Spaceballs – This Movie Is SO DUMB. So What Makes It Such A Classic?

Mel Brooks’ cult classic Star Wars parody is dumb, yes… but Katie argues that it works so well for four main reasons – and she is happy to tell you all about them. So dive in with us and get surrounded by assholes.

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Weird Al – The King Of The Nerds (And The Accordion)

Katie was doomed by her parents to nerdiness from an early age, when they subjected her to a steady diet of Weird Al Yankovic.

But there’s much to be enthusiastic about in his decades-long musical career, including:

  • How being parodied by Weird Al is bigger than winning an Emmy
  • How he took first dates to see his own movie
  • His complete and utter niceness

Also, THIS IS EPISODE NUMBER 50!!! That’s CRAZYCAKES!!!

Wednesday – What Exactly Makes This Show SO GOOD?

Is it the costumes? The visuals? Jenna Ortega? That dance scene? Christina Ricci?

Alex has never seen a single Addams Family movie or TV show episode. He doesn’t particularly like Tim Burton and he’s not a fan of high school drama. So why did he love Wednesday, Netflix’s new hit show? Let’s see if we can figure it out.

BTWs include Parks&Rec, Brooklyn 99 and Fred Armisen.

Tim Minchin – The Nerdiest, Most Boring Megastar

Tim Minchin wants to be “the Boring Keith Richards.” But while this red-headed Ozzie’s homelife may be boring his musical comedy is anything but.

In this episode Katie gets to show Alex some highlights of Minchin’s career and it is AWESOME!

BTWs include Hallelujah and assorted nerdiness.

Taylor Swift – From “Just A Pop Star” To Revolutionizing The Music Industry

Taylor Swift is more than just a pop star – she has changed the music industry in some really interesting ways.

Katie is not a real Swiftie but she is very enthusiastic about the savvy way Taylor Swift has controlled her career and media image.

BTWs include copyright law and who has the worst fanbase.

Kate Bush – Happy Witchy Feminine Musical Genius And Badass

Kate Bush’s song Running Up That Hill made it to #1 in the UK, 37 years after it was released when they used it in Stranger Things.

Alex has been a fan of Kate Bush since the 80s and when a listener suggested we do an episode on her, he got to research her and find out just how awesome she is.

BTWs include drag queens vs. evil Disney queens.

The Amen Break – Why Is This 6- Second Dirty Drum Solo Used In 6,000 Other Songs?

You may not have heard OFF The Amen Break – but you’ve definitely heard it. But how did this 6-second drum solo become the world’s most used sample and show up in 6,000 other songs – from Slipknot the Futurama theme.

Alex shares the fascinating history behind The Amen Break, how it was discovered, what makes it so good and why copying other people’s stuff in your art is a good thing, actually.

In the moment of meta Katie talks about 2 new mottos that she believes are essential to enthusiasm:

  • It’s OK to make mistakes
  • Don’t blame others – or yourself

BTWs include:

  • Famous B-side songs that became more popular than the A-side
  • The Danish band that ALMOST became a hit in black dance clubs
  • Paying artists for their work

Links

Parasites – Beautiful And Gross And Everywhere

Parasites are everywhere – in us and on us and on animals as well. And our guest Pikka Jokkelainen is very enthusiastic about them and even finds them beautiful.

Learn all about these fascinating life forms and especially about Toxoplasma Gondii – a parasite you (or your cat) might very well have right now!

BTWs include:

  • Can parasites change our behavior?
  • Where to get your Parasite merch

Links

M – How Fritz Lang Revolutionized Movies And Trolled Nazis

Of all the movies movies Katie was forced to watch when she studied cinema – this is the one she’s actually enthusiastic about. M is a 1931 movie by German director Fritz Lang that revolutionized the art form.

So many of the tricks and techniques you see in nearly all modern movies were first used in this one. And you can find the whole movie on YouTube so get watching 🙂

BTWs include:

  • Nicolas Cage
  • How to fake being a silent movie pianist
  • Trolling Nazis

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