Shows
The Joy of Leadership Ep. 49 – Excellence Defined (Katie Beth Mock & Marco Perez)In episode 49 of the Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Katie Beth Mock and Marco Perez, Hebron Christian Academy’s Class of 2025 valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. They discuss their future plans, accomplishments, and experiences at HCA, as well as the people who have significantly impacted their lives. They also share their excitement about stepping into adulthood and offer advice to younger students navigating their high school years.Ep. 49 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction-(0:40) Valedictorian Katie Beth Mock(0:48) College & career plans(2:06) Awards & achievements...2025-05-1545 min
The Cruel Summer Podcasts01e10 “Hostile Witness”James Taylor and Marco Sparks of Bros Watch PLL Too breakdown each episode of the FreeForm TV show Cruel Summer. This week, we’re joined by friend of the pod Kaitlin Reilly to dissect the season finale. In s01e10 “Hostile Witness,” the trial finally arrives, and we learn the truth about what Kate and Jeanette saw, and who was lying.2021-06-212h 25The Cruel Summer Podcasts01e09 “A Secret of My Own”James Taylor and Marco Sparks of Bros Watch PLL Too breakdown each episode of the FreeForm TV show Cruel Summer. In s01e09 “A Secret of My Own,” an incredibly uncomfortable and upsetting episode, we get an unflinching look at how Martin Harris groomed his victim.2021-06-152h 23The Cruel Summer Podcasts01e08 “Proof”James Taylor and Marco Sparks of Bros Watch PLL Too breakdown each episode of the FreeForm TV show Cruel Summer. In s01e08 “Proof” Jeanette learns that Kate has gone missing, and can’t take any more of Mallory’s bullying.2021-06-131h 23The Cruel Summer Podcasts01e07 “Happy Birthday, Kate Wallis”James Taylor and Marco Sparks of Bros Watch PLL Too breakdown each episode of the FreeForm TV show Cruel Summer. In s01e07 “Happy Birthday, Kate Wallis” we see how Kate arrived in the clutches of Martin Harris after a blowout fight with her mother on her birthday.2021-06-111h 09The Cruel Summer Podcasts01e06 “An Ocean Inside Me”James Taylor and Marco Sparks of Bros Watch PLL Too breakdown each episode of the FreeForm TV show Cruel Summer. In s01e06 “An Ocean Inside Me” we see another side of Jeanette as she gets caught shoplifting and likes it, and blackmails a potential witness against her.2021-06-091h 03The Cruel Summer Podcasts01e05 “As the Carny Gods Intended”James Taylor and Marco Sparks of Bros Watch PLL Too breakdown each episode of the FreeForm TV show Cruel Summer. In s01e05 “As the Carny Gods Intended” we get a chance to see both Kate and Jeanette’s lives during some fateful encounters at the fairgrounds.2021-06-081h 12The Cruel Summer Podcasts01e04 “You Don’t Hunt, You Don’t Eat”James Taylor and Marco Sparks of Bros Watch PLL Too breakdown each episode of the FreeForm TV show Cruel Summer. In s01e04 “You Don’t Hunt, You Don’t Eat” Kate processes her trauma and reflects on how a predator was allowed into her life by trusted adults.2021-06-051h 29The Cruel Summer Podcasts01e03 “Off With a Bang”James Taylor and Marco Sparks of Bros Watch PLL Too breakdown each episode of the FreeForm TV show Cruel Summer. In s01e03 “Off With a Bang” we begin to see Jeanette’s proclivities for sociopathic tendencies.2021-05-311h 25The Cruel Summer Podcasts01e02 “A Smashing Good Time”James Taylor and Marco Sparks of Bros Watch PLL Too breakdown each episode of the FreeForm TV show Cruel Summer. In s01e02 “A Smashing Good Time” we’re introduced to the doomed Kate Wallis and her domineering mother over three years in 1993, 1994, and 1995.2021-05-261h 39The Cruel Summer Podcasts01e01 “Happy Birthday, Jeanette Turner”James Taylor and Marco Sparks of Bros Watch PLL Too breakdown each episode of the FreeForm TV show Cruel Summer. In s01e01 “Happy Birthday, Jeanette Turner” we meet our heroine—or maybe villainess—Jeanette on her birthday over three years in 1993, 1994, and 1995.2021-05-181h 30
HeadcanonNo. 013 | “Two’s company, three’s a crowd”Happy New Year! It’s our first pod of the 2021 and already there’s been a violent insurrection. Let’s try to remember a simpler time, when Denise Richards was in movies, Bill Murray was just starting his comeback, and Kevin Bacon was hanging dong. That’s right, we’re talking 1998’s “Wild Things.” (21:28) Also discussed: James’s new cat, WandaVision, and public urination (4:02).2021-01-251h 44
HeadcanonNo. 011 | “I used only the good notes”Nothing says holiday rom com like Kate Winslet huffing her stove’s gas to off herself! That’s right, we watched The Holiday (22:07), just in time for Nancy Meyers week, whatever that is. Marco is shipping Iris and the old guy, JT wants to recast Cameron Diaz with Kim Dickens. Also, some spoilers Mando talk at the end (2:35:44).2020-12-212h 56
HeadcanonNo. 010 | “Are you watching closely?”Well, this seemed inevitable ;-) James and Marco are joined by special guest and Trouble beta reader Ally to discuss one of our favorite movies, Christoper Nolan’s The Prestige (14:44). Secrets. Are our lives! What a thrill to revisit the subtle duality of Christian Bale’s performance, Hugh Jackman’s corrupted protagonist, and David Bowie playing a wizard. SPOILER WARNING for Trouble and Tenet talk at the end (2:34:18).2020-12-073h 01
