Advertise on podcast: Fantastical Truth

Narnia fans had a rough week. After the confirmation that Netflix’s version of “Narnia” will have a female-voiced “Aslan” for a 1950s-set movie with a “rock and roll” vibe, the internet lit up. Fans were upset. Pundits piled on. Non-Christian critics on YouTube cussed at Greta Gerwig. And in response, apparent defenders of the corporate creator began repeating old myths about The Chronicles of Narnia and C. S. Lewis while scoffing at his fans for being so overexcited about a movie. How can we best address these subversions and slanders? Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Return of the Guardian King by Karen Hancock The Guardian of Ailos by Michael B. Foss Etania’s Worth by M. H. Elrich Mission update New at Lorehaven: book quest for The Monster in the Hollows Also, don’t miss our new review of A. M. Daylin’s fantasy Eventide Last week’s breaking news and popular audio-livestream on X Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Concession stand You may be curious about the movie or skeptical of upset fans. If so, don’t be distracted by extreme examples in the discourse. But we oppose pushback about “outrage culture” or “culture war.” We believe this is a verbal battle worth engaging for Christ’s glory. After all, real Christian cultural engagement isn’t meant to be easy! At the same time, not everyone will choose to engage identically. God has given His body many different gifts and resulting roles. Pro tip: don’t fault someone for engaging/not engaging as you do. For each of our examples, we’ve seen real parallels from people. However, we find it easier to talk in Narnian terms as comparisons. Quotes and notes “Our Interview with Greta Gerwig,” Crash.fr, Jan. 2028 Today It’s Official: Meryl Streep Voices Aslan in Netflix’s ‘Rock Inspired’ Perversion of Narnia, E. Stephen Burnett at Lorehaven Alleged ‘Rock and Roll’ Soundtrack Incites Suspicion of Netflix’s Narnia Movie, Sierra Simopolous at Lorehaven Podcast episodes What Are the Best Books by C. S. Lewis? Why Does ‘Church Back Home Syndrome’ Distort Christian Imagination? How Did C. S. Lewis Fight for Living and Learning in Wartime? Did Christians Expect Cultural Engagement to Be Easy? Seventy-Five Years Ago, How Did C. S. Lewis’s Fairy-Stories Change Fantasy Forever? Why Do We Fight Like Narnians for the Stories We Love? 1. Answering good-faith challenges Edmund Pevensie—tempted by evil, yet saved by Aslan’s sacrifice Trumpkin—skeptical of talking lions, but overcome by Aslan’s love Eustace Scrubb—practical and skeptical, yet changed by Aslan Jill Pole—hurt by bullies, yet called to new challenges by Aslan Aravis Tarkheena—raised as a harsh survivor, chastised by Aslan Digory Kirke—grieving, impulsive, sinful, yet captivated by Aslan Puzzle the Donkey—used for great deception, yet loved by Aslan 2. Fending off random scoffers and slanders Ghouls, Boggles, Ogres, People of the Toadstools—generic mobs Nikabrik—will do anything, even evil, to get rid of villains he hates Governor Gumpas—hyperfixated bureaucrat, ignores basic virtue Harfang Giants—act hospitable while planning to make man-pies Lasaraleen—frivolous and flippant, eager to affirm cultural elites Uncle Andrew—materialist magician wanting to exploit other lands Dwarfs—disaffected and deceived, literally shoot at both sides 3. Challenging defenders of deathworks Jadis, the White Witch—simply hates Aslan and all his good magic King Miraz—foreign conqueror who despises the good old stories Deathwater Island—offers the illusion of riches that actually kills The Lady of the Green Kirtle—uses enchantment to subvert reality Rabadash—unstable, entitled elite who rashly slanders good kings Jadis yet again—otherworld sorceress who sacrifices all for power Shift—wickedly subverts earnest faith with the ultimate deathwork Com station Top question for listeners Who do you feel is the worst villain in The Chronicles of Narnia? Next on Fantastical Truth Now we move into spooky season, with appropriate topics planned. Lord willing, this month you can expect more from us about scary stories and how parents can find the best Christian-made middle grade fiction. Meanwhile, what about UFOs? That news has gone suddenly quiet of late! Plus: Satan and/or demons, and maybe even a little Godzilla as the big king of all monsters stomps back into cinemas.

