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

Category

Arts

Podcast website

duelinggenre.com

Latest episode

Jul 6, 2026

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Episodes

#081: Hazel and Bigwig in Watership Down (Novel 1972) “My Chief Rabbit has told me to stay and defend this run.” 12.07.2016

Description This week, Todd and Joe talk about Hazel from the 1972 novel Watership Down. This book is about rabbits, as one of us discovered for the first time getting ready for this episode. We talk about leadership, the scale … Continue reading →

#080: Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice (Film 2005) “Only the deepest love will induce me into matrimony.” 05.07.2016

Description This week, returning All-Star guest Kjerste Christensen joins Joe and Todd to discuss Elizabeth Bennet from the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Listen as we discuss interpretations of Lizzie, tackle listener feedback about this film, and discover … Continue reading →

#079: Bone in Bone (Comic 1991) “I know I am short, bald, and have a big nose.” 28.06.2016

Description This week, you can hear Todd and Joe suffer through colds as they discuss Fone Bone from the Jeff Smith comic book Bone. But, just as their illnesses threaten to derail everything, Producer Andrew flies in and saves the … Continue reading →

#078: Special: TV Elevator Pitches “But it’s being played straight!” 21.06.2016

Description This week, Todd and Joe brainstorm pitches for new shows on the fictional Protagonist TV network. Each show must be a loose adaptation of an existing work (sort of…give it a listen) and Producer Andrew chooses which shows get … Continue reading →

#077: Jane Eyre in Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (Novel 1847) “Jane .. Jane!” 13.06.2016

Description Join us this week as we discuss one of the great protagonists of the 19th century. It’s Jane Eyre! Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SUPPORT US ON AUDIBLE

#076: Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire (Film 1981) “If you don’t run, you can’t win.” 07.06.2016

Description This week we talk about Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell from The 1981 film Chariots of Fire. We talk about several things, but mostly you’ll want to listen to Todd do quotes from the movie in a Scottish accent. … Continue reading →

#075: Special: Comic Book Recommendations Draft “Two picks, two steals.” 31.05.2016

Description This week, in a break from the usual format, we discuss favorite comic books and graphic novels. Joined by Todd Petersen and with Producer Andrew taking a larger role than usual, we recommend comic books ranging from superheroes to … Continue reading →

#074: Jeff Winger in Community (TV 2010-11) “I feel like someone is trying to teach me something.” 24.05.2016

Description Join us this week when we talk about Jeff Winger from the TV comedy Community. Listen as we discuss absurdity, how far is too far for running gags, and postmodern comedy. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SIGN … Continue reading →

#073: Celia Bowen in The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Novel 2011) Part 2 “Most maidens are perfectly capable of rescuing themselves.” 17.05.2016

Description In Part 2 of our Night Circus discussion we don’t have a plot summary, so it’s all discussion about Celia Bowen, Erin Morgenstern’s writing, and the magic of the Night Circus. If you haven’t already done so, go back … Continue reading →

#072: Special: Mother’s Day 2016 “Insurmountable lead!” 10.05.2016

Description This week, it’s a special episode all about mothers. Producer Andrew chose several iconic orphans from popular culture, and Todd and Joe try to match them with iconic mothers from books, film, and television! Who keeps picking dead moms? … Continue reading →

#071: Celia Bowen in The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Novel 2011) Part 1 “The circus arrives without warning.” 03.05.2016

Description In Part 1 of our first, epic, two-part discussion, we are joined by special guest Kjerste Christensen to discuss Celia from The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Listen as we discuss some trivia, break down the plot, and start … Continue reading →

#070: Peter Pan/Banning in Hook (Film 1991) “Bangerang!” 26.04.2016

Description This week we are joined by Branden Ushio from The Fandom Podcast to discuss Peter Banning/Pan from the 1991 film Hook. Listen as the discussion naturally flows from practical versus digital effects to time-compressing wormholes to anachronistic teddy bears. … Continue reading →

#069: Various Superheroes in Marvel: 1602 (Comic 2003) “Stories […] give me hope.” 19.04.2016

Description Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if the Marvel superheroes had been alive in 1602? Join us this week, we talk about the Marvel comic book 1602 by Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert. Topics include … Continue reading →

#068: Jessica Fletcher in “The Corpse Flew First Class,” S03E12 of Murder, She Wrote (TV 1987) “Actually, I’m doing research on a rather grisly murder …” 12.04.2016

