Cool Talk with Attractive People

The attractive people, Ryan Dalton and EJ Pennyman are again joined by their most recent guest, Steve Mizer. We sit next to a mattress and dig through our happy memories of story-times past. Reach us at attractivepeople@cooltalkpodcast.com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com

Pro Hero EJ Pennyman and anti-hero Ryan Dalton, digress immediately. Delaying the long expected Dr. Horrible episode. This episode is chock full of references to 2008s Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog with very little by the way of explanatory commas. We do, however, explain all the ways Dr. Horrible subverts our expectations. Also, to make this episode more subversive: Act III Captain America: The Civil War spoilers. Full Lyrics to Bad Horse: Bad Horse Bad Horse Bad Horse He rides across the nation The thoroughbred of sin He got the application That you just sent in It needs evaluation So let the games begin A heinous crime, a show of force A murder would be nice of course Bad Horse Bad Horse Bad Horse He’s Bad The Evil League of Evil Is watching so beware The grade that you receive Will be your last we swear So make the Bad Horse gleeful Or he’ll make you his mare... You’re saddled up There’s no recourse It’s Hi-Ho Silver Signed, Bad Horse Also, if you have time to kill: http://drhorrible.wikia.com/wiki/Horrible_Wiki Reach us at attractivepeople@cooltalkpodcast.com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com

Special guest, Steve Mizer (tenor), joins your attractive podcast duet, Ryan Dalton (Baratone) and EJ Pennyman (Bass) to discuss musicals. Dr Horrible Episode on deck for next release. Hugh Jackman's awards credits: 2013 Academy Award Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for Les Mis 2004 Tony Award Best Actor in a Musical for The Boy from Oz Reach us at attractivepeople@cooltalkpodcast.com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com

Episode 33 - PSA: The Change of Life No notes this time, just listen Reach us at attractivepeople@cooltalkpodcast.com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com

Episode 32 - Fixing the Force - Or: How to Regain Trust with Episode 8 In which EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton share a positive preview of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Not an optimistic one. This episode includes Tina voice. Suggested reading: Heir to the Empire - http://a.co/dyOd5vR I, Jedi - http://a.co/7zuD0qP X-Wing: Rogue Squadron - http://a.co/cX3MvCF Reach us at attractivepeople@cooltalkpodcast.com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com

Episode 31 - Kids Ain't Right - Stranger Things Season 2 Join hosts EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton for a lively discussion of the changes our beloved Stranger Things cast has made between seasons. In one 40 minute episode, we cover 9 40-odd minute episodes of the series. Reach us at attractivepeople@cooltalkpodcast.com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com

Episode 30 - Perspectives on Structural and Emotional Storytelling Ryan Dalton is back from the upside-down to join EJ Pennyman for a podcast about enjoying movie. Ryan, ever the craftsman, discusses his love for solid constuction. EJ, the non-sentimental romantic, yearn for a story to tug on his heartstrings. Listen as we come to an agreement (yes, it actually happens). And for the record, we're at 30 episodes, 1 bonus, and 3 fanmails without focusing on Dr. Horrible. It's available on DVD for ~$10 on Amazon. Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

While Ryan is trapped in the upside down, your host EJ Pennyman and the Attractive Wife get together to discuss Stranger Things Season 1. We're stoked for Season 2 and hope you are too. Here's a full spoiler discussion of the Netflix streaming series. Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

We have words on three words. Join us for a brief glossary episode in which Ryan Dalton plugs diagramming sentences and EJ Pennyman speaks of learning English from foreign languages. Also, Ryan does the sign off. Analysis - http://www.dictionary.com/browse/analysis Deconstruct - http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/GenreDeconstruction Unpack - http://www.thefreedictionary.com/unpack sense 4, specifically the cultural and social context Bastion, get the sound track and game here: http://store.steampowered.com/app/107100/Bastion/ Seriously, get the sound track. Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