At first we tried to be optimistic about Netflix’s new Narnia-inspired movie. Even when that rumor first dropped in April 2025 that claimed Meryl Streep was “in talks” to voice Aslan. Then last week brought us this grave news that Netflix and/or director Greta Gerwig did indeed cast Streep, a female actress, to voice the male King of Narnia, Aslan. They included high-res art of a glammed-up lion with obvious chimera creature textures and colors inspired by 1970s music celebrities. They boasted about the new movie’s “rock and roll” influence. They showed preview images featuring Jadis in a glittery short-skirt go-go outfit squalling into the streets of 1950s London. And now Narnia fans are all in uproar over these perversions of The Magician’s Nephew by C. S. Lewis. With courteous words or else hard knocks as the warrior’s only language, how then can we join the fight like true Narnians? Join this special edition episode with an abridged version of our Sept. 21, 2026 audio-livestream on X (fka Twitter). Once a King or Queen in Narnia, always a King or Queen … Queen Bethel the Valiant Bethel McGrew is a freelance writer based in Michigan. Her work has appeared in First Things, the Wall Street Journal, the Lamp, and more. Follow her on Substack at Further Up. King Zackary the Just Zackary Russell is a Fightin’ Texas Aggie and proud member of Generation X-Wing. After conquering the Oregon Trail, he traveled to Hyrule and the Island of Myst. His heart for the nations led him into a ministry for international students, where he works as a videographer. He writes science fiction, and is the producer and co-host of the Fantastical Truth podcast. He lives in Texas with his wife and four children. His digital home base is zackaryrussell.com. Queen Megan the Gentle Megan Basham is a reporter for The Daily Wire and a frequent contributor to Morning Wire. In her previous role as an entertainment editor and podcast co-host for World Magazine, she interviewed numerous A-list celebrities. She has also written for The Wall Street Journal, National Review, and Townhall. Her book, Beside Every Successful Man, was published by Random House. King Stephen the Magnificent E. Stephen Burnett creates sci-fi for Christ’s glory. He began with Above the Circle of Earth (2025, Enclave Publishing), which stars a team of struggling yet heroic space missionaries versus the secular regimes of our 22nd century. Two more novels (2027–2028) will launch to form the Mission to the Stars series. Meanwhile, Stephen serves readers by engaging more fantastical stories, publishing the digital mission Lorehaven.com and its weekly Fantastical Truth podcast. He coauthored The Pop Culture Parent and creates other resources for fans and families, serving with his wife, Lacy, in their central Texas church. About the Lorehaven mission In a world of bad books, Lorehaven.com helps fans and families engage fantastical stories for Christ’s glory. Biblical Christian creators founded Lorehaven in 2018. Start with our library to find the best fantasy, sci-fi, and supernatural books for readers of all ages. Go deeper with articles and weekly podcasts. Subscribe free to get resources by email and join the Lorehaven Guild!

The Pendragon Cycle streaming series began with a slower start for its January release on Daily Wire Plus. Well, this month, everything changed. Based on the first two volumes in Stephen R. Lawhead’s series, The Pendragon Cycle worked its new wizardry to reach the top three shows on Prime Video. Let’s go behind the scenes of the Cycle, touching on controversies but staying pre-political and pre-medieval as we explore how Christian creators fight to build the future. Today we’re joined by The Pendragon Cycle series creator Jeremy Boreing. Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Return of the Guardian King by Karen Hancock The Guardian of Ailos by Michael B. Foss Etania’s Worth by M. H. Elrich Mission update (We didn’t mention these in the show; they broke soon afterward.) ‘The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin’ Honors the Foundational Myths of Western Civilization, A. D. Sheehan, Sept. 21, 2026 Today It’s Official: Meryl Streep Voices Aslan in Netflix’s ‘Rock Inspired’ Perversion of Narnia, E. Stephen Burnett, Sept. 17 Review of A.M. Daylin’s fantasy Eventide, Stephany Araujo Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Backstory: Jeremy Boreing Jeremy Boreing is a writer, filmmaker, producer, and co-founder of The Daily Wire. He is the host of The Jeremy Boreing Show and the series creator of The Pendragon Cycle. That streaming adaptation of Stephen R. Lawhead’s fantasy epic retells the origins of Merlin and King Arthur. It premiered Jan. 2026 on Daily Wire Plus. Then in July 2026, Pendragon debuted on Prime Video UK and hit the number 1 fantasy series. By the following month, August 2026, Pendragon debuted on Prime Video in the United States and reached the number 2 most-viewed show on that platform. Boreing’s past work in political media includes co-founding the conservative news and commentary website TruthRevolt, serving as executive director of Friends of Abe network, and co-founding Declaration Entertainment with Bill Whittle. He’s also the co-founder and former CEO of The Daily Wire commentary network. The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin on Prime Video (U.S.) The Jeremy Boreing Show on Spotify The Jeremy Boreing Show on YouTube Daily Wire co-CEO Jeremy Boreing announced Nov. 17, 2022 that the cultural conservative streamer would adapt the Arthurian saga. Quotes and notes Last night [Nov. 13, 2022], cultural conservative fans learned media company The Daily Wire could adapt Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged into a streaming series. But for Christian fantastical fiction fans, the buried lede is actually this: [Daily Wire co-CEO Jeremy] Boreing also announced a slate of major projects in development, including: . . . An exclusive option to develop and produce feature film and television series adaptations for all six books in Stephen R. Lawhead’s “THE PENDRAGON CYCLE” Daily Wire co-CEO Jeremy Boreing announced Nov. 17 that the cultural conservative streamer will debut the Arthurian saga … Boreing elaborated in a Nov. 17 livestream: “While Atlas has shaped the worldview of millions of people around the globe, there’s a series of books that I read as a teenager that, more than any other, helped shape my worldview. It’s based on perhaps the most impactful myth in the Western tradition—the legend of King Arthur. And it’s called The Pendragon Cycle by Stephen R. Lawhead. And today, I’m beyond thrilled to announce that the DailyWire+ has secured the rights to this unbelievable work. “This is an incredible story about the fall of the Roman occupation in Great Britain, and the rise of Christianity in the blood-soaked pagan islands—British Isles. It’s the most ambitious thing we’ve ever set about to do. And it’s going to be incredible.” Daily Wire Announces Streaming Series Based on Stephen R. Lawhead’s Pendragon Cycle, Lorehaven, Nov. 18 “I Created the #1 Fantasy Show in America. It Nearly Broke Me.”, Jeremy Boreing on YouTube, Sept. 4, 2026 Read our review of The Pendragon Cycle book 1, Taliesin. Or for fans and families, get our complete book quest guide (coming soon). 1. Pre-political: faith meets imagination Origin in Lubbock, plus redemption in the gospel of Jesus Christ Community theater, the “bent key,” discovering the power of story “Pre-political” stories compared with “mid-political” punditry Christians are called to either field; some wish to serve in both All have political beliefs, yet The Pendragon Cycle is pre-political 2. Pre-medieval: legend meets history How reading Lawhead’s historical fantasy shaped Boreing’s reality From the making of the show to the breaking(?) of Jeremy Boreing Fantastic stories from behind-the-scenes: actors, sets, epic music Exploring the deeper challenges of Christian creative filmmaking In a world of deconstruction, we can build better, with excellence 3. Pre-constructing: Christians meet world The ultimate purpose of Christian-made creativity and storytelling Jeremy’s own meaning of “fight for freedom and build the future” Pendragon’s results on Daily Wire Plus versus Prime Video now Whether this means Pendragon could get a future second season Now that Pendragon has reached at/near no. 1, how we can pray Com station Top question for listeners Would you prefer serving the Lord as a wizard, king, or bard? Nick in the Guild replied to our Sept. 11 episode: On the way home, I remember playing a particular Metallica track, in my old car with no air conditioning. I don’t remember which one, I just remember I specifically wanted that defiant, “you will not destroy us” vibe. Not terribly long after, that CD, and the car CD player, were stolen, while the car was still parked outside my house. It was considered a “good neighborhood,” but had already begun its transition into something more characteristic of the area. You could say that much of that decade was spent worrying about the wrong problems. Next on Fantastical Truth We close with the words of Britain’s great mythical bard, Taliesin ap Elphin (written by Stephen R. Lawhead): I have seen a land where kings extend their hands in justice rather than reach for the sword; where mercy, kindness, and compassion flow like deep water, and where men revere virtue, revere truth, revere beauty above comfort, pleasure or selfish gain. A land where peace reigns in the hearts of men. Where faith blazes like a beacon from every hill and love like a fire from every hearth; where the True God is worshiped and His ways acclaimed by all. I have seen this land. I have seen it and my heart yearns for it.