HeadcanonNo. 003 | “I know I’m human.”This week on the pod: one of us in a podcaster, and one of us is an imposter. Is that whiskey Marco Spark just drank? Or gasoline? That’s right, it’s 1982’s The Thing (7:52) directed by John Carpenter, and starring Kurt Russell with an incredible mane of hair. Horrorgasm intensifies!2020-10-121h 41
HeadcanonNo. 001 | “I’d rather be a free spinster and paddle my own canoe.”On this new season of Headcanon, the Buffy rewatch is over, but we’re still talking about Little Women (12:54). Meg, Jo, Amy, and Beth, to be precise. To the surprise of no one, Marco is stanning for Amy. And we all knew James is part of the JoHive. That Laurie’s a real 1860s fuckboi, eh?2020-09-282h 04
HeadcanonNo. 082 | “Your shirt…”It’s “Seeing Red” day on Headcanon! At long last, we’ve made it to the most controversial episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 6 (13:16). In part II of our Season 6 discussion, we also discuss s06e14 “Older and Far Away,” and s06e17 “Normal Again.” Happy stuff! Barrel of laughs! Warren sucks.2020-08-312h 31
HeadcanonNo. 081 | “Dawn’s in trouble. Must be Tuesday.”This week on the pod, JT and Marco are joined by Amanda of the Fire Bad, Tree Pretty podcast to discuss perhaps the most delightful episode of Buffy ever: s06e07 “Once More, With Feeling.” (13:47) We also gab about the next two episodes, “Tabula Rasa” and “Smashed,” as the Scooby Gang takes a turn for the dark and twisted misery of their early 20s.2020-08-172h 56
HeadcanonNo. 080 | “Mom? Mom? Mommy?”This week on Headcanon, we close the book on season five of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (16:53). Buffy finds a body, fights off some truly lame Knights, and gives Dawn a Gift. Come for the misery, stay for the Ben slander.2020-08-033h 32
HeadcanonNo. 079 | “Every Slayer has a death wish. Even you.”Glory is upon us! This week on Headcanon, we’re talking the first half of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 5 (13:46). We’ll be covering s05e05 “No Place Like Home,” s05e07 “Fool For Love,” and s05e12 “Checkpoint” — along with assorted thoughts about some other episodes in the first half of the season. Spuffy is getting closer to a reality, Dawn’s not real, the Watcher’s Council are still a bunch of pricks, and Joyce isn’t feeling so well.2020-07-272h 29
HeadcanonNo. 078 | “Men! With your… sales!”This week on the pod: creepy Gentleman, Faith body-switching hijinx, and the Exposition Song! It’s Season 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer! (10:40) We’re covering the whole season in one shot, discussing s04e10 “Hush,” s04e15 “This Year’s Girl,” s04e16 “Who Are You?” and s04e22 “Restless.” This is a fun episode of Headcanon (unless you happen to be a really big Riley Finn fan… uh sorry).2020-07-203h 54
HeadcanonNo. 077 | “Fire bad, tree pretty”This week on Headcanon, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 3 (14:50) comes to an end with our third podcast covering so3e18 “Earshot,” s03e21 “Graduation Day, Part One,” and s03e22 “Graduation Day, Part Two.” Buffy is psychic. Buffy tries to murder Faith. Buffy lets Angel drink her. Buffy graduates! Two of these three episodes were delayed months because of a school shooting. America!2020-07-132h 42
HeadcanonNo. 076 | “I know everything that you did, because you did it to me”We’re right in the middle of an awesome groove with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 3 (13:25). This week on the pod we’re talking s03e10 “Amends,” s03e13 “The Zeppo,” and s03e14 “Bad Girls.” Faith takes her first steps down a dark path, Buffy guts us with her speech to Angel at Overlook Point. Xander isn’t totally horrible! Yay! Let’s get it on!2020-07-062h 52
HeadcanonNo. 064 | “Stay alive! I will find you!”Settle in, folks, you’re not going anywhere for a while. To keep you entertained, James and Marco banter for a little about Devs, Nancy Drew and Star Trek: Picard (4:04), before moving on to the main course, the 1992 Michael Mann film The Last of the Mohicans (28:36). It’s got Daniel Day-Lewis in full living-off-the-land method acting mode, and a soundtrack that kicks ass. Stay alive! We will find you!2020-03-162h 08
HeadcanonNo. 061 | “Call Guinness”We learn something new on the pod this week while discussing James Cameron’s disasterpiece The Abyss (12:54): Marco doesn’t like underwater scenes. Who knew? Regardless, JT will still stan for this somewhat overlooked film about the mysteries of the deep. It’s a miracle that multiple people didn’t die making this movie. Also a miracle: Michael Biehn’s mustache.2020-01-201h 45
HeadcanonNo. 055 | “Get this hothead out of here!”After a little break, the bros are back to wrap up Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy with a long, fireball & cider-fueled talk on The Dark Knight Rises. Join James and Marco as we break down this odd mishmash of a movie with too many characters and plots and maybe not enough Batman. But we still love it, and we do bad Bane impressions approximately 50,000 times.2019-10-133h 01
HeadcanonNo. 054 | “Some men just want to watch the world burn”Please join agents of chaos Marco and James as we dive into the middle film of The Dark Knight Trilogy (8:12). Bad joker impressions and plot dissections abound, but let’s be clear: we love this movie. The Dark Knight is somehow convoluted and absurd and also a masterpiece that defined a decade, even if the plot doesn’t make any sense.2019-08-192h 47
