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The Sandman: Season 1

Only in our wildest dreams did we think we would ever get a proper adaptation of Neil Gaiman's beloved comic series, but here it is! This Netflix series faithfully adapts the source material, blending elements of fantasy, horror and history with phenomenal CGI and performances. We discuss serial killer conventions, horny dreams and confounding superhero tie-ins among other things! 

The Hunger Games

It's finally time to discuss one of the most popular YA book and film franchises of the past ten years, beginning with The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins with the film directed by Gary Ross. In this episode we discuss sharp social commentary, impeccable casting, ill fitting fascist uniforms and Peeta's new identity as The Boy with Bread! And of course, may the odds etc.

Where the Crawdads Sing

This episode, we discuss one of the most popular books of the last five years, Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens, and the film adaptation directed by Olivia Newman. This story of nature, love and murder, set along the coastline of North Carolina, captured readers everywhere, but did it grab us? We discuss learning to read, prejudice, and cutting cake like a psychopath. You don't want to miss this one.

Persuasion (2022)

We return to the works of Jane Austen this episode with her novel Persuasion, published in 1817, and the Netflix film adaptation which was directed by Carrie Cracknell. The novel is a reflection on loneliness, grief, and the rekindled passion, while the film takes a more... modern approach to the story; full of fourth-wall breaking and awkward humor. How does this adaptation hold up to the classic? Why does Anne have a rabbit? Did Mr. Elliot kill his wife? Listen and find out!

The Borrowers/The Secret World of Arriety

Grab your Airpods (now where did you put those?) and listen to our latest episode on The Borrowers, written by Mary Norton, and its Studio Ghibli adaptation, The Secret World of Arriety, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi. We discuss the fascinating lore of the novel, full of humor and metaphor, and the ways that it was vividly brought to life through animation. Get ready for discussions on dead-eyed children, household classism, and our favorite types of Ghibli men.

Bridget Jones’s Diary

This episode, we delve into the life and misadventures of a single woman in her 30's with Bridget Jones's Diary, written by Helen Fielding and Directed by Sharon Macguire. This story is full of memorable scenes and situations, brought to life by the film's perfect cast, and also happens to be loosely inspired by one of our all time favorite books! What's not to love?

Under the Banner of Heaven

In this episode, we look at Under the Banner of Heaven, the story of the 1984 murder of Brenda Lafferty by fundamentalist mormons, written by Jon Krakauer and adapted for TV by Dustin Lance Black. The book delves deeply into the history of the LDS church and Polygamist settlements while the show takes liberties to create a more personal story of faith confronting the evils that can emerge from a religion. Expect a lot of deep and philosophical discussions this episode, including ones about how awful 1980's wood paneling is!

A Scanner Darkly

This episode we step back into the mind of Philip K. Dick as we discuss his semi autobiographic novel, A Scanner Darkly, and its 2006 adaptation by Richard Linklater. This novel explores paranoia and identity crises against the backdrop of drug culture in California and is brought to surreal life thanks to the rotoscoped animation of the film. We've got plenty to discuss this episode, from the absurdities of policing to the novel's fascination with nipples, so step into your scramble suit and give it a discrete listen!

Bridgerton (Season 2)

A new season is upon us, and the Ton is all abuzz! The second season of this Netflix show features amazing chemistry from its two leads while exploring their past trauma and growth, while the novel (The Viscount Who Loved Me, by Julia Quinn) has a lot of nipple play and men on the brink of violence!

Paper Towns

It's finally time to care about something that truly matters... like our brand new episode on Paper Towns! This John Green YA novel and the Jake Schreier directed adaptation touches on themes of human connection, depression and purpose, but don't worry, there's also moody teenager nonsense, multiple pee jokes, and the largest collection of black Santas in the United States!

Normal People

This episode we take a look at the BBC/Hulu series Normal People and the novel it was based on by Sally Rooney. We discuss the many social pressures that effect Connell and Marianne in this story, the very sexy sex scenes, positive depictions of therapy, and whether we buy Paul Mescal as a high school senior (we don't, but thats okay).

Trainspotting

Choose life. Choose a mortgage. Choose a podcast discussing the 1996 cult classic Trainspotting, directed by Danny Boyle, and the Irvine Welsh novel its based on! There's a lot to dive into this episode (besides the worst toilet in Scotland) including drug abuse, inventive filmmaking, and one of the most difficult to read books we've ever discussed on the podcast (for a number of reasons).