Derailed Trains of Thought

Episode 35 - Now The Page Was Formless and Void

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:23:06 PST

A new year brings new beginnings...like a new podcast about beginnings!

That's right, after starting with endings way back in Episode 1, Nick and Tim come full circle to the beginning of things.

Whether it's how best to start a story or why audiences like origins so much, your premiere storytelling podcast has you covered. And don't miss as Tim and Nick give their obligatory two cents about who should direct Star Wars in What IF? and share a very important Project Update.

So, hang up your new cat calendar, sign up for that gym membership, and listen in to the latest episode of Derailed Trains of Thought. After two years, we're just getting started.

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Episode 34 - Total Recall?

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 08:43:30 PST

Just in time for the holidays, the celebratory 2nd Anniversary Derailed Trains of Thought podcast!

So...instead of working ourselves to the bone (you know, as we usually do, trying to get out one episode every 9 weeks or so), we compiled a collection of our favorite segments from the last year.

I mean, who can forget our discussion of feminism and story, or the history of punctuation, or our treatise on the theological meaning of Looney Tunes? But, if for some reason you have, that's what this clip show is all about.

Sit back and bask in an hour's condensed glory of your premiere storytelling podcast. Also, listen to Nick and Tim nearly break into fisticuffs.

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Episode 33 - How to be Timeless

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 10:10:32 PDT

We're alive! Tim and Nick emerge from their summer hiatus with an instant classic! It's a modern masterpiece! A genre-setting podcast! The best audio entertainment since "War of the Worlds"!

...

Or, at least, we discuss what makes a work of fiction "classic," and that has to be worth something, right?

We follow up with A Bit of Story from the "so-unknown-it-must-be-classic" Story Project and finish with a mini Take on Tales. So, if you've been pining for some Derailed Trains of Thought, we've got you covered. It might not be Shakespeare, but who wants to read that ancient fuddy-duddy stuff anyway?

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Episode 32 - Another World Awaits You

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 10:19:14 PDT

Wardrobes, Deloreans, looking-glasses, ter'angreal, blue phone boxes, linking books...if you want to enter a new realm, there are ways. But, of course, someone has to make the world first. Hence, world-building.

We start this episode with an interview with Dr. Pamela Jordan-Long, Chair of the Department of Professional Writing at Taylor University and Director of the Center for the Study of C.S. Lewis and Friends. (How's that for a title?) We talk secondary worlds, the act of creating a world beyond this one.

In the second half, Tim and Nick have a go at impromptu worldbuilding. So, if you ever have a longing for Faerie-land or perhaps a world reached by stepping just left of this one, listen in! We're sure you'll come back refreshed.

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Episode 31 - You Kiss Your Mother With That Mouth?

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 13:05:39 PDT

This episode we discuss colorful language, and we're not talking purple prose. (And unless you're Sergeant Snorkel from "Beetle Bailey," @!&%#$! probably isn't going to cut it.) So, while Nick tries to avoid swearing like a sailor, we come to the question: when, if ever, is swearing appropriate in fiction and film?

Afterward, join us for a Take on Tales where Tim discusses immortal alchemists living as 1930s gangsters (really!) and Nick actually finishes a video game. All this and more in episode 31 of Derailed Trains of Thought, your premiere storytelling podcast.

Great Odin's Raven, what more could you ask for?

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Episode 30 - The Droids You're Looking For

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 07:26:54 PDT

C-3PO. Short Round. Dr. Watson. That funny guy from National Treasure. Just because a character isn't the focus of a story, it doesn't mean he can't make an impression. So, Timothy Deal, with sidekick Nick (or is it Nick Hayden, with sidekick Tim?) take a look at what makes good supporting characters and why they're so essential.

Also with us is our own supporting character, Brian Scherschel, who presents Frank Capra's Lost Horizon, a movie that takes the viewer to Shangri-La and back. What more can you ask from the 30th(!) episode of your premiere storytelling podcast? We've been gone awhile, but one listen, and it'll be like we've never left. Like riding a bike. Or something.

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Episode 29 - Of Devils and Darkness

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 11:57:35 PDT

This episode, we muck around in the filth of humanity, in the deep mires of wickedness, in vile dens of...well, you get the idea. Why do we hang around in these places? We examine evil in fiction--is it psychological, a mistake, a cultural reaction, or something else? All the above?

