The Protagonist Podcast
601 episodes — Page 8 of 13
Protagonist Podcast #251: Characters from The Masque of the Red Death (short story 1842) “The ‘Red Death’ had long devastated the country.”
Description Returning guest Cassandra Fredrickson joins Joe to discuss Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Masque of the Red Death.” Topics of discussion include how Poe creates atmosphere, themes from the short story, and what we learn about characters in … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #250: Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and Elizabeth Schuyler from Hamilton (musical 2015) “Who lives, who dies, who tells your story”
Description Returning guests Mattathias Westwood and Kjerste Christensen join Joe to discuss one of the biggest Broadway sensations ever. Topics of discussion include character arcs and development, the quality of the music and lyrics, and what obligation historical adaptation have … Continue reading →
#249: Cher Horowitz in Clueless (film 1995) “As if!”
Description Returning guest Virginia McAlister joins Joe to discuss Cher from the 1990s teen comedy Clueless. Topics of discussion include loosely adapting Jane Austen’s Emma for this story, what makes each of the characters interesting, and how it simultaneously captures … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #248: Storytelling in Animation (special 2019)
Description He’s back! Todd Mack joins Joe to discussion 2D animation versus 3d animation in filmmaking. Topics of discussion include the history of animation and advances in technology, nostalgia for the older style, and what stories best match each style. … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #247: Huck Finn in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (novel 1884) “All right, then, I’ll go to hell.”
Description Returning guest Henry Darowski joins Joe to talk about one of the iconic characters in American literature, Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn. Topics of discussion include the novel’s place in history, controversies surrounding the text, and the relationship between Huck … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #246: Jane Villanueva in Jane the Virgin (TV 2014) “I am confused about every single thing in my life, except you.”
Description Returning guest Hannah Rogers joins Joe to discuss Jane Villanueva (Gina Rodriquez) from the tv series Jane the Virgin. Topics of discussion include telenovela storytelling, the Venezuelan characters, and the methods used to make absurd plots somewhat plausible. Support … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #245: Hank Chu from The Shadow Hero (comic 2014) “The Green Turtle is my son!”
Description Returning guest Mattathias Westwood joins Joe to discuss Hank Chu, from the comic book mini-series The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang and Sonny Liew. Topics of discussion include the Golden Age inspiration for the character, the Asian American … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #244: Jen and Kira from The Dark Crystal (film 1982) “Another world, another time, in the age of wonder.”
Description Joe is joined by returning guest Lena English to discuss Jen and Kira from The Dark Crystal. Topics of discussion include the movie-making magic in the film, what we learn about both characters, and the intriguing themes the story … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #243: Storytelling in Video Games (special 2019)
Description Special guest Jon Bell joins Joe to talk about storytelling in video games. Topics of discussion include the history of video games, the evolution of storytelling in the medium, and innovations that have come about based on technological advances. … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #242: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (play 1966) “Stark raving sane.”
Description Joe is joined by first-time guest Jaclyn Foster to discuss Tom Stoppard’s play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Topics of discussion include postmodernism, the wordplay, and the absurdity of meaning. Support Patreon Show Notes Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #241: Sam Malone in Cheers (TV 1982) “It’s the cap off the last bottle of beer I ever drank.”
Description Joe is joined by returning guest Kate Darowski to discuss Sam Malone from the classic sitcom Cheers. Topics of discussion include why his flaws make Sam a great character, Ted Danson’s stellar performance, and why Sam is interesting decades … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #240: Classics Mash-up with Todd Petersen (special 2019) “…Jay Gatsby hosting parties with reality tv cameras around.”
Description Todd Petersen joins Joe and Producer Andrew to play a game of Classics Mash-Up. One of us picks a classic story, then we blend it into a different genre and workshop what that could look like. What would Great … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #239: Gwen Stacy and Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Blue (comic 2002) “Life can be great.”
Description Returning guest Scott Carelli joins Joe to discuss Gwen Stacy and Peter Parker from the Spider-Man: Blue, the mini-series written by Jeph Loeb with art by Tim Sale. Topics of discussion include how different audiences might react to the … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #238 Cliff Secord and Jenny Blake from The Rocketeer (film 1991) “Prepare yourself for a shock. I’m the Rocketeer.”