We open off the rails with drinks and discussion of seasonal fashion. This episode "we" is: EJ Pennyman, Ryan Dalton, and - still on loan from Ox & Hare- Amy Shaw! This is a Star Wars episode, so we go a bit long. Get ready! Just in time for the release of Wonder Woman on DVD, Blu-Ray and 3D. Question to you, dear listener, do you think Star Wars can fix it's character development problem? We, your attractive hosts, sure hope so. SPOILER ALERT for Wonder Woman and Star Wars: The Force Awakens and various Star Wars books. Random plug: Hardcore History http://www.dancarlin.com/hardcore-history-series/ Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Get more of Shaw at https://www.oxandhare.com/swashbuckling/ Twitter - @OxAndHare Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

FINALLY, the Pride and Prejudice episode. EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton discuss fictional female characters with special guest real life female character, Amy Shaw. We discuss the details of character of the Bennet sisters and other character's in Jane Austen's masterwork. Regency period in Britain, starts 1820. Little Women is set around the American Civil War 1861-1865. Catch more of Shaw in Swashbucking Ladies Debate Society, part of the "Monday Matinee" from Ox & Hare available where you find podcasts. Ryan's upcoming game: Velocity-9. More details to come. Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

Episode 25 - Critics: This Isn't For You Impartial as ever, your attractive hosts, EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton have a follow up to the episode about lazy crticism. Here is an episode about lazy writing. Can an auteur claim a work is not 'for the critics' as a defense of said lazy writing? Working definition of Criticism: the analysis and judgment of the merits and faults of a literary or artistic work EDIT: It was June Cleaver who spoke Jive in airplane. Also, here's a link to 'Sweet Cuppin' Cakes' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SLA57pppzI. Watch this if Ryan's ending aside leads you astray. Email the podcast at attractivepeople at cooltalkpodcast.com (Replace the at with @) Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

We all have that "friend" that who feels required to point out every example of race-ist this, sex-ism that, and other -ist/ism. This episode is a help to get to the interesting conversation that could be had about problematic works if we discuss them with a more constructive tone. Listen closely for the definitive definition of cultural appropriation. Also included, our shortest movie review: Lego Batman. Email the podcast at attractivepeople at cooltalkpodcast.com (Replace the at with @) Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

Are you ready to descend into melancholia with Eric and Ryan? Have you prepared your NPR voice? Even if you answer 'no' to both of those questions. Please join us to explore the entire spectrum of human emotion. In one episode. We discuss the emotional plot elements: tragedy, drama and melodrama. Spoiler Warning for Spiderman Homecoming at 23:50. Email the podcast at attractivepeople at cooltalkpodcast.com (Replace the at with @) Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

Episode 22 - The Definitive Way to Enjoy a Story Pour yourself a nice beverage and join EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton as we pick up right where we left off. Worried that this episode will devolving into a list of reasons why EJ is right? Fear not attractive listener! This episode *evolves* from a list of why I'm right into the what breaks immersion and how this varies from person to person. We discuss in more detail what engages us in movies. Are you engaged by consistency and fun? Or do you ask for something else? Also, somehow EJ defends Michael Bay. Yeah, weird, I thought so too. Even weirder, RYAN defends Michael Bay. Yes, dear listener, we go there. For you. Mission Impossible The Bourne Trilogy James Bond, circa Daniel Craig Email the podcast at attractivepeople at cooltalkpodcast.com (Replace the at with @) Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

Episode 21 - Ordering From the (YAR!!) Content Menu In this episode, EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton deliberate the delicate decision of what (YARR!!) content to lavish with our precious money and attention. How do you decide? Do you watch trailers and read reviews? Do you wait for a friend to insist on taking you? Now we have so many ways to enjoy film and comics and games and TV and music it becomes important to have not just a good filter, but a good way to allow more information in. Speaking of awesome games, check out Horizon Zero Dawn. Perfect game, that. This episode's audible sigh occurs at 11:45 and 27:55 Email the podcast at attractivepeople at cooltalkpodcast.com (Replace the at with @) Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

