POPULARITY
Categories
Ab und zu beschleicht Antje und Stefan das Gefühl, dass es in den Hörspielen von Bibi Blocksberg nur eine Handvoll Konflikte gibt, die immer wieder aufs Neue, lediglich in abgewandelter Form, thematisiert werden. Das gute, alte „Verhexen-Motiv“ ist ein Beispiel dafür. Doch stimmt das wirklich? Antje und Stefan haben sich den häufigsten Tropes innerhalb der Serie angenommen und kommen zu dem Schluss: Der Schein trügt. Zum Schluss bleibt nur noch eine Frage offen: Warum wird bei „Bibi Blocksberg“ eigentlich so viel Eis gegessen? Die neue Benjamin Blümchen Folge 166 „im Football-Fieber“ könnt ihr direkt hier über diesen Link anhören - https://Kiddinx.lnk.to/Ben_166PC Bibi Blocksberg und die Generation Kassettenkinder ist eine Produktion der KIDDINX Media GmbH in Zusammenarbeit mit Viertausendhertz. Moderation: Antje Wessels (https://www.instagram.com/antje_wessels/?hl=de) und Stefan Springer (Springer aus Herten) https://www.instagram.com/der_springer_aus_herten/ Herstellungsleitung: Marie Dippold Produktion: Hendrik Efert Team KIDDINX Media: Anja Wienbeck und Yawar Haider
Decision Space is the podcast about decisions in board games. Join our active and welcoming Discord community, Join the crew today! (Decision Space Patreon), or Leave us a review wherever you find this podcast! Episode 239 - Spatial Puzzles and Tile Laying Tropes Brendan and Paul dig deep into the mechanisms behind tile-laying games. What are the different decisions players make with tiles and what makes them special? Also, a mini deep dive on Paris: La Cite de la Lumiere Also, DECISON SPACE MERCH! Get your sweet, sweet, podcast supporting t-shirts and hats right here - https://www.decisionspacepodcast.com/merch Timestamps 04:30- adjacency 10:00- filling a frame 15:00- color matching 20:00- region closure 26:00- route building 36:15- tiling 39:30- tile stacking 47:15- pattern building 52:15- spatial combos 55:45- Paris: La Cite de la Lumiere case study Games Mentioned Carcassone, My City, Baren Park, Kingdominio, Floristry, Castles of Mad King Ludwig, Carpe Diem, Isle of Skye, Cascadia, Isle of Cats, Land vs Sea, Tsuro, Indigo, Karuba, Babylonia, Guild of Merchant Explorers, Blue Lagoon, Patchwork, Cuzco, Llama Land, Miyabi, Nimalia, Oddland, Honey Buzz, Paris La Cite de la Lumiere Preplanners More goodness coming soon... Music and Sound Credits Thank you to Hembree for our intro and outro music from their song Reach Out. You can listen to the full song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuuRPfOyMw&list=TLGGFNH7VEDPgwgyNTA4MjAyMQ&t=3s You can find more information about Hembree at https://www.hembreemusic.com/. Thank you to Flash Floods for use of their song Palm of Your Hand as a sting from their album Halfway to Anywhere: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fE6LrqzNDKPYWyS5evh3K?si=CCjdAGmeSnOOEui6aV3_nA Intermission Music: music elevator ext part 1/3 by Jay_You -- https://freesound.org/s/467243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Bell with Crows by MKzing -- https://freesound.org/s/474266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 hammer v2.wav by blukotek -- https://freesound.org/s/337815/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Contact Follow and reach us on social media on Bluesky @decisionspace.bsky.social. If you prefer email, then hit us up at decisionspa@gmail.com. This information is all available along with episodes at our new website decisionspacepodcast.com. Byeee!
NaPodPoMo Day 4 talks Character Alignment Tropes with special guests Anthony Sytko and Docor Issues from Capes on the Couch. Anthony Sytko and Doctor Issues join Seth and Crazy Train to talk about Character Alignments. These alignments are usually associated with Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) but have been used to describe character personalities in common tropes. … Continue reading National Podcast Post Month Day 4: Alignment Tropes
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Ally Machate, owner of The Writer's Ally about loyal fan bases and long-term brand equity. Ally Machate is a bestselling author, expert publishing consultant, and founder of The Writer's Ally. With 25+ years of experience—including as an editor at Simon & Schuster—she and her team of industry pros specialize in helping serious authors create high-quality books that resonate with readers and stand out in a crowded market. Her clients include authors with such companies as Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, Rodale Inc., Chronicle Books, Kaplan Publishing, Sourcebooks, and Hay House, as well as independently published bestsellers. Ally's website states the following: If you're like most authors, you want someone who will help your work reach its highest potential without changing your style or injecting their own. You want to publish a book you can be proud of and one that will find success in the marketplace, whether you're seeking a book deal with a publisher or planning to self-publish. Our editorial and publishing packages are carefully constructed to ensure you achieve the results you want without wasting your time, energy, or resources. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation so we can discuss what would work best for you. In the meantime, here's a rundown of the many services we offer: Developmental editing Manuscript editing Copy editing Proofreading Manuscript evaluations Query letter editing Query letter writing Book proposal evaluations Book proposal editing Cover copy writing Cover copy editing Cover design Print book design and layout Book formatting Publishing assistance Author platform strategies Book marketing strategies Book marketing services Group programs Private mastermind sessions Webinars Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1 Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290 You can follow Author Ally Machate Website: https://thewritersally.com/ LinkedIn: @allysonemachate FB: @allysonemachate Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors #allymachate #thewritersally #marketing #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
From Hollywood to Florida and New York to Oregon, this year's Halloween season proved that the industry is evolving—just not abandoning its roots. Sliders continue to grow as choreographed street theater, chainsaws remain the undeniable American haunt anthem, and creative teams nationwide are finding new ways to give guests something active to do between scares. From selfie moments and staged photo ops to queue-line performers and mini-interactions, the focus is shifting from watching horror to participating in it. Philip and Scott break down what these trends say about guest expectations, why smaller haunts are thriving by leaning into intimacy and story, and how even major parks are rethinking Halloween as a festival of constant engagement rather than a night of passive walkthroughs. Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.