Last week we remembered the Sept. 11 attacks. But some people, shall we say, did not know how to grieve well. That’s for many reasons. One of them is strange yet simple—they can’t fathom that real people could really do something like this. But it’s true that many groups of real bad guys really want to take over the world. So today, author Kerry Nietz, student of futuristic caliphates, returns to the studio to ask which false religions seem the most bent on global domination. Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Return of the Guardian King by Karen Hancock The Guardian of Ailos by Michael B. Foss Etania’s Worth by M. H. Elrich Mission update Lorehaven Mission Survey: help shape this podcast and more! Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild We’re still reading through The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Backstory: Kerry Nietz Kerry Nietz is an award-winning science fiction author. He has over a half dozen speculative novels in print, along with a novella, a couple short stories, and a non-fiction book, FoxTales. Kerry’s novel A Star Curiously Singing won the Readers Favorite Gold Medal Award for Christian Science Fiction and is notable for its dystopian, cyberpunk vibe in a world under sharia law. It  is often mentioned on “Best of” lists. Among his writings, Kerry’s most talked about is the genre-bending Amish Vampires in Space. AViS was mentioned on the Tonight Show and in the Washington Post, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. Newsweek called it “a welcome departure from the typical Amish fare.” Today his latest release is Start Early, You Might Get Published Before You Die, an honest and humorous look at the long, unpredictable path from aspiring storyteller to published novelist. 1. If militant Islam took over the world … This one’s been much in the news, so we’ll discuss this one first. Kerry and Stephen have both written about Islam in their novels. Kerry’s novels imagine a future literally ruled by the caliphate. That’s a future many Muslims anticipate, total submission to Allah. Yes, many believe (with Qu’ran support) that it’s won by the sword. Yet this story is more about the people affected by these beliefs. Stephen’s novel includes “peaceful Muslims” and militant ones. In fact, long before Sept. 11 he was researching Islamic religion. Great fiction shows realistic people, peaceful, militant, in between. We can reject false religion and long for everyone to know Jesus. 2. If fake Christianity took over the world … Some folks ignore other world-dominators and focus only on this. In some cases, they’ve truly suffered in the Church Back Home. Yet in other cases, they only think they have, or fall into rumors. But it’s still worth noting some professing Christians do want this. And not in the normal, biblical way of “Jesus returns to do this.” Some specifically call for religious monarchy, a “Christian prince.” There really is a “patriarchy” or bad sorts of religious nationalists. Shrewd readers will spy references in Above the Circle of Earth. Such top-down “spiritual” notions are refuted by clear Scripture. Jesus takes over the world in His own way, starting with hearts. 3. If a secular state took over the world … This is more of a catch-all, because this foe can take many forms. Secular-Luciferianism, like in many Christian end-times scenarios. Materialist magicians, like the N.I.C.E. of That Hideous Strength. Humanistic technocracy, like CAUSE in Above the Circle of Earth. Sociopolitical movements like Godless socialism or Communism. These also include fascism, secular nationalism, and evil hybrids. Dictator cults, like the Kim dynasty that dominates North Korea. Sexualism, or the religious worship of disordered self-expression. New! Therapism, which denies our sinful nature for “brokenness.” Many of these are adept at hijacking Christian-sounding words. Com station Top question for listeners If you were evil, how would you take over the world? John Fort heard our ep. 326 chat with Bryan Davis: I’ve met Bryan Davis many times in real life as an exhibitor at homeschool conventions. He is the real deal—a humble, honest, and good man. He has been very encouraging and helpful to me as an upcoming author of fantasy and sci-fi myself. So happy you featured him on your podcast. Next on Fantastical Truth The Pendragon Cycle streaming series began with a slower start for its January release on Daily Wire Plus. Well, this month, everything changed. Based on the first two volumes in Stephen R. Lawhead’s series, The Pendragon Cycle worked its new wizardry to reach the top 5 shows on Prime Video. Let’s go behind the scenes of the Cycle, touching on controversies but staying pre-political and pre-medieval as we explore how Christian creators fight to build the future.