We also present a scene of Satan on trial in "A Bit of Story" and then venture into brighter territory in a whirlwind of other mini-segments. Tune in for philosophical pondering and nerdy silliness in the 29th episode of your premiere storytelling podcast, Derailed Trains of Thought!

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Episode 28 - Of God and Supermen

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 08:49:57 PST

Greetings, faithful listeners! This episode, Tim and Nick examine how belief interacts with fiction. How does God appear in stories? How do you tell the Truth when you're making things up? Also mentioned: aliens, superheroes, and, as always, the Doctor.

We follow up with Project Update (Taylor Trilogy!) and a Take on Tales featuring Alan Moore and girls who jump through time.

Join us for this episode of the ever-interesting, mostly coherent, exceptionally wonderful storytelling podcast, Derailed Trains of Thought!

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The Taylor Trilogy on DVD!

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 07:00:01 PST

We promised, we delivered! The 10th Anniversary Edition DVD of The Taylor Trilogy is now available! Check out this spiffy trailer:

If you haven't heard us blather about this project before (probably impossible if you're a long-time listener), it's a series of romantic comedy student films made by Nick, his wife Natasha, and their friends while attending school at Taylor University Fort Wayne. Everyone involved is extremely proud of the result, even if it is a little rough around the edges production-quality wise. This special DVD - packed with lost footage, new trailers, and new commentary - is a project we've wanted to do for a long time and is finally ready for audiences' delight.

If you'd like your own copy of this DVD, please consider making a $5 donation via the Paypal link below to cover production and shipping costs, and then send us an e-mail at derailedtrains@gmail.com with your name and address. Deliveries should arrive in 1-2 weeks. We hope you enjoy!

Episode 27 - All You Need is Love?

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:13:38 PST

Happy Valentine's Day (or Singles Awareness Day)! Seeing as the calendar reads February 14, we finally give up our pride, and our prejudice, and examine the idea of romance in fiction. In Story School, author Dawn Crandall shares experiences gleaned from her first novel to help us guys understand what makes a romance work. Then in Cinema Selections, movie-lover Brian Scherschel presents "Summertime," a beautiful, conflicted example of romance in movies.

So, show your good sense, and your sensibility, and give a listen to an extra-long Episode 27 of your premiere storytelling podcast.

And send us chocolate. Please?

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Episode 26 - Capers, Chaos, and Pythons...Oh My!

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:48:13 PST

KA-POW! In this episode of Derailed Trains of Thought, Tim and Nick--BAM!--fight their way through the--BANG!--dangerous question of what--RAT-TAT-TAT!--makes action awesome. TICK. And what makes it--SNICK! ARGHHH!--just a mess of dead bodies. TICK.

Also,in the return of What If?--WHAM!--Tim and Nick examine the horrifying possibility--TICK, TICK--of Michael Bay directing The Wizard of Oz.

So, find your favorite bomb shelter--ZAP!--and listen to...wait, do you hear....TICK, TICK, TICK....

BOOOOOOMMM!!

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Episode 25 - In Which We Techno-Babble

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:59:49 PST

01001000 01100101...er, I mean, Hello! I write to you through the wonders of electricity, fiber optics, Pentium chips, and other things that work by magic AKA science. This episode, Nick and Tim examine how technology not only continues to change how stories are told, but what stories are told. We also resurrect Our Take on Tales with short stories by Ray Bradbury and a darker anime series.

So, hook up the electronic audio system of your choice and imbibe the first episode of Derailed Trains of Thought of 2012. It's not the flying car you were promised, but it's almost as awesome.

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Side Track 5 - Interview with Donald Merriman

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:21:55 PST

Hello, all! A brief, unexpected Side Track here. I had the pleasure to sit down with Donald Merriman for a short interview. If you've never heard of him, he's a self-proclaimed "Christmas Crusader" and quite an interesting fellow. I'm sure you'll enjoy what he has to say. Have a listen.

And Merry Christmas!

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Episode 24 - Lest Other Old Stories Be Forgot

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:56:29 PST

Merry Christmas! It's that time of year again when Tim and Nick spend time looking back, this time at stories that affect us differently now than previously. Listen as we wax nostalgic and consider how time changes tastes.

