Bifocals

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A biweekly show about queer characters, concepts, and controversies in popular culture, brought to you by two board-certified bisexual buds! Put on your bifocals as Lizy (she/her) and Joseph (he/his) take a close look at film, television, books, games, and more through a queer lens.

Lizy Conyers & Joseph Gutierrez


    • Sep 10, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h AVG DURATION
    • 44 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Bifocals

    43. The Birdcage

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2023 61:31


    Lizy is a true parrothead. Joseph is too chicken for clubs. A little birdy told me you like comedy, sincerity, and fun gender shenanigans. If that's true, you should join us as we discuss Robin Williams and Nathan Lane's The Birdcage! Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    42. This is How You Lose the Time War

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2023 53:30


    Joseph doesn't believe in pigeons. Lizy doubts Mattel. It's time for a meeting of the Bifocals Book Club! We're back to talk about the 2019 novella, This is How You Lose the Time War. Join us as we put on our bifocals to talk about our feelings on the science fiction story written by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    41. The Owl House

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2023 70:12


    Lizy claims slideshows for the bi community. Joseph fails to bring back lingo. Disney's been in the news a lot lately, making it a good time to cover one of their recent projects. Join our coven and put on your bifocals, ‘cause we're talking about The Owl House!Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    40. Emily Dickinson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2023 92:49


    Joseph condemns P.T. Barnum. Lizy expresses oral support for superheroes. Annie recounts some wild nights. That's right, this week, we have a special guest! Join the three of us as we put on our bifocals to discuss Emily Dickinson, and Annie's award-winning musical "Show Me Eternity." Follow Annie & Sam on Twitter: @dillonandcapsAnnie & Sam's Website: http://dillonandcaps.com/index.html Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    39. Boat Trip

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2023 52:52


    Lizy introduces a new segment. Joseph takes one-million Macklemores. Sometimes, you need to take a step back and appreciate how bad films can be. After all, if every movie were Spider-Verse, we wouldn't have The Room. Join us on a trip as we put on our bifocals to discuss the "romantic" "comedy," Boat Trip.Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    38. Scott Pilgrim

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2022 79:30


    Joseph doesn't know what Canadian currency is. Lizy grapples with our producer. We're putting on our bifocals and taking on the world! Join us as we discuss Bryan Lee O'Malley's graphic novel series, Edgar Wright's 2010 film, and our hopes for future adaptations, obviously.Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    37. The Rocky Horror Picture Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2022 66:46


    Lizy has a great idea. Joseph has the tables turned on him. It's almost Halloween, so we're returning with an appropriately spooky title - Rocky Horror! Join us in putting on our bifocals as we discuss the stage production, the movie, and various adaptations of the popular cult classic.Content Warning: A slur for transgender individuals comes up at 54:30 when discussing an episode of television.Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    36. Harley Quinn

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2022 74:55


    Joseph wants a breakfast sandwich. Lizy prepares a costume. Since her debut in 1992, Harley Quinn has left quite the impression on popular culture. She's made appearances in television, film, comic books, video games, Spirit Halloween stores, you name it! In this week's episode, we put on our bifocals to discuss Harley Quinn's origins, her history, and her future as a DC bicon.Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    35. A League of Their Own

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2022 68:57


    Lizy's never been to a gay bar. Joseph loses a burrito bet. Baseball season is coming to a close, which means we've got to talk about A League of Their Own! Adjust your caps and put on your bifocals as we discuss the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, the 1992 film, and the 2022 Amazon Prime series.Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=trueHelp Preserve the History of the AAGPBL: https://www.aagpbl.org/

    34. Steven Universe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2022 58:10


    Joseph falls behind on his shows. Lizy endorses Cheerios. We're back with an episode about one of Cartoon Network's most impactful animated series, and we have some VERY different opinions about it! Join us in putting on our gem-studded bifocals as we discuss Steven Universe, and Rebecca Sugar's impact on representation in western animation.Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    Minisode

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2022 31:35


    Lizy proves this is not a one man show. In this mini episode, she answers questions and goes over a few quick topics!