From Hollywood to Florida and New York to Oregon, this year's Halloween season proved that the industry is evolving—just not abandoning its roots. Sliders continue to grow as choreographed street theater, chainsaws remain the undeniable American haunt anthem, and creative teams nationwide are finding new ways to give guests something active to do between scares. From selfie moments and staged photo ops to queue-line performers and mini-interactions, the focus is shifting from watching horror to participating in it. Philip and Scott break down what these trends say about guest expectations, why smaller haunts are thriving by leaning into intimacy and story, and how even major parks are rethinking Halloween as a festival of constant engagement rather than a night of passive walkthroughs. Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.
Join me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/marieshadowsThis Halloween episode is a fiery deep dive into the viral tweet that had wrestling Twitter on fire — and an honest breakdown of how fans, media, and content creators have stopped using their words correctly.Marie starts the show with Halloween greetings and a quick reminder that the grind doesn't stop — even on spooky season. From there, she recaps how one tweet about WWE's triple threat booking went viral and turned into a full-on literacy test for wrestling Twitter.The core debate? The misuse of the word “trope.”Marie defines it clearly — a recurring theme — and then exposes how The Wrestling Observer twisted the term just to fuel anti-WWE sentiment. She then contrasts that bias by showing how AEW uses the same tropes — weekly multi-man matches borrowed straight from New Japan — but never gets called out.From there, she gets into storytelling psychology:Dominic Mysterio hiring mercenaries isn't “stupid booking,” it's character consistency. WWE tells stories rooted in motivation, consequence, and payoff — not chaos for chaos's sake.Marie also explains how she used her viral moment to teach about rhetoric, logic, and honesty — because the problem isn't the “tropes.” The problem is that fans and media don't understand definitions or context anymore.She ends the episode with free advice for Tony Khan on how AEW could use Twitter Spaces and social media to actually build stories, while urging all fans to think more critically about wrestling and stop hiding behind tribal labels.This episode isn't just wrestling talk — it's a lesson in media literacy, independent thinking, and keeping wrestling discussions honest and informed.Time stamps00:00 – 02:00Halloween greeting, show intro, talk about making two podcasts in one day.02:00 – 05:00Explaining the importance of Patreon, creator economy, and independent voices.05:00 – 10:00The viral tweet breakdown — Wrestling Observer calls WWE's triple threat booking a “bad trope.” Marie defines “trope.”10:00 – 15:00Storytelling psychology of Dom, Rusev, and Penta — why this is proper storytelling.15:00 – 20:00Observer's anti-WWE bias vs. AEW's constant multi-man match reliance.20:00 – 25:00AEW's New Japan influence; how Tony Khan could use Twitter Spaces for story hype.25:00 – 32:00Social media bias, media literacy, and how the creator economy punishes independent truth-tellers.32:00 – 40:00Marie reacts to viral tweet replies — AEW defenders, bad-faith arguments, and misuse of “rhetorical.”40:00 – 45:00Debunking “booking pattern = trope.” Literary clarity meets wrestling education.45:00 – 50:00Closing thoughts: consistency, education, honesty. “Make honesty great again.”
Send us a textSeason 5, Episode 683: Happy Halloween! Witches Love Sex, Dark Erotic Fiction, Dark Fantasy: In Scarlet's House, Chapter 5. Enjoy this dark romance excerpt from Ruan's Audiobook In Scarlet's House. Get the full audiobook: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/inscarletshouseaudiobookBook Blurb:Scarlet had become a powerful witch. She also had beauty and brains, but what she was missing was a grand house and some wealth to her name, so she sought George. He blubbered his way through their marriage until he was as annoying as a bug, or an overripe houseguest. That didn't take long. She had plans for him though, big plans.When Scarlet invited Arianna, her secret love, over to her new husband George's mansion, the girl's night she had promised turned out to be quite decadent indeed. It was complete with a much-needed reconnection for the women, a barely clothed muscle clad chef to ogle, and enough servants, with the promise of extra benefits, to satiate even Cleopatra.But it turns out having everything doesn't sit well with a dominant witch, until she's truly satisfied with everyone where she wants them.Tropes: sexuality, dark fantasy fiction excerpt, dark romance fiction, Femdom dark fantasy & sci fi, forced proximity, shrinking and growing woman, magic, HEA, humiliation, degradation, explicit scenes and language, LGTBQ.Other Halloween Erotica/erotic romance by Ruan Willow: The Arousal Package: Get the book for $0.99 cents at https://payhip.com/b/JybjsWicked & Spicy ON SALE THROUGH HALLOWEEN erotic, horror erotica, fantasy spicy romance: Wicked & Spicy on Ruan's site:https://payhip.com/b/sT8iPhttps://payhip.com/b/n8pNHHalloween erotic fiction, THE FEMDOM COVEN EROTIC ANTHOLOGY: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/thefemdomcovenSupport the showExclusives https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeNewsletters https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillow Affiliates Firm Tech 15% OFF with code ruan15 https://myfirmtech.com/ruanwillow BeeDee dating app https://beedee.app/?r=ohfuckyeahThe Fantasy Box DATE30 for $30 OFF 1st box https://thefantasybox.sjv.io/c/6250602/2141126/26423
The memorial for Charlie Kirk has been described as one of the most powerful and uplifting spiritual events this century, paying proper tribute to a giant of a man cut down in the prime of his life. There were and are many reasons to celebrate Charlie Kirk's life and legacy, one which we pray will continue to inspire generations. One thing that raised eyebrows and has made waves were remarks by Tucker Carlson, seen by many as fomenting antisemitic tropes. Many have raised their concern and voices with many nodding in agreement. Many others are scratching their heads and do not understand why. Was this isolated, or a trend by Tucker to make comments that can be seen as antisemitic, and host those who are openly antisemitic. It's important to ask these questions and have a dialogue about it, especially in the spirit of Charlie Kirk's own brave and unyielding model to dialogue about anything, with anyone, any time. PLEASE DONATE TO THE GENESIS 123 FOUNDATION ISRAEL EMERGENCY FUND AT WWW.GENESIS123.CO To join us making special events like this possible, please give generously at https://genesis123foundation.revv.co/soldierssocialwelfareGet information about how you can join FOOTSTEPS at https://genesis123.co/footsteps/For information about and how to register for Root & Branch, please go to www.RootandBranchIsrael.comConnect with the Genesis 123 Foundation at www.Genesis123.co and learn how you can host Shabbat in your community.FB - www.facebook.com/Genesis123Foundation Twitter - @Genesis123FIG - Genesis_123_FoundationFind out how you can be part of Run for Zion and bless Israel with every step at www.RunforZion.com.