Then join us for discussion of a Christmas movie you've probably not seen, introduced by the world-traveling Brian Scherschel.

After all, you can't welcome a new year without at least one more episode of Derailed Trains of Thought!

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Psst...if you like Mazedude as much as I do, check this out. - Nick

Episode 23 - Lilliputian Plots

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:05:53 PST

To be brief, this episode features Nick and Tim pondering the task of telling a short story. How do you break a story down to essentials?

They also perform live brainstorming. Listen in.

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Episode 22 - Fear As a Fun Factor

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 08:46:56 PST

Ah, Halloween. This is that festive time of year when such ~~cuddly,~~ creepy, ~~heart-warming,~~ bone-chilling creatures as evil witches, blood-slurping vampires, rotting zombies, and gory chainsaw-wielding psychopaths grace the forefront of our popular culture. Why do people enjoy being scared? And what role does fear have in storytelling?

Nick and Tim are joined by frequent-contributor Brian Scherschel to tackle these questions and more. In this topsy-turvy episode, we begin with a Cinema Selections look at a classic 1955 thriller, and then move to discuss the appeal of the horror genre, the merits of suspense over surprise, and try to figure out what's the deal with this zombie craze anyway.

Whether you're a horror addict or someone who hides behind the couch at the appearance of a menacing trash can, you're sure to find today's discussion intriguing. Take a listen!

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Episode 21 - The Art of Fog

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 07:05:45 PST

Having recovered from their EPIC anniversary episode, Tim and Nick set out to discover new realms of exploration. Along the way they realize, "Hey, it's pretty cool to keep finding new lands and creatures and characters and stuff." So they decided to discuss the art of discovery in fiction.

Joined by scholar and writer John Bahler, they delve into mysteries, gaze into unattainable vistas, and ponder the combining of two of their favorite subjects.

It's a new era for your favorite storytelling podcast, Derailed Trains of Thought.

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Episode 20 - Everything But the Kitchen Sink

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 10:59:11 PDT

In honor of the podcast's first anniversary, we've sent our previous episode descriptions through the blender and come up with this:

Hello, there! Have we got an original for you! The perfect cure to your
sterotypical, connect-the-dots podcast!

This episode we turn to the always faithful supplier of conversation--Derailed Trains of Thought, which, coincidentally, is exactly the topic of this episode’s Story School.

Join us for a meaty discussion for the both creator and the audience that the San Francisco Herald-Tribune-Gazette calls, "Relentless. Ruthless. And all that brouhaha. Your intrepid and intriguing hosts, Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden, spawn their own subculture.”

Along the way, fanfiction writer Laura Fischer, resident YA book expert Natasha Hayden, Nathan Marchand, author of Pandora's Box, and Brian Scherschel jump in. Don't miss it!

We promised, we delivered this extra-long, wide-ranging episode of Derailed Trains of Thought!

It's not just a podcast, it's Podcast 20!

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Episode 19 - It's a Wocka, Wocka, Wocka World!

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 07:01:30 PDT

Everyone's a comedian...or are they? In the latest episode of Derailed Trains of Thought (your one and only (please?) storytelling podcast), Tim and Nick tackle the hard work of dissecting what makes the audience laugh. (It's a function of the lungs and/or stomach in 86.15% of cases.)

In the second half, we examine the science fiction German silent film "Metropolis" in Cinema Selections, proving that 80-year-old movies are still cool.

So take a listen and learn that the mediator between the head and the hands is the funny bone!*

*Obtuse joke to be found funny only after listening to the entire podcast. Maybe.

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Episode 18 - Epic Fail Like the Greats!

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:14:03 PDT

Ever had one of those days? Your father's been murdered by your uncle and you just don't know what to do. Your best friend's fallen down the stairs, broken his leg, gotten bone marrow in his blood, and died. And your crazy neighbor's crazy girlfriend just plummeted to her death because she saw a nun. (That's right, a nun.) Life's a tragedy, isn't it?

Death, disasters, and hollow victories focus this episode's discussion of the art of the tragedy. What makes a good "bad ending"? Is it more literary to make the audience depressed? What's the meaning of it all? Listen as Tim and Nick wrangle with these intriguing questions, as well as review the summer blockbusters, in the latest episode of Derailed Trains of Thought.

