The Art of Dragon Slaying with Dr John Wood

What if one of the most effective ways to help children grow in virtue isn't through rules or lectures—but through stories? In this episode of The Creative Catholics, Alex sits down with Dr. John Wood—eye doctor, author, speaker, and founder of Extraordinary Mission—to explore the creative world behind his inspiring Seven Deadly Dragons series and the deeper truths hidden within fantasy, imagination, and storytelling. Together they discuss why dragons resonate so deeply with children, how stories shape the moral imagination, and how families can use the language of "dragon slaying" to talk about sin, temptation, virtue, and God's grace in everyday life. John also shares the unexpected journey that led him from medicine to ministry, the family collaboration behind the Seven Deadly Dragons books, and why creativity, storytelling, and wonder remain powerful tools for evangelization in today's world. In this episode, we discuss: • The inspiration behind the Seven Deadly Dragons series • Why stories help us remember, love, and live the truth • The connection between imagination and spiritual formation • Building a family mission through creativity • Encouraging children to develop their God-given gifts • Why fairy tales and fantasy matter • The dragons families face most in modern culture • Trusting God when He calls us somewhere unexpected At its heart, this conversation is about more than dragons. It's about helping children—and ourselves—recognize the spiritual battles we face, grow in virtue, and become the saints God created us to be. Resources Mentioned • The Seven Deadly Dragons: (https://amzn.to/4acDRbG) A seven-book fantasy series helping children understand virtue, vice, and the spiritual life through the metaphor of dragon slaying. • Extraordinary Mission: (https://extraordinarymission.com/) Faith formation resources, retreats, books, games, and media for Catholic families. • Dragon Slayers TV: (https://extraordinarymission.com/page...) Streaming platform featuring family-friendly Catholic content, podcasts, and educational resources. Connect with Dr. Wood: extraordinarymission.com (https://extraordinarymission.com) Connect with The Creative Catholics: Instagram: @thecreativecatholics (  / thecreativecatholics  ) Website: thecreativecatholics.com (https://www.creativecatholicspodcast.com) Until next time, stay creative and keep making what matters most.