Description This week we discuss Jessica Fletcher from Murder, She Wrote. We talk about charming murder mysteries, curious plot holes, and one legendary actress. Support the Show SUPPORT US ON PATREON SIGN UP FOR A 30-DAY FREE TRIAL OF AMAZON … Continue reading →

#067: Meg Murry in A Wrinkle in Time (Novel 1963) “Like is not equal!” 05.04.2016

Description This week, we talk about Meg Murry from the classic novel A Wrinkle in Time. We discuss big ideas versus narrative, the messages of the novel, and tie it all in to the novelization of the first Teenage Mutant … Continue reading →

#066: Norman Dale in Hoosiers (Film 1986) “My practices aren’t designed for your enjoyment.” 28.03.2016

Description In celebration of March Madness we viewed the classic basketball film, Hoosiers (1986). Listen as we discuss Coach Norman Dale, leadership, and the difficulties of dealing with disgruntled rural townsfolk. Then join us in a friendly game of Deus … Continue reading →

#065: Kamala Khan in Ms. Marvel (Comic 2014) “Whoever saves one person, it is as if he has saved all of mankind.” 22.03.2016

Description This week we discuss a recent addition to Marvel Comics pantheon of superheroes (in our opinion one of the best), Kamala Khan, who goes by the code name Ms. Marvel. Listen as we talk about issues of identity, the … Continue reading →

#064: Niles Crane in “Are you being served?” (S04E22) and “Murder Most Maris” (S11E08) of Frasier (TV 1997, 2003) “Sorry sir. That’s the last straw.” 15.03.2016

Description This week we are joined by special guest Jim Mock as we tackle one of Joe’s favorite characters of all time: Niles Crane from the sitcom Frasier. Listen as we discuss different types of comedy, what makes a healthy … Continue reading →

#063: Sammy in Psion Beta by Jacob Gowan (Novel 2010) “Stop believing you can never beat me, and start learning how you can.” 08.03.2016

Description This week we talk about Sammy from Psion Beta with special guest Jacob Gowans, the author of Psion Beta! Join us for a discussion of what makes a good character, teenage romance (including some serious interdigitating), and what the … Continue reading →

#062: Beatrice and Benedick in Much Ado about Nothing (Film 1993) “Hey nonny, nonny!” 01.03.2016

Description This week we are joined by returning guest Kjerste Christensen to discuss Beatrice and Benedick from the Shakespeare classic, Much Ado About Nothing. Join us as we discuss Emma Thompson and Kenneth Brannagh’s performances, the use of deception, and … Continue reading →

#061: Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu in Magic Knight Rayearth (Comic 1993) “We’re best friends!” 23.02.2016

Description It’s our first Manga! Join us for a discussion of Magic Knight Rayearth as we tackle topics such as relationships, what makes a good villainous plan, and how little we know about Manga (Japanese comic books). Support the Show … Continue reading →

#060: Special: Valentine’s Day 2016 “That wraps up this controversial episode.” 16.02.2016

Description It’s our second annual special Valentine’s Day episode! Joe and Todd sent each other lists of fictional characters and each tried to find the perfect match. What obscure Argentine comic strip character makes an appearance? What perfect match for … Continue reading →

#059: Veronica Mars in the pilot episode of Veronica Mars (TV 2004) “Underneath that angry young woman shell, there’s a slightly less angry young woman.” 09.02.2016

Description This week we talk about Veronica Mars, the teenage detective played by Kristen Bell. In discussing the pilot episode we talk about trauma, family, and why in the world we like watching dark and disturbing drama. Support the Show … Continue reading →

#058: Haviland Tuf in Tuf Voyaging by George R.R. Martin (Novel 1986) “Sometimes I even think he might be … a god.” 02.02.2016

Description This week, we talk about an overweight, bald, verbose spacefarer. That’s right, we’re talking about Havilund Tuf, from Tuf Voyaging by George R.R. Martin (don’t worry if you’ve never heard of him, we hadn’t either until listener Tommy requested … Continue reading →

#057: Jack Burton in Big Trouble in Little China (Film 1986) “I’ve just experienced some very unreasonable things!” 26.01.2016

Description Join us for one of the strangest stories we will ever discuss as we try to wrap our brains around Jack Burton from Big Trouble in Little China (1986) — a film fans say is “so bad it’s good.” … Continue reading →

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