Dueling Genre Productions

The Protagonist Podcast

Arts EN ↓ 606 episodes

Each week we discuss a great character in a great story. Hosted by Joseph J. Darowski.

Author

Dueling Genre Productions

Episodes

Protagonist Podcast #231: Bao and Four-Girl from Boxers & Saints (comic 2013) “What is China but a people and their stories?” 20.05.2019 1:09:07

Description Returning guest John Darowski joins Joe and Producer Andrew to talk about about Bao and Four-Girl from Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel Boxers & Saints. Topics of discussion include the unique style of storytelling employed by Yang, the moral … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #230: Ali and Diane from Ali’s Wedding (film 2017) “A lie begins in the soul and travels the world.” 14.05.2019 1:04:02

Description All-star guest Kjerste Christensen joins Joe to discuss Ali and Diane from the film Ali’s Wedding. This Australian, Muslim romantic comedy is inspired by the life of Osamah Sami, who plays Ali in the film. Topics of discussion include … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #229: Amelia Peabody in Crocodile on the Sandbank (novel 1975) “God help the poor mummy who encounters you, Peabody.” 07.05.2019 59:24

Description Joe and Andrew are discussing Amelia Peabody, the protagonist of twenty mystery novels by Elizabeth Peters. Crocodile on the Sandbank is the first of the series, and it’s obvious why it became a popular series. Topics of discussion include … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #228: Captain Kirk in Star Trek (TV 1966) “You and I are of a kind. In a different reality, I could have called you friend.” 30.04.2019 1:14:31

Description First time guest Cavan Helps joins Joe to talk about Captain Kirk from Star Trek. They’re discussing the episodes “Balance of Terror” and “Obsession.” Topics of conversation include Cavan’s theory about why Kirk is always right, how the classic … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #227: Gracie Hart in Miss Congeniality (film 2000) “It’s a scholarship program!” 23.04.2019 1:07:07

Description Returning guest Tayler Iversen joins Joe to discuss Sandra Bullock’s character, Gracie Hart, from the film Miss Congeniality. They discuss the disappointing behavior of the men in the FBI, debate if this film is a romantic comedy, and highlight … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #226: Fairy Tale Mash Ups (special 2019) 16.04.2019 1:11:32

Description All-star guest Kjerste Christensen is back to play a game called Fairy Tale Mash Up. Take one classic fairy tale and one random genre, then brainstorm how they could pair up. Producer Andrew jumps in to help, as we … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #225: Sophie and Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle (film 2004) “A heart’s a heavy burden” 09.04.2019 1:03:37

Description Returning guest Sara Santana joins Joe to talk about Sophie and Howl from the Hayao Miyazaki film Howl’s Moving Castle. Topics of discussion include how the film fits into Miyazaki’s classic themes, the blending of the technological and the … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #224: Juan Rico from Starship Troopers (novel 1959) “War is controlled violence, for a purpose.” 02.04.2019 1:09:00

Description Producer Andrew joins Joe to talk about Juan Rico from Robert Heinlein’s novel Starship Troopers. Topics of discussion include the historical significance of the novel, how it is driven by theme rather than character or plot, and how successful … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #223: Eleanor Shellstrop in The Good Place (TV 2016) “Welcome. Everything is fine.” 26.03.2019 1:15:58

Description First time guest Charly Kuecks joins Joe to discuss Eleanor Shellstrop from the NBC sitcom The Good Place. Topics of discussion include the exploration of ethics on the show, how we end up rooting for an unlikable character, and … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #222: Barbara Thorson from I Kill Giants (Comic 2008) “We’re stronger than we think.” 18.03.2019 1:00:46

Description Returning guest Chris Maverick joins Joe to talk about Barbara Thorson from the comic book mini-series I Kill Giants by Joe Kelly and J.M. Ken Niimura. Topics of discussion included the themes presented in the series, comparing the characteristics … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #221: Jack Justice and Trixie Dixon in Black Jack Justice (Podcast 2011) “One more albatross around your neck.” 12.03.2019 1:03:34

Description Returning guest John Darowski joins Joe and Producer Andrew to talk about the narrative podcast Black Jack Justice. A noir mystery in the style of Old Time Radio, Black Jack Justice is part of the Decoder Ring Theatre Podcast. … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #220: Marvel Cinematic Universe Special “It’s an amazing feat.” 05.03.2019 1:09:40

Description Returning guest Chris Maverick joins Joe and Producer Andrew to talk about the narrative style of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They talk about what makes the storytelling in the shared universe special, what antecedents exist for this type of … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #219 Hiro Hamada (and friends) from Big Hero 6 (film 2014) “Use those big brains of yours to think your way around the problem!” 26.02.2019 1:10:48

