Hello from Elsewhere: Exploring Pop Culture

By Valerie and Casey Winters, WBNE

What's Hello from Elsewhere: Exploring Pop Culture about?

Valerie and Casey Winters explore the themes of your favorite movies and books with depth, positivity, and infectious enthusiasm. Journey through Elsewhere every other Friday. Hello from Elsewhere is a proud member of WBNE.

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Hello from Elsewhere: Exploring Pop Culture episodes:

05.07.2021
Goodbye from Elsewhere
. . . and in case we don't see ya: good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight.
04.30.2021
Guess the Actor (Bonus Beeps)
Enjoy this bonus episode, just for fun!
04.23.2021
Siblings | Featuring Jordan and Tyler from Late to the Party
This week, Jordan and Tyler (from the D&D podcast Late to the Party) take over Elsewhere to discuss fictional siblings, like Anna & Elsa, Hiro & Tadashi, and Katniss & Prim--plus many more! Follow Jordan's and Tyler's podcast @lttpdnd on...
04.09.2021
Sidekicks | Featuring Becca and Iny from Sincerely, Us
This week, Becca and Iny (from the podcast Sincerely, Us) take over Elsewhere to discuss their favorite fictional sidekicks, like Ned from the MCU's Spider-Man, R2-D2 (savior of the galaxy), and Stiles from Teen Wolf--plus many more! Follow Becca and...
03.26.2021
Making of: Fantastic Mr. Fox (with Iny Fuenmayor of Sincerely, Us)
Broadcasting from the farms of Boggis, Bunce, and Bean, Casey is joined by best friend Iny Fuenmayor (from the podcast Sincerely, Us) to discuss stop motion animation in general and all the behind-the-scenes trivia from Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox...
03.12.2021
Found Family and Michael Schur
Broadcasting from the writer's room of a television show, we explore the theme of found family in the works of Michael Schur: The Office, Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn 99, and The Good Place! You can discuss this episode with us in...
02.26.2021
Making of: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Broadcasting from an exploding super collider, we explore the creation of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, plus we discuss the pop cultural and social importance of the character of Miles Morales. You can discuss this episode with us in our amazing Discord:...
02.12.2021
Cursed Romance in Star Wars
Broadcasting from the idyllic lakes of Naboo, we explore the cursed, tragic romances in the Star Wars universe, from Han and Leia to Rey and Ben. Plus, we consider who's to blame for this curse, and Valerie can't stop thinking...
01.29.2021
Jojo Rabbit and the Imaginary Enemy
Broadcasting from the mind of a German boy during World War II, in this episode we explore the theme of imagination in Jojo Rabbit (2019), both as a dark and dehumanizing action as well as one of hopeful resistance. You can...
01.15.2021
New Beginnings and Revenge
This episode comes to you straight from the casino floor of the Bellagio in Las Vegas, where we discuss new beginnings and revenge, specifically in Ocean's Eleven, The Count of Monte Cristo (2002), and Captain America: Civil War. Time stamps: Ocean's Eleven:...
01.01.2021
Would You Rather?: Pop Culture Edition
In this episode, we ask a plethora of "Would You Rather?" questions, all with a pop culture twist. List of questions: https://www.patreon.com/posts/45646098 You can discuss this episode with us in our amazing Discord (the real Good Place): just visit www.patreon.com/hellofromelsewhere to...
12.18.2020
The Good Place and Goodbyes: None of This is Bad
SPOILERS for the Good Place finale ahead! This episode comes to you straight from The Good Place. We discuss the farewell episodes of television masterpiece The Good Place and why endings are important, valuable, necessary, and good. "Picture a wave ....
12.04.2020
Mythical Creatures
This episode comes to you straight from a mythical menagerie! We bring you all the best history from our favorite mythological creatures: mermaids, dragons, phoenixes, and unicorns! You can discuss this episode with us in our amazing Discord: visit www.patreon.com/hellofromelsewhere to...
11.20.2020
Celebrating 2 Years of Hello from Elsewhere: Listener Q&A
Hello from Elsewhere is 2 years old this month! To celebrate, we answer a flood of listener questions, like what inspired the podcast, what our favorite episodes are, and whether a straw has one hole or two. Discuss this episode with...
11.06.2020
Creative Friendships and the Dares that Shaped Pop Culture
This episode comes to you straight from Lake Geneva, Switzerland, in the middle of a rainstorm! We bring you all the best trivia from the lives of pop culture's most valuable friendships: Mary Shelley and friends, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S....
10.23.2020
Frankenstein Stories: Jurassic Park, The Prestige, and Avengers: Age of Ultron
This episode comes to you straight from a mad scientist's laboratory, where Valerie and Casey explore the themes of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein in three modern films: Jurassic Park (1993), The Prestige (2006), and Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) all include...
