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Derailed Trains of Thought

Derailed Trains of Thought
Derailed Trains of Thought is a podcast dedicated to understanding the art of storytelling in all its forms. Hosted by a filmmaker and a writer, each episode examines a different aspect of the creative process and its products. Aimed at anyone with a creative spirit, Derailed Trains of Thought is part analysis and part discovery, with a healthy dose of fun, zaniness, and sci-fi/fantasy geekery.

Station feed: Click here to see an XML representation of the latest episodes on this station
Created by: Timothy Deal
Created on: 06 Feb 2012
Language: English


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Add this to another station Episode 47 - The SFW 'NSFW Episode' (61.57MB; download) -- You know what makes a story real? What makes it intelligentand high-minded? Sex. Also, unflinching violence. Then probably more sex. Or at least another pint of blood. But is this true? At what point do these things become gratuitous? Or are they always unnecessary? When does showing depravity go too far? Where should we draw the line? Where!? WON'T ANYONE TELL US? Fear not! Tim and Nick are here to tackle these questions with all the grit and stoic fortitude they can manage. Then for a change of pace, they take a look back at summer movies, as well as at a few summer reads. It may not have enough science teachers turned drug lords for your liking, but come in anyway and listen to the 47th episode of everyone's favorite storytelling podcast--Derailed Trains of Thought!
Selected by: Timothy Deal [ stations ], Wed, 01 Oct 2014 16:41:51 UTC
Add this to another station Episode 46 - The Expurgated Version (60.68MB; download) -- Dear listeners: You may have heard the hosts of this podcast refer to such works as Star Wars, Babylon 5, The Muppets, LOST, The Wheel of Time, and other such well-known works once or twice (or 1753 times) in previous podcasts. We would like to inform you that all such references have been blacklisted. Timothy and Nick must attempt a podcast referring only to lesser-known works. This experiment is being conducted with full cooperation of the hosts and will be temporary in nature. We are also subjecting Timothy and Nick to Jim Carrey's website. While more hazardous, we have good reason to suspect the hosts will come out (largely) unscathed. The 46th episode of Derailed Trains of Thought is sponsored by the Organization to Downplay Dostoyevsky, Balrogs, Aslan, Locke, Lupin, and Such (ODDBALLS). Enjoy. Sincerely, The Auditors
Selected by: Timothy Deal [ stations ], Sat, 30 Aug 2014 02:48:10 UTC
Add this to another station Side Track 6 - Children of the Wells Round Table (39.83MB; download) -- It's been awhile since our last Side Track (like 2011!), so when the Children of the Wells gang got together recently, we thought we'd have a round table discussion of what makes us tick as creators. You know Tim and Nick, of course, but here's also Greg Meyer, Laura Fischer, Nathan Marchand, and Aaron Brosman, to share their thoughts on what makes a good story, as well as ponder other, less serious, questions. Our next regular podcast should be out early August, since Nick is MIA for the rest of July. (Sorry!)
Selected by: Timothy Deal [ stations ], Sat, 30 Aug 2014 02:47:26 UTC
Add this to another station Episode 45 - The One Certain Thing (Not Taxes) (60.70MB; download) -- Everyone knows if you're wearing a red shirt, you're going to die. And if you run out of flashbacks, you're going to die. And if you're someone's mentor, you're going to die. And if you're in a Shakespearean tragedy, you and everyone dear to you is going to die. And if you go to Z'ha'dum, you will die. But why? What's the dramatic purpose in a character's death? In this episode of Derailed Trains of Thought, Nick and Timothy defy the Grim Reaper and scratch the surface of the ways and reasons fictional characters encounter death. Then, for fun, we host an impromptu bracketed death match competition among a widely random selection of heroes and villains. I mean, Zantana vs. Yoshi--you've always wanted to know, right? Someone famous once said: "Give me Derailed Trains of Thought or give me Death!" To that we say, "Listen in, and you can have both!" Enjoy!
Selected by: Timothy Deal [ stations ], Sat, 30 Aug 2014 02:46:30 UTC
Add this to another station Episode 44 - Whose Outline Is It Anyway? (66.84MB; download) -- Look--it's a fact. Not everyone can make diabolically elaborate plans go off without a hitch like the Joker or those guys from Ocean's Eleven. That's why some people use copious outlines while writing, and others...not so much. This episode, Nick and Tim explore the continuum between outliner and pantser, between those who plan everything and those who plan nothing, and what advantages each style holds. In the second half, we enjoy a hearty Take on Tales that examines Brandon Sanderson, Jack Kirby, Person of Interest, and Captain America. So, how about planning to listen in on the 44th episode of your favorite podcast about storytelling? Or would you prefer to spontaneously decide to listen? Either way works for us. Enjoy!
