In this episode, Eden and Peter dive into Fantastic Four: First Steps , a surprisingly hopeful and aesthetically stunning addition to the MCU. They unpack the film’s utopian vision, its fresh take on superhero storytelling, and why it might be one of Marvel’s most emotionally resonant efforts to date. From retrofuturist aesthetics to character depth and non-violent resolutions, they explore how this movie dares to imagine a better world—and why that makes it so special. Episode Show Notes: Catch...
Aug 03, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 92
Episode Summary This week on The Middle of Culture, Peter and Eden dive into Superman 2025 —a movie they both expected to disappoint , but ultimately left them grinning. They discuss why this version of Superman finally understands the character, their favorite portrayals (hello, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex), and the messy charm of a movie that somehow pulls off being packed without tipping over. Along the way, they touch on camping with CPAPs, ADHD and habit formation, cello-driven metal, and why The ...
Jul 20, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 91
Episode Summary: This week, Peter and Eden dive headfirst into the high-octane world of Daniel Warren Johnson’s Transformers comic run, exploring its explosive art, emotional beats, and G1 nostalgia. Along the way, they unpack the pains of modern TV consumption, vent about doomed adaptations, and gush over goth rock albums and short-form sci-fi. It’s a heartfelt mix of media love, mild despair, and giant robots punching each other in the face—with feeling. Show Notes: Peter kicks things off with...
Jul 06, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 90
In this lively and irreverent episode of The Middle of Culture , Peter and Eden build a tier list ranking 29 DC movies, from the highs of Christopher Reeve's iconic Superman to the lows of Black Adam , which earns a new category all its own: "F*** You Forever." Along the way, they debate the merits of Nolan's Batman trilogy, praise Margot Robbie while trashing her material, and wax poetic about Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and the ridiculous joy of Catwoman (2004). The episode also dives into re...
Jun 22, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 89
Show Notes: Life Updates & Pencil Parties - Eden recounts a surreal Minneapolis trip to witness the "sharpening" of a 20-foot neighborhood pencil statue. - Attendees included 1,500+ people, costumes, DJs, and a fake giant pencil sharpener hoisted into place. - Cassi already has cosplay plans for next year. Dollhouses, Gundams & DIY Projects - Eden builds a full miniature room box to pose model kits like Gundams in. - Explores the satisfying craft process of assembling furniture, windows,...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 39
Episode Notes: - The episode opens with Eden reading a Tumblr post that hilariously and bleakly explains modern burnout as a result of living in a crumbling world. Peter and Eden relate strongly, setting the tone for a cathartic conversation. - Eden checks in with the ongoing Adachi and Shimamura manga journey. Volume 8 features a flash-forward to adulthood and two momentous forehead kisses. - Gaming fatigue takes center stage as Eden recounts failed attempts to get into Sunhaven , Paradise Kill...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 39
Show Notes: - Spiritbox concert recap: Peter attended a standout show in Salt Lake City, noting the energy, mixed-gender crowd, and explosive live performance that solidifies Spiritbox's rising status in metal. - Graduation celebrations: Aubrey graduated from the University of Utah; Peter recounts the efficient ceremony and celebratory Rodizio Grill outing. - TTRPG return: Peter is back to GMing, running Keys from the Golden Vault for his old group, reflecting on the prep and joy of returning to...
May 11, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 39
What We've Been Up To Peter's Update: - Recovering from a cold - Saw his wife Elissa perform as Mary Poppins in local theater - Unable to watch planned content like Andor and Daredevil Born Again - Finished playing Avowed , started Eternal Strands but finding limited character progression - Considering returning to Dragon Age: The Veilguard and excited about Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Eden's Update: - Preparing for Free Comic Book Day at their comic shop - Working with local artists P...
Apr 27, 2025•55 min•Ep. 39
📝 Episode Notes 🎮 Main Topic: RPG Mechanics We Love (and Why Avowed Stands Out) - The hosts highlight key RPG mechanics that elevate the player experience: - Maps that matter: Clarity, verticality, and incentivized exploration. - Visible resources on mini-maps: Encourages environmental interaction and rewards curiosity. - Streamlined crafting: Especially for those who don't usually like crafting--Avowed's system is intuitive and meaningful. - Sound cues for treasures: Smart audio design reinfo...
Apr 13, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 39
Catching Up: • Peter shares a laid-back spring break filled with Avowed , a vasectomy, and home recovery. He praises the game's gray morality and engaging writing. • Eden talks about buying a Boox Palma (a minimalist e-reader) to curb phone addiction, reading five books in a week, and recommends the Practice Perfect romance series by Carson Tate. Tech Dalliances: • Both hosts talk about recent tech indulgences. • Eden raves about the Boox Palma as a life-improving gadget for focused reading. • P...
