The Fiction Podcast

This bonus episode is a three way conversation between Justin, Frank, and guest Andy, centered on ranking their favorite Disney and Pixar animated films. It matters because the discussion is less about a perfect list and more about how nostalgia, soundtrack, animation quality, and rewatch value shape what holds up over time.

We break down the essential themes of representation and cultural impact, exploring how the Disney Renaissance reshaped animated storytelling. The stakes are high as they confront the consequences of overlooking these films in today’s discourse. What are we losing by dismissing classics? Moreover, how do the soundtracks play a critical role in shaping our memories and experiences with these films?

With a promise of laughter and disagreements aplenty, this episode is perfect for Disney aficionados, casual fans, and anyone curious about the intersection of animation and nostalgia. Don’t miss the chance to hear which movies make the cut and why—your childhood favorites might just be challenged!

Hit play for a magical journey through Disney’s animated legacy, perfect for anyone who has ever hummed along to a Disney tune or wished they could visit a world filled with magic and adventure.

Timestamps
00:00 - Cold open and casual greeting before the ranking discussion
00:23 - Bonus episode setup and season five Harry Potter preview
01:18 - Why the group is focusing on the art, not the creator
03:01 - Why a top ten Disney list is harder than expected
04:14 - Rewatching as adults changes how Disney films rank
05:24 - Why old favorites can become hard watches
06:18 - Starting the rankings from ten to one
06:46 - Coco opens the list and earns praise for visuals and culture
08:29 - Frank's number ten is Mulan
08:56 - Andy's number ten is Hercules
10:27 - Why Coco's color design stands out
11:20 - Moana at number nine and why it works for newer Disney fans
12:19 - Pocahontas at number nine and the rewatch debate
14:29 - Tangled at number eight
15:07 - Hercules lands at number eight for Justin
15:49 - Tangled versus Frozen and why Tangled gets the edge
18:21 - Frank explains why Ratatouille does not make his top ten
20:29 - Moana returns at number six for Andy
22:10 - Coco at number six and why it feels safe but smart
23:15 - Why Toy Story 2 works without needing songs
24:37 - The Toy Story debate and why Pixar is underrepresented for some lists
27:03 - A Goofy Movie at number five and the power of its music
30:17 - Finding Nemo at number five and its influence on modern animation
32:46 - Aaron Lohr, D2, and the Idina Menzel connection
34:32 - The Incredibles at number four and the biggest disagreement of the episode
39:32 - The Little Mermaid at number four and the start of the Disney Renaissance
42:09 - Beauty and the Beast at number three and why it belongs with the big four
44:30 - Toy Story as Frank's number three and why the first Pixar era matters
47:31 - Aladdin at number two and Robin Williams as the defining Genie
50:23 - The Lion King at number one and why it dominates the conversation
52:27 - Honorable mentions and near misses, including Onward, Robin Hood, Great Mouse Detective, and Monsters Inc.
55:50 - Final reflections on the lists and why taste is so subjective
56:58 - Closing tease for the upcoming Harry Potter season and Ron Weasley debate

Action items

• Rewatch a few of the older Disney films as an adult and see how your ranking changes.
• Compare soundtrack strength against visual style when deciding what belongs in your top ten.
• Think through whether influence on animation matters more to you than pure rewatch enjoyment.

This bonus episode is a playful Disney-centered hangout with Justin, Frank, and guest Andy Millis. They debate Disney heroes, villains, sidekicks, and songs while setting up season five of the fiction podcast. It’s part rankings, part nostalgia, and part friendly trash talk, with a lot of love for classic animated Disney.

Key Topics

• Justin and Frank welcome Andy back and frame the conversation as a light bonus before season five begins.
• They play a defender-or-attacker game using Disney characters, where Andy has to build a survival lineup from names like Ursula, Cruella de Vil, Simba, Jafar, Belle, Captain Hook, Moana, Scar, Elsa, Mickey Mouse, and Maleficent.
• The group argues over whether characters like Belle, Simba, Ariel, Moana, and Hercules are overrated or underrated.
• They do a sidekick draft, with pairings and picks including Sebastian, Pascal, Iago, Pain and Panic, the Lion King hyenas, Timon and Pumba, and Mushu.
• The Disney song auction becomes a highlight, with bids placed on songs like Circle of Life, Be Our Guest, Under the Sea, Colors of the Wind, Eye to Eye, How Far I’ll Go, Let It Go, A Whole New World, and Hakuna Matata.
• The episode closes by setting up a future top ten Disney movies discussion and teasing season five’s return to Harry Potter.

