Storytelling Saga

Ali discusses what goes into crafting a compelling character, drawing examples from various TV characters including Moira Rose, Michael Scott, Peggy Olson and Bugs Bunny.

Ali interviews writer, story editor, producer and voice director, Eric Trueheart. Eric shares how he got his start in the industry, advice for writers trying to break in, the early days of his comedy troupe, The Ministry of Unknown Science, lots of fun stuff from his book, The Medium-Sized Book of ZIM Scripts Vol 1: Pigs 'n' Waffles, and how he deals with writer's block. He also talks about writing the ZIM comics, being a script consultant on Invader ZIM: Enter the Florpus,voice directing on Yin Yang Yo!, pilots he's written and his podcasts, The Army of Drunks and One Man Murder Maze, plus lots of great screenwriting tidbits along the way!

Ali interviews TV, film and video game composer, Kevin Manthei. He shares about his musical influences, how he got his start composing for video games, his process for scoring an episode of TV, working as the series composer on Invader ZIM and stepping back into the world for Invader ZIM: Enter the Florpus, what went into creating "Peace Is Nice," his thoughts on creative block, advice for aspiring composers, current projects and more!

Ali discusses one of her favorite Disney movies, Mulan (1998).

Ali discusses the pilot and the two-part series finale, "The Last Day," of the police procedural comedy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, created by Dan Goor & Mike Schur.

Ali discusses the groundbreaking dark comedy, Kevin Can F**k Himself, created by Valerie Armstrong and starring Annie Murphy and Mary Hollis Inboden.

Ali discusses her absolute favorite anime based on the popular manga series by Natsuki Takaya, Fruits Basket, for this special 150th episode of the podcast!

Having first been introduced to the manga in middle school, Ali reminisces about falling in love with the characters (in particular, Kyo Soma) and fangirling with her friends, cousins and sister over the original anime. She shares her thoughts on the incredible new anime, exploring the powerful themes of acceptance, healing and what it means to belong, all the while breaking down character arcs in connection to the Soma family curse.

Additionally, in a first for the podcast, Ali opens the episode by playing the original theme song, "For Fruits Basket," on the piano. Enjoy!

Ali discusses one of the best episodes of the profound Nicktoon, As Told by Ginger, "And She Was Gone," written by series creator, Emily Kapnek, and directed by Mark Risley.

Ali discusses the movie, The Princess Diaries, based on the young adult novel series of the same name by Meg Cabot.

Ali discusses her favorite episode of Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, "Frankie My Dear," written and storyboarded by Lauren Faust and directed by series creator, Craig McCracken.