In the last 25 years, whole human beings have been born, grown up, graduated, married, and become parents. They may not remember that day when our world was gripped by events that seemed stolen from dystopian novels. On Sept. 11, 2001, militant religious terrorists hijacked four planes in the United States and plunged them into the sides of large buildings. Thousands died. Millions mourned. And every real person and fantastical fiction was forever changed. Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Winter’s Dawn by Morgan L. Busse The Guardian of Ailos by Michael B. Foss Etania’s Worth by M. H. Elrich Mission update New at Lorehaven: review of The Talismiths: The Secret Saboteur Lorehaven Mission Survey: help shape this podcast and more! Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild 1. Where we were when the towers fell Zack’s memory of discovering the news by himself on a Tuesday Stephen’s memory from just after one class at his own college Initial fears, end-times narratives, and a nation cast into grief Final blame: the militant group al-Qaeda fighting for their jihad This self-destructive and religious evil confused many onlookers. 2. Aftershocks in the world of pop culture That December: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. The next May, Spider-Man (2002). And later The Two Towers. These three films and more drew on viewers’ need for heroic tales. Stories like The Dark Knight (2008) explored counter-terrorism. Christian publishers released many end-times or terrorism books. 3. 25 years later, some truth is under threat We’ve talked about conspiracy theories. Many focus on this event. But we must rely on testimony from people who lived the reality. Today we may not have fantasy/superhero films if not for Sept. 11. And the U.S. prevented more mass-casualty terrorism … so far. Other stories explore the pre-political realities of justice and war. Com station Top question for listeners Where were you (or a loved one) on Sept. 11, 2001? Tiffany Lamb in the RealmSphere recalled the 1980s: There are so many shows that had an effect on me that I am not sure I can pick just one. However, I find when I go back and rewatch them, I usually am unable to sit through them. The teenage me and the senior me are very different people, thank God! Still, the very first thing that popped into my head was the only cartoon I used to watch, Dungeons & Dragons. I loved that show. I didn’t watch a ton of tv, but on the weekends I watched Tarzan, Batman & Robin (KaPow!), and Superman. I still remember when I learned the original Superman [actor George Reeves] committed suicide. I think that was when I realized that the lives people lived on the outside were very different from what they were living in private. Basically, I came to understand that actors are not really much different than the rest of us. Because of this insight, I never did fall into the hero worship that so many actors and rock stars get from their audience. … I always thought of it as the age of innocence. However, going back and rewatching certain shows, like the Golden Girls, I can see where that was naive and due to my youth. Still, I miss the innocence of that era, and the hope everyone had for the future. We seem to be lacking that hope in our younger generation now. I wish kids nowadays could experience what we did growing up back then. It seemed like anything was possible. Next on Fantastical Truth We identified the villains behind the Sept. 11 attacks. Some doubt this could be true. Why? Only they know their reasons. But sometimes it’s because people have less experience with one false religion and more experience with another one. So they assume that for anything terrible, those villains are to blame. And it’s true that more than one group of bad guys wants to take over the world. Next week Kerry Nietz, student of futuristic caliphates, returns to the studio to ask which false religion wants to achieve truly global domination.

