Best A Cuckoo In The Nest Podcasts (2024)

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28: The Tragedy of Maintaining Power at All Costs (THE GODFATHER) 47:05

6h ago47:05

47:05

Why does one pursue power, even if it keeps resulting in tragedy? In our new series on 'Lost Justice', we examine one of the greatest films of all time: THE GODFATHER. We compare and contrast Vito "Don" Corleone with his son Michael, and what their diverging paths say to us about different perceptions of justice. Joining our conversation is acclaim…

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The Green Mile (1999) 59:00

5h ago59:00

59:00

Izzy is back for this episode with a very popular Hollywood epic The Green Mile (1999) starring Tom Hanks as a death row prison guard during the Great Depression who witnesses supernatural events following the arrival of an enigmatic convict (Michael Clarke Duncan) at the facility. Director: Frank Darabont…

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Le Goût des autres (2000) 43:08

23h ago43:08

43:08

Hal is switching up his podcast choice this week in taking a break from the Hitchcock marathon to select the Agnes Jaoui-directed French romantic comedy Le Goût des autres (English title: The Taste of Others) about six characters over the age of 35 in the French town of Rouen and their unique relationships. Will Izzy like this one with her being a …

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27: Healing Our Fractured Humanity (ROBOCOP) 1:03:43

4h ago1:03:43

1:03:43

How do we heal and maintain our identities when society tries to dehumanize and reprogram us? In this final episode of our 'Masculinity in the Modern Age' series, we broadcast from the '80's Movies Club in West Palm Beach after a screening of the '80's sci-fi satire ROBOCOP. This story depicts the challenges of a man reclaiming his heart of flesh a…

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One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) 54:39

19d ago54:39

54:39

Izzy returns with an Oscar-sweeping choice as Jack Nicholson plays a criminal who is accused of faking insanity to serve his sentence in a mental institute rather than prison. Soon he finds himself as a leader to the other patients and up against the nurse in charge of the ward. Director: Milos Forman…

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26: Regaining Control of Your Narrative (THE HOLDOVERS) 56:31

7d ago56:31

56:31

How do we regain control over our lives? In this next installment of our 'Masculinity in the Modern Age' series, we propose a way forward for men through the recent film THE HOLDOVERS. As the book of Proverbs says, older men bring wisdom, and younger men bring strength, and film explores this dynamic through the relationship between a strict teache…

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Lifeboat (1944) 51:01

20d ago51:01

51:01

It's Hal's choice which of course means he is back on the Hitchcock bandwagon and this week he has chosen Lifeboat (1944) starring Tallulah Bankhead, John Hodiak and Walter Slezak as eight survivors of a WWII Nazi torpedo ship attack, who find themselves in the same boat with a man who sunk the ship. Director: Alfred Hitchcock…

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25: The Wayward Journey of Manhood (FIGHT CLUB) 59:57

29d ago59:57

59:57

How do we navigate manhood in the 21st Century? In our new series 'Masculinity in the Modern Age', we analyze one of the most talked-about films in the lat 25 years: FIGHT CLUB. This psychological thriller provides us with language to diagnosis the crisis men experience today in our society, while wrestling with ideas from Nietzsche, Jung, and Gira…

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The Poseidon Adventure (1972) 53:39

27d ago53:39

53:39

It's Izzy's choice this week and she has made a surprise choice by picking out a disaster film of the 1970's in The Poseidon Adventure as a group of passengers must embark on a harrowing struggle for survival after a rogue wave capsizes their cruise ship at sea. Director: Ronald NeameBy halwalk91

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24: Recovering Your Agency in a Broken System (ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST) 59:28

1M ago59:28

59:28

How do people stuck in a broken system find liberation? In this final installment of our 'Power of Myth' series, we analyze Jason's pick, one of the most acclaimed films of all time: ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST. Throughout this conversation, we explain how this is a Narrative Therapy film that challenges the 'normalizing gaze', and reveals why …

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Rebecca (1940) 48:36

1M ago48:36

48:36

For Hal's choice, we are continuing the Hitchcock marathon and we have reached his arrival into Hollywood. His first American project under his seven-year contract to David O. Selznick was adapted from the Daphne du Maurier novel released the year previously.A profoundly gothic tale, “Rebecca” was a critical and commercial success and a production …

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23: More Than Meets the Eye (TRANSFORMERS) 33:08

1M ago33:08

33:08

Why do we gravitate towards certain kinds of stories? In this next episode of our 'Power of Myth' series, we search for the deeper meaning of TRANSFORMERS. Joseph shares what these robots in disguise mean to him, with their themes of peacemaking, beating the odds, and transformative leadership. We also discuss at length the TRANSFORMERS mythos; alo…

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Little Miss Sunshine (2006) 43:40

