Fantastical Truth

Once upon a time, a homeschool father dreamed of helping his children grow their love for writing. So while he worked for 20 years as a computer geek, he also trained to create fantastical fiction. Then, after hundreds of rejections, he broke through with his tale of two young teens who discover their secret ancestries: Dragons in Our Midst. Since then, Bryan Davis has won the trust of thousands of fans with more tales in this world, plus supernatural thrillers and superhero stories. Today we invite Bryan into our own cozy cave to explore how families can teach truth in fantasy this school year and beyond. Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Winter’s Dawn by Morgan L. Busse Realm Makers fundraiser for ongoing defamation lawsuit The Talismiths: The Secret Saboteur by M. L. Hodder King Justice: The Legend Begins by Evelyn M. Exley Mission update New at Lorehaven: new review coming this Friday Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Backstory: Bryan Davis After working as a computer geek for 20 years, Bryan followed a dream to become an author. He began by writing a story to motivate his seven children to gain some excitement about writing, and that story grew into a novel. After spending the next eight years learning the craft and enduring more than 200 rejections from publishers and agents, he broke through with his best-selling series Dragons in our Midst. He is now a full-time author and lives with his wife, Susie, and their children. Bryan Davis is the author of the following series: Dragons in our Midst, Oracles of Fire, Children of the Bard, Astral Alliance, Wanted: Superheroes, The Oculus Gate, Reapers, Time Echoes, Tales of Starlight, Dragons of Starlight, Falcon’s Quest, Save the Multiverse, Not-So-Famous Dog Tales, and Not-So-Famous Dragon Tales. His standalone novels are Let the Ghosts Speak and I Know Why the Angels Dance. For more information, see his website at DavisCrossing.com. 1. How a ‘geek’ learned to make new worlds Surveying Bryan’s journey to biblical truth and fantastical stories. Recalling the early 2000s era for Christian-made fantasy fiction. His series Dragons in Our Midst broke through to new realities. These portal fantasy tales show wholesome yet human heroes. 2. Winning the hearts of homeschool fans Bryan and his wife Susie homeschooled their seven children. Later, Bryan found ready readers in the homeschool community. Some may still believe these readers aren’t open to fantasy fiction. Yet many skeptics grew to enjoy tales of magic and superheroes. 3. Forging new worlds beyond dragon tales Bryan may be known for dragons, yet he’s found many portals. His Wanted: Superheroes series appeals to middle grade readers. And his Time Echoes series reaches teen/YA fantasy fans. The Oculus Gate series enters apocalyptic supernatural thriller. Com station Top question for listeners If you found portals to new realities, which one would you try first—fantasy, superheroes, or apocalyptic supernatural thriller? Next on Fantastical Truth As students return to school, some can’t help dreading their assigned books. Even good readers in good schools will feel burdened by reading classic novels. So how can we remind ourselves and others that we’re not made to read as a duty to adults, but made for reading as part of our joy in Christ? Katherine Briggs, author of The Threshold Duology and one of the upcoming Classics Rebooted novels, will teach us how fantasy fans can learn to love timeless classic fiction.

