The Fiction Podcast

TheFictionPodcast

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. Mulan (1998): I'll Make A "Woman" Out of You! (What Makes a Hero?) — S.4 - Episode 8

    1d ago

    Mulan (1998): I'll Make A "Woman" Out of You! (What Makes a Hero?) — S.4 - Episode 8

    The Fiction Podcast hosts, Frank and Justin, discuss the animated movie 'Mulan' and its exploration of ancient world themes, Mulan's journey of identity and self-discovery, the depiction of war and violence, and the character's legendary status. They also discuss mature themes, authenticity, and the portrayal of dark themes in the movie. It also compares Mulan's heroism with other movie characters and explores the concept of duty and honor. Keeping in theme, the hosts compare Mulan's "hero's journey" with that of Odysseus, evaluating her martial arts and battle attributes, and discussing the differences between the animated and live-action Mulan. The hosts also conduct a heat map character evaluation, present the "Ron Weasley Award," and of course, grade the move (C is average). Takeaways Exploration of mature themes in MulanMulan's journey of self-discovery and authenticity Mulan's journey mirrors that of a classic hero's journeyThe comparison of Mulan to Odysseus highlights her unique attributes and qualities Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mulan11:23 Mulan's Performance and Identity16:39 War and Violence in Mulan25:27 Duty, Honor, and Legendary Status31:19 Comparing Mulan to Odysseus36:27 Heat Map Character Evaluation43:09 The Ron Weasley Award49:34 Mulan as a Hero

    49 min
  2. Hero (2002): Does the Greatest Hero Choose Not to Fight? — S.4 - Episode 7

    Jun 3

    Hero (2002): Does the Greatest Hero Choose Not to Fight? — S.4 - Episode 7

    Frank and Justin continue their discussion of the Ancient World, exploring legendary heroes in ancient cultures, with their review of the 2002 movie 'Hero' and its themes of heroism, peace, and the cost of violence. The discussion covers the use of color in storytelling, the portrayal of heroism, the propaganda and politics of the story, and the relationship dynamics between the characters. The conversation delves into the epic fight scenes, the world-building and intricate scenes, ranking the assassins, the Ron Weasley Award, movie grading, and final thoughts. Takeaways The movie explores the theme of heroism and the cost of peace.The use of color in the storytelling adds depth and meaning to the narrative. Beautiful filmographyCharacter analysis Chapters 00:00 The Relationship Between Flying Snow and Broken Sword38:10 World Building and Intricate Scenes43:29 Ranking the Assassins53:14 Movie Grading and Final Thoughts

    55 min
  3. The Prince of Egypt (1998) — Moses — S.4 - Episode 6

    May 27

    The Prince of Egypt (1998) — Moses — S.4 - Episode 6

    Continuing on their discussion of thee Ancient World, Hosts Frank and Justin delves into the heroic themes depicted in 'The Prince of Egypt.' This discussion covers the theme of faith, the exploration of the ancient world, the story of the Exodus, the tragic hero, the hero's sacrifice, the cost of victory, and the exploration of heroic themes. The conversation delves into the relatability of Moses as a hero, the comparison of animation styles, and the humorous 'Ron Weasley Award' segment, ending with (of course) the Grade, where C is average. Takeaways Ancient World ExplorationHeroic Themes Moses as a relatable heroComparison of animation stylesThe Ron Weasley AwardGrading the movie Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Faith07:17 The Ron Weasley Award20:13 The Hero's Sacrifice25:24 The Cost of Victory31:30 Exploring Heroic Themes40:23 The Ron Weasley Award

    52 min
  4. "Seasoning" Season 4 — S.4 — Bonus Episode 5

    May 20 ·  Bonus

    "Seasoning" Season 4 — S.4 — Bonus Episode 5

    In this bonus episode, Frank and Justin take an interlude and riff on ancient leaders, strategy, and militaries through fun games such as 'this or that' and 'blind ranking.' Join the party. Takeaways Exploring the concept of leadership and military strategy through a 'this or that' gameDiscussion on the appeal of different historical armies and the desire to be part of themConsideration of career choices in different historical eras and the challenges associated with themReflection on the appeal of living in the 1980s and the desire to experience the culture of that time period Chapters 00:00 Bonus Episode: A Game of 'This or That'08:03 Career Choices in Different Historical Eras22:37 The Appeal of Living in the 1980s