Input geben - Networking starten!Wie verändert Künstliche Intelligenz die Art, wie wir Videos und Fernsehsendungen konsumieren? In dieser fesselnden Folge tauchen wir mit Bea Knecht in die Welt der KI-gesteuerten Content-Automatisierung ein. Als Pionierin auf diesem Gebiet teilt Bea ihre Reise, die 2013 mit EU-Forschungsprojekten begann und heute zu revolutionären Möglichkeiten geführt hat.Die Geschwindigkeit, mit der sich KI-Technologien entwickeln, ist atemberaubend. Was gestern noch unmöglich schien, ist heute Realität. Moderne Large Language Models können bereits Videos analysieren, Highlights extrahieren und Content neu aufbereiten - was früher komplexe technische Lösungen erforderte, steht nun jedem zur Verfügung. Bea vergleicht diese Evolution treffend mit einem heranwachsenden Kind: Es wäre unfair, endgültige Urteile zu fällen, wenn die Technologie sich noch in einer frühen Entwicklungsphase befindet.Besonders spannend wird es, wenn Bea über die Kunst des Storytellings spricht. Sie erklärt, warum klassische Erzählmuster uns ansprechen und wie kurze, atmosphärische Momente - sogenannte "Tropes" - beim Publikum Anklang finden. Die große Herausforderung: Wie bringt man einer KI bei, solche bedeutungsvollen Momente zu erkennen? Wir diskutieren auch die ethischen Aspekte der Nachrichtenverarbeitung und wie KI uns helfen könnte, komplexe Themen wie neue Technologien besser zu verstehen und gesellschaftliche Diskussionen anzustoßen.Statt uns auf potenzielle Gefahren zu konzentrieren, schließen wir mit einem optimistischen Ausblick auf die Chancen, die KI für die Menschheit bietet. Entdeckt mit uns, wie künstliche Intelligenz uns dabei helfen kann, die immer komplexer werdende Informationsflut zu filtern und die Welt um uns herum besser zu verstehen. Hört jetzt rein und erfahrt, wie die Zukunft des Content-Konsums aussehen könnte! Support the showVielen Dank an unsere Starken Podcast-Partner: Solunex: Der Schwerpunkt von Solunex liegt in der Unterstützung unserer Kunden im effizienten und automatisierten Verarbeiten und erzeugen von Kundenkommunikation. Dabei decken wir sowohl die Eingangsseite ab (Input Management), wobei Automatisierung und Unterstützung der Kundenteams durch den gezielten Einsatz von AI im Vordergrund stehen. Auf der Ausgangsseite (Output Management), steht ebenfalls die Automatisierung im Fokus, sowie die Nutzung sämtlicher Kontaktkanäle zwischen Kunden und Endkunden (Omnichannel Management). Vor über 35 Jahren gegründet, verfügt das Team von Solunex über langjährige Erfahrungen aus erfolgreichen Kundenprojekten, basierend auf hervorragender technischer Umsetzungskompetenz. Solunex unterstützt die Kunden über den gesamten Lebenszyklus einer Lösung aktiv und zuverlässig. https://www.solunex.ch/ AlpineAI: AlpineAI ist ein innovatives Schweizer KI-Unternehmen, das sich auf sichere und datenschutzkonforme KI-Lösungen für Unternehmen spezialisiert hat. Ihr Hauptprodukt, SwissGPT, ist eine Schweizer Version von ChatGPT, die höchste Standards beim Daten- und Geheimnisschutz gewährleistet, indem alle Informationen in Schweizer Rechenzentren verarbeitet werden. AlpineAI versteht sich als Innovationskatalysator für die KI-Transformation und arbeitet daran, Unternehmen durch massg...
Host Tara Jabbari talks with Michael Kennedy, one of the screenwriters and executive producers of the rom-com slasher horror film, Heart Eyes. Released a week before Valentine's Day in February 2025, Heart Eyes - directed by Josh Ruben and starring Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding - was met with positive reviews and grossed nearly $30 million in its first month. In their conversation, Tara and Michael discuss his experience writing solo versus with a writing partner. They talk about how each department on Heart Eyes incorporated various tropes, homages, and much more. In time for the Halloween season, Heart Eyes is now available to stream on various platforms, including Netflix. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cRzZcMlJh8Support the show---Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!
Patricia Lynn is a playwright/actor who has worked extensively in NYC independent theatre. As a writer, Patricia fancies herself to be a gothic feminist; she loves to subvert the classic genre by creating provocative plays inspired by traditional gothic stereotypes. Her plays have been developed at Triad Stage, New Perspectives Theatre Company, The Secret Theatre, Rogue Theater Festival, and Phillips' Mill Community Association. As an actor, Patricia has worked at TheatreWorksUSA, Trinity Repertory Theatre, Soho Playhouse, Capital Fringe, NYC Fringe Festival, and many more. MFA in Creative Writing from Lesley University; MFA in Acting from Brown University/Trinity Repertory. In this episode we talk about her new play The Truth about Transylvania debuting during Halloween week October 24, 2025.
Exploring Halloween Book Tropes: Spooky Season Favorites
Miscommunication - but make it serial killers. Brynne Weaver is back with yet another serial killer romance. How does this still work? Somehow, it does. Video: https://youtu.be/6P-u9ehnYLo
If you've ever cracked open House of Leaves, you know it's not just a book — it's an experience. But how many classic horror tropes are lurking within its twisting pages? In this episode, we're peeling back the wallpaper (and maybe our sanity) to uncover the eerie elements that make House of Leaves one of the most unsettling horror novels ever written - while throwing in a few other novels along the way.We'll talk claustrophobic spaces, unreliable narrators, found footage, the unknowable void, and all the ways authors weaponize storytelling itself. Grab your flashlight — and maybe don't listen to this one alone.
