Stories Across Borders

Daniel and Jon look back at Everything Everywhere All At Once, a movie that not only lives up to its name but earned a lot of praise while doing it. Why does such an outlandish, frequently silly movie hit so hard?

Daniel and Jon discuss stories that blend different genres together to create something new. What unique and interesting types of stories can be born from mixing-and-matching contrasting genres together? How many stories only have one genre really?

Daniel and Jon take a look at Everything's Gonna Be Okay, a dramedy following three siblings struggles in the wake of their father's unexpected death. How does the show create poignancy by finding the humour in our saddest moments and the darkness in our joy?

Featuring a guest reading from Blake Pingleton, Daniel and Jon deconstruct Daniel's short story, Smiling Into the Dark. How does the story mix several different genres to create its atmosphere? Why was Daniel ultimately unsatisfied with the result?

Daniel and Jon talk about Life is Strange, a game largely built around a friendship between two characters. Why is it important to consider the implications of different character relationships?

Daniel and Jon talk about friendships in stories and how they can impact a narrative. What makes for a compelling friendship in a story?

Daniel and Jon discuss Eleceed, an action Webtoon with an emphasis on the friendships of its cast of characters. How can different relationships between characters impact the plot of a story and the growth of its characters?

Jon reads Daniel's short story, Raising the Stakes. Then, they discuss the how the loss of one character influences those who remain. How can a character's presence or absence influence relationships, character dynamics and the trajectory of the plot?

Blake reads Daniel's short story, Heavy Void. Then, they discuss the mysterious nature of the plot and the brand of horror Daniel chose to lean into. How can a story blend certainty and uncertainty to create tension?

Daniel and Blake take a look at a classic horror game, Corpse Party. How does the game use the gross, gory and macabre to compliment its more psychological elements rather than hinder them?