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The Write NoteLyrically Speaking, Vol. 5: The MusicalIn this episode we roll out Volume 5 of our Lyrically Speaking series and celebrate the musical. Join us as we explore the lyrics of classic showtunes from Broadway and beyond in this fun retrospective.Episode highlights:02:56 What makes a musical?07:22 Character is King: The Musical Edition14:52 Brown paper packages19:05 The greatest negotiation23:38 Sit down!30:49 Minutes turn to hours35:35 Tell me more41:20 Three meals a day2025-04-3047 minThe Write NoteChasing MacGuffins with The Write NoteIn this episode we examine the MacGuffin, its history, popularization, and use in modern storytelling. We also share our Top 5 list of all-time great MacGuffins.Episode highlights:01:29 What is a MacGuffin?08:27 Character is King: MacGuffin Edition13:15 The Top 5 list of all-time great cinema MacGuffins14:39 I know something you don’t18:09 It’s all in the plans21:00 To infinity…23:50 The stuff that dreams are made of26:00 Like an addiction2025-04-0930 minThe Write NoteHappily Ever After with Carrie Anne NobleIn this episode YA fantasy author Carrie Anne Noble joins us to discuss folklore, fairy tales, and how she finds new stories to tell. Carrie reveals behind-the-book details about her new novel THE SPRINGBORN, and shares the impact that her debut novel, THE MERMAID’s SISTER, had on her life. And for a little bonus content, Keira and I discuss the path she took to get her novel KEEPER OF THE LIGHT from publisher signing to pub date.Episode highlights:02:33 Keira’s fairy tale: Publishing KEEPER OF THE LIGHT11:20 Character is King: Enchanted Edition18:17 ...2025-03-0536 min
Overthinking It PodcastEpisode 867: You’re Not Supposed to Be HereSupport Overthinking It by becoming a member for $5/month!
Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Matthew Wrather (temporarily regaining the throne as the host of the program!) undertake the annual tradition of interpreting the commercials and halftime show of the Super Bowl. This year, they find a strange landscape of dislocation and confusion: no one is where they are supposed to be. Either you look up and see a strange face—replaced, as with David Beckham and Matt Damon, or aged, as with Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan—or else you realize that you are the wron...2025-02-1700 minThe Write NoteAction, Integrity, and Taylor S NewportIn this episode Christian author Taylor S Newport joins us to discuss her debut into the thriller genre, the perfect balance of action and integrity, and the potential to be prolific.Episode highlights:02:56 Astounding accomplishments of youth04:25 Character is King: Exceptional Youth Edition10:45 Welcome Taylor S Newport 12:53 Thrills and integrity17:13 Writing fast and crafting a cliffhanger20:11 A writing editor or an editing writer?26:20 Being somewhat prolific2025-02-0528 minThe Write NoteWriting & Resolution: The Top 5 Resolutions for Writers in 2025In this episode we ring in the New Year with a Top 5 list of resolutions for writers to engage and improve their craft in 2025. Episode highlights:02:41 Who originated the idea of New Year’s Resolutions?05:58 Character is King: Great Resolve Edition12:25 The Top 5 list of resolutions for writers13:10 Correspondence course15:30 Own it!18:05 Life gets in the way22:12 Immersive days23:49 The REAL reward of writing2025-01-1527 minThe Write NoteLyrically Speaking, Vol. 4: Christmas Again!In this episode we bask in the glow of the holiday season with a collection of classic Christmas songs and the untold stories behind the music.Episode highlights:02:00 How many Christmas songs are there?05:27 Character is King: Special Christmas Edition11:06 A merry little song16:02 Keira’s intro to Christmas20:37 The hymn once banned by the Catholic Church 26:33 Christmas wrapped up in a bow31:20 A stolen song and A Very Special Christmas36:41 A Broadway Christmas tune42:17 Merry Christmas from The Write Note2024-12-0442 minThe Write NotePast Perfect with Diana RubinoIn this episode Amazon Bestselling author Diana Rubino joins us to discuss how a love for history has inspired her to write nearly 20 historical romance and biographical novels.Episode highlights:01:17 Past is more than prologue04:41 Character is King: Historic Edition14:00 Welcome Diana Rubino19:22 Finding comfort in biographies23:22 Who killed President Kennedy?28:55 Love conquers all35:54 Feeling the weight of history40:50 Around the World in 80 Meals45:02 Josephine Earp: Sassy Lady of History2024-11-0647 minThe Write NoteKeira's Breaking NewsIn this special episode Keira shares big news about her writing career. Episode highlights:01:19 Keira’s big news02:51 A Smyth’s Quill – The story that landed a contract04:24 Oliver-Heber Books: The Terms07:05 Writing under a deadline08:30 The best part of OHB (so far) 2024-10-1610 minThe Write NoteJudging by the Cover with Dineen MillerIn this episode author and graphic artist Dineen Miller joins us to discuss creating the perfect book cover and shares the allure of writing romantic comedies.Episode highlights:01:10 Judging a book