1M ago43:40

43:40

It's Izzy's choice and she has chosen the 2006 tragicomedy road movie starring Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Steve Carell, Abigail Breslin and Alan Arkin, all of whom play dysfunctional family members taking the youngest (Breslin) across the United States to a beauty pageant.Directed by: Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris…

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22: Saying 'Yes' to the Adventure of Life (THE GREEN KNIGHT) 47:06

2M ago47:06

47:06

How do myths of the past speak to our present situations? In this episode of our 'Power of Myth' series, we learn how to accept the adventures life grants us through the A24 film adaptation of the King Arthur tale THE GREEN KNIGHT. Nick shares how Sir Gawain's journey parallels his own, while providing insights from Joseph Campbell's book 'The Powe…

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Prime Suspect: Keeper of Souls (1993) 48:33

2M ago48:33

48:33

It's Hal's choice this time and he's changing it up by selecting one of his all-time TV Drama episodes; Prime Suspect: Keeper of Souls (1993). Director: David Drury In Soho, Inspector Jane Tennison (Helen Mirren) investigates the death of a teen male prostitute that leads to a paedophile ring, possibly involving the police themselves ...…

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In the Mood for Love (2000) 52:57

2M ago52:57

52:57

We are back with our first dive into Hong Kong cinema for Izzy's choice..In the Mood for Love (2000) Director: Wong Kar-waiChow (Tony Leung) and Su (Maggie Cheung) are neighbours who discover that their spouses have been having an affair with each other. As they cope with the betrayal the two begin to fall in love.…

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21: Coming-of-Age in an Ever-Changing World (PINOCCHIO) 1:17:09

2M ago1:17:09

1:17:09

How do we grow and mature in a world that is trying to mold us into its own image? In this first entry of our 'Power of Myth' series, we discuss at-length one of the most influential stories in the last 150 years: PINOCCHIO. We compare and contrast the book with the 1940’s Disney Classic, and the contemporary stop-motion film by Guillermo Del Toro.…

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The Lady Vanishes (1938) 47:28

2M ago47:28

47:28

It's Hal's choice today and that, of course, means we are back on the Hitchcock train...Director: Alfred HitchcockMargaret Lockwood plays young English tourist Iris, travelling by train across mid-1930’s continental Europe, who discovers that her elderly travelling companion (played by Dame May Whitty) seems to have disappeared from not only her ca…

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Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) 51:22

2M ago51:22

51:22

For our second podcast, we review Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971).Director: Mel StuartThe story of a poor child named Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) who, upon finding a Golden Ticket in a chocolate bar, wins the chance to visit Willy Wonka's chocolate factory along with four other children from around the world. Follow Hal and Izzy on our…

1
The 39 Steps (1935) 47:03

2M ago47:03

47:03

For our first official podcast, we review The 39 Steps (1935).Director: Alfred HitchcockAn exemplary wrong-man thriller adapted from the John Buchan novella by the Master of Suspense, featuring Robert Donat as Richard Hannay as he stumbles upon an international conspiracy that thrusts him into a hectic chase across the Scottish Highlands and an uni…

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20: Renewing Your Purpose through Family and Sacrifice (LOGAN) 1:07:56

3M ago1:07:56

1:07:56

How do we renew our sense of purpose when life feels meaningless? How do past and future generations inspire us to embrace our identities more fully? LOGAN, the final film in our fatherhood series, illustrates how family helps us find meaning in the sacrifices we make. We analyze LOGAN through the lens of archetypal storytelling, while providing in…

1
Introduction 8:47

3M ago8:47

8:47

An introduction to Couple Indemnity: a podcast by two very devoted fans of cinema history.By halwalk91

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19: Re-Membering Your Parent (AFTERSUN) 52:42

3M ago52:42

52:42

When we get older, we often think back to our own parents, trying to make sense of that relationship through our fractured memories. In this emotional episode, we discuss parenting from both ends (as sons and as fathers) through the film AFTERSUN. We get vulnerable sharing about experiences with our fathers, and how this realistic father-daughter s…

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18: Examining Fatherhood Expectations and Discourses (PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS & BICYCLE THIEVES) 47:55

3M ago47:55

47:55

It’s fatherhood month on our podcast! And we’re kicking things off by comparing two iconic depictions of fatherhood in cinema: the classic BICYCLE THIEVES, and the more contemporary PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS. We compare and contrast these relationships between fathers and sons, and how different discourses (expectations, narratives) around fatherhood ma…

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17: Humanity's Conflict Within (WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES) 40:46

4M ago40:46

40:46

Humanity sure is complicated! And that's exactly what the PLANET OF THE APES prequel trilogy wrestles with, as apes gain consciousness and human-like qualities. We wrestle with the final film of this trilogy, WAR, and how despite its imperfections, it serves as a thought-provoking story about the battle for one's soul. Introduction (0:00) WAR: Us v…