Fresh after Phoenix ComiCon, EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton have some pointers to help you if you want to go to a big Con for the first time. Links to Stuff we talked about: Phoenix ComiCon - https://phoenixcomicon.com/ All Balboa Weekend - http://www.allbalboa.com/ Phoenix Lindy Exchange - http://www.phoenixlindyexchange.com/ Dinasaur comics on Patrick Stewart - http://qwantz.com/index.php?comic=916 Email the podcast at attractivepeople at cooltalkpodcast.com (Replace the at with @) Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

Episode 19 - The Pledge, The Turn, and The Prestige - A Story In Three Acts In which EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton go into one of the most basic of basics, the 3 act story structure. We breakdown the filmmaking masterclass that is The Prestige, Christopher Nolan's best movie. Yup, that's it. My shortest intro for our longest episode. Enjoy. Spoilers for: -The Prestige No spoilers for: Books One or Two of the Time Shift Trilogy, The Year of Lightning and The Black Tempest, respectively Email the podcast at attractivepeople at cooltalkpodcast.com (Replace the at with @) Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

Episode 18 - Universal Viewpoints Pt 2 - Marvel and DC After warming up with our lighthearted Pixar/Dreamworks discussion, EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton are rejoined by guest Justin from Cleveland to compare and contrast the universal tone and viewpoint of Marvel and DC comics, movies, and TV series. A good starting point for Marvel comics is the 2015 reboot. They pretty much restarted all franchises around that time. If you've seen the movies, this will be a comfortable place without re-doing origin stories. Also, check out the new Ms. Marvel (the kid) it's pretty good. As for DC, start with the 90's cartoons for Batman and Superman. If you insist on a comic for Batman, start with Under the Red Hood. After that, check out Hush. You Supes fans want to start with Superman for All Seasons by Jeph Loeb and Superman: Last Son of Krypton. Also good is the recent Flash TV series. Somehow we went through this entire podcast without me mentioning Justice League Age 8 (JL8) by Yale Stewart. It's exactly what it sounds, the Justice League at age 8. It's fun, it's free and it has the DC guys. Link: http://jl8comic.tumblr.com/ Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

In which EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton are joined by guest, Justin from Cleveland, land that I love. We compare how studio viewpoints affect all the movies that they release. This is the first in a two part series where we compare and contrast Pixar and Dreamworks. Off the top, we love both and spread the love. This is a discussion of what to expect when you see the studio on the title card.   PS- Dear listener, this episode is a week late due to a family emergency that EJ had to take care of. 

Episode 16 - The Dance of Story and Delight In which EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton insist that you WATCH ARRIVAL FIRST! Seriously, don't listen to this episode until you watch Arrival. Okay, now that you, attractive listener have watched Arrival, WE HAVE WORDS. We discuss that most elusive and coveted of emotional responses: delight. You watched the movie, right? That's really important. Okay now for the real info. We discuss the important things about Arrival, namely it's story *SPOILER WARNING* and if that airtight, beautifully crafted story was delightful. In other news, the episode is live, and yes, I did read The Black Tempest. It's good, buy it. Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

FANMAIL #3! In which a listener mounts a Spartan-esque defense of Rogue One: A Star Wars story. Does he fair better than the Spartans at Thermopylae? Listen to find out. Wonder about the actual Spartans at Thermopylae, check out Hardcore History Episode 58 part III: King of Kings. It's March, try a podcast! Please email us questions and comments at attractivepeople(at)cooltalkpodcast(dot)com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

Episode 15 - Where We Talk About Death and Make you Sad and Stuff We discuss what legwork must be done to have a convincing Act 3 (late story) character death. Also, listen in pain along with EJ and Ryan as we listen to a couple bad death scenes. We make it up to you by listening to some poignantly awesome ones. Episode contains a suprise and a bonus! Since this is an episode about death, episode contains spoilers from: Star Wars Episode III (Bad) Star Wars Episode VII (Better) Batman v Superman (Bad) Iron Giant (Better Superman) Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (Good) Cowboy Bebop (Good Setup) Please email us questions and comments at attractivepeople(at)cooltalkpodcast(dot)com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

