As the end of 2019 draws near, we at Fanbase Press want to thank the talented and hard-working individuals who host, edit, and create the various podcasts available as part of the Fanbase Press Podcast Network. Running the gamut from humorous and snarky to serious and sincere, the podcasts hosted at Fanbase Press celebrated fandoms in their own unique fashion. Below, readers will find the Fanbase Press podcast episodes that were most popular with our fans over the course of 2019.
Finding Felicity
Finding Felicity is a weekly podcast during which host Teresa Jusino (Pomonok Entertainment) and special guests examine the coming-of-age series, Felicity (created by J. J. Abrams and Matt Reeves), and discuss how its themes have impacted them – then and now. Episodes covering all of season one of Felicity are now available, but the three most popular episodes with our fans are below.
1. Finding Felicity: Episode 0 – ‘Felicity Porter and Holden Caulfield’
What does The Catcher in the Rye have to do with Felicity or this podcast? Host Teresa Jusino will tell you as she explains what inspired Finding Felicity and what you can expect from episodes to come.
2. Finding Felicity: Episode 13 – ‘Todd Mulcahy, Pt. 1 (Or, Motherf*cker Deserved It)’
Episode 13 of Finding Felicity is titled Todd Mulcahy, Pt. 1 (Or, Motherf*cker Deserved It), because, well, he DID. Todd absolutely deserved what happened to him, and no amount of Mallomars changes that.
Teresa is joined in the Fanbase Press studio by award-winning filmmaker Jenna Payne who’s here to discuss Part One of this two-parter today and will return next week to conclude the story with us. This week, she and Teresa discuss what a Stalker McStalkerson Todd is, missed opportunities, and why everyone in this episode (except for Felicity and Elena!) was a pile of hot trash (or at least warm trash).
3. Finding Felicity: Episode 16 – ‘The Fugue (Or, New York Is a Big City, Y’all! Damn!’)’
Episode 16 of Finding Felicity is titled The Fugue (Or, New York is a Big City, Y’all! Damn!’), because OH MY GOD YOU DON’T HAVE TO EVER SEE HANNA AGAIN IF YOU DON’T WANT TO IN NEW YORK. STOP ACTING LIKE HER BEING IN TOWN NEEDS TO BE A BIG DEAL. Except, of course it is, because there are unresolved feelings, blah-blah.
Finding Felicity co-producer and editor Bryant Dillon finally comes out from behind his monitor to get into the Felicity discussion this week! He and Teresa discuss Noel continuing to be the most trash (and Hanna, too, surprisingly), how art affects relationships, and why Teresa is hoping (quite possibly against hope) that the show just lets Felicity have sex for the first time with a rando art student on a paint-splattered couch.
Tread Perilously
Tread Perilously is a podcast in which hosts Erik Amaya (Editor-in-Chief of Comicon.com) and author Justin Robinson (City of Devils, Wolfman Confidential) watch the “worst” episodes of popular TV shows, attempting to determine if they would continue to watch the series based on the most off-key moments. TV shows regularly tread upon include Doctor Who, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and 7th Heaven. From family dramas to well-loved, but brief, sci-fi series, each hour-long episode examines how a show sustains itself even in its worst moments. The three most popular episodes of the year can be found below.
1. Tread Perilously – ‘Alf: Consider Me Gone’
When Alf gets a message from Rhonda and Skip, he prepares to leave the Tanners and join his friends as they head for New Melmac. Meanwhile, the United States Air Force has intercepted the message and begins to hunt for the alien living among humans. Back at the Tanner home, the family throws the world’s saddest goodbye part for Alf. But soon, it is time to make for Will Rogers State Park, where Alf will have a date with destiny. Will he escape the Earth or end up a lab experiment?
Erik begins to devise a better Alf impression while Justin searches for a way to sound like Max Wright. They also imagine Alf turned down the chance to be the Herald of Galactus when the planet-eater came for Melmac. The discussion quickly veers on to Cobra Kai and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The “International Date Line” joke gets dissected. Justin turns Alf’s dream for New Melmac into a punishing plantation nightmare. Erik tries to explain the Alf Extended Television Universe, and the pair reveal what it will take for them to finally watch Small Wonder.
2. Tread Perilously – ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit – Alta Kockers’
When a hip, young author is found dead after their big reading at an important bookstore, Lieutenant Olivia Benson declares the murder a hate crime as the author was apparently male despite presenting female. SVU detectives continue to misgender the person even as the team discovers the victim was not the author of the novel, Blue Barracuda. The investigation leads to a very nice house somewhere in the Bronx owned by an older Jewish gentleman and his brother. Did they kill author Bobbie O’Rourke, or was he really the bartender at Molly Malone’s who died of diabetes in 1975?