In this episode of Idling In The Impala, Sandra and Kasey dive into the intriguing world of fanfiction, focusing on the common fanfiction trope of Amnesia. Join them as they unpack this trope and its related tags, discussing how it shapes narratives and impacts characters, especially the beloved Sam and Dean Winchester. Spoilers reveal that Kasey has some personal reasons for an aversion to this trope, so be prepared for some heartfelt moments. Discover the nuances of fanfiction and how tropes like Amnesia resonate within the Supernatural fandom. Send hugs and join the conversation!Link to Amnesia Fanlore Page: https://fanlore.org/wiki/AmnesiaDoc with all the stats and fic links discussed in this episode can be found here.If you'd like to check out more fic recs from our Discord members, join us in the #backseat.~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:01:18 - Kasey is not a fan of the Amnesia trope00:03:09 - Amnesia has been used in everything00:03:56 - First thoughts when we hear Amnesia00:04:45 - The struggle between enjoying fiction about and the real-life implications of Amnesia00:12:43 - Hows and whys behind the use of Amnesia in fiction00:15:44 - Consent issues with Amnesia00:16:58 - Canon Amnesia00:18:15 - Season 7 Time For A Wedding00:20:22 - Regarding Dean00:21:00 - AO3 stats breakdown00:24:33 - Examples of the trope in fics00:30:29 - Questionable memory around myths and fairy tales00:31:31 - Kasey forgot how Sandra's used this trope00:36:31 - Back to the fairy tales00:39:08 - Sandra's picks for Amnesia fics and plot device use00:46:36 - Join our Discord for more fic recs of the trope00:47:58 - Final thoughts and outro
Raggedy and Emiry have debated the definition of anime to death. Now it is time to define shonen, more specifically its tropes. When they work, when they are overplayed, and those that break free from the mold. Intro music is "Shonen Showdown Opening" by Syn Strain In The Pentane and the ending music is "Chiptunes" by Liborio Conti (https://www.no-copyright-music.com/) You can support the podcast in the following ways: Merchandise Store: www.AAAShop.info Discord: www.AAADiscord.com Subscribe: www.aaapodcast.com/join Donations: www.aaapodcast.com/donate Patreon: www.patreon.com/AAAPodcast Thank you for your generosity and kindness
Where were you when you first saw the most expensive NC-17 Film ever made? Have you seen it since? What is your relationship with this iconic box office disaster? In this Bite-Sized Episode we examine SHOWGIRLS and celebrate Elizabeth Berkley's strength despite it's devastating reception. Even The Academy has come around to acknowledge this film's place in our pop culture history. Enjoy this look back into the film that is a delicious disaster and let me know about your experience with SHOWGIRLS.0:00 Hi! 0:53 Hair, Makeup and Costumes of SHOWGIRLS 3:19 The push and pull of Showgirls 4:06 The Backlash 5:45 Gina Ravera and her negative personal experience on set 7:16 Tropes and Colorism in SHOWGIRLS 9:52 Justice for SHOWGIRLS- how the film found success through Camp and triumphed on Home VideoAlso: See below for a link to the documentary YOU DON'T NOMI for more!Watch SHOWGIRLSWatch the documentary YOU DON'T NOMI Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: With the recent celebration of Teacher Appreciation Day, which WWE superstar participating in Crown Jewel looks the most like a teacher (0:45)? David and Kaz discuss a few highlights from the weekend and 'Raw,' including: Santos Escobar doesn't re-sign with WWE and enters free agency (5:37) Could more wrestlers turn down WWE contracts (22:52)? Maxxine Dupri shocks the world in win over Becky Lynch (31:25) Is there tension between Roman Reigns and the Usos (47:00)? Why Je'Von Evans should be on SmackDown every week (1:12:49) AEW Dynamite: Title Tuesday preview (1:14:39) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Horror doesn't hand down commandments from a mountaintop; it scavenges from headlines, folklore, and fear, then welds those scraps into images we can't shake. We open the vault on a Halloween favorite to map where the genre's “rules” actually come from—Lover's Lane, masks without faces, babysitters on the edge, clowns that cross lines, and formless things that fall from the sky. The trail starts with the Texarkana Moonlight Murders and the media-born “Phantom Killer,” threads through the brutal, under-told case of Janet Christman and the babysitter myth it spawned, and crystallizes in Halloween's The Shape: a mask that erases humanity so audiences can bear the unbearable. From there, we unpack how Ed Gein's grotesque artifacts overwhelmed facts to seed Psycho, Texas Chainsaw, and Silence of the Lambs, proving horror borrows objects and builds archetypes. And that's just scratching the surface.
A listener asks if there are any comics that the comics dads think are essential reading for being a comic creator. They sure do... and it's not what you'd expect!Today's showRomance novels"Must-Read" Comics ListSummaryCartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the value of romance novels in storytelling, contrasting their narrative preferences. Brad advocates for the insights gained from romance, while Dave expresses a preference for macro stories over micro narratives. Next, a listener asks if there are any comics that the comics dads think are essential reading for being a comic creator.This conversation delves into the evolution of comic storytelling, exploring influential works and characters that have shaped the medium. The speakers discuss the importance of understanding tropes, the impact of classic comics, and the significance of personal taste in appreciating the art form. They also touch on modern webcomics and the challenges of concluding long-running series, highlighting the diverse narratives and styles that continue to emerge in the comic world.TakeawaysReading romance novels can enhance storytelling skills.Different genres appeal to different narrative preferences.Tropes in romance are often embraced by writers.Macro stories focus on larger themes and movements.Personal experiences shape one's reading preferences.Humor and sentimentality play significant roles in storytelling.Comics can be a valuable medium for exploring complex narratives.Understanding comics can aid in effective communication.Readers should seek joy in their literary choices.Diverse genres offer unique insights into human experiences. Comic storytelling has evolved significantly over the years.Understanding classic tropes can enhance appreciation of modern comics.Influential collections like The Far Side and Bloom County shaped comic narratives.Characters like Wonder Woman and the Addams Family set standards for uniqueness.Empowered explores themes of self-confidence and societal expectations.Watchmen revolutionized the anti-hero narrative in comics.Garfield's early work showcased unique storytelling choices.Creative freedom allows for diverse comic styles and narratives.Personal taste plays a crucial role in comic appreciation.Cultural context influences how comics are received and understood. You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.
