Our three co-hosts are stuck in the multiverse and need to get back to their home universe. Clearly, the only way to do that is to explore our cultural obsession with multiverses, alternate timelines and parallel worlds, and tie it all into a conversation about post-modern art, pop culture, and the lessons these stories teach us. Also, each episode, one of them is an asshole who will probably sabotage the whole thing. This week, we discuss 1996’s Space Jam! Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitt...
Aug 06, 2022•1 hr 7 min
Adam and Abe talk about how Sam Raimi’s Spiderman creates a visual system where the audience subtly learns who we’re looking at: Spiderman or Peter Parker. We go through his camera techniques and look into how the invisible hand of directing works. Features: Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic...
Aug 02, 2022•1 hr 15 min
A Pick the Flick episode of Frame Rate! This means one of our patrons, specifically Nikolai G, generously donated through the Pick the Flick tier and got to choose what we watched! This episode covers the 1998 heist film Ronin. A film about a team of ex-military mercenaries enlisted by some Irish people to find a briefcase. We compare it to modern day action films and blockbusters, talk car chases, and determine that Jonathan Pryce is a tiny man. Witness the raw sexual power of Robert De Niro dr...
Jul 30, 2022•1 hr 4 min
This show goes over the short stories of Michael’s favorite speculative fiction author and notable curmudgeon Harlan Ellison. Each episode Michael pairs (read: forces a friend to read) a short story with a guest that it “applies especially to.” This episode it’s the short story “The Man Who Rowed Christopher Columbus Ashore” and the guest is Alebrelle. They discuss the moral complexities of intention, action, and outcome, the definition of free will, and the movie RIPD. Michael Swaim: https://tw...
Jul 26, 2022•1 hr 4 min
It’s a Wes month. This time we discuss his 2004 film The Life Aquatic which tells the story of sailor/asshole Steve Zissou as he tries to reignite his career and connect with his son. The boys talk about redemption arcs, beautiful shots, and how Wes Anderson has matured through his movies. Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to b...
Jul 23, 2022•1 hr 52 min
A Pick the Flick episode of Frame Rate! This means one of our patrons, specifically A. Ron Defender of the Galaxy, generously donated through the Pick the Flick tier and got to choose what we watched! This episode we covered the 2010 independent film The Happy Poet, a film about a man who just wants to make a vegan food cart. It launches a conversation about independent filmmaking and our own journey in filmmaking. Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twi...
Jul 16, 2022•55 min
Our three co-hosts are stuck in the multiverse and need to get back to their home universe. Clearly, the only way to do that is to explore our cultural obsession with multiverses, alternate timelines and parallel worlds, and tie it all into a conversation about post-modern art, pop culture, and the lessons these stories teach us. Also, each episode, one of them is an asshole who will probably sabotage the whole thing. This week, we discuss the recent MCU film: Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of M...
Jul 08, 2022•1 hr
Happy 500th podcast! We did it! Celebrate by finding the closest bean and lighting it on fire! AHHHHH!!!! The sacrifice has been made!!! On that note, we have another patron-chosen episode! This episode dives into the movies that defined friendship for our hosts. You know, what you’re looking for in a friend. The hosts as always choose two different films and discuss them. This time they both picked boomer movies with Sally Field! Also, this is the episode Maggie brags about her muscles. Vote ev...
Jul 05, 2022•1 hr 25 min
Michael and Abe have been looking forward to covering a Satoshi Kon film and we figured we’d get one of our good friends, Zach Sherwin, who hadn’t seen it to come and discuss it with us! The film covers three unhoused citizens of Tokyo who find a baby in a dumpster and spend the entire film trying to find her parents, despite the night having a different plan at almost every turn. It’s a heart-warming human-affirming movie, so while the topic is dark, it goes down pretty nice. Features: Zach She...
Jul 02, 2022•1 hr
The year is 1964. Cold War tensions are high. “Funnyman” Stanley Kubrick tells an entire generation: “Wait, I can make this hilarious.” Somehow, this movie is a classic. Three dorks, including our longtime friend, novelist and comedian Clint Gage, sit down to talk about what makes this dark comedy work and what doesn’t hold up. Features: Clint Gage: https://twitter.com/clintgage Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and a...
