Shows
Nostalgia Club69. Young Justice Gets Therapy, and So Should You!Heads up, Team. Your next assignment is as follows: Discuss the 2010 animated superhero show Young Justice. Jino and Michael return to a childhood favorite and realize that the concept of Doctor Fate is more messed up than they remember. Victoria compares Red Arrow to Sasuke and finds Robin's tiny glasses hilarious. Gear up and prepare for sociopolitical intervention, an absurd number of villains, and psychoanalyzing your fellow podcast hosts. __________________________________________Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria ChengProduced by MouseKnight StudiosEdited by Victoria ChengMusic f...
2025-12-171h 20
Nostalgia Club68. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH Moving Services LLCGather your courage as we join Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH! Victoria read this classic as a child. Now older and wider-read, she relishes all the hallmarks of rodent media woven through its telling. Michael compares the book to the (literally) magical animated adaptation, and Jino basks in the glory of a world where giant birds of prey and powerful rats are just... nice, actually! So hunker down in your cinder-block house as we ponder rodent societies, parental courage, and how wild this narrative is from the perspective of Mrs. Frisby's kids....
2025-12-101h 21
Nostalgia Club67. Geronimo Stilton Is the World’s Richest & Most Famouse JournalistHoley Cheese! We’re covering the exploits of our favorite paw-thur, Geronimo Stilton! This beloved Italian children’s book series is full of quests, family, and an atrocious amount of puns. Jino is deeply frustrated at Geronimo’s relatives and their dangerously adventurous instincts. Victoria seriously considers the benefits of hiring a mercenary to act as her clone, while Michael marvels at the geography of New Mouse City and considers the sociopolitical consequences… Join us as we discuss cheddar, swiss, mozzarella, munster, parmesan, gouda, brie, the-one-with-the-live-maggots-in-it-that-could-kill-you-but-people-still-go-for-it -and-honestly-don’t-yuck-someones-yum-but-I’ll-pass-respectfully, and feta!Please check out e-adlirez’s...
2025-12-031h 02
Nostalgia Club66. The Many Dads of Kung Fu PandaFinally, a worthy “pod.” This “cast” will be legendary! This week we’re revisiting a beloved Dreamworks classic in Kung Fu Panda! We’ve got a lot to say about this movie and the trilogy that it created! From the plotting and scene construction that Victoria analyzed way back in college, to the nuanced character depictions Jino found on a rewatch, to the plants and pay-offs that Michael gushes over at length, this movie’s got it all: every secret ingredient in the Secret Ingredient Soup! So join us as we run a victory lap for Kung Fu Panda… and also laugh o...
2025-11-191h 01
Nostalgia Club65. Haikyuu!! Seasons 3 & 4 - The Epic Highs and Lows of High School VolleyballHeads up! We’re heading back to the volleyball court for Seasons 3 and 4 of Haikyuu!! Victoria can finally, FINALLY talk about that Tsukki moment and Kenma’s backstory without spoilers. Jino is obsessed with Hinata’s Ball Boy Arc, and Michael is convinced that Tanaka fumbled. Together we will wonder, what’s up with that Seagull Kid? Jump in as we rank our favorite players, ponder Ushiwaka’s texting style, and predict which team will achieve ultimate victory at the finals!__________________________________________Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria ChengProduced by MouseKn...
2025-11-121h 39
Nostalgia Club64. The City of Ember Is the Blueprint for Underground SocietiesGrab a flashlight (or a candle, as the Builders intended), and dive below ground to The City of Ember! Victoria read this coming-of-age tale as a young’un, and fondly recalls her wish to don a messenger’s cape and dash around her hometown like the protagonist. Michael compares the book to the movie adaptation starring Saiorse Ronan. And Jino? Well, Jino’s got some questions for the city’s so-called “Builders.” Questions like, “How?” and, “Why?” So join us as we discuss broken generators, bad mayors, and YA-style dystopia told through a child’s eyes.__________________________________________Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino...
2025-11-051h 08
Nostalgia Club63. Wicked - Oh to Be Doomed by the NarrativeIt's meeeeeeeeee! Today we're donning our pointy black hats and talking about Wicked, both the 2024 movie and the original Broadway musical (but mostly the movie, live theater can be expensive!). The original cast recording had a significant influence on young Victoria's theatrical aspirations, and now she acts as our guide analyzing the twisted prequel-sidequel plot and the wizardly propaganda of Oz. Michael is enchanted by the potential of exploring villainous backstories, and Jino makes excuses on behalf of the movie's lighting department. Tune in as we discuss a real actual love triangle, a significant Palpatine detour, and the most...
2025-10-291h 01
Nostalgia Club62. The Penderwicks (Books 2-5) Bring Us Joy For a LifetimePenderwick family honor! We’re back with the second installment in our discussion of Jino’s favorite children’s book series. This coming-of-age masterpiece is both timeless and contemporary, with plenty of life lessons and charm to boot. After reading the first book, Victoria entered a fugue state and woke up two weeks later having scoured every local library in the area for the rest of the series. Michael loved Jeanne Birdsall’s poetic prose and authentic characters, even the terrible Mrs. Tifton. Tune in to hear about starting your own rock-based religion, Batty’s no good very bad year, and...
2025-10-221h 44
Nostalgia Club61. Why Ryan is the Best High School Musical Character - with special guest Shannon KeaneWe’re all in this together! Get your head in the game! And a third cool line from the High School Musical movies, which dominated both the Disney Channel and our hearts back in the mid-2000s. Joining us is Shannon, Michael’s sister and karaoke queen whose constant renditions of the soundtrack when they were kids wormed their way into the permanent canon of their lives. Jino’s first time watching High School Musical 3 was a transcendent experience, and Victoria tells us the tale of Zach Efron’s incredible improvised golf course strut. Tune in as we discuss how Gabr...
2025-10-151h 28
Nostalgia ClubSeason 4 Recap (Part 2) - More Theater Stories & Final AnalysisWe’re back with the second and final part of our Season 4 Recap, covering our episodes from Mulan to Madagascar. Michael recounts a harrowing tale of facing his daemons, Victoria shares some final thoughts on the various Little Women adaptations, and Jino declares that pizza is soup. Plus, some hints for what Season 5 has in store! __________________________________________Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria ChengProduced by MouseKnight StudiosEdited by Jino JangMusic from WOW SoundFollow Nostalgia Clu...
2025-09-1759 min
Nostalgia ClubSeason 4 Recap (Part 1) - Responding to Listeners & Charting Animal SocietiesSeason 5 is coming soon, so let’s wrap up Season 4! For newer listeners, we always end each season by revisiting previous episodes and commenting on things we may have forgotten to mention or new updates since the episode’s release. In Part 1, we cover our episodes from Ratatouille to The Goose Girl (spoiler warning for any series mentioned in the episode). Tune in to hear all about our favorite childhood comfort foods, how specific the fears in Divergent could potentially get, and the ways that animal societies stack up against each other.Thank you to e...
2025-09-101h 15
Nostalgia Club60. The Madagascar Trilogy Shines Best When You Watch All 3 Movies In a RowIt’s time to move it, move it to our final episode of Season 4, because we watched all three Madagascar films in a row and we have a lot to say about it! This Dreamworks franchise started with the 2005 film that introduced us to Alex, Marty, Gloria, and Melman. The series subsequently took us from New York City to the titular island, to Africa, and eventually all across Europe! Jino watched the first movie countless times as a kid until he got sick of it, but returns with a newfound appreciation. Michael was surprised by how much detail was pu...
