This week, we're crying over two very different 2026 films (or maybe they're the same?): Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, and Project Hail Mary starring Ryan Gosling and based on Andy Weir's bestselling novel. Arns first takes us through The Odyssey, exploring why this 3,000 year-old epic is so much more than monsters, Greek gods, war, and adventure. Beneath Odysseus' epic heroism is a deeply human story about shame, control, and coming to terms with who you truly are versus who the world admires you to be. As it turns out, the hardest part of being a hero isn't facing danger—it's learning to forgive yourself. Nins then gives a full recap of Project Hail Mary (spoiler alert to! the! max!!). The story follows Ryland Grace, a scientist-turned-teacher-turned-astronaut who's reluctantly been sent on a mission to save Earth. Grappling with what it means to be a hero, he ultimately risks everything for someone he loves, teaching us that maybe there is no "bravery gene"; maybe we just need someone to be brave for. A cozy, comedic, & emotional conversation about The Odyssey, Project Hail Mary, Christopher Nolan, Ryan Gosling, Andy Weir, the hero's journey, friendship, love, courage, self-forgiveness, relinquishing control, and what it really means to be brave. Content warning: discussion of death, grief, war, mass casualty, suicide mission, violence, and extinction. Chapters: 0:00 - Preview: the hero's journey0:55 - Welcome back, crybabies!4:06 - Nins' rec: The Witch In The Moon6:10 - Arns' rec: The Know Newsletter8:14 - Arns: Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey17:49 - Why it's so hard to be the hero30:21 - What made Arns cry the hardest was *after* the film33:54 - The true hero's journey: learning to forgive yourself41:22 - Nins: Project Hail Mary (love u Ryan Gosling!!)44:27 - About the author, Andy Weir58:34 - Grace is *not* a hero1:08:02 - Rocky, friendship, & finding someone to be brave for1:27:52 - What it really means to be a heroReferenced in this episode: The Witch In The Moon on Spotify & YouTubeThe Know NewsletterThe Odyssey (2026 film)"When I'm Home" by James Blake, Travis Scott, Ludwig Göransson on Spotify & YouTubeProject Hail Mary by Andy WeirProject Hail Mary (2026 film)A episode from the Overdue Podcast about Project Hail Mary"Author Discusses How ‘The Martian’ Went From Blog To Blockbuster" on the WPR blogJoin the brb crying community—a heartfelt, cozy comedy podcast about friendship, vulnerability, emotional storytelling, and all the movies, books, music, and life experiences that leave us in tears. Follow us: » Instagram: @brbcrying.podcast » TikTok: @brbcrying.podcast » YouTube: @brbcrying.podcast Want episode recaps, behind-the-scenes/community updates, and occasional emotional damage delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter at brbcryingpodcast.com. Have a sob story or cry recommendation that absolutely wrecked you? We'd love to be wrecked, too. Submit your story at brbcryingpodcast.com or email us at hello@brbcryingpodcast.com. brb crying—hosted by longtime best friends Nins & Arns—is a podcast where we explore the songs, books, TV shows, films, pop culture moments, and personal stories that help us laugh, cry, heal, and feel a little less alone. Crying is our superpower, and by sharing what makes us cry in a way that makes us laugh, we show how crying helps us connect with ourselves and each other.