Christian kids, do you recall all those old warnings against fantasy fiction?[1. Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash.] Some people implied that if you made up too much stuff, you’d lose track of reality. Alas. For some cases, they’re absolutely right. Too many people are abusing God’s gift of imagination. They cast people they do not know as villains in a fantasy world in which they are the big moral heroes. This habit is taking over social platforms and podcasts. How can Christian fans respond with wisdom? Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Winter’s Dawn by Morgan L. Busse Realm Makers fundraiser for ongoing defamation lawsuit The Talismiths: The Secret Saboteur by M. L. Hodder King Justice: The Legend Begins by Evelyn M. Exley Mission update New at Lorehaven: Conqueror of Shadow and Light review Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Concession stand Some “conspiracy theories” are issues of wisdom, not sin. And in fact, some ideas labeled “conspiracies” turn out to be true! For more, listen to our episode How Can Christians Engage Wisely With Conspiracy Theories? | with Mike Duran Or read Mike’s article: Christians Who Engage Conspiracy Theories Must First Believe God’s Sovereign Rule Yet we’ve always had seen conspiracy theories based on fiction. And today more people are building bigger and worse idols. This makes the problem more than foolishness. It’s actual sin. And this false accusation hurts true people we know and respect. It also hurts people who still struggle after real abuse and lies. Maybe you’ve been hurt by a real offense by a trusted someone. In that case, you don’t need people weaponizing your empathy. We’ll give you strong Bible tools to defend your calling and time. 1. False accusers are hurting true people. By now you may know about the Realm Makers defamation suit. Our friends and allies, Scott and Becky Minor, are suing a defamer. Two weeks ago, they released their need for legal cost support. So far, they’ve reached nearlry $20,000 of a $50,000 funding goal. We support them with 20 percent of new Lorehaven sponsors. But first, about the opponent, don’t just speculate. Donate! Scott and Becky’s open letter with the fundraiser: Defamation Against Realm Makers & the Minors Standing Together for Truth: Protect the Realm Makers Community Dear Realm Makers Family, Authors, and Friends, If you’ve ever sat in a Realm Makers keynote, chatted on the RealmSphere, or exhaled once you found “your people” at our annual conference, you know how much creative Christians benefit from being a part of our community. Realm Makers has always sought to be a safe haven for Christian writers of speculative stories. Today, we’re coming to you with hearts heavy with a burden that impacts many members of our creative family. For the past year, we have been fighting a devastating battle to protect not just ourselves, but all of you. But we’ve reached a point where we can no longer carry the weight alone, and we desperately need our community to stand with us. The Attack on Us All Since early 2025, our authors, Realm Makers, and we (Scott and Becky personally) have been the targets of a malicious campaign of online defamation. A podcast organization has published dozens of episodes leveling unthinkable accusations against us that include fabrications of child trafficking, cyberbullying, running a cult, and engaging in criminal conspiracies. THESE CLAIMS ARE CATEGORICALLY UNTRUE. If you want to take the deep dive into the events that precipitated the battle, we have created a page that should answer most questions here: https://www.realmmakers.com/lawsuit/ Initially, we hoped these claims were too outlandish to be taken seriously. We chose to monitor the situation and proceed prudently through the legal system rather than engage in a public online war. But despite our efforts to do things legally and with level heads, our attackers have only doubled down. New videos continue to be published—with one posting as recently as the end of June 2026—directly threatening not just Realm Makers’ reputation, but also questioning the character of prominent members of the Christian writing community. The more we researched, the bigger we realized the issue was–we were just the most recent targets in our accuser’s “information” campaign against a growing list of Christian authors. The repeated contact with or calling out of people we know and love goes back to 2012 or earlier. Exclusive statement from author Bryan Davis David Solomon has used multiple aliases over the years, but he has always been consistent in his demonizing of people whom he thinks have crossed him. Ever since I declined meeting with him at my home more than ten years ago because I had to go out of town, he has used various media to publicly accuse me of everything from an alliance with former VP Mike Pence to traffic hundreds of children internationally, to trying to bomb a church, to grooming children in a church I supposedly pastored, to conspiring with famous murderers across the country, and on and on and on. If anyone tries to do anything to stop him or even speak against him, that person becomes a fellow trafficker in his mind and joins in the circle of those he attacks. That’s what happened to Scott and Becky Minor of Realm Makers. When David and his allies joined Realm Makers, they started spreading lies about me to other members, so Scott rightfully banned them from the group. Of course, that action made Scott and Becky targets for David’s lies, and he found a podcaster who was willing to be a platform for a new round of absurd claims. Hoping to keep Realm Makers safe from attack, Scott started civil legal proceedings against David and the podcaster. As you all know, such action costs a lot of money, but Scott and Becky have stepped up to try to stop this lying grifter from hurting them or anyone else, which is why I support their fundraiser and I am thankful for their efforts. I would like prayer for myself and other authors who have been maliciously attacked by David, that people would not be deceived by him and that he would stop his evil actions. 2. Scripture condemns a malicious witness. This is a real problem, as grown-up people treat slander as truth. Even professing Christians repeat clear lies about whole groups. Whatever their motives, they’re crossing into our business: fiction. Yet we know the difference between made-up stories and reality. They don’t. Or they pretend they don’t. They claim it’s all true. These defamers raid reality for spare parts to fit in their narrative. They adapt real people, groups, and plotlines for their “fanfiction.” Who’s the star? Often themselves. Or “you,” the faithful listener. But this episode isn’t for or even about any specific false accuser. Nor is it about similar accusations, at scale, all over the world. Our audience: anyone who wonders if we must hear “both sides.” And anyone who thinks “better safe than sorry” in wrong ways. So now, let’s explore how Scripture condemns all such figures. God’s word says Christians who accuse others have two options. First, if the offense is a personal sin issue, talk with the person. Or then try 2-3 witnesses. Or take the conflict to church leaders. Their job is to attempt to bring reconciliation (Matthew 18). Second, if the offense is about law, you need two-plus witnesses. And you need to take the matter before diligent judges. “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.” (Deuteronomy 19:15) Our own justice systems often reflect Old Testament principles. That’s because God has ordained the civil magistrate (Romans 13). He also gives stern warnings against “a malicious witness.” “If a malicious witness arises to accuse a person of wrongdoing, then both parties to the dispute shall appear before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who are in office in those days. The judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother. So you shall purge the evil from your midst. And the rest shall hear and fear, and shall never again commit any such evil among you. Your eye shall not pity. It shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” (Deuteronomy 19:16–21) Defamers, even professing Christians, ignore these biblical laws. Instead they follow (and don’t even argue for) a third option. They go onto podcasts to hire you as a backup “elder” or “judge.” But is that our job? To be a church elder or judge over this “case”? Jesus Christ Himself refused to get dragged into that (Luke 12:14)! So before we even listen to an accuser’s words, we should ask: Did you take this to your church? Or to the civil magistrate? And if the reply is no: “Who appointed me a judge or an arbiter?” We can also discern a malicious witness who denies plain reality. Some accusers go further and have ulterior motives, like Sanballat. 3. Biblical heroes reject bad actors’ attacks. Many biblical prophets and kings faced false accusations. And yet one man comes close to the Christian creator: Nehemiah. Here’s a professional, a diplomat, a creative leader of exiled Jews. His book is mainly about his quest to build something new. Nehemiah longs to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall and guard his people. Also, he’s one of the few biblical authors to speak in first-person! Quick recap: the secular king sends Nehemiah to do this work. Nehemiah’s position and calling are legitimate by all authorities. This quickly attracts jeering and slander by several villains. But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” Then I replied to them, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah 2:19–20) What’s their first tactic? False accusation of breaking the law. Nehemiah doesn’t record a long defense. Just a quick rejoinder. Here he doesn’t record their motives. Maybe people already knew. Commentaries like this one reveal his possible political rivalries. So keep that in mind with all his strategies. None are sincere. One chapter later, the enemies return. What do they do now? Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!” (Nehemiah 4:1–4) No more legal threats now. Instead they just troll the builders. Watch now how Nehemiah responds. He knows not to feed them. Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives. Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders. (Nehemiah 4:5) What’s next for Sanballat and co.? He escalates from trolling. But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. (Nehemiah 4:7–8) Today’s similar tactics: death threats, doxxing, and swatting. Nehemiah responds with both prayer and wise self-defense. And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night. (Nehemiah 4:9) So after legal threats, trolling, and violence plots, they get sneaky. Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates), Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm. (Nehemiah 6:1–2) Today false accusers try this tactic: “I just want to meet with you.” “I think we got off on the wrong foot. Now let’s talk. On my terms.” And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner. (Nehemiah 6:3–4) Nehemiah responds professionally and brushes them aside. He avoids distractions. He focuses on the work he’s called to do. This doesn’t feel very “Christian.” After all, Sanballat needs God! And yet Nehemiah knows he’s a proven bad-faith manipulator. Sanballat repeats the attempt. Nehemiah just repeats himself. No need for new arguments or attempts to persuade the accuser. He sticks to what he knows, grounded on the truth, and says no. What’s next? They try the old “people say this about you” trick! In the same way Sanballat for the fifth time sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand. In it was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports you wish to become their king. And you have also set up prophets to proclaim concerning you in Jerusalem, ‘There is a king in Judah.’ And now the king will hear of these reports. So now come and let us take counsel together.” (Nehemiah 6:5–7) It’s not Sanballat who says this. It’s those other people out there! This is a flagrant appeal to our desire to protect our reputations. And it is “spiritual” concern-trolling of the worst possible sort. Frankly, Sanballat should have led with this one. It’s fooled many. Important background: Nehemiah’s people did sin against God. So he could have been vulnerable to “spiritual” accusations. Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say have been done, for you are inventing them out of your own mind.” For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands. (Nehemiah 6:8–9) He didn’t buy it. He simply states they made all this up. We get another quick prayer in-narrative. Before one final trick. Now when I went into the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home, he said, “Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple. Let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you. They are coming to kill you by night.” (Nehemiah 6:10) Again, Sanballat should have tried this strategy earlier. It sounds so spiritual. The house of God! Only it’s misused. It’s almost persuasive, mixes truth with lies, and appeals to fear. But I said, “Should such a man as I run away? And what man such as I could go into the temple and live? I will not go in.” And I understood and saw that God had not sent him, but he had pronounced the prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. (Nehemiah 6:11–12) Our hero doesn’t attempt some “spiritual” argument to Shemaiah. In fact, he refers to his own character and gives a simple refusal. That’s because he knows this isn’t a spiritual attack. It’s political. Nehemiah’s enemies resorted to cold hard cash as a motivator. In modern terms, we would say he recognizes foreign collusion. For this purpose he was hired, that I should be afraid and act in this way and sin, and so they could give me a bad name in order to taunt me. Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things that they did, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who wanted to make me afraid. (Nehemiah 6:13–14) Deftly our hero avoids the trap. And prays to God for divine justice. He even calls out unnamed prophets who tried to intimidate him. One can only imagine the “spiritual” language they may have used. In all cases, Nehemiah knew none of the strategies were sincere. And in the end, he avoids every trap and keeps to the project. Today, similar villains will try any tricks to stop people of integrity. And today they may use what plays well: accusations of abuse. Not even Sanballat knew to try that tactic. It’s often effective. That’s because Scripture does warn about abusive leaders. But God’s word equally warn about the malicious false witness. Against false accusations, apply biblical justice and wise rebukes. One way or another, they will be defeated. And hopefully repent. Com station Top question for listeners Have you had a “Nehemiah” moment of standing up for your calling? Next on Fantastical Truth Now that we’ve talked the tough topics, let’s talk about subjects more epic and fun. Like dragons! Possibly ones in our midst! The author we mentioned earlier, Bryan Davis, doesn’t even have time to run all these conspiracies. That’s because he’d been too busy with bestselling novels. So next week, we’ll finally invite Bryan into the studio to share more about the castle walls he’s built over the last many decades.