Timestamps

00:00 - Phone glitches and the bonus episode opens
00:10 - Disney bonus episode intro and season five tease
01:09 - Welcoming Andy back as the guest expert
02:18 - Putting Frank on the hot seat
03:00 - Explaining the Disney defender-or-attacker game
04:04 - First picks: Ursula, Cruella de Vil, Simba, Jafar, Belle, and Captain Hook
05:38 - Moana, Aladdin, Scar, Elsa, Mickey, and Maleficent enter the draft
07:01 - Judging the final defender lineup and whether Andy survives
09:00 - Overrated or underrated starts with Moana, Ariel, and Woody
10:48 - Simba, Belle, Peter Pan, Aladdin, Mickey Mouse, Judy Hopps, Rapunzel, and Hercules
14:18 - Setting up hero sidekick drafts
15:18 - Hero sidekick choices: Sebastian, Pascal, Abu, and Mushu
17:29 - Villain sidekick draft begins with Iago and Lefou
18:06 - Pain and Panic, the hyenas, eels, and other villain sidekicks
20:43 - Ed the hyena trivia and Jim Cummings voice acting
22:32 - Opening the Disney soundtrack auction
24:37 - Circle of Life bidding war
25:39 - Be Our Guest, Under the Sea, and Colors of the Wind
29:04 - Eye to Eye and How Far I’ll Go
30:18 - Let It Go, A Whole New World, Hakuna Matata, and the mystery song reveal
31:39 - Comparing both contestants’ final soundtracks
33:56 - What Disney songs were left off the list
37:33 - Recalling the Disney movie ranking watch-throughs
38:02 - Drafting a hero, villain, sidekick, and evil sidekick
40:50 - Aladdin, Simba, and Hercules get drafted as heroes
42:19 - Scar and Maleficent headline the villain picks
44:21 - Timon and Pumba, Mushu, and other sidekick choices
48:17 - Evil sidekick picks and Great Mouse Detective love
49:31 - Favorite Disney movies that were not discussed
50:12 - Lilo and Stitch, Moana, Treasure Planet, and Home on the Range
53:01 - Tangled, Coco, Pinocchio, and classic animation debates
55:35 - Robin Hood, Peter Pan, and the limits of older Disney films
56:35 - Call for listeners to share their own top ten Disney lists
58:52 - Season five announcement: Harry Potter is next
59:20 - Final sign-off and closing jokes

Action Items

• Share your own top ten Disney movies with the show.
• Send thoughts on Disney songs, villains, and sidekicks.
• Stick around for season five, which moves into Harry Potter.

Marvel Bonus Episode: Defenders, Attackers, and Favorite Heroes

Justin, Frank, and returning guest Brandon turn this bonus episode into a Marvel showdown, with Frank acting as the judge on Brandon’s choices. The conversation moves from a character survival game into fast-paced debates about which Marvel heroes are overrated or underrated, followed by a final round on everyone’s favorite hero and storyline.Along the way, they discuss the MCU’s biggest names, how different casting choices shaped the franchise, and why characters like Wolverine, Iron Man, Thor, and Spider-Man continue to dominate the conversation.

