ThemeAntics Podcast

A silhouette with a scrambled voice sits on a couch in a dark living room, prepared to tell the world what really happened. We’ve all seen these “tell all” reveals that invite us on a journey of “truth” and adventure. The real truth is that documentaries are another form of storytelling closer to the fictional media than we realize. Bradston and Devonte’ sit in the “hot seat” and reveal their own experiences and perspectives on documentaries before examining the common themes they use. Stick around for a couple of ideas the guys have for documentaries they would be interested in seeing!   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

Devonte’ and Bradston are joined by another special guest, Monica Violet Joy! With her extensive experience in writing, directing, and creating multimedia content, Monica provides excellent insight on several aspects of storytelling, ranging from the intensive process of turning an idea into a finished product and the important themes she uses in her work. Monica’s passion for creating different types of stories with diverse and underrepresented characters is right at home on this show as she joins the hosts in discussing opportunities to infuse the media landscape with unexplored, innovative ideas. Tune in for another enlightening conversation with a brilliant creative mind! To discover and support Monica’s work, please check out the links below: Instagram: @monicavioletjoyproductions Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MonicaVioletJoyProductions  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicavioletjoy/ -------   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

Hello folks, this is Devonte’ and Bradston coming to you from ThemeAntics News Headquarters! Our top story today is an investigative report about the news itself and more specifically, the common themes used to convey information. This is a fun episode where the guys tap into their inner journalists and examine the news as a form of storytelling. Who knew that media intended to be non-fiction has so much in common with fictional stories? Stay tuned for this developing story and more…   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

Bradston and Devonte’ are honored to have a riveting conversation with Gene Kim, creator of the award-winning short film One Last Monster! After getting to know Gene and his background, the guys unpack the influence of Korean culture and history in his work as well as what major themes he utilizes. As always, “Antics” is a fun ride as Gene joins in reverently dissecting themes in KPop Demon Hunters, its impact, and how certain aspects could have been approached from a different angle. Take note if you see any of their ideas come to fruition in the sequel! This episode was a blast to record with a brilliant mind who is contributing an interesting mix of genres in the storytelling space. To check out more of Gene Kim and his work, see the links below! Connect with Gene Kim: Instagram: @onelastmonster  Youtube: youtube.com/@onelastmonster -------   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast  

Let’s be honest, we all want a pet rock named Rocky after watching this movie. Bradston and Devonte’ are thrilled to share their analysis of the major themes of Project Hail Mary as a hardcore but accessible sci-fi adventure.   While the story is nearly pitch perfect with a feel-good conclusion, the guys still do their thing and unpack alternate story angles that will change the way you see this movie. Strap in for another wild ride through the cosmos!   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

Bradston is back! The dynamic duo discusses the exciting launch of the Artemis II, its implications on society, and how space travel is in the zeitgeist again. With our pale blue dot in the rear view, the guys embark on a galactic journey to discover the stories that set our eyes on the stars. Strap in!   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

Think of the most recent video you watched. There's a good chance it was AI generated. Now imagine a world where the next TV episode or movie you watch is AI generated. That kind of world is less fictional and startingly close to reality.  In this episode, Devonte' brings up recent headlines involving the rapid emergence of AI usage in fiction media. He then scrutinizes the application of AI media tools and analyzes their impact on the future of storytelling.   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected]  Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast 

In this solo episode of the podcast, Devonte' examines two time-based pieces of media in the year of their 10th anniversaries: Arrival and 11.22.63 (series) and compares the role of time in each story.  Note for our Listeners: Bradston will be back on the show in the near future! Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/  Email: [email protected]  Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast 

How much can you remove from something before you change its nature? Bradston and Devonte’ dissect the philosophical Ship of Theseus concept and their personal perspectives.  The rest of the episode is filled with scintillating story ideas that explore how we understand and attempt to manipulate the nature of identity and consciousness. Thinking caps required for this one! Ship of Theseus: a philosophical thought experiment that asks whether an object remains fundamentally the same after all of its original components have been replaced over time. It challenges our understanding of identity by questioning if "sameness" is defined by the specific material a thing is made of or by its continuous form and structure.   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