In this episode, Ray takes another look at tropes, specifically euphemism, stories that follow the path of misunderstanding by substituting words and phrases to deflect or minimize the impact of negativity. He's joined again by Kory Thomas May, and Tiffany Christian. For more on Ray, visit drraychristian.com and support the show!
Satire, Tropes, and Uncomfortable ConversationsMatthew and Riki examine the 2024 satirical film The American Society of Magical Negroes, starring Justice Smith. This provocative comedy tackles the "magical Negro" trope coined by Spike Lee—where Black characters exist primarily to help white protagonists—by imagining it as a real organization designed to keep white people comfortable. The film blends social commentary with romantic comedy as the protagonist must choose between his assigned role and his own desires.Questions We Discussed:What is the "magical Negro" trope and how has it appeared in films like The Green Mile, The Legend of Bagger Vance, and Ghost?Does the film work better as satirical sketch comedy than as a feature-length movie?Should we have avoided discussing this film as non-Black hosts, or is there value in these conversations across racial lines?Does the romantic comedy element undermine or enhance the film's social commentary?How does the character of Lizzie complicate the film's racial dynamics as a multiracial woman who "passes" as white?Is the final confrontation scene between Aaron and Jason genuine growth or does it center white comfort once again?Can characters like Guinan from Star Trek: The Next Generation or Morpheus from The Matrix fit this trope while still being well-developed?Why did this film generate such polarized reactions, particularly within Black media critique circles?**************************************************************************This episode is a production of Superhero Ethics, a The Ethical Panda Podcast and part of the TruStory FM Entertainment Podcast Network. Check our our website to find out more about this and our sister podcast Star Wars Generations.We want to hear from you! You can keep up with our latest news, and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.Email: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comFacebook: TheEthicalPandaInstagram: TheEthicalPandaPodcastsTwitter: EthicalPanda77Or you can join jump into the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.Want to get access to even more content while supporting the podcast? Become a member! For $5 a month, or $55 a year you get access to bonus episodes and bonus content at the end of most episodes. Sign up on the podcast's main page. You can even give membership as a gift!You can also support our podcasts through our sponsors:Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master AlanUse Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one year membership or gift one through this link.Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.
On this episode of Buzzing About Romance, bestselling author Kathryn Moon joins Becky, Leah, and Amanda to explore the big question — What is Omegaverse? .
FInd us on... INSTAGRAM Apple Stitcher Facebook Our Patreon
FInd us on... INSTAGRAM Apple Stitcher Facebook Our Patreon
Happy Fall from your favorite movie podcast! This week we are chatting about a little bit of everything! But first, we play our favorite game of Catch that Quotable before Doug leads us in a round of What's the Connection. We break down the Jimmy Kimmel news, as well as live react to the new Mandolorian trailer. Finally, Bryan leads us in a bracket of the best fall tropes. Follow Us on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/FilmsInBlackandWhiteRemember you can join our patty family, and help produce the show by going to Patreon.com/filmsinblackandwhitePlugs:Support the Mantra: Never Offended Always Humble - https://linktr.ee/MarcusJ.DestinThe LoveNerds - www.etsy.com/shop/thelovenerds
Martha Waters is known for writing regency romcoms, but her latest title, And Then There Was The One, mashes up cozy mystery and romance tropes in a witty and rollicking nod to both genres. Plus there are sheep, London playboys, puns, and a huge disappointment…at least for this reader! We discuss how she pulls off her homage to Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers…while dialing up the heat past “cozy” in this episode of My Bookcase Slays. Learn more about GUEST Martha Waters: https://www.marthawaters.com/ Learn more about HOST Melissa Westemeier: https://www.melwestemeier.com/
Welcome to Autumn-ish Book Club! In this flash analysis series, we take an academic approach to some of the most talked-about books in Romantasy and fantasy today. With over 13 years of combined academic literary training, we bring a critical lens to fandom favorites while keeping the discussion fun, thought-provoking, and accessible. In this episode, we're discussing When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker. We explore how Parker blends classic Romantasy tropes with fresh worldbuilding, the tension between destiny and desire in her characters, and the ways her heroine reflects larger genre shifts toward female-driven agency. We also dive into the book's explosive popularity on BookTok and why it's being hailed as one of the standout romantasy debuts of the year. This is part 2 of this week's episode. This season, we'll be covering: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker Where the Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell Blood of Hercules by Jasmin Mas Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem And when book club wraps up, get ready! Our next full literary analysis will dive into Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas. If you're new here, we also have full seasons analyzing A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, House of Earth and Blood, House of Sky and Breath, Throne of Glass, and Crown of Midnight. Go back and check those out to see how we break down metaphors, symbolism, narrative structure, and character arcs through multiple literary lenses. Plus, we're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. If you love Sarah J. Maas, Romantasy, and deep literary analysis, you're in the right place. Sponsor: The best way to cook just got better. Go to HelloFresh.com/BOOKTALK10FM now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free Item for Life! One per box with an active subscription. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we explore the history of film and television adaptations of Cinderella with guests Chanel Earl and Jill Terry Rudy. We talk about how this perhaps most popular of fairy tales intersects with Latter-day Saint themes and chat about various versions from early cinema to classic Disney to modern takes, discussing how kindness, redemption, and overcoming adversity resonate with our faith.Show Notes: https://www.popcultureapricottree.com/post/cinderellaAudio mastering by Liz BusbyAssociate Links: Links to products may be associate links, which means a small part of your purchase goes to Pop Culture on the Apricot Tree. We appreciate your support.
