Don't Encourage Us

In this gripping podcast episode, our hosts unravel the haunting tapestry of the Canadian horror film and audio drama, Pontypool. The episode navigates the film's unique premise where a deadly virus spreads through linguistic triggers, exploring the psychological nuances of language as a vessel for horror.  So sit back, relax, and ask yourself: what is Pontypool and does it change everything? Watc...

Let’s go sci-fi grave digging and autopsy the 2005 dead-before-its-time CBS thriller Threshold, starring Peter Dinklage as a lecherous genius (before Game of Thrones). But first, listen as our hosts lament the loss of Mindhunter and explore the programming strategies streaming platforms use to build their brand - or maybe the lack thereof? Watch Threshold for free Reach the pod at DontEncourage@gm...

Welcome to another exciting episode of the show that refuses to be about anything specific. This week our hosts dive deep into the world of valuable franchies hiding in plain sight, waiting to be transformed into cash cows. From secret conspiracies to games with the Devil, listen as they shed light on the hidden gems that the entertainment industry overlooked. It's time to cash in on these classic...

Enjoy another episode pulled from the deep and dusty archives of Don't Encourage Us, as our host and a special guest discuss the world of Rocket League. The hosts take a deep dive into Psyonix's approach to creating this popular video game, which combines soccer with rocket-powered cars. The episode also examines how Psyonix's dedication to player engagement and community feedback has played a piv...

In this disturbing episode, our hosts navigate the secrets and supernatural themes of the 2009 Japanese horror film Occult. Exploring the film's enigmatic narrative and its impact on the horror genre, our hosts open all the mystery boxes and spoil the mysterious elements that make Occult a standout in the realm of J-horror.  If you thought Pulse was thought-provoking, then this movie is not to be...

Ever wonder what the show was like before Steve came aboard as co-host? Tune in to this vintage episode of Don't Encourage Us and listen to our amateur host stumble through the original Shining film, the ABC made-for-TV mini-series, and Doctor Sleep, the sequel made decades later...but is it a sequel to the novel, the movie, or the mini-series?? Guest co-host and friend of the show, Doug Tidwell,...

 Listen in as our hosts finally answer the questions: Will Don't Encourage Us ever review the Columbus Day/Expeditionary Force novel series by Craig Alanson? And what the what is going on with the Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie, and the explosive Barbenheimer phenomenon? Then join the Hunt and go rogue with our hosts as they disassemble Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1, discussing the...

Enter the Matrix with our hosts, as they delve into AI's role in shaping human culture, envisioning a symbiotic relationship between artificial intelligence and society. They explore the potential for AI to revolutionize creative expression and communication, emphasizing the need for proactive cultural shifts to ensure harmonious integration. Will AI help us reach new heights or drag us further do...

Money will come and go but our hosts will never abandon the adrenaline-fueled world of the "Fast and the Furious" series, dissecting its evolution and impact on modern cinema. Transitioning to the realm of sci-fi, they shift gears to discuss the future of the Stargate constellation of shows, exploring potential new series and the impact of the entertainment industry strikes. Race to the end to hea...

Our hosts are back and ready to risk their sanity to dissect the sixth season of the Netflix sensation, Black Mirror, and its unsettling visions of the past, present, and future. Is this season a winner? Step through the scary door and find out... Reach the pod at DontEncourage@gmail.com Stop by and discourage us on Instagram, X , TikTok , Discord , YouTube , and Threads -----------------------Spo...

In this horrifying episode, the hosts are joined by the talented stage actor Matthew Baughman, offering unique insights into the sensational 2017 film One Cut of the Dead . With its innovative take on the zombie genre, the film's single-take and clever narrative twists have left an indelible mark on cinema. The episode delves into the film's profound impact on both audiences and filmmakers, explor...

From the podcast that won't die comes a discussion of the gripping 4th season of the Netflix psychological thriller series You and the, oh let's say 'quirky' Netflix movie We Have a Ghost . Do you know the local real estate regulations regarding the disclosure of violent deaths in a home for sale? Well, neither did our hosts, and the truth brings new meaning to the phrase 'This house has good bone...

