Fireside Friends

The Fireside Friends crew are joined by Jen and Six from Scanline Media as they discuss Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse!You can follow Six and Jen's work at scanlinemedia.com. You can follow Jen on Twitter at @jbu3, and Six at @sixdettmar.

Content warning: Our segment on Pulse features in-depth discussions and depictions of depression, suicide, and self harm. Our discussion of the film begins at 36:44.This month, we discuss Russian Doll, Final Fantasy 7, and Magia Record before diving deep into the 2001 Kiyoshi Kurosawa film Pulse for our shared experience.Next month, we will be watching Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse!Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

Fireside Friends returns with an action-packed episode! Join us as we talk new Twilight Zone, Final Fantasy X, and Ao-chan Can't Study! before discussing The Lumberjanes for our shared experience. (Discussion on The Lumberjanes begins at 43:46.)

After an extended hiatus, Fireside Friends returns! Join Allen, Kaity, and Ryan as they catch up on the latest media discourse. Star Wars: Bad. Star Trek: Also bad. Anime: ...good?Now, imagine this: In segment two, the crew discusses the sad Netflix anime Violet Evergarden for their shared experience. In our discussion, we address an age-old question that haunts our lives: What *is* love? Grab a box of tissues, because this one gets emotional.

Fireside Friends returns with discussions about music, Marvel, Star Wars and more before discussing the queer webcomic Goodbye to Halos for their shared experience.Spoilers for Avengers Infinity War begin at around 29:00.Discussion of Goodbye to Halos begins at 34:22.You can send questions and comments to us at questions@firesidefriends.net, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes!Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

This month, the Fireside Friends crew talks Full Metal Alchemist and recounts concert horror stories before discussing the 1979 film The Warriors for their shared experience!

This month, the Fireside Friends are back on their bullshit with a discussion of the anime Sanrio Boys. How cute is the anime? Does it come off as a cynical marketing scheme? Do the boys kiss? The answer to all of these questions (and more!) can be found in our discussion. Also in this episode, we ask ourselves: What media did we used to be ashamed of liking? What did we dismiss at an early age, and what was met with mockery from our peers? And finally, the most important question: What’s with the Kidz Bop cover of All The Small Things?

This month, the Fireside Friends crew gathers in a circle around the fire for discussions about how technology fits into our lives. In our first segment, Jen Unkle joins us as we discuss navigating social media and how to manage time in our capitalist hellscape. In our second segment, we discuss The Circle! We talk about how it tackles topics of social media addiction, the oversharing of personal information online, and the growing surveillance state. To top things off, we dig into select sections of the novel that The Circle is based on, bringing everything full circle and embarrassing author Dave Eggers in the process.

CW: We discuss Doki Doki Literature Club, which (poorly) handles themes of anxiety, self-harm, and suicide. We also touch on the transphobia present within the game’s fanbase. Fireside Friends returns with the original crew and a new format! In our first segment, we talk about anime, various visual novels, and recount our experiences with attending gaming and science fiction conventions. In our second segment, we discuss Doki Doki Literature Club! We focus on the way the game approaches the topic of mental health, the shattering of the game’s fourth wall, and its toxic community

Ryan and Allen take one final look back at 2017 and discuss their favorite media discussed on and off the podcast, their biggest disappointments, and their biggest surprises before looking ahead to what they’re excited for in the New Year. Next month’s shared experience is Doki Doki Literature Club!

Joel Bocko joins us to discuss Lost Highway. We talk about how the film uses its two protagonists to explore themes of exploitation by the hands of abusive men. We also discuss David Lynch’s use of VHS horror, as well as question his depictions of absurd house parties. Finally, we examine the film in the context of Lynch’s entire filmography.

In this recently recovered episode of Fireside Friends, Shannon Strucci joins Ryan, Allen, and Jen to talk about the 2007 film [REC]. We discuss the film’s use of its small budget, well-considered characters, and the found footage format. We mention the film’s Hollywood remake, Quarantine, as well as [REC]: Boat Edition; we end the cast with a discussion of some of our favorite (but mostly our least favorite) horror movies and franchises.