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Episode 17 - Magic, Muggles, and Morals

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:04:31 PDT

Witches, wizards, and warlocks--oh my! This episode Tim and Nick discuss whether the use of magic in fiction is the downfall of modern society. Join us for a meaty discussion of the pitfalls and potential of spells, enchantments, and Turkish Delight for the both creator and the audience.

Also, stay tuned for the premiere reading of Destroyer, a novella written by Nathan Marchand, Timothy Deal, and Natasha Hayden, all Derailed Trains contributors! It's another sensational hour of the podcast devoted to conversations on the art of storytelling.

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Episode 16 - Come, Let's Play a Story Together!

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 09:40:55 PDT

Admit it. Sometimes when you're reading a book, you wish you could jump in and spend some time in that world. This episode, Tim and Nick discuss formats in which you ARE the main character of a story—Choose Your Own Adventures, video games, and other forms of interactive fiction!

Also this episode, a very special Cinema Selections. Let's just say this: '80s fantasy meets German expressionism in a film Tim has been long overdue in experiencing. Was it worth the wait?

Find out in this extra-long, wide-ranging episode of Derailed Trains of Thought!

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Episode 15 - Nothing New Beneath the Sun

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 06:11:38 PDT

Have we got an original for you! What do you get when you mix 20+ minutes of philosophical merry-go-round on the need for creativity; some regular dashes of Star Wars and Jim Henson; a healthy dose of dead French author, serial killer-obsessed writer, and caped crusader; a teaspoon of environmentally conscious alien; a drop of Heineken for flavor; and some guy named Gorō? The perfect cure to your sterotypical, connect-the-dots podcast!

Or, at least, the 15th episode of Derailed Trains of Thought, your favorite podcast about storytelling. Have a listen!

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Episode 14 - The Frolics and Freak-outs of Fandom

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:35:23 PDT

Trekkies, MSTies, Browncoats, Twi-hards, Gleeks, Whovians, Deleteheads.... How does a story spawn its own subculture? Fanfiction writer Laura Fischer joins us to discuss what drives fans to create new fiction, art, and communities about their favorite story universes.

Then stay tuned for a sample of Laura's fanfiction, Nick and Tim pitching one of their nerdiest ideas yet, and some sweet fandom-related music, of both the rocking and poignant variety. It's all here in the latest episode of Derailed Trains of Thought.

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Episode 13 - How to Read a Story

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:22:29 PDT

Dr. Suess says you can read with your eyes shut, but we're not so sure. This episode we take a reader's viewpoint to discover what it takes to fully engage a story. Along the way, Tim shows off his film school terminology, Nick pulls out his "I've read Russian novels" card, and we attempt a defense of much-maligned movies.

Also, Brian Scherschel joins us again to introduce us to director John Ford and his western The Searchers. So, come on, give us a chance. Maybe you'll give that crazy foreign film a second look as well.

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Episode 12 - YA! A New Episode!

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:46:56 PDT

YA! Why are we so excited? Because everyone loves YA (young adult) books, and we have resident YA book expert Natasha Hayden with us this episode to discuss YA trends, explain why she enjoys YA books more than regular adult fiction, and give us her reading recommendations.

We're also excited because after MUCH DELAY, we're back! Take a break from your work-a-day world and listen in on discussions of movies foreign and domestic, listener responses on book/movie differences, and much more!

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Episode 11- Hate the Sin, Love the Villain

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:47:03 PDT

Relentless. Ruthless. Witty retorts. A rockin' theme song. Villains often captivate us with their acts of savagery and urbane smiles. Why do we love a good villain?

In this episode, Tim and Nick explore the lure of villainy, the idea of justice for antagonists, and what it means to have compassion for those characters we love to hate.

Time to ambush the villain's hideout. Sneak in and take a listen to a new (and long delayed) installment of Derailed Trains of Thought.

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Side Track 4 - Hitchcock!

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:47:20 PDT

We promised, we delivered! Here it is, the full Hitchcock interview with Brian Scherschel. We cut A LOT from the initial interview to fit into the regular podcast, so here's all 50 minutes of our discussion on Hitchcock, his methods, and his films, Notorious in particular. (Which, if you haven't watched yet, shame on you!)

So, delve into film history and get to know the one and only Hitchcock!

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Episode 10 - I Need a Hero!

