Stories Are Soul Food

In this episode you'll get to hear Nate sing (!) the unofficial English national anthem "Jerusalem"... but there's lots more: In England 1924, the sport of "sprinting" is in tension between faith and secularism, amateurism and the pros, and the nation versus world. Chariots of Fire is a tale of two athletes making their mark in this moment, and the SASF guys discuss this classic sports film. First thing to note is that Eric Liddell is actually not fulfilling the role of the protagonist in this story. It's Harold Abrahams's character arc that resolves -- putting Liddell in the role of "side" character. Second thing to note is that Harold's conversion is what allows his character to resolve -- although Brian brings up a rabbit who views Harold as a villain for just that reason. The guys discuss the iconic music, adaptations that aren't strictly accurate, Scipio Africanus Mussabini, what an emotionally sabotaging villain Eric Liddell's sister was and how he didn't respond to her correctly, Eric's faithfulness up to his death in a Japanese internment camp, and much more. #SASF #StoriesAreSoulFood #LAMPC #LookAtMovingPicturesClub #ChariotsOfFire #EricLiddell #HaroldAbrahams #England #Blake

A high school basketball coach shares the trials his team faced, turning hardship into valuable life lessons. The conversation shifts to the nuances of comedy in storytelling, contrasting high school sports with the complexities of professional basketball. The group critiques Marvel's cinematic universe, expressing disillusionment with its direction. They also celebrate classic films like 'Chariots of Fire' and discuss the importance of mindful media consumption for families.

The hosts dive into what makes someone interesting, arguing that ordinary lives can hold captivating stories. They reflect on the dark side of nature documentaries and question their ethical implications. Parenting discussions reveal the significance of storytelling in helping children cope with loss. Personal movie experiences are shared, highlighting the impact of classics like 'Shawshank Redemption.' Finally, they promote upcoming movie discussions while emphasizing the importance of strength and truth in family life.

What happens when a six-year-old wants to dress as Darth Vader? The discussion dives into the allure of villains and the lack of inspiring heroes like Luke Skywalker. Explore the complexities of masculinity portrayed by iconic characters and the importance of selecting meaningful narratives for children. Antiheroes like Vader teach life lessons about rebellion and redemption. The podcast also touches on personal growth, controversial symbols, and the moral foundations we instill in the next generation. It's an entertaining ride through storytelling and parenting!

The hosts tackle the emotional manipulation in 'Les Misérables,' arguing its sentimental appeal can mislead audiences. They explore the themes of love, redemption, and victimhood, critiquing its romantic notions and societal perceptions. A humorous examination of revolutionary themes contrasts 'Les Mis' with the American Revolution. The conversation emphasizes the importance of critical thinking when engaging with media and art. They even propose an alternative storyline for Valjean, imagining a more proactive role in the revolution.

As longtime fans may remember, it's a Christmas tradition here at the SASF headquarters to take the worst Bible Stories and turn them into Christmas fodder... because that's what they are: they are the dark before the Light came down at Bethlehem two thousand and twenty-seven years ago. Today Nate chooses the tragedy of Onan and weaves it into the Advent story. We hope this SASF episode will help you read the Old Testament better. Merry Christmas! #SASF #StoriesAreSoulFood #Onan #DarkChristmasStories #MerryChristmas #TheLightCameDown #MessianicLine

Christmas is coming, so as a gift Brian lights the fuse and Nate destroys Dickens and Les Miserables. But first, the guys discuss whether “It’s a Wonderful Life” mishandles George Bailey’s depression -- does the movie pat him on the back and tell him what a good boy he is, when it should be handling his sin more roughly? (The answer is the movie handled it well). However, to be fair, Nate then sets off on a tirade against the more saccharine elements of the movie, which leads into a natural discussion of Charles Dickens’ strengths and weaknesses from “Tale of Two Cities” to “David Copperfield” and “A Christmas Carol.” Turns out, despite his characters, his work is mostly weaknesses -- could Brian edit them to be better in a editions titled “Dickens But Good” (trademark?). The guys review the truism that Tiny Tim is a really odious character, and then move on to Victor Hugo, concluding this fantastic Advent episode with a demolition of Les Miserables the musical, including its approach to justice and sacrifice, its deification of victims, and its catchiness. If Stories Are Soul Food podcast had to diagnose the disease that most evangelicals have, SASF would say they’re sick with the idea that victimhood is holy.#SASF #StoriesAreSoulFood #LesMiserable #ItsAWonderfulLife #CharlesDickens #AChristmasCarol #TaleOfTwoCities #DavidCopperfield #LesMiserables #VictorHugo #MerryChristmas

Were you, like Nate and Brian, somewhat scarred by Watership Down -- and loved it because of that fact? Stories Are Soul Food welcomes on Joe Sutphin, the illustrator whose stellar pen & ink drawings you might recognize from Little Pilgrim's Progress, Word of Mouse, and the Wingfeather Saga. Joe's neverending project for the past five years, though, has been a full-length graphic novel adaptation of Watership Down, Richard Adams' fantastic rabbit epic. With Watership Down, Joe went crazy with all the colors of the English downs -- and turns out, that's a lot of green, plus a gazillion gnats (and a huge team to help him). The guys discuss what makes Watership Down a classic, what Joe is doing next, how to avoid burnout as an illustrator, and much more. Plus, a special offer: If you want to order a copy of Watership Down for Christmas, you can now get an exclusive limited SASF edition: Each copy ordered from Canon Press will come with an exclusive Stories Are Soul Food bookplate signed by the illustrator himself. Limited to 200 only, so order now. https://canonpress.com/products/water...

The guys open this episode with a brutal question: how do you deal with a family member who claims they're trans? The discussion wends its way into how to love that family member, and how to protect your own family at the same time. And that doesn't involved being "nice" to sin. The bulk of the episode is about sports -- specifically girls in sports, and that noisy redpilled group who think girls shouldn't play any (to be clear, this is dumb). Brian also pushes Nate on the so-called tension between academics and physical education, and Herodotus's truism that soft lands breed soft men. Nate makes the controversial claim that he learned more on the field than in the classroom. #SASF #StoriesAreSoulFood #Herodotus #GirlsSports #Coaching

Nate is a contributor focused on parenting and conflict resolution, bringing a unique perspective from Moscow, ID. He shares insights on teaching kids to embrace differences, even if that means being viewed as disagreeable. The discussion spans personal stories, including his memorable college escapades, and the challenges of fostering resilience in children amidst societal pressures. They explore the nuances of navigating complex dialogues, especially around faith and values, while encouraging open communication at home.