Last summer the new He-Man movie kind of failed at theaters. Stephen enjoyed the film! Others did not care so much, especially if they didn’t grow up in the 1980s. But last week, after the death of voice actor Peter Cullen, fans celebrated the legacy of Transformers. And last month, the Masters of the Universe remake film wielded the power of Grayskull to rule streaming media. No matter your age, big franchises from forty years ago have shaped the fantasy worlds we know today. How can Christians look back on this era with discernment and appreciation for good nostalgia? Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Winter’s Dawn by Morgan L. Busse The Guardian of Ailos by Michael B. Foss Etania’s Worth by M. H. Elrich Mission update September 2026 book quest for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild 1. Of note: some fans truly did miss the ’80s For many of you, the 1980s came and went before you were born! Stephen and Zack lived through most of the 1980s decade. And yet both of them only remember portions of the time. For his part, Stephen knew only the 1980s homeschool culture. It was the neighbor kids who had He-Man and Rainbow Brite Alas, Stephen never knew that fandom or any of the others, really. And he only vaguely recalls some of these obscure/old franchises. So if he sounds like a distant anthropologist, that is the reason! 2. From Star Wars to He-Man and beyond Recap: George Lucas and Kenner created modern toy franchises. Mass factories, network TV, and cable made a kids’ merch boom. Aside note: some Christians had some legit/silly concerns about it. Mattel lost on Star Wars, but made its own franchise: He-Man. This blended John Carter, DnD, mysticism, and superheroes. Meanwhile, other boys’ and girls’ brands took over toy stores. Zack’s notes about growing up in the 1980s and any toys he had. Last week beloved voice actor Peter Cullen (Transformers) died. Fans love his sincere voice for “gentle, powerful” Optimus Prime. That plus GI Joe, despite flaws, did seem to honor real heroism. Masters of the Universe (2026) failed in theaters, but has since found its power on streaming services. 3. Now many fans really do miss the 1980s Most of these franchises were firmly in fantasy and sci-fi genres. Without their popularity, fantasy genres may not be popular today. Eventually, He-Man got shoved out by Ninja Turtles and others. Somehow the Ninja Turtles find new life, while He-Man struggles. The new film version from Prime Studios faltered in theaters. Stephen liked this flawed fantasy, which did hit a streaming boom. Meanwhile, ’80s nostalgia steers new stories like Stranger Things. Maybe people want to feel a simple life without 2020s technology. Some of them also want a simpler morality of good vs. bad guys. But back in the actual 1980s, critics didn’t like simplistic morality. And some “80s nostalgia” also forces in the 2020s moral disorder. Every era has common graces that are better perceived with time. All eras also have unique idols, such as godless/mystical heroism. As you grow older, beware the “good old days” temptations. Do recall Ecclesiastes 7:10: “Say not, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.” Com station Top question for listeners Do you have a favorite 1980s fantasy?

As students return to school, some can’t help dreading their assigned books. Even good readers in good schools will feel burdened by reading classic novels. So how can we remind ourselves and others that we’re not made to read as a duty to adults, but made for reading as part of our joy in Christ? Katherine Briggs, author of The Threshold Duology and part of the upcoming Classics Rebooted series, will teach us how fantasy fans can learn to love timeless classic fiction.[1. Photo by Iñaki del Olmo on Unsplash.] Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Winter’s Dawn by Morgan L. Busse Realm Makers fundraiser for ongoing defamation lawsuit The Talismiths: The Secret Saboteur by M. L. Hodder King Justice: The Legend Begins by Evelyn M. Exley Mission update New at Lorehaven: new review of Winter’s Dawn Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Backstory: Katherine Briggs Katherine Briggs crafted her first monster story at age three. Since graduating from crayons to laptop, she continues to devour and weave fantasy tales while enjoying oolong or chai tea. She, her coadventurer husband, and rescue dog reside outside Houston, where she classically educates amazing middle school students, teaches ESL to adults, and studies other languages. Katherine is the author of The Eternity Gate and The Immortal Abyss from Enclave Publishing as well as Hunting the Forgotten Planet in Volume II of the upcoming Classics Rebooted collection. 1. How to learn the dutiful joy of reading How Katherine found biblical truth and fantastical imagination. Career choice to become a classical educator and a novelist. Reviewing any differences between “literary” and “genre” fiction. Discerning definitions of “dutiful” versus “joyful” reading of books. This dutiful joy is unique to reading, starting with Scripture itself. 2. Tips to help anyone read more deeply We can say that yes, reading books gives greater joy than screens. Alas, attention spans are hard to practice for more complex books. On this podcast we often hear guests tribute read-aloud parents. Start small with abridged/illustrated versions, but don’t end there. Practice hard habits of digital device limitation, except audiobooks. The Kickstarter for Classics Rebooted begins in September 2026. 3. Enjoy ‘remixes’ like Classics Rebooted This new series retells literary classics in YA sci-fi settings. More about Katherine’s story in Volume II of this collection. And more about every other author who’s contributed to this. Support the Kickstarter fundraiser that begins in September! More about the future for Katherine and her own fantasy creations. Com station Top question for listeners Which classic story would you like to read rebooted? Next on Fantastical Truth Last summer the new He-Man movie kind of failed at theaters. Stephen enjoyed the film! Others did not care so much, especially if they didn’t grow up in the 1980s. But then last month, Masters of the Universe wielded the power of Grayskull to rule streaming media. And no matter your age, big franchises from forty years ago have shaped the fantasy worlds we know today. How can Christians look back on this era with discernment and appreciation for good nostalgia?