Captain Charlie Wright and Executive Assistant District Attorney Louis Allred join Justin and Erik to discuss the episode and point out a certain flaw in literary fiction. The group warns against walking around the Meatpacking District, though Charlie recommends the Whitney Museum. Justin declares Ninjas as the largest ethnic group in Hell’s Kitchen. The casual transphobia throughout the story gets called out. Charlie tries to find a flaw in the perp’s thinking. Erik reveals his hatred for new ADA Peter Stone. And in a rare case for Tread Perilously, the Special Review Unit decides Judd Hirsch and Wallace Shawn deliver Emmy-worthy performances.
3 .Tread Perilously – ‘Beverly Hills, 90210: The Nature of Nurture’
Kelly (Jennie Garth) looses her cool when the semi-orphaned child she brought to child protective services gets placed with a gay couple. Is she a bigot like the child’s mother, or will the series excuse her homophobic tendencies? Brandon (Jason Priestley) tries to stop Steve (Sharknado‘s Ian Ziering) from placing cigarette ads in their newspaper. David (Brian Austin Green) bonds with his new next-door neighbor who happens to be a former guitar god. Valerie’s (Tiffani Thiesen) mother starts dating Kelly’s father, only freshly out of prison. Meanwhile, Steve pretends to be another man to woo a woman he met via mail fraud. It’s as terrible as it sounds. Also, Lindsay Price appears in this episode.
Erik and Justin immediately get lost in a discussion of The CW, The Clone Wars, and Justin’s interest in the Disney+ streaming service. Erik tries to define the difference between a prime-time drama and a prime-time soap. He also makes a pitch to become a professor of television at an accredited university, but then slams his alma mater. Both discuss the problem of TV shows set in college and high school shows attempting to pivot to college settings. Also, Erik and Justin try to pitch the perfect Paul Rudd sitcom for 1998.
The Arkham Sessions
Since early 2014, Dr. Andrea Letamendi and Brian Ward have revisited Batman: The Animated Series through the analytical eyes of a clinical psychologist. Heralded as one of the greatest storytelling vehicles of all time, the television show’s tone, subject matter, and depth in storytelling and character development are exemplary and undergo the psychological analysis it deserves in The Arkham Sessions. Each week, the co-hosts watch the series, in production order, with a keen eye toward revealing the very real psychology behind its characters and then put Batman and his “Rogues Gallery” on the couch for a fun, insightful weekly session. The three most popular episodes of the year can be found below.
1. The Arkham Sessions, Ep. 127: ‘BTAS Wrap-Up’
Holy podcast, Batman, it’s the bat-ter end! This special episode marks an important milestone on our show: the completion of our coverage of the Batman: Animated Series collection! Over the course of five years, we have examined over 100 Batman episodes, analyzed over 29 villains, and took the show on the road to perform live recordings of at least five panels at comic conventions. In this celebratory wrap-up episode, we discuss the most significant character arcs stemming from the show’s storylines to review mental health progress, development, and even deterioration over the course of the series. We also mention notable recurring themes that emerged from our show, including our favorite moments of Batman, Catwoman, Mr. Freeze, Two-Face, the Robins, and more. Finally, we answer questions from listeners about Batman’s self-care and coping. Centering our show around the psychology of Batman has been an amazing experience for us! Thank you for being a part of our journey! We can’t wait to soar toward the next chapter with you!
2. The Arkham Sessions, Ep. 126: ‘The Lost Episode’
If you’re a completionist like we are, you might consider 1995’s The Adventures of Batman and Robin Sega CD game a “lost episode” to the Batman Animated Collection. The charming video game consists of about 15 minutes of animated cutscenes that depict Batman voraciously pursuing some of Gotham’s notorious villains. Although the quality of the story doesn’t quite compare to the Animated Series from which it is based, the clips hold up well when examined as a whole, and lucky for us, the game allows us to revisit an important topic: Batman’s treatment of criminals. We discuss the difference between empathy and sympathy. People often think of sympathy as instrumental for human connection, and yet, demonstrations of sympathy can often create detachment. On the other hand, empathy seems to fuel connection, as this helpful video explains. Empathy involves four components: perspective-taking, avoiding judgment, recognizing the emotion the other person is experiencing, and communicating that you understand. Exercising empathy is simply harder. In order for us to connect with someone in pain, we need to connect with something in ourselves that knows that feeling. How is Batman choosing to connect with his adversaries and assailants? Is his method protective or self-damaging? Our episode ends with an empathy game to help our listeners consider qualities of empathy they would want to work on.
3. The Arkham Sessions, Ep. 129: ‘WonderCon 2019 – The Psychology of X-Men: The Animated Series’
We’re taking an ever-so-brief break from Batman and the DC Universe to analyze the X-Men show that, many say, shares the title of the most influential animated series of the ’90s. And we’re not alone! Joining us for this amazing live panel is the husband-and-wife team of showrunner Eric Lewald and writer Julia Lewald.