HeadcanonNo. 052 | “Utah! Get me two!”Marco and JT return to talk the pinnacle of 90s macho bullshit with Point Break (17:07). Gary Busey is an animal, Lori Petty awoke something within us, and Johnny Utah and Bodhi spoke to us, man. This movie rules.2019-07-152h 10
HeadcanonNo. 051 | “Pain Don’t Hurt”This week on Headcanon, Marco and JT celebrate Independence Day by looking back 30 years to the legendarily so-bad-it’s-good film Road House (16:11). Dive into this problematic fave and learn about coolers, wholesale liquor distribution, the fragrance of nature, and Sam Elliott’s pubes.2019-07-012h 26
HeadcanonNo. 048 | “She was disarming”This week on the pod: Have you ever seen a human heart? It looks like a fist, wrapped in blood!! The guys are doing 2004’s Closer, the adaption of the play by Patrick Marber. What a delight. Clive Owen is a gleeful savage and Natalie Portman shakes off years of green-screen franchise drudgery to shine. Adultery has never been so captivating. Oh, and then James and Marco blather about the Oscars for a while at the end.2019-02-192h 05
HeadcanonNo. 047 | “It’s called Blue Ruin”This week on the pod, Romance Month continues with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the Michel Gondry/Charlie Kaufman joint from 2004. Back in the day, Kate Winslet’s Clementine raged against being a Manic Pixie Dream Girl before we even had a term for them. Has JT ever been in love? Will Marco cry? Find out! Happy Valentines Day!! XOXO2019-02-131h 57
HeadcanonNo. 045 | “You can put it anywhere”This week on the pod, another 1999 classic: Cruel Intentions. Marco and James reminisce about that halcyon era when Joshua Jackson kept showing up in supporting roles with bleached hair, and Sarah Michelle Gellar shocked us all with a decidedly un-Buffy villainous turn in the adaptation of Les Liaisons dangereuses. Also, Ryan Phillippe is here, stealing Hayden Christensen’s lunch money. Plus, some spoilery talk at the end about 2019’s Serenity.2019-01-272h 17
HeadcanonNo. 043 | 2018 Holiday Party Q&AHappy New Year! James and Marco are in high spirits for this Holiday Party Q&A that somehow went like four hours. We’re sorry in advance. Thanks for listening!2019-01-013h 35
HeadcanonNo. 041 | “(Everything I do) I do it for you”This week on the podcast, Marco and James are revisiting an old favorite: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. We’ve both loved this movie since we saw it as kids, and have a great time returning to Sherwood Forest with Kevin Costner’s non-existent accent, Morgan Freeman being awesome, and Alan Rickman hamming it up all over the place.2018-12-072h 37
HeadcanonNo. 040 | “Grindelwald Vapes WWII”We started this podcast off with eight straight Harry Potter movies, so I guess we have to do Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald too. Ehh. What a mess. Please join Marco and JT as they rant about all the incredibly dumb things in this movie — and especially Credence, who sucks. JK Rowling: we know you can do better. David Yates: we know you can’t, get lost.2018-11-212h 27
HeadcanonNo. 039 | “Super-lame Goth Youth Group”This week on the pod, James and Marco are joined by Kaitlin Reilly of the Riverdale Register podcast to talk about the new Netflix series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (18:20). Some of us liked it more than others. Marco is obsessed with Madam Satan, James would rather watch a show about Totally Rad Gay Warlock Undertaker Ambrose, and Kaitlin is here for soft boi Harvey Kinkle. Also discussed: a little bit on You and Halloween, and what we’re watching/reading/listening to lately (6:05).2018-11-171h 54
HeadcanonNo. 038 | “Communism was just a red herring”This week on the pod, an absolute classic: Clue! (18:32) This is a movie James and Marco unapologetically love, so prepare yourself for a lot of gushing and quotes. JT also talks about his new video game Spider-Man (4:53), and the guys discuss what they’re watching, listening to and reading (8:56). At the end of the pod, we do some fantasy casting for a Clue reboot (1:25:10), which we both agree probably shouldn’t happen.2018-10-232h 05
HeadcanonNo. 037 | “Majestic Waste”This week (month?) on the pod, Marco and …not Benji (00:45) return to talk about Hailee Stanfield in The Edge of Seventeen (15:11). Also on the pod, our media diets (02:41), and what JT and Marco watch on Youtube (1:30:07).2018-10-041h 47
HeadcanonNo. 034 | “Sergei, are you not Sergei?”This week on the pod, a little Sharp Objects (01:46) conversation at the start (don’t worry, no book spoilers) before we cover some of the recent big trailers at San Diego Comic-Con (08:08). And then, a big discussion of a movie Marco and Benji both love, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (25:18). The guys talk the IMF team dynamic, the insanity of Ethan Hunt, favorite set pieces, Bad Robot fingerprints, and all the gonzo stunts.2018-07-252h 20
HeadcanonNo. 033 | “I know now why your cry”This week on the pod, Marco and Benji take a little time to talk about Skyscraper (01:28), and the current state of The Rock and his movies. Then we get to our main event, Terminator 2: Judgement Day (13:02). What a delightfully violent thrill-ride.2018-07-192h 41
