Midday Musings

About Midday Musings

Welcome to the Midday Movies podcast, provider of fun, funny, and thoughtful media reviews 2-3x a week. Streaming on @radiotacoma101.9 every Tues/Thurs/Sat at 3pm.

Publisher

Laura Fones and Stephen Frothingham

Category

tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Nov 2023

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

364 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Ep 337: “The Witchfinder General” (1968) English Folk Horror Classic Set in Civil War

   In this chilling episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen kick off their Halloween folk horror coverage with a deep dive into the British classic, Witchfinder General. Starring the iconic Vincent Price, this 1968 film portrays the grim reality of the English Civil War through the eyes of Matthew Hopkins, a self-proclaimed witchfinder who exploits the chaos to profit from the persecution of the innocent. Join Laura and Stephen as they explore the historical context of the film, the disturbing character of Hopkins, and the moral complexities that arise in a time when law and order have disintegrated. With special guest Bryon Kershaw from Spirits and Monsters of Old Seattle, the trio discusses the film's unflinching portrayal of violence and injustice, as well as the chilling absence of supernatural elements that often accompany the horror genre. They delve into the motivations of the characters, particularly the morally ambiguous figures of Hopkins and his sadistic assistant, Stern, while also reflecting on the impact of societal collapse on the lives of ordinary people caught in the crossfire. Listeners are treated to a captivating conversation that intertwines historical facts with cinematic analysis, shedding light on the real-life atrocities committed during this dark period in British history. As they dissect the film’s themes of power, revenge, and the haunting consequences of unchecked authority, Laura, Stephen, and Bryon invite you to confront the unsettling truths behind the folklore that continues to resonate today. Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction to Witchfinder General 02:00 — Overview of the film's historical context 05:30 — Vincent Price's portrayal of Matthew Hopkins 10:00 — The role of power and authority in the film 15:00 — Discussion on the character of Stern 20:00 — The absence of supernatural elements 25:00 — Themes of revenge and justice 30:00 — The chilling portrayal of societal collapse 35:00 — Final thoughts on the film’s impact and legacy Don't miss this thought-provoking episode of Midday Movies, where horror meets historical reflection! For more Bryon Kershaw, check out Spirits and Monsters of Old Seattle and follow him on social media. For more Laura and Stephen, follow us at https://www.instagram.com/middaymoviespod https://www.instagram.com/umbrellapodcastcollective https://www.instagram.com/facehuggersandfriendspod Support your favorite film appreciation duo here https://buymeacoffee.com/middaymovies Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/middaymusingspod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566844645494 Linktree https://linktr.ee/middaymusingspod Check out our new merch shop here for tees, totes, stickers, and more! https://www.redbubble.com/people/MiddayMusings/shop

2. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Ep 336: “Farewell, My Concubine” (1993) Epic Masterpiece About Love & Opera in 20th-Century China

   In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen wrap up International Cinema Month with a profound exploration of the Chinese language epic, Farewell My Concubine. This Palme d'Or-winning film spans 53 years of Chinese history, offering a poignant narrative that intertwines the lives of two Peking Opera performers whose friendship evolves into a complex love story marked by betrayal and societal upheaval. Laura and Stephen delve into the film's rich cultural context and its heartbreaking depiction of the characters’ struggles against the backdrop of historical events, including the Japanese occupation and the Cultural Revolution. They discuss the intense training at the Peking Opera school, often referred to as an "evil theater troupe," and the brutal realities faced by the young actors. Through their analysis, they highlight the film's themes of identity, love, and the harsh realities of artistic ambition. As they dissect the intricate relationships between the protagonists, Dieyi and Xiaolou, the hosts reflect on the impact of societal expectations and personal desires. They explore the significance of the titular opera, the symbolism of the sword, and the character of Juxian, who emerges as a beacon of strength and compassion amidst the chaos. With heartfelt insights and a deep appreciation for the artistry of the film, Laura and Stephen invite listeners to reflect on the enduring power of love and art in the face of adversity. Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction to Farewell My Concubine 01:30 — Overview of the film's historical context 05:00 — The brutal training at the Peking Opera school 10:00 — The complex friendship and love story 15:00 — Themes of identity and societal expectations 20:00 — The significance of Juxian's character 25:00 — Symbolism of the sword and its impact 30:00 — Final thoughts on the film's legacy Don't miss this insightful episode of Midday Movies, where cinema meets deep, meaningful discussion! For more Laura and Stephen, follow us at https://www.instagram.com/middaymoviespod https://www.instagram.com/umbrellapodcastcollective https://www.instagram.com/facehuggersandfriendspod Support your favorite film appreciation dynamic duo here https://buymeacoffee.com/middaymovies Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/middaymusingspod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566844645494 Linktree https://linktr.ee/middaymusingspod Check out our new merch shop here for tees, totes, stickers, and more! https://www.redbubble.com/people/MiddayMusings/shop

