*We are releasing this show's pilot episode for public consumption. If you'd like to hear more, subscribe to our Patreon!* We here at Small Beans have reached out to Professor Scott Bug, Master of Ceremonies of Science at the Dumby Institute of Perfections, who kindly agreed to begin this podcast in the hopes of bringing scientific joy and wonder to all of us. Today, we discuss sound and have the sonic archeologist, General MacTavish along for the ride. Features: Professor Scott Bug: https://twi...
Dec 29, 2020•1 hr 4 min
Perhaps the most important evil car horror film you’ll ever see, John Carpenter directs the 1983 adaptation of King’s Christine. Michael and Abe talk about how they accomplished the car regeneration sequence and wax poetic about the simplicity of the story, albeit absolutely insane and dumb. Get up in this grill, ya shitters! Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreo...
Dec 28, 2020•1 hr 27 min
A very special episode featuring the film that explodes the franchise into spin-off. This episode was recorded live on YouTube on Dec. 20th, edited now for your podcast format listening enjoyment. You can find the full version here, on the Small Beans YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDjt5fUlBCc&t=1s&ab_channel=SmallBeans. Bridgett and Sarah discuss the raw sex energy of the two leading men and leading lady, and how this film plays to the strength of the series’ criteria of fa...
Dec 27, 2020•1 hr 12 min
Our patrons have spoken! This episode takes the family movies that were watched in their youth. Also, listen for a lengthy list of producers, so if you pay more than $10 here, hear your name read on the silver headphones. Maggie chooses a film from 1966 starring Don Knotts. Adam chooses an ice skating movie. So everyone’s all over the place. Lastly, ‘tis the season to take index of your life, so Mags and Adam discuss their careers for a bit too! Let’s listen and send our support/judgment. Email ...
Dec 22, 2020•1 hr 16 min
Katie Goldin, host of the Creature Feature Podcast, joins the beans for an examination of the tropes of animated bug movies. Along with the absolute nonsense that is Bee Movie, the gang also talk about Antz and A Bug’s Life in order to see how these movies succeed or fail their basic premise and how their real life counterparts form socially. We ant to know: are you ready for bugstravaganza? Jerry Seinbee wants to know: do you like JAZZ??? Features: Katie Goldin: https://twitter.com/KatieGoldin ...
Dec 10, 2020•1 hr 22 min
Our long time bean and collaborator, Katy Stoll, the producer of Some More News stops by the pod and talks about westerns, Sam Raimi, the 1990s, and how long it’s been since we last saw each other. Sam Raimi’s 1995 film released right at the beginning of the 90’s western revival but is unique in its homage to spaghetti westerns. The film is undeniably a gleeful mix of 30-year-old tropes and Raimi’s unique style, but it might not be his film as much as you’d assume. Sharon Stone’s work off-screen...
Dec 07, 2020•1 hr 16 min
Thinner has 15% on rotten tomatoes. Is it that bad? Michael and I discuss how this film fails and how it actually succeeds, and they place it on their on-going ranked list of the Stephen King canon. Stephen King once again proves himself as the master of Americana horror, even though this film never resonated with audiences. Also, we talk about our thanksgiving dinners because we didn’t talk to each other last week. Hope you enjoy! Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Eppe...
Dec 06, 2020•1 hr 12 min
Adam’s turn! He takes a look at the film Drive (2011) and examines how through the use of staging, editing, and deploying a clear tone, Nicolas Winding Refn took a mediocre script and made it worth watching. Drive demonstrates a mystique around its main character, a fast-paced story, and a truck-load of style. The soundtrack rips too. Abe sits back and cracks some yuks. Features: Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and a...
Dec 02, 2020•1 hr 24 min
In this episode, the franchise finishes its run with a $250 million movie and with it, the technical completion of this podcast. Bridgett and Sarah cover the movie and say farewell… OR DO THEY?! Actually, we have plans for Hobbes and Shaw, so it’s not really over, but let us all congratulate Sarah on becoming a fury-head like the rest of us. They both offer final thoughts on the main canon, look forward to all the planned spin-offs, and ask themselves, “why did we do this?” Features: Sarah Griff...
Nov 25, 2020•1 hr 40 min
Production note: This episode was recorded before the election. BOLD is a podcast about race and justice in America, and a collaboration between Small Beans and Showing Up For Racial Justice, produced by White People 4 Black Lives. In this special Mailbag Episode, co-hosts Dahlia Ferlito and Ivette Alé answer listener questions! Main Theme by Rachael Cantu and Melantopia. Art by Michael Vincent Bramley. USEFUL LINKS AWARE-LA (Alliance of White Anti-Racists Everywhere) https://www.awarela.org/ Wh...