2025-06-251h 12
Nostalgia Club59. Shark Tale (2004): A Seminal Dreamworks Classic - with special guest Nikki SpinaGet ready for a Whale of a Wash because we’re swimming with the fish today in the 2004 Dreamworks classic: Shark Tale! Joining us is Nikki Spina, here to tell us all the easter eggs we missed and provide some important animation industry context to this movie. Michael and Jino thought they’d never watch this movie all the way through, but here they are. Victoria enjoyed rewatching this film with fresh eyes and was surprised by some of the deeper themes and metaphors it dives into. Tune in to hear our thoughts on breaking out of the cycle of p...
2025-06-181h 17
Nostalgia Club58. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990 & 2007) Ages Like Fine PizzaCowabunga dudes! This week we’re diving into the sewer to meet the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles of crime-fighting fame! After watching the live-action 1990 film and animated 2007 film, we’re running at full Turtle Power! Jino grew up reading the original comic books, and offers unique insights on the tone, lore, and development of the brand to a very Turtle-poor Michael. Meanwhile, Victoria relives the fraternal drama and sheer aura-farming all over the 2007 animated feature. So grab some pizza and join us as we discuss the pitfalls of freelancing, making "sharpness" your key villain trait, and the Turtles' rat dad...
2025-06-111h 13
Nostalgia Club57. Wild Kid Summers with The PenderwicksDon’t you miss being a kid in the summer? The Penderwick siblings sure know how to take advantage of the season, running around with a soccer ball and breaking expensive garden vases. The first book in this series by Jeanne Birdsall perfectly captures the simple joys, but also high-stakes drama, of summer vacation. Jino loved The Penderwicks as a kid, but didn’t even know there were four other books until after college! Victoria was excited to see all the Little Women parallels, which was a primary inspiration for these books (check out last week’s episode!). And Michae...
2025-06-041h 01
Nostalgia Club56. Re-Reading Little Women Brings New Insights In Every Stage of LifeBrush up on your 1860s slang, because today we’re revisiting an American classic! Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a novel that’s inspired generations of writers and sparked numerous adaptations. Victoria has read the book from cover to cover at least five times now, with a deep love for the March Sisters and a 2017 PBS Masterpiece adaptation. Michael and Jino enjoyed the 2019 film directed by Greta Gerwig, but this is their first time reading the source material! Michael enjoyed Alcott’s character work and shares what real-life inspirations were behind some of the book’s events. Meanwhil...
2025-05-281h 37
Nostalgia Club55. The Golden Compass Has Everything: Daemons, Moral Debates, & Armored Bears - with special guest Isabella MillerLook up, and you may see a city in the Northern Lights! We’re so excited to be joined once again by Isabella Miller for this deep dive into The Golden Compass, the first book in Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series. This was a childhood favorite for Victoria and Isabella, and a brand new journey for Jino and Michael to embark on. In this first book, we searched for answers to the series’ greatest question: what is Dust and is it bad? Did we learn the answer? You’ll have to listen to find out! Tune in to also...
2025-05-211h 36
Nostalgia Club54. Howl’s Moving Castle Taught Us How to Be Old & Avoid TaxesHold onto your hats and get ready to move with Howl’s Moving Castle! We’re revisiting a collective favorite today in this 2004 animated Studio Ghibli film. No matter how many times we’ve watched it, there’s still a new way to interpret the film’s message. Victoria felt seen in the character of Old Lady Sophie, with some additional insights from the original book by Diana Wynne Jones. Michael loved the eccentric magic memorabilia and aesthetics of the film, but felt that redheads were dealt an unfair card during Howl’s infamous breakdown. Meanwhile, Jino thought he would unders...
2025-05-141h 06
Nostalgia Club53. How Mulan (1998) Shaped Our ChildhoodsLet’s get down to business! Today, we’re talking about the 1998 Disney animated film, Mulan, whose songs could always quickly get kids hyped up. This is a particularly personal episode, as both Jino and Michael were involved in theatrical performances based on Mulan - who would’ve thought! Victoria unfortunately had no such stage experiences, but she similarly grew up loving the movie, as well as learning about the original Ballad of Mulan. Tune in to hear our thoughts on delicious food eaten (or not eaten?) in the film, Mushu piggy banks, and setting a new bar for how to...
2025-05-071h 01
Nostalgia Club52. Shannon Hale’s Prose in The Goose Girl Makes You Stop and ListenHonk! Did you understand that? If not, maybe you just have to spend more time listening to geese. Today we are journeying to the kingdom of Bayern with Princess Ani in Shannon Hale’s “The Goose Girl”, a truly wonderful and comforting read. As a big fan of fairy tale retellings, Victoria read all the Books of Bayern as a kid. Upon re-reading The Goose Girl, she was reminded once again of how the author’s beautiful prose made her stop to appreciate the weight of the words. Jino was impressed by the well defined magic system of the series...
2025-04-231h 12
Nostalgia Club51. Yarping and Yeeping with The Guardians of Ga’hooleThis episode is about to be yoicks because we’re talking about The Guardians of Ga’hoole! If you read this series as a kid, then you must know a lot about owls, including all the unique vocabulary of this owl society created by the talented Kathryn Lasky (make sure you don’t go yeep!). For this episode, we read the first two books - The Capture and The Journey, where we follow Soren and his friends as they search for the Guardians of legend. Michael read many of these books and had no idea how much lore he had st...
2025-04-161h 04
Nostalgia Club50. Haikyuu!! Season 2 Proves that Volleyball Is NOT Just a ClubOya? Oya oya? We’re returning to the intense world of high school volleyball in today’s episode where we’re covering Season 2 of Haikyuu!! (Be sure to check out Episode 43 where we began the saga if you haven’t already.) This is Victoria’s all-time favorite season, with high stakes volleyball games and a lot of great character development too. Jino was happy to finally have context for all the memes his friends have referenced in the past, like the iconic meat dance! Michael enjoyed the multiple perspectives on what it means to join a club and find your passi...
2025-04-091h 05
Nostalgia Club49. Starfire is the Heart and Soul of Teen TitansWhen there’s trouble you know who to call - it’s the Teen Titans! In this episode, we dive deep into this iconic animated series. The first episode Michael ever saw was Date With Destiny, which quickly got him invested in the Robin & Starfire dynamic. Jino tried to watch the series in college and couldn’t get into it, but the characters still became familiar to him through fanart and other DC shows. Victoria caught a few episodes of the show here and there, but her main knowledge stemmed from online 2D fighting games (who remembers Battle Blitz?) and…wr...
2025-04-021h 09
Nostalgia Club48. The 39 Clues to Make Some Really Bad JuiceHave you ever wondered if you might be related to a famous person? How about every famous person in history? Well, if you’re part of the Cahill family, you don’t have to wonder - you definitely are! That’s right, today we’re talking about The 39 Clues. These adventure novels not only taught kids about history and (somewhat questionable) science, but they also marketed themselves as an immersive experience through collectible cards and an online game. Victoria and her younger brother particularly enjoyed that aspect of the series, and easily related to the characters of Amy and Dan. Mic...
