The Protagonist Podcast
618 episodes — Page 12 of 13
#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 →
#051: Buddy in Elf (Film 2003) “I’m a cotton-headed ninny-muggins!”
Description This week Todd and Joe discuss one of the most recent additions to the Christmas movie pantheon. It’s Buddy the Elf in Jon Favreau’s 2003 comedy Elf. While there is no denying this film’s comedy (Will Ferrell’s performance is … Continue reading →
#050: Special: Christmas Special about Christmas Specials “If anyone has a contact at Hallmark …”
Description Our 50th is a a special Christmas episode about Christmas specials! Producer Andrew looked up the titles of obscure made-for-TV Christmas movies, then Joe and Todd made up plot summaries. Listen to discover if the made-up plots are stranger … Continue reading →
#049: Big Bird in Christmas Eve on Sesame Street (TV 1978) “I think I froze my giblets.”
Description Merry Christmas, listeners! Join Joe and Todd as they talk about Big Bird in the 1978 tv special Christmas on Sesame Street. They discuss the magic of Jim Henson’s creativity and Caroll Spinney’s amazing performance in the giant yellow … Continue reading →
#048: Lance Kilkenny in Kilkenny by Louis L’Amour (Novel 1954) “Fill your hand!”
Description This week, we talk about a Western from a master of the genre, using the novel Kilkenny by Louis L’Amour as our subject of discussion. Lance Kilkenny is a cowboy with a violent past, a firm sense of justice, … Continue reading →
#047: Lucy Eleanor Moderatz in While You Were Sleeping (Film 1995) “He looks like he’s … leaning.”
Description Tackling their first romantic comedy, Joe and Todd talk about Lucy in While You Were Sleeping. Listen, as they tackle such topics as quotable lines, the awesomeness of Joe Jr., and Lucy’s decisiveness. SUPPORT US ON PATREON Show Notes … Continue reading →
#046: Coyote and Jones in Gunnerkrigg Court (Comic 2015) “What are you?”
Description It’s a week of big ideas as Todd and Joe discuss Coyote and Jones from the webcomic Gunnerkrigg Court. Join us as we discuss creation, creativity, tricksters, and, if you listen carefully, you’ll hear Todd’s heart break while discussing … Continue reading →
#045: Marie Barone in Everybody Loves Raymond (TV 1998) “You know what makes me happy? Butter!”
Description Joe and Todd talk about Marie Baron from Everybody Loves Raymond. Listen as they tackle bitterness, tradition, and tofu turkeys in a classic Thanksgiving episode. SUPPORT US ON PATREON Show Notes Everybody Loves Raymond – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia … Continue reading →
#044: Special: Halloween Draft: The Mt. Rushmore of Fear “… That was disturbing.”
Description: Listener beware! Joe, Todd, and special guest Todd Petersen each build their own Mt. Rushmore of Fear, each selecting their four most frightening images from pop culture to carve on a mountainside. And (it turns out) discussing the scariest … Continue reading →
#043: Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone (Novel 1997) “There are some things you can’t share without ending up liking each other …”
Description You knew this one was coming. It was only a matter of time before Todd and Joe tackled Harry Potter. Listen, as they are joined by special guest Tianna Homer, to discuss Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s Stone. SUPPORT … Continue reading →
#042: Peter Venkman in Ghostbusters (Film 1984) “Don’t cross the streams.”
Description Joe and Todd discuss Peter Venkman from Ghostbusters, one of the classic action comedies of the 1980s. Is the character just ad-libbed jibes, or is there something more to the quippiest member of the quartet? SUPPORT US ON PATREON … Continue reading →
#041: Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman Vol. 1: The Court of Owls (Comic 2011) “Gotham is Batman.”
Description Joe, Todd, and returning guest Todd Petersen talk about Batman/Bruce Wayne in a comic book storyline called “The Court of Owls.” Join us as we talk about the Dark Knight and this story written by Scott Snyder and drawn … Continue reading →
#040: Sally Sparrow in “Blink” S03E10 of Dr. Who (TV 2007) “Don’t blink.”
Description This week, Todd and Joe talk about “Blink,” the gateway episode for many Doctor Who fans. What makes Sally Sparrow such a great character, and what makes the Weeping Angels such great villains? SUPPORT US ON PATREON! Show Notes … Continue reading →
#039: C. Auguste Dupin in “Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe (Short Story 1841) “Extraordinary Murders!”
Description If you’re a fan of detective stories or crime procedurals, you’ll want to hear Joe and Todd discuss C. Auguste Dupin from “Murders in the Rue Morgue.” This short story written in 1841 by Edgar Allan Poe is considered … Continue reading →
#038: Buzz and Woody in Toy Story (Film 1995) “YOU ARE A TOY!”
Description Todd and Joe bring on special guest Joseph Hegstrom Pratt to talk about Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Pixar’s Toy Story (1995). It’s hard to believe it’s already been 20 years since we were introduced to those two characters … Continue reading →
#037: Phil Sheldon in Marvels (Comic 1994) “Look up for once in your lives!”
Description This week, Joe and Todd discuss Phil Sheldon from the comic book series Marvels by Alex Ross and Kurt Busiek. Join us as we talk about issues of modernity, celebrity culture, and our sense of wonder with the miracles … Continue reading →
#036: Aang in “Bitter Work” S02E09 of Avatar: The Last Airbender (TV 2006) “C’mon Twinkle Toes!”
Description Todd and Joe, with some helpful expertise from producer Andrew, talk about Aang from Avatar: The Last Airbender (not the blue alien movie by James Cameron nor the Shyamalan film, they’re talking about the cartoon series on Nickelodeon). Listen … Continue reading →
#035: Rudy Ruettiger in Rudy (Film 1993) “You’re 5 foot nothin’, 100 and nothin’, and you have barely a speck of athletic ability.”