Paul and Corey Cross the Streams
Paul and Corey Cross the Streams is a bi-monthly podcast in which hosts Paul Pakler and Corey Pepper (previous co-hosts of the Quality Times with Family Ties podcast) watch and review streaming content – so you don’t have to! The three most popular episodes of 2019 can be found below.
1. Paul and Corey Cross the Streams: Season 1, Episode 5 (I’ve Been Putting It Off Until Today – ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’)
This Month’s Theme: I’ve Been Putting It Off Until Today
This Episode’s Focus: Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Host’s Choice: Paul Pakler
Streaming Platform: Streaming on Netflix; Rent on Google Play, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Vudu
2. Paul and Corey Cross the Streams: Season 1, Episode 3 (Career Curiosities – ‘Synecdoche, NY’)
This Month’s Theme: Career Curiosities: This month, Paul and Corey chose singular films from the careers of two singular actors.
This Episode’s Focus: Synecdoche, NY (2008); Philip Seymour Hoffman
Host’s Choice: Paul Pakler
Streaming Platform: Streaming on Netflix; Rent on Amazon Prime, Vudu, Google Play, YouTube, and iTunes
3. Paul and Corey Cross the Streams: Season 1, Episode 4 (Career Curiosities – ‘The Spanish Prisoner’)
This Month’s Theme: Career Curiosities: This month, Paul and Corey chose singular films from the careers of two singular actors.
This Episode’s Focus: The Spanish Prisoner (1997); Steve Martin
Host’s Choice: Corey Pepper
Streaming Platform: Streaming on Showtime and Showtime Anytime Rent on Amazon Prime
The Fanbase Weekly
When it comes to Fanbase Press’ flagship podcast, The Fanbase Weekly, co-hosts Barbra Dillon, Bryant Dillon, Claire Thorne, and Drew Siragusa are joined by an assortment of special guests from across the pop culture spectrum to discuss the top geek stories of the week! The three most popular episodes of the year can be found below.
1. The Fanbase Weekly: Episode #114
The Fanbase Press staff welcomes guests JPG and Alix Katherine (co-founders, Geek Say What Podcast Network) to discuss the latest geek news stories of the week, including when the MCU will be ready for another long-form story, why the Game of Thrones creators fled Star Wars, the latest turmoil at Heavy Metal, and our weekly trailer roundup featuring The Mandalorian, The Witcher, and Dracula.
2. The Fanbase Weekly: Episode #091
The Fanbase Press staff welcomes guests Chelsea Steiner (writer/director – Thank You, Come Again, Weekend Editor – The Mary Sue) and David Pepose (writer – Spencer & Locke, editor – Newsarama) to discuss the latest geek news stories of the week, including the negative reviews for Captain Marvel on Rotten Tomatoes, remembering Dwayne McDuffie (The Dwayne McDuffie Fund), backlash to the new Ghostbusters movie, and whether DC will be cutting back their comic book titles.
3. The Fanbase Weekly: Episode #098
The Fanbase Press staff welcomes guest Amanda Raymond (filmmaker, From Emily) to discuss the latest geek news stories of the week, including whether there are any great TV show endings, expectations from Star Wars fans, why Endgame‘s creators need to stop, and Bill Nye’s fiery message on climate change.
Fanbase Features
As a special feature of The Fanbase Weekly podcast, the Fanbase Feature focuses on and celebrates a specific element of geek culture in the form of long-form interviews, panel discussions, and more! The three most popular Fanbase Feature episodes of the year can be found below.
1. Fanbase Feature: An Interview with Travis Rivas and Angel Giuffria on Disability Representation in Media
Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with actress Angel Giuffria (The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, Goliath) and comic book creator Travis Rivas (Super-Abled Comics) regarding the current state of disability representation in entertainment, analysis of representation in films like Shazam!, their respective advocacy work in raising awareness for representation in media, and more.
2. Fanbase Feature: 20th Anniversary Retrospective on ‘Fight Club’
The Fanbase Press staff participate in a thorough retrospective discussion regarding Fight Club (1999) in light of the film’s 20th anniversary, with topics including opinions on the source material, the film’s message regarding toxic masculinity, how to make soap, and more!
Cast members: Bryant Dillon (The Fanbase Weekly Co-Host), Susan Lee (Life On Its Side Studios), Chris Rubin (Bubbles and Things Soaps), Tony Caballero (Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story, The Katniss Chronicles), and Drew Siragusa (The Fanbase Weekly Co-Host)
3. Fanbase Feature: SDCC 2019 – ‘Breaking Bad’s Giancarlo Esposito on Shudder’s ‘Creepshow’ and ‘The Mandalorian’
Listen in as actor Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, The Jungle Book) discusses his work on Shudder’s Creepshow series, his experiences working on The Mandalorian with Jon Favreau, and more at San Diego Comic-Con 2019.