Jun 28, 2022•1 hr 5 min
It’s a Paul month. This time we discuss his 2002 film Punch-Drunk Love which reframes the traditional romantic comedy. The grating sound scape, anxiety-inducing scene work gets you right into Barry Egan’s (Adam Sandler) world. The boys talk about how choice direction and editing makes you feel something, for better or worse. Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon...
Jun 25, 2022•1 hr 11 min
This week the professor discusses the nature of Hell and demons. We are blessed, I guess, to have with us the Devourer of Soul-kin, Grief Incarnate, and Demon of the 5th realm of Hell, his Majesty, the Acolyte of Damnation: Lycus, Author of all calamities and sinful pleasure. The conversation does not go well. Features: Professor Scott Bug: https://twitter.com/profscottbug Cody Johnston: https://twitter.com/drmistercody Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and acces...
Jun 18, 2022•51 min
In this episode, Bridgett and Sarah discuss Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy’s final film. They talk about Jesse’s evolution, casting kids that look like their parents, being a Sagittarius, how Europeans initiate “sexy time” (Bridgett’s words), and cheating protocols. Consider this trilogy wrapped! Next trilogy coming soon. Expect cuteness and put your guesses in the comments section! Features: Sarah Griffith: https://twitter.com/sk_griffith Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/BridgettTwee...
Jun 14, 2022•1 hr 8 min
Adam and Abe talk about how Die Hard’s John McTiernan secretly has the soul of an artist, adjusting a heist movie into a drama. We go through his techniques and script changes that tell a far more interesting story than just a run-of-the-mill action thriller. 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 Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://ww...
Jun 09, 2022•1 hr 26 min
This show goes over the short stories of Michael’s favorite speculative fiction author and notable curmudgeon Harlan Ellison. Each episode Michael pairs (read: forces a friend to read) a short story with a guest that it “applies especially to.” This episode it’s the short story “The Silver Corridor” (from Ellison Wonderland) and the guest is Bridgett Greenberg. They discuss the competitive spirit, it’s impact in other aspects of their lives, and how sometimes “cog feel bad.” We apologize in adva...
Jun 04, 2022•53 min
Another Pick the Flick by the audience! This time, we thank A. Ron, Defender of the Galaxy for the suggestion of 1990’s The Hunt for the Red October! Cristian joins the hosts to discuss the unique nationalism of the film, the trends of action movies, and proper protocols for pooping. Features: Cristian Ramirez: https://twitter.com/fanboycristian Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://...
May 28, 2022•1 hr 2 min
This is a fan-requested (Pick The Flick tier) episode on Soderbergh’s Solaris from 2002. A hearty Small Beans’ thank you to Tom D. for the request! Adam and Abe talk about his cinematographic and editorial approach to the story of a planet that psychologically terrorizes a human crew on a space station. 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 Check o...
May 24, 2022•1 hr 19 min
It’s a Wes month. This time we discuss his 2001 film The Royal Tenenbaums which looks at familial grief and dysfunction. Wes Anderson’s style and charm is on full display with a stellar cast in what could be argued is a more formless narrative than movie goers were accustomed to. Abe and Mike disagree about Act 2 but who cares, it’s a good movie. Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Conten...
May 17, 2022•1 hr 36 min
Another Pick the Flick by the audience! This time, we thank Phaedrus for the suggestion of 2009’s Moon! Danielle joins the hosts to discuss Sam Rockwell’s ass, director Duncan Jones, and the meaning of the ending of the film. Highly suggest a listen and a watch! Features: Danielle Radford: https://twitter.com/danielleradford Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/Small...
May 14, 2022•1 hr 9 min
This show goes over the short stories of Michael’s favorite speculative fiction author and notable curmudgeon Harlan Ellison. Each episode Michael pairs (read: forces a friend to read) a short story with a guest that it “applies especially to.” This episode it’s the short story “Shatterday” and the guest is Abe Epperson. Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBean...
