The Protagonist Podcast
601 episodes — Page 10 of 13
The Protagonist Podcast #151: The Vision Family in The Vision (Comic 2015) “They seemed nice.”
Description Joe and Todd are joined by returning guest Todd Petersen to discuss the Marvel comic book series The Vision. They touch on an awful lot of topics, because this is one of the most thought-provoking texts they’ve covered. Topics … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #150: Halloween Special 2017 “Whatever you were thinking, throw it out the window.”
Description For our special 150th episode we’re joined by returning guest Todd Petersen! First, we reveal our ten most downloaded episodes, then with some prompts from producer Andrew we work together to make up some Halloween themed stories. Support the … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #149: The Entire Cast in Hocus Pocus (Film 1993) “I’ll put a spell on you!”
Description Todd and Joe are tackling a Halloween classic as they discuss the characters from a Hocus Pocus. They talk about the importance of tone for a children’s scary movie, the villains motivations, and where the film feels a bit … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #148: Jonathan Strange and Gilbert Norrell in Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell (TV 2015) “Magic is not ended in England.”
Description Todd and Joe rare discussing Gilbert Norrell and Jonathan Strange from the television mini-series Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. We talk about what drives each character, the different styles of magic on display, and how everything about this adaptation … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #147: Hercule Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (Novel 1934) “The impossible must be possible in spite of appearances.”
Description Joe and Todd tackle a true classic, discussing Hercule Poirot from Agatha Christie’s novel, Murder on the Orient Express (just in time for the upcoming film). They talk about Christie’s reputation, mystery genre conventions, and what sets Poirot apart … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #146: Cady Heron in Mean Girls (Film 2004) “Well, this has been sufficiently awkward.”
Description Joe and a Todd are joined by special guests Lena English and Tayler Iversen to discuss Cady Heron from the film Mean Girls. We talk about accurate exaggerations, high school drama, and how important the resolution is for the … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #145: The entire cast in Runaways by Brian K. Vaughan (Comic 2003) “Our parents are super-villains!”
Description Joe and Todd are joined by Scott Carelli to talk about the Marvel comic book series Runaways. They talk about villainous parents, creating fully-formed characters, and surprise twists. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SUPPORT US ON AMAZON.COM … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #144: Hittokiri Battosai/Himura Kenshin in Rurouni Kenshin (TV 1996) “A sword is a weapon.”
Description Todd and Joe are joined by Norman Mitchell and Producer Andrew to discuss Hittokiri Battosai/Himura Kenshin from the anime series Rurouni Kenshin. They talk about expectations and conventions of certain art forms, the characters that feel fully formed, and … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #143: Flavia de Luce in The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (Novel 2009) “I was me, I was Flavia. And I loved myself, even if no one else did.”
Description Joe and Todd talk about Flavia de Luce from the novel The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley. They talk about young protagonists in grown up situations, the balance of a sad story and a … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #142: Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Film 1989) “Don’t call me Junior!”
Description Todd and Joe are joined by special guest Pete Mummert from The Indiana Jones Minute Podcast to talk about Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. They talk about the logical problems but perfect tone of the film, the amazing … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #141: Nimona in Nimona (Comic 2015) “I’m a shark!”
Description Joe and Todd are joined by John Darowski to talk about Nimona from the graphic novel Nimona by Noelle Stevenson. They talk about trauma, disruption versus maintaining the status quo, and shape shifters. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #140: River Song in Dr. Who “Silence in the Library” (S04E08) and “Forest of the Dead” (S04E09) (TV 2008) “I trust that man to the end of the Universe. And, actually, we’ve been.”
Description Podcaster extraordinaire Crystal Beth joins Todd and Joe for a great discussion about River Song from two amazing episodes of the TV show Dr. Who. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SUPPORT US ON AMAZON.COM SIGN UP FOR … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #139: Stanley Yelnats in Holes (Novel 1998) “It was all because of his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig stealing-great-great-grandfather!”
