The Fiction Podcast

From golden age classics to recent fiction...We are all here to distill the themes and talk about what makes fiction relevant and necessary.

The Fiction Podcast is a fiction podcast hosted by TheFictionPodcast, with 44 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

TheFictionPodcast hosts The Fiction Podcast, a fiction show with 44 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #17

  Why Your Favorite Christopher Nolan Movie Might Not Be the Best — S.4 - Bonus Episode 17

  Aug 19, 202626 minS4

  Get ready to dive into the mind-bending world of Christopher Nolan! In this bonus episode, hosts Frank and Justin unleash their top five favorite Nolan films, inspired by a passionate listener's rankings. From the gritty brilliance of Memento to the visually stunning Interstellar , you’ll discover the reasons behind each choice and what makes these films unforgettable. Frank and Justin share insights that will have you reconsidering your own rankings and rekindling your love for Nolan’s cinematic masterpieces. Join in on the fun as they engage with a listener’s ranking that challenges their own, creating an entertaining back-and-forth that keeps you guessing. Tune in now and rediscover the films that have defined a generation! Also, if you are a fan of the show, please leave us a rating/review on your favorite podcast app. We greatly appreciate it. Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Christopher Nolan Setup 02:12 Top Five Christopher Nolan Rankings 10:24 Listener Rankings & Hot Takes 15:04 Dream Christopher Nolan Casts 20:11 Role Swaps: Recasting Nolan Films 24:16 Wrap-Up & Future Bonus Episodes

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  Episode #16

  Ancient Legends: How Classics Like The Odyssey Shape Modern Storytelling — S.4 - Episode 16

  Aug 12, 202644 minS4

  Ever wondered what makes a hero truly legendary? In this capstone episode of Season Four, Frank and Justin unravel the intricate tapestry of heroism, weaving through iconic stories from ancient cultures to contemporary cinema. They dive into the duality of heroism as they dissect Christopher Nolan’s polarizing adaptation of The Odyssey, sparking debates that challenge conventional notions of heroism. The Hosts also reflect on a season filled with epic tales—from the Iliad and the Odyssey to the cinematic masterpieces that have shaped our understanding of heroism. You’ll discover the pivotal traits that distinguish a hero from a legend, as Frank and Justin share their insights on characters that embody these qualities. They discuss the timelessness of stories like Mulan, Black Panther, and the Hero’s Journey, drawing parallels to modern interpretations of ancient myths. In addition, Frank And Justin provide recommendations for films and stories that resonate with the themes discussed throughout the season. They emphasize the importance of keeping ancient narratives alive in today’s pop culture and what it means for our understanding of heroism. Tune in for a lively conversation that not only recaps the season’s highlights but also invites you to reflect on the nature of heroism in your own life. Don't miss this engaging wrap-up that promises to ignite your curiosity and passion for the stories that define us. Chapters 00:00 - Season 4 opens with a recap of the ancient epics and adaptations covered 01:19 - Why this episode is the season’s capstone and wrap-up 01:58 - The season’s central question: who is a hero, and who is a legend? 03:38 - Why controversy around The Odyssey keeps classics in the conversation 04:28 - Comparing adaptation criticism to The Lincoln Lawyer and other fandom debates 07:01 - Lawyer TV shows, Denny Crane, and a quick detour into comfort-viewing 09:39 - Resetting the season’s structure around heroes, legends, and journeys 10:03 - Is Odysseus a hero or a legend? 12:10 - Disney’s Hercules as a cleaner example of the Greek hero arc 14:12 - Why Odysseus is legendary but not heroic in the modern sense 15:42 - How ancient heroism differs from modern heroism 16:47 - Rapid-fire character verdicts begin: Achilles, Hector, and Leonidas 18:36 - Moses in Prince of Egypt as the clearest modern-style hero 19:26 - Nameless in Hero as legend, but not hero 20:49 - Mulan as both legendary and heroic 21:17 - The Woman King: Nanisca as legend, Nawi as hero in progress 22:02 - Black Panther as hero, but debated as a legend 22:42 - The Northman and its mythic roots in Hamlet and later storytelling 24:24 - Returning to Odysseus and tying the whole season together 25:05 - Standout films of the season: The Woman King and Hero 26:10 - Why Hero and Mulan worked so well on rewatch 31:08 - Recommendations Conn Iggulden’s historical fiction 40:30 - Listener recommendations, feedback, and community responses 41:45 - A note from Professors Foss and Schindler after watching The Odyssey Recommendations Conn Iggulden - Emperor Series (book) Conn Iggulden - Conqueror Series (book) Evan Winter - The Rage of Dragons (book) Kevin Hearne - The Iron Druid Chronicles Rome (tv series) African Queens - Njinga (docuseries) African Queens - Cleopatra (docuseries)