2025-03-261h 18
Nostalgia Club47. I’m Not Like Other YA Novels, I’m DivergentAre you kind, honest, selfless, intelligent, or brave? Then you might belong in the world of Divergent… as long as you don’t value more than one of those traits at a time! Or something like that? Today, we’re giving our honest critiques and analysis of Veronica Roth’s debut novel. Victoria enjoyed this series as a teen, but now as an adult she’s not so sure the worldbuilding and romance lands for her. Jino wonders what the true intent behind the Dauntless simulations was. Michael just wants to sit and live a peaceful Abnegation life… or is that cons...
2025-03-191h 37
Nostalgia Club46. Ratatouille Is a Delicious Exploration of Art vs. CritiqueLet that rat cook! We’re firing up Season 4 by combining two of our favorite Nostalgia Club topics: rodents with society + food!! You’ll probably want to grab some strawberries with cheese, or even cook up a whole pot of soup, because our discussion of Ratatouille is sure to make you hungry. Michael sings a beautiful rendition of “Le Festin”, Jino applauds the clever worldbuilding disguised as food banter, and Victoria shares a disappointing experience with French cuisine. Tune in to hear our best Anton Ego impressions, what we learned about loving your art/craft again, and more reflections on how t...
2025-03-1258 min
Nostalgia ClubSeason 3 Recap (Part 2) - Modernizing Adaptations Gone RightSeason 3 comes to an end as we share our final thoughts on Part 2 of our season recap. This one covers our episodes from Pacific Rim to Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (bet you don’t see those two titles written together often). We get some more context for Lloyd Alexander’s process developing The Chronicles of Prydain, Victoria shares how her high school orchestra experience was just like Haikyuu!!, and we discuss one of the greatest modern adaptations - The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. Season 4 drops in 2 weeks (surprise!) - see you there :) ...
2025-02-261h 00
Nostalgia ClubSeason 3 Recap (Part 1) - The Ultimate Movie Eat-Along ExperienceWe’re back from our Season 3 hiatus (check out Ghost InSpectors, now available on all podcast platforms) and we’re diving right into Part 1 our recap episodes! From life-changing Avatar: The Last Airbender concerts to alternate outcomes for The Hunger Games to the very random tangents in between.And for the first time ever, we also briefly discuss the new media we’ve been reading lately! No nostalgia (yet) at all! __________________________________________Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria ChengEdited by Victoria ChengMusic from WOW Sound
2025-02-191h 06
No Dumb Questions with MelOur 8-Year Roommate Story - A Home in Each Other ft. Darlene NguyenIn this episode, I’m diving deep into a relationship that’s been central to my life for almost 8 years—my friendship with my roommate, Dar. If you’ve listened to earlier episodes, you’ll know why I chose to live with a roommate, but today, I want to explore who that roommate is and how we became each other’s home away from home. From our origin story to the pivotal moments that shaped our bond, I’ll be sharing the journey of how Dar and I went from mutual friends to an unbreakable duo. We’re still actively...
2024-10-3059 minNo Dumb Questions with MelLove Beyond Words - A Conversation with Author & Designer Jocelyn ChungIn this heartwarming episode of No Dumb Questions, I’m thrilled to welcome Jocelyn Chung, a graphic designer, creator, and newly-published children's book author, to the podcast! We instantly connected during my last visit to Taiwan, and today we’re diving into her debut book, “When Love is More Than Words”, a story that beautifully captures how love transcends language, especially within Asian families—a theme that deeply resonates with me, having grown up with my grandparents and extended family.Jocelyn shares the inspiration behind her book, how her upbringing in a Taiwanese-American household influenced...
2024-10-0946 minNo Dumb Questions with MelHow Do You Organize the Ultimate Friends' Trip?✈️ ft. Tiff DuongPlanning a big trip with friends can be both exciting and a little stressful. Today’s episode was inspired by one of my team members after I shared that I’m heading to Vietnam soon with my college friends! She asked me how I usually plan these types of trips, and it got me thinking—coordinating travel preferences, schedules, and personalities can be a lot to manage!With my Vietnam trip just around the corner, I thought it would be perfect to bring on one of my best friends, Tiff, who’s also helping me plan...
2024-09-1859 min
Nostalgia Club45. The SqueakquelSqueak!! To wrap up Season 3 on a chaotic note, we’ve decided to talk about Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (no, we did not watch the 1st movie), where several singing chipmunks take the stage to… conquer high school? Jino was astounded by the all-star cast, which included legends like Bridgit Mendler, Sean Astin, and Eda the Owl Lady??? Victoria found the movie to be extremely stressful, while Michael wondered what the implications are of chipmunks being at the top of the food chain. Tune in as we psychoanalyze Alvin, identify Ian Hawke's fatal flaw, and relate to Zach...
2024-09-0457 min
Nostalgia Club44. Being Brave in the Dark with The Tale of DespereauxCourage friends, as we take up our sewing needles and descend into The Tale of Despereaux. This little book packs a lot of heart, so much so that Jino walked away bamboozled by its themes. Luckily Michael and Victoria are here to help examine the book’s nuanced approach to empathy and forgiveness, while comparing and contrasting this heroic mouse with Mattias of Redwall fame. Join us as we discuss ending cycles of retribution, the concept of “evil fantasy races,” and making soup illegal.
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Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria Cheng
Edited by Vic...
2024-08-2853 min
No Dumb Questions with MelHow to Make It as a TV Writer in Hollywood ft. Vicky LuuIn this episode of No Dumb Questions, we dive deep into the world of TV writing and what it truly takes to make it in Hollywood. As someone who's always been captivated by the entertainment industry, today’s topic is particularly exciting for me. And to make it even better, we have an extraordinary guest who’s worked on incredible shows like Loot and Superstore—plus, she’s collaborated with comedy royalty like Maya Rudolph!Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Vicky Luu —an incredibly talented writer and producer in her own right. This...
2024-08-281h 04
Nostalgia ClubBonus: Picture Book Read-Through - Click, Clack, Moo, The Runaway Bunny, and Stone SoupToday we’re paying homage to some of the most memorable picture books that were read to us as kids, and we’ll do our best to describe the illustrations to you in audio! Jino wonders if the union of cows in Click, Clack, Moo gave up their form of communication too quickly. Michael’s reading of The Runaway Bunny has us reflecting on times we threatened to “run away” before realizing we’d never make it in the wild. Meanwhile, Victoria just really wants to make Stone Soup. Tune in for our calmest episode yet as we read these pictur...
2024-08-2150 min
Nostalgia Club43. Volleyball is Life in Haikyuu!!Rooooollliinnnnggg Thunnderrr!!! Brush up on your volleyball knowledge because today, we’re talking about Haikyuu!! This iconic sports anime is one of Victoria’s all-time favorites and she’s very excited to launch her co-hosts into the fandom with the power of an ace spiker! Jino was reminded of his high school athletics days and recognized the passion of his teammates in the show’s characters (even if he needed a cheat sheet to remember their names). Michael was a little concerned about Hinata’s emotional outbursts, but it hasn’t stopped him from watching ahead to Season 2! Tune in to hear o...
2024-08-141h 27
Nostalgia Club42. The Baby-Sitters Club's Imperfect Characters Makes Everyone Feel SeenCalling this meeting to order, because this week’s episode is all about The Baby-Sitters Club! Victoria frequently read the books and graphic novels as a kid and she loved how the characters and town felt like a living, breathing place. Michael appreciated how the series addresses serious topics like bodily autonomy with grace and empathy, and Jino had a personal epiphany about his own psyche thanks to Mary Anne. Grab a secret snack from your stash and tune in to hear about the vague absurdities of middle school relationships, the Club’s unpaid intern, and how we’re never...