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:47:28 PDT

Strong. Noble. Honest. The hero grips sword in hand, righteous and determined, and sets upon his quest to right the wrongs of the world. Will he succeed? And why do we care?

In our milestone 10th podcast, Tim and Nick discuss what makes a hero heroic, compare "perfect" and "flawed" heroes, allude numerous times to comic books and The Lord of the Rings, and discover some possible heroic pitfalls.

So, sheath your sword, grab some mead, and settle in for a new foray into Derailed Trains of Thought.

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Side Track 3 - Man

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:47:40 PDT

Hello, there! No new podcast this week, but we have A Bit of Story for you. This is a recording of one of Nick's flash fictions, "Man," read by the author. Tim gives a nice introduction so have a listen. Hopefully it'll tide over our legions of fans until the new podcast, which is coming soon.

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The Love-Life of Wallace P. Fitzgerald

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 06:06:47 PST

Hi-ho, Timothy Deal here. Well, I missed my goal of posting this in time for Valentine's Day, but hopefully people are still in the mood for romantic comedy. As we've mentioned in the podcast, The Love-Life of Wallace P. Fitzgerald is a short film that Nick wrote and I directed, produced, and acted in during my senior year at Taylor University. It's similar in tone and spirit to Nick's earlier cinematic excursion, The Taylor Trilogy, but I hadn't gotten around to putting it on YouTube.

Until now.

Actually, I was a little hesitant about putting it online since, as a graduate film student, I knew there were a number of problems with the film due to my relative inexperience at the time it was made. Still, we've talked about it often enough on the podcast and a lot of people worked on it who deserve to have their work available online. Plus, it is a fun story; it just needed a bit of polish.

So before posting, I did some digital restoration (color correction on certain scenes) and added some music in places that desperately needed it. (Thankfully, I now have more resources for finding music.) As a result, while the picture is far from perfect, I honestly believe it's better now than it ever has been before.

So, with all that said, I hope you'll enjoy this piece of our storytelling history. Also, be on the lookout for future releases of vintage collaborative productions from Nick and Tim! We've got more to unleash on you...when we get around to it. Stay tuned!

Timothy Deal

Episode 9 - Once Upon A Time, Again

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:47:55 PDT

Are you buried under a mountain of continuity? Are you lost among a crowd of extraneous characters? Does your story stink to high heaven with the concerns of yesteryear? Don't worry! Just REBOOT!

This episode, THRILL as Nick and Tim discuss the reasons why writers find rebooting a series attractive! GASP as they enter into the realm of comicdom in hopes of answers! SHUDDER as they encounter just a few modern Reboot examples! SOAR with an extended Take on Tales!

It's not just a podcast, it's Podcast 2.0!

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Episode 8 - Based on the Best-Selling Podcast!

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:48:04 PDT

Starring Daniel Radcliffe as Timothy Deal and Michael Cera as Nick Hayden, this investigative thriller follows the hard-hitting investigation of two heretofore unknown podcasters as they delve into the intricacies of movie adaptations, stumbling deep down the rabbit hole of Hollywood business decisions and fan demands to discover, once and for all, whether there is truth behind that universal declaration, "The book was better."

With a rip-roaring Soundtrack, commentary by Listener Feedback, newly expanded Project Updates, and a behind-the-scenes Cinema Selections, this is one experience that the San Francisco Herald-Tribune-Gazette calls, "heart-stoppingly wonderful...cruelly sophisticated...hopelessly naive...the best hour of pure entertainment since that one time!" Don't miss it! (3D glasses not included.)

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Episode 7 - Lest Old Stories Be Forgot

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:48:11 PDT

As we celebrate the Christmas season and look forward to a new year, we decide to look back on our old works and see what we've learned. Then, in a special holiday Take on Tales, we rate our favorite Christmas movies.

Find a comfy chair, some hot cocoa, and join us for a shorter "unplugged" episode of Derailed Trains of Thought.

Have a Merry Christmas!

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Episode 6 - Forecast: Atmospheric Story Conditions to Continue

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:48:22 PDT

This episode we turn to the always faithful supplier of conversation--the weather. But instead of hearing us drone on about meterologists and people who can't drive in snow, enjoy as we highlight the ways weather can accentuate emotions and deepen the layers in a scene.