Spider-Man! Spider-Man! Does whatever other heroes can’t. And these days, that means make a good movie. Other super-movies, even in the Marvel world, take on the fake responsibilities of social activism, then are forced to fight the sinister criticism of fans. Meanwhile, Spidey and his amazing friends just keep uniting people in his friendly cinematic neighborhood. How does one hero keep wielding such great power? Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Winter’s Dawn by Morgan L. Busse Realm Makers fundraiser for ongoing defamation lawsuit The Talismiths: The Secret Saboteur by M. L. Hodder King Justice: The Legend Begins by Evelyn M. Exley Mission update New at Lorehaven: The Shattered Ones book quest has begun. Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild. 1. Superhero movies are fighting off villains. Just last week we heard of more cancelled Marvel movie projects. With some exceptions, the MCU has flopped on streaming screens. Apart from quality, fans discerned a stench of Agenda moments. Perfect-storm also struck with Jonathan Majors cast controversies. Unlike older movies, fans follow every detail, leak, and rumor. And like Spider-Man’s powers, internet is our gift and is our curse. Meanwhile, DC’s latest reboot can’t even get off the ground. DC is cancelling and delaying projects as a buyout draws nigh. In the past, DC has proven actively hostile to particular fans. Official statements and books isolate and mock certain versions. For instance, The LEGO Movie mocked Green Lantern the hero. In another case, an official Superman book criticized Zack Snyder. In both universes, fanbases are divided, politicized, anti-heroic. It feels like they’re pitting fan “denominations” against each other. As a late famous comic creator famously uttered, “ ‘Nough said.” 2. But everybody loves one friendly hero. Meanwhile, over in the Spiderverse corner of the Marvel world … Corporate heads, marketeers, and actors alike are unifying for this. Consider one recent GQ stunt with Brand New Day actors at trivia. (‘Ware language.) Actors were asked about many Spidey versions. In this universe, every story gets canonized and respected equally. This follows No Way Home’s blend of previous film characters. But for DC, they’ve tried to purge all previous versions except one. This unifying approach helps fans love all Spider-Man versions. Whether you like Tobey, Andrew, or Tom, you can celebrate Spidey! So it’s not political. Now fans can have fun doing compare/contrast. This ends up more like denominations who unify in essential faith. (And yet that only goes so far. Holland won’t meet Madame Webb.) 3. The rise of self-aware yet sincere stories. This year we’ve seen a wonderful increase of truly good films. Three come from Amazon/MGM: Project Hail Mary, The Sheep Detectives, and even Masters of the Universe all work so well. Jenneth Leed praised Hail Mary’s earnest optimism and hope. This is “metamodern,” a flavor beyond modern and postmodern. Now we’ve faced real-life dystopia, war, political unrest, and a divided society. More people long for the hope of modernism, but aren’t so naïve to think life doesn’t come with the complexities postmodernism criticized. So instead of embracing one philosophy over another, metamodernism combines the best features of both. This approach keeps the self-awareness, irony, and subversions of expectations. But these stories also value hope, sincere themes, and admirable heroes. In fact, one working definition for metamodern storytelling may be, “Delivering a sincere theme about life in a self-aware or absurd premise.” Note: this isn’t the same as flippant stories that claim “optimism.” And it’s a whole galaxy far from stories ashamed of their nature. Stephen has loved “metamodern” stories wherever they appear. The Tick and Galaxy Quest also skewer tropes yet stay sincere. Even the original Superman: The Movie (1978) does this so well. Do note Richard Donner’s out-loud commitment to verisimilitude. So do Sam Raimi’s and Marc Webb’s two Spider-Man film series. And one detects much of this in Lord and Miller’s Spiderverse Brand New Day will likely follow in these wall-crawling footsteps. We’ve had enough division over clashing canons and flippancy. Through other reboots and controversies, Spidey stays faithful! And if other Marvel and DC films do the same, they can unify fans. Com station Top question for listeners What do you love about sincere superhero stories? Next on Fantastical Truth Christian kids, do you remember all those old warnings against fantasy fiction? Some people implied that if you made up too much stuff, you’d lose track of reality. Alas. For some cases, they’re absolutely right. Too many people are abusing God’s gift of imagination. They cast people they do not know as villains in a fantasy world in which they are the big moral heroes. This habit is taking over social media. And now this sin is hurting faithful creators we know. How can Christian fans respond?

