derek and Laurel are back at it again, inspired by the FX series “The People vs OJ Simpson.” They contextualize justice as a story, one that evolves through time and cultural relativity. Beginning in Ancient Greece, where mythology and justice merged as one, Derek and Laurel follow the thread to Marvel Studio’s Captain America: Civil War. All topics are on the table, and stories that wrestle with justice are tackled head on. If you like what you hear, check out the blog at www.midnightmyth.com/blog

Episode 9A: Spears Shall Be Shaken

And given unto Derek and Laurel was a podcast of power, forged in the concrete of South Philadelphia, and in it, they poured their nerdiness, love of mythology and story telling! Listen this week as we scratch the surface of JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, as we examine the structure, history, and lore behind the modern world’s most famous fantasy series. We take time to look at where Wizards are from, and why Dwarfs are the conservatives of Middle Earth. We talk about how the Elves came to being, and the cyclical nature of good vs evil. We also take a look at the villains of Middle Earth and the corruptive influence of Sauron’s lidless burning eye. If you like journeying to a magical realm where anything is possible, then listen, enjoy, and tell a friend!

Episode 8: Destiny's Child

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 7: There Is No Spoon

Have you ever wondered if this world is real? Have you ever wondered if the life you are living is the good life or just the life you have been told to live? Listen to Derek and Laurel discuss storytelling that questions and deconstructs the narratives of 1990s American peace and prosperity. We talk about three amazing movies, Fight Club, American Beauty and The Matrix. Remember, all things have questions, and all questions help us understand this fundamental truth: there is a difference between knowing the path, and walking the path.

Episode 6: Rebel Rebel

In these turbulent times, we all may be feeling the need to resist. But why does resistance and rebellion resonate with us Americans? Listen as Derek and Laurel talk about stories of resistance and rebellion. We dig deep into the universal American narrative of the underdog and relate it to the American Revolution. Stories such as Star Wars, Hunger Games, Hamilton and Les Miserables are on the table and discussed with Midnight Myth humor, rigor, and grace.

Episode 5: The Joke

Everyone’s favorite podcast hosts Derek and Laurel are back at it again, this time discussing one of pop culture’s all time villains: The Joker. The discussion is around the famous graphic novel “The Killing Joke”, and all topics are on the table. Everything from the Joker’s backstory, the role of sexualize violence in media, and the SuperBowl are touch on. Listen and enjoy friends and let us know what you think!

Episode 4: Rock Bottom

Derek and Laurel are back at it again with episode 4! Today, they talk about a quintessential part of the hero’s journey, what happens when the hero loses all hope? How do heroes overcome the depths of despair, loss, and suffering to be triumphant over their adversaries? In other words, when a hero hits rock bottom, how do they build themselves back up? These questions and more and discussed on another installment of the Midnight Myth.