HeadcanonNo. 032 | “I used to hate the water”This week on the podcast, Marco and Benji talk a little Sharp Objects (02:20), and a little Ant Man and The Wasp (10:35) before diving into the main discussion, 1975’s Jaws (15:12). We both really like this movie and had a great time talking about the shark, the mayor, the dumb subplots that got cut from the book, and the escalating masculinity brinksmanship one they get on the boat.2018-07-111h 59
HeadcanonNo. 031 | “I’m Pickle Dick!!”This week on the pod: which Skywalker bro has the most game? (01:35) Also, Benji and Marco discuss what they’re watching, listening too and reading (08:00) before moving on to the main topic, Netflix’s Set It Up (14:30), starring Zoey Deutch and Finnegan from Everybody Wants Some!! Spoilers: we like Zoey.2018-07-051h 49
HeadcanonNo. 030 | “Secret Weapon Zoey Deutch”This week on the pod: the 2016 film by Richard Linklater, Everybody Wants Some!! (09:08) Marco and Benji go deep on the mustaches, the music, and the McReynolds. This is a fun one.2018-06-252h 06
HeadcanonNo. 029 | “Hurt or injured”After some brief discussion (01:46) of Hereditary, Death Cab For Cutie, Westworld and Oceans 8 (14:02), Benji and Marco settle in to talk about The Boy Next Door (25:24), a 2015 film staring Karate Jake and J-Lo. It’s real bad. Sorry.2018-06-201h 44
HeadcanonNo. 027 | “Lady Bird but with murder”This week on the pod: Tragedy Girls (10:16), starring Alexandra Shipp and Brianna Hildebrand. After briefly discussing their current media diets (01:11), Marco and Benji delve into this teen horror satire about high school serial killers. It’s a really messed up movie and we liked it.2018-06-041h 35
HeadcanonNo. 022 | “Aliens are stupid”This week on the pod we’re discussing the 2016 Chloë Grace Moretz vehicle The 5th Wave (13:55). It’s terrible. Marco maybe liked it a little more than Benji, but this movie is trash. Also discussed, the new Solo trailer (05:21), and there’s a big tangent in her on Liev Schreiber.2018-04-101h 36
HeadcanonNo. 021 | “Nerdstalgia”This week, it’s all Ready Player One on Headcanon. Sorry. First, Marco and Benji spend about a half-hour discussing the novel by Ernest Cline (01:25), then they move on to the new film by Stephen Spielberg (25:34). We’ve got takes! Lots of hot takes!2018-04-032h 02
HeadcanonNo. 020 | “Invincible Sword Goddess”This week, we’re discussing the underrated classic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (8:02). Marco and Benji both love this film, and have a lot of fun revisiting it. We are both obviously big Jen Yu stans. Also, some brief conversation on the Overboard reboot trailer (5:57) and Pacific Rim: Uprising (00:00).2018-03-281h 47
HeadcanonNo. 019 | “Porpentina’s hot dogs”Live-ish from Los Angeles, Marco is in town to join Benji for a special episode of Headcanon where we finally give Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (02:30) the full podcast treatment. Also discussed, The Crimes of Grindelwald trailer and the future Wizarding World movies (01:50:06). Later, we head into spoiler territory to offer some thoughts on Tomb Raider (02:04:11) and Love, Simon (02:11:07).2018-03-202h 35
HeadcanonNo. 018 | “Witch, please!”It’s a busy episode this week on Headcanon. First, of course, we are required to discuss Taylor Swift’s new music video for “Delicate.” (01:39) Then we give our thoughts on Lucy Hale’s new pilot Life Sentence (09:50). Our main focus is the very bad 2013 film Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (20:23), but we also give our spoiler-y thoughts on Red Sparrow (01:18:12) and Thoroughbreds (01:27:39) at the end of the podcast. Enjoy!2018-03-131h 45
HeadcanonNo. 017 | “#%&@ off, Logan!”After some Oscar talk (02:01), the bros take a look at the 2017 film Logan (16:16), which Marco had never seen before. It’s bloody and shocking and surprisingly moving and we really liked it. Patrick Stewart is crushing it, and poor Eriq La Salle’s family just didn’t deserve that.2018-03-071h 56
HeadcanonNo. 016 | “I just missed your heart”Marco and Benji are a little all over the place this week. Ostensibly, their focus is on the 2011 film Hanna (07:24), but neither are too fussed with it. Also discussed: The PLLerfectionists, Christopher Nolan’s best movies, Annihilation (52:45), Munich, Padme Amidala’s dumb character, Oscar picks (1:20:47), and more.2018-02-271h 55
HeadcanonNo. 015 | “Secrets are lies”Benji and Marco take in the seminal 2017 film The Circle. Is social media a net positive for society? Should Marco go fully transparent? Is Boyhood bro’s death the most satisfying moment in the film? Is John Boyega’s character real? All this and more are discussed on the pod (01:56). Then at the end we talk about Black Panther for about a half hour (01:40:48). Beware of SPOILERS!2018-02-202h 09
HeadcanonNo. 012 | “Don’t watch ‘Bright’”Marco and Benji ring in the New Year discussing the truly awful, boring and hackneyed movie Bright (07:56). We are both in agreement that it’s time for David Ayer and Max Landis to sit down. Then we turn to more a enjoyable topic and nerd out about The Last Jedi some more (44:02). We discuss whether or not Rey is vulnerable to the Dark Side, and should Kylo Ren be redeemed? *SPOILER* warnings, as always.2018-01-021h 24