Description Joe and Todd discuss Stanley Yelnats and Hector Zeroni from the novel Holes. They talk about the structural perfection of the plot and the character arcs. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SUPPORT US ON AMAZON.COM SIGN UP … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #138: Philip Marlowe in The Big Sleep (Film 1946) “I’m getting cuter every minute.”
Description Todd finally gets to talk about film noir! Joe and Todd are talking about Phillip Marlowe from the classic 1946 film The Big Sleep. They wonder if the plot makes any sense, praise the atmosphere of the film, and … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #137: Squirrel Girl/Doreen Green in The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol. 1 (Comic 2015) “We’re here to kick butts and eat nuts!”
Description Todd and Joe discuss The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, one of the happiest comics they’ve read in a long time. They talk about subverting superhero tropes, the whimsy in the series, and the motivations for the character. Support the Show … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #136: Chuck Bartowski in Chuck (TV 2007) “Chuck is the computer.”
Description Joe and Todd talk about Chuck Bartowski from the TV show Chuck. They discuss the spy genre, issues of technology as explored in pop culture, and the overall charm of the show. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #135: Ged/Sparrowhawk in A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin (Novel 1968) “Infinite are the arguments of mages.”
Description Todd and Joe are joined by returning guest Kjerste Christensen to discuss Ged from A Wizard of Earthsea. They talk about the novel’s place as a foundational text in the fantasy genre, what Le Guin did to make her … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #134: Conor Lawlor in Sing Street (Film 2016) “For brothers everywhere”
  Description Joe and Todd talk about Conor from the film Sing Street. Topics of discussion include the role of brothers in the story, the nature of inspirational films, the delicate balance of pessimistic realism and optimistic wish fulfillment. Support … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #133: Benjamin Franklin Gates in National Treasure (Film 2004) “I’m going to steal the Declaration of Independence.”
Description Todd and Joe are joined by Ben Phillips to discuss Benjamin Gates in National Treasure. We delight in the implausibilities of the plot, talk about plot versus character, and discuss judging a film based on what it’s trying to … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #132: The Entire Cast in Battlestar Galactica (TV 2004) “So say we all!”
Description Joe and Todd are joined by special guest Virginia McAlister to discuss the reimagined Battlestar Galactica series. Topics of discussion include paranoia, identity, and leadership. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SUPPORT US ON AMAZON.COM SIGN UP FOR … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #131: Myfanwy Thomas in The Rook by Daniel O’Malley (Novel 2012) “Dear You, The body you are wearing used to be mine.”
Description This week Todd and Joe discuss Myfanwy Thomas from Daniel O’Malley’s hilarious 2012 supernatural thriller The Rook. Join them as they tackle issues of memory, pain, and identity, and marvel at the novel’s many plot twists and fascinating side … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #130: Sonny in The Apostle (Film 1997) “You do it your way, I do it mine. But we get it done don’t we?”
Description Join us this week as we discuss the astoundingly good 1997 film The Apostle, which was written and directed by, and stars, Robert Duvall. We discuss Duvall’s impressive performance, his character’s poor life decisions, and then dive deep into … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #129: Special: Movie Pitches “There is a lot of plot in that one. I hope that doesn’t suit your fancy.”
Description This week it’s a Special Movie Pitch Episode! Producer Andrew gave Joe and Todd a director, a genre, and lead actor or actress, and they had to write pitch what that movie would look like. Hopefully you enjoy their … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #128: Momotaro in Momotaro (Japanese Fairy Tale) “Son of a peach!”
Description Todd and Joe are joined by special guest Branden Ushio from the Fandom Podcast to discuss a Japanese fairy tale. Momotaro is the story of a boy born from a peach who has a magical adventure. Please listen for … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #127: Quentin Barnes in The Galactic Football League: The Rookie (Novel 2013) “Praise the high one!”