Tarkovsky does it again! Bradston and Devonte’ react to another lesser-known sci-fi classic that was a real journey to experience. After unpacking the major themes the movie incorporates, the guys discuss their general observations and what it potentially reveals about storytelling in the early 1970s Soviet Union. From the purpose of exploration to where true meaning lies in humanity’s quest for knowledge, there were plenty of thought-provoking concepts to ponder in this episode. Join the conversation and be prepared for another gripping ride through the cosmos.   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

Bradston and Devonte’ are eager to share a piece of their own writing in this “behind the curtain” episode. They participated in a 100-word writing challenge and discussed their thought process for how they approached the challenge.  Writers sharpen writers so the guys also provide insightful feedback for each other’s stories and share which authors have the biggest impact on their writing styles. Storytelling is a true passion for both of them so your support and feedback as the audience is greatly appreciated!   100 Word Challenge Details Website: https://www.tadpolepress.com/100-word-writing-contest Found on: https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/?search=100   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

In this episode, Bradston and Devonte’ discuss the well-known and controversial (?) novel "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown. The novel also inspired a film adaptation starring Tom Hanks.   Put on your escape room detective cap as the guys navigate this puzzle of an adventure while unpacking notable themes they noticed. They also examine the real-world implications of a story that invokes a plethora of alternate history and conspiracy theories. Lastly, the  guys share their thoughts on whether or not the ultimate reveal is a satisfying conclusion to the novel's intricate story.   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

The Bible is a collection of 66 books with a wide variety of writing styles, themes, and narratives. It is undoubtedly one of the most influential pieces of literature in human history. It's not surprising that so many works of art (fiction and nonfiction) have been based, or loosely based, on its stories. Bradston and Devonte’ discuss a few examples of how stories have used biblical narrative in distinct ways. Afterwards, the guys workshop creative ideas for telling different types of stories that center characters and themes from scripture in a way that is accessible to anyone, regardless of religion.   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

Welcome to another FANtastic episode of ThemeAntics (we had to do it)! Bradston and Devonte’ jump back into the superhero genre as they highlight key themes and moments from the recent theatrical release of Fantastic Four: The First Steps.  The guys also discuss what worked about the movie and its style of storytelling. With comic book characters and multiversal shenanigans galore, the Antics was again full of exciting alternate story possibilities! Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

Have Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan cemented their status as this era’s paramount director + leading actor duo? Bradston and Devonte’ believe so!  The guys recently watched another one of 2025’s most impactful movies and unpack the multitude of themes and highlights within the unique story. In a story dense with both lore and new ideas, Antics was loaded with plenty of alternate story potential as always!   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast  

K-Pop! Demon Hunters! Music! Couch! Masterpiece! Bradston and Devonte’ were recently blown away by the vibrant, electric film, “K-Pop Demon Hunters”; A movie about a trio of K-Pop stars who battle demons (literally and figuratively) as chosen Hunters.  The ThemeAntics band breaks down the movie's references to Korean folklore, the power of music in storytelling, and their favorite themes used throughout the story. With the movie's creative world-building and character development, there was an abundance of  prequel/sequel/spinoff antics for the guys to uncover! WARNING: The soundtrack for "K-Pop Demon Hunters" is irresistible and extremely catchy. Side effects include random musical ad libs and attempted singing, both of which are present in this episode. HUNTRIX DON'T MISS!   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction. Time will tell if that is the case for recent scientific news of a mysterious bacterium discovered on the Chinese space station, Tiangong. In this episode, Bradston and Devonte’ give their thoughts on the news and what sci-fi themes it reminds them of. The ‘Antics’ discussion is one you don’t want to miss as the guys craft a sprawling, increasingly dense spin on this story that re-imagines the nature of extraterrestrial life… and how humans could engage it. Chinese Space Station Bacterium Article: https://farmingdale-observer.com/2025/05/26/an-unknown-bacteria-on-earth-has-developed-in-the-chinese-space-station-astronauts-are-facing-a-situation-straight-out-of-a-science-fiction-movie/ Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast  

