Category: Podcasts

Episode 15 – Lovable Tentacle Face: A Discussion of the First Arc of Critical Role

In what is definitely their most self-indulgent episode yet, Rachel and Jen use their podcast as an excuse to talk about Dungeons & Dragons for an hour. While discussing the first arc (episodes 1-16) of the Geek and Sundry web series Critical Role, they wander into discussions about D&D as a storytelling tool, the impact of environment on narrative, putting a character on a bus, and the flexibility of communal storytelling.
Jen reveals herself to be a completionist and makes the argument for watching from the very beginning. Rachel disagrees.

Also, Jen is super extra in this episode… I am so sorry.

Spoilers for episodes 1-16 of Critical Role

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Episode 14 – Literally Nothing About Spiders: A Comparison of the Daddy Long Legs Novel and the Musical Adaptation

Jen and Rachel compare and contrast the 1912 novel Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster with its 2015 Off-Broadway musical adaptation by the same name. In their discussion, they touch upon the epistolary format, how a character’s portrayal influences readers’ interpretations, Broadway accessibility, and whether Jen’s fave is problematic or not. 

Spoilers ahead for the book, but not quite as many for the musical. Confused as to how that’s possible? Guess you’ll have to listen to find out!   

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Episode 13 – He’s A Dragon!: A Conversation About I Am Dragon

Rachel and Jen round out this holiday season with their last episode of the year. While sharing their love for this diamond in the rough, they delve into topics such as handsome Igor, “strong” female heroines, the patriarchy, toxic masculinity, and handsome dragons. Plus, a special surprise for Rachel at the end.

Caution: Here be spoilers… As always, a spoiler warning is included part-way through.

Happy New Year!

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Episode 12 – Some Other Fun Anatomy: A Discussion About Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixion

Jen and Rachel prepare for winter by reading an icy sci-fi alien romance novel that they both genuinely love. As they summarize the story, they focus on some of the things that make the book so great such as heroic heroines, respectful heroes, audiobook sex scenes, and of course… blue alien anatomy.

Extra nsfw warning for this episode because of previously mentioned alien anatomy.

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Episode 11 – First Sexing: A Conversation About Champion by Fabio

Rachel and Jen venture once more into the world of romance, and discuss a book by Fabio, the pinnacle of all romance heroes. They get distracted by the purpose of fantasy elements, misogynist alpha-hole heroes, Jen’s love of gnomes, the decay of heroine characterization, lust over love, and the classic romance novel formula before circling back around to the most important topic of all… Fabio.

Extra NSFW warning, because romance novel.

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Episode 10 – You Don’t Try to Kill Seven-Year-Olds If You’re a Good Person: Analyzing the World of The 10th Kingdom

Jen and Rachel enjoy some nostalgia while discussing something from the early days of their friendship: the NBC mini-series The 10th Kingdom. As they struggle to stay on their topic of world-building, they also diverge into discussions of awesome female villains, the problem with media portrayals of mental illness, and Rachel’s inability to understand how mirrors work.

Like usual, spoilers ahead.

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Episode 9 – It Was a Rough Saturday: A Comparison of Rosemary’s Baby and Annabelle

Rachel and Jen celebrate Halloween by comparing two horror movies: the classic Rosemary’s Baby and Blumhouse’s Annabelle. Topics discussed include the isolation of being a housewife, how cinematic framing affects tone, the dismissal of women in the 1960’s, and efficient ways to ruin your friends.

Beware of spooky spoilers. As always, a spoiler warning appears partway through for your convenience. Happy Halloween!

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Episode 8 – Constant What-the-F*ckery: A Discussion of Over the Garden Wall

Jen and Rachel sit down for a very fall-themed episode to talk about the Cartoon Network miniseries, Over the Garden Wall. Topics of discussion include subverted expectations, themes of identity, and wild gorilla attacks.

As always, spoilers ahead.

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Episode 7 – They’re All Dead, Jen: From Gothic Novels to Crimson Peak

Continue reading “Episode 7 – They’re All Dead, Jen: From Gothic Novels to Crimson Peak”

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Episode 6 – To the Naughty Zone: A Discussion About 14 by Peter Clines

Jen and Rachel talk about the novel 14 by Peter Clines, and note how refreshing it is to take a step outside their comfort zone with a new genre. Topics mentioned include the existentialism of cosmic horror, the impact a good audio book narrator can have on a story, and how annoying it (usually) is when characters unexpectedly bone in media.

The first half is spoiler free, but the second half is spoiler-filled!

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