2024-08-071h 02
No Dumb Questions with MelHot Takes (Couple's Edition) - Solo Vacations, Separate Bedrooms, & More!In today’s episode, I’m bringing back a special guest: my boyfriend Ray! Last time he was on the show, we did a fun Q&A where he answered all your curious questions. This time, we’re diving into some hot takes and having a lively discussion, since we’re both pretty opinionated. We answer hot takes like "Separate vacations can strengthen a relationship", "It's okay to sleep in separate bedrooms", to "You Don't Have to Be Best Friends".Tune in to hear our perspectives and join the conversation!Become...
2024-08-0740 min
Nostalgia ClubBonus: Solving a Mystery LIVE on the Pod with Meg Mackintosh & Enrolling in The Dragon Slayers AcademyThis week we’re trying something brand new: diving into 2 series that we’ve never read before! The Meg Mackintosh Mysteries by Lucinda Landon follow the titular character as she solves cases with the help of the reader. That’s right, we’re trying to solve a mystery on the fly! Will we succeed? Or will the true culprit escape our observation? We also discuss the first book in The Dragon Slayers Academy series by Kate McMullan. There’s a boy named Wiglaf, a wizard who recharges in quicksand, and a pig that speaks pig latin. Hatway oremay ouldcay ouyay antw...
2024-08-011h 08
Nostalgia Club41. Spirited Away Is Peak NostalgiaWe’re visiting the spirit realm in this week’s episode about Spirited Away by Studio Ghibli! Hayao Miyazaki’s movies are intensely nostalgic for all three of us. Victoria watched Spirited Away three times in a row the first time she rented it, while the piano score always blasts Jino back to quiet childhood mornings. Michael fawns over the incredible attention to detail, especially during Haku’s flight scenes. Tune in to hear about our No-Face analysis, choosing a bad time to tell your spirit friend he’s a river, and getting emotional over bread and cheese.
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2024-07-241h 01
Nostalgia Club40. How a Boy with Pig Becomes King in The Chronicles of Prydain (Book 5)Dear listener, we’ve arrived at the end of our journey through The Chronicles of Prydain. And what a delightful time it’s been! In this episode, we talk about Book 5: The High King (check out Episodes 29 & 39 for Books 1-4) with a heartwarming conclusion to Taran’s character arc. Michael reflects on Eilonwy’s portrayal in the series and how an adaptation could further explore her story. Jino and Victoria mutually agree that the loss of a certain harp was the most heartbreaking death of the series. Tune in to hear our thoughts on soft magic, Super Heaven, and attackin...
2024-07-171h 10
No Dumb Questions with Mel5 Questions to Check in with YourselfWell, I know that I’m not the only one having a tough year. After having some one-on-one calls with my close friends, I realize this year has rocked a lot of people already. People are facing tough times and being challenged in life! The saying “you really don’t know what people are going through” resonates more than ever.As we’re all struggling with our own things, I thought this episode could be a good reminder to check in with yourself. In this episode, I share five essential questions to help you reflect an...
2024-07-1731 min
Nostalgia Club39. Wandering to Find Life’s Purpose in The Chronicles of Prydain (Books 3-4)We’re delighted to be returning to The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander, and this time, we’ve read all the way through to the end! In this episode, we go over Books 3 and 4: The Castle of Llyr and Taran Wanderer (Part 2 is coming next week, we just had so much to say!). Jino compares the enchantress Achren to a cat and Victoria discovers a character even more unlikeable than Gwystl. Meanwhile, Michael wonders what sort of Prydain fanfiction is out there… Tune in to hear our thoughts on wandering the wilderness to learn who you are and how we...
2024-07-1049 min
Nostalgia Club38. Pacific Rim and the Drift Compatibility that Launched a Thousand ShipsBWAAMP. We’re stomping into today’s episode about Pacific Rim (2013), the best mecha monster film this side of the Breach. Jino and Michael interview Victoria about her deep love for this movie and her mysterious fandom backstory. Michael and Victoria investigate an alternative universe with Mako as the main character, and Jino complains about what the sequel did to his two sciency boys. Join us as we debate what our Jaeger names would be, what makes someone Drift Compatible, and BWAA BWAA BWAAA!
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Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria Cheng
Edited by V...
2024-07-031h 14
No Dumb Questions with MelHow Jay Chou & Jolin Tsai (Mandopop) Connected Me to My Taiwanese HeritageRaise your hand if you know Jay Chou? Jolin Tsai? F4? lol One of the most common questions we get asked is “How do you stay connected to your culture?” or “Have you always been connected to your cultural identity?” In this episode, I’ll share why I’m so proud to be Taiwanese-American and how I stay connected with my cultural identity. Trust me, it’s more fun than you think!Join me for an inspiring conversation about cultural pride, personal stories, and the little ways I celebrate my heritage every day. Whether you're reconnecting with your roots or...
2024-06-2626 min
Nostalgia Club37. The Hunger Games Paved the Way for the YA Dystopia GenreWe’re back with part two (three?) of our Suzanne Collins extravaganza: The Hunger Games! Victoria explains how the theme of love isn’t just marketing, but crucial to the message of the books. Michael appreciated the additional Gamemaker scenes in the movies and the political complexity they presented, and Jino still can’t get over the official Hanging Tree Club Remix. Join us as we discuss our trashiest Peeta vs Gale takes, a little Divergent tangent that’s very calm we promise, and FINNICK NOOOOOO.
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Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria Cheng
Edited...
2024-06-191h 03
Nostalgia Club36. The Underland Chronicles Might Just Be Our Favorite Suzanne Collins SeriesThe prophecy foretold we’d return to The Underland Chronicles… if you believe in that sort of thing. We’re visiting the rest of this incredible book series we first discussed all the way back in Episode 2, and Jino’s ready to atone for some summarizing sins. Michael returns to finish a story he began as a child, and Victoria is left devastated by the depressing yet poignant conclusion. Tune in to hear about our takes on Suzanne Collins’ masterfully crafted message about war, its consequences, and the people who conduct it. And also soup.
Things a...
2024-06-121h 05
Nostalgia Club35. The Real Shrek Was the Friends We Made Along the WaySome… BODY once told me that we’re talking about Shrek (2001), origin of the Dreamworks Smirk and ten-thousand cursed memes. Victoria watched the first movie regularly growing up and was particularly fascinated with Fiona’s explosive singing. Michael praises the movie’s quiet contemplation and excellent dialogue, and Jino recounts the time he was forced to watch Shrek 2 upon threat of social ostracization. Join us as we discuss skating past the censors, the bygone tradition of animated bloopers, and being thrown in the Shrek Hole.
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Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria Cheng
Edited b...
2024-06-0549 min
No Dumb Questions with MelHow I Saved $27,000 on College TuitionDid you know I never took the SAT? Yet I still earned a Bachelor's Degree from a four-year university! And guess what? I saved $27,000 on college tuition! How? I started at my local community college for two years before transferring to UC San Diego.In today's episode, I’ll share why I chose community college despite having a 3.8 GPA in high school, what the experience was like (did I feel behind compared to my peers?), and why it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.Grab your headphones and dive in...