Nov 23, 2020•1 hr 3 min
Our patrons have spoken! This episode covers films that are improved by a second watching. Adam’s approach examines how films seen in the right state of mind alters how it resonates with you. Maggie touches on how the marketing and expectation of a film will tarnish your initial viewing. This description writer’s takeaway is that we should never market films and only watch them when they’re relevant to your life. Adam made Maggie a cup of tea! Adam’s plants are doing okay, mostly! Email us sugge...
Nov 13, 2020•1 hr 46 min
Adam and Abe discuss Sam Raimi’s Drag Me To Hell. Abe walks us through a few sequences and the tactics Raimi uses to spook us time and time again. Adam asks the very important question: what’s with all the mouth stuff? Abe doesn’t so much answer as continue to talk about cool tricks one could use to make their own Raimi homage. Features: Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patre...
Nov 11, 2020•1 hr 23 min
In a rare TV-based Frame Rate, Alex Schmidt, host of the Secretly Incredibly Fascinating podcast, joins Michael and Abe to discuss the British sitcom Peep Show. We chose the secretly incredibly funny episode “Wedding.” The gang discusses how this show influenced their own comedy and why if you haven’t seen it, you probably should. Features: Alex Schmidt: https://twitter.com/AlexSchmidty Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Bea...
Nov 09, 2020•1 hr 5 min
Last month we talked with Bridgett’s parents so it’s only fair that we investigate Sarah’s youth by talking to the Griffiths. Bridgett takes over the podcast and discusses from whence Sarah was forged. We learn that all Griffiths are thespians, all very talented, and Sarah severely wanted to be a mail carrier before she found her true calling. Sarah’s parents determine that their child has no shame and “is not really balanced.” Truly, rough stuff that warms the heart. Rough Stuff: https://twitte...
Nov 06, 2020•36 min
The Shining tale continues with writer/director/editor Mike Flanagan’s Doctor Sleep. We didn’t know all along it’s Stephen King’s X-Men! Seriously, Danny and Abra running around solving ghost crimes and killing psychic vampires would be amazing. Michael and Abe breathe deep of the delicious movie steam and discuss what makes this film a success, how it differs from Kubrick’s The Shining, and the lore behind the saga. Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://t...
Oct 27, 2020•1 hr 28 min
The Race Wars are back, baby! Join Sarah and Bridgett in their examination of the 7th installment of the Fast and Furious franchise: Furious 7. Sarah argues that these are Star Wars movies. Bridgett realizes the podcast is entering the final stretch and Sarah will be just as Furious-knowledgeable as she is. Also, they’re making 11 of these movies. THE FURY WILL NEVER STOP. Features: Sarah Griffith: https://twitter.com/sk_griffith Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/BridgettTweets Support Sma...
Oct 23, 2020•1 hr 35 min
Jason “David Wong” Pargin joins Abe and Michael to discuss 2014’s Nightcrawler. Jason brings his knowledge of working for local news affiliates and the boys discuss the finer nuance of the sociopath Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal). Written and directed by Dan Gilroy, the film takes a snapshot of pure ambition, opportunism, and ultimately how they benefit abusers and destroy those in their wake. Also, Jake Gyllenhaal is a “hungry little coyote.” Features: Jason Pargin: https://twitter.com/JohnDiesatt...
Oct 19, 2020•1 hr 40 min
Abe walks us through the early 2000's and the development of that era’s neo-noir look, how technology facilitated its dominance over the box office, and why Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was both an adopter and a trailblazer in this visual movement. Also, Jim Broadbent was a chair in this movie. Name another movie that’s true. Thought so. The book that Abe references in the episode is “The Development of Post-war Literary and Cinematic Noir” by Lee Horsley. Features: Adam Ganser: https:...
Oct 16, 2020•1 hr 25 min
Maggie and Adam dig deep and muster a couple of films that they love to hate and explain why they deserve such vitriol. Do you agree or do you love the films they love to hate? Or rather, do you hate that they love to hate them? Wait, do you hate-love, no. That’s not it. Jeepers, you got it the first time. Listen in and find out what the films are! Adam’s is Signs! Dag, I screwed up again. Topic brought to you by the Show Me Yours Producers patreon tier. If you want to vote for ISYMIYSMY topics,...
Oct 12, 2020•1 hr 18 min
Brooks returns to discuss Charlie Kaufman’s second film as a director: “Anomalisa.” The gang tries to decipher its thesis and stacks it up against his other work. There’s a lot to love in this film: the voice acting, the stop-motion, and the production design, but all take a back seat to the story and meaning of the film. Does it work? Did you enjoy watching it? Is Abe an absolute snob? Everyone: thank Zac Schwartz for bringing this to your ears. Or if you hated it, scold him! Features: Brooks B...
