Listeners...ASSEMBLE! In this week's episode, Fred and Tom suit up to enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe (or is it the multiverse?) and draft all their favorite things from the MCU movies and TV series to date. Returning to the podcast to provide a little bit of his 'comic' wit is local comedian, Vince Figueroa! Together they discuss the history of the blockbuster franchise, and highlight their favorite movies, heroes, villains, moments, and wild card picks. ******************************** Che...
Dec 01, 2023•2 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 52
State of the Franchise says hello to a new month as Fred and Tom get in touch with their deepest, darkest feelings while discussing the films of Ari Aster. Returning to the podcast to break down the twisted family values is horror aficionado, Nick Kaldunski! Together they talk about the folklore, deeper meanings, and what could have been from his three feature-length films: "Hereditary", "Midsommar", and "Beau Is Afraid". ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our...
Nov 17, 2023•2 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 51
IT'S OUR 50TH EPISODE!!! To help celebrate the milestone, Fred and Tom wrap up their theme month dubbed "Scream of the Franken-chise" by discussing scary sequels in their second annual Halloween special. Together they dive into the the highlights and history of the great (and not-so-great) sequels to some classic horror-themed movie, book, and video game franchises. Happy Halloween! ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links and contribute to our virt...
Oct 31, 2023•1 hr 44 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Hello, listener...."Scream of the Franken-chise" continues as Fred and Tom talk answer the call to talk about the meta-horror franchise, "Scream". Joining them this week to talk about their favorite scary movie is comedian Robby McGhee! Together they talk about the rules for surviving a horror movie, as well as all the highlights, history, and what could have been from Wes Craven's iconic slasher series. ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links and ...
Oct 20, 2023•2 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 49
In honor of spooky season, Fred and Tom are celebrating their first ever theme month: "Scream of the Franken-chise"! To kick off the festivities, they navigate through haunted houses and zombie-infested streets while discussing the video game series, "Resident Evil". Returning to the podcast is local comedian and unofficial Capcom ambassador, Joe Francisco! Together they to try to make sense of the (complicated) lore while revisiting of all the highlights, history, and what could have been from ...
Oct 06, 2023•2 hr•Season 1Ep. 48
This week, Fred and Tom raid through the pantry while they discuss popular Food Network personality, Alton Brown.Returning to the podcast is local comedian and the head chef for this week, Scott Vollmer.Together they cook up a riveting discussion of all the highlights, history, and what could have been from the host of "Good Eats," "Cutthroat Kitchen," and more.********************************Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links. Visit our Buy Me a Coffee page to contribute to ...
Sep 22, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 47
This week, Fred and Tom go to the movies to pay tribute to the life and works of the late film auteur, William Friedkin.Together they reflect on the highlights, history, and what could have been from the director of "The Exorcist," "The French Connection," "To Live and Die In LA," and a number of other classic Hollywood features.********************************Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links. Visit our Buy Me a Coffee page to contribute to our virtual tip jar.You can email...
Sep 08, 2023•1 hr 39 min•Season 1Ep. 46
This week, Fred and Tom head back to the world of metal while jamming out to the music genre Frankenstein known as nü metal. Returning to the podcast is local comedian and resident metalhead, Josh Randall! Together they reflect on their earlier metalcore journey and continue on by discussing all of the highlights, history, and what could have been from popular early aughts bands such as Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Korn, and more! ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all ...
Aug 24, 2023•1 hr 58 min•Season 1Ep. 45
To pod, or not to pod? On this week's episode, Fred and Tom learn that all the world's a stage while discussing the adaptations of the plays of William Shakespeare. Joining them are local comedians from Schmitz n' Giggles , Beth Ann and Patrick Schmitz! Together they break down the rich history, highlights and what could have been involving the works of the infamous English playwright. ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links. Visit our Buy Me a Cof...
Aug 10, 2023•1 hr 50 min•Season 1Ep. 44
On this week's episode, Fred and Tom take an arrow to the knee while discussing the video game RPG series, “The Elder Scrolls.” Joining them to help bring order to the realm is local comedian and an owner from the Interchange Theater Co-Op , Erik Koconis! Together they break down the history, highlights and what could have been from the lands of Skyrim, Morrowind, and other mystical Tamriel provinces. ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links. Visit ...