Description Todd and Joe are joined by special guest Jeff Dumas from The Fandom Podcast to discuss Quentin Barnes from The Galactic Football League: The Rookie, a 2009 novel by Scott Sigler. They discuss sports’ place in culture, the genres … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #126: Lando Calrissian in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (Film 1980) “This deal keeps getting worse all the time!”
Description Todd and Joe are joined by special guest Allen Voivod from the Star Wars 7×7 Podcast to discuss Lando Calrissian from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. They talk about Lando’s significance in the tale, his mini-arc in the … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #125: Jin Wang in American Born Chinese (Comic 2006) “It’s easy to become anything you wish . . . so long as you’re willing to forfeit your soul.”
Description Join Todd and Joe as they tackle the wonderful graphic novel American Born Chinese by McArthur Genius Gene Luen Yang and discuss myth, stereotypes, and the difficulty of navigating identity in adolescence. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #124: Diana Prince/Wonder Woman in Wonder Woman (TV 1977) “It’s not the same Diana, I mean, you’re not a man.” “I’ve always been very happy about that.”
Description Joe and Todd are joined by special guest Andy Mangels to talk about Wonder Woman from the classic television series. Topics of discussion include the way generations are portrayed in these episodes, what makes Wonder Woman different from other … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #123: The Doctor’s Wife in Blindness (Novel 1995) “Perhaps only in a world of the blind will things be what they truly are.”
Description Joe and Todd discuss the doctor’s wife from the novel Blindness. They talk about Jose Saramago’s writing, the depths to which humans can sink (and the heights to which they can rise), and the believability of a societal collapse. … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #122: Monty Brewster in Brewster’s Millions (Film 1985) “None of the above!”
Description Todd and Joe talk about Monty Brewster, played by Richard Pryor in the 1985 film Brewster’s Millions. They talk about the art of adaptation, the highlights of the film, and how they’d spend millions of dollars. Support the Show … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #121: John Lewis in March: Book 1 (Comic 2013) “Can you swim?” “No.” “Neither can I, but we may have to.”
Description Todd and Joe talk about March, a graphic novel chronicling the real-life story of John Lewis, who was a leader in the Civil Rights movement. They discuss choosing events to include in a memoir, how to train for a … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #120: Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson in Parks and Rec (TV 2009-15) “You had me at meat tornado.”
120: Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson in Parks and Rec (TV 2009-15) “You had me at meat tornado.” Description Todd and Joe talk about Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson from the sitcom Parks and Rec. They discuss the evolution of … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #119: Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird (Novel 1960) “Oh, hey Boo.”
Description Todd and Joe tackle an American classic and discuss Scout Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. They talk about her transformation, the vivid side characters, and also acknowledge how great Atticus Finch is. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #118: Special: Great Quotes from Great Movies “May the force be with you.”
Description Todd and Joe are joined by Nik English from The Fandom Podcast to talk about movie quotes. Why do we use them, what are the most quotable films, and is there really a Princess Bride quote for every occasion? … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #117: Sam Gerard and Richard Kimble in The Fugitive (Film 1993) “I didn’t kill my wife!” “I don’t care!”
Description All-Star guest Kjerste Christensen joins Todd and Joe once again to discuss the classic 1993 thriller The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SIGN UP FOR A 30-DAY FREE TRIAL … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #116: Sinestro and Hal Jordan in Green Lantern Vol. 1: Sinestro (Comic 2008) “In brightest day, in blackest night …”
Description This week, Todd and Joe are joined by Norman Mitchell from The Lord of the Rings Minute Podcast to talk about Green Lantern: Sinestro. Topics of discussion include the glorious absurdity of some superhero comics and a deep dive … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #115: The cast of Corner Gas S01E01 “Ruby Reborn” and S06E06 “Good Tubbin'” (TV 2004-09) “Safety Pete can talk!” “Boy, can he ever.”
Description Todd and Joe talk about a fantastic Canadian sitcom, Corner Gas. They discuss Davis as well as the rest of the crazy characters in Dog River, Saskatchewan. They touch on kinds of comedy, the pleasure of purely episodic television, … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #114: Vin in Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson (Novel 2008) “What is it that you believe?”
