The Mothership - podcast cover

The Mothership

USA TODAYwww.usatoday.com

Get down and nerdy with this USA TODAY podcast every Friday as hosts Brett Molina, Kelly Lawler and Brian Truitt dissect the geekiest video games, TV shows and movies.

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Episodes

Disney Plus, 'Star Wars,' & Marvel: Over- or Underwhelming?

This week Brett Molina ponders whether he will live to see all the 'Star Wars' and Marvel movies and the myriad shows slated to premier on Disney Plus. With so many promises and so little time the crew discusses 'Star Wars: Rouge Squadron' and which shows they are most looking forward to, if they all come to fruition.

Dec 18, 202027 min

Joe Manganiello talks 'Archenemy,' 'D&D,' and football

Joe Manganiello discusses his new film, 'Archenemy,' where he plays an alcoholic, former superhero who has fallen far from grace. Joe also talks about his love of comics as a kid and his childhood dream, (now reality) of working for Dungeons & Dragons, which is owned by Hasbro. Brett and Joe attempt to predict the outcome of Monday night's football game, Pittsburgh Steelers versus Washington Football Team — spoiler, they were wrong.

Dec 11, 202026 min

Spoiler review of 'The Mandalorian' season two

This week we head to Spoiler Town as the crew reviews season 2 of "The Mandalorian" and attempts to predict how the season will end and what future iterations may hold. Brett critiques the repetitive plot lines of season two and Brian hopes the show continues to introduce new characters rather than familiar characters from the Star Wars universe.

Dec 04, 202033 min

What we're thankful for in 2020

This week founding member of the Mothership Carly Mallenbaum comes aboard and says farewell as she prepares to leave USAToday. Carly as well as Brett, Brian and Kelly reminisce about their favorite things that got through the pandemic and explain why they are thankful for each of the distractions.

Nov 27, 202037 min

Xbox Series X versus PlayStation 5

Kelly Lawler hosts this week's episode of The Mothership and interviews Tech Reporter Brett Molina on the new video game consoles Xbox Series X & PlayStation 5. Brett shares his takes and rates each console in the following categories: user experience, load times, and unique upgrades. He also tells us which console was actually worth the wait.

Nov 20, 202021 min

'Freaky' theater debut, is it worth it?

This week the crew gets freaky! Brian Truitt interviews Christopher Landon, director of the new slasher-comedy "Freaky." Landon tells us how, at first, he thought Vince Vaughn would say "no" to the role of the serial killer. Landon also proudly discusses his favorite death scene from the film, which he fought to keep. And USA TODAY Business Reporter and friend of the podcast Nathan Bomey comes aboard the Mothership to discuss the current financial state of movie theaters and how they plan to sta...

Nov 13, 202037 min

How 'The Right Stuff' & 'Ad Astra' got it right

Robert Yowell, former Flight Controller for the NASA Space Shuttle comes aboard the Mothership to discuss his role as a Tech Consultant for Disney's historical drama series "The Right Stuff." Yowell also chats with Tech Reporter Brett Molina about working closely with Brad Pitt on the set of "Ad Astra," the complications of using the restroom in zero gravity and how the privatization of space travel is making earth orbital flight more accessible.

Oct 23, 202023 min

The young Cronenberg and his film 'Possessor'

Director and screenwriter Brandon Cronenberg guests in this week's episode of The Mothership. Brandon discusses his new sci-fi/horror film "Possessor" and the real life event that inspired it. And Brett and Brian chat with Brandon about his family legacy in film, his favorite movies for the Halloween season, and how he is surviving social distancing.

Oct 02, 202024 min

Our review of 'Enola Holmes'

This week the crew reviews Netflix's "Enola Holmes" and its star-studded cast. Brian gushes on how the new film remains true to the Sherlock legacy while establishing a fresh take with a new character. Kelly and Brett discuss their favorite portrayals of Sherlock and Watson and why they love them.

Sep 25, 202036 min

This one's for 'The Boys'

Antony Starr aka Homelander comes aboard the Mothership and discusses what fans can expect from season two of "The Boys." Antony gives us spoiler-free details about a new villain on "The Seven" and the loss of stability for any characters from season one. The gang also chats about the difference between an American and New Zealand barbecue.

