This week Joe and Todd discuss the graphic novel White Sand, by Brandon Sanderson. What makes the world of this story so intriguing? Who is steam punk Beyoncé? How is a character made more interesting by making him weak in ways we would expect him to be strong? Listen to find out.

Joe and Todd discuss the classic 1986 comedy, ¡Three Amigos! Topics include moments when the story goes absurdly off the rails, Ned’s complex character development, and the film’s immense quotability.

Joe and Todd are discussing Desmond and Penny from the TV show Lost. In talking about one of the craziest episodes of a crazy tv show, they discuss time travel, literary allusions, and what we’re supposed to think about this relationship.

Todd and Joe discuss the outstanding Neil Gaiman novel The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Topics include Gaiman’s skill in writing about children, the power of dynamic characters, and how real life can be more horrible than fiction.

This week, after a big announcement, Joe and Todd discuss The Little Tramp and the Gamin in the classic Charlie Chaplin film Modern Times. Discussion topics include the film’s humanity, tight story structure, and the way Chaplin’s comedy still holds up today.

All-star guest Kjerste Christensen returns to help Joe and Todd and Andrew workshop story ideas based on mashups of iconic creators with genres they are not accustomed to working in. What would a Buster Keaton sports film look like? How about a Silent Ken Burns action movie? Listen in to find out.

Joe and Todd are joined by Producer Andrew and special guest Kestra Darowski to discuss the Cartoon Network classic TV series Over the Garden Wall. Topics for discussion include the shows beautiful animation, stunning soundtrack, and what things ought to be feared.

Joe and Todd are talking about Kvothe from Patrick Rothfuss’s novel Name of the Wind. They talk about reliable narrators(?), world building, and classic storytelling.

Joe and Todd are talking about Silver Surfer and Dawn Greenwood from the 2014 Marvel comic book series “Silver Surfer.” Topics of discussion include art styles, grand cosmic comic book weirdness, and tonal similarities with other works.

Todd and Joe are talking about Roger Thornhill from the Alfred Hitchcock film North by Northwest. Topics of discussion include what is an everyman, chaotic story writing, and dodging the Hayes Code.