Mar 30, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 39
Welcome back! • Peter and Eden catch up on life, touching on: • Why modern society feels like a "hellscape." • Eden's unique take on a book club (it's really just a reason to meet at a bar and talk about books). • A foray into Bad Movie Bros, a community dedicated to watching and laughing at terrible films. • Highlights from their recent March Badness-- including absurd movies like The Core and the utterly bizarre 1980 film The Apple . Cultural Tangents & Side Discussions • The joys of inten...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 77
Life Updates & Gaming Adventures The February blues hit hard as we commiserate about adulting struggles, work deadlines, and the never-ending battle against muddy paw prints Eden champions Obsidian's Avowed as a triumph of weird fantasy and complex moral choices that puts other RPGs on notice Peter confesses he hasn't fallen under Avowed's spell yet but is intrigued by Eden's passionate defense of its uniqueness Musical Journeys Peter takes us into the melancholic melodies of Dawn of Solace ...
Mar 02, 2025•58 min•Ep. 76
Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Middle of Culture! Your hosts, Peter and Eden, are here to dive into the world of pop culture, sci-fi, and everything in between. This week, we’re braving the cold and tackling a highly recommended novella that’s been on our TBR list for far too long. What we are checking out: Peter has been diving into some serious reading, tackling "The Lost Metal" from the Mistborn series and a nonfiction book on philosophy Eden has been exploring new manga and ...
Feb 17, 2025•46 min•Ep. 39
Welcome back to The Middle of Culture. This week, we take a deep dive into the state of entertainment in 2025. From the bleak outlook of upcoming movies and TV to the rare gems in music and video games, we break down what we’re anticipating with excitement and what we’re bracing for in disappointment. Movies and TV Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning -- The only movie Peter is planning to see opening weekend Superman: Legacy and Fantastic Four -- Will DC's latest reboot succeed? Will Marvel ...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 74
This Week on "The Middle of Culture": Return to The Matrix! Twenty years after Neo and Trinity's supposed final chapter, we're diving deep into 2021's surprise sequel "The Matrix Resurrections." After weeks of defending the oft-maligned sequels, we're here to ask: Does this unexpected return stick the landing? (Spoiler: We might have some hot takes that'll surprise you!) 🎮 What We're Into: - Eden's getting existential with the haunting manga "Girls' Last Tour" and battling through the God Eater...
Jan 19, 2025•59 min•Ep. 73
In this special retrospective episode of The Middle of Culture , Eden and Peter reflect on two years of podcasting by pitting every movie they've covered in a bracket-style showdown to crown the "Best Movie of the Podcast (So Far)." This reflective journey explores their evolving tastes, the movies that shaped their discussions, and the surprises along the way. Highlights - Catching Up: Eden and Peter share life updates, holiday anecdotes, and recent media they've consumed, from action games lik...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 72
This week, we return to dissect The Matrix Revolutions , the third and originally final installment in the Matrix series. From its action-heavy sequences to its emotional farewells, we explore how the film concludes Neo's journey and its place in the trilogy. Along the way, we discuss their latest media obsessions, frustrations with games, and what's on our radar this holiday season. Episode Highlights : • Personal updates: Peter shares his writing goals and Eden looks forward to a quiet holiday...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 71
Peter and Eden are back, diving headfirst into their analysis of The Matrix Reloaded . They explore its ambitious themes, dazzling action sequences, and how it stacks up against the original Matrix . From the philosophical depth of free will and control to Morpheus' magnetic leadership, the hosts dissect what makes this movie a messy yet compelling cinematic experience. Episode Highlights: • Desert Chronicles: Eden shares their relaxed Palm Springs getaway, complete with a Bing Crosby connection...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 70
This week on The Middle of Culture , Eden and Peter navigate the whirlwind that is November. We delve into our personal struggles and victories, offering our listeners a peek into our hectic lives, creative endeavors, and coping strategies for challenging times. Key Highlights : The November Grind : Peter shares his experience participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) for the third year, discussing the challenges of staying motivated while juggling work and life stress. He offers...
Nov 24, 2024•55 min•Ep. 39
# The Middle of Culture - The Matrix (1999) In this episode, hosts Peter and Eden dive into the groundbreaking 1999 film The Matrix. Having not seen it in nearly 20 years, Peter watches it for the first time since the early 2000s, while Eden revisits this influential sci-fi classic. First, we discuss what we have been checking out lately, with Eden discussing "Pupposites Attract" and Peter discussing his different approach to NaNoWriMo this year. Then we dive into "The Matrix", discussing such t...
