038 | We Finally Talked About the Books We're Writing | Travis Sanders episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 10, 2026 · 1H 50M

038 | We Finally Talked About the Books We're Writing | Travis Sanders

from Hold This Thought · host with Christian Boatright

Sports Trivia | Math Minds | Beach Vs. Mountains | Creative Writing | Tolkien A simple conversation about sports unexpectedly unfolds into a discussion about creativity, storytelling, and the ideas that shape how we see the world. Christian and Travis discuss writing fiction, building memorable characters, high fantasy, fatherhood, worldbuilding, travel, geography, mathematics, and why some stories continue to resonate long after they're told.Whether you're a reader, writer, traveler, sports fan, or simply someone who enjoys thoughtful conversations, this episode offers a unique look at curiosity through many different lenses. From NFL debates to Tolkien, European travel to novel writing, this is one of the most diverse conversations we've had.Travis has dedicated most of his adult career to youth development and ministry, helping shape the lives of the next generation. He holds a degree in mathematics and enjoys exploring the intersection of faith, reason, and storytelling. Married for nearly ten years and the father of three, Travis is passionate about reading, writing, sports, and thoughtful conversations about Scripture. He is currently writing a fiction novel that uses allegory to explore the journey of fatherhood and the timeless truths found within it.Chapters:00:00 | Trivia Night & Sports Obsession01:50 | NFL Legends, Favorite Players & Football Memories09:45 | The Super Bowl Experience & Sports Culture17:55 | Geography, History & The Joy of Learning Random Facts25:20 | Mountains vs. Beaches: What Makes a Perfect Vacation?35:45 | Travel Expectations vs. Authentic Experiences46:20 | Wildlife Encounters, Snakes & Outdoor Adventures58:45 | Fantasy Worlds: Game of Thrones, Books & Storytelling1:19:55 | George R.R. Martin's Writing Genius1:30:05 | Tolkien, Middle-earth & Building Entire Universes1:41:45 | Fantasy, Worldbuilding & Why Great Stories Endure1:50:26 | Final Thoughts & Outro

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038 | We Finally Talked About the Books We're Writing | Travis Sanders

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