The Protagonist Podcast
601 episodes — Page 11 of 13
#101: The town of Cicely, Alaska in Northern Exposure (TV 1990-95) “There is no hidden agenda with this man.”
Description In this episode Todd and Joe discuss the town of Cicely Alaska in the hit TV series Northern Exposure. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SIGN UP FOR A 30-DAY FREE TRIAL OF AMAZON PRIME SIGN UP FOR … Continue reading →
#100: Special: 100th Episode “Trust the team.”
Description This week, Todd, Joe, and Andrew reveal the most popular episodes they’ve released, look at some of what may be coming in the future, and respond to listener feedback. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SIGN UP FOR … Continue reading →
#099: Holden Caulfield in Catcher in the Rye (Novel 1951) “I was surrounded by phonies.”
Description Hey listeners, Holden Caufield thinks you’re all phonies. This week Old Todd and Old Joe talk about a sort of classic. Well at least pretentious phonies always talk like The Catcher in the Rye is a classic. That kills … Continue reading →
#098: Special: Halloween Special 2016 “Now I’m afraid to go to the bathroom.”
Description This week, Joe and Todd are joined by returning guest Todd Petersen for a Halloween special. Everyone pitches five supernaturally themed tv specials to The Protagonist TV Network. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SIGN UP FOR A … Continue reading →
#097: Nausicaa in Nausicaa of The Valley of the Wind (Film 1984) “There’s nothing to fear …”
Description This week, Todd and Joe are joined by returning guest John Darowski to discuss Nausicaa from the Hayao Miyazaki film Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. They discuss her characteristics, what makes a good leader, and try to … Continue reading →
#096: Elinor and Marianne in Sense and Sensibility (Novel 1811) “Know your own happiness.”
Description As a special bonus episode, Todd and Joe talk about Elinor and Marianne from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. They talk about the romantic mindset, whether or not the ending works, and debate the existence of an engagement. … Continue reading →
#095: Nami in One Piece (Manga 1999) “Girls have to be strong too.”
Description This week, Todd, Joe, and Andrew discuss the most popular manga of all time, One Piece. We discuss Nami’s tragic back story, her awesome Mom, and the blend of absurd silliness and emotional depth. Support the Show SUPPORT US … Continue reading →
#094: Eleven in Stranger Things (TV 2016) “Mouth breather.”
Description Join Todd and Joe as they discuss the creepy Netflix phenomenon, Stranger Things. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SIGN UP FOR A 30-DAY FREE TRIAL OF AMAZON PRIME SIGN UP FOR A 30-DAY FREE TRIAL OF AUDIBLE.COM … Continue reading →
#093: Danny and his father in Danny The Champion of the World by Roald Dahl (Novel 1975) “What a child wants -and DESERVES- is a parent who is SPARKY!”
Description Join us this week as we discuss Danny, the Champion of the World, a Roald Dahl novel from 1975. We talk about morality, Dahl’s writing style, and rights of passage. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SIGN UP … Continue reading →
#092: Coach Herman Boone in Remember the Titans (Film 2000) “I will not be intimidated. That’s just the way it is.”
Description Todd and Joe talk about Coach Boone from the classic football movie Remember the Titans. Topics of discussion include the “true” part of “inspired by a true story,” positive and negative characteristics of Coach Boone, and how entertainment deals … Continue reading →
#091: Charles Christopher in The Abominable Charles Christopher (Web Comic 2007-) “…”
Description This week, Todd and Joe talk about Charles Christopher, the mute sasquatch creature from the webcomic The Abominable Charles Christopher by Karl Kerschl. We discuss what makes this silent giant lovable, the verbose forest creatures that surround him, and … Continue reading →
#090: Shawn Spencer and Burton Gustor in Psych (TV 2006-14) “I’m not 27 anymore. I can do whatever I want.”
Description Todd and Joe talk about one of TV’s most entertaining set of best friends: Shawn and Gus from Psych. We discuss the the show’s goofball tone, how much these two need each other, and take some time to acknowledge … Continue reading →
#089: Orual in Till We Have Faces (Novel 1956) “Are the gods not just?”
