K-pop Demon Hunters blends spectacular animation with chart-topping music to create Netflix's biggest animated surprise hit of the year. Sony Pictures' animated film follows K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey who use their secret powers to protect fans from supernatural threats. • Animation style draws inspiration from Spider-Verse and Mitchells vs. The Machines, offering something fresh compared to traditional Disney animation • Music serves as the film's beating heart, with songs like Golde...
Jul 16, 2025•1 hr 1 min
We dive into DreamWorks' criminally underrated 2022 animated film "The Bad Guys," exploring why this stylish heist movie deserves more recognition alongside studio favorites. • Based on the popular children's books by Aaron Blabey • Features an impressive voice cast including Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Awkwafina, and Anthony Ramos • Animation style heavily influenced by "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" with a blend of 2D aesthetics and 3D modeling • Combines elements of classic...
Jul 09, 2025•38 min
Longtime friend Erin, who works as Community Manager for 2K Games on Borderlands, joins us for a special reunion episode filled with nostalgia, cryptid sightings, and Hollywood career revelations. • Harold and Kumar are getting a new sequel with original stars John Cho and Kal Penn expected to return • Discussing whether early 2000s stoner comedies can successfully translate to today's entertainment landscape • Erin shares bizarre cryptid sightings including an alien on a doorbell camera and a p...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 24 min
Lalaine Art Geek shares her journey as a cartoonist, illustrator, and comic artist, revealing how her distinctive bold, colorful style has evolved from composition notebooks to digital platforms and print. Her vibrant approach to character design draws inspiration from some of your favorite franchises in pop culture, creating a unique style that pops off the screen and stands out at conventions! • Creating character-focused art with a distinctive cartoon style influenced by Western animation • B...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 12 min
We dive into the world of park building games with a focus on Jurassic World Evolution 2, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and the crucial role of mods in enhancing gameplay. • Comparing Jurassic World Evolution 1 (2018) and Evolution 2 (2021) • The experience gap between console and PC gameplay due to mod support • Evolution 2's simplified approach compared to other park builders like Planet Zoo and Prehistoric Planet • Game modes including campaign, chaos theory, and sandbox • The limitati...
Jun 18, 2025•45 min
For this edition of International Feature, we dive into The First Slam Dunk , exploring how the 2022 anime film became the highest-grossing basketball movie of all time with nearly $300 million worldwide. They analyze the revolutionary animation style that blends 2D and 3D techniques while discussing whether it successfully welcomes newcomers to the franchise. • Groundbreaking animation combining traditional 2D with CGI creates an immersive basketball experience • Authentic basketball sound desi...
Jun 11, 2025•41 min
Perfect Blue , Satoshi Kon's 1997 directorial debut, stands as one of the most influential and psychologically complex anime films ever created, still inspiring filmmakers today with its disturbing yet masterful narrative about identity and fame. The film's ability to blur the lines between reality and delusion creates a viewing experience that continues to haunt viewers days after watching, making it a timeless psychological thriller despite being over 25 years old. • Released in 1997, Perfect ...
Jun 04, 2025•40 min
The entertainment industry is constantly evolving, and May 2025 brought several significant developments that caught the attention of pop culture enthusiasts everywhere. From controversial pricing decisions to exciting casting announcements, there's much to unpack in this month's entertainment landscape. • Randy Pitchford told fans "if you're a real fan, you'll find a way" to afford the $80 Borderlands 4 • Game prices continue to rise with Nintendo games reaching $90 and GTA 6 potentially hittin...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 46 min
Voice actress Roo Ryder shares her journey from athlete to anime star, revealing how she became the voice of Torako Koshi in "My Deer Friend Nokotan" and built her career in gaming, voice acting, and cosplay. • Roo discusses her background as an athlete and how COVID led her to pursue voice acting professionally in 2022 • Her experience working as a party princess entertainer helped develop her character work before voice acting • Roo's cosplay journey began with Junko Enoshima from Danganronpa ...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 29 min
We take a deep dive into the Assassin's Creed franchise with Andrew from Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers to examine its evolution from humble beginnings to global phenomenon. Together, we trace the journey from Altair's first adventure to the latest installment in feudal Japan. • The first Assassin's Creed established a foundation despite repetitive gameplay and a bland protagonist • Assassin's Creed II and Ezio Auditore revolutionized the series with improved gameplay, character depth, and Re...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 37 min
We return to international cinema with 2024's Oscar winner for Best International Film, "I'm Still Here," a powerful true story about Brazil's military dictatorship and one family's devastating experience. • Based on the true story of Eunice Paiva, whose husband disappeared during Brazil's military dictatorship in 1971 • Features an extraordinary performance from Fernanda Torres that captures the quiet strength of a mother protecting her children while seeking answers • Set against the backdrop ...