HeadcanonNo. 011 | “Snape kills Trelawney’s marriage”Well, you voted for it, listeners. Here’s Love Actually, a movie which is probably a lot worse than you remember. Christmas is all around us, and Marco and Benji are talking about that whole Andrew Lincoln/Kiera Knightly plot line, the general awfulness of the Colin goes to America plot line, Liam Neeson as Dirk Diggler, why Colin Firth would try to write a novel on stacks of paper outdoors in the wind next to a lake, and much more. Happy Christmas!2017-12-241h 40
HeadcanonNo. 010 | “Darkness rises, and Light to meet it”This is an old school, all-Star Wars episode of Headcanon, as Marco and Benji go deep deep deep into SPOILERS for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Turn back now if you haven’t watched the movie. If you have seen it, join us as we discuss our top moments, our nitpicks, Reylo, #HandStuff, Luke Skywalker’s legacy, Canto Bight, slicers, porgs, Amilyn Holdo, Bendus, Snoke theories, and much more. And at the end, our character and movie power rankings. We really like Star Wars, guys.2017-12-203h 22
HeadcanonNo. 009 | “Bad Blood”This week on Headcanon, Marco and Benji start off by talking about two recent trailers. One good, one bad. They’re for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (01:55) and Ready Player One (05:43). Draw your own conclusions. Then the guys wrestle with their feelings for James Franco’s paean to Tommy Wiseau The Disaster Artist (09:51) before moving on to their spotlight focus of the week, the 2014 film Vampire Academy (28:35), which currently sits at 14% on Rotten Tomatoes. Turns out there might be a reason for that.2017-12-121h 14
HeadcanonNo. 008 | “The Rejects”Marco and Benji discuss the Marvel show Runaways, from Hulu and ponder if anyone is ever going to actually run away (04:25). Then a few brief conversations about Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. — with minor “spoilers” for the Season 5 premise, if you care about that sort of thing (07.47), The Avengers: Infinity War trailer (10:26), and new information on The PLLerfectionists PLL Spin-off (16:18). Afterward, we have a nice long chat on the seminal 1991 Sean Astin vehicle Toy Soldiers (26:33). Yes that's right, Benji put chapter markers in! You're welcome.2017-12-051h 34
HeadcanonNo. 007 | “Family Motto”This week, Marco and Benji talk a little recent TV with a focus on Runaways, Godless, and Mr. Robot. We do our best to avoid spoilers. Then we talk about Lady Bird for a bit, which was weird for us two native Sacramentans to watch. Finally, we close out with a focus on the 1999 James Bond 007 film, The World is Not Enough.2017-11-282h 03
HeadcanonNo. 006 | “Zack Snyder Defeats the Justice League”Well, we went and saw Justice League so you won’t have to. Stay tuned for a scene by scene breakdown that is probably more effort than this movie is worth. I guess you could say we… did the movie justice. Also discussed: Marco has now ready the first half of La Belle Sauvage, Benji has lots of complaining to do about the Wizarding World movies, and we saw lots of trailers at the theater.2017-11-202h 47
HeadcanonNo. 005 | “I know your mustache”Benji and Marco are talking Agatha Christie this week. After a brief discussion of Taylor Swift’s new album and the Lord of the Rings TV series on Amazon, the guys get into And Then There Were None adaptations before discussing the new film adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express. We liked it, mustache and all.2017-11-141h 04
HeadcanonNo. 004 | “Korgs and Porgs”We’re actually talking about a Marvel movie this week! After threatening to do so for years, Marco and Benji talk the MCU with Thor: Ragnarok, which we both enjoyed. Also discussed: TSwift’s new song, a potential Lord of the Rings TV show, some Stranger Things digressions, and lots of other nonsense. Plus, the bros finally do a Five Man Band pitch session for a TV show.2017-11-071h 54
HeadcanonNo. 003 | “Winona 4+eva”Marco and Benji once again have a new Taylor Swift video to discuss. This time it’s Taylor’s weird Ghost in the Shell pastiche Ready For It…? Then we talk some recent TV shows before getting into our spotlight discussion of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Marco liked this on rewatch, Benji did not. Much conversation over the nebulous powers of vampires and Winona’s attraction to Prince Vlad ensues.2017-10-311h 56
HeadcanonNo. 002 | “Mr. Hole is my father’s name, call me Harry”This week on Headcanon, Benji and Marco talk about MoviePass, what it is, and what bad movies they went to see with it. Like The Snowman, which is truly awful. Then we go into a deeper discussion on The Shining, and all the various theories and speculation about it. Creepy movie. Next week: Bram Stoker’s Dracula.2017-10-241h 26
HeadcanonNo. 001 | “Beau Bridges Chorizo”Okay, we’re back for real this time. Marco and Benji return to talk movies, TV, and Taylor Swift (of course). Discussions cover the new season of Mr. Robot, Blade Runner 2049, The Mountain Between Us, an All-Female Avengers, why a PI followed Benji on Twitter, and much more.2017-10-171h 20