May 10, 2022•1 hr 2 min
Another Pick the Flick by the audience! This time, we thank Zac S. for the suggestion of 2017’s The Death of Stalin! Daniel joins the hosts to discuss the film’s satire of the spineless cretins that attempted to usurp power in the wake of a tyrant’s death. All three suggest you watch this movie. Features: Daniel O’Brien: https://twitter.com/DOB_INC Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https...
May 04, 2022•58 min
In this episode, Bridgett and Sarah discuss Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy’s second film. They talk about cats, therapy, walkable cities, how they are both not “jewelry people,” how French people are, and how sexy sitting on a couch can be. I think there’s a movie also. Features: Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/BridgettTweets Sarah Griffith: https://twitter.com/sk_griffith Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Sma...
Apr 23, 2022•1 hr 28 min
Another Pick the Flick by the audience! This time, we thank Phaedrus for the suggestion of 1992’s Cutting Edge! Soren joins the hosts in comparing rom coms and sports movies, talking about the fuck-den that is the olympic village, and imagining a figure skater projectile vomit on the ice. Features: Soren Bowie: https://twitter.com/Soren_Ltd Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.p...
Apr 19, 2022•1 hr 5 min
As voted by our Show Me Producers, this month’s ISYM asks our hosts to bring songs they’d put on their wedding playlist. Maggie talks about her new play. Adam talks about the tiny, rage gumball Kirby. If you patronize us, feel free to email us suggestions for episodes at any time at magsandganz@gmail.com. Tell us your thoughts on Kirby. Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Maggie Mae Fish: https://twitter.com/MaggieMaeFish Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.pa...
Apr 16, 2022•1 hr 56 min
Our collective friend and honorary Small Bean Griffin Rowell walks us through the capitalist concepts driving the current metaverse, the companies to look out for, and the potential methods we can use to build it into something more open-sourced. Resident dummy Michael asks all the questions you may have had but were too afraid to (or just had no interest in) asking about whatever all of this is. https://decentraland.org/ https://www.cryptovoxels.com/ https://www.sandbox.game/en/ Features: Griff...
Apr 12, 2022•1 hr 27 min
Paul has returned. This time we discuss his 1999 film Magnolia which depicts 8 stories occurring in the San Fernando Valley in a 24 hour period. It’s mostly about grief, loneliness, forgiveness, loss, and coincidence. Michael and Abe decide it’d be apt to just kind of meander through the podcast, without really obeying the typical structure. God, we’re cool. Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Addit...
Apr 09, 2022•1 hr 28 min
Why are Guy Ritchie films compelling? At the start of his career he made a name for himself with his quick, chaotic editing style. Adam walks us through it. 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 Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691
Apr 05, 2022•1 hr 18 min
Another Pick the Flick by the audience! This time, we thank nerdnumbers for the suggestion of 1995’s Hackers! Tom “The Rhyme Man” Reimann of Gamefully Unemployed joins us to discuss the very real need to hack the planet and the virtues of being a keyboard cowboy. Features: Tom Reimann: https://twitter.com/startthemachine Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBean...
Apr 01, 2022•1 hr 1 min
This show goes over the short stories of Michael’s favorite speculative fiction author and notable curmudgeon Harlan Ellison. Each episode Michael pairs (read: forces a friend to read) a short story with a guest that it “applies especially to.” This episode it’s the short story “The Beast That Shouted Love At The Heart Of The World” and the guest is Katy Stoll. Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Katy Stoll: https://twitter.com/katystoll Support Small Beans and access Additional Conten...
Mar 26, 2022•1 hr
In this episode, Bridgett and Sarah discuss Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy’s first film. The hosts are very excited about this laugh-a-minute, light-hearted, poop-and-pee joke-filled trilogy. Sarah tells a Linklater story. Bridgett went to film school. Sarah proves she knows what a camera is. Features: Sarah Griffith: https://twitter.com/sk_griffith Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/BridgettTweets Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Che...
Mar 19, 2022•1 hr 21 min