Welcome to Autumn-ish Book Club! In this flash analysis series, we take an academic approach to some of the most talked-about books in Romantasy and fantasy today. With over 13 years of combined academic literary training, we bring a critical lens to fandom favorites while keeping the discussion fun, thought-provoking, and accessible. In this episode, we're discussing When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker. We explore how Parker blends classic Romantasy tropes with fresh worldbuilding, the tension between destiny and desire in her characters, and the ways her heroine reflects larger genre shifts toward female-driven agency. We also dive into the book's explosive popularity on BookTok and why it's being hailed as one of the standout romantasy debuts of the year. This is part 1 of this week's episode. Come back Thursday for part 2. This season, we'll be covering: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker Where the Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell Blood of Hercules by Jasmin Mas Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem And when book club wraps up, get ready! Our next full literary analysis will dive into Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas. If you're new here, we also have full seasons analyzing A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, House of Earth and Blood, House of Sky and Breath, Throne of Glass, and Crown of Midnight. Go back and check those out to see how we break down metaphors, symbolism, narrative structure, and character arcs through multiple literary lenses. Plus, we're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. If you love Sarah J. Maas, Romantasy, and deep literary analysis, you're in the right place. Sponsor: The best way to cook just got better. Go to HelloFresh.com/BOOKTALK10FM now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free Item for Life! One per box with an active subscription. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Worldbuilding. It's one of the most talked about aspects of running TTRPGs, as it is the sandbox into which you will throw your party to adventure in. We've talked about tips and tricks in past episodes and articles, and have come down on both sides of the debate surrounding how much to do with a focus totally on your specific table and party.However, in this episode, Tony, Chris, and Dave have decided to become a bit more involved with a new experiment that we cooked up.Something that has never been done on 3WD before – we're going to start building a new world live! In real time, we begin asking the questions that will shape our new creation. As this is a show by DMs for DMs, we're adding another aspect. YOU! We're asking you to share in the brainstorm and offer ideas. So, tune in now as 3WD starts building a whole new world!1:40 Introduction of our new experiment. Reach out to 3wisedms@gmail.com with your ideas and votes!3:40 Low Fantasy? High Fantasy? Low Magic? High Magic? What do we mean by this.7:40 Is our world completely new or a version of Earth (i.e. Middle Earth, The Dying Earth, Shannara)?9:50 DM Tony's idea of “High Magic” – a return to Greyhawk.11:50 The concept of “starting small.”13:35 What type of story does this world support? And can a world support ANY story?16:35 Building a world that was our Earth (at some point) lends a sense of familiarity when you're building your new world.18:40 Towns? Cities? States? Kingdoms? 22:53 The archetypes and Tropes of stories. We ALL steal.28:30 People will eventually congregate. The history of the world can't always be “Mad Max”.31:35 Looking to history.36:00 Final Thoughts.
A captivating episode with Yemeni-Egyptian artist Yumna Al-Arashi who discusses her upbringing in Washington D.C., the impact of the 2017 executive order (often referred to as the "Muslim ban") on her family, and how her art explores themes of identity, feminism, sexuality, healing, and human rights, frequently challenging the misrepresentation of Muslim women in Western media. Al-Arashi delves into her projects, including her first solo exhibition in Switzerland "Tears For The Future," her film "99 Names of God," and her powerful book "Aisha," which examines facial tattooing traditions from South Arabia to North Africa and the Sahara. She also shares her thoughts on self-portraits, the discomfort her work can evoke, and the importance of authorship and challenging orientalist desires in art. 0:00 Growing Up Egyptian-Yemeni in Washington D.C.0:09 The 2017 Executive Order and Its Impact0:49 The Salt Project: Healing and the Vulnerability of Movement7:13 Childhood George Bush's America10:04 Growing up in Washington D.C.12:05 Balancing Complexity and Tropes in “99 Names of God”19:09 The Evolution of Resistance in Art21:29 Filming “99 Names of God” in Oman and References to Yemen22:50 Introducing the Book “Aisha”23:55 the Connection Between Al-Arashi's Projects24:50 Reclaiming Narratives and Challenging Colonial History28:20 The Importance of Authorship32:23 The History and Meaning of Facial Tattoos36:58 The Awkwardness and Power of Self-Portraits Yumna Al-Arashi is a Yemeni-Egyptian artist, photographer, filmmaker, and writer born and raised in Washington, D.C. She studied International Politics with a focus on the Middle East at The New School. Her work, which is often self-taught in photography, explores themes of identity, feminism, sexuality, and human rights, frequently challenging the misrepresentation of Muslim women in Western media. Her notable works include the award-winning short film "The 99 Names of God" (2018) and the monograph "Aisha," which documents the ancient art of women's facial tattooing in North Africa and West Asia. Her photography has been featured in publications and exhibitions worldwide, and she has received support from organizations such as the International Women's Media Foundation and the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture. She has lived and worked in various locations, including New York, Los Angeles, London, and Zürich. Connect with Yumna Al-Arashi
Before When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and Julie andJulia, Nora Ephron wrote the BEST NOVEL. Heartburn is light and funny, but also complex, nuanced and full of compassion. Kimberly runs through the history of romantic comedy--not as simple as you'd think--and all the tropes that make the genre what it is. She then takes a close look at how Ephron UPENDS so many of these rom-com conventions. For a new appreciation of this excellent art form, tune in now.