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  Episode #15

  The Odyssey (2026) – Homer, Myth & Storytelling With Author Janell Rhiannon - S.4 - Episode 15

  Aug 5, 20261h 5mS4

  In this episode, we explore the timeless themes of the Odyssey and Iliad, comparing Homeric epics with Christopher Nolan's modern adaptation. We along with our Guest Host Janell Rhiannon (Ancient Historian and Writer) discuss the cultural significance, character complexities, and the challenges of translating ancient stories into contemporary media. In this episode, we explore the nuances of adapting classic stories to modern media, the importance of supporting the arts, and the impact of sound design in filmmaking. We also discuss our favorite characters, scenes, and the challenges of translating ancient tales to the big screen. Guest Name Janell Rhiannon Key Topics Comparison of Odyssey and Iliad Impact of Nolan's adaptation on understanding Homer Challenges of translating ancient texts into film Themes of heroism, home, and human condition The significance of storytelling and myth in culture The importance of supporting classical stories in modern media The role of sound design in creating immersive film experiences Challenges in adapting ancient stories like the Odyssey for contemporary audiences The impact of visual and auditory elements on storytelling Chapters 00:02 Introduction to the discussion on Homeric epics 03:17 Meet Janell Rhiannon 04:30 Iliad vs. Odyssey 11:47 Why The Odyssey Works on Film 21:02 Adapting Homer and Emily Wilson's Translation 41:40 The Bow, Sound, and Cinematic Moments 48:40 Lightning Round: Characters, Monsters, and Heroes 55:39 Final Grades and Reflections 1:02:44 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Janell Resources The Iliad by Caroline Alexander - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Iliad+by+Caroline+Alexander The Odyssey (Emily Wilson translation) - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Odyssey+Emily+Wilson Greek Mythology Retold Podcast - https://example.com/greek-mythology-podcast Christopher Nolan's Films - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0634240/ Supporting the Arts - NEA - https://www.arts.gov/ Guest Links Website - https://janellrhiannon.com Instagram - https://instagram.com/janelle_rhiannon

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  Episode #14

  Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey (2026): Review of the Director's Vision — S.4 - Episode 14

  Jul 29, 202657 minS4

  Hosts Frank and Justin and guest host Wes Clark (Director, Writer - How to Start a Cult in 5-Easy Steps ) discuss Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey , addressing his directorial choices, cultural influences, and the impact of practical effects in film. They also explore the idea of different directors interpreting the same story. The conversation covers a range of topics, including favorite characters and actors in the poem, the portrayal of key scenes, and a discussion of Christopher Nolan's films. Takeaways Directorial choices play a significant role in shaping the cultural and emotional impact of a film. Cultural influences and experiences of directors contribute to the unique interpretation and presentation of a story. Practical effects and sound design can enhance the authenticity and emotional resonance of a cinematic experience. Character and Actor Preferences Portrayal of Key Scenes Christopher Nolan's Films Significance of Characters Impact on Popular Culture Chapters 00:00 The Impact of Directorial Choices 08:56 Cultural Influences and Interpretation 28:49 The Significance of Practical Effects and Sound Design 01:03:15 Closing Remarks

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  Episode #13

  Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey (2026) – The Journey Begins! — S.4 - Episode 13

  Jul 22, 20261h 8mS4

  The Fiction Podcast hosts, Frank and Justin, finally get to discuss Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey - part one of three episodes. In this episode, they debrief the movie, discuss its themes, and share their hot takes. The movie is an epic journey filled with deadly trials, encounters with gods and monsters, and the struggle to reclaim home and family. The hosts express their excitement and appreciation for the movie's world-building, scale, and attention to detail. The conversation delves into the portrayal of characters in the film adaptation of the Odyssey, exploring the transformation of Odysseus, the role of the gods, and the performances of the actors. The discussion also covers the characters in the movie adaptation of The Odyssey, including their performances and impact on the overall film. Last, but certainly not least, they grade the movie (C is average). Takeaways Epic Journey World-Building Character portrayal in film adaptations can differ from the original text. The performance of actors can influence the audience's perception of the characters. Character performances and their impact on the film The Ron Weasley Award Grading the movie Chapters 00:00 The Epic Journey of Odysseus 31:50 The Transformation of Odysseus 35:37 Interpretation of Penelope and Ending of the Film 42:39 Heat Map Analysis of Characters 01:11:16 Grading the Movie

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