Once upon a time, a homeschool father dreamed of helping his children grow their love for writing. So while he worked for 20 years as a computer geek, he also trained to create fantastical fiction. Then, after hundreds of rejections, he broke through with his tale of two young teens who discover their secret ancestries: Dragons in Our Midst. Since then, Bryan Davis has won the trust of thousands of fans with more tales in this world, plus supernatural thrillers and superhero stories. Today we invite Bryan into our own cozy cave to explore how families can teach truth in fantasy this school year and beyond. Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Winter’s Dawn by Morgan L. Busse Realm Makers fundraiser for ongoing defamation lawsuit The Talismiths: The Secret Saboteur by M. L. Hodder King Justice: The Legend Begins by Evelyn M. Exley Mission update New at Lorehaven: new review coming this Friday Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Backstory: Bryan Davis After working as a computer geek for 20 years, Bryan followed a dream to become an author. He began by writing a story to motivate his seven children to gain some excitement about writing, and that story grew into a novel. After spending the next eight years learning the craft and enduring more than 200 rejections from publishers and agents, he broke through with his best-selling series Dragons in our Midst. He is now a full-time author and lives with his wife, Susie, and their children. Bryan Davis is the author of the following series: Dragons in our Midst, Oracles of Fire, Children of the Bard, Astral Alliance, Wanted: Superheroes, The Oculus Gate, Reapers, Time Echoes, Tales of Starlight, Dragons of Starlight, Falcon’s Quest, Save the Multiverse, Not-So-Famous Dog Tales, and Not-So-Famous Dragon Tales. His standalone novels are Let the Ghosts Speak and I Know Why the Angels Dance. For more information, see his website at DavisCrossing.com. 1. How a ‘geek’ learned to make new worlds Surveying Bryan’s journey to biblical truth and fantastical stories. Recalling the early 2000s era for Christian-made fantasy fiction. His series Dragons in Our Midst broke through to new realities. These portal fantasy tales show wholesome yet human heroes. 2. Winning the hearts of homeschool fans Bryan and his wife Susie homeschooled their seven children. Later, Bryan found ready readers in the homeschool community. Some may still believe these readers aren’t open to fantasy fiction. Yet many skeptics grew to enjoy tales of magic and superheroes. 3. Forging new worlds beyond dragon tales Bryan may be known for dragons, yet he’s found many portals. His Wanted: Superheroes series appeals to middle grade readers. And his Time Echoes series reaches teen/YA fantasy fans. The Oculus Gate series enters apocalyptic supernatural thriller. Com station Top question for listeners If you found portals to new realities, which one would you try first—fantasy, superheroes, or apocalyptic supernatural thriller? Next on Fantastical Truth As students return to school, some can’t help dreading their assigned books. Even good readers in good schools will feel burdened by reading classic novels. So how can we remind ourselves and others that we’re not made to read as a duty to adults, but made for reading as part of our joy in Christ? Katherine Briggs, author of The Threshold Duology and one of the upcoming Classics Rebooted novels, will teach us how fantasy fans can learn to love timeless classic fiction.