Then join us as we introduce yet another new segment, discuss high-risk game shows, and chill to some lovely music. (Get it? Chill? Cold?)

Get your coats on, we're going outside.

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Episode 5 - A Time and A Pace for Everything

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:48:30 PDT

Is this really it? The fifth episode of Derailed Trains of Thought? Yes, it is!

We apologize for the delay, but we were thrown off our posting rhythm, which, coincidentally, is exactly the topic of this episode’s Story School. We discuss plot pacing, dramatic rhythm, forward momentum, and all those things that accentuate the story’s individual moments.

We also introduce two new segments called Listener Feedback and A Bit of Story; Muppet-obsessed Timothy Deal educates us on long-lost Henson products; and Nick Hayden peeks into China’s underground church.

It’s all in a day’s podcast for Derailed Trains of Thought.

SPECIAL NOTICE: This episode does not include a single reference to Star Wars. It does, however, manage to talk about Lost, so Nick and Tim are vindicated.

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Episode 4 - Whether 'Tis Nobler, and Other Choices

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:48:48 PDT

Shakespeare! Harry Belafonte! Nazis! Anne with an E! Muy Tai! Outtakes! What connects these things? Are you willing to find out? And you ready to accept the consequences?

Find all this out and more in our fourth podcast as we delve into the Moral Universe: what it is, what it means, why it matters, and all that brouhaha. Then stick around for discussion of ABC's No Ordinary Family, a Hitchcock-inspired episode of The X-Files, and CYOA cinema. It's all here, and much, much more, at Derailed Trains of Thought.

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Side Track 2 - Peeking in the Box

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:49:00 PDT

For this week's Side Track, we follow up on our interview with Nathan Marchand, author of the newly released Pandora's Box by presenting an audio version of the book's prologue. Thanks to Natasha, my wife, for performing the narration. Enjoy!

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Episode 3 - From Boredom to Book

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:49:06 PDT

Two days late and a little long, but we finally have Episode 3 up and running!

It's a packed episode, too. We start with a discussion of time management (see how that worked out with our late podcast), and end up somewhere in Jim Henson and Pixar territory. We also bemoan the lost art of boredom, reminisce about numerous projects, and reference "On Fairie-Stories."

In the second half we interview Nathan Marchand, author of the newly published "Pandora's Box" and good friend, about the writing process. It's like a DVD featurette for the book. So come on, settle into a comfy chair, and join us for the newest installment of Derailed Trains of Thought.

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Side Track 1 - The Minicast Event!

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:49:16 PDT

Here's a little surprise for our faithful listeners! In editing our last episode, we had to cut out a couple of sections of discussion for time restraints. But they're interesting enough that we thought we'd share them with you in our week-between-episodes. So sit back and enjoy these lost snippets of discussion about The Event, movie dialogue, and more, presented primarily in their original, unedited format.

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Episode 2 - The Pen and the Pocketbook

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:49:23 PDT

What do Reese's Pieces, talking animals, and believing in yourself have in common? They mean you've sold your artistic vision to the corporate man. Or do they? We explore Commercial vs. Artistic Vision, plus much more in the second episode of Derailed Trains of Thought.

We're now on iTunes! Subscribe to us!

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Episode 1 - Beginning at the End

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:07:41 PDT

This is it – the first official Derailed Trains of Thought podcast!

Featuring your intrepid and intriguing hosts Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden, we delve into the end of all things, or at least, the end of a few things.

Along the way, we touch upon a long unfinished novel; LOST; The Jazz Singer; why Aang is Luke Skywalker; a guy named Wallace P. Fitzgerald; town-wide “Movie Sign!”; intergalactic, trans-dimensional car races; alternate endings for films; and various other sundry topics.

You probably see why we call it Derailed Trains of Thought.

We’re glad you’re with us at the bitter end. Welcome to a new beginning!

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Welcome!

derailedtrains@gmail.com (Nick Hayden & Timothy Deal) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:10:28 PDT

This is the official website for the Derailed Trains of Thought podcast, hosted by Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden. We'll discuss the art of storytelling, critique a few movies, ramble on about ideas that excite us, follow intriguing bunny trails of theory and practicality, and generally entertain you every two weeks or so.

So stick around, watch the site grow, and listen in.

Tim & Nick