Description In preparation for the glorious football season that is soon upon us, Joe and Todd discuss the classic underdog story, Rudy. What parts in the film are true, what parts are inspirational, and what parts make the guys tear … Continue reading →
#034: Thursday Next in The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde (Novel 2001) “The barriers between reality and fiction are softer than we think.”
Description Along with special guest Kjerste Christensen, Todd and Joe discuss Thursday Next, the protagonist of the novel The Eyre Affair. Alternative history, science fiction, mystery, postmodernism, and general absurdity are all topics for discussion. SUPPORT US ON PATREON! Show … Continue reading →
#033: Asterios Polyp in Asterios Polyp (Comic 2009) “Life is stressful dear.”
Description This week, Todd and Joe talk about a modern classic, the graphic novel Asterios Polyp. The complex narrative ended up giving them more to think about than they realized when the conversation started. Show Notes SUPPORT US ON PATREON … Continue reading →
#032: Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan in “The Man on Death Row” S01E07 of Bones (TV 2005) “I don’t know what that means.”
Description Joe and Todd discuss the protagonist of a long-running television series, Temperance “Bones” Brennan. They also touch on her partner, Seeley Booth, and the interns who help to solve crimes in the tv series Bones. SUPPORT US ON PATREON … Continue reading →
#031: Catherine and Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (Novel 1847) “Whatever our souls are made of …”
Description This week, Todd and Joe tackle a classic of Gothic Romantic literature as they discuss Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. Todd gives perhaps the greatest recap in our podcast’s history, and Joe has a special bonus treat for the listeners … Continue reading →
#030: Special: Draft of Weird Children’s Films and TV Shows “I am so lost …”
Description Special draft episode! Joe and Todd each try to select the most bizarre collection of children’s shows and movies that have ever been made. Please let us know about any strange kid’s shows we missed. Show Notes Super Mario … Continue reading →
#029: Chihiro Ogino in Spirited Away (Film 2004) “None of these pigs are my parents!”
Summary Todd and Joe discuss Chihiro from Spirited Away (2001). Along with special guest John Darowski they tackle Chihiro’s evolution, director Hayao Miyazaki’s animation style, and the surreal imagery of the film. There is plenty to discuss about this modern … Continue reading →
#028: Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Amazing Fantasy #15 (Comic 1962) “With great power comes great responsibility.”
Joe and Todd discuss one of the most perfectly crafted superhero origin stories ever told. Peter Parker/Spider-Man first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15, drawn by Steve Ditko and written by Stan Lee. Enjoy a discussion about Parker’s darker side, mechanical … Continue reading →
#027: Henry Bemis in The Twilight Zone Season 01 Episode 08: “Time Enough at Last” (TV 1959) “That’s Not Fair!”
This week, Joe and Todd look at a classic episode from The Twilight Zone. In “Time Enough at Last” Burgess Meredith played Henry Bemis, an anti-social man who just wanted enough time to read the books he loved. Show Notes … Continue reading →
#026: Special: Listener Feedback “Much more entertaining than the radio.”
A glimpse into the magnificent Protagonist Podcast studios. Listener feedback! We respond to the emails, comments, and verbal feedback we’ve received from you, our loyal listeners. Contact us @toddkmack @jdarowski @andrew_darowski
#025: Ender Wiggins in Ender’s Game by Orison Scott Card (Novel 1985) “The enemy’s gate is down.”
Joe and Todd discuss Ender Wiggins from the 1985 novel, Ender’s Game. Child soldiers, adolescent politicians, and the truthfulness of history are all topics of discussion. Show Notes Wikipedia: Ender’s Game Wikipedia: Orson Scott Card Amazon: Ender’s Game novel Amazon: Ender’s … Continue reading →
#024: Buttercup, Wesley and the rest of the characters in The Princess Bride (Film 1987) “As You Wish”
Todd and Joe talk about several of the characters from The Princess Bride (they couldn’t pick one, so they talk about a bunch). After failing at the box office in 1987, The Princess Bride found new life in homes that had both … Continue reading →
#023: Vladek in Maus (Comic 1991) “I was, at that time, young, and really a nice, handsome boy.”
This week, Todd and Joe talk about one of the most acclaimed graphic novels ever published. Vladek in Maus is a complex character in a complex work. Listen to a discussion about a harrowing account of the Holocaust told through cartoon … Continue reading →
#022: Special: The Hero’s Journey “Follow your bliss.”
This week, Todd and Joe talk about all the characters in all the stories as they discuss Joseph Campbell’s breakdown of the Hero’s Journey. In a departure from the usual routine, the monomyth is the subject of discussion rather than … Continue reading →
#021: Lucy Ricardo in “Lucy Does a TV Commercial” Season 01 Episode 30 of I Love Lucy (TV 1952) “Hello friends! I’m your Vitameatavegamin girl.”
Joe and Todd tackle a television classic as they discuss Lucy Ricardo from I Love Lucy. “Lucy Does a TV Commercial” is one of the most famous episodes from the iconic series, and Lucille Ball’s performance in the commercial for … Continue reading →
#020: Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Novel 2008) “May the odds be ever in your favor!”
This week Todd and Joe hunt down the motivations of Katniss Everdeen, from Suzanne Collins’ 2008 novel The Hunger Games. Join them as they track down her interesting characteristics and pursue insights into one of the most popular protagonists of … Continue reading →
#019: Princess Leia in Star Wars: A New Hope (Film 1977) “May the force be with you.”
May the Force be with you as Todd, Joe, and special guest Alex Robinson of the Star Wars Minute podcast talk about Princess Leia. We discuss how to properly grieve a destroyed planet and also touch on subjects such as … Continue reading →