10.09.2020
Bonus: Our Nerdiest Stories
Enjoy this bonus episode, originally exclusive to Swashbucklers of Elsewhere! In this episode, we tell all of our nerdiest stories from childhood to adulthood. To hear more bonus episodes like this one, become a Swashbuckler at patreon.com/hellofromelsewhere .
10.09.2020
Interview: Taylor Balliet Loves Kinky Boots
In this episode, Valerie interviews Robot Overlord of Elsewhere Taylor Balliet! What piece of fiction does Taylor love above all others? The Broadway musical Kinky Boots! Taylor dives into what makes Kinky Boots such an uplifting piece of fiction, plus...
09.25.2020
Actors Playing Actors But Nobody Knows They're Actors
This episode comes to you from on board the NSEA Protector! In this episode, we explore a sub-subgenre of comedy films: actors playing actors but nobody knows they're actors. Specifically, we compare and contrast Three Amigos! (1986), A Bug's Life...
09.11.2020
The Themes of John Williams
This episode comes to you straight from Anvil Studios in March 1977, where the London Symphony Orchestra is about to record the score for Star Wars. In this episode, we explore the emotional resonance of the music of John Williams,...
08.28.2020
Jane Austen Adaptations
Broadcasting from the Pemberley garden, we discuss the many film adaptations of Jane Austen's novels, from Sense & Sensibility (1995) to Pride & Prejudice (2005) to Emma (2020). Plus, we talk Pride & Prejudice & Zombies, Clueless, and the Lizzie...
08.14.2020
Valerie's Birthday Episode: Our Favorite Movies EVERY YEAR Since 1990
Broadcasting from the McCallister family home in the suburbs of Chicago, we celebrate Valerie turning 30! To commemorate, we discuss our favorite movie EVERY YEAR since 1990: from romantic comedies to animated films to science fiction epics, we cover it...
07.31.2020
500 Days of Summer: Defying the Manic Pixie Dream Girl
Broadcasting from a greeting card company in Los Angeles, we analyze the manic pixie dream girl trope in 500 Days of Summer. Plus, we explore Elizabethtown, Casey dreams of riding Appa over Middle-Earth, and Valerie wants to go on a...
07.24.2020
Interview: Ryan Winters Loves Mass Effect
In this episode, Casey interviews Ryan, a visual artist and co-host of Pushing 40 Bit on YouTube--Ryan also happens to be Casey's older brother! What piece of fiction does Ryan love above all others? The video game Mass Effect! Ryan...
07.17.2020
Masks and Identity: The Rise of Skywalker and the Mandalorian
Broadcasting from a wretched hive of scum and villainy--in a galaxy far, far away--we explore the symbolism of masks in both The Mandalorian and The Rise of Skywalker. Plus, we discuss why Ben Solo's skin is so luminous, we wonder...
07.03.2020
Beach Party Movies . . . and Jaws
Broadcasting from the biggest wave off the coast of California, we dive into the fascinating history of the (somewhat) forgotten genre of beach party movies--from Gidget to Teen Beach Movie, and every music-filled, surf-crazed film in between. Plus, we discuss...
06.26.2020
Interview: Krista Olsen Loves The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
In this episode, Valerie interviews Krista Olsen, bookstagrammer @beamingbookworm! What piece of fiction does Krista love above all others? The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson! Plus, she gushes about all Brandon Sanderson books, the TV series Avatar the Last...
06.19.2020
Representation in Pop Culture: Why Does It Matter?
Broadcasting from Hollywood in a not-too-distant future, we discuss the value of diverse representation in movies and books. Plus, listen to the voices of listeners and friends as they share why representation matters to them--special thanks to Emilee, Luke, Shira,...
06.12.2020
The Power of Kindness: Paddington Bear and Knives Out
Broadcasting from darkest Peru--but also from an elderly author's creaky mansion--we dive into the concept of kindness in Paddington (1 and 2) and Knives Out (a strange pair, we know). Plus, we discuss what story would change completely with an...
06.05.2020
Black Voices to Support
In light of recent events and the long history of racism against Black people worldwide, we have decided to postpone the episode we had planned for today. To our White listeners, we encourage you to spend time seeking out and listening...
05.29.2020
Interview: Pix Loves Kingdom Hearts
In this episode, Casey interviews Pix, co-host of I'm Telling Dad: a podcast about siblings! What piece of fiction does Pix love above all others? The video game Kingdom Hearts! Pix retells playing through this epic Square Enix and Disney...
05.22.2020
Women in Star Wars
Please take our listener survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HZW6S9T . Broadcasting from Coruscant, The Ghost, Mandalore, and broken down AT-AT Walkers, Valerie is joined by Becca and Iny from Sincerely Us to discuss the strong women in the Star Wars universe! You can become an...
05.08.2020
Comedians in Serious Movie Roles
