Story Secrets - What The Predator Gets Wrong About Autism

Story Secrets - What The Predator Gets Wrong About Autism

Author: Fr. Roderick Vonhögen April 7, 2025 Duration: 15:28

The other day I watched The Predator—not the classic one with Schwarzenegger, but the confusing 2018 sequel that somehow ended up in my Netflix queue. The film tries to tackle neurodiversity, with a young autistic boy at the heart of the story. Tries... and mostly fails.

The kid is smart, often overwhelmed, and largely misunderstood by the adults around him. And yes, the film hints that his autism makes him special—even evolutionary. But in the end, he's reduced to a narrative device. A MacGuffin. It feels tacked on and shallow.

It made me reflect on my own writing. In my fantasy novel, there's a young deaf character named Brendan. He's the brother of my main character, Tighe. And after watching The Predator, I realized just how important it is to get his role right. Not just for the plot. But for who he is.

Here’s what I’m aiming for:

  • Brendan’s deafness isn’t a gimmick.

  • His difference makes him essential to the resolution.

  • The story wouldn’t work without him.

  • He brings a unique strength, not a weakness.

Representation matters. But only when it’s meaningful.

🎧 Curious to hear how a gory alien movie made me rethink character development in my novel? Tune in to the full episode.


Ever notice how a great film or television show can linger in your mind long after the credits roll? There’s often something more happening beneath the surface, a resonance that feels almost spiritual. Story Secrets is where we pull on those threads. Hosted by Fr. Roderick Vonhögen, this podcast sits at a unique crossroads, weaving together discussions on faith, popular culture, and pure entertainment. Each episode takes a familiar story-whether from a beloved movie, a gripping TV series, or even a timeless tale-and gently uncovers the themes of meaning, purpose, and humanity hidden within. You won’t find dry lectures here; instead, Fr. Roderick brings a conversational and insightful perspective, revealing how narratives we enjoy in our leisure time can unexpectedly illuminate deeper questions about life, virtue, and connection. It’s for anyone who loves a good story and has ever wondered why it sticks with them. Tuning into this podcast feels like joining a thoughtful friend for a coffee after seeing a fantastic film, where the conversation naturally drifts from plot points to the profound. You’ll come away with a richer appreciation for the craft of storytelling and, perhaps, a new lens through which to view your own journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Story Secrets
Podcast Episodes
The Quill & Candle — Episode 4: The Walk That Wrote a Novel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:50
This is the episode where it all comes full circle. Ten months ago, I came to Glendalough in Ireland and had an idea for a fantasy novel. Now, I’ve returned—after two weeks of hiking, dictating, and dreaming through the…
The Quill & Candle — Episode 3: A Writing Retreat in Ireland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:02
I’m back in Glendalough, where the idea for my fantasy novel was born. A year ago, I was walking along the ancient pilgrim paths here, and my imagination just ran wild. What if the old stories about saints and miracles w…
The Quill & Candle — Episode 2: Dragons, Protestors & Kittens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:21
Welcome to another cozy, story-rich episode of The Quill & Candle, where fantasy, faith, and long walks collide in unexpected (and often hilarious) ways. In this episode, I recount a memorable visit to a fantasy festival…
The Quill & Candle — Episode 1: A New Weekly Show! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:41
Welcome to the very first episode of The Quill & Candle, a weekly show where I share what it’s like to write fantasy stories as a Catholic priest—and what I’m learning along the way. In this launch episode, I reflect on…
Story Secrets - The Pie Runner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:47
Running has been a part of my life for years. I still remember the pure joy of crossing the finish line in my first half-marathon—and the wild mix of exhaustion and exhilaration when I completed a full one. But time marc…
Story Secrets - The Girl Who Drew The World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:33
What started as a simple idea—a girl who could draw anything into existence—quickly turned into one of the most emotional and layered fairy tales I’ve written so far. Honestly, I didn’t know where it was going when I beg…
Story Secrets - The Ratfather [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:50
🧀 I planned to write a cute squirrel story set in the Vatican Gardens. It turned into The Godfather. It was supposed to be a cozy little tale about nuts, teamwork, and helping your neighbor. But then… the rat showed up.…
Story Secrets - Of Dragons and Bedsheets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:14
This story came to me in the shower this morning. No pen. No notebook. Just me, soaked and wide-eyed, scrambling to dry off, throw on some clothes, and hit record on my phone before it vanished. Writers, you know the dri…
Story Secrets - The Final Ascension [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:08
Ascension Day is one of those quiet feasts that slips by unnoticed for many—forty days after Easter, Christ returns to His Father, and we're left looking at the sky, wondering what comes next. That moment—of absence, sil…
Story Secrets - The Better Quill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:21
This story began on a rainy walk with an umbrella in one hand and my recorder in the other. It’s about a young monk named Ciarán, a humble chicken feather gifted by his mother, and a growing hunger for something better—m…