The Protagonist Podcast
601 episodes — Page 9 of 13
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 →
The Protagonist Podcast #168: Olivia Pope in Scandal S01E01 “Sweet Baby” and S02E22 “White Hats Back On” (TV 2012) “I want to be a gladiator in a suit.”
Description This week, we enter the Shondaverse to talk about Olivia Pope from the tv show Scandal. We talk about the tone of the show, quality writing and acting, and wonder about Olivia’s blind spot. Support the Show SUPPORT US … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #167: Christopher Rowe in The Blackthorn Key (Novel 2015) “Things you have to light from far away probably shouldn’t be lit at all.”
Description Novelist Frank Cole joins Todd and Joe as they discuss Christopher Rowe in the The Blackthorn Key. This middle grade novel by Kevin Sands is a bit like The Da Vinci Code meets Shakespeare (but for kids), and in … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #166: Derice, Sanka, Yul Brenner, Junior, and Irving in Cool Runnings (Film 1993) “Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme!”
Description In the spirit of the Winter Olympics, Joe and Todd are joined by special guest Chris Maverick to discuss the film Cool Runnings. They talk about family film expectations, current attitudes toward this film, and what character arcs the … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #165: Valentine’s day Special 2018 “Kenneth Branagh to Kenneth Branagh in Harry Potter.”
Description Todd, Joe, and Producer Andrew play a new Valentine’s Day game. They try to build the longest chain of actors they can by saying “Actor A dated Actress B in Movie X, and Actress B dated Actor C in … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #164: Mary Jane Watson in Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane (Comic 2007) “What would you say to going out some time?”
Description Todd and Joe talk about Mary Jane from the comic book Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane. They discuss the significance of high school emotions, the blending of superheroes and adolescent drama, and one of a Todd’s favorite artistic portrayals in … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #163: Granny, Nanny, and Magrat in Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pritchett (Novel 1999) “Things that try to look like things often do look more like things than things.”
Description We’re joined by special guest Karissa Evensen to discuss the novel Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett. We talk about his Discworld series, the three witches, and the relationship between truth and story. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #162: Special Episode on Fan Fiction “Ron’s Ron shirt was just as bad as Ron himself.”
Description This week, inspired by a patron request, Todd and Joe dip a toe into the world of fan fiction. They talk about what it is, it’s gray areas, and Producer Andrew points out some iconic works of fan fiction. … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #161: Kubo in Kubo and the Two Strings (Film 2016) “If you must blink, do it now.”
Description This week, Todd and Joe are joined by returning guest Branden Ushio to discuss Kubo and the Two Strings. They talk about the Hero’s Journey, the beautiful stop motion, and issues of representation on the film. Support the Show … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #160: Fantasy Box Office 2018 “So many bad films to choose from.”
Description It’s time to look back at the 2017 Fantasy Box Office and look ahead to 2018. Find out who won last year’s event, then listen to Todd and Joe make their picks for their unique spin on a Guess … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #159: The Entire Cast in The Importance of Being Earnest (Theater 1895) “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”
Description This week, Joe and Todd are going old school, as they discuss The Importance of Being Earnest. They talk about silly seriousness, the importance of the era to understanding some of the critiques, and Wilde’s tightly controlled farce. Support … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #158: Elise and Nick in The Mistletoe Promise (Film 2016) “Christmas rarely goes well for me.”
Description Joe and Todd are talking about the movie The Mistletoe Promise. They’ve had enough fun with the formula that it was time to talk about an actual Hallmark Christmas movie. They talk about what characters they like, what doesn’t … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #157: Jo March in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Novel 1869) “Women work a great many miracles”
Description Todd and Joe are discussing a classic novel, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. They discuss parenting, realistic character, and audience expectations. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SIGN UP FOR A 30-DAY FREE TRIAL OF AUDIBLE.COM Show Notes … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #156: Kris Kringle and Susan in Miracle on 34th Street (Film 1947) “Oh, Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.”
Description Joe and Todd are tackling a Christmas classic as they discuss a Miracle on 34th Street. They discuss the weird history behind it’s release date, talk about faith and belief, and dig into Todd’s unexpected (for Joe) response to … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #155: Christmas Special 2017 “That is like bringing a bazooka to a knife fight.”
Description It’s The Protagonist Podcast Christmas Special 2017! Producer Andrew sent Joe and Todd the titles to 8 holiday specials they’ve never seen, and they each made up a plot summary (though Joe went overboard and shot well past a … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #154: Dave in “Dave Cooks the Turkey” and “Turkeys are Terrific” from The Vinyl Cafe (Radio 1994-2015) “Sir, are you looking for trouble?”
Description Todd and Joe talk about Dave from “The Dave and Morley Stories” on the Canadian radio show Vinyl Cafe. They talk about the holidays, the creation of traditions, and tweaking what could be cliched character roles in just the … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #153: The Gilmore Family in Friday Nights Alright for Fighting: S06 E13 of Gilmore Girls (TV 2006) “Dinner with Rory! How delightful! Well, spit-spot. Alert the corgis’.”
Description Joe and Todd are joined by guest Kate Darowski to discuss Gilmore Girls. We talk about the charms of the show, the intergenerational family dynamics, and debate the merits of various boyfriends. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON … Continue reading →
The Protagonist Podcast #152: Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azakaban (Novel 1999) “I solemnly swear I am up to no good.”
Description Todd and Joe are joined by special guest Amy Champion to discuss Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Topics of discussion include character growth, the logic of the Time Turner and the Marauder’s Map, and … Continue reading →