Ryan, Allen, and Jen discuss Bound! We talk about the film’s portrayal of its queer relationship, the ways in which the film succeeds at building tension, and where it stands among the rest of the Wachowski films. We also address the heated Car/Truck debate. Are trucks considered to be a type of car? (No.) Is language needlessly complicated? (Maybe.)

Join Allen and Ryan as they commit crimes* and discuss the 1984 film, Repo Man! We talk about the film’s outrageous antics, and its themes surrounding white suburban punks and radiation research. We also reflect on Harry Dean Stanton’s vast career and discuss some of his most memorable roles. *No actual crimes were committed in the making of this podcast

John Stull joins us to read and interpret lyrics from Father John Misty’s latest album, “Pure Comedy.” Is this a good album? Does it have a solid political message? Are the lyrics evocative? The answer to all of these questions, of course, is no. However, we hope you enjoy listening to us highlight the album’s most embarrassing material, as well as the in-depth analysis from Genius.com’s users. Hang on to that centrist feeling, dear listeners, because it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Persona Non Grata is a mini-podcast series that follows Allen and Ryan as they make their way through Persona 5. This episode, Jennifer Unkle frees us from having to play any more of this game by guiding us through the remaining plot points. Hear us react to the game’s most ridiculous plot developments and find out which ones we accurately predicted!

M joins us to discuss Twin Peaks: The Return! We talk about our favorite moments of the season, how much the new show fits in with the original series and Fire Walk With Me, and ruminate on how Twin Peaks will always be a show filled with mystery. Who is the dreamer?

Jennifer Unkle joins us to discuss Don’t Take It Personally, Babe, It Just Ain’t Your Story by Christine Love! We talk about the issue of privacy in the digital age, the guilt of voyeurism in the context of visual novels, and the validation that comes with positive depictions of queer relationships in games.

Persona Non Grata is a mini-podcast series that follows Allen and Ryan as they make their way through Persona 5! This episode, we explore Futaba’s palace, uncover the mystery of the hacker group Medjed, and check up on our social links.

Fireside Friends has found a new home at Abnormal Mapping! What does this mean for the podcast going forward? Ryan and Allen walks you through the details. Thanks much to all of the people who have supported us up to this point. Your support and generosity means the world to us, and we wouldn’t have made it this far without your help.

This episode we discuss the film Okja, talk about our eating habits, examine our company loyalty, and consider how it all intersects with our politics. Fireside Friends is now on Patreon! You can support us and recieve access to bonus content over at patreon.com/firesidefriends. You can send questions and comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our podcast theme is "At Summer Pond" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org. Other music used: "Dedicated To the One I Love" by The Mamas and The Papas

Persona Non Grata is a mini-podcast series that follows Allen and Ryan as they make their way through Persona 5! This episode, we talk about Kaneshiro's Palace, start some new social links, and gush over the game's best character, Makoto. Fireside Friends is now on Patreon! You can support us and recieve access to bonus content over at patreon.com/firesidefriends. You can send questions and comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! The podcast intro is "Have a Short Rest" and the outro is "Suspicion" from the Persona 5 OST.

This episode, Fireside Friends fully converts into an anime podcast as we discuss the six episode series of FLCL! Fireside Friends is now on Patreon! You can support us and recieve access to bonus content over at patreon.com/firesidefriends. You can send questions and comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our podcast theme is "At Summer Pond" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org. Other music used: "Ride On Shooting Star" by The Pillows

Persona Non Grata is a mini-podcast series that follows Allen and Ryan as they make their way through Persona 5! This episode, we talk about Madarame's dungeon, check in on our social links, and dunk on the game's official sad boy, Mishima. Fireside Friends is now on Patreon! You can support us and recieve access to bonus content over at patreon.com/firesidefriends. You can send questions and comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! The podcast intro is "Have a Short Rest" and the outro is "Suspicion" from the Persona 5 OST.