by the cover05:57 Character is King: Artistic World Edition11:29 Welcome Dineen Miller13:40 The evolution of graphic art technology17:14 Cover market awareness is vital20:48 Weighing in on AI26:30 What is the job of your book cover?33:39 The allure of writing romantic comedies39:06 Moments Matter – Laughter Lingers42:15 Writing from a male perspective2024-10-0252 minThe Write NoteDreamin' with The Write NoteIn this episode we examine the most controversial story-ending trope ever devised. It was all a dream…or was it? We look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of employing this trope and play a game of “Neat” or “Cheat” with some famous dreamy endings. Episode highlights:01:35 Nailing the end of a story02:40 It was all a dream…or was it? - The controversial trope09:46 Character is King: Dreamy Edition (or is it?)13:26 Neat or Cheat13:58 A dream-sharing masterpiece18:18 Was Dickens deceptive?20:41 The great escape…or was it?26:40 A trai2024-09-1136 minThe Write NoteLyrically Speaking, Vol. 3: Summerween SongsIn this episode we celebrate Summerween with a creepy collection of songs and the stories that made them scary. From the Stones to the X-files. From a gypsy to a howling crooner, we cover some spooky, cooky, ground.Episode highlights:01:25 Keira Returns!01:55 What is Summerween?06:00 Character is King: Summerween Edition10:55 From a certain perspective14:18 A gypsy, a potion, and a cop16:33 A wonderful song with a creep X-factor21:15 A paranoid song25:00 A happy song made creepy30:07 Screaming a song...2024-08-1435 minThe Write NoteGetting Psyched with Kara QuinnIn this episode we welcome author and poet Kara Quinn to discuss the long and winding path she took to find a literary agent. Kara also shares the challenges she faced when she took on the all-consuming task of writing a psychological thriller.Highlights:01:35 Kara’s Poem03:02 Character is King: Poetic Edition (abbreviated)04:55 Welcome Kara Quinn05:57 The long path to find an agent11:00 Query tools and tips13:15 Good rejections17:10 St. Augustine & the chemical structure of Serotonin 21:35 What Happened to Vivian Bell – The elevator pitch.28:27 Kara the creepy weirdo34:03 A cherished writing e...2024-08-0752 minThe Write NoteThe Long-Lost Art of the JingleIn this episode we examine the long-lost art of writing advertising jingles and recognize the copywriters and creative directors who crafted the most memorable songs from commercial advertising’s golden era. Along the way, we revisit classic commercial tunes.Episode highlights:01:20 From song to sonic tagline03:38 A jingle that went to Billboard’s No. 206:14 Nutty07:13 Broadway Branding08:11 It does it all in 30 seconds09:17 Insidious tune10:19 The unity of sweet effervescence 2024-07-0314 minThe Write NoteThe Importance of PremiseIn this episode J Ryan and Keira discuss the importance of creating an engaging premise when crafting a story and share their Top-3 list of story examples having an awesome premise.Episode highlights:01:25 What if?02:53 The components of a great premise04:50 Character is King: Clever Premise Edition10:35 Amazing amber idea12:59 Rewarding heroics16:08 Strange19:40 Boarding22:13 A bunch of firsts24:39 Again and again27:10 Fun fact2024-05-0829 minThe Write NoteThe Origins of IdiomsThis episode is a horse of a different color as J Ryan and Keira take a deep dive into idioms. Join their exploration of how these beloved expressions of speech have permeated our culture and day to day lives and learn the amazing history and origin of some of their favorites. Episode highlights:01:55 What is an idiom?03:50 Our verbal culture (Tribal Knowledge)05:35 Character is King: Idiom Edition12:50 Let it whip16:25 The “All” of something18:35 Siriusly?21:10 Couldn’t be more different22:38 Boxing, jumpin...2024-04-1028 minThe Write NoteUnraveling Fate with Kara DouglasIn this episode, J Ryan and Keira welcome romance & fantasy author Kara Douglas to discuss the tropes of love, unraveling fate, and making magic. Kara also shares her key to social media book promotion and how she gets advanced copies of her books into readers hands.Episode highlights:01:20 Blending Genres03:45 Character is King: Mixed Genre Edition09:59 Welcome Kara Douglas10:47 Lunaria’s theme13:35 Fitting in the fantasy17:05 Inspiration in Ireland21:50 Pantser vs Plotter26:15 Why Alice In Wonderland?29:05 Kara’s social media advice35:55 Unraveling the ARC process2024-03-0641 minThe Write NoteOne Conversation with Luana EhrlichIn this episode, J Ryan and Keira welcome USA Today bestselling thriller and suspense author Luana Ehrlich to discuss the secret of being a prolific writer, the challenge of juggling multiple series characters, and the art of intertwining faith with thrills and chills. Episode highlights:01:15 What makes a prolific author?05:45 Character is King: Long Running Series Edition11:17 The lost era of appointment TV13:43 Welcome Luana Ehrlich17:45 It blew their minds20:01 The origin of Titus Ray26:02 Weaving in the faith30:54 The pros, cons, and humor of First Person POV36:45 Finding a voice for your hero (in audiobooks)2024-02-0759 minThe