    Fire Island and Pride & Prejudice

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2022 68:55


    Lizy loves Mr. Darcy. Joseph flees the country. In preparation for Joseph's island vacation, we've taken a detour to Fire Island, a gay adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. 

    32. Sappho

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2022 57:16


    Joseph has geography questions. Lizy travels around the sun. It's Pride 2022, and we're kicking this month off with a look at a queer legend - Sappho! Join us in putting on our bifocals as we discuss the life, legacy, and lyrics of Sappho.Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    31. Heartstopper

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2022 60:09


    Lizy inspires pie cravings. Joseph enjoys a good mouth feel. We're back to talk about the queer sensation that's sweeping the nation! Stop what you're doing and put on your bifocals so we can discuss Heartstopper - the webcomic, and the Netflix adaptation.Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    30. Our Flag Means Death

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2022 62:04


    Joseph tries to change the vibes. Lizy knocks on wood. HBO Max recently gave us a delightful little show called Our Flag Means Death, and we wanna talk about it! Join us in putting on our bifocals to discuss queer pirate history, and the adventures of Stede "The Gentleman Pirate" Bonnet. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    29. Cinderella Is Dead

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2022 67:21


    Lizy has big dad energy. Joseph has a suit dilemma. It's time for the second official meeting of the Bifocals Book Club - and this time, we enjoyed the book! Join us as we put on our bifocals to discuss Kalynn Bayron's 2020 fantasy novel, Cinderella is Dead.Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    28. Chasing Amy

    Play Episode Play 58 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 4, 2022 59:27


    Joseph mourns a Star Wars ship. Lizy remembers handsome men. It's not easy being straight. One day, you're publishing comics, and the next, you're falling in love with a lesbian. It's about time we rallied behind heterosexual men like Ben Affleck and gave them the support they deserve. Join us as we discuss Kevin Smith's romantic comedy-drama Chasing Amy.Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    27. The X-Men

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2022 66:56


    Lizy has a superior revelation. Joseph expresses teleportation fears. We're back with a giant-size episode about everyone's favorite mutants - the X-Men! Join us in putting on our ruby quartz bifocals as we discuss the X-Men's publication history, queer metaphors, and canonically queer members of the mutant super team.Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    26. Moonlight

    Play Episode Play 47 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 25, 2022 68:41


    Joseph reads the wrong card. Lizy petitions for muppet hosts. As we progress through awards season, we decided to visit another Academy Award-winning film - Moonlight! Join us in putting on our bifocals as we discuss Barry Jenkins' Moonlight, based on Tarell Alvin McCraney's autobiographical play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    25. Will & Grace

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2022 63:30


    Lizy discusses boxing ancestry. Joseph abuses Reese's pieces. It's a new year, and we're ready for a new round of podcasts! This week, we're covering a sitcom that changed the game for queer representation in television. Join us in putting on our bifocals as we discuss Will & Grace - the original series, and the reboot.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    24. Carol

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2021 55:07


    Joseph calls out tea crimes. Lizy has the spiciest takes. It's the holiday season AND film awards season, which makes it the perfect time to talk about Todd Haynes' Carol. Do we think it deserved all those nominations? You'll just have to listen to find out! Join us as we put on our vintage bifocals to discuss Carol, a film adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's The Price of Salt. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    23. Elton John

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2021 57:39


    Lizy is broken by gnome knowledge. Joseph highlights some horse theft. It's time for another biographical episode! Join us as we put on a fabulous pair of bifocals to discuss the life, legacy, and discography of Sir Elton Hercules John. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    22. Gay Ghosts

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2021 55:11


    Joseph experiences a spectral oopsie. Lizy sticks with the spooky vibes. Halloween may be over, but we're not done with it yet! We need to don our bifocals to see this week's topics, 'cause we're talking Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt), Julie and The Phantoms, and our own ideas for queer Halloween stories.