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's another Tangents compilation! In these fantastic, superpowered episodes, we learn about the real-world ways these superhero tropes show up all around us. Strap on your utility belt and flutter your cape, we're off to do some heroic stuff!Episodes in this compilation:S1 E25 - Mutation, original airdate: April 30, 2019S2 E37 - Glowing Things, original airdate: August 4, 2020S3 E4 - Immortality, original airdate: February 9, 2021S3 E21 - Cyborgs, original airdate: June 29, 2021S4 E25 - Radiation, original airdate: September 20, 2022Sources for each episode can be found in the descriptions of the original episodes on your preferred podcasting platform.SciShow Tangents is on YouTube! Go to www.youtube.com/scishowtangents to check out this episode with the added bonus of seeing our faces! And go to https://complexly.store/collections/scishow-tangents to buy some great Tangents merch!While you're at it, check out the Tangents crew on socials:Ceri: @ceriley.bsky.social@rhinoceri on InstagramSam: @im-sam-schultz.bsky.social@im_sam_schultz on InstagramHank: @hankgreen on X
Send us a textSeason 5, Episode 658: Enjoy and excerpt from the book Mallory and Derek Attend Secret Parties, Doggy in the Hot Tub and Big Plans. The Winter Ball Continues: the night is winding down, but first for some fun in the hot tub!An Erotica Romance fiction Story of a Bisexual Couple who join an alternative lifestyle Sex Club where the leaders of the club throw sex parties at their house for their adventurous swinging members. Come on the journey as Mallory and Derek figure out how to have sexy fun with others while still being a devoted couple. This story contains polyamory, the swinging lifestyle, partner sharing, and kinky sex.Get the full audiobook: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/malloryandderekattendsecretpartiesaudiobookThe ebook is on sale for a limited time only for $0.99 cents! Get it now: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/malloryandderekattendsecretpartiesBook blurb:Mallory and Derek are a young mutually dedicated bisexual couple. They both love adventure and new experiences. It's what drew them to each other in the first place. They desire to explore more together, so they decide to join a swinger's alternative lifestyle club.Once the initial overwhelm wears off, they dive in to the insatiable group fun at the private parties, and don't look back. Their world opens up and they can't get enough. They have so much fun, their minds, and their climaxes, are blown to new heights. Life can't get any better. They make new friendships, and cultivate deeper ones that enrich their lives, while they work hard at being diligently respectful of their mutual boundaries.And all the party games, oh, that's mind-blowing and not stopping in its ever-expanding ecstasy! The couple is hooked!When a photographer is hired for one of the private parties and takes sexy pictures of Mallory with an older man who had become one of her regular play partners, Mallory's life, and career, take a turn for the unexpected. She finds herself lucky to be a huge overnight success as a content creator when she begins to post nude pics and spicy videos online. As she finds herself further entrenched in her life with her devoted partner Derek, her new older millionaire gentleman friend wants to be a permanent person in her life, too. Mallory is lucky, she's got two very supportive partners in her life!Who comes along for the full entrepreneurial ride she's on remains to be seen. However, one thing is for sure, she's taking this pleasure train for life. And whoever is by her side better hold tight because it's promising to be a wild trip!Tropes: erotica, Polyamory love triangle, swinging, BDSM, D/s, multiple partner intimacy and relationships, impact play, intimate scenes, bisexuality, experimentation, and empowerment.Support the showExclusives https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeNewsletters https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillow Affiliates Firm Tech 15% OFF with code ruan15 https://myfirmtech.com/ruanwillow BeeDee dating app https://beedee.app/?r=ohfuckyeahThe Fantasy Box DATE30 for $30 OFF 1st box https://thefantasybox.sjv.io/c/6250602/2141126/26423
Our good pal Kyle Starks is back on the show this week to talk about his Kickstarter for the latest volume of Where Monsters Lie! Plus we discuss how humor comics are viewed in the industry, genre shifts, basketball, and much more!We make our show on Zencastr, and you can too! Follow this link to sign up now!Join the WRA Patreon to help us keep doing the show and get rewards!
Tess Sharpe was born in a mountain cabin to a punk-rocker mother and grew up in rural California. She is the award-winning author of many books for kids, teenagers, and adults, including Barbed Wire Heart and the New York Times bestseller The Girls I've Been. NO BODY NO CRIME is her latest novel. Spies, Lies and Private Eyes is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair #suspensebooks #authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip #writers#writersinspiration #books #bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted #bookaddiction #bibliophile #read #amreading #lovetoread #terrencemccauley #terrencemccauleybooks #bookouture #thrillers #TheTwilightTown #TessSharpe #NoBodyNoCrime
The Sisterhood is back with their very first book club pick… and let's just say, it wasn't a hit for everyone (only two sisters actually finished it). Join us as we dive into all things tropes—the ones we adore, the ones we can't stand, and the ones that fall somewhere in between.Sam spills on a new duology she's started, Kate raves about finishing Heavenly Bodies (and is already begging for the next one), and Chesleigh isn't so sure Sam will ever actually pick it up. We also reveal our next book club pick—When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker—so grab your copy and read along with us!Along the way, you'll hear about Chesleigh's childhood nickname (which she still isn't thrilled about, though Sam insists on reviving it), and of course, some heated Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah banter.Don't forget to share your favorite enemies-to-lovers book recs with the Sisterhood—we're always looking for our next obsession!
Our F/Favorite Tropes Part 18: Mutually Oblivious The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast - Episode 321 with Heather Rose Jones In this episode we talk about: The “mutually oblivious” trope in f/f historic romance A transcript of this podcast is available here. Links to the Lesbian Historic Motif Project Online Website: http://alpennia.com/lhmp Blog: http://alpennia.com/blog RSS: http://alpennia.com/blog/feed/ Twitter: @LesbianMotif Discord: Contact Heather for an invitation to the Alpennia/LHMP Discord server The Lesbian Historic Motif Project Patreon Links to Heather Online Website: http://alpennia.com Email: Heather Rose Jones Mastodon: @heatherrosejones@Wandering.Shop Bluesky: @heatherrosejones Facebook: Heather Rose Jones (author page)
Last weekend Josh saw Weapons, Yuya crash out, EVIL make the G1 semis and then got a random DM that set him off. He wanted to understand how he felt about all of it, so at 2:17pm he ran outside, contacted Dave, organised the pod, and the Stiff Bois recorded this Special WWS Episode on Trust, Talent and Tropes. To join the Club or grab some merch to support the show.thestiff.club Or weworkstiff.comYou can find and follow the show:On X / twitter@weworkstiffOn Instagraminstagram.com/weworkstiff/On Redditreddit.com/r/WeWorkStiff/On Youtubeyoutube.com/@weworkstiffEmail us atweworkstiff@gmail.comPlease Listen. Like. Subscribe. Rate. Share. Review. Follow. Watch New Japan Pro Wrestling.#njpw #prowrestling #wrestling #newjapan #njpwworld #G1CLIMAX35
Dive into a stack of mind‑bending thrillers with Kate from Bookwild. Discover her top 5 speculative fiction picks in today's All-Star Book Influencer series.The All‑Star Book Influencer Series is back, and I can't wait to introduce you to more incredible voices in the literary community. Our guests include podcasters, bookstagrammers, and BookTubers who bring fresh passion and unique perspectives to the page.Today, we are discussing mind-bending thrillers and who better to guide us than Kate from Bookwild, a podcast dedicated entirely to the art of the twist? In this week's conversation, we explore what makes a thriller truly mind-bending, the tropes that never get old, and the books that broke our brains in the best way.In this thrilling conversation, Kate and I discuss:Inside the Bookwild Podcast – Kate shares the origin story of her show and how it became a space to celebrate everything from domestic suspense to speculative thrillers. Learn how she curates episodes that keep listeners hooked week after week.Tropes, Trends & Upcoming Obsessions – From the thriller tropes that never fail her to the themes she's hoping will take over the suspense landscape, Kate gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what keeps her reading.5 Mind-Bending Thrillers Kate Can't Stop Thinking About – Discover Kate's top picks that push the boundaries of the genre with jaw-dropping twists and speculative elements. She shares why these reads stand out in a sea of thrillers and why they deserve a spot on your TBR.
