The 12 Steps of the Hero’s Journey

What do Landman, Harry Potter, The Godfather, Breaking Bad, Groundhog Day and Sasq’et have in common? In this episode of Sasq’et: The Story, Joe Woolworth and author Maxim Langstaff explore Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey—not as a rigid formula for writing, but as a recurring pattern of emotional transformation that audiences instinctively recognize. Campbell looked across mythology and storytelling to identify recurring elements: an ordinary world, a call to adventure, resistance, mentors, trials, an ordeal, transformation, and ultimately a return as someone different. Joe and Max argue that the physical adventure is secondary; what audiences really connect with is the internal journey of the protagonist.  They put that idea to the test by breaking down Tommy’s journey in Landman, asking what the series is really about beneath the oil fields, cartels, family conflict, and business drama. Is Tommy’s journey ultimately about leadership? Responsibility? Courage? Then Joe puts Max on the spot: Does Sasq’et actually follow the Hero’s Journey? They walk protagonist Mallory through the same framework—from her comfortable life as a veterinarian through an unexpected inheritance, a mysterious key, mentors, loss, discovery, love, and a journey that fundamentally changes how she sees herself and the world.  The bigger lesson: great stories aren’t memorable because of what happens. They’re memorable because of what happens inside the character. Timestamps 00:00 – What is the Hero’s Journey? 06:00 – Breaking down Landman 08:00 – The call to adventure 11:00 – Refusing to change 12:00 – Mentors and crossing the threshold 16:00 – Tests, allies & enemies 18:00 – The darkest point 23:30 – Reward and transformation 27:00 – The road back 31:00 – What is Landman really about? 34:00 – Why plot isn’t the real story 38:00 – Does Sasq’et pass the test? 40:00 – Mallory’s call to adventure 42:00 – Mentors and the point of no return 44:00 – Loss, ordeal & reward 46:00 – Mallory is permanently changed 49:00 – What Sasq’et is really about 52:00 – Contentment, curiosity & Groundhog Day 54:00 – Final storytelling challenge ------------------ Want to join the team?  Level 1: Become a Reader If you haven’t read Sasq’et yet, pick up your copy at https://sasqetthebook.com. The stronger the readership, the stronger the case for adaptation. Level 2: Join the Expedition Join the newsletter at sasqetthebook.com and follow the journey between episodes. This should be framed as exclusive access. Level 3: Recruit the Next Guest This one is gold because it helps the show. Who should we talk to next? A producer? A showrunner? An actor? A streamer executive? Someone who’s turned a book into a series?  Leave a comment and help us build the roadmap. Level 4: Become a Scout This is where you join the Sasq'et research team. Know someone who should be helpful to talk with about making the streaming series? Make an introduction. Every connection moves the story forward. Level 5: Join the Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cw/SasqetTheStory ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★