Jul 27, 2023•1 hr 59 min•Season 1Ep. 43
It's time to play the music...it's time to light the lights...it's time to meet the Muppets on the podcast this week! Joining Fred and Tom to help complete the rainbow connection is producer/talent booker ( The George Lucas Talk Show , The Chris Gethard Show ), Patrick Cotnoir ! Together they break down the history, highlights and what could have been with the eccentric cast of characters that came from the mind of Jim Henson. ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all o...
Jul 13, 2023•2 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 42
On this week's episode, Fred and Tom try to keep things kosher while talking about the polarizing snack food, pickles.Joining them in the studio to dish on these dill treats is local comedian, Hannah Tähtinen.Together they break down the (surprisingly long!) history, highlights and what could have been with these crunchy creations formerly known as cucumbers. Pop open a jar and tune in! **************************************************************************************************************...
Jun 30, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Season 1Ep. 41
On this week's episode, Fred and Tom head down to the beach to kick back and discuss your parents' favorite musician, Jimmy Buffett. Together they talk about the music, merchandise, and restaurants that the island singer has concocted over his 50+ year career. Pour yourself a margarita and listen now!* ************************************************************************************************************************ Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links. Visit our Buy Me a ...
Jun 15, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 40
How you doing? On this week's episode, Fred and Tom get a blue moon in their eyes while talking about the original prestige drama, "The Sopranos". Joining them in the studio to help pass the gabagool is local actor, Christopher Goode. Together they break down all the history, highlights and what could have been from the legendary HBO series. ************************************************************************************************************************* Check out our Linktree to find all...
Jun 01, 2023•1 hr 48 min•Season 1Ep. 39
On this week's episode, Fred and Tom take their talents to South Beach to discuss the restaurant formerly known as Miami Subs.Joining them in the studio is Florida native and one-time frequenter of the establishment, Nicole Bishop.Together they break down all the history, highlights and what could have been from the Florida restaurant chain that is famous for its "philly cheesesteak".Let's party (and podcast) in the city where the heat is on!******************************************************...
May 18, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 38
On this week's episode, Fred and Tom explore the merchandising ‘space’ by discussing Star Wars merch! Together they talk toys, drinkware, board games and more from the long history of the franchise in a galaxy far, far away. Kick this into hyperdrive and listen now! ************************************************************************************************************************* Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links. Visit our Buy Me a Coffee page to contribute to our vir...
May 04, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 37
On this week's episode, Fred and Tom take a snack break to discuss all different kinds of chips.Joining them this week to dish on the popular snack food is co-founder and editor of the Milwaukee Record , Tyler Maas.Together they break down all the history, highlights and what exactly is a chip while tasting new favorites and hard-to-find flavors. Treat yourself to the episode now!*********************************************************************************************************************...
Apr 20, 2023•1 hr 46 min•Season 1Ep. 36
On this week's episode, Fred and Tom take another trip across the pond to discuss the popular British gameshow, Taskmaster. Returning to the show to dish on all the brilliant tasks to date is local comedian, Mike Schwantz. Together they break down all the history, highlights and what could have been from the odd but hilarious program that stars Greg Davies, Alex Horne, and a slew of the UK's finest comedians. Off you pop! Go take a listen! ********************************************************...
Apr 06, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 35
On this week's episode, Fred and Tom bark all day, but don't bite, as they discuss the works of eccentric filmmaker, Quentin Tarantino. Joining them to talk about all of the chapters in his filmography is local comedian, Pedro Hernandez. Together they break down all the history (and alt history), highlights, the metric system, and what could have been from Tarantino's 10 movies to date...depending on how qualify every Tarantino "film," okay? Okay? ************************************************...
Mar 23, 2023•2 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 34
This week, Fred and Tom roll out the red carpet once more for their 2nd annual Oscars episode. Together they talk about the year in movies for 2022 and determine which ones deserved to be a prestigious Oscar nominee, and which films and performers could, should, and will win it all. Grab your popcorn and tune in! ********* Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links. Visit our Buy Me a Coffee page to contribute to our virtual tip jar. You can email the podcast at: stateofthefranchisep...