May 14, 2025•40 min
Travis Bickle, a lonely Vietnam War veteran working as a NYC taxi driver, descends into violent vigilantism as his mental state deteriorates and his disgust with urban decay intensifies. Martin Scorsese's legendary 1976 character study features an iconic performance by Robert De Niro that continues to influence cinema decades later. • Robert De Niro's transformative performance as Travis Bickle remains the film's standout element • Scorsese's portrayal of 1970s New York City creates a character ...
May 07, 2025•38 min
Matthew Medney joins us to discuss GUNGNIR , his fresh publishing company blending punk rock spirit with Norse mythology to create bold, innovative sci-fi and fantasy narratives. • Journey from music industry production management to publishing • Creating a community-based publisher where readers discover new voices and follow favorite authors • Every Gungnir book has its own unique artistic style – no house style • Designing books as collectible art pieces that remind readers of their emotional...
May 05, 2025•53 min
From 36,000 feet in the air to the depths of future dystopian worlds, Nicholas Keating-Casbarro shares the incredible journey of creating his sci-fi franchise, Vitalerium – Descent into the Void . We explore how a career in the medical field led to writing a sci-fi series about humanity's complex future 700 years from now. • Writing a sci-fi novel during countless flight hours while working in medical devices • Creating Vitalerium – a sci-fi universe following a roughneck freelancer caught in a ...
Apr 30, 2025•2 hr 18 min
We go behind the music of Naruto: The Symphonic Experience with Heidi Joosten. This North American tour brings the iconic anime to life with a full orchestra performing to scenes from the first 220 episodes projected on a cinema screen. • The show combines a live orchestra with favorite fight scenes and beloved music from the early Naruto series • Audiences are encouraged to react, cheer, and engage with the performance—not a traditional quiet symphony experience • The production features a rock...
Apr 29, 2025•9 min
The hosts from the Super Bracket Bros Cinematic Universe return to discuss April's most interesting pop culture stories and compete in a lively Kahoot game. They explore scientific breakthroughs, gaming controversies, and exciting new entertainment projects with humor and insight. • Return of the dire wolf after 10,000 years through gene editing by Colossal Biosciences • Celebrity-funded de-extinction projects raising ethical concerns about playing with nature • Nintendo's Switch 2 announcement ...
Apr 28, 2025•2 hr 8 min
We deep dive into Slay the Spire, the roguelike deck-building game that surprised us with its addictive gameplay and endless replayability. This recommendation from our patron Stefan takes us far outside our comfort zone, yet proves to be one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences we've had. • Exploring how Slay the Spire works as a roguelike deck-builder with procedural generation • Discussing our initial hesitation and eventual appreciation for the game's accessible design • Breaking down th...
Apr 23, 2025•28 min
Mamoru Hosoda's "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" follows 17-year-old Makoto Konno who discovers she can literally leap backward through time, using her newfound ability to reshape her experiences and relationships with mixed results. • Exploring Hosoda's distinct animation style that differs from Ghibli films while maintaining beautiful visuals • Examining the relatable teenage friend group dynamic among Makoto, Chiaki, and Kosuke • Appreciating the unique visual representation of time travel t...
Apr 16, 2025•36 min
The guys review Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, a 2012 web series-turned-movie that follows military cadets who must team up with Master Chief when their academy is attacked by the Covenant. • A tale of two halves, with the first portion focusing on cadet training that feels slow and uninspired • The film dramatically improves once the Covenant attack begins around the midpoint • Excellent atmospheric portrayal of the Covenant as genuinely terrifying threats • Master Chief's portrayal strikes the per...
Apr 09, 2025•42 min
Step into the electric atmosphere of Collective Con during these live interviews with the talents behind some of your favorite characters across film, television, anime, and video games. A huge thank you to the event organizers of Collective Con and the extraordinarily talented Jack Drain , who allowed us the opportunity to take part in these live interviews. We hope you enjoy this episode and we will see you at next year's event! We start off with Shawn Ashmore (0:15) talking about his favorite...