Oct 27, 2024•56 min•Ep. 68
Pixels, Preferences, and the Passage of Time: A Gaming Journey This week on "The Middle of Culture," Eden and Peter dive into the ever-shifting landscape of their video game tastes. But before they press start on the main topic, they level up listeners with their recent media adventures! Eden takes us on a whirlwind tour: - They ponder whether "The Wild Robot" tugs at heartstrings or manipulates emotions - Their dragon-sized anticipation for "Dragon Age: The Veilguard," complete with a nostalgic...
Oct 13, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 67
Buckle up, culture enthusiasts! Eden and Peter are back, and they're taking you on an interstellar journey to the haunting world of Solaris. But first, fasten your seatbelts for a whirlwind tour of their latest obsessions: 🎸 Peter's been headbanging to Nightwish's new album, "Yeserwynde" - but is it too bombastic? He's found solace in the gritty, aggressive sounds of Bay Area thrash legends, Exodus. Meanwhile, he's still spellbound by Sanderson's "Mistborn: The Final Empire." 🎮 Eden's been til...
Sep 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 66
Tarkovsky's "Solaris" Divides Our Hosts! Journey with us through the cosmos of pop culture in this week's episode of The Middle of Culture! Our hosts dive deep into the enigmatic world of Andrei Tarkovsky's 1972 sci-fi classic, "Solaris." But before we blast off, strap in for our signature pop culture roundup: - Diablo 4: Is it heaven or hell? - Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn: Worth a re-read? - New sonic landscapes from A Swarm of the Sun and Oceans of Slumber - Eden's musical discoveries and gal...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 65
Get ready for an unexpected ride on this week's "The Middle of Culture"! Life threw us a curveball, but Eden and I rolled with the punches, delivering an episode packed with pop culture goodness. First, we dive deep into our recent obsessions: - Eden takes us on a journey through the grim darkness of Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader and the galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: Outlaws. - Comic book fans, perk up your ears – Eden's got the latest scoop from the world of panels and speech bubbles. - Me...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 39
This week on "The Middle of Culture," brace yourselves for an epic journey into cinematic chaos! Eden and Peter dive headfirst into the 2023 live-action adaptation of 'Knights of the Zodiac,' based on the beloved anime 'Saint Seiya.' But why would our intrepid hosts willingly subject themselves to this cosmic catastrophe? Buckle up because Peter's behind-the-scenes tale of how this movie made it onto their watchlist might outshine the film itself. Get ready for an episode that's equal parts hila...
Aug 18, 2024•55 min•Ep. 63
Join us for an insider's look at San Diego Comic Con 2024! This week on 'The Middle of Culture,' Eden and Peter share their unique perspectives on the world's biggest pop culture event. From Eden's presentation at the Comic Arts Conference to Peter's first-time experience, discover the highlights beyond the Hall H hype. Dive into their adventures on the bustling conference floor, gain insights from intriguing panels, and get the scoop on upcoming TV announcements from Ballroom 20. Plus, don't mi...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 39
Buckle up for a high-octane episode of "The Middle of Culture" as hosts Eden and Peter, fueled by their passion for film, rev their engines for a deep dive into the Wachowski sisters' 2008 film "Speed Racer." At the time, it was a critical and commercial flop, but since its release, this visually stunning adaptation has gained a devoted following. But does it truly deserve a victory lap? Before hitting the track, our hosts share their current media obsessions: - Peter's self-inflicted productivi...
Jul 08, 2024•53 min•Ep. 39
Madame Web: Marvel Masterpiece or Cinematic Catastrophe? Swing into the world of Sony's latest Spider-Verse entry! This week on 'The Middle of Culture,' hosts Eden and Peter face off in an epic showdown over 'Madame Web.' Is it a hidden gem or a box office disaster? Eden's fallen under the movie's spell, while Peter claims it's more toxic than a radioactive spider bite. Join us for a hilarious, no-holds-barred debate as we: - Unravel the tangled mess that is the plot - Debate the relative values...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 39
In this week's episode of “The Middle of Culture,” hosts Eden and I dive into a variety of topics, from personal anecdotes and life updates to a lively discussion about our favorite action movies. I share my experience of living the temporary bachelor life while my family visits Alaska, and Eden discusses their new work project focused on improving website accessibility. The episode’s highlight is an entertaining bracket showdown where we determine the best action movie from a list of 32 contend...
Jun 09, 2024•59 min•Ep. 60
On this week's episode of “The Middle of Culture,” Eden and I immerse ourselves in the world of live music! 🎸🎤 From our very first concerts to the most unforgettable shows, we share stories filled with energy, excitement and a touch of nostalgia. In this episode, we discuss: • Our very first concert experiences and the emotions that came with them. • The best concerts we’ve ever attended and what made them stand out. • Disappointing concerts that didn’t quite hit the mark and why. • Our all-ti...
May 28, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 39