Mar 09, 2023•2 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 33
On this week's episode, Fred and Tom learn about the power...the Nintendo power...of a great musical score as they discuss legendary video game composer, Koji Kondo. Joining them to discuss everything from musical scores to high scores is Milwaukee musician, Nick Spitza. Together they break down all the history, highlights, and what could have been from the mind behind the timeless soundtracks of "Super Mario Bros." and "The Legend of Zelda". Let's-a-go! ********* Check out our Linktree to find ...
Feb 23, 2023•1 hr 55 min•Season 1Ep. 32
On this week's episode, Fred and Tom 'deliver' the goods by discussing the popular sandwich chain, "Jimmy John's". Joining them to share the goods on the 'gargantuan' franchise is returning guest, Shannon Cassells. Together they break down all the history, highlights, and what could have been - freaky fast! ********* Check out our Linktree to find our Buy Me a Coffee page and all of our social links: https://linktr.ee/stateofthefranchise You can email the podcast at stateofthefranchisepodcast@gm...
Feb 09, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 31
This week, Fred and Tom explore the wonderful world of buffalo wings with a blind-taste tournament involving five different restaurant chains: Domino's, Pizza Hut (WingStreet), Wings Over, Wingstop, and Buffalo Wild Wings. They welcome back comedians Jasmine Gonzalez and Joe Francisco to sample and rank all of their favorite wings while discussing the highlights, history, and what could have been from these popular wing joints. ********* Check out our Linktree to find our Buy Me a Coffee page an...
Jan 26, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 30
On this week's episode, Fred and Tom set off on a new expedition to discuss the adventurous video game franchise, "Uncharted". Joining them this week to dig up its 'treasured' history is returning guest, Dan Pappas. Together they break down the history, highlights, and what could have been from the popular series from Naughty Dog. Come explore it with us!
Jan 12, 2023•2 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 29
It's the holiday season! So whoopty-doo, and dickery dock, and don't forget to start up the pod! On this week's episode, Fred and Tom celebrate the season with their first annual holiday episode. Together they go through the history of the season, discuss its highlights, and give their power rankings for a number of classic songs, movies, and treats that have become synonymous with the holidays. ********* Intro music: "Merry" by Ikson | https://youtube.com/iksonMusic promoted by https://www.free...
Dec 21, 2022•1 hr 40 min•Season 1Ep. 28
On this week's episode, Fred and Tom learn all about Cylons and space colonies as they discuss the popular sci-fi franchise, "Battlestar Galactica". Joining them this week to really 'frak' things up is returning guest, Jasmine Gonzalez. Together they break down the history, highlights, and what could have been from the cult classic series. So say we all! ----- Help support actor Michael Hogan: https://www.gofundme.com/f/michael-hogan-fund...
Nov 30, 2022•1 hr 57 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Welcome to State of the Franchise! In this episode, Fred and Tom welcome you to the podcast by offering an overview of what the show is about, as well as what you can expect on your journey into wonderful world of franchises. Together they reflect on one official year of the show by discussing some of the highlights (so far), the show's brief history, and what to expect from the podcast moving forward. Check back with us bi-weekly to hear more about your favorite franchises in the near future!...
Nov 16, 2022•26 min
Happy Halloween! On this week's episode, Fred and Tom scare up all the dark and spooky things that go bump in the night as they discuss the holiday of Halloween. Together they dive into the long history of All Hallow's Eve, cover all the highlights, and share scary stories to help celebrate the season. Listen now, if you dare...
Oct 31, 2022•1 hr 45 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Hold onto your butts! On this week's episode, Fred and Tom learn all about dino DNA as they discuss the blockbuster trilogy, "Jurassic Park". Joining them this week is returning guest and local comedian, Josh Randall. Together they break down the history (and pre-history), highlights, and what could have been from the ongoing franchise. Embrace the chaos theory and listen now! ----- Help support Luis and Paloma: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cover-luis-and-palomas-medical-costs If unable to click t...
Oct 20, 2022•1 hr 44 min•Season 1Ep. 25
On this week's episode, Fred and Tom make their first journey to Middle Earth to talk about the epic trilogy (and its many appendices), "The Lord of the Rings". Together they break down the (lengthy) history, highlights, and what could have been for story that inspired a thousand other fantasy stories. Speak 'friend' and enter this episode now!
Oct 05, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 24
