

Becoming The Main Character
Jameson Olsen
We're going to discover the world's greatest stories and the important lessons they hold. Each episode will take you on a journey, transforming how you see life through literature's most powerful narratives.
Hamlet will teach you why you shouldn't put off making that big move. Jo March exemplifies committing to your business idea when no one believes in you. Captain Ahab’s struggle with Moby Dick is a warning to not let future relationships be ruined by the memories of your exes.
Fiction for your non-fiction life.
Tune in, be changed.
Hamlet will teach you why you shouldn't put off making that big move. Jo March exemplifies committing to your business idea when no one believes in you. Captain Ahab’s struggle with Moby Dick is a warning to not let future relationships be ruined by the memories of your exes.
Fiction for your non-fiction life.
Tune in, be changed.
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Oct 16, 2024 • 58min
The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow \\ You See What You Believe
Dive into the eerie world of Sleepy Hollow, where a goofy schoolteacher faces off against a brawny rival for the heart of a wealthy heiress. Discover the haunting charm of the setting and the local superstitions that bring the legend of the Headless Horseman to life. From Ichabod Crane's quirky character to ghostly tales shared at a festive gathering, experience a thrilling ride home filled with suspense. Unravel theories about Ichabod's fate while exploring the moral complexities of the characters and the impact of what we believe.

18 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 22min
(Don't) Become Victor Frankenstein \\ Frankenstein Companion Episode
Explore the tragic downfall of Victor Frankenstein as he reflects on ambition and courage in his final moments. Discover the importance of surrounding yourself with creative minds and how collaboration can spark innovation. Uncover the dark side of unchecked ambition, where the pursuit of glory leads to dire consequences. Redefine heroism by examining selfless actions versus superficial bravery, and consider the ethical implications of scientific endeavors. Mary Shelley's classic serves as a powerful lens for these timeless lessons.

41 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 2h 21min
Frankenstein \\ Ambition Is A Double-Edged Sword
The podcast kicks off the Halloween season by exploring the timeless themes in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'. It discusses the fascinating summer of 1816 that spurred its creation and delves into Victor Frankenstein's dangerous obsession with scientific ambition. The narrative intricately connects personal struggles with broader moral questions and modern anxieties, especially regarding artificial intelligence. As the creature grapples with identity and loneliness, listeners are reminded of the ethical implications of unchecked ambition and the fine line between creation and destruction.

5 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 28min
The Emperor's New Clothes \\ Critical Failure By Groupthink
Explore the timeless tale of 'The Emperor's New Clothes' and its critique of groupthink. The podcast dives into the tragic Challenger space shuttle disaster, shedding light on the ignored warnings that led to catastrophe. Discover how societal pressures can stifle individual judgment and promote flawed decisions. Through engaging stories, it emphasizes the value of independent thought and the dangers of conformity, showcasing the critical need for open dialogue in creative environments.

22 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 26min
Become Robert Jordan \\ For Whom The Bell Tolls Companion Episode
Dive into the lessons from Hemingway's classic, where the danger of living off past victories is front and center. Discover how clinging to old successes can lead to complacency and anti-hero behavior. Explore the importance of stepping up for group goals and the benefits of volunteering for challenging projects. Learn to operationalize success with actionable steps for deep work, and why self-formulated rules create freedom. Plus, tackle a personal challenge by turning a habit into a repeatable operation!

36 snips
Sep 3, 2024 • 2h 13min
For Whom The Bell Tolls \\ A Calling Higher Than Yourself
Explore the interplay of humanity's interconnectedness through poignant reflections on life and loss. Delve into Hemingway's unique storytelling that blends simplicity with depth, bringing to life characters like Robert Jordan amidst the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War. Engage with themes of love, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity as loyalties clash. Discover the transformative power of facing challenges and how personal fulfillment can coexist with the desire to uplift others, ultimately leading to the importance of mentorship in our journeys.

30 snips
Aug 21, 2024 • 35min
Odin, The Allfather \\ What Price Will You Pay?
Dive into the world of Norse mythology and discover Odin, the Allfather, who embodies the tension between sacrifice and ambition. Explore the epic creation myth, the nine realms, and Odin's quest for wisdom that led him to trade an eye for knowledge. Uncover his shapeshifting wanderer habit to gain honest insights, and his audacious heist of the Mead of Poetry. Amid tales of ravens, runes, and self-sacrifice, lessons on meaningful tradeoffs for personal growth await.

22 snips
Aug 13, 2024 • 22min
Become The Time Traveler \\ The Time Machine Companion Episode
Dive into the fascinating world of fiction and its real-world applications! The discussion explores Henry James's views on novels as reflections of life and how Robert Louis Stevenson sees them as structured models. Learn how fiction enhances understanding through emotional memory and safe explorations of choices. Discover valuable lessons from H.G. Wells' Time Traveler, emphasizing risk-taking and personal growth. Ultimately, embrace a scientific mindset by welcoming mistakes and striving for better ideals drawn from fictional narratives.

25 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 1h 43min
The Time Machine \\ Dreams Bigger Than Reality
Imagine traveling to a future that defies your expectations. The discussion dives into the thrilling concepts of time travel, inspired by H.G. Wells' classic. Encounter the childlike Eloi and their unsettling counterparts, the Morlocks, exploring themes of societal evolution. Experience the Traveler's harrowing adventures and emotional losses, all while contemplating the thin line between fiction and reality. The conversation concludes with reflections on how stories can ignite innovation and the courage needed to share your own journey.

18 snips
Jul 23, 2024 • 30min
The Tragedy Of Orpheus \\ The Perils Of Lesser Goals
Explore the tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice, highlighting the perils of distractions on long-term goals. Reflect on the significance of acknowledging loss, managing grief, and moving forward with wisdom. Learn valuable lessons on sacrifice and commitment for achieving meaningful objectives and empowering personal transformation.


