*CUE DRAMATIC VIOLINS* Today we’re talking to actor and comedian, Chris Sandiford (he/him) about his love for MOVIE SCORES. We chat about the difference between a ‘score’ and a ‘theme’, what makes a really good score, which composers are the most under or overrated, how a single evolving motif can enhance a narrative, and why Hans Zimmer has rejected the concept of instruments. Plus, Steph, Kyah and Chris invent a new pastime we like to call ‘movie score karaoke’. Produced by Andrew Ivimey as pa...
May 14, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 64
Elementary, Dear Watson! Today we’re joined via Zoom by writer and illustrator, Molly Ostertag (she/her), to discuss her newest obsession, Sherlock Holmes! We talk about the crime-solving genius archetype that Arthur Conon Doyle unleashed on the modern era, the loyal and loving relationship between Sherlock and Watson, how Oscar Wilde influenced the character, the history of queerness in the Victorian era, and decoding the language and context of the 1800s. Plus, we touch on the many film adapta...
Apr 30, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 63
It’s time to start the music and light the lights because we’re joined by professional puppeteer, Jordan Brownlee (he/him), to talk about the world’s most famous felt-based comedy troupe - THE MUPPETS! We get into the legacy of Jim Henson and his team, how he brought puppetry to an adult sketch variety world, iconic muppet moments, memorable guest stars and the great lengths (and very awkward positions) that muppet performers put themselves through to bring your favorite characters to life. Plus...
Apr 16, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 62
This week we’re coming to you LIVE from Toronto ComicCon where we’re joined by writer and graphic novelist, Stephanie Cooke (she/her), to discuss her favorite 90s adventure classic; THE MUMMY! We talk about the unmatched charm of Brendan Fraser, the joy of a good swashbuckler, the horror of murder scarabs, how the action-adventure genre was usurped by Marvel, and how some ancient monsters just want to be loved. Plus, the evolution of the tan-pant wearing swashbucklers, how the Mummy emulates Ind...
Apr 02, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 61
Talk it through as a crew! Today we’re joined by actor, writer and artist, Neta Rose (they/them) to discuss the queer cult phenomena, OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH. Hop aboard The Revenge and sail away as we chat about queer storylines, the historical accuracy (or lack thereof), the delicate balance of comedy and heart, and how one show launched a thousand fan-ships by inspiring new communities, fanfiction, art and activism. Plus, we finally discuss our thoughts on season two and the ongoing campaign to ...
Mar 19, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 60
Get ready to think about the nature of human existence because today we’re talking to comedian, actor and Baroness Von Sketch star, Aurora Brown (she/her), about the legendary science fiction and fantasy author, URSULA K. LEGUIN. We learn about Leguin’s youth as the child of anthropologists, how she explored societal values in her work, how gender informed her career, her warnings against the steep cost of capitalism and what it feels like when an author blows your mind. Plus, we dive into the p...
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 59
Grab backup and get ready for a stakeout, because this week we’re talking to The Villain Was Right host, Rebecca Reeds, about her favourite teen sleuth; VERONICA MARS! We get the scoop on record breaking crowdfunding campaigns, irredeemable bad boys, what makes a great mystery, the difficulty with rebooting teen properties, and the eternal power of Kristen Bell. Plus, Steph and Rebecca discover they have very different taste in men. Produced by Andrew Ivimey as part of The From Superheroes Netwo...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 58
Never let go! Today we’re talking to comedian, writer and one half of the Girl Historian podcast , Blair MacMillan, about the not-so-unsinkable ship of dreams, THE TITANIC. We talk about the real conditions that caused the Titanic to be such a massive disaster, the ethics of robbing shipwrecks, James Cameron’s 1997 mega-blockbuster and why Rose is SUCH a Taurus. Plus, we get into cruise line class dynamics, famous art that was never lost, various Titanic conspiracy theories, and finally put to r...
Feb 06, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 57
Get out your pencils (or pens, if you’re brave) because today we’re talking to word nerd and New York Times approved puzzle constructor, Jess Shulman, about her hobby and passion; CROSSWORDS! We learn the ups and downs of building a really good crossword puzzle, the beauty of a clever crossword theme, the difference between a regular crossword and a cryptic one, and why ‘Oreo’ is the crossword builder's favourite cookie. Plus, the best publishers in the biz, some clue-writing rules that may help...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 56
And now for something completely different! Today we are joined by actor, writer and comedian, Anders Yates, to talk about the holy grail of British sketch comedy; MONTY PYTHON. We discover what makes something ‘Pythonesque’, which sketches are timeless (and which ones aren’t), what Terry Gilliam’s incredible animation allowed them to get away with, and how they influenced other sketch groups like Kids In The Hall. Plus, we dig into Carol Cleveland, the unofficial female python, why Anders shoul...
