The Macademia Nuts

A headline about the Disney+ release of Hocus Pocus 2 prompts the nuts to dive head-first into the argument that movies released on streaming are the same as videos that went straight to VHS in the 1990s. This leads to a larger conversation about the future of video formats, and how many of the differences are industry-defined, not audience defined. Naturally, the Air Bud Cinematic Universe is pro...

Warner Bros Discovery is still trying to figure out just who they are, and the Nuts are on the case, this time discussing the licensing of Warner properties to other streaming services, and WBD’s strategy to combat the streaming “churn.” The Nuts exchange weekly pop culture recommendations and homework, and somehow the topic of excessive southern heat comes up, probably because the Nuts work at un...

This week the Nuts discuss the passing of the United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth, and its implications for the media, diplomacy, and global politics. David shares a recent academic nightmare, which leads to a discussion of academic loyalties when you have too many institutional affiliations. Finally a discussion of adult animation and the recent moral panic surrounding the FX show “Little Demon” lea...

Lindsey is unable to join the podcast, which prompts many apologies from David and Alec, who somehow spend an hour talking about subjects they admit would be better discussed were Lindsey available. David professes his love for space, and Alec promises an exciting future episode that will probably never happen. The conversation turns to the new Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power series on Amazo...

Alec begins the podcast by announcing he will now be known as “Bear” in honor of the Hulu show. The Nuts discuss the new Games of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon, and then move on to less controversial topics, like student loan forgiveness. Professorial approaches to the first week of class are examined, as is the wildfire that is the DC Universe at Warner Bros. Discovery. The Nuts return to...

This week the Nuts discuss all that happened at this year’s AEJMC conference, including just a little bit of what actually happened at the conference. Topics included Detroit and its cuisine, the GM Renaissance Center, the Netflix shows consumed while at the conference, including the new Woodstock ‘99 documentary, and finally, what actually happened at the conference itself. David introduces the t...

This week’s episode covers a lot of ground, including anticipation of the new Lord of the Rings series among other Comic Con revelations and controversies. The Nuts dissect concerns over Rated R content on Disney+, with a lot of amazing parenting advice. A discussion of deceased entertainment figures becomes emotional. Finally, the Nuts inventory their streaming subscriptions as they come face-to-...

Lindsey returns to find David and Alec have watched the latest Jane Austen movie. The Nuts ask Lindsey her opinion of college conference realignment, and they are not shocked when her response is basically, “Roll Tide.” The Nuts briefly discuss gender disparities in celebrity pay. Finally, the Nuts are able to have their spoiler-filled discussion of Stranger Things 4, Vol. 2. SPOILER ALERT: the en...

David and Alec podcast without Lindsey this week, and there are many lamentations. A conversation about the screenwriter of the defunct Obi-Wan Kenobi movie’s contribution to the Disney+ series turns into a broader discussion about fandoms, social identities, and the mass market. Then, the Nuts discuss another rabid fandom: college football fans. The Nuts discuss conference realignment, the implic...

Obi-Wan Kenobi ends, and the Nuts discuss how different formats require different approaches to telling stories. Lindsey just wants Disney to let us binge-watch. David and Alec expand on the implications of The Boys’ Herogasm episode. The conversation turns to commercials on Netflix, where Alec shares some of his research on pricing models in streaming. Discussions of Roe v. Wade’s media coverage,...

The Nuts discuss Paramount Pictures’ release strategy as it relates to the dominance of streaming. Academic summer media use is examined, including the latest release news. A discussion of Obi-Wan Kenobi leads the Nuts to pitch their own Disney+ series based on obscure Star Wars characters. Finally, a discussion of historical media leads to a horrifying discovery on IMDb; future research is lament...

The Nuts engage in a spoiler-filled discussion of Volume 1 of the 4th season of Stranger Things, with comparisons made to other popular streaming titles, such as Obi-Wan Kenobi. David warns of the dangers of watching Morbius, despite what social media metrics might tell you. SPOILER WARNING: Stranger Things 4: Volume 1 is discussed at length and thoroughly spoiled.

