What do you get when you mix a family science scholar and a media researcher? Deep dives into the human and technical elements of film and television, silly! Join Ebony and Vern as they (lovingly) beat your favorite media to death with a microscope and interrupt the programming we all receive from the mythology of our modern era. But like, relatably!
As academics we know that knowledge can be gatekept by its makers, and we want to take higher learning to more accessible places. We believe media literacy is not only a right but a responsibility and that people who are knowledgeable about family and relationship dynamics can be better friends, partners, neighbors, members of a society. We chose to use the most accessible texts in our culture (movies/tv) and empower people to become better versions of themselves.
Hosts Ebony and Vern analyze the movie *Tucker and Dale vs. Evil*, examining its mix of comedy and horror while unpacking themes of identity, perception, and miscommunication.
4 Jun 2025
Decoding "Sinners", pt 2.
Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams analyze the film 'Sinners,' dissecting its portrayal of colonialism, spirituality, and music's cultural significance, revealing coping mechanisms and moral complexities within historical contexts in this interview.
29 May 2025
The Last of Us s2 Finale: Wherever you go, there you are
Hosts Vern and Ebony analyze The Last of Us season finale, dissecting character dynamics, moral quandaries, and the repercussions of Ellie's actions, highlighting parenthood and cyclical violence in this episode.
24 May 2025
Decoding "Sinners": A Deep Dive into Ryan Coogler's Latest Film (Part 1)
Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams analyze Ryan Coogler's film *Sinners*, dissecting its exploration of representation, music, colonialism, and identity, revealing the film's rich cultural narratives.
22 May 2025
TLOU2e6: Manful Tears of Pedro Pascal (appreciative)
Vern and Ebony delve into the emotional complexities of the characters in 'The Last of Us', particularly focusing on Joel and Ellie's relationship. They explore themes of generational trauma, the significance of birthdays, and the challenges of parenting in a post-apocalyptic world. The conversation highlights the characters' growth, the impact of their choices, and the nuances of love and sacrifice, culminating in a reflection on the consequences of their actions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Episode
04:29 Ellie's Birthdays: A Journey Through Time
06:54 The Museum Adventure: A Day of Wonder
11:46 The Emotional Highs and Lows of Parenthood
15:46 Teenage Rebellion and Parental Concerns
19:59 Navigating Adulthood and Rites of Passage
23:21 The Complexity of Parental Relationships
25:34 Consequences of Choices and Moral Dilemmas
29:16 Emotional Turmoil and the Weight of Decisions
35:35 The Complexity of Sacrifice
38:36 The Reward of Patience in Storytelling
43:19 Justice vs. Revenge in a Post-Apocalyptic World
46:06 WItP Pod.mp (http://Pod.mp)4
15 May 2025
TLOU2e5: What will Ellie choose and where the F*ck is Shimmer
In this episode review of 'The Last of Us', hosts Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the intricate character relationships, emotional stakes, and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. They explore the tension between Ellie and Dina, the impact of trauma on their lives, and the choices that lead to consequences. The discussion also highlights the action sequences, the nature of violence, and the cycle of revenge that permeates the narrative. As they anticipate future episodes, they reflect on the themes of community, coexistence, and the psychological effects of violence.
10 May 2025
The White Iron Barb 3: The Barbenclaw
Vern and Ebony reflect on their previous discussions about films, particularly focusing on 'Barbie' and 'Iron Claw.' They explore themes of masculinity, patriarchy, and representation in media, discussing how these films critique societal norms. The conversation delves into personal reflections on identity and the impact of media on their lives, as well as the importance of interruptions in film narratives. They also touch on the significance of representation in the Academy Awards and plan future discussions.
8 May 2025
Ebony is Psychic!!
In this episode of 'We Interrupt This Program,' hosts Ebony and Vern delve into the latest episode of 'The Last of Us,' exploring themes of psychic predictions, character dynamics, horror elements, childhood development, and the complexities of relationships. They analyze the technical aspects of filmmaking, the emotional depth of the characters, and the cultural reflections on identity, particularly bisexuality. The conversation highlights the significance of community and the anticipation for future episodes, all while maintaining a focus on the narrative's exploration of violence and survival.
1 May 2025
TLOU2e3: The Who What When Wherewolves of Seattle
Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the themes of The Last of Us Season Two, exploring the significance of representation, the impact of grief and loss, and the complexities of character relationships. They discuss the polarized reactions from fans, the importance of community and leadership, and the ongoing exploration of morality and agency within the narrative. The conversation highlights the depth of character development and the emotional weight carried by the story, setting the stage for predictions about the future of Ellie and Dina's relationship.
26 Apr 2025
The White Iron Barb: Remember Barbie? Feel old yet? We do!
Vern and Ebony delve into the themes and cultural implications of the Barbie movie. They explore its campy elements, the portrayal of masculinity and patriarchy, representation and tokenism, emotional depth, and the intersectionality highlighted in America Ferrera's speech. The discussion also touches on class representation through the character of Weird Barbie and the dynamics of identity and relationships between Barbie and Ken. They conclude by reflecting on the film's cultural references and its potential to challenge traditional narratives around masculinity and femininity.
24 Apr 2025
WItP: The Last of Us is back! s2e1 review
Summary
In this conversation, Vern and Ebony discuss the premiere of Season Two of 'The Last of Us,' exploring themes of storytelling, character development, violence, moral relativism, and the impact of trauma. They reflect on the dynamics between characters, the introduction of new threats, and the significance of queerness and therapy in the narrative. The discussion emphasizes the importance of trusting the story being told and the complexities of human relationships in a post-apocalyptic world.
24 Apr 2025
TLOU2 Episode 2: Abby the Vengeful
Summary
In this conversation, Ebony Williams and Vern discuss the emotional impact of Season Two of The Last of Us, focusing on character development, themes of violence, grief, and the importance of community. They explore the complexities of forgiveness and the evolution of Ellie as a character, while also reflecting on the performances of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. The discussion emphasizes the significance of trust in storytelling and the implications of the cycle of violence within the narrative.
18 Apr 2025
From The Vault: TLOU Intervention
Unpublished ep from a year ago. Proof that we never stopped raving about The Last Of Us! And just in time for our regular review eps. Subscribe for Thursday's S2E1 review!
4 Jul 2024
WItPod: Existential Television
Ebony and Vern want you to know it's ok to have a fraught relationship with the media you consume. And it's possible to talk back while we still enjoy ourselves!
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 32 / 100
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Quality
51
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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