Elwood City Limits Podcast

It's another D-double dose with an extra helping of Bud as Arthur soft adapts Poe in "The Tattletale Frog" and we return to Wonderworld in "DW & Bud's Higher Purpose." Will and Lucas also vent some strong opinions on Bud, compare the show to The Simpsons, wonder what if DW was president, and offer a spotlight to a new ongoing strike that (somewhat) involves Arthur... Don't forget to vote for us at vote.thecoast.ca in the Best Podcast category! (Voting ends September 10, 2023)

It's the surprise return of a beloved persona in "The Case of the Girl with the Long Face" and Buster's a little lad who loves berries & cream in "The Substitute Arthur," plus a mini-review of a piece of recently discovered Arthur lost media! The guys also give their brief reviews of the Super Mario Bros Movie and Will has an anniversary surprise for Lucas at the very end...

Celebrate 7 years of Elwood City Limits with Will and Lucas, as they kick off Arthur season 18! It's a long-overdue parody and a clown-car of imaginary friends in "The Friend Who Wasn't There," followed by some truly heinous sister crimes in "Surprise!" All that, plus an update on the Arthur Florida book ban, the guys eulogize a great director and struggle to understand today's youth, and more. Thank you, ECL listener, for 7 great years and counting!!! Vote for us as Best Podcast in the Arts & Culture category of the Best of Halifax Awards!

As the summer heat rages on, Will and Lucas take a few moments to look back at Arthur season 17, rank their top 5 episodes, and Lucas gives his tribute to the late Paul Reubens. (Stick around afterwards for a free preview of the newest episode of ECL Origins, the Patreon-exclusive bi-monthly podcast, where the guys start out a 2-parter on Mainframe Entertainment with its trademark 90's cartoon, ReBoot!)

Will and Lucas kicks things off with a chat about the "Arthur's Birthday" book ban in Florida before getting into the Season 17 finale with "Binky's Music Madness" and "Brain Freeze." This episode features perhaps the most loaded Arthur meme alert in show history, the creation of an Arthur idol group, Lucas' critique of Muffy's marketing brand, Arthur predicting the future of social media marketing, and more!

After a spirited discussion about the Barbenheimer phenomenon, Will and Lucas get down to a Muffy x2 episode with "Caught In The Crosswires" and "Framed!" The guys also detail the best staycation spot in Atlantic Canada, discuss whether the Arthur show is even real and if all mysteries need to be solved, discover Bailey's true age (younger than you'd think!), and are distressed at how Buster would be really into NFTs...

It's George x2 this week, as Will and Lucas assess his directorial technique in "The Director's Cut," before getting a bit of closure in "Crime and Consequences." Plus, the guys discuss the remixing of older Arthur stories and "cousin jobs," Will describes the noises he hears around his place, and of course, movie talk...

Lucas has returned from his Italian vacation and the gruesome twosome are back to discuss unwanted animal guests in "Pets and Pests," before wondering if kites are all they're cracked up to be in "Go Fly A Kite." Will also reports in with his review of Across The Spider-Verse (https://letterboxd.com/WilliamWhy) and drops a bit of Arthur news for Canadian listeners, plus the Arthur cast's favorite films of 2022, a new animal character, the return of Carl, and more...

Lucas returns from vacation (with a second host in tow?) for a show from his childhood, as he and Will bask in the glory of the Emerald Isle with Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks. If you want to hear the whole thing, pay what you want for the full back catalogue at patreon.com/elwoodcitylimits

Content warning: This episode discusses gross-out/toilet humor in some detail, and there are a few occurrences of uncensored spicy language. Finally! After joking about it for 6+ years, Will and Lucas re-visit a childhood favorite of theirs from the gross-out years, the anti-French(?) Canadian cartoon, Yvon of the Yukon! The guys do what they can to re-examine the time in which the show was made and its mysterious origins, before diving into a full-blown episode full of butts, fluids, inappropriate humor, and more. Is the show as disgusting as they remember it? Is it any good at all? Could this get made today? Find out in this rip-roaring episode... We watched S1 episode 1, "Call of the Mild." If you want to check out the show for yourself, it is free and legally available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yvonoftheyukon8941