Niel Jacoby joins us to talk about the extraordinarily cheesy Yu-Gi-Oh! anime. You can check out Niel's podcast over at spalltalk.blogspot.com and follow them on twitter @fuckinalpamare. Fireside Friends is now on Patreon! You can support us and recieve access to bonus content over at patreon.com/firesidefriends. You can send questions and comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our podcast theme is "At Summer Pond" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

This episode, Brenna joins us as we discuss Star Trek Beyond! You can follow Brenna on Twitter @verbranden. Fireside Friends is now on Patreon! You can support us and recieve access to bonus content over at patreon.com/firesidefriends. You can send questions and comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our podcast theme is "At Summer Pond" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

Persona Non Grata is a mini-podcast series that follows Ryan and Allen as they make their way through Persona 5! This episode, we discuss our thoughts on the first dungeon, our favorite (and least favorite) characters, and the game's muddled politics. Fireside Friends is now on Patreon! You can support us and recieve access to bonus content over at patreon.com/firesidefriends. You can send questions and comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! The podcast intro is "Have a Short Rest" and the outro is "Suspicion" from the Persona 5 OST.

Fireside Friends is finally back from hiatus! This episode, we discuss the film Four Lions and challenging various preconceptions about terrorism. Fireside Friends is now on Patreon! You can support us and recieve access to bonus content over at patreon.com/firesidefriends. You can send questions and comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our podcast theme is "At Summer Pond" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

We discuss Paper Girls Vol. 1 & 2, the reductive taxonomy of media, and the problems with male writers being upheld as feminists in the comics industry. Volumes 1 & 2 of Paper Girls includes issues 1-10. You can send questions and comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our podcast theme is "At Summer Pond" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

Tzufit joins us as we discuss The Force Awakens, the absurdity of the prequel trilogy, and our predictions for the future of Star Wars. You can send questions and comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our podcast theme is "At Summer Pond" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

Fireside Friends turns a year old this week! In celebration, the crew briefly talks about changes coming to the show before discussing Pan's Labyrinth. You can send questions and comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our podcast theme is "At Summer Pond" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

Brenna joins us once again as we discuss "The Evaluators: To Trade With Aliens, You Must Adapt" by N.K. Jemisin. You can send questions and comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our podcast theme is "At Summer Pond" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

We made it past the flaming hellscape that is 2016, and onto what is looking to be an even greater hellscape that is 2017. Despite all of the negativity in the world, the Fireside Friends crew found time to sit down and reflect positively on the media that they enjoyed in 2016. Note that most of our choices are ones that we have not talked about on the show before, as we thought it would be redundant to choose stuff that we have already talked about at length in previous episodes. Also note that these are all things that we have enjoyed in 2016, and not necessarily what has been released in 2016. Here is the list of our personal favorites, as listed in our Google Doc: Ryan's Picks: Games: Pocket Card Jockey Thumper Firewatch Galak-Z Movies: The Lobster Star Trek: Beyond The Nice Guys Lemonade Jet Li’s The One TV: Better Call Saul Hannibal Comics: Black Panther Snotgirl Jem & the Holograms Paper Girls Allen's Picks: Games: Abzu Pokemon Moon Movies: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 Don’t Think Twice Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Zootopia TV: The Americans Broad City Steven Universe Veep Literature: Saga Seeds Kaity's Picks: Games: Skyrim Special Edition Stellaris Grim Dawn TV: Longmire Stranger Things Comics: Dragon Age: Magekiller Radioactive Spider-Gwen Anime: Magical Girl Raising Project YURI!!! On Ice Orange ERASED Occultic;Nine Shelter She and Her Cat: Everything Flows You can send questions & comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our podcast theme is "At Summer Pond" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

We talk Overwatch's holiday event, Pokémon Sun and Moon, and discuss Krampus for our shared experience! Discussion of Krampus begins at 41:04. You can send questions & comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our break music this episode is "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)" by Sleater-Kinney (Ramones cover). Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

John Stull and Jackson Tyler join us as we read and interpret lyrics from Metallica's latest masterpiece, "Hardwired... to Self Destruct." You can find John's music at Jung Manhater and follow him on Twitter @SIBNAME. You can find Jackson's work at headfallsoff.com, follow them on Twitter @headfallsoff, and support them on Patreon. You can send questions & comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

