From the winding streets of Rome to the cobbled alleys of Philadelphia, our histories are always just beneath our feet as we follow the well-worn tread of those generations that came before us. This week, Derek & Laurel explore the most powerful historical narratives of Western culture and their inextricable ties. In the end, all roads truly do lead to Rome and two monolithic figures: Jesus Christ and Julius Caesar, whose archetypes continue to resonate throughout Western storytelling. Untangling some of the powerful mysteries of the Roman Empire and the Catholic Church, we also turn our eyes to what we can learn about ourselves in the stories we’ve always told.
Episode 7: There Is No Spoon
Have you ever wondered if this world is real? Have you ever wondered if the life you are living is the good life or just the life you have been told to live? Listen to Derek and Laurel discuss storytelling that questions and deconstructs the narratives of 1990s American peace and prosperity. We talk about three amazing movies, Fight Club, American Beauty and The Matrix. Remember, all things have questions, and all questions help us understand this fundamental truth: there is a difference between knowing the path, and walking the path.
Episode 6: Rebel Rebel
In these turbulent times, we all may be feeling the need to resist. But why does resistance and rebellion resonate with us Americans? Listen as Derek and Laurel talk about stories of resistance and rebellion. We dig deep into the universal American narrative of the underdog and relate it to the American Revolution. Stories such as Star Wars, Hunger Games, Hamilton and Les Miserables are on the table and discussed with Midnight Myth humor, rigor, and grace.