3. 

   24 Sept 2026

   Ep 335 - Movie Archer Special: Best Films of 2026 (So Far)

   International Cinema Season is back next week! Today, we want to introduce you to some friends of ours. In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen join forces with fellow members of the Movie Archer Network for an exhilarating draft of the best films of 2026 so far. With excitement in the air, the crew dives into their top picks, showcasing a diverse array of cinematic gems that highlight their unique tastes and perspectives. From indie documentaries to blockbuster hits, this episode encapsulates the vibrant landscape of contemporary cinema. As the draft unfolds, each host passionately defends their selections, exploring themes of love, identity, and the human experience. Nikko kicks things off with the emotional indie film If I Go, Will They Miss Me?, while Laura counters with the thought-provoking documentary Natchez, shedding light on the complexities of Southern tourism. Adam follows with the captivating comedy The Invite, and Sarah brings in the visually stunning I Love Boosters, showcasing the unique storytelling of Boots Riley. Stephen rounds out the first half of the draft with the haunting Backrooms, captivating listeners with its eerie atmosphere. With laughter and camaraderie, the hosts share insights and personal connections to their chosen films, making for an engaging and heartfelt conversation. As they wrap up their selections, the episode highlights the importance of diversity in film and the power of storytelling to connect audiences across different backgrounds. Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction and draft announcement 01:30 — Nikko's first pick: If I Go, Will They Miss Me? 05:00 — Laura's first pick: Natchez 09:30 — Adam's first pick: The Invite 13:00 — Sarah's first pick: I Love Boosters 17:30 — Stephen's first pick: Backrooms 22:00 — Discussion on the significance of each pick 30:00 — Laura's second pick: Carolina Caroline 35:00 — Nikko's second pick: Spider-Man: Brand New Day 40:00 — Final thoughts and closing remarks Don't miss this dynamic episode of Midday Movies, where film lovers unite to celebrate the art of cinema! For more Adam Freed https://www.instagram.com/moviearcher/ https://www.moviearcher.com/ For more Jen and Sarah https://www.instagram.com/moviesanduspod/ https://www.instagram.com/tvanduspod/ For more Nikko Caruso https://www.instagram.com/nikkocaruso/ https://www.youtube.com/@nikkocaruso For more Laura and Stephen, follow us at https://www.instagram.com/middaymoviespod https://www.instagram.com/umbrellapodcastcollective https://www.instagram.com/facehuggersandfriendspod https://moviearcher.com/ Support your favorite film appreciation dynamic duo here https://buymeacoffee.com/middaymovies Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming shows and announcements! https://www.instagram.com/middaymusingspod https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566844645494 https://linktr.ee/middaymusingspod Check out our new merch shop here for tees, totes, stickers, and more!https://www.redbubble.com/people/MiddayMusings/shop

Who has been a guest on Midday Musings

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Shea Drury
• Jason
• Jen
• Sarah
• Bryon Kershaw

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

16 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

30 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 64 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

99

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

71

Contact Midday Musings

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Midday Musings