Description This week, Todd and Joe talk about Orual from the C.S. Lewis novel Till We Have Faces. We discuss mythology, love, and a rather ambiguous ending. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SIGN UP FOR A 30-DAY FREE … Continue reading →
#088: The Joker in The Dark Knight (Film 2008) “Why so serious?”
Description This week, Todd, Joe, and special guest Henry Darowski talk about The Joker from the 2008 film The Dark Knight. Topics of discussion include chaos, Heath Ledger’s brilliant performance, and a scene we wish was in the film. Support … Continue reading →
#087: Dr Strange in Dr. Strange: The Oath (Comic 2006-07) “The best that doctors can do is take care of the people who entrust their lives to us.”
Description Get ready for the upcoming film by listening to Todd and Joe talk about Doctor Strange: The Oath. They talk about magic, doctors, and the impact of abstract threats in a narrative. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON … Continue reading →
#086: Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables (TV 1985) “Anne with an ‘E’”
Description This week, Todd and Joe talk about a beloved classic, the 1995 adaptation of Anne of Green Gables. We talk about romanticism versus realism, Anne’s dramatic streak, and Canadian pronunciation of “sorry.” Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON … Continue reading →
#085: Ponyboy Curtis in The Outsiders (Novel 1967) “Stay gold, Ponyboy … Stay gold.”
Description Todd and Joe talk about Ponyboy from S.E. Hinton’s classic novel The Outsiders. Topics of discussion include using issues of identity, adolescence, and if there was a better way to spell “Socs.” Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON … Continue reading →
#084: Lizzie Bennet in The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (mixed media 2012) “It is a truth universally acknowledged …”
Description This week Joe and Todd are rejoined by special guest Kjerste Christensen to discuss the Lizzie Bennet Diaries. We talk about what is unique about a YouTube/social media adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and how in the world they … Continue reading →
#083: Calvin and Hobbes in Calvin and Hobbes (Comic 1985-1995) “Let’s go exploring.”
Description This week, We’re talking about Calvin and Hobbes from the brilliant comic strip by Bill Watterson. Topics of discussion include the somber undercurrent of the series, Calvin’s awesome parents, and the optimistic counterpoint to that aforementioned somberness. Support the … Continue reading →
#082: Malcolm Reynolds in Firefly (TV 2003) “Yes sir, Captain Tight Pants!”
Description This week, we discuss Mal Reynolds from the TV show Firefly. Topics include honor, codes of ethics, and how great the crew of Serenity are. We also talk existentialist bounty hunters, as one does when tackling postmodern sci-fi/Western mashups. … Continue reading →
#081: Hazel and Bigwig in Watership Down (Novel 1972) “My Chief Rabbit has told me to stay and defend this run.”
Description This week, Todd and Joe talk about Hazel from the 1972 novel Watership Down. This book is about rabbits, as one of us discovered for the first time getting ready for this episode. We talk about leadership, the scale … Continue reading →
#080: Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice (Film 2005) “Only the deepest love will induce me into matrimony.”
Description This week, returning All-Star guest Kjerste Christensen joins Joe and Todd to discuss Elizabeth Bennet from the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Listen as we discuss interpretations of Lizzie, tackle listener feedback about this film, and discover … Continue reading →
#079: Bone in Bone (Comic 1991) “I know I am short, bald, and have a big nose.”
Description This week, you can hear Todd and Joe suffer through colds as they discuss Fone Bone from the Jeff Smith comic book Bone. But, just as their illnesses threaten to derail everything, Producer Andrew flies in and saves the … Continue reading →
#078: Special: TV Elevator Pitches “But it’s being played straight!”
Description This week, Todd and Joe brainstorm pitches for new shows on the fictional Protagonist TV network. Each show must be a loose adaptation of an existing work (sort of…give it a listen) and Producer Andrew chooses which shows get … Continue reading →
#077: Jane Eyre in Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (Novel 1847) “Jane .. Jane!”
Description Join us this week as we discuss one of the great protagonists of the 19th century. It’s Jane Eyre! Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SUPPORT US ON AUDIBLE
#076: Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire (Film 1981) “If you don’t run, you can’t win.”