Write NoteLyrically Speaking, Vol. 2: Christmas SongsIn this second installment of the Lyrically Speaking series, J Ryan and Keira shine a festive light on classic Christmas songs and explore the lyrics that make the holidays bright. Along the way, they share not-so-well-known stories behind these beloved tunes and reveal a 400-year-old mystery surrounding one cherished Christmas carol. Episode highlights:02:14 Holiday inspiration and irony03:24 Character is King: Christmas Edition09:20 A picture postcard of Christmas—with morbid edges?13:20 What other type of Christmas is there?17:47 A toe-tapping celebration of Santa Claus22:37 An ancient manuscript recorded by a King28:28 The exuberance of youth…and...2023-12-0639 minThe Write NoteBreaking Down Pixar's 22 Rules of StorytellingIn this episode, J Ryan and Keira take a deep dive into Pixar Studio's 22 Rules of Storytelling, examining each rule and sharing examples of how they are executed in popular films and in their own writing projects. They also unveil Pixar's unique corporate creative process, "The Pixar Braintrust," and discuss how it came to be. Episode highlights:03:33 George Lucas, Steve Jobs, ILM & the birth of Pixar05:59 The Pixar Braintrust08:06 Character is King: Pixar Edition14:53 Diving into the 22 Rules of Storytelling18:07 When do you see the theme in your work?24:17 The End is the beginning…and the...2023-11-0151 minThe Write NoteJust the Facts and a Little Faith with Dony JayIn this episode, J Ryan and Keira welcome author Dony Jay to discuss writing action-packed spy thrillers from a Chistian perspective. Dony also shares his insights into police procedurals, and how his 20-year career as a police investigator has prepared him to write his new crime thriller series. Episode highlights:01:52 How much of ourselves do we put in our fiction?07:20 FRAK!09:40 Character is King: Law Enforcement Edition16:37 Welcome Dony Jay17:56 Fiction with Conviction21:18 Breaking the curse (word)24:56 What do crime & mystery authors get wrong?33:12 Writing facts vs writing fiction37:45 Dony’...2023-10-0457 minThe Write NoteThrillin' Out with Jack ArborIn this episode, J Ryan and Keira welcome thriller author Jack Arbor to discuss his action & espionage series The Russian Assassin, the weight of Cold War history, and the challenge of crafting a lovable anti-hero. The conversation also delves into the business side of independent publication and the benefits of cultivating an extensive Beta Reader network.Episode highlights:02:58 Growing up during the Cold War – A brief history07:48 Did you feel the doom? - Anxieties of a new generation10:06 Character is King: Cold War Edition (Technicality ahead!)17:22 Welcome Jack Arbor20:04 Creating Max Austin24:20 ...2023-09-061h 05The Write NoteLyrically Speaking, Vol. 1In this episode, hosts J Ryan and Keira dive into the world of music to discuss how the structure and conventions of the modern pop song provides fertile ground for excellent writing, and they share their favorite examples of stellar lyrics from songs over the past 70 years.Episode highlights:02:41 Structure, constraints, and good writing 05:36 Character is King: Music Edition12:55 A masterclass of concise writing17:30 Wait, the song is about that?21:29 A band transforms24:40 Correcting the record on a tortured artist28:05 A self-deprecating character study32:50 The song is the same, you’re the one who changed2023-08-0537 minThe Write NoteGlobetrotting with Kristy Lynae MooreIn this episode contemporary romance novelist Kristy Lynae Moore joins J Ryan and Keira to talk about travel adventures, life on a ranch, and a fascination for a particular Kingsman. Kristy also discusses how she discovered and fell in love with the art of typography, and shares her biggest challenge with independent publishing. Episode highlights:01:25 Do you like to travel? 02:57 Overselling the Mona Lisa05:11 Character is King: Travel Edition09:31 Welcome Kristy Lynae Moore 11:27 What to leave in, what to leave out15:57 Splitting time between writing, typography, and motherhood17:32 Immortalizing the Exs19:33 Crushing on...2023-07-0541 minThe Write NoteA Twist of Teenage Romance with Nicole AdairIn this episode YA novelist Nicole Adair joins J Ryan and Keira to talk about the twists and turns of teenage angst, the work of writing, and the unifying power of Taylor Swift. Nicole also discusses the purpose and importance of her social media posts, and the awesome yet terrifying world of independent publishing. Episode highlights:01:20 What makes a YA novel “YA”? 