Episode 49: When I Was Newly Sewn

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 48: Large Short Fibs

This week’s episode takes a look inside HBO’s stellar series “Big Little Lies,” the archetypes it relies on, and the stereotypes it deconstructs. From Freud’s triangle of trauma to Hippocratic Humorism, there’s a lot going on beneath the idyllic surface in the wealthy beach town of Monterey. Join Derek and Laurel on a journey beneath the waves as we look at what went so so right (and what went so so wrong.)

Episode 47: Doctor, I Let You Go

Few themes of storytelling and mythology are as widespread or as powerful as the resurrection myth. From the ancient to the modern world, the idea of resurrection, reincarnation, and escape from mortality lies at the heart of religions, belief systems, and popular BBC television shows. Revisiting one of our favorites, Doctor Who, we learn to say goodbye to the old and welcome the new during the Doctor’s process of “regeneration.” Derek & Laurel take a look back this week over Peter Capaldi’s legacy as the legendary Timelord, and seek to understand the timelessness of the character through the lens of Egyptian mythology and contemporary psychology. Some spoilers for Series 9 and the latest Doctor Who Christmas Special.

Episode 46: Saving What We Love

We’ve gathered our thoughts, and now we ask you to gather round as we dig through the complex thematic, structural, and philosophical merits of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. From the psychological to the humorous, the latest installment of the beloved space opera is a treasure trove of reference and richness. Derek and Laurel examine TLJ’s place within the SW saga at large, explore the inner lives of characters old and new, and invite you to join the conversation. Whether you loved or hated the movie, we hope to inspire reflection on the universal themes and motifs held within. No porgs were harmed in the making of this podcast.

Episode 45: Blood and the Swamp

Happy New Year from the Midnight Myth! As the clocks strike midnight, Derek and Laurel are back at podcasting, inspired by the sights, sounds, smells, and flavor of Louisiana. The topic today is the impact of Southern Gothic literature on TV and film as your two favorite podcast hosts reflect on their trip to the great American South. With each new year, there is promise, there is pain, there is something lurking at night, hunting humanity, in a neverending search for blood. That’s right, we are talking American Southern Vampires to ring in a new year. So sit back, relax, and watch your neck!

Episode 44: A Very Midnight Myth Christmas

As Laurel and Derek settle in for a long winters nap, we bring you our last episode of 2017 discussing the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas. In this episode, we ask what makes a good Christmas story, as we delve into Charles Dickens perennial holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol.” Just like the holiday itself, Dickens’ story strikes a chord with its roots deep in history, myth, and the human condition. We hope everyone had a great year, and thank you all for coming on this adventure with us. Pod bless us, everyone.

Episode 43: Darth Podcast

The force is strong with this podcast. It took 42 previous episodes, and we are finally ready to jump into the galaxy far far away. The topic this week is Darth Vader and the role of fatherhood as villainy in storytelling. As we all gear up for The Last Jedi, it is time to look at Vader, and his legacy in the Star Wars universe and in villain construction.

Episode 42: Thanks to the Gods

In a special holiday episode, Derek and Laurel pay homage to 2017’s best superhero flick, Wonder Woman. Viewing Diana Prince’s origin story through the lens of thankfulness, your hosts draw comparisons to great origin myths throughout history, from the Garden of Eden to the marriage of Persephone, and make the kind of discoveries you can only find by reexamining one’s favorite stories with an active eye and imagination.