Christian kids, do you recall all those old warnings against fantasy fiction?[1. Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash.] Some people implied that if you made up too much stuff, you’d lose track of reality. Alas. For some cases, they’re absolutely right. Too many people are abusing God’s gift of imagination. They cast people they do not know as villains in a fantasy world in which they are the big moral heroes. This habit is taking over social platforms and podcasts. How can Christian fans respond with wisdom? Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Winter’s Dawn by Morgan L. Busse Realm Makers fundraiser for ongoing defamation lawsuit The Talismiths: The Secret Saboteur by M. L. Hodder King Justice: The Legend Begins by Evelyn M. Exley Mission update New at Lorehaven: Conqueror of Shadow and Light review Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Concession stand Some “conspiracy theories” are issues of wisdom, not sin. And in fact, some ideas labeled “conspiracies” turn out to be true! For more, listen to our episode How Can Christians Engage Wisely With Conspiracy Theories? | with Mike Duran Or read Mike’s article: Christians Who Engage Conspiracy Theories Must First Believe God’s Sovereign Rule Yet we’ve always had seen conspiracy theories based on fiction. And today more people are building bigger and worse idols. This makes the problem more than foolishness. It’s actual sin. And this false accusation hurts true people we know and respect. It also hurts people who still struggle after real abuse and lies. Maybe you’ve been hurt by a real offense by a trusted someone. In that case, you don’t need people weaponizing your empathy. We’ll give you strong Bible tools to defend your calling and time. 1. False accusers are hurting true people. By now you may know about the Realm Makers defamation suit. Our friends and allies, Scott and Becky Minor, are suing a defamer. Two weeks ago, they released their need for legal cost support. So far, they’ve reached nearlry $20,000 of a $50,000 funding goal. We support them with 20 percent of new Lorehaven sponsors. But first, about the opponent, don’t just speculate. Donate! Scott and Becky’s open letter with the fundraiser: Defamation Against Realm Makers & the Minors Standing Together for Truth: Protect the Realm Makers Community Dear Realm Makers Family, Authors, and Friends, If you’ve ever sat in a Realm Makers keynote, chatted on the RealmSphere, or exhaled once you found “your people” at our annual conference, you know how much creative Christians benefit from being a part of our community. Realm Makers has always sought to be a safe haven for Christian writers of speculative stories. Today, we’re coming to you with hearts heavy with a burden that impacts many members of our creative family. For the past year, we have been fighting a devastating battle to protect not just ourselves, but all of you. But we’ve reached a point where we can no longer carry the weight alone, and we desperately need our community to stand with us. The Attack on Us All Since early 2025, our authors, Realm Makers, and we (Scott and Becky personally) have been the targets of a malicious campaign of online defamation. A podcast organization has published dozens of episodes leveling unthinkable accusations against us that include fabrications of child trafficking, cyberbullying, running a cult, and engaging in criminal conspiracies. THESE CLAIMS ARE CATEGORICALLY UNTRUE. If you want to take the deep dive into the events that precipitated the battle, we have created a page that should answer most questions here: https://www.realmmakers.com/lawsuit/ Initially, we hoped these claims were too outlandish to be taken seriously. We chose to monitor the situation and proceed prudently through the legal system rather than engage in a public online war. But despite our efforts to do things legally and with level heads, our attackers have only doubled down. New videos continue to be published—with one posting as recently as the end of June 2026—directly threatening not just Realm Makers’ reputation, but also questioning the character of prominent members of the Christian writing community. The more we researched, the bigger we realized the issue was–we were just the most recent targets in our accuser’s “information” campaign against a growing list of Christian authors. The repeated contact with or calling out of people we know and love goes back to 2012 or earlier. Exclusive statement from author Bryan Davis David Solomon has used multiple aliases over the years, but he has always been consistent in his demonizing of people whom he thinks have crossed him. Ever since I declined meeting with him at my home more than ten years ago because I had to go out of town, he has used various media to publicly accuse me of everything from an alliance with former VP Mike Pence to traffic hundreds of children internationally, to trying to bomb a church, to grooming children in a church I supposedly pastored, to conspiring with famous murderers across the country, and on and on and on. If anyone tries to do anything to stop him or even speak against him, that person becomes a fellow trafficker in his mind and joins in the circle of those he attacks. That’s what happened to Scott and Becky Minor of Realm Makers. When David and his allies joined Realm Makers, they started spreading lies about me to other members, so Scott rightfully banned them from the group. Of course, that action made Scott and Becky targets for David’s lies, and he found a podcaster who was willing to be a platform for a new round of absurd claims. Hoping to keep Realm Makers safe from attack, Scott started civil legal proceedings against David and the podcaster. As you all know, such action costs a lot of money, but Scott and Becky have stepped up to try to stop this lying grifter from hurting them or anyone else, which is why I support their fundraiser and I am thankful for their efforts. I would like prayer for myself and other authors who have been maliciously attacked by David, that people would not be deceived by him and that he would stop his evil actions. 2. Scripture condemns a malicious witness. This is a real problem, as grown-up people treat slander as truth. Even professing Christians repeat clear lies about whole groups. Whatever their motives, they’re crossing into our business: fiction. Yet we know the difference between made-up stories and reality. They don’t. Or they pretend they don’t. They claim it’s all true. These defamers raid reality for spare parts to fit in their narrative. They adapt real people, groups, and plotlines for their “fanfiction.” Who’s the star? Often themselves. Or “you,” the faithful listener. But this episode isn’t for or even about any specific false accuser. Nor is it about similar accusations, at scale, all over the world. Our audience: anyone who wonders if we must hear “both sides.” And anyone who thinks “better safe than sorry” in wrong ways. So now, let’s explore how Scripture condemns all such figures. God’s word says Christians who accuse others have two options. First, if the offense is a personal sin issue, talk with the person. Or then try 2-3 witnesses. Or take the conflict to church leaders. Their job is to attempt to bring reconciliation (Matthew 18). Second, if the offense is about law, you need two-plus witnesses. And you need to take the matter before diligent judges. “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.” (Deuteronomy 19:15) Our own justice systems often reflect Old Testament principles. That’s because God has ordained the civil magistrate (Romans 13). He also gives stern warnings against “a malicious witness.” “If a malicious witness arises to accuse a person of wrongdoing, then both parties to the dispute shall appear before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who are in office in those days. The judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother. So you shall purge the evil from your midst. And the rest shall hear and fear, and shall never again commit any such evil among you. Your eye shall not pity. It shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” (Deuteronomy 19:16–21) Defamers, even professing Christians, ignore these biblical laws. Instead they follow (and don’t even argue for) a third option. They go onto podcasts to hire you as a backup “elder” or “judge.” But is that our job? To be a church elder or judge over this “case”? Jesus Christ Himself refused to get dragged into that (Luke 12:14)! So before we even listen to an accuser’s words, we should ask: Did you take this to your church? Or to the civil magistrate? And if the reply is no: “Who appointed me a judge or an arbiter?” We can also discern a malicious witness who denies plain reality. Some accusers go further and have ulterior motives, like Sanballat. 3. Biblical heroes reject bad actors’ attacks. Many biblical prophets and kings faced false accusations. And yet one man comes close to the Christian creator: Nehemiah. Here’s a professional, a diplomat, a creative leader of exiled Jews. His book is mainly about his quest to build something new. Nehemiah longs to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall and guard his people. Also, he’s one of the few biblical authors to speak in first-person! Quick recap: the secular king sends Nehemiah to do this work. Nehemiah’s position and calling are legitimate by all authorities. This quickly attracts jeering and slander by several villains. But when Sanballa