Jan 09, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 55
I’m Listening! That’s right, this week we’re doing some analysis of television's favorite radio psychiatrist because we’re talking about the classic 90s sitcom (and Kyah’s ultimate comfort watch): FRASIER! We talk about career defining performances, the magic and mayhem of David Hyde Pierce, the incredible writing and Frasier’s tactics of seduction (and the associated spotify playlist). Plus, we get into the implied queerness of the show and how it found a second life in memes. Goodnight Seattle...
Dec 26, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 54
SHAKE IT OFF! Today we’re joined by superfan and certified Swifty, Kristen Macdonald, to discuss the worldwide phenomena that is pop’s favorite anti-hero; TAYLOR SWIFT. Settle in for a fascinating crash course on one of the world’s biggest fandoms as we discuss Swift’s early music (and the battle to keep it), the media's fascination with her dating life and feuds, how she uses clues and easter eggs to game-ifiy her fandom, and why she matters so much to so many people. Plus, an epic Eras tour st...
Dec 12, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 53
ALLONS-Y! Things are about to get wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey because today we are joined by actor and writer, Andrew Cromwell , to discuss the show that’s bigger on the inside; DOCTOR WHO! We chat about the various regenerations of the eponymous Doctor, the companions that stole our hearts, which aliens keep us up at night, the three iconic showrunners and all the ways that campy sci-fi discusses big philosophical ideas in ways that other shows cannot. Plus, we share excitement over both David Te...
Nov 28, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 52
Get ready to escape to an alternate universe where the 2016 U.S. election never happened because this week we are joined by one-half of the beloved I Hate It But I Love hosting team, Kat Angus, to talk about her newly realized fandom; RED, WHITE and ROYAL BLUE. Join us for a royal romp as we chat about what makes a compelling romance on the page, good gays vs. bad gays, the joy of political escapism, side characters that never made the movie, and Uma Thurman’s weirdest performance. Plus, we try ...
Nov 14, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 51
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! We’re chatting with writer and comedian, Jon Blair, about the holiday with a little something for everyone - HALLOWEEN! We talk about why classic monsters like skeletons are just funny by default (and whether or not we could take one in a fight), what makes for the best and worst house decorations, the age limits on trick or treating, why homemade Halloween costumes are an ancient ritual that should be respected, and how Halloween teaches us to have joy in the face of fear. Plus...
Oct 31, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 50
They’re creepy, kooky, and altogether ooky - The Addams Family! Today we’re talking about the quotable cult classic with a perfect, Disney-Goth aesthetic - ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES. We chat about the enduring legacy of The Addams Family and their post-50s, post-Reagan politics, the iconic cast (Joan Cusack! Angelica Houston! Christina Ricci!) turning in scene-stealing performances, Barry Sonnenfeld's commitment to a visual bit, and Wednesday’s epic and meme-worthy Thanksgiving speech. Plus, we wax p...
Oct 17, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Scott earned the power of self respect! Grab your Smashing Pumpkins t-shirt and head down to Sneaky Dees because today we’re talking to writer and comedian, Rob Moden, about the comic-book-turned-cult-movie, Scott Pilgrim vs.The World. We chat about Bryan Lee O’Malley’s manga, musical and pop-cultural influences, the ways Edgar Wright used his trademark timing to adapt the genre bending story to the screen, how everyone in this movie went on to be mega-famous, and how refreshing it is to see Tor...
Oct 03, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Dujour means seatbelts! Put on your cat-ear headphones and enjoy some subliminal messaging, because this week we’re talking to writer and improviser, Mariah Thompson, about the 2000’s satirical cult hit, JOSIE AND PUSSYCATS. We chat about how Harry Elfont and Debra Kaplain turned an archie comic girl band into a razor sharp commentary on early aughts fandom and commercialism, the shameless performances of this super stacked cast, and a soundtrack so meticulously created that it went gold. Plus, ...
Sep 19, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 47
This week we’re coming to you live from Toronto Fan Expo, where we're talking to legendary actor, choreographer and teacher, Gates McFadden about the fandom that’s driven her life's work; ARTS EDUCATION! We discuss her time working with famous teachers like Jacques Lecoq, the trust that it takes to make art with someone, memories from her more notable students and the beauty of being exactly who you are. Plus, some insider insight on the current state of arts work and education in Canada and the...
Sep 05, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 46
When you’re lost in the darkness, look for the light! This week Steph is interviewing Kyah about the fandom that has taken over their brain like a deadly fungus - THE LAST OF US (PART ONE). Grab some ammo, cause we're doing a speed run through all the things that make the original game so exceptional, why mushroom zombies are cooler and scarier than the regular kind, how the first season of the hit HBO show compares, why survival mode is way beyond Kyah’s abilities, and the multiverse fates of o...