Description This week we talk about Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell from The 1981 film Chariots of Fire. We talk about several things, but mostly you’ll want to listen to Todd do quotes from the movie in a Scottish accent. … Continue reading →
#075: Special: Comic Book Recommendations Draft “Two picks, two steals.”
Description This week, in a break from the usual format, we discuss favorite comic books and graphic novels. Joined by Todd Petersen and with Producer Andrew taking a larger role than usual, we recommend comic books ranging from superheroes to … Continue reading →
#074: Jeff Winger in Community (TV 2010-11) “I feel like someone is trying to teach me something.”
Description Join us this week when we talk about Jeff Winger from the TV comedy Community. Listen as we discuss absurdity, how far is too far for running gags, and postmodern comedy. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SIGN … Continue reading →
#073: Celia Bowen in The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Novel 2011) Part 2 “Most maidens are perfectly capable of rescuing themselves.”
Description In Part 2 of our Night Circus discussion we don’t have a plot summary, so it’s all discussion about Celia Bowen, Erin Morgenstern’s writing, and the magic of the Night Circus. If you haven’t already done so, go back … Continue reading →
#072: Special: Mother’s Day 2016 “Insurmountable lead!”
Description This week, it’s a special episode all about mothers. Producer Andrew chose several iconic orphans from popular culture, and Todd and Joe try to match them with iconic mothers from books, film, and television! Who keeps picking dead moms? … Continue reading →
#071: Celia Bowen in The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Novel 2011) Part 1 “The circus arrives without warning.”
Description In Part 1 of our first, epic, two-part discussion, we are joined by special guest Kjerste Christensen to discuss Celia from The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Listen as we discuss some trivia, break down the plot, and start … Continue reading →
#070: Peter Pan/Banning in Hook (Film 1991) “Bangerang!”
Description This week we are joined by Branden Ushio from The Fandom Podcast to discuss Peter Banning/Pan from the 1991 film Hook. Listen as the discussion naturally flows from practical versus digital effects to time-compressing wormholes to anachronistic teddy bears. … Continue reading →
#069: Various Superheroes in Marvel: 1602 (Comic 2003) “Stories […] give me hope.”
Description Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if the Marvel superheroes had been alive in 1602? Join us this week, we talk about the Marvel comic book 1602 by Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert. Topics include … Continue reading →
#068: Jessica Fletcher in “The Corpse Flew First Class,” S03E12 of Murder, She Wrote (TV 1987) “Actually, I’m doing research on a rather grisly murder …”
Description This week we discuss Jessica Fletcher from Murder, She Wrote. We talk about charming murder mysteries, curious plot holes, and one legendary actress. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SIGN UP FOR A 30-DAY FREE TRIAL OF AMAZON … Continue reading →
#067: Meg Murry in A Wrinkle in Time (Novel 1963) “Like is not equal!”
Description This week, we talk about Meg Murry from the classic novel A Wrinkle in Time. We discuss big ideas versus narrative, the messages of the novel, and tie it all in to the novelization of the first Teenage Mutant … Continue reading →
#066: Norman Dale in Hoosiers (Film 1986) “My practices aren’t designed for your enjoyment.”
Description In celebration of March Madness we viewed the classic basketball film, Hoosiers (1986). Listen as we discuss Coach Norman Dale, leadership, and the difficulties of dealing with disgruntled rural townsfolk. Then join us in a friendly game of Deus … Continue reading →
#065: Kamala Khan in Ms. Marvel (Comic 2014) “Whoever saves one person, it is as if he has saved all of mankind.”
Description This week we discuss a recent addition to Marvel Comics pantheon of superheroes (in our opinion one of the best), Kamala Khan, who goes by the code name Ms. Marvel. Listen as we talk about issues of identity, the … Continue reading →
#064: Niles Crane in “Are you being served?” (S04E22) and “Murder Most Maris” (S11E08) of Frasier (TV 1997, 2003) “Sorry sir. That’s the last straw.”
