The Protagonist Podcast
601 episodes — Page 12 of 13
#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 →
#018: Special: Marvel Cinematic Universe Draft “We are all risk averse.”
It’s a special draft episode! This week, Todd, Joe, and special guest Todd Petersen try to draft the best teams of heroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They’re each allowed five picks, and their philosophies could not have been more … Continue reading →
#017: Sir Percy Blakeney in The Scarlet Pimpernel (Film 1982) “Sink me!”
This week Joe and Todd are joined by BYU librarian Kjerste Christensen to discuss one of the earliest proto-superheroes (one near and dear to our hearts), Sir Percy Blakeney, from the 1982 film version of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Show Notes … Continue reading →
#016: Superman/Clark Kent in All Star Superman (Comic 2005-08) “Last hope.”
This week, Joe and Todd talk about Clark Kent/Superman in All-Star Superman (well, most of it, they run through the Bizarro issues pretty quickly). The mini-series by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely was an instantly classic take on an iconic … Continue reading →
#015: Richard Castle in “The Wrong Stuff” Season 07 Episode 16 of Castle (TV 2015)“Best case ever!”
This week, Todd and Joe are joined by Angela Vidergar to discuss Richard Castle, the titular character of the TV series Castle. How do you balance such an exuberantly immature character with a serious subject like murder, even if the … Continue reading →
#014: Nobody Owens in The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (Novel 2008) “All of my best friends are dead.”
This week, Joe and Todd talk about Nobody Owens from Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book, a delightful children’s novel that opens with the murder of Nobody’s family. Despite what that sentence makes you think, it is great and you should tell all children … Continue reading →
#013: Sean Thornton and Mary Kate Danaher in The Quiet Man (Film 1952) “No patty-fingers if ya please.”
This week, Joe and Todd discuss TWO great characters because they couldn’t find a way to separate Sean Thornton and Mary Kate Danaher in The Quiet Man, a classic film directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne and Maureen … Continue reading →
#012: Lieam in Mouse Guard by David Petersen (Comic 2007) “It matters not what you fight but what you fight for.”
This week, Todd and Joe discuss Lieam from the comic book series Mouse Guard. But wait, there’s more! Special guest: David Petersen, the creator of Mouse Guard, joins us. Show Notes Mouse Guard : Fall 1152 on Amazon.com mouseguard.net David … Continue reading →
#011: Listener Feedback “Even Superman puts his tights on one leg at a time.”
Our super professional setup 🙂 This week Todd and Joe take a break from great characters in great stories and respond to listener mail. Thanks for your feedback. ¡Help support us on Patreon!
#010: Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV 1992) “We are Hugh.”
This week, Todd and Joe boldly go where no one has gone before (except many, many Trekkies) as they discuss Geordi LaForge in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “I, Borg.” Support us on Patreon Show Notes I, Borg … Continue reading →
#009: Esperanza Cordero in The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (Novel 1984) “In English my name means hope.”
In the ninth episode of The Protagonist Podcast, Todd and Joe tackle a classic of Latina literature as they discuss Esperanza Cordero from 1984’s The House on Mango Street, written by Sandra Cisneros. Show Notes The House on Mango Street on … Continue reading →
#008: Rapunzel in Tangled (Film 2010) “Her hair glows. I didn’t see that coming.”
In an episode nearly as long as the film itself, Joseph and Todd discuss Rapunzel in the 2010 Disney Classic Tangled. Topics of discussion include the emotional effects of living your life locked in a tower, the actual length of … Continue reading →
#007: Special: Valentine’s Day Draft: Great Characters in Great Love Stories “I’m so ashamed that I even care about this!”
In this episode Todd and Joe set aside discussion of one great character in a great story and instead participate in their first Incomparable-inspired draft — each picking their fantasy team of great characters in great love stories. Show notes The … Continue reading →
#006: Thanos in Infinity Gauntlet (Comic 1991) “You address omnipotence.”
This week Joseph and Todd talk about the great purple super-villain Thanos from the classic 1991 Marvel comic Infinity Gauntlet written by Jim Starlin and penciled by George Pérez and Ron Lim. Show Notes Infinity Gauntlet on Amazon.com Thanos on … Continue reading →
#005: Mary Richards in “Chuckles Bites the Dust” from The Mary Tyler Moore Show (TV 1975) “A little Song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants.”
Todd and Joe discuss the role of Mary Richards in the hilarious episode “Chuckles Bites the Dust,” episode 07 of Season 06 of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Show Notes: The Mary Tyler Moore Show: Season 6 on Amazon.com “Chuckles … Continue reading →
#004: Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (Novel 1937) “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.”
In this episode Joe and Todd talk about Bilbo Baggins in the 1937 novel The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Show Notes The Hobbit; or, There and Back Again on Amazon.com “Blink” (Dr. Who) on Wikipedia The Hobbit on Wikipedia Bilbo … Continue reading →
#003: Rick Blaine in Casablanca (Film 1942) “Of all the gin joints …”
In this episode, Todd and Joe discuss Rick Blaine, as played by the immortal Humphrey Bogart, in the 1942 classic, Casablanca. Casablanca (1942) / The African Queen (1951) [Blu-ray] at Amazon Casablanca on Amazon Instant Video Casablanca [DVD] at Amazon.com … Continue reading →
#002: Kitty Pryde in The Astonishing X-Men v 1-4 “Astonished. Ms. Pryde.”
In this episode Todd and Joe discuss one of the great X-Men of all time, Kitty Pryde, in Astonishing X-Men v 1-4 written by geek demi-god Joss Whedon and drawn by John Cassaday. Astonishing X-Men By Joss Whedon & John … Continue reading →