This week, Donovan and I dive into 2026’s The Ghost in the Shell, discussing its merits and drawbacks as a very particular adaptation and example of a long-running media franchise. We recorded the day of the finale, so you’d think there’d be spoilers, but I’m not sure either of us understood the plot enough to even reference details. … More The Ghost in the Shell After Action Report [PODCAST]
Once again, we’ve come to the year-end K-pop recap. To supplement the episode, I’ll be zeroing in on Oh My Girl as a kind of tribute for helping me get through the year. Mentioned briefly in the previous installment, one year ago, I really got hooked in 2025. Oh, and I forgot to mention, as far as the number one song goes: how could you not love the lyrics “cheombeong cheombeong,” or as I’ve come to think of it, “chumba chumba”? … More My Year in K-Pop: 2025 – Oh My Girl Special
In this second and final episode covering the freshman season of Physical: Asia (check out the first part here), we’re just as shocked as Stun Gun by the thrilling conclusion. Heartbreaking losses, endearing personalities, and inspiring feats of physical spectacle turn this international experiment into an all-timer. … More Physical: Asia, Part II – Finale [PODCAST]
Our favorite stress inducer returns, the latest in Netflix’s expanding Physical saga, Physical: Asia. Representatives from eight countries (not six, as I keep saying) gather to fiercely compete in the old games of sand and crate. In addition to a superstar like Manny Pacquiao and new favorites like Australia’s Eddie Williams and Japan’s Nonoka Ozaki, South Korea’s put up a dream team including season two’s winner Amotti and our forever captain, Jang Eun-sil. Donovan and I discuss how the old rewards of the show filter through a somewhat tricky new lens, and balance anxieties of what’s to come with the excitement for breakout players and their respective cultures. … More Physical: Asia, Part I [PODCAST]
You probably noticed there’s something missing between “My Year in K-Pop: 2022” and “My Year in K-Pop: 2024.” That’s what we call “pattern recognition.” The truth is, 2023 was an off-year for myself and hallyu. Whatever I had going on, I missed out on a lot which I’ll have to chronicle in this episode… … More My Year in K-Pop: 2024
A winner declared! We’ve found the perfect physique, though the search continues! (What?) This week, Donovan and I recap episode #5 through the finale of Physical: 100 – Underground. Has a heart-pounding ending sustained our enthusiasm for the show despite a rocky, even controversial sophomore season? … More Physical: 100 Season 2 Part II – The Final [PODCAST]
Don’t forget to turtle up! This week, Donovan and I discuss the first four episodes of Physical: 100 Season 2 — Underground, the triumphant return of the greatest show on TV. Despite loving the first season, we definitely had issues with the production and the ambitious but inevitably uncomfortable mission statement as it pertains to gender. Did they listen? … More Physical: 100 Season 2 Part I [PODCAST]
The work of decoding Ayako Fujitani is rather complicated by the addition of Hideaki Anno, isn’t it? This is the second part of a two-part crossover QNA/WEE event, where Donovan and I identify the sequel to 1998 Steven Seagal starrer The Patriot as 2000’s Japanese arthouse film Ritual. … More Decoding Ayako Fujitani [PODCAST]
Donovan and I reconvene for a special episode on a little movie called John Wick: Chapter 4. Spoilers aweigh! We begin with a bit of history on the series and its star before narrowing on the latest installment. … More The Next Great American Action Movie [PODCAST]
Join Donovan and I in our second discussion of Physical: 100, covering episodes five through the season one finale. We talk about the increasing difficulty of the challenges — and whether or not they’re suitable to the physiques on display — the game itself, and of course, the Riddle of Strength. … More Physical: 100 – Final Report [PODCAST]