Bradston and Devonte’ get around to discussing a show both have been eager to discuss: 3 Body Problem (Netflix version) based on the novel series by Liu Cixin. The guys navigate this sprawling story with plenty of intrigue and mystery and unpack how the show makes good use of multiple sci-fi themes we are all familiar with. This is one of the most thought-provoking stories discussed on the podcast and the audience will have as much fun listening to it as the guys did talking about it!6 Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

Mystery is one of the oldest themes in storytelling. For ages, people have been drawn into tales of murder, theft, and countless other crimes. The hook to the story is almost always the same: Whodunit? In this episode, Bradston and Devonte’ grab their magnifying glasses and notepad to solve the mystery of how these stories enrapture our curiosity and leave a lasting impact …. with bloody footprints.   Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:03:50) - Knives Out (00:12:30) - The Forgotten Room (00:22:55) - The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle (00:31:50) - Resonance  (00:43:05) - Antics   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast  

Waves the height of buildings, winds lighting boats and other vehicles, earthquakes that rip entire cities apart, waterspouts spitting out great white sharks (!). All the carnage we have seen in disaster movies can frighten us, make us in awe of nature’s raw power, and sometimes (uncomfortably) laugh. Bradston and Devonte’ pack their storm chasing gear and venture into the world of fictional and real world disaster stories. Other than the destruction, what do these movies tell us about ourselves and our relationship with nature? What brings out our indomitable nature in the unyielding face of catastrophe? Hear their thoughts and fun ideas for new stories in this mind-blowing episode (pun intended)!    Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast  

In this episode, Devonte’ and Bradston take on a lesser known Robert De Niro/Martin Scorsese movie: The King of Comedy.  This classic invokes interesting questions about reality, fantasy, ambition, and delusion. The guys examine how the movie incorporates these themes and how they would do it differently!   Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Discussing the Story and Theme of ‘The King of Comedy’ (00:59:35) - Storying Differently with ‘The King of Comedy’   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast  

Throw on your thinking caps and jump into a wild (and slightly confusing) ride with Devonte’ and Bradston as they recap the time travel adventure Predestination (2014)!  Watching this movie is highly recommended to fully appreciate the discussion. Devonte’ and Bradston also share ideas on how the movie could have told its mind-bending story differently.   Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Discussing the story of Predestination (00:48:00) - Storying Differently with Predestination   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

We all have movies we keep rewatching, books we enjoy picking back up, reliable TV shows we rewind, and other stories we can't get enough of!  Bradston and Devonte’ share some of their favorite fiction works they often return to. They also discuss why their interest in familiar stories persists over time.   Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:05:40) - Burn Notice (00:16:00) - The Office (US version) (00:26:45) - Toy Story (1995)  (00:36:00) - Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood (00:45:25) - Antics/ Diving Deeper into why we return to stories   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

After planning a standard episode, Bradston and Devonte’ called an audible to tackle an interesting, recent topic: mysterious drones being spotted in New Jersey and across the US.  The odd occurrences, many of them captured on video, are ripe for storytelling. Bradston and Devonte’ explore possible explanations and craft their own stories for these tantalizing UAP (unidentified aerial phenomenon) events.   Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the New Jersey Drone Incident (00:36:25) - Antics with the NJ Drone Incident   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast  

For this special episode, Devonte’ and Bradston take the gloves off and call out specific flaws in storytelling each of them have observed in fiction. Movies, video games, books, TV shows, everything is on the table! To commemorate their first 20 (!) episodes of podcasting, they reflect on how they’ve made it to this point and their vision for the next 20 episodes and beyond. Onward and upward!  To everyone who has listened and supported, a big THANK YOU! As always, we are eager to hear your feedback and ideas.   Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:04:15) - Books written to be movie scripts (00:15:20) - Why does every reveal have to be Aliens or Ancient Civilizations (00:22:00) - Not everything has to be an expansive universe  (00:31:15) - Not everything has to be a trilogy  (00:38:50 -  Stop taking advantage of our Nostalgia (00:46:30) - Not every main character has to be an Orphan (00:52:45) - The goofy pure-hearted Sidekick always gets killed (01:01:50) - Reflecting on 20 Episodes   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

