Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Jordan Stokes overthink the second half of Stranger Things 2, including its treatments of puberty, psychological trauma, and 80’s pop culture.

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Episode 492: Out of the Town, into the Mind originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podcast (iTunes Link)]

Peter Fenzel and Matthew Wrather inductively prove the existence of Thanksgiving through a consideration of the food and family traditions surrounding the holiday. Pro tip: Brine your turkey.

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That Norman Rockwell painting that makes you feel bad about your family’s crappy Thanksgiving is called “Freedom from Want.”

Episode 491: Tarving the Curkey originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podcast (iTunes Link)]

Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Matt Wrather didn’t not enjoy (aspects of) Justice League, but they find it hard to talk about. Just kidding, they never find it hard to talk.

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Episode 490: Urban Surfer Hipster Bro Dragon Ball Z Longhair Fusion Dance originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podcast (iTunes Link)]

Peter Fenzel and Matthew Wrather mistake late capitalism for late antiquity, as they discuss current events through the lens of a struggle between heresy and orthodoxy, a crisis of authority, and the discursive chaos that results when state or quasi-state actors are derelict in their duties.

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Heresies

The Surprising Revolt at the Most Liberal College in the Country

Babylon 5

Episode 489: 10/10 Would Burn Again originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podcast (iTunes Link)]

Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Matthew Wrather try desperately to prevent the end of the world as they discuss Thor: Ragnarok. The journey takes them through Norse mythology, Thor’s transformation, the Dia de Los Hulkos celebration, and an appreciation of the film’s symbolic richness, no less rich for its humorous and campy elements.

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Not the strongest Avenger. (Click to enlarge.)

Episode 488: Thor: Macklemore originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podcast (iTunes Link)]

Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Matthew Wrather apply some portion control to their binge watch, and consider Stranger Things 2 in itself, in light of the first season, and in light of the conspiracy theories they are developing.

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Eleven and Rambo (click to enlarge)

The Nancys: Elm Street (l), Stranger Things (r) (click to enlarge)

Episode 487: What If They Threw a Conspiracy and Nobody Came? originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podcast (iTunes Link)]

Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Matthew Wrather tackle diverse works for all three corners of our triangular country: The film The Florida Project, the music video to St. Vincent’s song “New York,” and the upcoming album North of Sunset, West of Vine by Raya Yarbrough.

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Episode 486: I Just Click “Accept” on All Social Contracts originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podcast (iTunes Link)]

Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Matthew Wrather make a sincere effort to overthink current scandals in a way that is useful and sensitive. It is hard not to get conscripted by the malevolent conspiracy, but remember that there’s no use wondering, “Wouldn’t it be better if the bad thing weren’t true?”

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Episode 485: We’re The Grandpas in the Vampire Movie originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podcast (iTunes Link)]

Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Matthew Wrather wonder about the visual style, the biblical allegory, and the social commentary of Dennis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049, starring Ryan Gosling. We also hear listener messages for the 9th anniversary podcast!

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Episode 484: Beating Your Blade Runners into Plowshare Runners originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podcast (iTunes Link)]

Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Matthew Wrather overthink Tom Cruise’s latest movie, American Made.

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No Facial Hair.

Episode 483: Drive the Continent Like You Stole It originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podcast (iTunes Link)]