In which, EJ Pennyman, Ryan Dalton, and guest, Tia, remind of you of several things that are awesome. We'll be back with a full episode for next week! Also, keep your ears open for a Fanmail episode! In other news for March, encourage your attractive friends to listen to a podcast, any podcast. Use #trypod in your post to join with some of your favorite content creators in expanding our medium.

This episode resulted from a spontaneous conversation we had between recordings. We is: EJ Pennyman, Ryan Dalton, and Tia. We discuss Interception, the hidden Chris Nolan movie. Episode complete with new digressions! listen to the new Hardcore History, Destroyer of Worlds. We spoil, er discsuss: The Giver - Movie and book Mass Effect 3 (well, EA spoiled this, but we discuss it) 2001: A Space Odyssey (can this be spoiled?) Jazz Please email us questions and comments at attractivepeople(at)cooltalkpodcast(dot)com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

Due to a series of unfortunate events invloving cream soda, Ryan Dalton is banished. Host EJ Pennyman is joined by guest Tia as they explore how an authors choice of language sets the work's tone. Also, Ryan is forgiven and joins in our most bookish of episodes. We discuss the importance of intentality in diction to a works enduring appeal. Among our topics are diverse authors such as: Asimov Tolkein Brandon Sanderson Michael Crichton Jane Austen (!) Ernest Cline Please email us questions and comments at attractivepeople(at)cooltalkpodcast(dot)com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.

A passionate (read: long) episode, In which EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton discuss the importance of character in earning cinema moments and how to show, not tell. Among our examples are such diverse elements as: dialog, silence, and emotional crescendo. Also, a deep cut clip from FLCL. We discuss: Rogue One: A Star Wars story Casino Royale The Sting FLCL Reach us at attractivepeople@cooltalkpodcast.com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Be sure to check out The Black Tempest available April 25 wherever fine books are sold.

Fanmail 2 **UPDATED: This version is mixed properly. Sorry for the bad upload.   In which an attractive listener agrees with how great Pacific Rim is. Discussion ensues. Also a plug for Ryan's upcoming novel: The Black Tempest at your local bookseller. (Amazon link here: http://a.co/1vVjXUs) Reach us at attractivepeople@cooltalkpodcast.com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com

Episode 11 - Modern Fairy Tales We get an equipment update! This episode is recorded on new equipment. All to delight and entertain you, our dear listener. Rejoice as your host EJ Pennyman coins a new word: "Fairytaleyness". Witness to this coinage is Ryan Dalton. Fairy tales have been with us as long as we have told each other stories. For more on "A Hero's Journey" check out this episode of TED Radio Hour. http://www.npr.org/2015/12/18/458498466/what-is-the-blueprint-for-stories-about-heroes. We discuss: (500) Days of Summer Star Wars!!! - We finally go in depth on THE trilogy The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Reach us at attractivepeople@cooltalkpodcast.com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com

EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton Welcome to our tenth episode! EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton talk about different movie focii. Plot, character, and ideas are discussed as the posible focus of a story. We discuss the difficulty inherent in movies to be anything but plot-centric. Also, opinions on irony, actors, and the importance of a movie being delightful. Email us at attractivepeople@cooltalkpodcast.com Catch us on Twitter @TextulaPlacebo and @iRyanDalton Facebook Ryan Dalton Web: ryandaltonwrites.com

Today we discuss soundtracks. We bring in guest soundtrack aficionado Ben Florez. You'll remember him from the fanmail episode. Ben joins your host EJ Pennyman and co-host Ryan Dalton on a sonic journey through icon moments in film. In each, we look at the music that deftly provides emotional texture. Also, we discuss music as a creative aid in character development. We discuss clips from: Dr. Who, Star Trek, Indian Jones: The Last Crusade, and The Time Machine. Opening music: Music by Eric Sermon feat. Marvin Gaye