2024-06-0533 min
Nostalgia Club34. The Mysterious Benedict Society Is Therapy for Gifted Kids - with special guest Isabella MillerTurn off that TV and test your way into the Mysterious Benedict Society! Victoria, Michael, and Jino are joined by special guest and certified podcast expert Isabella Miller, for whom the Benedict Society’s audiobook is a relisten tradition. These clever books asked us to question everything and think outside the box in order to save the world, although it wasn’t enough to save the show’s adaptation from being locked in the Waiting Room. Tune in to hear about finding family, a sinister cup of juice, and what we’d put in our buckets!
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2024-05-291h 20
Nostalgia Club33. On Wednesdays, We Analyze Mean Girls (2004 vs. 2024) - with special guest Michael Wilkins
Take a seat at our lunch table and join our clique as we gossip about Mean Girls (2004), the most quotable movie of its generation, and Mean Girls (2024), which is also a movie. Jino and Victoria are joined by special guest Michael Wilkins, who walks us through what went right and what went wrong with this latest musical retelling. Tune in to hear about practical stunts, letting scenes linger, and our pitch for yet another Mean Girls (2034).
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Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria Cheng
With Michael Dean Wilkins
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2024-05-2247 min
Nostalgia Club32. Trauma, Curses, and the American Dream in Louis Sachar’s HolesIf only, if only… We’re digging Holes by Louis Sachar! This is one of Victoria’s all-time favorites, with its satisfying planting and payoff storytelling (It’s like poetry. It rhymes.) Jino approves of Stanley Yelnats as a mindful, deliberate protagonist, and Michael celebrates the movie’s environmental storytelling and how each hole tells a story. Tune in to hear about injustice masquerading as justice, intergenerational trauma, and BOO! Sigourney Weaver jumpscare!!
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Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria Cheng
Edited by Victoria Cheng
Music from WOW Sound
Nostalg...
2024-05-1550 min
No Dumb Questions with MelQ&A - Am I Happy?, Do I Miss the West Coast?, Favorite Neighborhood in NYC, & What's my Next K-Drama?Join me for a special Q&A episode where we dive into the questions YOU submitted! From updates on the bustling streets of NYC to personal reflections on happiness and anxiety, nothing is off-limits. In this episode, we tackle everything from city life to emotional well-being. Plus, I had to answer your questions on what K-Drama I'm watching next and what I'm anticipating for this summer!Grab your headphones and listen to me answer your Q’s in this episode of No Dumb Questions with Mel!Become an ABG Bestie to get ne...
2024-05-1535 min
Nostalgia Club31. What Makes Avatar: The Last Airbender So Rewatchable?Yip yip! We’re back with Season 3 and one of if not the best shows Western animation has to offer – Avatar: The Last Airbender. Michael breaks down Zuko’s arc and why it can feel like he’s been part of Team Avatar all along. Jino (perhaps foolishly) compares the show to Citizen Kane, and Victoria breaks down her frustration with the 2024 live action adaptation, AKA Fire Nation propaganda. Join us as we discuss trusting your audience, crying in the bathroom to “Leaves From the Vine,” and Justice for Suki, What Did They Do To Her!!!!
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2024-05-081h 13
No Dumb Questions with MelHow Does It Feel to Hit 2 Years in my Romantic Relationship?For today’s episode, it falls a bit after my 2 year anniversary with Ray. The last time I was in this long of a relationship was in high school and that was a very different time.With us moving in together, in a new city, we are definitely in a different stage in our relationship. Today, I reflect back on our relationship, compare year 1 & 2, chat through the other insights I discovered in our relationship, and what else needs to happen before embarking on the next stage.Become an ABG Bestie to get ne...
2024-04-2433 min
Nostalgia ClubBonus: Percy Jackson TV Series Review - What Worked & Didn’t Work for UsSo… what did we really think about the Percy Jackson TV Series? As fans who grew up with the original book series and felt disappointed by the early movie adaptations, it’s difficult not to have high expectations for an adaptation. For us, there was a lot to enjoy - the cast was fantastic and the show brought back a lot of nostalgic feelings. At the same time, making the jump from text to screen can leave behind some character moments and nuance that we missed. We dive into all of that (with Spoilers!!!) in this final bonus episode of S...
2024-04-0332 min
Nostalgia ClubSeason 2 Recap (Part 2) - Chaos ContinuesIn Part 2 of our Season 2 recap, we’re covering A Series of Unfortunate Events to Percy Jackson. Michael talks about what it was like to return to the world of Prydain through reading The Foundling, which was written by Lloyd Alexander specifically for fans who grew up and felt nostalgic for the series (*gasp* we said the word). Victoria does a deep dive into the vast catalog of Nancy Drew video games. And Jino discusses the merits of having a smooth brain like the Chicago Bean! Are we losing our minds after recording for so long? Probably.
We...
2024-04-0336 min
No Dumb Questions with MelNYC Update - How Am I Really Doing?Last time we chatted about New York, I announced I was moving. Now, it's been a few weeks moving to a new city and it's been tough! From all the emotional goodbyes in Cali, adjusting to living with a partner, to dealing with changes, it's been a roller coaster of a few weeks. Tune in to see what the move has been like lately & what feelings I've been encountering while dealing with this change.Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA videos, discounts on merch, and s...
2024-04-0328 min
Nostalgia ClubSeason 2 Recap (Part 1) - Clans, Classes, and the Denver MintWe’re back to wrap up Season 2 with a recap episode, except this time, we’re splitting it into two parts! We had so much to say that we only got through half of the season - from Warriors to Redwall. We discuss what Warrior Cat clan we’d be in, Victoria shares about a middle school social experiment done by her English teacher, Jino tells another field trip story where he found an ammonite fossil, and Michael reflects on the merits of new animation storytelling structures.
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Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria Cheng
2024-03-2048 min
No Dumb Questions with Mel3 Skills you Need to See Personal GrowthIn this episode, we delve into the often overlooked yet profoundly transformative journey of self-growth.Recently, I came across a comment that struck a chord. The listener, who has been with us since the beginning, remarked on the noticeable growth they observed in me over the past few years. This observation made me realize that I’ve done a lot of quiet self work the last few years that had benefited me greatly. So if you’re someone that either 1) values personal growth 2) feel stagnant 3) working on yourself but not seeing the results that you want...
2024-03-1328 min
No Dumb Questions with MelWhat does Turning 33 Mean to Me?As I approach my 33rd birthday this week, I find myself reflecting on the significance of this milestone. In many ways, turning 33 is the age that, in my adolescent mind, symbolized "being an adult", a time when I thought I would have life all figured out. It is also the age I thought I'd be married. However, the contrast between childhood expectations and the realities of adulthood has become abundantly clear.As I sit down to reflect, I can't escape the feeling that 33 is a new chapter in my life. It's a year brimming with opportunities to...
2024-02-2129 min
No Dumb Questions with MelHow Do I Maintain Independence in a Relationship?Today's topic is one I received a lot of votes on for a poll on Instagram. How does one maintain their independence or identity while in a romantic relationship? I've been with my partner for almost 2 years now, and while we are still learning a lot about our preferences, one thing we both learned quickly is that we both highly value our own independence. I share through the WHY aspect of this (*hint hint we both were single for a couple of years & that solo time taught us a lot) & talk through actionable items we take to create that...