Key Topics

• Brandon faces a Marvel survival game where he must choose five defenders and avoid seven attackers.
• The group debates Spider-Man, Venom, Magneto, Captain America, Wolverine, Iron Man, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Hulk.
• The conversation explores whether Magneto could control Thor’s hammer.
• The hosts debate whether movie Thor has been portrayed as weaker than his comic-book counterpart.
• Thor, Spider-Man, Hulk, Black Widow, Wolverine, Iron Man, Captain America, Black Panther, Doctor Strange, and Captain Marvel are rated overrated or underrated.
• Black Panther is praised as underrated, while Captain America receives the most “overrated” votes.
• Hugh Jackman, Robert Downey Jr., and Chris Hemsworth receive strong praise for their Marvel performances.
• Wolverine is celebrated for having one of the broadest and most satisfying character journeys.
• The hosts compare the story arcs of Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Star-Lord.
• Each host names a favorite Marvel character, with Thor, Iron Man, and Spider-Man receiving major recognition.
• The episode closes with a teaser for the upcoming Harry Potter coverage in season five.

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome and Brandon returns for a surprise Marvel bonus episode
01:58 - The Marvel universe becomes the episode’s focus
04:09 - Game one begins: choosing five defenders
05:16 - Spider-Man, Venom, Magneto, Captain America, and Wolverine enter the game
07:26 - Iron Man and team synergy spark debate
08:29 - Black Widow and Hawkeye join the matchup
09:03 - Hulk enters the survival challenge
10:01 - Loki and Thor are revealed as attackers
11:41 - Frank decides who survives the lineup
13:07 - Overrated or underrated begins with Thor, Spider-Man, and Hulk
15:05 - Black Widow and Wolverine receive their rankings
16:22 - Iron Man and Robert Downey Jr. spark a casting debate
17:37 - Captain America and Black Panther are ranked
19:22 - Doctor Strange and Captain Marvel close out the ratings
21:17 - Favorite Marvel story arcs discussion begins
22:28 - Wolverine’s journey across the films receives major praise
24:47 - Spider-Man’s repeated origin stories are debated
27:11 - Star-Lord becomes Brandon’s pick for best overall Marvel journey
29:43 - Favorite Marvel character round begins
30:19 - Thor is named as Justin’s favorite
30:38 - Gambit’s history and adaptations are discussed
32:01 - Iron Man is Brandon’s favorite character
32:48 - Episode wrap-up and season five Harry Potter teaser

Action Item

• Prepare for the upcoming Harry Potter chapter-by-chapter coverage in season five.
• Share your thoughts on the Marvel rankings and suggest topics for future episodes.

Get ready to dive into the mind-bending world of Christopher Nolan! In this bonus episode, hosts Frank and Justin unleash their top five favorite Nolan films, inspired by a passionate listener's rankings.

From the gritty brilliance of Memento to the visually stunning Interstellar, you’ll discover the reasons behind each choice and what makes these films unforgettable. Frank and Justin share insights that will have you reconsidering your own rankings and rekindling your love for Nolan’s cinematic masterpieces.

Join in on the fun as they engage with a listener’s ranking that challenges their own, creating an entertaining back-and-forth that keeps you guessing.

Tune in now and rediscover the films that have defined a generation! Also, if you are a fan of the show, please leave us a rating/review on your favorite podcast app. We greatly appreciate it.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction & Christopher Nolan Setup
• 02:12 Top Five Christopher Nolan Rankings
• 10:24 Listener Rankings & Hot Takes
• 15:04 Dream Christopher Nolan Casts
• 20:11 Role Swaps: Recasting Nolan Films
• 24:16 Wrap-Up & Future Bonus Episodes

Ever wondered what makes a hero truly legendary? In this capstone episode of Season Four, Frank and Justin unravel the intricate tapestry of heroism, weaving through iconic stories from ancient cultures to contemporary cinema. They dive into the duality of heroism as they dissect Christopher Nolan’s polarizing adaptation of The Odyssey, sparking debates that challenge conventional notions of heroism.

The Hosts also reflect on a season filled with epic tales—from the Iliad and the Odyssey to the cinematic masterpieces that have shaped our understanding of heroism. You’ll discover the pivotal traits that distinguish a hero from a legend, as Frank and Justin share their insights on characters that embody these qualities. They discuss the timelessness of stories like Mulan, Black Panther, and the Hero’s Journey, drawing parallels to modern interpretations of ancient myths.

In addition, Frank And Justin provide recommendations for films and stories that resonate with the themes discussed throughout the season. They emphasize the importance of keeping ancient narratives alive in today’s pop culture and what it means for our understanding of heroism.