You may have noticed that today is not Monday. This ep is up a bit late, sorry everyone! Welcome attractive tropers! This is episode is part of our glossary episode for the word "Tropes". Join your host, EJ Pennyman and non-trope-abusing author Ryan Dalton for their discussion. In case you were wondering, we discuss our alignment on the time-tested Good-Evil, Lawful-Chaotic scale. The website mentioned is tvtropes.org. Please email us questions and comments at attractivepeople(at)cooltalkpodcast(dot)com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show.   Cheers!

This episode debuts our so fresh and clean theme music performed by the talented Courey Grant!! Check him out on SoundCloud as Courey. EJ Pennyman pulls a full Effie Brown reaction take to Ryan Dalton's opinion of Pacific Rim. Join our diverse cast as we discuss types and sterotypes. The stoic Pacific Rim is contrasted with the classic Undercover Brother. Tyler Perry's filmography is compared with Adam Sandler's. There is a heartwarming moment of sharing as EJ and Ryan discuss their personal backstory. Follow us on Twitter: EJ Pennyman - @textualplacebo Ryan Dalton - @iRyanDalton Email us at: attractivepeople(at)cooltalkpodcast.com

EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton get a listener email and don't know how to behave in front of company. We discuss different approaches to back story. Guest voice: Ben Florez of the as yet unreleased soundtrack episode.

Here at Cool Talk, we expect that our audience is full of attractive and sophisticated people. In this episode, EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton discuss how important it is for the audience to be prepared for the movie on screen. This is the first episode of our three episode suite on audience expectation, stereotypes, and tropes.   Discussed Media: Live, Die, Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow All You Need is Kill Star Wars Episode X Captain America: First Avenger    

Episode 5 - Sequels: How to Make it Good First: What are we drinking? In a world where the sequel is often Movie II: The Quest for More Money, EJ Pennyman (cranky consumer) has given up. Ryan Dalton (author and courteous person) argues that there are exceptions. A fresh vision, new themes, character development, and mythology among others can make a sequel worth the time. Bonus discussion: When does mythology become a hindrance instead of a benefit? Media discussed in this episode: Star Wars Episode V: Empire Strikes Back WE FINALLY GET TO STAR WARS!!!! YAY!! Captain America: The Winter Soldier James Bond - The series Toy Story II Also, a visit from the Attractive Wife.

Join Ryan Dalton as he narrowly avoids being punched by EJ Pennyman over modifying unique. The discussion is definitely one of a few about worldbuilding. Examples: Avatar, Tron Legacy, Jupiter Ascending, and for the first time on the podcast, the scifi classic: Foundation. Quote that I butchered: "If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe." -Cosmos, Karl Sagan

It's our first MCU episode!! In this one, EJ Pennyman (blerd extraordinare) and Ryan Dalton (author) discuss what it takes to be a supporting character, why audiences expect sidekicks and how you can impress your friends by knowing the difference. In other news, EJ learned how to use Audacity to boost volume levels so you fine people don't have to stress your ears to hear these attractive voices. Suggestions? Requests? Favorite elements of storytelling you want us to discuss? Email us at attractivepeople@cooltalkpodcast.com

EJ Pennyman (Blerd extrodinaire) and Ryan Dalton (author) discuss Ryan's favorite style of antagonist, the gentleman villain. As an example we use Moriarty from Sherlock Series 1 Ep3. For flavor we contrast against Owen Davian from Mission: Impossible 3. Be sure to check out Ryan Dalton's book, The Year of Lightning

EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton discuss a movie you should have watched. We talk about Rick being a sympathetic protagonist as opposed to Victor, who plays a hero antagonist.

Welcome to our new podcast! Who are we? What are we even talking about? How are our voices so attractive?