After a long and eventful election season, Bradston and Devonte’ kick back and remember some good political stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.  Considering how unhinged real-world politics can be, the ideas the guys piece together in the Antics section may not be as far-fetched as they seem!  Editorial Note: The First Lady that Devonte’ mentioned secretly assumed presidential duties for a brief period of time is actually Edith Wilson, wife of President Woodrow Wilson (who fell ill after World War I). Check out this interesting historical anecdote here: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/woodrow-wilson-stroke   Timestamps (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:04:50) - Designated Survivor (00:11:20) - Head of State (Chris Rock - 2003) (00:21:30) - House of Cards (00:31:40) - Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (Anime -2003 (00:42:00) - Antics Segment   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast    

Devonte’ is back as a new dad! He shares his personal experiences with fatherhood and a time capsule message to his son for the future. Afterwards, Devonte’ and Bradston discuss a variety of stories that have parent-child relationships as a major theme. The two then examine unique ways of telling these stories that allow the audience to think outside the box for how the parent-child dynamic can be defined and expressed.   Timestamps (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:03:40) - Check-in with Devonte’ (Life as a New Parent) (00:15:00) - The Pursuit of Happyness (Will Smith) (00:25:35) - The Passage (Justin Cronin) (00:40:30) - Finding Nemo (Disney) (00:51:20) - The Final Empire (Brandon Sanderson) (01:03:32) - Antics Segment   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

In this episode, Bradston dives into the world of Isaac Asimov, one of the most prolific and influential Science Fiction writers of the 20th century. He discusses the life of Asimov and what solidified him as one of the "Big Three" Sci-fi writers of his era, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur Clarke. Join this journey of robotics, positronics and psyhcohistory as this episode dives into who Isaac Asimov was and takes a look at the genre defining narratives he created.   Timestamps (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing to Episode (00:02:40) - Who is Isaac Asimov? (00:04:45) - Personal History of Asimov (00:11:00) - The Writings of Asimov (00:15:00) - Bradston’s Thoughts on Asimov (00:15:25) - The Three Robotic Laws (00:16:10) - Bradston’s Thoughts on Asimov  (Continued) (00:18:15) - I,Robot(1950) (00:27:00) - The Gods Themselves (1972) (00:34:00 - The Foundation Series (1951-1993) (00:37:50) - The Caves of Steel & The Naked Sun (1953 & 1956) (00:45:42) - Antics with Asimov   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast  

Check out this special update from Devonte' and here some news on what's to come for ThemeAntics!   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

What happens when you mix ancient alien civilizations, a worldwide mega-religion, and a body morphing android into one cohesive story? You get the Safehold Series and Off Armageddon Reef by David Weber.   In this episode, we explore the complex tale of human survival and the arrogance of man in Off Armageddon Reef. We do a full story synopsis of this epic book 1 in the Safehold series and then discuss the story implications and unanswered questions. Join us as we take a deep dive into storytelling and story analysis.   Timestamps (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Story Deep Dive (00:05:20) - The Story Synopsis of Off Armageddon Reef (00:49:48) - Exploring the Story and Lingering Questions of Off Armageddon Reef   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast

If it's the wild cannon and the straight man, or if it's best friend fighting to protect what they love, we all love ourselves a good buddy movie. In this episode Devonte' and Bradston rediscover some of their favorite buddy movies and uncover some unique ideas buddy movies have yet to explore.   Timestamps (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:02:51) - Midnight Run (Robert DeNiro and Charles Grodin) (00:11:50) - Identity Thief (Jason Bateman and Melisa McCarthy) (00:19:20) - Bad Boys (Martin Lawrence and Will Smith) (00:26:05) - Rush Hour (Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan) (00:33:45) - Antics Segment   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/ThemeAnticsPodcast  