    21. Jennifer's Body

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2021 59:19


    Lizy expresses her meme disappointment. Joseph demands justice for Phil Collins. After a well-needed break, Bifocals is back! With October being the spookiest month of the year, we decided to go with a cult-classic horror film - Jennifer's Body. Join us as we dissect Jennifer's Body, some questionable dialogue, and a confusing stance on relationships. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    20. The Wizard of Oz

    Play Episode Play 22 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 20, 2021 61:12


    Joseph introduces a new segment. Lizy sings a song. We're taking a break until October, but until then, we've got a real good episode for you! Join us over the rainbow as we put on our bifocals to discuss The Wizard of Oz, its place in the queer community, and Friends of Dorothy.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    19. Space Opera

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2021 42:06


    Lizy psychoanalyzes some billionaires. Joseph ranks some friends. This week, we're putting on our bifocals for a book review! Join us for the first-ever meeting of the Bifocals Book Club as we critique Catherynne Valente's 2018 science-fiction novel, Space Opera!Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    18. Luca

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2021 52:38


    Joseph disagrees with his therapist. Lizy receives an invitation. Santa Mozzarella, Luca was good! The queer community has been rallying behind this movie, and we're here to explain why. Join us on the waterfront as we don our bifocals to discuss Luca, a very queer outing from Pixar.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    17. Brokeback Mountain

    Play Episode Play 52 sec Highlight Listen Later Jul 2, 2021 62:26


    Lizy has a hot Shakespearean take. Joseph is denied his discount. We've been alluding to it, folks, and it's finally time for Brokeback Mountain! Crack open a can of beans, put on your bifocals, and join us for some campfire chats about Brokeback Mountain.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    16. Stonewall (2015)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2021 56:00


    Joseph hires an executive producer. Lizy introduces a new segment. It's Pride Month, and we're celebrating by beating the piñata that is Roland Emmerich's Stonewall. Join us as we put on our bifocals to discuss Stonewall, a brief history of Pride, and some questions we have for Mr. Roland Emmerich. Support the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund: https://transgenderlegal.org/support-us/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    15. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2021 60:32


    Lizy celebrates some trips around the sun. Joseph impersonates the cringiest tiger. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power fans recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of its series finale, so we decided to watch the show, and BOY did we enjoy it. For the honor of Grayskull, we come together to discuss She-Ra and the Princesses of Power and all the queer tidbits that Noelle Stevenson blessed us with.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    14. The Young Avengers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2021 61:56


    Joseph questions Viking laws. Lizy has beef with a doctor. Marvel Studios is establishing the Young Avengers, one of the queerest superhero teams in comic book history! Secure your bifocals as we jump dimensions to discuss the Young Avengers' comic book history, their place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Disney's potential treatment of them going forward.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    13. Calamity Jane and Classic Hollywood

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2021 53:02


    Lizy pimps out a lion. Joseph processes puppet grief. We're throwing it back to the 1950s to review a very sapphic western musical. Join us as we put on our bifocals to discuss Calamity Jane, accidental lesbianism, and queer coding in classic cinema.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    12. Freddie Mercury

    Play Episode Play 57 sec Highlight Listen Later Apr 9, 2021 56:47


    Joseph contemplates Guy Fieri introversion. Lizy recounts penguin trauma. We realized Kevin James was getting more airtime than the legendary Freddie Mercury - a true bicon - and it's time we fixed that. Join us as we humbly ask Jimmy Buffett for a favor, then put on our bifocals to take a look at the life of Freddie Mercury.Support sexual violence survivors and prevention: https://www.rainn.org/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    11. But I'm a Cheerleader

    Play Episode Play 41 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 19, 2021 62:19


    Lizy conquers the heterosexual gauntlet! Joseph has Jennifer Aniston face blindness! Natasha Lyonne has range! She also had a raging case of the lesbians according to her parents in But I'm a Cheerleader. While a story about a teenager going to conversion therapy camp may sound dark, this is actually satire done well, and we both enjoy this movie so much, we thought we'd share our thoughts with you. Let's get in the spirit by putting on our bifocals to discuss But I'm a Cheerleader, satire, and queer identity.Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    10. Are The Straights Okay?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2021 62:33