Everyone’s talking about that new release from Christopher Nolan, the feature film that is just so big that it’s one everyone oughtta see. Zack has already seen it. Stephen will see it sometime. Meanwhile, what about that book by Greek poet Homer that changed the course of our world’s epic storytelling? Dramatist and author Phil Lollar—no stranger to that name!—returns to the studio for our tour of The Odyssey. Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Worlds Collide by Clint Hall Above the Circle of Earth (softcover) by E. Stephen Burnett Iffy Eats Monsters for Breakfast by Bryan Timothy Mitchell Lorehaven Guild: July 2026 book quest for The Silver Chair Mission update New review at Lorehaven: Regeneration and more New Onscreen article: Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Film May Feel Woke but Fights for Judeo-Christian Morality Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild New book quest Aug. 3: The Shattered Ones by Brigitte Cromey Quotes and notes This episode follows 322 about real risks of “toxic fandoms.” We have forgotten what makes a pagan convert. We think that Peter and Paul were preaching to greedy, selfish, lustful pagans. They weren’t. They were preaching to greedy, selfish, lustful literary pagans, and that made all the difference. The Roman knew he was cowardly because God gave him a conscience, but he knew he could be more than a coward because Homer gave him Hector. The Greek lady recognized she was flirting with infidelity because she had moral instincts, but she knew she could resist infidelity because she also had Penelope. Want to Change the World? Read Harry Potter Backstory: Phil Lollar Phil Lollar started his performing career at the tender age of five. He won numerous acting awards in high school, and studied music, screenwriting and directing in college. Phil then worked with Focus on the Family, co-creating Adventures in Odyssey and writing more than 270 episodes plus directing more than 400 episodes. Phil also co-developed the hit comedy series Jungle Jam and Friends! as well as the animated video series Little Dogs on the Prairie. Phil also served as a writer and consultant for the television series, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss. Phil resides in Arizona with his wife. Phil Lollar’s page at AdventuresinOdyssey.com Subscribe to the Adventures in Odyssey Club Newest AiO album release: The Long Way Home 1. Fans say Nolan’s film is mixed yet moral Stephen’s impression of the criticism and often-reluctant praise. Zack Russell’s take on the film that he just saw the previous day. Phil Lollar’s response to the film and/or the cultural controversies. 2. Our adventures in Homer’s The Odyssey Basics about the story’s origin: date, setting, English translations Stephen hasn’t yet read The Odyssey; Zack and Phil Lollar have. Their thoughts on the story as a story, what it is and what it isn’t. Open discussion 3. Epic stories owe their lives to Odysseus Homer’s legacy across 2,000+ years of culture and mythmaking. His sense of Greco-Roman morality helped built our real world. Without this story, we’d likely have no other fantasy worlds. Open discussion Com station Top question for listeners Did you make yourself read The Odyssey? What did you think? Next on Fantastical Truth Spider-Man! Spider-Man! Does whatever other heroes can’t. And these days, that means make a good movie. Other super-movies, even in the Marvel world, take on the fake responsibilities of social activism, then are forced to fight the sinister criticism of fans. Meanwhile, Spidey and his amazing friends just keep uniting people in his friendly cinematic neighborhood. How does one hero keep wielding such great power?

That’s how it starts. The fever. The rage. The feeling of powerlessness. That turns good fans … toxic. How does this toxification happen? Or does it happen? Maybe it’s all the fault of big corporations. Or social media. Or foreign adversaries poisoning the discourse. In either case, we need discernment to sort honest criticism from harshest cynicism. Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Worlds Collide by Clint Hall Above the Circle of Earth (softcover) by E. Stephen Burnett Iffy Eats Monsters for Breakfast by Bryan Timothy Mitchell Lorehaven Guild: July 2026 book quest for The Silver Chair Mission update New at Lorehaven, Daniel Whyte IV’s Onscreen article: Supergirl Strives to Be Good, but Struggles to Save a Disempowered Movie. Reviews are currently on hiatus, but we have over 380 of those! Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild. Critics are writing off famous fantasies, and we concede their demise. We also believe in an Author who surprises us with epic resurrection. Listen to episode 307. 1. They don’t—some of this is legit criticism. Quick snack from the Concession Stand. We’ve talked about this. Big corporations selling bad storytelling have blamed “toxic fans.” Disney tried this against fans who disliked Star Wars TV shows. They maybe learned their lesson and didn’t try it with Snow White. And even the current DC regime didn’t do that much with Supergirl. In this case, studios may be driven to these scripts by leftist media. In fact, look for some media pundits to do this against Andy Serkis. But the fans may just be saying, “That’s not for me.” Loudly. Often the fans have legitimate reasons for loudly rejecting stories. Stephen feels this way about previous and current DC hero movies. But in the past, the studio lied to DC fans and called them “toxic.” Even some false criticisms have some truth mixed into them. Fans claimed an actor called “Elliot Page” was playing Achilles. It turned out she wasn’t; she played another soldier character. But this is still a gender-bend. And that character replaces Achilles. So what angry fans told you was true, from a certain point of view. In either case, this isn’t “toxic.” That label implies a kind of sin. One may spy the familiar hues of the old fundamentalist legalism. But if you can’t call something sin, don’t manipulatively imply it is. Sin is binary. Actions are motivated by idolatry or by faithfulness. And anything that isn’t an actual sin is just creative differences. 2. Fans may see actual folly, but overreact. Nevertheless, some fans have too much fun booing the screen. This is best illustrated by the infamous “Cinema Sins” channel. Its maker monetizes constant, often foolish movie nitpicking. This impulse, when it catches, ruins otherwise good franchises. Most recently, some anti-fans did want Christopher Nolan to fail. They did spread lies about Odyssey casting as if these were fact. Meanwhile, sociopolitical agitators slander Greta Gerwig’s Narnia. They claimed as fact “Meryl Streep is playing Aslan.” Unconfirmed. Frankly, Stephen believes this could be Netflix’s rope-a-dope tactic. If/when we hear Ciarán Hinds voices Aslan, the goals get moved. Fans may then easily forgive “race-swapping” or era-changing. We’d miss the real crime: ignoring Lewis’s original 1900s setting! So don’t get played either by studio false-flag ops or the agitators. Yet a few YouTubers, known for criticism, can be more balanced. Behind their loud clickbaity titles and aggression is an earnest side. Example: Gary Buechler says he earns just as much from positivity. In fact, his whole TV interview (even on Piers Morgan) is healthier. Stephen enjoys these YouTube roasts, but also these critics’ praise. For example, it’s been a pleasure to see Buechler loving One Piece. 3. Later they become lost in sinful cynicism. We do need legitimate or balanced criticism, shared reluctantly. Alas, some of these voices do take over factions of our culture. This is the hateful, spiteful, deconstructive impulse from actual sin. We see this in many political movements that despise creativity. Often they are spreading lies and subversion more than big studios. One could conclude these “critics” aren’t even happy being critical. And we see this from certain Christians who have axes to grind. Zack and Stephen see some voices only cursing cultural darkness. They are selling negativity and/or implied solutions (they made up). But at least the faulted corporations did try making new things! We’re back to the adage, “Don’t curse the darkness; light a candle.” Christianity gives no moral clearance for “professional cynics.” Our worldview is eternally positive. No matter the evils we see. And even non-Christian humanists ought to catch biblical optimism. Com station Top question for listeners Have you ever been accused of being a “toxic fan”? Next on Fantastical Truth Everyone’s talking about that new release from Christopher Nolan, the feature film that is just so big that it’s one everyone oughtta see. Zack plans to see it. Stephen may eventually get there. Meanwhile, what about that book by Greek poet Homer that changed the course of our world’s epic storytelling? Dramatist and author Phil Lollar—no stranger to that name!— will return to the studio for our tour of The Odyssey.