In this edition of FilmAntics, Bradston and Devonte' discuss the overall storytelling arc of the MCU's Infinity Saga. They also diagnose the issues that have plagued everything from Phase 4 of the MCU up to now and what kinds of stories could help the franchise get back on track.   Timestamps (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:02:50) - Discussing the Current State of the Story of the MCU (00:35:25) - How would we do the MCU story better?   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast  

Capes! Masks! Radioactive Spiders! Many of us grew up on stories of ordinary people becoming extraordinary to save the day. There are so many superhero stories it can seem difficult to come up with something new.. ... but that's why ThemeAntics is here! Bradston and Devonte' share some of the superhero stories they have enjoyed and go to the drawing board to craft new stories to tell within this genre.   Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:02:14) - The Dark Knight (00:09:00) - Watchmen (00:16:00) - Avengers: Endgame (00:26:00) - SuperCrooks (00:35:15) - Antics Segment   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast

In this episode, Bradston and Devonte' introduce the first entry of FilmAntics! This series will explore themes and storytelling within specific movies, many of which are not in the mainstream. Bradston and Devonte' break down the story of STALKER and examine what could have been done differently. Enter The Zone and prepare for a mind-bending tale of wastelands, secret rooms where dreams come true, and... telekinesis???   Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:05:55) - Stalker Spoilers Begins (00:11:40) - Stalker Spoilers Ends And make sure to stick around to hear some exclusive Behind-The-Scenes footage from this episode.   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast

Fictional dystopias always have more going on than meets the eye. In this episode, Bradston and Devonte' unpack how fictional societies devolve into dystopian nightmares and what forms of control are used to create absolute power. They also grapple with an intriguing question: can a true utopia exist  without a secret dystopia underneath?   Timestamps (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:02:55) - The Hunger Games Trilogy (00:10:25) - 15 Million Merits from Black Mirror TV Series (00:19:45) - 1984 by George Orwell (00:25:55) - The Giver by Lois Lowry (00:34:00) - Antics Segment   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast

In the first of many special episodes for the show, Devonte' and Bradston break down the three word writing challenge and how it has helped them in their creative writing. They also discuss the short stories they wrote for the challenge and, of course, how they could "Story Differently" with them. Timestamps (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Three Word Challenge (00:08:15) - Devonte’s Short Story Summary - Spy Thriller, Ancient Rome, Ball of Yarn (00:21:40) - How could we “Story Differently” with Devonte’s Short Story? (00:32:50) Bradston’s Short Story Summary - Conspiracy, Lovecraftian, Thread (00:46:00) - How could we “Story Differently” with Bradston’s Short Story?     Devonte's Story: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast/spy-thriller-ancient-rome-ball-of-yarn-three-word-challenge-d1a7b22ebdaf Bradston's Story: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast/of-gold-and-thread-three-word-challenge-04e329ed3878 ---- Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected] Blog: https://medium.com/@themeanticspodcast

Space is often referred to as the final frontier and is a common setting for science fiction. Fictional space travelers have explored countless worlds that brilliant minds have crafted in their stories.   Bradston and Devonte' snap on their helmets and navigate a few  space-faring adventures. Is this a one-way trip into a black hole or will they discover uncharted territory where no storyteller has gone before? Tune in to find out!   Timestamps (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:02:30) - Ad Astra (00:08:20) - The Blackhole (1979) (00:15:45) - The Martian (00:21:50) - Sunshine (00:29:29) - Antics Segment   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected]

The multiverse has become a common trope in fiction stories today. The idea of another version of you and everything you know in another universe is both intriguing and trippy. Devonte' and Bradston hop between different takes on multiversal stories and consider what new concepts can be used to tell these kinds of stories.   Timestamps (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:02:15) - Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse (00:06:25) - Everything, Everywhere, All at Once (00:10:30) - The Man in the High Castle (00:15:10) - The Wakers by Orson Scott Card (00:21:03) - Antics Section   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected]