Sep 04, 202028 min

Special Episode - HBO's 'Watchmen' & 'Bill & Ted Face the Music'

Happy Friday! And boy does the crew have a show for you. This week is a double feature, with special interviews from HBO's "Watchmen" and the upcoming film "Bill and Ted face the Music". Director Steph Green talks about "Watchmen," helming the Emmy-nominated episode “Little Fear of Lightning,” and how she wanted to portray the origin of key character Looking Glass. And William Sadler comes aboard to discuss reprising his role as Death in "Bill & Ted Face Music," and his method for fleshing o...

Aug 28, 202041 min

DC FanDome and Stans

This week Film Critic Brian Truitt and Tech Reporter Brett Molina chat DC FanDome and what fans can expect to see from the Comic-Con-esque, virtual experience streaming August 22nd. Brett discusses his dismay over comments about the upcoming film "The Batman," and Brian goes over details of what may or may not be teased during the FanDome stream. Our hosts also talk about current issues involving stans, how their behavior became acceptable and what can be done to discourage it.

Aug 21, 202033 min

Mulan and pandemic box office releases

Disney announced it will release the live-action version of "Mulan" through it's streaming platform Disney Plus on September 4th. But there is a catch—a $30.00 purchase fee to be exact. This week, Film Critic Brian Truitt & Tech Reporter Brett Molina discuss whether this release is worth the price tag on top of regular subscription costs and how the outcome might affect future film releases as movie theaters start to reopen during the pandemic.

Aug 14, 202025 min

I heard a rumor: Emmy Raver-Lampman on 'Umbrella Academy' & 'Hamilton'

We missed a few episodes here & there. But we’re back, and not with a bang but a rumor. Emmy Raver-Lampman comes aboard the Mothership and chats with the crew about “Umbrella Academy” and the heavy, universal themes it handles in season two. Emmy also describes what an honor it was to be part of the original cast of “Hamilton” on Broadway and dotes on her pandemic garden.

Aug 07, 202034 min

Or is it quarantine brain?

This week we beg the question: Is it actually good or is it quarantine good? Join us as our Technology Reporter Brett Molina and TV Critic Kelly Lawler examine whether they are actually enjoying the television series they are watching or are they settling to fill endless hours of quarantine. And Film Critic Brian Truitt discusses how the constant availability of streaming paired with social distancing may have lowered the standards to truly judge films.

Jul 24, 202025 min

'Snowpiercer', 'Rental' & Sheila Vand

Sheila Vand chats with the crew about her role in the horror film, "Rental" and how she uses her work in the horror genre to confront and conquer her worst fears. Sheila gushes to our Film Critic Brian Truitt about her character, Zarah Ferami on TNT's "Snowpiercer" and talks with Brett Molina about her Corona anxiety and her plans to continue working in film post-social distancing.

Jul 10, 202036 min

Pop culture and Independence Day

This week the fireworks fly as the crew shares their favorite ways to geek out over the fourth of July! Brett likes the oldie but goodie film, "Independence Day", Brian offers other not so on the nose ideas for entertainment. And Kelly tells listeners how to view fireworks and social distance on this peculiar Independence Day.

Jul 03, 202029 min

Season two review of 'Doom Patrol'

Film Critic Brian Truitt chats with Timothy Dalton about his role as The Chief in HBO's "Doom Patrol" and what fans can look forward to in its second season. Brian names the first movie he saw in a theater and Dalton reflects on how the film was received by American audiences who didn't understand camp at the time.

Jun 19, 202021 min

Systemic racism and cop TV shows

This week pop culture and current events collide as our hosts speak with NPR TV Critic Eric Deggans about the current racial movement taking place in our country and how TV shows about cops and the justice system pass along derogatory and discriminative messages regarding race, specifically African-Americans. Deggans also discusses the desire among white Americans to fight systemic racism and suggests they "find one thing that may support white supremacy or passes along racist ideas and tackle i...

Jun 12, 202031 min

Henry Rollins: The Renaissance Man

Henry Rollins comes aboard the Mothership and chats about his new horror-fantasy film, "Dreamland" which premiers on streaming platforms today. Rollins explains how Corona has affected his life, discusses his deep and multifaceted career as a musician, actor and author and gushes about his love of collecting records and crawling record stores.

