The Protagonist Podcast
618 episodes — Page 9 of 13
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 →
Protagonist Podcast #201: Gomez and Morticia Addams in The Addams Family (Film 1991) “With God as my witness, I am that fool!”
Description Special Guest Kjerste Christensen joins Joe to talk about Gomez and Morticia from The Addams Family film. They discuss the history of The Addams Family in pop culture, how the macabre blends with traditional family portrayals, and also if … Continue reading →
Protagonist Podcast #200: Todd’s Farewell Special
It’s our 200th episode special and our farewell to Todd special! We are 200 episodes in and Todd is hanging up his podcaster cape. We discuss our podcast origins, some of the episodes that stand out, and respond to listener feedback. … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #199: Halloween Special 2018: Monster Draft! “I know it wasn’t a competition, but Todd won.”
Description Todd and Joe are joined by returning all-star Todd Petersen for the Halloween Special 2018. Producer Andrew has chosen 13 supernatural or spooky categories, and we each draft a Halloween team. Some very unexpected choices follow. Support the Show … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #198: Suzy Hendrix in Wait Until Dark (Film 1967) “Mr. Roat, are you looking at me?”
Description Todd and Joe are talking about Suzy Hendrix from the film Wait Until Dark. After getting lost down a rabbit hole of Audrey Hepburn trivia, they discuss convoluted villainous plans, whether or not her husband is a jerk, and … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #197: The Entire Cast in Lark Rise to Candleford S03E03 (TV 2010) “Turbulent spirits can come in many guises.”
Description This week, Todd and Joe are talking about the cast from Lark Rise to Candleford. They discuss periods of transition, varying interpretations of art, and the universal struggle of parenting an adolescent. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #196: Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (Novel 1950) “Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen of Narnia.”
Description Todd and Joe are talking about The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. They discuss how much of a jerk Edmund is at the start, which characters have an arc, and whether the story functions without … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #195: Kenton in White Sand by Brandon Sanderson (Comic 2016) “You’re inept enough to make the hundred idiots look brilliant!”
Description This week Joe and Todd discuss the graphic novel White Sand, by Brandon Sanderson. What makes the world of this story so intriguing? Who is steam punk Beyoncé? How is a character made more interesting by making him weak … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #194: Lucky Day, Dusty Bottoms, and Ned Nederlander in ¡Three Amigos! (Film 1986) “Wherever liberty is threatened you will find, the Three Amigos!”
Description Joe and Todd discuss the classic 1986 comedy, ¡Three Amigos! Topics include moments when the story goes absurdly off the rails, Ned’s complex character development, and the film’s immense quotability. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON Show Notes … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #193: Desmond Hume and Penny Widmore in Lost S04E05 “The Constant” (TV 2008) “I promise. I love you.”
Description Joe and Todd are discussing Desmond and Penny from the TV show Lost. In talking about one of the craziest episodes of a crazy tv show, they discuss time travel, literary allusions, and what we’re supposed to think about … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #192: The Narrator and Lettie Hempstock in The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman (Novel 2013) “Monsters come in all shapes and sizes.”
Description Todd and Joe discuss the outstanding Neil Gaiman novel The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Topics include Gaiman’s skill in writing about children, the power of dynamic characters, and how real life can be more horrible than … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #191: The Little Tramp and the Gamin in Modern Times (Film 1936) “Buck up — never say die! We’ll get along!”
Description This week, after a big announcement, Joe and Todd discuss The Little Tramp and the Gamin in the classic Charlie Chaplin film Modern Times. Discussion topics include the film’s humanity, tight story structure, and the way Chaplin’s comedy still … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #190: Special: Hitchcock Musical: “I think we got somewhere with this. I am really surprised.”
Description All-star guest Kjerste Christensen returns to help Joe and Todd and Andrew workshop story ideas based on mashups of iconic creators with genres they are not accustomed to working in. What would a Buster Keaton sports film look like? … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #189: Wirt and Greg in Over the Garden Wall (TV 2014) “Well, welcome to the Unknown, boys. You’re more lost than you realize.”
Description Joe and Todd are joined by Producer Andrew and special guest Kestra Darowski to discuss the Cartoon Network classic TV series Over the Garden Wall. Topics for discussion include the shows beautiful animation, stunning soundtrack, and what things ought … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #188: Kvothe in The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (Novel 2007) “You may have heard of me.”
Description Joe and Todd are talking about Kvothe from Patrick Rothfuss’s novel Name of the Wind. They talk about reliable narrators(?), world building, and classic storytelling. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON Show Notes The Name of the Wind … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #187: Dawn Greenwood and Silver Surfer in Silver Surfer: New Dawn (Comic 2014) “I’m Dawn Greenwood, and I’m gonna save you.”
Description Joe and Todd are talking about Silver Surfer and Dawn Greenwood from the 2014 Marvel comic book series “Silver Surfer.” Topics of discussion include art styles, grand cosmic comic book weirdness, and tonal similarities with other works. Support the … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #186: Roger Thornhill in North by Northwest (Film 1959) “I’m an advertising man, not a red herring.”
Description Todd and Joe are talking about Roger Thornhill from the Alfred Hitchcock film North by Northwest. Topics of discussion include what is an everyman, chaotic story writing, and dodging the Hayes Code. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #185: Antigone in Antigone by Sophocles (Play 441 BC) “At long last those blows will teach us wisdom.”
Description Joe and Todd are joined by returning guest Virginia McAlister to discuss the ancient Greek play Antigone (the oldest text we’ve discussed). Topics include loyalty, obedience, rebellion, and the importance of tradition. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #184: Jim Lake Jr. in Trollhunters (TV 2016) “Destiny is a gift!”