Description Special guest Jim O’Kane (co-host of The Rocketeer Minute Podcast) joins Joe to discuss Cliff Secord and Jenny Blake from The Rocketeer. Topics of discussion include the retro style and storytelling, the best moments for characters, and Jim’s behind-the-scenes … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #237: Gwendolen Harleth in Daniel Deronda (novel 1876) “Ignorance gives one a large range of probabilities.”
Description Special guest Hannah Rogers joins Joe to discuss Gwendolen Harleth from George Eliot’s 1876 novel Daniel Deronda. Topics of discussion include early fan fiction that rewrote the end of the novel, the divergent plots of the novel, and what … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #236: Pam Beesly in The Office (TV 2005) “I’ve been trying to be more honest lately, and I just wanna say a few things.”
Description Returning guest Cavan Helps joins Joe to talk about a key character from one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 21st century, Pam Beesly from The Office. Topics of discussion include the mockumentary format, Pam’s character arc, and … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast 235: Scott Free and Big Barda in Mister Miracle (comic 2017) “I can’t escape this.”
Description Returning guest Todd Petersen joins Joe to talk about Scott Free and Big Barda from the Mister Miracle comic book by Tom King and Mitch Gerads. Topics of discussion include the value of engaging in deep and difficult texts, … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #234: Holly Martins, Anna Schmidt, and Harry Lime from The Third Man (film 1949) “The world doesn’t make any heroes outside of your stories.”
Description Returning guest John Darowski helps Joe discuss Holly Martins, Anna Schmidt, and Harry Lime from classic film noir The Third Man. Topics of discussion include the improbably but historically accurate setting of the film, the brilliant but historically inaccurate … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #233: Edmond Dantes in The Count of Monte Cristo (novel 1844) “How did I escape? With difficulty. How did I plan this moment? With pleasure.”
Description Returning guest Charly Kuecks is back to discuss Edmond Dantes, the main character in one of the most famous revenge stories, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Topics of discussion include how Dumas was inspired to write … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #232: The TARDIS and the Doctor in Doctor Who (TV 2011) “Oh you beautiful idiot.”
Description Returning guest Scott Carelli joins Joe to discuss the Tardis and the Doctor from the “The Doctor’s Wife,” a fan-favorite episode of the long-running Doctor Who series. Topics of discussion include the tonal shifts in the episode, what are … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #231: Bao and Four-Girl from Boxers & Saints (comic 2013) “What is China but a people and their stories?”
Description Returning guest John Darowski joins Joe and Producer Andrew to talk about about Bao and Four-Girl from Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel Boxers & Saints. Topics of discussion include the unique style of storytelling employed by Yang, the moral … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #230: Ali and Diane from Ali’s Wedding (film 2017) “A lie begins in the soul and travels the world.”
Description All-star guest Kjerste Christensen joins Joe to discuss Ali and Diane from the film Ali’s Wedding. This Australian, Muslim romantic comedy is inspired by the life of Osamah Sami, who plays Ali in the film. Topics of discussion include … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #229: Amelia Peabody in Crocodile on the Sandbank (novel 1975) “God help the poor mummy who encounters you, Peabody.”
Description Joe and Andrew are discussing Amelia Peabody, the protagonist of twenty mystery novels by Elizabeth Peters. Crocodile on the Sandbank is the first of the series, and it’s obvious why it became a popular series. Topics of discussion include … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #228: Captain Kirk in Star Trek (TV 1966) “You and I are of a kind. In a different reality, I could have called you friend.”
Description First time guest Cavan Helps joins Joe to talk about Captain Kirk from Star Trek. They’re discussing the episodes “Balance of Terror” and “Obsession.” Topics of conversation include Cavan’s theory about why Kirk is always right, how the classic … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #227: Gracie Hart in Miss Congeniality (film 2000) “It’s a scholarship program!”