Not just Independence Day, but all month long, American citizens are celebrating our nation’s semiquincentennial called “America 250.” Other fans from around the world are joining in! But some folks, of course, feel uncertain about such patriotism. Don’t our countries have a lot of problems? Isn’t our eternal citizenship in Heaven? Let’s explore how Scripture endorses “the glory and honor of the nations.” And let’s recall how fantastical stories illustrate this good love of our country.[1. Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash.] Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Worlds Collide by Clint Hall Above the Circle of Earth (softcover) by E. Stephen Burnett Iffy Eats Monsters for Breakfast by Bryan Timothy Mitchell Lorehaven Guild: July 2026 book quest for The Silver Chair Mission update New at Lorehaven: review of All That Glows Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild 1. Why some struggle to love their homeland We’ll disclaim illegitimate hatred or homeland, called oikophobia. Some prefer imaginary or opposite “homes” rather than real ones. Still others are rank traitors for bad reasons, and can be rejected. Yet more legitimately, “home” has a bad stigma for some people. We must not let “home was bad for me” turn into “it’s bad for all.” Nor should we let this impulse turn into “the nation is bad for all.” Yes, a few countries are built on truly wicked foundations. But most are not—certainly not those with listeners to us now. Even if people do like America, however, they may feel guilty. A similar impulse occurs to Christians who like other earthly gifts. “Our treasure is in heaven, so nothing here on Earth matters.” Subtle gnosticism: if it all burns, why value these temporal places? 2. How stories remind us of good homelands Naturally we begin with the classics by authors who loved England. Lewis and Tolkien saw bad battles and offered critiques at home. But their stories remind us how good heroes fight for their peoples. Hobbits foresee the danger to the Shire and leave home to stop it. Aragorn loves his people and his country, despite their flaws. Faramir doesn’t love weapons but “that [land] which they defend.” Narnia’s kings and allies fight for her and for other good countries. The Horse and His Boy is about the good country of Archenland. Even harsh Calormenes, opposed to Narnia, have good qualities. Classic sci-fi by the French Jules Verne honors American spirit. Japanese stories adore American heroes, and we return the favor. On this side of the pond, stories show America’s flaws and heroes. Independence Day (1996) shows a pulpified-U.S. fighting aliens. Transformers and Top Gun movies tend to follow that tradition. Overtly “patriotic” stories are more about flavor, not philosophy. Back in the UK, Stephen thinks Harry Potter shows this differently. Spoilers: Harry learns Prof. Dumbledore made a lot of mistakes. Yet the grown-up Harry chooses to stay on his mentor’s side. And really, such open-eyed loyalty is the root of good patriotism. 3. And yes, good countries could last forever. These are good enough reasons to love even temporal gifts. But let’s add more. I believe great nations are in fact eternal. Why? Because of direct promises about eternity in Scripture. By [the city’s] light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. Revelation 21: 24-26 John could have said “earthly kingdoms get destroyed.” He didn’t. He clearly means us to think that earthly authorities can continue. And he specifically says “the glory and the honor of the nations.” It would appear that nations (groups of people) are not sinful. New Earth is the fulfillment of God’s original purpose for Earth. So why not New Israel? New India? New Britain? New America? Could the “glory and honor” include fireworks? Hot dogs? Ideas? Jesus is King of all eternity. Yet other “kings” will also be known. Other verses refer to saints having leadership in the New Earth. Could some lands try different models? Monarchy? Democracy? Perhaps in the New Earth, we’ll see the best of all those systems. Voting could continue, in some ways, certainly at smaller scales. If this seems weird, recall that nations are just large people groups. No prophecy implies a removal of today’s diversity of humans. Nor does it imply that everyone will love everyone else the same. New Earth will not sanctify “everyone belongs to everyone else.” Surely, after loving Jesus most, we’ll also love others differently. You’ll love your own family “more” than other people’s families. And if you were married, you’ll love him or her more than others. So it is with countries. It’s okay, even good, to have preferences. We want people to like their own spouses/families/countries most. So if that impulse will be right forever, it can also be right today. For more, read this: Why I Look Forward to America 250,000. Com station Top question for listeners Have you ever struggled to love your homeland? Next on Fantastical Truth Lots of folks have said plenty about Christopher Nolan’s controversial retelling of Homer’s classic The Odyssey. We might see the movie. Or we might not. In either case, this book is an absolute cornerstone not just of human literature, but of fantastical fiction. How did this hero’s journey change the course of all other heroic legends after him?

This year’s Realm Makers event came up fast. Zack and Stephen had a blast at the annual event just two weeks ago in St. Louis, Missouri. Whether you got to join us there, or would like to catch up later, let’s survey the successes of this three-day conference and expo. And as more Christian fans (and creators!) find their place in these challenging yet fantastical worlds, we will explore how Realm Makers is not just helping you find your tribe, but helping slowly change the real world. Episode sponsors Twist of Time by Tricia Goyer and Nathan Goyer Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo Author Update from Author Media Iffy Eats Monsters for Breakfast by Bryan Timothy Mitchell Mission update New at Lorehaven: new reviews Stephen’s article: “Why I Look Forward to America 250,000.” Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild. This week: we begin our quest into C. S. Lewis’s The Silver Chair! 1. Thursday: the Realm Awards banquet Zack’s arrival and initial view of the St. Louis Union Station Hotel. Comparisons between this new venue and previous RM locations. Stephen’s arrival and all-day setup of the Lorehaven booth. Evening festivities: the Realm Awards costume banquet. What we wore, what we saw, and who won best dressed. This event celebrates the best Christian-made fantastical stories. Winner of the Realm Award for 2026 Book of the Year: The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin Winners of the 2026 Realm Awards: Comics/Graphic Novels The Epistle to the Galatians: Word for Word Bible Comic: NIV Translation, illustrated by Simon Amadeus Pillario, published by Word for Word Bible Comics Cover Design Daughter of Light by Morgan L. Busse, cover design by Jenneth Leed, published by Enclave Publishing Flash Fiction “Godspeed, Spaulding” by Olivia Gratehouse, published by Havok Publishing Short Stories “The Department of Lost Things” by Shannae Grace, published by The Author Conservatory Audio Drama Route Styx (Season 1) by Colton Grellier, published by Sound and Fury Entertainment Audio, Short to Medium Length Jake Muller Adventures: Undead by Micah Touchet and Darby Kern, published by Tannhauser Gate Entertainment Audio, Novel Length Embergold by Rachelle Nelson, narrated by Aimee Lilly, published by Oasis Audio Novelette/Novella “The Keeper’s Voice” by Teddi Deppner, published by Parabolic Orbits / Onward and Upward Media, LLC / Ben Avery Debut Return to Aramon: A New Moon by Ezra Ferguson, published by Songmyth Media, LLC Middle Grade/Young Readers (Combined Category) The Mage Pocket: Apprentice Alliance by Millie Florence, published by Sprouting Pen Press Young Adult The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin, published by Enclave Escape Adult The Valkyrie by Carrie Cotten, independently published Horror/Paranormal/Supernatural Forever by Gina Detwiler, published by Ally Press Cross-genre The Dogs of War by Emily Hayse, published by Blue Maverick Press Fantasy (General) Fates Defiant by Brigitte Cromey and C. M. Banschbach, Borderlands Publishing Company Fantasy (Romance) Rune by Victoria McCombs, independently published Science Fiction The Crier Stone by Lyndsey Lewellen, published by Enclave Escape Readers Choice Award Captive by Bradley Caffee, published by Mountain Brook Fire 2026 Book of the Year The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin, published by Enclave Escape 2. Friday: Realm Makers Expo, day 1 Intro the Lorehaven booth and especially our Side Quests. This time we had distinct Creature Quests and Treasure Quests. Lacy Rhiannon is that overseer, while Stephen helps/talks sci-fi. Lots of families with kids found purpose in visiting all other booths! That afternoon, Stephen and Zack joined Clint Hall’s sci-fi panel. Stephen then joined Lucas Kitchen’s “Christian label” discussion. Zack’s perspective on the writing conference, including keynotes. 3. Saturday: Realm Makers Expo, day 2 Today was less writers’ conference, more fan-focused events. Stephen joined a book-signing with Ronie Kendig and Kathy Tyers. Also there: German Lutheran pastor/Jedi knight Stefan Munker! Plus our new Realmie, Jess Luttrell of the Cosplay4Christ podcast. Later, Stephen had a blast emceeing Tricia/Nathan Goyer’s event. More meetings with fantastic creatives, including Paul McCusker. Zack’s perspective on the end, including any keynote addresses. Com station Top question for listeners Will we see you next year, July 22–24, for Realm Makers 2027? Next on Fantastical Truth Not just Independence Day, but all month long, American citizens are celebrating our nation’s semiquincentennial called “America 250.” Other fans from around the world are joining in! But some folks, of course, feel uncertain about such patriotism. Don’t our countries have a lot of problems? Isn’t our eternal citizenship in Heaven? Let’s explore how Scripture endorses “the glory and honor of the nations.” And let’s recall how fantastical stories illustrate this good love of our country.

