The Fiction Podcast

TheFictionPodcast
  • 4.7 (12)
  • Fiction

We’re Classical Studies majors who wandered from ancient epics into modern fiction and never found our way out. Now we dive into worlds, themes, and characters across books and movies, tracing the core threads and irresistible plots. Then we grade everything—C is squarely average—because evaluating art is inherently absurd and endlessly fun. Thoughtful but never stiff, nerdy but never gatekeep-y, we’re here to enjoy stories, celebrate them, and laugh at ourselves along the way.

  1. 6d ago ·  Bonus

    Disney Movies and Characters That Everyone Loves, Overrates, or Just... — S.4 - Bonus Episode 19

    This bonus episode is a playful Disney-centered hangout with Justin, Frank, and guest Andy Millis. They debate Disney heroes, villains, sidekicks, and songs while setting up season five of the fiction podcast. It’s part rankings, part nostalgia, and part friendly trash talk, with a lot of love for classic animated Disney. Key Topics Justin and Frank welcome Andy back and frame the conversation as a light bonus before season five begins.They play a defender-or-attacker game using Disney characters, where Andy has to build a survival lineup from names like Ursula, Cruella de Vil, Simba, Jafar, Belle, Captain Hook, Moana, Scar, Elsa, Mickey Mouse, and Maleficent.The group argues over whether characters like Belle, Simba, Ariel, Moana, and Hercules are overrated or underrated.They do a sidekick draft, with pairings and picks including Sebastian, Pascal, Iago, Pain and Panic, the Lion King hyenas, Timon and Pumba, and Mushu.The Disney song auction becomes a highlight, with bids placed on songs like Circle of Life, Be Our Guest, Under the Sea, Colors of the Wind, Eye to Eye, How Far I’ll Go, Let It Go, A Whole New World, and Hakuna Matata.The episode closes by setting up a future top ten Disney movies discussion and teasing season five’s return to Harry Potter.Timestamps 00:00 - Phone glitches and the bonus episode opens 00:10 - Disney bonus episode intro and season five tease 01:09 - Welcoming Andy back as the guest expert 02:18 - Putting Frank on the hot seat 03:00 - Explaining the Disney defender-or-attacker game 04:04 - First picks: Ursula, Cruella de Vil, Simba, Jafar, Belle, and Captain Hook 05:38 - Moana, Aladdin, Scar, Elsa, Mickey, and Maleficent enter the draft 07:01 - Judging the final defender lineup and whether Andy survives 09:00 - Overrated or underrated starts with Moana, Ariel, and Woody 10:48 - Simba, Belle, Peter Pan, Aladdin, Mickey Mouse, Judy Hopps, Rapunzel, and Hercules 14:18 - Setting up hero sidekick drafts 15:18 - Hero sidekick choices: Sebastian, Pascal, Abu, and Mushu 17:29 - Villain sidekick draft begins with Iago and Lefou 18:06 - Pain and Panic, the hyenas, eels, and other villain sidekicks 20:43 - Ed the hyena trivia and Jim Cummings voice acting 22:32 - Opening the Disney soundtrack auction 24:37 - Circle of Life bidding war 25:39 - Be Our Guest, Under the Sea, and Colors of the Wind 29:04 - Eye to Eye and How Far I’ll Go 30:18 - Let It Go, A Whole New World, Hakuna Matata, and the mystery song reveal 31:39 - Comparing both contestants’ final soundtracks 33:56 - What Disney songs were left off the list 37:33 - Recalling the Disney movie ranking watch-throughs 38:02 - Drafting a hero, villain, sidekick, and evil sidekick 40:50 - Aladdin, Simba, and Hercules get drafted as heroes 42:19 - Scar and Maleficent headline the villain picks 44:21 - Timon and Pumba, Mushu, and other sidekick choices 48:17 - Evil sidekick picks and Great Mouse Detective love 49:31 - Favorite Disney movies that were not discussed 50:12 - Lilo and Stitch, Moana, Treasure Planet, and Home on the Range 53:01 - Tangled, Coco, Pinocchio, and classic animation debates 55:35 - Robin Hood, Peter Pan, and the limits of older Disney films 56:35 - Call for listeners to share their own top ten Disney lists 58:52 - Season five announcement: Harry Potter is next 59:20 - Final sign-off and closing jokes Action Items Share your own top ten Disney movies with the show.Send thoughts on Disney songs, villains, and sidekicks.Stick around for season five, which moves into Harry Potter.

    Disney Movies and Characters That Everyone Loves, Overrates, or Just... — S.4 - Bonus Episode 19

  2. Sep 23 ·  Bonus

    The Marvel Character Rankings That Expose Every Fan’s Bias — S.4 - Bonus Episode 18

    Marvel Bonus Episode: Defenders, Attackers, and Favorite Heroes Justin, Frank, and returning guest Brandon turn this bonus episode into a Marvel showdown, with Frank acting as the judge on Brandon’s choices. The conversation moves from a character survival game into fast-paced debates about which Marvel heroes are overrated or underrated, followed by a final round on everyone’s favorite hero and storyline.Along the way, they discuss the MCU’s biggest names, how different casting choices shaped the franchise, and why characters like Wolverine, Iron Man, Thor, and Spider-Man continue to dominate the conversation. Key Topics Brandon faces a Marvel survival game where he must choose five defenders and avoid seven attackers.The group debates Spider-Man, Venom, Magneto, Captain America, Wolverine, Iron Man, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Hulk.The conversation explores whether Magneto could control Thor’s hammer.The hosts debate whether movie Thor has been portrayed as weaker than his comic-book counterpart.Thor, Spider-Man, Hulk, Black Widow, Wolverine, Iron Man, Captain America, Black Panther, Doctor Strange, and Captain Marvel are rated overrated or underrated.Black Panther is praised as underrated, while Captain America receives the most “overrated” votes.Hugh Jackman, Robert Downey Jr., and Chris Hemsworth receive strong praise for their Marvel performances.Wolverine is celebrated for having one of the broadest and most satisfying character journeys.The hosts compare the story arcs of Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Star-Lord.Each host names a favorite Marvel character, with Thor, Iron Man, and Spider-Man receiving major recognition.The episode closes with a teaser for the upcoming Harry Potter coverage in season five.Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome and Brandon returns for a surprise Marvel bonus episode 01:58 - The Marvel universe becomes the episode’s focus 04:09 - Game one begins: choosing five defenders 05:16 - Spider-Man, Venom, Magneto, Captain America, and Wolverine enter the game 07:26 - Iron Man and team synergy spark debate 08:29 - Black Widow and Hawkeye join the matchup 09:03 - Hulk enters the survival challenge 10:01 - Loki and Thor are revealed as attackers 11:41 - Frank decides who survives the lineup 13:07 - Overrated or underrated begins with Thor, Spider-Man, and Hulk 15:05 - Black Widow and Wolverine receive their rankings 16:22 - Iron Man and Robert Downey Jr. spark a casting debate 17:37 - Captain America and Black Panther are ranked 19:22 - Doctor Strange and Captain Marvel close out the ratings 21:17 - Favorite Marvel story arcs discussion begins 22:28 - Wolverine’s journey across the films receives major praise 24:47 - Spider-Man’s repeated origin stories are debated 27:11 - Star-Lord becomes Brandon’s pick for best overall Marvel journey 29:43 - Favorite Marvel character round begins 30:19 - Thor is named as Justin’s favorite 30:38 - Gambit’s history and adaptations are discussed 32:01 - Iron Man is Brandon’s favorite character 32:48 - Episode wrap-up and season five Harry Potter teaser Action Item Prepare for the upcoming Harry Potter chapter-by-chapter coverage in season five.Share your thoughts on the Marvel rankings and suggest topics for future episodes.

    The Marvel Character Rankings That Expose Every Fan’s Bias — S.4 - Bonus Episode 18

  3. Aug 19 ·  Bonus

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

    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 Setup02:12 Top Five Christopher Nolan Rankings10:24 Listener Rankings & Hot Takes15:04 Dream Christopher Nolan Casts20:11 Role Swaps: Recasting Nolan Films24:16 Wrap-Up & Future Bonus Episodes

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

  4. Aug 12

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

    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. Chapters00:00 - Season 4 opens with a recap of the ancient epics and adaptations covered01:19 - 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 conversation04:28 - Comparing adaptation criticism to The Lincoln Lawyer and other fandom debates07:01 - Lawyer TV shows, Denny Crane, and a quick detour into comfort-viewing09:39 - Resetting the season’s structure around heroes, legends, and journeys10:03 - Is Odysseus a hero or a legend?12:10 - Disney’s Hercules as a cleaner example of the Greek hero arc14:12 - Why Odysseus is legendary but not heroic in the modern sense15:42 - How ancient heroism differs from modern heroism16:47 - Rapid-fire character verdicts begin: Achilles, Hector, and Leonidas18:36 - Moses in Prince of Egypt as the clearest modern-style hero19:26 - Nameless in Hero as legend, but not hero20:49 - Mulan as both legendary and heroic21:17 - The Woman King: Nanisca as legend, Nawi as hero in progress22:02 - Black Panther as hero, but debated as a legend22:42 - The Northman and its mythic roots in Hamlet and later storytelling24:24 - Returning to Odysseus and tying the whole season together25:05 - Standout films of the season: The Woman King and Hero26:10 - Why Hero and Mulan worked so well on rewatch31:08 - Recommendations Conn Iggulden’s historical fiction40:30 - Listener recommendations, feedback, and community responses41:45 - 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 ChroniclesRome (tv series)African Queens - Njinga (docuseries)African Queens - Cleopatra (docuseries)

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

  5. Aug 5

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

    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 IliadImpact of Nolan's adaptation on understanding HomerChallenges of translating ancient texts into filmThemes of heroism, home, and human conditionThe significance of storytelling and myth in culture The importance of supporting classical stories in modern mediaThe role of sound design in creating immersive film experiencesChallenges in adapting ancient stories like the Odyssey for contemporary audiencesThe 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+AlexanderThe Odyssey (Emily Wilson translation) - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Odyssey+Emily+WilsonGreek Mythology Retold Podcast - https://example.com/greek-mythology-podcastChristopher 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

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

  6. Jul 29

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

    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 PreferencesPortrayal of Key ScenesChristopher Nolan's FilmsSignificance of CharactersImpact on Popular Culture Chapters 00:00 The Impact of Directorial Choices08:56 Cultural Influences and Interpretation28:49 The Significance of Practical Effects and Sound Design01:03:15 Closing Remarks

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

  7. Jul 22

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

    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 JourneyWorld-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 filmThe Ron Weasley AwardGrading the movie Chapters 00:00 The Epic Journey of Odysseus31:50 The Transformation of Odysseus35:37 Interpretation of Penelope and Ending of the Film42:39 Heat Map Analysis of Characters01:11:16 Grading the Movie

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

  8. Jul 8 ·  Bonus

    Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey (2026): Why We're So Excited — S.4 - Bonus Episode 12

    In this Bonus Episode, Frank and Justin talk about their excitement and anticipation for the release of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey (coming out next week). They share their hopes, expectations, and concerns, while also reflecting on the impact of nostalgia and the potential storytelling and cinematography in the film. Takeaways Excitement for 'The Odyssey' movie releaseManaging expectations and nostalgia impact Chapters 00:00 The Cold Open05:58 Expectations and Controversy11:56 Nostalgia and Expectations18:01 Final Thoughts and Expectations

    Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey (2026): Why We're So Excited — S.4 - Bonus Episode 12
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

We’re Classical Studies majors who wandered from ancient epics into modern fiction and never found our way out. Now we dive into worlds, themes, and characters across books and movies, tracing the core threads and irresistible plots. Then we grade everything—C is squarely average—because evaluating art is inherently absurd and endlessly fun. Thoughtful but never stiff, nerdy but never gatekeep-y, we’re here to enjoy stories, celebrate them, and laugh at ourselves along the way.

Information

  • Creator
    TheFictionPodcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TheFictionPodcast
  • Show Website
    The Fiction Podcast