Description Returning guest Tayler Iversen joins Joe to discuss Sandra Bullock’s character, Gracie Hart, from the film Miss Congeniality. They discuss the disappointing behavior of the men in the FBI, debate if this film is a romantic comedy, and highlight … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #226: Fairy Tale Mash Ups (special 2019)
Description All-star guest Kjerste Christensen is back to play a game called Fairy Tale Mash Up. Take one classic fairy tale and one random genre, then brainstorm how they could pair up. Producer Andrew jumps in to help, as we … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #225: Sophie and Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle (film 2004) “A heart’s a heavy burden”
Description Returning guest Sara Santana joins Joe to talk about Sophie and Howl from the Hayao Miyazaki film Howl’s Moving Castle. Topics of discussion include how the film fits into Miyazaki’s classic themes, the blending of the technological and the … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #224: Juan Rico from Starship Troopers (novel 1959) “War is controlled violence, for a purpose.”
Description Producer Andrew joins Joe to talk about Juan Rico from Robert Heinlein’s novel Starship Troopers. Topics of discussion include the historical significance of the novel, how it is driven by theme rather than character or plot, and how successful … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #223: Eleanor Shellstrop in The Good Place (TV 2016) “Welcome. Everything is fine.”
Description First time guest Charly Kuecks joins Joe to discuss Eleanor Shellstrop from the NBC sitcom The Good Place. Topics of discussion include the exploration of ethics on the show, how we end up rooting for an unlikable character, and … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #222: Barbara Thorson from I Kill Giants (Comic 2008) “We’re stronger than we think.”
Description Returning guest Chris Maverick joins Joe to talk about Barbara Thorson from the comic book mini-series I Kill Giants by Joe Kelly and J.M. Ken Niimura. Topics of discussion included the themes presented in the series, comparing the characteristics … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #221: Jack Justice and Trixie Dixon in Black Jack Justice (Podcast 2011) “One more albatross around your neck.”
Description Returning guest John Darowski joins Joe and Producer Andrew to talk about the narrative podcast Black Jack Justice. A noir mystery in the style of Old Time Radio, Black Jack Justice is part of the Decoder Ring Theatre Podcast. … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #220: Marvel Cinematic Universe Special “It’s an amazing feat.”
Description Returning guest Chris Maverick joins Joe and Producer Andrew to talk about the narrative style of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They talk about what makes the storytelling in the shared universe special, what antecedents exist for this type of … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #219 Hiro Hamada (and friends) from Big Hero 6 (film 2014) “Use those big brains of yours to think your way around the problem!”
Description Returning guest Branden Ushio joins Joe to discuss Big Hero 6, the 2014 animated superhero film directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams. We’re talking about Hiro and his friends. Topics of discussion include the alternate world of the … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #218 The ensemble cast of Brooklyn Nine-Nine (TV 2013) “Everyone here needs some instruction on interacting with grown-ups.”
Description Producer Andrew joins Joe to discuss the ensemble cast of the sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine. We’re focusing on S1E16, “The Party,” and S3E5, “Halloween III.” Topics of discussion include the talent of the creators and cast, the range of characteristics … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #217 Takeo Goda in My Love Story!! (Manga 2011) “I fell for a girl who likes me back.”
Description Returning guest John Darowski joins Joe to discuss Takeo Goda from the manga My Love Story!! by Kazune Kawahara. Topics of discussion include the storytelling conventions of manga, the tropes of romantic comedy, and what makes Takeo’s friendship with … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #216 Phil Connors in Groundhog Day (film 1993) “Okay campers, rise and shine…”
Description Returning guest Nik English joins Joe to talk about Phil Connors (played by Bill Murray) from the classic comedy Groundhog Day (directed by Harold Ramis). Topics of discussion include the cultural impact of the story, the entertainment factor of … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #215: Don Quixote in El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha (novel 1605) “Truly I was born to be an example of misfortune…”
Description He’s back! Todd Mack is here to tilt at windmills, as we finally try to say everything there is to say about one of his favorite characters and novels! We’re talking about Don Quixote from the classic novel by … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast 214: Diane Chambers in Cheers (TV 1982) “Hello. Welcome to Cheers. My name is Diane.”