Please take our listener survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HZW6S9T . Broadcasting from Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland, Valerie and Casey discuss comedians in serious--or semi-serious--movie roles, particularly Steve Carell in Dan in Real Life, Ben Stiller in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Will Ferrell in...
04.24.2020
Which Characters Would Be the Best and Worst Roommates During Quarantine?
Broadcasting from a normal house in the middle of a postapocalyptic wasteland, Casey and Valerie discuss which fictional characters would be the best--and worst--roommates during a pandemic. Would Sid from Toy Story make a good friend in quarantine? What about...
04.17.2020
Interview: Our Kids Love Frozen 2 and Star Wars Rebels
In this episode, Casey interviews his and Valerie's two oldest kids. What pieces of fiction do they love above all others? Frozen 2 and Star Wars Rebels! Become an official Human of Elsewhere by visiting www.patreon.com/hellofromelsewhere . Visit our store...
04.10.2020
Emotional Stories
Broadcasting from . . . our hearts? In this episode, Casey and Valerie match stories with their emotions, from fear to hygge to euphoria, from The Dark Knight to The Princess Bride. Play along as you listen! Become an official...
03.28.2020
Elsewhere Movie Club: The Princess Diaries Commentary
It's another movie commentary for your quarantine! Broadcasting from Genovia, Valerie and Casey watch 2001's The Princess Diaries in real-time! So sit down, load up your Disney+, and watch along! You can become an official Human of Elsewhere by visiting...
03.27.2020
Julie Andrews: The Hollywood Years
Broadcasting from 17 Cherry Tree Lane, Valerie and Casey present all the Julie Andrews trivia you could possibly imagine, from flying as Mary Poppins to being blown over by a helicopter while filming the Sound of Music! To listen to...
03.20.2020
Interview: Mary Clay Watt Loves Parks and Rec
In this episode, Valerie interviews Mary Clay Watt, host of That's What I'm Tolkien About! What piece of fiction does Mary Clay love above all others? Parks and Recreation! Which Mary Clay describes as a warm hug of a show...
03.19.2020
Elsewhere Movie Club: Willow Commentary
Bonus episode: it's a movie commentary for your quarantine! Broadcasting from Nelwyn country, welcome to our very first Elsewhere Movie Club, where Valerie and Casey watch in real-time the fantasy masterpiece (?) Willow from 1988. So sit down, load up...
03.13.2020
Magical Portals and Gateways
Broadcasting from Spare Oom in the city of War Drobe, Valerie and Casey discuss portal fantasies, from The Chronicles of Narnia to Stranger Things. Plus, the tales of their mildly haunted house continue, and they decide who is a hotter...
02.28.2020
The Power of Story
In this episode Valerie and Casey explore what makes stories so powerful, from the way storytelling defines us as humans, to the value of representation in fiction, to the science of how stories affect our brains. Become an official Human...
02.21.2020
Interview: Ryan Lehman Loves Red Rising
In this episode, Valerie interviews Ryan Lehman, host of A Sorta Star Wars Podcast! What piece of fiction does Ryan love above all others? Red Rising by Pierce Brown! They also discuss 3 Ninjas, dystopian novels, and parenting. Find Ryan...
02.14.2020
Fictional Character Dates
Broadcasting from Madame Pudifoot's Tea Shop, Valerie and Casey match fictional characters and send them on dates, just in time for Valentine's Day: from Rey and Aragorn, to Lightning McQueen and Mr. Incredible, to Princess Anna and Kermit the Frog,...
01.31.2020
Musical Moments in Star Wars and Harry Potter
In this episode, Valerie and Casey discuss their favorite musical moments in the Harry Potter films and in Star Wars. Become an official Human of Elsewhere by visiting www.patreon.com/hellofromelsewhere . Visit our store at www.teespring.com/stores/hello-from-elsewhere . Hello from Elsewhere is...
01.24.2020
Interview: Iny Fuenmayor Loves In the Heights
In this episode, Casey interviews Iny Fuenmayor, co-host of Sincerely, Us: A Podcast for the Casual Musical Theatre Fan! What piece of fiction does Iny love above all others? Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights! As a musical theater fan and...
01.17.2020
The Significance of Names in Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings
Broadcasting from Tom Riddle's diary, Valerie and Casey explore the symbolism and meaning of names in both the Harry Potter series and The Lord of the Rings, from the alliterative founders of Hogwarts to the dozens of names for Gandalf....
01.03.2020
The Significance of Names in Star Wars
SPOILERS AHEAD for The Rise of Skywalker! Star Wars contains myriad names, and in this episode, Valerie and Casey discuss names and their symbolism in the galaxy far, far away, from Palpatine to Solo to Skywalker (not to mention Therm...
12.25.2019
A GIGANTIC Announcement!
Valerie and Casey share the biggest news of all the news!
12.20.2019
Is Santa Claus a Wizard or a Jedi?
Broadcasting from an old chimney, Valerie and Casey debate whether Santa Claus is a Wizard or a Jedi. Is the North Pole on another planet? Does Santa's bag have an undetectable extension charm? We discuss these questions (and more) from...