Oct 09, 2020•1 hr 30 min
BOLD is a podcast about race and justice in America, and a collaboration between Small Beans and Showing Up For Racial Justice, produced by White People 4 Black Lives. In this special Election Update, co-hosts Dahlia Ferlito and Ivette Alé discuss the impending vote, voter suppression, and how to make your voice heard in modern America. Main Theme by Rachael Cantu and Melantopia. Art by Michael Vincent Bramley. Email the show! boldconversationspod@gmail.com USEFUL LINKS in the episode's show not...
Oct 05, 2020•1 hr 21 min
The casting of Ace Ventura was essential in building the insane rules and tone of the world, and while Jim Carrey is why the film worked, folks may overlook how the casting of everyone else was equally important. Adam elucidates how this was accomplished and what roles were key in the development of a narrative where the audience wouldn’t think about the fact that the main character is an absolute maniac. “Do go in here (the episode).” That’s the quote, right? We all remember that famous quote f...
Sep 28, 2020•1 hr 29 min
You read that right. It’s time to hear the rough stuff from the parents of your own Rough Stuff co-host, Bridgett Greenberg! Sarah takes over the podcast and has a little chat with Missy and David about their little bundle of joy. What could possibly go wrong? We reached out for a quote from the Small Beans management and they responded: “we didn’t ask them to do this.” Frankly, we’re all better off not caring about what management says. Suck it, management! Rough Stuff: https://twitter.com/roug...
Sep 25, 2020•28 min
What films contributed to your sexual awakening? What film did you exclaim loudly to yourself, “Oh, dear. Oh, yes,” and clutch your pearls? Maggie and Adam discuss their love of pills, mask-donning crusaders, and slippery, greasy Kevin Costner. Listen at your own peril… or arousal. Topic brought to you by the Show Me Yours Producers patreon tier. If you want to vote for ISYMIYSMY topics, move on over to our tiers section and check out the Show Me Yours Producer tier. Adam Ganser: https://twitter...
Sep 23, 2020•1 hr 21 min
Cronenberg and Walken. What can go wrong? Michael and Abe take a look at the story of a man who resurfaces from his coma only to find that he has psychic powers. He saves kids, solves crimes, and prevents nuclear war. The boys also discuss what makes for a good Stephen King premise and whether or not The Dead Zone is up to snuff. Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.pa...
Sep 21, 2020•1 hr 10 min
Bridgett Greenberg arrives on the scene to give us the perspective of being in high school during its premiere. Its impact on comedy and adolescents are undeniable. The gang talks about how it influenced their comedy, timing, and editing. What’s the structure of this movie? How does Tina Fey’s screenplay work? Is it an homage to teen movies or just a series of sketches? Bridgett points out exactly what it is. Everyone: thank John and Laura for generously donating toward this episode. Present you...
Sep 18, 2020•1 hr 9 min
Cody Johnston of Some More News pops in to tell us his thoughts about John Carpenter’s The Thing. The director regards this as his favorite of his films. It did terribly at the box office, but has since become a cult film, generating video games and board games in its image. Abe tries to explain why it’s his favorite horror film. The others see his point, but I don’t know, it’s good, but best? They talk, you decide! Everyone thank Robot Crank for generously donating toward this episode. We love ...
Sep 11, 2020•1 hr 22 min
The pit returns with a special episode. Michael speaks to Jason Pargin, former executive editor of Cracked.com and the current head of video, Jordan Breeding, about self-worth and career success. This conversation was partially inspired by Jason Pargin’s recent video regarding making yourself valuable (https://youtu.be/wFBr685TjNs). When you’ve found yourself a value to others and you still haven’t reached the success you feel you’ve earned, what is the healthy way to proceed? Jason Pargin: http...
Sep 07, 2020•2 hr 4 min
CIA analyst Jack Ryan has become a multi-decade obsession. It keeps being remade. Adam argues that the rules set up by Patriot Games are not feeding the political drama we have come to expect. It’s actually designed to be a family drama, something its successors fail to grasp. Features: Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans
Aug 31, 2020•1 hr 30 min
We’ve begun lap six of nine. Real quick: name Gina Carano’s character in this movie. Bridgett knows! Sarah does not! While she continues to stan Han and Gisele, we still have to address that the number of characters in these films is getting ridiculous. Let’s break down what makes this installment of the franchise the fastest and most furious so far. Hint: it’s the last 30 minutes of this movie. Features: Sarah Griffith: https://twitter.com/sk_griffith Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/Bri...
Aug 28, 2020•1 hr 8 min