Jun 05, 202025 min

Snyder Cut and HBO Max

This week the crew dissect HBO Max--whether it's worth it and what fans can expect from the infamous Snyder Cut set to debut on the platform in 2021. TV Critic Kelly Lawler breaks down the never ending question of what show is on which platform and Brian Truitt and Brett Molina give advice on how soon-to-arrive streaming services can corner the market.

May 29, 202032 min

Happy Birthday Star Wars: 'Episode V'

Mike Ryan, Senior Entertainment Writer for UPROXX joins hosts Brian Truitt and Kelly Lawler as they pay tribute to the 40th birthday of "The Empire Strikes Back," also known as Star Wars: "Episode V." Each host explains why they love this particular installment of the Star Wars saga and discusses specific details you may or may not know about the film.

May 22, 202032 min

The wonder of Frank Welker

This week the Mothership has peeked! And hosts Brett Molina and Brian Triutt marvel at their guest, the incomparable Frank Welker. The name might not ring a bell but his voice--or voices, will. Frank has voiced of some of the most iconic animated characters since the 60s and recently voiced the beloved Scooby-Doo in the animated film 'Scoob!" soon to be released on VOD May 15, 2020. Frank amazes the crew as he seamlessly transitions from the voice of Megatron to Scooby-Doo to Smokey Bear and sha...

May 15, 202026 min

Clark Duke from 'The Office' to 'Arkansas'

Clark Duke comes aboard the mothership to discuss his directorial debut of his new film "Arkansas". Clark chats about the challenges and lessons learned from directing a movie he also starred in and the film's "Twinsesque pairing". And Brett & Brian get Clark to nerd out about wrestling.

May 08, 202037 min

Like, check out our 'Valley Girl' episode -- or like, whatever

Jessica Rothe comes aboard the Mothership and dishes about her totally tripendicular movie "Valley Girl" soon to be digitally released on May 8th. Brett Molina & Brian Truitt get schooled on valley girl slang and make light of a very specific review.

May 01, 202022 min

Quarantining with friends

Brian Truitt is away this week but filling in for him is Alexander Zalben, Managing Editor of the New York Post's Decider. Alex describes his new schedule and workout regimen while social distancing and chats with Brett Molina about top television picks for friends. Kelly Lawler confesses about unused game consoles and asks for movie suggestions to occupy her three-year-old niece during quarantine.

Apr 24, 202021 min

Horror films & 'Tiger King' & Alexandra Daddario, oh my!

This week special guest Alexandra Daddario comes aboard the Mothership to talk about her character in the heavy-metal, satanic film, "We Summon the Darkness". Alexandra discusses the deeper meaning and symbolism of the horror genre, how she enjoyed and was intimidated by her stunts in the film and whether Johnny Knoxville or The Rock are the best movie dads. And as a bonus, Alexandra and Brett gush about their love for Netflix's "Tiger King" and their fascination with the complexity of its chara...

Apr 10, 202019 min

The Mothership's great escape--'Animal Crossing: New Horizons'

Social distancing and can't leave your house? The Mothership crew has figured out a way to escape! What is their quarantine retreat? It's "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" and boy are they enjoying themselves. This week they talk coconuts, dinosaur fossils, home loans and drunken pilots and share their best tips for advancing in the game.

Apr 03, 202025 min

The movie industry v. COVID-19

Movie theaters have long been competing with streaming services but now they have to compete with COVID-19. This week, the crew takes a look at how quarantining and social distancing is affecting the movie industry. Will Hollywood learn and adapt or will box office releases fall prey to the convenience and safety of streaming?

Mar 27, 202027 min

Isolate & Chill: What to stream while social distancing

It's a been a crazy week for everyone and while we can't be there for you physically (social distancing and all) we can support you with entertainment. This week we share our favorite things to watch across various streaming platforms. Brian Truitt breaks his long-standing fight against dating shows with "Love is Blind" which he refers to as the "mac & cheese of Netflix", Kelly Lawler gets lost in Sundance Now's "A Discovery of Witches" and Brett Molina escapes the pandemic with "Schitt's Cr...

Mar 20, 202024 min
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