Small Beans

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 Vi...

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...

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 o...

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 o...

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...

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...

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? The...

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’...

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...

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. F...

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 minefre...

“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 webpage...

What is charming about an underdog? What do movies do to make us love a good underdog story? Adam has an answer that’s pure jazz. Maggie has an answer that’s all style. This episode looks at the films Whiplash and Fantastic Mr. Fox. Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Maggie Mae Fish: https://twitter.com/MaggieMaeFish Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon....

This one takes us to the unfortunate year of 1990 and the world of made-for-TV movies as Michael and Abe tackle the 3-hour two-part miniseries “It.” The king beans haven’t gotten to check in with each other for a while and this episode starts with a selfish catching up of each others’ lives and reminiscing about our past. Just like It, except for the bludgeoning and ripping asunder of a trans-univ...

A new Frame Rate logo! Holy wow! Michael Vincent Bramley, our very own MVB has updated our logo and we think it’s the beans! This Parker Posey vehicle was widely unseen by everyone. Let’s let Abe and Michael determine if that was a shame. In any case, it’s available for streaming and is the only incestuous Jackie O drama/thriller that came out in 1997. Even if you don’t listen, if you like Parker...

Abe sets out to convince Adam that Demolition Man’s direction is sneaky complex, albeit flawed. Looking at camera, lighting, and production design, the past and the present are at odds in the film which begs the question: based on its own system of design who is the true hero of Demolition Man? Features: Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Su...

Betcha didn’t expect a brand-spankin' new podcast! This one takes us to the wonderful world of the physical. Science! Or whatever. Michael Swaim interviews actual scientist/engineer and lifelong friend, Griffin Rowell every episode about a topic that Griffin has researched and found does not get enough press. This episode takes us to 1666 and the “wonderful year” of Newton. Oh hey, he did all thes...

Maggie’s Hidden Gem film is a fictional documentary. Adam’s choice is an Australian crime drama. Let’s all soak in their effervescence and hear their appeals as to why both of these films need to be in your library. Maggie got two cats! Topic brought to you by the Show You Yours Producers patreon tier. Features: Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Maggie Mae Fish: https://twitter.com/Magg...

Michael Swaim stops by with a possible interpretation of Marvel’s Doctor Strange, a film with early publicity regarding the whitewashing of Asian roles in the film. As Michael points out that Stephen Strange's and the Sorcerer Supreme's initials are SS, Strange uses a whip, he’s against the progress of time, and his main enemy is called “The Dark One.” Oh, dear. Oh, shucks. This is looking real ba...

Michael, Abe, and Dave are entranced by the 1973 animated French-Czechoslovakian film Fantastic Planet and its sci-fi, psychedelic landscapes. They deconstruct the larger metaphor of the film and stare into its general weirdness. It’s in the Criterion Collection, so it must be important! Everyone thank minefreak555 for generously donating toward this episode. We love you, you freak of mine. Featur...

Through the miraculous technology of wifi, Sarah and Bridgett bring their friends from the distant land of New York City, New York. Do you have what it takes to listen to four people sharing their past awkwardnesses? This one digs deep into the origin of Chandler and Carolina’s tale: the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas. Pornography, discussing oral sex with the boys, t...

This episode Maggie and Adam make a playlist. Here’s the rules: each host will suggest six songs, be able to veto two songs, and a “catapult” round where they each get to unilaterally add one song to the playlist. The topic of the playlist is Old Crushes. The hope is that the collection of songs will serve as a Frankenstein’s monster of Adam and Maggie’s past partners. Here’s the spotify playlist...

Sarah and Bridgett have arrived at the raison d'etre of the F&F universe: Fast Five. Sarah is officially acclimated to what the series is about as a whole. As the filmmakers retool and refine their art, this description writer feels that our hosts have done the same to their very own podcast. Sarah approves of Han and Gisele ill-fated hook up while Bridgett reminds her of what everyone’s names are...

Adam shines some light on how 1998’s Mask of Zorro represented the end of an era. 1999 was a big year for CG and with it came a whole new paradigm for how Hollywood created blockbusters. Abe is there as well. 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

The Kings return to discuss the symbology of the coming of age classic Stand By Me. The simple story is at its best when it builds the atmosphere of that small window between childhood and adolescence. For the best podcast experience, find a dead body to look upon while you listen. Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small...