    24 min
  5. 300 (2006) — Did Someone Order Abs? S.4 — Episode 4

    May 13

    300 (2006) — Did Someone Order Abs? S.4 — Episode 4

    Hosts Frank and Justin continue their tour of the Ancient World by exploring a romanticized portrayal of history through the lens of the movie '300.' Directed by Zack Snyder, this movie is based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller. The conversation covers the myth and reality of the Spartans, the depiction of Leonidas and Spartan culture and training, and the balance between history and propaganda. The conversation hits on the world building and cinematography of the film, and the enduring legacy of Leonidas and the 300. The hosts continue to present the 'Ron Weasley Award,' because why not, and grade of the movie '300.' Takeaways Romanticized portrayal of historyThe depiction of Leonidas and Spartan cultureThe balance between history and propaganda Spartan culture and trainingWorld building and cinematographyThe enduring legacy of Leonidas and the 300 Heroes vs. LegendsThe Tragic Legend of Leonidas Chapters 00:00 The Brutality of Spartan Life36:51 The World Building and Cinematography46:03 The Ron Weasley Award58:25 Next Week: Prince of Egypt

    58 min
  6. Troy (2004) — Glory vs Peace — S.4 - Episode 3

    May 6

    Troy (2004) — Glory vs Peace — S.4 - Episode 3

    In this episode, Hosts Frank and Justin continue to examine the Ancient World with their discussion of the 2024 movie Troy. The conversation delves into the debate of Achilles and Hector as heroes, exploring their contrasting motivations and actions. It also highlights the absence of gods in the movie, a departure from the epic poem (The Iliad), and its impact on the portrayal of characters and events. The conversation delves into the themes of honor and greed, as well as the grading of characters and the movie itself. Takeaways Achilles and Hector as HeroesThe Absence of Gods in the Movie Honor and GreedCharacter Grading Chapters 00:00 Achilles vs. Hector: The Heroic Debate30:47 The Ron Weasley Award35:54 Themes of the Movie42:44 World Building and Cinematography55:09 Final Grading and Sign Off

    57 min
  7. The Blueprint (Homer's The Iliad & The Odyssey) — S.4-Episode 2

    Apr 29

    The Blueprint (Homer's The Iliad & The Odyssey) — S.4-Episode 2

    Frank and Justin kickstart Season 4 - The Ancient World discussing the significance of Homer's epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey, exploring their importance and the oral tradition that contributed to their preservation. With the help of Guest Hosts Classical Studies Professors Rebecca Schindler and Pedar Foss, their conversation delves into Homer's ability to capture intense emotions and physical sensations, the contrast between the Iliad and the Odyssey, character analysis of Hector and Paris, the transition from the Iliad to the Odyssey, differences between the two epics, and the modern relevance of Homeric heroes. This all serves as a preclude as Frank and Justin build up to the theatrical release of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey in July 2026. Takeaways Ancient Greek epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey, are central to the discussionThe oral tradition and performance of these poems played a significant role in their preservation Homer's ability to capture intense emotions and physical sensationsThe contrast between the Iliad and the Odyssey Trusting oneself in a tough worldFascination with the character of Helen Chapters 00:00 The Oral Tradition and Performance of Epic Poems29:51 Capturing Intense Emotions36:13 Character Analysis: Hector and Paris43:51 Transition from the Iliad to the Odyssey57:01 Modern Relevance of Homeric Heroes01:02:21 Fascination with the Character of Helen Editor's Notes Contact hosts at @TheFictionPodcast or TheFictionPodcast@gmail.comContact Rebecca Schindler: rschindler@depauw.eduContact Pedar Foss: pfoss@depauw.eduProfessors Schindler and Foss shared information about the Trasimeno Regional Archaeological Project. For more information view the webpage at:trasimenoscavi.org Book Picks:The Last Samurai by Helen DeWitt (Foss)Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr (Schindler)Babel by R.F. Kuang (Schindler)

    1h 15m
  8. Cooking Season 4 — S.4-Episode 1

    Apr 22 ·  Bonus

    Cooking Season 4 — S.4-Episode 1

    The Fiction Podcast Season 4 explores ancient cultures and storytelling, focusing on Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey. Hosts Frank and Justin express excitement for the ancient world, including African and Asian cultures, and invite audience suggestions for related themes and works. Takeaways Exploration of ancient cultures and storytellingEngagement with audience suggestions for related themes and works Chapters 00:00 Return to the Original Franchise06:43 Exploring Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey13:17 Engaging with Audience Suggestions

    18 min
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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
    80
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TheFictionPodcast
  • Show Website
    The Fiction Podcast