05:57 Anatomy of a rivalry07:20 Character is King: Rivals Edition15:25 Welcome Nicole Adair 18:38 Discovering character development23:39 The Taylor Swift connection26:57 The Twist31:30 Write something every day38:00 Doing the work41:10 Write Nicol2023-06-0758 minThe Write NoteConfidenceHosts J Ryan and Keira discuss the importance of building confidence in your writing, and how to go about doing it. Confidence is nurtured through hard work and experience, but it can come from other surprising places as well.Episode highlights:01:45 Character is King 06:20 Are you confident in your writing?08:35 On a scale of 1 to 1012:15 What is “knowing”?14:15 Honesty is the best policy17:20 What makes a good Beta?21:22 Acknowledgments23:00 Learning how not to make a light bulb26:35 When is confidence a bad thing?30:50 The olden days of telephones2023-05-0332 minThe Write NoteInside the Writing Workshop of San FranciscoIn this episode hosts J Ryan and Keira take you inside the Writing Workshop of San Francisco. Having participated in this year’s event, Keira provides a debrief and exploration of the 2-day workshop, including session offerings, an overview of the literary professionals in attendance, and a detailed look at the book pitch process. Along the way she shares an exciting bit of news as well. Episode highlights:01:05 Our embedded correspondent 02:10 What is the Writing Workshop of San Francisco?04:00 Breaking News!07:00 And here’s the pitch…13:00 So how did it end?15:05 Info-dumping and queries17:30 ...2023-04-2624 minThe Write NoteRomancing The Write Note with Bitsy YatesIn this episode romance novelist Bitsy Yates joins J Ryan and Keira to talk about how the Massachusetts landscape and a mandated quarantine inspired her to write her debut novel Unapologetically Yours. Along the way, they discuss the power of social media, writing while being a mom, hybrid publishing, and the challenges and opportunities of writing a romance story in the midst of a global pandemic. Episode highlights:01:14 Podcast Shout-Out of the Month 02:07 Character is King10:51 Welcome Bitsy Yates16:30 Love, life, and Plan-B21:10 The inspiration of Salem25:47 Writing between naps31:10 The scoop on hybrid publishi...2023-04-0546 min
The Write NoteMovie Lines That TranscendHosts J Ryan and Keira have a fun discussion about lines from movies that are so well written and executed they become ingrained in popular consciousness, regardless of if you've seen the movie or not. And they explore how these lines provide a lesson to authors in how to write dialogue for their own characters.Episode highlights:01:17 Shout-out: Parents Who Write / Writing Momentum 03:10 Character is King08:50 What do these bits of dialogue have in common?12:00 You may not have seen it, but you know it14:38 What’s so funny about facing your fears?16:36 Work with me here19:04 ...2023-03-0130 minThe Write NoteWelcome to The Write NoteWrite Note hosts J Ryan Fenzel and Keira F Jacobs introduce themselves, give a little bit of their background stories, and discuss why they decided to start a writing podcast focused on independent authors.Episode highlights:00:39 Why we’re doing a podcast 03:55 You are my daughter05:48 What is your origin story?13:26 The world in a trunk14:52 Arsenic and inspiration17:34 Bendigo’s elevator pitch .......................2023-02-2221 minThe Write NoteThe Testimony of Keira F JacobsHosts J Ryan and Keira discuss how injecting non-standard character struggles, traits, and relationships into a genre novel can strengthen the story. And they delve into the questions an author must consider before going independent.Episode highlights:02:47 What is a Whim? 06:25 A story of choices11:10 Character struggles – A writer’s therapy13:28 Relationship development in Tarsha (feet up)16:21 The joy of dialogue19:14 The subtle art of messaging 20:50 Going independent: Control23:15 Going independent: The Numbers25:44 Going independent: Unexpected Challenges27:04 Going independent: One Crucial Thing to Know30:16 Going independent: Social Marketing Fun2023-02-2234 minThe Write NoteWho should listen to The Write Note?The Write Note is a podcast for independent authors by independent authors. Topic-of-the-month episodes focus on key elements of creative writing and storytelling. Interview episodes delve into the writing life with indie authors or explore the path to book production with industry professionals. The Write Note is hosted by 20-year indie author J Ryan Fenzel and his daughter, Keira F Jacobs, a newbie just getting started on the writer's road. dEHt6YVoGgRVFIc9L6h82023-02-0901 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 727: From Being a Maverick to Being the MaverickSupport Overthinking It by becoming a member for $5/month!
Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, Ryan Sheely, and Matthew Wrather climb into the cockpit for Top Gun: Maverick, which came roaring into theaters afterburners a-firin’ over Memorial day weekend. We talk about our early experience of the original movie, the mythic geometry of the action sequences, the themes and techniques of this genre-hopping remake, and we don’t leave without thanking the Iceman.
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Further Reading
Top Gun: Maverick (IMDb)
Samuel Maverick (Wikipedia)
The Gulf War...2022-06-0600 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 700: FIRE TRUCK FIRE TRUCK FIRE TRUCK FIRE TRUCK FIRE TRUCKSupport Overthinking It by becoming a member for $5/month!
Ben Adams, Matt Belinkie, Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, John Perich, Ryan Sheely, Jordan Stokes, and Matthew Wrather gather to commemorate 700 episodes of the Overthinking It Podcast. We still got it.