Description Returning guest Kate Darowski joins Joe to discuss Diane Chambers from Cheers. They talk about the brilliance of the writing in the pilot, Shelley Long’s underrated comedic acting, and the quality of the set design. Support Patreon Show Notes … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #213: Fantasy Box Office 2019! “I’ve never hated movies more.”
Description First up, Todd is back to wrap up our Fantasy Box Office 2018. The winner is revealed, and we chat about what movies we’ve seen this year. Then, Joseph and Producer Andrew make their picks for Fantasy Box Office … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #212: Rapunzel in Rapunzel’s Revenge (comic 2008) “WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE: RAPUNZEL”
Description Producer Andrew joins Joe to discuss Rapunzel’s Revenge, a graphic novel written by Shannon and Dean Hale with art by Nathan Hale. They talk what makes this adaptation stand out, the strengths of the graphic novel form that are … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #211: Kanji Watanabe in Ikiru (film 1952) “I can’t afford to hate anyone. I don’t have that kind of time.”
Description Henry Darowski is back to join Joe in talking about Kanji Watanabe from the film Ikiru. This classic film directed by Akira Kurosawa tells the story of a man who searches for meaning in his life when he learns … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #210: Santa Claus in A Visit from St. Nicholas (Poem 1823) “‘Twas the night before Christmas…”
Description Todd Mack is back with Joe to discuss the classic Christmas poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by C. Clement Moore. In this shorter, special Christmas episode, Todd and Joe talk about the cultural significance of the piece, the … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #209: Christmas Special 2018
Description Todd Mack is back for our Christmas Special 2018. Producer Andrew selected seven titles of Christmas movies that neither Todd nor Joe have ever seen, and they both wrote a summary. After Andrew tells them what the real plot … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #208: The Justice League in “Comfort and Joy” (TV 2003) “Flash, it IS Christmas.”
Description Returning guest Branden Ushio (from The Fandom Podcast) joins Joe to talk about a Christmas-themed episode of the Justice League cartoon series. They talk about the flirtatious Green Lantern and Hawkgirl storyline, the emotional Superman and Martian Manhunter storyline, and the … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #207: Jack Skellington and Sally in Nightmare Before Christmas (film 1993): “Making Christmas!”
Description Returning guest Henry Darowski joins Joe to talk about Jack Skellington and Sally the Ragdoll in The Nightmare Before Christmas. They talk about what a mess properly crediting who did what in this film is, discover Joe may have … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #206: Harry and friends in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (novel 2008) “Remember Cedric Diggory”
Description Special Guest Sara Santana joins Joe Darowski to talk about Harry Potter and friends in the novel Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. They discuss some plot questions that end up not concerning them too much, then move … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #205: The cast of WKRP in Cincinnati in “Turkeys Away” (TV 1978) “As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.”
Description Special guest Todd Petersen joins Joe to talk about the classic Thanksgiving themed episode from WKRP in Cincinnati titled “Turkeys Away.” They talk about the character motivations for the plot, the use of tragedy as a comedic parody, and … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #204: Ayden and Zoe from Return of the Dapper Men (Comic 2010) “But most of all, she continued to inspire him.”
Description Special guest John Darowski joins Joe Darowski to discuss the graphic novel Return of the Dapper Men which was written by Jim McCann with art by Janet Lee. While discussing this fairy taleu-esque story of a boy named Ayden … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #203: Dave Kovic in Dave (Film 1993) “We’re walking. We’re walking.”
Description Special guest Kjerste Christensen joins Joe Darowski to discuss Dave Kovic from the film Dave. They discuss how the film holds up surprisingly well, the quality of Kevin Kline’s performance, and how strong acting, writing, and directing elevate the … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #202: Victor Frankenstein and the Creature in Frankenstein (Novel 1818) “It is true, we shall be monsters…”
Description Special guest John Darowski joins Joe to discuss Victor Frankenstein and the Creature from Mary Shelley’s classic 1818 novel, Frankenstein. They talk the difference between terror and horror, the nature of monstrosity (spoiler, they’re both monsters), and the philosophy explored … Continue reading →