After a years-long absence, animation writer Anna Mansager returns to the show to discuss public speaking technique in "Speak Up, Francine!", as well as whether or not snow is worth getting excited about in "Waiting For Snow." Anna gives her update and perspective on the WGA strike and talks about the pilot she wrote for Nickelodeon, too! Plus, common stand-up comedy mistakes and the joy of aging... Follow Anna on Twitter and Instagram, and look out for Acme Looniversity on YouTube coming soon!

Before Lucas sets out for vacation, he and Will get together for the 200th time to talk about an Arthur episode. It's the supposedly controversial topic of thumb-sucking in "All Thumbs," followed by the Arthur version of leftist infighting in "Kidonia," plus bad advice from children, Lucas' secret habit, Kid Nation, and a reflection on the big 2-0-0. Thank you for supporting us!! If you'd like to help us out, please go to vote.thecoast.ca and nominate us in the Best Podcast category!

Amidst the sudden onset of balmy weather, Lucas and Will kick things off by doing a quick review of the latest Arthur digital short, before jumping into an unexpected debate on hair vs fur in "Opposites Distract" and making some observations on Elwood City radio in "Just The Ticket." Plus, the guys' thoughts on the ongoing WGA strike, Will's recurring intrusive thought, the food Lucas WOULDN'T eat, and a bit of Cathy...

Will and Lucas reach back to their earliest memories of the internet and cover "Homestar Runner" in one of their longest podcasts yet. For the full episode, plus every episode of our two side-podcasts (hundreds of hours of shows!) and early access to every ECL episode, join us at patreon.com/elwoodcitylimits and pay what you want!

The guys dig a little deeper into Arthur's next-door neighbors in "Molina's Mulligan" before goofing on Mark Wahlberg in "Buster Bombs" (or is it "Buster Flops"?). They also ask why our parents' generation loved about Gallagher, Will praises the mocking of nerds, and a couple of familiar faces make unexpected returns...

Spring has sprung, so Will & Lucas are a bit more peppy as they take time to pitch the Bud back-door pilot in "Adventures in Budylon" and see more depth for the title character in "Ladonna Compson: Party Animal." The guys also find out about Annie Smith Peck, slugs, and variants of Crazy 8's, Lucas remembers his time as a camp counselor, and both give their thoughts on a couple of seasonal candy staples... If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, here are some resources you can use: Dial 9-8-8 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States. In Canada, you can call Talk Suicide Canada (1-833-456-4566), call or text Wellness Together Canada to connect with a mental health professional (Youth: 1-888-668-6810 or text WELLNESS to 686868; Adults: 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741), or call/text Kids Help Phone (Ages 5-29: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868).

Hopped up on good feelings from the previous season, Will and Lucas return to ring in Season 17 with [checks notes] TWO dog and baby episodes?! Yes, the guys are in the presence of another special guest star in "Show Off," and get a bit of Season 1 deja vu in "Dog's Best Friend." Along the way, your hosts read emails, talk about their own experiences with dogs, and stumble upon a way for Will to watch Bluey...

Lucas and Will chime in with their thoughts on a thoroughly surprising season that transitioned to an all-new animation style, but still brought the Arthur we love, plus their top 5 episodes! Then, stick around for an extended preview for the latest episode of For The Kids: A PBS Kids Podcast about Peep & The Big Wide World...

Kash returns to cap off season 16 of Arthur with one of the more controversial episodes of the Flash era in "So Funny I Forgot To Laugh," followed by the return of the clip show in "The Best Day Ever." Kash goes into details of his role in the animation industry on the new Disney Channel show "Kiff", and has some great observations about the "Flash" style of animation and what actually goes on behind the scenes on a modern cartoon. The two also have a lot to say about Arthur's seemingly out-of-character role and the use of classic footage, Will wonders if Sue Ellen will ever get her due, and they even sneak a bit of tokusatsu chat in there, too... Check out the KashCast on Spotify and YouTube and follow the show on Twitter! Kash has a lot of cool YouTube videos on animation, tokusatsu, internet culture, and more, so check them out here! Follow Kash on Twitter (KashedArt)!