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Further Reading
“Make the Kingdom Magic Again!”
“Indie Sleaze” is the Next 2000s Fashion Era Making a Comeback
6-hour review of a dating simulator (YouTube)
The Case for The Hunchback of Notre Dame (YouTube)
Episode 700: FIRE TRUCK FIRE TRUCK FIRE TRUCK FIRE TRUCK FIR...2021-11-2900 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 571: Eight Guys Walking across FranceSupport Overthinking It by becoming a member for $5/month!
Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Matthew Wrather opt out of this week’s summer blockbuster and instead observe the anniversary of D-Day by watching Saving Private Ryan.
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Further Reading
Saving Private Ryan
Sole Survivor Policy
The Niland Brothers
Episode 571: Eight Guys Walking across France originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podcast (iTunes Link)]
2019-06-1000 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 525: She’s a Real GLOW-GetterPeter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Matthew Wrather are invaded by Ryan Sheely and TFT Punk Correspondent Rachel D to introduce their intellectual wrestler personas and discuss the gorgeous ladies of wrestling and the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.
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Episode 525: She’s a Real GLOW-Getter originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podcast (iTunes Link)]
2018-07-2300 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 484: Beating Your Blade Runners into Plowshare RunnersPeter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Matthew Wrather wonder about the visual style, the biblical allegory, and the social commentary of Dennis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049, starring Ryan Gosling. We also hear listener messages for the 9th anniversary podcast!
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Further Reading
IMDb: Blade Runner, Blade Runner 2049
Wikipedia: Blade Runner, Versions of Blade Runner
Epistle to the Galatians: Wikipedia, Text
Episode 484: Beating Your Blade Runners into Plowshare Runners originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it pr...2017-10-0900 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 466: Red Shiny Boots on the GroundRachel D, Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, Ryan Sheely, and Matt Wrather gather to overthink Wonder Woman‘s feminism, its humor, the comic team of Gal Gadot and Chris Pine, the philosophical message of Ares, and the difference between DC and Marvel superheroes.
Spoiler alert for all of the new Wonder Woman, and for Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War.
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Suns Out Puns Out Limited Edition 2017 T-Shirts and Tanks
You: Smart, funny. Your gym clothes: not so much. If you like the dad joke...2017-06-0500 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 455: Don’t Woke The BeastPeter Fenzel, Mark Lee, Rachel, Ryan Sheely, and Matthew Wrather overthink the remake of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and ask all the important questions: Is it woke? Why a remake? When is it set, and what does our knowledge of French political history add to the plot? And are the songs any good?
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Your Panel
Peter Fenzel: @fenzelian
Mark Lee: @goestotwelve
Ryan Sheely: @ryanmsheely
Rachel
Matthew Wrather: @mwrather
Further Reading
Beauty and the Beast: the original French version
“False Equivalence” from S...2017-03-2000 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 450: No Batman is an IslandRachel, Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, Ryan Sheely, and Matthew Wrather consider whether The LEGO Batman Movie is in fact the best Batman movie of all time.
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Your Panel
Rachel
Peter Fenzel: @fenzelian
Mark Lee: @goestotwelve
Ryan Sheely: @ryanmsheely
Matthew Wrather: @mwrather
Further Reading
The LEGO Batman Movie
Batman on Wikipedia
Recapitulation Theory (“ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny”)
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
La La Land
Episode 450: No Batman is an Island originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a le...2017-02-1300 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 424: Stranger Things: The Horror Is at HomeRachel D, Birthday Boy Peter Fenzel, Ryan Sheely, and Matthew Wrather are joined by guest Sam Reich to overthink Srangter Things, discussing the show’s nature as a period piece, its unexpected non-relation to Lost and Twin Peaks, its surprising gay subtext, and what we expect in season 2.
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Sam Reich heads up College Humor Video and is the executive prod...2016-08-1500 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 423: Wherever You Harley, There You QuinnPeter Fenzel, Ryan Sheely, Matthew Wrather, and special guest Eric Frieden actually got together in person to go to a movie theater and see Suicide Squad. Then they ate an enormous BBQ dinner and sat down to podcast about the film, its relation to the comic books, the frenetic nonsense of its plot, the highs and low points of the characterization of Deadshot, the Joker, Amanda Waller, and Harley Quinn (and, not for nothing, big fans of Captain Boomerang over here), and what it has to say about the present moment in filmmaking and in society.
2016-08-0800 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 422: The Right Wrong AnswerMatthew Belinkie, Rachel D, Peter Fenzel, Ryan Sheely, and Matthew Wrather met this weekend for the annual lakeside retreat of the Overthinkers, and spend most of it taking trivia quizzes online. We discuss our favorite questions of the weekend, why we’re drawn to trivia, the scenarios in which you take trivia quizzes and their social, professional, and gender dynamics, and what kind of knowledge trivia represents.