Gatekeepers everywhere. If they’re not “Big Hollywood” trying to fence out Christian creators, they’re natural barriers like lack of resources. Then along comes the siren call of generative AI. It is said these tools can boost creators’ art powers and help them dodge burly guards at the gates! Of course, these programs also generate quite a ruckus. But apart from disputes over job changes and environmental impacts lies one greater question for us fans—can all these cool tools actually help Christian storytellers make amazing new works that change our world? Episode sponsors Twist of Time by Tricia Goyer and Nathan Goyer Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo Author Update from Author Media Iffy Eats Monsters for Breakfast by Bryan Timothy Mitchell Mission update New at Lorehaven: new reviews of The Donor and more Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild 1. Yes, if we use gen-AI as tools, not minds. Stephen is first to admit some hatred of AI has grown very foolish. Undoubtedly these may include absurdist political activisms. You may have facts/opinions about data centers and water use. And you may want to “beat China,” or else not care about that. But some of us at Lorehaven never first relied on those arguments. If you marry that “spirit of age,” pro– or anti-AI, you’ll be widowed. Instead we asked about the biblical purposes of humans and art. So all we say here needs to be the Scriptural steel-man version. What if tech lords did make AI cheaper? Built in space? Won big? Your support/opposition to any tool should remain the exact same. Stephen prefers one guiding idea: use AI as a “tool,” not “mind.” “…Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can’t see where it keeps its brain?” —Arthur Weasley in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling 2. Maybe, with biblical human safeguards. In this case, biblical reason supports mastery over tools, not verse. This isn’t just about AI or any technology, but universal to creation. Mankind can abuse anything as an idol or use it for God’s glory. AI is a special case when it is generative, “making” “new” “art.” Creators have different opinions on how/whether to use this. Stephen does refuse to use generative AI in basically all respects. Nothing he writes, at any stage of the process, is AI-generated. However, he will use AI programs as tools for research/tutoring. These programs excel at gathering/repeating public information. When it’s “scraped” from free sources, that seems more ethical. Researchers, however, should know to cite primary sources. Creators can do that may aim closer for biblically ideal creativity. But if creators refuse, and “outsource” their own minds to tools? Well, they’ll get lost in the slop and will reach creative dead ends. 3. No, if we rank ourselves over fan interests. A few activists seem overly bullish on using AI as substitute-minds. They’re the opposite to reflexive (and short-sighted) AI haters. Some even call loudly for Christian-made art, quick, easy, good(?). This seems a strange cope, short-sighted, and reality-challenged. The cope: some creatives have not made it far past previous gates. They do seem to think mechanical tools will solve human problems. Short-sighted: Christians do already use AI to generate “artworks.” Example: Jon Erwin with House of David season 2 and Old Stories. Yet we don’t hear much about these. That may tell us something. Reality-challenged: this is where Stephen may end the debate. Clear aside all talk of ethics, gatekeepers, policies, impacts. Four simple words blow up gen-AI optimism: Thanks, I hate it. That’s all you need to end all this hoopla about gen-AI revolutions. If the people don’t want it, they don’t want it. And that’s that. Right now, people don’t want it. How do we know? We asked AI. Stephen queried three AI programs with this question: Apart from the debates over cost, environmental impact, economy shifts, and all the politics, especially among leaders in big tech and government … what could we say is the public’s general *impression* in response to AI-generated images, movies, music, and other artworks? Is the public’s stated response good, mixed, or negative? Any particular trend-lines to note? Response from ChatGPT (excerpt, more optimistic): Public sentiment is neither uniformly positive nor uniformly negative — it skews positive for convenience, novelty, and clear utility, but is strongly negative or cautious when authenticity, creator rights, trust, or deception are at stake. Response from Gemini (excerpt, mixed-negative) If you strip away the high-level policy debates and economic anxiety, the general public’s stated response to AI-generated art—images, music, movies, and literature—is highly mixed, but leaning increasingly negative and protective of human creativity. While people love playing with the tools as novelties, the moment they switch from being creators to consumers, a distinct psychological shift occurs. Data from major public opinion studies (like Pew Research, Stanford HAI, and various consumer tracking surveys) highlight several fascinating, counterintuitive trend-lines regarding how the public perceives AI art. (bold emphasis in original) Response from Grok (excerpt, mixed-negative) Mixed, with a lean toward negative or skeptical once people know something is AI-generated—particularly for standalone or fully AI-created works—though curiosity and practical utility exist. Public impressions are nuanced: many appreciate the technology as a tool or for novelty/entertainment, but there’s consistent preference for human-created art, emotional depth tied to human experience, and transparency. Pure AI outputs often face backlash as “slop,” lacking authenticity. (bold emphasis in original) If even AI programs reflect this skepticism, that’s big. Even an AI skeptic like Stephen sees its use in aggregate “polls.” Anyone claiming optimism about AI is logically bound to hear this. Apart from AI is anecdotal evidence. Few fans want gen-AI stuff. Right now, fans are praising films with practical, human-made art. They like the indie-horror movies and Project Hail Mary, no AI. And they love the new Spider-Man trailer with suits and shadows! Some makers boast AI will save time and bypass the big gates. But if fans don’t like that “slop,” the maker simply indulges himself. That’s fine for personal enjoyment but not for real service to others. We’ve already seen this with bad Christian human-made stories. If we’re practical, why we intentionally clash with the market? Even if fans want to make AI slop, they do not want others’ AI slop. And if we’re idealistic, why make inhuman slop for human souls? We lose all high ground at claiming to be more virtuous and godly. We would lose all the how-it’s-made stories behind the stories. Remember that whole AI-generated-actress thing? Flash in a pan. But people love the deeply human Tom Holland (who’s wise on AI!). Not only that, we’ll be wildly and foolishly off documented trends. There may be a place for gen-AI content, in memes or political ads. In other words, this stuff is disposable “art.” Yet it will not last. If we want to save today’s culture, gen-AI is certainly no savior. And if we want to grow and train others, AI could become a villain. Com station Top question for listeners As a fan, how do you feel when you learn any “art” is generated? The Adaptation Stationmaster replied to episode 317: It’s actually pretty rare for me to mourn when a good TV show ends. I feel like too many of them go on too long past their peak because they’re popular. It’s kind of nice to see them decide to go out on a high note instead. One Guild hero (and his wife) grieve over Star Wars: My wife and I had just seen the second third Star Wars sequel. I didn’t like it, but she was devastated. Star Wars wasn’t just a story she appreciated. It was part of the tapestry of her life, woven into some of her best memories. She had put so much of her time and love into that galaxy far, far away, and in that moment it felt like it was broken beyond repair, forever. Her restoration started with the books. Star Wars has one of the widest bodies of expanded universe lore, so even she could find something new to dig into. … It’s an odd place. In one sense, the universe is still destroyed. Star Wars has lost its place at the top of the pop culture pyramid, and may not ever take that place again. Through that, it might lack the largesse that allowed it become such an expansive universe in the first place. But, her place still existed. I think that’s where many of us will find ourselves in the coming days: wishing for the grand galaxies of yesterday, but finding only little pockets of warmth among the stars. Next on Fantastical Truth We’re recording this episode before Realm Makers! So once we return, we’ll have a better idea of what topics to cover. But in general, we can say that we’re pleased to have met or re-met so many Lorehaven fans at that expo. Lord willing, we’ll see you again in St. Louis next summer!

