Stories Are Soul Food

Nate and Brian catch back up on the trailer for Toy Story 5, then they tackle the question "Why is everybody looking for someone to blame?"

You won’t want to miss Nate Wilson and Brian Kohl as they watch and break down Children of Men. This masterpiece has some of the most intricate and technically brilliant cinematography in movie history. See what makes it so special—and check out one scene that misses the mark.

You thought the Look At Moving Pictures Club was dead? LAMPC is baaaaaack, and the guys are discussing one of their favorites: - Why Alfonso Cuaron's "Children of Men" is one of the best movies of the 21st century; - Why Children of Men is a Christmas movie (whether or not P.D. James intended it in the novel); - What you missed in this movie; - How Alfonso Cuaron (the director) crafted his best scenes; - the very worst scene in Children of Men; And lots more.

The guys go through some of the best pitches so far. ("Best" is strong.) Then: Conspiracy theories aren't your job. What is? You have heard that Israel k*lled Charlie. Or that Elon is a lizard man. What next? Make sure you're rooted in the God, who never changes, before you think about investigating conspiracy theories (which always change). And then, understand that you will never know. Understand how streaming incentivizes the wildest and craziest takes...and AI has made it a million times worse. Obviously the government lies (MK Ultra? Covid? NSA?). Trust people / churches who haven't lied to you. Internalize the Coca-Cola CEO's words: "The truth is, we're not that smart; and we're not that dumb." One of these isn't not untrue: A Jew rules the world. Birds aren't real. "Hello SASFers -- Happy No Quarter November to all who celebrate! Visit noquarternovember.com for free ebooks all month long." Stories Are Soul Food is presented by Canon Press

This week on SASF—apparently our 200th episode (who knew?)—we're diving into the massive topic of justice and mercy? From revenge-soaked movie plots to the rise of the manosphere, we explore why so many men seek utter annihilation over their enemies, and what it looks like for Christians to fight with integrity.

Nate and Brian sit down to talk about the importance of self-control in writing your story. Plus, brand new pitch reviews featuring a ewe with a unique circumstance.

Nate and Brian return to review your pitches and break down what makes stories resonate with an audience. Plus, their takes on the Charlie Kirk memorial service through the lens of powerful storytelling.

On this episode of SASF, Nate and Brian are back to review your pitches again while tackling propaganda in Christian media. Catch them discussing the power of satire and what friendships should look like in your stories.

This SASF episode breaks down the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. What a story: How the devil messed up by killing Charlie, because martyrdom after Christ doesn't work. Charlie's cheerful masculinity made him a target. Why Charlie's "free speech" approach prevents civil war. Crazy progressives in public high schools and universities only "reproduce" because of your children. Live like Charlie by faithfully "raking the gravel" in your life. Watch Charlie Kirk's entire Man Rampant episode with Douglas Wilson for free on Canon Press's YouTube:https://youtu.be/bL4DxMZXNIA?si=tWcFKiIZ9XI_Ycc8

How do you identify stories with poison in them? They never say "TAKE THIS POISON." They always coat it in chocolate first...- "Make Me Famous" pitch reviews segment continues with "The Ghost Train". Maybe this is the episode wherein Nate finally likes a pitch.- Then the guys turn to stories that start out sweet but conceal poison in the end.- Harry Potter and The Hunger Games both start a story with something admirable (the underdog, self-sacrifice). That's the chocolate.- But once you like the chocolate, an author *can make you eat anything after that... even poison (self-pity, dissatisfaction, ungratefulness, victimhood mentality).- To demonstrate how a true underdog story works, Nate reframes the story of Joseph and the coat of many colors (not what that is).

On this episode of SASF Nate and Brian discuss the recent X controversy Nate caused, Why you should watch KPop Demon Hunters? How we as Christians should approach it and all forms of Media? How Miyazaki does anime well? and much more. - Nate and Brian discuss how Kpop Demon Hunters is a bad pitch, but done well- Why Kpop Demon Hunters is a better movie for girls to watch than the Disney Classic Beauty and the Beast- Why Kpop Demon Hunters isn’t a coming out movie.- Where viewers have prejudice against the movie because it’s in an Anime format, How Miyazaki does good anime while telling a good story. - How you shouldn’t be legalistic against a movie because it’s on Netflix

You have heard this SASF axiom: "A good dad can't be present in children's fiction." This is because if he was, there'd be no story for the kids to take care of -- BUT... there are a few exceptions... - Brian and Nate search for those elusive MG/YA unicorns: the good and present father. - What about To Kill a Mockingbird's Atticus Finch? Jeremiah Land from Peace Like a River? Guido in Life is Beautiful? In these stories, the good dad becomes the protagonist. - Uncle Frank in 100 Cupboards? Nate explains why he'd never call Uncle Frank a good father figure. - Heading further afield: what about Mustafa from The Lion King? Bandit from Bluey? Gomez Addams?? - Finally the guys turn to real life: Ralph Moody's father, Pa Wilder, Bible characters including Nate's pick for best dad in the whole Bible: Jesus's earthly father, Joseph.

This week SASF listeners sent in their own pitches for an episode of "Make Me Famous" In this new SASF segment, Nate reacts for the first time to original ideas containing:- The Last Airbender meets Stranger Things plus reincarnation, a slave girl, and a menacing priest- A headstrong girl who awakens an ancient evil- Narnia fanfiction- a determined goat trying to succeed at roarball;- and much much MORE, including the elements of a good pitch. If you still have an idea, send it! We'll likely do another episode of "Make Me Famous" in the future.

Brian Kohl and Nate Wilson discuss F1: The Movie and K-Pop Demon Hunters. Nate explains that the latter sounds terrible on paper pitch but the filmmakers really pulled it off. They also touch on the teaser for Pixar's upcoming movie, "Hoppers" and why it's just a plain old bad pitch.

This episode offers a smorgasbord: Nate has never finished a Neil Gaiman book. Brian tells him why. They also discuss:- Sparta, Lycurgus, and delicacies.- Feminine vs Masculine glory.- Stoics vs Epicenes.