The Nuts discuss an amazing weekend of media, including Star Wars, Stranger Things, and Top Gun. Lindsey describes her conspiratorial obsession with British actors. Finally, the Nuts chime in on the Depp/Heard verdict and the implications for media law. The episode wraps up with thoughts on academic life, with boring explanations.

Alec returns, and Lindsey once again apologizes to Detroit. While Laura Dern was concerned about her age difference with Sam Neill in Jurassic Park, Lindsey and Alec are more concerned about her academic career. The Nuts discuss movie franchises that can do no wrong, as well as their shared discomfort with scary movies. Childhood media restrictions are dissected.

The Nuts, down one leg of the tripod, discuss the darkness of The Northman.  Reflecting on their darker content preferences David and Lindsey discuss Better Call Saul. With the realization that The Nuts are heading to Detroit in August for a conference, David (5-year-old's palate) and Lindsey (vegetarian)  speculate about Michigan cuisine.

The Nuts begin by dissecting box office interest and the reality of theatrical release windows for movies. Alec confesses his love of Top Gun and 80s movie music videos, while Lindsey confesses her love of 80s Chrysler sound system promotion mixtapes. The Nuts offer to fix Avatar. Finally, Lindsey and Alec have strong opinions about children and screen time. Lindsey wants to enter the octagon agai...

The Nuts discuss the news cycle, and the rise and fall of the Oscars slap. Elon Musk invests in Twitter, and the Nuts discuss whether or not he’s Bruce Wayne. Censorship comes up. The conversation turns to Bridgerton, Netflix, and short movies vs. long movies that should now be streaming series. David and Alec remember their favorite 80s childhood cartoons/current film franchises. Lindsey remember...

This week, the Nuts break down Discovery’s acquisition of Warner Bros. This naturally leads to a discussion of celebrity power couple Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. Celebrity crushes are revealed. Recorded on 04/13/2022.

This week, the Nuts declare Will Smith’s Slap has achieved emeritus status, once they figure out what that is. They examine a Nielsen report on streaming and discuss the ideal subscription strategy. Finally, Lindsey is shamed for her movie-watching habits. Recorded 04/20/2022.

The semester draws to an end, and the Nuts discuss their homework. Alec apologizes. Netflix’s woes are discussed, as are Elon Musk’s challenges as the new social media magnate. The Nuts determine the best Batman, shame Alec, and chastise Lindsey for her views on E.T. Recorded 05/05/2022.

The Nuts talk about Lindsey’s faithful commitment to academic service. The conversation turns to Inventing Anna, con-artist documentaries, true crime dramas, and, inevitably, multi-level marketing. And then David admits to watching the new Jackass movie. The Nuts discuss the evolution of people acting foolish on video. Recorded on 03/23/2022.

Yes, the Nuts address The Slap. Beyond the slap, they dive into the audience, the ratings, the social reaction, and the silliness of award shows. The changing cultural influence of Hollywood is analyzed. Finally, the Nuts give out their own all-time Oscars. Recorded 03/30/2022

Are the Nuts live? Time travel is explained. Affiliations are described. Lindsey expresses disappointment in the movie Spencer , as well as the Oscars. The Nuts have feelings about the Oscars and academic publishing. Finally, the Nuts discuss college publishing at Texas A&M and the freedom of the student press. Recorded on  02/16/2022.

Are television shows the news Vegas residency? The Nuts have opinions. The Nuts adore Matthew McConaughey. They lament the loss of the ability to eat hot foods. Caffeine is questioned. The Nuts talk about teaching college students. Recorded 02/23/2022.

The Nuts discuss the return to in-person events. Lindsey explains Pete Davidson and his impressive celebrity relationships. Alec explains the Magnolia Silos experience. The Nuts discuss Ukraine in popular culture, as well as the coverage of the war. Other topics include Batman, Marilyn Manson, and the release of the Pixar film Turning Red . Recorded on 03/16/2022.