Stories That Wreck and Heal Us
Weekly roundup: New podcast episode, how themes work, and why the world needs brave writers to tell risky stories
It’s time for another weekly roundup! We’ve got a lot cooking for you fellow story lovers, so let’s jump right in.
OBA Nation has grown quickly over the past couple weeks, which is amazing! If you are one of our new subscribers, welcome to the family! Please join in the conversation here and share what creative juices have been flowing in your head recently. This past week, we have been talking a lot about why we need brave stories now more than ever. OBA Media exists to amplify voices telling stories that matter. Keep an eye on our Subscriber Chat, because this week we are going to be rolling out a special opportunity for you to share YOUR stories in progress. 👀
Cheers,
(One Brilliant Arc Editor-in-Chief)
P.S. Scroll all the way down to get your early release of our next podcast episode, where we talk about The Iron Giant and how to balance multiple themes to pack an emotional punch in your story.
📑 WHAT WE’VE BEEN CHATTING ABOUT THIS WEEK
You Should Write Unnerving Stories
There’s a quiet lie we’re often told that safety guarantees a level-up. Stick to the script. Don’t ruffle feathers. Conform, don't change the channel, be agreeable, always do what’s expected. But Midnight Cowboy — a film about two down-and-out men hustling for survival in a city that doesn’t care if they live or die — did the exact opposite. And it won Best Picture. That’s more than just a cinematic achievement. It’s a life lesson.
🎧SNEAK PEEK: “Let’s Talk Stories!”
Stories change the world because they matter deeply to our individual hearts. On our latest episode of “Let’s Talk Stories,” the OBA story team gets deep and personal dissecting the poignant animated film, The Iron Giant.
Subscribers to our newsletter get an early release of every podcast episode we put out, both “Let’s Talk Stories” and “Let’s Fix Stories!”
Let's Talk "The Iron Giant": Emotional Themes That Wreck and Heal Us
In this episode, we’re unpacking the intricacies of thematic resonance in the children’s animated film The Iron Giant, which teaches us that we get to choose who we will be regardless of what the world makes us. Join us as we discuss the art of making your themes connect with people, the importance of emotional payoffs in storytelling, and how multiple metaphors can coexist without overwhelming your audience. Our conversation also touches on the significance of perspective in storytelling and why nuances of setting are so important. We define what “resonance” actually means in storytelling, and wrap up with 3 practical steps writers can take to effectively convey theme through character choices and conflicts.
Catch up on our team’s previous conversations over good stories here:
💬 Question of the Week
We want to hear from you! OBA Nation exists as your community, after all. Let’s get to know each other and share creative perspectives. Last week, we asked you:
What film, show, or book surprised you with what a powerful and successful story it was?
✨Here are some of your answers:
: “I don’t know if it surprised me, but The Stormlight Archive chronicles by Brandon Sanderson is awe inspiring.”
: “Twilight. Absolutely hate it but am blown away by how long it has stood the test of time.”
Our question to you this week is based on the topic we will discuss in the post we are sending out next Monday:
What media experience left you with unanswered questions in either the best or the worst way?
Hit “reply” or comment to drop your answer. We’ll pick some of your responses to feature in our next newsletter and tag you there!
CAPTAIN’S LOG
5/11/2025
I read a helpful guest post by
in that rescued me from a very dark, tearful place of drowning in too many analytics that said “failure” to me this week. I’m definitely not exempt from the pain that every creative faces of wondering whether anybody cares that they are putting their heart and soul out there. Even when our work of building One Brilliant Arc into the successful media company we envision it to be is fulfilling in the way of the voices and stories we are supporting, it can still be incredibly draining to work so hard on a venture that you never see pay off.Anyway, I’m sharing the article here for any of you solopreneurs who are likewise struggling to build a business off of your unique creativity. Don’t forget that you are free to make the rules. Stay true to yourself and your mission—the world needs YOU, not another one of THEM.
Ceylan thank you for the kind and generous share and shout out 🥹 your transparency about your journey will help a lot of people. It’s so difficult to give so much to your work and not see it return the effort. I love that you know you’re free to make the rules and that being you will stand out so much more than being like everyone else. Keep connected to that voice of yours! I’m excited to see how things unfold for you 🩵
I could give many answers to this question, but one standout is the film Point Break (1991.) it's such a preposterous premise, but it surprised at how the movie had a heart and a philosophy the amazing action scenes together, and Bodhi is a formidable villain, if you can even call him that. A smooth balance of action with substance, and arguably Kathryn Bigelow's best film.