Editor's Note: Ryan's audio is awful for the first ten minutes, but it improves after that. Apologizes! Shaun Lau joins us as we talk about queer relationships in Yuri On Ice, fight over Pokémon Sun/Moon starters, discuss lack of representation of marginalized groups in media, and more before we discuss Ghost In The Sell for our shared experience. You can find Shaun's work at No, Totally!, follow him on Twitter @NoTotally, and support him on Patreon. Discussion about representation in media begins at 25:30. Discussion of Ghost in the Shell begins at 37:38. You can send questions & comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

Mike Moody joins us as we talk about the new Sims 4 expansion, Cowboy Bebop, Cardcaptor Sakura, the lack of skin color options in the new Animal Crossing: New Leaf update, and more before discussing Zootopia for our shared experience. You can find's Mike's music on Soundcloud and follow her on Twitter @guysmiley22. Discussion of Zootopia begins at 34:36. You can send questions & comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and rate us on iTunes! Our break music this episode is "Countrysides" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

Shannon Strucci stops by as we talk about transphobia in a recent episode of Atlanta; We also talk Hannibal, Yuri!!! On Ice, Law & Order: SVU, and more before discussing Tucker & Dale vs. Evil for our shared experience. You can find Shannon's work at StrucciMovies, follow her on Twitter @plentyofalcoves, and support her on Patreon. Discussion of Tucker & Dale vs. Evil begins at 34:05. You can send questions & comments to us at firesidefriendspodcast@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, and rate us on iTunes! Our break music this episode is "Theme of Laura" by Akira Yamaoka. Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org. NO BEES WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS PODCAST

Kortney Terry returns to chat with us about magical girls, Luke Cage(and racists who think the show is "too black"), Atlanta, Hannibal, and more before discussing A Monster In Paris for our shared experience. You can follow Kortney on Twitter @Sparklykiss. Our break music this episode is "Mexican Chef" by Xenia Rubinos. Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

Alex Zandra chats with us about self care, self confidence, and the importance of creating and consuming art. If you missed the previous episode in which we talk to Alex Zandra about game design and Mirror's Edge, you can check that out here! You can find Alex Zandra's work at ZandraVandra.com, follow her on Twitter @havochq, and support her on Patreon. The music used this episode is "Home" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

Alex Zandra Van Chestein talks to us about being an independent game developer, developing her game One Last Cup, navigating gaming communities as a marginalized creator, and more before discussing Mirror's Edge for our shared experience. You can find Alex Zandra's work at ZandraVandra.com, follow her on Twitter @havochq, and support her on Patreon. Discussion of Mirror's Edge begins at 49:30. Our break music this episode is "Introduction" by Solar Fields. Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

Ryan swoons over Jem and the Holograms and gets mad at Nintendo (again), Kaity shares her appreciation of the otome game Mystic Messenger, and Allen gives us the latest on World of Warcraftand its newest expansion, Legion. The group then discusses the David Cronenberg film Cosmopolis for their shared experience. Discussion of Cosmopolis begins at 36:19. Our break music this episode is "Adore" by Savages. Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

The classic Fireside Friends crew returns to talk about Until Dawn, Black Swan, Sex Criminals, awful gender roles, and more before discussing Paprika for their shared experience. Discussion of Paprika begins at 35:58. Works Discussed: She and Her Cat: Everything Flows, Until Dawn, Black Swan, Sex Criminals, Paprika Our break music this episode is "Mediational Field" by Susumu Hirasawa. Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

Shannon Strucci joins us to talk about The Lobster, David Lynch films, and more before discussing Undertale for our shared experience! You can find Shannon's work at StrucciMovies, follow her on Twitter @plentyofalcoves, and support her on Patreon. There are vague spoilers for The Lobster in segment one. Discussion starts at 8:35 and ends at 16:50. Discussion of Undertale begins at 25:10. Works Discussed: Uncanny X-Force, Company, The Lobster, Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, Twin Peaks, Lost Highway, The Elephant Man, Wild At Heart, Dune, Jodorowky's Dune, Inland Empire, Fire Walk With Me, Undertale Our break music this episode is "Dummy!" by Toby Fox. Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