In many fictional stories, mental disorders are presented in a visceral, unsettling manner. A battle within your own mind that you can't escape is a frightening premise.  Devonte' and Bradston unpack how the mental turmoil of afflicted characters provide an interesting perspective on the human condition and what happens when the conflict is internal.   Timestamps (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:02:38) - Memento (00:07:45) - Primal Fear (00:13:15) - Split (00:14:25) - The Shining (00:18:20) - Shutter Island (00:26:30) - Antics Segment   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected]

Even when civilizations end, the stories and tales about them persist and capture the imaginations of future generations. Devonte' and Bradston put on their anthropological hats and dig into how stories illuminate the  past and have the potential to shape our future. The question remains, what stories will be written about the times we live in now?   Timestamps (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:03:08) - Eternals (Comic) (00:10:05) - Mass Effect Trilogy (00:19:10) - Atlantis: The Lost Empire (00:26:15) - The Lost City Z (00:37:17) - Antics Segment   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected]

Unlike the History Channel guy, most of us typically don't assume aliens were responsible for every mysterious, unexplained thing. But it sure is fun to think they were!  Bradston and Devonte’ examine how aliens are depicted and used in fiction stories. They then brainstorm how stories can redefine what an alien can be and how they would interact with us puny humans.   Timestamps (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:02:26) - Arrival (00:10:05) - Iron Giant (00:16:15) - War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (00:22:50) - Another Life (00:32:48) - Antics Segment   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected]

Stories that envision the end of society as we know it explore how humans adjust to their new reality. Devonte' and Bradston explore hierarchies in post apocalyptic stories, the struggle to re-establish order among survivors, and who gets to make the rules. Hosted by Devonte’ Godfrey and Bradston Henry.   Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:02:40) - Fallout Series (00:07:00) - Silo Series by Hugh Howey (00:12:55) - Snowpiercer (00:17:40) - Neon Genesis Evangelion (00:24:28) - Antics Segment   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected]

In our favorite stories, monsters come in various forms of terror from our point-of-view . Devonte' and Bradston examine what makes famous monsters so iconic and how a change of perspective challenges our definition of what a monster really is. Hosted by Devonte’ Godfrey and Bradston Henry.   Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:02:25) - Jaws (00:08:15) - Cloverfield (00:13:35) - Alien (00:19:50) - Terminal Freeze by Lincoln Child (00:28:30) - Antics Segment   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected]

Stories about Artificial Intelligence examine the impact of digital sentience on our society. Devonte' and Bradston discuss the use of sentient A.I. in stories as a cautionary tale and speculate whether or not AI could actually be beneficial.   Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:02:35) - I,Robot  (00:06:50) - Ex Machina (00:11:20) - Be Right Back from Black Mirror TV Series (00:15:35): - AutoFab from Philip K. Dicks: Electric Dreams TV Series (00:20:15) - 2001: A Space Odyssey (00:29:00) - Speaker of the Dead by Orson Scott Card (00:37:20) - Antics Segment   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected]

Stories about time travel explore our relationship with time and our desire to manipulate it. Devonte' and Bradston dive into common tropes in time travel stories and how they can be approached differently   TimeStamps (00:00:00) - Welcome to ThemeAntics (00:00:48) - Introducing the Theme (00:04:30) - Tenet  (00:08:05) - Interstellar (00:12:55) - Recursion by Blake Crouch (00:16:20) - Unhappenings by Edward Aubry (00:20:10) - Paycheck by Philip K. Dick (00:23:50) - The Tomorrow War (00:29:05) - Antics Intro   Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected]

We’re fiction enthusiasts and aspiring writers. We’re doing a podcast about themes in fiction and how we can "story differently" with them.  Hosted by Devonte’ Godfrey and Bradston Henry. Website: https://themeanticspodcast.podbean.com/ Email: [email protected]