If you're a romance reader, you won't be surprised to hear that romance is the biggest genre in publishing. Nearly 40 million romance novels were sold in 2024. Books range from flirty (fade to black) to downright steamy (open door), with myriads of subgenres and tropes to choose from. (Rom-com! Paranormal romance! Historical fiction!)So this week, Big Books and Bold Ideas host Kerri Miller sits down with three Minnesota romance experts to talk about romance writing and reading today. She brings some quizlets and challenges, and each author shares an excerpt of a romance novel that has stuck with them. Big Books and Bold Ideas Romance Roundtable Along the way, they discuss the rules of romance (happy endings are nonnegotiable), what differentiates a love story from a romance novel and how the industry is starting to adapt to the diversity readers want.They also recommend romance novels that have maybe slipped through the cracks but deserve attention. For Richards, that was the book she chose to feature in her excerpt: the historical queer romance “A Shore Thing” by Joanna Lowell. She also recommended anything by writer Cat Sebastian, particularly “It Takes Two to Tumble.” Tschida said readers should check out the wit and charm inherent in any Nikki Payne novel, who is best know for her rewrites of Jane Austen. “Start with ‘Pride and Protest,'” Tschida recommended, “and then move on to ‘Sex, Lies and Sensibility.'” She also prescribed Carly Bloom, who writes books broader than the cowboy romance genre she is often stuck in. Palmer said she'll “never stop talking” about Naina Kumar. Her most recent book, “Flirting with Disaster,” is similar to the movie “Sweet Home Alabama” — but in this case, a hurricane traps a couple headed toward divorce in the home they built together when their love was young. Guests: Ellie Palmer is the author of “Four Weekends and a Funeral” and the just published “Anywhere With You,” which is set in the north woods of Minnesota. Sam Tschida's newest romance novel follows a vampire determined to get her own Hallmark movie ending. “Undead and Unwed” comes out in in late October. Sam's past books include “Siri, Who Am I?” and “Errands and Espionage.” Lauren Richards is the co-owner of Tropes & Trifles, Minnesota's first romance-only bookstore. Subscribe to the Thread newsletter for the latest book and author news and must-read recommendations.Subscribe to Big Books and Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS or anywhere you get your podcasts.
We're back with a deep dive episode on one of our favorite Susan Elizabeth Phillips books, Natural Born Charmer. Jen thinks this one marks SEP's Imperial Period, and Sarah's talking about why she looks askance at the term romcom to describe romance novels. We're back on our bullsh*t, is what we're saying. We're talking plot, character, risk-taking, and how romances can feel wildly expansive.This is our last deep dive of Season 7 -- more in Season 8, which begins in September. If you want to talk in depth about specific books, though, maybe you'd enjoy being a member of our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com. NotesYou can get Susan Elizabeth Phillips's Natural Born Charmer at Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.In season 2, we did a deep dive of an earlier Chicago Stars book, Nobody's Baby But Mine. We also did an episode with Susan in season 3. It's the interview that made us realize we should keep interviewing romance trailblazers. Jen was on Learning the Tropes to talk about another SEP book, Kiss an Angel. In 2003, the song Hey Ya by Outkast was number 1 for 9 weeks at the end of that year and into early 2004. In 2018, Rolling Stone ranked the song #4 in the top 100 songs of the 21st Century So Far. This article from Spin describes what it means when an artist is in their imperial period. Sleazy Burt Reynolds guy.Almost Famous (2000) is amazing movie about the rise and fall of a 70s rock band. A great thing happened during the baby races halftime show last week at a Las Vegas Aces game last week. Also at the Indiana Fever game. SponsorsScarlett Xavier, author of...
In this mini-episode of What's Ray Saying?, Ray is joined by Kory Thomas May and Tiffany Christian. He ponders the characteristics of familiar narratives and storylines and the limits of understanding and expectations that are inherent in predictable, predetermined outcomes. As a public service, Ray presents his own prime example of the ultimate trope. For more on Ray, visit drraychristian.com and support the show!
Spider-Man 4, Attack of the 50 ft. Woman, Avatar: Fire and Ash, Interview with the Vampire S3, A Quiet Place 3, OG Star Wars, KPop Demon Hunter, Crossed, Crystal Lake, rebecca reviews Naked Gun, lots more
Dani Vee with Ali Berg and Michelle Kayla's - Romance tropes, feminism and romance novels, platonic soulmates and Love Overdue
Eagle eyed (eared?) listeners might have noticed that it's actually been a little tricky to get Monica booked on the show for the last couple of weeks because of a… The post e380. Monica in Paris: The Tropes of Study Abroad appeared first on The VoxPopcast.
Two childhood best friends realize they're in love and break up with their significant others to be together – that's a classic romantic-comedy storyline. But in her book, Funny Story, author Emily Henry wonders about some of the other forgotten cast members: what happens to the people who got dumped along the way? In today's encore episode, NPR's Juana Summers asks Henry about writing male characters that go to therapy, leaning into the cringey moments of falling in love and looking up to her own parents' relationship.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Brea and Mallory talk about their favorite - and most hated - book tropes. Plus, they discuss the origin of the word paperback, and recommend books for moms. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsors -Teasperiencewww.teasperience.comCODE: GLASSESLinks -Reading Glasses Facebook GroupReading Glasses Goodreads GroupAmazon Wish ListNewsletterLibro.fmTo join our Discord channel, email us proof of your Reading-Glasses-supporting Maximum Fun membership!www.maximumfun.org/joinBooks Mentioned -Mood Machine by Liz PellyCosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon by Annie MareEverything is Tuberculosis by John GreenThe Turner House by Angela Flournoy