Aug 22, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Open a mysterious envelope and complete its weird instructions, because today we’re talking with superfan Brian Edwards about the most exciting show about chores; TASKMASTER. We talk about how the show was born from the Edinburgh Fringe, the only two rules of Taskmaster (and why they’re important), the best and most frustrating hidden clues and, of course, some of the show’s most entertaining tasks. Plus, we all discuss what WE would do with one particularly vague set of instructions. Looking fo...
Aug 08, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 44
Martini! Manhattans! Moscow Mules! Whip up your favourite drink and sip along with this very special episode, because we’re talking with comedian and bartender, Scott Lloyd, about the art form you can drink - COCKTAILS! We chat over a ‘wet martini’, as we learn the technical definition of a cocktail, some of Scott’s weirdest alcohol experiments, how cocktails come in and out of fashion, and how much garnish is too much garnish? Plus, we get insider tips on what tools you need for a great home ba...
Jul 25, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Who watches the watchmen? Get that doomsday clock ticking because this week we have writer and comedian, Alex Kolanko talking about the fearful symmetry of Alan Moore’s most critically acclaimed work, WATCHMEN! We dive into the critique Moore was leveling against the comic industry, anarchist meditations on power, the brilliance of Dave Gibbons nine panel grids, the inherent comedy behind Rorschach (and how some dudes miss the joke) and why the book is completely unadaptable, no matter how hard ...
Jul 11, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 42
It’s time to settle an island and customize every last inch of it, because today we’re joined by writer, actor and twitch streamer, Alice Moran, to talk about her favorite game; Animal Crossing! We chat about the unique circumstances that made this game such a global phenomena in 2020, how Alice made her island ‘canada-core’ complete with an LCBO, which villagers freak her out the most, and what it means to play the ‘stalk-market’. Plus we learn some handy tricks to help us craft our own custom ...
Jun 27, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Grab a drink at Quark’s and make some tough decisions about the fate of the universe, because today we’re talking with comedian and Star Trek super-fan, Hisham Kelati , about the war-torn, wild west, frontier town of the Star Trek universe; Deep Space Nine! We learn all about the merits and flaws of Captain Benjamin Sisko, how the show explored deeper, more complicated themes than its predecessors, talk about the boatloads of queer tension that never came to fruition (Rick Berman) and hear a tru...
Jun 13, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 40
IT’S NOT ABOUT THE PASTA! Mix yourself a nice Pumptini and get ready for some MESSY DRAMA because today we’re joined by the host of Vanderpump Robs, Rob Schulte, to talk about the reality TV phenomena a decade in the making: VANDERPUMP RULES. We get a crash course in the lives of Lisa Vanderpump's serving staff, review the most meme-able moments, pitch a new idea for Vanderpump Dogs, and (of course) discuss the explosive drama that is #SCANDOVAL. Produced by Andrew Ivimey as part of The From Sup...
May 30, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 39
ALLEY-OOP! Grab your kicks and hit the court because today we’re joined by writer, puppeteer and basketball podcaster, Freddie Rivas (he/him) to talk about the most elite sport in North America - Basketball! Not a sports fan? Fear not, because we’re getting a beginner friendly crash court in what makes Basketball one of the most beloved sports of all time, from the bombastic trick shots to the grinding defense, the player personalities to the accessibility of courts. We talk about the Raptors ch...
May 16, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Mom! Dad! Bingo! Bluey! Today we’re learning about the world (and ourselves!) through the power of imagination, because we’re joined by actress and podcaster, Kinley Mochrie (she/her) to talk about a preschool show beloved by adults and children alike; BLUEY! Learn about this wholesome family of Australian Blue (and Red) Heelers as we talk about how the show manages to write great jokes for both kids and adults, how Bluey tackles some very difficult subject matter, and the universality of simple...
May 02, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 37
DING DING! Grab a folding chair and pretend to hit someone with it because today we’re talking to comedian and writer, Callum Wratten (he/him), about the worldwide phenomena that is two parts of athleticism and one part pure spectacle: WRESTLING! We get into the origins of pro-wrestling as a sport (and yes, it did have to do with gambling), the commonalities between pro-wrestlers and drag queens, and the massive spectrum of wrestling styles that you can find around the world, from Mexican Lucha ...
Apr 18, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Grab your backpack and head to the community center because today we’re talking to actor, writer and comedian Kat Letwin (she/her) about the beloved farming simulator and massive indie video game hit, STARDEW VALLEY. We discuss the WILD amount of detail, magic and pathos that you can discover as you play the game, chat about the creator, Concerned Ape, who programmed, designed and wrote the game almost entirely by himself and discuss the different playstyles Kat has tried including ‘romancing ev...
Apr 04, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 35