Description Returning guest Branden Ushio joins Joe to discuss Big Hero 6, the 2014 animated superhero film directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams. We’re talking about Hiro and his friends. Topics of discussion include the alternate world of the … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #218 The ensemble cast of Brooklyn Nine-Nine (TV 2013) “Everyone here needs some instruction on interacting with grown-ups.” 19.02.2019 1:08:46

Description Producer Andrew joins Joe to discuss the ensemble cast of the sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine. We’re focusing on S1E16, “The Party,” and S3E5, “Halloween III.” Topics of discussion include the talent of the creators and cast, the range of characteristics … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #217 Takeo Goda in My Love Story!! (Manga 2011) “I fell for a girl who likes me back.” 12.02.2019 54:36

Description Returning guest John Darowski joins Joe to discuss Takeo Goda from the manga My Love Story!! by Kazune Kawahara. Topics of discussion include the storytelling conventions of manga, the tropes of romantic comedy, and what makes Takeo’s friendship with … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #216 Phil Connors in Groundhog Day (film 1993) “Okay campers, rise and shine…” 05.02.2019 1:20:07

Description Returning guest Nik English joins Joe to talk about Phil Connors (played by Bill Murray) from the classic comedy Groundhog Day (directed by Harold Ramis). Topics of discussion include the cultural impact of the story, the entertainment factor of … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #215: Don Quixote in El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha (novel 1605) “Truly I was born to be an example of misfortune…” 29.01.2019 59:51

Description He’s back! Todd Mack is here to tilt at windmills, as we finally try to say everything there is to say about one of his favorite characters and novels! We’re talking about Don Quixote from the classic novel by … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast 214: Diane Chambers in Cheers (TV 1982) “Hello. Welcome to Cheers. My name is Diane.” 22.01.2019 1:00:38

Description Returning guest Kate Darowski joins Joe to discuss Diane Chambers from Cheers. They talk about the brilliance of the writing in the pilot, Shelley Long’s underrated comedic acting, and the quality of the set design. Support Patreon Show Notes … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #213: Fantasy Box Office 2019! “I’ve never hated movies more.” 15.01.2019 1:32:14

Description First up, Todd is back to wrap up our Fantasy Box Office 2018. The winner is revealed, and we chat about what movies we’ve seen this year. Then, Joseph and Producer Andrew make their picks for Fantasy Box Office … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #212: Rapunzel in Rapunzel’s Revenge (comic 2008) “WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE: RAPUNZEL” 08.01.2019 1:03:52

Description Producer Andrew joins Joe to discuss Rapunzel’s Revenge, a graphic novel written by Shannon and Dean Hale with art by Nathan Hale. They talk what makes this adaptation stand out, the strengths of the graphic novel form that are … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #211: Kanji Watanabe in Ikiru (film 1952) “I can’t afford to hate anyone. I don’t have that kind of time.” 31.12.2018 1:04:43

Description Henry Darowski is back to join Joe in talking about Kanji Watanabe from the film Ikiru. This classic film directed by Akira Kurosawa tells the story of a man who searches for meaning in his life when he learns … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #210: Santa Claus in A Visit from St. Nicholas (Poem 1823) “‘Twas the night before Christmas…” 24.12.2018 36:02

Description Todd Mack is back with Joe to discuss the classic Christmas poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by C. Clement Moore. In this shorter, special Christmas episode, Todd and Joe talk about the cultural significance of the piece, the … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #209: Christmas Special 2018 18.12.2018 1:12:32

Description Todd Mack is back for our Christmas Special 2018. Producer Andrew selected seven titles of Christmas movies that neither Todd nor Joe have ever seen, and they both wrote a summary. After Andrew tells them what the real plot … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #208: The Justice League in “Comfort and Joy” (TV 2003) “Flash, it IS Christmas.” 11.12.2018 53:31

Description Returning guest Branden Ushio (from The Fandom Podcast) joins Joe to talk about a Christmas-themed episode of the Justice League cartoon series. They talk about the flirtatious Green Lantern and Hawkgirl storyline, the emotional Superman and Martian Manhunter storyline, and the … Continue reading →

Protagonist Podcast #207: Jack Skellington and Sally in Nightmare Before Christmas (film 1993): “Making Christmas!” 04.12.2018 1:04:34

Description Returning guest Henry Darowski joins Joe to talk about Jack Skellington and Sally the Ragdoll in The Nightmare Before Christmas. They talk about what a mess properly crediting who did what in this film is, discover Joe may have … Continue reading →