Kortney Terry joins us as we talk about Rhythm Heaven Megamix, Star Trek Beyond, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, the Zero Escape series, and more before discussing Cibele for our shared experience. Our discussion of Cibele begins at 29:15. Works Discussed: Rhythm Heaven Megamix, Elite Beat Agents, WarioWare, Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness, Star Trek Beyond, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward, Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors, Pocket Card Jockey, The Beginner's Guide, Stranger Things, New Game!, Cibele, Pinkerton, The Woods, Persona 4, K-On!, Neon Genesis Evangelion Our break music this episode is "Spooky, Scary Skeletons" by Andrew Gold. Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

Brenna joins us to talk about the phenomenon that is Pokémon Go, as well as discuss Grandmother-nai-Leylit’s Cloth of Winds by Rose Lemberg for our shared experience! Discussion of Grandmother-nai-Leylit’s Cloth of Winds begins at 38:29. You can support Rose Lemberg on Patreon, which can be found here. Our break music this episode is "Pokémon" by Neil Cicierega. Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

Kaity shares her complaints with Overwatch's new competitive mode, Allen talks all things Game of Thrones following the end of the show's 6th season, and Ryan reflects on their journey of watching every Wachowski film before the group discusses Jupiter Ascending for their shared experience. Discussion of Jupiter Ascending begins at 38:06. Works Discussed: Overwatch Oneforall Alice Glass Game of Thrones The Matrix Speed Racer Bound Jupiter Ascending Our break music this episode is "Home" by Toby Fox. Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org. Other music used: "Stressed Out" by Twenty-One Pilots "Smell Yo D*ck" by Riskay, Aviance, Real "II. Anonymous" by Weezer "Tubthumping" by Chumbawamba "Illegal Alien" by Genesis "Candyland" by Blood on the Dancefloor "Kazoo Kid - Trap Remix" by Mike Diva "I Like Your Hair" by Scotty Vanity

We talk Star Wars, Overwatch, Star Trek, and more in a casual bonus episode of Fireside Friends. Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org. "Remember Remember" by Dario Marianelli

We talk Pee-wee's Big Holiday, the trend of subversive anime like Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto, the rewarding fanservice of the Warcraft movie, and the disappointments of X-Men: Apocalypse before discussing Carol for our shared experience. Discussion of Carol begins at 41:05. Works Cited: Pee-wee's Big Holiday StrucciMovies Pee-wee's Big Adventure Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto Naruto Bleach One Piece Spongebob Squarepants Fairly Oddparents Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Steven Universe Sailor Moon Warcraft John Warcraft Dev Diary – 1 – Valley of Trials Griffin’s Amiibo Corner “Fuck this boring white shit!” X-Men: Apocalypse Carol The Price of Salt Top Gun Sleater-Kinney Transparent The Simpsons Family Guy South Park Bojack Horseman Orange Is The New Black The Interestings Abnormal Mapping Skyrim Special Edition Death Stranding Why Is She White, Though? The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild The Last Guardian Detroit: Become Human Persona 5 No, Totally! Our break music this episode is "Opening" by Carter Burwell. Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

We talk about the disappointments of Daredevil Season 2, the missed opportunities of the Priyanka Chopra lead television show Quantico, and the perplexing personality of That Poppy before diving into V for Vendetta for our shared experience. Discussion of V for Vendetta begins at 38:47. Works Discussed: Daredevil Quantico That Poppy V for Vendetta Our break music this episode is "Modest Mouth" by Neil Cicierega. Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.

Kaity returns for a discussion on anime of all sorts, fun versus intellectual merit, and Captain America: Civil War before we dive into our shared experience, Kyle Seeley's Emily Is Away. Discussion of Emily Is Away begins at 52:44. Works Discussed: Hibike! Euphonium Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress Boku no Hero Academia Neon Genesis Evangelion Almost Famous Captain America: Civil War Emily is Away Our break music this episode is "Roundabout" by Yes. Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org.