2024-01-3122 min
Your Voice113 - EnergyTalk met Victoria van der Schans over hoogsensitiviteit & het Noorse concept FriluftslivDit is een EnergyTalk met Victoria van der Schans. Ze is docent Engels en Economie binnen het MBO en werkzaam in Groningen. We spreken elkaar uitvoerig over hoogsensitiviteit en het Noorse concept Friluftsliv.
We hebben elkaar 15 jaar geleden leren kennen via capoeira. Victoria vervulde een prominente rol in de capoeira groep Grupo Ginga da Alma als event organisator en leraar. Haar docentschap vond tevens een weg binnen het onderwijs. In het onderwijs legt ze zich naast het doceren toe op loopbaanontwikkeling voor studenten.
In deze EnergyTalk deelt Victoria hoe haar hoogsensitiviteit tot uiting komt en haar levenslessen met betrekking...
2024-01-3057 min
No Dumb Questions with MelWhat are My Mom's 2024 Goals?The topic of reflection and goal setting is pretty popular amongst our generation. Around this time, whether you're looking through some self help podcasts or books, "setting intentions" and "goals" are everywhere. We actually did an episode recently on the main show (ep 252) talking through these topics. After preparing for that episode & being back at home, it made me think about my mom. I wondered “what are her goals for the new year?” and it sparked an interesting dinner conversation with her. I thought it would be insightful to dive into this question on today's episode of NDQWM!...
2024-01-1025 min
Nostalgia Club30. Percy Jackson - The Fandom that Never SleepsGrab a taxi ride from the Gray Sisters, because today, at last, we are traveling to Long Island, NY and revisiting the world of Greek gods and demigods! Percy Jackson and the Olympians was a fixture in Jino’s childhood — he traveled across the US with these books in hand and they’re well-weathered to prove it. Victoria felt like she grew up with Percy, since she started reading the books at age 12, and she was particularly invested in the fandom culture at the time. For Michael, these books were a source of comfort from middle school to college, and he...
2023-12-201h 01
No Dumb Questions with Mel3 Truths I Learned About Myself Post TravelToday’s topic is a reflective one. I just came back from my 2023 vacation to Asia & it was amazing. Traveling opens you up to the world, but it also has a way of revealing truths about yourself. I don't know what it is, but I always come back with some kind of clarity or something I need to do.Take a listen and let me know if you share similar feelings!__________________________________________Host: Melody ChengEditor: Victoria Cheng__________________________________________P A R T N E R S• Pamp...
2023-12-2021 min
Nostalgia Club29. The Chronicles of Prydain (Books 1-2) - Forget Glory, Get That Pig!We’re getting analytical this week as we explore Lloyd Alexander’s high fantasy novels and dive deep into what it really means to be a hero (the sword and sorcery kind, put that cape away). You might know them as those books that got adapted into Disney’s “The Black Cauldron,” but for Michael they were formative coming-of-age stories that pack in a surprising amount of moral depth and insight. Jino and Victoria were excited to dive into a high fantasy series that takes the best from the Lord of the Rings and add the best pig you’ve ever met...
2023-12-141h 23
Nostalgia Club28. Power Rangers Dino Thunder - Dab on MesogogPower up! We’re backflipping into the world of the Power Rangers to fight stunt actors in rubber suits and save the day! Dino Thunder was a definitive experience for Victoria, who as a kid somehow managed to binge multiple action-packed seasons in rapid succession without totally melting her brain. Michael and Jino quickly fell in love with the explosive acrobatics and deep, deep, deep lore (despite the blatant product placement). Join us as we discuss production woes, diversity wins, and striking the most powerful of poses.
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Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria Cheng...
2023-12-0659 min
Nostalgia Club27. The BFG - British FropagandaHave you heard of Giant Country? Sophie certainly hadn’t until the Big Friendly Giant whisked her away for a grand adventure full of dream magic, frightening human-eating giants, and some good ol’ British propaganda. All three of us read “The BFG” as kids, but upon re-reading, we quickly realized that any sort of real world context went over our heads back then. As a result, we’re approaching this book a bit more critically than usual, but the whimsical world building and unique charms of the BFG still made it quite enjoyable. Tune in to hear our thoughts on frobsco...
2023-11-2956 min
No Dumb Questions with MelHow Do I Maintain College Friendships? Ft. Sally LeContinuing the topic of college friendships, I chat with my bestie, Sally Le about how this college friendship evolved once we graduated college. How did we go from those innocent, FRIENDS-loving, eager college students to career focused young adults thrown into the real world? How did our friendship stick despite being "long distance"? I also share with Sally why she means so much to me in my 30's & how her role in my life is irreplaceable. I hope you were able to learn a bit more about this special friendship & enjoyed this episode!__________________________________________H...
2023-11-2919 min
Nostalgia Club26. Nancy Drew - The Thrill of PaperworkI’ve got a hunch… that another mystery is right around the corner! We’re wrapping up our detective/spies episode run with the classic Nancy Drew series. Victoria came prepared to share everything she knows about this girl detective, including a big art book with fun facts from all of Nancy’s most iconic cases. Michael’s family members love Nancy Drew, so he had some background coming in, particularly about Nancy’s platonic boyfriend Ned. Jino went in blind, just after reading the Undercover Brothers books, and found that this kind of sleuthing involves a lot more meticulous e...
2023-11-2257 min
Nostalgia Club25. The Hardy Boys: Undercover Brothers - American Teens Against CDsAre you an American Teen Against Crime? Then maybe you belong in ATAC with agents Frank and Joe Hardy! Jino was an early inductee into the Undercover Brothers series and its high-octane assault on low-stakes crime. Victoria only knew the boys from classic Nancy Drew crossovers, but these mid-2000s Hardys are a far cry from those. Michael came in fresh, but any expectations he had were quickly burned. Tune in to hear our thoughts on an international CD crime ring, brick-based delivery systems, and the mayhem of an after-school special turned X-treme!
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2023-11-1557 min
Nostalgia Club24. Totally Spies - Lipstick Laser Physics 101Welcome to WOOHP! Join us as we follow three teenage spies - Sam, Clover, and Alex - on their wacky missions. Will they save the world in time to go on dates with cute boys? Will they pass their biology tests? Victoria was an avid fan of the series as a kid, watching episodes on YouTube when she was supposed to be sleeping. Michael had seen the show before, but not enough to get the full, Y2K aesthetic experience. Jino got dropped into this world with very little context, and found the villainous plots and boy-of-the-week drama to...
2023-11-091h 17
Nostalgia Club23. A Series of Unfortunate Events - Citizens Against Mr. PoeWatch out for Count Olaf! He’s bound to be lurking around any corner as we begin our unfortunate journey with Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire. Victoria read this series from beginning to end when she was young and always particularly resonated with Sunny (“Pietrisycamollaviadelrechiotemexity.”) Jino read at least half of the books, but found that they were even more dour as an adult. Michael actively avoided this gloomy tale as a kid, favoring other fantasy worlds, but at last he’s facing his fears and picking up this story for the very first time. Tune in to hear our thou...
2023-11-011h 01
Nostalgia Club22. Redwall - Obliterated by a Badger at 500 YardsWe Are That Is! Nostalgia Club returns to the Abbey in Brian Jacques’ epic novel Redwall, in which medieval mice monks must muster against an attacking army of very vicious vermin. This is Michael’s first foray into Mossflower Wood and he was taken by the ruthless destructive intellect of Constance the Badger. Jino waxes poetic about the size ratio of mouse to cat, and Victoria celebrates the delectably described hot, hot soup (both the food and the weapon). Tune in to hear our thoughts on the Mouse with Sword genre, siege warfare, and pavloving a bird with candy and...
