Damien Walter

Join history teacher Stefan Sasse, who specializes in fascism, and journalist Damien G. Walter as they delve into the unsettling connections between fantasy worlds and authoritarianism. They discuss how 'Star Wars' reflects ideological threats and the moral complexities of the Jedi. Exploring 'Game of Thrones,' they analyze Daenerys’ fall from heroism to tyranny. The conversation also critiques superhero narratives and their ties to fascist themes, underscoring the urgent need for critical engagement with power and storytelling in both fantasy and reality.

In this discussion, Damien Walter, a storytelling expert, examines the search for a new mythos in 21st-century narratives, contrasting classic hero tales with modern storytelling challenges. He emphasizes the need for a generative arena to revitalize liberal narratives and explore the complexities of heroism. Alongside a fellow speaker, they delve into the dark costs of heroism, the paradoxes of modern liberalism, and the impact of societal changes on narrative structures, ultimately calling for a richer exploration of identity and community in today's tales.

R.R. Reno, an American theologian and editor of First Things, teams up with cultural critic Damien Walter, known for his insights on sci-fi and culture. They dive into how post-war ideologies were shaped by historical trauma, notably WWII. The discussion touches on Star Trek's role as cultural propaganda and critiques America’s moral landscape shifts post-war. They also explore modernization within the Christian Reformed Church, addressing tensions of tradition versus contemporary faith, and reflect on the church’s journey regarding accountability in the context of its historical challenges.