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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Mulan: Family, Courage, and the Call to Step Up | The StoryDads Podcast EP50

    Apr 23

    Mulan: Family, Courage, and the Call to Step Up | The StoryDads Podcast EP50

    🎧 Episode 50: Mulan — Family, Courage, and the Call to Step Up Guest: Kaitlyn Drew In this milestone episode, we revisit Mulan through the lens of story, character, and what it means to step up when you don’t feel ready. 🧭 What We Explore Why Mulan’s story is rooted in duty, not self-discovery The power of the “awkward hero” and why it resonates How growth happens through adaptation, not natural ability The integration of structure and flexibility in both character and story Why Shan Yu works as a quiet but formidable villain How this story scales from family responsibility to saving a nation 💡 Key Takeaways Courage often shows up before confidence does You don’t need to feel ready—you need to be willing Strength isn’t one thing—it’s the ability to adapt to what’s required The stories we love as kids often carry deeper truths as adults 🎬 Why This Movie Still Matters Mulan continues to resonate because it speaks to a universal experience: feeling out of place, yet stepping forward anyway. It’s a story about responsibility, growth, and becoming the person a moment calls for—even when it’s uncomfortable. 👋 Connect With Us If you enjoyed this episode: Share it with a friend Leave a rating or review Follow along for more episodes breaking down the stories that shape us 🎙️ About StoryDads StoryDads is a podcast exploring the deeper meaning behind the movies we grew up with—and now experience again through our kids. Each episode dives into the psychology, philosophy, and storytelling that make these films stick with us. 🔗 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

    54 min
  8. The Incredibles: Fatherhood, Greatness, and the Family That Fights Together | The StoryDads Podcast EP49

    Apr 16

    The Incredibles: Fatherhood, Greatness, and the Family That Fights Together | The StoryDads Podcast EP49

    Episode Title:The Incredibles: Fatherhood, Greatness, and a Family That Fights Together 🎙️ Guest Spotlight: Joseph King Barkley Joseph is an Executive Coach with Novus Global and President of the Meta Performance Institute. You can check out more of his teaching and communication on his YouTube channel, featuring talks from his time as a pastor at Radius Church: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@RadiusChurch 🔑 Key Themes The “war on greatness” and modern culture Fatherhood and the pressure to suppress vs. express strength The Parr family as four different responses to personal ability Syndrome as a case study in envy, resentment, and distorted identity The shift from independence to interdependence in family systems Why real humility looks more like confidence than self-minimization 🎬 Film Discussed The Incredibles (dir. Brad Bird) 💬 Memorable Ideas from the Episode “If everyone is special, then no one is.” “You’re robbing the world when you mute your gifts.” “Greatness isn’t zero-sum—it multiplies when brought together.” “Real humility looks like confidence.” 📣 Connect with Us Subscribe for weekly episodes Share this episode with a fellow dad or movie lover Let us know what film 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

    42 min
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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
    56
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Eric Anderson & Micah Brenner
  • Show Website
    The Story Dads