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(203) 285-6401 call...2016-08-0100 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 420: Ghostbusters: Lean In to the Proton PackRachel D, Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, Ryan Sheely, and Matthew Wrather start a scrappy small business to self-actualize and provide mutual support while, by the way, busting the ghosts of the patriarchy as they overthink the 2016 Ghostbusters remake.
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Get the Ghostbusters Overview Box Set
Get ready for the reboot of Ghostbusters by checking out The Overview, our series of live commentaries on the movies we love. We’ve got a Ghostbusters-inspired Virtual Box Set of Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters 2, and Bridesmaids to put you in the right frame...2016-07-1800 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 413: X-ellence in X-MenningPeter Fenzel, Mark Lee, Ryan Sheely, and special guest Geoff Ross overthink the latest entry in the X-Men franchise, X-Men: Apocalypse.
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Subscribe to the Overthinking It Podca...2016-05-3000 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 411: Potemkin Sausage FactoryWe discuss some of the stranger aspects of a contest that tended more toward pop homogeneity in 2016, the arcane voting system, why some live performances have better production than others, and then attempt to arrive at an explanation of why we love some reality competition shows… and can’t stand others.
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Support the site you love and get cool stuff in return, including free access to the latest editions of The Overview, on Tim Burton’s Batman and the Christop...2016-05-1600 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 398: Deadpool: Superhero Joint CustodyPeter Fenzel, Ryan Sheely and Matthew Wrather overthink the new Deadpool movie starring Ryan Reynolds.
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Support the site you love and get cool stuff in return, including our two hour Nicholas Sparks Challenge podcast.Become a member today!
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Email us2016-02-1500 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 397: Hardcore NormalRachel D, Peter Fenzel, Ryan Sheely and Matthew Wrather overthink the ads and halftime performances of Super Bowl L.
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Support the site you love and get cool stuff in return, including our two hour Nicholas Sparks Challenge podcast.Become a member today!
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Tell us what you think!...2016-02-0800 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 391: Star Wars: A Child Is A Reboot of the Grittiest SortBen Adams, Matt Belinkie, Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, Ryan Sheely, and Matt Wrather continue their discussion of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
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Your Panel
Ben Adams: @badamsnavy
Matthew Belinkie
Peter Fenzel: @fenzelian
Mark Lee: @goestotwelve
Ryan Sheely: @ryanmsheely
Matthew Wrather: @mwrather
...2015-12-2800 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 390: Star Wars: The Millennial FalconBen Adams, Matt Belinkie, Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, John Perich, Ryan Sheely, and Matt Wrather join to discuss Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
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Your Panel
Ben Adams: @badamsnavy
Matthew Belinkie
Peter Fenzel: @fenzelian
Mark Lee: @goestotwelve
John Perich: @perich
Ryan Sheely: @rya...2015-12-2100 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 387: Creed: The Fresh Prince and the PauperRachel D, Peter Fenzel, Ryan Sheely, and Matthew Wrather join to overthink talk about “Creed.”
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Tell us what you think!
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(203) 285-6401 call/text
Your Panel
Rachel D
Peter Fenzel: @fenzelian
Ryan Sheely: @ryanmsheely
Matthew Wrather: @mwrather
The Overthinking It Gift Guide
Get fantastic gift ideas and support...2015-11-3000 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 385: The Golden Arches Means There Are Infinite HamburgersPeter Fenzel, Ryan Sheely, and Matt Wrather overthink artisanality and authenticity in our food, our social relations, and our popular entertainment.
[audio:http://www.overthinkingit.com/media/otip385.mp3]
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Your Panel
Peter Fenzel: @fenzelian
Ryan Sheely: @ryanmsheely
Matthew Wrather: @mwrather
Locally Sourced Hum...2015-11-1600 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 384: You’re 98% compatible BondPeter Fenzel, Ryan Sheely, and Matt Wrather overthink Spectre, the newest entry into the James Bond franchise, starring Daniel Craig..
[audio:http://www.overthinkingit.com/media/otip384.mp3]
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Peter Fenzel: @fenzelian
Ryan Sheely: @ryanmsheely
Matthew Wrather: @mwrather
Further Reading
“Spark...2015-11-0900 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 383: The Most Genuine FakePeter Fenzel, Mark Lee, Ryan Sheely, and Matt Wrather overthink their Halloween experiences using the tools of social science to analyze land use, urbanism, and counter-cultural authenticity.
[audio:http://www.overthinkingit.com/media/otip383.mp3]
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Your Panel
Mark Lee: @goestotwelve
Peter Fenzel: @fenzelian
Rya...2015-11-0200 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 379: The Space Program of the 50s, 60s, 70s…and TodayBen Adams, Pete Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Ryan Sheely tackle the science, politics, and music of the Ridley Scott movie The Martian.