HeadcanonNo. 000 | “Version 2.0”We’re changing things up a bit as we look to reboot the podcast in October, so please enjoy this sort or rehearsal episode as we try out a new multi-topic format. This week Marco really wants to discuss Taylor Swift’s new(ish) video for “Look What You Made Me Do.” Benji rhapsodizes about his latest video game/fiction obsession The Witcher. And then we do a spotlight discussion on the new Jennifer Lawrence joint “mother!” It’s uh… really something. Spoilers abound, of course, so beware. And finally, we try out a new creative segment called “Fix This Franchise,” and ou...2017-09-191h 50
HeadcanonNo. 41 | Wonder WomanAt long last, Marco has finally seen Wonder Woman, so we can now discuss the DCEU’s only good movie. The guys talk about Gal Gadot’s excellent performance, the not-so-excellent script, Wonder Woman’s powers, the future of the DCEU, the pointlessness of the Z-List Howling Commando wannabes, and much more.2017-09-011h 11
HeadcanonNo. 40 | Beauty and the BeastMarco and Benji check in with their thoughts on Beauty and the Beast. They both really enjoyed it. We talk about the McGregor-sance, McGregor sauce, Emma Watson as Belle, Disney Musicals, Fantastic Beasts, and much more. Be our guest to this podcast.2017-03-1959 min
HeadcanonNo. 39 | Fifty Shades DarkerBy popular demand, Marco and Benji went to see the Fifty Shades sequel. It’s so bad. Christian Grey: still a massive creep with no personality. Anastasia Steele: still a wimp with no willpower. Jose: still in the Friendzone. Noel Kahn: nowhere to be found! Booo.2017-03-051h 09
HeadcanonNo. 38 | Fifty Shades of GreyMarco and Benji have returned to Headcanon to talk about freakin’ Fifty Shades of Grey, of all movies. Explore the super lame world of kinda BDSM sex, as two boring C-listers argue for 126 minutes (!) about a stupid sex contract. All Anastasia Steele wants is a normal super rich boyfriend with no personality. All Christian Grey wants is a fresh victim to re-enact his own childhood abuse on. Will these two crazy kids ever work things out??2017-02-121h 25
HeadcanonNo. 36 | Scream 4This week we’re closing out the franchise with Scream 4, a final sequel that came out 11 years after the last one, to minimal fanfare and instant irrelevance. But at least it’s not Scream 3. Join Marco and Benji as we talk about the wonder of Lucy Hale in a Scream movie, the odd adult perspective in a movie full of teenagers, and a theoretical Scream 5 featuring time travel.2016-12-121h 36
HeadcanonNo. 35 | Scream 3Time for another hate-watch as Marco and Benji suffer through the putrid Scream 3 for your amusement. Dream sequences, bad hair, Patrick Dempsey, Jay and Silent Bob — holy hell this movie is atrocious. They could make another ten sequels to Scream and still not produce a movie as bad as Scream 3. Nobody gets out of this clean, and we are all dumber for its existence.2016-12-051h 42
HeadcanonNo. 34 | Scream 2This week, the guys return to another seminal moment from our youth. A movie we may actually enjoy even more than the first one: Scream 2. Join us as we delve into college horror featuring one-time Benji idol, the film geek god Randy Meeks, early-Marco megacrush Sarah Michelle Gellar, and 1997 America’s Favorite Celebrity Couple: Deputy Dewey and Gale Weathers. Also, Sidney is here too and dating the guy from Sliders. The 90s were awesome.2016-11-231h 42
HeadcanonNo. 33 | ScreamFor our next franchise, we’re going back to our teen roots for one of our favorites: Scream, the glorious brainchild of Kevin Williamson and Wes Craven. Marco and Benji dive into the innocent halcyon days of the nineties, when cell phones were rare, movie knowledge was currency, and David Arquette had a career. We love this movie and we hope you do too.2016-11-162h 05
HeadcanonNo. 32 | The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2At long last, Headcanon is finally closing the book on the Twilight Saga, this seemingly endless string of movies where nothing ever really happens. Marco and Benji are joined by Raquel Hinson of the Loose Lips Sink Ships podcast as we send off this franchise with a big unbloody vampire war that wasn’t even in the books and didn’t really happen anyway. Not-RIP Carlisle and Jasper! We hope you enjoy this extra-long podcast full of musings about Jacob’s normalized pedophilia, furry wolf dong, vampire fluids, the je ne sais quoi of Lee Pace, and much more.2016-11-072h 40
HeadcanonNo. 31 | The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1After a blessed vacation, Marco and Benji have returned to the unending Twilight Saga because you demanded it. Joining us in our misery this week is Krystal Pearson of the Loose Lips Sink Ships podcast, whose Twilight novel knowledge helps to explain Charlie Swan’s down-low girlfriend, Rosalie’s sudden relevance, and all the other random plot holes and bad writing in this movie. Also, marble cocks. Thanks for listening!2016-10-311h 52
HeadcanonNo. 29 | The Twilight Saga: New MoonThis week on the podcast, Marco and Benji are joined by Morgan Glennon who writes for buddytv.com and co-hosts the Legends of Tomorrow and Supergirl Radio podcasts. Morgan has been gracious enough to suffer through New Moon with us, and crushes us with the news that this might not even be the worst Twilight movie. Join us as we lament the bad acting, demand more Anna Kendrick, and worry about all the steroids poor Jacob must be on. Also, FacePunch!! P.S. this movie is so bad that Alice foresaw it and left during all the dumb werewolf stuff.2016-09-252h 14
