The Protagonist Podcast

By Dueling Genre ProductionsArts

The Protagonist Podcast episodes

May 20, 2019Protagonist Podcast #231: Bao and Four-Girl from Boxers & Saints (comic 2013) “What is China but a people and their stories?”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxers_and_Saints
Description
Returning guest John Darowski joins Joe and Producer Andrew to talk about about Bao and Four-Girl from Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel Boxers & Saints. Topics of discussion include the unique style of storytelling employed by Yang, the moral ambiguity of the protagonists, and the transformations of both protagonists.
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Show notes
Boxers & Saints – Wikipedia
Gene Luen Yang – Wikipedia
“One-Two Punch” – The Austin Chronicle interview with Gene Luen Yang
1 hr 10 min
May 14, 2019Protagonist Podcast #230: Ali and Diane from Ali’s Wedding (film 2017) “A lie begins in the soul and travels the world.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali%27s_Wedding
Description
All-star guest Kjerste Christensen joins Joe to discuss Ali and Diane from the film Ali’s Wedding. This Australian, Muslim romantic comedy is inspired by the life of Osamah Sami, who plays Ali in the film. Topics of discussion include what parts of the film really happened, the blending of different cultures in a romantic comedy, and the morality of the lies told in the film.
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Show notes
Ali’s Wedding – IMDB
Ali’s Wedding – Wikipedia
“Ali’s Wedding: Australia’s first Muslim romantic comedy goes global on Netflix” – news article in The National
1 hr 5 min
May 07, 2019Protagonist Podcast #229: Amelia Peabody in Crocodile on the Sandbank (novel 1975) “God help the poor mummy who encounters you, Peabody.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crocodile_on_the_Sandbank
Description
Joe and Andrew are discussing Amelia Peabody, the protagonist of twenty mystery novels by Elizabeth Peters. Crocodile on the Sandbank is the first of the series, and it’s obvious why it became a popular series. Topics of discussion include the legacy of Elizabeth Peters, the genre of cozy mysteries, what makes Amelia Peabody stand out.
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Show notes
Amelia Peabody series – Wikipedia
Crocodile on the Sandbank – Wikipedia
Barbara Mertz (Elizabeth Peters) – Wikipedia
1 hr
April 30, 2019Protagonist Podcast #228: Captain Kirk in Star Trek (TV 1966) “You and I are of a kind. In a different reality, I could have called you friend.”
Description
First time guest Cavan Helps joins Joe to talk about Captain Kirk from Star Trek. They’re discussing the episodes “Balance of Terror” and “Obsession.” Topics of conversation include Cavan’s theory about why Kirk is always right, how the classic rhetorical appeals of Ethos, Logos, and Pathos apply, and one of the best moments of leadership for Kirk.
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Show Notes
Star Trek (wikipedia)
Balance of Terror (IMDB)
Obsession (IMDB)
Dice Buddies (youtube)
1 hr 15 min
April 23, 2019Protagonist Podcast #227: Gracie Hart in Miss Congeniality (film 2000) “It’s a scholarship program!”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_Congeniality_(film)

Description
Returning guest Tayler Iversen joins Joe to discuss Sandra Bullock’s character, Gracie Hart, from the film Miss Congeniality. They discuss the disappointing behavior of the men in the FBI, debate if this film is a romantic comedy, and highlight the comedic finale of the film.
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Show notes
Miss Congeniality – Wikipedia
Miss Congeniality – IMDB
The Fandom Podcast
1 hr 8 min
April 16, 2019Protagonist Podcast #226: Fairy Tale Mash Ups (special 2019)
Description
All-star guest Kjerste Christensen is back to play a game called Fairy Tale Mash Up. Take one classic fairy tale and one random genre, then brainstorm how they could pair up. Producer Andrew jumps in to help, as we try and figure out what a steam punk Little Mermaid story might look like, or try to crack a contemporary take on Goldilocks.
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1 hr 12 min
April 09, 2019Protagonist Podcast #225: Sophie and Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle (film 2004) “A heart’s a heavy burden”
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Anime/HowlsMovingCastle
Description
Returning guest Sara Santana joins Joe to talk about Sophie and Howl from the Hayao Miyazaki film Howl’s Moving Castle. Topics of discussion include how the film fits into Miyazaki’s classic themes, the blending of the technological and the pastoral, and what makes each character unique.
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Show Notes
Howl’s Moving Castle – Wikipedia
Howl’s Moving Castle – IMDB
Hayao Miyazaki – Wikipedia
1 hr 4 min
April 02, 2019Protagonist Podcast #224: Juan Rico from Starship Troopers (novel 1959) “War is controlled violence, for a purpose.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starship_Troopers
Description
Producer Andrew joins Joe to talk about Juan Rico from Robert Heinlein’s novel Starship Troopers. Topics of discussion include the historical significance of the novel, how it is driven by theme rather than character or plot, and how successful (or not) the ideas of presented in the novel appear.
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Show notes
Starship Troopers (novel) – Wikipedia
Starship Troopers (film) – Wikipedia
Robert A. Heinlein – Wikipedia
1 hr 9 min
March 26, 2019Protagonist Podcast #223: Eleanor Shellstrop in The Good Place (TV 2016) “Welcome. Everything is fine.”
https://www.episodate.com/tv-show/the-good-place
Description
First time guest Charly Kuecks joins Joe to discuss Eleanor Shellstrop from the NBC sitcom The Good Place. Topics of discussion include the exploration of ethics on the show, how we end up rooting for an unlikable character, and the delightful blend of great writing and a very strong cast.
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Patreon
Show Notes
The Good Place – IMDB
The Good Place – Wikipedia
The Good Place The Podcast – Official site
1 hr 16 min
March 18, 2019Protagonist Podcast #222: Barbara Thorson from I Kill Giants (Comic 2008) “We’re stronger than we think.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Kill_Giants
Description
Returning guest Chris Maverick joins Joe to talk about Barbara Thorson from the comic book mini-series I Kill Giants by Joe Kelly and J.M. Ken Niimura. Topics of discussion included the themes presented in the series, comparing the characteristics of the main characters, and trying to answer one big question that the book leaves open ended.
Support
Patreon
Show Notes
I Kill Giants (graphic novel) – Amazon
I Kill Giants (film) – IMDB
I Kill Giants – Wikipedia
Joe Kelly – Wikipedia
J.M. Ken Niimura – Image Comics profile
1 hr 1 min