Small Beans

Brooks returns to discuss Charlie Kaufman’s second film as a director: “Anomalisa.” The gang tries to decipher its thesis and stacks it up against his other work. There’s a lot to love in this film: the voice acting, the stop-motion, and the production design, but all take a back seat to the story and meaning of the film. Does it work? Did you enjoy watching it? Is Abe an absolute snob? Everyone: thank Zac Schwartz for bringing this to your ears. Or if you hated it, scold him! Features: Brooks Brown: https://soundcloud.com/quarantine_collective Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

Michael and Adam are joined by IGN’s Zach Ryan and tackle the moral implications, grind, and narrative of Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Tsushima. The group discusses genre as a whole and the combination of inspirations that made the game. Also, uncle-fathers. They talk a bit about uncle-fathers. Zachary Ryan: https://twitter.com/ZachariusD Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

BOLD is a podcast about race and justice in America, and a collaboration between Small Beans and Showing Up For Racial Justice, produced by White People 4 Black Lives. In this special Election Update, co-hosts Dahlia Ferlito and Ivette Alé discuss the impending vote, voter suppression, and how to make your voice heard in modern America. Main Theme by Rachael Cantu and Melantopia. Art by Michael Vincent Bramley. Email the show! boldconversationspod@gmail.com USEFUL LINKS in the episode's show notes at patreon.com/smallbeans

The casting of Ace Ventura was essential in building the insane rules and tone of the world, and while Jim Carrey is why the film worked, folks may overlook how the casting of everyone else was equally important. Adam elucidates how this was accomplished and what roles were key in the development of a narrative where the audience wouldn’t think about the fact that the main character is an absolute maniac. “Do go in here (the episode).” That’s the quote, right? We all remember that famous quote from Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Features: Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

You read that right. It’s time to hear the rough stuff from the parents of your own Rough Stuff co-host, Bridgett Greenberg! Sarah takes over the podcast and has a little chat with Missy and David about their little bundle of joy. What could possibly go wrong? We reached out for a quote from the Small Beans management and they responded: “we didn’t ask them to do this.” Frankly, we’re all better off not caring about what management says. Suck it, management! Rough Stuff: https://twitter.com/roughstuffpod Email us your horrible tales: roughstuffpod@gmail.com Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

What films contributed to your sexual awakening? What film did you exclaim loudly to yourself, “Oh, dear. Oh, yes,” and clutch your pearls? Maggie and Adam discuss their love of pills, mask-donning crusaders, and slippery, greasy Kevin Costner. Listen at your own peril… or arousal. Topic brought to you by the Show Me Yours Producers patreon tier. If you want to vote for ISYMIYSMY topics, move on over to our tiers section and check out the Show Me Yours Producer tier. Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Maggie Mae Fish: https://twitter.com/MaggieMaeFish Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

Cronenberg and Walken. What can go wrong? Michael and Abe take a look at the story of a man who resurfaces from his coma only to find that he has psychic powers. He saves kids, solves crimes, and prevents nuclear war. The boys also discuss what makes for a good Stephen King premise and whether or not The Dead Zone is up to snuff. Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

Bridgett Greenberg arrives on the scene to give us the perspective of being in high school during its premiere. Its impact on comedy and adolescents are undeniable. The gang talks about how it influenced their comedy, timing, and editing. What’s the structure of this movie? How does Tina Fey’s screenplay work? Is it an homage to teen movies or just a series of sketches? Bridgett points out exactly what it is. Everyone: thank John and Laura for generously donating toward this episode. Present your beans to them. Features: Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/BridgettTweets Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

Cody Johnston of Some More News pops in to tell us his thoughts about John Carpenter’s The Thing. The director regards this as his favorite of his films. It did terribly at the box office, but has since become a cult film, generating video games and board games in its image. Abe tries to explain why it’s his favorite horror film. The others see his point, but I don’t know, it’s good, but best? They talk, you decide! Everyone thank Robot Crank for generously donating toward this episode. We love you, Robot Crank. Features: Cody Johnston: https://twitter.com/drmistercody Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

New episode! New logo! All credit goes to Michael Vincent Bramley, our artist bean. Adam and Michael are joined by fellow actor, writer, and longtime bean: Daniel Vincent Gordh. This time they discuss TWO titles from the developer Playdead. It’s a double feature! The simplicity and efficiency of these games push the visual concepts to the forefront. Beautifully animated and designed, both games feature ambiguous plots and endings. Does this affect the enjoyment of the game? Can our 1uppers put their finger on what makes these particular indie games memorable? Listen on and don’t get stabbed by the legs of a horrifying spider monster or get devoured by watchdogs. Daniel Vincent Gordh: https://www.youtube.com/MattandDan Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

The pit returns with a special episode. Michael speaks to Jason Pargin, former executive editor of Cracked.com and the current head of video, Jordan Breeding, about self-worth and career success. This conversation was partially inspired by Jason Pargin’s recent video regarding making yourself valuable (https://youtu.be/wFBr685TjNs). When you’ve found yourself a value to others and you still haven’t reached the success you feel you’ve earned, what is the healthy way to proceed? Jason Pargin: https://twitter.com/JohnDiesattheEn Jordan Breeding: https://www.youtube.com/user/Cracked, https://twitter.com/The_J_Breeding Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

CIA analyst Jack Ryan has become a multi-decade obsession. It keeps being remade. Adam argues that the rules set up by Patriot Games are not feeding the political drama we have come to expect. It’s actually designed to be a family drama, something its successors fail to grasp. Features: Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

We’ve begun lap six of nine. Real quick: name Gina Carano’s character in this movie. Bridgett knows! Sarah does not! While she continues to stan Han and Gisele, we still have to address that the number of characters in these films is getting ridiculous. Let’s break down what makes this installment of the franchise the fastest and most furious so far. Hint: it’s the last 30 minutes of this movie. Features: Sarah Griffith: https://twitter.com/sk_griffith Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/BridgettTweets Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

If Pixar made a Chinese fable 6 years ago, it’d look a lot like this 2019 Chinese and American co-production. This most recent Pick the Flick takes us to the world of demons, humans, and utterly terrified dogs. Michael and Abe discuss the unique aspects of making an international kids film and how filmmakers will often water down narrative and character for a wider audience. Everyone thank minefreak555 for generously donating toward this episode. We love you, minefreak555. Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Logo by Michael Vincent Bramley: https://www.instagram.com/mvbramleyart/ Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

“The more I try, the harder it seems / But you’ve turned around, blocked me out, / deliberately trying to bloody my back / Falsely sweet words, masking your soul, / I’m trying to get past this. / Plastering on a fake plastic smile when all I want is to break down and cry.” - Teresa Lee, teenage poet. Bridgett and Sarah stare unblinkingly into the void of teenage crush strategies, angelfire webpages, Sadie Hawkins dances, and Teresa is our guide. And frankly, the poem is off the chain. Like real, angsty, good stuff. So, listen in, you weirdos. Also, Teresa may or may not have a ghost. Features: Teresa Lee: https://twitter.com/leresatee Rough Stuff: https://twitter.com/roughstuffpod Email us your horrible tales: roughstuffpod@gmail.com Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans