The Story Dads

Micah Brenner, Eric Anderson

Eric Anderson and Micah Brenner are the Story Dads, subjected to never ending repetitions of children's movies, these conversations are how they cope. Eric is a licensed and practicing MFT and Micah is a freelance illustrator and writer. They bring their disparate perspectives to the analysis and pick these things apart for probably way too long and with too much detail but here we are and so it goes. Submitted for your approval, The Story Dads.

  1. Shrek: Tradition, Satire, and Why Stories Matter | The StoryDads Podcast EP58

    6d ago

    Shrek: Tradition, Satire, and Why Stories Matter | The StoryDads Podcast EP58

    DreamWorks' Shrek revolutionized animated films with its humor, pop culture references, and willingness to poke fun at fairy tales. But was it actually tearing down those stories—or celebrating them? In this episode, Eric and Micah discuss: Why Shrek is still a classic more than 20 years later The difference between satire and cynicism How the Hero's Journey survives beneath the parody Shrek as the ultimate "outsider" archetype Why Lord Farquaad represents tyranny and control Chaos, order, and the symbolism of the dragon How shared stories and fairy tales build culture What Shrek gets right that many modern reimaginings miss Why parody only works when the original story still matters Plus, they discuss the film's iconic soundtrack, the return of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," and why Shrek remains one of DreamWorks' most influential films. If you enjoy conversations about the symbolism, psychology, philosophy, and craftsmanship behind family movies, subscribe and join us each week for another StoryDads discussion.   🔗 Connect with StoryDadsFollow us for clips, updates, and more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storydadspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.story.dadsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryDadsX: https://x.com/StoryDads 👤 About the HostsMicah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/ 📩 Business InquiriesFor advertising or partnership opportunities:StoryDadsPodcast@gmail.com   Edited by Isaac Liverance

    45 min
  2. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: Ambition, Consequences, and Connection | The StoryDads Podcast EP57

    Jun 18

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: Ambition, Consequences, and Connection | The StoryDads Podcast EP57

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: Ambition, Consequences, and Connection This week on StoryDads, Eric and Micah are joined by special guest Tessa Barkley—musician, screenwriter, and film student at Loyola Marymount University—to discuss one of Sony Animation's most beloved comedies. Topics include: Why animated films often have some of the strongest screenplays Flint Lockwood's pursuit of recognition and success The dangers of unchecked ambition and unintended consequences Why the movie gives its hero everything he wants in the first act The mayor as a symbol of overconsumption and excess Father-son relationships and the challenge of understanding our parents The emotional significance of the monkey-thought translator Horror movies, monsters, and what stories teach us about fear Film school, creativity, audience connection, and artistic integrity Why goofy movies can contain profound truths Special Guest: Tessa Barkley – Musician, Screenwriter, and Film Student StoryDads is a podcast exploring the symbolism, psychology, philosophy, and storytelling behind the movies families love. 🔗 Connect with StoryDadsFollow us for clips, updates, and more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storydadspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.story.dadsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryDadsX: https://x.com/StoryDads 👤 About the HostsMicah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/ 📩 Business InquiriesFor advertising or partnership opportunities:StoryDadsPodcast@gmail.com   Edited by Isaac Liverance

    53 min
  3. Toy Story 4: The Deconstruction of Everything Toy Story Stood For | The StoryDads Podcast EP56

    Jun 4

    Toy Story 4: The Deconstruction of Everything Toy Story Stood For | The StoryDads Podcast EP56

    In this episode of StoryDads, Eric and Micah tackle the film they've been dreading to revisit: Toy Story 4. After praising Toy Story 1, 2, and 3 as one of the greatest trilogies ever made, we ask a difficult question: Does Toy Story 4 undermine everything that made the original films meaningful? We explore: • Why the original Toy Story trilogy is so powerful • Woody's character arc across all four films • The symbolism of purpose, sacrifice, and serving others • Bo Peep's transformation and role in the story • The meaning of "lost toys" and self-actualization • Whether Toy Story 4 contradicts the themes of the original trilogy • The film's philosophical and cultural messages • Why the ending feels emotionally unsatisfying for many fans • What Toy Story 5 appears to be doing differently Along the way, we discuss storytelling, character development, postmodernism, heroism, community, and why some sequels struggle when they lose sight of what made the original story resonate. Whether you love Toy Story 4, hate it, or fall somewhere in between, join us for a deep dive into one of Pixar's most debated films. StoryDads is a podcast where two dads explore the symbolism, philosophy, psychology, and storytelling behind the movies families love. 🔗 Connect with StoryDadsFollow us for clips, updates, and more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storydadspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.story.dadsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryDadsX: https://x.com/StoryDads 👤 About the HostsMicah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/ 📩 Business InquiriesFor advertising or partnership opportunities:StoryDadsPodcast@gmail.com   Edited by Isaac Liverance

    55 min
  4. Kung Fu Panda: Passion, Purpose, and the Dragon Warrior | The StoryDads Podcast EP55

    May 28

    Kung Fu Panda: Passion, Purpose, and the Dragon Warrior | The StoryDads Podcast EP55

    This week on StoryDads, Micah and Eric are joined by StoryDads producer/editor Isaac Liverance for a deep dive into one of the most unexpectedly profound animated films ever made: Kung Fu Panda. Together we explore: Why Po succeeds where Tai Lung fails The meaning of the Dragon Scroll Pride vs humility Creativity and originality in the age of AI Mentorship and calling The challenge of becoming who you truly are Why “the secret ingredient” changes everything Isaac also shares about growing up with the film, entering college and film school, working behind the scenes on StoryDads, and what today’s generation is longing for in storytelling and creativity. What starts as a goofy martial arts comedy turns out to be a surprisingly deep story about identity, passion, discipline, and learning to embody the person you were meant to become. Topics discussed: Kung Fu Panda symbolism and themes The Hero’s Journey Tai Lung as a tragic villain Why humility matters more than talent Creativity vs replication AI and the future of art Master Oogway’s philosophy Parenting and raising teenagers Film school and creative work Why great stories still matter Follow StoryDads: YouTube: StoryDads Spotify: StoryDads Apple Podcasts: StoryDads Let us know: What movie from your childhood hits differently as an adult? 🔗 Connect with StoryDadsFollow us for clips, updates, and more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storydadspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.story.dadsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryDadsX: https://x.com/StoryDads 👤 About the HostsMicah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/ 📩 Business InquiriesFor advertising or partnership opportunities:StoryDadsPodcast@gmail.com   Edited by Isaac Liverance

    1h 8m
  5. Despicable Me: Fart Jokes, Family, and Fatherhood | The StoryDads Podcast EP54

    May 21

    Despicable Me: Fart Jokes, Family, and Fatherhood | The StoryDads Podcast EP54

    In this episode: Why kids are obsessed with Minions The timelessness of silly humor Gru as a “Beauty and the Beast” archetype Fatherhood and becoming a hero at home Why movies don’t always need a deeper agenda The purity of simply having fun Looney Tunes, slapstick comedy, and universal humor Why fart jokes still work in 2026 Plus: Horse Kicks Tree and Then Farts on Dogs The dangers of overanalyzing children’s movies Why Despicable Me became a massive franchise Universal Studios, chaos goblins, and parenting exhaustion If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to: Follow StoryDads Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share the episode with another movie-loving parent New episodes every week. 🔗 Connect with StoryDadsFollow us for clips, updates, and more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storydadspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.story.dadsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryDadsX: https://x.com/StoryDads 👤 About the HostsMicah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/ 📩 Business InquiriesFor advertising or partnership opportunities:StoryDadsPodcast@gmail.com   Edited by Isaac Liverance

    27 min
  6. Brave: Chaos, Order, and the Mother-Daughter Divide | The StoryDads Podcast EP53

    May 14

    Brave: Chaos, Order, and the Mother-Daughter Divide | The StoryDads Podcast EP53

    Why Brave feels different as a parent Merida vs. Queen Elinor: chaos and order The unique complexity of mother-daughter relationships Pixar’s early parent-centered storytelling Mordu and the symbolism of fractured families Generational healing and family systems Why Brave avoids the “strong female character” cliché Learning to see your parents as human beings Parenting through conflict and emotional maturity Katie Barkley on raising daughters and repairing relationships Why repairing close relationships can heal more than we realize If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow StoryDads, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who loves stories that shape the way we see the world. 🔗 Connect with StoryDadsFollow us for clips, updates, and more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storydadspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.story.dadsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryDadsX: https://x.com/StoryDads 👤 About the HostsMicah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/ 📩 Business InquiriesFor advertising or partnership opportunities:StoryDadsPodcast@gmail.com   Edited by Isaac Liverance

    59 min
  7. The Karate Kid: Fatherhood, Formation, and the Right Sensei | Dad's Night Out | The StoryDads Podcast EP52

    May 7

    The Karate Kid: Fatherhood, Formation, and the Right Sensei | Dad's Night Out | The StoryDads Podcast EP52

    In this week’s Dad’s Night Out, we dive into The Karate Kid (1984)—a movie that lives in the cultural imagination, whether you’ve seen it or not. For Eric, this was a first-time watch… which makes for a fresh look at a story most people think they already understand. But The Karate Kid isn’t just an underdog sports movie. It’s a story about formation. Daniel LaRusso enters a new world without a father figure, trying to find his place. What he discovers isn’t just karate—it’s a mentor. And through Mr. Miyagi, he’s invited into something deeper: discipline, patience, and a new way of becoming a man. In contrast, Cobra Kai offers a different path—one built on aggression, fear, and domination. And that tension raises a powerful question: 👉 Who is shaping you? In this episode, we explore: Why mentorship matters more than raw talent The role of father figures in identity and growth The difference between discipline and aggression What “wax on, wax off” is really teaching How the wrong teacher can lead you astray Why this 1984 film still resonates today We also talk about: Watching an iconic movie decades after its release 80s storytelling and what modern films have lost The surprising humanity of Johnny Lawrence How great stories point to deeper truths about life and growth Whether you grew up quoting this movie or are coming to it for the first time, The Karate Kid still has something to teach. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and join the conversation— Who was your “sensei” growing up? 🔗 Connect with StoryDadsFollow us for clips, updates, and more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storydadspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.story.dadsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryDadsX: https://x.com/StoryDads 👤 About the HostsMicah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/ 📩 Business InquiriesFor advertising or partnership opportunities:StoryDadsPodcast@gmail.com   Edited by Isaac Liverance

    47 min
  8. How to Train Your Dragon: Humility, Truth, and Rewriting the Story | The StoryDads Podcast EP51

    Apr 30

    How to Train Your Dragon: Humility, Truth, and Rewriting the Story | The StoryDads Podcast EP51

    Movie Discussed: How to Train Your Dragon (DreamWorks) Core Themes: Humility and the willingness to be wrong The pursuit of truth over approval Rewriting personal and cultural narratives Father-son dynamics and earned identity Moving beyond “us vs. them” thinking Key Takeaways: Growth often begins with the realization that our assumptions are incomplete The courage to question what “everyone knows” can reshape your entire world True leadership isn’t about dominance—it’s about integration and wisdom The things we fear or fight may hold the key to transformation Rewriting your story comes at a cost—but leads to something far greater Discussion Highlights: Hiccup’s shift from proving himself to discovering truth Stoick’s struggle with identity and letting go of certainty Dragons as both enemy and misunderstood part of the ecosystem The cost of innovation and breaking from tradition Why this story resonates so deeply for fathers and families Referenced Clips from Brett Boles: 🎵 “Test Drive” Score Breakdown: https://www.instagram.com/thebrettboles/reel/DBuuEPqIJ1v/ 🎵 “Romantic Flight” Score Breakdown: https://www.instagram.com/thebrettboles/reel/DDLBBGuPIzJ/ 🎵 “Forbidden Friendship” Score Breakdown: https://www.instagram.com/thebrettboles/reel/DCkts9DIzDy/ 🎙️ Our Episode with Brett discussing CoCo: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coco-family-identity-and-music-featuring-brett-boles/id1784737936?i=1000733158232 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and let us know what movie we should break down next. 🔗 Connect with StoryDadsFollow us for clips, updates, and more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storydadspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.story.dadsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryDadsX: https://x.com/StoryDads 👤 About the HostsMicah’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182425/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1Eric’s Counseling Practice: https://www.ericandersoncounseling.com/ 📩 Business InquiriesFor advertising or partnership opportunities:StoryDadsPodcast@gmail.com   Edited by Isaac Liverance

    1h 4m
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Eric Anderson and Micah Brenner are the Story Dads, subjected to never ending repetitions of children's movies, these conversations are how they cope. Eric is a licensed and practicing MFT and Micah is a freelance illustrator and writer. They bring their disparate perspectives to the analysis and pick these things apart for probably way too long and with too much detail but here we are and so it goes. Submitted for your approval, The Story Dads.

Information

  • Creator
    Micah Brenner, Eric Anderson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Eric Anderson & Micah Brenner
  • Show Website
    The Story Dads

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