On the eve of vacation, Will syncs up with Lucas to judge both French accents in "Fern and the Case of the Stolen Story," and a supposedly controversial episode in "Sue Ellen Vegges Out." Along the way, an email helps the guys revist some funny memories, and they talk about auto-fiction, long cameras, what Lucas gave up for Lent, and oh no...not the animal hierarchy!!!

The guys are definitely surprised when they encounter a surprising Arthur book take in "Buster's Book Battle," and a surprisingly deep exploration of criticism in "On The Buster Scale." Will and Lucas have a lot to say about the value of criticism and the ideal relationship one should have to art, but they also talk some goofier stuff including Wrestlemania, TVO, Percy Jackson, and a surprise Arthur cameo...

The fellas take the wayback machine to Uranus, I mean, Canada in the mid-1990s to a show that was as important to them as even Arthur was, Stickin' Around (or is it "Little Arthur?"). This is a preview of the full hour-long episode of ECL Origins. For the full episode and hundreds more hours of content, pay-what-you-want to subscribe to our Patreon!

Will and Lucas encounter two very unconventional and inspiring morals in looking at "Baseball Blues" and "Brain's Biggest Blunder." Along the way, Lucas comments on the exciting end of the World Baseball Classic and notes the Canadian connection to a piece of baseball trivia in the episode, and the two get into the return of Harry Mills and Steve, flex their mental math, and struggle with the word "pedagogical."

It's an Arthur lore dump this week as Lucas and Will discover the origins of a haircut in "The Last Tough Customer," before learning more about a beloved side character in "Brain's Chess Mess." Along the way, the guys check in post-Oscars to see how they did in an extended film corner talk, review some unexpected bars on bullying, and throw down a chess challenge to one another!

After a dip into Oscars 2023 predictions, Lucas and Will get a little spooked by "Night of the Tibble," and remember how great big cardboard boxes were in "Read and Flumbergast." Plus, listener feedback about smart boards, fridges, better jobs for future DW, and Will shares his painful story involving a unicorn...

In between trips to Montreal, Lucas and Will get together to chat about the reality of smart boards in "Get Smart," and find themselves in yet another dog-and-baby episode in "Baby Steps." Along the way, the guys find out a bit more about the history of Elwood City, question the existence of 100% accuracy, laugh at some unexpected movie references and dirty Kahoot names, and argue about impatience. You might say this episode wins the internet!

The original sister podcast returns, as Will and Lucas dig into a more recent PBS Kids show in Xavier Riddle & The Secret Museum! Check out the free preview, and consider supporting us on Patreon for 50+ episodes just like it, and way more...

OOF! Lucas returns on a snowy day in Halifax to chat about a D-double dose of Arthur's little sister with "All About DW," and "Blockheads"! Along the way, the guys chat about Rihanna's Super Bowl halftime show, the Fisher-Price castle playset, koalas in school, and Lucas rates Arthur and Buster's dream houses. Plus, Arthur predicted it?!

Will tackles another Arthur episode with a bona fide Arthur superfan, Hannah! Hannah talks about her history with the show, including her cool Arthur tattoo and her out-of-left-field pick for favorite episode, before her and Will chat about YouWhoTube in "Flippity Francine," and the joys of Ed Crosswire in "Muffy Takes The Wheel." The two also consider what their first website would have been about, remember Keyboard Cat, Play-Doh, and Flappy Bird, and Will reveals an embarrasing childhood grift... Follow Hannah on Twitter (@Arthurbutfilm), and on Letterboxd (mooviehannah)!