2023-10-251h 15
Nostalgia Club21. Frindle - I’m Writing This Title With a [REDACTED]Who decides the definition of a word? The answer lies within a classic American school story: Frindle, by Andrew Clements. Even if you didn’t read this as a kid, you’ve probably seen the cover, with a red-haired kid holding a pen in the foreground. Jino read many of Andrew Clements’ novels as a kid, and even had some similar experiences in his own education. As a kid, this book felt a lot longer for Michael, but although it’s a fast read now, it certainly still packs a punch. Victoria read the entire book on her lunch break, a...
2023-10-1855 min
Nostalgia Club20. Matilda - Trauma Dumping On a ChildWatch out for the Trunchbull! On today’s episode, we’re following the footsteps of a very small child named Matilda, from being misunderstood by her parents to facing the terrifying headmistress of Crunchem Hall. Jino and Michael watched the various musical/movie adaptations, so some of the original source material caught them by surprise. Victoria is mostly familiar with the book, but recently watched the 2023 movie-musical adaptation as well. Tune in to hear our thoughts on newts in jars, Miss Honey’s unfortunate living circumstances, and eating lots and lots and lots of chocolate cake.
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2023-10-1154 min
Nostalgia Club19. The Magic School Bus - Seat Belts, Everyone!You won’t want to stay home for this field trip! Join us today as we board the Magic School Bus and travel to outer space, create thunderstorms, and literally dive into the human body. We all watched at least some episodes of this show, as it was a staple of the American schooling system, but we wondered if we could still learn from Ms. Frizzle and her wacky teaching style as adults! Tune in to hear our thoughts on Magic School Bus conspiracy theories, our own personal field trip anecdotes, and the scene that traumatized a generation.
2023-10-0455 min
Nostalgia Club18. Narnia - Dessert So Good You’ll Turn EvilOpen the wardrobe and join us in the world of Narnia! Today we’re focusing on the first book of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Victoria always dreamed of visiting Narnia herself, but after reading this book again she realized she has a few bones to pick with C.S. Lewis. Michael also read the book as a kid, but there were certainly some aspects of the lore that went over his head at the time. Jino watched the movie when it came out but never read the book, so he quite enjoyed th...
2023-09-271h 03
Nostalgia Club17. Gravity Falls - When You Don’t Want Summer to EndGet ready for Weirdmageddon! That’s right, today we’re visiting the wacky town of Gravity Falls. This TV series, created by Alex Hirsh, is one of the most influential works of animation that certainly had us hooked for all 2 seasons. Jino lurked in online communities when Season 2 was airing, so he got to see all the reactions unfold in real time. Michael and Victoria somehow didn’t watch this show until now, but it proved to have all the wonder and joy that they expected it to bring. Tune in to hear our thoughts on clever ciphers, questionable shippi...
2023-09-201h 00
Nostalgia Club16. Warriors (Books 4-6) - All Aboard the BonehillWe’ve done it! We read the entire first Warriors series: The Prophecies Begin. The last three books were a roller coaster of emotions and plot points: forest fires, dog attacks, leadership changes, and the infamous BloodClan. How did these cats attach dog teeth to their claws and collars without opposable thumbs? Only the Erin Hunters know. Tune in to hear our thoughts on cat vaccines, being overshadowed by your traitorous father, and the most metal line in the entire series.__________________________________________Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria ChengEdited by Jino Jang...
2023-09-131h 20
The Reader's CouchEp. 132 Falling Back in Love with Being Human by Kai Cheng ThomSend me a text messageEver wonder how you can restore your faith in humanity amidst disappointment? Listen to this intimate and thought-provoking conversation with author Kai Cheng Thom about her transformative book, "Falling Back in Love with Being Human: Letters to Lost Souls." Through this conversation, Kai shares insights on finding empathy and hope amidst conflict and sheds light on the commonality of the human experience, even in times of disagreement. By the end of this episode, I hope you will feel inspired to connect more deeply with your humanity and even pick up a copy of...
2023-08-1731 min
Nostalgia ClubSeason 1 Recap - What Have We Done?Whenever we record an episode of Nostalgia Club, there’s never enough time to go into as much detail as we’d like! So while you wait for Season 2, here’s a special recap episode where we look back on Season 1, expand on certain plot details, and share more fun stories centered around this nostalgic time in childhood. Jino tells us about the story he wrote that was inspired by Warrior Cats, Victoria talks about Naruto fanfiction, and Michael shares an essay about the legendary battle between Aladar and Kron in Dinosaur (2000).
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Hosted by Michael Keane...
2023-03-151h 09
Nostalgia Club15. Bee Movie - Ya Like Jazz?Yes, you read that title right. Today, we’re talking about the highly acclaimed 2007 Jerry Seinfeld movie - endorsed by Steven Spielberg himself! Jino had never seen the movie before, although a lot of his friends in film school made Bee Movie parodies, so that was close enough. Victoria watched the movie as a young kid and probably enjoyed it at the time, but all she remembers is the tiny bee on the giant hospital bed. Michael blocked the movie from his memory, and now he’s wondering why he’s here. Tune in to hear our thoughts on inters...
2023-02-1557 min
Nostalgia Club14. The Bartimaeus Sequence - What if Magicians Ruled the World?Prepare your pentacles and summon an alternate history where modern-day London reigns supreme over an empire built on the backs of enslaved magical spirits from another dimension. For young readers aged ten and up! Young Michael marveled at the magical mayhem, while modern Michael highlights the political nuance and world-building. Victoria celebrates a Djinni’s Play of the Game, and Jino impersonates a rage-fueled child bent on revenge. Join us as we discuss assassination plots against fictional governments, being slightly less evil than everyone else, and a bad, sad, mad boy.
MENTIONED:
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2023-02-081h 10
Nostalgia Club13. The Princess and the Pauper - How Can We Refuse?You’ve heard of Mark Twain’s novel, The Prince and the Pauper, but what about the Barbie movie that did it better? Victoria watched a lot of Barbie movies as a high schooler, and The Princess and the Pauper was always her favorite. She and Michael have been waiting for Jino to watch it so that they can openly play the soundtrack at the office (along with the various excellent remixes of “How Can I Refuse”)! Tune in to hear our thoughts on talking animals with plot relevance, diversifying your kingdom’s economy, and how sometimes the evil advisor’s...
2023-01-271h 01
Nostalgia Club12. The Secrets of Droon - Can Your Basement Do This?Have you ever stumbled down a magical rainbow staircase hidden in your family's basement? Then you may have visited the secret world of Droon! It’s got everything you could ever want: wise wizards, flying carpets, and a nefarious villain with a bright yellow car. Victoria and Jino encountered this series as young kids and barely remember any plot. Victoria loved the illustrations! Jino did not. Michael’s family members were fans, but he somehow dodged any knowledge of Droon… until now. Tune in to hear our thoughts on evil alter-egos, Jino’s favorite spider-troll, and the lessons we learn fr...
