318. How Can Christian Fathers Train Kids to Fight Dragons? | Lightraiders with James R. Hannibal

One of the sillier myths in our culture claims, “Most men don’t read.” Sometimes this is a real trend. Other times it’s wishful thinking because some folks don’t want to share stories that boys and men want to read. Still, we can join to equip Christian fathers and other mentors for their unique God-given responsibility—to train kids to fight dragons. And for that mission, author James R. Hannibal rides back into the studio.

Episode sponsors

• Twist of Time by Tricia Goyer and Nathan Goyer
• Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo
• Author Update from Author Media
• Descendant Publishing

Mission update

• New at Lorehaven: new reviews and articles
• Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild

Quotes and notes

• Lightraiders year 2: Crowdfunding campaign
• Yes, Men and Boys Will Read—If You Give Them the Right Books

Intro: James R. Hannibal

Former stealth pilot James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. He has been shot at, locked up by surface to air missiles, has hunted insurgents with drones, and was once chased by an armed terrorist down a winding German road. James is the Realm Award–winning author of the Lightraider Academy Trilogy series and a three-time winner of the Silver Falchion Award for Juvenile Fiction for his Section 13 series. He also stewards the discipleship learning adventure game Lightraiders.

JamesRHannibal.com · Facebook · Instagram · X.com

1. Lightraiders is being quietly re-forged

• Life updates: Something brought James here—fate, destiny, a horse.
• How we can pray for the Hannibals and support Courser Media.
• Meanwhile, the original for-profit Lightraiders is now a nonprofit.
• Reasons for the change, especially for culture-changing Christians.

2. Behold the goal of discipleship storytelling

• Dragons roam the land. We must learn to combat these creatures.
• Christians do need “just for fun” creative works that entertain.
• Yet we also need fiction that teaches truth, beauty, and goodness.
• Parents need both kinds of stories to help train future warriors.

3. The future of Lightraiders and beyond

• New quests and crowdfunding goals for Year 2 of Lightraiders.
• After that, what’s next will depend on the nonprofit’s support level.
• Also, Classics Rebooted: sci-fi Around the World in Eighty Days!
• Do follow Courser Media, Lightraiders, and James R. Hannibal.

Com station Top question for listeners

• How did mentors and fantastical stories train you to fight dragons?

Lavay Byrd enjoyed ep. 316 with Rebecca P. Minor

Hi, all! I was just listening to the podcast, and all your discussions really hit what I’ve been feeling towards the sad explosion of overly sexualized/”porn” romantasty or even considered “regular fantasy” populating bookstores, while books like Lord of the Rings or even Christian Fantasy being treated as an afterthought.

Listening to you all discuss such a sad reality made me think of how “overly-sensationalized” books are basically harmful drugs that’s poisoning readers, more so among the teens and YA.

I’m so glad to see writers like Rebecca P Minor and many others not only acknowledging the darkness for what it is, but also shining HOPE LIGHT and TRUTH that always overcome darkness through story. I also agree that we need more real characters with flaws and struggles, making choices both dark and good, while opening up a path for grace and redemption.

Next on Fantastical Truth

Our next episode will release after Realm Makers. So at this point, we haven’t yet planned it! Perhaps you’ll have an amazing idea. Or maybe we’ll catch some trend or topic at the Expo that we never would have considered. Either way, we hope to see you next week in St. Louis.