One of the sillier myths in our culture claims, “Most men don’t read.” Sometimes this is a real trend. Other times it’s wishful thinking because some folks don’t want to share stories that boys and men want to read. Still, we can join to equip Christian fathers and other mentors for their unique God-given responsibility—to train kids to fight dragons. And for that mission, author James R. Hannibal rides back into the studio. Episode sponsors Twist of Time by Tricia Goyer and Nathan Goyer Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo Author Update from Author Media Descendant Publishing Mission update New at Lorehaven: new reviews and articles Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Quotes and notes Lightraiders year 2: Crowdfunding campaign Yes, Men and Boys Will Read—If You Give Them the Right Books Intro: James R. Hannibal Former stealth pilot James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. He has been shot at, locked up by surface to air missiles, has hunted insurgents with drones, and was once chased by an armed terrorist down a winding German road. James is the Realm Award–winning author of the Lightraider Academy Trilogy series and a three-time winner of the Silver Falchion Award for Juvenile Fiction for his Section 13 series. He also stewards the discipleship learning adventure game Lightraiders. JamesRHannibal.com · Facebook · Instagram · X.com 1. Lightraiders is being quietly re-forged Life updates: Something brought James here—fate, destiny, a horse. How we can pray for the Hannibals and support Courser Media. Meanwhile, the original for-profit Lightraiders is now a nonprofit. Reasons for the change, especially for culture-changing Christians. 2. Behold the goal of discipleship storytelling Dragons roam the land. We must learn to combat these creatures. Christians do need “just for fun” creative works that entertain. Yet we also need fiction that teaches truth, beauty, and goodness. Parents need both kinds of stories to help train future warriors. 3. The future of Lightraiders and beyond New quests and crowdfunding goals for Year 2 of Lightraiders. After that, what’s next will depend on the nonprofit’s support level. Also, Classics Rebooted: sci-fi Around the World in Eighty Days! Do follow Courser Media, Lightraiders, and James R. Hannibal. Com station Top question for listeners How did mentors and fantastical stories train you to fight dragons? Lavay Byrd enjoyed ep. 316 with Rebecca P. Minor Hi, all! I was just listening to the podcast, and all your discussions really hit what I’ve been feeling towards the sad explosion of overly sexualized/”porn” romantasty or even considered “regular fantasy” populating bookstores, while books like Lord of the Rings or even Christian Fantasy being treated as an afterthought. Listening to you all discuss such a sad reality made me think of how “overly-sensationalized” books are basically harmful drugs that’s poisoning readers, more so among the teens and YA. I’m so glad to see writers like Rebecca P Minor and many others not only acknowledging the darkness for what it is, but also shining HOPE LIGHT and TRUTH that always overcome darkness through story. I also agree that we need more real characters with flaws and struggles, making choices both dark and good, while opening up a path for grace and redemption. Next on Fantastical Truth Our next episode will release after Realm Makers. So at this point, we haven’t yet planned it! Perhaps you’ll have an amazing idea. Or maybe we’ll catch some trend or topic at the Expo that we never would have considered. Either way, we hope to see you next week in St. Louis.