Description Joe and Todd are talking about Jim Lake Jr. from the Netflix series Trollhunters. They discuss the hero’s journey, all-ages entertainment, and some fantastic voice acting. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON Show Notes Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #183: Don Lockwood, Kathy Selden, and Cosmo Brown in Singin’ in the Rain (Film 1952) “Dignity. Always dignity.”
Description This week Todd and Joe are joined by special guest Nik English to talk about Don Lockwood, Kathy Selden, and Cosmo Brown from a truly classic film, Singin’ in the Rain. They talk about film history, this movie’s villain, … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #182: Megan and Cue Ball (stick figures) in XKCD Time (Comic 2013) “I don’t know, but we’ll figure it out.”
Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON Show Notes Time (xkcd) – Wikipedia) xkcd: Attention Span Megan – explain xkcd Cueball – explain xkcd xkcd Time – at your own pace (3102) 1190: “Time” – xkcd Understanding Comics – Wikipedia … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #181: Amaar Rashid and Rayyan Hamoudi in Little Mosque on the Prairie (TV 2007) “We will blow the competition away!”
Description Joe and Todd are talking about Amaar Rashid and Rayyan Hamoudi from the Canadian sitcom Little Mosque on the Prairie. They discuss why being a fairly normal sitcom makes this a pretty special show, problems of prejudice, and issues … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #180: Liesel Meminger in The Book Thief (Novel 2006) “I am haunted by humans.”
Description This week, Joe and Todd are talking about Liesel from the instant classic: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. They discuss the novel’s unique narrator, the trauma of war, and the great characters that surround Liesel. Support the Show … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #179: Raj/Kaali, Meera, Veer, and Ishita in Dilwale (Film 2015) “In big countries these small things sometimes happen. “
Description Joe and Todd are talking about the cast of the film Dilwale. They discuss Bollywood films, the accepted ethics in the narrative world of the film, and revel in the anything-can-happen nature of the film. Support the Show SUPPORT … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #178: Special: Anime Truth or Lie “There are way more puns going around than I expected, guys, and I must say: I approve.”
Description This week, Todd and Joe are joined by returning guest Norman Mitchell to play a game we’re calling Anime Truth and Lie. We take turns sharing the title of a Japanese Anime series, then reading off one real and … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #177: Edward and Alphonse Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist (Comic 2001-2010) “YOU’RE ALL PICKING ON ME!!!”
Description This week, Joe and Todd are joined by special guest Norman Mitchell to discuss Edward and Alphonse Elric from the Manga series Fullmetal Alchemist. They talk about the balance between the brothers’ personalities, the creativity of the series’ creator … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #176: Vincent Van Gogh in “Vincent and the Doctor” (S05E10 of Dr. Who) (TV 2010) “Every life is a pile of good things and bad things.”
Description This week, Dr. Who expert and friend of the show Cassandra Fredrickson joins Todd and Joe to discuss the amazing Dr. Who episode “Vincent and the Doctor.” Topics include: reactions to the chicken monster, the especially timey-wimey handwaviness of … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #175: The Narrator in “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (Short Story 1892) and Emilio in “The Man Who Buried Himself” by Miguel de Unamuno (Short Story 1908) “Poor, crazy fools!”
Description This week Todd and Joe tackle a couple of eerily similar short stories: “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and “The Man Who Buried Himself” by Miguel de Unamuno. Topics include doppelgängers, the uncanny, and how literature can … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #174: Alfred Borden and Robert Angier in The Prestige (Film 2006) “Are you watching closely?”
Description Joe and Todd are joined by special guest Jeff Dumas to discuss the 2006 film The Prestige. In this episode you’ll hear one of the most difficult summaries ever attempted and a discussion of how perfectly plotted this film … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #173: Snoopy in Peanuts by Charles Schulz (Comic 1950) “Life is full of rude awakenings.”
Description This week Joe and Todd tackle Snoopy from Charles Shulz’s comic strip Peanuts. Topics include Shulz’s amazing consistency, Snoopy’s universal appeal, and the ways the imaginative cartoon dog infuses a dark world with hope. Support the Show SUPPORT US … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #172: Rob and Laura Petrie (played by Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore) in “It May Look Like a Walnut” S02E20, “Never Bathe on Saturday” S04E27, and “Coast to Coast Big Mouth” S05E01 (TV 1961) “I lost my sense of humor and my thumbs!”
Description Joe and a Todd are talking about Rob and Laura Petrie from The Dick Van Dyke Show, one of the greatest sitcoms of all-time. They discuss the different kinds of comedy on the show, the brilliance of the cast, … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #171: Cather in Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (Novel 2013) “To really be a nerd, she’d decided, you had to prefer fictional worlds to the real one.”
Description This week we return to the world of fan fiction as we discuss Cather in the novel Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. Topics include PG-13 rated snuggling, the reasons we write fiction, autism in literature, Cather’s satisfying victories, and her … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #170: Troy Bolton and Gabriela Montez in High School Musical (Film 2006) “We’re all in this together!”
Description Todd and Joe are talking about a pop culture phenomenon from a decade ago: High School Musical. How does it hold up for a first time viewer? Can a VERY close reading of a ninety second scene yield insights … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #169: The Immigrant in The Arrival by Shaun Tan (Comic 2006) “…”
Description This week all-star guest Kjerste Christensen joins Todd and Joe to talk about the outstanding 2006 graphic novel The Arrival, by Shaun Tan. Discussion topics include the power of a wordless novel, Tan’s unique style, and the story’s compassionate … Continue reading →