Should We Keep This?

Join us for our first episode in isolation! That’s right. We’re taking a little detour on our way through the 90s cuz of a little thing called COVID 19 (ever heard of it?). And today we’re joined by Rock Rising cohort Michael Johnson (Looking For Artists podcast host) to discuss his 90s Bonus pick Men in Black. We’re talking cool suits, sexy morticians, and social distancing. Is there a difference between “isolation” and “quarantine?” Is there a point to the song Men in Black, besides being a total banger? One thing’s for sure: we make this podcast look good.

1998 (Shakespeare In Love & Armageddon)

It’s time to talk about Independence Day and Annie Hall...er, sorry, no that’s not right, we mean Armageddon (top grossing) and Shakespeare in Love (Best Picture). Two movies that are definitely NOT at all like those other two movies. Join Steven and Gina for a heated discussion about animal cracker crumbs in undies, writer’s block, space dementia, and so much more in this week of Ben Affleck and female muses.

We’re king of the world this week with Titanic (Best Picture & Top Grossing) and Seinfeld (top rated TV show). Whether you’re new money or steerage, whether you’re a schlemiel or a schlimazel, join Steven and Gina this week as they ask the most important questions: How much sideboob is kosher for network TV? In the VHS version of Titanic, when exactly did the first tape end? What‘s the deal with “Bee Movie”?! We don’t have all the answers, but we do know one thing: we’ll never let go...of this podcast.

It must be the mid-90s, because we’re drowning in American exceptionalism and sepia toned music videos with Independence Day (top grossing movie) and the top ten billboard songs of 1996. Join Gina and Steven as we discuss how aliens always know to target the White House, the gas station attendant who discovered Toni Braxton, and the insane ease with which literally anyone can become a fighter pilot. Oh and one more thing. We’ve all been doing the Macarena wrong.

If you’re looking for a glorification of masculinity or of mediocrity, look no further than 1995 with Braveheart (Best Picture) and Toy Story (top grossing). Join us as we attempt Scottish accents, explore subliminal commentaries on parenting, cry for freedom, and dismantle the egregiousness of Bo Peep. Somebody’s poisoned the water hole, but that’s okay. Because we podcast like warrior poets.

We’ve got two stories of what happens when you literally run away from your problems with 1994’s The Lion King (top grossing) and Forrest Gump (Best Picture). This episode has it all: fascist hyena rallies! Apparently unintentional conservative propaganda! Awkward dorm room hook-ups! Kimba?! Tune in and join us for a rousing chorus of Hakuna Matata - and no, Disney, you can’t trademark an actual Swahili phrase.

We’re elbow deep in dinosaur poop this week as we discuss two Spielberg movies that couldn’t be more different: Jurassic Park (top grossing) and Schindler’s List (Best Picture). From absurd sci fi adventure to harrowing historical drama, join us as we navigate the ever-widening gap between the movies that sweep box offices and the ones that sweep award shows.

Whether your preferred mode of transportation is a horse or a camel, get ready for long rides through the desert with Aladdin (top grossing) and Unforgiven (Best Picture). 1992 was a year full of cultural appropriation and sad single dads, of small penis shame and boobs, boobs, boobs. Go ahead, leave your small children alone for a few weeks. What could go wrong?

We’re having some old friends for dinner this week with Silence of the Lambs (Best Picture) and Terminator 2 (top grossing). You might not realize it, but these movies have a LOT in common, from foster parents to vivid nightmares to female characters with no romantic plot lines...plus they both offer lots of opportunities for Steven and Gina to show off many different accents. Don’t say hasta la vista to this podcast, baby!

Welcome to the ‘90s! We’re starting the decade off with a shirtless Swayze in Ghost (top grossing) and Kevin Costner’s butt in Dances With Wolves (Best Picture). Steven and Gina are so glad to be back, and there are some things we love about 1990...female romantic leads wearing sensible clothing! Realistic NYC living situations! But then of course there’s other things... imperialist nostalgia? Unnecessary voiceover? Yikes. Are we ready to start asking the tough questions again? Steven says yes. Gina says, ditto.