Are you getting tired of the MCU, the DCU, and shiny, happy endings? Refresh your love of superheroes, drama, and blood & gore with the hosts of Don't Encourage US as they do a deep dive into the thrilling and thought-provoking Amazon Prime Video series, " Invincible " by Robert Kirkman . Join them as they explore the show's complex characters, complex storylines, and dramatic twists. With a b...

Set within the confined walls of a commercial airplane, tensions soar as a battle of wits unfolds between a resourceful passenger and a group of desperate hijackers. With each twist and turn, our hosts navigate the treacherous terrain of suspense, exploring the psychological depths of the characters while keeping listeners riveted throughout their heart-pounding pitch. Buckle up and prepare for an...

In this thrilling episode, our hosts dive deep into a captivating mix of crime, suspense, and action. They start by analyzing the gripping psychological drama and haunting atmosphere of The Alienist ,  they delve into the intense cat-and-mouse battle between geniuses Light Yagami and L Lawliet in Death Note , they survey the oddly barren world of The Last of Us, they infiltrate the espionage-infus...

Join our hosts on a mind-bending journey from post-apocalyptic America to the outer reaches of a war-torn Universe as they discuss racist zombies, satanic A.I., alien genocide, and sewing. Listen and be amused as they discuss episodes 3 and 4 of HBO's The Last of Us, the plus and minus of Artificial Intelligence, and the audio drama Chrysalis by SH Serrano, which ChatGPT described as "an undergrou...

This week our hosts offer a look ahead at future episodes of Don't Encourage Us that will cover Remo Williams (1985) , Columbus Day (2017) , Chrysalis (2020) , One Cut of the Dead (2019) , and Invincible (2021) , and then they delve into the two launch episodes of the widely-praised HBO series, The Last of Us (2023-), starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Tag along on their heroic journey across...

In this genre-spanning episode, the hosts delve into the fascinating origins of creative ideas and everyday choices; they explore the ever-evolving landscape of the restaurant business; they dissect the hilarious world of " It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia "; and they reflect on the tragic murder of comedy legend Phil Hartman . The hosts then unleash their imaginative powers and develop a spine-c...

In a sci-fi cinematic journey for the ages, our hosts and their guest hostage, multidisciplinary artist A. Mert Erdem , come together to explore the captivating realms of Isaac Asimov's Foundation series and the thought-provoking Swedish film Aniara (2018). Through lively discussions and deep analysis, they delve into the intricacies of these visionary works, examining their rich themes, complex n...

In a very special episode, our hosts delve into the fascinating topic of how competition between streaming services is reshaping viewer preferences. They examine the effects of this fierce competition, such as the growing division between short- and long-form content, emerging monetization strategies, and the resulting impact on the quality and diversity of content available. The conversation shed...

Someone screwed up and encouraged them so now our hosts are fired up and ready to discuss the latest Daniel Silva novel, Portrait of a Woman, and delve into the fascinating world of provenance - the history of ownership and custody of a piece of art. They also explore the steps required to build a business around artistic products, from creating unique pieces to marketing and branding. One host sh...

No longer in their primes, our hosts return to active duty for one last harrowing discussion of the 2022 movie Top Gun: Maverick , starring Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris, and Jon Hamm. The hosts fall all over themselves praising the breathtaking flying scenes and top-notch cinematography, then dig deep to think up unfair criticisms and worse endings. Reach the pod at DontE...

In this gripping story break episode, the hosts embark on an enthralling exploration of an original story idea about a power struggle between a menacing drug cartel and an international terrorist organization. Come immerse yourself in a world teetering on the brink of chaos, intricate plot threads, multifaceted characters, and heart-stopping action. With their vivid imaginations and collaborative...

This week, the guys review "The Lost City," the 2022 Netflix romantic comedy starring Channing Tatum and Sandra Bullock. Listen and be amazed as they get lost in the dense, disorienting jungle of performances, writing, and wardrobe choices. Was it a worthy addition to the rom-com genre or did it remind them a little too much of better films...??? The answer is the second one. The Lost City , Penin...

In a cautionary tale to podcasters everywhere, the hosts of Don't Encourage Us survive just long enough to review the depressing 2001 Japanese horror film Pulse , directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, along with the 2006 American PG-13 remake , and the two direct-to-DVD sequels. They discuss the differences among the films, including the changes in tone, message, and target audience, and then make unhelpf...