Selected by: Timothy Deal [ stations ], Sat, 30 Aug 2014 02:45:35 UTC
Add this to another station Episode 43 - The Child Within (57.23MB; download) -- Not everything's War and Peace. Thankfully. Some stories don't require a PhD. Sometimes we just want a good, simple story. So, Nick and Tim dive into the world of kidlit and kids' movies--bastion (we hope) of innocence and wonder. Why do stories aimed at kids appeal to adults? What limitations do such stories have and how can they go wrong? Tim and Nick may or may not tackle these questions in their wide-ranging discussion. Then, in the second half, they re-imagine various classic stories (such as Citizen Kane) as cartoons and animated films. Why? Because they can. Also, there may be a mention of a certain movie involving Muppets. So, whether you're 2 or 222, listen in to the 43rd episode of everyone's favorite podcast about storytelling!
Selected by: Timothy Deal [ stations ], Sat, 30 Aug 2014 02:44:34 UTC
Add this to another station Episode 42 - Why We (Don't) Create (54.93MB; download) -- It's no secret Tim and Nick like to create. I mean, they've recorded more than 40 podcasts discussing the art of storytelling! But every creative person has a reason they create. And every creative person has multitudes of excuses for why they don't actually do that much creating. This episode, Tim and Nick analyse their own reasons for creation (and lack thereof), and in the process probably touch on some of your own desires and barriers. If that's too personal, hang out until the second half, when we discover the combat-typing game Sesame Street Fighter and why EVERYTHING IS AWESOME! Winter's not over yet (for some reason), so stay inside and listen in on Derailed Trains of Thought Episode 42, your answer to life, the universe, and everything...**Results may vary.
Selected by: Timothy Deal [ stations ], Sat, 30 Aug 2014 02:43:53 UTC
Add this to another station Episode 41 - Can't See No Forest For All These Trees (59.49MB; download) -- We all have our little pet scenes and characters. You know, that one line you'll watch again and again or that minor villain you write long fan fictions about because he's just SO COOL. Then there's costumes design of the palace guards (which is just so tacky) and the euphoric emotionality of their sordid romance and that shadows--see, it really is a munchkin hanging himself! And wait, what? You mean Orlando Bloom isn't the star of The Hobbit? Let's just say we sometimes get caught up in the spectacle, in the moment, in the inessential details and bunny trails, and miss what the story is really all about--and that's what this episode is all about. Then in the second half, Nick and Tim perform a live dramatic reading of a section of The Unremarkable Squire, Nick's latest fantasy novel. Serious discussion, obligatory LOST references, long analyses of Frozen, and ridiculous accents--that's what you can expect from Episode 41 of your premiere podcast about storytelling!
Selected by: Timothy Deal [ stations ], Wed, 05 Feb 2014 20:14:44 UTC
Add this to another station Episode 40 - Of Making Many Books There Is No End (60.15MB; download) -- 'Tis the season, and if you're like us, you'll end up with books and movies beneath your tree. But in a media-saturated culture, how do you navigate among the millions of choices for entertainment and art? Well, lucky for you, Tim and Nick have decided to tackle that exact question. (Imagine that!) And, just to help you out further, they also share some of the most influential work they've experienced this year, in case you're looking for a good book or movie.It's the last podcast of the year--number 40! We're officially over the hill. So, enjoy an hour with your favorite podcast on storytelling. And since we won't see you again until 2014, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Selected by: Timothy Deal [ stations ], Wed, 05 Feb 2014 20:13:24 UTC
Add this to another station Episode 39 - That Was Easy...a Little TOO Easy (52.41MB; download) -- We all love our ah-ha! moments. We like plot twists and seeing set-ups pay off. That medallion of his dead wife he wears under his shirt? Yep, blocks a bullet in the final battle.But when do these drama conventions become too convenient? And how to avoid letting the viewer see the strings that move the puppet? Nick and Tim investigate--or, at least, talk around the issue--in the 39th episode of Derailed Trains of Thought. Also, for your entertainment, your intrepid hosts put the Peter Jackson "if one movie is good, then three is better" magic to work on classic literature. Listen. Enjoy. Your premiere podcast about storytelling is here, just in time for the start of the holidays. Isn't that convenient?
Selected by: Timothy Deal [ stations ], Wed, 05 Feb 2014 20:11:09 UTC
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