This is it. After so many years, the guys get their first real taste of the Flash Animation years of Arthur with the Season 16 premiere, "Based on a True Story." Will recaps the many behind-the-scenes changes in Arthur that led up to this, and he and Lucas give their honest opinions on both the new look of the show and the new characters in the Arthur universe. Along the way, an Arthur staple makes a welcome return, the Atlantic Canada connections to Arthur are found out, and the animal hierarchy is re-litigated. It's a whole new era, so come along with us!

It's time for Will and Lucas to give their thoughts on the final traditionally-animated season of Arthur, plus their individual top 5 episodes of the season! Then, stick around for an extended preview of the latest edition of the Patreon-exclusive show, ECL Origins, all about Yvon of the Yukon!

Will and Lucas have made it to the final episode of season 15, which is also the last Arthur episode made with traditional animation. The guys say goodbye to both an era of the show, and to a beloved character in "Grandpa Dave's Memory Album," and then end on a bit of an odd note with "Buster's Carpool Catastrophe." The episode begins with memorials to two artists that are close to the hearts of both Lucas and Will, and includes diversions into personal experiences with dementia, the ingredients of Grandpa Dave's country stew, the backseat water trend, and Will's take on some modern cartoons. Plus, Buster did the headphones meme first?!

On the eve of Friday the 13th, the guys get together to find out more about Bailey in "The Butler Did...What?" and marvel at the writers' poetry knowledge in "The Trouble with Trophies." This Friday gets a little Freaky, too, as Lucas and Will end up switching roles, and Lucas fills us in on his Friday The 13th tradition. Plus, Muffy's Twitter personality, HUF socks, an annoying recent Arthur trend, and the award that Will and Lucas want more than anything...

Lucas and Will are back for the new year, as they examine an unusually sad Buster in "Buster's Garden of Grief," and get a laugh out of a German stereotype in "Through The Looking Glasses." Lucas also goes over some ins and outs for 2023, Mean Girls, NIMBYs, Binky's moustache, and some classic Arthur body horror. Also, are there sentient trucks in the Arthur universe, and which Canadian politician does Arthur look like?

The first new ECL episode of 2023 will be available for free next week. Want to get the new episode a week early and ad-free? Sign up at patreon.com/elwoodcitylimits and pay what you want for our full back catalogue, including exclusive audio and video content, plus every episode of our side shows, ECL Origins and For The Kids: A PBS Kids Podcast!

It's two Arthur "reviews" in one episode! Will sits down first with Arthur expert Peeebs to talk about his experience seeing the 2022 Arthur musical, "Arthur and Friends Make A Musical," and how it brings the Arthur experience to the stage; then, Will is joined by Eli and Chris from The Sugarbowl podcast to give their thoughts on the new official PBS Kids Arthur podcast, plus chat about the experience of running an Arthur podcast, and how The Sugarbowl approaches the legendary show... Check out The Sugarbowl on your favorite podcast service, and hit them up on their official website: https://sugarbowlpod.com/

From the Patreon feed, and now under your tree! Will and Lucas bring you a special holiday treat as they sit down with you to watch the classic Charlie Brown Christmas special! The guys swap their experiences with Charlie Brown, discuss what kind of character he even is, and whether or not the message of the special still works today. Plus, Lucas ranks the local Nova Scotia eggnogs, and Will is visited by Santa Claus! This is a commentary track with instructions on how to sync the audio at the beginning.

The Elwood City Limits Patreon is changing in the new year, so here's a quick announcement from Will to explain how the show's schedule will be changing whether you're a patron or listening on the free feed. Then, enjoy a free extended preview of the first episode of a new show we're adding to the Patreon roster, ECL Origins!

The holiday is right around the corner, so here's one more ECL for 2022! Will and Lucas make a disgusting food discovery in "Muffy's Classy Classics Club," before meeting (and saying goodbye to) DW's polar opposite in "Best Enemies." Plus, the Arthur/Rolling Stone "controversy" and the idea of list rankings, what the guys actually agree on, and more...