[audio:http://www.overthinkingit.com/media/otip379.mp3]
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Your Panel
Ben Adams: @badamsnavy
Peter Fenzel: @fenzelian
Mark Lee: @goestotwelve
Ryan Sheely: @rya...2015-10-0500 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 372: Straight Outta Compton: A Story of the SaintsRachel D, Peter Fenzel, Ryan Sheely, and Matt Wrather are joined by special guest D. J. Bean to overthink Straight Outta Compton, the new film about Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and N.W.A.’s seminal album.
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Our Guest
D J B...2015-08-1700 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 362: L’Entourage, c’est moiBen Adams, Rachel D, Peter Fenzel, Ryan Sheely, and Matt Wrather overthink the film of Entourage, the bro-phobia or fatigue around its cultural reception, the problems of bro-ness, and what luxury means in the age of Uber.
[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podone.noxsolutions.com/launchpod/overthinkingit/mp3/otip362.mp3]
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Email us2015-06-0800 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 336: Black Mirror – The Pig Effing Trolley ProblemMatthew Belinkie, Peter Fenzel, Ryan Sheely, and Matthew Wrather are joined by guest podcasters and significant others Rachel D and Fiona S to overthink Black Mirror.
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Your Panel
Matthew Belinkie
Peter Fenzel: @fenzelian
Ryan Sheely: @ryanmsheely
Matthew Wrather: @mwrather
…and special guests Rachel D and Fiona...2014-12-0800 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 313: #brunchcastPete Fenzel, Mark Lee, Ryan Sheely, and Matthew Wrather overthink brunch theory brunch practice. They also spend a little time considering Hip Hop Karaoke.
[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/mwrather/otip313.mp3]
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Your Panel
Mark Lee: @goestotwelve
Peter Fenzel: @fenzelian
Ryan She...2014-06-3000 min
Theory For Turntables (TFT) PodcastEpisode 109: Who’s Buried in Grant’s Tomb’s Wikipedia Page?Ryan and special guest Pete Fenzel discuss St. Vincent’s recent self-titled album.Episode 109: Who’s Buried in Grant’s Tomb’s Wikipedia Page? originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podcast (iTunes Link)]2014-05-2800 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 276: Captain Phillips: Why is The Man from Big Crying in My Bank Account?Former Pirate Hunter Ben Adams, Peter Fenzel, East Africa expert Ryan Sheely, and Matthew Wrather overthink the movie Captain Phillips, starring Tom Hanks.
[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/mwrather/otip276.mp3]
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Your Panel
Ben Adams
Peter...2013-10-1400 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 226: Hugh Grant: Beyond ThunderdomeBen Adams, Matthew Belinkie, Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Matthew Wrather overthink Cloud Atlas.
[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/mwrather/otip226.mp3]
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Further Reading
Rejected Titles for this Episode
“How I Met Your Mother Of All Earthquakes”
“Hard R Umbrel...2012-10-2900 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 204: The Notional Ryan SeacrestMatthew Wrather hosts with Peter Fenzel and special guest, 2012 Comedy Award Nominee Richard Sandling, creator of Tom Selleck’s Moustache and other videos. They discuss comedy, criticism, virality, and film adaption of novels.
[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/mwrather/otip204.mp3]
→ Download Episode 204 (MP3)
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2012-05-2800 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 200: A Podcast Gotta Have A CodeMatthew Wrather hosts with Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, John Perich, Dave Shechner, Ryan Sheely and special guests Cognac and Gonzo for an in-person podcast to overthink the Overthinking It Live show at Geek Week 2012, the remarkable achievement of 200 podcasts, the Law and Order episode of Community, the difference between risotto and fried chicken, how some people be colonizing Mars and other people be colonizing Venus, the infamous Double Andre, and the Pikachu-ification of narrative.
Many thanks to everyone for 200 episodes (plus!) of podcast listening.
[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/mwrather...2012-04-3000 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 168: You have a choice, Ryan Gosling!Matthew Wrather hosts with Matthew Belinkie, Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and John Perich to overthink the upcoming season of television, Drive, good actors in bad movies, and the moral laziness of Prestige Holocaust Movies.
[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/mwrather/otip168.mp3]
→ Download Episode 168 (MP3)
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2011-09-1900 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 96: Raw Ginger TeaMatthew Wrather hosts with Natalie Baseman, Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, Josh McNeil, John Perich, and Ryan Sheely to overthink the aesthetic, political, artistic, and social implications of M.I.A. and Romain-Gavras’ video for “Born Free.”
→ Download Episode 96 (MP3)
Don’t miss the podcast recording livestream on the Overthinking It Podcast Ustream Channel every Sunday at 9:15pm ET (6:15pm PT).
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Tell us what you think! Leave a comment, use the co...2010-05-0300 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 77: Avatar – Are We Human, or Are We Panther?Matthew Wrather hosts with Peter Fenzel, Ryan Sheely, and Jordan Stokes to overthink James Cameron’s Avatar, from the visuals to the narrative to the cat boobies to the political message.
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Tell us what you think! Leave a comment, use the contact form, email us or call 20-EAT-LOG-01—that’s (203) 285-6401.
