Why Epic Poetry Disappeared—and Why It Should Return | Peter Gunn

Human beings have always lived through stories.Long before movies and social media, myths and epic poems helped people understand suffering, purpose, virtue, and what it meant to live a meaningful life.But somewhere along the way, something changed.In this episode of Thought Atlas, I’m joined by Peter Gunn—a 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran, bodybuilder, guitarist, poet, and creator on a mission to revive epic poetry for a modern generation.After a childhood marked by obesity, a near-death experience at age seven, and two decades of military service, Peter turned toward storytelling, creating new myths through poetry, graphic novels, and music.Inspired by the birth of his daughter, he began exploring how ancient stories could be reimagined for today’s world—and why the hero’s journey deserves new voices and perspectives.We explore:• Why humans need stories• The role mythology plays in meaning• A near-death experience at age seven• Overcoming obesity and transformation• Twenty years in the Air Force• Why epic poetry disappeared from culture• Becoming a father and rethinking stories• Why the hero’s journey needs feminine perspectives• Linked-Lyrical Poetry and symbolic storytelling• Whether stories enlighten or manipulate• Why modern people need new mythsThis is not simply a conversation about books or poetry.It’s an exploration of myth, imagination, symbolism, and the stories that quietly shape human beings.The deeper question beneath this conversation:What happens when a culture loses its myths—and who are we without stories?🌍 Thought Atlas:https://joinpodmatch.com/thoughtatlas🌍 Peter Gunn:https://petergunn.net🎸 The AngellicS:Explore their latest album, Elysium Feels, and Peter’s creative projects at his website.