Slip-on those cat ears because this week we’re talking about the 2001 cult classic Josie and the Pussycats. Listen as we delve into the world of Archie Comics and how they’ve shaped teen culture. Also in this episode, we explore some of the more eclectic Archie spinoffs. Ever heard of Jughead’s Time Police? No? Then what are you waiting for? Crank it!
I found that this was the week I found myself thinking about the “before times” a lot more. Just the experience of what it used to be like to go out to restaurants and see movies and hang out with friends without being their inadvertent murderer by way of an infectious virus. I know we’re still at least weeks away from any sort of transition towards normalcy, but it does feel like we’re on the verge of slowly walking down the mountain of sadness that this whole period has been rather than constantly ascending it. Continue reading
So we’ve been doing this for about a month now, eh? It seems there’s been some talk among different state governments to slowly transition out of lock-down in the near future, so I suppose there is something hopeful about that. Still, it’s hard to be hopeful when people are losing their jobs at an unprecedented clip and the idea of “life after quarantine” seems like it will be far from normal for a while. Still, I am excited for the day that I get to go see a movie in theaters or see a concert again. But for now, doing these activities at home will have to do…
After talking about Changing Lanes last week, we’re heading back to New York (and thriller territory) as we talk about 2002’s Phone Booth. The film’s long road to production is discussed as well as the careers of its somewhat eccentric writer and director. Phone Booth also becomes the first film in which both the protagonist and antagonist make an appearance in John’s Rogues’ Gallery. Just pick up the phone! Assuming that that’s where you listen to your podcasts… Continue reading
Things are starting to feel a little more normal now, though I’m not sure if that’s a good thing. I went multiple days without leaving the apartment this week, and I didn’t even feel that guilty about it. Though I suppose you’re just as likely to feel guilty about leaving the house as staying in, since it potentially puts other, less healthy people at risk.
Whatever, the case is, I’m starting to embrace the solitude of isolation, but at the same time I’m looking at a bright blue sky out the window right now and thinking about how we’re basically missing all of Spring. But hey, at least there’s plenty of pop culture to get us through it, even if it seems apparent that there will be a lot less new things coming out in the next few months. Continue reading
For a long time, the three of us have had a mild fascination with the movie Changing Lanes. Like, what’s its deal? It stars two actors that have had a surprising amount of longevity in their careers and has a fun/stupid premise, and yet no one ever talks about it. So much so that this might be the first time anyone has talked about Changing Lanes in-depth on a podcast. So even though there are some audio issues in this episode, at least it has that going for it. Continue reading
So this is just life now?
I’m sure this is the thought many of us had this week, as I know I found myself getting used to the routine of working from home, doing indoor activities at night, and going for the occasional walk as long as I keep my distance from strangers. It’s a strange thing for the world to be so quiet when it’s simultaneously falling apart. I guess this period gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “dying on the inside”. But enough moroseness. Yes, things are tough, but there is still enjoyment to get out of life’s little pleasures, and I’ve found that the most enjoyable time has been when I’m not looking at the news. Which of course brings me to the various distractions that have been keeping me sane. Continue reading