Download Episode 77 (MP3)
Episode 77: Avatar – Are We Human, or Are We Panther? originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecti...2009-12-2100 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 69: 2 Faust 2 FuriousMatthew Wrather hosts with Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Ryan Sheely to overthink listener feedback. Topics include our troops in Iraq, scary movies, your ICBM address, proving and proving our knowledge, Will Smith, pulling punches in Faust stories, the further meaning of vampires, and how much TV can be good.
Tell us what you think! Leave a comment, use the contact form, email us or call 20-EAT-LOG-01—that’s (203) 285-6401.
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Episode 69: 2 Faust 2 Furious originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it prob...2009-10-2600 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 62: Necessary But Not SufficientMatthew Wrather hosts with Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, John Perich, Ryan Sheely, and Jordan Stokes to answer your calls and emails. Topics include invisibility, Paradise Lost, John Hughes and Race, our small-minded American chauvinism, science in the media, and the meaning of Meta.
Tell us what you think! Leave a comment, use the contact form, email us or call 20-EAT-LOG-01—that’s (203) 285-6401.
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Episode 62: Necessary But Not Sufficient originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podc...2009-09-0700 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 44: Where’s The Beef?Mark Lee hosts as he, Peter Fenzel, John Perich, Ryan Sheely, and Matthew Wrather (what what?!) go through some listener feedback, pick on the host, talk racial normativity, and engage in an epic rap battle on the merits of Kanye.
Tell us what you think! Email us or call 20-EAT-LOG-01—that’s (203) 285-6401. If you haven’t yet, take the very short survey! And… spread the overthinking by forwarding this episode to a friend.
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Episode 44: Where’s The Beef? originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level...2009-05-0400 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 39: Chips Are Free. Dinner Extra.Matthew Belinkie, Peter Fenzel, Ryan Sheely, and Matthew Wrather overthink guilty pop cultural pleasures, Dante’s Inferno (the movie based on the video game), the Jack Bauer cowboy/superhero myth, sexting, the Home Alone Syndrome, improbable sequels, and movie songs that tell you the plot of the movie.
Listeners from North Dakota: Please visit Paradiso restaurant and send us some pictures.
Tell us what you think! Email podcast AT overthinkingit DOT com or call 20-EAT-LOG-01—that’s (203) 285-6401.
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Episode 39: Chips Are Free. Dinner Extra. origina...2009-03-3000 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 32: Music You Will Never HearMatthew Wrather hosts a panel including Mark Lee, Peter Fenzel, and Ryan Sheely (with special guest John Levin) to overthink the moderate suck-fest that is the Grammys and our recent visit to New York Comic-Con.
Comments? Rants? Raves? Email podcast at overthinkingit dot com or call 20-EAT-LOG-01 (that’s (203) 285-6401).
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Episode 32: Music You Will Never Hear originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podcast (iTunes Link)]
2009-02-0900 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 30: The New Episode 20The Overthinkers (well, some of them) gather in New York’s East Village. Matthew Wrather hosts a panel including Matthew Belinkie, Mark Lee, Jordan Stokes, and Ryan Sheely (live), and Peter Fenzel and Dave Shechner (remotely) to Overthink listener questions, the inauguration, Barack Obama’s cult of personality, and the Oscars.
As always, call 20-EAT-LOG-01 (that’s (203) 285-6401) to leave a voicemail. (Email is still down.)
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Episode 30: The New Episode 20 originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest...2009-01-2600 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 25: Silver PodcastMatthew Wrather hosts a panel including Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, Ryan Sheely, and special guest Rachel Dougnac, to overthink:
Mike from LA, his exact latitude and longitude
Hipsterism Eats Itself
Earony
As always, email us at podcast AT overthinkingit DOT com with your comments, or call 20-EAT-LOG-01 (that’s (203) 285-6401) to leave a voicemail.
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Episode 25: Silver Podcast originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podcast (iTunes Link)]
2008-12-2200 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 23: Wax On, Wax OffMatthew Wrather hosts a panel with Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Ryan Sheely, considering:
What We Talk About When We Talk About Overthinking It (the state of the blog)
The Craptacular state of Popular Music
All About Academia (a brief digression)
Karate Kid Week, which starts today!
As always, email us at podcast AT overthinkingit DOT com with your comments, or call 20-EAT-LOG-01 (that’s (203) 285-6401) to leave a voicemail.
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Episode 23: Wax On, Wax Off originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of sc...2008-12-0800 minOverthinking It PodcastEpisode 2: Oscar the Slouch
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Part 2 of Podcast Episode 2 features a discussion of the 2008 Academy Awards between Pete Fenzel, Ryan Sheely, Matt Wrather, and—for reasons passing understanding—the same anonymous political operative as Part 1.
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Episode 2: Oscar the Slouch originally appeared on Overthinking It, the site subjecting the popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn't deserve. [Latest Posts | Podcast (iTunes Link)]
2008-02-2900 min