This week we wanted to explore 1980s fantasy. But sometimes it’s hard to recover nostalgia when present-day villains keep killing our favorite heroes. Last week, the BBC announced Doctor Who is dead. For now. Rest in peace, Time Lord. Also these days, Stargate fans are rallying to hold Amazon to its original promises of restoring that universe with original creators, and stop the ‘Zon from some “modern audience” reboot. For these and fans of other Star franchises, how do we mourn? Episode sponsors Twist of Time by Tricia Goyer and Nathan Goyer Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo Author Update from Author Media Descendant Publishing Mission update New at Lorehaven: new review, Maxine Justice: Public Offender Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Quotes and notes “June 3, 2026: Stargate cancelled, for the fourth and likely final time,” Joseph Mallozzi’s Weblog, June 3, 2026 “June 6, 2026: Do Fans Matter?”, Joseph Mallozzi’s Weblog, June 6, 2026 “Why Amazon canceling the new Stargate series is a mistake – and fans are trying to tell them,” Trent Moore at Static on the TV, June 6, 2026 “Former ‘Dr. Who’ showrunner Russell T. Davies says women and transvestites should be over-represented in creative writing until ‘things are balanced,’ even if it takes 100 years.” See this June 10 X.com post @BreitbartNews with video of original Davies interview. “Save Stargate with Martin Gero,” Change.org petition “Lego’s latest design research: what girls want,” Reena Jana at ZDNet.com, Dec. 19, 2011 1. Doctor Who destroyed by Russell T. Davies BBC, June 10: “BBC cancels Doctor Who Christmas special and Russell T Davies announces exit,” absolutely predictable end. Back in 2005, Davies revived Doctor Who serials on television. The series had “politically correct” moments, yet great writing. Writer Steven Moffat took over. The show got big. Then declined. In the late 2010s, political leftists demanded Doctor Who A lackluster showrunner took over. Fans rejected a gender-swap. Davies returned a political omnicause monster. He killed the Doctor. 2. Amazon rejects a fan-centered Stargate Variety, June 2: “‘Stargate’ TV Series From Martin Gero Not Moving Forward at Amazon (EXCLUSIVE),” and fans were outraged. Original creators were on board, per the Nov. 2025 announcement. Now they join fans opposing this seeming ridiculous double-back. Amazon may want a “modern audience” show, not original fans. This is a universe more impossible than any sci-fi scenario. That’s not how you grow a fanbase ever. True fans will grow it. Stephen finds this similar to #ReleaseTheSnyderCut. He’s drawn in! 3. Star Trek/Wars still struggle to survive We saved this for last because fans everywhere rightly lament. Since our last episode on the topic, we’ve seen major updates. Mandalorian and Grogu bombed. Starfleet Academy was axed. Technically both franchises flounder ahead with illusory intent. Kathleen Kennedy is finally leaving Lucasfilm, owned by Disney. Star Trek showrunner Robert Kurtzman is likely next to go. Corporations aren’t evil. But inhuman corporatism is parasitic. This “mind of metal and wheels” has ruined stories for Christians. But now the Christians are improving. These stories are decaying. We really can’t pretend “popular culture” is just neutral ground. Activists do want to kill these stories and replace them with others. To speak truth, we should acknowledge the justifiable backlash. And then we mourn their deaths. But not as those without hope. After all, the results could be worse. What if the hijacking worked? Even non-Christian fans saw through the trick. And they said no. The “market” did its job, perhaps thanks to God’s common grace. It’s nearly like the Law rightly punishing violators. It is necessary. Let them suffer the results. Maybe repent. But retreat in disgrace. And if possible, may better storytellers rise up to restore worlds. Until then, let great story-worlds like Doctor Who rest in peace. Com station Top question for listeners How do you grieve the loss of fantastical stories you once loved? Next on Fantastical Truth One of the sillier myths in our culture is that “Most men don’t read.” Sometimes this is a real trend. Other times it’s wishful thinking because some creators don’t want to make stories that celebrate boys and men. Still, we can look to fathers and mentors to train younger men, not just to love truth, but to love fantastical stories that honor truth. Just in time for the next stage of the Lightraiders tabletop game system, pilot and author James R. Hannibal returns to the studio to help fight dragons.

When evil assaults beauty and buries all hope under dark despair, complex fiction can show our Hero's distant yet dazzling light.

Zackary Russell invites Jon James, Yuval Kordov, and Andrew Gillsmith to explore this subgenre in which priests forge faith into new centuries.

E. Stephen Burnett surveys practical tips to find the best fantastical novels and focus on gaining the most from these literary worlds.

Jesus Christ’s Great Commission applies to all believers, but Christian-made stories are free to share Him in many different creative ways.

Just in time for Ascension Day, Stephen reviews old notions about New Earth, like "it will never be physical" or "it's best not to think about it."

When new game “Pragmata” teamed up a space soldier man and adorable android girl, many players found themselves feeling parental.

While some readers and religious folk prefer safer stories, other fans pursue tales of honor in hopes of leveling up as warriors.

Apollo pioneers like Buzz Aldrin and modern explorers like Victor Glover show that only faith in God inspires us to travel beyond Earth.

Even before AI-powered universal translators, fantastical tales have been crossing culture barriers to help us celebrate shared values.

Critics are writing off famous fantasies, and we concede their demise. We also believe in an Author who surprises us with epic resurrection.

Project Hail Mary reminds us how much we love earnest virtue-based stories more than false “sincerity” or “cool” grimdarkness.

Honest fiction reminds us that armed conflict is terrible, yet can also be heroic and necessary so long as warriors fight for peace.

Often the book was truly better, but sometimes new film and TV versions offer changes that expand and honor the original story.

In all versions, Eiichiro Oda’s pirates-with-powers tales honor the best of human ambition and familial loyalty in an wackily sincere world.

While real outer space is cold and empty, these sci-fi stories teem with human life, romance, and fantastical adventures.

Fiction reveals deep human desire to discover fantastical realities. But even if government agencies revealed hidden truth, we might not like what we find.

Yesterday’s science fictions are coming true today, and we can discern mixed motives of “space barons” on Earth while delighting to explore the heavens.

Most readers trust authors who avoid bad judgments and who share their ideas—generous, personal, and relevant to stories we love.

Fans often cringe at their favorite writers’ sudden or ill-informed hot takes. But false accusations and threats divide the body of Christ.

Some readers want to enjoy fantastical tales non-literally, looking for one-to-one pictures of spiritual truth. But not even Jesus or John Bunyan told stories that way.

Stephen and Zack reveal how these new digital channels with pro livestreams and a fan-focused Book Festival will cultivate writers' imaginations.

Thirty years ago, Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins cowrote a novel of the Earth’s last days, launching the most successful Christian fantastical series in history.

From theatrical flops and streaming slops, to new growth for biblical fiction and fantasy romance, let’s survey all the big issues while planning a happier new year.

In this special live-recorded episode, Stephen and Zack explore Focus on the Family's 2026 theatrical release and franchise rebrand.

When people sinfully judge our story choices, Scripture helps us get ready to answer them with doctrinal truth and personal confidence.

"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" pre-producer and marketer takes us into the origins of Walden Media's 2005 theatrical take on C. S. Lewis's classic fantasy.

Eighty years ago, That Hideous Strength pitted ordinary saints versus corrupt college boards, inner-ring politics, and a secret technocracy bent on world domination.

“I don’t know where the Lion came from or why He came. But once He was there, He pulled the whole story together.”

Some evangelicals may assume winsome talk about stories and songs can promote peaceful conversations with our neighbors—only to face rage, slander, and worse.

As we wage the greatest battle against sin within, we also wield the weapons of weird fiction to combat evil in the real world.

Scripture and history indicate these wicked spirits do their worst work in response to human sin, weakness, and invitation.

“Demons are simply monsters who have learned human speech. … For them, words are just a way of deceiving humans.”

Extraterrestrial devils could pull a classic and drop down from the sky, or rise up from our world's unexplored depths, or else creep into our very thought patterns.

Sometimes romantasy is deeply human and wholesome, and sometimes these tales exchange the glory of God for images resembling bulls, orcs, and aliens.

Whenever the Holy Spirit acts, ghouls shriek in the dark. Christians feel renewed. And public conversions get messy yet exciting to witness.

The Restorationists fantasy author returns to help us recall the biblical purpose of artworks and how we help children learn to love them.

When we’re attacked by tragedy caused by evil beliefs, heroes must “ride out and meet them, for death and glory ... for your people.”

Without biblical wisdom, we might lock ourselves into imagining that everything is about a particular doctrine, fandom, or political activism.

Although our laments take many forms, we can celebrate how Christ builds His kingdom through “small” and “big” people who serve Him.

Audiobooks and ebooks have many benefits, but can’t beat the classic practice of gathering and reading real books in real places.