What's Hello from Elsewhere: Exploring Pop Culture about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Hello from Elsewhere: Exploring Pop Culture episodes:

Goodbye from Elsewhere

Guess the Actor (Bonus Beeps)

Siblings | Featuring Jordan and Tyler from Late to the Party

Sidekicks | Featuring Becca and Iny from Sincerely, Us

Making of: Fantastic Mr. Fox (with Iny Fuenmayor of Sincerely, Us)

Found Family and Michael Schur

Making of: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Cursed Romance in Star Wars

Jojo Rabbit and the Imaginary Enemy

New Beginnings and Revenge

Would You Rather?: Pop Culture Edition

The Good Place and Goodbyes: None of This is Bad

Mythical Creatures

Celebrating 2 Years of Hello from Elsewhere: Listener Q&A

Creative Friendships and the Dares that Shaped Pop Culture

Frankenstein Stories: Jurassic Park, The Prestige, and Avengers: Age of Ultron

Bonus: Our Nerdiest Stories

Interview: Taylor Balliet Loves Kinky Boots

Actors Playing Actors But Nobody Knows They're Actors

The Themes of John Williams

Jane Austen Adaptations

Valerie's Birthday Episode: Our Favorite Movies EVERY YEAR Since 1990

500 Days of Summer: Defying the Manic Pixie Dream Girl

Interview: Ryan Winters Loves Mass Effect

Masks and Identity: The Rise of Skywalker and the Mandalorian

Beach Party Movies . . . and Jaws

Interview: Krista Olsen Loves The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

Representation in Pop Culture: Why Does It Matter?

The Power of Kindness: Paddington Bear and Knives Out

Black Voices to Support

Interview: Pix Loves Kingdom Hearts

Women in Star Wars

Comedians in Serious Movie Roles

Which Characters Would Be the Best and Worst Roommates During Quarantine?

Interview: Our Kids Love Frozen 2 and Star Wars Rebels

Emotional Stories

Elsewhere Movie Club: The Princess Diaries Commentary

Julie Andrews: The Hollywood Years

Interview: Mary Clay Watt Loves Parks and Rec

Elsewhere Movie Club: Willow Commentary

Magical Portals and Gateways

The Power of Story

Interview: Ryan Lehman Loves Red Rising

Fictional Character Dates

Musical Moments in Star Wars and Harry Potter

Interview: Iny Fuenmayor Loves In the Heights

The Significance of Names in Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings

The Significance of Names in Star Wars

A GIGANTIC Announcement!

Is Santa Claus a Wizard or a Jedi?