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16: Facing External Conflicts Head-On (RISE & DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES) 40:37

4M ago40:37

40:37

Humanity sure is complicated! And that's exactly what the PLANET OF THE APES prequel trilogy wrestles with, as apes gain consciousness and human-like qualities. We navigate the different kinds of conflict depicted in these films (particularly in RISE & DAWN), and how as good science fiction, these stories help us think through what it means to be h…

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15: Is Humanity Making Progress? (PLANET OF THE APES) 44:00

4M ago44:00

44:00

Are humans evolving into greatness? Or do the limitations of our nature impede progress? We begin our discussion on the PLANET OF THE APES films, starting with the 1968 original. We reflect on what this story means for us in these uncertain times we live in, and how to navigate the paradox that is humankind. Introduction (0:00) Why We Chose PLANET …

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14: Confronting Nature's Brutality (WATERSHIP DOWN) 37:46

4M ago37:46

37:46

How do we confront the brutality of nature that lies within animals and ourselves? We're diving down the dark rabbit hole that is WATERSHIP DOWN, a so-called "children's" story about colorful topics such as cruelty, tyranny, and the inevitability of your own demise. We have too many laughs trying to discern what this story means, while also discuss…

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Discussing Addictions with Dr. Quentin Genuis 1:33:27

5M ago1:33:27

1:33:27

By Jake LeFave

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13: Finding Strength through Compassion (HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE) 40:45

5M ago40:45

40:45

How do we continue to do good, even when everything around us is falling apart? In this week's episode, we continue exploring the theme of acceptance through HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE by Studio Ghibli. Featuring an eclectic family made up of a cursed woman, an insecure wizard, a mute scarecrow, and a fire demon, we find at its heart a tale about carryin…

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12: Here Am I, Send Me (FURY) 37:36

5M ago37:36

37:36

How does conflict inform how we see ourselves, and who we ultimately become? This week, we dive into the gritty action-war film Fury and wrestle with this family forged by war, and how it informs their sense of identity and purpose. We also discuss several storytelling techniques Fury uses, including save the cat, Biblical symbolism, and the themat…

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11: Letting Go of Your Past Life (PAST LIVES) 36:48

5M ago36:48

36:48

Have you ever struggled to let go of the past? If so, then the bittersweet romance in 'Past Lives' might resonate with you. As we analyze this film, we'll share how everything from the Beatles song "In My Life" to the concept of Re-Authoring can help us live more fully in the moment. Introduction (0:00) Why We Chose 'Past Lives' (1:26) 'Past Lives'…

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10: How Stories Shape Reality and Identity (DUNE PART TWO) 54:50

6M ago54:50

54:50

Whoever controls the narrative can shape reality to how they see fit. In our analysis of the newly released 'Dune Part Two', we confront the beauties and horrors of storytelling. You'll also learn how 'Dune' embodies a Narrative Therapy perspective on identity, confront the dark side of religion, and explore the various archetypes within Paul Atrei…

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9: A Cautionary Tale about Destiny and the Power of Dreams (DUNE PART ONE) 43:01

6M ago43:01

43:01

Dreams are messages from the deep; but where will our dreams ultimately take us? In this episode, we begin our deep dive into all things 'Dune', including an analysis of the 2021 film. We explore this cautionary tale through the lenses of identity and destiny, incorporating insights from Jonathan Gottschall's book The Storytelling Animal. Introduct…

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BONUS: Atonement with the Father (RETURN OF THE JEDI) 9:33

6M ago9:33

9:33

In our first bonus episode, we share an outtake from our Star Wars conversation regarding Joseph Campbell's "Atonement with the Father" stage, and how it connects with both Return of the Jedi and Derrick's healing with his own father. Stay up to date with our movie club, and see which films we'll cover in the future. All Things Narrative exists to …

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8: How Curiosity Frees Us from Autopilot (Jason & WALL-E) 33:25

6M ago33:25

33:25

How do we break free from autopilot? We wrestle with this question by exploring the temptation to outsource to technology, as seen in both 'Wall-E' and '2001 Space Odyssey'. And Jason shares his journey of breaking free through cultivating curiosity and wonder in his life. Introduction (0:00) Defining a “Jason Movie”: Becoming an Active Protagonist…

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7: How Connections Help Us Flourish (WALL-E) 32:31

7M ago32:31

32:31

How is connection the key to human flourishing? The film Wall-E explores the relationships between humanity, technology, the earth, and what happens when things go awry. Jason leads us in a conversation about Wall-E that traverses dystopias, identity, and the Narrative Practice of Re-Membering, so we can find ways to connect that help us flourish. …

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6: When Fear and Trauma Cloud Your Vision (Joseph & AVENGERS AGE OF ULTRON) 38:10