After becoming immersed in the history of the original PBS Kids show, Will and Lucas sit down and watch various skits, sketches, and unforgettable moments from Sesame Street! This is a preview of the full 60+ minute episode; for the whole thing, subscribe to our Patreon!

On this American Thanksgiving Fridee, Lucas and Will interrogate their own collecting habits in "Prunella The Packrat," before making a shocking discovery about Binky in "What's In A Name?" There's lots of dalliances along the way, including into the futbol, My Hero Academia and Chainsaw Man, Will pitches an Arthur spin-off, Lucas recounts Binky's blackmail count, and a surprising departure from the show...

On this 50th edition of the show, it's time to talk about the one that started it all and the show practically everyone has seen: Sesame Street! It's so big, the guys have to split it in two, so Will starts by taking Lucas through a potted history of the granddaddy of all PBS Kids shows. Get the full history episode, and every other episode of FTK, by subscribing to our Patreon!

Former GBH producer and Arthur social media manager Deb Frank sits down with Will! Deb discusses her road to working in children's public television and all the cool shows and projects she's gotten to work on, including Arthur itself. Deb has great insight into some of the behind-the-scenes workings as part of "the Arthur family," as well as her perspective on the show's end and the future of the brand. Deb also tees up her cool new PBS projects coming soon, as well as her favorite Arthur character and episodes... Look for City Island coming to PBS on December 26 from Augenblick Studios, and Work It Out Wombats in early 2023! Follow Deb on Twitter: @FranklyDeb

Happy (post) Halloween, or is it pre-Christmas? Grab a case of Sprite Cranberry and join Will & Lucas as they unravel a candy bar mystery in "To Eat Or Not To Eat" before desperately trying to un-tense in "S.W.E.A.T." Plus, this year's Halloween costume, Bump In The Night, the Nature Boy, noisy websites, MLK(?!), and more...

Now available for free indefinitely, it's Will and Lucas chatting over the 2017 Arthur special! This is a commentary track meant to sync up with any copy of the special. Instructions on how to sync up the audio are at the beginning of the commentary track.

Will and Lucas return from their travels to see Muffy learn her worth in "Cents-less" and see Papa Bear get more coffee in "Buster The Lounge Lizard." Along the way, the guys check in on their experiences seeing All Elite Wrestling live in Toronto and discuss both the announcement of the new official Arthur podcast and the Mario movie trailer. Plus, listener emails, Leisure Suit Larry, and Lucas meets the Voros Twins!

A busy week at ECL HQ means that you get another look behind the Patreon paywall! Will and Lucas break from conventional format to discuss both iterations of the classic PBS staple, The Electric Company, from the 1970s and the late 2000's! They first go way back in time to explore "the One Piece of children's TV" and all of the fashion and chaos of the 70's, before looking back barely a decade to the more hip-hop-inspired and CGI-powered reboot. Along the way, they see some familiar faces on both casts, try and figure out exactly what's happening in the reboot, and determine if the show should make a comeback. Plus, Lucas met Spider-Man?!

Lucas takes a pit-stop on his tour of America to join Will in discovering the phenomenon that is Wild Kratts! Will takes Lucas through a potted history of the Kratt brothers' media empire before settling on their latest, and most successful, animated venture. Want the full episode and dozens more hours of content? Join our Patreon today!

With Lucas away, Will channels Rage (from Podcast 69!) and the two discuss sandwiches by mail in "Buster's Secret Admirer," and preferred hiccup removal techniques in "The Last King of Lambland." Plus, hit Canadian teen sitcom Radio Active, and the geography of Elwood City is thrown into question... Check out Podcast 69 here: https://podcast69.buzzsprout.com/ Follow Rage on Twitter here: @Re_accent_aigu

All aboard, as your conductors take a time tunnel to the land of Dinosaur Train! This is a preview of the full episode; get the whole thing, plus dozens and dozens of hours of extra podcasts, reviews, videos and more at patreon.com/elwoodcitylimits!