    Joseph proposes a sequel series. Lizy determines the worth of a child. Wandavision inspired us to revisit some classic sitcoms, and it would seem that the heteros are upseteros. Are they okay? We trade in some rose-tinted glasses for good old-fashioned bifocals in order to find out as we break down some upsetting tropes, themes, and character decisions across 70 years of sitcoms.Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    9. I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry

    Play Episode Play 41 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 19, 2021 47:41


    Lizy contextualizes Ving Rhames. Joseph mourns the year 2007. We were a little too nice during our last episode, and we've got to draw the line somewhere. Adam Sandler has had it too good for too long, don't you think? As board-certified bisexuals, it's our moral responsibility to knock him down a peg. Join us as we put on our bifocals to deconstruct I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, Adam Sandler, and other heterosexual disasters.Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    8. Coming Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2021 50:06


    Joseph grills up some bratwursts. Lizy adopts Jojo Siwa. Dan Levy had us thinking about the queer experience these past couple weeks, so it just felt right to have a little get-together to share our thoughts. We invite you to pull up a chair as we put on our bifocals to discuss Happiest Season, Schitt's Creek, and our experiences with coming out.Free Mom Hugs: https://freemomhugs.orgResources for our Queer Listeners and Allies: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    7. The Orville

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2021 63:46


    Lizy crushes on aliens. Joseph takes a stand against Tolkien. Our last episode was grounded in reality, so we thought we'd switch things up and look to the stars. Join us in putting on our bifocals to discuss Star Trek, The Orville, and progressivism in sci-fi television.Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    6. RENT vs. Reality

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2021 58:32


    Lizy criticizes a musical. Joseph scolds a dead man. We can all agree that 2020 was 525,600 minutes too long, but we've made it to 2021! As we enter the new year, we put on our bifocals to take a look at RENT, its portrayal of queer characters, and the realities of the AIDS epidemic.HIV/AIDS Resources: https://www.publichealth.org/resources/hiv-aids/Support the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power in the fight to end AIDS: https://actupny.com/Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    5. The Legend of Korra

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2020 72:11


    Joseph drops a major spoiler for the best series of all time. Lizy shares a wild middle school experience. As we celebrate Korra and Asami's 6-year anniversary, we don our bifocals to discuss Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, a major milestone in queer history, and more!Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    4. Supernatural and The CW

    Play Episode Play 40 sec Highlight Listen Later Dec 11, 2020 74:12


    Lizy follows up on a deal with The Devil. Joseph disappoints a lot of Catholics. Supernatural finally came to an end after 15 seasons, and the finale was certainly . . . an ending of sorts. With all the disappointment and drama surrounding Supernatural, we thought it'd be a good time to put on our bifocals in order to discuss the Bury Your Gays trope, The CW's exploitation of the trope across its franchises, and more!Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    3. Disney Movies

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2020 54:50


    Joseph does some bad Peter Ustinov and Alan Tudyk impressions. Lizy does a bad David Ogden Stiers impression. Disney doesn't have the greatest relationship with the queer community, so it's about time we put on our bifocals to take a close look at Disney's history of queer-coding, their recent tokenism, and the statements they've made regarding future projects.Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    2. Harry Potter

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2020 49:05


    Lizy mourns her childhood. Joseph promotes a parody. With the holiday season bringing another wave of Harry Potter marathons, we thought it'd be a good time to talk about J.K. Rowling's messy legacy, trans-exclusionary radical feminism, and a very handsome dinosaur.Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

    1. Wonder Woman

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2020 60:06


    Joseph has been reading a bunch of Wonder Woman comics! Lizy is anxious about Steve Trevor's fate! While we wait for Wonder Woman 1984, let's put on our bifocals to talk about Diana Prince, her history, and some other awesome queer comic book characters that followed in her footsteps.Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true

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