Apr 06, 2025•48 min
Special guests Bridget Rulz and Vintage Macaroni from Retro AV Rewind join us for a lively discussion about the most interesting pop culture moments of March. • Common Side Effects on HBO Max gets renewed for season 2 - a dark animated series about a mushroom that can cure anything • The moral dilemma of possessing something with unlimited healing power: would you profit or share freely? • Disney announces "Not Just a Goof" documentary about the untold story of A Goofy Movie and its cult followi...
Mar 31, 2025•2 hr 3 min
The world of voice acting often seems glamorous from the outside, but behind every character is a person with their own path, struggles, and triumphs. Professional voice actor Josh Portillo shares his journey from childhood influences to navigating the voice acting industry, balancing grief with career demands, and finding community in creative spaces. • Started voice acting to support a friend before discovering his own passion for the craft. • Went full-time after careful consideration and enc...
Mar 26, 2025•2 hr 28 min
We dive into The Stanley Parable Ultra Deluxe, a meta-commentary game that challenges what a video game can be while providing a compelling experience about choice, predestination, and the relationship between player and creator. • Plays like an interactive choose-your-own-adventure book with countless branching paths and endings • Features a narrator who responds to player choices, creating a dynamic relationship between game and player • Raises philosophical questions about whether player choi...
Mar 19, 2025•23 min
We dive into the Chinese animated phenomenon Ne Zha on this episode, exploring how this little-known film and its sequel became the highest-grossing animated movies of all time while most Western audiences have never heard of them. Whether you're an animation enthusiast or simply curious about international cinema that's breaking records, Ne Zha offers stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and cultural insights that shouldn't be missed. • Based on Chinese folk religion, Ne Zha tells the stor...
Mar 12, 2025•51 min
Keith Arem and Chris Yates unveil ' Frost Road ', a groundbreaking apocalyptic horror graphic novel that plays like "a zombie movie in reverse", and our guests reveal the science behind this project of salt, sound, and survival. • A story that blends the emotional intensity of The Last of Us with the atmosphere of A Quiet Place and dread of Silent Hill • Keith brings extensive experience of over 30+ years from the video game (Call of Duty, Spider-Man) and the music industry • Chris contributes e...
Mar 10, 2025•37 min
Covering the iconic film "The Shawshank Redemption" after seeing it for the first time, we delve into its journey from initial failure to cinematic excellence. It's not just about prison; it's about hope, friendship, and resilience in the face of adversity. - Discussion of the film’s historical context and critical reception - Analysis of key characters and performances by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman - Insights on cinematic techniques and thematic elements - Personal reflections and critiques...
Mar 05, 2025•40 min
In the latest episode of "What Did I Miss?", we dive into the highlights of February’s pop culture with several friends of the show! From gaming revelations to film industry updates, our exciting discussions cover all corners of entertainment, enhancing your knowledge of what you might have missed. Alongside a vibrant guest lineup, we tackle the latest trends, stories, and events that shaped the past month. We explore varying perspectives on major topics like Hollywood adaptations, video game re...
Feb 28, 2025•2 hr 39 min
Jessica Cavanaugh, renowned for her voice work in beloved anime such as My Hero Academia, joins us to share her experiences and insights into the world of voice acting. From theater roots to anime success, Jessica reflects on her journey and offers invaluable advice for aspiring voice actors. She discusses her perspective of the industry and highlights the importance of embracing diverse roles that represent strength and vulnerability. - Transitioning from theater to voice acting - Navigating ty...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 21 min
StingrayCon is an annual convention in Jacksonville Florida that celebrates nerd culture and is deeply rooted in community building and inclusion. In this episode with Joseph Rawlins, we explore its origins, the diverse fandoms represented, and future plans for its growth, emphasizing the importance of connection and creativity for local students. • Introduction to StingrayCon and its community significance • Origins rooted in post-COVID connections for students • Growth trajectory from a small ...
Feb 21, 2025•15 min
This episode explores the nuances of the Guardians of the Galaxy game, reflecting on its strengths and weaknesses. The co-hosts address gameplay mechanics, narrative pacing, character development, and the impact of dialogue on immersion, all while pondering the potential for a sequel. • Overview of the Guardians of the Galaxy game and its unique story • Character dynamics praised for their depth and connection • Combat mechanics criticized for repetition and lack of character interaction • The n...
Feb 19, 2025•42 min
