"Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten"
- Neil Gaiman
The biggest wealth of untapped knowledge has been hidden from mankind in plain sight; in stories. There it hides due to our own shallowness and surface level thinking...
So I made a worksheet! A story analysis worksheet that could be applied to books, movies, video games, you name it.
Then I shared that worksheet with a diverse group of people.
And I talk to them about their answers on this podcast.
The worksheet is simple:
What was intriguing to you?
... Why?
Behind that question lies a wealth of "recovery" — as Tolkien would say — waiting for you to claim. The power to become who you're meant to be.
There lies the strength to go home.
That's Fiction's Gift
Young love IS possible; it's just hard (Hadestown pt 3)
We've spent a long time making these HadesTown episodes. Partly because life got busy, partly because of technical difficulties. But my favorite part making them was the journey. You never hear me say it in the video, but I watched Hadestown in theaters and finally caught the vision (it's at least a 10.5/11). I really believe in the things that we said in this video, and I hope that they can be of some inspiration to you.
All of that being said, Every second spent working on these was worth it.
28 Aug 2026
Learning to Accept Tragedy (HadesTown pt 2)
Have you ever wondered why we are so fascinated by tragedy? I was talking with a friend recently about one of our favorite shows, and I was struck by how tragic it actually was without me realizing it. Despite this, we still love it. We need to learn to accept our tragedies. We need to learn to understand failed love so we can repair our own. Come with us this we explore the gifts from Hadestown once more.
I wish I could emphasize the power that comes with belief. It's not some spiritual malarkey, it's just plain facts. Nothing illustrates this better than does HadesTown. Hear us explore the gifts of hope that you can learn from this, and every Tragedy
1 Jun 2026
Life changing lesson: It's not about you, it's about Rango
Can Lizards be Cowboys? Yes. Can you be a cowboy? Maybe, I don't know. Who are you anyway?
Does it matter?
Dang it we get so distracted trying to figure out who we are! Luckily we have Rango here to help!
19 May 2026
What Project Hail Mary teaches us about true friendship — Fiction's Gift Ep. 5
Project Hail Mary was the first good move in theaters since I can't remember when! I never knew I needed to be so happy.
It's sweet, funny, tender, hopeful, happy, and of course meaningful. There's truth about your life here, so buckle up while we try our best to share it with you.
15 Apr 2026
Why is it The Way of Kings Changes Lives? — Fiction's Gift Ep. 4
There's a reason the Way of Kings is considered of the best fiction novels of the 21st Century. It's a reason no one talks about.
In this episode of Fiction's Gift, we'll dig into the woeful and beautiful world of Roshar, and explore what lessons bridges, chasms, and decisions have to offer us.
12 Mar 2026
The Way of Kings Will Change Your Life — A Pitch For the Way of Kings
What does it mean to lead when everything is working against you? In this bonus episode, Levi makes his case for why The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson isn't just the best fantasy novel ever written — it's a book that can genuinely change how you see yourself and the world. We dig into Kaladin's battle with depression and survival guilt, Dalinar's struggle to redefine honor in a culture built on war, and why these two characters — one a slave, one a prince — together tell one of the most powerful stories about leadership and resilience ever put to page. Whether you've read it or not, this one hits hard.
26 Feb 2026
How Your Name Teaches You Real Love | Fiction's Gift Ep. 3
What does it take to truly love someone? In this episode, we explore Makoto Shinkai's masterpiece "Your Name" (Kimi no Na wa) and discover how this anime about two teenagers who mysteriously swap bodies reveals profound truths about connection, understanding, and the courage required for real relationships.
We dive deep into why Taki and Mitsuha's love story works where so many others fail—not because they were "destined" for each other, but because they were willing to do something most people avoid: truly understand another person's life, struggles, and world.
What We Explore:
- Why living someone else's life creates deeper connection than asking questions
- The symbolism of braided cords, time, and union in Japanese culture
- How the movie reimagines the "red thread of fate" concept
- The twilight scene: meeting someone you already know without having met them
- Kuchikamizake and sacrificing part of yourself to understand another
- Why Taki wrote "I love you" instead of his name—and what that means
- Defying fate and changing tragedy through the courage to act
- What keeps love alive after the initial connection fades
This isn't just an anime analysis—it's a conversation about how modern dating culture often misses the point entirely. Instead of asking fifty people on dates to find "the one," what if real connection comes from the courage to deeply understand one person?
Whether you've seen Your Name multiple times or never heard of it (spoiler warning: we discuss the entire plot), this episode will make you rethink what you're looking for in relationships and why stories have the power to transform how we love.
Hosts: Three single guys trying to figure out love through fiction (we promise the advice is still good).
Content Warning: Full spoilers for Your Name (2016)
For the best experience, watch the film first—this is one where spoilers genuinely matter.
25 Jan 2026
Harry Potter #2: Do it 'cause I feel like it -- The Artist's Worksheet
What if the secret to facing your fears isn't being good at it, but simply deciding you're going to try anyway?
In this episode, Peter and Levi dive into Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (that's Sorcerer's Stone for you Americans), with Levi tackling the movies and Peter exploring the books. We're using the Artist's Worksheet to unpack what makes Harry's reckless courage so compelling, and what it reveals about taking action even when you have no idea what you're doing.
Along with maybe a bit too much fawning over the creative process...
16 Jan 2026
What are we doing again??? - An introduction to the Artist's Worksheet.
What is this weird podcast Peter is always talking about?? I'm glad you asked!
I've got an adventure to begin, and it may or may not include you.
In this introductory, experimental episode of the Artist's Worksheet, me (Peter Summerhays - Creator) and my dear friend (Levi Rodas - Cohost) share our vision and expectations for the podcast... We also share in our first bout of technical difficulties. But isn't that part of the journey?
This episode will include:
-My personal introduction
-A secret discussion between me and Levi
-A sneak peak at what future episodes will look like.
Let's not procrastinate any longer. I hope you enjoy!
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