Tune in for a lively conversation that not only recaps the season’s highlights but also invites you to reflect on the nature of heroism in your own life.

Don't miss this engaging wrap-up that promises to ignite your curiosity and passion for the stories that define us.

• Chapters
• 00:00 - Season 4 opens with a recap of the ancient epics and adaptations covered
• 01:19 - Why this episode is the season’s capstone and wrap-up
  01:58 - The season’s central question: who is a hero, and who is a legend?
• 03:38 - Why controversy around The Odyssey keeps classics in the conversation
• 04:28 - Comparing adaptation criticism to The Lincoln Lawyer and other fandom debates
• 07:01 - Lawyer TV shows, Denny Crane, and a quick detour into comfort-viewing
• 09:39 - Resetting the season’s structure around heroes, legends, and journeys
• 10:03 - Is Odysseus a hero or a legend?
• 12:10 - Disney’s Hercules as a cleaner example of the Greek hero arc
• 14:12 - Why Odysseus is legendary but not heroic in the modern sense
• 15:42 - How ancient heroism differs from modern heroism
• 16:47 - Rapid-fire character verdicts begin: Achilles, Hector, and Leonidas
• 18:36 - Moses in Prince of Egypt as the clearest modern-style hero
• 19:26 - Nameless in Hero as legend, but not hero
• 20:49 - Mulan as both legendary and heroic
• 21:17 - The Woman King: Nanisca as legend, Nawi as hero in progress
• 22:02 - Black Panther as hero, but debated as a legend
• 22:42 - The Northman and its mythic roots in Hamlet and later storytelling
• 24:24 - Returning to Odysseus and tying the whole season together
• 25:05 - Standout films of the season: The Woman King and Hero
• 26:10 - Why Hero and Mulan worked so well on rewatch
• 31:08 - Recommendations Conn Iggulden’s historical fiction
• 40:30 - Listener recommendations, feedback, and community responses
• 41:45 - A note from Professors Foss and Schindler after watching The Odyssey
  

  Recommendations

• Conn Iggulden - Emperor Series (book)
• Conn Iggulden - Conqueror Series (book)
• Evan Winter - The Rage of Dragons (book)
• Kevin Hearne - The Iron Druid Chronicles
• Rome (tv series)
• African Queens - Njinga (docuseries)
• African Queens - Cleopatra (docuseries)

In this episode, we explore the timeless themes of the Odyssey and Iliad, comparing Homeric epics with Christopher Nolan's modern adaptation. We along with our Guest Host Janell Rhiannon (Ancient Historian and Writer) discuss the cultural significance, character complexities, and the challenges of translating ancient stories into contemporary media. In this episode, we explore the nuances of adapting classic stories to modern media, the importance of supporting the arts, and the impact of sound design in filmmaking. We also discuss our favorite characters, scenes, and the challenges of translating ancient tales to the big screen.

Guest Name

Janell Rhiannon

Key Topics

• Comparison of Odyssey and Iliad
• Impact of Nolan's adaptation on understanding Homer
• Challenges of translating ancient texts into film
• Themes of heroism, home, and human condition
• The significance of storytelling and myth in culture The importance of supporting classical stories in modern media
• The role of sound design in creating immersive film experiences
• Challenges in adapting ancient stories like the Odyssey for contemporary audiences
• The impact of visual and auditory elements on storytelling

Chapters

00:02 Introduction to the discussion on Homeric epics
03:17 Meet Janell Rhiannon
04:30 Iliad vs. Odyssey
11:47 Why The Odyssey Works on Film
21:02 Adapting Homer and Emily Wilson's Translation
41:40 The Bow, Sound, and Cinematic Moments
48:40 Lightning Round: Characters, Monsters, and Heroes
55:39 Final Grades and Reflections
1:02:44 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Janell

Resources

• The Iliad by Caroline Alexander - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Iliad+by+Caroline+Alexander
• The Odyssey (Emily Wilson translation) - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Odyssey+Emily+Wilson
• Greek Mythology Retold Podcast - https://example.com/greek-mythology-podcast
• Christopher Nolan's Films - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0634240/
• Supporting the Arts - NEA - https://www.arts.gov/