Description This week we are joined by special guest Jim Mock as we tackle one of Joe’s favorite characters of all time: Niles Crane from the sitcom Frasier. Listen as we discuss different types of comedy, what makes a healthy … Continue reading →
#063: Sammy in Psion Beta by Jacob Gowan (Novel 2010) “Stop believing you can never beat me, and start learning how you can.”
Description This week we talk about Sammy from Psion Beta with special guest Jacob Gowans, the author of Psion Beta! Join us for a discussion of what makes a good character, teenage romance (including some serious interdigitating), and what the … Continue reading →
#062: Beatrice and Benedick in Much Ado about Nothing (Film 1993) “Hey nonny, nonny!”
Description This week we are joined by returning guest Kjerste Christensen to discuss Beatrice and Benedick from the Shakespeare classic, Much Ado About Nothing. Join us as we discuss Emma Thompson and Kenneth Brannagh’s performances, the use of deception, and … Continue reading →
#061: Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu in Magic Knight Rayearth (Comic 1993) “We’re best friends!”
Description It’s our first Manga! Join us for a discussion of Magic Knight Rayearth as we tackle topics such as relationships, what makes a good villainous plan, and how little we know about Manga (Japanese comic books). Support the Show … Continue reading →
#060: Special: Valentine’s Day 2016 “That wraps up this controversial episode.”
Description It’s our second annual special Valentine’s Day episode! Joe and Todd sent each other lists of fictional characters and each tried to find the perfect match. What obscure Argentine comic strip character makes an appearance? What perfect match for … Continue reading →
#059: Veronica Mars in the pilot episode of Veronica Mars (TV 2004) “Underneath that angry young woman shell, there’s a slightly less angry young woman.”
Description This week we talk about Veronica Mars, the teenage detective played by Kristen Bell. In discussing the pilot episode we talk about trauma, family, and why in the world we like watching dark and disturbing drama. Support the Show … Continue reading →
#058: Haviland Tuf in Tuf Voyaging by George R.R. Martin (Novel 1986) “Sometimes I even think he might be … a god.”
Description This week, we talk about an overweight, bald, verbose spacefarer. That’s right, we’re talking about Havilund Tuf, from Tuf Voyaging by George R.R. Martin (don’t worry if you’ve never heard of him, we hadn’t either until listener Tommy requested … Continue reading →
#057: Jack Burton in Big Trouble in Little China (Film 1986) “I’ve just experienced some very unreasonable things!”
Description Join us for one of the strangest stories we will ever discuss as we try to wrap our brains around Jack Burton from Big Trouble in Little China (1986) — a film fans say is “so bad it’s good.” … Continue reading →
#056: The Incredible Hulk in Planet Hulk (Comic 2006) “Hulk smash!”
Description This week we talk about the Incredible Hulk from the instantly classic story Planet Hulk. You might think the Hulk is not your cup of tea, but this story is for everyone and topics of conversation include happiness, the … Continue reading →
#055: Alicia Alarcón and Julio Olmedo in Episodes 1-2 of Gran Hotel (TV 2011) “I see something shiny!”
Description Join us as we discuss Alicia Alarcón and Julio Olmedo from the Spanish television drama Grand Hotel. A murder mystery set in 1900s Spain. Grand Hotel packs a season’s worth of Downton Abbey-style soap opera into each episode. No … Continue reading →
#054: Special: 2015 Year in Review “That train of thought derailed.”
Description With one year in the books, Joe and Todd look back on the topics covered and respond to some listener feedback. Producer Andrew also helps discuss some stats and they tease future topics. SUPPORT US ON PATREON
#053: George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life (Film 1946) “Hello, Bedford Falls!”
Description It’s A Wonderful Life, listeners, when we get the chance to talk about George Bailey in our final Christmas episode of the year. Fulfilling patreon contributor Jane’s request, we tackle a classic movie starring the man, the myth, the … Continue reading →
#052: Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (Novella 1843) “Humbug!”
Description Greetings listeners! If you’ve never heard of it, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is the tale of a miserly man named Ebeneezer Scrooge who discovers being horrible might not be the best lifestyle. Join us as we discuss … Continue reading →