HeadcanonNo. 28 | TwilightAt long last, Headcanon has gotten to Twilight, that milestone of modern franchise entertainment that will shape so much of the next decade of blockbuster film. This movie it terrible, yo! And Benji LOVES IT. Marco, perhaps less so. Embrace the pain, Marco! This is high school romance at its absolute worst and most awkward and problematic and it is gloriously dumb. The guys discuss how great Anna Kendrick is, how awful Mike the random jock friend is, and get into a spirited debate over whether or not James the evil Axl Rose vampire’s hair is blonde or red. Pl...2016-09-181h 55
HeadcanonNo. 27 | Harry Potter and the Cursed ChildHarry Potter is back! Kind of! Marco and Benji are joined by Autostraddle Senior Editor and Potterverse Expert Heather Hogan to discuss the new rehearsal edition of the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play. We talk spoilers, obviously, including our thoughts on young Albus and Scorpius, Alternate Hermione, Voldemort’s wandwork, a play vs a book or movie, characters we missed, and much more. Enjoy!2016-08-291h 23
HeadcanonNo. 26 | Suicide SquadBenji and Marco went to see Suicide Squad because you, our listeners, demanded it. Because apparently you want us to suffer—which, to be fair, we understand. This movie is so bad it makes Batman v Superman not the worst DCEU movie. Think about that. However bad you’ve heard this movie is: it’s worse. Poor Will Smith and Margot Robbie. Don’t go see this movie. We did so you won’t have to. Witness me!!2016-08-081h 14
HeadcanonNo. 25 | Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal SkullMarco and Benji close out the Indiana Jones saga with this turd of a movie that makes us feel embarrassed for everyone involved. Watch as old, indestructible Indy pratfalls through an incoherent plot, surrounded by obvious CGI and too many useless supporting characters. Cringe at the reality where Shia LaBeouf is Henry Jones III. Marvel that the terrible script Lucas and Spielberg went with after years and year in development, with rewrites from all the Top Men in screenwriting. And pity poor Harrison Ford for having to do another one of these soon.2016-06-061h 01
HeadcanonNo. 24 | Indiana Jones and the Last CrusadeAfter a short break so Benji could move, the guys are back to talk Last Crusade, a nice return to form for Indy after Temple of Doom. Herein we discuss Elsa’s on-point fashion, the amusement of James Bond playing Indiana’s dad, the many memorable quotes, and how River Phoenix would have taken all the roles DiCaprio got. If only.2016-05-241h 15
HeadcanonNo. 23 | Indiana Jones and the Temple of DoomIf the first Indy movie was a fun, action-packed romp, Temple of Doom is a dark, twisted, mean-spirited rollercoaster. The kind where you get wet and you didn’t bring a change of clothes. Join Benji and Marco as we break down what we love and find interesting about this movie, and also what we would rather do without. On the one hand, a dude gets his heart ripped out and it’s still beating. On the other hand, this is a movie for kids where a dude gets his heart ripped out and it’s still beating.2016-05-091h 07
HeadcanonNo. 22 | Raiders of the Lost ArkThis week, Marco and Benji are joined by Kelsea Stahler from Bustle’s Taking This One to the Grave podcast to talk about the instant classic: Raiders of the Lost Ark. Kelsea marvels at Marion Ravenwood’s whiskey skills, Marco dismisses the “Indy doesn’t affect the plot” crowd, and Benji obsesses over Spielberg’s oners. All are in agreement that this movie is ridiculously fun to watch.2016-05-021h 29
HeadcanonNo. 21 | Batman v Superman: Dawn of JusticePour yourselves a tall glass of haterade, because Marco and Benji are hear to eviscerate the failed franchise attempt that is Batman v Superman: Yawn of Justice. We talk about the pretentious, overblown dialog, how Superman only smiles when murdering someone, and how inessential most of the storylines in the movie are. Also, lots of Batman voice. MARTHA! WHY DID YOU SAY THAT NAME!?!?! The franchise is dead. Bury it. Consider this mercy.2016-04-181h 53
HeadcanonNo. 20 | Back to the Future Part IIIMarco and Benji are joined by Samantha Rullo once more to close out our discussion of the Back to the Future Trilogy. Part III finds us in a western that short on time travel hijinks, but high on broad shenanigans. We finally learn who the hell Needles is, Marty gets his ego in check, and Doc gets laid. Um. Yay?2016-04-121h 16
HeadcanonNo. 18 | Back to the FutureWe’re back! After a hiatus for PLL season, Marco and Benji return with Samantha Rullo from Bustle’s Taking This One to the Grave podcast to talk about the classic 80s high-concept blockbuster Back to the Future! Wherein we discuss the awfulness of George McFly, the creepy way the entire plot revolves around rape, growing up with Marty McFly, and time traveling back to the 80s to separate movie from reality.2016-03-291h 19
HeadcanonNo. 17 | I Am Number FourBefore they go on hiatus for Pretty Little Liars season, Marco and Benji are back one more time to talk about a failed franchise starter: I Am Number Four. They joke about the neutron star of suck in the center of the film, how it doesn’t seem to know its target audience, how great Timothy Olyphant is in a useless role, etc. This is the kind of movie you get when bad intentions go awry.2016-01-041h 19