Spider-Man! Spider-Man! Does whatever other heroes can’t. And these days, that means make a good movie. Other super-movies, even in the Marvel world, take on the fake responsibilities of social activism, then are forced to fight the sinister criticism of fans. Meanwhile, Spidey and his amazing friends just keep uniting people in his friendly cinematic neighborhood. How does one hero keep wielding such great power? Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Winter’s Dawn by Morgan L. Busse Realm Makers fundraiser for ongoing defamation lawsuit The Talismiths: The Secret Saboteur by M. L. Hodder King Justice: The Legend Begins by Evelyn M. Exley Mission update New at Lorehaven: The Shattered Ones book quest has begun. Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild. 1. Superhero movies are fighting off villains. Just last week we heard of more cancelled Marvel movie projects. With some exceptions, the MCU has flopped on streaming screens. Apart from quality, fans discerned a stench of Agenda moments. Perfect-storm also struck with Jonathan Majors cast controversies. Unlike older movies, fans follow every detail, leak, and rumor. And like Spider-Man’s powers, internet is our gift and is our curse. Meanwhile, DC’s latest reboot can’t even get off the ground. DC is cancelling and delaying projects as a buyout draws nigh. In the past, DC has proven actively hostile to particular fans. Official statements and books isolate and mock certain versions. For instance, The LEGO Movie mocked Green Lantern the hero. In another case, an official Superman book criticized Zack Snyder. In both universes, fanbases are divided, politicized, anti-heroic. It feels like they’re pitting fan “denominations” against each other. As a late famous comic creator famously uttered, “ ‘Nough said.” 2. But everybody loves one friendly hero. Meanwhile, over in the Spiderverse corner of the Marvel world … Corporate heads, marketeers, and actors alike are unifying for this. Consider one recent GQ stunt with Brand New Day actors at trivia. (‘Ware language.) Actors were asked about many Spidey versions. In this universe, every story gets canonized and respected equally. This follows No Way Home’s blend of previous film characters. But for DC, they’ve tried to purge all previous versions except one. This unifying approach helps fans love all Spider-Man versions. Whether you like Tobey, Andrew, or Tom, you can celebrate Spidey! So it’s not political. Now fans can have fun doing compare/contrast. This ends up more like denominations who unify in essential faith. (And yet that only goes so far. Holland won’t meet Madame Webb.) 3. The rise of self-aware yet sincere stories. This year we’ve seen a wonderful increase of truly good films. Three come from Amazon/MGM: Project Hail Mary, The Sheep Detectives, and even Masters of the Universe all work so well. Jenneth Leed praised Hail Mary’s earnest optimism and hope. This is “metamodern,” a flavor beyond modern and postmodern. Now we’ve faced real-life dystopia, war, political unrest, and a divided society. More people long for the hope of modernism, but aren’t so naïve to think life doesn’t come with the complexities postmodernism criticized. So instead of embracing one philosophy over another, metamodernism combines the best features of both. This approach keeps the self-awareness, irony, and subversions of expectations. But these stories also value hope, sincere themes, and admirable heroes. In fact, one working definition for metamodern storytelling may be, “Delivering a sincere theme about life in a self-aware or absurd premise.” Note: this isn’t the same as flippant stories that claim “optimism.” And it’s a whole galaxy far from stories ashamed of their nature. Stephen has loved “metamodern” stories wherever they appear. The Tick and Galaxy Quest also skewer tropes yet stay sincere. Even the original Superman: The Movie (1978) does this so well. Do note Richard Donner’s out-loud commitment to verisimilitude. So do Sam Raimi’s and Marc Webb’s two Spider-Man film series. And one detects much of this in Lord and Miller’s Spiderverse Brand New Day will likely follow in these wall-crawling footsteps. We’ve had enough division over clashing canons and flippancy. Through other reboots and controversies, Spidey stays faithful! And if other Marvel and DC films do the same, they can unify fans. Com station Top question for listeners What do you love about sincere superhero stories? Next on Fantastical Truth Christian kids, do you remember all those old warnings against fantasy fiction? Some people implied that if you made up too much stuff, you’d lose track of reality. Alas. For some cases, they’re absolutely right. Too many people are abusing God’s gift of imagination. They cast people they do not know as villains in a fantasy world in which they are the big moral heroes. This habit is taking over social media. And now this sin is hurting faithful creators we know. How can Christian fans respond?

Homer’s original heroic myth defined fiction, morality, and philosophy for centuries across Western civilization and beyond.

Despite the real challenges of failing franchises, some fans who may have started with honest criticism fall into sinful cynicism.

Great tales remind us to love and defend the people close to us, while Scripture says “the glory and honor of the nations” will last forever.

Fans and creators rallied in St. Louis on June 24–28 for the 16th annual conference to celebrate the best Christian-made fantastical stories.

True artists who use these programs as tools may boost some stories and songs, but not if they ignore fans who simply hate the results.