2023-01-181h 03
Nostalgia Club11. Dinosaur (2000) - Who Gave This Dino Lips?In the year 2000, Jino and Michael watched wide-eyed as Iguanodons and Carnotaurs came to life on the big screen. As fans of all things dinosaurs, it was a spectacular sight to see. Revisiting it more than 20 years later… that’s a different story. The feats of animation still hold up surprisingly well. The plot and the character designs? Not so much (although Jino always hated the dinosaur lips). Victoria had never seen or even heard of this movie before, and only time will tell if she is the better for watching it. Tune in to hear our thoughts on the...
2023-01-121h 07
Nostalgia Club10. Amulet - What Makes a Stone Cursed?Join us as we don talking pendants and run downstairs into the 2008 graphic novel series Amulet! Victoria celebrates her longtime love for this story while reluctantly revealing her involvement in a fandub. Michael stresses the need for an elvish skincare routine, and Jino questions the wisdom of giving all politicians cursed rocks. Tune in to hear our thoughts on which robot is which, slowly turning into a slug, and that time Elf-Zuko ate a guy.
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Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria Cheng
Edited by Jino Jang
Music from WOW Sound
2023-01-0455 min
Nostalgia Club9. How to Train Your Dragon - Do Vikings Write Good Books?Most of us are most familiar with the 2010 DreamWorks animated film: How to Train Your Dragon. But did you read the books that they were based on? Jino certainly did, including the companion books that detailed the facts of every type of dragon you could imagine! The first movie in particular was a life-changing, emotional experience for Michael, and now reading the book has heightened his love for the world of dragons and vikings. Victoria loved the authorial voice of the book, but missed the cat-like dragons from the movie trilogy. Tune in to hear our thoughts on forbidden...
2022-12-151h 00
Nostalgia Club8. Warriors (Books 2 & 3) - Are These Cats OK?On today’s episode, we continue our adventures in the Warrior Cats universe by revisiting Books 2 & 3 of the series: “Fire and Ice”, and “Forest of Secrets.” Victoria flexes her Warriors knowledge as she tries to summarize two books full of short-lived alliances and even shorter-lived betrayals. Jino rescinds his positive review of the titular best friend Greystripe, and Michael gets drawn in by the evil, cruel, scheming, cutey wutey iddle bitty kitty catty Tigerclaw. Tune in to hear our thoughts on the Shakespearean romantic drama, a tangled web of secrets and lies, and… forest cat slice of life?
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2022-12-071h 07
Nostalgia Club7. Naruto - Do We Believe It?If you were a kid in the early 2000s who dreamed of being a ninja and ran with your arms extended behind your back, then you’ve probably heard of the beloved anime/manga series “Naruto.” All of Jino’s friends loved this series, so he joined them in creating secret jutsus on the playground, but that was the extent of his knowledge until now. Michael was a big fan of the anime, and even has the Sand Village headband to prove it. Victoria watched a few arcs of the show, then got impatient with all the filler and skipped...
2022-11-301h 16
Nostalgia Club6. Sky High - Who Gets to Be a Hero?Move aside Marvel, the most iconic superhero movie will always be “Sky High” from 2005. Michael and Victoria remember Sky High fondly, while Jino has been waiting for this moment to share his gripes with the movie on the Internet (although he admits “goo boy” wasn’t as bad as he remembered). We discuss all our favorite characters and moments, along with our plot grievances after this rewatch. Tune in to hear our thoughts on superhero society classism, teenage drama, and evil babies.
The real social justice was the friends we made along the way.
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2022-11-161h 06
Nostalgia Club5. Deltora Quest - What’s Up With These Gems?Gather around the fire as we tell the tale of the Magic Belt of Deltora. The early 2000s fantasy series “Deltora Quest” was beloved by Michael, a love that was rekindled when he discovered that there was an anime adaptation of the books. Jino was reminded of how much he enjoyed the series as a kid as well, although he wished there were more dragons. And as a first-time reader, Victoria was captivated by the drawings in the book, particularly the one that is most definitely a mouse and not a bear. Tune in to hear our thoughts on fant...
2022-11-0952 min
Nostalgia Club4. Wayside School - Is This Building Up to Code?Have you ever wondered if your classmate is secretly a dead rat in a trench coat? Then you may have read Sideways Stories from Wayside School. Jino and Victoria read this wacky anthology series as kids, but as it turns out, Jino’s school was a little bit like Wayside itself. Meanwhile, Michael relives his childhood horror of discovering the existence of long division. Tune in to hear our thoughts on unconventional teaching strategies, what happens at school on Saturdays, and your childhood fears come to life.
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Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria Cheng...
2022-11-0251 min
Nostalgia Club3. Arthur - Do Aardvarks Have Noses?After-school cartoons were a hallmark of the 2000s. Every day, Victoria would run to the TV and turn on PBS Kids to catch the latest episode of Arthur. Michael watched this slice-of-life series sporadically, tuning in when the episodes seemed interesting, or when reruns were happening. Jino had passing awareness of Arthur, but only now has he sat down to experience the show for himself. Tune in to hear our thoughts on social commentary in children’s shows, aardvark evolution, and being a perpetual third-grader.
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Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria Cheng
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2022-10-2650 min
Nostalgia Club2. Gregor the Overlander - Do Bugs Deserve Rights?For its entire five-book run, the dark and fantastic Underland captured young Jino’s imagination. Michael read up to Book 3, but got too depressed to continue. Now, Victoria hits the first book in the series with fresh eyes (not that humans can see much underground). Tune in to hear our thoughts on human-rat geopolitics, the destructive cycle of war, and bug religion.
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Hosted by Michael Keane, Jino Jang, Victoria Cheng
Edited by Jino Jang
Music from WOW Sound
Produced by Wayland Productions
Nostalgia Club So...
2022-10-191h 04
Nostalgia Club1. Warriors - Do Cats Have Religion?In middle school, Victoria was obsessed with the Warriors (also known as Warrior Cats) series. Jino read the series too, but he was too cool to admit it. Several years later, they’ve managed to convince Michael to read these books for the first time. Tune in to hear our thoughts on cat society, naming conventions, and drama.
Thanks for listening to Nostalgia Club, the podcast where we revisit the books, TV shows, and movies that shaped our childhood, and see if they still hold up in our 20s. New episodes every Wednesday!
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2022-10-121h 06
Let's Get CandidEpisode 12: High Functioning Mental Illnesses (with Victoria Cheng)Did you know that nearly one in five U.S. adults experience some form of mental illness? Mental illness takes many forms with various levels of symptoms and treatments. Today, Victoria Cheng and I discuss our experiences with high functioning mental illnesses, specifically depression and anxiety, as Asians within the Christian church. The term 'high functioning mental illness' describes those living with an almost undetectable mental illness, which provides the illusion that they "have it all together". Anyone can be affected by mental illnesses, and it is not something to be ashamed of, although it exists as a taboo...
2021-01-2241 min
ImpacTVVictoria Cheng on Citi Ventures' strategy, fintech AI, and corporate VC trends | E11Victoria Cheng joins Jack Crawford to discuss her role in venture capital, highlighting the Kaufman Fellows Program and diversity initiatives. They explore the Citi Impact Fund, emphasizing leadership in venture investing. Victoria shares her personal journey and outlines Citi Ventures' objectives, focusing on investment strategies and AI applications in fintech. The conversation covers the qualities of successful entrepreneurs and the increasing influence of corporate venture capital. They examine the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on investment strategies and the shift towards a return to work. The discussion also touches on health tech investments and personal development strategies, concluding with Victoria's recommended resources...
2020-09-0128 min