7M ago38:10

38:10

How do the fears and traumas we've experienced affect the way we live? Joseph shares his story, and how it mirrors many of the fears and traumas portrayed in the Avengers films. We also share some insights from neuroscience about traumatic narratives in the brain, and working with kids who have experienced trauma. Introduction (0:00) Defining a "Jo…

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Clueston 55: Back The Clue, The Murder Of Officer Elston Howard 40:46

7M ago40:46

40:46

The murder of Houston Police Department's Vice Officer Elston Howard by the career criminal Robert Mitchell Jennings during the aggravated robbery of the Mr. Peepers adult arcade.By Kat Adams

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5: Avoiding a God-Complex (AVENGERS AGE OF ULTRON) 35:22

7M ago35:22

35:22

How does the struggle to control manifest in your life? In 'Avengers Age of Ultron', this desire to control is evident in Tony Stark, as the layers of his psyche unravel through the personas of Iron Man, Ultron, and Vision. Through this film, Joseph shows how Stark's journey can help us avoid falling into the trap of the God-complex. Introduction (…

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4: Reconnecting with Ourselves and the World Around Us (Nick & STRANGER THAN PARADISE) 38:56

7M ago38:56

38:56

What do we do when we feel disconnected with our identity and relationships? In this episode, we share insights about how to reconnect with ourselves, nature, other people, and God. Along the way, Nick gets personal with his story, and how he sees it in relation to the film Stranger Than Paradise. We also explore the power of connection through Ric…

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Clueston 54: One Clue Over The Cuckoo's Nest 41:24

7M ago41:24

41:24

The Murder of Nancy Shank by her son John Hiller Shank in the wealthiest part of Houston, Texas.By Kat Adams

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3: When Everything Looks the Same in Your Life (STRANGER THAN PARADISE) 30:28

8M ago30:28

30:28

Have you ever felt stuck in life? In this conversation, Nick leads us through the Criterion classic Stranger Than Paradise, and its realistic portrayal of loneliness and longing. Throughout the discussion, we'll share ways to break out of the monotony of life through re-authoring, and embarking on new calls to adventure. Introduction (0:00) Why We …

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2: Stories and Our Search for Meaning (Derrick & the STAR WARS Trilogy) 39:50

8M ago39:50

39:50

The search for meaning is an inevitable part of what it means to be human. It is through this search that we learn how to better navigate life day by day. And that's what we explore through the work of Viktor Frankl and the Narrative Therapy Practice of externalizing problems. We show how these and other elements help unravel the Star Wars narrativ…

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1: What’s Your Origin Story? (STAR WARS) 34:59

8M ago34:59

34:59

Everyone has an origin story that illustrates who they are, where they come from, and why they're here. In our debut episode, we explore the origin story as a concept through Star Wars: A New Hope. Derrick then shares how this film (and George Lucas' journey of making it) inspired his passion for storytelling. Along the way, we discuss how to craft…

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Welcome to the Live A Meaningful Story Podcast (Trailer) 2:24

8M ago2:24

2:24

Welcome to the Live A Meaningful Story Podcast, where we learn how to navigate life, one film at a time. We are four friends with different backgrounds who love watching movies and discussing what they mean to us. Each week, we analyze a film, wrestling with how its story, characters, settings, genres, and themes connect to the stories we find ours…

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Genres and Your Life Story + We Are Changing Our Name 31:50

9M ago31:50

31:50

How does each genre of story speak to our lives? In our season finale, we review all the genres we've covered this year and how they can help us see our stories in meaningful ways. Plus, Derrick gives some important announcements regarding the future of the podcast in 2024, including changes to the format and name! Introduction + New Changes Coming…

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Why We Love Slice of Life (Comedies & Dramas) 1:36:16

9M ago1:36:16

1:36:16

Companionship, grief, work, parenting, coming of age. Sometimes, we just need stories that remind us of what it means to be human. And for our final entry in our genre series, we focus on those kinds of Slice of Life stories. These films and shows fluctuate between the comedies and dramas of life, causing us to wrestle with what it all means. And f…

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Why We Love Superheroes 1:33:53

10M ago1:33:53

1:33:53

When two Jewish immigrants published a story in 1938 about a Superman, they birthed something that would take the 21st Century by storm: the superhero genre. And now 85 years later, many argue that the genre is running out of steam. We investigate how superheroes stay alive by blending with other genres, while wrestling with what this genre means f…

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Life in the Gray - Our Journeys with God, Church, and Culture [feat. Luther Menard] 1:58:07

10M ago1:58:07

1:58:07

When things aren't black or white, we live life in the gray. On this special episode, Derrick reunites with Luther Menard, his former co-host from the 'Life in the Gray' podcast. While listening to old clips from the show, they reflect on their journeys of deconstructing ideas about God, church, and culture in a public manner. This conversation als…

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