HeadcanonNo. 16 | The Force AwakensIt’s finally here! Marco and Benji have a great time nerding out about all things Star Wars: The Force Awakens. After seeing the movie multiple times, they offer their thoughts on Finn, Rey, “Mary Sue” labels, the adorableness of BB-8, if Kylo Ren sleeps in his helmet, and what we’re looking for in Episode VIII.2015-12-221h 47
HeadcanonNo. 15 | Return of the JediThis week, Benji and Marco are joined by Christina Wolfgram (@TheCwolf) to talk about the end of the Original Trilogy, Return of the Jedi. Marco really digs the Jabba’s Palace stuff, while Benji would prefer to just start watching in Act III. Christina is moved by the dying Ewok. We all had a good time closing out the OT while eagerly anticipating the new film that’s just around the corner now.2015-12-151h 40
HeadcanonNo. 13 | Star WarsIt’s almost time for new Star Wars, so Marco and Benji are looking back at the original Star Wars, AKA Episode IV — A New Hope. We’re fascinated by the weird galaxy George Lucas created at least partly by accident. Much love for Han Solo and Obi Wan Kenobi within. Luke is basically a space hick, and the Rebellion is remarkably chill about letting people into their secret base.2015-12-021h 24
HeadcanonNo. 12 | Mockingjay: Part 2It’s time to close out the Hunger Games series with Part 2 of Mockingjay. Benji and Marco journeyed to the theater to get their hot takes on the big Katniss finale. Thoughts on President Coin’s shoes, Johanna Mason’s future, poor Boggs, and the YA Dystopian genre in general. We both def liked this better than Part 1, at least.2015-11-251h 19
HeadcanonNo. 10 | Catching FireThis week on Headcanon, we’re looking at the second film in the Hunger Games quadrilogy, and Marco and Benji find it to be a huge improvement. Francis Lawrence brings a steady hand (literally) behind the camera, and we’re introduced to funny and vibrant new characters in a very solid adaptation of Catching Fire. Topics covered: Who’s the nice guy, Peeta or Gale? What does the Capitol even do? And Johanna Mason is awesome. Thanks for listening!2015-11-111h 43
HeadcanonNo. 9 | The Hunger GamesWe’ve wrapped up the Harry Potter movies and now we’re moving on to a series that owes at least some of its success to the legacy Rowling created. Neither Marco or Benji is really feeling The Hunger Games movie, though we both liked the books a fair amount. Join us as we break down the best and worst of part one of this franchise. Gale vs Peeta, the priorities of the filmmakers, and how we think we’d do in our own Hunger Games are all part of the conversation.2015-11-041h 29
HeadcanonNo. 7 | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1Marco and Benji dig in to part one of the Harry Potter finale, touching on important topics like: did Harry and Hermione despair-bang? Who are all these old dudes the movie takes no time to explain? Is this movie Hermione’s or Ron’s? Polyjuice potion: sexual game-changer. You get the idea.2015-10-201h 39
HeadcanonNo. 6 | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood PrinceMarco and Benji both enjoyed year 6 in the Harry Potter movie-verse a lot more than the previous year, even if the storytelling is still iffy. Marco liked Daniel Radcliffe’s foray into a more humorous acting style, and Benji always approves of Hermione slapping Harry and Ron around with newspapers. Both were totally creeped out by Cormac McLaggen and his goddamn finger licking and obscene broom.2015-10-131h 48
HeadcanonNo. 5 | Harry Potter and the Order of the PhoenixSettle in for the first of four Harry Potter movies directed by David Yates. Benji is baffled by what Yates is doing with his camera. Marco loves to hate Professor Dolores Umbridge. Lots to discuss as we break down The Order of the Phoenix, and then talk about class subjects at Hogwarts, and what we would want to study.2015-10-062h 02
HeadcanonNo. 4 | Harry Potter and the Goblet of FireThis week on Headcanon, Marco and Benji are discussing the fourth Harry Potter film, which neither of them are huge fans of. Benji takes issue with the confused perspective in the movie. Marco wonders why Moody didn’t teleport Harry out of the school sooner. If he would only read Hogwarts, a History… Apologies in advance for all the complaining, but this movie is seriously not good.2015-09-241h 22
HeadcanonNo. 3 | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanMarco and Benji are joined by Wizarding expert Heather Hogan from Autostraddle to discuss Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Who is Sirius Black’s true love? How does the magic trace work at The Burrow? Why is Ron such a tool to Hermione? All this and more within as we talk about what might be the worst adaptation in the series, but also the best film; directed masterfully by Alfonso Caurón.2015-09-171h 27
HeadcanonNo. 2 | Harry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsMarco and Benji are back to talk about the second Harry Potter movie. Neither are huge fans of this one, but Benji still loved the evil villain monologue and nothing will stop Marco from relishing Snape’s elocution. What is Hagrid really doing in Diagon Alley? Why does Harry even have to practice for Quidditch? And Hermione is awesome, which isn’t even a question.2015-09-091h 50