Guest Links

Website - https://janellrhiannon.com

Instagram - https://instagram.com/janelle_rhiannon

Hosts Frank and Justin and guest host Wes Clark (Director, Writer - How to Start a Cult in 5-Easy Steps) discuss Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, addressing his directorial choices, cultural influences, and the impact of practical effects in film. They also explore the idea of different directors interpreting the same story. The conversation covers a range of topics, including favorite characters and actors in the poem, the portrayal of key scenes, and a discussion of Christopher Nolan's films.

Takeaways

• Directorial choices play a significant role in shaping the cultural and emotional impact of a film.
• Cultural influences and experiences of directors contribute to the unique interpretation and presentation of a story.
• Practical effects and sound design can enhance the authenticity and emotional resonance of a cinematic experience. Character and Actor Preferences
• Portrayal of Key Scenes
• Christopher Nolan's Films
• Significance of Characters
• Impact on Popular Culture

Chapters

• 00:00 The Impact of Directorial Choices
• 08:56 Cultural Influences and Interpretation
• 28:49 The Significance of Practical Effects and Sound Design
• 01:03:15 Closing Remarks

The Fiction Podcast hosts, Frank and Justin, finally get to discuss Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey - part one of three episodes. In this episode, they debrief the movie, discuss its themes, and share their hot takes. The movie is an epic journey filled with deadly trials, encounters with gods and monsters, and the struggle to reclaim home and family. The hosts express their excitement and appreciation for the movie's world-building, scale, and attention to detail. The conversation delves into the portrayal of characters in the film adaptation of the Odyssey, exploring the transformation of Odysseus, the role of the gods, and the performances of the actors. The discussion also covers the characters in the movie adaptation of The Odyssey, including their performances and impact on the overall film. Last, but certainly not least, they grade the movie (C is average).

Takeaways

• Epic Journey
• World-Building Character portrayal in film adaptations can differ from the original text.
• The performance of actors can influence the audience's perception of the characters. Character performances and their impact on the film
• The Ron Weasley Award
• Grading the movie

Chapters

• 00:00 The Epic Journey of Odysseus
• 31:50 The Transformation of Odysseus
• 35:37 Interpretation of Penelope and Ending of the Film
• 42:39 Heat Map Analysis of Characters
• 01:11:16 Grading the Movie

In this Bonus Episode, Frank and Justin talk about their excitement and anticipation for the release of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey (coming out next week). They share their hopes, expectations, and concerns, while also reflecting on the impact of nostalgia and the potential storytelling and cinematography in the film.

Takeaways

• Excitement for 'The Odyssey' movie release
• Managing expectations and nostalgia impact

Chapters

• 00:00 The Cold Open
• 05:58 Expectations and Controversy
• 11:56 Nostalgia and Expectations
• 18:01 Final Thoughts and Expectations

The Fiction Podcast continue their tour of the Ancient World in discussing Robert Eggers' 2022 Viking movie, The Northman, featuring Alexander Skarsgard. The conversation delves into the movie's cinematography, world-building, character development, and emotional range of the main character, Amleth. The hosts explore the historical and mythological aspects of the film, sharing their general takes and hot takes on various elements. From there, they discuss the tragedy of the protagonist's inability to let go, character analysis and "Who needs Therapy" rating of the key characters, as well as grading the movie. Skål!!!

Takeaways

• Cinematography and world-building were standout elements of the movie.
• The character development and emotional range of the main character, Amleth, were lacking. Tragedy of the protagonist's inability to let go
• Character analysis and therapy rating
• "Viking vibes" and grading the movie

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Fiction Podcast
• 06:16 History and World Building
• 19:24 Character Development and Emotional Range
• 28:52 Amleth's Decision and Conclusion
• 34:17 Therapy Ratings
• 40:21 Viking Vibes
• 46:29 The Ron Weasley Award & grading the movie
• 53:34 Preview: The Odyssey