Description Todd and Joe are joined by All-Star guest Kjerste Christensen to discuss Vin from the novel Mistborn: The Final Empire. They talk about her characteristics, her best moments, and what makes a good fantasy novel. Support the Show SUPPORT … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #113: Special: Valentines Day 2017 “I’ll never be as bad as my grandpa!”
Description In our Valentines Day Special 2017, we are joined by special guest Alana Howlett to play a of Fictional play Fictional Dating Game. What fictional inventor would be the best match for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Donatello? Who … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #112: Beca Mitchell in Pitch Perfect (Film 2012) “You have fat hearts, and that’s what matters.”
Description Todd and Joe talk about Beca Mitchell from the 2012 film Pitch Perfect. They talk about how the film aligns with the Hero’s Journey, the meaning in some of the song choices, and debate whether it’s a musical. Support … Continue reading →
#111: Tintin in Tintin (Comic 1939, 1960) “Be sure to hold on tight!”
Description Todd and Joe talk about Tintin from one of the world’s most popular comic books, The Adventures of Tintin. We discuss the significance of the series, debate what genre it belongs to, and express our love for stories with … Continue reading →
#110: Earl Sinclair from Dinosaurs (TV 1991-94) “Honey! I’m home! I’m hungry!”
Description Todd and Joe discuss Earl Sinclair from the 1990s tv show Dinosaurs. They talk about Faustian bargains, striking the right tone between heavy themes and silly anthropomorphic animals, and the magic of of the Jim Henson Creature Shop. Support … Continue reading →
#109: Jonas in The Giver by Lois Lowry (Novel 1993) “Memories need to be shared.”
Description Todd and Joe talk about Jonas from the Lois Lowry novel The Giver. They talk about what doesn’t work for them plot-wise, but what resonates thematically. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SIGN UP FOR A 30-DAY FREE … Continue reading →
#108: Special: Fantasy Box Office 2017 “I think you may be overestimating its life in the theater.”
Description This week, Joe and Todd look back at some of their favorite movies and tv shows from 2016 and then take a look ahead at what Hollywood has in store for us in 2017. They play a game they’re … Continue reading →
#107: Frodo and Friends in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition) (Film 2001) “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”
Description This week we’re joined by special guest Cassandra Fredrickson from the Lord of the Rings Minute Podcast to discuss the 2001 film Fellowship of the Ring. We talk about character motivations, the filmmaking skill on display, and the art … Continue reading →
#106: Pi Patel in Life of Pi (Novel 2001) “Only fear can defeat life.”
Description Joe and Todd are joined by special guest Alana Howlett to discuss the novel Life of Pi. They talk about belief and contradictions, display how much and how little they know about the number pi, and debate what makes … Continue reading →
#105: Special: Christmas Pitches 2017 “There is a lesson to be learned about Christmas pirates.”
Description Christmas Special 2016! Todd and Joe make up plots based on the titles of Christmas movies they’ve never seen, and it’s a mix of “I could see that being produced” to “Uh…how much egg nog were you drinking before … Continue reading →
#104: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Novel 1998) “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are.”
Description Todd and Joe are joined by special guest Zach Glassett to discuss the novel Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling. They talk about character evolution, a bad red herring for a mystery, and the awesomeness … Continue reading →
#103: Judy, Phil, Betty, and Bob in White Christmas (Film 1954) “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas”
Description This week, Todd and Joe tackle a classic holiday film: White Christmas. Listen as they discuss Irving Berlin’s surprising personal history, speculate about the small-town economics of Pine Tree, Vermont, and heap some deserving praise on the singing and … Continue reading →
#102: Tyler in Hero Bear and the Kid (2002-03) “100% nice 100% of the time”
Description This week, Joe and Todd talk about Herobear and the Kid, a charming comic book written and drawn by Mike Kunkel. We discuss issues of belief, the surprisingly complex art and story, and the seasonal twist at the end. … Continue reading →